An Offer You Can’t Refuse – Mob Mentality

By Lisha Ross

If you’re like me, you’ve been waiting anxiously for the opening of the Las Vegas Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement, a.k.a. the Mob Museum. It was slated to open in the spring of 2011, but due to various setbacks it looks like we may have to shelve our excitement for a while longer. So here’s the offer you can’t refuse: an appetizer, if you will, to the Mob Museum. A chance to learn more about the bad boys of Vegas’ past and the law enforcement agents who took them down, and then maybe a straight-laced, yet mob-tastic outing for cocktails and goombah-worthy grub.

Get Made or Get Whacked

The Las Vegas Mob Experience, now open at the Tropicana Hotel, is about as close as you can get to being a mobster without getting whacked. Then again, you might, if you don’t play your cards right. As you move through some 30 rooms in this highly interactive attraction, you’ll learn about the rise and fall of the mob in Vegas while being faced with certain decisions. At the speak-easy you’ll be asked to deliver cash to Fat Tony; after spotting a cheater from a casino catwalk, you’ll decide his fate in the security room; and in a police station, you can be a “rat” or clam up. The choice is yours, but it will all lead up to your “final fate”, so choose wisely.

The beauty of this attraction is the innovative technology, from Disney Imagineers holograms to sense technology that reproduces odors, sounds and other life-like sensations. Upon arrival, you’ll select your “gangster guide” who will show up in holographic form periodically. At immigration, you’ll get your I.D. card which contains a microchip that tracks your activity and customizes the experience to suit you and your party. In other words, don’t be surprised if your holographic guide addresses you by name, or if you get a phone call from Bugsy Siegel himself.

As imaginative as this experience is, it would be nothing without its outstanding collection of artifacts purchased directly from the estates of Sam Giancana, Meyer Lansky, Bugsy Siegel, Tony Spilatro and Allan Sachs. What’s more, the exhibit was created in collaboration with the descendants of these fallen gangsters, offering visitors a chance to see a different, more human side of their personalities.

In the end, it all comes down to a final showdown, where you’ll either become a “made man”, get whacked, or land in the middle of a police shoot-out. I won’t ruin any more surprises in the “Final Fate” room; just be prepared to answer for your actions. Tickets to the Mob Experience are just $29.95 when purchased at the Tropicana box office. Visit www.lvme.com or call 739-2222 for more info.

The Vegas Mob Tour

If you’re not into theatrics or you’re simply mad for the mob, The Vegas Mob Tour offers a completely different perspective on the subject. It starts at the Royal Resort and circles around town, stopping at various spots where some of the most notorious mob happenings went down. Along the way, your guide will offer all sorts of little-known factoids. Our guide, Bobby A, also had some pretty interesting theories on the botched attempt to blow Frank Rosenthal to the moon. Be prepared to sit awhile. The tour is 2.5 hours long and the only time you actually get off the bus is to visit the monument to Bugsy Siegel behind the Flamingo. But with colorful guides donning pin-striped suits and a slide show of declassified FBI photos, it’s an informative journey that really brings the legendary locations of mob lore home. For tickets and info, call 339-8744 or visit www.vegasmobtour.com.  

Dine Like the “Don”

Bobby A made a poignant statement on our Vegas Mob Tour: “Things don’t change much in Vegas; they just disappear.” So true! Whether it’s a defunct casino or a classy old lounge, good ol’ Vegas is hard to find. With the exception of Peppermill Lounge and Coachman’s Inn (both originals), sometimes we just have to improvise with places like Capo’s Steakhouse on Sahara. Dark, sultry and mellow, Capo’s is a speak-easy for the modern age. Ring the doorbell and a slide opens on the opposite wall. “Do you have a reservation?” they ask. Don’t worry; you won’t get capped if you don’t have one, though they are recommended.

Inside, the scene is set to dine like one of the “family” among plush, red booths, tables topped with solitary candles and Hollywood regency-style crystal chandeliers. Menu items of pasta and steak are pricey, so if you want a full meal and drinks, expect to spend a couple bills for two. For a more low-key experience, have a seat at the bar for signature cocktails and appetizers; the antipasto salad and baseball-sized meatballs with peppers and marinara are some of the best I’ve ever had. For reservations and info, call 364-2276; to view a menu online, visit www.caposrestaurant.com. 

Most of us will never know what it was really like to be a made guy or a “boss”, but we can still pretend can’t we? As The Godfather himself said, “Leave the gun. Take the cannolis.” You’ll be feelin’ like a wiseguy and lovin’ it, I promise.

