Least Competent Criminals
Police in Indianapolis charged Fifth Third Bank manager Dwayne Roberts, 31, with arson and theft after the failure of his scheme to cover up embezzlement. Police said that Roberts elaborately staged a fire inside a locked vault so that an undeterminable amount of money would burn up, thus perhaps covering his cash shortage. However, after…
The Aristocrats!
Timothy Martin, 44, was arrested in Federal Way, Wash., in May for felony indecent exposure after he was spotted standing partially nude with a string attached to his penis and, according to police, apparently “manipulating it with the string like a puppet.” Two workers at Yellowstone National Park were fired in May after being caught…
Inexplicable
They’re Studying What? Where? Doctors and specialists from the New York Psychiatric Institute are in the middle of a two-year investigation, on a $400,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), on why gay men have risky sex in Argentina. Researchers visit gay bars nightly in Buenos Aires and question men about their behavior…
Fine Points of the Law
Kerry Fenton’s pub, The Cutting Edge, in Worsbrough, England, initially complied with the 2007 Smoking Act, which prohibits lighting up inside. However, since smoking research is generally carried on indoors, “research” was exempt from the law. Fenton ultimately renamed part of the bar the Smoking Research Centre and allows patrons to smoke provided they fill…
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20):
I feel an expansive, permissive mood coming on — in the cosmos, that is, not me. To be honest, I’m in a more conservative mood than the cosmos. But the planetary powers-that-be have decided to float you poetic licenses, blank checks, special dispensations, and wild cards. I just hope this free stuff won’t make you…
Museum opens annual art sale for 36th year
The National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is showcasing works by premier Western artists from around the world at its annual contemporary art show. The 36th annual “Prix de West Invitational Art Exhibition and Sale,” on display through Sept. 7, is one of the finest Western and wildlife art shows in the world, said Chuck…
Okie photographers form a flashy group
Off-camera lighting is often a daunting subject for professional photographers, so it’s not surprising that new and aspiring shutterbugs are easily intimidated by the topic. EXPERIMENTING SHARING But a new group of local shutterbugs, the Oklahoma Strobist Group, has formed to help illuminate dedicated lighting techniques. “For somebody who’s just advancing in photography, it’s a…
ARIES (March 21-April 19):
Are you secretly afraid of feeling secure? Do you equate stability with being bored and lazy? Do you suspect that your restless pioneer spirit makes you unfit for the slow, meticulous work of building sturdy foundations? If so, there’s hope for you to change — especially if you make a big effort in the coming…
MAPS 3 don’ts
As you may or may not know, there are discussions, meetings and forums to allow citizens the ability to voice their concerns about what needs to be included in the next round of MAPS. I have decided to take a different approach ” what should not be in MAPS. First, I think MAPS 3 needs…
Former DA Bob Macy, ex-forensic chemist Joyce Gilchrist settle case
As more cases involving former Oklahoma City Police Department forensic chemist Joyce Gilchrist make their way through the legal system, the inner workings of the police lab and the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s office are revealed layer by layer.
