LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
It’s time to think comprehensively, not defensively . . . to see futuristically, not didactically . . . to fantasize fantastically, not diplomatically. Your assignment is to stop reacting to every little blip that leaps into your field of vision, and start surveying the long-term cycles of your life from an expansive vista. Be a…
Deep-fried paradise
It was great to see the blurb on Bobo’s Chicken by Joe Wertz in the “Try before you die” article in the May 19, 2010, Gazette. Located on “The Strip” on N.W. 23rd Street, I proclaim it as the best fried chicken in Oklahoma. They not only specialize in chicken. If you are a catfish…
The National Severe Storms Laboratory sat in a front-row seat during a deadly tornado
It’s one thing for a weather center to be able to track and analyze nearby tornadic activity. It is quite another for that center to be in a tornado. The National Severe Storms Laboratory in south Norman was built and designed for several purposes related to intense weather conditions, such as those that produce tornadoes.…
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
You’re not living in Iraq or Sudan or the Congo, and you don’t have to walk five miles a day with a jug on your head to fetch the water you need, and you’re not so bereft of food that you have to resort to eating worms and tree bark. So how bad could your…
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)
When I sent out my email newsletter last week, I got the usual number of automatic replies from people who were on vacation or out of the office. But one from Lisa P. caught my attention. “Can’t reply to your email right now,” it read. “I will be meditating until June 1.” My first reaction…
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Sagittarian writer Samuel Clemens was best known under his pen name, Mark Twain. But he tried many others, including Thomas Jefferson Snodgrass, W. Epaminondas Adrastus Blab, Trismegistus, and Sergeant Fathom. Since you’re in a phase when experiments with your persona would be productive, I suggest you dream up a few aliases of your own. I…
Video stars
Hmmm “¦ we need milk, some cheese, and ” oh, yes ” an upskirt shot of that shopper over there. We’re guessing those were the contents of a certain shopping list last Tuesday. Luis Sosa, 29, was arrested at a Walmart near Memorial Road and Pennsylvania Avenue around 8 p.m. for allegedly using his cell…
Sarah Atlee conjures up patron saints in her exhibit “Heavens to Betsy”
“Heavens to Betsy and Other Saints for Everyday Living”a.k.a. Gallery3001 Paseocloses Thursday606-2522, www.akagallery.net While most kids conjured imaginary friends when they were growing up, Sarah Atlee fabricated religious deities. She said while growing up in New Mexico, she was influenced by the Catholic visuals that were ever present in the Land of Enchantment, and that…
Our Lady of Perpetual Waiting Room
Don’t you just hate it when an unplanned medical emergency disrupts your schedule, delays your plans and generally ruins your day? What was supposed to be a fun night out turns into an extended wait in the emergency room. If only in this era of power-planning and multitasking, we could squeeze the inconvenience out of…
Darius Rucker, former front man for Hootie & the Blowfish, is doing better than ‘Alright’
Since making his country debut just one year ago, Darius Rucker has achieved many career milestones that newcomers only can dream of reaching. His first three singles off “Learn to Live” ” “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” “It Won’t Be Like This for Long” and “Alright” ” all hit No. 1 on Billboard’s…
Drop the tech for a day and introduce the family to the incredible outdoor venues OKC has to offer
Sever your ties with modern-day distractions, and take in some fresh air. Oklahoma is home to many incredibly beautiful hiking trails, off-road bike venues and fun lakes for sailing and kayaking. “We have so much land space here in Oklahoma City,” said Jennifer Lindsey McClintock, spokeswoman for the Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department. “There’s…
‘SNL’ skit turned action movie parody ‘MacGruber’ disarms disaster and outlives expectations
As we’ve seen several times over the last 30 years, adapting sketches from “Saturday Night Live” into full-length movies is a hit-and-miss proposition. For every “The Blues Brothers,” we get five “Coneheads.” Or worse, “It’s Pat.” Will Forte and his “MacGruber” writing crew wisely didn’t try to expand their 30-second “Macgyver” spoofs from the show…
