The Reader 12/09/10

dec. 9 - 15, 2010 VOL.17

42

news 7

Private Land vs. Private Profit

dish 18

Foodies For Thought

art 23

Mind Over Matter

voices in poverty A six-piece series on living poor in Omaha

by Robyn Wisch and Angel Martin of KVNO News - Page 13

music 29 Tribe Vibe

OMAHA JOBS 2

Weird 44

MOjo 46

FUNNIES 49

FULL-TIME

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BILINGUAL DESIGNERS N E E D E D Freelance Part Time Openings. Graphic and Web Design. Proficient in Adobe Creative Suite. HTML Expression Engine experience a PLUS. Work with creative team of Local Print and Digital Media. Varying MF schedules. English and Spanish required. For more information email claysea-

HUMBOLDT SPECIALTY Metal worker - Omaha Dmccarty@humboldtspecialty.com Check out O ma h a j o b s. c o m for more details.

OMAHA STORM CHASERS Front office assistant robc@ Papillion. o m a h a s t o r m c h a s e r s. c o m

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SQL DATABASE ADMIN II wanted for BlueCross BlueShield of NE in Omaha, NE. MS degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering or related or a BS in same & 5 yrs. of exp. or the equiv. in educ.& exp. FAX resume attn: HR at 402.392-4134.

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT PROGRAM FACULTY Teach courses in areas of expertise; establish and maintain clinical sites for student rotations; participate in skills instruction, clinical assessment, student admissions, and academic advising; participate in scholarly activity and in University service committees and activities. For more information visit OmahaJobs.com.

BOOTH RENTERS/ INDEPENDENT STYLISTS Join a collaborations of independent salon professionals in an open and creative environment.

Work for yourself, not by yourself at the 157th and Pacific location of Nationally recognized Seven Salon. Reasonable rent and refer a friend discounts!

PHARMACEUTICAL SALES Your unique talents and perspective can make a vital contribution to innovative products that improve the lives of people everywhere. Career opportunities within our companies may provide you with an ideal setting to build your leadership experience, express your passion, and touch the world. For more information visit OmahaJobs.com

MARKETING COORDINATOR Conduct research for specific project pursuits.

CRM Administration to include collecting and managing project and personnel information. Support sales efforts of Principals and Business Development team. For more information visit OmahaJobs.com.

DIRECTOR OF SALES The ideal candidate must have a proven hospitality sales background, we demonstrated results in meeting individual and departmental sales goals (occupancy, ADR, and revenue).

For more information visit OmahaJobs.com.

WEST ASSET MANAGEMENT Bilingual Recovery Specialist (Medical ACcount Collectors) 877-264-9989 Westassetmanagement.jobs (job req#424261)

TRICITY AUTO TRANSPORT Truck driver 402.462.9802 tricity@gtmc.net

man@OmahaJobs.com.

FLORIST DISTRIBUTING Flower handler 402330-0700 Ext. 202 mmontanye@fdionline.net HEARTLAND HEALTH THERAPY Biller/ CSR 402-9264900 jprice@hhtomaha. com REMOTE CODING CONSULTANT The successful candidate will be flexible, detail-oriented, have the ability to work independently, quality conscious and be able to adapt well to change. For more information visit OmahaJobs.com.

PHARMACEUTICAL SALES Representatives are responsible for coordinating samples and promotional and educational materials to maximize sales within company, regulatory, and ethical guidelines. For more information visit OmahaJobs.com.

INFINITY DATA SOLUTIONS Part-time Warehouse and Production support thenning@infinitydatasolutions.com check out Omahajobs.com website for more details.

ENGLISH/HUMANITIES The Goodrich Scholarship Program, an academic department of the University of Nebraska at Omaha, has humanities (English) position for a tenure-track assistant professor, beginning 2011/2012 academic year.(See the program’s websitehttp://goodrich.unApply omaha.edu/). for the position at www.unomaha.edu Go to omahajobs.com for details.

DANCERS & WAIT STAFF Good Fellas Dance Club 623 S. 16th St (corner of 16th & Jones) Omaha, NE 68102 Apply in person.

21 yrs and older.

COX COMMUNICATIONS Technical Support Representatives Apply at www.cox.com/coxcareer

SALES/MARKETING MANAGER Anytime Fitness Laura. binetti@anytimefitness.com

PRINCIPAL PROCESS ENGINEER Defines, develops and commercializes new, improved processing technologies to support new product introductions, reduce cost and/or improve quality.

For more information visit OmahaJobs.com.

PRODUCT MARKETING MANAGER Develop product positioning and messaging that differentiates the products/services in the market.For more information visit OmahaJobs.com.

Need dependable staff?

Looking to hire?

Call 402.341.7323 ext.107

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| THE READER |

PHARMACEUTICAL SALES ENTRY LEVELS Seeking eager professionals for outside business-tobusiness pharmaceutical sales positions. For more information visit OmahaJobs.com.

Now offering DNA testing and Professional Drug Screens

SR. COPYWRITER Concept, research and write copy for initiative and strategy-based projects, as well as various PR, Advertising, Training and Communication initiatives For more information visit OmahaJobs.com.

PHARMACEUTICAL SALES REP Generate product sales by successfully interacting with physicians and other healthcare professionals, using resources and implementing company sales and marketing programs in a targeted and cost effective manner. For more information visit OmahaJobs.com.

CALL TODAY TO FIND CURRENT STUDIES {Compensation for time and travel may be available}

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ESCROW CLOSER The primary function of this position is to attend closings and obtain all necessary signatures on real estate and loan closing documents. For more information visit OmahaJobs.com.

PHARMACEUTICAL SALES REPRESENTATIVE Ability to obtain information, resources, and support within BMS to maximize business opportunities and respond to customer needs.

For more information visit OmahaJobs.com.

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR ENDODONTICS Position responsibilities include instructing both postgraduate endodontic residents and undergraduate dental students, as well as conducting and publishing original research. For more information visit OmahaJobs.com.

Working for Quality Medical Care for the Future

Pioneer Publishing, a fast growing local media company with over 10 channels, both print and online, is seeking Marketing Solutions Experts for full-time, part-time and freelance positions.

Successful candidates must be ambitious, creative, outgoing, super helpful with a passion for solving problems and building relationships. If you have a background in sales, marketing or customer service, especially in the bar, restaurant, automotive or media industries, we want to talk to you! We need team members who are ready to meet new people, understand marketing needs, close the deal and deliver ongoing value. Spanish proďŹ ciency is a plus.

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FLOWER HANDLER Duties include packing fresh flowers for shipment, processing flowers for storage in our coolers and quality control to ensure the best possible products are delivered to our customers.

For more information visit OmahaJobs.com.

NEPHROLOGY FACULTY Full-time faculty positions at the Assistant/Associate Professor level to be part of a dynamic nephrology division involved in all aspects of nephrology, including providing renal expertise to one of the largest liver and small bowel transplant centers in the world, For more information visit OmahaJobs.com

omaha jobs

10040 Regency Circle Suite 375 Omaha NE 68114 402-934-0044 Fax 402-934-0048 www.QCRomaha.com

| THE READER |

DEC. 9 - 15 , 2010

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Limited-time offer. Trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. ©2010 U.S. Cellular.

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DEC. 9 - 15 , 2010

| THE READER |

Letters to the Editor: letters@thereader.com

EDITORIAL

Publisher/Editor: John Heaston Content Director: Eric Stoakes, erics@threader.com Managing Editor: Sarah Wengert, sarahw@thereader.com Contributing News Editor: Andrew Norman, andrewn@thereader.com Copy Editor: Ed Howard Contributing Editors: Ryan Syrek, Tim McMahan, Lainey Seyler Senior Editorial Contributors: Leo Biga, Michael Braunstein, Warren Francke, B.J. Huchtemann, Michael Pryor, Jesse D. Stanek, Kyle Tonniges Editorial Contributors: Brian S. Allen, Chris Aponick, Avishay Artsy, Mike Babcock, Sarah Baker Hansen, Nicole Blauw, Wayne Brekke, Steve Brewer, Chalis Bristol, Jill Bruckner, Jeremy Buckley, Jesse Claeys, Paul Clark, Ben Coffman, Brent Crampton, Sally Deskins, Kyle Eustice, Jarrett Fontaine, Adam Froemming, Layne Gabriel, Phil Jarrett, Tessa Jeffers, Camille Kelly, Michael J. Krainak, Jason Krivanek, Casey Logan, Sarah Lorsung Tvrdik, Jasmine Maharisi, Sean McCarthy, Rob McLean, Neal Obermeyer, Adam Payson, Hal Senal, Justin Senkbile, Patricia Sindelar, Darian Stout, Carson Vaughan, Brandon Vogel, Brady Vredenburg, John Wenz, David Williams Photography Contributors: Neal Duffy, Bryce Bridges, Adam Brubaker, Justin Barnes, Fletch, Eric Francis, Dale Heise, Bill Sitzmann, Paparazzi by Appointment, Sean Welch, Marlon A. Wright

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new etc.

7 Top News 8-9 News Hound —=———————————————

heartland healing

12 Natural Ways to Protect Against Flu ———————————————

dec. 9 - 15 , 2010 VOL.17 n o . 4 2

cover story

lazy-i

32 No. 300 ————————————————

Voices In Poverty:

A six-piece series on living poor in Omaha

by Robyn Wisch and Angel Martin of KVNO News ~ Page 13

hoodoo

33 Full of Giving ————————————————

dish

film

18 Foodies For Thought 18 Crumbs: Food News ————————————————

41 Give Him a Hand 41 Cutting Room: Film News 42 DVD Discovery: A Lot with a Little 42 Report Card: Film Grades ————————————————

eight days

20-21 This Week’s Top Events ————————————————

sports

art

23 Mind Over Matter 23 Mixed Media: Art News ————————————————

COVER PHOTO BY MARLON A. WRIGHT

P.O. Box 7360 Omaha, NE 68107 Phone 402.341.7323 Fax 402.341.6967 www.thereader.com OUR STAFF

this week

theater

25 We Got The Beat-Les 25 Cold Cream: Theater News ————————————————

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29 Tribe Vibe 29 Backbeat: Music News 30 String Theory ————————————————

43 Bowled Over 43 The Jump: Sporting News ————————————————

news of the weird

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mojo

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funnies

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PROMOTIONS

Promotions Director: Rita Staley, ritas@thereader.com Creative Director: Eric Stoakes, erics@thereader.com Style Events Coordinator: Jessica Hill, Niamh Murphy

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Steven Adams, Mike Bell, Paul Clark, Erin Crnkovich, Kelly Engquist The Reader is published every Thursday by Pioneer Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 7360, Omaha, NE 68107, 402.341.READ, Fax 402.341.6967. The Reader is free in the Omaha, Lincoln, Council Bluffs area. Domestic subscriptions area available for $35 a year. Opinions expressed herein are those of the writer(s) and may not reflect the opinion of The Reader, its management and employees or its advertisers. The Reader accepts unsolicited manuscripts. For more advertising rates contact sales@ thereader.com. To send comments to the editor, contact letters@thereader.com

PARTNERS Heartland Healing: Michael Braunstein, hh@thereader.com

Today’s Omaha Woman: Carrie Kentch, carriek@thereader.com

Woman TODAY’S OMAHA

Omahajobs.com: omahajobs@thereader.com

El Perico: elperico@abm-enterprises.com Directorio Latino: dlo@abm-enterprises.com

contents

| THE READER |

dec. 9 - 15 , 2010

5

BEYOND REALISM The Works of Kent Bellows 1970–2005 Through Jan. 16

Celebrate the Holiday Lights Festival and help Shine the Light on Hunger.

Bring a canned food item for Food Bank for the Heartland.

Attend an upcoming “Come Create It” Workshop: 12.11 10 a.m. FUSED GLASS FOR THE FAMILY with Barb Greene (SOLD OUT!) 12.18 10 a.m. POP-UP CARDS with Yinghua Zhu

Free parking will be available on the ConAgra Foods campus at 10th & Harney this Saturday and Sunday

ConAgra Foods Old Market Holiday Weekend

12.18 2 p.m. BEGINNING UKULELE with Mark Gutierrez

12.20 – 1.01

ConAgra Foods Ice Rink

No workshops . . . enjoy the holiday season!

Friday, December 10–Friday, December 31 Sunday–Thursday, 1–10 pm Friday–Saturday, 1 pm–Midnight Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve, 1–5 pm Closed Christmas ConAgra Foods Campus, 10th & Harney

Register & Locations: visit omahacreativeinstitute.org or call 402.917.8452

Dickens in the Market Saturday, December 11, 10 am–4 pm

Holiday Home Tour Saturday, December 11, 1–4 pm

Holiday Gallery Walk

Give a memorable gift that lasts 12 months

Sunday, December 12, 1–4 pm The Holiday Lights will be illuminated every evening from 5 pm to 1 am through January 9, 2011.

Fontenelle Forest Nature Center-Bellevue Neale Woods-Omaha

PRODUCED BY:

www.fontenelleforest.org 402.731.3140

Mayor Jim Suttle and Downtown Omaha Inc. Foundation

Nature Association

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DEC. 9 - 15 , 2010

Visit www.holidaylightsfestival.org and our Facebook page!

| THE READER |

PRESENTED BY:

MEDIA SPONSORS:

notableevents

Q Incoterms for Americans: Thursday, Dec. 9, 8 a.m., Embassy Suites-La Vista, 12520 Westport Pkwy.

Frank Reynolds presents latest international commerce terms and their effects on business. mitaonline.org Q Science Café: Tuesday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m., The Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St. Dr. Pierre Fayad presents “Everything you wanted to know about strokes but were afraid to ask.” unmc.edu Q Medicare Seminar: Monday, Dec. 13, 1 p.m., W. Dale Clark Library, 215 S. 15th St. Volunteers Assisting Seniors discuss and provide help choosing a Medicare plan. omahapubliclibrary.org

topnews e d i t e d

Nebraska law leaves open door for oil companies

by Brandon Vogel

T

he letters started coming in July.

Canadian oil company TransCanada offered Nebraska landowners along the route of its proposed 1,073 mile Keystone XL Pipeline a “premium price” for easements on their property.

The alternative? They’d take the land anyway, through eminent domain.

The pipeline would carry 500,000 barrels of tar sands oil each day from Alberta through six states to the Gulf of Mexico.

The oil would cross through the Nebraska Sandhills and over the Ogallala Aquifer, the state’s largest source of drinking and irrigation water, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

The concerns stretch beyond simple water contamination in case of a spill.

The Nebraska Wildlife Federation has asked the U.S. State Department to consider the pipeline’s potential to increase soil temperature, greenhouse gas emissions and soil erosion before ruling on whether the project can proceed. That decision, only necessary because the pipeline crosses an international border, is expected early next year.

But the lack of federal approval didn’t stop TransCanada Senior Land Coordinator Tim Irons from telling landowners this summer that the clock was ticking.

“This letter is Keystone’s final offer and it will remain open for one month after the date of this letter or until you reject it,” Irons wrote in a July 21 letter to a Central City, Neb. landowner that was posted online

by Mother Jones. “Keystone’s offer is high because the company prefers to acquire this property through negotiation and to avoid litigation and its associated delays and risks.”

Randy Thompson — a landowner in Merrick County, northeast of Grand Island — received a similar letter in August, giving him until Sept. 1 to negotiate an easement or face condemnation. He told the company he wouldn’t negotiate until it had a federal permit to build.

Sen. Mike Johanns backed the landowners that month in a letter to TransCanada president and CEO Russell Girling, asking the company to remove its deadlines. TransCanada complied, and spokesperson Jeff Rauh says the company has yet to exercise eminent domain in Nebraska.

But they can. If a company wants to use eminent domain to build an oil well in Nebraska, it needs approval from the state’s Oil and Gas Conservation Commission.

But eminent domain rights already exist for companies that want to pump oil through the state All 50 states allow eminent domain for public-use projects. But Nebraska is the only state among the six in the pipeline’s path with a specific statute allowing companies to use eminent domain for the transport of crude oil, petroleum or natural gasses.

Creighton University law professor Eric Pearson says the key question for judges is whether a private

company operating for profit — but promising jobs and economic development — serves a greater public good. He says a 2005 U.S. Supreme Court decision made things easier on private companies.

The Court ruled 5-4 in Kelo v. City of New London that private gain for a company seeking the power of eminent domain doesn’t necessarily preclude public benefit. On a case-by-case basis, almost any project that offered jobs, redevelopment or tax revenue now could potentially qualify for the right to condemn. Four international unions — consisting of the plumbers, pipefitters and engineers who likely would be hired to build the pipeline — say in a joint study that the project could bring more than $90 million in state and local taxes.

“Economic redevelopment is not really a public use so much as an alternative private use,” Pearson says. “It’s not like a public highway or a post office. But the majority on the court said that was fine, in effect stretching the public-use clause.”

University of Nebraska-Lincoln property law professor Anthony Shutz says the law is designed to protect both private and public interests.

“Eminent domain exists first to protect landowners, but you also can’t allow one landowner to hold up an entire project,” he says. “Any property is sort of subject to some sort of public interest, because your ability to own private property depends on some recognition from the state.”

Thompson knows the State Department’s decision will decide the fate of his land.

“My feeling is that if they do indeed get the permit, then we’re probably out of luck,” he says. “We will probably have to sit down and negotiate with them.”

That’s unlikely to change, according to Nebraska State Sen. Ken Haar.

“We’re not going to take eminent domain away from oil companies, but there might be some refinement as to where it could be used,” he says.

Haar hopes to work with other state senators whose districts would be affected by the pipeline to examine the law and investigate potential changes. He isn’t sure what form those changes could take. But he knows he didn’t like TransCanada’s ultimatum to landowners.

“At the very least, they shouldn’t be sending threatening letters,” Haar says. “I’m sure we can do something in that area. We have control over that.” ,

harper’sindex

Not so big and easy:

3 Value of economic-recovery bonds the State of Louisiana has sold since Hurricane Katrina: $5,900,000,000 3 Percentage of the revenue that has been spent on projects in New Orleans: 1 3 Percentage spent on the Lower Ninth Ward: 0

a n d r e w

n o r m a n

upfront

Private Land vs. Private Profit

B y

Kris Kobach earned a new title Nov. 2 when he was elected Kansas Secretary of State, behind a campaign promise to require voters to provide proof of citizenship — despite no proof that the seven cases of voter fraud reported in the last five years involved undocumented immigrants. But titles have never really defined the University of MissouriKansas City law professor and former state Republican Party chair.

Kobach’s best known as the attorney and author behind controversial immigration laws in Arizona, California, Pennsylvania, Texas and Nebraska. When cities and states want to ”get tough” on immigration, Kobach frequently gets on board. And it appears his new elected position won’t stop his crusade.

Fremont Mayor Scott Getzschman says Kobach would continue to serve as lead counsel in the city’s legal fight over an ordinance penalizing landlords and employers for renting to or hiring illegal immigrants, even after he takes office Jan. 10. The law, approved

by Fremont voters in June, awaits an injunction hearing in U.S. District Court, likely to come early next year. On Nov. 29, District Judge Laurie Smith Camp gave city attorneys a Jan. 21 deadline to file arguments against the injunction. A similar law in Hazleton, Pa., also authored in part by Kobach, was thrown out by a federal judge in September.

As part of the ruling, Hazleton was required to pay the plaintiff’s nearly $2.4 million in legal fees.

The city of Fremont estimates it will pay up to $1.25 million per year to defend its city ordinance.

Kobach also awaits a court date for a lawsuit filed in Fairbury challenging Nebraska’s state law granting in-state tuition to children of undocumented immigrants. Two previous lawsuits challenging tuition rates for immigrants in Kansas and California were shot down this year, but Kobach vowed to continue the fight in a Dec. 2 op-ed in The Wichita Eagle.

“It makes no sense to hand this valuable subsidy to illegal aliens when so many U.S. citizens can’t afford to attend college — even at the instate rates,” he says. “If we are going to subsidize anyone’s tuition, let’s help out our own citizens before we reward aliens who are breaking federal law by remaining in this country.”

Kobach, nor his aides, replied to multiple requests for comment.

— Brandon Vogel

theysaidit they war and morals: “I oppose repealing ‘don’t ask, don’t’ tell in part because the military is currently fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I think anything that puts more stress on that system is really the wrong course of action.” — Sen. Mike Johanns on why he plans to vote this week against repealing the military’s policy barring openly gay men and women from serving. Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen both have urged Congress to repeal the policy, in place since 1993.

news

| THE READER |

dec. 9 - 15 , 2010

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Unless a district judge finds instances of fraud, Mayor Jim Suttle will face a recall election early next year.

The Douglas County Election Commission announced Dec. 4 that the Mayor Suttle Recall Committee collected 28,720 verified signatures — 2,077 more than the group needed to force a special election.

The recall election is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 25, pending a Dec. 20 court ruling.

Douglas County District Judge Peter Bataillon set the date to hear evidence of fraudulent activity during the collection process.

Anti-recall group Forward Omaha says it has sworn testimony from a petitioner who claims he was paid per signature, a violation of state mayor jim suttle law.

The group also posted five videos on its website Dec. 2 that it says provide proof of circulators misrepresenting the amount of the city’s restaurant tax, failing to read the mayor’s statement on the recall and claiming the cost of a recall election would be paid for by private and federal funds — all of which could be violations of state law.

Nelson asks for honesty in ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ repeal After defending the policy in the past, Sen. Ben Nelson told Defense Department officials at a Dec. 2 Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that it’s time to repeal the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell� policy barring openly gay people from serving. “To me, the issue seems to be not whether to allow gays to serve in the military but whether to allow them to serve openly,� Nelson said at the hearing. “But permitting them to serve, but not openly, undermines the basic values of the military — honesty, integrity and trust — and when that’s undermined anywhere, it’s undermined everywhere.�

A report released by the Pentagon on Nov. 30 showed 70 percent of service members thought repealing the policy would have a positive, mixed or no effect. The Senate is expected to vote on the repeal this week.

Terry unhappy with healthy foods law The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Healthy, Hunger-free Kids Act of 2010 last week, a new law jettisoning junk food in schools and re-

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numberscruncher they GROWING RANKS: Number of gang-related homicides in Omaha so far this year: 14 Last time Omaha had more gang-related homicides: 2003 Suspected gang members in the city as of September: 3,105 Percent increase in gang members in Omaha since 2003: 36

quiring them to offer healthier lunch options as a way to fight childhood obesity. Rep. Lee Terry, who voted against the measure, came away concerned about the cost of the bill which will see $4.5 billion in new spending. “I absolutely support healthy school lunches, and it is important that all kids get nutritious meals, but this bill goes too far,� he says on his official House website. “Instead of improving current programs this legislation goes further and adds billions in new spending and numerous government mandates to already financially struggling school districts. This bill goes so far as to regulate nutrition content for bake sales and concession stands at school sporting events.�

The new law increases federal reimbursement rates for school lunches by 6 cents, the first rate increase in 30 years.

Medical marijuana finds its way into western Nebraska Western Nebraska police officers are seeing a lot of pot from Colorado lately.

Lt. Lance Rogers of the Nebraska State Patrol says officers are finding legal marijuana from Colorado as often as once a week. It has been legal to possess up to 2 ounces of medical marijuana in Colorado since 2000, but that right doesn’t extend across state laws.

Rogers says violators of Nebraska law are cited and the marijuana is confiscated.

Local report lists top jobs for families Positions in maintenance and repair, business and administration, and health care occupations are the best jobs for supporting a family in Nebraska, according to a report released Dec. 2.

Source: Omaha Police Department

The Nebraska Appleseed Center for Law in the Public Interest based its findings on wage rate, projected growth potential, benefit eligibility and accessible education requirements.

The report projects that 66 percent of all jobs in Nebraska will require some education beyond high school by 2018. Currently, only 36.5 percent of the state’s residents have at least an associate’s degree.

Murder suspect caught in Arizona An Omaha man wanted for the Nov. 10 murder of Adrian Lessley was arrested Dec. 2 in Glendale, Ariz.

Kevin Watt, 24, is believed to be the shooter in an altercation near 31st and Seward that left Lessley dead and wounded Jason Marion. Jeromie Wade, 28, was arrested Nov. 11 and booked as an accessory to a felony in the incident.

Watt awaits extradition to Omaha.

Shooting Rounds Deshawn Smith, 23, survived after being shot Dec. 5 while riding in a car near 42nd and Redman Ave. Police have made no arrests.

