Updates
Michael Wiley of Port Richey, Fla., in News of the Weird last year for his maniacal driving despite having lost both arms and half a leg in a childhood accident, was back in trouble in May, leading police on (and winning) a high-speed chase (but they recognized the notorious Wiley behind the wheel and arrested…
Thinning the Herd
Recurring Themes: · An 18-year-old man intent for some reason on spray-painting graffiti in an electrical substation in Santa Fe, N.M., jumped the concrete wall and razor wire in May and started to work, but soon burned himself badly and died days later. · A 29-year-old man from Downers Grove, Ill., deciding for some reason…
Andy Coats produces results at OU College of Law
When Andy Coats began his tenure as dean of the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1996, there was a lot of room for improvement: The building was old and in desperate need of a renovation and students’ test results weren’t impressive ” about 70 percent passed the bar exam. Morale was low and…
OSU vet center provides back surgery for dogs
Oklahoma State University has been pioneering a form of laser surgery for dogs experiencing back pain due to herniated disc disease. First used in 1993, the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences reviewed more than 300 cases to discover very high rate of success, according to a veterinarian working on the procedure. The university released the…
Terminally ill inmate still scheduled for execution
A death row inmate who has been diagnosed as terminally ill will still be executed next week. Jimmy Dale Bland, 49, was convicted of the Nov. 14, 1996, murder of 62-year-old Doyle Windle Rains. Bland’s execution is set for Tuesday. A split Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals today denied a stay of Bland’s…
Least Competent Criminals
Howard Mayfield, 47, and Valerie Lester, 36, were arrested at his trailer home near Damascus, Va., in March as the two, according to police, nearly burned down the home while trying to destroy counterfeit money that Mayfield had printed. Police had served arrest warrants at 5:15 a.m., found the trailer smoky, and upon entering saw…
Gitmo soldiers coming to Fort Sill?
Congressman Tom Cole, R-Okla., said he’s opposed to the possibility of Fort Sill being considered for Guantanamo Bay’s terror war detainees. Recent reports that the White House is considering shutting down the Cuban detention facility leaves up in the air the question of what to do with the detainees, including many believed to be al-Qaida…
People Who Are in Serious Trouble
In early March, highway patrol officers near Ontario, Calif., came upon an unlocked rental truck whose engine was still warm and which contained marijuana worth an estimated $20 million, with the driver undoubtedly on the run, and not just from police. And in April, the driver of a cocaine delivery truck took a curve too…
Oklahoma destinations get Travelocity approval
From more than 10,000 submissions nationwide, a few Oklahoma locations are being singled out as travel-worthy destinations in the guidebook “Local Secrets, Big Finds for 2007.” Hosted by travel Web site Travelocity, the online guidebook lists unique American places worth discovering, including “hidden gems.” “Our goal in compiling this list was to make…
People With Issues
In March, police in Ann Arbor, Mich., were called to the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity at the University of Michigan after a female trespasser entered during the dinner hour and ignored repeated attempts to get her to leave (even though she merely sat down, removed her clothes and masturbated). Fraternity members said later they would…
Don’t You Know Who I Am!
In April, Marilyn Devaney, who is one of eight elected Massachusetts officials with authority over certain actions taken by the governor, was accused of assault in Waltham, Mass., after she allegedly hit a beauty-shop clerk with a curling iron when the employee declined to take Devaney’s personal check. Devaney had allegedly, indignantly pointed out her…
Andrew’s appeal denied
Brenda Evers Andrew ” convicted and sentenced to death for the 2001 murder of her husband, Oklahoma City advertising executive Robert Andrew ” had her appeal denied by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals. The judges ruled 4-1 in rejecting the appeal. A jury found Brenda Andrew guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy to…
Meeting seeks public’s thoughts on water issues
Though recent rain may suggest otherwise, water in Oklahoma is becoming more and more a precious resource. The Oklahoma Water Resources Board and Oklahoma Water Research Institute invite residents to speak out about any water issues they have in order for the state to create an effective water plan. “Water is becoming more important,…
