In this hot-button, controversial edition of Orders of Magnitude, Patricia and Mandy speak with special guest Tanya Mendoza about sex education and its current state in Oklahoma.

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Since we couldn't find this legendary "Punch Wrap," we're just going to say, "Don't be fooled by those pretty lips boys."

They call it a Punch Wrap. It’s made up of a Pizza Hut personal pan pizza (your choice of meat topping) wrapped in not one, but two Taco Bell Crunch Wraps. I’m about to take my first bite because it’s a Friday night after the Hollywood Hotel open mic (which means it’s Comics Unite Friday), and I have to eat this.
It’s my fault I’m here. I agreed to the Punch Wrap Challenge the week prior, when I was drunk at the House of Pies, eating eggs and calling my comic friend Jeff Sewing a giant baby pussy. He and Andy Sell had already taken the Punch Wrap Challenge, and the results were as follows: Andy finished it and spent the rest of the night in misery – something about being “all stopped up.” Jeff couldn’t finish it and lost his manhood the very moment he admitted defeat.
“Really?” Jeff says. “I’d like to see you eat one.”
“I can do it,” I say. “I can do it without even trying.”
Andy laughs. “I don’t know. You’re a tiny girl.”
“Pffft. Whatever. I can do it and then run a few miles.”
“Fine,” Jeff says. “Next week. You’re doing the Punch Wrap Challenge.”
“Fine,” I say. “Next week, I’ll eat circles around you motherfuckers.”
I’m paraphrasing. What I really said was much, much longer – a rant about how I can out-eat any man that went on for the entirety of our late-night breakfast – but the basic gist of it was this: I’ll eat the fuck out of a Punch Wrap, and I’ll make Jeff and Andy look like goddamn sissies.
Yeah, I’m a trash-talker from way back.
I take the first bite, all tortilla and crust, just an inch of straight bread. I smile. “This is gonna be easy.”

***

It’s November 2011. I’ve been in L.A. for four months.
I’m in the Hollywood Hotel sitting next to Fernando Sosa, watching him write his set in a tiny flip pad notebook.
“That your set?” I ask.
“Yeah.”
“Can I see it?”
“Sure.” He hands it to me.
I lick it, one giant wet tongue right down the center of the page, and I hand it back.
“Gross!” he says.
“Yep,” I say. “That just happened.” I’ve been licking set lists of Oklahoma comedians for years now – it’s kind of a thing I do. Fernando is the first L.A. comic to experience it.
He shakes his head, laughing. “I can’t believe you just did that.”

***

I’m on the phone with my mom on a Saturday afternoon in April. “How’s my dog?” I ask.
“Oh, he’s doing great,” she says. “Really great, actually.”
“That’s nice,” I say.
Davey Dog lived in L.A. with me for the first nine months, but I drove him back to my mom the weekend after Easter. It was selfish of me to bring him to L.A., but I liked hearing him run to the door when I got home. I liked sleeping with him taking up half the bed.
“Really,” my mom goes on. “I’m actually surprised at how happy he is all the time. He’s got a big yard to run around in. He’s got Zowie to play with. I mean, I’m sure he’d be glad to see you if you came here, but I thought he’d miss you more.”
“Jesus, Mom,” I say. Eleven years, and he’s just like, “Peace out”? Then again, my mom gives out dog biscuits all day long. She’s basically a dog biscuit prostitute, my mom.
I half expect her to go into more detail about how much my dog doesn’t miss me: “He doesn’t seem to remember you at all. In fact, I have the phone on speaker right now, and he is actually visibly cringing at the sound of your voice. He learned to draw and then drew a picture of your face with an angry-looking line through it. He taught himself how to bark the words, ‘Who’s Leah?’ He feels freer. He’s writing a novel about getting away from the sad people in life and finding his own happiness in retirement.”
In real life, she says this: “Leah, he’s your dog. Of course he misses you. He’s never going to forget you.”
I sigh. “I know.”
Leaving Davey in Oklahoma, well, I’ve now officially left everything behind. That dog has been by my side for the last 11 years.
When my ex, a human being who I also left in Oklahoma, heard that I left Davey, he texted me: “That’s gotta be really hard, sorry.”
I texted back, “Yeah, well, standup comedy.”

***

It’s Friday, and there’s a party at my house. Nine other comics and I are gathered in my tiny bedroom with the doors closed. A couple of us came in here to smoke a joint, but the rest just wandered in a few at a time. That’s the thing about comics – in any given social situation, they gravitate toward each other. At the end of the night, you can usually find them sectioned off somewhere, talking about standup because that’s their life, and that’s all they want to talk about.
Tonight’s no different. I’m laying on my bed wedged between Jonathan Rowell, Doug Dixon and Solomon Georgio, not contributing much to the conversation, but listening to Andy and Rick Wood try to story one-up each other.
My bedroom is right next to the bathroom, so every now and then our conversation is interrupted by the sound of someone using the, uh, shitter. Because we’re a room full of comics, none of us can let these instances go without commenting on them.
“That’s a little loud,” we say. “I don’t think that’s healthy.” Or, “Ooh, that sounds painful.” Or, “We’re trying to have a conversation in here!”
“This is awesome,” Andy says. “We need to keep doing this every Friday night, for sure. Comics Unite Fridays!”
“Yeah,” we agree. And then we gather in a circle and put our hands in a pile in the middle: “One, two, three, Comics Unite!”
It’s truly the queerest thing ever. It might not have even happened. I mean, I’m pretty high, and I’m listening to strangers fart two feet away from where I sleep. It’s possible that the writer in my mind did that thing where it romanticizes the moment.
But whether the after school special hands-in moment happened or not, every Friday night, comics unite indeed.

***

I’m standing outside the Bliss café on a Tuesday. Stan, a young comic with messy hair and a propensity for forcing high fives and hugs on people, walks up to me, his high five hand outstretched.
I jump up to slap his hand. “What’s up, Stan?”
It’s precisely at that moment that a man wearing tiny running shorts and a tank top walks down the sidewalk with a shopping cart full of things that are only valuable to him. I notice right away that he has The Crazy Eyes.
Stan is in the guy’s path, but doesn’t notice. “Stan,” I say. “You’re in that guy’s way.”
“Oh, sorry,” Stan says. He steps back.
“You think you can do more pushups than me, Big Man?” Crazy asks.
“What?” Stan says.
“Right now, you and me. Let’s see who can do the most pushups in one minute.”
Stan looks at me, and I shrug. “Do it.”
So with a lit cigarette in his mouth, Stan gets down on the sidewalk in position next to the crazy man.
“Okay, go!” Crazy says, and he starts doing the fastest, most impressive set of pushups I’ve ever seen. He does that thing where he claps between pushups. He uses one hand for a little while. And he never, ever stops talking shit. Not for one second. As I watch him, I wonder what path his life took to end up on that particular strand of crazy.
Meanwhile, poor Stan is laboring. I cheer him on, but it’s obvious that’s he’s gonna lose this one. To a crazy homeless man pushing a shopping cart down Vine while wearing tiny running shorts.
That’s the thing about L.A. Moments like this happen here, and they happen so often that people who’ve lived here for a long time don’t seem to notice them.
This is how I’m getting used to L.A., through what happens around comedy. L.A. is comedy to me, but the place itself always manages to seep into the background. Like a helicopter flying overhead in the middle of your conversation, or smoking pot on the street corner in broad daylight, or getting three parking tickets because you can’t decipher the 18 different restriction signs. Or like the gang of stray dogs that I literally used to fend off every other night while walking Davey, who I swear taunted them by prancing around like a privileged house dog asshole.

***

It’s a Thursday night in November, I’ve just finished my second mic of the night at the Bliss, and a vampire is walking me to my car. He’s not really a vampire, but that’s only because vampires don’t exist. Otherwise, he’s totally a vampire. Clues to back up my theory: he’s from Transylvania, he has a widow’s peak, sharp incisors, and a thick Romanian accent.
We’re talking about comedy or something. I’m not making great conversation, mainly because I’m high, and, as many people will attest to, I’m no fun to talk to in that state. Honestly, I’m just trying not to make any more vampire references. I feel like he gets that a lot, and I’ve reached my quota for the night at 1,057.
As we approach my car, I catch a glimpse of a white envelope tucked underneath my wiper blade. “Goddamn it!” I yell.
“What happened?” he asks.
“Motherfucking fuck!” I point to my car. “I got another goddamn parking ticket!”
“Oh, that sucks,” he says.
“Fuck! Fuck! I just got one last week. Fuck!”
I snatch the ticket from the windshield. But when I open the envelope, there’s no ticket. Just a lined piece of paper from a tiny notepad. It says this:
“Don’t ever lick my notepad again. -Fernando”
I crack up laughing, and the vampire just watches me, confused.

***

It’s Easter Sunday, and today is a good day. Not just for the whole Jesus resurrecting thing, but for many other reasons. For one thing, Andy hosts the Sunday night open mic at the Silverlake Lounge, and today he gets to drink again after giving up alcohol for Lent. He’s not in the bar more than ten minutes before taking a shot, drinking a beer, and spilling one of those things on the front of his t-shirt.
For another thing, it’s beautiful outside, like I imagined Southern California was before I moved here. (Since then, about once a week, I angrily ask anyone who will listen, “Why the fuck is it cold right now?”) Fernando and I had spent the afternoon on the patio of Umami Burger (or, as he likes to call it “Uma Thurman Burger”) talking about comedy because that’s what we do.
Now we’re in the dark pit of the Silverlake Lounge drinking beers and waiting to go on, watching Andy get gradually drunker between introducing comics. As the mic progresses, each introduction gets more elaborate and heartfelt.
“This next guy,” he says. “Oh, man, I hope you’re all ready for this next guy. He is hilarious, and I love him, and you’re all gonna love him. Love. Lovey love love. I’m a beacon of love. Give it up for the very funny Pat Regan!”
Pat’s one of my favorites. He’s a young kid (I think about 22), he’s a weirdo with a guitar, and he’s great because you really never know what he’s going to do onstage. On top of all of that, he’s hilarious. He’s one of those people that you feel lucky because you get to see him now, and there’s something special about him. I don’t know, he gets “The Glow” around him.
Pat plugs in an electric guitar, sits on a stool center stage and adjusts the mic. “You’ve all heard this before,” he says. “But I wanted to try it electric tonight. I’ve never done it that way, so bare with me.”
He strums a familiar chord and starts singing a song that we all do indeed know. “San Francisco take me back,” he sings. “I promise not to leave you no more. San Francisco take me back…”
He sings the first verse, and when he hits the chorus again, something awesome happens: all the comics in the audience start singing with him.
“San Francisco take me back,” we sing. “I promise not to leave you no more…”
Of all the L.A. moments I’ve had in the past nine months, this is my very favorite. Because right now I feel an amazing amount of affection for everyone in the room with me, all these people that I see working out their jokes every night after their day jobs, these people who came here from another place and left girlfriends and fiancés and dogs and families and financial stability behind. Even though we’re all lonely open mic comics in an isolated city full of delusional people, today we’re here together in this bar singing “San Francisco take me Back” with Pat, and there’s just something extraordinary about that.

***

“I can’t believe you guys thought that was hard!” I say to Andy and Jeff while we walk down the sidewalk on Comics Unite Friday. We’re going to a karaoke bar. “That was so fucking easy to eat! I didn’t even feel weird after I ate it. Woke up the next day, and I was perfectly fine.”
I’ve been talking mad shit all week. Why? Because I finished the Punch Wrap Challenge in less than 10 minutes. That’s right, Folks. I ate a Pizza Hut pizza wrapped in two Crunch Wraps from Taco Bell, and Jeff is officially a pussy. (Did you get that, Jeff? I’m calling you a pussy on a public forum. Your move.)
“Hey, you should write about the Punch Wrap Challenge in your blog,” Jeff says.
“Yeah,” Andy says. “When are you gonna write about us?”
Actually, that’s a good question.

Despite living in Oklahoma for the majority of my life, I had never visited the south-west portion of the state.  The farthest I had ever travelled down I-44 was to Chickasha to see the annual Christmas light display.  No one I knew that had lived in the Lawton area ever had anything nice to say about the town, so there was little enticement for me to make the journey.  However, as the self-proclaimed “Travel and Tourism” correspondent for OKC.NET, it was my duty visit the region when the idea of writing a piece on Medicine Park was suggested by my editors.  So, in the name of journalism, I recruited my husband and two seven year old little girls (my baby sister and my niece) to join me in researching the area.  After finding out that Medicine Park abuts the Wichita Mountain National Wildlife Refuge, I bribed the girls with promises to see wild buffalo during our trip to ensure their complacency.

Once we arrived in the town, my husband and I were pleasantly surprised at the beauty of the region.  The charming cobblestone clad cabins and shops lie on the banks of a creek and bathing pool that flows through the middle of the town.  The girls were extremely excited to see the ducks and geese in the stream and were especially enthused when we happened upon a local snow cone and snack stand run by Santa Claus himself.  Santa even has his own mailbox where you can directly drop off letters containing your Christmas wish list.  We were not previously aware that swimming was allowed, so the girls were a bit disappointed that we didn’t permit them to just jump in the water fully clothed after seeing other children and visitors partaking of the fun.  We saw several people fishing for trout, and if you are so inclined during your visit, you will first need to obtain a permit from either the Town Hall or the Old Plantation Inn and Restaurant.

The town itself is perfectly laid out for pedestrians, with well lit and maintained sidewalks throughout.  On this humid afternoon, it was nice to be able to stroll down tree-lined paths that offered the occasional bench to stop, rest, and admire the view.  In addition to the original cobblestone homes, cabins, and main street, there are several more modern homes on the south side of the stream. Though not as old as the cabins, these homes were built to complement the surroundings, and it was wonderful to see the amount of art and sculpture that adorns the homes here.  Since the girls were not allowed to swim, we decided to treat them to home made ice cream at the Medicine Park Ice Cream and Candy Company, where you can also purchase a variety of flavors of homemade fudge.  This store is just one of many unique shopping opportunities in this artistic community.

Our next stop on the journey was to see the promised buffalo in the Wildlife Refuge.  The Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge is the second-most visited wildlife refuge in the United States.  Located within the park is Mount Scott, the second-highest peak in the mountain range.  Mount Scott has a road that you can drive, bike or walk up to view the surrounding prairie grasslands from miles around.  The view itself is breathtaking. It’s awe-inspiring to know that these granite giants were as grand as the Himalayas millions of years ago.  After our journey to the top of Mount Scott (with several stops at scenic pull-off areas along the way), we were not left with much time to explore the whole of the refuge, but we were able to see one of the promised bison fairly up close during our drive.  The next time I come to visit, I will definitely make sure  I explore the rest of this magnificent grassland.

The final stop on our trip was to the “town” of Meers.  The only remaining structure in this former gold-rush hamlet is the Meers Store & Restaurant which promises “The Best Burger in Oklahoma”.  Well, with a guarantee like that, I was more than willing to see if the claim was true. The structure itself was build in 1901, and consists of a hodge-podge of buildings that have been added to a former home, making this an eclectic dining experience.  The restaurant does not accept credit or debit cards, and checks are only approved if drawn on a local bank, so make sure to stop at the ATM if you plan on eating here.  There was a short line when we entered the establishment, but our wait was not long before we were ushered into a dining room that vaguely reminded me of the old “Molly Murphy‘s” restaurant in Oklahoma City.  Drinks here are served in huge Mason jars, so you don’t have to worry about refills.  My husband and I each ordered the cheeseburger with a side of fries.  One of the girls ordered a chili-cheese dog, while the other opted for a mini-burger.  The restaurant prides itself on raising and grinding its own beef from their personal Texas Longhorn stock (OU fans will appreciate the idea of consuming Bevo) located next to the store.

Once our food arrived and we began to eat, I have to admit that we were disappointed.  I’ve definitely had better burgers elsewhere, and the fries were of the frozen variety you can buy in any supermarket.  The chili-cheese dog came with the toppings on the side, and my sister enjoyed being able to add as much or as little as she pleased to her frank.  The mini burger was the size of a slider, and the bun resembled a dinner roll and was slightly hard (I’m not sure if it was toasted, or just stale), so my niece decided that she would just eat a few Freedom Fries (as they are named on the menu) instead.  The place was packed with locals, so perhaps we were there during an “off” time for the cook, or maybe we just don’t have the palate to appreciate their offerings?  Either way, it is a personal call, and you are more than welcome to try it for yourself and let me know if your experience differed from mine.

With summertime just around the corner, I would definitely recommend packing up the family for a fun day trip and enjoying all that Medicine Park has to offer.  Between the shopping, dining, hiking, climbing, and all the water sports that two local lakes (Lake Lawtonka and Lake Elmer Thomas) have to offer, you won’t find yourself with a shortage of things to do and see.  Best of all, the majority of these activities are FREE.  So, get up off the couch and head on down the H.E. Bailey Turnpike to create some great memories that will last a lifetime.

More photos here:

The Man. The Legend. The Durantula.

