Start your engines
Meanwhile, Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett said he is hopeful Grand Prix racing will be a reality in Oklahoma City, maybe as soon as 2012. Senate Bill 160, the Municipal Motor Vehicle Racing Act, would allow a city or public trust to issue racing permits for street races and allow permit holders to limit access…
OKC to SXSW
After humble beginnings in 1987 as a Austin, Texas-based music festival, SXSW now annually hosts almost 2,000 bands, thousands more industry professionals, a film festival and an interactive festival. This year’s music portion takes place March 15-20. How important is SXSW? Two years ago, this unknown band called Mumford & Sons played a pizza parlor…
Elephant Revival — Break in the Clouds
It helps that all five members contribute songs, taking the stress off one songwriter. The band takes the term “folk” seriously, sticking to tunes that could have been culled from the Appalachians in the 19th century or earlier. Thankfully, the production isn’t rustic. The songs sport a sprightly, well-produced sheen landing just short of being…
Slow burn
Similar to the local Fraternal Order of Police contract approved in December, it keeps in place most provisions from the previous year’s contract. However, it increases the city’s insurance contribution from $9,500 to $10,540 per employee participating in IAFF’s health and welfare benefits plans. The cost of the contract, which expires June 30, is approximately…
Con Artist
It’s too bad Oklahoma City Museum of Art already has played the documentary “Exit Through the Gift Shop,” because it would make an ideal double feature with “Con Artist,” which is screening Friday and Saturday night. Whereas “Exit” featured Banksy, an internationally famous artist so publicity-shy that his identity remains unknown, “Con” features Mark Kostabi,…
Cedar Rapids
But that’s all right. The story’s familiar contrivances and clichés actually feel kind of cozy in “Cedar Rapids.” The film is burnished with the glow of sweetness not easily replicated by the Hollywood machine. That is no small feat, but the movie’s sly appeal is even more impressive when you consider how it also manages…
What a Drag
As it heads to the South by Southwest music conference, the heavy psych band from Iowa plays at 9 p.m. The group has supported The Black Keys and Sleepy Sun in the past. Royal Thunder and local rockers The Pretty Black Chains are also on the bill. Tickets for the all-ages show are $7. For…
The mod couple
Kevin and Anita Robinson definitely fall into the “so cute it makes you sick” couples category. They’ve been married for more than 10 years, after meeting in their native Alabama. They were introduced through mutual friends at a small music club, then fostered a relationship by exchanging mixtapes. They decided to start playing music with…
Irish springs
When you’re a rock band with an Irish lead singer and a knack for blending punk with Celtic music, you’re in big demand for St. Patrick’s Day. That’s certainly the experience of Flogging Molly, a group renowned for getting its Irish up during spirited live shows. But the group can’t be everywhere on St. Paddy’s.…
West to north
“Where do we go from here?” was the question Oklahoma City (by way of Northern California) rock band Somerset West faced as it released its debut album, “The Golden Land.” A full-length disc had always been a goal; it had been since the earliest days when bandleader and guitarist Kyle Lynch lost his brother —…
Tips to avoid the anxiety of getting bumped
If you make the decision to move down, prepare yourself for an evening filled with anxiety. For some reason, it’s mildly terrifying sitting in seats that are not your own. Every single person that comes walking toward your section looks like they’re “The One.” You can’t really enjoy the game because you’re constantly scanning for…
Watt’s happening
After more than 30 years of playing music, renowned punk bassist Mike Watt might be indulged if he rested on his laurels. But with ongoing involvement in bands that includes the legendary Stooges and his own trio, The Missingmen, he shows no apparent interest in slowing down. His new album, “Hyphenated-Man,” is his musical meditation…
To the point
Being two smart guys who studied at Rutgers, James Dean Wells and Quinn English are perfectly aware of how they come across as rock duo The Gay Blades, often labeled and described as sarcastic and sardonic. But that doesn’t make it right. “It’s a matter of framing. When you name your band The Gay Blades…
Mythbuster
Myth 1. Color determines price of auto insurance. Myth 2. It costs more to insure your car when you get older. Myth 3. Your credit has no effect on your insurance rate. Myth 4. Your insurance will cover you if your car is stolen, vandalized or damaged by falling limbs, hail, flood or fire.Myth 5.…
Oldies but goodies
