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Home - Culture
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Creative Connection - |
September 5 kicks off inaugural Omaha Creative Week
By Jill K. Bruckner
If inspiration knows no bounds, then Omaha Creative Week is set to amp up ingenuity by connecting the metro’s thinkers, doers, seekers and innovators.
“It’s a pretty big endeavor, and it only works if the whole community is involved,” said Joe Olsen, one of Omaha Creative Week’s caretakers and founders, of the inaugural event’s scope. |
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Style Savvy - |
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I can’t remember the exact year I started using anti-wrinkle cream. I think it was my sophomore year of high school, at 15. I remember reading in a magazine that Kirsten Dunst’s agent recommended she start using ReVive Intensite anti wrinkle Serum at 17 if she wanted any kind of “career longevity.” It’s the most intense anti-wrinkle cream on the market, costing $600+ an OUNCE. (I’m not kidding, look it up). Cue my obsessive paranoia with premature aging. The media instills from an early age that youth is a woman’s greatest attribute. They say a leopard can’t change its spots, but what about a cougar? |
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Study Abroad - |
UNL student Mitch Smith tells of amazing undergrad opportunity
By Jill Bruckner
When UNL student Mitch Smith entered Pulitzer Prize winner Nicholas Kristof’s 2010 Win a Trip with Nick contest, he didn’t expect such a positive outcome. After all, the 10-day excursion to Africa seemed out of reach for this Nebraska-based, university sports writer. No matter: Smith won the trip. |
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Mix and Mesh - |
For men and women, Mesh rocks
story and photos by Niamh Murphy
It’s been a year since Mesh first opened the doors of its funky boutique at the Shops Of Legacy, bestowing its trendy, west coast, rock ‘n’ roll styles to Omaha. Mesh offers an impressive range of women’s and men’s clothing apparel, shirts, accessories and shoes but their main specialty is in the hottest styles and trends of designer jeans. |
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Good in the 'Hood - |
Saturday is a beautiful day in two local neighborhoods
By Brent Crampton
Some great things are happening this Saturday in two of Omaha’s communities. So good that The Reader decided to cover both, so that you might decide to make a day of it and check out the two occasions. We’re talking about North Downtown Day and Farnam Festival both celebrations of communities on the rise. |
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Mixed Media: Art News - |
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* The Bemis Underground’s second Saturday supper, slated for Aug. 14, will also include the unveiling of Omaha’s first and only Art-o-Mat, which I’ve written about on my blog, Week 52, and here. Art-o-Mats are refurbished vintage cigarette machines that vend you guessed it art. Omaha artist Scott Blake worked to bring the machine to the city, and his work, along with that of local artists Mike Scheef, who created screen prints of mini wrestlers, and Kelly Rush, who made ceramic key chains, will have work in the machine. |
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Booked: Litereary News - |
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Poet Leonard Cirino will offer multiple readings in Lincoln this week as part of Outsider Arts Month. His first appearance will be at the Writers Workshop at the F St. Rec Center Wednesday at 5 p.m., then at the Indigo Bridge Bookstore at 7th and P at 7 p.m. Thursday, and the Sheldon Art Galley on the UNL Campus at 5:30 p.m. Friday, with a reception following at 7:30 p.m. Cirino is the author of 20 chapbooks and 14 full-length collections of poetry since 1987 from numerous small presses. He lives in Springfield, Oregon. |
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Conspiracy Theory - |
National tour in support of RNC 8 stops in Omaha
By Jesse D. Stanek
The RNC 8 is a group of eight individuals who were organizing against the 2008 Republican National Convention, held in the Twin Cities. The individuals: Luce Guillen-Givins, Max Specktor, Nathanael Secor, Eryn Trimmer, Monica Bicking, Erik Oseland, Robert Czernik and Garrett Fitzgerald, were subsequently arrested and charged with felonies. On August 30, 2008, shortly ahead of the convention, the Ramsey County, Minnesota Sheriff’s Department executed search warrants on three houses, seizing personal and household items. Five of the RNC 8 were arrested that day and the remaining three were brought into custody within the following three days. |
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Booked - |
Omaha’s Linda Boatright was recognized for her entry in the Western category of this year’s Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest, an annual competition for writing the world’s worst opening sentence to an imaginary novel.