In the Know

In the Know

In the Know

In the Know

In the Know

In the Know

In the Know

In the Know

Lucio Ristorante – Rock Solid for the Regular Guy

By Aly Wagonseller

It’s hard to keep up with what’s hot and what’s not on the Las Vegas dining scene. Small plates, molecular gastronomy, ChinaMex fusion and other chic eats can all be more than intoxicating to the star struck foodie. Still, despite the emergence of these latest and greatest trend spots, places a culinary hipster might perceive as the quintessential dinosaur continue to survive. Why? Because the food, while nothing fancy, simply tastes amazing. Dishes like buttery risotto, full bodied lasagna and fresh cioppino; these are the homey, go-to dishes that, when prepared correctly, have diners coming back time and again. This is the stuff of Lucio Ristorante. And, while you may not find tomato foam on your Sous Vide Osso Bucco, what you will find is rock solid food and great service in a setting where old Vegas cheese meets classic fine dining…and I mean that in a good way. 

Recently expanding their operation to a second location found at 5900 E. Flamingo (previously Ferraro’s), the décor is classic old school.  As you might expect, beautiful dark wood wainscot, marble flooring and linen tablecloths are all present, along with a large bar and…ba-dump-bump…a stage with backdrop curtains, a grand piano and song stylings reminiscent of many a Vegas lounge show gone by. Kitschy…well maybe, but it’s also oddly comforting and a welcome departure from the drone of clubby music found in many newbie restaurants these days.  An added plus is that the place is quiet, despite being large, and has many nooks and crannies for secluded and romantic dining.    

Like the surroundings, the food is traditional, the menu inspired by classic Italian staples including Veal or Chicken Parmigiano ($17-23), a hearty Lasagna made with béchamel and meat sauces ($15) and Spaghetti con Polpettine ($15) served with flavorful, yet delicate meatballs.  Based on a friend’s suggestion, as well as the recommendation of our charming and, yes, clearly Italian waiter Claudio, we chose the Gnocchi Quattro Formaggi ($16) and the Salsiccia e Spinaci risotto ($20).  There are times when the substitution of massive quantities of butter, cream and cheese to save calories could be considered criminal, and this was definitely one of those occasions, especially in the case of the decadent gnocchi dish. Light, pillow-like dumplings of pasta and potato were generously glazed in a sublime fontina, mascarpone and Parmesan cheese sauce, balanced with just enough gorgonzola and a sprinkling of fresh sage to add a nice bite.  I was impressed by the integrity of the gnocchi themselves, blissfully lacking that lead-like, stuck in your stomach quality that poorly executed gnocchi so often exhibits. These were as melt in your mouth airy as gnocchi gets…delicious.

Lucio’s menu touts their risotto as being the best in town, and they certainly are in contention.  Much like gnocchi, this is a dish that requires expertise and a skilled hand to avoid the pitfalls of rice that’s gooey or mushy as opposed to creamy, yet textured.  The sausage and spinach version we ordered was nothing short of outstanding; the sausage nicely seasoned, the spinach not overly wilted, and the arborio rice perfectly cooked.  The presence of butter was obvious, but it didn’t overpower the other ingredients, adding just enough flavor and creaminess to elevate the dish to comfort food perfection without feeling greasy or over the top. One tiny pet peeve:  I would have liked my risotto to have cooled a bit longer before serving, as the flavors in the piping hot dish hadn’t quite developed yet. No matter though; exhibiting an uncharacteristic five minutes of self control while the food cooled down proved well worth the wait.  

Lucio Ristorante has a modest wine selection, many served by the glass, imported and domestic beers, as well as full bar service. It may not be the newest kid on the block, but sometimes tradition trumps the trends.  For reservations, call them at 207-1008, or their original location on West Sahara at 233-2859.

Fitness in the Palm of Your Hand – Apps for Better Health

By Aly Wagonseller

Many of us already know that cell phones aren’t just for chatting.  In fact, most are virtually mini computers in the palm of your hand, allowing you to surf the Web, download and listen to music and quickly locate nearby services and restaurants. With so many on-the-go capabilities, what better tool for working out and staying fit?   Especially with the incredible amount of applications (apps) now readily available. Simply download, view and follow instructions, and you’ll be celebrating your fitness goals quicker than you can send a text message.

