Chutzpah!
Trial lawyer Gary Baise is also the “lower taxes, limited government … less spending” candidate for chairman of the Fairfax County (Va.) Board of Supervisors, but an October Washington Post investigation revealed that he had collected nearly $300,000 in federal subsidies between 1995 and 2005 on an already profitable farm he owns in Illinois. At…
Recurring Themes
About once a year, News of the Weird learns of an episode in which a motorist creeps up to a railroad crossing and then onto the tracks, but mysteriously at that point is unable to move the car forward or backward, and even more mysteriously, a train is coming at precisely that moment, and the…
Least Competent Criminals
Police in Pittsburgh arrested a man in October for, they said, trying to get change at a Giant Eagle store for the bogus $1 million bill he was carrying (with a likeness of Grover Cleveland) and getting rowdy in the cashier’s office when he was turned down. Also, in October, six men went on trial…
Police Blotter
Donald Turk, 48, and two associates were charged in Lake Elsinore, Calif., in September with kidnapping Turk’s girlfriend, whom Turk was trying to push out of his life because she annoyed him. His plan, allegedly, was to take her to Mexico, drop her off, and hope that she would not return home. However, she was…
Carrie Underwood joins other Oklahoma performing musicians at Centennial Spectacular
ticians and musicians. Confetti cannons were in full-blast and Santas danced as Oklahoma City rock band The Flaming Lips opened the night as the first music performance of the Centennial Spectacular. Lead singer Wayne Coyne gestured to fans, jumped around and took time to pop a giant yellow balloon to the sold out Ford…
People Different From Us
“Over my dead body was I going to give the state another dollar for the tolls,” said Thomas Jensen, 68, to the judge in Rochester, N.H., in September as he accepted the three-day jail sentence instead of a $150 fine. He had been convicted of cheating the state for insisting on using two discontinued 25-cent…
Statehood celebration protested by American Indians
A large group of American Indian people, wearing red armbands suggesting solidarity, gathered to protest telling only one side of Oklahoma history Friday outside the state Capitol. While crowds converged on Guthrie to commemorate statehood day, the protest ” featuring several speeches, dancing and a drum group ” maintained a notably muted tone. Signs scattered…
Great Art!
Australian performance artist Stelios Arcadious, 61, showed off the laboratory-grown ear that he had implanted in his arm in 2006 and which now fully resembles his other two ears, according to an October report in London’s Daily Mail, reviewing his latest show at Britain’s Newcastle Centre for Life. The next step, he said, is to…
Flaming Lips to headline New Year’s Eve concert downtown
Break out the glitter and silver confetti, because Oklahoma City will say goodbye to 2007 and celebrate the new year with The Flaming Lips. OKC’s three-time Grammy- winning psychedelic band will take the stage at 7 p.m. Dec. 31 at the Cox Convention Center as part of the Arts Council of Oklahoma City’s annual…
Crazy Love
2007 The tale of Burt Pugach and Linda Riss isn’t your run-of-the-mill storybook romance, but it sure makes for one helluva story. “Crazy Love,” a documentary that chronicles their tumultuous relationship, takes a decidedly no-frills approach to its subject “? relying on talking-head interviews and archival footage “? but the tale is riveting enough…
Twin Peaks: Definitive Gold Box Edition
1990-1991/2007 Even if you already own the two individual season sets of David Lynch’s groundbreaking TV series “Twin Peaks,” save the pennies to pony up for this edition as well. It’s the most complete and comprehensive, starting with the feature-length pilot, which had to be left off the first season set because of rights…
Government in Action!