The competition that began in 1982 at San Jose State University and is named after Victorian novelist Edward George Earl Bulwer-Lytton, the man who gave us “It was a dark and stormy night.”
Her winning Western sentence: “He walked into the bar and bristled when all eyes fell upon him perhaps because his build was so short and so wide, or maybe it was the odor that lingered about him from so many days and nights spent in the wilds, but it may just have been because no one had ever seen a porcupine in a bar before.” |
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Fashion Slave - |
Runway Boutique is a stylish women’s clothing boutique on the northwest corner of 123rd and Center. Trendy and fashionable clothing, handbags and accessories at affordable prices fill this store. If you want to look runway ready, this is your fashion stop for the latest “just in” styles.
Studs, sequencings, lace and any embellishment are must-haves this season, and the Coveted Clothing leopard print dress/tunic (pictured below; $49.95) is a must with its silver beaded trim. Leopard print seems to reinvent itself every season and is always in vogue! So show off those summer legs with some heels and wear this pink and shimmery grey piece as a mini-dress out on the town, to give that sexy, fierce but feminine look, or as a tunic with a pair of the newest Big Star jeans for a head-turning look both day and night. |
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Choose Kate Over Gwyneth - |
Are actresses replacing supermodels?
by Jessica Hill
If fashion is your religion, Vogue is your Bible. Believers follow (sometimes blindly) the word of Anna Wintour’s gospel. When it comes to following the teachings of Vogue, I’m nothing short of devout. But lately, I’ve been having some doubts.
It’s become somewhat of a tradition that I spend the first Sunday of every month at my local Barnes and Noble, pouring over Vogue’s latest issue. Last month’s cover featured “Gossip Girl”’s Blake Lively. French actress Marion Cotillard graced the cover of this month’s issue. Who will it be next month? Google saved me from having to ponder the question for another three weeks. The answer, it seems, is Gwyneth Paltrow. Is it just my imagination, or is there some kind of reoccurring theme here? I swear to Tom Ford, if I see one more actress on the cover of American Vogue I’m converting to the Women’s Wear Daily trade journal. |
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Youth in Revolt - |
Pre-teens and the
fashion scene
by Jessica Hill
There is a strange paradox among those of us in our mid 20s. We are terrified of losing our youth, yet we expect all the freedoms of a financially independent, self-sufficient adult. It’s not uncommon these days, it seems, to want all the perks of getting older but none of the downside. Some of you may have a typical case of “Peter Pan Syndrome,” with symptoms including sweaty palms, increased heart rate, paranoia and an unsettling feeling in the pit of one’s stomach at the mere mention of an overly successful adolescent. Seeing young people succeed is just another reminder that you’re 23 and still living in a college dorm with no real career prospects in sight. And by you I mean me. These symptoms are only aggravated by my unhealthy obsession with fashion and the world of modeling, where the average age for retirement is 19 and a career hits its peak at 15 years old. |
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Fashion Slave - |
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Francesca’s Collections is a quaint little boutique in the heart of Village Pointe Shopping Center. It is packed with fashion-forward clothing and accessories. Their gift items, apparel, home accessories and jewelry reflect the most fashionable styles and authentic vintage looks from all over the world. There is no need to keep boutique hopping for that ‘something unique’ because you will surely find it here, as there are eye-catching finds in every nook and cranny. |
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Booked - |
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New York Times bestselling author MaryJanice Davidson will be at the Oak View Barnes & Noble store this Tuesday, July 6, to sign copies of her latest book, Undead and Unfinished. The ninth book in her “Undead” series (Undead and Unpopular, Undead and Unemployed, Undead and Unappreciated, etc.), The Southwest Florida News-Press lauded Davidson for her “smart, sarcastic, frequently profane, and manically inventive” heroine Betsy Taylor. The event starts at 7 p.m. |
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The Skinny on Men's Fashion - |
World’s tops designers showcase latest trends
by Jessica Hill
It’s an inconvenient truth, when it comes to fashion: men are rarely as concerned or as enthusiastic as ladies about what they put on in the morning. It seems that, stylistically, men are divided into three categories: 1) The fashionably misguided they buy their clothes five sizes too big, and still sag their jeans over the age of 30, 2) The fashionably aloof there is no discernable difference between what they wear to bed and what they wear to dinner, or 3) The fashionably overzealous code for an όber-metrosexual on crack.