Stimulus funds are not enough for Oklahoma repairs for more than one year
Oklahoma received $2.6 billion in stimulus funding, of which $542.9 million went to transportation needs in the state. According to David Streb, director of engineering for the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, that allocation is enough to fund one year of ODOT projects. INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS NONTRADITIONAL FUNDING USER FEES “We were a little disappointed in how…
Okie musicians meet to reveal new album from multiple inspirations
Four metro acts will perform Thursday at an all-locals Conservatory show booked to celebrate the full-length debut of Norman punk rockers Over Stars and Gutters. The band recorded the 10-song album, “Consider This Your Curse,” with Stephen Egerton (of The Descendents and All) at his Tulsa studio, Armstrong Recording Co. Singer/guitarist and principal songwriter Matt…
Men with mustaches comprise exclusive group with an eclectic metro membership
It’s impossible to ignore a mustache. Even if you look away, it lingers, tickling at the periphery, pleading for a second glance. GROWTH SPURTSFLAVOR SAVER THE TAO OF ‘STACHE DIARY OF GROWTH But a good mustache deserves more than mere acknowledgement and should command at least a little extra attention. Oklahoma is mustache country, a…
The City and Skyway produces shrewd rock worthy of MTV
The members of The City and Skyway might just be old enough to remember when MTV still broke new bands. While its sound isn’t as precociously poppy as The All-American Rejects, as self-consciously epic as Coldplay or as inexplicably angry as Korn, the band possesses a middle-of-the-road sound like Dashboard Confessional, which could attract plenty…
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):
Maybe it’s time you did something in return for all the free advice I give you. From a karmic perspective it might not be healthy for you to continue to take, take, take while never giving back. So this week, for a change, how about if you compose an oracle for me? Or send me…
GEMINI (May 21-June 20):
The books of psychologist Carl Jung provide crucial insights into the nature of the unconscious mind. To the degree that I have any skill in deciphering the part of human intelligence that works in mysterious, secretive ways, I owe a great debt to him. I want to tell you an anecdote about him that may…
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):
Do you apologize to chairs when you bump into them? Often end up being the only one at a party who’ll talk to the most boring person? Ever find yourself starting your sentences with “I hope I’m not bothering you but I was wondering if you would mind if I . . . “? If…
Oklahoma City company wins City of Tulsa bid to clean
That headline would normally be something found in the sports section of a newspaper, like when the Oklahoma City Blazers clean up the Tulsa Oilers in hockey. But no ” this has to do with streets and brooms. Last week, the Tulsa City Council was considering where to award a contract for providing downtown services,…
Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives
1986 Right off the bat, with the opening credits spoofing the iconic James Bond logo, “Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives” isn’t just another Jason Voorhees sequel. It’s a slightly parodic take of all that came befor e it, and therefore, one of my favorites of the entire series. Writer/director Tom McLoughlin quickly revives…
Oklahoma native Kristin Chenoweth shows penchant for bad boys
Is that a felony conviction in your pocket or are you just happy to see me? OK, Kristin Chenoweth, if all we had to do to win your affection was go to prison, why didn’t you tell us when you were in town recently, plugging your book? We so would’ve jaywalked or stabbed a hobo.…
Gig Posters Volume 1: Rock Show Art of the 21st Century – Clay Hayes
Posters advertising down ‘n’ dirty rock ‘n’ roll shows are kind of a lost art “¦ if they were ever found in the first place. Despite real talent going into their illustrations and design, the sheets often were “? and are “? produced in extremely limited quantities at best, before being plastered up on some…
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):
