Approximately 137,000 native-English speakers in Oklahoma County are at a basic or below-basic reading level, also known as “nonreaders.” They comprise about 20 percent of Oklahoma County’s population, and many have managed to graduate high school only reading at a second-grade level. “It’s shocking,” said Marion Jowaisas, who has tutored with the Oklahoma City Literacy […]
Metro
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Harry Potter fans go the distance for their fandom
The night before a gal’s wedding might consist of a rowdy bachelorette party. But on the eve of Lindsey Deskin’s wedding, she instead will wait in line with scads of fellow Harry Potter fanatics for the midnight release of the final book, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.” The fifth Harry Potter movie, “Harry Potter […]
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Artists tour OKC for beautification project
For a proposed public art project on N. Lincoln Boulevard next to the Dean A. McGee Eye Institute, the Oklahoma Health Center invited five nationally known artists to tour the area to help spur ideas. Of the 50 artists from the U.S. and Canada who submitted proposals of interest, selected finalists were:” Ray King, ” […]
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Oklahoma County jail bursting at seams, needs $120 million
The Oklahoma County Jail is where illegal immigrants will be put after November when the new anti-illegal immigration bill, signed this year into law by Gov. Brad Henry, will take effect, if it is enforced. It’s where the mentally ill often end up, now that we have no more long-term mental health institutions. But it’s […]
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Everything OK, says Rocketplane
Despite funding problems and layoffs, Rocketplane Inc. officials continue their reassurance that everything is fine and state officials continue to have confidence in the Oklahoma City-based company. Rocketplane officials failed to meet a funding deadline mandated by a NASA contract to build a reusable rocket, “K-1,” to transport cargo to and from the International Space […]
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Eskimo Joe’s holding week-long birthday party
Eskimo Joe’s is celebrating its 32nd birthday this week with six days of:” live music, ” theme parties, ” giveaways, and ” food and drink specials. Stillwater’s “jumpin’ little juke joint” also will unveil the commemorative edition of its most popular item: the Eskimo Joe’s T-shirt. “Our theme this year is ‘Sweet Home Oklahoma,’ tying […]
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Beautification efforts continue along Capitol gateway
At a height of 10 feet, 7 inches, the column on the southwest corner of N.E. 23rd Street and N. Santa Fe Avenue acts as a marker for the Clara Luper Corridor. The monument is part of the N.E. 23rd Street Enhancement Project, under the Oklahoma Transportation Enhancement Program, according to Richard Andrews, assistant division […]
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OKC Ismaili Muslims celebrate their spiritual leader’s 50th year as imam
On July 11, a small group of Oklahoma City Ismaili Muslims traveled to Dallas and Houston for the 50th anniversary celebration of the Aga Khan. The Aga Khan, Prince Karim al-Hussaini, is imam ” or spiritual leader ” for the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims of the world, and the event was to honor him on […]
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Flaming Lips’ live Zoo show set for DVD
Brad Beesley’s documentary “UFO’s at the Zoo: The Flaming Lips Live in Oklahoma City,” which captured the legendary September 2006 show at the Zoo Amphitheatre, will go on sale Aug. 7. The Zoo show was one of the best Lips performances, said Beesley, who also directed the band’s 2005 documentary “The Fearless Freaks,” and has […]
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GRASCAR competitors turn lawn mowers into racing machines
Like Dr. Frankensteins of the garage, several people in El Reno have mutated the lawn mower into a racing machine and put it on a dirt track to see who is top turf. Paul Shepard, president of the El Reno GRASCAR Lawnmower Racing Association, said these races began back in 1998. “Probably just a bunch […]