Is it Monday? That means it’s time for another installment of Beer Review Monday! The virtuous, backpack-clad Thunder play the hated (boo!) LA Lakers in the second round of the NBA Playoffs, and OKC.NET is ready to roll. Beer at 11 a.m.? It’s in the name of journalism (and preparation for the game this evening…you don’t want to remember tonight, do you?) We’re so excited about Lakers-Thunder tonight that our eyes are bleeding. SCIENCE FACT: an off-label use for beer is to stop eye-bleeds.

He wishes it was Miller Time.

David Cronenberg jokes aside, we tried some beers today. All of the following brews are available at the McNellie’s in Midtown. Go there! It’s really cool and they have beer and food and a friendly bar/wait-staff. Also tonight is pint night and you’ll get a Coop Ale glass with your Native Amber, but Hanna the bartender says you gotta come early because they go quick. It’s also nice to see that the McNellie’s in Midtown is now offering an Oklahoma Flight with selections such as Mustang Summer, Marshall Revival Red, Redbud Pale Ale, Choc Spring IPA, and Coop F-5 IPA. It costs $9.00, which isn’t a bad price for it all either.

Now for the poppin’…

Daniel:

I tried this beer because of the high recommendation by my roommate Kyle, who studied abroad in Germany for a year, and as such is an enormous beer snob. I didn’t expect too much, because I”ve tried a couple of Boulevard’s standard line of beers. It turns out I had not yet been exposed to their Smokestack Series, which is their line of premium (and very, very tasty) beers that explore a higher plane of beer-dom than your average Boulevard Wheat. People that drink Boulevard Wheat may not like this Smokestack beer, because their flagship beer is sweet and not too beer-y, and purists may scoff at the fact that Boulevard does in fact make some fantastic beer. Whatever side of that divide you fall on, the Tank 7 is excellent no matter your criteria.

Also, Tank 7 is a steal at $4.50, because it has a distinctly Belgian influence, with a pleasing maltiness and a rich and complex sweetness (it reminds me of Dutch brewery Koenigshoeven’s trappist beers). It’s pleasantly cloudy, and eminently drinkable.

Boulevard Tank 7-On Draft
Origin: Kansas City, Missouri

$4.50/8%

Would I Drink It Again? Absolutely. I can’t articulate how impressed I am by this Kansas City beer. While not soaring to the same heights as New York’s craft brewery Ommegang and their incredible Abbey-style ales, Boulevard’s Tank 7 is still one you have to try.

The Smokestack Series: Devils to some, Angels to others.

Which leads to the hoppin’…

Damn, that Daniel Page is a hard act to follow.

Alright. I had some pretty strong beers today. For whatever reason I was feeling in an IPA kind of mood. So I started out with Sierra Nevada’s Hoptimum, which was recommend to me by bartender Hanna. For the price it’s a pretty good deal considering it’s $4.50 for a 12 ounce bottle of 10 point beer. It has wonderful citrus notes, but a lot smoother finish than other IPAs I’ve had. The bitterness on the back end is tempered by the alcohol. You wouldn’t think this was a 10 point beer on the forward, but the aftertaste belies its true strength and what could result in bitter beer face, ends up being more of a pleasant lip-smacker, and ok, maybe you might experience a little eye-narrowing and slight twitch of the lips as it goes down. But more or less, your taste buds don’t want to implode after each sip as it really is an enjoyable IPA.

Sierra Nevada Hoptimum
Origin: Chico, California
Bottled

$4.50/10.4%

Would you order it again?

Yes, it pains me to say that I would probably order Sierra Nevada’s Hoptimum before Coop’s F5, because it has a smoother finish and I’m not saying how I know this, but from what I understand hop heads who may also be pot heads (the latter would be that portion of the demographic who are uppity enough to smoke premium California weed out of a vaporizer thus enjoying a smooth herbaceous flavor unencumbered by acrid smoke) would probably like this beer in combination. So, if you fall into that second category may I suggest a freezer-cold glass with this freezer-cold beer in it whilst you puff away on your vaporized medical-grade glaucoma medication. Also, you can learn a little about a lot just cruising the interwebz.

Left to Right: Daniel's Boulevard Tank 7, Helen's Sierra Nevada Hoptimum, and Colin's Great Divide Yeti Chocolate Oatmeal Stout.

Daniel:

Emboldened by the Tank 7, I decided to reconsider Boulevard’s standard line of beers. As a result, I tried their Maibock, Boss Tom’s. The Maibock is a German style that is lighter and hoppier than more traditional bocks. It tastes very similar to an Marzen beer (with less cloying sweetness), and reminds me more of an Oktoberfest style than something like a Spaten Optimator (a doppelbock).

Boulevard Boss Tom’s Bock-On
Origin: Kansas City, Missouri

Draft

$4.50/6.1%

Would I Drink It Again? Yeah, I’d probably drink this beer again, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to find it. It’s a serviceable German-style beer, but don’t be fooled by the name. It really doesn’t strike me as a bock style much at all, and I probably wouldn’t have guessed it was a bock if I wasn’t told beforehand.

This beard can't withstand stouts of that magnitude!

Helen:

I may not like the Marshall McNellie’s Pub Ale, but as far as this IPA goes, it’s much more palatable a beer than what little I’ve sampled from Marshall’s other offerings. It’s not as flavorful as a stronger IPA like Coop’s F5, Choc’s Spring IPA nor is it even in the same realm as Sierra Nevada’s Hoptimum, although I noticed it’s cloudier and just as dark orange as the Hoptimum, but Atlas has no where near the same level of hoppy intensity. In fact, I think India Pale Ale shouldn’t be the label for this one. Daniel and I were discussing how this would have been better suited as an English-style Pale Ale. If your expecting a strong double-hopped flavor like a proper IPA should be, you’ll be disappointed with this. However, this would be perfect for someone who may be on the fence about extraordinarily hoppy beer in general. This beer would be like the “training wheel” of IPAs.

Marshall’s Atlas India Pale Ale
Origin: Tulsa, OK

Bottled

$4.50/ 6.5%

Would you order it again?

No, not really. It’s not bad. And if someone offered it to me while I was at their house, I wouldn’t turn it down necessarily, but I like really strong IPAs. So if I’m going to spend $4.50 I’m getting the Hoptimum.

Colin:

Great Divide Chocolate Oatmeal Yeti Stout tastes like a bar of dark chocolate submerged in a pint of Guinness. It’s easy to imagine it coming out of a faucet in the adults-only annex of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. If you love a rich, syrupy malt and don’t mind flavored beers, this concoction is right up your alley. Best paired with a plate of white cheese or a night of regrets. I recommend the cheese, less drama that way, unless you are lactose intolerant. Then the night of regrets is just a bonus.

Great Divide Chocolate Oatmeal Yeti Stout

$7.00/9.5%

Draft

Would you order it again?
Yes, on a cold, cloudy, rainy day.

Annah Chakola Ramsey moves easily, be it on a journey through her homeland in India to living and working in Oklahoma, her on the go style is reflected in her art and business model.

I met Annah Chakola while wandering around The Girlie Show last fall. There are dozens of artists at The Girlie Show, but something about Annah’s booth, Boho Gypsy, kept drawing me back. From the colors and materials she uses to the stories behind her creations, it was all too easy to get hung up just looking around her tables at all the neat items that were so artfully arranged.

Originally from India, Annah moved to the United States at 16 to pursue higher education. After graduating from the University of North Texas and traveling the world for a bit, she eventually ended up in Oklahoma, which is where her husband’s family is from. She’d worked with the City Arts Center and in arts-related fields before deciding to move forward with opening her own business. At one point she had a store front called the Mango Tree where she sold her jewelry and other accessories, but as any free spirit knows, wanderlust is a siren who’s song never stops. Thus maintaining a constant presence at a brick and mortar store had its obvious drawbacks.

Annah had to rethink her business model. The end result is the Boho Gypsy. Annah doesn’t maintain the store front anymore, now she books what are known as “trunk shows.” If you’re not familiar with these, they are jewelry shows where the artist comes and sets up shop for an evening in someone’s home or boutique. But Annah doesn’t just set her wares out; rather, she treats each event like an art installation. With a collection of found objects and little curios, she creates a space that is both inviting and full of quirky travel-inspired details.

So who is booking shows and/or carrying items from Boho Gypsy?

A lot of people. You can find her creations from Norman to OKC and every place in between if you know when and where to look. Stash and Birdie have had Boho Gypsy trunk shows. A Date With Iris and Gretta Sloane in OKC are currently stocked with Boho Gypsy items. Annah said that Old Hollywood Moxie, a New York City boutique, also carries her jewelery now too.

These are necklaces from Annah's new summer collection which is full of color and texture.

The thing I love about Annah’s jewelry or clothing is that it all comes with a story of who she met while on her travels. A trip with her mother through South East Asia helped inspire the items I found at The Girlie Show last fall. A Thai clothing designer Annah met while at small textile fair led to a fruitful partnership in creating a unique cotton shrug, similarly she has contracted the services of other small business owners to help produce her designs. To that end, everyone Annah works with is paid a fair wage. The price is reflected in the cost of her goods, which are not outrageous and range anywhere from $15-$450. Going through her catalog, it’s clear the quality of the work and a global consciousness for fair trade is what drives at least half of Boho Gypsy forward. Naturally the other half would be Annah herself. Not one to bother people while they browse, Annah typically hangs back unless someone asks her about a piece. Questions range, but Annah said there are times when the topic of conversation wanders off to the places she’s been and how they inspired the creation of a bag, a piece of clothing, or some other trinket.

“That’s one thing about Oklahomans that I appreciate.” Annah said, “People might not know a lot about my culture, but they are curious enough to ask. And  then my accent throws them off, they expect one and get another. It’s like a mixed bag.”

It’s worth noting that Annah went to an international boarding school in India, (a Harry Potter-esque experience, she said, as the building dates to the British colonial period and from what Annah says of the place, it’s just as charming.) Her last trip, taken earlier this year, was to Jaipur, the capital city of Rajathan.   The colors from this part of the world are bright and bold. Annah said the theme of her new collection is Indian Kitsch, which was the influenced by the sights and sounds of Jaipur. Another thing I love about Annah’s social media posts and blogging: she documents her travels and the people she meets like a one-woman National Geographic.

Annah loves to use found objects and other knick nacks to showcase her jewelry and accessories.

You can keep track of Annah through Boho Gypsy on Facebook and on her website. You can also purchase items through her website or set up a show by contacting: gypsyannah@gmail.com

The short form improv troupe You People will perform at Mixiology Friday night. Audiences can expect to be polled for prompts before watching the resulting wackiness based on those suggestions.

Mixology is a brand new event in OKC. Conceived by a group of people from a variety of backgrounds in the performing arts, the event aims to give Oklahomans access to a multitude of artists as well as fostering the development of this growing community. Guests will be able to buy cocktails and watch one of many performances happening simultaneously through out City Arts Center.

Don’t get one particular act? No worries. At Mixology migrating from space-to-space to check out what’s going is encouraged as the event is designed so that audiences can sample what this eclectic group Oklahoma performance artists have to offer.  You can expect to see contemporary dance, live music, improvisational (improv) comedy theatre, traditional African-based music and dance, conceptual theatre, and audience interaction. Tickets are the same price online as at the door: $10. The event runs May 11 from 7pm-11pm at the City Arts Center in OKC.

But you don’t have to take our word for, watch our Spotlight Video below as Raychel Winstead explains what Mixology is.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

We the People of Oklahoma, Invoking the guidance of basic reason and logic,

in order to prevent that vein in our foreheads from popping out;

to secure a state government that is merely corrupt rather than criminally insane;

to promote our mutual Welfare and Happiness, do establish this proclamation and call upon the people of the great State of Oklahoma, and our fellow Patriots in these United States of America who look to non-Gaylord owned media for guidance,

to acknowledge the need for Sally Kern to step out of the spotlight for a while and mutter gently to her handgun.

WHEREAS, “It does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods or no God. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg. ” (Thomas Jefferson); and

WHEREAS, “An alliance or coalition between Government and religion cannot be too carefully guarded against” (James Madison); and

WHEREAS, “Our Religious controversies are always productive of more acrimony and irreconcilable hatreds than those which spring from any other cause.” (George Washington); and

WHEREAS, “Quoting a bunch of enlightenment era Deists out of context to make it sound like they support theocracy seems like a bullet-proof way to make my point!” (Sally Kern); and

WHEREAS, the people of Oklahoma have a strong tradition of deflating the egos and rhetoric of demagogues and blowhards; and

WHEREAS, we believe our economic woes are consequences of banking deregulation, a massive housing bubble, speculation, and the general never ending economic coke party of the last twenty years, none of which were caused by gay people or abortion or gay people getting abortions, and

WHEREAS, “debauchery” predates the great state of Oklahoma by tens of thousands of years and will be around long after we have retreated to mountain strongholds to avoid the zombie apocalypse; and

WHEREAS, alarmed that there are still people who think theocracy is a good idea; and

WHEREAS, grieved that people such as Sally Kern emerge every couple of months to insult my intelligence and lecture me; and

WHEREAS, deeply disturbed that Sally is still so angry even given the quite generous senior citizens discount offered at Hometown Buffet;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that we the undersigned, appealing to the basic decency and reasonableness of our fellow citizens, solemnly declare that the HOPE of the great State of Oklahoma and of these United States, rests upon politicians and civil servants who care more about their constituents than about the 15 or so votes to be gained by showboating and being self righteous;.

and BE IT RESOLVED that we, the undersigned, call upon all to join with us in voting out any politician who seeks to remake Oklahoma into the tiny town in Footloose;

and BE IT RESOLVED that we, the undersigned, humbly call upon El Chupacabra, slayer of goats and men, to have mercy on this nation, to stay his reptilian claw of judgement as we prepare for shearing season.

Signed on Friday the Twenty Sixth Day of of the Month of June in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Nine in the Common Era, Year of the Ox, 5th Lunar Month, Fourth day of Rajab, One Thousand Four Hundred Thirty.

Speaking of warm, let’s launch right in, shall we?

#11- OKC THUNDER TOASTER

"Girls play me close like butter play toast"- B.I.G.

OKC used to be like that plain piece of bread. Pretty cool, wholesome, lots of fiber…but what if we put a basketball team logo all over it?

I love this. I might buy one for the office. If nothing else, the potential for commentary is fantastic.

“THE ONLY THING HOTTER THAN JAMES HARDEN RIGHT NOW IS THIS PIECE OF WHOLE GRAIN TOAST, STEVE.”

#10 – THUNDERGNOME

This is how you make it 100% clear to the neighborhood gophers that you will not tolerate any of that Spurs talk in your yard.

#9- THUNDER HARDHAT

Not standard issue.

The best block the Thunder get this year could be the one that keeps a piece of re-bar from going through your skull.

#8- THUNDER HEADBAND

She's actually pulling that off rather well.

I didn’t know that headbands were still a thing. A lot of sports merch seems to have been designed in Central Jersey circa 1986 and never changed, and this stylish headband is no exception. Props to the makers of this headband for finding the one model in the world who can make a headband look kinda okay.

#7 THUNDER BABY BLANKET

Not entirely sure this is officially licensed.

Is it just me, or is this adorable as shit? I sorta get the feeling that this isn’t official merch, since it seems like Rumble is on every kid branded thing the Thunder make, but as I now understand, the NBA will let pretty much anyone put any logo on pretty much anything.

#6 THUNDER COOKIE TIN

mmm...tastes just like Thunder!!!!

For the basketball fan who has everything, but also would like some Mrs. Fields cookies. Look forward to receiving these from a virtual stranger at your office’s Secret Santa ceremony this year.

#5 THUNDER PUTTING GREEN

Is it appropriate to say "swish" if you get a hole in one?

Setting aside the mixed metaphor, some photos on Amazon are like tragic short stories. I’ve written a haiku about this one.

The accountant sighs

No golf, no music. No time.

Swing. Miss. Thunder up.

#4- 40 INCH THUNDER TIFFANY LAMP

Reminds me of Pizza Inn for some reason.

If I owned a sports bar, I might buy this. There is no other acceptable reason to spend 750 bucks on this thing. Anyone who is inclined to purchase it for your house, please take a moment to review your priorities.

#3 THUNDER BEANIE BABY

I can relate to this bear because we have the same BMI.

The item description says it all. “Beanie Ballz are a little wild and whacky.”  I want to mock this product, but it kinda feels like it’s staring into my soul right now. I feel like I need to click through and buy it.

#2 CALVIN PEEING ON MAVERICKS T-SHIRT

Somewhere at the intersection between poor design, intellectual property theft, and a very nearly admirable entrepreneurial spirit, there is this shirt. If you’ve ever looked at someone’s shitty truck decal of Calvin pissing on the Chevy/Ford/Dodge logo and thought “I wish there was a way I could wear that sentiment”. Here you go. If I saw anyone actually wearing this, I would probably laugh at first and then feel kind sad.

#1- SONICSGATE

It's been years, people.

Lol. Lol lol lol.

If you order all of these things now, you might have them in time for the next game. Thunder up, y’all.

“Let’s stop using the word “Hipster” as if it means anything. It doesn’t. If you can use it to describe equally the characters in Girls, the chicks wearing Indian feathers at Justice’s Coachella set, and 40 year old guys with beards and Pulp t-shirts writing screenplays at Intelligencia, it has no meaning.”

