Recurring Themes
For at least the third time in eight years, geography-challenged vacationers bought airline tickets for an Australian holiday but failed to notice (until they landed in “Sydney”) that their tickets took them to Sydney, Nova Scotia. Dutch man Joannes Rutten and his grandson appeared shocked when they de-planed in Canada, even though they had boarded…
Readers’ Choice
In Torrington, Conn., in June, a teenage girl, hearing a woman she lived with screaming in another room, summoned four of her friends, who quickly arrived and beat up the 25-year-old man who was with the woman. It turns out that the couple were having consensual sex (and good sex, at that). The girl and…
Readers’ Choice
In Torrington, Conn., in June, a teenage girl, hearing a woman she lived with screaming in another room, summoned four of her friends, who quickly arrived and beat up the 25-year-old man who was with the woman. It turns out that the couple were having consensual sex (and good sex, at that). The girl and…
Least Competent Criminals
Two home invaders in East St. Louis, Ill., holding 11 people hostage as police surrounded the house, were eventually tricked outside by the captives and arrested. The hostages, borrowing an idea from several movie scripts, convinced the invaders that their only shot at freedom was to change clothes to look less conspicuous and then to…
Recurring Themes
For at least the third time in eight years, geography-challenged vacationers bought airline tickets for an Australian holiday but failed to notice (until they landed in “Sydney”) that their tickets took them to Sydney, Nova Scotia. Dutch man Joannes Rutten and his grandson appeared shocked when they de-planed in Canada, even though they had boarded…
Least Competent Criminals
Two home invaders in East St. Louis, Ill., holding 11 people hostage as police surrounded the house, were eventually tricked outside by the captives and arrested. The hostages, borrowing an idea from several movie scripts, convinced the invaders that their only shot at freedom was to change clothes to look less conspicuous and then to…
Can’t Possibly Be True
At press time, Rhode Island legislators were scrambling to fix an oversight in state law that came to light only earlier this year. While the state treats 16 as the age of sexual consent and the age at which most child labor laws no longer apply, the under-18 sex-worker law bans only “prostitution” and “lewd”…
Can’t Possibly Be True
At press time, Rhode Island legislators were scrambling to fix an oversight in state law that came to light only earlier this year. While the state treats 16 as the age of sexual consent and the age at which most child labor laws no longer apply, the under-18 sex-worker law bans only “prostitution” and “lewd”…
Oops!
Agile Athletes: Chicago Cubs’ pitcher Ryan Dempster missed a month with a broken toe suffered in July when he tripped on a railing while leaving the dugout to celebrate a victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. Kansas City Royals’ Jose Guillen missed over a month after tearing a ligament in his knee while leaning over to…
People With Worse Sex Lives Than You
Danny Brawner, 46, was indicted in Albuquerque, N.M., in August for aggravated indecent exposure. A police officer and his 10-year-old son had seen Brawner with his pants down around his ankles, performing simulated sexual intercourse against the trunk of his car. The officer also said Brawner was shouting and swinging his arms, as if enjoying…
Oops!
