Out N About
A Day Out With Mom
Our mothers have given so much to us over the years, it’s nice when we can find a special day to give something back to them. If you’re not sure what to get mom for Mother’s Day, here’s a list of some fun things the family can do together to help celebrate all that she means to you.
Henderson Arts Festival
This Mother’s Day tradition returns to the Henderson Events Plaza on May 11th and 12th and features a dazzling array of art in all media, along with food, live entertainment and art activities for kids. Visit www.hendersonlive.com for info.
Tea Lounge at Mandarin Oriental
With great views of the Strip and a wide selection of infused teas, coffee, juice, cocktails and small bites such as scones and macaroons, this Zen-like retreat provides the perfect escape for a fun afternoon. Visit www.mandarinoriental.com for info.
The Smith Center
From Romeo & Juliet to the Las Vegas Philharmonic to the world famous Broadway musical Billy Elliot and more, The Smith Center offers a big dose of music and culture this May for you and mom to enjoy. Visit www.thesmithcenter.com for info.
Springs Preserve
Take a hike, explore the museums, get up close and friendly with some wildlife or just enjoy a nice day in the fresh air with mom. For a special treat, join the Mother’s Day Brunch at the Springs Café on May 12th. Visit www.springspreserve.org for info.
Lunch and a Movie
Sometimes it’s the simple things that are the most fun. Treat mom to a delicious lunch at her favorite restaurant, following it up with a movie of her choice. It’s an easy to plan outing that’s sure to create meaningful bonding time you’ll all enjoy.
Fight Fire With Fire
A career as a firefighter is one of the most noble professions any young adult can aspire to. It gives them a chance to not only save lives but also to become an important part of the community. Thanks to a valuable new program, local youth with a desire to become a part of that honored line of work have a new chance to learn and experience what the job entails.
The Bonanza High School Fire Science Academy (FSA) is currently accepting applications for the coming year. As the only high school career and technical education fire science program in Nevada and one of the few high school fire science programs in the country, the FSA seeks to familiarize students with emergency procedures, fire protection, fire prevention techniques, fire apparatus and equipment and much more through a fire station internship, along with classes and demonstrations at CSN. It’s a wonderful opportunity for local high school students to explore an exciting and rewarding new career path that can help benefit the Las Vegas community. Contact Mr. Chris Batterman, FSA Instructor, at cbatterman@interact.ccsd.net for more information.
Patron Watermelon Margarita
2 oz. Patron Silver tequila
1 oz. lime juice
1 oz. agave nectar
2 oz. watermelon puree
Shake with ice and pour (ice included) into sugar rimmed glass. Garnish with fresh watermelon.
Recipe courtesy of Cantina Laredo
Did You Know?
During the Middle Ages in Britain, it was often customary for the wealthy to give servants the day off on “Mothering Sunday” (the fourth Sunday of Lent) so that the servants could take time to visit their mothers, who often lived many miles away.
The Must Do List
Editor’s Picks
Saturdays in May & June
Jazz in the Park
The smooth sounds of jazz come back to the Clark County Amphitheater for the twenty-fourth year at the latest Jazz in the Park festival. This year, the free concert series is proud to feature the Las Vegas Academy Jazz Combo during the month of May, which has invited three supremely talented artists to perform with them: Grammy and Tony winner Dee Dee Bridgewater (5.11), jazz veterans The Jeff Hamilton Trio (5.18) and former teen band leader Tom Scott (5.25). Festivities continue during the first two weekends in June with performances by Earl Klugh (6.1) and Pete Escovedo (6.8). Bring some food and enjoy a picnic on your blanket or simply spend a relaxing afternoon in the outdoors. Visit www.clarkcountynv.gov/parks for more information.
May 18
Ohana Festival
Aloha! The spirit of the islands comes alive at this inaugural family event held at the Springs Preserve, which celebrates the diverse Hawaiian and Pacific Islander cultures. There’s something for everyone with a variety of fun and educational hands-on activities, along with hula and ukulele performances, lei making, storytelling, games, food and much more. Festivities will culminate with a concert by the Kalama Brothers, whose debut CD Keau is filled with music that celebrates their Hawaiian roots and captures the spirit of the islands in distinctive style. It’s the closest you’ll get to the magic and wonder of the South Pacific without hopping a flight to Honolulu. Call 822-7700 or visit www.springspreserve.org for tickets and more information.