“I guess I just prefer to see the dark side of things,” says actress and comedian Janeane Garofalo. “The glass is always half empty. And cracked. And I just cut my lip on it. And chipped a tooth.” As witty as that thought may be, I don’t recommend you make it your approach in the…
Budget director uses forecasts to calculate Oklahoma City’s 2010 budget
The Oklahoma City Council was set to approve a 2010 budget Tuesday that includes a recession-induced hiring freeze across many departments and a 1.5 percent cut for everyone without a uniform and a badge. RECESSION-PROOF GOGGLES CURVEBALLS A HIGHER POWER THE SOOTHSAYER OF STILLWATER Those are grim numbers in a grim economic time. If you’re…
Ambitious rockers The Venditos dry up their act
Take a second, find the nearest computer and listen to “Congealed Bipeds” on The Venditos’ MySpace page. If brazenly ambitious art metal of the System of a Down variety doesn’t suit you, move along. To enjoy The Venditos, one must love the grandiose spirit of Iron Maiden, but still engage with the sociopolitical vitriol of…
The Taking of Pelham One Two Three
If Joseph Sargent’s 1974 film “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three” came by its intelligence naturally, Tony Scott’s remake seems to be book-smart, gaining its knowledge via hours of rote memorization and meticulous study of other crime dramas. Hey, whatever works. And Scott’s “The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3” does work. It moves…
Dustin Prinz – Learning to Love Yourself
ed. Better yet, the 12-track CD is solid from start to finish. Most of the songs are catchy, some so much that they linger in your head for days. One such track, “Let Her Go,” has a chorus of overlapping vocals that’s easily one of the catchiest 15-second segments on the album. The theme of…
Annual show presented by a metro quilting guild brings fabric art to masses
Quilting enthusiasts from all over the state will come together Thursday through Saturday for the Central Oklahoma Quilters Guild show. But this isn’t your grandmother’s quilt show. PROMOTE THE ART INNOVATIVE ART FORM ARTISTIC FASHION Well, she might be involved, but this isn’t octogenarian-only. This year’s quilt show is called “A Time to Shine 2009″…
Former Oklahoma soldier is no doubt a deserter, yet his case is unique
Daniel Sandate and his attorney James Branum sit among papers and boxes in what could best be described as an office disguised as a storage room. NO EXCUSES BACK TO THE STATES JAIL TIME EIGHT-MONTH SENTENCE It’s a small, cramped space in the Joy Mennonite Church, which is hardly known for its architectural style, but…
Jessica Alba brings shark awareness to landlocked Oklahoma
Continuing in our theme of leading ladies and the men (or beasts of the ocean) they love, let’s move on to the inevitable: Jessica Alba. It seems people across America are writing about Jess’ recent foray into poster pranks, so we’ll jump into the pool, too (here’s hoping it’s poo-free). After TheLostOgle.com posted pics of…
Norman bureau of The Oklahoman’s community coverage closes
Nearly 40 years ago, The Oklahoman wrangled a roving state correspondent with a penchant for whiskey into a desk job as the first Norman bureau chief for the statewide newspaper. BUREAU LOCATION SHOE LEATHER He held sway over three OU journalism students tasked to riffle through the police blotter or suffer through city council meetings…
OKC’s Grace Living Center residents volunteer with Touchtones
There’s a certain group of people at an Oklahoma City nursing home who rarely get bored. They answer phones, plan birthday parties, deliver mail and always offer a warm smile. But these lively folks aren’t employees. They’re residents. DOZEN RESIDENTS HOMIER PLACE STRUCTURE AND ORGANIZATION Known as Touchtones, the group has been doing this kind…
Agencies differ on what contaminated the Oklahoma River
A diagnosis has been made. Water exposure from the Oklahoma River, site of the May 16-17 Boathouse International Triathlon, made close to four dozen of the race’s 367 competitors sick, according to findings from an investigation by the Oklahoma State Department of Health. RACING RISK THE RIVER RUNS RUNOFF RUNAROUND PONDERING THE RIVER’S FUTURE But…
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):
