Update
In 2001, News of the Weird noted Hong Kong jeweler Lam Sai-wing’s monument to excess, the solid-gold bathroom (including flushable toilet), built as a tribute to Vladimir Lenin’s critique of capitalism’s wastefulness. (“(W)e shall use gold,” wrote Lenin, “for the purpose of building public lavatories in the streets of some of the largest cities in…
Least Competent Criminals
In June, police in Spokane, Wash., arrested Calvin Robinson, 19, who had set up inside the lockable family restroom at a mall because he needed an electrical outlet to run the color printer he had just bought for $100 (in real money) in order to make counterfeit $10 bills. Police recovered a sheet of uncut,…
The Jesus and Virgin Mary World Tour (all new!)
Recent Playdates: Salt Lake City, July (image of Jesus in a three-gallon container of spumoni at an ice cream shop); Salinas, Calif., July (image of Mary in the floor drain of a restaurant undergoing renovation); Monterey, Calif., May (image of Mary in the leg wound of a biker who slid 50 feet along the pavement…
Democrat who coordinated 1968 convention visits Oklahoma City
The Oklahoman who coordinated the 1968 Democratic National Convention visited the Oklahoma History Center today to help unveil a political convention exhibit. John Meek from Rocky in Washita County who coordinated one of the more infamous political conventions in American history says while much has been written, little is still known. As Democrats meet in Denver…
Scenes of the Surreal
The president of Japan’s Osakana Planning Co. told attendees of the Japanese Seafood Show in July that his tuna makes superior sushi because his company administers acupuncture to each fish prior to its death, in order to reduce stress. A Welsh oil painting, “Newport Nudes,” which was mothballed 60 years ago for being too brazen…
Schemes
Boston fire inspector Albert Arroyo, on tax-free disability since March (“totally and permanently disabled,” wrote his physician) from an unwitnessed on-the-job injury, apparently heroically overcame his condition and six weeks later finished eighth in the 2008 Pro Natural American bodybuilding championship. Said his lawyer, James Dilday, time in the gym was actually a way for…
The X-Files #0
WildStorm If only comics came with sound chips, then “The X-Files” #0 could be the closest thing to a new episode of the seminal sci-fi series, because about all that’s missing is that iconic Mark Snow theme song. Show writer/producer Frank Spotnitz revisits the characters of FBI Agents Mulder and Scully, writing this tale of…
The Weirdo-Australian Community
Rodney McLagan, 48, acknowledged that a few pornographic images of children might have been among the 31,000 that he had downloaded from the Internet, but that he has never had a sexual interest in children. Rather, almost all of the images are of adults having sex with animals. As his lawyer pointed out in court…
Supernatural: The Complete Third Season
2007-2008 A pair of investigators crosses the country looking into occurrences of the paranormal and unexplained. As one character says, ” Sounds a little X-Files to me.” “Supernatural” indeed is. It may not have existed without that influence, but it’s enjoyable in its own right, and the best example of small-screen horror since “¦ well,…
Cornett to speak at Republican National Convention
The City of Oklahoma City announced today Mayor Mick Cornett will speak at a general session during the upcoming Republican National Convention. Cornett “? who serves as president of the Republican Mayors and Local Officials group “? will be the first Oklahoman to speak at the convention since former Congressman J.C. Watts spoke in 1996.…
Casual flip flops may turn into a casualty
If summertime means foot and ankle pain for those beach-minded, children-of-the-sun types, it’s likely that those $5 flip-flops are the culprit. The minimalist sandal is the warm-weather footwear of choice for millions across the U.S., but its weakness resides in its simplicity ” the open-toed design and lack of proper ankle and arch support means…
The Stanton Family Grave Robbery
If there is a real lesson to be learned from watching “Little Miss Sunshine,” “National Lampoon’s Vacation” or “Weekend at Bernie’s,” it’s that corpses equal comedy gold. Cinematically, we also know stepmothers are always evil. So when Mark and Brian Stanton’s dad, a dedicated University of Oklahoma fan, dies, and his money-grubbing shrew of a…
Cultural Diversity