Agile Athletes: Chicago Cubs’ pitcher Ryan Dempster missed a month with a broken toe suffered in July when he tripped on a railing while leaving the dugout to celebrate a victory over the Milwaukee Brewers. Kansas City Royals’ Jose Guillen missed over a month after tearing a ligament in his knee while leaning over to…
People With Worse Sex Lives Than You
Danny Brawner, 46, was indicted in Albuquerque, N.M., in August for aggravated indecent exposure. A police officer and his 10-year-old son had seen Brawner with his pants down around his ankles, performing simulated sexual intercourse against the trunk of his car. The officer also said Brawner was shouting and swinging his arms, as if enjoying…
Grace
2009 Jordan Ladd gives a terrific performance in “Grace,” the other new-to-DVD horror flick involving terrifying tots that’s not the remake of “It’s Alive.” This one’s far better than that one, yet still only decent. She plays Madeline Matheson, a pretty, unassuming vegan/housewife who wants nothing more than to be a parent. She and her…
Extract
With movie comedies increasingly dominated by loser men-children, scatological stunts and more F-bombs than shore leave, you’ve got to appreciate the comparatively gentle humor of Mike Judge. The writer/director’s latest offering, “Extract,” doesn’t pummel viewers for laughs, eliciting guffaws “? well, smiles, at any rate “? from character-driven situations. If only it were funnier. Don’t…
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):
The following projects would be excellent ways for you to spend your time in the coming weeks: Attend a fantasy camp where you learn rodeo tricks. (They might come in handy during committee meetings and collaborative efforts in the next six months.) Teach a worthy candidate the intricacies of licking your nuzzle spots. (It no…
Kickball leagues bring recess fun to adults
The elementary school playground is back with a vengeance, and a large, bouncy ball is the centerpiece to a grassy field of entertainment that keeps grown adults swinging their feet for the perfect fall diversion: kickball. Whether it’s bona fide team play or schoolyard gatherings, there is something magnetic about this childlike sport that has…
Shot passenger leads to Oklahoman’s erratic driving
We’ve finally heard what we think is a foolproof excuse for erratic driving. A police officer spotted a car speeding and weaving Sept. 10 and pulled the driver over around S.E. 44th and Lindsay. And why was the driver weaving all over the road? Because a passenger in the back seat had been shot several…
Candy Coburn readies for takeoff from ‘Nashville Star’ to Oklahoma State Fair
For every star that crosses the sky as though shot out of a cannon, there’s a dozen scrambling to make a little light. Country rocker Candy Coburn is one of the latter, fueled by no-surrender spunk and the neighborly charm of the girl next door. Despite her easy looks and wide smile, she’s no delicate…
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):
If I’m reading the astrological omens correctly, you’re now ensconced in a smooth groove and not even close to being stuck in a cluttered rut. You’re making the right moves for the best reasons, and never trying to get ahead at the expense of others. During a grace period like this, I think you’d be…
ARIES (March 21-April 19):
To the thug who stole my Chevy Malibu from its parking place while I was recording an album in San Francisco back in 1991: I forgive you. To the lovely and talented Artemisia, who couldn’t bring herself to fall in love with me as we partied at the Burning Man festival back in 2001: I…
Urban Dare brings ‘Amazing Race’-style adventure to streets of Oklahoma City
Test your Oklahoma City know-how, physical prowess and trivia skills in a few comprehensive hours with a turn at the Urban Dare ” an adventure race that challenges teams of two with a series of clues that will show participants a whole new side of their home turf. TRIVIA NUT MANAGEABLE TASKS CHOOSING THE PATH…
The Continuing Crisis
Juvenile disruptions by “Girls Gone Wild” video producer Joe Francis in two recent federal lawsuit depositions have apparently backfired on him. Under questioning by plaintiffs’ lawyers, Francis had persistently and solemnly claimed not to understand common words and, during one session, repeatedly passed gas. At another deposition, he appeared indignant when asked if he had…
Cardio drills, strength exercises, jogging in formation
When my editor asked if I wanted to write a “funny, first-person” account of a fitness boot camp, I thought it sounded like a great idea. In theory. OPERATION BOOT CAMP BOOT CAMP DIARY Kind of like how, in theory, I’m versed in Russian literature or, in theory, I understand the draw of paperback romance…
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):