Joe Weible, 35, was shot and killed by law enforcement officers Nov. 6 while fleeing from the Westwood Shopping Center parking lot at 120th and Center. Weible was wanted on a felony sexual assault charge. Lt. Darcy Tierney says an Omaha police officer, Jeffrey Gassaway, 44, and a U.S. Marshall fired during the attempt to apprehend the suspect. Gassaway, a 13-year veteran of the force, will be placed on administrative leave pending an investigation. Omaha police have been involved in eight shootings this year. — Brandon Vogel

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dec. 9 - 15 , 2010

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s & A L L 3 P E C I A L s Bring in a can of food to benefit the Open Door Mission during November and get $1.00 off one vintage clothing item. Limit two per customer. Vintage clothing items only.

n The book discussion group Books and Bagels will meet at the Bookworm in Countryside Village this Sunday, Dec. 12, at 11 a.m. to discuss This Is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper. An easy, entertaining read, the book received high marks from Publishers Weekly, which says, “Tropper strikes an excellent balance between the family history and its present-day fallout, proving his ability to create touchingly human characters and a deliciously page-turning story.” The book was a featured book of the month on Amazon.com as well. n Teen poetry writers who can keep it short are invited to enter the Neihardt Foundation’s Young Poets Contest. Junior and senior high poets can only submit one entry no longer than 30 lines, and the poems must employ some of the themes favored

by John G. Neihardt, such as American Indians, explorers, and the environment. Entries must be original and unpublished and not entered simultaneously in another contest.

There’s no entry fee, but the entries must be submitted by a teacher and include a school name, address and contact number, and be received by Jan. 28. Winners will be notified by March 18, and their poems will be published.

Cash prizes will be awarded. Teachers can send entries to the Neihardt Foundation, PO Box 344, Bancroft, NE 68004. Email Neihardt@gpcom.net or call 888.777.4667 to learn more or to get a printed entry form. n Punk fans and music historians are likely already familiar with author Steve Blush’s American Hardcore, the story of the origins of hardcore punk. Loaded with interviews from the folks who were there (as was Blush — there’s a shot of him wheat-pasting flyers for a PIL/Minor Threat show in 1982 on page 12) and plenty of photos, it’s a must-have for those with even a passing interest in popular music. Even if you’ve got a copy, you might want to check out the all-new special edition. More than just a reprint, Blush updated all the chapters as well as adding a fourteenth, amounting to 80 new pages of content. You can flip through sample pages of the book at americanhardcorebook.com/.

— Kyle Tonniges

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| THE READER |

DEC. 9 - 15 , 2010

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heartlandhealing

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Swine Flu Over the Cuckoo’s Nest

E 1976

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ach flu season the dog-and-pony show starts. But this year, health departments countrywide are reporting two very interesting facts: Cases of influenza are lower than usual and fewer people are getting flu shots. Is that coincidence?

Each year the Center for Disease Control falsely claims that 36,000 persons die annually in the United States from influenza. In fact, the actual number is in the hundreds, not thousands. CDC’s own data shows that only 257 people died of flu in 2001; only 753 in 2002; 1600 in 2003, viewable at heartlandhealing.com/flu.

So why does the CDC use the 36,000-a-year claim? It’s my opinion that number is bandied about for one purpose: selling flu shots. The strategy was outlined at a medical conference in 2004, the National Influenza Vaccine Summit, cosponsored by CDC and the American Medical Association.

Glen Nowak, shill for the CDC’s National Immunization Program, describes how to use the media to boost demand for the vaccine. He says increased interest in getting flu shots occurs when “medical experts and public health authorities publicly … state concern and alarm (and predict dire outcomes) — and urge influenza vaccination.” Another step entails “continued reports … that influenza is causing severe illness and/or affecting lots of people, helping foster the perception that many people are susceptible to a bad case of influenza.”

Although pertinent pages have mysteriously disappeared from the CDC website, the sales scheme is laid out clearly in a British Medical Journal article viewable at http:// bit.ly/i54rTY Flu shot and influenza statistics aside, the fact is that with or without vaccines people do get the flu. There are many natural ways to avoid it.

As fellow ’70s studio rat Joe Walsh used to say to me, “Burn the candle at both ends, you get twice the light in half the time.” You also burn out your immune system. An immune system functions poorly without rest or when it’s stressed. Experts say sleep is a vital part of natural protection against the flu. Find sleep tips at heartlandhealing.com/sleep Stress weakens the immune system, too. If you haven’t already learned a stress reduction technique such as meditation or self-hypnosis, at least learn to pause several times during the day and do a mini-relaxation. Just close your eyes and breathe slowly and comfortably for 5-10 breaths. Consciously let your muscles relax, especially shoulders, abdomen and butt muscles. The core groups hold much more stress than skeletal muscles. Don’t try to convince yourself that you can’t afford the time.

Licensed Medical Nutrition Therapist Nicholas Schnell recommends whole foods that support the immune system, describing them in the vernacular of traditional Chinese medicine.

“I recommend lots of Spleen and Lung Chi tonifying foods, such as squash, yams, sweet potatoes, local raised duck and some local chicken,” he says.

Heartland Healing

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“One amazing herbal formula is called Yu Ping Wan, or Jade Screen. It is a basic TCM formula that has been researched to be effective at preventing bacterial and viral infections by strengthening host immunity. It combines Huang Chi (Astragalus root), Bai Zhi (Actrylodes root) and Fang Feng (Siler root). From a TCM perspective this formula tonifies Lung and Spleen Chi, which creates a ‘Jade Screen’ around you.

“The [imagery of a] jade screen refers to when your chi is strong, no pathogenic influence can affect you, as if you were surrounded by a screen of jade. From a western perspective, this formula tonifies the deep immune system, strengthens weak immunity, increases white blood cell production and modulates many branches of the nonspecific immune system. You basically become more resistant to all infections, instead of just the five or six bugs they vaccinate with. It is a great formula for children and the elderly both. This formula also has a lot of anti-allergy effects. In today’s modern world, this has applications for people that work inside with indoor allergies, sick building syndrome and working in excessive indoor cooling/heating environments.”

Jade Screen is one of my personal favorites as an herbal supplement.

Garlic is a well-known flu fighter. Include it in winter recipes for warmth and stimulation. A powerful element in garlic is best used when raw so pesto is a great way to enjoy this member of the onion family. Several compounds contained in garlic are beneficial. It’s a known antibiotic and stimulates immune system “killer” cells to attack viruses.

Echinacea is the herbal name of the native coneflower.

Echinacea root has become popular as a potent immune system booster. It can be found in dried powder form (capsules,) tablets or tincture. My own favorite brand is from the Woodbine, Iowa-based company, Energique. I’ve been to their laboratories and seen the care and expertise their scientific staff uses with their products. View an article about Energique, including exclusive photos of the laboratory, at heartlandhealing.com/Energique.pdf There is no substitute for vitamin C. Since Nobel Laureate Linus Pauling published Vitamin C and the Common Cold, the vitamin has earned its reputation as vital to health and a potent flu-fighter.

Though the government says we need only about 100 mg daily, many practitioners recommend doses in grams — up to 10 daily. I am not a big fan of supplements in general, believing that a balanced diet of real food supplies needed nutrients. Still, humans are one of only three species on the entire planet that do not manufacture vitamin C in the body (guinea pigs and fruit bats must also consume foods high in vitamin C). Thus, we must take in adequate amounts to remain healthy.

Common sense tells us there must be more than just one way (a shot) to strengthen against the flu. Nothing indicates the one method the CDC and Big Pharma try to sell us is the best. If your healthcare provider is a one-trick pony, ask another.

Be well. ,

by Michael Braunstein examines various alternative forms of healing. It is provided as a source of information, not as medical advice. It is not an endorsement of any particular therapy, either by the writer or The Reader. Access past columns at HeartlandHealing.com

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coverstory

voices in poverty

A six-piece series on living poor in Omaha

because we won’t have people sliding back down into more expensive areas of public assistance.”

Cooper says she’s committed to do what it takes to make sure her two kids have a better life than she did. Just two months after her first baby was born, she started school and eventually earned an associate’s degree in pharmacy.

“It was a challenge, going to school and having a newborn, being up all night and going to school four days a week, and going to work,” she says. “It was a challenge, but I did it and I know if I can do it anybody can do it.”

She’s now enrolled in Bellevue University, working toward a bachelor’s degree in communication arts.

“A lot of people want you to have that bachelor’s degree now in order to get that ‘better’ job,” she says. “And I just feel like once I finish in a year and a half, I’ll have that better job.”

by Robyn Wisch and Angel Martin, KVNO News

Single Mother

S

tudents at Brothers and Sisters Learning Center know Renisha Cooper as Ms. Ree-Ree. The single mother of two has been working at the child care center in North Omaha for the past four years. Last fall, she found out she had a tumor behind her eye, and is now partially blind.

Cooper struggles to pay her bills — including medical costs and student loans — with very little financial assistance from the father of her children. She now receives government aid to

Childcare

A

meet her housing and childcare needs.

“I try to get as much help as I can,” she says. “I don’t like to say I can do it all by myself, because I know I can’t. I’m not ashamed, because I need that help right now. I’ll get off of it one day.”

The number of children living in poverty in Nebraska jumped 30 percent between 2000 and 2008, according to a report by the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The report found the number of single-parent homes has jumped 8 percent over the last decade. Cooper says she doesn’t know how she’d manage without the welfare support.

“If I wasn’t on this program I don’t know where me and my kids would be living,” she says.

“I face challenges everyday with my sickness.”

marlon a. wright

marlon a. wright

Renisha Cooper

— Angel Martin

Cooper would like to eventually own her own home, and has a plan to become self-sufficient in four to five years. Teresa Hunter, executive director for Family Housing Advisory Services, thinks that goal is achievable. Hunter says if Cooper is serious about homeownership, there are several programs that could help her do it by allowing her to become financially independent.

“It doesn’t have to be that ‘someone else can have a house and I can’t,’” she says. “It comes from within. It comes from the desire.”

But Nebraska Appleseed Executive Director Becky Gould says getting off all government

assistance is a difficult process. She says a family of three, like Cooper’s, would need to make about $36,620 annually to be self-sufficient.

That amount, based on a national average, only meets basic family needs, and includes no extras for dining out, savings or college funds. At $9 an hour, Cooper would almost need to double her wage to meet that goal.

“The more we can do to create that sort of seamless path out of poverty into stability, the better it is for families and, actually, the better it is for the state as a whole,” Gould says. “We’ll be more effectively using our taxpayer dollars,

cover story

t the new Educare center in South Omaha, light streams in from large skylight windows in the ceiling. The center is expansive, with bright soft couches lining the halls, toys neatly piled amid stacks of books and learning materials. Nothing is scattered or haphazard. Everything in the center looks purposefully designed to maximize learning. Site director Deb Winkel peeks through a window into the babies and toddlers room.

“We have three teachers in all our birth-to3 classrooms, with eight children. So the ratio is awesome,” she says.

This Educare center became the second in Omaha when it opened last fall. It’s one of just a few in the country. It’s funded largely by the private donations of billionaire Warren Buffett’s daughter, Susie Buffett. It provides care to lowincome families through Head Start, the federal program created to ensure low-income families access to quality, accredited childcare.

But Head Start isn’t available to all families.

Kathy Bigsby Moore, executive director of Voices for Children in Nebraska, says a family of four must earn less than $21,000 a year to qualify. But that’s not enough to be able to afford childcare

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on their own. And, even under those income guidelines, she says, the 22 Head Start programs and 10 Early Head Start programs aren’t enough to serve the state.

“Out of 93 counties, to only have a total of 32 programs demonstrates how many children don’t have a Head Start program available to them,” she says.

Moore says the problem isn’t just a shortage of affordable care, but a shortage of accredited care. Other than Head Start, she says, only a few accredited programs exist in the state. She says the concept of accreditation — in which daycares can achieve higher rankings by providing focused care, and standardized educational curricula — is poorly understood in Nebraska.

Typical daycares only have to meet general safety standards to be licensed.

“We don’t have a good way for parents to measure the quality of their childcare,” she says.

“So if you are a parent working multiple jobs, who doesn’t have reliable transportation and low resources, you tend to take the childcare that’s most convenient to get to, has the most flexible hours — and the whole concept of quality is beyond your reach.”

Working parents have a few options: find a daycare close by that may not be accredited or affordable; juggle work and care for their kids at home; or leave them with a family member or a neighbor. Frequently, Moore says, childcare becomes simply about keeping kids safe during the day.

“When we lose the quality development in that child’s first five years, it is almost impossible to make up,” she says. “And we tend to see that child simply falling further and further behind.”

— Robyn Wisch

Mentoring

M

elvin Ramirez is 17. And he has a gift.

“I felt like I had this talent where I’m not nervous and I could speak and I felt like I could touch people’s hearts by doing that,” he says.

His mentor, Aprille Phillips, a trained “talent advisor” working for the Bright Futures Foundation, tells him that he has a story with which he can reach people. Phillips has helped him to see the potential in his life, and himself, he says.

“She wasn’t there to just do her job,” he says.

“She was there to actually show us that support.

And as time passed by, it wasn’t so much as her being a teacher of mine, but actually a friend of mine who I could easily just talk to.”

They met on the first day of school last year.

Phillips says she knew right away Ramirez had

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a lot of energy. He was always up and moving around. But the first time she really got to know him came when it was time to hand out grades for the school year.

“I handed out an update of his current grades, and I just watched his head go down,” she says. She told him to meet with her after class. “I think that was the first time we had a serious conversation, and I got to know a little bit about Melvin’s story, and the fact that he wanted something better, but he was discouraged, and many times before he’d just given up.”

High school dropout rates in Nebraska are at their lowest in more than 10 years. But the state’s success is shared disproportionately along racial and ethnic lines. Eighty-four percent of Nebraska’s white students graduated in the 2005-2006 school year, compared to 47 percent of black students, and 51 percent of Latinos, according to the Alliance for Excellent Education.

The state department of education’s numbers are much more favorable, showing 70 percent of black students and 75 percent of Latinos graduated between 2007-2008, compared to more than 93 percent of white students. It’s unclear which numbers are more accurate — reporting can vary widely between state and independent sources. But both show a significant disparity.

And the difference is largely driven by inordinately high poverty rates among minorities.

The Kaiser Foundation ranks Nebraska 40th out of 50 states and the District of Columbia in poverty among African Americans, and 32nd from the bottom for Hispanics. In contrast, the state ranks 11th for poverty among whites.

Phillips and Ramirez are part of the Avenue Scholars program conducted through the Bright Futures Foundation to change those numbers.

Started in 2008, the Omaha program currently serves 475 students in seven high schools. Students who perform poorly academically, but show resilience and hopefulness are matched with talent advisors who work with them throughout their high school career. Bright Futures President Ken Bird says the talent advisor is expected to be intrusive in the lives of the students they mentor.

“They’re expected to know everything there is to know about them, and to be able to help them with their personal, social, academic family issues and support them in every aspect of their lives,” he says.

The program targets kids living in poverty, all across Omaha. Bird says those children face multiple challenges that affect their academic careers — from instability at home to medical problems from inadequate care. He says Omaha’s relatively small size makes the problems of poverty seem bigger than they might in Los Angeles, Chicago or East St. Louis.

“Omaha still has a sense of community about it, and a sense of community well-being,”

he says. “And I think with that we’re much more sensitive to the issues of poverty.”

Ramirez grew up in L.A., in a neighborhood he says was “not the best place.” During our interview, his mother, Blanca Lopez referred to violence the family witnessed in their home.

Ramirez says his mother raised him, largely, alone.

“I don’t remember how old I was when my dad left, but I was really small,” he says. “I’m the youngest of three. So, basically, my mom raised us three alone. And I remember her struggling every day to take all three of us to different schools. I remember seeing her struggle just to give us three or four bucks to take to school or anything that we needed.

“At the time I didn’t see that, but now, when I look back, I see that.”

Ramirez hasn’t made up his mind about where he wants to go to college, but he doesn’t want to leave the area. He knows that he wants to make a career out of his talent for communicating, and to reach out to other teens who may be on the same track that he once was — getting into trouble and skipping class.

“I want to make sure they don’t do the same mistakes I did, or think the way I did, especially in this program where mostly it’s minorities,” he says. “I don’t want to see minorities keeping up in this same struggle, where we … make ourselves look minor.”

the video, and it wasn’t surprising. According to Neumann, who moved to his position after running the department’s gang unit, these are people from the neighborhood who have come together to form a street gang.

“There really isn’t that much of a hierarchy or organization,” he says.

The video features an abundance of guns, tucked under shirts, piled into cars. The men

coverstory

flash them in front of the camera, proudly displaying them alongside several thick, tightly rolled wads of cash. One of the men says his gun is legally registered.

“You got yo strap, man, the police can’t do nothin’ to you,” he says. “You get pulled over, I got my strap on my waist, ain’t a f*** thing the law can do. You know what I’m saying? So

if somebody get out of line, I pull my bird from under my shirt and you toasted.”

Nebraska allows anyone over 21 with a state-issued ID card and no felonies or history of mental illness to carry a concealed weapon. Neumann says being a gang member or a suspected gang member may not prevent someone from owning a gun.

“There are gang members who do have the constitutional right to purchase and register firearms, so there is that possibility,” he says.

Hank Robinson, director of the Consortium for Crime and Justice Research at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, says people in poor neighborhoods may feel the need to carry weapons for protection.

“At a minimum, what poverty does is it makes people feel justifiably more vulnerable,” he says. “Well, one of the ways I can control my vulnerability is I can get a gun. That eliminates that potential set of threats from other people who are trying to do me harm.”

Truancy prevention and gang intervention programs will get a slight boost in the city next year. The Omaha City Council approved $365,000 for programs targeting at-risk youth in the 2011 budget. That was well-short of the $1.5 million proposed by Omaha Mayor Jim Suttle. The funding will go toward established programs coordinated through the nonprofit philanthropic group, Building Bright Futures.

Robinson says the young men in the video need something other than guns to take pride in.

“If we don’t out-compete gangs for their membership, then they’ll always be there,” he says. “The only way that we can take gangs apart is by denying them membership because there are so many other opportunities and safety in the rest of community that the kids don’t need the gangs.”

leo lewis

— Robyn Wisch

Gangs and Guns

“H

ood 2 Hood: The Blockumentary Omaha,” is a 20-minute video uploaded to YouTube in October last year. Shot by two individuals who say they’ve traveled the country checking out gang members, the video shows a group of teenagers and young men hanging out on Omaha streets, and in front of what appears to be a North Omaha home. At one point, one of the young men in the group opens the door of a minivan reveal a backseat stacked with guns.

Another segment shows a young man who says he’s 17, wearing a baseball cap, white T-shirt and a black cell phone clip attached to his sagging jeans. He’s flashing a gun.

“It’s got a limit squeeze and everything,” he says. “You got to pull this in order for it to shoot, you know what I mean?”

Of the 32 homicides in Omaha this year, 24 have been gang-related, according to the Omaha Police Department. Northeast Precinct Captain Kerry Neumann says the department reviewed

— Robyn Wisch

courtesy leo lewis

Transformation Project

cover story

P

hillip, 40, is quiet and unassuming during an interview from the Omaha Correctional Center in August. He doesn’t want to give his last name, and he’s been imprisoned on a Class 3 felony, the details of which he’d rather not say.

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But he’s happy to talk about his family. He has seven brothers and sisters, he says. When he was young, his family owned a pickle company in Omaha. When he was a teenager, the family split the company, and his father sold his portion. He ended up working for another company, but that didn’t last. He lost his job, Phillip’s mother went back to work, and ultimately, the family ended up on food stamps. Phillip says that was back when you used the actual stamps.

“It was the public embarrassment for using them,” he says. “There’s something about the feeling you get when your family’s not making it. There’s stress and depression inside the family and you can see your parents feeling that impact.”

But growing up on food stamps only made Phillip try harder, he says. The youngest of his siblings, he was the first in his family to go to college. When he headed off, he was optimistic about his future. But a series of events set him back.

“My mother developed Alzheimer’s. My brother committed suicide. I had gotten fired.

All these things happened within a couple years, and I dived into alcohol,” to escape the depression, he says. “And the alcohol ultimately created my offense because I was under the influence when I offended.”

Phillip is serving time for his second felony.

The first experience in the prison system, he says, was like being in a “roach trap.” He doesn’t remember any classes or assistance being available. Although, he adds, he was so depressed at the time, he may not even have noticed.

But this experience has been different. At the time of our interview, he’d been in prison a year, and was getting ready for his release in 13 days. He was enrolled in the Transformation Project, a new program developed by the University of Nebraska at Omaha and based on the life of Malcolm X — the black political leader and Omaha native, who educated himself in prison and transformed his life.

“He definitely utilized his time while he was here,” Phillip says, “and I identify with that. I identified with the fact that he had all this time and he could choose what to do with it. And he chose to do good, and that was a good example.”

The program includes 10 weeks of regular workshops, where participants learn to identify goals and values, and how to make the changes they seek in themselves, using the example of Malcolm X. Phillip says he’s been able to change because he’s realized the impact his actions have had on the lives of the people in his life. He says the shock of what he did, and being sent to prison, alienated his brothers and sisters, and they wouldn’t talk to him.

“When I did my offense, I lost them all,” he says. “But I’m slowly getting them back

| THE READER |

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with the fact that I’m helping myself in here, and being able to tell them and prove to them that I’m changing.”

He says he’s ready to get out. He’s afraid, but he feels he has the tools he needs to keep his life on track.

“Yeah, there’s fear, but mostly because they say alcohol is cunning and baffling, so … it could just very easily start all over again,” he says. “But knowing how I’m affecting so many people, it’s in my mind now that I can, so hopefully I don’t.”

Phillip says he has a plan to continue his support structure upon release — AA meetings, counseling, staying on his medications. But his biggest concern, he says, is finding a job.

“I had been unemployed for a year before coming in here,” he says, “which ultimately added to the depression and the alcoholism.”

— Robyn Wisch

Ex-Felons

L

eo Lewis, 26, grew up in a housing project in a predominantly poor neighborhood of North Omaha. He was raised by his mother, who had little money, and his father was in and out of jail. At 13, he says, he realized he had to do whatever was necessary to make money — from raking yards to selling drugs.

“I mean it’s not fun when you go to school, and people [are] talking about the holes in your shoes or the same pair of pants you’re wearing for two days in a row, because you don’t have another pair of pants,” he says. “When you’re constantly being the butt of everybody’s jokes, or constantly looking at other people who seem to have and you don’t have, it definitely effects how you feel, especially self-esteem.

“It effects how you react to the world. You become angry, you become frustrated, like I did.”

Lewis says at one point he was charged with and acquitted of two felony counts for illegal possession of firearms. But he says his record prevents him from maintaining stable employment. In 2006, he says he was hired to work at a fast food restaurant. After two months, he says, he was hired for a management position.

But a background check turned up three pages of his criminal history. After reviewing it, the managers called him into the office, denied the promotion and fired him.

During the last legislative session at the Nebraska Unicameral, State Sen. Brenda Council, from Northeast Omaha, introduced a bill patterned after a national movement known as “Ban the Box.” The “box” to which it refers is the one felons must check when they apply for jobs. She says far too many employers immediately disqualify ex-offenders from employment.

“Believe me, it’s no slap on the employer,” she says, “but in many instances, the employers are not taking the time to examine and evaluate whether or not the crime that the individual was convicted of would have any impact on their ability to successfully perform the position that they have applied to.”

The bill to “Ban the Box” did not advance through the Legislature, but Council plans to introduce a modified version next year.

She says the state’s current budget woes should put her in “better position to persuade my colleagues that removing barriers from people’s successful re-entry back into their communities will result in a cost-saving to the state in the long run.”

Fortunately, legislators approved a massive juvenile justice reform bill this year that includes a Council-supported measure to seal criminal records of juvenile offenders. The bill aims to prevent minor offenses from blocking employment and scholarships for young people.

This summer, for the first time, several community groups hosted a job fair specifically for ex-offenders. It received an overwhelming response. Hundreds of people lined up around the building at Metropolitan Community College to get in. But one man, clearly discouraged after attending all of the fair’s 27 booths, announced that if he didn’t find a job soon he would return to stealing.

“If this is not a wakeup call for more jobs to be brought into the North Omaha Community, I don’t know what is,” says Willie Hamilton, president of Black Men United. “But, more importantly, the barriers have to come down, because if they don’t, just like the gentleman said, ‘if I can’t eat I’m going back to do what I have to do.’

“The community needs to take heed. And we have to find better ways to be able to employ folks coming out of these penitentiary systems.”

Leo Lewis spent the summer coordinating a community gardening program for the nonprofit group, City Sprouts. It’s a seasonal, grantfunded program that allows him to devote his time to building relationships with young men, giving them a second chance to do something positive for themselves and the community.

“I go around and I help recruit young men like I used to be, who have work ethic and want to do something with themselves,” he says. He shows them how to landscape and garden, and teaches them a skill.

“I’m mainly responsible for keeping their heads on straight, basically,” he says, “making sure they are able to learn what they need to learn, and kind of ignore the situations that they are in, so they can make it through.”

— Angel Martin This series originally ran on 90.7 KVNO. Follow the station at kvnonews.com

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| THE READER |

DEC. 9 - 15 , 2010

17

Foodies For Thought

84th Street Café Serving delicious cost-conscious food.