This got me thinking: What exactly do people mean when they say that someone is a hipster? Why is it that so many of the people who use it as a term of abuse are nearly indistinguishable from those they use it against?

I can remember a time before the word “hipster.” The word is new, at least as a pejorative, but the concept is old. I remember well the vapid conversations my friends had back in the dark days of the mid-1990s, dissecting whether or not this band or that was “punk.” It wasn’t only bands, though; the entire realm of human experience could be judged against the vaguely defined and ever-evolving notion of punk-ness. The more punk a thing was judged to be, the more credible and pure it was. The worst thing you possibly could be was a poser. To affect the outward appearance of the subculture, without subscribing to the vaguely defined philosophical, political, and intellectual underpinnings was taken as a grave offense. At best, this distinction was used to distinguish between substance and fashion. At worst, and far more frequently, it was used to enforce an onerous group-think which was the opposite of the values it purported to defend.

After a cursory survey of articles deriding and defending the North American “hipster”,  here are the most common complaints:

Hipsters are over-educated, but not that smart,

Hipsters are obsessed with trends and fashions,

Hipsters are  over-privileged, but have working class affectations,

Hipsters listen to bands that the writer of the article doesn’t like.

Hipsters like things ironically, while somehow also being too doe-eyed and sincere,

Hipsters undervalue other cultures, while co-opting their fashions.

Hipsters are smugly self-satisfied.

The most striking thing about this list is that it could apply, nearly without alteration, to the authors of the articles themselves, at least on occasion. Note that almost all of these complaints don’t have to do with liking specific things, but with liking them in the wrong way. To pick up Fernie’s point, there really is no such thing as a “hipster” independent of outside definition, or, to put it another way, the Pabst Blue Ribbon is in the eye of the beholder.

What is really happening here is that a set of cultural values that have emerged relatively recently in the US, as well as other wealthy nations- cultural omnivorousness, geographical rootlessness, the cult of authenticity- have reached a critical mass and have started to be digested by the advertising arm of Western capitalism. This last happened starting around 1992 with the mainstreaming of what had been 1980s “alternative” culture (remember OK Soda?), leading to a similar “poser panic” among those true believers and early adopters, who, not wishing to be confused with “those idiots” in the suburbs who were just into (fill in the blank) because it was currently cool, instituted truly rigorous ideological discipline. Anything short of Steve Albini level purity was unacceptable. They weren’t wrong, necessarily; it’s easy to forget the sheer torrent of crappy bands that were packaged up and resold in those years, because most of them were deeply forgettable. Just as all revolutions start with a bang and end with a whimper, 90s alternative rock started with Nirvana and ended with Creed.

As it turned out, it was just a cultural blip, and we were back to boy bands and adult contemporary soon enough. It’s hard to imagine that this cultural moment will be anything particularly lasting either. In the meantime, here’s some advice from grandpa: instead of endlessly interrogating the fashions and motives of everyone around you, trying to sniff out posers and fakes, why not focus on trying to uphold and promote the broader values that you actually hold dear; fashion is silly and meaningless and most of all temporary. Don’t let your convictions be so tied to your “lifestyle” that they are swept away with it. To use the parlance of days gone by: don’t sell out. Even if you are a bunch of dirty hipsters.

Jeff Greenspan and Hunter Fine have been installing “Hipster Traps” around New York City which include sunglasses, a yellow bicycle chain, a Holga camera, a can of PBR and a pack of American Spirits as bait.

Back lit, a little dark, and a smidge hazy, just like a dream.

Could I fangirl for Beach House? Yeah. Maybe.

The thing I love most about the Dream Pop genre is the sheer expanse of sound. This may seem like a quick detour, but several weekends ago (read: the Saturday before Record Store Day), I scored a sweet deal. Or it seemed pretty sweet to me at least, because it was Gil Scott-Heron‘s last album which was on sale in the vinyl section. What I found on “I’m New Here,” besides the gorgeous print photos and other inserts, were words of wisdom printed on its sleeves. It’s not like what he had to say wasn’t lurking around in my brain before, but that he took the time to clearly articulate the value of music for the listener resonated with me even now as I sit here trying to pin down how I feel about Beach House’s latest effort “Bloom.”

Wise words on the value of music appreciation.

Even so, I listened to “Bloom” on a laptop with my earbuds in, although my eyes were closed. So there is that. Surely Gil Scott-Heron understands the value of compromise. I mean, I guess I could have plugged the laptop into a sound system and really just laid back, but truth be told, the only time I’m not busy is when everyone else is asleep. Maybe there’s a reason I like Dream Pop, since technically I should be sleeping when I’m often listening to it. And there are a lot of gentle tracks on “Bloom.” “Irene“, the last song on the album, is by far the most indulgent clocking in at almost 17 minutes. A solid chunk of that time is devoted to pure silence before the beats and synths start filtering back in, like sunlight on a dark horizon.

Myth, the first track, is easily an amalgamation of song stylings heard on “Teen Dream,” but it has outstanding characteristics too. There are lush percussive elements that range from steady beats to an ethereal twinkling of sound layered throughout the song. As with anything that invokes beach-related imagery, there are plenty of aural flourishes to really shoot this song from the swells of the ocean right into the sun-drenched clouds that only seem to gather over the most striking of beach scenes. And if there’s anything Beach House truly excels at, it’s creating that kind of atmosphere. That said, “Myth” is fairly indicative of what the majority of “Bloom” sounds like, which isn’t bad, but if you were hoping for leaps in experimentation that’s not going to be a huge factor on this album.  But considering this is Beach House’s fourth effort, the evolution of sound has yet to ebb back to the days of their self-titled debut.

There were things missing that I heard on “Teen Dream,” their third effort, that I kind of wish had been on “Bloom,” for instance in “Silver Soul,” which is on “Teen Dream,” there were these weird little coo-coo clock chirps layered over an electronic bubbling before intense aural synths start in and carry the rest of the song to its almost elegiac conclusion. Where Beach House detours on “Bloom” is that they have substituted this kind of chirpy and bubbly “preface” with sea side recordings that typical mark the end of a track as it blends into the next. Not that they needed chirps and bubbles, rather, it would have just been interesting to hear what other kinds of experimental instrumentation they might employ. To that end, the use of these sea side vista recordings are nice touch. In a way, it kind of grounds the listener before the next swell of music is introduced.

I have few other songs that I easily cherry-picked in the first listen. Although, full disclosure, I’m not feeling particularly melancholy so there might be tracks that are lost on me right now. Make no mistake, this is the sort of simultaneously reflective and introspective iteration of Dream Pop that can be nothing else but lofty and bittersweet.  For example,”Hours” has this hook that revs up like you’re in a car whipping in and out of curves as you drive up the side of a mountain to “look out over all the hours.” Lyrically this album seems more weighty in theme than some of the others, because in this one track there’s this pervasive sense of fear expressed by the narrator as she worries about being left behind because time spent on over-thinking what should be simple decisions. Of all the tracks, Victoria Legrande sounds the most melodic on “Wishes” and there’s a beautiful undercurrent of dissonance that begins midway through the track that ebbs and flows. Percussively it’s pace is akin to feeling your heart beat in swells, which matches perfectly with lyrics that repeatedly ask, “wishes on a wheel, how’s it supposed to feel?” That said, there were a few tracks that I didn’t think were that strong. “Lazuli” has the most off-key vocals as paired with plinky synths and washed in a haze of Enya-like chorus. But that’s really the only track on the entire album that I’m not wild about.

For Oklahomans, Beach House will be playing Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa July 9th. “Bloom” will be available for purchase at your local records stores by May 15th.

Seriously, look how excited the Bricktown Guestroom Records is about this new release!

So glad I'm not the only one wooed by the dreamy soundscapes.

First Listen to Beach House on npr.org

Other interesting musical curios?

J Dilla‘s estate, more accurately his mother Maureen Yancey, received a cache of previously unreleased material from record store owner Jeff Bubeck who is based in Detroit. Bubeck found hundreds of tapes and other materials stashed away, and rather than sell it off he kindly returned them. If you’ve never heard of J Dilla, he’s worth checking out. There’s a reason so many are fans of this producer’s progressive beats.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

“It was overwhelming to see this handwriting again and to see how he marked his records, with his silver marker,” Ms. Yancey told AllHipHop.com. “That was his favorite color, the silver marker.”

J Dilla, a.k.a. J Dee, passed away in 2006 from complications related to lupus. One can only hope more of his unreleased material will surface. I sincerely enjoyed “Jay Stay Paid,” which is more of an instrumental hiphop album that was released posthumously in 2009.

On the other end of the spectrum, I noticed recently an Oklahoma native attracting a lot of attention. I’ve been listening to John Fullbright for the last couple years and it’s good to see him getting more national attention via NPR and on Yahoo! Music. Fullbright hails from the outskirts of Okemah, OK. I’ve caught a few of his performances, the man has the both the ability to write and sing music with a certain kind of timelessness that most seasoned musicians could very easily be jealous of. His song writing is an amalgamation of Jimmy Webb and Woodie Guthrie. The latter hailing from the same locale and Fullbright plays to full houses during Okemah’s annual Woodie Guthrie Folk Festival. I’ve actually been out there for that; you get a seat early or you’re not getting a seat at all when Fullbright is playing.

His new album, ”From the Ground Up,” is available for purchase.    Check it out.

A sample of the talented Mr. Fullbright:

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Parents, educators, and members of the Oklahoma Educator Association take to the Capitol steps Saturday to raise awareness and celebrate. They believe "public education should be for the public."

It’s easy to develop outrage fatigue when following politics, after all this is a state that wants to give embryos rights but is ranked 49th in the nation when it comes to dollars it spent educating students. Clearly somewhere between birth and school there’s a disconnect when it comes to resources the state is willing to spend on improving lives. But Saturday’s gathering of educators, parents, students, and supporters of public education was as much about protest with as it was about a celebration of public education.

The event was organized by the Oklahoma Education Association. It is a non-profit organization with nearly 40,000 members in Oklahoma and it is comprised of parents, teachers, school staff, retired teachers, and higher education institutions. The OEA says it believes, “That public education is the cornerstone of a democratic society and that education employees, parents, community leaders and elected officials should work together to promote quality public education.” They poll and provide other research institutions data for the state of education in Oklahoma. Each Spring the OEA puts forth a list of current legislative issues, which is available on their website.

Linda Hampton, OEA president, said that one of the bills the organization does not support, House Bill 3111 which would deregulate schools and in Hampton’s estimation go against 70 years of progress in public eduction, was tabled for now because legislators have decided to let Oklahoma educators enact other changes they passed, such as 3rd grader retention testing, before pushing forward on these kinds of deregulation bills.  The OEA recognizes that the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is the lobbying force behind bills that mostly serve the interests of private industry as applied to public policy.

“There are some people who think public education should be treated like a business,” Hampton said, “and really, we firmly believe that public education is not a business. It is not a for profit thing. Because there’s money to be made in education, but when you go down that road, then you start putting a price tag on our children’s future and we think it should be a level playing field for everybody, regardless socio-economic status, race, or religion. Public education should be for the public.”

Hampton said that deregulation would jeopardize initiatives added to Oklahoma’s pubic eduction policy in one fell swoop because if private enterprise legislation had passed this session, public schools would no longer be mandated to offer retirement, base pay rates for teachers, and more. Hampton said that change is necessary and that people should think of it as a compromise for all, but she stressed that it is vital to look at what works and what doesn’t work before passing legislation that could wipe out 70 years of progressive public policy.

The OEA is watching a few bills in the meantime. Even though the Oklahoma legislative session is almost over Associate Executive Director and Chief lobbyist, Amy Sparks said that it is not unusual for law makers to try to sneak things past the house using a variety of lesser known loopholes that exploit the use of language in bills that have passed to piggy back legislation that did not get past the house.  Sparks said that often it’s in these last few weeks that OEA has to keep a keen eye on what’s going on because bills they thought were tabled can come back in a blink of an eye.

There is some concern about a bill which has made it out of committee and been signed by Gov. Fallin. It known as “A-F Rules” and deals with assigning a letter grade to schools. What concerns the OEA and law makers in the House and the Senate, is that the process of evaluating schools is not readily transparent. Sparks said even the bill’s sponsor, Lee Deenny R. Cushing, acknowledges that the process is confusing and that this is an issue that has turned out to be largely non-partisan.

But overall, the event on Saturday was not one of outrage as much as celebration. It was festive more than it was bristling with loud sentiments of resentment and indignation. Sno-cones and drinks were served, on the sound system old favorites played as people congregated in groups to picnic under the trees. Also available at the event were boxes and boxes of books. Let it not be said these educators do not know how to take an opportunity to expand minds.

Feed The Children in conjunction with Better World Books provided books to anyone willing to take them in an effort to feed minds too. Erin Carlstrom, director of educational programs, said that feeding minds helps in breaking the cycle of poverty.

Left to Right: Yeti Imperial Stout, Ayinger Brauwiess, Mustang Washita Wheat, St. Bernardus Ale.

Helen: Coop Zeppelin Wheat, Mustang Washita Wheat, Boulevard Wheat, Ayinger Brauwiess, Sea Dog Blueberry

Since I missed last week’s tasting, I decided to try Konig Ludwig Wiessbeir when next I found myself at a bar. I’ll have to give it a full review some other time, but overall it was good. Somewhat following last week’s schedule conflict, Daniel is out for co-authoring this week’s column. But not to worry. As luck would have it Daniel knows the difference between a Porter and a Stout, and suggested Colin try a selection from each this week. I’m told the differences between the two is not unlike the distinction between sparkling white wine and Champagne.

But that’s not what I’m writing about this week. No, I’m still on a mission to try local beers.  In light of the fact I’ve tried so many Oklahoma brews recently, it’s only fair to compare these local efforts to those that are similar in style instead of “hopping” around from one kind of beer to another. Especially because I discovered the hard way that you can’t have Coop’s DNR and hope to cleanse you palette enough to try Marshall’s Pub Ale. To that end I tried the Coop Zeppelin Wheat.  First let me say that I’ve recently decided Coop is my favorite local brewery. I’ve yet to have one of their beers that wasn’t both memorable and tasty. Even though I’ve tried various beers from Oklahoma breweries over the past few years, nothing in my mind has had the same kind of staying power as Coop’s offerings.  Even so, it may not always have the same level of refinement as some European counterparts, but compared to other Oklahoma breweries Coop certainly exceeds anything else I’ve found in both consistency and quality.

So in true Coop fashion, I found that the Zeppelin Wheat had a pleasant fruity aroma in addition to a strong wheat flavor and a hint of spice. The Boulevard Wheat shared some of the same characteristics, but it had a weird corn-like aftertaste. By comparison I found the Mustang Washita Wheat beer to be the blandest of the bunch. It’s serviceable, sure, but if I had to rank the three I’d say: Coop Zeppelin Wheat, Boulevard Wheat, and Mustang Washita Wheat.

I’m really not trying to be a snob, full disclosure: I spent three Octoberfests in Germany so maybe I still hold a special spot in my heart for the place, but the best of the wheat beers I tried would have to be the Ayinger Brauweiss. It has a citrus aroma, and its wheat flavor is tempered by a dryness that is very complimentary. And it had more crispness than the other three beers mentioned. Quite simply, it is delicious.

We got to talking to David, our bartender, and he mentioned that Republic carried a range of specialty beers from seasonal to fruit-infused. Last time we were at Republic, someone else had told us about a blueberry-infused wheat beer called Sea Dog. Unlike most fruity ales or other fruit flavored beers, the blueberry in this beer is not overwhelming. If anything, I’d have to agree with David, it’s kind of like a Kashi Wholegrain Blueberry waffle. It’s not very sweet at all, which is its own kind of refreshing, but would I make it my standard drink? Probably not. If you’re not into sweet beers or even beers that taste like anything but malt, hops, yeast, water, and grains than you might not like this at all. However, if you like to have a fruity beer on occasion this is not a bad option. Especially if you are not in the mood for something super sweet and/or very tart.

Stats:

Coop Zeppelin Wheat
$5.50/5.6%

Order again? Yes.

Mustang Washita
$5.00/5.3%

Order again? No.

Boulevard Wheat
$4.50/4.4%

Order again? No.

Ayinger Brauwiess

$6.00/5.1%

Order again? Yes.

Sea Dog Wild Blueberry Wheat

$4.50/?

Order again? Yes.

Good thing this isn't wild strawberry, otherwise the mashed-up fruit dripping from the dog's paws might be a little more disturbing.

Colin: Yeti Stout, Coop Gransport Porter, Sea Dog Blueberry.

I was in the mood for some hearty, heavy beers to go with the overcast weather and my fish and chips. I started with the Coop Gransport Porter, which was absolutely the best local porter I’ve ever had. I then followed with the Great Divide Yeti Stout, which might well be my new favorite beer. It’s essentially a meal in itself, like eating a giant loaf of bread that makes you lunch drunk.

The stats:

Yeti Stout
$7.50/9.5%

Order again? Absolutely, so long as I don’t have anything else to do that day.