Studies show that many people believe their attendance at a sports event impacts the outcome of the game. They are obviously suffering from a ridiculous delusion, right? They’re enthralled by the kind of magical thinking that our primitive ancestors engaged in, right? Normally I’d say yes, but not right now, not for you Scorpios. For…
Explore the wilder parts of the metro Oklahoma City area
Want to get away from it all? There’s no need to drive for hours or hop on a plane to commune with the great outdoors. Nature is closer than you might think. The metro is a sprawling giant, all subdivisions, highways and retail outlets. But that size means that tucked into corners and pockets between…
Late, delinquent officials: Oklahoma Ethics ‘easy to work with’
What roles do leniency and exceptions play for the Oklahoma Ethics Commission when it comes to filing late campaign reports? FREE PASSES COMPLIANCE BACKLOG An analysis by Oklahoma Gazette found hundreds of candidates for office have either filed late ” or not at all ” the mandated campaign financial reports. Several were repeat violators of…
Candy Coburn readies for takeoff from ‘Nashville Star’ to Oklahoma State Fair
For every star that crosses the sky as though shot out of a cannon, there’s a dozen scrambling to make a little light. Country rocker Candy Coburn is one of the latter, fueled by no-surrender spunk and the neighborly charm of the girl next door. Despite her easy looks and wide smile, she’s no delicate…
U.S. mint officials select park over OKC memorial for quarter
When is a national park not considered a national park? Apparently when it is being considered as a stamp for a quarter. The U.S. Mint announced last week it will feature the Chickasaw National Recreation Area on its latest edition of coins representing states. That seemed like a nice gesture. The park, located in Murray…
Fall festivals celebrate everything from monarchs to mythical beasts
d, as well as traditions of the past. A children’s tent focuses on activities specifically for kids, and numerous performing groups are scheduled throughout the day. OKLAHOMA’S INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL Oct. 1-3Downtown Guthrie The Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival runs Oct. 1-3, in downtown Guthrie, and is one of the largest bluegrass festivals in the state.…
Thick with racial tension, shady dealings, urban gardeners fight for South Central plot
In 1992, to soothe tensions after riots induced by the Rodney King verdict, the city of Los Angeles sectioned off a 14-acre garden plot, hoping to sow seeds of community goodwill that would overgrow weeds of urban blight and anger. In the decade after the garden was built, it blossomed at the hands of mostly…
World-renown cellist opens Philharmonic’s 21st season
The Oklahoma City Philharmonic kicks off its 21st season Saturday with recognizable tunes that will jolt the audience out of its pre-fall funk. The opening night concert at Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker, begins with a solo performance by world-renown cellist Steven Isserlis, who will be accompanied by conductor Joel Levine and the…
Yikes!
The New Torture: In August, Glasgow hosted the sixth annual World Pipe Band Championship, with 200 bagpipe bands competing. (Professional piping often hits a sound level of 100 decibels and can go to 120, which is louder than a pneumatic drill.) Two musician-beggars in the village of Moseley, England, were banned from performing in the…
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):
If I’m reading the astrological omens correctly, you’re now ensconced in a smooth groove and not even close to being stuck in a cluttered rut. You’re making the right moves for the best reasons, and never trying to get ahead at the expense of others. During a grace period like this, I think you’d be…
Fall festivals celebrate everything from monarchs to mythical beasts
d, as well as traditions of the past. A children’s tent focuses on activities specifically for kids, and numerous performing groups are scheduled throughout the day. OKLAHOMA’S INTERNATIONAL BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL Oct. 1-3Downtown Guthrie The Oklahoma International Bluegrass Festival runs Oct. 1-3, in downtown Guthrie, and is one of the largest bluegrass festivals in the state.…
Science Museum Oklahoma taps a trio of local artists
In the constantly evolving landscape of Science Museum Oklahoma, new exhibits on gadgetry, chemistry, space and the science of athletics draw the attention of kids and adults alike. The Satellite Galleries, which previously housed exhibits for the International Photography Hall of Fame, have shifted focus to introduce other art forms in a new show featuring…
Breakthroughs in Eye Hair:
