Places
Best place to volunteerREGIONAL FOOD BANK OF OKLAHOMA3355 S. PurdueMaybe someday we won’t need the food bank, but until we live in Utopia, more than 90,000 bellies rely on the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma every week. In turn, the food bank relies on volunteers to help with special events, sorting donations and food distribution.…
Food & Drink
Best coffee or teahouse CUPPIES & JOE 727 N.W. 23rd Merriam-Webster might consider editing its “cozy” entry to include a photo of this dessert cafe, where the character of a creaky old house is infused with charming details in the food, art and furnishings. The “joe” in Cuppies & Joe isn’t a watered-down afterthought: The…
People
Best radio personality or teamJACK & RON, 98.9 KISS FMFor most Gazette readers, waking up without a shot of Jack & Ron would be like waking up without that morning coffee. The duo of Jack Elliott and Ron Williams has dominated this category for 11 years running. The reason: shows jam-packed with humor, interviews, pop…
Cool Breeze
To get this right out of the way: Shaft, it is not. Heck, it’s not even Shaft in Africa. But it’s good enough for a temporary kick, like a mild beer buzz. Per its trailer, “Cool Breeze is cold business.” To continue the Shaft math, Thalmus Rasulala (whose other blaxploitation forays included roles in —…
Crown Jewel
Arthur Hurst and Valerie Hart Credit: Mark Hancock An Oklahoma City landmark that entertained generations of moviegoers in the city’s black community is crumbling, but organizers of an upcoming music festival hope to help. On Saturday, the Jewel Foundation Blues Festival will feature Grammy-winning recording artist Clarence Carter and national blues act Mel Walters, as…
Road warriors
Credit: Shannon Cornman City Public Works Director Eric Wenger and city Planning Director Russell Claus updated the Oklahoma City Council on the boulevard project at the body’s July 31 meeting. Wenger reviewed five areas of construction that will be built on the existing right of way of the old Interstate 40 crosstown. Funded by the…
LETTERS
Oklahoma Gazette provides an open forum for the discussion of all points of view in its Letters to the Editor section. The Gazette reserves the right to edit letters for length and clarity. Letters can be mailed, faxed, emailed to pbacharach@okgazette. com or sent online at okgazette.com, but include a city of residence and contact…
LETTERS
Oklahoma Gazette provides an open forum for the discussion of all points of view in its Letters to the Editor section. The Gazette reserves the right to edit letters for length and clarity. Letters can be mailed, faxed, emailed to pbacharach@okgazette. com or sent online at okgazette.com, but include a city of residence and contact…
Oklahoma needs the Affordable Care Act
Sound familiar? Under the Affordable Care Act, states will be given an opportunity to opt into an expanded provision of Medicaid, effective 2014. This provision in the ACA is of vital interest for Oklahoma. It means 200,000 more Oklahomans will be eligible, if they enroll, to receive health insurance (about 29 percent of Oklahomans are…
Going uptown
Big Truck Tacos Credit: Shannon Cornman In the 1950s, the district was the first major shopping location away from downtown Oklahoma City. Cars filled the angled parking spots on the street while people watched movies at the Tower Theater and browsed through stores of all kinds along the four-plus blocks on N.W. 23rd Street. “It…
2012 WINNERS
PEOPLE Best radio personality or team Jack & Ron 98.9 Kiss Fm, Kyis Best person to Follow on social media Kevin Durant @Kdtrey5 Best local author Lauren Zuniga Best local singer/ songwriter Graham Colton Best local politician Mick Cornett oklahoma city mayor Best community leader Kevin Durant small forward, oKc thunder Best cheF Cally Johnson…
Gimme swelter
Kameron Davis at Melonbike Credit: Mark Hancock You probably knew that already. And I know we’ve all seen the attempt-at-artsy Instagram photos of car thermometers showing temps well north of 100. Sometimes it just feels better to share it. After all, we’re all in this hell together. Really, the only thing to do this month…
FOOD & DRINK
Best breakfast JIMMY’S EGG several metro locations Whether you’re hankering to start the day with two eggs and a slice of ham or an omelet loaded with everything from asparagus to sausage, Jimmy’s Egg is certain to hit the spot. For 30 years, this most egg-cellent (see what we did there?) breakfast eatery has been…
OKG7 spots in the Asian District
Mr. Pho 1133 N.W. 23rd 525-7692 Obviously the pho is delicious, but you’d be remiss if you didn’t try the Vietnamese vermicelli bowls. The charbroiled shrimp vermicelli (bun tom nuong) is fresh and full of flavor. Start the meal with the shrimp roll, which comes complete with house-made peanut sauce for dipping. Pho Lien Hoa…
Tele Mori — Sounds from a Broken Music Box
Henry McMinn, one-half of that twosome, is now back as Tele Mori, and backed by a full band. Not only does that added help grant depth and a richer sound to his programmed melodies, but the resulting disc, Sounds from a Broken Music Box, is more accomplished. Whereas a good chunk of Funktion’s tracks sported…