8013 S. 83rd Ave. • 597-5003 www.facebook.com/84thstcafe

Recipes for under the tree

Anthony’s Steakhouse/The Ozone Club For more than 38 years, Anthony’s has been known for its steaks, using premium black angus beef aged on premises.

Anthony’s is dedicated to bringing customers a truly special dining event every visit.

7220 F St. • 331.7575 anthonyssteakhouse.com Bailey’s Best breakfast in town. “King of Eggs Benedict.”

1 block south of 120th & Pacific • 932-5577 absolutelyfresh.com Attic Bar & Grill Great food and great drinks with live music.

3231 Harney St. • 932.5387 atticbarandgrill.com Blue Planet Natural Grill Healthy People. Healthy Planet.

6307 Center St. • 218.4555 blueplanetnaturalgrill.com Cascio’s Steakhouse Established 1946, 63 years of selling great steaks.

1620 S. 10th St. • 345-8313 casciossteakhouse.com Dundee Dell Omaha’s Finest Neighborhood Restaurant & Pub 5007 Underwood Ave. • 553.9501 dundeedell.com Hector’s Boasting the only Baja-style Mexican cuisine in the city, Hector’s serves fresh food with panache from Baja California and northwest Mexico.

Two Locations: 1201 S. 157th St. • 884.2272 3007 S. 83rd Plz. • 391.2923 hectorsomaha.com La Casa Pizzeria Fine Italian Dining Since 1953. Located on historic Leavenworth street in midtown Omaha, La Casa has the freshest pizza in town.

4432 Leavenworth St. • 556.6464 lacasapizzaria.net La Mesa An authentic Mexican experience, from mouthwatering enchiladas to fabulous fajitas. Top it off with one of La Mesa’s famous margaritas. Voted # 1 Mexican Restaurant seven years in a row.

Locations: 156th and Q • 763.2555 110th & Maple • 496-1101 Ft. Crook Rd. and 370 (Bellevue) • 733.8754 84th and Tara Plaza (Papillion) • 593.0983 Lake Manawa Exit (Council Bluffs) • 712.256.2762 la-mesa.com Matsu Sushi Downtown’s Original Sushi Restaurant 1009 Farnam St. • 346-3988 matsusushi.wordpress.com

Shucks Fish House & Oyster Bar Great Seafood. Great Prices.

Southwest corner of 168th & Center 1218 S 119 St. • 827.4376 absolutelyfresh.com Ted & Wally’s Premium Ice Cream Voted best ice cream in Omaha!

1120 Jackson St. • 341.5827

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dec. 9 - 15 , 2010

by Kyle Tonniges

T

hough no one seems to be able to agree on the final count, it’s safe to say that over 10,000 cookbooks are published every year.

There are always standouts that make those year-end “best-of ” lists, but there are also a great many that don’t get love or shelf space. Here are a few of this year’s notable cookbooks worth checking out this holiday season, for yourself or the foodie on your list.

Two that will likely (and rightfully) be on many a shortlist are Dorie Greenspan’s Around My French Table, and Harold Magee’s Keys to Good Cooking.

Greenspan is a terrific instructor and her latest is no exception. A patient teacher, her books are great resources for those intimidated by a cuisine or theme, and this guide to 300 French dishes will have you cranking out Beef Daube with the best of them. As for Magee, he literally wrote the book on food science. His On Food and Cooking, last updated in 2004, is a classic reference that every self-respecting fan of Alton Brown and “Good Eats” should own. Keys offers more of the same for those interested in the hows and whys of cooking.

If you have an ambitious cook on your list who isn’t into reading, consider Louis Eguaras’ 101 Things I Learned in Culinary School, an illustrated, easy-toskim guide of useful trivia and tips on everything from how to get the most out of a whole chicken and perhaps most importantly, how to put out a grease fire. You’ll be cooking like an Iron Chef (or at the very least, Sandra Lee) in no time. Those who have a fear of the kitchen will appreciate Jane Hornby’s What to Cook and How to Cook It, a colossal collection of everyday dishes all with step-by-step photos to guide you through preparing omelets, stuffed potato skins, beef stew and 97 other standards. There are plenty of beginner cookbooks out there, but Hornby’s execution makes this one of the best confidence-builders this year.

Another must-have that hasn’t gotten its due in the press is Tammy Algood’s outstanding Complete

| THE READER |

dish

Southern Cookbook. It lives up to its name, with over 800 recipes and multiple suggestions for mac and cheese and fried chicken as well as the highly charged topic of barbecue (she wisely skirts the issue by covering all the major styles).

Adventurous carnivores will want to check out Primal Cuts: Cooking with America’s Best Butchers, a two-fisted take on meat. Author Marissa Guggiana traveled the country to meet with 50 of America’s most talented butchers to get their thoughts on the profession and the product.

Whether you want to attempt chef Chris Cosentino’s Grilled Beef Heart with Roasted Golden Beets or just get the best possible ground beef for a burger, Guggiana’s profiles of the people behind the counter and their favorite meals will give you a greater appreciation of the profession.

What good is eating if you don’t have anything to wash it down? Jason Wilson’s Boozehound offers a refreshing take on the state of cocktails, enabling you to be a better-informed imbiber. Yes, he’s opinionated (don’t get him started on flavored vodkas), but he’s refreshingly down-to-earth about what is often a loaded subject, no pun intended. You’ll develop an appreciation for the time and care that goes into ingredients that for your martinis and margaritas, not to mention suggestions for plenty of new drinks.

Jordan Kaye and Marshall Altier’s irreverent How to Booze, a sarcastic guide to the art of drinking, makes a perfect accompaniment to Boozehound. In addition to liquor lore and recipes, the authors offer suggestions for pairing the appropriate cocktail for occasions such as threesomes (a Negroni), drinking alone (a Manhattan) and stalking your ex (a Pisco Sour).

Those who prefer to go straight for dessert will want to add David Lebovitz’ Ready For Dessert: My Best Recipes to their bookshelf, preferably alongside his 2007 book The Perfect Scoop, the definitive work on ice cream. Dessert expands his after-dinner offerings with plate-licking dishes like Banana Cake with Mocha Frosting and Salted Candied

n Bellevue barbecue standard Amarillo BBQ closed its doors Dec. 1. However, fans of the restaurant, which served Texas-style smoked meat, can take a piece of the eatery home with them via an online auction Friday, Dec. 11, at auctionsolutionsinc. com. The restaurant was popular for its decor including retro memorabilia and plenty of license plates collected by its owner, Gordon Campbell, at flea markets primarily in Oklahoma and Texas.

crumbs

dish

grub matters A bill called the Healthy, Hunger-free Kids Act only awaits President Obama’s signature before going into effect. The bill promises current at-risk students more healthful school lunches — no more Cheetos. Schools that adopt the new standards will receive an increased federal reimbursement in paying for the meals. The bill gives the USDA the power to make new standards with strong encouragement to do so in the best interest of students.

— Lainey Seyler

— Lainey Seyler

n Having a hard time finding the right gift for the foodie on your list? Here are three suggestions, ranging from the practical to the ridiculous. Got a cheese-lover on your list? Consider a subscription to Culture (culturecheesemag.com/), a magazine devoted to all things cheesy. Yeah, it’s a little expensive at $30 for 4 issues, but that wedge of St. Andre wasn’t exactly cheap either.

What’s better than grilling while tailgating?

How about the ability to brand your favorite team’s logo onto that hot dog or hamburger? The folks at Grill Toppers (thegrilltopper.com) have you covered, with cast-iron Husker grilling accessories/ branding irons that enable you to sear your sincerity onto the protein of your choice. Prices range from $17.99 for a hot dog version to $49.99 for a grill-spanning grate that has five “sear circles” with various Husker logos.

Lastly, why settle for run-of-the-mill ice when you can pay for something we can all get for free?

Whether you have too much cash in your pockets or just forgot the recipe for ice, the folks over at Glace have you covered. Five of their luxury ice balls that are roughly the size of pool balls will run you $40. That may seem steep, but the Glace folks promise the spheres “will crackle and spider” but they “will not break apart like less deserving ice or home-made ice.” Go to glace-ice.com to marvel at their fabulousness.

— Kyle Tonniges Comments? Questions? Want more? Check out our Booked blog online at thereader.com.

Or email us at booked@thereader.com.

Peanuts and Irish Coffee cupcakes.

Even if you’re new to baking, you’re sure to find something within your skill set, whether it’s the no-cook Peaches in Red Wine or the idiotproof Chocolate Orbit Cake that calls for just four ingredients.

No matter how specific your interest, there’s a book tailored to your tastes. Take the time to flip through the contenders and you’re sure to find a new favorite. ,

| THE READER |

DEC. 9 - 15 , 2010

19

8 days Dec. 10-19, Jan. 6-16

For Colored Girls

John Beasley Theater, 3010 Q St. Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m. and Sun. 3 p.m. $27, $22 students/seniors/TAG members, $16 Thurs.

502.5767, johnbeasleytheater.org

The title may seem direct in its selected audience, but don’t let that dissuade you from experiencing the emotions from this play’s epic story telling. For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf is delivered in 20 poems told by seven women signified by a different color: “The Lady in Yellow,” “The Lady in Red,” etc. each telling a story of their adversities and struggles including love, rape and abandonment. Based on the 1975 Tony-nominated play by Ntozake Shange, the story is a classic in the African-American community. Tyler Perry’s film version hit theaters in 2010. Even if you may not consider yourself a “colored girl,” each story has something for anyone who has been at a place of darkness only to come out stronger and more alive.

— Chalis Bristol

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dec. 9 - 15 , 2010

th e r e a d e r ’ s entertainment picks

THURSDAY9

Dec. 10

Interrupt: Works by Adam Nielsen

Brad Hoshaw & The Seven Deadlies w/ The Big Deep

Birdhouse Collectibles, 1111 N. 13th St. Suite 123 in the Mastercraft Building Reception 6-10 p.m., FREE 577.0711, birdhouseinteriors.com

One of Omaha’s best artists, Brad Hoshaw, brings together the band that launched him from singersongwriter to bandleader and helped land him the 2010 OEA Award for Artist of the Year. This Waiting Room show will reunite members of the original Brad Hoshaw & The Seven Deadlies plus feature some surprise special guests. Hoshaw is recently returned from a month of solo touring throughout the Midwest, South and Southwest. Expect some new songs plus tunes from the BH&T7D 2009 CD release. Hoshaw’s sweet vocals plus the pop-burnished harmonies of the Deadlies and twanging Americana guitar riffs of Matt Whipkey equals some serious musical magic.

— B.J. Huchtemann

If you’ve yet to visit North Downtown Omaha’s Birdhouse Collectible, this Friday is the time to do it. Attendees will experience a completely new incarnation of Jessica McKay’s interior design showroom, Birdhouse Collectible, as artist Adam Nielsen presents his first solo show, titled Interrupt. Painting solely in gouache, Nielsen’s work objectively questions human impact on all elements of nature.

Nielsen collaborated with McKay along with Rebecca Herskovitz to create an un-gallery experience, an unconventional answer to typically cold gallery environments. Nielsen’s exhibit will also be available for viewing by appointment or on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. through the end of the year.

— Sarah Lorsung Tvrdik

FRIDAY10

SATURDAY11

Dec. 10

Dec. 11

Dec. 9

Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St. 9 p.m., $7, onepercentproductions.com

Steve Villamonte & the 808 Band CD Release Party w/ Brad Cordle Band and Rhythm Collective Slowdown, 729 N.14th St., 8 p.m., $10 ADV, $12 DOS (admission includes CD) 614.3663, stevevillamonte.com

When Steve Villamonte isn’t whipping up gourmet delights or planning the next menu for an Omaha Press Club event, he’s jamming with fellow musicians of the 808 Band. Described as homegrown rock with a fusion of funk, soul and saxophone, Steve Villamonte & the 808 Band creates a unique sound that sets them apart from the rest of Omaha’s local talent. The octet credits Bob Seger, Eddie and The Cruisers, and Bruce Springsteen as its main musical influences, with each member bringing different inspirations to the table. Also scheduled to perform at the release party are the Brad Cordle Band and Rhythm Collective.

— Jasmine Maharisi

| THE READER |

picks

Jane Austen Tea

W. Dale Clark Library, 215 S. 15th St. 2-4 p.m., FREE 444.4844, omahalibrary.org Novelist Jane Austen’s work is filed by some under what would be modern day cinema’s equivalent of the romantic comedy. But while Austen did pen stories involving amorous entanglements, her work’s real strength was in its spot-on observations and social commentary regarding morality, the divide between social classes and women’s economic security — at a time when a lady’s best option was to find someone who liked it enough to put a ring on it. Noted for her striking realism, the English Austen wielded irony with the best of them. How better then to celebrate her 235th birthday

dec . 9 - 1 5 , 2 0 1 0 than with a spot of tea? This annual OPL event will feature live music and dancing, right out of a classic Austen party scene, along with a proper tea and light English fare. The Bookworm will be on hand with tomes and other gift items for sale.

— Sarah Wengert

Dec. 11

Sachal Vasandani

Holland Center 1200 Club 1200 Douglas St. 8 p.m., $25 ADV/$30 DOS 345.0606. omahaperformingarts.org Diversity is the downbeat of this jazz vocalist and songwriter who grew up in a Chicago household where a variety of music was played, including a wide range of jazz. After getting himself noticed as a budding talent at the University of Michigan, Sachal Vasandani moved to New York, immersing himself into the jazz scene by gigging at the Zinc Bar and performing with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Wycliffe Gordon, Eric Reed, T.S. Monk and many others.

About his eclectic repertoire, he says, “My music always starts off with INTERRUPT jazz but can end up in any number of places because of all my different influences. I guess I value the freedom to explore as much as the discipline of tradition.” In the Holland’s lounge-like Scott Recital Hall the suave, dashing Vasandani is sure to enchant.

— Leo Adam Biga

t h e

r e a d e r ’ s

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Dec. 10-17

SACHA VASANDANI

We Walk Vertically

Kent Bellows Studio & Center for Visual Arts, 3303 Leavenworth St. Reception Dec. 10, 6-9 p.m., FREE 505.7161, kentbellows.org

Dec. 12

Air Supply

Harrah’s Casino, Council Bluffs 8 p.m., 21+, $30-$50 888.512.SHOW, harrahscouncilbluffs.com

Since 2007 The Kent Bellows Studio has encouraged creative action through its mentorship programs partnering high school students with artists. This exhibit, the first in their newly renovated studio space at 33rd and Leavenworth, excels at presenting the depth and dedication of the mentors’ ability to inspire their mentees. According to curators Jessica Bequette, Madison Clark, Cameo Gillum, Hesse McGraw and Evan Pappan, “We Walk Vertically is a representation of the complex relationship between our extreme society and the normalcy of this pace in our day-to-day lives … The works reflect our world today, the people that inhabit it, the aspect of motion in our lives, or even the future that we may face.” Forty student artists and their mentors (including ceramicist Amy Nelson and painter Matt Jones) explore this concept through work from a variety of media, inspiring viewers to reflect on fastpaced society and our interconnected actions.

— Sally Deskins

Reminiscing about warm, delicious memories of the carefree ’80s never gets old … back in those days when just birds tweeted and you were only on Facebook if you fell asleep with your nose to the page. No bit of Max Headroom-laced nostalgia is complete without a wicked soundtrack of slow love ballads and crimped hair. Enter Australian import Air Supply, with its eight top-10 hits during the decade of Reagan including the ubiquitous “All Out of Love.” The duo is still touring and recording new tunes with last May’s release of Mumbo Jumbo, and while they haven’t topped the charts in years, they’ve reached a new generation of fans through films like National Lampoon’s Van Wilder, Mr. & Mrs. Smith and The Wedding Date.

— Adam Froemming

TUESDAY14 Dec. 14-15

Homeless for the Holidays

Dec. 11-Jan. 8

Waiting Room/Slowdown 6212 Maple St./726 N. 14th St. 9 p.m. both nights, $10 Tues./$8 Wed. onepercentproductions.com theslowdown.com

Flying People: Works by Larry Sosso RNG Gallery, 1915 Leavenworth St. Reception Dec. 11, 7-10 p.m.

Open Tues.-Fri., 11 a.m.-2 p.m./5-9p.m.

Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-2 p.m., FREE 346.3549, dixiequicks.com

Time to give, drink and be merry. Right? Then join the ongoing cause Tuesday at the Waiting Room and Wednesday at Slowdown. Homeless for the Holidays was founded in 2006 and has released two CDs of songs donated by local artists. This week marks the release of the third CD and two events to celebrate it. The CDs will be available for $15 and the door fee will go to paying off the production costs. Both nights will feature a solo set from Jake Bellows of Neva Dinova, with No Blood Orphan, Orion Walsh and Band and The Fergesens on Tuesday. Wednesday will have guests Landing on the Moon, Beauty in the Beast, Pharmacy Spirits and Panda Face. Enjoy!

— Brent Crampton

Multi-media artist Lawrence Sosso is known for his geometric, hand-hammered welded steel creations exhibited region-wide, with public installations at the Omaha Hilton and Henry Doorly Zoo. Now the cozy atmosphere at RNG allows viewers to admire close-up his most recent work from his Flying People series. Says Rob Gilmer, RNG Gallery owner and curator, “Sosso’s flying people brings art off the walls and pedestals and into the air.” Gallery goers can continue to appreciate Gilmer’s interactive installation “Left” in the back galleries as well, featuring maps from across the ages and world.

— Sally Deskins

picks

| THE READER |

dec. 9 - 15 , 2010

21

So Much To See And Do... www.oldmarket.com

402.342.2885

12th & Jackson Old Market 341-5827

Ice Cream made the Old-Fashioned way using Rock Salt & Ice

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DEC. 9 - 15 , 2010

Best Ice Cream Shop

| THE READER |

bigbrainomaha.com

New BLK group show explores dual nature of art

by Michael J. Krainak

I

Mind & Body is curated by freelance arts contributor Kim Carpenter and gallery director Shane Bainbridge. Effort was made to include professional didactic materials for viewers, but bios and art labels should include dates and medium for the work, always appreciated.

Given the show’s lofty theme, most of the work on exhibit lives up to what unites it, though the viewer may struggle a bit, as did this reviewer, to make the connection. Nevertheless, the short, pithy bios are a nice fallback; and the work, some of it new, some familiar, is always interesting and

t was 17th century philosopher-mathematician René Descartes who first articulated a general theory of dualism stating that humans consist of a sort of mind-body dichotomy.

Descartes attributed all animal or biological activity to the brain while crediting one’s thoughts and desires to the mind, a more elusive and spiritual faculty. by wanda ewing Inextricably linked, this mind-body dualism has led to such speculation as “Reality is what the mind perceives it to be” and even “You are only as old as you feel.”

While the latter is a mixed blessing, the former has had a profound impact on, among other things, the world of art, its function and justification. Besides its ability to entertain and enlighten, art can change one’s perception of the world and one’s place in it.

Art as a Healing Force, an organization dedicated to such matters, says at its website that art and music alter attitude, emotional states, even pain perception. “Neurophysiologists [know] that art, prayer and healing … are all associated with similar brain wave patterns, mindbody changes that take us into the world of imagery and emotion, of visions and feelings.”

Area artists Mark Gilbert, Mary Day and worth some face time.

Given its Old Market location and hip, Leslie Iwai readily demonstrate the spiritual and healing power of art on a personal and social sophisticated vibe, the New BLK is in an excellevel. Others clearly demonstrate this dualism lent position to make its own singular mark on for different as well as similar purposes. An in- Omaha’s art scene. Omaha is hungry for conteresting mix of the above can be seen in a new temporary visual art that not only takes risks but group exhibit at the New BLK gallery, aptly titled crosses over all mediums including architecture, video, 3D, graphic design, installation and phoMind & Body.

It features 36 paintings, prints and sculpture tography. A few of these “type” of artists have from a mix of established and emerging artists, shown at the New BLK, but many, many more in including Mads Anderson, Eric Berner, Scott this area wait to be discovered.

That said, Mind & Body has several pieces Blake, Larry Ferguson, Wanda Ewing, Andrew Hershey, Leslie Iwai, Matt Jones, Sora Kimber- that live up to its thematic potential and a few others that impress on their own. In the former, lain, Mike Loftus, Joey Lynch and Josh Powell.

we have the work of Ewing, Ferguson, Kimberlain, Jones, Iwai, Loftus and Hershey, and in the latter are Powell, Berner, Blake, Lynch and Anderson. The art in the first group is more personal and expressionistic and the second more abstract, detached and conceptual.

Ferguson offers three sets of nude photos, each a matched pair of a model’s portrait and three-quarter torso, whether “Kevin,” “Phoenix” or “Netsai.” It’s a nice treatment of mindbody as the first two models appear quite satisfied with their self-image, and they should, while Netsai seems less assured and more reserved. Ferguson effectively varies contrast and tone to serve these variations of mood and attitude.

Two “Hot House Flowers” from Ewing, each a mixed media print of a real voluptuous woman scantily dressed, is posed to mimic what the media and her mind perceive the perfect body to be. Though also totally selfaware, as with all of Ewing’s subjects, there is that ever-present ambivalence toward their muse and the impression they are making.

Jones and Kimberlain also deal with the figure here, but his nudes, “Galatea” and “Beatrice,” subtle and ephemeral, appear to exist in a dream world, while her bold, action figures emanate from a more primal, preconscious state. The two styles are a nice study in mind-body contrast and would make an interesting exhibit on their own.

With Iwai, Loftus and Hershey, the POV and approach to this connection is more subliminal and psychological. Most effective for Iwai is her ethereal installation featuring a broken heart of rose petals within a scrim occasionally occupied by the artist herself. Despite a conceptual medium, Iwai always wears her heart on her sleeve, such is her personal connection and commitment to the human condition.

Loftus and Hershey share that commitment, but their connection borders on social comcontinued on page 24 y

art

n A block party is usually associated with a grill, some burgers and the hot summer sun, but downtown Omaha’s KANEKO reinvented the concept with the KANEKO Block Party — parts auction, concert and holiday celebration — slated for Friday, Dec. 10. More than 50 artists were asked to create work inspired by the alphabet, alphabet blocks or Fletcher Benton’s Alphabet Sculpture, currently on display at KANEKO. The Benton exhibit, To A T, includes the artist’s pivotal work Folded Square Alphabets and Numericals. His metal folding technique transforms flat, two-dimensional materials into three-dimensional sculpture. His alphabet series, which he started working on in the 1970s, includes colorful metal shapes bent every which way, creating airy openings in between solid pieces. The party will feature live music from the Prairie Cats and Extra Space Jazz, food from Upstream and the silent auction, which includes work from Catherine Ferguson, Gary Day, Carlos Guerrero, Susan McGilvrey, Larry Sosso and Mary Zicafoose, among many others. It’s certainly intriguing to think of another live auction event in Omaha that could have the potential to someday rival the auction events at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. The event runs 6–9:30 p.m. and bidding on the auction items ends at 8:15 p.m. Art is picked up the same night, at 8:45 p.m.

Tickets are $15 ADV/$20 at the door; available at thekaneko.org. I’ll see you there. n In 2011 Bemis will officially kick off the Building Bemis campaign. Bemis marks 30 years of its artist-in-residency program in 2011 and the campaign will support building five additional studios for residents and visiting artists and expand the residency program from 24 to 36 artists per year; add a new loading dock and new windows throughout the building; and renovate the Okada Sculpture building to include formalized work spaces and kilns. Patrons can make a donation to the campaign at bemiscenter.org. n Joslyn’s Holiday Under Glass concert series continues through the end of December: Dec. 10, River City Ringers and The Christmas Story in Art guided tour; Dec. 15, Omaha Conservatory of Music and Religion in Art guided tour; Dec. 17, Central High School Singers and Bel Canto, and a tour of Seasons of Joy: Currier and Ives Holiday Prints. Concerts begin at noon; tours follow at 1 p.m. The concerts and tours are free with museum admission. Visit joslynartmuseum.org.

mixedmedia

Mind Over Matter

culture

— Sarah Baker Hansen Mixed Media is a column about art. Get local art updates at weekfiftytwo.com. Send ideas to mixedmedia@thereader.com.

| THE READER |

dec. 9 - 15 , 2010

23

art

y continued from page 23

mentary as well. In Loftus’ bold, colorful and enigmatic, toon-like narrations, especially the scary pregnant lady in “Mine, Not Yours,” one is tempted to respond, gratefully, “And you’re welcome to it,” while pitying the offspring of such as she. One also wonders at those never-tobe-seen beings that occupy the print dwellings of Hershey’s neighborhoods such as “Little Pink House #2” and “Night Falls Over the West.” Surreal and symbolic, they are lost and sequestered souls physically and emotionally. by mike loftus

Though the mind-body theme in the remaining work is less evident, Anderson, with his cosmic abstract noodlings, especially the striking “Spine Whip” painting, and Berner’s imaginative sculptural pieces, each indicating a cosmos of their own, at least make the effort.