Jewel Box Theatre’s production of “Mystery Radio Plays” provides a glimpse into the heyday of radio by resurrecting four vintage dramas in the public domain, adapted for the stage by director Linda McDonald. The entire work takes place in the fictional studios of KJBX in Oklahoma City, where a cast of performers and sound effects…
‘Walk’ this way
“In typical art shows, you purchase the artwork and wait for it come to you,” said Clint Stone, executive director. “What’s unique about this event is that it’s all about luck of the draw, and if you win something, you can go and pull the artwork right off the wall.” Attendees can buy $50, $75…
The pursuit of ‘Happiness’
The documentary, which screens at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Oklahoma City University’s Meinders School of Business Kerr-McGee auditorium, 2501 N. Blackwelder, examines the effects that economic globalization has had on our everyday lives, said Vicki Rose, member of the film committee of Transition OKC, a program of the nonprofit Sustainable OKC. “One thing that struck…
Youth Art Month stresses importance of art education
Schools from across the state are participating in events such as art shows and contests to emphasize the importance of art education, said Lisa Taulman, Oklahoma Art Educators Association chair and art teacher at Crooked Oak Public Schools. “Art education is important for many reasons,” she said. “Studies have shown that if a student participates…
Bite Size
The board of directors are: Tim Baker of The Brasserie, Tulsa; Kevin Barker of University of Oklahoma Housing Food Services, Norman; Jon Biegel of The Restaurants at Chesapeake; Robert Black of A Good Egg Dining Group; Jimmy Blacketer of Los Cabos, Jenks; Mark Blevins of City Bites; Jim Burke of Emerging Brands, Edmond; David Burns…
Beauty and brawn
Even the American-style fruit baskets are pleasant in the right context: summer patio, light lunch or chilled red. The American style may not appeal to fans of big reds, however. For red wine lovers who enjoy some tannic backbone, a grippy finish and some weight and density, fruit baskets are off-putting. Burgundy wasn’t built on…
Hey! Do this
Sing this Having just released her fourth album, “A Token of the Wreckage,” indie songstress Megan Slankard performs 8 p.m. Saturday at Othello’s, 434 Buchanan in Norman. The singer-songwriter has received rave reviews for her impressive vocals, commanding stage presence and memorable melodies. Admission is free. Call 360-2353 or visit meganslankard.com. Saturday Wrestle this Catch…
Hang in there
Although, I did polish off a bottle of wine a couple weeks ago. And before you freak out, it was over an outstanding birthday dinner at Ludivine, as opposed to drinking by myself with the lights off while sobbing and talking to the cats. Thank God it was the former, not the latter, because I’m…
smag 7
Distinctive desserts Many great restaurants in the metro feature desserts that are innovative, down to earth and, most of all, luscious. Enjoy these after a meal, or just stop in to indulge while chatting on the phone, talking business or checking your e-mail. Most desserts make a memorable impression, and these seven will. —Carol Smaglinski,…
Tiki time
It was tiki night at the Martin household, and the adults would be sampling five different rum punches, with the kids testing out their nonalcoholic equivalents. Tiki culture is a nod to Polynesian and South Pacific food, art and architecture that flourished post- World War II as vets returned home from the Pacific theater, bringing…
Long-lived libations
The project is still ongoing, so don’t look for the recreated Celtic beer in liquor stores quite yet, but there are plenty of other options for those wanting to taste history. Beer is a relative newcomer when compared to the world’s oldest libation: mead. The fermented honey-water and yeast drink dates back to around 7,000…
DIY drinks
With classic cocktails coming back on the scene, more and more people are taking it upon themselves to create their own alcohol infusions. They are easy to make, add great flavors to a cocktail and are an interesting twist to a well-prepared dish. Chef Kurt Fleischfresser, of The Coach House, 6437 Avondale Drive, and Western…
National pride
The first time I ventured to Republic Gastropub was last summer, not long after its grand opening, to watch the World Cup. One in our party — and the most fervent soccer fan — suggested we sit outside. I was dubious. This was summer in Oklahoma, after all. We settled in on the side patio,…
Pass the pitcher
Senate Bill 658, authored by Sen. Clark Jolley, R-Edmond, would allow the sale of strong beer and wine in grocery and convenience stores. However, that bill will now have to wait until the next legislative session, following modification of the bill allowing for a 13-member task force to examine the issues surrounding it. According to…
CFN Correction of the Week
The March 2 brief “Anonymous vendetta” that reported HBGary Federal had a business relationship with Devon Energy is incorrect. Devon has never had a relationship with HBGary Federal and its affiliate, HBGary.
