Coopers’ Christmas
tive=9325&creativeASIN=B003YZGWF0″>Coopers’ Christmas,” which has to be not only an instant cult classic, but a new annual tradition. It’s “Christmas Vacation” with the one thing it really lacked: a hard-R rating. Starring “Daily Show” married couple Jason Jones (who co-wrote) and Samantha Bee, the film captures one crazy Christmas in 1985, all via a barely used…
Brass Bancroft of the Secret Service Mysteries Collection
Before he went to Washington, D.C. for reals, Ronald Reagan went there on screen as Lt. Brass Bancroft in a string of Warner Bros. cheapies in 1939 and 1940. All four films “? roughly one hour apiece at best “? are collected on two discs in Warner Archive’s manufactured-on-demand “Brass Bancroft of the Secret Service…
The Terror Within/Dead Space
Leave it to skinflint producer Roger Corman to remake his own films, themselves rip-offs of massive hits. Whereas 1979’s now-classic “Alien” prompted him to follow with 1982’s “Forbidden World,” he couldn’t settle for the small fortune it brought in, and remade “World” as “Dead Space” in 1990, at the height of the VHS rental age.…
Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam
As DC Comics’ string of PG-13 animated features go, “Superman/Shazam: The Return of Black Adam” is more fun than any of its predecessors … probably because it isn’t a feature at all. This is a short film, which means action is as tight as the running time, keeping things ticking, clicking and kicking. The piece…
Once You Kiss a Stranger
Imagine if “Fatal Attraction” were made in 1969, but featured way more golf. That’s “Once You Kiss a Stranger” in a nutshell (emphasis on “nut), yet that’s not to demean the little-known thriller, now available as a manufactured-on-demand disc from Warner Archive. Despite “? or perhaps because of “? its datedness, this remains one fun…
TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
Why did feathered dinosaurs evolve wings? Paleontologists in Britain have a new theory: It added to their sexual allure. The head researcher at the University of Manchester speculated that “maybe they ran around with their arms outstretched to show off how pretty their feathers were.” Eventually those forearms became wings that came in handy for…
ARIES (March 21-April 19)
Where I live, 35 percent of all high school students confess (or brag) that they have engaged in binge drinking, which is defined as imbibing five or more alcoholic drinks in a two-hour period. According to my reading of the omens, your inner teenager may soon be longing to flirt with that kind of intense…
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
On the subject of being divided, novelist Iris Murdoch wrote the following: “He led a double life. Did that make him a liar? He did not feel a liar. He was a man of two truths.” Whether you deserve the generosity of that interpretation still remains to be seen, Gemini. It is possible that your…
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
My Facebook friend Robert Goldberg has come up with terms for you Libras that puts a more positive spin on your reputation as a fence-sitter. He suggests “fence dancer” or “fence warrior.” You don’t always deserve to be bestowed with those honorable titles, of course. Sometimes you really do molder there in your intermediate position,…
The talent of painter Marcus Eakers buds and branches in an exhibit unified by plant imagery
Growth: New Works by Marcus Eakers 7-11 p.m. Friday DNA Galleries 1705-B N.W. 16th www.dnagalleries.com 371-2460 As the Plaza District’s “Live on the Plaza” monthly event grows, so do the paintings of Marcus Eakers “? and somewhat literally, as his new exhibit for DNA Galleries, “Growth,” addresses just that. “Each work has a theme or…
Fowler VW and Nice People Records team up for local holiday record
Guestroom and Size Records aside, it’s rare to see a 12-inch vinyl in the wild. Jonathan Fowler of Fowler Volkswagen of Norman aims to change that, as his dealership is the sponsor and one of the distribution points for the “Checking It Twice: The 2010 Nice People Holiday Companion.” He partnered with Chris Harris of…
Shopping and global awareness combine for Sunday’s annual Fall Peace Festival
24th annual Fall Peace Festival 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday Hall of Mirrors inside Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Sunday free 524-5577, www.peacehouseok.org More than 60 nonprofit and volunteer groups advocating for human rights, sustainability and peace will converge at the 24th annual Fall Peace Festival, hosted by The Peace House. Since…