Three aldermen in Dover, N.J., seem exceptionally apprehensive that the town’s gumball machines are easy targets for terrorists to poison their community and have been studying the issue zealously since April. The aldermen have checked all 800 gumball machines in the town of 18,000, gotten rid of the 100 that were unlicensed, and will report…
Discarded dolls turned into crazy new creations
Tamara Jones and Liz Page’s lingering obsession with dolls kick Barbie outside of her Dream House and into the world of zombies, greasers and The White Stripes. “I’d say 97 percent of our dolls have that counterculture vibe,” Page said. “It’s something a little closer to what we relate to, to what we’re in to.”…
Heroes: Volume One
DC Comics NBC’s “Heroes” currently is mired in a serious sophomore slump, but erasing some of my bitterness is this massive hardcover collection from DC Comics, collecting 34 short tales of graphic fiction initially available only online. Just a few pages in length each, each story fills in some gaps “? mostly backstory “? on…
Early 2008 predictions
It is a slow news week for politics, so Dr. Stones pulled out the “little smart pill machine” to look into the year to come: Jan. 3, 2008: In a stunning upset, former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee wins the Iowa Caucus. He announces “ultramarathoner” Dean Karnazes as his running mate, “not that being a…
Oklahoma’s birthday festivities include controversial event
You know what they say about matches made in heaven? This apparently isn’t that story. Among Statehood Day events scheduled for Friday in Guthrie is a re-creation of the symbolic wedding between a Cherokee woman and white man, which in 1907 represented the joining of Indian Territory and Oklahoma Territory. Brenda Golden, a…
P2
Reviewer’s grade: A Angela Bridges (Rachel Nichols) is a hardworking career gal who’s so dedicated to her legal briefs that she’s staying late in her office building on Christmas Eve. As she tries to get out of the building and to her family’s holiday dinner, Angela runs into one obstacle after another, including…
Jermaine Dupri – Y’all Know What This Is
that song, I didn’t even know what “Atlanta” was, but thanks to Dupri, it’s clear: Atlanta is where the “playas play.” Dupri also wants to remind us that he has a lot of money, and included “Money Ain’t a Thang,” song that he recorded with Jay-Z in 1998. If money ain’t a thang, why…
Bella
Reviewer’s grade: C Eduardo Ver
Norman’s The Separation finishing preparation of debut disc
For the last year, members of Norman indie-rock band The Separation have been in and out of the studio, working on their first full-length album. Vocalist David Hoffner said the band has kept a steady cast of bandmates for the last two years after several lineup changes, and decided it was time to record an…
Bicycle club members meet to ride from bar to bar
Drinking and driving is safer than it used to be for members of two Oklahoma City bike clubs, which meet at Red Rooster Bar & Grill on Saturdays to begin their “Booze Cruise” on bikes, which then proceeds via pedal to other bars throughout the night. “The good thing is that if you get in…
When pairing wine to holiday food, stick with what you like
Whether you prefer to order a bucket of wings or whip up a batch of spanakopita from scratch, you can find a wine to accentuate the flavor and even steal the show. But don’t let archaic rules hold you back. You don’t have to follow strict pairing laws of old to determine what wines go…
The Dangerous Book for Dogs – Rex and Sparky
Villard If you are a dog and don’t know how to “pick a pill out of peanut butter” or would like to know the flavor differences of common household shoes, “The Dangerous Book for Dogs” might be the perfect canine guide to bury under the bookshelf. A parody of “The Dangerous Book for Boys,” the…
Attorney creates new line of greeting cards for those incarcerated
Terrye Cheathem, a criminal defense lawyer and adviser to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, has developed a line of greeting cards for a Hallmark-ignored demographic: the recently incarcerated. Among her selections are cards reading “Sorry to hear about your arrest,” and “Honestly, I never knew anyone who was arrested before,” and, simply, “Not You!” A…
U2 – The Joshua Tree: Remastered
Island It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since U2’s “The Joshua Tree” came out and finally converted all the dumb people who didn’t buy “War” into fans of the pioneering, epic Irish rock band. To mark the occasion, re-mastered tracks from “The Joshua Tree” will be released on Nov. 30 in…
Samuel Colt more than just a gun maker, exhibit shows
rt, and Invention,” an exhibition of Colt’s guns, is currently at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and runs through Jan. 6, 2008. IMPORTANCEGuest curator Herbert Houze, a leading scholar on American firearms and an expert on Colt and his guns, organized the traveling exhibition. “The exhibit really places Colt into context and shows…
Three Oral Roberts University board of regents members may face investigation