France’s Council of State turned down an otherwise-acceptable petition for citizenship by a French Moroccan woman in July, on the ground that her total submission to her husband makes her “insufficient(ly)” “assimilat(ed)” into the country’s ethos of gender equality. The 32-year-old Muslim veils her entire body in public except for a narrow slit for the…
Black Kids – Partie Traumatic
Columbia Fusing a lo-fi audio aesthetic with delightful, catchy songs, the debut full-length from Florida’s Black Kids is diverse and wildly appealing. Most of the songs on “Partie Traumatic” are surprisingly different, especially for a major-label debut, but contain a commonality of being wonderfully strange and well-written. Indie sex pools underneath “Hurricane Jane,” a track…
Twin quadruplets
Martha Padgett gave birth to quadruplets in Riverside, Calif., in July, but she only did half the work. The other two babies were born to her partner, Karen Wesolowski, using Padgett’s eggs and the same sperm donor, and whose two came along 22 hours after Padgett’s two. The women carried two fertilized eggs each only…
The Dirt Drifters steer country-rock band toward Oklahoma hometown
Hopefully there won’t be a burn ban in Oklahoma City this weekend, because The Dirt Drifters are making a stop Saturday night at the Wormy Dog Saloon, and the band has a tendency to cause explosions wherever it goes. TOUCHY SUBJECT CHURCH MEETINGFATHERHOOD The Nasvhille, Tenn., act is known for its live fire; a rock…
Theory could mean more online-purchasing Oklahomans
Imagine shopping in a huge store with an unlimited selection. Would you indulge your curiosity and buy a multitude of items with which you’re unfamiliar? Would you buy just items you know? Or, would you try a few new items and fill the rest of your cart with things you’ve bought many times before? TAKING…
Planned Parenthood of Central Oklahoma maintains commitment
Since its founding in 1916, Planned Parenthood Federation of America has focused on providing reproductive health care to low-income and underserved women. Changes at the national level, however, reportedly have raised some concern about what direction the organization is headed and what that means for the low-income women who were its original focus. RE-BRANDING EFFORTSGREATER…
Former Sooner trades in pro golf dream for teaching
Over the course of two years, Kelsey Cline drove more than 100,000 miles, crisscrossing the country in hopes of someday earning a spot on the PGA Tour. During that stretch, he practically lived out of a suitcase in a seemingly endless series of hotel rooms, with all of his spare time spent practicing and preparing…
Fans eager for ‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ saga seize a Bricktown theater
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away”¦ Well, last weekend, anyway, at the Harkins Bricktown Cinemas. It was the opening of George Lucas’ latest addition to the saga that began in 1977 with what was then known as “Star Wars,” aka “Star Wars: Episode IV ” A New Hope.” (If you think…
Latest Religious Messages
“Someone’s getting a new spinal cord tonight!” yelled Canadian tent-revival preacher Todd Bentley in July during his crusade in Lakeland, Fla. (also telecast on GodTV and the Internet), according to an Associated Press observer. Miracles are “popping like popcorn,” he promised, punctuating each hands-on salvation with an Emeril-type “Bam!” His unorthodoxy extends to sometimes roughing…
Sound Tribe Sector 9 – Peaceblaster
1320 In the realm where jam bands and electronica meet, Sound Tribe Sector 9 rules them all. “Peaceblaster,” the eco-friendly California quintet’s fourth studio album, begins with the pulsating rhythms and plugged-in funk that inform its brand of instrumental rock. It’s a place where purposeful noodling meshes with instant-hook harmonies, jazz influences and unique instrumentation…
Star Wars: The Clone Wars
Reviewer’s grade: B- This first animated feature film from the George Lucas movie factory is not for “Star Wars” novices. It’s the premiere of a new TV series beginning on Cartoon Network in October, and if you don’t know the characters and their relationships to each other going in, the script won’t help. Someone has…
Classic car enthusiasts work to keep hot rods, culture alive and well
Model As, coupes and stubby short-bed trucks growled, crackled and crept toward the starting line of the Tulsa Raceway Park quarter-mile track. Running the drag strip two at a time, the aged beasts bridled as they filed in for their turn. The green light sent the hot rods tearing down the track, blowing past the…
Oklahoma’s man in the middle
claimed his intention to run for president. Chicago had other problems leading up to the convention. City bus and taxi cab drivers went on strike, as did electrical workers and telephone installers. Daley made things even more difficult by stalling city permits to anyone wishing to use the city’s parks for protests. Several Democrats were…
Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Reviewer’s grade: B+ Woody Allen fans can breathe easy. Not only is “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” a return to form for the writer-director, it might just be his best movie since 1994’s “Bullets Over Broadway.” Bathed in the golden-hued splendor of the titular Spanish city, the film tackles themes near and dear to the Woodman’s heart,…
Filmmaker uses Oklahoma-Texas rivalry as backdrop for film
If there is a real lesson to be learned from watching “Little Miss Sunshine,” “National Lampoon’s Vacation” or “Weekend at Bernie’s,” it’s that corpses equal comedy gold. Cinematically, we also know stepmothers are always evil. So when Mark and Brian Stanton’s dad, a dedicated University of Oklahoma fan, dies, and his money-grubbing shrew of a…
Two metro men head to Canada to say vows
David McClendon and Matthew Haire will be flying to Vancouver, British Columbia, to be married on Aug. 29. The Norman couple will celebrate their eighth anniversary as partners by marrying in spite of their church’s unwillingness to provide the sacred rites that legitimize their marriage. ‘BORING COUPLE’LAMBETH CONFERENCE’I UNDERSTAND THEIR DESIRE’ The men are members…
Historic city market, deli tests new DJ-led dance recipe
One hundred years is a long time to remain relevant in the rapidly changing world of retail. Kamp’s Market & Deli first nestled into Oklahoma City in 1910 as a grocery store, but the new ownership that shifted the site into a deli and grill is also testing the building out as a music venue.…
Counterpoint: Save the Supreme Court
One of the biggest scandals of the current Bush administration was what it tried to do to the U.S. Department of Justice. In order to destroy its political opponents, only right-wing Republicans got interviews for top jobs, while belonging to the The Nature Conservancy was a sure sign that an applicant was a communist. There…
Designers scavenge, sew, recycle to help define characters
Jeffrey Meek designs the costumes for Lyric Theater; over in Tulsa, Sara Cruncleton costumes most of the shows at The Nightingale Theater, which she co-owns. Meek has a crew of 13 people, including stitchers and dressers; Cruncleton works with donated costumes and scavenges through the wardrobes of the cast and crew. However, both serve the…
Lazy E Arena hosts ‘Bullnanza’ after hiatus
Bull riding is an explosion of vicious physicality. From the moment the gate swings open, a 1,500-pound bull comprised almost entirely of muscle and fury is unleashed, trying to buck off a determined cowboy only a fraction of its weight. With the scent of sweat and animal feces pervading over the timeless struggle of man…
Oklahoma district attorney subpoenas Web-site posters
There’ll be no more watercooler gossip in Pittsburg County. According to a story in the Tulsa World, the county’s district attorney’s office has subpoenaed Harold King, operator of the Web site McAlester Watercooler, to give up the names of people posting on his site as part of a criminal libel investigation. Apparently, DA Jim Bob…
Devon Energy plans 21st tallest building in the U.S. for OKC
The founder and CEO of Devon Energy Corp., Larry Nichols, announced today the company plans to build a 925-foot, 54-story skyscraper in downtown Oklahoma City, to house its expanding employee base and play host to civic gatherings. The project was unveiled at a meeting of Oklahoma City’s Urban Renewal Authority in the Ronald J. Norick…
Price Tower Arts Center debuts repurposed, upcycled exhibit
responded is what makes the show “? the inaugural exhibition for the center’s new “Triennial” series, dubbed “3-logy” “? so intriguing. For example, UK designer Tracy Kendall bathed a wall in jigsaw puzzle pieces, besting any paper or paint. Austin, Texas-based artist Alyson Fox used watercolors and colored pencil to dress up the cover of…
Sooner fans may be torn between Horns, Schnelly
Former dreaded University of Oklahoma football coach Howard Schnellenberger lives in Florida these days. Unfortunately, some habits didn’t retire. The gridiron version of Captain Kangaroo is coaching the University of Florida Atlantic’s football team these days. And while Schnelly has amassed a record of 41 wins with 42 losses and reportedly stopped drinking, that hasn’t…
Wolf Parade – At Mount Zoomer