Metaphorically speaking, Sagittarius, you have unearthed or are about to unearth a rare fossil. I think it’s a pretty sensational discovery. It’s a missing link that could help you make sense out of episodes in your past that have always mystified or frustrated you. I urge you to learn all you can about this fossil.…
Aspiring comic-book creator struggles to achieve childhood dream
And when the word finally came back, it wasn’t the one he wanted to hear: No. No, Image Comics would not be publishing his new series. Better luck next time. Keep plugging away, kid. But those four months, oddly enough, were a pretty good sign for the Oklahoma Baptist University graduate. His collaboration with writer…
Safe Kids Oklahoma works to keep children happy, out of hospital
Bike rides, swimming and road trips equal summer fun. However, if injuries crop up, the scene can quickly change. Each year, injuries kill more youth than diseases, kidnapping and drugs combined. FREE CAR SEATS BIKE RODEO In Oklahoma, according to a local organization, approximately 100 youth die each year due to accidental injury. That’s why…
Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning: Deluxe Edition
1985 As a fan interviewed on this disc’s making-of featurette says, the poor rep of “Friday the 13th Part V: A New Beginning” is, ahem, “bullshit.” I have to agree. At least it does something different “? spoiler alert until the next paragraph “? in having Jason Voorhees not actually be Jason Voorhees, but a…
Terrorism Gets Pizzazz:
A physical fitness video, purportedly made in April by a U.S.-based al-Qaida operative, gives workout tips to jihadists, urging that they “train as hard as possible” to inflict maximum damage on “the enemies of Allah,” according to an ABC News report. Exercises such as crawling long distances on hands and knees are demonstrated by people…
My Life in Ruins
There’s probably not a chance in the world that you’d consider paying to see “My Life in Ruins” if you: are male are younger than your mid-30s have anything better to do This movie is a mostly old-fashioned romantic comedy with a 47-year-old female lead. Georgia (Nia Vardalos, “Connie and Carla,” “My Big Fat Greek…
Unclear on the Concept
London’s celebrated high-end restaurant Nobu still serves a bluefin tuna entree for the equivalent of about $51 but is apparently ashamed that it has a fresh inventory ready to carve, according to a May report in the Daily Telegraph. Printed on the menu is this advisory: “Bluefin tuna is an environmentally threatened species — please…
Construction progresses on American Indian Cultural Center and Museum
settlers, the process created a collision of cultures that made for a “really interesting story to tell,” Timberman said. “But it is not just a story about removal, about relocation, or about federal acts,” she added. “It also is a story about a rebirth, and now a collaboration of cultures. And it is about an…
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):
Evaluating Adam Lambert after one of his exotic, virtuoso performances back in April, American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi praised him as being “confusing, shocking, sleazy, and superb.” That’s a standard you could soon achieve in your own sphere, Scorpio. But do you want to? You’ll have to care less about maintaining your dignity than usual,…
TAURUS (April 20-May 20):
Your education is about to take a curious and interesting turn. During the coming weeks, I expect that you’ll upgrade your street smarts and explore a whole new meaning for the term “hands-on experience.” You’ll find out about an area of ignorance that was so deep and dark you didn’t even know about it, and…
City of Moore plans summer concert series
Gather your family, friends and a lawn chair, and head to Moore’s third annual ” Summer Nights: Music in the Park,” held this and each Friday in June at Buck Thomas Memorial Park, 1901 N.E. 12th. This week’s show features Odd Sheep Out, a Tulsa jazz band led by singer Jennifer Marriott, who won the…
Zoo presents ‘Summer Season Celebration’
Kids can join scavenger hunts, help with animal feedings and make crafts at Saturday’s “Summer Season Celebration” at the Oklahoma City Zoo. The 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. event is free with admission to the zoo, 2101 N.E. 50th. “It’s something (kids) can do when they get out of school,” said Candice Rennels, a zoo…
Can Oklahoma change its ballot laws, the strictest in the country?