Media reports of tornadic deaths are greatly exaggerated
“Five die as tornadoes hit Oklahoma,” Derrick Henry reported on The New York Times website. “Four dead in Oklahoma tornado outbreak,” according to Little Rock’s KATV-Channel 7 broadcast. “The Oklahoman was reporting Tuesday afternoon that the death toll had been upped from five to seven,” according to an Associated Press story. “Seven lives have been…
Capitol dud
So, in the midst of the greatest fiscal crisis in Oklahoma since the oil bust, lawmakers weigh taxes against programmatic cuts and debate the scope of the role of government in everyday life. You’d think that there’d be no shortage of television reporters roaming the hallways of 2300 N. Lincoln. Think again. Most days, there…
Proud to be an ‘Islamophobe’
Regarding the May 12, 2010, Gazette letter by Sarah Balaparya (“Enough with the Islamophobia, Oklahoma!”) For Balaparya to seemingly downcast the Constitution of the United States as originating from only a few handpicked oppressed persons who didn’t look to the scriptures for guidance shows what little worth and value she views the Constitution to begin…
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
My favorite news source, The Onion, recently reported on a “free-thinking cat” that excretes its wastes “outside the box.” As you enjoy your own phase of liberated thinking and uninhibited action, Gemini, I hope that you’re putting the emphasis on generating beauty and blessings “outside the box.” You will of course also have to make…
Society’s malcontents are finally finding UK’s anarcho-punks Subhumans
Subhumans with Cross-Stitched Eyes and No Man’s Slave8:30 p.m. TuesdayThe Conservatory8911 N. Western 879-9778www.conservatoryokc.com$12 Some things are eternal, like war, taxes and complaints about the first two. The timeless nature of agitation and alienation gave birth to punk rock, and since the Sex Pistols threw down the gauntlet, the UK’s been a wellspring of fine…
CFN Quote of the Week (part deux)
“I would like to state my case to you. There was a lot of consternation about that after it took place. I finally concluded the following observation on my part. It kind of boils down to this. It is one thing in a free society to be tolerant of someone’s behavior. It’s another thing in…
TAURUS (April 20-May 20):
“Dear Rob Brezsny: I am Chandra Gupti, born May 16, 1979 in New Delhi. Right now I am not well settled due to searing problems and swampy hurt. Day by day my position goes down lower and darker, with no lantern or rope ladder. So please tell me how long this foolish suffering period will…
Dispatch from the future
An excerpt from the high school textbook “The Story of Oklahoma,” fourth edition, published in 2057: The second decade of this century began during the “Great Recession,” which initially did not affect Oklahoma as significantly as other states. There was ongoing investment in public works, enthusiasm over the new NBA franchise and an increasingly diverse…
Motorists traversing Oklahoma’s roads will be sharing them with growing legions of bike enthusiasts
Summer is the perfect season to dig out the 10-speed from under the box of Christmas tree ornaments and take to the streets, highways and bike trails across Oklahoma. Whether tackling grueling tests of endurance or casually cruising across the metro, there’s a club or event for you. But before donning the bicycle shorts and…
A housebroken monster wrestles with complacency in ‘Shrek Forever After,’ a tale for kids and adults
I could write three reviews of “Shrek Forever After”: one about the animated movie for kids, one about the subtext, and one about the even deeper, more subversive sub-subtext, but the Gazette would never go for it, so I’ll mash all three up together. What’s on the surface is the fourth ” and, they tell…
On the Mark
Mark Shannon and I worked together at the station formerly known as “SuperTalk 930, WKY.” He was the morning drive guru; I handled the back of the bus in the afternoon slot. Shannon’s death as a result of his long and arduous fight against leukemia May 8 most assuredly taught all of us that life…
Kids can watch ten movies for under a buck each at Summer Movie Fun
Summer Movie FunHarkins Bricktown Cinemas 16150 E. Reno9:45 a.m. Monday through Friday231-4747, visit www.harkinstheatres.com$5 If the kids are already saying they are bored this summer, then it’s lights, camera, action! Harkins Bricktown Cinemas 16, 150 E. Reno, once again presents its “Summer Movie Fun” program: 10 movies over 10 weeks for a total of $5.…