May 8-12
San Gennaro Feast
Join the annual festivities at this Italian feast held in the honor of Saint Gennaro, which will take place at 4245 South Grand Canyon Drive. The festival features a wide variety of ethnic food vendors offering a huge selection of favorites including sausage and peppers, pizza, pasta, desserts, pastries and much more. Live national acts perform hourly on the main stage, while amusement rides and games keep things fun for the whole family. As one of the most popular festivals around, attracting locals and visitors from all over the world, it’s the best Italian heritage celebration this side of Napoli. Visit www.sangennarofeast.com for more information.
May 17-18
Super Summer Theatre: “Broadway Meets Hollywood”
The great outdoors provides the backdrop as Super Summer Theatre kicks off its 2013 season at Spring Mountain Ranch. The program starts off this year with Broadway Meets Hollywood, a fabulous showcase that features hit songs from famous musicals that were turned into spectacular films. Selections include music from West Side Story, Annie, Fiddler on the Roof, Oklahoma and Grease. As the season continues, kick back under the stars to enjoy classic productions that include The Music Man, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, Legally Blonde and Mel Brooks’ The Producers. Visit www.supersummertheatre.org for tickets and more information.
June 14-16
Amazing Las Vegas Comic Con
While it may not be on the same scale as the annual extravaganza in San Diego, Las Vegas has its own Comic Con for fans to enjoy at the South Point Hotel & Casino. Exhibitors will occupy the main floor, offering a dynamic and diverse range of comics, toys, collectibles, memorabilia and much more. Guest can also enjoy a series of panel discussions on numerous comic and animation related topics, along with special guests that include writers, artists, creators, and countless others. No matter what your level of interest, you’re sure to find something to engage your inner geek. Visit www.amazinglasvegascomiccon.com for tickets and more information.
Rock the Valley
The summer months bring plenty of heat to the Vegas valley, but nothing’s as hot as the killer tunes you’ll hear blasting through the air from all over town. This summer brings a full roster of great music festivals to help you rock and roll all night and party every day.
Rock of Vegas Summer Concert Series
Some of the biggest names in modern rock will be descending upon the Fremont Street Experience, offering free concerts all throughout the summer at this ultimate nirvana for rock music lovers. Scheduled performers include Theory of a Deadman (5.19), Fuel and Lit (5.25), Hinder (6.8), Puddle of Mudd (8.31) and the Summerland Tour 2013 Alternative Guitars starring Everclear, Live, Filter and Sponge (6.29). Visit www.vegasexperience.com for info.
Reggae in the Desert
Join the largest reggae festival in Las Vegas at the Clark County Amphitheater on June 15th – 16th and experience the unifying power of reggae music and the Caribbean lifestyle. Bargain with vendors for island style arts and crafts and sample the great flavors of the Caribbean at their onsite food court as you enjoy performances by Inner Circle, Daniel Marley, Pure Roots, Steel Pulse, The Green and many more. Visit www.reggaeinthedesert.com for tickets and info.
Art ‘n’ Ink Festival featuring Junefest
The worlds of tattoo artistry and old school rock come together for a unique experience at this festival held at the South Point on June 28th – 30th. Explore the amazing creations of both local and international ink slingers, along with classic car shows, food and drink, burlesque performances, art shows, pin-up fashion and live performances by Toto, Tommy Tutone, K.C. and the Sunshine Band and many more. Visit www.lvartink.com for tickets and info.
Sending a Strong Message
The epidemic of bullying is one of the uglier aspects of growing up and something that students across the valley face on a daily basis. The Richard Harris Law Firm is making an effort to help teens fight back by once again sponsoring a video public service announcement (PSA) contest. Now in its fourth year, the contest encourages Clark County high school students to submit their own self-made video PSA on the topic of bullying, drawing from their own real life experiences.
“It has become a disturbing trend over the past few years to hear about more children and teenagers bullied at school and online,” says Richard Harris, founder of the Richard Harris Law Firm. “If we can draw enough attention to the issue and impact even one child, we’ve done our job.” Now it’s up to students in the community to do theirs. To enter the contest, students must upload their video to YouTube and email a link to psa2013@richardharrislaw.com. Entries must be received by May 24th and will be judged by a panel of media and broadcast professionals with prizes awarded to the winners. Visit www.studentswithacause.com for more information.