Coop Gransport Porter
$5.5o/5.4%

Order again? yes

Sea Dog Wild Blueberry Wheat

$4.50/?

Order again? Undecided. I just don’t like fruit-flavored beers, but of the fruit beers I’ve had it’s one of the better ones.

Also going on at Republic? This place has its own beer app.

Pretentious? We don’t think so. It seems like pretty decent app as far as beer journaling goes. And it’s free.

Assistant Manager Alex Elliott said the Republic Beer app has been out for about a month. It was developed by 3 Monkeys, which had been based out of Oklahoma City. They are out of business now, so I’m not sure how that affects the quality of this app in the long run. Things we noticed, you do have to type in your beer correctly for it to be found in the Beer Search, but worry not if you have no idea how a certain brand is spelled or if you only know the first few letters, you can tap “Beer Me!” and a list of beers served at Republic will appear. The app also lets you search by region, style, draft, or bottle. We did notice that the Sea Dog Wild Blueberry Wheat did not show up when we looked for it, but Coop’s Zeppelin Wheat did appear in another search. The flavor profile, alcohol content, category, and other pertinent information about the beer appears once you’ve pulled up your chosen selection. Another neat thing about the app is the randomized search, which lets you either shake or tap it to choose a beer at random. The beer journal is helpful in categorizing, in addition to information on the beer, you can rank it, add notes, and toggle what you thought of it from appearance to mouth feel. One feature that would have been nice to have, but isn’t a mark against the app at all, is the ability randomly choose a beer from the ones you’ve been journaling. If they find another app developer to maintain updates, that feature would be nice to have. Sometimes you just want something you know you like, but just haven’t decided on what yet.

Beer. There's an app for that.

Basketball, Motherfucker! DO YOU PLAY IT?

And the answer in the case of the Thunder, is, of course, a resounding yes. Last night, the Mavericks brought a German power-forward-shaped knife to a gun fight, and it showed. Dirk Nowitzki finished the game with a team high 17 points, but he looked like anything but the ruthlessly efficient machine we saw last year in the playoffs. He was 5 of 8 from the line, which, while still pretty good, doesn’t compare with an almost perfect free throw record in the 2011 playoffs. The Thunder are back with a vengeance, and Dirk hasn’t liked it. Temperament is a fickle thing in the game of basketball: too little intensity, and failure is certain. Too much, and success is unlikely. The Dallas superstar has looked less super the more OKC’s front court combo of Kendrick Perkins, Kevin Durant, and Serge Ibaka has harried him. Both Nowitzki and coach Rick Carlisle almost got thrown out of the game last night (which, may I say, would have been amazing). I guess that’s what being behind the entire night on your home floor as defending champions will do to you.

Be cool, Honeybunny! Bitch, BE COOL!

The Thunder fared much better last night, of course; Kevin Durant finished the night with 31 points and 6 assists, while the Defensive Player of the Year (runner-up, but not runner up in our hearts) Serge Ibaka ended with a double-double, grabbing 10 points and 11 rebounds. How many other defensive players in the league can manage a double double in the playoffs? Westbrook had 20 points. Off the bench, guards Derek Fisher, James Harden, and Daequan Cook combined for 29 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 steals. Oklahoma City also won the turnover battle, having 8 to Dallas’s 16. All in all, Thunder fans have to feel pretty good about last night.

Game 4 is Saturday night, once again in Dallas. I’d love to see the Thunder sweep the Mavericks, but, objectively, I could see the Mavs grabbing a close game 4 victory based solely on the humiliation of game 3′s 95-79 loss. As a result, I’m calling it a 5 game series. Of course, this prediction might primarily be based on the fact that the OKC.NET gang has been doing the Pulp Fiction thing, and it’s perfect: Dallas, in the fifth, your ass goes down.

You may feel a slight sting. That's pride fucking with you.

Clearly this War on Women blows.

I went to the National March Against The War On Women held at the State Capitol’s north lawn this past weekend on April 28th. To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect given recent developments. If you weren’t aware, prior to the protest at the state Capitol, the Oklahoma Personhood bill was languishing in the House. A flurry of e-mails and Internet activity called on all and any available bodies to appear clad in pink for a silent protest at the gallery as the House of Representatives voted on amendments before voting on the final version of the bill. The vote kept getting delayed, to the point where no one was sure if it would be heard before the deadline. House Speaker Kris Steele eventually shelved the legislation. The Personhood bill’s authors and sponsors did a few back-door legal maneuvers to try to rescue the soon-to-be aborted measure, but in the end they couldn’t muster the necessary number of votes to override the rules and bring the bill to a vote. Meanwhile, a parallel effort to get Personhood legislation on the ballot in November was met with an epic head-desk from the Oklahoma State Supreme Court, who called the act “clearly unconstitutional” and struck it down. Most of us in the pro-choice camp are not used to winning these battles, especially here in Oklahoma. Is it possible that our representatives heard us on this issue? It seems almost too good to be true.

Speaking as a non-native Oklahoman and an independent observer of Oklahoma politics, I have rarely if ever seen so many progressive Oklahomans so mobilized to defeat a piece of legislation. Something seems to have changed in the past couple of years, and the spirit of passive accommodation and adaptation on the left has been replaced with a spirit of confident, can-do vigor. If it weren’t for this victory and a few other high profile wins, I would think it was a completely unrealistic attitude. Now I’m not so sure.

We celebrate this victory, but we should remain vigilant. If there is a “War on Women,” then this decision by the Oklahoma Supreme Court is a victory in a single battle. The war, as stated by multiple women speaking at the protest on Saturday, is not over. But then again, is it really a war?

I think it is. This is not the first piece of radical legislation aimed at controlling the reproductive lives of Oklahoma women, and it would be dangerously naive to think it will be the last. Even in this session we saw a very wrong-headed piece of legislation passed and signed: the so called “fetal heartbeat” bill. As originally proposed, this bill would have required women to listen to the heartbeat of a fetus prior to an abortion; the version passed only requires providers to offer this “service”.  Even in its watered down form, this bill is cynical and manipulative in in its efforts to dissuade women from what is, after all, a completely legal medical procedure. It is, however, heartening to see that sometimes, when enough people work hard enough, we can win one.

The show, which was slated to begin at 7, started more along the lines of 7:30. No technical difficulties or anything of the sort – rather, the bands encouraged us all to take a few minutes and browse the works hanging on all the walls.

“Feel free to take a look around,” the doorman said, some of the artists themselves coming around to talk to the concertgoers about any works that caught their eye. During my trek around each room of the gallery, I had to excuse myself and squeeze past two gentlemen talking in a doorway. The taller of the two said a hello and good evening.

First up in the lineup was Ruben and Patrick, what could best be summed up as the lovechild of hardcore and spoken word. Patrick read the lyrics from his phone, offering his apologies to an audience that didn’t really need them. “I write a lot,” he said. “It’s crazy trying to keep up with them all.”

Between each set, the crowd would disperse, half of us going to smoke a cigarette or two while the other half snuck off to buy a beer from the closest convenience store. The smoke breaks between each set were a great way to break the ice between people. As So Called Savages set up their equipment, Baybee wandered the garage, trotting faithfully after Brad as he unloaded their amps.

Next to take the stage, Bradlee and the rest of So Called Savages took a moment to chat with the audience before starting. No frills, the band launched into one of their harder-hitting tunes. I wasn’t able to push my way to the front of the crowd, but quite a few ACM@UCO students, friends of Bradlee’s from class, did. From the front of the crowd to those hovering under the tents outside, everyone was moving – even if it was just to tap their foot.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

After So Called Savages was Deaf Brother. I’ve never actually seen these guys before Tuesday, but they’re not someone you want to miss. In fact, if you haven’t heard them before, take a minute and give this a listen. I’ll wait.

Deaf Brother, to that point, was the part of the show I’d say had the most crowd-band interaction. Lead singer Blake Wiggins hurled himself at those lucky enough to be front row. Mostly ACM students that are also friends with this band, they’d push him away – or he’d press his forehead to theirs and scream the lyrics together into the mike. There were a bunch of times during this set I wished I’d pushed my way to the front.

If you catch a Deaf Brother show in future, be prepared to hear songs inspired by ACM ‘inside jokes’, and to get mussed up a bit. And by the way, they love when you scream along.

The longest smoke break followed Deaf Brother, and during this one I saw a lot of people looking around bored. A group of girls talked loudly against the outside wall as one chain smoked and talked about an ex-boyfriend. During this time I snuck off to the back hallway, stuck in the bathroom line next to a guy I’d never met.

Guys, I’ll say this – this show was a perfect opportunity to meet new people. I’ve seen more Facebook friend requests accepted on my news feed in the hours after the show than in the past few months. People bonded over a shared cigarette or even a “oh, you know the guys in that band?”

While I waited in the restroom line, this guy chatted with me about the “DO NOT ENTER” sign posted on a neighboring door.

“What d’ya think is in there?” he asked.

“The root of all evil, duh,” I told him. To which he quipped, “What, a room filled with neon dildos?”

I mean, if that’s your worst fear. Or your definition of the ‘root of all evil.’

—-

Eventually, it was time for Listener. I’ll admit – I had only heard a handful of releases from their most recent album, Wooden Heart. They’re what I’d consider an acquired taste. Myself, I love it – they are a spoken word band, lyrics twisting and flowing over a guitar riff or loop. Vocalist and lyricist Dan Smith has a gnarly mustache and (is this possible?) an even gnarlier voice.

Give them a listen and you might see what I mean.

As soon as word started spreading through the crowd that it was time, I saw even a couple with their kid squeeze into the garage, the man propping the little boy on his shoulders. At this point, I finally mustered the courage to push past the people until I got a few feet back from the front. After a few minutes of people pushing and shifting from one foot to the other, Dan looked out at us all.

“I’d like to ask you all a favor,” he said. “Just as human beings. Would you all mind sitting down for me?”

Although I’m sure most people in that room don’t frequent shows that would be ‘sit-down’ shows, we all complied. Only a few people remained standing along the side walls, where there wasn’t any room to sit. After a few minutes, Dan launched into one of their songs. People pulled out their phones, the girls directly in front of me snapping quick pictures on Instagram then setting their phones in their lap.

—

Photo by Cary Cody.

If you have never been blessed with an opportunity to see Listener, I want to recommend you change that ASAP. Between each song, Dan chatted with the audience, asking “How are you all doing tonight?” and answering all manner of questions.

“What’s your favorite color?” Will Ogletree yelled out. “Clear,” Dan quipped. A little boy in the back shouted, “yellow!”

“That’s a good color,” Dan said and took another question, only for the little boy to shout “yellow!” again.

One would think at first that the main reason Dan spent so much time talking with the audience was because his bass amp had quit working. But between each set, you started to figure it out – hey, he’s really that nice a guy.

The setlist boasted pretty much every standout track from Wooden Heart, if you could really pick one over another as a “standout.” Each time Dan announced a song, the crowd would hoot and clap. During “I Don’t Want To Live Forever,” I looked around as I sang along, and saw at least half the audience doing the same. If there were very many people there who didn’t know the words, you wouldn’t have known. Nor would anyone have cared.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

To introduce fan favorite “You Were a House on Fire,” Dan talked about something I definitely can relate to, as could probably most of my age group.

“This song is inspired by conversations I’ve had, with the kind of people who want to get away without really knowing why,” he said. “Of course we all want to get away, but I mean. We get so caught up in how easy it is to just get away. We don’t like our job? We just quit. We don’t like this place, we want to leave. Where do we want to go? Oh, I don’t know.”

This is the first show I have been to locally that has actually made me cry, and as I snuck a glance around the room between songs I saw a few other people trying to be sneaky and wipe their eyes. Guys, even. Yeah, I saw you.

Interestingly enough, this is the first national act I’ve had the luck to see in concert. I go to shows often, but I usually only frequent local venues and catch local bands when they play Bad Granny’s or Paseo Underground, or other local haunts.

But Listener is by far the best show I’ve been to yet. For the hour-plus they had the stage, an entire audience was captivated. One of the highlights of the night was singing, “I don’t want to live forever, I just want to live for now,” and hearing the voices of everyone else together.

What more is music about than that shared experience with everyone else?

To close, Dan said, “I want to thank you all for being here tonight. If you’re in bands and you’re ever in town, we could give you a place to stay. Heck, even if you’re not in a band. There are too many of those, am I right?”

Most of the crowd scattered afterward, to hit another band’s house party or to smoke a cigarette. A small group of us stayed behind, waiting off to the side to talk to Dan. It’s not every show the headlining artist will stick around after the night closes, but Dan hugged each of us and talked to us.

Cary Cody, who’d been taking photographs throughout the night and during the set, went up and met him. We’d already worked it out – he’d snap a shot of me and Dan if I took one of them first. He gave the thumbs-up and I snapped it.

“Can I see that?” Dan asked, and we handed the camera over. So Dan turned the camera on us, snapping a picture of the group that’d stayed behind. After that, he hugged me and I thanked him for what I days later still consider my best concert experience yet (and likely for many to come).

Look, guys - I met Dan Smith from Listener! Here's photo proof, thanks to the great Cary Cody.

“You have never lived because you have never died,” says one of their songs. But I’d venture to say you haven’t lived, not to this level, until you have a chance to see Listener.

They’re gone from Oklahoma for awhile, but if you’ve got time for a spur-of-the-moment road trip, they’re playing Mesa, Ariz. on Friday, May 4 before heading to the East coast in June.

Check out Listener here.

Check out Deaf Brother on Bandcamp or on Facebook.

Check out So Called Savages on Facebook.

“Hey, I know you” a girl says as I walk to class.

“Oh yeah?” I say, startled.

“Yeah, you’re Brandon Patrick, the face of women’s rights in Oklahoma!” she proclaimed, proudly.

“I’m not sure that’s true, or possible,” I retort.

“Yep, you are, I saw you speak at the Capitol! You are the face of women’s rights!” She insists.

“Oh, I guess so.” I say, giving in.

Sometimes stating the obvious is kinda brave, Editoral staff.

People think things. And sometimes, despite evidence to the contrary, they will still think things. It is insane to insist, or even believe that I, a black male, am the voice of women’s rights. I am a comedian, and my act isn’t even necessarily “pro-woman” all the time. But because I took a gig that a lot of people saw, at least in the minds of those people that’s who I am, a woman’s rights activist. I’m not smart or anything, but from what I gather people tend to not shake first impressions. So when as a kid, your dad tells you that being gay is a choice, and as far as choices go it is a wrong one, that tends to stick in people’s minds. I’m not gay, but friends of mine are, and from what I gather it wasn’t a choice they made one day, it was something they lived with and have had to battle with as they grow up in a society that doesn’t understand or accept them; think X-Men, but instead of having telekinesis or adamantium claws, they can help you match suit separates!

Lately the GOP has been attacking both women and gays. Gays get it tougher, because NO ONE can argue that being a woman isn’t something you are born with. Conservatives want women to sit down and shut up, but they want gay people to stop existing entirely. It’s super easy to dismiss being gay as an abhorrent lifestyle choice, because it’s a small minority- only 10% of the population. Once you’re convinced it’s a choice, it’s a short leap from there to the sort of conspiratorial thinking that blames gays for everything from the high divorce rate (because the gays made you bang your secretary?) to Hurricane Katrina (because the gays used their telekinesis to warm the waters of the gulf of Mexico?). WHY ARE THEY DOING THIS TO US?

Also, apparently God hates them. It’s on the internet, look it up.  Leviticus 20:13 “If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.” So pretty cut and dry, open and shut case right? It’s in the bible and we are a Christian nation (despite that pesky first amendment) but what else does Leviticus say? Can we openly hate Mexicans too?! Nope, they didn’t know about the Aztecs yet. If you run into any Canaanites, you can hate them, though. You can commit murder-suicide if the man cheats (20:10), and this is compounded if you sleep with your wife and her mom- you are all to be burnt to death (20:14), ruining a wacky sitcom premise. If you curse God, the community gets to stone you to death (24:14-16) and of course if you sleep with a woman on her period, you are to both be cut off from your people, which I think means all humans (20:18). Okay, but aside from that, Christianity is a peaceful religion (IGNORE DEUTERONOMY 17:2-7 AT ALL COSTS) and is inherent in mankind, (remember being born and talking about Jesus and shit? Meee too!)

So why do we persecute homosexuals? Because it’s different. Straight people find it icky. They have sex differently, and may have created AIDS on an airplane. [citation needed]

We persecute gays because it is easy. The way society is set up, everyone is always looking for an angle to be better than the next guy. Even the lowest most uneducated person wants to look at someone and say “well I know that my shit is messed up, but THESE people are really terrible,” The American tradition is to just lump that on black folks, immigrants, or, if we were feeling nostalgic, “The Jews”, But since OPEN racial hatred is passe these days, we needed another group to treat sub-humanly and make our lowest common denominator feel good about himself. Enter the gays.

Gays aren’t out to kill marriage. They are just people who want to be treated like people. As rational human beings I think maybe we should stand a little more firmly in support of gays, they are in the corner of the rational person more often than not.

Let’s just love each other, even if we don’t always understand each other*.

*Except the Kardashians. Seriously, how are they still a thing?

