Other Lives – Peter Bagge
New works by alternative-comics giant Peter Bagge are always something to look forward to … even if they sometimes disappoint, which is the case with “Other Lives,” his first graphic novel for Vertigo. The title refers to the identities we front to others versus the ones that are true. Sounds like heady stuff for the…
Earth Week promotes sustainable living citywide
Oklahoma City will show off its green techniques during Earth Week, April 12-18. “Our goal during Earth Week is to let people know about the many green services offered by the city,” said Autumn Radle, sustainability manager for Oklahoma City. OKC’s Earth Week features classes on how to ride bikes safely downtown, conduct a home-energy…
Mad Men: Season Three
What can one say about the
In Plain Sight: Season Two
Among USA’s lineup of original programming, “Monk” gets most of the press, and “In Plain Sight” almost none. It should, because I like it more. It’s wildly imperfect, but at least its lead isn’t a constant, nails-on-chalkboard annoyance. Season two of “Sight” is now available on DVD, ably anchored by Mary McCormack, one of those…
The Abbott and Costello Show: The Complete Series
<iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=oklahgazet-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=B00316DDZO&fc1=000000&IS2=1 Too early to call one of the year’s best DVD releases? Nonsense! Not when “The Abbott & Costello Show: The Complete Series” is this strong. Although I’m a fan of the comedy duo, I sheepishly admit I wasn’t aware of this show’s existence, having had it confused with their “Colgate Comedy Hour” appearances…
An Edmond event celebrates books and writers
Heartland New Day BookFest 9 a.m.-3 p.m. SaturdayFirst Nazarene church of Edmond3001 S. Boulevard, Edmondwww.hndbookfest.com Readers are invited to celebrate books and encourage writing Saturday at the inaugural Heartland New Day BookFest in Edmond. At the First Nazarene Church of Edmond, more than 75 authors and illustrators will discuss breaking into professional writing, while several…
A ‘publish, then filter’ approach to communication
Tommy Mason-Griffin, a University of Oklahoma basketball player, recently spoke through his Facebook page ” like many young people today ” to tell the world he was turning pro. Here’s what he wrote, as reported by the media: “On a mission. Its a official dat I am leavin skool and enterin draft. “¦ I aint…
God love her
Sarah Palin ” perhaps you’ve heard of her? ” was all set to debut her new show, “Real American Stories,” on Fox News. The scheduled guests were announced as rapper-cum-actor LL Cool J, former General Electric CEO Jack Welch and Oklahoma country music superstar Toby Keith. One problem: Keith and J (or is it LL?)…
A too-obedient ‘Modern Millie’ has technical issues and uninspiring choreography that diverts attention from a capable, pleasant lead
Thoroughly Modern Millie8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 2 p.m. SundayThrough May 2Pollard Theatre120 W. Harrison, Guthriewww.thepollard.org282-2800$25, $22 seniors/military, $15 students Guthrie’s Pollard Theatre presents a tepid adaptation of the Prohibition- set “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” which won the 2002 Tony for Best Musical. The production could use more subversiveness. Millie Dillmount of Salina, Kan., moves to New York…
Nine Oklahoma journalists will be inducted into the state Journalism Hall of Fame
The University of Central Oklahoma will host the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame’s 40th anniversary celebration Friday with the induction of nine state journalists. A ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:45 a.m. will celebrate the new Hall of Fame exhibition hall, followed by a luncheon at noon. The new hall is located on the third floor of…
PR BS
Lots of press releases related to the Sooner State cross our desk. This week, these titles least screamed “Stop the presses!” “”Arcadian Health Forms Strategic Partnership to Take Compliance Practices to the Next Level”””Southwest Resources Archives ‘Current Information’ Designation on Pink Sheets OTC Market”””American Natural Energy Corporation Announces Annual Filings Under National Instrument 51-101 Standards…
Flag-wavin’ Fallin
I was just watching the news on Channel 50, where they reported on violent acts and threats against the Democrats who voted for the health care bill. Then they showed the U.S. representatives who stood on the Capitol balcony holding the flag and cheerleading that rowdy crowd. Guess who was holding one end of that…
CFN Quote of the Week
From the “did he really just say that?” file comes a quote from Sean Hannity of Fox News.Hannity taped a segment of his show where he spoke with two Republicans (both California congressmen) amid a crowd of Tea Party folks. And here’s what he said: “When you think about the vast majorities that they (Democrats)…