Cooking for Scholarships
Las Vegas has long been known for its fabulous restaurants and culinary flair. Aspiring and continuing culinary students at UNLV who are seeking to be a part of all the excitement will have the chance to obtain a portion of the $12,000 in scholarships being offered over the next three years by The Venetian and The Palazzo in association with the James Beard Foundation. The scholarships will be available on a competitive basis and are expected to be awarded in the amount of $4,000 over the course of three years, beginning during the 2013-2014 school year.
“We are thrilled to share this opportunity with deserving students interested in the culinary arts in our local community,” said John Caparella, president and COO of The Venetian, The Palazzo and Sands Expo. “As an organization, we are passionate about our food and beverage offerings, and partnering with the James Beard Foundation is a great way to expose these students to an exciting career.” All scholarship materials must be postmarked by May 15th and winners will be notified this August. Visit www.jamesbeard.org/scholarships for applications and more info.
Las Vegas Corvettes Association
Metro Sergeant Henry Prendes was tragically killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic violence call in 2006. Touched by his sacrifice, the Las Vegas Corvettes Association (LVCA) offered their support to Henry’s Place Foundation, a group formed by Sergeant Prendes’ widow Dawn to help honor her husband’s commitment and dedication to his job and community.
The LVCA is the largest group of Corvette enthusiasts in Las Vegas, and they take great pride in their annual fundraising efforts. Each year, members and friends attend a Las Vegas Wranglers hockey game and donate a portion of their group ticket sales to Henry’s Place. Earlier this month, the LVCA joined with several members of the Las Vegas Metro Police Department to purchase 130 tickets and donated $1,000 to the nonprofit. This was the highest single amount raised over the last five years. Since the LVCA began supporting Henry’s Place, they have raised $4,200 in total donations. The money will go toward establishing a youth camp in Henry’s honor.
“I am so grateful for the on-going support we receive from the Las Vegas Corvettes Association each year,” said Dawn Prendes. “It’s a fun way to honor Henry’s memory and work toward the camp becoming a reality. I always look forward to our night with the Wranglers and, of course, making next year’s group game night even bigger and better.”
For more information on Henry’s Place Foundation, visit www.henrysplace.org.
Making a Difference – Make-A-Wish Foundation & Sky Combat Ace
This time last year, Kiran was undergoing chemotherapy for bone cancer. But now, thanks to the efforts of Make-A-Wish and Sky Combat Ace, this young adrenaline junkie’s dream of flying an aerobatic airplane came true this past March as he took to the skies over the desert.
Just in time for his sixteenth birthday, Kiran traveled all the way from New York for the first time in his life to have his wish granted right here in Las Vegas. He was taken on the thrill ride of a lifetime by the expert stunt pilots at Sky Combat Ace, Nevada’s only civilian aerial combat training center. The exhilarating experience sent Kiran soaring 3,000 feet above Nevada’s desert playground and put him behind the controls as he competed in an aerial dogfight against his mom and cousins at speeds of up to 250 miles per hour. For a young man suffering through the trials of cancer, it was truly a chance for him to fly high above the challenges of his illness.
Make-A-Wish has been dedicated to bringing the dreams of children with life threatening illnesses to life. Thanks to some help from Sky Combat Ace, they were able to launch one young man off into the wild blue yonder for a trip he’ll never forget.
For more information on Make-A-Wish, visit www.wish.org.
In The Know
Barre Definitions
Looking for a new kind of all around workout to improve your physical and mental self? Barre Definitions offers a highly effective, total body conditioning technique that combines the principles of isometric exercises and progressive overload, balanced with musculoskeletal stretches to strengthen and lengthen your body. In just one hour, you will experience fat-burning cardio bursts, intense muscle conditioning, core strengthening and toning and effective stretches to lengthen and relieve your muscles. No need to worry about a sweaty gym, either; their studio is an airy, uplifting, wide open space with classes that get you moving with fun, energetic music. Best of all, it helps you develop a strong mind-body connection for increased awareness and overall well being. Get your body and your brain in stronger shape today with a session at Barre Definitions.