In this edition of OOM, our fair hosts take a break from the scientific and embark on a literary quest to inform your earholes of radium and space vomiting.

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Stan Lee: the Legend himself.

Here’s an apocryphal story, a legend from the annals of comics history: In 1961, a Marvel publisher was golfing with a friend who was an executive from DC Comics. The DC executive was bragging about the runaway success of the Justice League, the super-team consisting of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and assorted other DC A-listers. After their round of golf, the Marvel publisher called his most trusted writer, Stanley Leiber (who had taken the pen name Stan Lee in a regrettable time of prejudice against people of Jewish descent), and directed him to come up with a team of superheroes that could compete with the Justice League. Lee and his creative partner Jack Kirby collaborated to create perhaps the most popular and influential comic of the 1960′s: The Avengers.

Wait, what? No, that’s not right. They didn’t get created until 1963. Here we go:

For my money, the coolest logo Marvel has to offer.

And so began the Silver Age of Comics for Marvel. It seems weird now to think that the Fantastic Four predated the Avengers as competition for the Justice League, especially when you think about the Avengers‘ creation two years later, and that the Avengers are a much closer analogue to the Justice League than Reed Richards and his associates. It was suggested that I write about the Avengers and their history this week since the so-incredibly-anticipated-it’s-a-little-bit-ridiculous-but-since-it’s-Joss-Whedon-maybe-it-really-will-be-that-good film adaptation of the Avengers comes out this week. I started that article, but you know what? I wanted to write about the Fantastic Four, dammit.

I feel they’re somewhat under-appreciated in the current comics world, which may be in part to the perception that the best the Fantastic Four has ever been was when Lee and Kirby were the creative team behind it in the 1960′s (John Byrne had a great run in the ’80′s, but it was basically re-hashing old Lee and Kirby stories. Not that that’s bad thing).

Fantastic Four #1. Cover art by Jack Kirby.

Consisting of Mr. Fantatsic, the Invisible Woman (who later gained additional, better superpowers), the Thing, and the Human Torch, the Fantastic Four were just so relevant, so perfect for the early 1960′s. In the middle of the Cold War, at the dawn of the Space Age, Fantastic Four #1 told the story of four friends who test-piloted a rocket into space, and gained superpowers from mysterious cosmic waves found there. They came back to earth, started battling evil, and became celebrities (they uniquely made no attempt to hide their identity). Men wanted to be Mr. Fantastic, and women wanted to be with him (no doubt due in part to his ability to stretch his body parts to incredible proportions). His girlfriend, Sue Storm, was a blonde bombshell who was the toast of the town.

Sue Storm.

It sounds completely ludicrous now (and make no mistake, it did then, too), but that was the Fantastic Four. There was also the kindly old mailman Willie Lumpkin thrown in for good measure.  The Fantastic Four were the first homogenous superhero team, which is to say they differed from the Justice league and the Avengers in that they were all created at the same time for the purpose of being on a team together. The Justice League had an assortment of characters who all had their own individual comics to begin with, and the X-Men were still two years away (also being published in 1963). So when you go see The Avengers next week, have a great time, but don’t forget about Marvel’s original super-team.

Picks for the Week:

Earth 2 #1, James Robinson, Nicola Scott: This week, James Robinson and Nicola Scott explore an alternate, parallel universe origin story for the New 52′s Justice League and their battle against Darkseid. A little bit contrived? Maybe. Still interesting reading, though.

Earth 2 #1. Cover art by Ivan Reis, Joe Prado, Rod Reis.

Batman: The Man Who Laughs, Ed Brubaker Doug Mahnke, Patrick Zircher: It seems like I recommend something by Ed Brubaker every other week. In this graphic novel, Brubaker pens two stories that explore the twisted relationship between Batman and the Joker. Excellent Bat stories, and excellent crime fiction. As always, Brubaker delivers.

The creepiest the Joker has any right to be. Art by Doug Mahnke.

Pull up a chair and try some tequila.

Porn stars occupy a strange space in American pop culture. They are the distant relatives of the Old World demimonde, trading on their sexual prowess to secure a lavish lifestyle.  Better known and more respectable than most members of congress, they still get precious little recognition. Perhaps owing to America’s near constant state of sexual panic or, conversely, to the very low quality of a lot of porn, it’s rare to hear adult films discussed in “polite” company, despite being a massively profitable worldwide industry.

One of relatively few stars to emerge from the world of porn into broader public consciousness is Oklahoma City resident Cindy Taylor. Better known by the stage name Jesse Jane, she is one of the most popular adult film stars in the world. If you know an adult heterosexual male, there is a solid chance that you know someone who is familiar with her work. She is best known as one of the stars of Pirates, a highly expensive (by porn standards) historical costume drama that further blurs the already fuzzy line between hardcore porn and the covers of bodice ripping romance novels. In addition to her adult film work, Taylor/Jane has a lucrative side career as an industry commentator, talk show host, sex columnist, and mainstream actress.

We sat down with her recently to discuss the newest addition to her extensive resume, a designer tequila called Diosa. Jane said her friends urged her to make a sex-themed drink, but that she decided not to do so because she knew those drinks weren’t really profitable. Another formerly disreputable industry experiencing a boom in mainstream respect, tequila seems like a good fit for an entrepreneurial minded adult film actress.

Our staff had never tried flavored tequila before; flavored tequilas have only existed since 2004, so we were slightly wary upon first glance. Given how well tequila mixes, as testified to by the millions of drinks with the suffix “rita”, we needn’t have worried. The sweetness of the flavored tequilas – especially the excellent almond and mango flavors – takes the edge off and complements the agave flavor nicely, while the silver 100% Blue Agave Diosa is sweet, smooth, and packs a hell of a kick, not unlike it’s high profile sponsor. It would be nice to see a Reposado or Anejo in the future, but this is a brand new operation.

Jesse Jane is not the first adult film star to dabble in the world of liquor, witness designer rum label Ron de Jeremy – yes that’s a real thing, but she is unique in that she is a co-owner of the brand and helped to develop it rather than simply licensing her image to outside producers. It’s a savvy move, positioning herself to reap any potential financial windfall from the brand. In some ways the most striking thing about Jesse Jane is that she is, first and foremost, a clever businesswoman, not at all out of place in suburban OKC. She was solidly on message through the entire interview- the mark of a true pro- and the way that she has built her personal brand over the past decade would earn her high marks in any MBA program.

Diosa may or may not conquer the already competitive world of designer tequila, but I wouldn’t bet against it. After all, if Sammy Hagar can do it…

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Even Wayne Rooney gets bitter beer face.

Daniel:

Sam Adams Summer Ale

For my first beer, I decided to give the Summer Ale another chance. I tried it last summer, and didn’t really care for it. The light, orange-y notes were not something I really liked. Since then, though, I’ve gotten thoroughly into IPAs, and so I thought maybe my palette has changed enough to give the Summer Ale another shot. Sam Adams‘ best beers are their Boston Lager and their seasonals, and the Summer Ale doesn’t disappoint. It’s very light, with a touch of sweetness, and goes down very easily. While still not a favorite, the Sam Adams Summer Ale is a fantastic beer for lazy summer days.

I swear, these are the coolest glasses.

Adam:

Choc 1919 Wheat

I chose an Oklahoma beer because I’m from Oklahoma, and I wanted to try a local beer. The 1919 is a decent wheat beer; it’s a little light in body but has a decent wheat flavor. For a local beer, it’s pretty good.

Andreas:

Hoegaarden Wheat

I picked Hoegaarden because it’s hot outside, and I wanted a refreshing beer. I think Hoegaarden is one of the best wheat ales in the world.

Hoegaarden.

Chris:

Left Hand Milk Stout

I like stouts, and Left Hand‘s stout is much smoother than something dry like a Guinness. There’s a nice creamy head, notes of coffee at the beginning, and has a smooth finish.

Daniel:

Belhaven Scottish Ale

I wanted something dark, so I chose a Scottish Ale. It’s a wee light, though. Its flavor is somewhat similar to the heady maltiness of a Smithwick’s, but it has almost a watered-down taste. While not a terrible beer, it’s not not something I recommend.

Andreas:

Baltika Lager

I’ve never tried a Russian beer, and so I was interested to see what it was like. It’s a lager, but it almost has its own style; it’s light, a bit dry, and has a touch of  fruity sweetness in the aftertaste. It’s quite clear for a lager. It’s not bad, but I probably wouldn’t get it again.

Chris:

Knoig Ludwig Weissbier

This beer is definitely a classic wheat beer. It has a flavor similar to Hoegaarden, but is a bit lighter, and with minor floral notes.

The fifth Norman Music Festival took place over the weekend, and it was…well, it was a music festival. I’d never been before, and it was cool. I wasn’t sure if I’d like it because I haven’t been into live music festivals lately. But it was like going to the State Fair, but fun, and not quite as silly. As the pictures below will show, it was certainly silly, just not state fair silly. From the children’s stage where emerging talent can log some stage time to the Dustbowl Arts market, the event had a little bit of everything. There were even a few political booths, which was a feature I hadn’t been expecting. But it makes sense, music and politics.

Managing Editor Helen Grant, OKC.NET, friend Brian Barbee, roommate Kyle Olson, and myself set out, and caught several acts, including a heavy metal act and a jazz fusion act who were playing on the main stage Saturday afternoon. If you’ve never been to the Norman Music Festival, you should go next year if nothing else than to see local bands and hear what Oklahoma has to offer. Word has it that the Evangelicals, a band I’d never heard of until now, are ones to watch.

Another interesting thing about Norman’s music festival was that the “Dum Dum Dah Dah” music video by The Nghiems won Pros Pick at NMF5 and was screened in front of thousands of people on the main stage. If you missed it, check it out below on youtube.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Photos by Helen Grant.

Arts Fest is one of the few events in Oklahoma City that has been around long enough to count as an institution. No one who grew up around here doesn’t have memories of this spring ritual. It was and is an elementary school field trip staple, as well as a perfect adolescent boredom killer back in the dark days before Norman Music Festival and the NBA.

In the unlikely event that you didn’t know, the Festival of the Arts is one of the largest arts events of it’s kind in the nation. It takes place at and around the Myriad Botanical Gardens each Spring and features artists from all over the country. Local restaurants pair with local arts organizations to raise money with huge plates of wildly diverse food options- no corn dogs here. (Or actual dogs, for that matter; it’s a sadly pet free event, although you can buy some truly hideous dog paintings if you really give it a go.) The Oklahoma Arts Council is also responsible for the addition of a children’s art market; unlike the rest of the festival this feature was only available on Saturday.

This year’s festival was a high profile showcase for the newly remodeled Myriad Botanical Gardens. Shorn of much of it’s original 1980s Logan’s Run-esque concrete architecture, the gardens feel every bit the classy, imaginative, and forward looking urban park it was originally envisioned as.  The interactive water sculpture on the west end of the gardens was a big hit in the afternoons with children and adults alike. The brand new colorful, whimsical kids park was just as bustling as the arts market itself. It’s just another reminder that the current crop of brand new OKC kiddies are growing up in a truly different city than even their older siblings did.

The pictures below are but a small sampling of what the week-long event had to offer.

All photos by Helen Grant and Lynne Rostochil unless credited otherwise; more detail on each photo is displayed in the Flickr set.

“Take a cruise, that’s what worked for a friend of mine!”

“Why don’t you just adopt?”

“Maybe this isn’t God’s plan for you?”

These are just a few examples of the many so-called “well-meaning” sentiments that people say to you when they find out you are having difficulty trying to conceive a child.  If you were to say any of the above within the earshot of a veteran of the infertility trenches, you could earn yourself a punch in the throat, or at least a glare that says more than what one would say in polite company.

According to RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association : Infertility is a disease that results in the abnormal functioning of the male or female reproductive system.  Both the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), World Health Organization (WHO) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recognize infertility as a disease.  Infertility is defined as the inability to conceive after one year of unprotected intercourse (six months if the woman is over age 35) or the inability to carry a pregnancy to live birth.

For those that suffer from this disease, like myself, infertility is an emotional and physical burden to carry.  The inability to succeed at something so ingrained into our biological nature is humiliating and depressing.  What should be the easiest thing in the world to succeed at (after all, teenagers and crackheads can do it!) provides the greatest sense of failure you will ever know.  You are stripped of your femininity, or in the case of male factor infertility - emasculated, through a series of invasive tests and procedures.  Your private sexual life is now, quite literally, under a microscope. To top it all off, your ability to create your family can be limited by the financial means you have available to you.  If you do not have insurance coverage for the necessary tests or procedures, then you can be facing medical costs that usually run between 10 -30,000 dollars per treatment.  Adoption isn’t always a cheaper option either.  Private and foreign adoption can cost you just as much as infertility treatment and most couples have already spent the money on said treatment before moving onto to the choice of adoption.  Of course, neither option can 100% guarantee that you’ll go home with a child in the end.

In honor of National Infertility Awareness Week, (because I have been on this so-called journey for the past 13 years, and now my husband and I are now pursuing becoming parents via the foster-to-adoption route) my editors here at OKC.NET have asked me to write a monthly column in which I will explain the process that I have gone through in my quest to become a mother.  I hope to better educate our readers – and the public at large – about something that is often misunderstood because it is such a private issue.  I will discuss not only my own story, but the stories of women and couples I know who have turned to a variety of means to build their families.  I will also strive to answer any questions you may have about anything I have written, or that you may have heard in general and would like to know more about.

My story begins like so many other little girls; all I wanted to do was be a Mommy when I grew up.  I’ve always had an extremely maternal/nurturing side of my personality in which my dolls and animals were my outlet as a child.  As I grew, the desire for motherhood did not wane.  I spent my teenage years babysitting to earn money and hang around babies and small children.  My mother gave birth to me at the age of 20, so I thought nothing of becoming a mother at a young age as it was quite common in my family.  In the three years we were together before our marriage, my husband and I had encountered more than one pregnancy “scare” in which he was nervous and I was secretly thrilled and hopeful.  Within eight months after our marriage we started actively trying to conceive a child.  At this time I was 21 and was completely convinced that I would be mother by the new millennium only ten months away.

Instead, month after month brought heartache and disappointment.

Internet chat rooms and bulletin boards were just becoming popular and there were plenty of outlets for women who were trying to conceive.  My life became an endless stream of acronyms  as I learned how to chart my BBT (basal body temperature - to know when I was ovulating), examining my CM (cervical mucous - just as gross as it sounds) and scheduling BD (baby dancing AKA sex) with my DH (dear husband).  If I was even one day late at the end of my cycle, I would rush to my OB/GYN’s office to ask for a beta (blood test to measure HCG, the pregnancy hormone) only to be disappointed when either the test came back negative, or my period would start later that day.  After enduring these ups and downs for many months, my doctor and I agreed that due to my family history of endometriosis and other female reproductive issues that I should schedule a laperoscopy procedure in order to diagnose and treat anything that may be going on with my reproductive organs.  My surgery was performed on January 7, 2000 and after removing several spots of “endo” on my uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries, I was declared fully fertile and ready to start trying again within six weeks of recovery.

Subsequent months of continued failure (along with other circumstances in my life at the time) eventually brought on a deep depression.  At the time, I was living in the Washington, D.C. metro area because my husband worked as a government contractor for the Department of Defense.  Without family and friends to help me through these tough times, I felt extremely alone and vulnerable. Eventually, I knew that I needed a support system in place to help me deal with my depression, and so I moved back to Oklahoma, where I have remained since.  I thought perhaps living once again in familiar surroundings would help me to “relax” and that I would finally become pregnant.

IVF is the most common medical treatment for infertility, but it isn't appropriate for all couples

Two years passed with no results.  I listened to people that told me not to worry, because I was still young and I also did not have the money or medical coverage to seek any further testing.  Every time a friend or family member would announce their pregnancy, I would feel the white-hot stab of simultaneous jealousy and sorrow in my heart.  However, for their sake, I had to put on my happy face and pretend that everything was fine.  Mother’s Day was always especially painful.  Having to endure an entire holiday that did nothing but remind me of my own failures was excruciating.  If it weren’t for the support of my online friends who were enduring the same thing, I don’t know how I would’ve coped.  No one else I knew in person was going through anything similar.  It seemed like the entire world minus myself was fertile.  During this time, it was mere happenstance that my husband found out that he had a hernia in the groin area.  When he went to see a urologist to schedule surgery, I mentioned to the doctor that we had been trying to conceive for three years without success. The doctor suggested that we order a semen analysis to see if my husband’s sperm could be a contributing factor.  The test results were devastating:  there was no way that my husband could ever father a child without Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART).  As is typical with most couples going through fertility struggles, both parties assume that the problem lies with the woman’s reproductive organs, so we were both shocked to learn that we equally contributed to our conception issues.  The doctor diagnosed my husband as having a vericocele of the testes and would perform surgery to try and correct the problem at the same time as the hernia repair.  Our hopes were once again buoyed with the thought that we would be able to finally succeed after a simple procedure. Unfortunately, subsequent tests throughout the years have since shown otherwise and we were back to square one.