Get a Move On

A personal trainer is probably the best option for a customized approach to individual fitness, but if you can’t afford that luxury there are several iPhone apps to get you going. Most run between no cost to five or six dollars, making it economical to find the perfect app for your needs.  Check www.itunes.com or your own phone provider for more options.

Men’s Health Workouts – Brought to your phone by the magazine of the same name, gents will have access to workout routines designed by respected trainers and experts in the field.  Proper form has never been easier, with how-to pictorials showing the way. The app also allows for circuit training, emailing and tracking results and even “manly” advice to keep you going.  Visit www.menshealth.com/iphone-workouts/  to download.

iPump Trainer Series – This series is composed of several specific apps for free weight, ab and core, fat burn, yoga and pilates workouts as well as an Office Pump program (all priced separately starting at 99 cents). Great for office warriors, Office Pump includes demos of stretches that can be done at work to prevent tightness and stress associated with sitting and computer work. Visit www.pumpone.com/ipump.html to purchase.

iTreadmill: Pedometer Ultra w/ PocketStep – Winner of accolades from Weight Watchers to Oprah Magazine, this “virtual” treadmill is designed to keep you on pace during walking or running anywhere.  No need to leave your living room; run in place while iTreadmill calculates distance, pace, average speed, calories burned and more.  You can also set goals and keep track of your progress, all without setting foot in a gym. Visit www.itreadmill.net to order.

Becoming Lean with a Machine

Exercise is only half of the fitness equation; luckily, there’s no shortage of nutrition apps to help keep that calorie count in control. Whether cruising the drive-thru or cooking dinner at home, your phone can become your new dieting BFF.

Livestrong.com Calorie Tracker – This app sports an extensive database with nutritional and calorie stats on more than 525,000 items. It works in conjunction with the Livestrong Daily Plate, an app that helps you calculate the number of calories you need to consume for your age and desired target weight. Read more at www.livestrong.com.  

Fast Food Calorie Counter by Concrete Software – If you continually find yourself behind wrappers and boxes from Burger King, Arby’s, McDonald’s, Carl’s Junior or Pizza Hut, this app’s for you.  Providing calorie counts on everything fast food from more than 50 of the most popular restaurants, this 99 cent, simple to use application makes tracking your caloric intake as easy as a few taps of the thumb. Customizable search options make it easy to find the food you eat most.  Visit www.concretesoftware.com to download.

EatingWell ‘Healthy in a Hurry” App – View more than 200 quick, easy to prepare recipes from the the EatingWell magazine test kitchen.  Browse by categories that include appetizers, dinner, desserts, etc., with pictures and nutritional values for all meals. Visit www.eatingwell.com to order.

Keeping in tune with the busy lifestyles we lead, phone apps just might be the answer for reaching your fitness goals.

Family Fun in the Sun – Outdoor Activities for Health & Happiness

By Michelle Vessel

What do Hawaii, Florida, Arizona and Louisiana have in common? Aside from temperate climates and a cultural appreciation of the great outdoors, these states share another characteristic–they’re home to the happiest people in the United States. According to a four-year study conducted by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, residents of states that boast plenty of sunshine consistently describe themselves as happier and more satisfied with life than those  who make their homes in colder, gloomier climates. It’s not just adults that are reaping the benefits of the sun’s powerful rays either. Our children are too, and with mounting evidence that exposure to the outdoors and sunshine are an important part of our overall health and wellness, we’ve plenty of reasons to get the whole family outside to soak up some of nature’s very own miracle drug.

A Natural Fit for Kids

For as long as humans have been seeking indoor shelter from the elements, little ones have been clamoring to play outside, with reasons that go well beyond fun and games. In addition to bolstering the production of vitamin D, which is essential to overall health, research also suggests that spending time outdoors in the sunshine has positive effects on the psyche.

Doctors have prescribed short periods of sun exposure to patients suffering from depression, anxiety, Seasonal Affective Disorder and other mental health problems for decades. Sunshine, it seems, stimulates the secretion of serotonin, the ‘feel-good’ hormone that affects mood, emotion and sleep. As a result, a daily dose of sunshine has the power to decrease depression, boost happiness and increase overall well-being in people of all ages.  For children, in particular, the trickle down effects of this response include decreased stress levels, better impulse control and more developed coping mechanisms. As Frances Kuo, a scientist at the Landscape and Human Health Laboratory at the University of Illinois, puts it, outdoor play brings about a sense of “gentle absorption; almost a meditative quality” that is “deeply rejuvenating” for children.