I hate to be pessimistic, but if your man falls into either of the first two categories, it could be too late for him. For the third group, however, I believe there’s hope.
The fashionably overzealous guy is trying too hard, but at least he’s trying; which means when it comes to dressing himself, he’s probably willing to learn. But who’s going to teach him? How about Calvin, Giorgio and Karl for starters?
Last week was the most important of the year for men’s fashion. The crθme de la crθme of menswear designers gathered in Milan to showcase fall fashions. Let them help you to help your man.
It started Saturday, June 19, with shows by the likes of Calvin Klein, Burberry and Versace. Prada, Roberto Cavalli and Emporio Armani showcased their new designs June 20, while Gucci and a host of others displayed their works Monday and Tuesday, June 21 and 22. Following are important trends of the forthcoming season:
Skinny jeans are the past decade’s most popular. Versace and Armani take the men’s skinny jean one step further by introducing (brace yourselves): the men’s jegging. I’m serious. Men’s denim “jean leggings” were all over the runway last week, complete with elastic waistbands. That third group of “fashionably overzealous” guys may be the only ones daring enough to try this trend (I told you they were good for something). For the less adventurous, the basic military look is still going strong. Tailored and fitted Army fatigue-style jackets were introduced several seasons ago but are back in full swing while safari-inspired looks stay in the spotlight for fall.
While the runway is always the best reference for style tips, fashion week only occurs twice a year, once a season. So where can the style-savvy, fashion-conscious male in training turn for advice the remaining 50 weeks of the year? The Urban Gentleman is by far the best men’s style guide on the web. This blog, which details “the basics for every man” includes sub topics such as “Runway Show Reviews,” “Club Attire,” “The Truth About Murses/Manbags” and my personal favorite because the children are our future “Mini/Young Urban Gentleman.”
Although Father’s Day has come and gone, it’s never too early to start preparing that perfect gift for next year. Or, if you dropped the ball this past Sunday, make up for it by visiting theurbangent.com for fantastic belated Father’s Day gift ideas. Remind your “Old Man” that you’re never too old to dress well. |
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Fashion Slave - |
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Rue 21 is a little boutique I stumbled upon last week while browsing Shadow Lake Towne Center; I was pleasantly surprised by what I saw when I stepped inside. Offering clothes for men and women, and an abundance of great accessories, I was very impressed with the quality of affordable fashion. The unique and trendy items made for a fun shopping experience at a great value. I left there with bags full of awesome finds that barely put a dent in my wallet loved that! |
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Booked - |
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The 24th season of Shakespeare on the Green in Elmwood Park (south of UNO’s bell tower, 64th and Dodge) kicks off this Thursday, June 24. This season features two performances: Two Gentlemen of Verona (the Musical) and Romeo and Juliet. This week’s performance (June 24-27, then July 8 and 10) is Two Gentlemen of Verona (the Musical); performances will alternate with Romeo and Juliet and run through July 11. As always, performances are free and open to the public. Events begin around 5:30 p.m., performances start around 8 p.m. Get there early, bring a picnic basket and bring some cash to donate. Visit nebraskashakespeare.com for more information. |
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Waters, Waters Everywhere - |
The iconic John Waters on his new book, the Midwest, Johnny Depp and more
by Kevin P. Simonson
If William Burroughs anoints someone with a title like “The Pope of Trash” they had better live up to it. After all, who would want to disappoint William Burroughs? Certainly not John Waters.