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):
Your key word for the week is “fulcrum.” It’s derived from a Latin verb meaning “to prop up, support,” and its definitions include the following: 1. the stable point on which a lever pivots; 2. the crux of a percussionist’s grip as he or she holds a drumstick; 3. an agent through which vital powers…
News judgment
I have had it with KOCO-TV! Lately, their local news people have several times interrupted their own ABC national news broadcast to put up some local story that can damn well wait 20 minutes for the local newscast slot. As a result, Channel 5 listeners have missed far more significant stories that impact the U.S.…
Cats’ is back at the Civic Center Music Hall, and an Oklahoma City University grad is scratching it out onstage as a fun-loving feline
Cats7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. SaturdayCelebrity AttractionsCivic Center Music Hall201 N. Walkerwww.celebrityattractions.com297-2264$12-$48 Among the most popular musicals of all time, “Cats” got its start in London before making the move to Broadway in 1982. Based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” the show’s lyrics are based directly…
Canadian by way of Nashville singer/songwriter Fred Eaglesmith heads a new direction with his latest
Fred Eaglesmith with The Ginn Sisters 8 p.m. Tuesday the Blue Door 2805 N. McKinley www.bluedoorokc.com 524-0738 $20 advance, $25 door Fred Eaglesmith’s the kind of plainspoken, no-nonsense fellow around which Americana was built. He sweats authenticity, and seems summarily incapable of deception or distortion. A Canadian raised in a big family on a farm,…
Former Sooner quarterback Tommy Grady excited about position as Yard Dawgz’ starting quarterback
Tommy Grady isn’t one to sit around reminiscing about the old days, second-guessing past decisions and wondering what might have been. Truth is, he’s focused squarely on the present and his job as starting quarterback for the Yard Dawgz, Oklahoma City’s Arena Football One franchise. The Yard Dawgz are part of an alliance that saw…
From one Pauls Valley living room, watching chick flicks for a month became a global party
Guys usually dread watching a chick flick with their female companions. Nick Waters watched 30. In a row. On purpose. Last July 31, the Pauls Valley man was viewing just such a movie with his wife, when an idea hit him: “I remember asking her, ‘Wouldn’t it be cool to watch 30 chick flicks in…
Both joyous and morose, Scottish pop darlings Camera Obscura frame relatable sonic snapshots
Camera Obscura with Princeton7 p.m. ThursdayMeacham Auditorium, Oklahoma Memorial Union, University of Oklahoma900 Asp, Norman$10 door, free for OU students “Are my eyes the coldest blue?” asks singer Tracyanne Campbell on “You Told a Lie,” from Camera Obscura’s 2009 album, “My Maudlin Career.” In a word ” yes, but this isn’t as defining a characteristic…
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
There may be times in the coming week when you will in a sense be dreaming while standing up. On other occasions, you may be hard at work while lying down. In fact, I suspect that the law of reversals will be in full bloom. Things that have been last will, at least temporarily, be…
Globetrotters return to Ford Center for more high-flyin’ action
The Harlem Globetrotters’ “Magical Memories” tour 7 p.m. ThursdayFord Center, 100 W. Reno Ave.602-8700, www.okcfordcenter.com$17 and up The Harlem Globetrotters storm into the metro on Thursday to take over the OKC Thunder’s home court. Forecasts predict a rainstorm of impossible shots and lightning-fast handling. Kids can watch the Globetrotters show off their moves during the…
Clash of the Titans
/a>”) and Ralph Fiennes (“The Hurt Locker”) are more camp than a RuPaul look alike convention. Zeus, you may remember, is King of the Gods on Mount Olympus, and Hades is one of his brothers, the runt of the litter who got stuck with being God of the Underworld and has to hang out with…
When man and wife don’t want to become Mom and Dad, why can’t others just accept it?
“Who is going to take care of you when you are old?””You’ll change your mind.””If you don’t have kids, you’ll regret it.” Childless couples in Oklahoma have heard these comments on a never-ending carousel of judgment by way of advice, mostly from well-meaning people who seem to have the couples’ familial interests at heart. Or…
CFN Odd Choice of Words Award of the Week
That’s got to go to “Stroklahoma.” No, it’s not a stroke awareness event or “¦ y’know “¦ something else. Nope. This was a regatta held last weekend on the Oklahoma River between rowing teams from Oklahoma City University and the University of Central Oklahoma.