489-8606 / 6445 S. Tenaya Way, #110 / www.barredefinitions.com
Desert Reef Co.
One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish… and just about everything else in the tank! Desert Reef Co. delivers a big splash with top quality saltwater fish, corals, invertebrates for you to add to your tank or to start a new one, along with all the aquarium supplies, food and supplements you need. The Desert Reef crew always strives to provide unmatched service, expertise and advice, helped along by a Head Aquarist with over fifteen years of industry experience. Building an aquarium from the ground up has never been easier; they’ll walk you through everything you need so that your new marine life have a home base that’s comfortable, clean and fits right in with your own personal space. Dive in and see for yourself all the aquatic wonders that await at Desert Reef Co.
462-6511 / 9640 W. Tropicana Ave., #111 / www.desertreefco.com
Mingo Kitchen & Lounge
The owners of Mundo are back with a brand new creation in Mingo Kitchen & Lounge, bringing a hip nightclub vibe to its lounge/restaurant style setting in the heart of the downtown Arts District. Eat, Mix and Mingo with tasty, small bites of American comfort food that include vegetarian options, along with a variety of signature cocktails. Chow down on lobster corn dogs with citrus tarragon sauce, a strip steak with a light arugula salad or a veggie cauliflower steak with roasted cherry tomatoes, then wash it all down with an All Night Stand cocktail made with their signature Alien Tequila Reposado and a Chupacabra energy drink. Start the night off right and finish it even better as part of the vibrant downtown scene at Mingo Kitchen & Lounge.
685-0328 / 1017 First Street, #180 / www.eatmixmingo.com
Siena Foods Italian Market
For quality foods that bring home an authentic taste of Italy along with impeccable service, Siena Foods Italian Market has everything you need to mangia the right way. As the largest Italian specialty foods importer and wholesaler in the Las Vegas metro area, Siena Foods has served the Vegas valley since 1979, building strong, personal relationships with their customers. The business has grown since then, supplying many delis, hotel and casino properties, restaurants and the general public with a wide selection of Italian good eats including olive oil, pasta, tomatoes, meats, cheeses and chocolates. Whether you want to dish up some delectable rigatoni, dazzle your friends with elegant antipasti or just enjoy a taste of the old country, Siena Foods Italian Market is your passport to the wonderful international flavors of the Mediterranean.
871-8616 / 6125 S. Valley View Blvd. / www.sienafoodslasvegas.com
Cruises at a Glantz
Do you like the idea of taking a nice, relaxing cruise but don’t want to go through the trouble of planning it yourself? Keith and Elaine Glantz are here to help with Cruises at a Glantz, a Cruise Planners company, where you can book all your cruise and land travel needs at exceptional prices. Through Cruise Planners (ranked the number one cruise only agency ten years in a row by Entrepreneur Magazine), Keith and Elaine have access to low fares and special amenities on thousands of sailings and tour departures to take you around the world on brand new adventures. When you book travel through Cruises at A Glantz you can rest easy knowing you will travel in style at great prices and with the best possible service. Set sail with Cruises at a Glantz today!
(800) 608-8086 or (800) 608-8087 / www.cruisesataglantz.com
Desert Hills Dental
Your smile is the most important thing you wear, so let Desert Hills Dental get your pearly whites looking their best. Caring, comprehensive, and competent, they aim to treat you like part of the family, making you feel right at home. Their goal is to transform you from a first-time patient to a long-term friend by providing full service dentistry for adults and children including checkups, fillings, crowns, root canals, cosmetic dentistry, custom implants and dentures. Dr. Deborha Staten and her staff offer a warm, inviting, and friendly atmosphere to make you feel comfortable about going to the dentist, no matter what procedure you’re having. Put a bright smile on your face today and enjoy the abundance of warm care with a trip to Desert Hills Dental.