The pharmaceutical company Allergan has introduced eyelash-thickener Latisse, a $120 per month prescription “medication” to help a woman overcome feelings of inadequacy if she suffers from scrawny lashes. Alternatively, eyelash transplants are now available in the U.S. and Britain, originally developed to restore lashes for burn victims, but, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic…
Emelo – Looking on the Bright Side
When times are tough, Ryan Walker is up and looking outward. The Oklahoma City shoe boutiquer turned singer/songwriter again wandered into Dustin Ragland’s Duplexio studio in Mesta Park, this time assembling a large cast of musicians and collaborators for “Looking on the Bright Side.” Oklahoma Gazette was given an exclusive preview of the new album,…
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):
“The soft-minded person always fears change,” said one of my favorite transformers, Martin Luther King Jr. “For him, the greatest pain is the pain of a new idea.” The corollary to King’s pronouncement is that changes are less likely to be painful if you’re not afraid of them. According to my astrological analysis, Libra, none…
Wife allegedly assaults Tulsa spouse with vehicle
Alice Faye Walker, 51, was booked into the Tulsa jail Sept. 9 on complaints of assault and battery with a deadly weapon, according to the Tulsa World. Her alleged weapon? A green Mitsubishi Monterro. According to the world, Walker and her husband got into an argument while driving and hubby jumped out of the auto…
GEMINI (May 21-June 20):
According to my astrological analysis, you currently have a certain resemblance to a vacuum cleaner or a hungry baby or a min-black hole. Every time I’ve turned my meditations to the Gemini tribe, I’ve been hearing a psychic version of a giant sucking sound. What does it all mean? I sense that you’re especially voracious…
Oklahoma Children’s Theatre breathes life into Pinocchio
Most people remember Pinocchio as the lovable marionette whose dream was to become a real boy. Generations of children watched the wooden character come to life in the Disney film, and this week, the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre breathes even more life into this classic tale. The theater’s production of “Pinocchio” is based on Carlo Collodi’s…
Oklahoma City-area hosts fall running events
Kick the dust off your favorite sneakers and bend and stretch your way to the starting line at one of this fall’s many festive 5K offerings. The autumn weather provides an ideal environment to pair fitness and fun on a short 3.1-mile run that satisfies beginners and veterans alike. Lots of choices make it easy…
Breakthroughs in Eye Hair:
The pharmaceutical company Allergan has introduced eyelash-thickener Latisse, a $120 per month prescription “medication” to help a woman overcome feelings of inadequacy if she suffers from scrawny lashes. Alternatively, eyelash transplants are now available in the U.S. and Britain, originally developed to restore lashes for burn victims, but, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic…
Sanctuary: The Complete First Season
2008-2009 Initially dismissed as a “Torchwood” rip-off, Canada’s “Sanctuary” is actually every bit that British show’s equal … and maybe even better. What that means is intriguing science fiction with wide accessibility, good humor and a tremendous amount of fun “? sci-fi for people who don’t typically warm to the genre. Its first season is…
Sooners, Cowboys have plenty of work to do
There was talk during preseason about how Oklahoma and Oklahoma State both could very well be undefeated when they renew the Bedlam rivalry for the 104th time in November. There was talk of Big 12 titles and possible perfect seasons and even a whisper or two of a national championship, if everything went as planned…
Experimental Dental School strikes noisy nerve with fresh moves, free album
A writhing, offbeat, art-punk act prone to bursts of noise amidst sneaky melodies, the Portland act could be the illegitimate stepbrother of Deerhoof, its tour mates last time through. Like Deerhoof, XDS once hailed from San Francisco, but the band headed north, where the musicians simplified their life and refined the lineup into a duo…
Half-million dollars’ worth of marijuana left behind on Oklahoma town’s streets
The call that came into the Durant Police Department was sorta “¦ odd, according to the Durant Daily Democrat: Someone left shrubs in the road. Shrubs? Like roses? No. Shrubs, as in pot, marijuana, weed, wacky tobaccy. Well, seeing as how Durant (pronounced “doo-rant” by locals) is one of the bastions of enlightenment in southeastern…
Oklahoma ranks third nationally in annual lightning strikes
Those burn marks on homes and charred spots on apartment buildings might not be from meth labs after all. The Oke reported that the number of structure fires caused by lightning in the state has more than tripled since last year. And Oklahoma ranks third nationally in annual lightning strikes. Heck, lightning is so dang…