Penny Hill – Unbutton Your Heart
When Penny Hill trotted onstage for the first time to meet the metro listening public, she deftly chose members of Norman’s phantom folksters Ghost of Monkshood as her backing band. Although she parted ways to craft her own identity before cutting her debut album, “Unbutton Your Heart,” some residual psychedelia still drips from her music,…
A new Web magazine, ‘Routes,’ launches at the University of Oklahoma
Regardless of how you pronounce its name, a new Web magazine known as Routes may be the path to the future of student journalism. That’s what the University of Oklahoma’s Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication hopes to achieve when it officially launches its Webzine this week during Saturday’s “Immigration in the Heartland” conference…
Lowe’s knows
One local man put his skills of turning a giant, prize-laden wheel to good use (or so we hope) yesterday on “Wheel of Fortune.” Wilburton science teacher Jacob Lowe was slated to appear as a contestant on TV’s long-running game show April 6. According to a press release from Sony Pictures Television, when Lowe’s students…
A new exhibit makes a case for using old techniques to explain a digital world
William Christenberry: Beginnings5-8 P.m. Friday opening receptionOn display through June 26Artspace at [Untitled]1 N.E. Thirdwww.artspaceatuntitled.org815-9995 Digital and multimedia art has blossomed in the modern art world as creative minds utilize technologic innovations to explore ever-broadening horizons. Jon Burris, Artspace at [Untitled] executive director, finds the progression of art in the digital realm exciting, but is…
The complex grain of Baltimore duo Wye Oak doesn’t run straight; it swirls rings of dreamy heartache
Wye Oak with Shearwater and Hospital Ships9 p.m. FridayOpolis113 N. Crawford, Normanwww.opolis.org447-3417$12 advance, $14 door$14 advance, $16 door under 21 There isn’t really a correct way to interpret Wye Oak. The Baltimore rock band, comprised of singer/guitarist Jenn Wasner and drummer/keyboard player Andy Stack, doesn’t mean to give the wrong impression, but there’s no reconciling…
Speaking for the silent majority
Thank you, Chris Smith (Commentary, “Enough with the MAPS bashing,” March 10, 2010, Gazette). You said what a lot of us in the silent majority only say with our vote. I agree with you that MAPS is a reward for those of us who stayed and made our lives in Oklahoma. I always assumed that…
Repair broken government
An unprecedented financial crisis drives crucial decisions that impact Oklahomans. After living under “boom or bust” economic policies, we are now paying the piper. A bureaucratic government needs reforms: too much waste, lack of accountability, spending without regard to long-term effect, excess bureaucracy and antiquated systems. For businesses, this means dysfunction and lack of profitability.…
Combining members of a dozen local projects, Oklahoma City’s Eden Sharmaine drops its debut album
Eden Sharmaine with Pretty Black Chains, For the Atlantic and more8 p.m. Saturdaythe Conservatory8911 N. Westernwww.conservatoryokc.com879-9778$7 Anything goes for Eden Sharmaine. The band soaks in the diverse stylings of practically every musical genre: rock, folk, pop, even the “raw, rocking music” of Charlie Parker, and churns out a sound that’s completely new. With more than…
Enslaving future generations to poverty and misery’
The current Democratic Party’s populist plans for “Obamacare” for the U.S. cannot possibly work, as history teaches us that the government bankrupts everything it controls. Obamacare and other unfunded entitlements will result in complete disaster. The Democratic Party leaders of today are guilty of more than malfeasance; they are enslaving future generations to poverty and …
An expansive private collection of Indian art assembled over a half-century has been donated to the University of Oklahoma
assurances that the art would be a permanent display fixture and that the works be kept together as a cohesive collection. “He didn’t want the collection broken up, but Bialac was also very much interested in placing everything in an institution that had an educational component,” White said, adding that the university is already developing…
New local business born from adversity gives portion of profits to those affected by breast cancer
Adam Bunch was lying in bed one morning around the first of February when the idea suddenly hit him. His wife, Debra, had been diagnosed with breast cancer on Dec. 27, 2009. Two days later, she lost her job. Money was tight, and Adam, a part-time server at BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, knew he wouldn’t…
South Side a diamond in the rough
Just a few years ago, St. Anthony Hospital was considering moving from its current Midtown location to a spot in far south Oklahoma City. City and county officials all came to the forefront and rallied around promised Midtown improvements to make sure St. Anthony stayed on N.W. 10th Street. By the ferocity and rhetoric, you…
