Ridiculous ‘Rocky and Bullwinkle’ logic
It’s rather offensive for Marty to imply that those called “progressive” today are somehow associated with genocide, and I dare him to prove that’s on their agenda. What he considers Hitler’s “progress” is exactly what’s wrong with conservatives. In an attempt to berate liberals, they must tie them to history’s biggest mass murderer. That’s real…
Agree and disagree
God is the majority, and he says it’s a sin. So, no matter how one feels about partaking in such debauchery, no matter how many people think it’s fine, don’t do it! What I mourn is Steve repeating the Cimarron Alliance’s nonsensical assertion that there are 365,000 homosexuals in Oklahoma. National scientific polling has established…
Keep the Kerns in cold storage
Every issue seems to carry yet another screed from the Rev. Steve Kern lecturing against evolution, separation of church and state and/or homosexuality. His bigoted, anti-science views have been repeated and are unlikely to change anyone’s opinions. Worse yet, the June 15 issue published a full-page promotional puff piece (News, Clifton Adcock, “‘Stoning’ Sally”) on…
Reader refutes claim
Yet most Darwin-friendly churches (i.e. established European and American mainline) have been in decline relative to theologically conservative, “magical nonsense” churches. Through most of the 20th Century, “more people moved from mainline to conservative churches than in the other direction,” according to Associated Baptist Press. In “Creation conversation” (Letters, Feb. 23, Gazette) Batchelder asked, “Does…
Tattoo terror
It was what “The West Wing” has taught us is not a “proportional response.” According to, oddly enough, the Australia-based Herald Sun, Johnson was beaten with a bat, while the two women shocked him in his man parts with a stun gun. Then, they decided to give him a homemade tattoo across Johnson’s forehead that…
For better or worse
The obscure local bliggidy blog The Lost Ogle obtained photos of the newly married couple Matthew William Bacon, 32, and Christina Fallin, the 24-year-old daughter of Gov. Mary Fallin, looking their hipster best. The engagement photos were posted online at the couple’s wedding page (which was made private shortly after the mean, mean Ogle bloggers…
Frackin’ PR
The New York Times, which buys lots o’ ink, published a lengthy story titled “Insiders Sound an Alarm Amid a Natural Gas Rush” on June 25. Therein, Ian Urbina reported that natural gas companies were gambling enormously on wells, promising huge profits and new energy resources, but suggested that the gas may not be as…
Foot joy
It’s not always just about the music, as Oklahoma City country rock band Left Foot Sally will tell you. It’s also being a salesman, but not just tickets and albums. “One of the bartenders came up to us and said, ‘You guys drink beer, and the drunker you get the better you play,’” bassist Dustin…
Chamber Chief
“We’re trying to build an industry here in Oklahoma,” said Barfield, who serves as writer, director and executive producer. “When you contribute to this film, you’re contributing to a lot of students who are going to put in a lot of time and effort.” As a student at OCCC, Barfield’s helped with a lot of…
Terrace stamp
A band name isn’t all Florida hardcore band Evergreen Terrace seemingly borrowed from “The Simpsons.” With its number of ex-members (six) more than matching its current ones (five), the band took not only the beloved animated family’s street address for a moniker but also a similar affinity for a vast universe of secondary characters. “It’s…
Universal appeal
On paper, it would seem The Planets Align requires constant, near perfect balance to continue to exist. With the progressive rock act’s members busy with fledging careers in event coordinating, journalism, the automotive industry and even some part-time circus work, as well as upwards of two dozen former and current bands that the guys have…
Into the ‘Light’
Susan Cowsill’s made music for more than four decades, first as a child in the ’60s family pop band The Cowsills, and the last seven years solo. It’s in this last capacity that her star’s shone brightest. She’s always had a wonderfully earthy, powerful voice, but with her latest album, “Lighthouse,” she’s further showcased a…
‘Hair’ styles
Inspired by the 1988 film by camp cult icon John Waters, “Hairspray” was reborn in 2002 as a Tony-winning Broadway musical. Following in the footsteps of “The Producers” in an example of Ouroboros-like creative cannibalism, the Broadway adaptation of “Hairspray” was made into a fairly entertaining movie in 2007. Set in 1962 Baltimore, “Hairspray” follows…
‘The new normal’
Wronowski, who holds a master’s degree in education and was a research scientist prior to becoming a teacher, said the process was as challenging as getting her master’s degree. The teacher training program, recognized as one of the best and most rigorous in the nation, takes an average of about 200 hours to complete, and…
Extra Cheeze
Shea Weaver is a busy man. “You never know where things in life will take you,” said the Oklahoma City musician, who plays under his own name, as Cheezecoat and in Country Strange. His varied monikers correspond to the various places that music has taken him. He started playing with Country Strange almost 10 years…