More successful perhaps are the mixed media of Lynch and Powell, whose culturally embedded visual montages are nevertheless more satiric than personal. This is particularly true of Powell’s pointed “She’s a Hollow of a Girl” and Lynch’s “drippy” “Untitled” group portrait, a screen print of the next anonymous generation unable or too dumb to come in out of the rain.

Yet leave it to one clever Scott Blake to steal the opening with his “Giant Penis” fabric sculpture along with his blasphemous video and photos of said phallus having sex with the repetitious public art O Project. Not exactly kosher, but nice screwing with a tired body of work.

Talk about your mind-body connections. , Mind & Body continues through Dec. 31 at the New BLK Gallery, 1213 Jones St. in the Old Market. Visit thenewblk.com.

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dec. 9 - 15 , 2010

| THE READER |

art

theater Yesterday and Today is ‘most fun’ at Playhouse

by Warren Francke

I

thought the McGuigans couldn’t get anyone to match sax man Darren Pettit or Leon Adams on keyboard, they find Ferguson.

Billy follows with “Yesterday,” another fan favorite. For me, there’s a new favorite each time I hear these guys, though I’m guilty of always requesting “When I’m 64,” for reasons too boring to explain. (McGuigan’s memory is good: he recalled that last year I blamed it on “adult onset Beatlemania.”)

This time it was my virgin encounter with Ryan doing “I Am the Walrus,” adding choreography that makes Mick Jagger look sober and listless. He confirms Billy’s claim that he’s the “coolest” McGuigan.

“How did we learn all these songs?” Billy asks. “It’s simple. We were poor. Instead of going

t’s safe in mid-December to say the most fun we had at a theater in 2010 was again Billy McGuigan’s Beatles show, Yesterday and Today, at the Omaha Community Playhouse.

“We” includes my wife who also sees an average of one or two theatrical offerings a week, some of which I enjoy more than she does. So that’s two votes for “most fun” for the third year in a row.

Fears that the sponsoring Security National Bank crowd was too full of old fogies (as opposed to us old hipsters) weren’t warranted.

Billy and the brothers had them stand- yesterday and today ing, clapping and shouting, “Come together … right now.” And the bankers and their friends readily confessed “We all live in a yellow submarine.”

Speaking of the bros, young Matthew took a break from their yearlong touring to join his bride for the Halloween birth of a son named Lennon, of course. Paul was gone when Billy and Rachelle named their daughter Cartney, and Ryan had George covered with son Harrison. Ringo was taken by his dog.

The hard part is describing the fun without taking all the fun out of it. Well, there’s “Michelle,” a bit too sweet to be a great Beatles song, but always requested by several (a Kathy and a Vince this time).

Billy enlivens it by mentioning a Spanish minor at his alma mater, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and promising to subtly sneak some Spanish into the song’s French flavor. So he starts by cueing the band, “Uno, dos, tres, quatro,” and ends with “Muchos gracias.”

Then comes the acoustic section, with Matt crooning “Blackbird singing in the dead of night,” and sorry if what comes next doesn’t fit your definition of fun, but up pops a solo by the newest member of the band, lead guitarist Jason Ferguson. Just when you

out Friday nights to a really nice restaurant, like Lum’s,” they stayed home and sang. “Dad was Paul, I was John, Ryan was George and Matthew was the page-turner.”

Papa Bill, an Offutt non-com, died of leukemia at age 42, but left the lads on the road to a career that took off when Billy played Buddy Holly at the Playhouse. The boys know he’d have loved hearing that the Beatles top the charts again after selling millions in two weeks on iTunes.

After Matthew’s tender rendition of “Strawberry Fields Forever” (make that for-evuh, please), the post-intermission show starts really rocking.

Soon the crowd shouts, “All right, all right,” and responds to “She says she loves you” by belting, “Yeah, yeah, yeah.”

After “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” and “Twist and Shout,” will they finish without a rousing “Hey Jude”? No, Jude will still “take a sad song and make it better,” along with a lot of “la” and “da” and other satisfying monosyllabic lyrics.

And, if you want another slant on how all this started, retired teacher John Morrissey, who has starred as Daddy Warbucks, Sweeney Todd and Don Quixote, provided his new book as a prize for the best request. It’s a collection of personal stories called, Thanks to My Favorite Teacher, and includes Billy McGuigan’s tribute to his Bellevue high school drama and music teachers, Kent Hanon and Allen Barnard.

They played bad cop/good cop and pulled a big performance from Billy as George M. Cohan in the school musical. , Yesterday and Today: an Interactive Beatles Experience runs through New Year’s Eve at the Omaha Community Playhouse Howard Drew Theater, Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m., plus 7 and 10 p.m. shows Dec. 31. Tickets are $38, (except a young professionals show Dec. 19 is $20. It’s $50 and $75 Dec. 31 with cake, punch and champagne.

Call 553.0800 or visit omahaplayhouse.com.

theater

coldcream

We Got The Beat-les

n Add John Beasley to the list of For Colored Girls fans who didn’t find Tyler Perry’s film version as satisfying as the play his theater presents again this weekend. He reminisced recently about its debut here in 2003, with a cast that included Pasionetta Prince, later victim of a killer who was finally convicted and sentenced in November.

The criticism of director-producer Perry began when it was first reported that he’d do the movie of the poetic play whose full title is For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf. It started with the general attitude of some African-Americans toward a man they’ve labeled “the king of coonery,” for his more popular creations.

Perry cast the likes of Janet Jackson and Phylicia Rashad, expanding the play’s cast of seven in multiple roles to 20, one for each of the “poems” that comprise a compelling view of the treatment of black women’s experience in America.

For Beasley, the film didn’t match his appreciation of the original play by Nzotake Shange. He told a service club luncheon about a reunion of the first Beasley cast, minus the fondly remembered Ms. Prince. The occasion provided an “I love you” exchange with an actress who had been a difficult diva in the earlier production, one who had some trouble getting off the ground, then became a moving and memorable drama.

The new play, directed by Tyrone Beasley, promises more raw and tender insights. It opens Friday at the John Beasley Theater at 30th and Q and continues through Dec. 19, and Jan. 6-16, with Thurs.-Sat. performances at 7:30 p.m., Sun. at 3 p.m. Tickets are $22-$27, with $16 seats on Thursdays. n John also shared some stories about his latestarting acting career that has included such films as Rudy and The Apostle, plus the television series “Everwood,” along with his honored performances in such August Wilson plays as Jitney.

He smiled about his recent competition for an acting job in Los Angeles. When he left with a positive feeling after his audition, it caused some concern when he saw a somewhat worrisome contender, the actor we’ve all seen in those AFLAC commercials, looking warily at that noisy duck.

Turns out neither he nor Beasley landed the job. John was still shaking his head over news that it went to Richard Roundtree, best known for playing Shaft long ago. John had better luck when he landed a spot on ABC’s “Detroit 1-8-7”.

— Warren Francke Cold Cream looks at theater in the metro area. Email information to coldcream@thereader.com.

| THE READER |

dec. 9 - 15 , 2010

25

Performing Arts Nominees Best Dramatic Play ★ Death of a Salesman Omaha Community Playhouse ★ Jitney John Beasley Theater ★ The Miracle Worker University of Nebraska-Omaha ★ Rabbit Hole Blue Barn Theatre ★ The Zoo Story F-Troupe Collaborative

Best Actress (Play) ★ Amy Lane Rabbit Hole Blue Barn Theatre ★ Laura Leininger Loose Knit Snap! Productions ★ Ashley Spessard Mrs. Warren’s Profession Brigit St. Brigit Theatre Company ★ Amanda Waldron The Miracle Worker University of Nebraska-Omaha ★ Kathy Wheeldon The Lady with All the Answers Omaha Community Playhouse

Best Actress (Musical) ★ Audrey Fisher Rent Snap! Productions ★ Angela Jenson-Frye The Sound of Music ★ John Beasley Jitney John Beasley Theater Papillion-La Vista Community Theatre ★ Thomas Becker Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde ★ Jen Martinez Brick: An A Cappella Musical Blue Barn Theatre ★ Michael Arch The Dumb Waiter SkullDuggery Theatre ★ Bernie Clark Death of a Salesman F-Troupe Collaborative ★ Sally Scamfer Fiddler on the Roof Omaha Community Playhouse ★ John Beasley Jitney John Beasley Theater Omaha Community Playhouse ★ Chris Harris Gross Indecency: ★ Todd Brooks Sordid Lives ★ Melanie Walters Joseph and The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde SNAP! Productions the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat University of Nebraska-Omaha ★ Kevin Lawler Death of a Salesman Omaha Community Playhouse ★ Matthew Pyle Rabbit Hole Omaha Community Playhouse Blue Barn Theatre ★ Susan Clement-Toberer Rabbit Hole Blue Barn Theatre

Best Actor (Play)

Best Director (Play)

Best Director (Musical) ★ Gordon Cantiello The World Goes ’Round Performing Artists Repertory Theatre ★ Susan Baer Collins Fiddler on the Roof Omaha Community Playhouse ★ Todd Brooks Rent Snap! Productions ★ Andrew McGreevy Brick: An A Cappella Musical SkullDuggery Theatre ★ Randall Stevens *[title of show] The Candy Project

26

DEC. 9 - 15 , 2010

Best Actor (Musical)

Best Premiere of a New, Original and Local Script

★ Tim Abou-Nasr Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Omaha Community Playhouse ★ Jason Carroll Rent Snap! Productions ★ Eric Grant-Leanna Brick: An A Cappella Musical SkullDuggery Theatre ★ Bill Grennan *[title of show] The Candy Project ★ Mark Thornburg Fiddler on the Roof Omaha Community Playhouse

★ Benjamin Graber Hippie Doctor University of Nebraska-Omaha ★ Joe Fogarty The Invisibles Collective Unconscious Theatre ★ Andrew McGreevy Brick: An A Cappella Musical SkullDuggery Theatre ★ Madeline Radcliffe Mountain Birds Shelterbelt Theatre ★ The Witching Hour (various) The Nightshade Tapes The Witching Hour

| THE READER |

Best Comedic Play ★ Almost, Maine Omaha Community Playhouse ★ The Lady with All the Answers Omaha Community Playhouse ★ Loose Knit Snap! Productions ★ Noises Off Bellevue Little Theatre ★ Sordid Lives Snap! Productions

Best Musical ★ Fiddler on the Roof Omaha Community Playhouse ★ Brick: An A Cappella Musical SkullDuggery Theatre ★ Rent Snap! Productions ★ *[title of show] The Candy Project ★ The World Goes ’Round Performing Artists Repertory Theatre

Best Supporting Actor (Play) ★ Tyrone Beasley Jitney John Beasley Theater ★ Carl Brooks Of Mice and Men John Beasley Theater ★ Anthony Clark Kaczmarek Death of a Salesman Omaha Community Playhouse ★ David Mainelli Loose Knit Snap! Productions ★ Jim Palmer Noises Off Bellevue Little Theatre ★ Randy Vest Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Blue Barn Theatre

Performing Arts Nominees Best Supporting Actor (Musical) ★ Tim Abou-Nasr Fiddler on the Roof Omaha Community Playhouse ★ Sean Buster Rent Snap! Productions ★ Wayne Moore Jesus Christ Superstar Chanticleer Community Theatre ★ Wayne Moore Rent Snap! Productions ★ Brendan JD Reilly Brick: An A Cappella Musical SkullDuggery Theatre

Best Supporting Actress (Play) ★ Mary Beth Adams Rabbit Hole Blue Barn Theatre ★ Chelsea Long Loose Knit Snap! Productions ★ Therese Rennels Sordid Lives Snap! Productions ★ Amy Schweid The Miracle Worker University of Nebraska-Omaha ★ Ashley Spessard Richard III Brigit St. Brigit Theatre Company

Best Supporting Actress (Musical) ★ Leanne Hill-Carlson Fiddler on the Roof Omaha Community Playhouse ★ Angie Heim Rent Snap! Productions ★ Cathy Hirsch *[title of show] The Candy Project ★ Amanda Miller *[title of show] The Candy Project ★ Kathy Tyree The World Goes ’Round Performing Artists Repertory Theatre ★ Tiffany White-Welchen The World Goes ’Round Performing Artists Repertory Theatre

Achievement in Scenic Design ★ Wes Clowers and Robert Donlan

Of Mice and Men John Beasley Theater ★ Robbie Jones The Miracle Worker University of Nebraska-Omaha ★ Jim Othuse Fiddler on the Roof Omaha Community Playhouse ★ Shane Staiger Rent Snap! Productions ★ Bill Van Deest Les Liaisons Dangereuses Creighton University

Achievement in Lighting Design ★ Mike Runice Rent Snap! Productions ★ Darrin Golden Jesus Christ Superstar Chanticleer Community Theatre ★ Jim Othuse Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Omaha Community Playhouse ★ Carol Wisner Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Blue Barn Theatre ★ Carol Wisner Hot ‘n’ Throbbing Blue Barn Theatre

Achievement in Sound Design ★ John Gibilisco All Shook Up Omaha Community Playhouse ★ Mark Cramer Rent Snap! Productions ★ Martin Magnuson Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Blue Barn Theatre ★ Allie Stoysich Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde University of Nebraska-Omaha ★ Molly Welsh Hippie Doctor University of Nebraska-Omaha

Achievement in Costume Design ★ Echelle Childers Sordid Lives Snap! Productions ★ Lindsay Pape Les Liaisons Dangereuses Creighton University ★ Lindsay Pape Little Women:

The Musical BroadStreet Theatre Company ★ Jennifer Pool Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Blue Barn Theatre ★ Georgiann Regan Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Omaha Community Playhouse

Best Choreography in a Musical ★ Sue Gillespie Booton High School Musical 2 The Rose ★ Katie Hogston Rent Snap! Productions ★ Roxanne Nielsen Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Omaha Community Playhouse ★ Patrick Roddy The World Goes ’Round Performing Artists Repertory Theatre ★ Kathy Wheeldon Fiddler on the Roof Omaha Community Playhouse

Best Musical Direction ★ Janet Ashley The Wiz John Beasley Theater ★ Jim Boggess Fiddler on the Roof Omaha Community Playhouse ★ Keith Hart Jesus Christ Superstar Chanticleer Community Theatre ★ Amanda Miller *[title of show] The Candy Project ★ Kevin Smith High School Musical 2 The Rose

Best Performance by a Young Actor ★ Noah Diaz Awesome ’80s Prom Omaha Community Playhouse ★ Noah Diaz The Zoo Story F-Troupe Collaborative ★ Jordan Rudningen Rabbit Hole

Blue Barn Theatre ★ Ashton Taylor Annie The Rose ★ Nadia Williams The Miracle Worker University of Nebraska-Omaha

Best Performance for a Young Audience ★ High School Musical 2 The Rose ★ The Nutcracker Omaha Ballet Company ★ There’s an Alligator Under My Bed The Rose ★ The Velveteen Rabbit The Rose ★ The Wiz John Beasley Theater

Best Local Slam Poet ★ Katie F-S ★ David Jarvis ★ Matt Mason ★ Felicia Webster ★ Ben Wenzl

Best Local Dance Production ★ Human: Nature Aetherplough ★ The Human Touch The Moving Company ★ The Nutcracker Creighton University ★ The Nutcracker Omaha Theater Ballet ★ The Rainforest Omaha Theater Ballet

Best Featured Dancer ★ Audrey Fisher Rent SNAP! Productions ★ Kara Gilmore The Human Touch The Moving Company ★ Natasha Grimm The Rainforest Omaha Theater Ballet ★ Debbie Massey All Shook Up Omaha Community Playhouse ★ Sasha York The Rainforest Omaha Theater Ballet

*That’s right, the title of this show is, in fact, [title of show]

| THE READER |

DEC. 9 - 15 , 2010

27

art

OpeningS

BIRDHOUSE COLLECTIBLES, 1111 N. 13th St., Suite 123, 577.0711, biz@birdhouseinteriors.com. INTERRUPT: Adam Nielsen, opening reception Dec. 10, 6 p.m.

DISH RESTAURANT, 1100 O St., Lincoln, dishdowntown.com.

HOLIDAY TRUNK SHOW: Casey Sheppard Designs & Birdlegs Designs, opens Dec. 9.

EISENTRAGER-HOWARD GALLERY, Richards Hall, Stadium Drive and T, Lincoln, 472.5025, unl.edu/art/facilities_eisentragerhoward.shtml. BFA CAPSTONE EXHIBITION: Group show, opens Dec. 13-17, reception Dec. 17, 5 p.m.

GALLERY 616, 616 S. 11th St, 301.9713. NEW WORK: Robert Miller, opens Dec. 9, 6 p.m.

INTERNATIONAL QUILT STUDY CENTER AND MUSEUM, 1523 N. 33rd St., Lincoln, 472.7232, quiltstudy.org. AMERICAN GIRLS TEA PARTY: For school age children with Sheila Green, opens Dec. 11, 2 p.m.

KANEKO, 1111 Jones St., 341.3800, thekaneko.org. BLOCK PARTY: Art, music and more. Opens Dec. 10, 6 p.m.

KENT BELLOWS STUDIO, 3303 Leavenworth St., 505.7161, kentbellows.org. WE WALK VERTICALLY: Student art work, opens Dec. 10-17, reception Dec. 10, 6 p.m.

MUSEUM OF NEBRASKA ART (MONA), 2401 Central Ave., Kearney, 308.865.8559, monet.unk.edu/mona. COLLECTION CONNECTION: Opens Dec. 15, 2 p.m.

OLD MARKET GALLERY WALK, Various Old Market Galleries.

GALLERY WALK: Opens Dec. 12, 1 p.m.

RNG GALLERY, 1915 Leavenworth St., 214.3061. FLYING PEOPLE SERIES: Larry Sosso. LEFT: Rob Gilmer. Both shows open Dec. 11, 7 p.m.

TUGBOAT GALLERY, 14th and O, 2nd floor, Lincoln, tugboatgallery.com. PLEASE POST: Denny Schmickle, Joey Lynch, Bonnie O’Connell, Fred Hosman and Justin Kemerling, through Dec. 31.

UNL CLAY CLUB HOLIDAY SALE, Richards Hall, Room 118, University of Nebraska-Lincoln City Campus. HOLIDAY SALE+RAFFLE: Opens Dec. 10-11.

UNL HILLESTAD TEXTILES GALLERY, 35th and Holdrege, 2nd Floor, Home Economics Bldg., Lincoln. textilegallery.unl.edu. ENVIORNMENTAL PROTECTION GARMENTS, BECAUSE TOMORROW NEVER KNOWS: New work by Erica White, through Dec. 22, reception Dec. 10, 5 p.m.

ONGOING

THE 815, 815 O. St., Suite 1, Lincoln, 261.4905, the815.org.

NEW WORK: Gonca Yengin, through Dec. 9 MUSES STUDIO, 2713 N 48th St., Lincoln. NEW WORK: Dr. Barbara Tracy, through Dec. A TO Z PRINTING, 8320 Cody Dr., Lincoln, 477.0815, atozprint. com. COMMUNITY OPEN STUDIO: Group Show, through Dec. ANDERSON O’BRIEN FINE ART COUNTRYSIDE VILLAGE, 8724 Pacific St., 390.0717, aobfineart.com. NEW WORKS EXHIBITION: Group show featuring regional artists, through Dec. 31.

ANDERSON O’BRIEN FINE ART OLD MARKET, 1108 Jackson St., 884.0911, aobfineart.com. NEW WORKS EXHIBITION: Group show featuring regional artists, through Dec. 31.

ARTISTS’ COOPERATIVE GALLERY, 405 S. 11th St., artistscoopgallery.com. CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON: All member show, through Dec. 26.

BEMIS UNDERGROUND, 724 S. 12th St., 341.7130, bemiscenter.org. EXTRAORDINARY RENDITION: Group show, through Dec. 17.

BENSON GRIND, 6107 Maple St., octopusesgarden.org. NEW WORK: Paula Phillip, through Dec. BLUE POMEGRANATE GALLERY, 6570 Maple St., 502.9901, bluepom.com. PHOTOS OF ORNAMENTS: Sandra Gerber, Heidi Riha and Anne Nye, through Dec. BURKHOLDER PROJECT, 719 P St., Lincoln, 477.3305, burkholderproject.com. CELEBRATE THE SEASON: Group show. NEW WORK: Max Miller. Both shows through Dec. 23.

CATHEDRAL CULTURAL CENTER, 3900 Webster St., 551.4888, cathedralartsproject.org. NEW WORK: Regional Latino artists, through Feb. 4.

DRIFT STATION GALLERY, 1745 N St., Lincoln, driftstation.org.

CTRL/ALT/ESC: TECHNOLOGY AND THE LANDSCAPE: Through Dec. 17.

DURHAM WESTERN HERITAGE MUSEUM, 801 S. 10th St., 444.5071, durhammuseum.org. 100 YARDS OF GLORY: Omaha’s football history, through Jan. 2, 2011. DIG IT! THE SECRETS

28

dec. 9 - 15 , 2010

OF SOIL: Through Dec. 26. ETHNIC HOLIDAY TREES EXHIBIT: Through Jan. 2.

EISENTRAGER-HOWARD GALLERY, Richards Hall, Stadium Drive and T, Lincoln, 472.5025, unl.edu/art/facilities_eisentragerhoward.shtml.

ELDER GALLERY, 51st and Huntington, Nebraska Wesleyan University, nebrwesleyan.edu. BRIDGE 2010B: Juried exhibit featuring work by Nebraska high school students, through Dec. 17.

FRED SIMON GALLERY, Burlington Building, 1004 Farnam St., nebraskaartscouncil.org. NAC IAF VISUAL ARTS SHOW: Group show, through Feb. 25.

GALLERY 9, 124 S 9th St., Lincoln, 477.2822, gallerynine.com.

ALL MEMBER HOLIDAY SHOW: Through Dec. GOVERNOR’S RESIDENCE EXHIBITION, 1425 H St., Lincoln, nebraskaartscouncil.org. NEW WORK: Sue Thelen, through Jan. 3.

GRAND MANSE GALLERY, 129 N. 10th St., Lincoln, grandmanse.com. BLUE CAT: David Christiansen, through Jan. 21.

HAYDON CENTER, 335 N. 8th St., Lincoln, 475.5421, haydonartcenter.org. SMALL TREASURES: Juried artist member exhibition, through Dec. 24.

HILLMER ART GALLERY, College of St. Mary, 7000 Mercy Rd., 399.2400, csm.edu. UNO PRINT COLLECTION: Group show, through Dec. 18.

HOT SHOPS ARTS CENTER, 1301 Nicholas St., 342.6452, RECOLLECTIONS AND REFLECTIONS: NEBRASKA WOMEN’S CAUCUS FOR ART: Group show. BEST OF THE BEST 2010: Juried photography show. Both shows through Dec. 29.

INTERNATIONAL QUILT STUDY CENTER AND MUSEUM, 1523 N. 33rd St., Lincoln, 472.7232, quiltstudy.org. CHILDHOOD TREASURES: Quilts from the Ghormley Collection, through Dec. 12. MARSEILLE: WHITE CORDED QUILTING: Through May 8.

JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER, 333 S. 132nd St., 572.8486, jccomaha.org. SOME OF ALL KNOWLEDGE: Tom Swanson, through Dec. 31, reception Dec. 19.

JOSLYN ART MUSEUM, 2200 Dodge St., 342.3300, joslyn.org.

BEYOND REALISM: THE WORKS OF KENT BELLOWS 19702005: Through Jan. 16. SEASONS OF JOY: Currier and Ives Holiday Prints from the ConAgra Collection, through Jan. 23.

GOLDEN KITE, GOLDEN DREAMS: The SCBWI Awards, through Jan. 16.

KRUGER COLLECTION, UNL Architecture Hall, 10th and R, Lincoln, 472.3560, krugercollection.unl.edu. THINK GREEN: Interior/green design and miniatures, through Mar. 18, 2011.

LA CASA’S PIZZARIA, 4432 Leaveworth St., omahaartistsinc. com. 2010 FALL ART SHOW: Group show, through Jan. 3.

LAURITZEN GARDENS, 100 Bancroft St., 346.4002, omahabotanicalgardens.org. POINSETTIA SHOW: Through Jan. 9.

THE LICHEN, 2810 N. 48th St., Lincoln, thelichen.com. FORCED RESULTS: Samuel B. Rapien, through Dec. 24. 0 < ART < 100: Group show, all art priced below $100, through Dec. LUX CENTER FOR THE ARTS, 48th and Baldwin, Lincoln, 434.2787, luxcenter.org. VIS-A-VIS: Group show, through Mar. 1. GIFTS FROM THE HEART: Group show, through Dec. 24.