736-7979 / 5475 S. Fort Apache Rd., #100 / www.deserthillsdentallv.com
The Racketeer By John Grisham
As Reviewed by Macy Walsh
The prolific and popular John Grisham has been a fixture on national bestseller lists since the publication of his breakout novel The Firm in 1991, and it’s not hard to see why. The Racketeer is Grisham’s thirtieth book, and it’s a powerhouse display of his signature strengths: imaginative plotting; a fluent, deceptively effortless prose style; and an insider’s view of our complex and flawed legal system. Still, The Racketeer is a departure for Mr. Grisham. Unlike many of his other works, he’s got no judicial soapbox to stand on here. The impetus for this book may well have come from the Innocence Project, an organization devoted to assisting falsely incarcerated prisoners, and a group on whose board of directors Mr. Grisham serves.
This tale opens with the eponymous racketeer, Malcolm Bannister, telling us, “I am a lawyer and I am in prison. It’s a long story.” As we begin, Bannister is halfway through a ten year sentence for money laundering; his real crime, however, was picking the wrong client. A small town lawyer with a modest practice, Bannister saw his life unravel when he agreed to handle a real estate transaction for white collar crook Barry ‘The Backhander’ Rafko. Ignorant of his client’s history and reputation, Bannister and several other unwitting participants were swept up in a tide of indictments when Rafko was arrested on multiple counts of conspiracy and financial malfeasance. Bannister received an excessive sentence, one that stripped him of his family, freedom and career, leaving him embittered and eager for revenge.
Five years later, Bannister gets his chance when a corrupt federal judge is murdered, along with his secretary/mistress, in an isolated cabin in the mountains of southwest Virginia. Stymied by a lack of witnesses and an absence of forensic evidence, the FBI investigation goes nowhere – until Bannister steps in. A jailhouse lawyer with access to a great many criminal secrets, he alone knows the killer’s motive and identity, and he offers to trade that knowledge for money, freedom and a fresh start. When the FBI accepts his offer and successfully indicts the newly identified suspect, Bannister – re-christened Max Baldwin – embarks on a new life. At this point, the real underlying story truly begins.
What follows is a cleverly orchestrated series of twists and reversals. As he shuttles his characters from Maryland to Florida to the Caribbean, Grisham transforms his straightforward tale into an elaborate caper that is ingenious and suspenseful. At times, the convoluted scheme that unfolds seems almost too elaborate and dependent on crucial events, any one of which could cause the scenario to collapse. But like his protagonist, Grisham holds it all together with a headlong narrative energy that rarely flags. The result is a satisfying, deeply engrossing thriller in which different forms of justice are ultimately served.
The Racketeer is almost nonchalant in illustrating the varied ways in which one might circumvent the FBI, violate financial regulations and prove that crime might pay after all. But the book is too cheerful to invite readers to pass judgment on Max. Mr. Grisham allows us to sympathize enough with his unfair prosecution to justify anything he does afterward. He anatomizes the drab routines of a minimum security prison, describes interrogation techniques that can lead to coerced confessions and imagines the process by which a newly released prisoner discovers the “exhilarating and indescribable” pleasures of freedom.
Throughout the novel, Grisham never loses sight of the central questions that underlie the story at every turn: How equitable – how humane – is our system of justice? How often are punishments disproportionate to crimes? In Bannister’s words, “The real tragedy of the federal criminal system is not the absurdities. It is the ruined and wasted lives.” Grisham addresses this tragedy cogently and in the way he knows best: by telling a story that is engaging and illuminating in equal measure.
Be sure to put this one on your summer reading list!
Footloose and Fancy Free – Sandal Ready Feet for Summer
By Aly Wagonseller
They’ve been bundled up for months now, and the time has finally arrived for your feet to come out of winter hiding. Strappy sandals, casual flip flops and barefoot walks in the sand await. But even if you’ve maintained your bi-monthly pedicure, your feet may still need a little TLC.
Confiscate the Callus
Closed toe shoes and heels produce those pesky areas of hard skin known as calluses and corns. Removal can be challenging and time consuming, but well worth the effort for smooth and sexy feet. Start by avoiding shoes that produce friction and pressure on already affected areas. Over a period of approximately two weeks, get into callus removal mode by trying the following regimen before you go to bed:
- Soak feet in warm water with Epsom salts or essential oils for 15-20 minutes.
- Dry feet thoroughly. Using a gentle motion with a pumice stone, remove dead skin from the area. Be careful not to be too aggressive as this can cause irritation.
- Moisturize feet with a thick emollient cream and put on socks to hold in the moisture.