Bitter Coco
Last year’s debacle over “The Tonight Show” didn’t quite reach Shakespearean proportions, but you sure couldn’t tell it at the time. When Jay Leno left the hallowed television franchise for a stab at prime time, NBC gave the coveted late-night slot to Conan O’Brien, who had been patiently waiting in the latelate-night wings. Things did…
Art glass
Local artist Nicki Albright is “Serving Up Color” with her new exhibition at In Your Eye Gallery, in the Paseo Arts District. Albright first became interested in glass about 35 years ago. “I remember driving down 13th Street, which was filled with Victorian homes that were full of stained glass, and I wanted to make…
Destinations on a tank
Beach hopping With my three kids in tow, we visited not one, not two, but three beaches at Arcadia Lake. The lake is comprised of three separate parks — Spring Creek, Edmond and Central State — each with its own recreation wonderland of docks, playgrounds and, yes, swimming holes. With 26 miles of shoreline, Arcadia…
First watch
Author Constance Squires grew up in a military family and loves rock ’n’ roll. Her main character, Lucinda Collins, also grew up in a military family and also loves rock ’n’ roll. But, Squires said, although she shares a lot with her character, the two are very different. “There’s not a single event in the…
The Pretty Black Chains — Awakening
The act makes it clear from the first second of the album, which kicks off with Derek Knowlton’s heavy riff from “Let Me In” and pours on the guitar from there on out. Fans of the six-string will find much to love in tunes from the fuzzed-out “Lovers” to the ’90s-influenced runs of “Thorny Crown”;…
Kids art
Children ages 5 to 13 years old can find inspiration from the mythical folklore of dragons, ancient masks, sea monsters and more at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art’s two remaining weeklong Creative Arts Camps this month. During the “Sea Monsters and Mythological Creatures” camp, Oklahoma artist Linda Dixon will guide children in creating sea monsters,…
Meatball mecca
I love spaghetti and meatball joints. They remind me of places in the upper Midwest with names like Pasta Villa and John’s Italian. Right across the street from Norman’s Borders bookstore, Gaberino’s is a welcome addition to the side of town where choices such as the homogenized likes of Red Lobster, On The Border and…
Bite Size
The restaurant was closed due to a fire that tore through the historic building in 2009, but is going to open its door to business, much to the delight of people who enjoyed going there for the food and the dancing. It wasn’t just a fire that has challenged Lucille’s. In 1999, a tornado came…
Killer, no filler
Don’t expect to find a rift form within Denver duo Axe Murder Boyz; no diss tracks or fierce hip-hop feuds are in sight. The blood goes too deep. Brothers James and Mike Garcia don’t even have struggles with sibling rivalry; success for one is success for both with this joint venture. “People think we are…
Up top
Lush Fashion Lounge (14101 N.May; 936-0680) has a small but great selection of hats to keep the sensitive skin of your face from getting all sunspotty and droopy. (I look absolutely awful in hats, so I have to go the mega- SPF route instead.) I loved the super-cute fedoras by The Hatter Company. The woven…
Salad supreme
But light doesn’t need to mean lightweight. Salad can be a whole, satisfying meal. Trust us, it’s more than just rabbit food. Give it a try and get your fill. “Cheever’s is contemporary comfort food, so it’s definitely enough for them to be satisfied for the whole day,” said Ariana Khalilian, manager at Cheever’s, 2409…
Adult ice cream
There is a high hassle factor and the mixology is surprisingly complicated, but the reward of a perfectly mixed spiked milk shake is well worth the effort. For potent ice cream cocktails, the go-to venue is the revamped Kaiser’s American Bistro, 1039 N. Walker. Long a hot spot for homemade ice cream, Kaiser’s now has…
Cornett’s concerns
Voters approved the $777 million MAPS 3 program in December 2009, and each of the program’s eight projects is overseen by a subcommittee, which forwards its recommendations to a Citizens Advisory Board. The board sends its recommendations to the Oklahoma City Council for approval. The MAPS 3 program is funded by a 1-cent sales tax…
Premium returns
The glass of wine was a graduation gift of sorts; I had just finished grad school, and wanting to graduate my wine taste, I opted for a $20 glass of the iconic Napa Cabernet. The beauty of the moment (and the wine) was that we actually had the choice to order premium wine by the…
Hat trick
After delivering a one-two punch with “The Seducers Club” and “Stay Low” in the spring with City Arts Center, local filmmaker Mickey Reece returns with a third: “Punch Cowboy.” The feature debuts Saturday night, with The Workweek’s Carly Gwin performing beforehand as a musical guest. While Reece’s movies jump from genre to genre — sometimes…
What light beyond thy firehouse window breaks?