Oklahoma landmarks placed on historic list
ties brings the total number of listings in the National Register from Oklahomato 1,106. “? Scott Cooper
Edmond Visual Arts Council, chamber partner on art piece for anniversary
The Edmond Visual Arts Council unanimously agreed to partner with the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce on the art piece entitled “Legacy” at a June 20 meeting. To be used as a legacy piece to commemorate the Edmond Area Chamber of Commerce’s 100th Anniversary, the piece will be dedicated in October during the Chamber’s open…
Police arrest diaper-wearing Tulsa man
Police arrested a man recently after a rash of reports that he had been seen all over the Tulsa area exposing himself and wearing a diaper. According to the Tulsa World and a Fox television report, the diaper flasher would enter a convenience store, go into the bathroom, then emerge in full regalia, sporting…
Texan’s cover of Hosty song irks some fans
Rockabilly-blues artist and one-half of the Hosty Duo, Mike Hosty, wrote “Oklahoma Breakdown,” but the voice behind the No. 1 radio version is country artist and Texas native Stoney LaRue. His version of the song is seeing much success … and a little controversy among territorial Hosty fans. As he put it, “Who the F is…
Photo exhibit shows world through photojournalists’ eyes
The most memorable events from 2006 can be seen through the lenses of some of the nation’s best photojournalists at the International Photography Hall of Fame & Museum’s newest exhibit. Sponsored by the White House News Photographers Association, “The Eyes of History 2007” will run through Sept. 9. “We’re hoping that this exhibit comes annually…
Day Watch
“Day Watch” is confusing “? violent, but confusing. A mythical battle between dark and light is being waged in Moscow, kept in check by a truce, and enforced by delegates of good and evil. Light team leader Anton (Konstantin Khabensky) battles Zavulon (Viktor Verzhbitsky) and is dispatched to enforce the peace and tries to…
Broadway actress O’Hara comes home to ‘Oklahoma!’
The two-time Tony-nominated Broadway actress Kelli O’Hara returns to her roots this week to play a role that just makes sense for her: The Oklahoma City University graduate will star in Lyric Theatre’s official centennial production of “Oklahoma!,” which begins a five-day run on Tuesday at the Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker. “There…
Oscar Peterson, Ray Brown and Milt Jackson – What’s Up?: The Very Tall Band
Telarc Any time you have three jazz masters live on stage together, tearing into a set of bop standards, it’s going to be a good thing. And this album, featuring Oscar Peterson on piano, Milt Jackson on vibes and Ray Brown on bass, fits that bill. Following up on a 1999 release of…
Images of women focus of ‘Heartbreakers’ exhibit
lso, my female relationships are much more complicated than my male relationships, which I think makes these more interesting.” Located at 220 E. Main in Norman, the gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, call 360-1162 or visit.”?Lauren Hopkins
Unclear on the Concept
New-Age Ethics: Texas A&M’s business school punished 24 students in May for cheating on a business ethics exam (and investigated 27 others, but could not meet the school’s legal standard of “irrefutable” proof against them). The offense was that some students took exams for others.
Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park makes splash at new home with ‘Dream’
The outdoor setting is breathtakingly beautiful. As though dropped into the middle of the downtown skyline, lush trees and water plants surround the newly furbished stage. Kathryn McGill, co-founder and artistic director of OSP, directs a charming cast with a sure hand and a light touch. Thanks to knockout costumes by Dottie DeLeon and the…
Mooney Suzuki’s live act reminds what rock can be
New York’s The Mooney Suzuki roars with high-energy, British-Invasion attitude ” a hefty dose of The Kinks and The Rolling Stones with light brushes of contrasting acoustic roots. The key to a great show, front man Sammy James Jr. said, is to live in the moment. “You can’t preplan it out,” he said. “You might…
En Vogue fronts Urban League awards gala
The Urban League of Greater Oklahoma City just might “Free Your Mind” this weekend at its 60th annual Awards and Membership Gala with dinner, awards and a performance by Grammy-nominated R&B group En Vogue. The event takes place 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. The night will include” silent and…
Super duper or party pooper?