If necessary, wear protective pads that cushion corns from shoe friction, but be careful using over the counter callus and corn softeners that contain salicylic acid. Although effective, these can irritate skin and cause infection if not used properly. If you are diabetic, see your doctor.
Big Bad Bunions
A bunion is a common condition associated with a prominent bump on the inside of the forefoot where the big toe connects to the foot. Women are ten times more likely than men to develop bunions because of high heels, but the condition also runs in families and increases in size over time.
“Bunions are a big problem,” according to Troy Watson, MD, an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in adult foot and ankle reconstructive surgery at Desert Orthopaedic Center and founder of the Foot and Ankle Institute. “This deformity isn’t pretty and can cause a great deal of pain.” But while bunions don’t look fashionable, Dr. Watson believes that surgery should never be performed for cosmetic reasons only. Instead, Dr. Watson recommends the following options for combating the pain bunions present:
- Choose comfortable, soft shoes with a wide toe box.
- Get fitted for a soft arch support.
- Investigate slings that take the pressure off the second toe. Many of these are in flesh-tone colors to help camouflage the bunion while providing relief.
A variety of shoe manufacturers including Naturalizer, Nava, Aerosoles and Ros Hommerson are dedicated to supplying comfortable shoes with style, making suffering in the name of fashion a thing of the past. For more foot care advice from Dr. Watson, visit www.feetmd.com.
Pedicure Protection
Pedis are so much more than a cosmetic procedure. Investing in a bi-monthly pedicure is a surefire way to keep ingrown nails and calluses at bay while sporting toes in living color. Still, it’s important to entrust your tootsies to sanitary practices to avoid damaging fungus and infection. Asking your salon how they clean their instruments and bowls should never be a problem. Things to look for include:
- Bowls that are cleaned with a hospital-grade, EPA registered disinfectant between every procedure.
- Stainless steel tools that are sterilized in an autoclave chamber. Remember, just because tools are pulled from a jar of blue liquid does not mean they are sterilized.
- Brand new emery boards and nail buffers that are sealed and opened just prior to use. These items should never be reused.
Never let a pedicurist use a credo or razor blade on your feet and be sure to speak up if the operator is too rough or if the procedure is hurting. For added protection, purchase your own tools and sanitizing agents and bring them along to your appointment. Locally owned company PediPack.com has super cute kits that contain eleven professional implements in a convenient roll-up pouch. They make great gifts too!
Forget about the weight of the world on your shoulders! Our feet are the true, unsung heroes on our body. By treating them right all year long, you’ll be ready to show them off in style this summer season.
SunSmart IQ – The Truth About Sunscreen SPF
By Doe Girling
Back in the 1950s and 1960s, sunscreen ad campaigns promoting bronzed, sun-kissed skin started the sun worshipping craze in this country. Remember the ever present Coppertone ads featuring that cute, blond girl with a dog pulling her bathing suit bottom down? Well, the sad truth is that cute blued-eyed girl probably now has leathery skin or is one of the 76,250 people diagnosed annually with malignant melanoma cancer.
Thankfully, we have become more educated in recent years about the importance of wearing sunscreen to avoid getting skin cancer as well as to help our skin age more gracefully. But even with this information, how SunSmart are we? With the rise in skin cancer, manufacturers have hopped on the SPF bandwagon, and over the past several years they have added SPF protection to myriad products. Still, are we being lulled into a false sense of SPF security? Here is some info that may help elevate your Sun IQ.
Rules and Regulations
The sunscreen industry in the United States has unfortunately not changed its standards since the mid 1970s. Manufacturers face little restriction in making claims about their products and do not have to disclose whether or not their products provide broad spectrum protection or water resistance capabilities. For products featuring an SPF lower than 15, there is no obligation to warn users that the product does not help prevent sunburn, skin cancer or early skin aging. “Buyer beware” is the phrase that comes to mind here, as the scarcity of regulation could lead to unintentional deadly consequences.
Unlike the United States, Australia forced their sunscreen manufacturers to raise their standards in response to an epidemic skin cancer rate in the mid 1970s. As a result, studies Down Under have shown a decrease in skin cancer that can directly be attributed to a stringent public service campaign called “Slip, Slap and Slop”… Slip on a shirt, slap on a hat and slop on sunscreen. Australian sunscreens have the highest standards worldwide, and their efforts stand as a sharp contrast to the approach to marketing sunscreen in the States. As such, it’s important for Americans to be educated.