The fair takes place from 6 until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, combines visual and performing arts to provide fun for the whole family, said Firehouse spokeswoman Carla Chew. “It’s our little gift back to the community for all the support that the city of Norman gives us,” Chew said. Live music will be performed…
Lead balloons
Now there’s something even more colorful to see at Science Museum Oklahoma besides the earthquake room, mirror maze and shadow box and tree house: colored pencils. For the second year, the Oklahoma chapter of the nonprofit Colored Pencil Society of America and the Satellite Galleries at Science Museum Oklahoma have joined forces to showcase their…
Teachers, taxpayers told conflicting stories
Disappointed, because I know the difference a National Board Certified Teacher can make in a school and classroom. National Board Certification is believed to be one of the most studied interventions in the field of education. In the most rigorous and comprehensive study to date about National Board Certification, the nonpartisan National Research Council found…
Overcoming Momentum’s legacy
Federal law shielded disclosure of contributor names. Many became alarmed about secret committees influencing election outcomes, including this writer. This organization’s basic tactic was fear — fear that a candidate was too liberal, too conservative or not conservative or liberal enough. The bitter election is over, but Momentum’s legacy finds a present home in some…
7 Under $7
$$: Up to $15 $$$: $15-$30 $$$$: Above $30 Fung’s Kitchen 3231 N. Classen Blvd. 524-4133 Fung’s is located right in the Asian District of Oklahoma City, easy to find when you make that pilgrimage to Classen Boulevard. An order of its black pepper chicken or its sweet and sour chicken or pork (a menu…
Zam Zam Mediterranean Grill & Hookah
Zam Zam Mediterranean Grill & Hookah 3913 N. MacArthur, Warr Acres 789-8008 With straightforward food from the Middle East and Mediterranean, Zam Zam has richly seasoned wraps and more. For example, check out its chicken kebab for a modest $6.58 or many other options less than $7, including the kufta kebab, kufta burger, a gyro…
Billy Sims BBQ
924 W. Edmond Road, Edmond 562-1330 Every single day from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., Billy Sims runs a great special on any single meat sandwich, a side and a drink. Most diners like to chomp down on the chopped brisket sandwich with baked beans or the smoked turkey sandwich. They smoke products every day,…
Camille’s Sidewalk Cafe
5701 N. Western 842-2233 Imagine this: 84 Camille’s in 27 states, and it all began in Tulsa, which makes Camille’s a successful local concept. The flatbread pizzas are all less than $7, with many combinations available, like its kickin’ barbecue chicken, Zorba the Greek, rustic Italian, a plain cheese or the out-of-the-ordinary Bangkok Thai pizza.…
The law abides
Suhail Shanti’s fingerprints were recorded electronically and run through the Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System, which produced the felony warrant in the National Criminal Information Center database. Shanti, who attended what is now Carl Albert State College, is currently awaiting the state-to-state extradition process for the alleged murder of fellow international student Mohamed Ayman Al-Zein,…
Maneater
In the former TV Superman’s latest straight-to-video nail in his career coffin, Cain is Sheriff Bailey, a small-town single dad still grieving over the unexplained disappearance of his wife. His daughter, Pearl Bailey (seriously screenwriters?), is a high school good girl on the verge of cashing in her V card. Oh, and there’s a big…
Evil Things
Unlike the knock-offs that followed in “Blair Witch”‘s wake a decade ago (“The St. Francisville Experiment,” anyone?), the new crop realizes there’s more to the subgenre than merely tweaking the title. (Well, everyone but The Asylum and their “Paranormal Entity.”) In first-time writer/director Dominic Perez’s “Evil Things,” five college students (whose actors are largely as…
24 Hours to Kill / Assignment to Kill
In 1965’s “24 Hours to Kill,” the title carries a winking dual meaning. Mickey Rooney is Jonesy, part of an airline crew en route to Athens, but forced to make an emergency landing in Beirut, of all locales. As soon as he’s on the ground and headed to the hotel, he notices he’s being followed.…
Tekken
Turns out, the movie isn’t much more complex. Its near-future setting imagines a grim scenario following “the terror wars,” where the globe then is ruled by eight corporations. America has fallen to Tekken, where metal-helmeted warriors known as Jackhammers enforce the corrupt government, which has banned coffee, chocolate and oranges. But in the appropriately named…
The Sweet Life
Purported to be a rom-com for those who dislike rom-coms, the 2003 work is unfortunately as generic and unremarkable as its title. That’s too bad, because I was an insta-fan of James Lorinz since his inspired turn in Frank Henenlotter’s notorious “Frankenhooker” of 1990. Here, now with a Pooh belly he hides beneath flame-embossed bowling…
Carson bows out of 2nd Congressional District Race via Facebook
Carson had previously told Oklahoma Gazette he was looking at a possible campaign after current Rep. Dan Boren, D-Muskogee, announced his decision to not seek re-election to the seat he has held since 2005. Carson represented the district in eastern Oklahoma from 2001 to 2005. He left the office when he instead chose to run…
Damnation Alley
Post-nuclear Armageddon, the skies look like Yes album covers. Our small group of survivors — military men George Peppard, Jan-Michael Vincent and Paul Winfield — cruises around the wasteland in a cool LandMaster tram vehicle which is run by a Texas Instruments calculator. In their travels through “Damnation Alley,” they encounter giant scorpions, man-eating cockroaches…
Battle Beyond the Stars
As with “Star Crash,” I’d much rather watch it than the Lucasfilm product any day of the week. “Battle” has none of the cultural impact, but all of what makes pop culture fun. Besides, it boasts the credit “and George Peppard as Cowboy,” and how many films can claim that? (That’s rhetorical.) As the evil…
