So bright
The first time I heard Smashing Pumpkins was in a small house down a back road in southern Oklahoma. Someone put Adore in the CD player, saying “Just trust me; give it a chance.” Not knowing what to expect, I was drawn in as earnest, atmospheric intro “To Sheila” tinkled through the speakers and then…
Getting seated
Former city councilman John Pettis resigned his Ward 7 position at the end of May after being charged with felony embezzlement and one count of intentional failure to file tax returns. His absence left a void on the council that has since been filled by Prospect Baptist Church minister Rev. Lee Cooper Jr. on an…
Big chew
Megalodon: Largest Shark That Ever Lived 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays,1-5 p.m. Sundays through Jan 6. Sam Noble Museum 2401 Chautauqua Ave., Norman samnoblemuseum.ou.edu 405-325-4712 Free-$8 Though his net worth and killer business instincts help celebrity businessman Mark Cuban figuratively eat fledgling entrepreneurs alive on Shark Tank, the outspoken billionaire would be a literal snack to…
Pulp art
Isabelle de Borchgrave: Fashioning Art from Paper through Sept. 9 Oklahoma City Museum of Art 415 Couch Drive okcmoa.com 405-236-2100 Free – $12 Isabelle de Borchgrave does not waste crumpled paper. The 72-year-old, Belgium-born contemporary artist makes treasure out of what so many of us regard as trash. Be it the rough draft of a…
Lactose-free
There is no quantifying statement made by the term “ice cream” at the Just Desserts food trailer as it sets up shop at its permanent weekend location at the corner of Western Avenue and 47th Street by design. Owner Matthew Harding made the switch to veganism about two years ago and began the process of…
Responsible reparation
On the morning of May 31, 1921, a young black man by the name of Dick Rowland was arrested in the Greenwood area of Tulsa for an alleged assault on a white female that took place the day before. Sarah Page, the victim of the supposed assault, refused to press charges. While the events that transpired…
Sun tones
Saint Loretto Summer Bummer Beach Party w/ Cavern Company & Swim Fan 10 p.m. Friday 51st Street Speakeasy 1114 NW 51st St. 51stspeakeasy.com 405-463-0470 Free Oklahoma is not necessarily the best place beach goths could select to spend their summer vacation. For one, there is no beach. Aside from that, it gets too darn hot…
Help needed
Last year, Oklahoma long-term care facility surveyors conducted around 3,000 inspections across the state. That they managed to get to that many facilities is an impressive feat considering Oklahoma State Department of Health’s surveyor team contained just around 110 inspectors and was capped by a department-wide hiring freeze. Department of Health long-term care director Mike…
Gazedibles: Hog wild
Pulled pork is a menu item that is immensely popular, but the difference between freshly smoked and pulled varieties and the overcooked and mushy versions can be vast. Make sure you get seven good versions with these seven restaurants. By Jacob Threadgill with Gazette / file and submitted photos Sunnyside Diner 9148 N. MacArthur Blvd.…
Exploring Identity
Identity through July 31 JRB Art at the Elms 2810 N. Walker Ave. jrbartgallery.com 405-528-6336 Free What does it mean to be a citizen? What does it mean to be a noncitizen? What does it mean to be human? These are among the questions that JRB Art at the Elms owner Joy Reed Belt hopes…
Convenience price
When State Question 792 passed with an overwhelming 65 percent of the vote in October 2016, many Oklahomans celebrated the opportunity to buy full-strength beer and wine at grocery and convenience stores. As the law is set to take effect Oct. 1, it is already having an impact on local liquor storeowners and retail prices…
Chicken-Fried News: Great riddance
On the afternoon of July 5, the Scott Pruitt voodoo doll that took up residence in Chicken-Fried News World Headquarters on February 17, 2017, started smoking. No, not cigarettes or blunts, but the kind of radiant heat-related smoking that suggests an impending explosion. The CFN team all turned to their smartphones and laptops, furiously checking…
In the air
For months, there was talk that if State Question 788 won majority support from voters, Oklahoma lawmakers would need to go into special session to set up regulatory framework governing how a medical marijuana program would function in the state. Gov. Mary Fallin even publicly predicted that such a special session would be necessary as…
Deadline OKC
Last year, Oklahoma City’s 48 Hour Film Project resulted in a 911 call. “I am looking at the dumpster, and there’s something very disturbing,” said the caller. “I’m not sure if I’m looking at it right. … I hope I’m looking at it wrong, but I don’t wanna touch. It’s in a plastic bag, and…
Chicken-Fried News: Edmond high
Just when you thought things could not get any tougher on today’s youth, a brand-new problem is making its way to the hallways of Oklahoma schools. That’s right; our state’s new medical marijuana law is bound to expose innocent younglings to the irredeemably evil cannabis plant. As reported by NewsOK.com, Edmond Public Schools voted this…
Accessible introduction
The key marked “Home” doesn’t take Toby Tobin into her house. It unlocks Northwest Optimist Performing Arts Center, 3301 NW Grand Blvd., which under Tobin’s leadership has gone from being a vacant building to a center for accessible performing arts education sponsored by Oklahoma City’s Parks & Recreation Department over the last 20 years. During…
Loud house
When Trinity Slough and Nicolaus Vannostran, aka Mom and Dad, had friends over to their Norman house to watch Limp Wizurdz play last summer, they didn’t know what it would lead to. “It went pretty good,” Vannostran said. “I mean, the turnout wasn’t fantastic, but it was fun. … We didn’t realize it was going…
Venerable choice
Choice Cafe 5205 S. Shields Blvd. facebook.com/choicecafeokc 405-634-9900 What works: The hash browns are excellent, and the service is very good in a friendly environment. What needs work: The onions on the patty melt needed to be caramelized. Tip: Choice Cafe is open 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday. We’ve probably all heard the adage “Don’t judge…