What’s more, outdoor play is an important tool in the fight against the childhood obesity epidemic. Although children can and do play energetically indoors, the range of motion and level of exertion that kids can achieve in, say, the living room is limited in comparison with the neighborhood playground. That’s why advocacy groups and organizations ranging from the National Wildlife Federation to the Surgeon General have suggested the goal of the “green hour,” encouraging families to strive for up to an hour of unstructured outdoor playtime each day.

Bright Sunshiny Days

Ready to boost your family’s wellness with a healthy dose of outdoor fun? The old rules of carefully limiting sun exposure still apply, but you can bend them a little, according to Boston University’s Dr. Michael F. Holick, M.D. For most teenagers and adults, a stint of 10 to 15 minutes of outdoor time each day, sans sunscreen, can be enough to enjoy optimal health benefits without putting your skin at risk of sun damage. For younger kids and toddlers, even five to ten minutes may be enough to do the trick. After that, slather on the sunscreen and don protective hats and other gear while enjoying a variety of fun and educational activities.

• Get crafty. Use the sun’s rays to create one-of-a-kind crafts with photosensitive paper (available under the brand name Sunprint for less than $10 from online retailers such as www.onlinesciencemall.com).

• Enjoy the bounty of the sun. Dig a small, kid-friendly garden plot in your backyard, or take the family to a pick-your-own orchard or farm. Gilcrease Orchards (7800 N. Tenaya; 409-0655) is an excellent local resource offering year-round family events.  

• Go fly a kite. Kids of all ages will thrill at the sight of their favorite animal or cartoon character swirling high in the sky. This is a great outdoor activity for the windy springtime.

• Organize a water balloon fight. Assign the neighborhood kids to two or more teams, lay down some ground rules to make sure no one gets hurt and go to town.

• Spot some feathered friends. Bird-watching is a great outdoor activity that even the tiniest tots can get into. Keep it interesting and educational by tracking birds family members have spotted in a journal. The Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve (350 E. Galleria Dr.; 267-4180) and the Wetlands Nature Preserve (7050 Wetlands Park Ln.; 455-7522) are great sites for this activity.

• Host a colorful critter. Catching a ladybug or firefly and keeping them in a jar with air holes overnight should be a summertime rite of passage for kids.

• Jump around. Old favorites like hopscotch and jump rope never lose their fun. Plus, they’re great forms of exercise that parents can benefit from just as much as the kids.

• The sky’s the limit. For a special treat, take your family on a hot air balloon ride. Check www.hotairballooning.com to find a service in your area.

Don’t fear the sun’s rays; bask in them. In small doses, this miraculous source of light can be a boon to your family’s health and well-being.

Lovin’ the Nightlife – “In the Dark” at Springs Preserve

By Chad Felix
In darkness, whether under the vast, starry blanket that is the night sky or in even stranger locales where light rarely wanders, we humans become a little less audacious and a little more helpless.  The problem is remedied simply enough. We light a fire, flick on a light switch, or tap a button on our cellular phone, but still there is something incredibly humbling about humans in darkness, especially when contrasted against the many species so much more adept to live in it.  “In the Dark,” the latest exhibition from Springs Preserve, serves as a fun and informative tribute to the creatures that we, for reasons obvious enough, hardly see and rarely even consider.

Putting Some Springs in Your Step

The visionary 180-acre plot that makes up Springs Preserve is a cultural mash-up of galleries, museums, living collections, installations, gardens, etc. and resembles, more or less, a southwestern version of Los Angeles’ well-known J. Paul Getty Museum and Conservation Institute.  Springs Preserve is remarkable in that, through its size and design, it virtually eliminates the feeling of being in the city.  The architecture is sleek but never overstated, and the beauty of the natural landscapes throughout surround visitors and then, upon their taking in a breath of that fresh air, engulfs them whole.  Fittingly, “In the Dark” resides inside the Origen Museum, a dimly lit building that also houses a student art gallery and Las Vegas history exhibit.  Away from the sunlight and most of the foot traffic, “In the Dark” beckons passers-by with eerie sounds of the night: a housecat gently meowing, crickets chirping and an ever-so slight breeze swimming in and out of the vegetation of a cool forest.

Who Turned Out the Lights?