A group of health-conscious parents are hungry to get public schools to offer healthier options
In an effort to combat the rampant childhood obesity epidemic and to spread awareness about healthy eating, a group of public school parents has joined to form EatWiseOKC. The goal is simple: eliminating processed and high-sugar food while introducing options like fresh fruit and vegetables. “Our practice so far has been primarily with Child Nutrition…
ARIES (March 21-April 19)
Mozart once challenged his friend Haydn to play a harpsichord piece he’d written. Haydn tried, but stopped partway through when the musical score called for him to play a note in the middle of the keyboard even though his right hand was fully occupied at the high end and his left hand at the low…
The Windy 100 includes a 100K race, a 35-mile off-road race, biking tours and more
The Windy 100 bike racesWoodwardFriday-Sundaywww.windy100.org Woodward might be home to the premiere bicycle event in Oklahoma. But for Loggan Smith, Woodward is just home. Smith and Woodward are both set to play host to the Windy 100, a Memorial Day weekend series of bike races set with the Oklahoma wind farms as a backdrop. Smith,…
Paseo residents celebrate the historic art community with their annual festival
hborhood that has been bristling with energy for decades, through the state’s highs and lows. The Paseo Arts District celebrates its continued role as the city’s historic art community with its annual arts festival this weekend. Fairs and festivals are common during the spring and summer months, but the Paseo Arts Festival possesses a distinctive…
Don’t let me be misunderstood
After reading Mark Mason’s surprising response (Letters, “The ‘Gray’ village,” May 19, 2010, Oklahoma Gazette) to my earlier letter (“‘Gray’ for gay,” May 12, 2010, Gazette), I re-read it to see whether it was reasonably susceptible to the interpretation he gave it, resulting in his accusation that I was guilty of “vile “¦ hate speech.”…
The 45th Infantry Division Museum chronicles the progress of the American fighters in World War II
“Born at sea, baptized in blood, your fame shall never die.” Those are the words Gen. George S. Patton said of the 45th Infantry Division, and keeping that promise is the mission of the 45th Infantry Division Museum, 2145 N.E. 36th. Created by legislative act in 1965, the museum serves as a historical archive of…
Seeds of change
I would like to address some important viewpoints Dr. Charles Shaw has laid out (Scott Cooper, “Pot of gold,” May 12, 2010, Gazette). First, the belief that marijuana is a gateway drug is just government propaganda. If there is a valid argument to the gateway drug theory, alcohol would be more of a gateway drug…
Sweden’s ‘The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo’ leaves an indelible mark on crime cinema
Stephenie Meyer’s not the only novelist moving millions upon millions of copies these days. So is Stieg Larsson, although he sadly died before his books saw print. Nonetheless, the Swedish author became an instant crime favorite with “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,” first published on these shores in 2008. “The Girl Who Played with…
Punk programming is back, thanks to rowdy local host Red City Radio
The Conservatory’s capacity isn’t maxed-out, but the audience is overflowing with anxious energy. The crowd is four-deep in front of the stage. The band takes the stage without fuss ” no guitar noodling, cymbal pinging or technical conveyances to the soundman at the back of the room. A voice for radioSame frequencyNew stationRed-marked If Friday’s…
Charlie Christian International Music Festival celebrates 25 years
25th annual Charlie Christian International Music FestivalMay 31-June 6524-3800, www.charliechristianfestival.com Oklahoma City’s 25th annual Charlie Christian International Music Festival, is set to open at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at Frederick Douglass High School Auditorium with a free live “sampler.” Althea M. Millben will perform, along with Jaymes Kirksey, the Adam Ledbetter Quartet, Carl Moore & Friends…
Capitalizing on its chemistry and potential, Sevendust returns to the Sooner State for Rocklahoma