The Walkmen — Heaven
Aesthetically, Heaven follows in the steps of 2010’s Lisbon, although a reflective tone throughout recalls the act’s early days. While “The Love You Love” and “Nightingales” sound like echoes of “The Rat,” both level out after (relatively) wild openings, growing softer where “The Rat” grew louder. The single “Heaven” is a song to behold, reflecting…
Colin Nance — Warmth
The aptly named “Dream Cove” launches the effort with an expertly arranged froth of synthetic washes, cavernous percussion and his wistful, measured vocals. The following “Awakening” is more playful, bouncing with Casio beeps and a more vivacious melody that soars at the chorus; had this song come out 30 years sooner, I’m certain it would…
Book of love
Affectionately called a hillbilly bluesman, singer-songwriter and renowned guitarist Roy Book Binder has gone from star pupil to noted teacher. “I can’t say I was self-taught. Lots of people taught me,” Binder said. “I learned from old guys who shared their knowledge and skills with me, and it’s a good thing to do. You keep…
The Strangers — The Strangers
Shawn C’s smooth, dreamy production provides a nice contrast to Tefic’s sharp-as-nails delivery. It’s a match made in heaven, and they certainly seem more comfortable together than the duo’s name might imply. Again, Tefic proves he can put his own spin on any of his favorite artists’ music to make it his own, and Shawn…
Affair of the hard
Photo: Chris Hultner The usual suspects of street punk brought the guys behind Violent Affair together: The Unseen, Broken Bones, Krum Bums and so on. But when it came time to record the Oklahoma City band’s latest material — the recently released, two-song EP, A Call to Arms — the five-piece sought inspiration through Nintendo.…
The whole enchilada
Credit: Mark Hancock Have you ever seen one of those nature videos where a school of piranhas attacks a cow and just strips all the flesh off in a matter of minutes? That is pretty much what it looks like when my family attacks a basket filled with freshly made tortillas. Almost every Tuesday night,…
Tunes by 10
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US” lang=”EN-US”> Photo: Mark Hancock Oklahoma enjoys a special place in the scope of American music, producing the likes of Woody Guthrie, Garth Brooks and Leon Russell. But it’s not always been the best place for someone like Andy Nunez and his wife, Marian — respectively, drummer and keyboardist for the Norman-based Starlight…
Hostage situation
You won’t see Connecticut pop-punk act Hostage Calm refueling at Chick-fil-A on the road between gigs. The group’s guys are some of the most vocal supporters of marriage equality touring today, playing rallies, helping assemble a documentary on the movement and even selling merchandise that benefits organizations fighting for same-sex legal unions. “For my generation,…
The beat is on
Tuna steak at Club One15 Credit: Shannon Cornman And a number of hot new downtown night spots are sure to help keep you in motion. Pack on the pounds and shed them right off at Club One15, 115 E. Sheridan. The venue provides all the amenities of an upscale restaurant, along with the features of…
Mind Rader
The sudden urge to call a friend who turns out to be in need, the shared gut feeling between a set of twins — some shrug it off as intuition, others might apply spiritual meaning to it, and still others might consider it magic. For William Rader, it may be all of the above. The…
Don’t tread on us
Credit: Brad Gregg A July 29 Post article focused on Oklahoma’s conservatism “with an independent streak and a disdain for the strong arm of government,” noting that “the state cannot even get residents to comply with car insurance laws.” As the story noted, around a quarter of all Oklahoma drivers don’t carry car insurance, while…
Downward-facing puppy
The Yoga Room, 4027 N. Classen Blvd., holds yoga classes for youngsters that emphasize flexibility and focus through various postures and breathing exercises. Led by instructor Kelly Wessels, the next session begins 3:45 p.m. Monday. Geared toward children ages 5 to 12, the class will have a backto-school theme. “It will be fun,” said Wessels.…
Gored to death
Credit: Brad Gregg Vidal was the maternal grandson of Thomas Pryor Gore, the blind Democratic U.S. senator from Oklahoma. One of the state’s first two senators, he is buried at Fairlawn Cemetery in Oklahoma City. All that is kind and good. What’s not was Vidal’s friendship with Timothy McVeigh — yes, the Murrah Federal Building…
No kidding
Credit: Brad Gregg Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which recently announced the settlement of a lawsuit against Kids R Us. The EEOC pursued litigation after the company, which owns and operates several daycare facilities in Oklahoma, demoted an employee who a Kids R Us owner allegedly said “decided to get pregnant.” Shawna Capps went from full-time…
Disaster is ahead for Obamacare
It will cost more than predicted. Despite 20 new taxes totaling $575 billion, the Congressional Budget Office has now projected total Obamacare costs through 2022 at $1.76 trillion, about twice the initial 10-year estimate. And that is still an optimistic figure. Medicare is instructive here: In 1965 when it was first passed, Medicare hospital insurance…