For the exhibit, the space has been filled with prime examples of environments that exist in darkness.  Dioramas big and small depict everything from the chemosynthetic vents of the ocean deep, wildlife scenes of the night and the earthen worlds just beneath our feet.  Informative games and activities educate and entertain as participants mimic clicking like a bat or swimming like a jellyfish.  Here, it doesn’t take much to learn a whole lot.  Throughout the exhibit, colorful signs offer diagrams, pictures and concise explanations as to how these life forms have adapted and evolved to live without light.  You’ll learn how certain salamanders, after spending years in the cool, damp climates of deep caves, now reside there exclusively, no longer equipped to life outside of them. Furthermore, you’ll witness how deep ocean wildlife uses light in less common ways–anglerfish dangle it in front of them to attract their prey; certain jellyfish flash it in predator’s faces; and some squid and fish use it to blend in.

Perhaps most interesting are the examples of the human scientific endeavors that even the playing field between the skills of the nocturnal world and ourselves.  Sonar and radar, like that of whales and bats, help us to communicate information through the deep and the dark, and heat-vision goggles help us locate body heat like a vampire bat.  All of these things and more make “In the Dark” a pleasurable and instructive experience that can be enjoyed by all ages.  Upon reentering the sunlit spaces outside of Origen, I felt humbled, and I couldn’t help but further ponder the diverse lives of all of those creatures in the dark.

The exhibit is a limited-time engagement at Springs Preserve that runs until May 15^th and is just one of the many reasons to pack up the family and head down.  The breathtaking grounds alone warrant a visit, with presentations like “In the Dark” as icing on the cake.  So make a day of it!  You can even take a break for lunch at Wolfgang Puck’s Springs Café.  The Preserve is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.  For more info on Springs Preserve, “In the Dark” and other events, visit www.springspreserve.org or call 822-7700.

Jeremy Mann

Palo Verde High School

Class of 2011

There are those who simply talk the talk, and those who do the walking. A young man of intelligent speech and ethically driven deeds, Palo Verde High School senior Jeremy Mann manages to do both. Whether practicing to maintain his status as a tennis ace, raising funds for a worthy cause or winning battles behind the podium, he’s the kind of person who speaks his mind while letting his actions speak for themselves. For focusing his best individual qualities on his intention to better the world, both locally and globally, Jeremy Mann is – A step Above.  

G.P.A.: 4.8

Sports/Clubs/Community Service:

• Varsity Tennis, 2007-11; Team Captain, Present
• Forensics, 2007-11; Vice President, 2009-10;  President, 2010-Present
• National Honor Society, 2008-10
• JFSA Junior Board–President, 2009-10
• JFSA Walk-a-Thon–Co-Chairman, 2010-11                                    
• Rain Dance-a-Thon–Co-Chairman, 2009                                         
• Barack Obama Presidential Campaign Volunteer, 2009      
• Shelley Berkley Congressional Campaign Volunteer, 2008-09                   
• Camp Alonim Counselor, 2010

Scholarships/Awards:

• National Merit Finalist, 2010
• AP Scholar with Distinction, 2010
• Nevada All-State Academic Team–Tennis, 2007-11
• Scholar Athlete, 2007-11
• Las Vegas” Athlete of the Week, 2010
• Jewish Family Services’ Junior Fundraisers of the Year Award, 2009
• Harvard Book Prize Winner, 2010
• Ranked 31^st in the Country–Nationals Debate Tournament, 2010               
• National Debate Qualifying Tournament Champion, 2010
• Nevada State Debate Team Champions, 2010                                  
• Public Forum Semi-Finalist–Nevada State Debate Tournament, 2010
• Policy Semi-Finalist–Nevada State Debate Tournament, 2009
• 3^rd Place–Nevada State Debate Tournament (Congress; 2008
• Forensics Debater of the Year, 2010
• Forensics Rookie of the Year, 2008
• Nevada State Runners-Up–Tennis (Individual Doubles; 2010/11
• Nevada State Champions–Tennis (Team; 2007-11

Goals & Aspirations: “I want to finish high school as a valedictorian and then go on to major in political science or international relations in college.  I would like to work in politics and ultimately become a United States senator.”

Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “As a co-chairman of the Rain Dance-a-Thon, I’m extremely proud of our event that raised over $10,000 and provided over 4200 meals to those in Las Vegas that were in need.”

Jeremy is Successful Because: “I always know what my short and long-term goals are and work to achieve them step-by-step.”

Jeremy is Stronger and Wiser Because: “During my sophomore year, I just missed out on making the starting line up for the tennis team. After months of working on my game, my partner and I earned the #2 doubles spot on the starting line up.  Ultimately, not making the starting line up taught me how to have a great work ethic.”