The longest running play brings its cat-and-mouse game to the Civic Center
guineas during economic hard times in post-World War II England, which “puts them in the shady area of upper-middle class trade, crossing social lines and creating some uncertainty as to who outranks whom,” OCTC dramaturge Anna Holloway writes in a program note. The Ralstons are novice guesthouse proprietors. Five shady guests, all of whom possess…
Another bombing reference
One week ago (“Another Oklahoma City”), CFN informed readers that the founder and CEO of a left-leaning watchdog group was calling on GOP heartthrob Sarah Palin to put partisanship aside and “pull this country back from the precipice of another Oklahoma City.” Those pre-election comments came from David Brock of Media Matters for America on…
Lonnie Walker isn’t a man, but an edge-blurring band that whips up a batch of Americana punk
Lonnie Walker with Future Islands and Kite Flying Robot 9 p.m. Saturday Opolis 113 N. Crawford, Norman www.starlightmints.com/opolis.html 447-3417 $8-$10 Alt-punk band Lonnie Walker is a product of its generation. Its music winds in different directions, influenced by Weezer, Iggy Pop, The Beatles and Hank Williams, although you may have trouble hearing a few of…
Commentary props up a ‘deceitful lie’
In his Gazette Commentary appearing on Nov. 3 (“It gets better”), Nathan Gunter uses the tragic story of Zach Harrington to prop up and gain sympathy for the deceitful lie that he has personally bought into; namely that the Holy Spirit leads folks to embrace homosexuality. There are some things in the Bible that I…
Psych-rockers Dr. Dog live for the thrill of the life they lead
Dr. Dog with Here We Go Magic and O Fidelis 7 p.m. Wednesday ACM@UCO Performance Lab 323 E. Sheridan 974-4700 $15-$18 For most, being a musician means financial rewards are meager. It requires a certain spirit to keep it up. But psychedelic Philadelphia quintet Dr. Dog has the right attitude, a celebratory vibe that comes…
The Creativity World Forum heralds the role of innovation and connectivity in the global economy
Creativity World Forum Monday”?Wednesday Cox Convention Center 1 Myriad Gardens stateofcreativity.com Hundreds of delegates from around the world will descend on Oklahoma City on Monday to discuss the value of creativity. A forum on creativity might seem nebulous, but organizers of the 2010 Creativity World Forum believe that it is fundamental to the continued maturation…
Oklahoma City expands its network of bicycling lanes, including ones to be shared by cars
The city of Oklahoma City is laying out the first of what will be approximately 200 miles of new bike routes around town. The designated routes are individual bike lanes or lanes shared by cars and bicycles, known as “sharrow” lanes ” named as such because of the combination of “share” and “arrow.” Designated by…
A person, a guitar, and a camera add up to unlimited opportunity in the innovative online project known as Acoustic Oklahoma
The disco balls hanging in the former Inner State Studio aren’t privy to much dancing these days. The majority of the light they catch is natural, as are the sounds that come out of the project the space hosts each day: Acoustic Oklahoma. Its definition is a subject of debate. Curator Casey Friedman says it’s…
A cruel joke
I was under the impression that your “Chicken-Fried News” section was reserved for ridiculous Commentary by members of the Oklahoma Legislature or other things of an entertaining nature. Recently, however, I learned that something that should have been a true news story or a piece examining the rules of the small town of Hydro was…
Profitable pestilence
The Michael Bay-inspired hailstorm that hit Oklahoma City earlier this year does not seem to be an event that would inspire the singing of “Happy Days Are Here Again.” Some, however, look up at those clouds and, through the barrage of Volkswagen-sized hailstones raining down on the populace below, see the silver lining. The city…
Due Date
My son helped me find a way to summarize this movie when he held an imaginary carrot and said, “Eh, what’s up, doc?” Yes, “Due Date” would make a memorable Looney Tune at a running time of seven minutes and starring Daffy Duck as the too-tightly wound, irascible one, and Porky Pig as the goofball…
Megamind