Next month, I will share with you how my husband and I wrestled with the decision throughout the years as through what means we would now build our family, and how we eventually came to the decision to become foster parents with the hope to eventually adopt a placement.  In the meantime, allow me to direct you to the following links that may answer some questions you have, or clear up any confusion about infertility myths: Fast Facts About Infertility (from RESOLVE), and Frequently Asked Questions About Infertility (also from RESOLVE).

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

ACM@UCO

It’s time once again for the Norman Music Festival, and if you’re looking to catch some homegrown talent, look no further than the ACM@UCO Showcase.

This year, eight acts will take the stage, ranging from acoustic to blues and back again to progressive rock.

The ACM@UCO Showcase, which will be held at The Brewhouse (110 W Main) on April 27th, will begin at 6 p.m. and run until 2 a.m. Here’s a sneak peek at the performing acts, to prepare you for the real deal.

Cait Moore – 6 p.m.

Opening the showcase is Cait Moore, a second semester vocal performance major at the ACM@UCO. Moore’s last performance was at the ACM Rocks Bricktown last Thursday, where she closed out the event at JJ’s Alley. Only in her second semester, Cait’s already made a name for herself online, where her music is available for free download here.

Cait’s got a lot of irons in the fire, performing her original acoustic material at venues around the metro while also serving as drummer for psychedelic rock band WeKilledtheLastSuperhero. If you’re looking for a reason to see her live, look no further than her cover of Manchester Orchestra’s “I Can Feel a Hot One” – definitely one of the standouts of her online releases.

You can listen to it here.

The Kamals – 7 p.m.

Next are the Kamals, a rock-soul quintet hailing from Oklahoma City, composed of friends who have jammed together for years. The group boasts a diverse live set, and is working on original material to release. They’ve played with bands like The Black Jack Gypsies and Jonathon Tyler and the Northern Lights, and released a debut EP in February. These five friends have been movin’ and shakin’ for years, and will have you grooving too.

Scott Fleenor – 8 p.m.

Also featured at the recent ACM Rocks Bricktown showcase is Scott Fleenor, who performs blues and souls hits alongside his band. In addition to performing John Legend tunes and Stevie Ray Vaughn’s “Pride and Joy,” Fleenor also performs original works. One of his recent performances includes a song about the uncertainties that accompany graduation and life changes. Sliding effortlessly from one song into another, Fleenor gives a heckuva show for anyone who likes the blues. So if you like hearing blues goodness, come on out to see this one!

Giraffe Massacre – 10 p.m.

Do you like music? Do you like things that are fun?

Did you miss Giraffe Massacre when they played at UCO’s Lunch at the Lake on Tuesday? Fear not, because they’ll be performing at NMF5 this year. David Carlyle and Nick Morgan blend instrumental melodies that skip from crazy guitar riffs to slammin’ drum beats. What they lack in number, they more than make up for in complexity, with songs that leave the listener unsure where they’ll take you next.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Fun fact: drummer Nick Morgan also plays with fellow rock band The Hitt Boyz, who were at one point slated to play NMF. Double fun fact: the Hitt Boyz are also an instrumental band that experiments with time signatures and off-the-cuff guitar riffs. Small world.

Slanga and Breezy Burnz – 11 p.m.

Looking for something a little different? Slanga and Breezy Burnz have you covered – they’re the standout hip-hop act of the night. Go ‘keep it trill’ with everyone at the set – no really, go ahead. I’ll wait.

Peach – midnight

“Let us step outside of ourselves and use you as a vessel,” Peach beseeches their listeners. What is Peach?

According to the band themselves, they’re a band ‘undefined yet destined for a definition.’ Stop by to listen to their ‘metaphorical love making’, they ask – in other words, listen to the music.

Carousel Revolt – 1 a.m.

Closing out the night is Carousel Revolt, a threesome “groove-oriented” rock outfit hailing from southwest Oklahoma, relocated to the metro to study at the ACM@UCO. Friends for most of their time in school, Joel Parks, Tremaine Wade and Lucas Gillette have been performing since their middle school days.

“The best thing we can give people at our shows is a great time,” Parks says. “That’s really what it’s all about, because everyone’s going to get something different out of the experience.” Will it be an experience to rival their school performances, where Gillette can be found playing bass barefoot? Will it be like their spring break show at Bad Granny’s, where Parks snapped a guitar string not once, but twice, all while playing in the dark?

Guess you’ll have to go and find out for yourself. While you’re at it, check out one of their crowd favorites, “Curious Exchange.”

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

The Boys. One of whom is a girl. Art by Darick Robertson.

You probably won’t like The Boys. At least, you probably won’t if you’re a well-adjusted, thinking, feeling, human being. It’s violent, needlessly crass, and at times just unremittingly filthy. It’s also by Garth Ennis (with fantastically garish art by Darick Robertson), though, so The Boys is also compelling, funny, thrilling, and deeply sympathetic to its characters as terrible things happen to them and around them. The premise is that superheroes are not as well-adjusted and do not have the moral compass that superheroes in mainstream comics usually have. In other words, they’re like regular people, with strengths, weaknesses, and difficulty dealing with celebrity (their exploits and personalities are cleaned up in comics written about them to publicize them). As a result, most of the “supes” have trouble dealing with their public and private personas, and many engage in drinking, drug use, and aberrant sexual activity.

That’s where The Boys come in. Since the “supes” have so many problems, the C.I.A. creates an off-the-record team to keep them in line. Composed of five members who hail from around the globe, the somewhat-inaccurately-named Boys spend each issue kicking ass and taking the names of parodic analogues of well-known superheroes and teams. The Justice League is the most-lampooned in the form of “The Seven”, wherein the Homelander (Superman) is obsessed with profit, Queen Maeve (Wonder Woman) is a drunk, and Jack from Jupiter (the Martian Manhunter) is a depraved drug addict.

Frenchie gives no quarter. Art by Darick Robertson.

So far, this sounds awful, doesn’t it? But let me finish. Underneath all the violence, the vulgarity, the darkness, and the general offensiveness of The Boys, there are multiple levels of meaning and subtext. You see, the Superheroes are completely corporatized, and they’re governed by a massive multinational corporation called Vought-American, who is a defense contractor for the government, and has deep ties with the President. Essentially, The Boys takes a note from Watchmen and asks the question “who watches the watchmen?” The answer, unfortunately, is that, while Vought-American watches the supes, no one really watches Vought-American, and the team known as The Boys is trying to rectify that.

Also, Boys member Wee Hughie is based on the always amazing Simon Pegg. Art by Darick Robertson.

The Boys began publishing in 2006, while America was mired in the controversial conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Ennis seems to be showing his disdain for American politics at the time by portraying this iteration of American government (who is really run by Vought-American) as a mess, with very little communication between departments and an incompetent Vice President who is thoroughly in the pocket of Vought-American. Sound familiar? Ennis is giving his take on the Bush administration, and clearly does not approve of their politics.

"Let's synchronize our watches so we don't miss Jackass."

 So that’s one level on which The Boys works, but there’s an entirely other level of satire interwoven with the political commentary. There’s the obvious parody of superheroes, but within that, there’s also a very meta- take on the comics industry itself. Ennis calls out comics for the “women in refrigerators” trope, wherein comics do terrible things to women. The character of Starlight, a naive young Christian superhero, joins The Seven and is sexually abused by the male members in the first story arc. In a later story arc, representatives from Vought-American (who own Victory Comics, the publisher of the comic books fictionalizing and cleaning up the exploits of the supes) tell Starlight her origin story is going to be ret-conned to include rape, so she will be darker and sexier, and her comic will thus sell more issues. “Nothing goes together like supes and rape, that’s what they say at Victory,” one of the men tells her. Starlight responds with the fact that she was almost raped by one of the members of the Seven previously, and that “it didn’t make me dark and it didn’t make me sexual! It made me want to scream until I died!”

Starlight's new, "edgier" look. Art by Darick Robertson.

Ennis also addresses other perceived problems in the comics industry, such as poor writing, ridiculous crossovers (via the “Herogasm” mini-series), and for trying too hard to put interesting spins on themes and stories which have worn thin from decades of use. To be fair, he does this while also using the same themes, story-lines, and tropes he’s criticizing (but he’s not afraid to call himself out for it). The difference is he’s using these familiar aspects of superhero mythos to offer a commentary on the medium itself, and, more than anything else, challenges the reader to think about what he or she reads. I can’t in good conscience recommend The Boys, but it’s smart, funny and compelling. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Queen Maeve says it all. Art by Darick Robertson.

Picks for the Week:

Irredeemable Vol. 1, Mark Waid and Peter Krause: Mark Waid, known as the unofficial historian of the DC Universe, takes on the Superman mythos, exploring similar (but much less vulgar) territory as The Boys. Waid poses the question, “why does Superman do what he does?” Which is to say, what happened if an all-powerful being such as Superman can’t psychologically handle the pressure of being an icon and a hero? What would it take for the ultimate hero to become the ultimate villain? Waid is a giant of comics, and here he flexes his writing muscles and shows why.

Apparently, Waid's main character the Plutonian has an Adidas sponsorship deal. Cover art by Peter Krause.

Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea, Guy Delisle: Delisle, a Canadian author who traveled with his wife to North Korea for two months, documents the strange, almost surreal time he and his wife spent there. Sparse and unsettling, Pyongyang is a work full of intellect and insight.

Accordions. Nothing but accordions. Art by Guy Delisle.

Editor’s Note: Fair warning: if you send us Dio Fan Art, we will probably post it.

Artist: Mary Page Bailey; Microsoft PowerPoint Clip Art

Artist’s Statement:

Here is my finished product. It’s fan art based on the lyrics to Holy Diver. I think it speaks to the true duality of rock and roll, in that much of the genre has been presumed to be “of the devil” historically, but divine inspiration must occur in the souls of men in order to create true art.

Enter Chris McBee.

He’s the owner of Central Oklahoma Stormchasers and has professionally chased storms for the past 5 years. In that time he’s documented many tornadoes and other severe weather phenomena.  In 2010 he hired Shane Carmack to assist as driver. Carmack said he moved to Oklahoma several years ago and had always been interested in weather. He and Mcbee became friends and decided to start chasing together. To pay for some of the operating cost, Central OK Storms has licensed their images and videos to PBS’s NOVA as well as other media outlets.  Mcbee said most of the income they generate from storm chasing goes toward equipment and vehicle enhancements.  He said there’s always new and better equipment. He also participates in Chaser Con, which McBee says occurs every year in Denver, Co., and has driven outside the state more than once to chase storms.

Naturally one wonders if storm chasers have a favorite story. Mcbee said, “Best storm memory is probably the tornadoes I filmed on April 22, 2010 in the Texas Panhandle. I closed on my first house that morning, and then filmed two photogenic tornadoes that only affected rural areas and did no discernible damage.”

Left to right - Sean Casey and Chris McBee at ChaserCon 2012 in Denver. Casey made an IMAX film called "Tornado Alley" which is being shown in museums and science centers around the world.

McBee was willing to let  OKC.NET ride with him, so during the weekend of April 13th-14th we asked cameraman Andy Gomez to go out and document the storm chasers. To be frank, a lot of our other staff were a little bit jealous that Andy got the assignment to go ride out with Chris and his crew. It’s clear that the prospect of danger gets us easily excited too. That said, McBee runs his business like any thoughtful owner would. Anyone who rides with him is given a waiver to sign and usually has a job assigned to them. With Central Oklahoma Stormchasers there are no free rides.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Daniel ponders the greatness of our idea to do Monday beer reviews.

Another Monday, another beer review. It’s become a regular thing (and a business expense), so Mondays are now something to look forward to. OKC.NET Executive Editor Colin Newman accompanied us today, as did Helen’s children. Hilarity (and beer) ensued.

Marvin Gaye also came up at the table.

Helen:

Anyone who’s read our beer reviews knows that I’ve been acutely focused on local news and developments.  Often, but more because I’m not a native Oklahoman, I feel like I need to explore what this state has to offer outside of the cheap housing, steak, and fried pies. I mean, besides tornadoes and other blowhards, I have to believe there are other reasons to live here. Call it me trying to make good on the ideal of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.”

To that end, I sampled from RePUBlic’s “Pride of Oklahoma” menu.

First up: Oklahoma City’s Coop Ale DNR. $6.00

The DNR is a Belgium-style strong ale. That said, I really enjoyed the DNR (which, yes, DNR does mean Do Not Resuscitate). First, it is very flavorful. Second, it’s 10 point beer. In addition to being a medium amber color, it has a fair amount of transparency and is lightly carbonated. But back to the flavors-amazing! It’s a blend of malt and hops, so expect a bit of sweetness upfront and a bit of bitterness on the back. Even so, it is very well-balanced. It’s a little dry, but not unpleasantly so. It has a hint of vanilla at the forward, and almost a tropical note on the back that ends with a little bitterness, like if you ate a slightly unripe banana, but somehow much, much better than that. All-around this is just an enjoyable beer. It’s not meant for chugging, folks. This is a wind-down-at-the-end-of-the-day beer, or get “business drunk” lunch hour beer. You should probably not have more than one if the latter is what you are aiming for, that said, work your way up to this one if you intend to have more than one beer. The full flavor of this beer will eclipse anything lighter you might try after it.

Daniel:

California’s own Anchor Steam Beer. $6.oo

I’ve never tried Anchor steam beer before, due at least in part to something my cousin Misty said years ago: “Californians don’t know shit about beer”. While I’m inclined to agree in most cases, I liked the Anchor Steam. A truly unique style of beer that calls California home, the “steam beer” seems at odds with itself; it’s flavorful but light, a healthy amber color but fizzy like a yellow beer, hoppy but sweet. While this will by no means become a regular in my beer rotation, it’s a pleasant beer that’s a nice change of pace from your normal ales and lagers.

Helen:

Marshall’s Pub Ale from Tulsa. $6.00

Marshall’s Pub Ale is another medium amber beer, but I found it underwhelming when compared to the DNR. Even though I cleansed my palette between the two tastings, I found its flavor watery by comparison. Had I not been drinking the DNR, I might have thought differently of Marshall’s Pub Ale. But, considering I had the Mustang Summer Wheat last week, which is a good inexpensive beer that has a distinct flavor, I still thought Marshall’s Pub Ale was lacking in memorable characteristics. I only compare the two because I find it telling that a week later I can still conjure up the flavor profile of Mustang’s Summer Wheat from memory, but next week I doubt I will remember very much about Marshall’s Pub Ale other than I found it bland. Upfront it is a little sweet, and only on the back did I find much of any flavor. It’s got a bit of nuttiness, fruity notes, a hint of a tang, and some hoppiness, but be forewarned these are not big flavors. It’s brewed by McNellie’s in the traditional Irish/English “Best Bitter” style. And it should be noted that it’s won an award with the Daily Oklahoman’s “Thirsty Beagle” Beer Championship Series. I could see giving this beer another chance sometime in the distant future if someone bought it for me because they were convinced I had it wrong, but it would have to be before I tried any other beers with strong and distinct flavors.

Daniel:

Great Divide Hercules Double IPA. $7.50

As I mentioned last week, the Great Divide brewery has yet to make a beer I don’t enjoy. I’ve had the Hercules on numerous occasions, and it hasn’ disappointed me yet. An imperious hoppiness dominates the front end of the beer, followed by a surprisingly mellow (but also hoppy) mouthfeel. Unlike other IPAs, there is very little to no note of citrus flavor accompanying the hops. A beer drinker’s beer, the Hercules is a fantastic example of the IPA style. Let bitter beer face ensue.

Bitter beer face: even hot girls get it.

On this final edition of T-Dome, our heroes lament the end, do a lot of crying, and talk basketball while explaining things to the producer.

Rate us on our iTunes link, Tweet us, and leave a comment in the section below.

Thank you kindly for listening!

Window of Guestroom Records on 36th and Western. Photo by Lynne Rostochil.

For decades, all kinds of technologies have promised to replace the vinyl record, but those perfectly round black discs are a lot like the resilient cockroach, an under-estimated creature that breezed through the ice age and ultimately outlasted its supposedly fiercer competitors. Indeed, vinyl has triumphed over every bright, shiny, new technology that has tried so heartily to slaughter it once and for all — reel to reel tapes that only the most skilled AV expert knew how to thread, 8-track tapes that would so irritatingly skip tracks in the middle of a song, cassettes that temperamental players loved to gobble up and spit out, and CDs that were great until downloads replaced them completely within a shockingly brief amount of time.

But, vinyl is an entirely different story. Like the mighty cockroach, it has faced extinction countless times, yet stubbornly refuses to die. In fact, for the first time since MP-whatevers obliterated the CD market several years ago and killed the need for the likes of Sound Warehouse et. al., independent record stores are popping up all over the place. The main reason is vinyl. A lot of its resilience has to do with the quality of the sound. Digital is not always better since some of the original sound wave is missing during the conversion. For instance CD, which generally hold more information than an MP3, only take snapshots of the original sound wave, so it is not the complete picture. However, vinyl, in it’s analog format, captures the sound wave in its entirety because the grooves mirror the waveforms, therefore there is little loss of information. Hence records have a quality of richness to them that makes modern formats seem sterile to most audiophiles. Additionally, records are not immune to time. Lint and scratches can erode the quality. Although some seems to like the hissing and pops. Even so, people young and old are avidly collecting again, and bands like OKC’s own Flaming Lips, singer Katy Perry, and many other contemporary artists are releasing their music on records to satisfy the increasing demand for music on this 100+-year-old technology. Some of the added benefits to buying a new record is not only the vinyl experience, but the packaging inserts, like photography of the band or artist, as well as bonus offers. Typically, although not always, new albums will offer a complementary MP3 download with purchase of the album.