What a tool
Oh, it’s a chain saw? Never mind. According to a KFOR-TV report, a man in Chickasha got caught trying to steal an Echo brand chain saw from Ross Seed Company by stuffing it down his britches. (No word if the chain was attached.) Anthony Darren Black, 21, is who police allege to be the pilferer…
Zombie puppy
So here’s how the imminent apocalypse all began (in case you want to relay the tale to your scrappy group of survivors as you huddle, cold and hungry, around the meager fire at your hidden campsite completely surrounded by a wasteland teeming with brain-munching hordes of zombies): A black-and-white spotted puppy and his four siblings…
CFN Quote of the Week
“There used to be a day when honest reporters would not take quotes for one article and insert them in another article to suit their fancy. There used to be a day when all newspapers factually reported on what was actually happening as news instead of attempting to create news with hearsay, speculation, supposition and…
Class act
Well, why not? We already have a moat to keep out the Texans, right? Though it seems like a strange idea, it is not without precedent. For example, there was a wall known as an “anti-fascist protective rampart” erected by the former East Germany. That seemed to do wonders for the country and spawned a…
‘Puppy mill abuse motivated by greed’
This hard-fought effort to provide oversight and protection to animals in puppy mills is a must. I work in the area of dog rescue, and have seen firsthand the horrific abuse and neglect experienced by dogs kept in those type conditions. Dogs are literally tortured at the hands of greedy, uncaring animal breeders, often setting…
A bone to pick with Sen. Josh Brecheen
Neither need one be a Rhodes Scholar to determine why “Oklahoma is home to the second-largest number of commercial pet breeders in the country, according to the Central Oklahoma Humane Society” (“Pawing at profits,” Feb. 23, Gazette). Until May 20, 2010, it was the Cayman Islands of the pet-breeding industry! Lack of regulations breeds excess…
Eight is enough
MAPS 3 convention center subcommittee members got a look at size estimates for the forthcoming facility at its March 1 meeting, as well as some of the potential sites. And without a “headquarters hotel,” which may require some incentives from the city for development, connected to a future convention center, the project may be unable…
Gun advocate’s argument full of holes
Are mustard gas and hydrogen gas the same because they’re both gases? Are coal and a diamond the same because they’re both made of carbon? For that matter, you could say a gun is the same as a flower because they’re both made of atoms. The whole can be greater than the sum of its…
Don’t count out the tea party
Don’t rush to judgment. There are several factors why these City Council races were not a good indicator of the strengths or weaknesses of the tea party. First, municipal elections are nonpartisan. (I don’t want to debate the merit of such a system. I’m just stating a fact). Picking up the trash, fixing potholes, and…
Offtrack
In reality, it is going to be implemented in an area of entertainment and will probably have as much true transportation value as the “river taxis.” (Remember how they were to link downtown/Bricktown with the Meridian entertainment/hotel district?) According to letstalktransit.com, the closest a streetcar would come to the people around Douglass High School is…
Carnivore offended by lawmaker’s one-size-fits-all mentality
I feel Clifton Adcock’s article in and of itself was well-written, bringing into focus a serious condition facing our state. Although I do not label myself a bleeding-heart liberal, I do feel that any legislation that serves to help those who cannot help themselves (in this case, the dogs in “puppy mills”) is a good…
The Walking Dead: The Complete First Season
But I expected it to be better, given that film director Frank Darabont (“The Shawshank Redemption,” “The Mist”) was steering the creative ship. I suppose it lives up to the hype if you’ve never seen a zombie movie before. Don’t get me wrong: The show is quite good. It’s just not great, for one main…
Maher causes cancer
Maher segued from Comedy Central to ABC, self-destructed ultimately and landed at HBO, where his rants against America get ever-rottener with every season. Now Maher’s bringing rot to Oklahoma — only state with every county voting “red” in the last presidential contest. Oklahoma represents everything Maher hates and deconstructs, so comes the question: Who are the…
Iron & Wine — Kiss Each Other Clean
But those who remember that the same man who wrote “The Trapeze Swinger,” “Naked as We Came” and “Love and Some Verses” is now composing international/ funky/indie/other songs will pretty much hate it. The beautiful piano and acoustic guitar of “Godless Brother in Love” — the tune from “Kiss Each Other Clean” that most resembles…
Virus X
But we feel fine, and we’re already the point where we can make a movie about it, and no one even blinks. The film in question is “Virus X,” one of the coolest-sounding titles you’ll encounter all year, even if the product isn’t exactly memorable. The not-terrible thriller takes place inside perhaps the dingiest lab…