SPF Specifics
Most consumers would be surprised to learn that wearing sunscreen with anything higher than SPF 30 provides only a fraction more protection. SPF 15 blocks out 94% of harmful UVB rays, while SPF 30 blocks out 97% and SPF 50 blocks out 98%. You should know that anything over SPF 50 provides no additional protection, and the FDA has recommended that products advertising 60, 70 or 100 SPF protection be labeled as *SPF 50+ and contain the following disclaimer: “FDA does not have adequate data demonstrating that products with SPF values higher than 50 provide additional protection.”
Equally misleading are the marketing ploys of cosmetic companies that entice you into buying creams, lotions and makeup with SPF protection. Few if any of these products inform you that they must be re-applied every one-and-a-half to two hours. To be safe with an SFP makeup, for example, you need to re-apply your foundation every two hours. That’s a daunting task for most people, and unless you’re willing to comply, you are putting unnecessary chemicals on your face and only getting minimal protection at best.
Cosmetics that contain SPF are often intended by manufacturers to be used both day and night, but why do we need to lather extra chemicals on our body that protect us from the sun while we sleep? Common sense says we don’t, but SPF has become an industry buzzword much like the words anti-oxidant, hypoallergenic and organic. The “buzz” is that most cosmetic companies include SPF to lure their customers into a false sense of SPF security and convince them that using their product will help prevent skin cancer.
The More You Know…
Until the FDA can help get realistic, concrete legislation passed through Congress that establishes higher standards for sunscreens and their manufacturers, keep yourself informed and try not to get “burned.” Here are some easy ways you can be SunSmart:
- Look for sunscreens set to Australian standards. This is currently the only way to be absolutely certain that a sunscreen is held to the highest testing values.
- Be aware of cosmetics that contain SPF and make an informed decision about whether to use them.
- Instead of cosmetic products that contain short-term SPF protection, look for free standing face and body sunscreens with a minimum SPF of 15.
- Don’t be fooled by a product touting extra protection for an SPF over 50.
Protecting our skin from the sun is one of the most important things we can do. By educating yourself about the necessities of sunscreen and being informed enough to recognize misleading product claims, you can stay fit and healthy in the sun this summer.
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Doe Girling is a pharmaceutical skin care professional and a former fundraiser for the Hoag Cancer Institute in Newport Beach, CA. For more information regarding sunscreens and sun safety, you can contact Doe at AboutFaceOC@gmail.com
A Neighborhood Staple – Juan’s Flaming Fajitas & Cantina
By Aly Wagonseller
It’s the simple things that make a restaurant memorable and worth returning to on a regular basis. Fancy food and décor, if done correctly, is certainly worth the price tag. But the name of the game in a locally owned neighborhood restaurant is consistently good service; food that’s prepared well and is fairly priced; and the presence of a very likable owner who’s in the trenches making sure his customers feel welcome and happy with their overall dining experience. This is exactly what we found at Juan’s Flaming Fajita’s & Cantina, located at 9640 W. Tropicana.
The restaurant’s namesake, Juan Vazquez, has assembled a team that old time Las Vegas natives might recognize. The main man in the kitchen worked at Viva Mercado’s Mexican restaurant for more than eighteen years, while other staff members (including Juan) worked there in various service positions, many until the iconic establishment suffered its demise a few months ago. This may explain why the Flaming Fajita runs like a restaurant that’s been open for years as opposed to only a few weeks. The service is organized and remarkably friendly; the ambiance, while somewhat cliché, inviting and comfortable; and the food… well… honestly some of the best I’ve had for the genre.
You won’t find Nuevo cuisine ala Border Grill or Mundo (a personal favorite) on the menu, but that in no way means that the classic fare Juan’s is dishing out doesn’t compare. It starts with sauces that are incredibly complex in flavor; for me, the reason why this place is so noteworthy. The kind of red chili sauce so earthy and robust it transforms a simple cheese enchilada into a masterful bite you just can’t stop thinking about. Expertly prepared mole that’s deep and soulful, yet doesn’t finish like a brick on the palate, a trait that’s given mole a bad rap in many a Mexican establishment. Verde sauce that’s tart without being abrasive, balanced with just the right amount of heat to accentuate ingredients like the tender chunks of pork found in their exceedingly flavorful pork chili verde. Because these sauces are the backbone of pretty much every burrito, enchilada or tamale on the menu, I doubt you’ll go wrong with anything you order; they’re really that good.