GARDEN: Susan Stark, through Dec. MODERN ARTS MIDWEST, 800 P St., Lincoln, 477.2828, modernartsmidwest.com. RED DOT: 8th Anniversary celebration, through Dec. 31.

MUSEUM OF NEBRASKA ART (MONA), 2401 Central Ave., Kearney, 308.865.8559, monet.unk.edu/mona. POSTMASTER INTERACTIVE GALLERY: Group show, through Jan. 10, 2011.

THE ANIMAL KINGDOM: Through Jun. 5, 2011. SATURDAY EVENING POST: Holiday images, through Jan. 10. NEBRASKA NOW: Renee A. Ledesma, oepns Through Jan. 2. A GREATER SPECTRUM: African American artists of Nebraska, 1912-2010, through Apr. 3.

THE NEW BLK, 1213 Jones St., 403.5619, thenewblk.com.

MIND AND BODY: Group show, through Dec. 23.

NOMAD LOUNGE GALLERY, 1013 Jones St., 884.1231, nomadlounge.com. REPURPOSED: Matt Jones, through Dec. NOYES GALLERY, 119 S. 9th St., Lincoln, 486.3866, noyesartgallery.com. FOCUS GALLERY: Group show. MAIN GALLERY: Mike Fluent, Janna Harsch and Marin Hacker. GOLD ROOM: Marla Blush and Julia Noyes. All shows through Dec. OLD MARKET ARTISTS, 1034 Howard St., Lower Level of Old Market Passageway, oldmarketartists.com. GROUP SHOW: All member show, through Dec. OMAHA’S CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, 500 S. 20th St., 342.6163. ocm.org. BIG BACKYARD: Through Apr. 10.

| THE READER |

art/theater listings

check event listings online!

PARALLAX SPACE, 1745 N St., Lincoln, parallaxspace.com.

TWEEN: Anne and Michael Burton, through Jan. 31.

PASSAGEWAY GALLERY, 417 South 11th St, passagewaygallery.com. THROUGH THE KEYHOLE: Group show, through Dec. PIZZA SHOPPE COLLECTIVE, 6056 Maple St., 556.9090, pscollective.com. NEW WORK: Brian Finn, through Dec. PROJECT ROOM, 1410 and 1416 O St., Suite #8, Lincoln, 617.8365, projectroom.us. GUNK: Colin C. Smith, through Dec. SCREEN INK, 416 S. 16th St., Lincoln, screenink.com. YEAR END ART EXHIBIT: Group show, through Dec. 23.

SHELDON ART GALLERY, 12th and R, UNL, Lincoln, sheldonartgallery.org. BETTER HALF, BETTER TWELFTH: Women artists in the collection, through Apr. 1, 2011. ORLAN & MIND OVER MATTER: Through Jan. 30. NEW MATERIAL WORD: RETHREADING TECHNOLOGY: Through Jan. 2. A WINTER GEM: Through Dec. 31.

STRATEGIC AIR & SPACE MUSEUM, 28210 W. Park Highway, Ashland, 944.3100, strategicairandspace.com. ANAKIN SKYWALKER’S PODRACE: Through Jan. 2. THE SECRET LIFE OF HOWARD HUGHES: Through Jan. 2.

UNL ROTUNDA GALLERY, Nebraska Union, 1400 R St., Lincoln, 472.8279. OF FLYING & FALLING: Stephanie Tompsett & Kryn Connelly, through Dec. 17.

UNO ART GALLERY, Weber Fine Arts Bldg., 6001 Dodge St., 554.2796. BFA THESIS AND BA IN STUDIO ARTS: Group show, through Dec. 17.

UNO CRISS GALLERY, 6001 Dodge St., 554.2640, library.unomaha.edu. A SENATOR’S WALLS: Photographs and artifacts from the offices of Senator Chuck Hagel, through Dec. 19.

WESTERN HISTORIC TRAILS CENTER, 3434 Richard Downing Ave., Council Bluffs, 515.281.3858, iowahistory.org. OVER HERE, OVER THERE: Iowa and WWI, through Fall 2010. ART IN DAILY LIFE: The art of Native Americans, through Jan. 2011.

WORKSPACE GALLERY, Sawmill Building, 440 N. 8th St., Lincoln, sites.google.com/site/workspacegallery. EARTH CUTS: Jonathon Wells, through Jan. 5.

theater opening

13, Youth Actors Academy, Savannah Pines Theatre, 3900 Pine Lake Rd., Lincoln, youthactorsacademy.org. Opens Dec. 11-18, 7 p.m., Dec. 12, 2 p.m., $8, $5/students.

ANNIE, Lincoln Community Playhouse, 2500 S. 56th St., Lincoln, 489.7529. Opens Dec. 10-19, Thu.-Fri., 7 p.m., Sat., 2 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun., 2 p.m., $20, $10/students.

CHRISTMAS CABARET, Angels Theatre Company, Barry’s Bar and Grill, 9th & Q St., Lincoln, angelscompany.org.

Opens Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m., FREE. GIFT OF THE MAGI, Nebraska Repertory Theatre, Temple Bldg., 12th and R, Lincoln, 472.4747, unl.edu/rep. Opens Dec. 9-11, 7:30 p.m., Dec.11-12, 2 p.m., $20, $10/students.

ongoing

A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St., 553.0800, omahaplayhouse.com. Through Dec. 23, Wed.-Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sun., 2 p.m., 6:30 p.m., $35, $24/students.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL, Nebraska Wesleyan, McDonald Theatre, 51st and Huntington, 465.2185. Opens Dec. 9-11, 7:30 p.m., 11-12, 2 p.m., $10, $7.50/seniors, $5/ students.

THE FARNDALE AVENUE HOUSING ESTATE TOWSWOMEN’S GUILD PRESENTS “A CHRISTMAS CAROL”, Circle Theatre, 55th and Leavenworth, 553.4715, dlmarr@cox. net. Through Dec. 19, Thu.-Sat., 7 p.m., $13, $23/dinner and show.

FOR COLORED GIRLS, John Beasley Theater, 3010 R St., Omaha, johnbeasleytheater.org. Through Dec. 19, Thu.Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sun., 3 p.m., $27, $22/students.

JACOB MARLEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL, Blue Barn at The Downtown Space, 614 S. 11th St., 345.1576, bluebarn. org. Through Dec. 18, Thu.-Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sun., 6 p.m., $25, $20/students & seniors.

PETER PAN, Rose Theater, 2001 Farnam St., 345.4849, rosetheater.org. Through Dec. 19, Thu.-Fri., 7 p.m., Sat.Sun., 2 p.m., $16. Based on the classic story.

SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN, TADA Theatre, 701 P St., Lincoln, 402.438.8232, tadatheatre.info. Through Dec. 12, Thu.-Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sun., 2 p.m., $18, $15/matinee.

VALLEY OF THE DOLLS, SNAP! Productions, 3225 California St., 341.2757, snapproductions.com. Through Dec. 12, Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m., Sun., 6 p.m., $20.

YESTERDAY AND TODAY, Omaha Community Playhouse, 6915 Cass St., 553.0800, omahaplayhouse.com, through Dec. 31, Wed.-Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sun., 2 p.m. $38.

poetry/comedy thursday 9

AARDBAARK, The Bookworm, 87th and Pacific, 6 p.m., 392.2877, bookwormomaha.com. Amiable adult readers discussing books almost always read by kids. (2nd Thursday.)

JIM SHORT, Funny Bone, Village Pointe, 17305 Davenport St., funnnyboneomaha.com, 493.8036, 7:30 p.m.

fridAY 10

JIM SHORT, Funny Bone, Village Pointe, 17305 Davenport St., funnnyboneomaha.com, 493.8036, 7:30 p.m., 9:45 p.m.

saturday 11

POETRY SLAM & OPEN MIC, Omaha Healing Arts Center, 1216 Howard St., 7:30 p.m., 345.5078, omahaslam.com, $7 suggested donation. (2nd Sat. each month) SHERLOCK HOLMES BOOK CLUB, The Bookworm, 87th and Pacific, 10 a.m., 392.2877, bookwormomaha.com. Discuss the tales of Sherlock Holmes. (2nd Saturday.)

X POETRY COMMUNITY OPEN MIC, Washington Library, 2868 Ames Ave., 659.8353, 4 p.m., FREE, ywright08@yahoo.com, productoftha88@yahoo.com, open mic, (2nd and 4th Sat.) JIM SHORT, Funny Bone, Village Pointe, 17305 Davenport St., funnnyboneomaha.com, 493.8036, 7 p.m, 9:30 p.m.

sunday 12

POETRY NIGHT, 357 Club, 2404 Ames Ave., 6 p.m., poetry, prose, real-to-life, skits and interpretive dance. (Every Sun.) STEVEN PIVOVAR, The Bookworm, 87th and Pacific, 1 p.m., 392.2877, bookwormomaha.com. Book signing.

JIM SHORT, Funny Bone, Village Pointe, 17305 Davenport St., funnnyboneomaha.com, 493.8036, 7 p.m.

monday 13

DUFFY’S COMEDY WORKSHOP, 1412 O St., Lincoln, 474.3543, myspace.com/duffystavern, 9 p.m. (every Mon.) POETRY AT THE MOON, Crescent Moon Coffee, SE Corner of 8th & P St., Lower Level, Lincoln, crescentmoon@inebraska. com, 7 p.m. Open mic and featured readers. (every Mon.)

tuesday 14

JOY JOHNSON, Omaha Public Library, Millard Branch, 13214 Westwood Ln., 10 a.m. Meet and greet with author.

OPEN MIC, LUNk House, 1213 N. 12th St., Lincoln, 8 p.m. A space to speak your mind. (2nd Tues.)

SHOOT YOUR MOUTH OFF, The Hideout, 320 S. 72nd St., 9 p.m. sign-up, 9:30 start, 504.4434, myspace.com/shootyourmouthoff, spoken word, comedy and music (every Tues.)

Wednesday 15

ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC FOR MUSICIANS & POETS, Meadowlark Coffee & Espresso, 1624 S. St., Lincoln, 8 p.m., 477.2007. Hosted by Spencer. (every Wed.) MIDWEST POETRY VIBE, KENO Kings/Royal Crown Lounge, 6553 Ames Ave., 9 p.m., poetry, R&B, Neosoul music and live performances. (Every Wed.) PEOPLE’S FILM FESTIVAL: IMAGINING ARGENTINA, McFoster’s Natural Kind Cafe, 38th and Farnam, 7 p.m., FREE. Antonio Banderas and Emma Thompson star in this gripping political thriller. (every Wed.) POET SHOW IT, 1122 D St., Lincoln, 8 p.m. Local writers come and read. (1st & 3rd Wed.)

Brulé brings colorful family show to Omaha

by Patricia Sindelar

F

or almost two decades Brulé has offered enchanting, live musical performances influenced by rock, jazz, and most importantly Native American culture. The haunting flute melodies, thundering drums and powerful chanting, combined with dazzling traditional dances, showcase the elements of Lakota culture Brulé that influenced Brulé founder Paul LaRoche. More interesting than the head-spinning performances, however, is the story behind the music.

Paul Summers was an adopted son and lived a happy childhood in small town southwestern Minnesota. He loved music and had been in bands since about age 17. He married his high school sweetheart, Kathy. They had two children, a daughter, Nicole, and a son, Shane, who grew up loving music like their father. When Paul was 38 he suffered a life-changing tragedy — both of his adoptive parents died. When cleaning out her in-laws’ house, Kathy discovered a note that had been tucked away for years.

The letter contained information about Paul’s adoption. Kathy began a secret search to locate her husband’s birth parents. Five years later, Paul was ready to meet them.

“Before my parents passed away, I had absolutely no desire to want to seek out another family,” LaRoche says, referring to his biological family. “I knew I was adopted, I just didn’t know I was Native American … When Kathy found this letter, I think she knew I wasn’t gonna be interested. It took about five years for me before it was right. After both [adoptive] parents had been [gone] for five years, I was ready.”

LaRoche grew up thinking he was French Canadian, but to his surprise, he was a member of the

Lower Brulé Lakota tribe, one of the seven bands of the Lakota nation. Through a very gradual process, he started to assimilate into his new culture.

He eventually took the family name, LaRoche, as did his son and daughter. His love of music was a harmonious fit with this newfound heritage, and the band Brulé was born with daughter Nicole on flute and son Shane on guitar.

LaRoche is careful about which elements he picks for Brulé performances for several reasons.

The first is his tremendous respect for his Lakota background, and the desire to be taken as a seri-

ous member of the tribe as he attempts to reconnect with his family.

“There are stages,” he says. “Stage one is almost disbelief. At first you go ‘Wow, is this really true? Is this really who I am?’ As you accept that role, you have to be careful. If you jump in too deep, too fast, you can be perceived as being artificial … From outside you’re being artificial and from inside you’re a wannabe … I came back to the reservation almost 17 years ago, and for that 17 years, I’ve had to kind of take it step by step.

I’m just careful how I present myself and how I refer to myself.”

LaRoche says he has avoided several musicbusiness landmines, such as passing on a record-

ing contract with a New York City music producer who wanted to turn Brulé into a “Native American KISS.” “I would say that we’ve taken the high road but it’s the long route. In terms of the business part of this, and the financial part, I’m certain that over the years, we’ve passed up the opportunity to make a quick buck.”

The high road has taken Brulé to Branson, Missouri, for a 38-week stay at the RDF TV Theater. RFD TV is a cable network targeted toward rural America. It decided Native America, and therefore Brulé, was an important part of its programming.

While Brulé toured extensively in its roughly 17-year history, an extended stay at one venue is new to the group.

“The first thing I would say is you tighten up your show — A LOT,” LaRoche says with a laugh the morning before Brulé’s 200th show in Branson.

“It’s a well-oiled machine by about halfway through the run.

We’ve never had this polished of a show before. The byproduct is that, now when someone comes to see the show, they’re seeing a show that’s quite a few notches up from before we came to Branson.”

That well-oiled machine of contemporary Native American music rolls to Omaha next, a city LaRoche refers to as a second home because of the many shows his group played here in the past. After Omaha, Brulé has an exciting 2011 planned, including a possible trip to Europe, but starting with a float in the Tournament of Roses Parade.

“Imagine the first day we step on the reservation, meeting our new family, and then 17 years later, we’re representing Native America in the Tournament of Roses Parade,” LaRoche says. “ I couldn’t have imagined it would turn out like this.” , Brulé performs w/ AIRO Saturday, Dec. 11, at the Orpheum Theater, 409 S. 16th St., at 8 p.m. Tickets are $33-$38 and available via 345.0606 or at ticketomaha.org.

music

n Scrooges be damned, those festive holiday feelings are taking hold — escorted by sights, sounds and smells oozing citywide from often-tedious Muzak players, bundled bell ringers and mailboxes stuffed with Christmas cards. Allspice and cinnamon scents hang heavy in the air, along with the deafening hum of retail excess.

Two of my favorite holiday traditions involve music: a Christmas Eve afternoon toddy with friends at Toad’s, complete with a cheerful piano player leading a carol sing-a-long, and my annual home screening of Meet Me in St. Louis, with Judy Garland singing a heartrending “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” to a tearful Tootie. Another favorite seasonal viewing is Waiting Room’s annual, free showing of Emmett Otter’s Jug-band Christmas. This year’s event is Wednesday, Dec. 15, at 9 p.m., and will also feature live music from All Young Girls Are Machine Guns and The Whipkey Three, with chili and other treats to keep you warm.

On that note, I’ll be stopping by Garage Guitar, 4967 Dodge St., this week to secure my copy of Christmas for Pine Ridge Vol. III: Live at the Waiting Room. Proceeds support Lash LaRue’s annual, admirable Toy Drive for Pine Ridge Reservation (lashlaruetoydrive.com) and the CD features Matt Cox, Cass 50 & the Family Gram, Brad Thomsen, Brad Hoshaw, Filter Kings, All Young Girls Are Machine Guns, Mariachi San Juan, Noah’s Ark Was a Spaceship, Platte River Rain, Dustin Clayton, Kyle Harvey, Josh Dunwoody, Vago, Korey Anderson, Son of 76 & the Hundred Miles.

If you’re a regular reader of this column, you know that I love Christmas music, but also fully acknowledge the bounty of Christmas music crap out there. You have to pick and choose when it comes to holiday tunes, and if it’s anything like previous installments this disc will be full of original stuff from this batch of standout locals.

Check next week’s Backbeat for a mini-review and another NPR Music-inspired playlist.

backbeat

Tribe Vibe

music

n Another thing I love? The Omaha Rollergirls.

Saturday, Dec. 11, at 8 p.m. at Slowdown, Sailor’s Grave presents ORG’s first Black and Blue Ball, celebrating the end of their season, and moves to the Mid America Center and the WFTDA South Central Region in 2011, featuring DJ MBowen, Hot Tail Honeys, raffles (including a $50 gift certificate to TOPS Boutique), dancing and special guests.

Proceeds from the $8 cover support the Hefflinger Dog Park.

— Sarah Wengert Backbeat takes you behind the scenes of the local music scene.

Send tips, comments and questions to backbeat@thereader.com.

| THE READER |

dec. 9 - 15 , 2010

29

2234 South 13th Street Omaha, NE 68108 346 - 9802 www.sokolundground.com

music String Theory: Hot Buttered Rum come to Omaha as a trio

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dec. 9 - 15 , 2010

| THE READER |

music

by Jesse D. Stanek

F

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The first incarnation of Hot Buttered Rum years ago had a drummer,â&#x20AC;? says Keefe, while the band prepares for a show in Las Vegas. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Then we became the string band quintet that most people are probably familiar with. Then when Zach [Matthews] left in November 2008 we found ourselves at a crossroads. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s when we decided to add a drummer. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s funny, but in some ways we play more bluegrass than we did before. It allows us to have a bigger sound than before. Now, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have these quiet moments like when we do an old time country duet and then when you bring in the drums on the next song it just sounds so much bigger.â&#x20AC;?

For the current tour however, Keefe, Aaron Redner (mandolin, fiddle) and Eric Yates (banjo) are performing as the stripped down Hot Buttered Rum Trio. The return to focusing on just strings forced the band to step up its picking and

or eight years Hot Buttered Rum String Band (HBRSB) has refined its Newgrass sound to incorporate an amalgamation of styles and genres. Based around the traditional acoustic string set-up (and with the somewhat recent addition of a drummer), HBRSB paints on a bluegrass canvas with a folk, rock, reggae and jazz palette. And while the band owes a nod to contemporaries like String Cheese Incident and Leftover Salmon, HBRSB took that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Colorado soundâ&#x20AC;? and made its own brand of Northern California string stew.

Much like its Colorado brethren, HBRSB earned a devoted following by way of relentless touring and everchanging set lists. The band is a veteran on the festival circuit, having played memorable sets at Telluride Bluegrass Festival, Newport Folk Festival, SXSW, High Sierra Music Festival, Bonnaroo and San Franciscoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own Hardly Strictly Bluegrass.

Along with sometimes humorous ditties, the band puts a hot buttered rum STRING BAND premium on solid, original songwriting and instrumental excellence. Their focus more on vocals. And while the rollicking musical prowess has been noted by many fellow energy is still more than prevalent with the trio, musicians and the band has had the opportunity the toned-down sound allows for more nuanced to share the stage with the likes of The Grateful strings and forces the players to re-imagine many Deadâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Phil Lesh, Ben Harper, Peter Rowan and of the bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s classic standards. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like stripped down music,â&#x20AC;? Keefe says. banjo innovator BĂŠla Fleck. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always had huge aspirations for this â&#x20AC;&#x153;I like playing quieter music sometimes. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re group,â&#x20AC;? says guitarist Nat Keefe. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But then, you basically doing this because itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fun and a chalknow, I also have these moments of introspection lenge but also because our bass player Bryan and I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t believe how well it all came together. The [Horne] had a baby. The quintet just canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do best part for me is the connections with fans and 200 shows a year like it used to. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve really been friends, meeting people whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve connected with our impressed with how much we make people music. Another highlight for me is that someone dance without the drums and bass. We played in Madison a couple of nights ago and the place named their baby after my song â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Amanda Lynn.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

While HBRSB made a name as a hard-driv- was just rocking. But doing this trio is what we ing, pistol-picking string band, when Keefe and needed for the next stage of our growth. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re crew added a drummer a couple of years back becoming better players and better singers they were able to keep that driving, pulsing and then we bring that back to the quintet and string band energy and propel the sound even it really helps.â&#x20AC;? , further. While string band purists may scoff at the notion of adding a drummer, the percussive Hot Buttered Rum Acoustic Trio plays w/ Matt Cox addition is merely a return to where it began for at The Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St., Saturday, HBRSB, and serves to add an intensity and force Dec. 11, at 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 ADV/$12 DOS; available via radkadillac.com. to the bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sound.

CODY CANADA & THE DEPARTED Cody Canada, the lead singer of Southern rock ‘n’ roll band Cross Canadian Ragweed, tours behind his debut solo album.

JANUARY 12

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DEC. 9 - 15 , 2010

31

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lazy-i

oddamn. Just look at that number. 300. Not all were as perfect as a bowling score, but still … that’s a lot of friggin’ words. And I haven’t run out yet.

It’s hard to believe that six years ago Column No. 1, an interview with then–hot property Willy Mason, was published, Dec. 2, 2004. Golden-boy entrepreneur John Heaston and the work-hardened galley hands at The Reader have been kind enough to keep this page open to me all these years. Hopefully, there are many more to come. Don’t believe all that putrefied tripe about the “death of print.” Newspapers will be around long after that shiny iPad you’re getting for Christmas has been recycled a dozen times by the good folks at PBR. So, as I crank out yet another recap and update of some of the “better” columns of the past year, I thank you, precious reader, for coming along for the ride, always willing to crack your window whenever the gas accidentally escapes. At the same time, I kneel before you, hat in hand, eyes turned downward, and beg you to send your column ideas via dancing electron to tim@lazy-i.com. Your thoughts make my thoughts grow and are the fertilizer that keeps this mighty tree sturdy as we enter year seven, just in time for second grade.

Column 255: The Letting Go, Jan. 20, 2010 — We said goodbye to a pure garage-punk genius named Jay Reatard, who at age 29 was way too young to die. Jay’s impact on our world is still being felt by all of us who value flash-brave creativity; and without a doubt, his spark will be felt long after we let him go. We’re still letting go of The 49’r, its bitter demise remains fresh in our minds. When this column was published, the hopeful were organizing the “Save the 49’r” Facebook page, but I think we all knew better. They couldn’t stop what many alleged was a case of politics over people. The lights went out in October.

The wrecking ball awaits. F*** you, CVS, you overblown toilet-paper store. I’ll never step foot in your fluorescent nightmare. And yes, Mr. Gray, voters will remember.

Column 258: Long Live The Hole, Feb. 10, 2010 — In the dead of winter, all-ages basement punk club The Hole was forced to move out of its hole beneath the Convicted skate shop, across the street to the above-ground relic that used to house jaunty Omaha gay bar The Diamond. It looked like a new beginning for a venue that some thought could serve kids the same way the Cog Factory did in the ’90s. But the location was too good to be true, and in September The Hole was dug up once again, forced to move to another basement, this time beneath Friendly’s Family Bookstore in Benson, where it now resides. Probably. A glance at the club’s Myspace and Facebook pages shows no listings for upcoming shows, and the sign above the club’s alley entrance is gone.

Columns 262 & 263: Austin Bound, March 10, 2010 — Why should local bands play at South by Southwest

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Music Festival in Austin? Little Brazil, It’s True, Digital Leather, The Mynabirds, Thunder Power, Eagle Seagull and UUVVWWZ all gave their best reasons, which boiled down to: 1) exposure, and 2) fish tacos.

Despite playing to crowds that ranged from a few to a few hundred, none of them got their “big break,” but they did get king-sized hangovers and lots of memories. I haven’t decided if I’m going back this year …

Column 266: No Excuses, April 14, 2010 — It was an opportunity to point an accusatory finger directly at you, the local indie music community, and warn you that there were no excuses this time. None. The MAHA Music Festival line-up (Spoon, The Faint, Superchunk) and an ultra-cheap $33 ticket made sure of that. If Omaha really wanted a true indie rock festival, the beginning of a Midwestern Lolla or Coachella or Bonnaroo, it had to turn up at Lewis & Clark Landing this year. And you did, nearly 10,000 of you for what is now being rumored as the last Faint performance ever (though I’ll believe it only when Todd tells me). Now comes word that an already crowded local music festival season is about to get more crowded next year. Will MAHA be able to get you to come out in 2011? Two words: Arcade Fire. Dare to dream.

Column 267: Identity Crisis, April 21, 2010 — This bitter live review of Digital Leather’s performance at Harrah’s Casino was a chance to whine about how the band on stage only vaguely resembled the one heard on their amazing albums (Blow Machine, Sorcerer, Warm Brother). In hindsight, well, I had nothing to whine about. Digital Leather live is a filthy, punk factory that bleeds anger on its own level, regardless of whether I can hear the friggin’ keyboards. If I want nuanced subtlety, I can always stay home and listen to the records (something we’ll all get a chance to do when Digital Leather releases its latest work of art in 2011).