Example of bonus packaging in Gil Scott Heron's "I'm New Here" album. On the left is a portrait of Gil Scott Heron, which is one of two prints found in the album, and on the right is a message for the listener that has been printed on the record sleeve. This album also included a complimentary MP3 download of the entire record. Photo by Helen Grant.

To recognize the resurgence of the album, local record stores across the country celebrated the 5th annual National Record Store Day on Saturday. Here in OKC, legendary DJ, Dale Wehba, stopped by the recently-opened Trolley Stop Records on Classen to host a music trivia show, while patrons snapped up some great vintage finds at a record swap meet organized by the store’s owner, John Dunning. John, who collects just about everything (including four good-natured dogs who hang out in the shop with him) also sells old record players, 45′s, 78′s, sheet music, and vintage magazines at Trolley Stop, which, interestingly, gets its name from the old University interurban station that once sat across the parking lot.

Meanwhile, a couple of miles away on trendy Western Avenue, the art-filled Guestroom Records hosted live bands that rocked the spacious, well-organized store, while buyers shopped and bought heavily discounted albums by the box load. By far the hippest of the area record stores, Guestroom also sells new and used CDs, reissued albums, new albums,  boxed sets, stereo equipment, and t-shirts.

As always, the atmosphere was low key and funky at the venerable Charlie’s in the old Patio building on Classen, which is the premiere store in town to search for old jazz, blues, and R&B records. An eccentric’s lusty wet dream (and a neat freak’s worst nightmare), Charlie’s is a crazy-but-cool amalgamation of all of the Charlie’s passions — music, old band instruments, wild African masks, and ancient microphones and cameras — all of which is for sale for the right price.

If you missed the festivities of National Record Store Day at one of these thriving establishments, don’t despair — there’s always next year. In the meantime, if you long for the days when you would buy an album, put it on your prized turntable, oh-so-carefully lower the needle onto the magical black disc, and hold your breath through the initial crackles of sound until the first brilliant note of music played, then maybe it’s time to hit the record store. Most are open 7 days a week. In addition to the ones I’ve already mentioned, OKC boasts several other places to find good albums at reasonable prices: Size records near Britton and Western, Bad Granny’s and Dig It in the Plaza District, The RINK in Bethany, and the Golden Goose flea market at NE 23rd and Douglas.

Check the Flickr set for information and captions.

Fair enough. The short answer is, I was feeling snarky because I was up early with a screaming infant that day, and I felt like it. Also, I’m aware that there are many good docs that utilize the mentioned tropes, but what I object to is the way that many documentarians seem to start from an established narrative and then craft the film to fit, rather than finding an interesting subject and letting the narrative unfold naturally. That’s just my personal bias.

Since you asked, here are some great documentaries that I really love, in no particular order, with what I think is so great about them.

Harlan County, USA – 1974

An example of how to do a political advocacy documentary that doesn’t feel like a propaganda piece. Barbara Kopple’s landmark 1976 documentary about the 1973 mine workers strike in Harlan County Kentucky is journalistic and humane without being heavy handed or shrill. Kopple pays special attention to the families of the miners, showing them as three dimensional people in a difficult situation, rather than squeezing them into the much easier martyr narrative. Harlan County is a political work, without a doubt, but it is an honest, probing, self aware political work which will give partisans on both sides plenty to think about.

Stop Making Sense – 1984

The experience of watching most concert films is akin to watching sports on your DVR. The substance of the performance is there, but the excitement and immediacy of the experience is missing. Few concert films deserve to be viewed more than once. A great exception to this rule is Stop Making Sense. Jonathan Demme’s film of Talking Heads performances in Hollywood in 1983 is a great technical achievement (the first film recorded in digital audio), an exuberant, kinetic document of what Roger Ebert referred to as “a live show with elements of METROPOLIS”, and possibly the greatest concert film ever made. Part of the magic of this film is that you don’t have to be a Talking Heads fan to appreciate it. You could watch it on mute and still be treated to an incredibly visually interesting and deeply clever stage show. That would be a mistake, however, because this is the rare concert film that captures the band in question at the true peak of their powers.

Hearts of Darkness – 1991

If you want to know why Francis Ford Coppola would rather make wine than movies these days, you can watch Hearts of Darkness. Made up of footage from the production of Apocalypse Now, it’s a fascinating portrayal of an artist falling apart. It’s hard to watch, but also incredibly compelling. It could easily be depressing or exploitative or boring, but it’s none of those things. For any creative artist who has struggled mightily against heavy odds to execute a personal vision, this will both ring true and make you feel a little better about your own struggles. Can’t get that painting to work out? At least you don’t have to deal with Brando.

The Sorrow and the Pity – 1969

Perhaps best known in the US from a brief sequence in Woody Allen’s Annie Hall, (“Boy, those guys in the French Resistance were really brave, you know? Had to listen to Maurice Chevalier sing so much.”) this documentary about the Nazi occupation of France is courageous in its unblinking indictment of those in France who were willing to accept and collaborate with the occupation, while their countrymen were tortured and killed by the SS. Built around two extended interviews, one with a minor politician who became a resistance fighter and the other with a French aristocrat who embraced fascism and fought for Germany in the war, the film was controversial in France for complicating the narrative of nearly universal French resistance to the Nazis. Seeing it today, it’s troubling to reflect on how easy it is to be complicit in the evil done in your name, and how difficult it is to resist it.

S-21 – 2003

This Cambodian/French co-production about Tuol Sleng, the notorious Khmer Rouge prison from which almost no one escaped alive, is a troubling look into the moral abyss. Directed by Rithy Penh, himself a survivor of the Cambodian Genocide, the structure of the film is an extended tour of the facility (a former high school, just one of the unsettling details) led by two former prisoners and their former guards. In one shattering sequence, former prisoner Van Nath directly confronts his former captors. Most documentaries dealing with genocide are preoccupied with the victims; the far more interesting and inscrutable subject is the perpetrator. The terrifying conclusion of this film is that these were normal people, often barely teenagers, who were able to inflict horrible evil on other people not unlike themselves, and are able to rationalize it to this day.

The Atomic Cafe – 1982

One of the first collage style documentaries, The Atomic Cafe tells the story of the impact of the prospect of nuclear war on American culture in the years after World War II. The film is assembled from news reels, army videos, civil defense filmstrips, and propaganda films, all presented without narration. The filmmakers avoid cheap shots and manipulative editing, but still manage to express a coherent anti-nuclear position. The fact that it is also engaging, thoughtful, and sometimes funny is a welcome bonus.

Man On Wire – 2008

It’s an unfortunate temptation of the documentary film to attempt to say too much about too much. The available source material (everything happening, everywhere) is so broad that some filmmakers can’t resist drawing soaring, ham fisted parallels between their subject and The Big Picture. This is not to say that those parallels don’t exist, but if intriguing subtexts are there, it’s unnecessary to draw attention to them. A documentary that is bravely about the thing that it is about is Man on Wire. Philippe Petit’s 1974 high wire walk between the two towers of the World Trade Center is a strange, singular story, told with narrative deftness and skill. That’s all it has to be. The restraint is even more remarkable given the very high profile destruction of the towers years later. Few filmmakers would have made this film without mentioning September 11. That James Marsh did so is the difference between importance and self importance.

The Thin Blue Line – 1988

Errol Morris is beloved and controversial for his willingness to play with narrative structure and use reconstructed and reenacted events in his documentaries. The Thin Blue Line is perhaps the finest example of his style in action, a film that rings true while at the same time leaving doubts about whether all of what it presents is factual. This isn’t a weakness as executed by Morris; he isn’t trying to pull one over on anyone, rather he is trying to engage the audience in the sort of critical examination with which we should greet anything which makes claims of truth.

KOYAANISQATSI – 1982

The Hopi word for “out of balance”, Godfrey Reggio‘s wordless film is one of the great polemical documentaries of all time, and manages to be such without using a single word. Time lapse video of nature and urban life is contrasted against a haunting soundtrack by Phillip Glass. It sounds incredibly pretentious, and it is, but it’s also quietly beautiful, passionate, and above all, watchable. Instead of shouting at the viewer about environmentalism and the evils of modern consumerism, it invites the viewer to think about those issues in a meditative way. I would argue that such thoughtful engagement is the real key to lasting change.

King of Kong – 2007

This movie could be so bad. The story of the epic battle between a likeable Everyman and a chicken wing sauce magnate to become Donkey Kong World Champion could have mocked it’s subject, or been over-awed by him, or fallen prey to any number of other pitfalls. Pun intended. Instead, however, it’s an exquisitely crafted, funny, occasionally touching, and even suspenseful documentary about a man and his obsessions- more “Man on Wire” than “Trekkies 2”. It has the structure of a great sports documentary, with plenty of unforced quirk and pop culture. Refreshingly, the villains of the film are kind of likeable and the heroes are portrayed as flawed. A more one sided documentary would have been possible with not much editing, but it would have detracted from the eventual satisfaction you feel at the end. It’s just Donkey Kong, man.

NEXT WEEK- THE NEXT 10 IN THIS UNORDERED LIST OF 20!

Speaker comments on personhood bill

House Speaker Kris Steele today issued the following statement on Senate Bill 1433, the personhood bill:

“The House Republican Caucus voted today not to hear the personhood bill on the House floor. This decision was not made unilaterally, but as a caucus collectively. I accept the will of our caucus. The fact is this bill sends a statement Oklahoma has already made. We’re already perhaps the most pro-life state in this country, having passed at least 30 various pro-life measures in the past eight years alone. You will not find a bigger friend of the unborn than this Legislature, but this bill would not have any substantive policy effect.” – House Speaker Kris Steele, R-Shawnee

The Journal Record building entrance after the bombing. Photo from private collection.

My father used to joke that a cup of coffee saved his life. Whether that was his typically dry wit, or the use of gallows humor as an attempt to cope with something horrific, I don’t know. You see, my father is David Page, who works for The Journal Record, and was in the old Journal Record building at 9:02 a.m. on April 19th, 1995. At the time, he had a large window in his office on the south side of the building, facing the Murrah building. He arrived at work shortly before 9, sat down at his desk, and then decided to get up and get a cup of coffee. He was standing in the doorway of his office chatting with a coworker when the bomb went off, and the left side of his body was hit with pieces of glass and shrapnel. If my father been sitting behind his desk, he would not be here today. It seems so strange, these little things like that, which can change the entire trajectory of history. Because of a cup of coffee, my father survived one of the largest terrorist attacks on American soil, while 168 people did not.

I remember April 19th with a surprising lucidity, considering that I was 7-years-old at the time. I remember the school day, and riding the bus to the woman’s house who watched my sister Mary and I while my parents were at work. I remember my mother showing up much earlier than normal to pick us up, with my father in tow. I was confused, and had been told we were going to the mall to get my father new glasses. My sister was 9 at the time, and knew a little more about the situation than I did, because when I voiced my excitement at going to the mall (because they had a Chinese food restaurant there), she shushed me, and we rode to Crossroads mall in silence.

I put the pieces together in the following days and weeks, but I don’t think I fully understood the importance of what had happened to the Federal building for years. I remember the news reports of arresting Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols, and the reports of their connections to militia groups.

I may very well be putting some of the things I learned in the ensuing years in with the things I remember from when I was younger; it’s hard to tell. Memory is like that, after all, and I suppose I may be remembering things the way I want to, assembling a collage of events and memories into a cohesive totality. I guess what it all comes down to, though, is that the Federal building bombing was with me throughout the late 1990′s and since, a specter on the edge of my consciousness, something I’ve thought about more and more as I’ve gotten older.

Probably the saddest single moment I’ve witnessed in my life was at the dedication of the bombing Memorial in 2000. My family was invited, because my father was a survivor. I was 12 at the time, and I remember the event being really crowded as we moved through the entrance line; volunteers greeted us and handed us plastic bags with some explanatory literature, a bottle of water, and two granola bars. The event was incredibly crowded, standing room only, and I remember standing uncomfortably close to an older African-American couple; I remember smelling the stale coffee smell on the gentleman and wishing there was more room. Before President Clinton spoke, though, there was a moment of silence. I closed my eyes for it, and then opened them out of curiosity, not sure what I should do during a moment of silence. I slowly looked around to see who else wasn’t observing the moment of silence. The man beside me was weeping as he clumsily tried to eat a granola bar. His wife tried to comfort him, which accounted for the gentle susurrus I heard during the moment of silence. I’m not sure, but I believe their son had been a victim of the bombing. I still think about that moment, even twelve years later; that was one of the only times up until that moment  I’d seen a grown man cry.

I visited the Bombing Memorial Tuesday evening. I can probably count on one hand the times I’ve visited since it opened. It’s beautiful; the trees ringing the rows of chairs seem protective of them, perhaps standing sentinel against the cruelty of the world. It’s quiet, too; the only sounds are a gentle wind through the trees, the chirps of birds, and the occasional car driving by. I sat on one of the stone benches on the south side of the Memorial, gazing through the trees at the reflecting pool, and a series of memories began to play in my mind. I remembered my sister weeping the day it opened, and the anger I felt as a member of the media took photos of her. I remembered looking at my father’s stitches where they had removed glass from his body with curiosity as a child; I remembered not knowing what it meant that he had them.

I thought once again of the old man crying, and tears began to roll down my face as I sat in silence, listening to the birds. I grew up with the Bombing, and, since it happened, I’ve grown into an understanding of the pain Oklahoma City felt and still feels.

The unlucky ones lost friends, acquaintances or family members in the explosion. The lucky ones carry around stories of close calls: a father who worked in the building but had a meeting across town; a child in the daycare who stayed home sick; a mom who had an appointment at the Murrah Building but ended up getting lost. These stories are told with a solemn sense of wonder – of cheating death, and the tiny miracles of coincidence.

When I hear these stories I can’t join in because I don’t have one of my own. I can’t quite pinpoint where I was when it happened, but I know I was fifteen and living in New Hampshire, where I grew up. Though I could find Oklahoma on a map, I didn’t know much about the state at the time, and never thought I would move here later in life. My memory is hazy, but I seem to remember that I was riding in a car when I heard. The radio announcer reported the bombing of the Federal Building in Oklahoma: over a hundred deaths, the worst terrorist attack in our history. I thought I had misunderstood. A federal building in Oklahoma? Shouldn’t that be in DC?

I sounded like an awful, tragic event, but it was so far away. The importance of it couldn’t quite pierce the bubble of my teenage self-absorption.

I didn’t often think about the bombing until I moved to Oklahoma in 2006. During my first April as an Oklahoman I saw the news coverage and heard about the museum and the marathon. “Oh yeah, the bombing. That happened here. I almost remember that.” It seems like each April a communal state of mourning spreads through the people. The stories come out and are quietly shared. Each April, I offered quiet sympathy.

But I’ve been in Oklahoma for over five years now, and I suppose that it’s time that I had more to offer than empathy. I decided to finally go to the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum. People have recommended it as a tourist attraction dozens of times. Every time my parents come to visit, someone will tell me to take them to the Memorial. When I list it as one of our sight-seeing options they always decline. “That sounds like such a downer,” they say, “we’re on vacation!” For a long time, I tended to agree with them, but I think it’s time that I went. When people share their stories of April 19^th, I feel like I owe them more than just mute sympathy. I will never have my own story, but at least I’ll be able to offer some understanding of what they experienced and what they have lost.

I went to visit the Memorial this week. The museum itself is thoughtfully and logically laid out. As I progressed through the exhibits, the displays simulated the emotional journey that many people took the day of bombing. The Museum starts with business as usual in the Murrah Federal Building on April 19^th, and then conjures up the surprise of the initial explosion and the quick transition to horror and disbelief. They detail the rescue response and the reactions from the outside world. They also describe the criminal investigation and prosecution of Timothy McVeigh and Terry Nichols. One of the last displays is a haunting room filled with the photos of the bombing’s victims. There are other small rooms with desks and computers where you can hear the stories of survivors and of the friends and relatives of people who died in the explosion.

Particularly disturbing to me are collections of lost shoes, sets of keys, watches and glasses – personal detritus sifted from the broken concrete and ruined office furniture. As I blink back tears I am selfishly relieved that I don’t have a personal connection to the bombing. My childhood distance from the event helps insulate me, and I managed not to break down in tears in front of the other visitors.

I was heartened by the shows of support made by people nationwide, and especially by school children from out of state. But I wonder, “Where was I when everyone was sending in origami cranes and letters to Oklahoma City?” I was too old for crayon drawings, but surely one of my teachers must have talked about the tragedy and the significance of the event. Did it happen over spring break week? Is that why I can’t remember talking about it in school?