ARIES (March 21-April 19)
It would be a good week for you to perfect your ability to crow like a rooster, Aries. I also recommend that you practice your skill at leaping out of bed in the morning fully refreshed, with your imagination primed and ready to immediately begin making creative moves. Other suggested exercises: being on the alert…
New England indie folk outfit Deer Tick gets under your skin with its darkest album yet
Deer Tick with One Wolf, The Electric Primadonnas and James Price Band9 p.m. MondayThe Conservatory8911 N. Westernwww.conservatoryokc.com879-9778$7 John McCauley, aka Deer Tick, was intent on making it as a musician. He taught himself drums, bass, guitar, piano and pedal steel, recorded his own CDs and toured steadily, first in punk bands, then as a solo…
The Secret of Kells’ has stylish visuals that perfectly match its subject matter
While people of a certain mind-set view making and enjoying art as a lazy, self-indulgent and ultimately wasteful activity, a lot of other people view it as absolutely necessary for preserving identity ” whether that identity is individual, familial or national. Set somewhere around the year 800, “The Secret of Kells” explores this theme through…
Does Rep. Todd Russ know what Buddhism is?
Oklahoma Rep. Todd Russ backs a bill that will require Christian Bible classes in public schools. He told Oklahoma Gazette (News, Greg Horton, “Bible school,” March 24, 2010), “It wasn’t Hinduism or Buddhism that motivated the move to these shores.”Oh. My. G– (“Flying Spaghetti Monster”). Does the man even know what Buddhism is? I think…
The Oklahoma Tax Commission’s list of top 100 taxpayer delinquencies totals more than $206 million
If you’re having issues with income taxes this year, it could be worse. According to a list posted on the Oklahoma Tax Commission’s Web site, more than $206 million in taxes have not been paid by individuals and businesses. The ‘uncollectable’The processThe state and its taxes Click here to view Oklahoma top 100 tax delinquencies.…
Where the homophobia comes sweeping down the plains…
It is my duty to inform you, as a loyal Gazette reader, of a grievous omission related to the cover of your March 31 issue. You purport to illustrate “The mindset of the Oklahoma voter.” However, regarding your phrenologic mapping of the Oklahoman voter’s brain, you failed to illustrate the region dedicated to his virulent…
TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
I got a spam email containing supposed words of wisdom from the Dalai Lama. “We spend more, but have less,” it said. “We have more conveniences, but less time; more experts, yet more problems.” It went on like this for a while. I was suspicious. It seemed to contain too many pop platitudes to have…
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
It would be smart for you to whet your appetite, but please don’t go too far and spoil your appetite. Imagine and plan for the feast to come; make sure the evolution of the feast is on track; but don’t try to actually enjoy the entire feast yet. It’s not ready, you see. The “cooking”…
Legislative majority serving minority interest
The mind-set of the Oklahoma voter, as Scott Cooper points out in the SoonerPoll.com data (March 31, 2010, Oklahoma Gazette), indicates that the voters are sensitive to the needs of autistic people. In a recent meeting at the Oklahoma City Public Schools Board of Education with state legislative representatives from the metro area, I brought…
School’s out … no, wait
As the saying goes, when you don’t see your name in the obits, it’s a good day. Well, some parents of a Tulsa school thought they were having a really bad day after reading about an impending death. On March 31, Tulsa Public Schools sent out a press release stating the Newcomer International School would…
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)
I’m wearing a replica of an ancient Egyptian atef, a white crown surmounted by two ostrich feathers. My white cashmere robe, decorated with Qabalistic sigils, was sewn for me by a Wiccan priestess. My wand is shaped like the head of a Kalao bird and once belonged to a shaman from Burkina Faso. Aided by…
The best interests of justice
On March 25, the Pardon and Parole Board voted 3-2 to have Richard Smith’s death sentence commuted. Mr. Smith is a different person than he was in 1987. He has sought to use his experience to help others turn away from drug abuse, including a number of his own relatives. He has contributed to the…
The White Ribbon
Most of the films in my metaphorical 3-D category have nothing to do with the illusion of physical dimensionality. Instead, they are defined by multiple dimensions of meaning, interpretation, emotional response, etc. And my “D” doesn’t stand just for “dimensions.” It does double duty by also standing for “dark,” “disturbing” and “difficult.” Haneke, who directed…