Column 271: Comfort Zone, May 19, 2010 — Stephen Pedersen, Omaha’s version of Buckaroo Banzai (high-fallutin’ Kutak-Rock lawyer by day/Saddle Creek rock star by night) explained why he and the rest of the aging yuppies in Criteria are content to play only the occasional reunion show. In fact, the band hasn’t played again since that Waiting Room gig in May. Instead, the esteemed counselor has his eyes set on a different sort of reunion — this time with his old pals from seminal Nebraska indie band Slowdown Virginia, who are prepping to take the stage Dec. 23 at the club that (sort of ) bears its name — 16 years after their first show. I’m sure they’ll all look and sound exactly the same.

Column 277: A Modest Proposal, June 30, 2010.

David Fitzgerald from Athens, GA’s Flagpole magazine did me a solid by writing a review of the debut album from It’s True. Alas, his kind words weren’t enough to keep the band alive, as the same evening the column hit the streets, It’s True announced from stage its demise.

So we said goodbye to one of Omaha’s most promising acts … didn’t we? Don’t be so sure. ,

Lazy-i is a weekly column by long-time Reader senior contributing writer Tim McMahan focused on the Omaha music scene. Check out Tim’s daily music news updates at his website, lazy-i.com, or email him at lazy-i@thereader.com.

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Full of Giving

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his is the final weekend of benefit activities for the seventh annual Lash LaRue Toy Drive for the children of the Pine Ridge Reservation. Last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s events hit a couple of bumps in the road when the CDs did not arrive in time for the CD release party. Then the Huskersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; loss effectively killed the attendance at Saturdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s late night Waiting Room show. However, the Blues Society holiday party Toy Drive show Sunday, Dec. 5, was a big night of music, celebration and donations, with a sizzling performance from Coco Montoya and special guest Lincolnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dave Steen sitting in on guitar. Steen is a musician and songwriter who often collaborates with Montoya. The Zoo Bar hosted its first-ever Toy Drive show with six Lincoln bands Dec. 5.

CDs are available for purchase at Garage Guitar, 50th and Dodge. The joe krown trio disc is an excellent collection of mostly original tunes written by some of Omaha and Lincolnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest. The material ranges from the poignant and melancholy, including a couple of murder ballads, to the bittersweet, simply joyous and even out of this world. Part of the fun of the annual CD compilation is that the writers know that not everyone has an easy or completely joyous time during the holidays. Jim Homan of Screen Door Studio donated his production services to create Christmas for Pine Ridge: Vol. III Live at The Waiting Room.

A final concert event takes place at the G.I. Forum in south Omaha at 2002 N St. Friday, Dec. 10, when the Mariachi San Juan perform at 8 p.m., followed by Omaha bluesman Dave Barger. Admission is $10 or a new, unwrapped toy of equal value. Insiders recommend you get there early and try dinner in the G.I Forum restaurant, which is only served until about 7 p.m.

In a follow-up to Bargerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story: he is doing better health-wise and the recent highly successful benefit organized by friends has helped him get back on his feet, move to an apartment and replace stolen belongings.

hoodoo

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B . J .

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ing party for the children Saturday, Dec. 16. In addition to toys and gifts, some money will go toward emergency heating and part of the P.S. Blues donations go toward a scholarship fund for Native American students â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 100 percent of donations go to the reservation. LaRue covers any administrative costs out of his own pocket.

Giving Grows See 8 Days for more on the Homeless For The Holidays Blankets Not Blizzards CD release party and benefit Tuesday, Dec. 14, at the Waiting Room. Wednesday, Dec. 15, at Slowdown is a second HftH show.

Also, a last minute event is in the works for EspaĂąa Sunday, Dec. 12, 6-10 p.m. EspaĂąa and local music journalist, fan and Benson resident MarQ Manner, are putting together a songwritersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; showcase to benefit youth in crisis in the metro. Details, including the benefiting charity, were coming together at deadline, but expect performances from All Young Girls Are Machine Guns, Daniel Burns (of Vago), Matt Cox, Alex Diimig and Bret Vovk (Underwater Dream Machine). â&#x20AC;&#x153;Others may be added or add themselves,â&#x20AC;?

Manner emailed. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There will be a freewill donation which will go towards disadvantaged youth in Omaha.â&#x20AC;? Check espanaomaha.com or the Facebook Songwriters at EspaĂąa Benefit Show event page for further details.

Property: Harrah's Council Bluffs Project: Air Supply - 11/11 Job#: 47077.1 8:09 AM Show: 10/26/10 Ship: 11/4/10 Insert: 11/11/1 Vendor: Omaha Reader dMax: Trim: 4.9" x 7.47" Live: 4.625" x 7.22 VO: ~ x ~ Bleed: none Artist: Michelle Rev: 1 Desc.: Omaha Reader 4.9â&#x20AC;? x 7.47â&#x20AC;? Ad Final Mats: PDF File

b l u e s ,

Thursday Lift Lounge Music

While you might not recognize the names, The New Lift Lounge offers two big 5:30 p.m. shows this Thursday and next. Thursday, Dec. 9, catch the funk, jazz and blues of New Orleansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Joe Krown Trio. These guys are among the celebrated music cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all-stars, and the reviews are stellar. The trio features Krown on keys, the legendary Walter â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wolfmanâ&#x20AC;? Washington on vocals and guitar and Russell Batiste Jr. on drums.

Next Thursday, Dec. 16, Texas songwriter Randy McAllister returns to the metro with Buddy Whittington on guitar. Whittington is a 15-year veteran of the John Mayall blues band. This is a donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t-miss show for guitar fans.

Toy Drive on 89.7 The River

Hot Notes

The Toy Drive hits the airwaves Sunday morning, Dec. 12, when yours truly and Lash LaRue join Rick Galusha and Terry Gamper for an extended 8 a.m.noon edition of P.S. Blues on 89.7 The River. Galusha scheduled musical guests who will perform live plus visits from guest announcers including Tom Becka, Diver Dan and Blues Society President Terry Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Halloran.

After final toy shopping, LaRue is delivering the toys to the Pine Ridge reservation as part of a gift-giv-

Chicagoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s razor sharp guitarist Lilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Ed brings his party band The Blues Imperials to Lincolnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Zoo Bar this Friday and Saturday, Dec. 10 and 11.

The Brad Cordle Band, featuring Dave Steen on guitar, plays Slowdown Friday, Dec. 10, opening for Rhythm Collective and Steve Villamonte & The 808 Band.

San Franciscoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dazzling acoustic trio Hot Buttered Rum plays The Waiting Room Saturday, Dec. 11. Matt Cox opens. ,

Hoodoo is a weekly column focusing on blues, roots, Americana and occasional other music styles with an emphasis on live music performances. Hoodoo columnist B.J. Huchtemann is a Reader senior contributing writer and veteran music journalist who has covered the local music scene for nearly 20 years.

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| THE READER |

11/3/10 dec. 9 - 15 , 2010

33

9:18 AM

live music calendar

SEND CALENDAR INFORMATION â&#x20AC;&#x201D; including addresses, dates, times, costs and phone numbers â&#x20AC;&#x201D; to The Readerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s calendar editor. Mail to or drop off information at P.O. Box 7360 Omaha, NE 68107; email to listings@thereader.com; fax to (402) 341.6967.

Deadline is 5 p.m. the Thursday prior to issue date.

thursday 9

DOWNTOWN SOUND, P-SQUAD, (DJ) 9 p.m., 415, FREE. BENT LIFE, DOPE POPE, SEEDS OF DISCHORD, (rock/

metal) 8 p.m., Bourbon, $5, $7/under 21.

STEPHENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GREEN, (celtic) Brazen Head.

OPEN JAM, 9 p.m., Chrome, FREE. NASHVILLE REJECT, (cover) 7:30 p.m., The Grove, $5.

DAVE ZOLLO, (roots/blues) 9 p.m., Havana Garage, FREE. SPIKE NELSON DUET, (jazz) 6 p.m., Jazz Louisiana Kitchen.

GIANT RUBBER SHARK, A DIFFERENT BREED, THE

ESCAPE CLAUSE, (rock) 9 p.m., Knickerbockers.

OPEN JAM, 9 p.m., Louis, FREE. JES WINTER, (acoustic) 9 p.m., Myth, FREE.

READER RECOMMENDS

$ISPNF 6OJPO

JOE KROWN TRIO, WALTER â&#x20AC;&#x153;WOLFMANâ&#x20AC;? WASHING TON, RUSSELL BATISTE, (blues) 5:30 p.m., New Lift

Lounge, $12.50.

CAMILLE METOYER, (jazz) 6:30 p.m., Ozone, FREE. HONEY AND DARLING, RAH RAH, CANBY, (indie/rock) 9

p.m., Slowdown, $7.

JEFFREE STAR, DEV, IT BOYS, (rock/electronic) 6 p.m.,

Sokol Underground, $10/adv, $12/dos.

JR HOSS, (acoustic) 9 p.m., Two Fine Irishmen, FREE.

.PPO +VJDF 'PSL JO UIF 3PBE )PSTFTIPF *EPM /PDUVSOBM #VOOJFT 4JEF $BS

$IBE -FF #BOE

4FTTJPO 4IVS 5IJOH .S )BOE 1JYJFT 1FBSM +BN BOE -FE ;FQQFMJO 5SJCVUF #BOET

FOLLOW US

Must be 21 years or older to gamble. Know When to Stop Before You StartŽ. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-BETS-OFF(Iowa) or 1-800-522-4700(National). Š2010 Harrah's License Company, LLC.

dec. 9 - 15 , 2010

READER RECOMMENDS STEVE VILLAMONTE & THE 808 BAND, RHYTHM

COLLECTIVE, BRAD CORDLE BAND, (reggae/rock) 8

p.m., Slowdown, $10/adv, $12/dos.

AFTON LIVE, (rock) 6:30 p.m., Sokol Underground, $10.

OMAHA SYMPHONIC CHORUS, (holiday) 8 p.m., St. Cecilia

Cathedral, $15.

DJ RYAN SWAN, (DJ) 8 p.m., Stir Live, FREE. â&#x20AC;&#x153;PREVAILING WINDS Xâ&#x20AC;?, (classical) 7 p.m., Strauss

Performing Arts Center, $5.

CHROMAFROST, DIM LIGHT, RON WAX, (rock) 8 p.m.,

Sydney, $5.

THE CONFIDENTIALS, (cover) 9:30 p.m., Two Fine

Irishmen, FREE. SHOOTINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; BLANKS, (country) 9 p.m., Uncle Ronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, FREE. FUNK TREK, KRIS LAGER BAND, (funk) 9 p.m., Waiting

Room, $7.

MOON JUICE, (cover) 9 p.m., Whiskey Roadhouse, FREE. TIJUANA GIGOLOS, (blues/rock) 5-7:30 p.m., Zoo Bar, $4.

LIL ED & THE BLUES IMPERIALS, (blues) 9 p.m., Zoo Bar,

$10.

SATURDAY 11

READER RECOMMENDS

MYTH, (DJ) 9 p.m., 415, $5.

MITCH GETTMAN BAND, (singer-songwriter) 9 p.m. 1020,

FREE. ROUGH CUT, (cover) 9 p.m., Amerisports Bar. LEMON FRESH DAY, (cover) 9 p.m., Arena, FREE. WITNESS TREE, (rock) 9 p.m., Barley St. Tavern, $5.

JERRY PRANKSTERS, TEMPO, MACE HATHAWAY, (rock/

jam/cover) 8 p.m., Bourbon, $5, $7/under 21.

ALEX RYBECK & FRIENDS, (piano/cabaret) 7:30 p.m.,

Brownville Concert Hall, $15, $10/students.

CAPTAIN OBVIOUS, (cover) 9:30 p.m., Chrome, FREE. AMY SCHMIDT, JASON HINZE, TIM WILDSMITH, DAVID

PAULSEN, (acoustic) 7 p.m., Crane Coffee Cafe, FREE. HOLIDAY CONCERT SERIES, Durham Museum, $7.

VOODOO METHOD, CORNERSTONE DUB, STONEBELLY,

(reggae/jam) 9 p.m., The Grove, $7.

DARRYL WHITE, (singer-songwriter) 9 p.m., Havana

Garage, FREE. TWITCH!, PORKBELLY, TENDEAD, SUPER INVADER, (rock/

metal) 8 p.m., Hideout, $5.

SARABANDE, (jazz) 7 p.m., Jazz Louisiana Kitchen.

PARADISE FEARS, GORRILLA WARFARE, LIGHT THE

FUSE, GIANT RUBBER SHARK, (rock) 6 p.m.,

Knickerbockers.

CURBSTONE, IDLE MINDS, FILFTHY FRESH AND THE

SCUMBAGS, (rock) 9 p.m, Knickerbockers.

BOSTON BRASS BIG BAND, (jazz/holiday) 7:30 p.m., Lied

Center, $25-$35, $12.50-$17.50/students.

THE LABELS, (cover) 9:30 p.m., Loose Moose, FREE. JARS OF CLAY, AUDREY ASSAD, HENRY BROTHERS,

(christian/gospel) 7 p.m., Omaha Music Hall, $7-$15.

BRULE, AMERICAN INDIAN ROCK OPERA, (holiday) 8

p.m., Orpheum, $33-$38.

THE CONFIDENTIALS, (cover) 8:30 p.m., Ozone, FREE. SHADES OF MOIRE, (rock) 7 p.m., Pizza Shoppe Collective,

$5.

D FUNK, (cover) 9 p.m., red9, $5.

AVARICIOUS, (cover) 9 p.m., The Reef, FREE.

THIRD MEN, NORTH OF GRAND, DEAD GIRLS, (rock) 9:30

p.m., Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Leaverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, $5.

LAVA ROCKETS, (cover) 9 p.m., Ozone, FREE.

SACHAL VASANDANI, (jazz/pop) 8 p.m., Scott Recital Hall,

$25.

FRIDAY 10

)PSTFTIPF *EPM

34

READER RECOMMENDS BRAD HOSHAW & THE SEAVEN DEADLIES, THE BIG DEEP,

(rock) 9 p.m., Waiting Room, $7.

CHROME UNION, (cover) 8 p.m., Whiskey Roadhouse,

FREE. PIANO HAPPY HOUR, 5 p.m., Zoo Bar, FREE. AMY SCHMIDT, (singer-songwriter) 9:30 p.m., Zoo Bar, $5.

PHOENIX RISING, THE CARDS, (rock) 9 p.m., Pizza Shoppe

Collective, $5.

ECKOPHONIC, (cover) 9 p.m., red9, $5.

QUARTUS, (cover) 9 p.m., The Reef, FREE. BRENT CRAMPTON, (DJ) 10 p.m., Side Door, FREE.

THE TRACEY SKRETTA TRIO, (singer-songwriter) 9 p.m.

1020, FREE. LJ, KENNEDY, (DJ) 9 p.m., 415, $5.

THE AWKWORDS, (hip-hop) 9 p.m., The Alley, $10.

ROUGH CUT, (cover) 9 p.m., Amerisports Bar. LEMON FRESH DAY, (cover) 9 p.m., Arena, FREE. SHURTHING!, (cover) 9:30 p.m., Arthurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Four Seasons.

THE SHOW IS THE RAINBOW, TALKING MOUNTAIN,

BASSTHOVEN, FUSCHIA MINUTAE, (electronic/pop/

rock) 9 p.m., Bourbon, $7.

STEPHENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S GREEN, (celtic) Brazen Head.

TAXI DRIVER, (cover) 9:30 p.m., Brewskyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Park Drive,

FREE. ALEX RYBECK & FRIENDS, (piano/cabaret) 7:30 p.m.,

Brownville Concert Hall, $15, $10/students.

MISS MISERY, (cover) 9:30 p.m., Chrome, FREE. JR HOSS, (acoustic) 5 p.m., Cunninghams, FREE. QUARTUS, (cover) 9:30 p.m., Del Mare, FREE. DOWN TO 2, (rock) 9 p.m., Firewater Grille, FREE. SOUNDBITE, (cover) 9:30 p.m., Gator Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Malleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

THE SLANGS, (cover) 9 p.m., The Grove, $5.

DARRYL WHITE, (acoustic) 9 p.m., Havana Garage.

SWAMPBOY BLUES BAND, 7 p.m., Jazz Louisiana Kitchen.

RIVER CITY RINGERS ENSEMBLE, (vocal) 12 p.m., Joslyn,

$8.

SONS OF VOORHEES, FEARSIGHT, (metal) 6 p.m.,

Knickerbockers.

A NIGHT IN THE BOX, NAT RUNGE BAND, PILOT FOR

KITE, (rock) 9 p.m., Knickerbockers.

PURE VINYL, 9 p.m., LiT Lounge.

THE LABELS, (cover) 9:30 p.m., Loose Moose, FREE. 112 NORTH DUCK, (blues) 9 p.m., McKennaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, FREE.

| THE READER |

music listings

READER RECOMMENDS

READER RECOMMENDS OMAHA ROLLERGRILS BLACK AND BLUE BALL, (DJ/rock)

8 p.m., Slowdown, $8.

ILLUSION OF GAIA, AGAINST THE ARTIFICIAL, AT THE

LEFT HAND OF GOD, RIVKIT, SUPERIOR, (metal) 7

p.m., Sokol Underground, $8.

OMAHA SYMPHONIC CHORUS, 2 p.m., St. Cecilia, $15.

HI-FI HANGOVER, (cover) 9:30 p.m., Two Fine Irishmen.

KYLE PARK, SHOOTINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; BLANKS, (country) 9 p.m., Uncle

Ronâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, $10.

READER RECOMMENDS HOT BUTTERED RUM ACOUSTIC TRIO W/ MATT COX,

(rock/jazz/country) 9 p.m., Waiting Room, $10/adv,

$12/dos.

FORK IN THE ROAD, (cover) 9 p.m., Whiskey Roadhouse.

LIL ED & THE BLUES IMPERIALS, (blues) 9 p.m., Zoo Bar,

$10.

SUNDAY 12

SUNDAY GOLD W/ GREG K, (DJ) 9 p.m., 415, FREE. ALEX RYBECK & FRIENDS, (piano) 2 p.m., Brownville

Concert Hall, $15, $10/students.

ADELAIDE, DISCOURSES WITH THE DIVINE, (rock) 6 p.m.,

Duffyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

GOOD SPEAKERS W/ KID B, WAVY DAVEY AND THE JETS

AND THE SKIS, $PENCLOVE, (electronic/experimental)

9 p.m., Duffyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

HOLIDAY CONCERT SERIES, Durham Museum, $7.

READER RECOMMENDS AIR SUPPLY, (pop/rock) 8 p.m., Harrahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Convention

Center, $30-$50.

LINCOLN CIVIC CHOIRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S â&#x20AC;&#x153;A WINTER SPECTACULARâ&#x20AC;?,

(choral) 3 p.m., Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Donnell Auditorium, $15.

FOUR TROOPS, (patriotic) 7:30 p.m., Rococo, $32/adv,

$35/dos.

THE NEBRASKA BRASS, 3 p.m., SouthPointe Christian.

NO, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;M THE PILOT, ZAC WEBER BAND, LOUP GEROU,

(rock) 9 p.m., Waiting Room, $7.

MONDAY 13

SOUP & SONG, (acoustic) 8 p.m., Barley St. Tavern, FREE. MUSHROOMHEAD, DUSK BLED DOWN, (metal) 9 p.m.,

Knickerbockers.

MIKE GURCIULLO AND HIS LAS VEGAS LAB BAND, (jazz)

6:30 p.m., Ozone, FREE.

READER RECOMMENDS BRYAN GREENBERG, JESSICA ERRETT, (singer songwriter) 8 p.m., Waiting Room, $10.

PIANO HAPPY HOUR, 5 p.m., Zoo Bar, FREE. Z-JAM OPEN STAGE, 9 p.m., Zoo Bar, FREE.

TUESDAY 14

VIC NASTY, (DJ) 9 p.m., 415, FREE. CHRISTMAS & ALL THAT JAZZ W/ MELISSA LEWIS, (jazz)

7:30 p.m., Cornhusker Marriott.

DJ BLAC, (DJ) 10 p.m., Duffyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

IMMORTAL MALICE, PROPHECY OF THE DEAD, (metal) 9

p.m., Knickerbockers.

TIM KOEHN ACOUSTIC JAM, (acoustic/blues) 7 p.m.,

Louis, FREE. CHRIS SAUB AND FRIENDS CHRISTMAS CONCERT,

(acoustic) 6 p.m., Ozone, FREE.

READER RECOMMENDS HOMELESS FOR THE HOLIDAYS BLANKETS NOT

BLIZZARDS CD RELEASE PARTY W/ JAKE BELLOWS,

THE WHIPKEY TREE, NO BLOOD ORPHAN, ORION

WALSH, THE FERGESENS, (various) 8:45 p.m.,

Waiting Room, $10.

JAZZOCRACY, (jazz) 6 p.m., Zoo Bar, FREE. CATSMELVIN, SFS, (rock) 9 p.m., Zoo Bar, $4.

Wednesday 15

THE TURFMEN, (celtic) 7 p.m., Brazen Head, FREE. DB REDUCTION, (acoustic/cover) 9 p.m., Cruiserâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, FREE. THE ZEBRA JAM, (rock) 9 p.m., Gator Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Malleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, FREE. TIM KOEHN, (blues) 6 p.m., Jazz Louisiana Kitchen.

OMAHA CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC, (classical) 12 p.m.,

Joslyn, $8.

UNDERDAWGZ, KUSH, E-NUTT, (hip-hop) 9 p.m.,

Knickerbockers.

0

BOZAK & MORRISSEY, (oldies) 6:30 p.m., Ozone, FREE. KYLE KNAPP AND 37 YEARS, (acoustic) 7 p.m., Pizza

Shoppe Collective, $5.

READER RECOMMENDS HOMELESS FOR THE HOLIDAYS W/ JAKE BELLOWS,

LANDING ON THE MOON, BEAUTY IN THE BEAST,

PHARMACY SPIRITS, PANDA FACE, (rock) 9 p.m.,

Slowdown, $8.

Initially formed as an acoustic string band, years of constant touring has transformed Hot Buttered Rum into a plugged-in, percussive powerhouse that wows critics and fans alike. Their left-coast rock reveals an access to jazz, country and world music that few groups can match.

READER RECOMMENDS EMMET OTTERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S JUG-BAND CHRISTMAS W/ ALL YOUNG

GIRLS ARE MACHINE GUNS, THE WHIPKEY THREE,

(acoustic) 9 p.m., Waiting Room, FREE. BRAVE COMBO, (blues) 6 p.m., Zoo Bar, $12/adv, $15/dos.

THE BETTIES, THE SNUGGLERS, KEN MORTON, (indie/

folk) 9 p.m., Zoo Bar, $4.

VENUES Ameristar Casino, 2200 River Rd., Council Bluffs, ameristar.com Arena Bar & Grill, 3809 N. 90th St., 571.2310, arenaomaha.com BarFly, 707 N. 114th St., 504.4811 Barley Street Tavern, 2735 N. 62nd St., 554.5834, barleystreet.com Bourbon Theatre, 1415 O St., Lincoln, 730.5695 Downtown Blues, 1512 Howard St., 345.0180 Duffyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tavern, 1412 O St., Lincoln, 474.3453, myspace.com/duffystavern The Hideout, 302 S. 72nd St. Knickerbockerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, 901 O St., Lincoln, 476.6865, knickerbockers.net LIV Lounge, 2279 S. 67th St., 884.5410, livlounge.com Louis Bar and Grill, 5702 NW Radial Hwy., 551.5993 McKennaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Blues, Booze & BBQ, 7425 Pacific St., 393.7427, mckennasbbq.com New Lift Lounge, 4737 S. 96th St., 339.7170 Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Leaverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pub, 1322 S. Saddle Creek Rd., 556.1238, myspace.com/oleaverspub Ozone Lounge at Anthonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Steakhouse, 72nd and F, 331.7575, ozoneclubomaha.com.

Pizza Shoppe Collective, 6056 Maple St., 556.9090, pscollective.com Qwest, 455 N. 10th St., qwestcenteromaha. com Side Door, 3530 Leavenworth St., 504.3444.