“Front-loaded.” “First, at all costs.” “Super Tuesday.” “Super-Duper Tuesday.” If you haven’t already heard these buzz words, get ready. Just eight months from now, on Feb. 5, 2008, the atmosphere will be positively pulsating with media coverage and blog talk of early presidential primary elections being held in more than 20 states, including Oklahoma.…
Pilot utters wrong phrase in Oklahoma airspace
Note to self: When flying into military airspace, perhaps it’s best not to utter the phrase “hostile takeover” and then turn off your radio. That’s what one pilot did June 11 in the friendly skies over Oklahoma, and found himself with a mess of F-16s on his tail. According to a report on www.aero-news.net,…
Legendary OKC radio station changes format
Gremlins have taken over legendary Oklahoma City radio station WKY-AM 930, but the moments leading up to the takeover this week were just as interesting for radio listeners. WKY has been many things over its long history. It played rock, pop and country while under the ownership of the Oklahoma Publishing Co. When it…
Smokin’ Aces
way. The gist is that Vegas illusionist Buddy “Aces” Israel (Jeremy Piven) has so angered the Mob that a million-dollar bounty now sits upon his head. With a take like that, you’d expect every quirky criminal to come out of the woodwork, and they do, including a duo of black female assassins (one of…
Oklahoma folk culture celebrated at festival
Showing off the state’s diversity is the aim of Oklahoma Centennial Folklife Festival. Sponsored by the Oklahoma Historical Society and the Oklahoma Folklife Council, the event will be held from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Saturday at the Oklahoma History Center, 2401 N. Laird. “Folk life is an informal way of learning cultural traditions,” said…
Various artists – The Greatest Songs Ever
Petrol Continuing a series already about 15 installments deep, Petrol Records issues five more discs in its globe-spanning “The Greatest Songs Ever” line of compilations. Each album focuses on a specific country, state or region from all reaches of our planet, with the latest batch representing Hawaii, Japan, India, North Africa and South Africa.…
Sibling duo The Red Alert no longer aping White Stripes
The Red Alert consists of Hank Hanewinkel III on guitar and vocals and his younger sister, Christy Hanewinkel, on drums. The pair first started playing four years ago, when she was only eight years old and he was just 14. It all started with that childhood dream and a White Stripes CD. “My uncle Phillip…
Paris Je T’aime
Reviewer’s grade: B+ As long as there has been a Paris “? the city, that is, not the slutty heiress currently doing hard time “? it has inflamed passions and inspired poetry. “Paris, Je T’aime” is another cinematic feast dedicated to the City of Lights, but this time the meal consists solely of hors…
Eating whole grains lowers Type 2 diabetes risk
One in four Oklahomans has or is at risk of developing diabetes, according to the Oklahoma Diabetes Center of the University of Oklahoma. And the ediba Diabetes Center of Excellence ranks Oklahoma No. 2 in the nation in prevalence of diabetes. The Oklahoma Diabetes Center claims the state’s residents are under a diabetic epidemic, mainly…
Ghost Rider
2007 In the realm of Marvel Comics turned into movies, “Ghost Rider” falls somewhere in the middle “? nowhere near the artistic heights of “Spider-Man 2,” but diverting enough to avoid the label of failure of, say, the current “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer.” After all, it’s not every day you can…
Best Stories of the American West: Volume 1
” not only proving that the Western has a lot of life left in it, but also that its true potential just now is being tapped. For those who see the cover image’s silhouette of a cowboy atop his horse and think the book is just another collection of “oaters,” the opening story will set…
Another rocket company ready to do business with state
At this month’s meeting of the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority, Patrick Bahn, the chief executive officer of TGV Rockets, with headquarters in Norman, announced the successful June 9 test of an engine that would form the core of a new rocket system. TGV’s unmanned rocket is intended to be used in place of billion-dollar…
Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
Reviewer’s grade: B+ The first “Fantastic Four” movie was so-so “? the “Questionable Quartet,” at best. This time out, director Tim Story has worked out the kinks, sharpened his skill working with computer effects, and gained some recognition that these guys’ super powers are pretty damn silly. Adding what is admittedly a generic sci-fi…
Celebrate Route 66 through live music, activities
The Route 66 Preservation Foundation will hold the National Route 66 Festival Thursday through Sunday in Clinton. The event is a national one held every year at a different location along the route. “An Oklahoma location was chosen for this year in honor of our centennial,” said Erin Adams, president of the Clinton Chamber of…
The Rape of Europa
Reviewer’s grade: B+ “The Rape of Europa” is a public-television-style documentary about the fate of European art treasures in World War II. Before the war even started, Hitler created whole factions of people to steal, catalog and ship priceless works of art in countries he planned to invade, and implemented plans to steal collections…
Inexplicable
In May, a curious Joe Heckel of Cincinnati and his son took apart the heavy punching bag Joe had bought for their boxing practice and to their surprise found it full of, not sand or plastic pellets, but men’s and women’s underwear (some used). According to a May report on WLWT-TV, the manufacturer, Technical Knockout…
Critics: Statehood ceremony perpetuates stereotypes
For 100 years, a mock wedding ceremony between Mr. Oklahoma Territory and Miss Indian Territory has been re-enacted. The ceremony is symbolic of Oklahoma entering the union as the 46th state on Nov. 16, 1907. In conjunction with an official centennial project, the latest re-enactment unfolds 11:30 a.m. Saturday at the historic Foreman Prairie House…
UCO drama camp teaches kids ins and outs of theater
This summer, the University of Central Oklahoma has a way for young kids to beat the heat, and still use their imagination, with its annual summer Drama Day Camp. Going on through the end of June, these camps offer children classes in:” acting, ” stage combat, ” theater craft building, and ” voice and movement.…
Vacation, y’all!