FOOD & DRINK
Best restaurant outside the metro EISCHEN’S BAR 109 N. second, okarche Although it’s a bit off the beaten path, patrons of Eischen’s Bar in Okarche will tell you it’s worth the gas money. The menu is simple, but Eischen’s stands by the principle that it’s better to do a few things and do them really…
FOOD & DRINK
Best restaurant outside the metro EISCHEN’S BAR 109 N. second, okarche Although it’s a bit off the beaten path, patrons of Eischen’s Bar in Okarche will tell you it’s worth the gas money. The menu is simple, but Eischen’s stands by the principle that it’s better to do a few things and do them really…
FOOD & DRINK
Best Mediterranean restaurant ZORBA’S MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE & BAR 6014 N. May This marks the fourth consecutive win for Zorba’s, and it’s easy to understand why with its hummus, gyros and grilled skewers. Everything is packed with authentic flavors, and the service is always exceptional. On the weekends, enjoy watching traditional belly and Flamenco dancers while…
FOOD & DRINK
Best Mediterranean restaurant ZORBA’S MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE & BAR 6014 N. May This marks the fourth consecutive win for Zorba’s, and it’s easy to understand why with its hummus, gyros and grilled skewers. Everything is packed with authentic flavors, and the service is always exceptional. On the weekends, enjoy watching traditional belly and Flamenco dancers while…
Peter Gabriel: Secret World Live
Secret World finds the Genesis founder fully entrenched in his world-music phase — still ongoing today — but still playing his solo hits, such as the never-not-excellent “Solsbury Hill” and the John Cusack’s boom box-co-opted “In Your Eyes,” which becomes an epic encore. All are sung with passion, with backup (and occasional duet duties, i.e.…
The Raid: Redemption
About to hit — and I do mean hit — Blu-ray and DVD after a limited but lauded theatrical release in April, the film carries the barest of plots. For 10 years, a much-feared mobster in a 15th-floor compound has ruled over a decrepit apartment building housing not only his narcotic enterprise, but also the dregs…
Purple martins majesties
The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum was the first to weather the nuisance when the birds settled in trees overlooking the site. Firefighters used high-pressure hoses to get the martins to leave. Instead, the birds migrated to an auto Bank of Oklahoma branch across the street on the corner of N. Robinson Avenue and…
‘Time’ bandit
Avid readers keeping up with the current paranormal-fantasy scene will recognize Sherrilyn Kenyon’s name. With 60 published books across multiple series — and more than 50 of those titles landing on the New York Times best-seller list — the popularity of her work is undeniable. But Kenyon is not one to rest on her laurels,…
It’s a TV-on-DVD summer spectacular!
Breaking Bad: The Complete Fourth Season If Breaking Bad’s current fifth and final season goes south (not bloody likely), at least season four delivers a climax that could have serves as a satisfying serious closer, were it not renewed. But it was, and no wonder: Bryan Cranston may have the tube’s richest character arc, as…
Total Recall
Total Recall, on the other hand, just feels like a brand-name cow Hollywood thought was due for milking. While fondly remembered by a generation as one of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s blockbustiest blockbusters, the 1990 original is only half a great movie, so room for improvement existed. The new version is better only in the department of…
Boulevard talk
Coordinated by city and ODOT officials, the meeting will address the planned downtown thoroughfare set to be completed in late 2014 on the existing right of way of the old Interstate 40 crosstown. The meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Coca-Cola Bricktown Events Center, 425 E. California Ave., said ODOT spokeswoman Brenda Perry.…
Back at school
Some held a large orange banner that proclaimed, “We can … We shall … We will … Stand up.” One fired teacher, Stephanie Carter, waved a sign asking motorists to “honk for justice.” The planned three-day demonstration was organized by several fired teachers whose accusations have prompted a district investigation. A district spokesperson has said…
Being rational
The rotation program includes residents and businesses and remains in effect until further notice. Addresses with numbers ending in even numbers may water yards on even-numbered days, while residents with addresses ending in odd numbers may water on odd-numbered days. City officials previously had asked citizens to undertake voluntary conservation measures to prevent water pressure…
Above Suspicion: Set 1
Emetophobes may wish to shield their eyes in the opening scenes of the pilot, as rookie Detective Constable Anna Travis (the magnetic Kelly Reilly, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows) has trouble getting used to the job’s sights and smells when it comes to corpses. She eventually proves useful elsewhere, when her superior, the brusque…