In the wake of the Oral Roberts University scandal, a U.S. senator announced an investigation of possible financial wrongdoing by a group of televangelists. Three of those evangelical media moguls ” Benny Hinn, Kenneth Copeland and Creflo Dollar ” are on the ORU board of regents, according to The Associated Press. OK, we’re not…
Frankenstein: A Cultural History — Susan Tyler Hitchcock
W.W. Norton Fire, bad! “Frankenstein: A Cultural History” book, good! Susan Tyler Hitchcock traces the creature’s history from its conception on a dark and stormy night in 1816 to its omnipresent, multimedia existence today. So powerful and primal is the character, she notes, that he’s instantly recognizable by those who’ve never even read Mary Shelley’s…
Fred Claus
Reviewer’s grade: C Swinging for the bleachers, Vince Vaughn hits a shaky single with this holiday-centered family comedy about Santa’s (Paul Giamatti) older brother. After a millennium of being the “other” sibling, Fred is tired of having his Claus removed. Needing cash to open a betting parlor, Fred heads north to help Santa meet…
Tulsa author faces alcohol-related charges for a third time this year
This is getting old. Proving everything really does come in threes, Tulsa author William Bernhardt was arrested for the third time this year in an alcohol-related incident. You’ll recall his arrests in February and March, the latter of which followed an intoxicated drive that took down one unfortunate mailbox (and almost a motorcyclist). At…
Oklahoma vineyards on rise, but face legislative challenge
The two things for Oklahoma wineries to fear are weather and government, according to Randall Miller, the owner of Piedmontese Nursery & Vineyard in Duncan. Miller, who is an adjunct professor of agriculture at Oklahoma State University’s Oklahoma City campus, teaches three different classes a semester on growing vinifera, or wine grapes. And without advertising…
Memorable year for golfer Verplank began with emotional triumph
In his 21st full season on the PGA Tour, Scott Verplank has had a year to remember. Not only did the former Oklahoma State standout win the Byron Nelson, but he ended the year with 10 top-10 finishes and a career-best $3.1 million in earnings. Things really didn’t begin to click for the 43-year-old Dallas…
Organization selects metro’s 100 most architecturally significant buildings
Coinciding with the state’s centennial celebration, the Central Oklahoma chapter of the American Institute of Architects has compiled a list of the 100 most architecturally significant buildings in Central Oklahoma. The buildings, their history and locations are featured in a new book, “Celebrate 100: An Architectural Guide to Central Oklahoma.” CRITERIAA committee of 10 architects…
The City Lives record debut disc in Tulsa warehouse
With its first CD release show for “American Kids” on Saturday at the Conservatory and a tour in the making, metro modern-rock act The City Lives is busy trying to stir up record label interest in hopes of being the next band to break out of Oklahoma City. “We’ve all been in bands that worked…
Judge rules County Commissioner will face trial
A judge has ruled that Oklahoma County Commissioner Brent Rinehart will face trial on felony charges of campaign finance violations, according to the Associated Press. Oklahoma County Judge James Paddleford said there is sufficient evidence that Rinehart, along with his campaign manager, Tim Pope, will face trial along with a donor who allegedly exceeded…
Terrill cites law’s victory as Hispanics flee state
Oklahoma’s new anti-illegal immigrant law is working, said its author: Hispanics are leaving Oklahoma. Despite claiming repeatedly that the measure, formerly House Bill 1804, is “nationality neutral,” state Rep. Randy Terrill, R-Moore, clearly identified Hispanics as the law’s target during his speech at a recent luncheon before Oklahoma City conservatives. The law took effect Nov.…
Legal panel discusses wrongful convictions, DNA testing
If the topic ” whether wrongful convictions are “isolated events or system failures” ” of the Oklahoma Bar Association’s annual convention Nov. 8 wasn’t enough to spark interest, the people slated to speak sure were. The talk centered the case of Dennis Fritz and Ron Williamson, who were convicted of the 1982 murder of Debra…
Inner workings of human body focus of Science Museum exhibit
If you’ve ever wondered if beauty really is only skin deep, come see for yourself beginning Saturday at the regional debut of “Our Body: The Universe Within,” at Science Museum Oklahoma, formerly Omniplex, 2100 N.E. 52nd. The exhibit includes 15 complete authentic human bodies and 135 additional anatomical body-system and health-related exhibits to give visitors…
Cake – B-Sides and Rarities
Upbeat This new Cake release? It stinks. And I don’t mean the songs, but the package itself’ a scratch-and-sniff affair with a scent so permeating, there’s no need to scrape to get a whiff of what those around the office only can guess is like grape Pez gone bad. But to the music:…
Pollard stages winning production of Twain-inspired ‘Big River’