Third-party presidential candidates could soon find it a little easier to get their names on general election ballots in Oklahoma, their road made a bit smoother by a proposed bill that may come up for a vote in the Oklahoma Legislature in 2010. KEPT ALIVE GREATER BALLOT ACCESS Although House Bill 1072 was recently tabled…
Imagine That
Sometimes readers tell me that they’re not sure whether or not I actually liked a particular movie. See if you can tell about “Imagine That.” I hate this movie. Eddie Murphy (“Meet Dave”) plays Evan, a workaholic who has never established a relationship with his daughter Olivia (Yara Shahidi, TV’s “In the Motherhood”). His ex-wife,…
Easy Virtue
unfolds when foppish John Whittaker (Ben Barnes, “The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian”) returns to the country estate of his aristocratic family. He comes with a new bride in tow, a beautiful, sassy American race car driver named Larita (Jessica Biel, “I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry”), whom he married after a whirlwind romance…
Cash-poor California may have to sell off Will Rogers State Historic Park
Leave it to California to take out their budget woes on an Oklahoman. The state of California is facing its biggest budget crisis ever, a government shortfall of more than $24 billion. Legislative leaders and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger have been wrangling all year to come up with a solution, including higher taxes and steep agency…
Can’t Possibly Be True
When a son, angry that his father had ordered him to clean up his room, screamed at Dad and threw a plate of food across the dinner table, Dad called 911. The son is 28-year-old Andrew Mizsak, who lives rent-free with his parents in the Cleveland suburb of Bedford, Ohio, and is a member of…
Reduxion Theatre balances controversial politics with cross-dressing comedy
Reduxion Theatre Company closes out its inaugural season with a classy take on one of Shakespeare’s most popular and debated comedies, “The Taming of the Shrew.” SLOW TO START SHOW-STEALERS “Shrew” tells the story of Baptista Minola and her two daughters: the younger and much-sought-after Bianca, and the older Katherina, for whom the play is…
Ricky Salthouse clocks in with three locals, stamps time card for Workweek
Historically, when academic pursuits come to an end, it’s generally important for early 20-somethings to put to rest their bohemian ways, to find gainful employment and eke out some semblance of adulthood. PILGRIMAGE SOLO PROJECT PRECISE DESCRIPTION In contemporary reality, that’s rarely the way it goes, particularly for artists of any type. Upon reaching young…
Lucinda Williams writes what she feels, gets what she wants
The rap on Lucinda Williams has long been that she’s a gifted songwriter ” perhaps the finest of her generation ” but also a maddening perfectionist and control freak. NO APOLOGIES SPECULATION There’s a perfectly good explanation for such exacting behavior, said Williams, who takes the stage Thursday night at Diamond Ballroom. She points to…
Absinthe & Flamethrowers: Projects and Ruminations on the Art of Living Dangerously – William Gurstelle
Exercise your inner MacGyver with “Absinthe & Flamethrowers: Projects and Ruminations on the Art of Living Dangerously,” from William Gurstelle, the author of the similar how-to book, “Backyard Ballistics .” Like that title, this one’s strictly for Type T personalities “? the “T” standing for “thrill seeker,” of course. Inside, following many a legal disclaimer,…
AmeriCorps VISTA program links workers with Oklahoma programs
For many nonprofit and community organizations, the AmeriCorps VISTA program helps them accomplish things they might not otherwise be able to, given their often limited financial and human resources. ERADICATING POVERTY THREE-YEAR GRANT MUCH-NEEDED BOOST But VISTA, which stands for Volunteers in Service to America, supplies workers that help create and strengthen programs so they…
Gaming the system
Have you noticed the ever-increasing visibility of elected officials using taxpayer dollars to tell you all the great things they are doing for us? Drive down a county road, and you’ll likely see a sign telling you County Commissioner So-and-So was responsible for the new road or bridge. Oh really? I have always assumed those…
More OKC-area golfers finding way to Golf Galaxy tour
Weekend golfers looking to add a little competitive spice to their game should check out the Golf Galaxy Golf Tour, which offers two-person teams the opportunity to vie for prizes and merchandise in a tournament setting. LOCAL TOUR DIRECTOR PARTNERSHIP One of 63 cities nationwide offering a version of the unique tour, Oklahoma City boasts…
Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li
2009 “Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li” features several actors who once showed promise, including Michael Clarke Duncan, Neal McDonough and Kristin Kreuk. However, the most embarrassing, “hey, look at me!” performance is turned in by Chris Klein, who tries to throw off his Lovable Dumb Guy persona in his role as Nash. He is…
Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter: Deluxe Edition
1984 It’s not for nothing that the fourth “? and, before box-office grosses came in, supposedly final “? film in the “Friday the 13th” franchise remains a fan favorite. The sequel is a strong entry for two reasons: First, it makes a great case for killing off masked machete man Jason Voorhees once and for…