Slowdown, 729 N. 14th St., 345.7569, theslowdown.com Sokol Hall, 2234 S. 13th St., 346.9802, sokolundergound.com The Sydney, 5918 Maple St., 932.9262, thesydneybenson.com Stir, 1 Harrahs Blvd., Council Bluffs, harrahs. com Venue 162, 162 W. Broadway, Council Bluffs, 712.256.7768, myspace.com/venue162 Waiting Room, 6212 Maple St., 884.5353, waitingroomlounge.com Whiskey Roadhouse, Horseshoe Casino, 2701 32nd Ave., Council Bluffs, whiskeyroadhouse.com Zoo Bar, 136 N.14th St., Lincoln, zoobar.com

UPCOMING SHOWS

DJ Ryan Swan FREE SHOW

saTurday, 12/11/10 9:00PM @ The WaiTing rooM

HOT BUTTERED RUM ACOUSTIC TRIO

SPOtlIGHt SHOW

w/ Matt Cox

Televised UFC Fights Friday, 12/10/10 9:00PM @ The WaiTing rooM

Monday, 12/09/10 8:00PM @ The WaiTing rooM

BRAD HOSHAW & THE SEVEN DEADLIES

FUNK TREK CD RELEASE PARTY

w/ Zac Weber Band & Loup Gerou

Monday, 12/13/10 8:00PM @ The WaiTing rooM

Tuesday, 12/14/10 8:45PM @ The WaiTing rooM

Wednesday, 12/15/10 9:00PM @ The WaiTing rooM

Blankets Not Blizzards CD Release Party

NO COVER CHARGE!!!

w/ The Big Deep

NO, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;M THE PILOT

Gunshot Itch

BRYAN GREENBERG

Pink Floyd

w/ Jessica Errett

AND

sunday, 12/12/10 9:00PM @ The WaiTing rooM

HOMELESS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

EMMET OTTERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S JUG-BAND CHRISTMAS

Metallica Tribute Bands FREE SHOW

Thursday, 12/16/10 9:00PM @ The WaiTing rooM

Friday, 12/17/10 9:00PM @ The WaiTing rooM

saTurday, 12/18/10 9:00PM @ The WaiTing rooM

w/ SFS & Mitch Gettman NO COVER CHARGE!!!

w/ The Boring Daylights & Vago

w/ Straight Outta Junior High & The Jes Winter Band

SOMASPHERE

$5 CASH COVER ON ALL SHOWS DOORS AT 7PM

| SHOWS AT 9PM

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THE NADAS

12/20/10 SATURN MOTH 12/21/10 WASTeOid 12/22/10 GUNKâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MURRAY XMAS! 12/23/10 SLOWdOWN ViRGiNiA 12/23/10 SATcHeL GRANde 12/25/10 bANjO LOcO 12/26/10 LiTTLe bRAZiL 12/27/10 LAdYfiNGeR 12/28/10 beNefiT fOR AMbeR WiLKiNS 12/29/10 MOUSeTRAp

CLEVER

12/30/10 THe eNd iN Red 12/31/10 SecReT WeApON NeW YeARS! 1/01/10 cOWbOY MOUTH 1/07/10 ANNiVeRSAiRe 1/08/10 bROKeN cROWN 1/29/10 RebeLUTiON 2/12/10 beST cOAST 2/13/10 UMpHReYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S McGee 2/19/10 deeRHOOf 2/24/10 TApeS â&#x20AC;&#x2122;N TApeS

More Information and Tickets Available at

WWW.ONEPERCENTPRODUCTIONS.COM

music listings

| THE READER |

dec. 9 - 15 , 2010

35

Great Gift Ideas

ofďŹ ce co-worker, boss and more! www.jamesarthurvineyards.com (402) 783-5255.

Let James Arthur Vineyards put together a beautiful gift basket for any occasion. James Arthur Wine makes a great holiday gift for anyone on your list! www.jamesarthurvineyards.com (402) 783-5255.

Customize the label on your bottles of James Arthur Vineyard wine. Corporate, wedding, or holiday greetings make James Arthur wine a great holiday gift. www.jamesarthurvineyards. com (402) 7835255.

Nebraskaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest winery offers the best selection of your favorite local wine. James Arthur Wine makes a great gift for a party hostess,

Decorate your table this holiday season with unique wine glass decorations from James Arthur Vineyards. www.jamesarthurvineyards.com (402) 783-5255.

The perfect gift for the Husker fan in your life!

Visit James Arthur Vineyards for a large selection of unique gifts. www.jamesarthurvineyards.com (402) 783-5255.

36

DEC. 9 - 15 , 2010

| THE READER |

gift guide

The Fruit Infusion Pitcher creates refreshing natural-fruit drinks. Fill the 2.5 quart pitcher with water, iced tea or other liquids, slice up a handful of lemons, limes, berries or other fruits. Insert the fruit into the infusion rod, which screws tight, and enjoy!

Category One Rockbrook Village 10922 Prairie Brook Rd. 390-9684 www.categoryonegifts.com Made in the USA, Tervis Tumblers are a double-walled insulated tumbler that keeps hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold for hours.

All Tervis Tumblers come with a life-time guarantee and they are dish-washer and microwave safe. Get yours today a Category One Gifts & Gourmet!

Category One Rockbrook Village 10922 Prairie Brook Rd. 390-9684 www.categoryonegifts.com

Designer Beads & Charms is your own local full-service bead store located at 120th & Blondo in Omaha, Nebraska. We invite you to stop in and design your own custom jewelry piece from our wide variety of genuine gem stones and unique beads. Our friendly and helpful sales staff will be happy to assist you in finding the right beads and materials for your individual project. Located at 1806 N. 120th St., Omaha, NE 68154. (402) 3153400. www.designerbeadsandcharms.com

Roots & Wings is a locally owned specialty boutique for young women who dare to be different. Full of fun fashions you won’t find anywhere else in Omaha, Roots & Wings serves confident women who aren’t afraid to express their individuality. Here’s a few fun gifts sure to please holiday fashionistas. You can’t go wrong with the leopard coat from Tulle Original Clothing, or this comfy sweater from Free People. Even more TOMS shoes (One for One™) make a perfect holiday gift with philanthropy in mind. With every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. Check out these items and more at Roots & Wings at its new location in Countryside Village (8712 Pacific St.). (402) 504-4700.

Cupcakes and cakes make tasty gifts. Here are some great choices that are available at Jones Bros. Cupcakes, located in Aksarben Village (2121 S. 67th St., www.jonesbroscupcakes.com). Enjoy these cupcake flavors: The Power VANILLA - Madagascar bourbon vanilla Atria Books $23.95 To have everything good in life is cake with vanilla buttercream frosting.

RED VELVET - Classic red velvet cake with inside you cream cheese frosting.

The Search for WondLa Simon & Schuster $17.99 Begins a trilogy whose text and illustrations will inspire dreams.

Books make wonderful gifts for all ages. Find these titles and more at The Bookworm, located in Countryside Village.

BLACK & WHITE - Valrhona chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream with godiva white chocolate liqueur CHOCOLATE - French valrhona chocolate cake with callebaut chocolate frosting.

LEMON - Lemon cake with lemon curd infused buttercream CINNAMON & SUGAR - Spiced buttermilk cake with a cinnamon and sugar topping

And don’t forget about hese delicious cakes to choose from: RED VELVET - Classic red velvet cake with layers of cream cheese frosting CELEBRATION - White cake with layers of raspberry and lemon curd topped with amaretto meringue.

come visit our new store at

countryside village & check out our new arrivals

15% OFF

visit our website

Expires 12/31/10 Excludes, All-Clad, Wusthof, Le Creuset and small electrics.

Must have coupon. Not valid with any other offer.

for the latest info of fun fashions you won’t find

TOTAL PURCHASE

& join us on facebook

anywhere else in omaha!

Omaha’s locally owned & operated gourmet kitchen store.

Stop in today!

New Location 8712 pacific street, 68114. omaha

www.rootsandwingsomaha.com Rockbrook Village

10922 Prairie Brook Road 390-9684 www.categor yonegifts.com

gift guide

| THE READER |

DEC. 9 - 15 , 2010

37

www.oldmarket.com

Give your loved ones the gift of pampering this holiday season. From gift baskets to spa packages, Sirens at the Loft offers a unique salon & spa experience right in the heart of the Old Market. www.sirensatl.com (402) 933-9333

The Artists’ Cooperative Gallery is a non-profit, tax-exempt gallery, located in Omaha’s historic Old Market area.

We strive for personal artistic growth and professionalism in presentation. The co-op is an artist run gallery. We offer the unique opportunity for you to actually meet the creator of the art, because the person at the desk is one of the artists. www.artistsco-opgallery.com (402) 342-9617

Great Gift Ideas

Artists’ Cooperative Gallery connecting local art & worldly wanderers since 1975

405 S. 11th Street in Omaha’s Old Market 402.342.9617

www.artistsco-opgallery.com

Open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.Tuesday through Thursday (open until 10 p.m. Thursdays Dec. 2, 9,16 and 23) 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday noon to 6 p.m. Sunday

38

DEC. 9 - 15 , 2010

| THE READER |

gift guide

Colorful glass artwork by local artists. “Elegance with a sense of Whimsy”. The White Crane Gallery features works by local and regional artists. Located in the Lower Passageway.

(402) 346-1066

Handmade Cornhusk Dolls from local Dundee artist make great gifts for the Husker fan in your life. Old Market Sundries offers Heartland Apparel, Nebraska-made Gifts, and Husker Items. www. oldmarketsundries.com (402) 345-8198

Cibola of Omaha invites you to “come discover your treasure”… embrace the best of the Southwest in Jewelry and Indian Art. Feel free to visit their location in Omaha at the Old Market . You’ll find legendary Native American designs along with contemporary Southwest designer jewelry pieces in gold and silver. www.cibolasouthwest.com 402-342-1200 Who wouldn’t want a gift certificate to Zio’s for Christmas?? Omaha’s original Handstretched New York Style Pizza. Serving Omaha and the surrounding area for 25 years and now with 3 locations Midtown, Downtown & West Omaha. Recipient of more than 25 best pizza awards!! www.ziospizzeria.com (402)3442222

This delightful Old Market Co-op Gallery offers original fine art in different media by local artists. At the Passageway Gallery you will find original works in: Oil, Acrylic, Watercolor, Pastel, Pencil, Scratchboard, Photography, Stained Glass, Sculpture, Pottery, Cast Paper, Copper Sculpture, and more. www.passagewaygallery.com (402) 341-1910

Unearth Exhilaration! At Urbane Salon and Day Spa we carry the full Aveda line of products for all your hair, body and skin care needs. Our Holiday Gift Sets are pre-arranged for easy holiday shopping. Try our “Unearth Exhilaration” set featuring Aveda’s full size Rosemary Mint Shampoo, Conditioner and Rosemary Mint Body Lotion. Gift sets can also be customized to create your own special gift. 1007 Farman on The Mall (402) 934-2909 $35 set

The Old Market’s Original Candy Shop, Since 1977. Every day we sell fresh fudge made with real cream and butter made in our own kitchen. www.oldmarketcandy.com (402) 341-7151

www.oldmarket.com A gift basket of product and gift card for a color and cut is the perfect gift for anyone on your list! Fringes Salon & Spa invites everyone to experience EDGEWORTHY™ — it will make you laugh and sometimes cry. We’re edgy, yet worthy and will always invite you to go beyond the fringe. www.fringessalon. com (402) 345-0404

The Old Market Artists Gallery (OMA) consists of thirteen professional local area artists. The gallery features a diverse collection of work, including original paintings, photography, collage and folk art, fine woodworking, functional ceramics, sculpture, fused glass and jewelry.

The gallery is located in the lower level of the Passageway across the hall from Trini’s Restaurant. www.oldmarketartists.com (402) 346-6569 Happy Holiday’s - Give the gift of HEALTH $50 value 1/2 price personal training session with world champion LAURA BINETTI. 24 Hour co-ed fitness center, training, thousands of locations. Anytime Fitness 1027 Jones Street Old Market Lofts www.anytimefitness.com (402) 991.2333

Moksha specializes in Indian Jewelry, Marble Art, Paintings, Wooden Icons, Tunics/Kurtis, Designer Bags & Purses, Silk & Pashmina Stoles and Scarves, Handicrafts, Silk & Wool Rugs, Cushion Covers and Incense Sticks and Candles. Located in the Lower Passageway.

(402) 871-0920

The Casbah is an oasis in Omaha, Nebraska that invites you to take a trip on the Mediterranean basin through its artifacts. The Casbah is located in the Lower Passageway. www.thecasbahomaha.com (402) 504-4777

Soul Desires is a full service bookstore specializing in books for your spiritual journey from the world’s major religious traditions. Soul Desires hospitality provides a quiet environment in which to relax and meet friends while you enjoy a cappuccino, coffee, tea, or soft drink. www.soul-desires.com (402) 898-7600

Largest selection of Jim Shore holiday crafts in Omaha. 25 Years of Celebrating Christmas in the Old Market!! Throughout the year, we carry decorative items that will become traditions for your enjoyment of this most joyous holiday. www.otannenbaum.com (402) 345-9627

Trocadéro is a lifestyle and accessories emporium located in the heart of Omaha’s Old Market historic district.

Trocadero’s shelves and tables are filled with an edited array of designer handbags, shoes and jewelry as well as gifts for the home, bridal or baby shower. www.shoptrocadero. com (402) 934-8389

The Souq offers a truly eclectic array of goods.

Contemporary, soft dressing and ethnic inspired clothing, accessories galore, fun and fabulous jewelry, home decor and gift items from the elegant to the absurd.

(402) 342-2972

Hello East. Meet America. Blue Sushi gives traditional sushi an American attitude. Do you like your sashimi, nigiri and maki straight up?

No problem. Want something a little different? We’ll entertain your palate with something unexpected, such as yamagobo or sea salt. Whatever your tastes, get ready for one innovative meal at Blue Sushi. www.bluesushisakegrill.com (402) 408-5566

Great Gift Ideas gift guide

| THE READER |

DEC. 9 - 15 , 2010

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THE HOLIDAYS ARE

For “Wow-where-did-you-findthat?” items, you have to see The Afternoon. This treasured local retailer has distinguished itself with a wide selection of eclectic gift ware, artwork and accessories for home and office.

Extended browsing is not only allowed; it’s encouraged! www.theafternoon.com

Stock up on food for any feast at Wohlner’s Neighborhood Grocery & Deli. Wohlner’s offers a full selection of affordably-priced groceries, fresh meat and produce, and an upscale wine/beer/ spirits department. Busy work schedule?

Need a break from the kitchen? Pop in for breakfast or lunch or grab one of Wohlner’s private label , heat-and-eat entrées. Need a caterer? Wohlner’s can help! www.wohlners.com

Raise the temperature this winter with Cantina Laredo and its authentic Mexican fare. The atmosphere is sophisticated; the menu exciting. Cantina Laredo offers daily fish specials as well as grilled chicken and steaks with signature sauces like chipotle-wine with Portobello mushrooms or sauteed artichoke hearts and roasted red bell peppers. www.cantinalaredo.com

Toast the holidays and the new year at Loft 610, an urban styled, upscale restaurant and lounge. The food is prepared fresh in-house everyday, and the mixologist bartenders make the most innovative cocktails in town. www.loft610.com

Dazzle your holiday company by serving baked delights from Délice European Bakery. A long-time Omaha favorite, Délice tantalizes with authentic European pastries, cookies and desserts made from scratch with the finest ingredients. www.deliceeuropeanbakery.com

Work off those holiday meals at Prairie Life Fitness. One of the nation’s leading operators of upscale health and fitness clubs, Prairie Life is “Fitness for the Entire Family”. They not only have adopted that as their slogan, but are strongly committed to providing services for and actively engaging their members in programs and activities for all ages and ability levels. www.prairielife.com PARLIAMENT PUB We call him Santa; at Parliament Pub, he’s Father Christmas. The holidays will rock at this English-themed pub which features live music, specialty cocktails, an extensive wine list, and a 140-seat patio overlooking beautiful Turner Park. Come for the atmosphere. Stay for the fun! www.parliamentpubomaha.com

Need a quick but quality bite between shopping and other errands? Ingredient is a fast casual restaurant with a gourmet flair. As the name suggests, all of the eatery’s salads, pizzas, hamburgers, desserts and more are made with only the freshest ingredients. www.ingredientrestaurant.com

Three Dog Bakery is the original, revolutionary bakery for dogs, the place for chef-inspired, oven-baked dog treats and dog food made with 100% all-natural, human-quality ingredients. The Midtown Crossing store also offers a wide variety of pet accessories including all-natural grooming products, bed, toys and pet clothing. Spaw services, too. www.threedogomaha.com

This holiday season everybody needs a unique style. Find the phone that suits your characteristic and tout the new look.

Hip. Cool. Classy. Trendy. From new phones to hip accessories Z Wireless has it all. www.gozwireless.com TRU SALON & SPA Perhaps you’re in the mood for a fresh hairstyle for the holidays or maybe you’re craving some time on the massage table. Whatever your need, the team at Tru Salon & Spa is set to exceed your expectations and provide an exceptional beauty experience. The salon floor boasts the area’s freshest talent, and when it’s time to relax, Tru’s massage, skin and nail care specialists are ready to rejuvenate. wwwtrusalonomaha.com

HERE! You don’t simply watch the latest holiday blockbuster at Marcus Midtown Cinema.

You experience it. Midtown Crossing’s five-screen theater boasts stadium seating; stateof-the-art digital projection and sound; and Omaha’s exclusive CineDine food-and-beverage service from the comfort of your theater seat. www.marcustheatres.com

After the movie, bring on the Glo! As in the classic cocktail lounge on the second floor at Midtown Cinema. Literally gloing with vibrant energy and light, this comfortably hip bar and lounge features comfy leather sofas and chairs, floor-toceiling etched glass panels, and a sleek video wall with flat screens. Specialty drinks, micro-brews, appetizers, live music too. www.glomidtown.com

The Grey Plume is an innovative restaurant that focuses on seasonallydriven contemporary American fare with an emphasis on locally-grown produce and livestock. Led by local culinary sensation Clayton Chapman, The Grey Plume emulates a farm-totable approach. www.thegreyplume.com

Have joy with the comfort of a sound financial plan for your loved ones with Callahan Financial Planning. Give a gift card that builds wealth - a prepaid financial plan from Omaha’s unique planning process free of sales people.

402.341.2000. wwww.callahanfp.com

Clean green.

Gather with friends and family at a restaurant where the cuisine, atmosphere and energy are second-to-none. CRAVE delivers on one simple promise to serve fresh and innovative cuisine along with an impeccable wine selection in a chic, casual and vibrant setting. www.craveamerica.com

Your holiday guests will thank you for booking them into the new Element Hotel by Westin. The hotel’s environmentally-friendly design and amenities promote balance, stimulate the senses and soothe the spirit. (You might even want to book a night for yourself.) www.elementomaha.com

Get your holiday finest looking its finest at Fashion Cleaners. Voted Omaha’s best dry cleaner for five consecutive years, Fashion Cleaners is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service and superior, environmentally-friendly cleaning and finishing with meticulous attention to detail. www.fashioncleaners.com

Some clothing gifts are destined to be returned. Not if they’re from ROC. A shopping experience like none other, ROC carries a wide range of premium brand apparel and accessories for men, women and children. www.rocintheweb.com

31st Ave and Farnam Street | 402.934.8860 | www.midtowncrossing.com Guide.indd 9 - 151 , 2010 40Full Page Giftdec.

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12/6/10 11:43:38 AM

tvtalk

“Wishful Drinking” (Sunday, 8 p.m., HBO). Like most people, I developed a crush on Carrie Fisher after seeing her as Princess Leia in Star Wars.

My crush faded over the years as Fisher made headlines for bad marriages, drug addiction and mental-health problems. Eventually, I stopped reading the headlines. In the one-woman show “Wishful Drinking,” Fisher tell us what happened to her and why. Most celebrities would deliver such confessions somberly, but Fisher takes a better approach: She turns her pain into cathartic comedy. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that Fisher has a way with words, given her career as an author. And I shouldn’t be surprised by her commanding screen presence, given her career as a movie star. Still, “Wishful” took me off guard with its wit and power. Her screwy celebrity parents, her troubled relationships, her mental-hospital stays – Fisher gains hilarious perspective on all these problems while charming her audience in matronly-girlfriend mode. My crush has returned.

— Dean Robbins

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Boyle’s 127 Hours deserves applause

by Ben Coffman

T

After a chance encounter with a couple of like-minded hikers (played by Kate Mara and Amber Tamblyn), Ralston separates from them and gleefully runs through the smooth-walled maze of canyons, running his soon-to-becrushed hand over the nearly flawless sandstone.

What follows is like something from a Jack London novel. While descending into a slot canyon, Ralston dislodges a large boulder, which falls and pins his arm. Ralston, in his selfish rush, hasn’t told anyone where he was going.

Franco portrays Ralston as a man constantly in motion, the blur of a high-speed life providing a respite from his flawed interpersonal relationships. When his hand is trapped, Ralston is forced

hose multi-tools sure do come in handy, don’t they? Okay, I swear that’s my last hand-related pun in reviewing Danny Boyle’s newest film 127 Hours. Boyle, the genius director who has brought us films as diverse as Trainspotting, 28 Days Later and 2008’s hugely popular Slumdog Millionaire, has again changed genres like some people change their shirts. This time, he’s appealing to the North Face quarterzip microfleece crowd, taking on Aron Ralston’s 2004 autobiography Between 127 hours a Rock and a Hard Place, the quintessential modern tale of survival — the real-life account of an adventurer who is forced to amputate his own arm after becoming trapped by a boulder in a slot canyon.

127 Hours begins in typical Danny Boyle fashion, with a three-way split screen of maddening crowds set to Free Blood’s rhythmic and repetitive “Never Hear Surf Music Again.” Next we meet Ralston, played by James Franco (Spider-Man, “General Hospital”), who is packing for a trip to Canyonlands, Utah.

His mother calls, but he doesn’t bother answering. Instead, he drives all night, camps and awakes the next morning ready to explore Bluejohn Canyon.

Film Streams at the Ruth Sokolof Theater 14th & Mike Fahey Street (formerly Webster Street) More info & showtimes 402.933.0259 · filmstreams.org Facebook & Twitter: /filmstreams

to examine his life decisions. Franco does a brilliant job depicting his character’s perseverance while physically wilting as the hours accumulate.

Because Ralston’s journey is largely internal, a documentary-style treatment would’ve bored the audience to tears. Instead, Boyle consistently engages the audience with highly stylized storytelling. The main character’s increasingly deranged state of mind allows Boyle to visually create a somber, moody delirium — one that sets the stage for his character’s epiphany. Boyle includes healthy doses of effects, strange camera angles (like from inside Ralston’s Nalgene bottle or his Camelbak) and split screens. In particular, Boyle’s use of music adds tension to a movie in which the entire audience walks in knowing what’s going to happen. The soundtrack again features A.R. Rahman (who won an Academy Award for his work on Slumdog Millionaire), as well as a sprinkling of music by Sigur Rós, Chopin and Dido.

Somehow the film’s bloody climax doesn’t seem excessive, although it was enough to cause a woman to collapse facedown outside of the theater during my screening, so the faint of heart (or those prone to fainting) should be warned. Visually and aurally engaging, 127 Hours is much more than the “guy that cut his arm off ” movie. It’s another great movie from a modern master. ,

GRADE: A-

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n If you’re a loyal Reader reader — and why wouldn’t you be, you bright and sexy person — you have undoubtedly heard all about writer/director Nik Fackler and his darling, locally shot indie film Lovely, Still. Well, our little boy is “all grown up,” as Fackler was just nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay. The awards ceremony will be shown on the IFC Channel Feb. 26, and will be hosted by my personal patron saint of snarkiness, Joel McHale. But Fackler doesn’t need a trophy to be pumped; as he states on his personal site (nikfackler.com) “I’m so f***ing stoked to be nominated” before thanking his friends and suggesting “let’s get drunk and go sledding soon.” I believe Dame Judy Dench celebrated her various nominations in the same manner.

If you haven’t seen it, Lovely, Still is available from Netflix streaming, so you have no good excuse. Congrats Fackler, and I hope you wear the appropriate headgear whilst sledding. n Testing your circulation, Film Streams at the Ruth Sokolof Theater (filmstreams.org) will spend Dec. 10-16 unspooling Carlos, a film with a running time of seven days. I’m kidding, of course; it’s only a mere 329 minutes, which is longer than some of my previous relationships. The film was originally a French TV miniseries but was sewed and stitched together into one giant epic that explores the notorious terrorist Carlos the Jackal.

His nickname is way cooler than mine: Ryan the Easily Impressed. The film will be shown with an intermission for weaklings, but feel free to really see what your bladder is capable of.

— Ryan Syrek

cuttingroom

Give Him a Hand

film

Cutting Room provides breaking local and national movie news … complete with added sarcasm. Send any relevant information to film@thereader.com. Check out Ryan on the radio on CD 105.9 (Fridays at around 7:30 a.m.), on his blog at thereader.com/film/ C19 and on Twitter (twitter.com/thereaderfilm).

This Week Carlos

First-Run (NR) Directed by Olivier Assayas One week only! December 10-16 The complete version - regular ticket price includes all three parts.