Waters made his name with a series of cult classic movies that crossed previously inconceivable lines. If you’ve ever seen Divine, the towering transvestite, doing her thing in Pink Flamingos you know what I’m talking about.
John Waters’ films have shocked viewers and critics. Even the titles reek of debauchery: Mondo Trasho, Multiple Maniacs, Desperate Living, Serial Mom, Polyester and Female Trouble.
Waters played a role in launching Johnny Depp’s career with the release of Cry Baby in 1990. His films Hairspray and Cry Baby became hit Broadway musicals. More recently he worked with Johnny Knoxville and Tracey Ullman in A Dirty Shame (which received the dreaded NC-17 rating). Knoxville reciprocated by giving Waters a cameo in Jackass: Number Two. The Pope of Trash also made an appearance in all his glory (openly gay, pencil-thin moustache) on The Simpson’s 20th Anniversary Special: In 3D! On Ice!
John Waters is back in the spotlight with the release of his book Role Models; a self-portrait, told through intimate profiles of Waters’ favorite personalities … some of them famous, some of them infamous. |
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Booked - |
Pinot, Pigs & Poets, a fundraiser for Camp Fire USA, will be held at the Happy Hollow Club, 1701 S. 105th St., this Friday, June 11, from 6:30-9:30 p.m. The evening includes a Pinot Noir tasting, vintner competition for best wine, Hog Heaven cuisine, and live entertainment by performance poets Maxwell Kessler (from Boston), Big Poppa E (as seen on “60 Minutes”), and local mainstay Matt Mason. The Boiler Room, Dante’s, Gusto Cuban Cafe, Happy Hollow, Ryan’s Bistro, Stokes, Twisted Fork, Taxi’s and Mahogany will handle the food. It’s 21 and over, and the cost is $75 if between 21 and 30. If you’re 30 or older it’ll cost you $100 per person. Make your reservations at campfireomaha.org.
The staff at The Bookworm in Countryside Village, 87th and Pacific, have a busy Saturday ahead of them this week. At 10 a.m. The Sherlock Holmes Book Club will meet to discuss The Man with the Twisted Lip, a short story from The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. “All Sherlockians, old or new to the canon, are welcomed,” they beckon. |
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Rethinking Poverty - |
Documentary and panel at Film Streams deal with realities of poverty
by Jessica Hill
In his 2008 award-winning documentary, The End of Poverty? Think Again, director Philippe Diaz dares to ask how “in a world with such excessive wealth, is there still so much poverty?”
His search for answers led to startling conclusions; and his film suggests poverty is not an accident. Today 20 percent of the planet’s population dominates 80 percent of its resources. Less than 5 percent of the world’s population lives in the United States, yet we consume more than 25 percent of global resources and create more than 30 percent of global pollution. Touted by critics as “A sort of An Inconvenient Truth for global economics,” The End of Poverty? Think Again has been invited to show at more than 25 international film festivals in the past two years. Tuesday, June 8, Film Streams at The Ruth Sokolof Theater will hold a screening of the documentary in Omaha.
Diaz began making movies at age 13. Five years later he moved to Paris and began studying the philosophy of art and politics at La Sorbonne University. His studies there gave him the belief that movies could make a difference. He began his career as a producer before delving into writing and directing. The majority of his 25-plus feature-length films have tackled world issues in one capacity or another.
When it came to finding a director with the right amount of experience and the right point of view, naturally, Diaz seemed like a perfect fit. But even he had some doubts.
“When we were contacted by a member of the board of the Robert Schalkenbach Foundation and asked about our interest in making a film on poverty, several questions rushed to my mind,” Diaz said in press materials for the film. “First, could it be more than simply ‘a’ film on poverty? Could it be a film which would explain the true causes of poverty?” |
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