Sevendust5:15 p.m. SundayRocklahoma1421 W. 450, Pryorwww.rocklahoma.com866-310-2288$40-$50 single-day tickets$125-$320 weekend passes In 2003, Sevendust fans were shocked and heartbroken when guitarist Clint Lowery bowed down to pursue musical ventures with his brother, as the band Dark New Day. “It was weird,” said Morgan Rose, Sevendust drummer. “We knew he wanted to do something with his brother,…
Segway tours transport users to a different glimpse of the city
Ever watched Rumble, the Thunder’s mascot bison, race around on a Segway at a game? Did you think, “That looks like fun”? Well, it is, and you can do it, too. As an added benefit, you’ll get to know your city better. A year ago, Craig Margo started Sure Beats Walking LLC, offering guided Segway…
There’s no escaping Mouse Fire, as it works up a disco inferno of ‘Big Emotion’
Mouse Fire with Lost at Sea and Grown Ups8 p.m. FridaySauced2912 Paseowww.yoursauced.com521-9801 South Florida trio Mouse Fire recalls The Faint with more of a ’70s soft-rock vibe. Its resolutely dance-floor-ready sound combines bristling funk backbeat, shimmying synth lines and big, harmonic vocal hooks that hark back to Hall & Oates, Air Supply and Chicago. As…
Sonic zoom
Earlier this month, CFN invited our readers to visit the Gazette’s Facebook page. No, it wasn’t to make fun of photos from our annual softball tournament. It was to suggest a caption for a nifty photo featuring OKC adult film actress Jesse Jane sitting smack-dab behind the Lakers bench during a Thunder playoff game at…
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
There’s a bothersome phenomenon that mucks up reincarnation research: Far too many people profess to have been celebrities and geniuses in their previous lives. A related and equally irksome issue is the problem of multiple claims. For example, I know three different people who have assured me they were Napoleon their last time around. The…
Crain lane
Samantha Crain only gives you 30 seconds to brace yourself, and beyond that, you are on her terms. On her 2007 independent release, “The Confiscation EP,” she waits half a minute into the first track, then depicts a murder by drowning. On track one, “Rising Sun,” from 2009’s “Songs in the Night,” the full band…
Two schools at the University of Oklahoma combine for class mixing interior design and architecture
A group of University of Oklahoma architecture and interior design students worked together in a course that may soon have Oklahoma City politicians and city planners talking. Associate professor of architecture David Boeck and associate professor of interior design Hepi Wachter teamed up to teach 19 interior design students and 18 architecture students how to…
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
Never has never been a more irrelevant word for you. Events that may have always seemed quite improbable are now well within the range of possibility. Exotic people who up until recently may as well have been fictional characters are showing up as real live actors in your actual life story. Plotlines whose emergence you…
The 41-Year-Old Virgin Who Knocked Up Sarah Marshall and Felt Superbad About It
Bryan Callen has the unfortunate distinction of starring in one of the best comedies of the decade (“The Hangover”) … and now, one of its worst, in “The 41-Year-Old Virgin Who Knocked Up Sarah Marshall and Felt Superbad About It.” There’s not a single laugh to be found. As the title suggests, it’s a parody.…
Sarah Atlee conjures up patron saints in her exhibit “Heavens to Betsy”
“Heavens to Betsy and Other Saints for Everyday Living”a.k.a. Gallery3001 Paseocloses Thursday606-2522, www.akagallery.net While most kids conjured imaginary friends when they were growing up, Sarah Atlee fabricated religious deities. She said while growing up in New Mexico, she was influenced by the Catholic visuals that were ever present in the Land of Enchantment, and that…
Sweet Tooth
Jeff Lemire’s “Sweet Tooth: Out of the Woods” is a harrowing work of originality. Although it’s a twisted take on the postapocalyptic genre, the graphic novel goes places without telling you where you’re headed, keeping you on your proverbial toes. The title refers to the nickname given to Gus, a young boy of about 9…
Paseo residents celebrate the historic art community with their annual festival
Paseo Arts FestivalSaturday-Monday 3000 Paseowww.thepaseo.com 525-2688 Increasingly, Oklahoma City is an exciting place for the arts, as changes afoot in every corner of the metro open up opportunities for its creative class. That vibrancy is nothing new to one resilient neighborhood that has been bristling with energy for decades, through the state’s highs and lows.…