“AN EPIC ACHIEVEMENT... A textbook case of the total immersion that one can enjoy only in a theatrical setting.” —Wall Street Journal

More info & showtimes at filmstreams.org.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest First-Run (R) Directed by Daniel Alfredson Ends Thursday, December 16

Great Directors: Chaplin

Monsieur Verdoux 1947 Friday, December 10 - Thursday, December 16

“One of the cinema’s immortal masterworks.” —The New Yorker

film

The Met: Live in HD

Don Carlo Verdi Live: Saturday, December 11, 11:30am* Encore: Wednesday, December 15, 6pm

*Prelude Talk by Opera Omaha beginning at 10:30am (Sat, Dec 11).

Coming Soon:

Black Swan First-Run (R) Directed by Darren Aronofsky Starts Friday, December 17!

| THE READER |

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DVD Discovery: Alice Creed does a lot with a little

by Justin Senkbile

Y

WIn screenIng Passes

Visit thereader.com and sign-up for a chance to win an advance screening pass (admits 2) to

screening is on Thursday, December 16 at 7:30 p.m.

ou know the feeling you get at the peak of a suspenseful scene? At the breathless moment where you’re waiting for the inevitable gunshot, the doom-laden footsteps or the damning, climactic line of dialogue?

That simultaneously delightful and miserable squirminess? Well if you’re into that — and who isn’t, at least a little? — writer/director J Blakeson’s The Disappearance of Alice Creed is a movie alice creed you must see. It’s not just suspenseful; it comes close to being a suspense overdose.

There are three characters in Alice Creed: Vic (Eddie Marsan), Danny (Martin Compston) and, of course, Alice (Gemma Arterton). There is literally no supporting cast. As for settings, the whole film takes place in maybe four or five rooms (including the back of a van) and a few bleak, open-air spaces.

So in every technical sense, this is a very small movie.

But what Blakeson creates in 96 minutes with the above-mentioned ingredients is huge and impressive; it is a movie so dependent on surprises that to say much about it might give too much away. On the surface, this is a thriller about a kidnapping. But just underneath the genre trappings lies an intimate study of three people driven by a lethal cocktail of fear, desperation and illusion.

It’s aware of and faithful to those genre trappings though, which is what makes it so ridicu-

reportcard READER RECOMMENDS

UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND PARAMOUNT PICTURES PRESENT IN ASSOCIATION WITH RELATIVITY MEDIA A TRIBECA/EVERYMAN PICTURES PRODUCTION A PAULWEITZ FILM BARBRA STREISAND WILSON BLYTHE DANEDNITEDER TERI POLO JESSICA ALBA LAURA DERN DUSTIN HOFFMAN ROBERT DENIRO BEN STILLER OWEN PRODUCTION COSTUME “LITTLE FOCKERS” ORIGINAL SCORE BY STEPHEN TRASK DESIGNER MOLLY MAGINNIS BY GREG HAYDEN LESLIE JONES ACE MYRON KERSTEIN DESIGNER WILLIAM ARNOLD EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY REMI ADEFARASIN BSC PRODUCERS NANCY TENENBAUM DANIEL LUPI MEGHAN LYVERS ANDREW MIANO RYAN KAVANAUGH PRODUCED BASED ON CHARACTERS

BY JANE ROSENTHAL ROBERT DE NIRO JAY ROACH JOHN HAMBURG CREATED BY GREG GLIENNA & MARY RUTH CLARKE WRITTEN DIRECTED

BY JOHN HAMBURG AND LARRY STUCKEY

BY PAUL WEITZ A UNIVERSAL PICTURE SOUNDTRACK ON BACK LOT MUSIC AND VARÈSE SARABANDE RECORDS

Passes are available on a first-come, first-served basis. One pass per person. Each pass admits 2. NO PurchasE NEcEssary. Employees of all promotional partners and their agencies are not eligible.

© 2010 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS AND DW STUDIOS LLC

In TheaTers December 22 42

dec. 9 - 15 , 2010

| THE READER |

film

Fair Game B A reminder that a few years back, nothing was fair and everybody lost.

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest D Kicking out quick adaptations is like kicking a hornet’s nest; eventually, you get stung.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 BLet’s not say the magic is fading, let’s say it is time for the final abracadabra.

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lously entertaining. Visually, it has little in common with film noir, but those dark and gritty old movies are where Alice Creed’s heart lies. This thing is as hard-boiled as they come: almost gleefully nihilistic. In fact, Alice Creed is so dark and intense so often that it almost gets annoying. If every nail-biting scene hadn’t been done so well, it’d be a one-trick pony.

Marsan, who’s been popping up everywhere in the last few years (including the Red Riding trilogy and Mike Leigh’s Happy-Go-Lucky) is the most powerful presence, with his steely, beady eyes and gloomy mug. But Compston holds his own as Vic’s partner, nervous and boyish, sort of like an English Edward Norton.

For anyone unlucky enough to have seen this summer’s Clash of the Titans, you’ll be glad to find that Arterton’s role in this movie is actually taken seriously by the filmmakers, and that she’s pretty talented.

Sure, Alice is the victim, but she’s arguably as twisted and fallible as her captors.

Bonus features on the DVD are sparse, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as details of funding struggles and the like sometimes dilute the magic of the film itself. If anything, the lack of supplements certainly adds to the mystique of a director who uses only one letter for his first name. One bonus scene and one extended scene are all that’s offered, and there isn’t anything terribly interesting in either.

But the movie itself is what’s important, of course. And trust me, when you see Alice Creed, you’ll wonder why you’ve never heard of it before and, most of all, why movies can’t always be this good. ,

GRADE: A Inception (ON DVD) A+ A masterpiece worthy of the Louvre and all of your moneys.

Love and Other Drugs Even in animated form, Will Ferrell walks the line of

B-

Megamind Take one Hathaway and one Gyllenhaal and call us the morning after.

B-

Red AARP-sponsored carnage, with added Malkovich.

B

Bowled Over Huskers lose Big 12

by Mike Babcock

A

minute and a half into the second quarter of the Big 12 championship game, Nebraska safety Courtney Osborne intercepted a Landry Jones pass and returned the ball to the Oklahoma 12-yard line. As Osborne went down, the Sooners’ Ryan Broyles stripped the ball.

Oklahoma’s offense returned to the field, and even snapped the ball. But before the snap, Nebraska had taken a 30-second timeout, during which coach Bo Pelini decided to challenge the call. The ruling of an Osborne fumble and Broyles’ recovery was overturned.

Two plays and a Sooner penalty later, the Huskers’ Rex Burkhead passed to Kyler Reed for 5 yards and a touchdown. With 12:14 remaining in the half, Nebraska led 17-0.

Oh, the possibilities …

With a victory would have come a BCS bowl bid, specifically one from the Fiesta Bowl. The Huskers haven’t played in a BCS bowl since 2001, a 37-14 Rose Bowl loss to Miami.

With a victory, Nebraska would have had its first conference championship since 1999.

With a victory, the Huskers would have finished a traditional rivalry with Oklahoma that went back to 1921 and was renewed every season from 1928 to 1997, when it ended on an annual basis because of the Big 12’s two-ontwo-off cross-divisional scheduling.

A better script couldn’t have been written for Nebraska’s final Big 12 game.

By halftime, however, the Huskers’ lead was only 20-17. And the three points on Alex Henery’s 42-yard

field goal to regain the lead with 6 seconds remaining would be their last.

Instead of discussing Nebraska’s first 11-win season since 2001, Pelini had to explain a 23-20 loss. And the first question in the obligatory post-game news conference, losing team first, set the tone: Had the decision to start Taylor Martinez at quarterback been the right one?

“Yes,” Pelini replied.

Why was it the right one?

“Because he’s our starting quarterback,” said Pelini.

“And he was healthy.”

Martinez didn’t exactly play as if he were healthy, hence the follow-up question. But then, Nebraska’s offense in general seemed to be ailing, particularly in the second half.

The symptoms were reflected in the final statistics.

Among them, the Huskers fumbled five times, losing three. Martinez threw a critical interception. And he was sacked seven times.

“I thought we had our opportunities,” Pelini said.

“We didn’t get it done.”

The loss certainly couldn’t be placed on the officiating, a hot topic following Nebraska’s 9-6 loss at Texas A&M two weeks before. The Huskers were penalized only three times for 15 yards, both Big 12 championship game lows.

And as the sequence early in the second quarter illustrated, they benefited from the review of a disputed play.

As in its other two losses (both against South Division opponents) Nebraska played well enough defensively to win. Though Jones completed 23-of-41 passes for 342 yards and a touchdown, the Sooners averaged only 2.9 yards per rush and converted only 1-of-16 third downs.

Linebacker Lavonte David was credited with 17 tackles, tying a championship game record. And defensive tackle Jared Crick sacked Jones twice during the second

half, the second on the drive that produced the winning points, on a 27-yard field goal with 8:28 remaining.

Still, the Huskers would have three possessions after that. On the second, they reached the Oklahoma 39-yard line, within Henery’s field goal range. But on third-and-8 from the 39, Martinez was sacked, trying to make a play.

He fumbled but recovered at the 50.

A team “can’t take a sack in that situation,” said Pelini.

Now, Oklahoma will represent the Big 12 in the Fiesta Bowl, against Big East representative Connecticut, while Nebraska will play Washington in the Holiday Bowl.

Yes, the Huskers beat Washington 56-21 at Seattle in mid-September. Yes, they’re scheduled to play Washington again next September. And yes, they played in the Holiday Bowl a year ago.

Speculation was that a loss to Oklahoma would put Nebraska in the Insight Bowl against Iowa, an attractive match-up based on geography, enhanced by Husker alumni in the Phoenix area.

Nebraska fans will consider relegating the Huskers to a rematch with Washington in the same bowl to which they traveled last December a final slap in the face by the conference, of course. But Nebraska controlled its own destiny. And when the Huskers took the 17-0 lead against Oklahoma, they seemed well on their way to bringing in the new year in Glendale, Ariz.

When Pelini was asked about the level of disappointment, his answer was as justified as it was predictable. “It’s pretty obvious what the level of disappointment is,” he said. “We came in here to win the Big 12 Championship.

We didn’t get it done. The kids are hurting.

“It’s a pretty obvious question, isn’t it?”

And so it was. ,

thejump

sports

n Despite all the Twitter vitriol the name change from Royals to Storm Chasers appears to be working. The team announced a 475 percent increase in merchandise sales for November. Good enough to place Omaha in the top five in merchandise sales among all Minor League Baseball teams for the month.

Not bad considering the team announced the change Nov. 15. If you want some of that new Chasers gear, the last Holiday Sale at Rosenblatt Stadium — and likely your last chance to get into the stadium — runs Dec. 10-13. On your way, pick up a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the Open Door Mission’s Project Santa and you can score a free Rosenblatt poster. n It’s early but so far the Civic Auditorium hasn’t been quite the snake pit for opposing teams the Omaha Vipers brass likely hoped for.

After winning their debut on the road against Missouri, the Vipers lost three straight at home, the latest an 8-6 loss to the Milwaukee Wave Dec. 2.

But if you’re thinking about taking in a game, don’t let the home record deter you. I went to the home opener and, while I had a few dusty memories of watching the Chicago Sting play on Sports Channel Chicago ages ago, I came away pretty satisfied with my first true Major Indoor Soccer League experience. n In case you haven’t noticed, Doug McDermott is pretty good at basketball. The Creighton freshman — mandatory acknowledgement that he’s the coach’s son here — won the Missouri Valley Conference’s Newcomer of the Week honor three straight weeks and will likely pick up his fourth award this week after putting up 20 points and 12 rebounds against 21st ranked BYU Dec. 1.

McDermott ranks third in the conference in scoring and leads the MVC in free throw shooting because, as of Dec. 2, he hadn’t missed one. That’s another stat that requires me to tell you he’s a coach’s son.

— Brandon Vogel The Jump takes you behind the local headlines. Email jump@thereader.com and look for daily updates at twitter.com/brandonlvogel.

CREIGHTON Welcome to Our House!

MEN’S BASKETBALL

u Saturday, Dec. 11 @ 7:05 p.m.

Creighton vs. Saint Joseph’s

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

u Saturday, Dec. 18 @ 7:35 p.m.

Creighton vs. North Dakota State Men’s basketball home games played at Qwest Center Omaha (10th & Cass St.) Women’s basketball home games played at the Ryan Athletic Center/D.J. Sokol Arena (19th & Webster St.)

Tickets: 280-JAYS

FRIDAY 12/10 vs. CHICAGO RIOT 7:05PM FRIDAY 12/31 vs. BALTIMORE BLAST 2:05PM *NOTE: Mexican Nat’l Indoor Team game on 12/12 rescheduled for FEB. ALL HOME GAMES PLAYED AT THE OMAHA CIVIC AUDITORIUM 20TH & CAPITOL

WWW.GOCREIGHTON.COM

sports

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Fool’s Gold

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he collapse of the economy in 2008 might have reached the far corners of Earth, but evidently not to Planet Calypso, the make-believe asteroid containing make-believe real estate in the multiplayer online game Entropia Universe, where resort entrepreneur Jon Jacobs recently cashed out his properties for $635,000 — in real (not make-believe) U.S. dollars.

Since Jacobs’ original 2005 investment was $100,000 (a record at that time), he thus earned an average 35 percent annual return. As players landed on Jacobs’ properties, to hunt or to mine precious substances, they paid fees, and Jacobs’ buyers are obviously optimistic they can maintain that income stream.

8/30/2010 11:30:53 AM study by the marketing firm A recent In-Stat estimated that online players will spend $7 billion in 2010 on make-believe property and goods.

uwmidlands.org

1.75_bwAD_A_2010.indd 1

Government in Action

In September, the U.K.’s coalition government announced the imminent consolidation of antidiscrimination laws known as the Equality Act — despite critics’ warnings that it could stunt economic growth by tying up the workplace in a morass of lawsuits in which workers could sue for almost any perceived offense. Under the new concept of “third-party harassment,” for example, an employee who merely overhears another person — even a customer of his employer — say something he finds offensive could sue the employer.

— In October, Freddie Mac (the governmentsponsored but privately owned home mortgage financier whose massive debts have been assumed in a federal “bailout” administered by the Treasury Department) filed a claim in Tax Court against the Internal Revenue Service, denying IRS’s claim that

it owes $3 billion in back taxes from 1998-2005.

Should taxpayers care? If Freddie Mac wins, IRS (which is also housed in the Treasury Department) loses out on the $3 billion in alleged back taxes. If IRS wins, it gets its $3 billion, which will undoubtedly be paid with taxpayer bailout money. Lawyers for both sides seem to think that pursuing the lawsuit is important.

— After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast in 2005, Congress underwrote $7.9 billion in tax-free bonds that Louisiana could sell in order to rehabilitate the area. According to an August status report in Newsweek, $5.9 billion in bonds were sold by the state, but only $55 million of that (1 percent) is for projects inside New Orleans, and none in the devastated Lower Ninth Ward. By contrast, $1.7 billion (about 29 percent) is going to projects that benefit the state’s oil industry.

Great Art!

One of New York City’s (midtown Manhattan’s) favorite meet-up spots, according to an October report in The New York Times, is Colombian artist Fernando Botero’s 12-foot-tall “Adam” statue at Time Warner Center. However, since Adam is nude and the statue is so pedestrian-friendly, maintaining it has become a problem, according to the center’s general manager. As the Times described it, “Most of Adam is deep dark brown,” but the easily accessible penis “is worn golden from extensive handling.”

— Artist Noam Braslavsky’s life-size sculpture honoring the great Israeli army general and prime minister Ariel Sharon went on display in Tel Aviv in October. However, Braslavsky chose to depict Sharon (who he said is “kind of an open nerve in Israeli society”) not in battle nor as international statesman, but in his hospital bed,

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weird news

COPYRIGHT 2010 CHUCK SHEPHERD. Visit Chuck Shepherd daily at NewsoftheWeird.blogspot.com or NewsoftheWeird.com. Send Weird News to WeirdNewsTips@yahoo.com or P.O. Box 18737, Tampa, FL 33679.

Illustrations by Tom Briscoe (smallworldcomics.com).

where he has been confined, in a medically induced coma, since suffering a massive stroke in January 2006.

Police Report

Sheriff ’s deputies in Manatee County, Fla., arrested two men in October after a traffic stop when, following a thorough search of the car’s trunk, they found marijuana. In fact, the search of the messy trunk was so thorough that they also turned up a bong, which driver Mark Fiasco said he’d lost and tried to find for seven years.

— Responding to a domestic dispute call at the I-77 Motor Inn in Fairplain, W.Va., in October, sheriff ’s deputies encountered Melissa Williams naked from the waist down and holding a knife. Two men in the room (one, her estranged husband) said Williams threatened them.

“Somebody,” she reportedly said, “is going to eat my (vulgar anatomical reference) or I’m going to cut your (expletive) throat.” The sheriff ’s report also noted that one of the men approached Williams to comply but was repelled by Williams’ “horrible vaginal odor.” In November, Williams was sentenced to 90 days in jail.

— Irresistible: In September, Detroit Mayor Dave Bing appointed Ralph Godbee police chief, a job he had held on an interim basis for several months. Godbee had ascended to the job when Warren Evans was fired for, among other things, having an affair with a subordinate, Lt. Monique Patterson. Before turning to Evans, Patterson had had an affair with Godbee, also.

Guilt-Ridden New Jersey

When law enforcement officials staged a “Safe Surrender” program in Franklin, N.J., in No-

vember (inviting fugitives to give up in exchange for lighter punishment), 3,900 came in over four days, but it turned out that 550 of them were not wanted on any warrant. Said a parole officer, “For some people, this seemed to be a way to check.” A few days later, in Wayne, N.J., hospital pharmacy manager Leonardo Zoppa, 34, was summoned to a meeting with the hospital’s security director but arrived noticeably nervous, inquired about the agenda, and eventually volunteered that it was he who had set up that secret surveillance camera in a men’s rest room — and that he has “a problem.”

The security director said he was taken aback because the only purpose of the meeting was to advise Zoppa of routine security code changes.

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INVITES YOU AND A GUEST TO A SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING OF

A News of the Weird Classic (February 2006)

Dave “The Dragon” Lockwood and his tournament-tested sons Max, 16, Jon, 13, and Ben, 10, of Silver Spring, Md., might become to competitive tiddlywinks what the Manning family of quarterbacks is to football, according to a January (2006) Washington Post story. Dave was previously ranked No. 1 in the English Tiddlywinks Association (and is currently No. 8, with Max No. 52). “Tiddlywinks doesn’t sound very serious,” said Max, but “there’s so much strategy.” (For the uninformed: You mash a “squidger” down on a “wink” to propel it either into the “pot” or to “squop” it onto an opponent’s wink to temporarily disable it.) Dave said he plans to get Britain’s Prince Philip, a winker, to suggest tiddlywinks as a demonstration “sport” at London’s 2012 Summer Olympics. ,

11th & Harney In the Old Market

JOIN US AT

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, BEGINNING AT 5:30 P.M. Passes are available on a first-come first-served basis. While supplies last. No purchase necessary. Limit two admit-one passes per person. Employees of participating sponsors are ineligible. Arrive early! Seating is first come, first-served, except for members of the reviewing press. Theatre is overbooked to ensure a full house. Theatre is not responsible for overbooking. Seating is not guaranteed. Rated PG-13 for some intense sequences of western violence including disturbing images.

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45

planetpower w ee k l y

H

h oroscopes

ere comes/goes Mercury retrograde until Dec. 30. Simply put, anything started after Dec. 30 has a better chance of succeeding than anything initiated before. Communication is a key to joint human endeavors and during such times as these clear, succinct communication often appears questionable or lacking.

Vacation until 2011 to better enjoy your upcoming New Year. Tell them it’s your Astrologer’s advice. There are no mistakes. Peace & Love Shall Conquer All. — MOJOPOPlanetPower.com i SAGITTARIUS (11.23-12.21) Hold yer horses, Pardner. You’ve got a month and a half until you (should) make your move. Sit back and see yer pardners are playin’ you? They think you’re dreamin’ (and you are). Find out who’s really playin’ on yer side. Remember, after 50 you’ve only got time for the people on yer side. It’s never too early to tighten up, that’s what the first 49 are for.

You’ll know everything after these next six moons, by next June 15’s total lunar eclipse in yer sign, Pardner. j CAPRICORN (12.22-1.20) Hold on, hold up, hold over, hold ’em. You don’t have to play. You don’t have to answer the phone. They want the real you anyway and you’re just not there. The deck is being shuffled and you’ll be dealt some great cards Jan. 19-24. There are some BIG HANDS out there looking for a home? Please, take the next three weeks off to meditate before the same three weeks fake you out. Trust me. Wait for the WINNERS. k AQUARIUS (1.21-2.19) You’ll have to wait until Spring to hear the robins sing. Until then meditate. The Straight will use lessons of music, harmony and diplomacy to relate. The Wild will sponsor their fantastic, imaginative invention with unusual/usual intention.

What and how BIG can you dream? Yours is the sign of making dreams into being. Prove it this coming Spring.

First you must dream. l PISCES (2.20-3.20) You have until April before you enter your own dreamworld of oblivion, your Ocean of Emotion, your dance of transcendence. Like Shiva and Kali you’ll find two roads to oblivion and they both end up at the same place where time (Saturn) means nothing and space (Jupiter) is just a memory of what used to be.

See me, hear me, feel me, be me — whoever that happens, this short lifetime, to be. GOD is a verb. a ARIES (3.21-4.20) Moonday, Dec. 13 goes BOOM in the afternoon! First the Moon conjuncts the unusual, eccentric and bizarre planet Uranus, then retrograde Mercury conjuncts Pluto, then Mercury conjuncts Mars followed by Mars conjunct Pluto. There’s got to be a Scorpio in the woodpile? It’s business (Capricorn), BIG busine$$ (Pluto) in the future (mid January). Make sure it’s for the “good of the people” as your ruler Mars, pulls into the sign of altruism (Aquarius) from then until the end of February. b TAURUS (4.21-5.20) Your new philosophy is set for rebirth the first week in January. Can you admit (at least to yourself ) who you really are? You must love yourself

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dec. 9 - 15 , 2010

| THE READER |

mojo

b y

mo j opo

first, but not too much? But how can you love yourself too much if love is eternal and limitless? Confused?

Maybe there are several types of love? And what, may I ask, supersedes love? Read the last word of this article below. A Scorpio or a review from some sexxxy ex-ie removes the hexie that affects thee! POOF! You’re cured.

The spell is broken. The MOJO has spoken … c GEMINI (5.21-6.21) It’s your turn to walk us through this coming confusion. Take a toehold on some old gold for an economic infusion. Bought and/or sold, the key will be a regenerating Scorpion for thee, and the ho$t $hould prove to be a timeworn Capricorn? Do your homework and trust no one, not even yourself. Mistakes abound! The Fool Killer’s coming … d CANCER (6.22-7.22) June Cancers search for answers. Let the world spin on its own for a spin or two.

Time to talk across the table with the BIG MONEY, if you’re able. (Your ideas, their cake? If you don’t ask … ?) Who comes to mind? Give it a month to mature (key word) and quit complaining all the time. How does the MOJO know, Joe? e LEO (7.23-8.22) Thirteen years ago you experienced some unusual opposition? Maybe psychological?

Maybe your Dad? An Aquarius or somehow strange person entered your world in or around February 1997?

Hey, that’s right after I joined The Reader, and there’s no one StarrrrrRRRRanger than me? You’re in your element, but Mercury is retrograde conjunct Pluto, Mars and the North Node in early Capricorn exciting your theoretical 6th House of work and health. Give it three weeks in those areas then make your move. f VIRGO (8.23-9.22) Please read Gemini. You’ll remember who you are in a week. No, I mean who you REALLY are, beyond this lifetime. When you read Planet Power next week you’ll know of what I speak. We have all been here (or someplace like it?) before. Your turn to remember. You’ll have a while to sort through the images. I’ll coax you back, Kimosabe. Maybe that was before your time? g LIBRA (9.23-10.22) Please read Taurus, of “chorus.”

They’re the lips and you’re the hips. They provide the vocal melody and your dance-motivated rhythm defines the possibility of harmony. We’re transiting Sagittarius, the sign of the Composer. Time to start some new art from the heart? “Let Venus Come Between Us.” That’s my song for Libra on ZODIAC. Now, I showed you mine … h SCORPIO (10.23-11.22) So sad you didn’t make it to the printed page last week. Were you scared? Loyal fans who checked the website were able to align their fears through the efforts of Planet Power’s lovely dear Web Mistress, Star. Also through her efforts, we can more fully inform the Astrologically curious with 20,000 or so tidbits of Cosmic Debris for the year ahead, expanded beyond The Reader’s format. We’ll have it for you (Inshallah) in the Jan. 6 issue. Until then let’s strive for COMPLETION. ,

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