fing sci-fi and comic-book movies isn’t the height of innovation, by any stretch, but “Megamind” rates several cuts above cut-rate. Debuting screenwriters Alan J. Schoolcraft and Brent Simons are smart enough to take the story into some unexpected turns. Characters actually surprise you a bit, and the voice work “? particularly Ferrell and the ever-sunny…
County officials hope to measure public sentiment toward a sales tax increase to fund jail improvements
Oklahoma County voters could see a proposal for a sales tax increase to pay for a new jail sometime next year, and polling by the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber on such a measure may begin as early as December. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division issued a scathing report on the Oklahoma County…
Cars win
Many of us agree with Eugene Andrews (Letters, “Cyclists have the right-of-way, period,” Nov. 3, Gazette) about obeying traffic laws and turning off cell phones. He cites that he pays taxes for the privilege of riding on the streets and/or bicycle paths. How much of his bicycle tag goes to roadways and paths? And, since…
Counterpoint: Recovery and redemption
Everyone knows the contemporary story of the addict who bottoms out only to find recovery and redemption later. In statewide race after race, Oklahoma Democrats bottomed out in the Nov. 2 elections, but at this low point, there remains for them an opportunity to re-create their brand. Sometimes it takes a breakdown for renewal. Nationally,…
For another sign of N.W. 23rd Street’s revitalization, hang out at the inaugural Trendy Third Block Party, with shopping, food and fun
Trendy Third Block Party 7-10 p.m. Saturday 23rd Street Courts www.trendythirdokc.com Slowly, but surely, the revitalization of N.W. 23rd Street is happening, with new restaurants, shops and services. It’s especially evident at the 23rd Street Courts, the collective name for a short row of refurbished bungalows playing home to a number of businesses. What does…
Flossed over
From the Rose State College PR department comes this earth-shattering announcement: “Flossy Flossy” has just won a national competition put on by the American Dental Hygienists Association. Two Rose State dental hygiene students, Joanna Roller and Michelle Parry, entered the competition that asked participants to make a video for folks who hate to floss. Roller…
I’m Still Here
From the street-art shenanigans of “Exit Through the Gift Shop” to the Facebook fraud of “Catfish,” some of the year’s most popular documentaries have one thing in common: their veracity called into question. People wondered the same about “I’m Still Here” while it was being shot. Here, after all, was actor Casey Affleck (“The Killer…
Original pieces are all up for grabs at IAO’s fundraiser “Red Dot”
“Red Dot” Individual Artists of Oklahoma, 706 W. Sheridan 7 to 11 p.m. Friday $20 in advance, $25 at the door 232-6060, www.iaogallery.org In the world of art, a red dot on a piece signifies that a sale has been made on that particular work. For the gallery Individual Artists of Oklahoma, 706 W. Sheridan,…
Serge Ibaka cover ‘truly nauseating’
Most assuredly, my disdain for Oklahoma Gazette’s most recent cover (“Power Serge,” Nov. 3) will leave me labeled and in a minute minority. However, the cover photo of the 6-10 underwear-clad African ballplayer with the caption, “Women want him. Men want to be him” is truly nauseating (at least to me). Nothing says “America” like…
The Oscar-winning film about a goofy green ogre roars onto the stage as “Shrek the Musical”
“Shrek the Musical” Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker Wednesday-Sunday $20-$65 297-2264, www.okcciviccenter.com. Almost one decade ago, movie audiences met and fell in love with an unconventional Prince Charming known as Shrek. In 2001, the ugly, green ogre found his princess with the help of his faithful sidekick, Donkey. Taking home the first Academy…
A nose for no news
For Halloween, Cliff Davis and Viviyan Strube Kennedy went as two people who mistook the act of not getting married that night as newsworthy. “Wha-huh?” you ask. Our thoughts exactly! According to a press release titled “Halloween Night Takes OKC Couple Everywhere but the Altar,” the two have been a committed item for six years…
In your Face
You talk, we listen! Here’s what readers said about last week’s Oklahoma Gazette election recap via unedited comments left on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/okgazette: “BOO!!” “Heather N Brett “Yep, she’s a mother alright.” “Kristi Rowley “god trumps logic in oklahoma once again.” “Erika Salinas “It’s going to be a long 8 years. Goodbye progress,…
Reprisals in order?’