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):
Studies show that many people believe their attendance at a sports event impacts the outcome of the game. They are obviously suffering from a ridiculous delusion, right? They’re enthralled by the kind of magical thinking that our primitive ancestors engaged in, right? Normally I’d say yes, but not right now, not for you Scorpios. For…
TAURUS (April 20-May 20):
The old saying “You can’t have your cake and eat it too” suggests that maybe it’s not a good idea to go out on dates with a variety of lovers while you’re engaged to be married. Nostradamus scholar John Hogue has taken the spirit of this idea and created a variation that I think applies…
Urban Dare brings ‘Amazing Race’-style adventure to streets of Oklahoma City
Test your Oklahoma City know-how, physical prowess and trivia skills in a few comprehensive hours with a turn at the Urban Dare ” an adventure race that challenges teams of two with a series of clues that will show participants a whole new side of their home turf. TRIVIA NUT MANAGEABLE TASKS CHOOSING THE PATH…
ARIES (March 21-April 19):
To the thug who stole my Chevy Malibu from its parking place while I was recording an album in San Francisco back in 1991: I forgive you. To the lovely and talented Artemisia, who couldn’t bring herself to fall in love with me as we partied at the Burning Man festival back in 2001: I…
Sorority Row
aire (Jamie Chung, “Dragonball Evolution”), the Ethnic Exception; Ellie (Rumer Willis, “The House Bunny”), the Sensitive Smart Girl; and Cassidy (Briana Evigan, “Step Up 2: The Streets”), the Rational, Conscientious Brunette. FIFTH WHEELThe dispensable fifth wheel is Megan (Audrina Patridge, TV’s “The Hills”), who is knocked off during an elaborate prank engineered by Jessica to…
Stand-up who brought laughs to soldiers returns with stories of Okie troops, travels
Comedian Nathan Timmel describes himself as a storyteller who avoids the traditional setup-and-punch-line comedy, in favor of talking about his own life experience. “I was lucky enough to study at the altars of Carlin and Pryor as a child, and found that discussing life was more original than sitting at a desk, thinking of ways…
Half-million dollars’ worth of marijuana left behind on Oklahoma town’s streets
The call that came into the Durant Police Department was sorta “¦ odd, according to the Durant Daily Democrat: Someone left shrubs in the road. Shrubs? Like roses? No. Shrubs, as in pot, marijuana, weed, wacky tobaccy. Well, seeing as how Durant (pronounced “doo-rant” by locals) is one of the bastions of enlightenment in southeastern…
Large-scale works from a Ghana artist move to metro for a two-month exhibit
Recycled material in art is not a new concept, nor is using those materials to make a statement about various social ills, but Jon Burris, [ArtSpace] at Untitled executive director, said that a new exhibit by Ghana artist El Anatsui is exceptional as much for its sheer size as the rather blunt statement its medium…
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):
The following projects would be excellent ways for you to spend your time in the coming weeks: Attend a fantasy camp where you learn rodeo tricks. (They might come in handy during committee meetings and collaborative efforts in the next six months.) Teach a worthy candidate the intricacies of licking your nuzzle spots. (It no…
World-renown cellist opens Philharmonic’s 21st season
The Oklahoma City Philharmonic kicks off its 21st season Saturday with recognizable tunes that will jolt the audience out of its pre-fall funk. The opening night concert at Civic Center Music Hall, 201 N. Walker, begins with a solo performance by world-renown cellist Steven Isserlis, who will be accompanied by conductor Joel Levine and the…
Commentary: Redistricting on the horizon
The spring of 2002 saw one of the more contentious attempts at redistricting in Oklahoma’s history. With a Republican governor and a Democrat Legislature, it took an Oklahoma County district judge to decide which of the various redistricting plans would become the law of the state for the next 10 years. As a campaign staff…
Explore the wilder parts of the metro Oklahoma City area
Want to get away from it all? There’s no need to drive for hours or hop on a plane to commune with the great outdoors. Nature is closer than you might think. The metro is a sprawling giant, all subdivisions, highways and retail outlets. But that size means that tucked into corners and pockets between…
Shot passenger leads to Oklahoman’s erratic driving
We’ve finally heard what we think is a foolproof excuse for erratic driving. A police officer spotted a car speeding and weaving Sept. 10 and pulled the driver over around S.E. 44th and Lindsay. And why was the driver weaving all over the road? Because a passenger in the back seat had been shot several…