Based on Mark Twain’s timeless classic, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” the musical “Big River” drops audiences into the 1860s Old South, a dangerous, precarious time for both black slaves and young boys like Huck, whose only parent has deserted him. Roger Miller, a country music icon from Oklahoma, wrote the Tony Award-winning score for…
OCU establishes first collegiate women’s wrestling program in Oklahoma
Oklahoma City University recently established a varsity women’s wrestling program ” the first such program in the state. Just two years ago, OCU didn’t have a male or female wrestling program, but it lured coach Archie Randall away from his championship high school program in El Reno to develop both. The men’s team started last…
Cool city
When city officials recently dedicated a Bricktown alley in honor of The Flaming Lips, they did more than just honor a local rock band that has become world famous. They also sent this clear and long overdue message to the city’s artistic and creative community: We want you here. Just a few years…
Seriously, Oklahoma bridge collapse leads to Russian assassination plot
Sometimes, it pays to keep one’s mouth shut. Especially when you’ve been convicted of posing as a federal official. Don’t call the Russian embassy and say you are working to assassinate President Vladimir Putin. William James Clark is alleged to have done just that, according to The Associated Press. Clark, who was convicted for…
I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry
2007 What, pray tell, is the appeal of Adam Sandler? Although I’ll happily proclaim my continuing love for the absurdist charms of his first two solo films, “Billy Madison” and “Happy Gilmore,” and his rock-solid dramatic debut in “Punch-Drunk Love,” his mainstream, crowd-pleasing comedies are neutered, appealing to the lowest common denominator of everyman…
Black community, city leaders dodged bullet in resolution of 1969 trash strike
An estimated 1,500 black marchers progressed up to the steps of Oklahoma City’s City Hall, highway patrol troopers wary with shotguns across their chests, riot sticks at hand. Council members peered down from windows overhead. Throughout the city, 19 of the normal 80 sanitation department trucks wended their way to pickup sites, while residents they…
Artist binds body for art at Untitled
Katherine Keltner’s newest series, “Exquisite Bind,” is a collection of photographs and videos of the artist wrapping and unwrapping parts of her body with sewing thread to examine the human form as a work of abstract beauty. The Oklahoma native is a successful artist living and working in New York, but she’s coming home to…
Laughter yoga combines exercise with giggles
One of the more unusual additions to the metro’s yoga scene is Laughter Yoga, whose low-impact sessions of light stretching with gaggles of giggling are free, open to whoever shows up. “It’s people getting together as a group and laughing for no reason,” teacher Christopher Slater said. “We don’t use any jokes or comedy. We…
Lions for Lambs
0in 0in 0pt”> Reviewer’s grade: D There is a war on, and Sen. Jasper Irving (Tom Cruise) is trying to sell a new anti-terror military campaign to network news reporter Janine Roth (Meryl Streep). Two of the soldiers in the senator’s war, Arian and Ernest (Derek Luke and Michael Pe
Modest Mouse singer no fan of interviews, cold weather
Isaac Brock’s personality is perfectly in sync with his music, as the Modest Mouse lead singer has developed a reputation for being fiery and erratic. His music is equally volatile. Known for disliking interviews, Brock was AWOL before finally being tracked down; after about 45 minutes of work from his publicist, his hushed and labored…
OKCMOA plans “Super Saturday” with scavenger hunt, games
Kids and art exhibits go hand in hand at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art’s “Super Saturday” event, scheduled from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday at the museum, 415 Couch. The current special exhibition of “The Baroque World of Fernando Botero” inspired “Super Saturday,” where the whole family can enjoy:” games, ” face painting, “…
Garth Brooks passes Elvis in solo sales
It’s official: An Oklahoman now wears the crown of music royalty. Garth Brooks dethroned “The King” Elvis Presley, to become the best-selling solo artist of all time, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. Brooks was given the honor, along with a special Career Award last week, during a ceremony on Brooks’ star on…
Black Oklahomans’ statehood experience focus of celebration
A celebration in Guthrie Friday aims to shed light on the black experience in Oklahoma at statehood ” a perspective that one event organizer says before seemed missing not just from centennial events, but history books. Sponsored by the Oklahoma Historical Society’s Black Heritage Committee, the African American 1907 Statehood Celebration weaves lectures with performances…
Poet Momaday debuts centennial work
Pulitzer Prize-winning Kiowa author N. Scott Momaday continued a lifelong interest in storytelling and oral tradition Friday with a debut reading of his centennial poem. Lt. Gov. Jari Askins introduced the Oklahoma native at a private reception in the Chase Tower downtown, citing his “rare and wonderful gift” with words. The poem, divided into three…