In a May 25 editorial, Gov. Brad Henry encouraged readers to “see Oklahoma first” this summer, and soon I will be sending the “Read Y’All” governor an invoice for a replacement keyboard. You see, I spit coffee out of my mouth with such velocity upon reading his comment that my keyboard was forced to find…
DOA: Dead or Alive
Reviewer’s grade: C+ Jaime Pressly leads a horde of slinky babes who participate in an elite kung-fu tournament in Asian director Corey Yuen’s oft-delayed “DOA: Dead or Alive,” a guilty pleasure from the producers of “Resident Evil” and “House of the Dead.” Amidst all the scuffles, there’s a recurring bit “? it really…
Charged Oklahoma county commissioner’s face hits the Web
Can’t Brent Rinehart ever get a break? The OklahomaCounty commissioner, who faces felony charges of money laundering and perjury stemming from his 2004 campaign, last week faced another accuser: the Internet. The Oklahoman reported that several “party pictures” surfaced of Rinehart on a slide show Web site. In one picture, Rinehart is shown…
Oklahoma meteorologist makes ‘The Daily Show’
With his “Twister” notoriety long behind him, KWTV Channel 9 meteorologist Gary England was thrust back into the national spotlight thanks to a ribbing from Jon Stewart on a June 14 “The Daily Show” segment. (YouTube video) Stewart made fun of England’s currently airing tornado promo, which depicts a frightened family running for shelter…
Can’t Possibly Be True
The Good Hope Hospital in Sutton, England, apparently had an official policy in recent years of reusing sheets from one patient to the next to reduce its laundry bill (estimated at the equivalent of $1 million a year), according to an April report in London’s Daily Mail. The policy coincided with a period in which…
Disappointment can be the most defining element in sports
For Daniel Agnew, disappointment came last September. Just three days prior to his scheduled departure for Switzerland ” where he was slated to compete in the 2006 Triathlon World Championships ” Agnew got a call from his sponsors letting him know that due to financial issues, they had decided not to help fund his trip.…
Nancy Drew
Reviewer’s grade: C For the first Nancy Drew movie on the big screen in nearly 70 years, writer/director Andrew Fleming and co-writer Tiffany Paulsen decide to give the spunky teen sleuth the “Brady Bunch Movie” treatment. Nancy (Emma Roberts) is an anachronism, a goody-goody with a penchant for penny loafers and taffy pulls. So…
State emergency director to advise FEMA
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is asking Oklahoma’s Emergency Management Director Albert Ashwood to sit on FEMA’s new advisory board. Gov. Brad Henry announced the appointment of the disaster veteran Wednesday. Emergency Department spokeswoman Michealann Ooten said Ashwood’s new advisory role won’t take him from his current state position. EXPERIENCEAshwood brings 19 years…
Alpha Dog
and murder of a 15-year-old West Hills, Calif., boy, the movie doesn’t shy away from exploiting the sex and drugs quotient that comes with a tale of spoiled rich kids in Southern California. Even so, director Nick Cassavetes (“The Notebook”) knows how to spin a yarn, and “Alpha Dog” turns out to have as much…
The Polyphonic Spree – The Fragile Army
TVT Dallas concoction The Polyphonic Spree is part choir, band, symphony and vaudeville show, and “The Fragile Army”‘ the follow-up to its critically acclaimed 2004 album “Together We’re Heavy”‘ proves the gimmick is over. What used to be charming’ a rotating cast of dozens of bandmates, a choir, a theremin and French horn’…
Capitol portrait honoring civil rights trailblazer unveiled
A long-envisioned effort to honor civil rights pioneer Ada Lois Sipuel Fisher with a portrait in the state Capitol rotunda finally came to fruition Tuesday. Oklahoma Arts Council Executive Director Betty Price; Bruce Fisher, son of the late Sipuel Fisher; and artist Mitsuno Reedy unveiled the oil piece during an 11 a.m. program in…
Gazette covers place third at national AltWeekly Awards
Oklahoma Gazette tied for third place June 15 in the Cover Design category at the national AltWeekly Awards sponsored by the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies. Three entries by the Gazette’s cover crew competed in the contest against other alternative-weekly newspapers with circulations of less than 60,000: “Crosstook,” “The Watchers” and “Vote.” The San…