The Adelante! Gallery’s “Asian Fusion” show highlights new paintings by Stephanie Brudzinski
“Asian Fusion: Art for a Change” Thursday, ongoing5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, opening reception Through April 24Adelante! Gallery, 3003 Paseo525-4039, www.adelantegallery.com Local artist Stephanie Brudzinski’s art has transformed drastically since her childhood, from mashed pet food to mixed visual media. Ever since she was a little girl who played in stinky, wet piles of dog…
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Every one of us in engaged in some ongoing battle with ourselves. Maybe there’s a conflict between our heart and head. Maybe we’re trying to stop expressing some behavior that we know is self-destructive but seems all too natural and easy to do. Maybe we feel guilty about or resentful toward some event from the…
C.S. Lewis and Inklings Society Conference to be held at OCU
C.S. Lewis and Inklings Society ConferenceFriday-SaturdayMeinders School of Business on the OCU campus, 2501 N. Blackwelderwww.okcu.edu/english/cslisfree “Chronicles of Narnia” fans can celebrate the return of the annual C.S. Lewis and Inklings Society conference to Oklahoma City University this weekend. The conference features lectures on the works of Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien and other writers, along with presentations…
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
A life-long dream of mine came true recently, and I didn’t even know it was a life-long dream until it happened. It struck unexpectedly on a Tuesday afternoon. My daughter called on the phone from her college dorm room, wanting to discuss an essay she’d been assigned for her History of Modern Art class. She…
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
This would be an excellent time for you to take inventory of what brings you pleasure. According to my reading of the astrological omens, you’re due for an update and upgrade. Some of your tried-and-true strategies for generating joys and thrills are fraying at the edges. You should consider refurbishing them, even as you also…
The MAPS 3 Advisory Board has been announced; some didn’t make the cut
Outgoing Oklahoma City University President Tom McDaniel was named chairman of the MAPS 3 Advisory Board, but Secretary of State Susan Savage did not make the cut. A former Republican Party operative, a video producer, a health clinic director and a retiring university president are among those who comprise the new MAPS 3 Advisory Board.…
Chunky town
Oklahoma is full of fatties, but we all knew that. Now, at least in Oklahoma County, you can rank the chunkiest areas by ZIP code. An 18-month analysis by epidemiologists with the Oklahoma City-County Health Department concluded that the southwestern part of the county is the heftiest, according to an article from NewsOK.com. Gary Cox,…
University of Oklahoma receives donation of private collection of Indian art assembled over 50 years
An Arizona art collector has donated an immense collection of American Indian art to the University of Oklahoma. OU President David L. Boren announced James T. Bialac’s gift last week during a meeting with the OU Board of Regents. The collection is comprised of more than 3,500 works and includes about 2,600 paintings and works…
The Adelante! Gallery’s “Asian Fusion” show highlights new paintings by Stephanie Brudzinski
“Asian Fusion: Art for a Change” Thursday, ongoing5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, opening reception Through April 24Adelante! Gallery, 3003 Paseo525-4039, www.adelantegallery.com Local artist Stephanie Brudzinski’s art has transformed drastically since her childhood, from mashed pet food to mixed visual media. Ever since she was a little girl who played in stinky, wet piles of dog…
Coburn gives U.S. five years before beyond fixing
Americans have five years to fix the country before it is too late, said U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn during a town hall meeting Monday in Guthrie’s City Council Chamber. Coburn, R-Oklahoma, addressed the concerns Oklahomans voiced at the event. With more than 70 citizens in attendance, some stood outside the chamber to ask questions concerning…
A new exhibit makes a case for using old techniques to explain a digital world
William Christenberry: Beginnings5-8 P.m. Friday opening receptionOn display through June 26Artspace at [Untitled]1 N.E. Thirdwww.artspaceatuntitled.org815-9995 Digital and multimedia art has blossomed in the modern art world as creative minds utilize technologic innovations to explore ever-broadening horizons. Jon Burris, Artspace at [Untitled] executive director, finds the progression of art in the digital realm exciting, but is…