But as the name implies, fajitas are Flaming’s big draw. I’ve never really understood the affection for this particular dish, since to me there’s nothing interesting about a DIY preparation of minimally dressed meat and vegetables wrapped in a tortilla. Still, a lot of people love ‘em, and like the rest of their food, Juan’s does them right. When they say flaming, it’s literal; huge (translation: plenty of leftovers) portions of well executed chicken, steak, pork or shrimp come to the table in an iron vessel that sits atop a fondue pot style heating source. Unlike most restaurants, where the requisite fajita Pavlov dog-like reaction is set in motion by way of the sizzling sound of meat as it makes its way through the dining room, Juan’s flambés your entrée at the table; a detail that, while entertainingly showy, actually serves a purpose to render off grease and sear the meat. Condiments including sour cream, guac, and salsa are plentiful, making for a very respectable version of this south of the border classic.
Velvety bean dip, blistered jalepenos and caramelized onions served with the obligatory basket of chips are an original touch, as is the option to order fresh from the skin guacamole, made to your liking tableside. It’s worth the extra $7.95 if you’re a fan. Round it out with a variety of margarita and drink specials (happy hour deals are served between 3-7pm) and a separate bar with plenty of tables and TVs and you’re good to go for dinner or cocktails.
I love the heart and work ethic that Juan Vazquez brings to the Flaming Fajita, his first restaurant venture, and obviously a true labor of love. With the food and service expertise he’s showing already, I think the future is certainly bright for this neighborhood must try. For hours and information, call them at 823-1400.
A Step Above – Elsie Powley
West Career & Technical Academy
Class of 2013
With a sharp mind for bio-tech, the steadfast resolve of an athlete and the strong work ethic of a multi-talented scholar, West Career & Technical Academy senior Elsie Powley has a bright future ahead of her. She’s proud to take center stage in any endeavor, from the tennis court to student council, proving that leadership, confidence and enthusiasm are clear hallmarks of success. As she heads to Brigham Young University this fall, she’s setting out to turn every challenge into a new accomplishment. For all that and more, Elsie Powley stands – A Step Above.
G.P.A.: 4.72
Sports/Activities
- Varsity Tennis, 2011-12
- Zion’s Youth Symphony & Chorus, 2011-12
- Key Club, 2012-13
- NHS, 2010-12
- Student Council Ambassador, 2010-13
- Student Council Representative, 2011-12
- Student Body President, 2012-13
Awards/Community Service
- 1st Place Governor’s High School Essay Contest, 2011
- AP Scholar, 2012
- Editor-in-Chief, WCTA Newspaper, 2011-12
- Scholar Athlete, 2011-12
- Most Valuable Newspaper Staff Member, 2012
- Young Woman Recognition Award, 2010
- Outstanding Citizenship, 2009-13
- Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, 2011-13
- Special Olympics Nevada, 2010-13
- Volunteer at Opportunity Village, 2009-13
- Volunteer at Shade Tree, 2009-12
Accomplishments Most Proud Of: “I am most proud of being elected as WCTA’s first Student Body President and having the opportunity to be included in my high school’s first graduating class of 2013. My perspective on leadership positions is that they are the best opportunities to serve others, and I am always the happiest when I can do something for someone else.”
Elsie Looks Up To: “I look up to my best friend of six years, Elizabeth Burdett. She has always embraced her unique and fun personality without regard to others’ opinions of her. Today, she is president of her high school’s National Honor Society and led the planning and execution of a Color Run with NHS for her high school and the entire town in Rolla, Missouri.”
Part of the Solution: “A key issue facing young adults today, especially at my school, is a sense of identity. If there was a stronger focus on mentoring youths individually to help them find out who they are and who they want to become, this issue could be met. Each person has specific needs and abilities, and oftentimes adolescents require one with a larger perspective to help address these needs and inspire them to make important decisions that will impact their lives.”