Oklahoma City-area hosts fall running events
Kick the dust off your favorite sneakers and bend and stretch your way to the starting line at one of this fall’s many festive 5K offerings. The autumn weather provides an ideal environment to pair fitness and fun on a short 3.1-mile run that satisfies beginners and veterans alike. Lots of choices make it easy…
Sooners, Cowboys have plenty of work to do
There was talk during preseason about how Oklahoma and Oklahoma State both could very well be undefeated when they renew the Bedlam rivalry for the 104th time in November. There was talk of Big 12 titles and possible perfect seasons and even a whisper or two of a national championship, if everything went as planned…
Thick with racial tension, shady dealings, urban gardeners fight for South Central plot
In 1992, to soothe tensions after riots induced by the Rodney King verdict, the city of Los Angeles sectioned off a 14-acre garden plot, hoping to sow seeds of community goodwill that would overgrow weeds of urban blight and anger. In the decade after the garden was built, it blossomed at the hands of mostly…
The Continuing Crisis
Juvenile disruptions by “Girls Gone Wild” video producer Joe Francis in two recent federal lawsuit depositions have apparently backfired on him. Under questioning by plaintiffs’ lawyers, Francis had persistently and solemnly claimed not to understand common words and, during one session, repeatedly passed gas. At another deposition, he appeared indignant when asked if he had…
Crank: High Voltage
2009 One need not be certifiably insane to enjoy “Crank: High Voltage,” but know that the film is. This sequel to the 2006 sleeper hit “Crank” picks up literally the moment its predecessor left off, with Chev Chelios (Jason Statham) plummeting to his death on a L.A. street. Rather than be left for dead, he’s…
GEMINI (May 21-June 20):
According to my astrological analysis, you currently have a certain resemblance to a vacuum cleaner or a hungry baby or a min-black hole. Every time I’ve turned my meditations to the Gemini tribe, I’ve been hearing a psychic version of a giant sucking sound. What does it all mean? I sense that you’re especially voracious…
Jeffrey Hatcher’s costume comedy about English Restoration proves decent
Up until the Restoration in 1660 and the ascension of Charles II to the throne, English social convention kept women from the stage, thus, men and boys performed the female roles in Shakespeare’s plays. That’s right: Lady Macbeth and Juliet were played originally by male actors. Carpenter Square Theatre opens its season with “Compleat Female…
Sooner Theatre wings into a new season with ‘Bye Bye Birdie’
The Sooner Theatre has opened its new with a take on “Bye Bye Birdie,” a spirited musical satire that tells the story of a 1950s rock ‘n’ roll heartthrob named Conrad Birdie, whose career snags when he is drafted. In effort to start a new life as a couple, Conrad’s manager, Albert, and his secretary,…
Yikes!
The New Torture: In August, Glasgow hosted the sixth annual World Pipe Band Championship, with 200 bagpipe bands competing. (Professional piping often hits a sound level of 100 decibels and can go to 120, which is louder than a pneumatic drill.) Two musician-beggars in the village of Moseley, England, were banned from performing in the…
Libertarian Party members advocate for lower taxes, smaller government, more freedom
that addresses the issue of ballot access that might be brought up when the next state legislative session begins in 2010. House Bill 1072, if passed, would make the governor’s election the determining election in how many signatures would be needed for a third party to get on the ballot, according to a June story…
Late, delinquent officials: Oklahoma Ethics ‘easy to work with’
What roles do leniency and exceptions play for the Oklahoma Ethics Commission when it comes to filing late campaign reports? FREE PASSES COMPLIANCE BACKLOG An analysis by Oklahoma Gazette found hundreds of candidates for office have either filed late ” or not at all ” the mandated campaign financial reports. Several were repeat violators of…
Libertarian Party members advocate for lower taxes, smaller government, more freedom
that addresses the issue of ballot access that might be brought up when the next state legislative session begins in 2010. House Bill 1072, if passed, would make the governor’s election the determining election in how many signatures would be needed for a third party to get on the ballot, according to a June story…
Oklahoma Children’s Theatre breathes life into Pinocchio
Most people remember Pinocchio as the lovable marionette whose dream was to become a real boy. Generations of children watched the wooden character come to life in the Disney film, and this week, the Oklahoma Children’s Theatre breathes even more life into this classic tale. The theater’s production of “Pinocchio” is based on Carlo Collodi’s…