Blood
It’s called “Blood,” but it’s not to to be confused with the “Blood: The Last Vampire” anime or its live-action adaptation. In “Shinobi” director Ten Shimoyama’s 2009 film, the murder of a maid in the home of a woman named Miyako (Aya Sugimoto) remains a cold case for several years until hotshot Detective Hoshino (Kanji…
Mark Growden — Lose Me in the Sand
His 2011 release, “Lose Me in the Sand,” sees him reinventing himself as a desert troubadour, but he’s a little less successful there. It’s a good album, but it doesn’t excel, as his previous incarnation did. “Lose Me in the Sand” is written primarily on banjo, and Growden uses it in pieces frantic (“John Hardy”),…
Dark Fields
You’d think his actors would move around more just to increase their blood flow. Instead, they shuffle around and enunciate every word as if they’re trying to stretch out the running time. Since this fright-free horror movie is nearly/needlessly two hours, they needn’t have been so purposeful. The multigenerational tale concerns a family farm whose…
Stag Night
Add to the list “Stag Night,” a 2008 fright film just now seeing release, under the Ghost House Underground label. In the wee small hours of the morning, the prenuptial rite of passage for Mike (Kip Pardue) ends as he and three pals exit a strip club, and end up with two of the strippers…
The Adjustment Bureau
Instead, its genesis lies in a short story by sci-fi author Philip K. Dick. For some reason, Hollywood keeps raiding his bibliography, although his material has clicked on the screen arguably three times: “Blade Runner,” “Minority Report” and “Total Recall.” The rest of the time, it doesn’t: “Paycheck,” “Screamers,” “Impostor” … The difference between the…
Arena Legacy: The Heritage of American Rodeo — Richard C. Rattenbury
Me neither, which is exactly why Richard C. Rattenbury’s “Arena Legacy: The Heritage of American Rodeo” is worth checking out. Anyone interested in the sport and/or the American cowboy lifestyle will find much over which to pore. Published by the University of Oklahoma Press, this hefty hardback — a real wrist-killer at more than 400…
Some midseason awards for the OKC Thunder
Some might point out that the Thunder have played 54 of their scheduled 82 regular season games, meaning that the season is far more than half over. That’s math, and as Will Ferrell’s George W. Bush taught us, math is a member of the axis of evil. As the players, coaches, league executives and those…
Sugar Boxx
Extended to full length, however, it loses a lot of spark … much like Rodriguez’s own “Grindhouse” spin-off, “Machete.” Still, any fan of the women-in-prison genre won’t hate himself for watching, as it offers all of the film subgenre’s mainstays, including the sapphic ones. Cody Jarrett’s low-budgeter concerns go-get-’em WPNS (get it?) news reporter Valerie…
Planned Parenthood offering sex ed course in Spanish
“Straight Talk” is a locally developed, nationally recognized program aimed at 11- to 13-year-olds, designed to let parents be the primary sexuality educators of their children. With the assistance of a trained facilitator, the four-session course provides an opportunity for parents and children to discuss values and beliefs, share concerns and communicate about sexuality. “Since…
National Lampoon’s Dirty Movie
What do a gynecologist and a pizza boy have in common? Did you hear about the Polish girl who dropped her gum in the toilet? How can tell if you’re at a gay picnic? What did the black lady get after she had an abortion? I’m not answering any of those. “National Lampoon’s Dirty Movie,”…
Mystery Science Theater 3000: Volume XX
The mirth-making bad-movie showcase remains — for me at least — the greatest thing ever to grace the airwaves. If laughter is the best medicine, you’ll OD. This 20th collection of four episodes culled from seasons both high and low contains two of the long-running series’ Holy Grail episodes for fans: “Master Ninja I” and…
Harry Connick Jr. — In Concert on Broadway
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, “Harry Connick Jr. in Concert on Broadway” needs to be in your collection. It’s exactly what it sounds like: Connick sings show tunes from the good ol’ days on Broadway (he extols “Guys and Dolls” as a perfect musical before belting out “My Time of…
Walters only incumbent defeated in Oklahoma City Council elections
Ward 6 Councilwoman Meg Salyer retained her seat, getting nearly 64 percent of the vote in a three-way race. Meanwhile, Ward 8 Councilman Patrick Ryan held on to his seat in a landslide, with almost 73 percent of the vote. Ward 5 incumbent Brian Walters was defeated by challenger David Greenwell, who got 54 percent…
Crimestoppers
Many hands-on activities will be available for participants to enjoy, said Alex Mattison, communication coordinator for the museum, including fingerprinting, ballistics, DNA extraction and chromatography, which is the separation of gases, solids or liquids. “The activities are all a lot of fun for the kids, because they are very visual,” he said. “The DNA extraction,…