Petitioning the government about one’s concerns is responsible citizenship. An organization can help get those concerns before the public by demonstrating that many share such concerns. However, revolution, even by nonviolent means, isn’t responsible citizenship. The Oklahoma Education Association showed itself to be irresponsible, even revolutionary, by proposing State Question 744, which would have resulted…
CFN Quote of the Week
“This is great news. Just because something doesn’t exist doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ban it. That’s why I have long fought for ballot measures to ban cat pilots, baby curling and man-futon marriage. Besides, you can’t be too careful, because there are 15,000 Muslims in Oklahoma, a full four-tenths of 1 percent of their population.…
Pulitzer winner N. Scott Momaday maintains the American Indian narrative tradition
Author and poet N. Scott Momaday returned to the state Nov. 2 to speak at Oklahoma City University. The Lawton native, whose novel “House Made of Dawn” won the Pulitzer Prize in 1969, appeared as part of OCU’s Distinguished Speakers Series. His topic for the evening was storytelling, specifically the American Indian tradition. Momaday retired…
A local magnet school’s waiting list grows because of decreased enrollment goals
Considered by some as a jewel in the Oklahoma City Public Schools system and even one of the best schools in the country, the Classen School of Advanced Studies will be accepting fewer students next school year. A magnet school for students in sixth to 12th grade, Classen offers an international baccalaureate program, as well…
Point: Sometimes you get what you need
Well, the confetti has been cleaned up, the banners removed, and the signs all across the state will slowly be coming down. Election Day came and went. In our 103 years of statehood, the GOP has never had a night like Nov. 2. Every statewide Republican candidate won, and none of those races were even…
Three things we’ve learned about the OKC Thunder
Rewind your brain to two weeks ago. Two Weeks Ago Royce tells you in Oklahoma City’s first six games, Kevin Durant shoots under 40 percent from the field, James Harden is averaging under five points a game, the Thunder’s defense has more holes in it than the promises of a televangelist, and OKC ranks dead…
Texas country star Wade Bowen pools his talents in singing about honesty
Wade Bowen 9:30 p.m. Friday Wormy Dog Saloon 311 E. Sheridan www.wormydog.com 601-6276 $15 From beer drinkin’ to heart breakin’, country music is littered with real experiences and real emotions. It’s about unfussy communication and storytelling, remembering and forgetting, and ” most of all ” being true and honest. Red dirt singer Wade Bowen carries…
Magician John Shackelford debuts his razor-sharp variety show at Bora Bora
The John Shackelford Variety Show 9 p.m. Saturday Bora Bora 2415 N. Walker 557-1105 $7 The 19-year-old John Shackelford first became interested in magic as a child after seeing Lance Burton buried alive on television. He started performing at age 6, and three years ago, began opening for local and national music acts, including New…
Laws won’t matter
Regarding the Eugene Andrews Letter “Cyclists have the right-of-way, period” in the Nov. 3 Gazette: I am trying to save lives. I like bicycles. I wish that there weren’t any automobiles. I don’t own a cell phone. We were hit from behind, while stopped at a red light, by a woman on a cell phone,…
Two University of Central Oklahoma alums return for the metro debut of ‘Bombs, Babes and Bingo’
Bombs, Babes and Bingo 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday Actor’s Warehouse 30 N.E. 52nd www.artlabtheatre.com 535-6652 $15 Based out of Fayetteville, Ark., the Artist’s Laboratory Theatre (ALT) was formed earlier this year under the direction of University of Central Oklahoma alums Erika Wilhite and Alan Schwanke as a collaborative effort dedicated to the storytelling…
After nine years, Oklahoma City’s own rock musical specialist reprises the role of Hedwig in a musical that actually rocks
haracter,” he said. “It won’t be just rehashing what we did. It will be something brand new, something really fresh.” “?Charles Martin
Until the Light Takes Us
c=”http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=oklahgazet-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B003R9K08S&fc1=000000&IS2=1<1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr”> “Until the Light Takes Us” is easily the most chilling documentary I’ve ever seen. To tell the story of the rise of Norwegian black metal, filmmakers Aaron Aites and Audrey Ewell sift through accusations of self-mutilation, violence, arson, suicide, murder and Satanism. Satanism is the only member of that list that is refuted in…
Dollhouse: The Complete Season 2
<iframe marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" style="width: 120px; height: 240px;" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=oklahgazet-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B002JVWR4U&fc1=000000&IS2=1 It’s almost as if creator/exec producer Joss Whedon and the rest of the “Dollhouse” gang knew that year two was going to be it for them, so they put all their cards on the table. Improving over its good-but-not-great freshman outing, the sophomore season —? while not…
Macabre
As someone who’s been a fan of director William Castle literally for half my life, it’s been a long, long, long wait for me to be able to see the one that started his career-defining string as warmed-over Hitchcock: 1958’s “Macabre.” Even if no film is worth that long a wait, I thank the DVD-burning…
Judge halts implementation of constitutional amendment on Shariah law
A federal judge has temporarily halted the implementation of a recently passed state constitutional amendment that would ban state judges from issuing rulings based upon Islamic law. The ruling, issued Monday in the Western District of U.S. District Court, granted a temporary restraining order requested in a lawsuit filed Nov. 4 by Oklahoma resident Muneer…