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):
While I’m pretty much a genius when it comes to the meaning of Kurt Cobain’s lyrics, the art of cooking perfect scrambled eggs, and the secrets of being a good listener, I’m an absolute idiot about how a car engine works, how to make money on eBay, and how to craft a foreign policy that…
Oklahoma ranks third nationally in annual lightning strikes
Those burn marks on homes and charred spots on apartment buildings might not be from meth labs after all. The Oke reported that the number of structure fires caused by lightning in the state has more than tripled since last year. And Oklahoma ranks third nationally in annual lightning strikes. Heck, lightning is so dang…
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20):
Your quest has come to a fork, Pisces. Down one path lies a tumultuous obsession — a compulsive, tormented hunt like Captain Ahab’s pursuit of Moby Dick. In the other direction, a graceful chase beckons, more in the manner of Sir Galahad’s pure-hearted search for the Holy Grail. Choose one fork and your quarry will…
Cardio drills, strength exercises, jogging in formation
When my editor asked if I wanted to write a “funny, first-person” account of a fitness boot camp, I thought it sounded like a great idea. In theory. OPERATION BOOT CAMP BOOT CAMP DIARY Kind of like how, in theory, I’m versed in Russian literature or, in theory, I understand the draw of paperback romance…
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):
“The soft-minded person always fears change,” said one of my favorite transformers, Martin Luther King Jr. “For him, the greatest pain is the pain of a new idea.” The corollary to King’s pronouncement is that changes are less likely to be painful if you’re not afraid of them. According to my astrological analysis, Libra, none…
Experimental Dental School strikes noisy nerve with fresh moves, free album
A writhing, offbeat, art-punk act prone to bursts of noise amidst sneaky melodies, the Portland act could be the illegitimate stepbrother of Deerhoof, its tour mates last time through. Like Deerhoof, XDS once hailed from San Francisco, but the band headed north, where the musicians simplified their life and refined the lineup into a duo…
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20):
Your quest has come to a fork, Pisces. Down one path lies a tumultuous obsession — a compulsive, tormented hunt like Captain Ahab’s pursuit of Moby Dick. In the other direction, a graceful chase beckons, more in the manner of Sir Galahad’s pure-hearted search for the Holy Grail. Choose one fork and your quarry will…
TAURUS (April 20-May 20):
The old saying “You can’t have your cake and eat it too” suggests that maybe it’s not a good idea to go out on dates with a variety of lovers while you’re engaged to be married. Nostradamus scholar John Hogue has taken the spirit of this idea and created a variation that I think applies…
Wife allegedly assaults Tulsa spouse with vehicle
Alice Faye Walker, 51, was booked into the Tulsa jail Sept. 9 on complaints of assault and battery with a deadly weapon, according to the Tulsa World. Her alleged weapon? A green Mitsubishi Monterro. According to the world, Walker and her husband got into an argument while driving and hubby jumped out of the auto…
Oklahoma City gallery hosts floral-themed, one-night only event
hind the painting up to the viewer. Despite her love for more abstract pieces, she has noticed more interest in her floral art. “Whenever I do a floral piece, people are drawn to it,” she said. “I think they see something in it.” Stanfield met Wilmes and Pothorst at a design event where she was…
U.S. mint officials select park over OKC memorial for quarter
When is a national park not considered a national park? Apparently when it is being considered as a stamp for a quarter. The U.S. Mint announced last week it will feature the Chickasaw National Recreation Area on its latest edition of coins representing states. That seemed like a nice gesture. The park, located in Murray…
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):
While I’m pretty much a genius when it comes to the meaning of Kurt Cobain’s lyrics, the art of cooking perfect scrambled eggs, and the secrets of being a good listener, I’m an absolute idiot about how a car engine works, how to make money on eBay, and how to craft a foreign policy that…
Dark Shadows: The Haunting of Collinwood / Dark Shadows: The Curse of the Vampire
2009 When I worked at Blockbuster Video in the VHS heyday of the early 1990s, MPI Home Video made a mint by releasing every episode “? all 1,225 of them “? of the 1966-1971 soap opera “Dark Shadows.” At least I assume as much, because I had customers not only rent them, but more often…