Sub Pop The beast, whose snarly bite once tore through three wild EPs, has been tamed again, with the second full-length release from Montreal’s Wolf Parade. “Apologies to the Queen Mary” was among 2005’s most acclaimed releases, although the Canadian five-piece suffered a little backlash for spraying on studio shellac. The production lacquer on “At…
Zombie Haiku – Ryan Mecum
HOW Books What would a zombie plague be like if told entirely through the five/seven/five syllable structure of haiku? Wonder no more, and laugh a lot, with Ryan Mecum’s “Zombie Haiku,” which is designed like an ordinary poetry journal. At first, it’s filled with flowery verse. Then he’s bitten by his infected neighbor and becomes…
Hinder drummer gets hot under the collar
Cody Hanson, in town on a tour break, wasn’t at all happy with the Aug. 6 Soundcheck, detailing the early radio and iTunes chart success of “Use Me,” the first single from Hinder’s sophomore “Take It to the Limit” album, due out on Election Day. Hanson and company — two management- or tour-related gentlemen whose…
The Pleasure Kills set to blast with female-fronted New Wave
Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the mall, the Eighties are, like, totally back. Just look around: Elements of the Reagan era are popping up faster than you can say “voodoo economics,” and music most noticeably seems to be where the decade is being culturally mined. FEMALE-FRONTED FIVE-PIECE COUPLES COUNSELING…
Oklahoma sex-slave case grabs headlines
You know it’s not a good day when the Associated Press headline reads: “Hearing held in Custer County sex slave case” and the story is about you. We can’t help but imagine what it was like for former Custer County Sheriff Mike Burgess to see that. But maybe he has bigger fish to fry than…
Point: Remember the 10th
In deciding between presidential candidates, we usually stop to consider the direction we want the country to go for the next four years. In this election, the stakes are much higher. The U.S. Supreme Court has decided numerous important cases recently by the slimmest of margins. The next president will most likely appoint the judges…
Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History’s exhibit prepares for departure
After ‘while, crocodile. Having debuted in late May, the exhibit “The Science of SuperCroc” will disappear after Sunday from the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, 2401 N. Chautauqua in Norman. Two highlights of this prehistoric showcase are the Sarcosuchus imperator (aka “SuperCroc”) and the Nigersaurus taqueti, which visiting kids can see up close.…
CFN Quote of the Week
“There’s a big part of America that really believes that there is a war on terrorism, and that we need to finish up. “¦ So I thought it was beautiful the other day when Obama went to Afghanistan and got educated about Afghanistan and Iraq. He came back and said some really nice things. “So…
Paper Towns – John Green
Award-winning author John Green follows up his 2007 novel “An Abundance of Katherines” with “Paper Towns.” Set in the family vacation mecca of Orlando, Fla., Green has constructed a vivid, often hilarious, always true-to-life novel of growing up and apart. The story follows Quentin Jacobsen and his neighbor Margo Roth Spiegelman. Although they were childhood…
Henry Poole is Here
Reviewer’s grade: F Luke Wilson (“3:10 to Yuma”) stars as Henry Poole, a guy who moves back to his boyhood neighborhood to curl up in his own grief and disappear. After unwillingly meeting the neighbors, one of them (Adriana Barraza, “Babel”) discovers what she believes to be the face of Christ manifested in a water…
Historic sit-ins by Luper, students commemorated at history center
On Tuesday, Aug. 19, 1958, Meyer Korenblit was reading the paper and watching television when he learned about the peaceful protest by 13 black youths at Katz Drug Store. The following Saturday, Korenblit took his son, 7-year-old Michael, to a park. He asked Michael to take a sip from a drinking fountain and tell him…
The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior
2008 “The Mummy Returns” introduced the character of The Scorpion King, but how did he become The Scorpion King? ” The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior” answers that question, one which nobody was asking because it already had been answered six years earlier in “? duh “? “The Scorpion King.” For those doing…
Council member Simank resigns
After 13 years representing the inner part of the city, Ann Simank resigned today from the Oklahoma City Council. “We live in the best city in the nation,” Simank told a crowd of city employees, elected officials and members of the media during an afternoon press conference. Simank was sworn in as a council member…