The Museum is quiet on the day that I go, and I wonder who their average visitor is. I assume that all local schoolchildren must visit the Museum at some point in their lives. Do some survivors make a yearly pilgrimage? Are vacationers or people in Oklahoma City for business their main audience?

Curious, I asked a tour guide. “We get people from all over the world but we don’t get too many people from Oklahoma,” she said. “I think it’s just too hard.” I can understand what she means. I didn’t experience the tragedy first-hand, but I’m fighting back tears throughout the visit. My stomach is upset and I feel nauseous for hours afterwards.

However, the tour guide encourages local Oklahomans to come see the Museum, even if the trip evokes feelings of anger and sadness. “You’ll be proud of the tribute that they’ve created,” she says. I have to agree with her. The Memorial and Museum is a meaningful tribute to the victims of the bombing. The park area outside is especially beautiful, and each tree and rock bears an additional layer of symbolism and meaning. There is an undeniable sense of peace that pervades the outdoor memorial.

One aspect of the museum that took me by surprise, but probably shouldn’t have, was a small kiosk located in the first exhibit. It was entitled “Where were you on April 19, 1995?” The kiosk provides visitors with a computer monitor and keyboard so they may enter their own personal story of where they were when it happened. Again, it struck me that this is where everyone’s story starts. It’s the jumping off point that allows fellow Oklahomans, and anyone who was affected by the bombing, to share stories and find commonalities in their experience. Many of the stories are from places in Oklahoma, but some are from all over the world.

Another museum employee said to me that she’s seen the Memorial affect people very deeply – even visitors from far away. She says that some people are surprised by their emotional reaction and she believes that people, even outsiders, are so affected because no one would expect a terrorist act to occur in Oklahoma. If it happened here, then it could happen in any state or country.

And perhaps that’s why all bombing stories start with “Where I was when the bombing happened” because the storyteller wasn’t at the bombing, but could have been. It could have happened in New Hampshire. It could have happened anywhere.

By 8:45, my perpetually late mother was still not ready to go, and so she called her caseworker to let her know we were going to be late. The lady told her that was okay, because she was helping someone else at the moment and happened to be running behind schedule too. I’d already been dreading the drive to downtown Oklahoma City that day; I hated the traffic, the one-way streets, and the search for parking. I had planned on dropping Mom off at the front of the building, and then cruising around until I found a parking space. Meanwhile, my step dad - who was a vending route driver for Coca-Cola at the time – was supposed to be at his account in the Journal Record building, directly across the street from the Murrah Building. Instead, he chose to take care of his routes on the north side of OKC before heading downtown. He had been waiting for the morning traffic to thin out too.

At 9:02 am, on that beautiful, cloudless morning just before leaving the house, we heard what sounded like a huge rumble of thunder, and our windows shook (for reference: we lived 20 miles from the blast). I looked outside, to see if there were any indication of rain, but there was nothing to be seen. We had the television on, and suddenly there was a breaking news report that there had been an explosion at the Murrah Building. We thought it had been caused by a natural gas leak, we hadn’t even considered the possibility that it was an act of domestic terrorism. Mom and I were flabbergasted; that’s where we should have been that morning. At the time of the blast my dad had been on a payphone with his boss. First, through the phone, and then through the air, he heard the explosion. When he found out on the radio that it was the Murrah Building, he was panic stricken, thinking that my mother and I were hurt.  Of course, we thought he was in the Journal Record building and may have been injured as well. The phones lines were all tied up, so initially we couldn’t reach each other. My dad finally raced home just in case we were there, or to see if my brother (who was home sick) knew when we had left. It was with a great relief that we discovered we were all okay. However, my dad’s co-worker was not so lucky. His wife, a nurse, rushed to the scene to be of assistance. While searching for survivors in the rubble, a piece of concrete fell from above, and struck her in the head, killing her. She left behind four children. My mother’s caseworker was also killed.

168 innocent people, including several children in a daycare center, would perish that day. Those who survived carry the physical, mental, and emotional scars to this day. Some sought closure through the trial, conviction, and execution of Timothy McVeigh. Some found other ways to reach resolution. Neither way is right nor wrong.

I am so proud of how my fellow Oklahomans handled themselves in the wake of this enormous tragedy, and I continue to hold that pride all of these years later.  When I was working for a law firm downtown, I had an office that directly overlooked the memorial.  In my own way to honor those lost it became a daily ritual for me to look at the “Survivor’s Tree,” which has become a symbol for us all that even in the face of death, life goes on.

The photos below were provided to us by a private collector.

National Civil Rights leader and political activist the Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke briefly at the state capitol today about the legacy of racial violence in America and the racially motivated shootings in Tulsa over Easter weekend. Here are his remarks in their entirety.

ALEC (American Legislative Exchange Council) is a policy organization founded by conservative activist Paul Weyrich in the 1970s to promote conservative social issues on the state level, but it has developed in the past 30 years into a vehicle for its corporate members to influence policy and legislation. According to their website, ALEC has more than 2,000 members and is “the nation’s largest, non-partisan, individual public-private membership association of state legislators.” Corporate memberships cost between $5,000 and $50,000 with additional annual fees to participate in policy specific task forces. While ALEC is officially non-partisan, the policies they support and promote are uniformly conservative.

After decades of quietly working behind the scenes ALEC first came to higher public prominence during the fight over Wisconsin’s controversial bill to strip the collective bargaining rights of state workers. The bill was largely written in consultation with ALEC. But it’s just not Wisconsin constituents that are upset by ALEC sponsored policies. The resulting blowback has made ALEC’s press agents somewhat prickly, as evidenced in this press release from April 12:

“Over the last 24 hours, ALEC has been inundated with letters of support from elected officials, community leaders and concerned citizens in response to the intimidation campaign launched by a coalition of extreme liberal activists committed to silencing anyone who disagrees with their agenda.”

Guests leave the Governor's mansion Monday evening. In my estimation there's probably 20 yards between these people and the protestors. Also the State Highway Patrol ran security, if you weren't on the list you weren't getting past them and you surely were not getting close to that gate nor were you capable of getting "up close and personal" with someone coming and going to the event. At any given time there were 5-7 officers on site and at least 2-3 patrol cars near the gate with a couple more parked by other entrances at the Governor's mansion. Even so, protestors kept to their patch of the lawn/road. Unless you happened to be a reporter, no one else appeared to be crossing lines. Photo by Helen Grant.

This particular protest seemed run of the mill compared to previous ones I’ve covered for OKC.NET. Even so, there were chants, slogans, signs and all that rhymes. Not to criticize, but it is worth mentioning that there wasn’t a single pitchfork in sight nor were there organized dances, also zip-zero-zilch on shoes, rolling pins, and aprons, nor was there a small city of tents. It’s hard to see how anyone could be paranoid enough to feel intimidated by such a relatively low key protest. Not that previously mentioned antics are all that intimidating either – well, maybe the pitchfork, but even that had safety caps glued onto the pointed ends. At any rate, if there is anything to be said about Monday night, it’s that this protest had a high level of visibility with the people coming and going from the Governor’s mansion. Unlike the other protests mentioned where the intended audience used alternate doors, left their office early, or peeked out at protesters from windows, there was little opportunity for ALEC supporters to miss the chants and signs as they went about their business. It is perhaps that level of confrontation that ALEC’s Executive Director referred to as “intimidation.” About the most up-front thing anyone shouted at this protest was, “Shame!” I noticed this particular chant more than the signs and slogans had an effect on the otherwise unaffected guests.

For the most part people leaving the Governor’s mansion either smiled, as evidenced in the previous photograph, or shook their heads in that “Oh, silly protestors” sort of way.

I did manage to get a few words in with various legislators to get the sense for what they thought of the protest. Senator Mike Schulz (R-District 38) said, “It was just a reception. It was just a kind of a come and go, let’s visit thing. No agenda, I mean, I don’t know why their upset.” Representative Harold Wright (R-District 57) said, “I don’t know why they’re angry, but I think it maybe partly because these groups are against voter I.D.”  Senator Kim David (R-District 18) briefly echoed the same thoughts and added, “I’m just assuming they don’t like free enterprise.”

On the other side, however, the sentiment was more specific. It’s not just voter I.D. laws, but laws aimed at deregulating schools and prisons. Protestor Mary Harris, a retired computer programer from OKC, said she is not happy that Oklahoma legislators are taking laws that have been composed in legislative think tanks and applying those models within the state.  Her specific concern was about Senate Bill 1530.

SB 1530 would allow school districts to apply for the same exemptions from state education law currently offered to charter schools. This ALEC inspired bill would make it possible for districts to eliminate collective bargaining and slash teacher pay. Similar bills have passed twice before but were vetoed by former governor Brad Henry.

But what does all this political discourse mean for Oklahoma and what does this have to do with Mary Fallin?

Mary Fallin is significantly involved with ALEC. Fallin wrote the introduction for a study they published in 2010 entitled: “Rich States, Poor States: ALEC-Laffer State Economic Competitiveness Index.” According to ALEC’s metrics, Oklahoma is the 15th most prosperous state in the nation. Governor Fallin and Republican lawmakers have used the findings in the report to support the current push to eliminate the state income tax. The Oklahoma Policy Institute and others maintain that the Laffer report is misleading. In December of 2008 Fallin gave a speech at ALEC’s States and National Policy Summit in Washington D.C., where she urged people in both the public and private sector to look at examples of their model legislation.

All said, it appears as though ALEC will to continue to hold influence in shaping Oklahoma policy as long as the state is dominated by a Republican majority in both the House and Senate.

ALEC doesn’t release the names of it’s legislative members, but the following Oklahoma Legislators are identified on the ALEC website as members, are confirmed as members of ALEC task forces, have spoken at ALEC events, or have accepted awards from ALEC.

House of Representatives

• Rep. Gary Banz (R-101), State Chairman^[20]
• Rep. Leslie Osborn (R-47)^[21]
• Rep. Marty Quinn (R-9), ALEC Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force Alternate
• Rep. Skye D. McNiel (R-29), ALEC Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force Alternate
• Rep. Jabar Shumate (D-73), ALEC Education Task Force Alternate
• Rep. Sally R. Kern (R-84), ALEC Education Task Force Alternate
• Former Rep. Michael Thompson (R-2, candidate for U.S. House of Representatives 2010), ALEC Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force Alternate
• Rep. Mike Sanders (R-59), ALEC Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force Alternate
• Rep. G. Harold Wright, Jr. (R-57), ALEC Public Safety and Elections Task Force Alternate
• Rep. Pat Ownbey (R-48), ALEC Tax and Fiscal Policy Task Force Alternate
• Rep. Scott Martin (R-46), ALEC Tax and Fiscal Policy Task Force Alternate
• Rep. Dan Kirby (R-75), ALEC Telecommunications and Information Technology Task Force Alternate
• Rep. Tom Newell (R-28), ALEC Telecommunications and Information Technology Task Force Alternate
• Rep. Leslie Osborn (R-47), ALEC Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force Member
• Rep. Randy McDaniel (R-83), ALEC Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force Member
• Rep. Ann Coody (R-64), ALEC Education Task Force Member
• Rep. Lee R. Denney (R-33), ALEC Education Task Force Member
• Rep. Marian Cooksey (R-39), ALEC Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force Member
• Rep. Phillip Richardson (R-56), ALEC Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force Member
• Rep. Doug Cox (R-5), ALEC Health and Human Services Task Force Member
• Rep. Pam Peterson (R-67)^[18], ALEC Health and Human Services Task Force Member
• Rep. Ronald Peters (R-70)^[18], ALEC Health and Human Services Task Force Member
• Rep. Glen W. Mulready (R-68), ALEC International Relations Task Force Member
• Rep. Steve C. Martin (R-10), ALEC Public Safety and Elections Task Force Member
• Rep. Sue Tibbs (R-23)^[18], ALEC Public Safety and Elections Task Force Member
• Rep. David Dank (R-85), ALEC Tax and Fiscal Policy Task Force Member
• Rep. Charles D. Key (R-90), ALEC Telecommunications and Information Technology Task Force Member
• Rep. Weldon L. Watson (R-79), ALEC Telecommunications and Information Technology Task Force Member
• Rep. Colby Schwartz (R-43), ALEC Civil Justice Task Force Member
• Rep. Gus R. Blackwell (R-61), ALEC Civil Justice Task Force Member
• Rep. Lisa Johnson-Billy (R-42), ALEC Civil Justice Task Force Member
• Rep. Mark E. McCullough (R-30)^[18], ALEC Civil Justice Task Force Member
• Former Rep. Don Myers (R-82) ^[18]

Senate

• Sen. John W. Ford (R-29), former State Chairman^[118] and Education Task Force Member
• Sen. Bill L. Brown (R-36)^[18], ALEC Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force Alternate
• Sen. Ron Justice (R-23), ALEC Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force Alternate
• Sen. David F. Myers (R-20), ALEC Tax and Fiscal Policy Task Force Alternate
• Sen. Cliff A. Aldridge (R-42)^[18], ALEC State Chairman^[20] and Commerce, Insurance and Economic Development Task Force Member
• Sen. Brian Bingman (R-12), ALEC Energy, Environment and Agriculture Task Force Member
• Sen. Brian Crain (R-39), ALEC Health and Human Services Task Force Member
• Sen. Ron G. Justice (R-23), ALEC [[International Relations Task Force ]] Member
• Sen. Clark Jolley (R-41), ALEC Public Safety and Elections Task Force Member
• Sen. Gary Stanislawski (R-35), ALEC Tax and Fiscal Policy Task Force Member
• Sen. Cliff Branan (R-40), ALEC Telecommunications and Information Technology Task Force Member
• Sen. Jonathan Nichols (R-15), ALEC Civil Justice Task Force Member

Legislators ties to ALEC and the potential influence of the group on bills that are coming up for a vote soon deserve to be examined further.

Try Me Out Sometime by BRONCHO

They call themselves BRONCHO.

And yes, it is pronounced “braun-CHo” and not bronco, much to the dismay of many University of Central Oklahoma student to whom I must say yes we know it was a correct spelling at the time of your schools founding, but please stop correcting people. Those people who you think are mispronouncing the name of your school’s mascot are clearly talking about Oklahoma’s brightest new garage rock band.

BRONCHO is Ryan Lindsey, Nathan Price, Ben King, and Johnathon Ford. Do any of those names sound familiar? They should be. Lindsay also plays for Starlight Mints, Price is from Tulsa progressive outfit Native Lights and The Hero Factor, King has played bass and song-wrote for CHEYENNE and Ford comes from the mostly instrumental ambient band Unwed Sailor.

If their personal biographies were college degrees, BRONCHO has a combined doctorate in garage-rocking and awesomeness.

I Don’t Really Want To Be Social by BRONCHO

Other music writers have described BRONCHO‘s sound as 70′s and punk-ish. I feel that these words alone don’t quite do it justice. To me, BRONCHO has a lo-fi punk structure but with a twist of 70′s-era rock styling as set to modern post-punk vocals. But that’s actually the most boring way I can describe their sound, so I’ll try and make it fun again. They must have a time machine, because either they used one to get that sound or every other band isn’t trying hard enough.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

A great place to start with BRONCHO is the song “Try Me Out Sometime.” It’s fun, it’s raucous and it’s one of those songs you have to tap some part of your body along to. The video for this song is also great. BRONCHO hits Norman where they start setting up their equipment and then proceed to rock out in various locations. Coffee Shops, Guestroom Records and even a college class. Nothing was safe nor sacred. Also, the class they crashed was Ron Haas‘ class. That dude has crazy Martin Van Buren sideburns that you can see at about 21 seconds into the video. Haas teaches an expository writing class at OU called Legacies of the 1960′s. Something tells me BRONCHO would have liked that class.

BRONCHO is one of the many bands stopping by at Norman Music Festival this year. If you missed them last year you’ve got to catch this. Firstly because they’re awesome and deserve your attention, and second because it’s one of the few chances you’ll get to see them in the state, thirdly watch for the mosh pit. In April and May alone, BRONCHO has 13 shows in 9 states. If you miss seeing them at NMF, you’ll have to wait until June 13th when they play Cain’s Ballroom. Also, even if you go to NMF you should also go see them at Cain’s Ballroom.

I guess what I’m trying to say here is… you should try them out sometime.

The American Legislative Exchange Council, known as ALEC, is a “nonpartisan” organization that works to have “pro-business” legislation passed in state legislatures. Yet somehow ALEC legislation keeps seeming to restrict voting by Democratic-leaning citizens, limit reproductive rights, and generally curtail or eliminate other progressive policies.

So, of course, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and other state GOP leaders are all over it. But their soiree was greeted by demonstrators holding signs and banners while chanting “We want democracy, not a corporatocracy.”

There were about 30 demonstrators at the protest, which was organized by MoveOn.org Oklahoma City chapter, Change Oklahoma and Occupy Norman.

Photo slideshow by New Media Active.

The American Legislative Exchange Council, known as ALEC, is a “nonpartisan” organization that works to have “pro-business” legislation passed in state legislatures. Yet somehow ALEC legislation keeps seeming to restrict voting by Democratic-leaning citizens, limit reproductive rights, and generally curtail or eliminate other progressive policies.

So, of course, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and other state GOP leaders are all over it. But their soiree was greeted by demonstrators holding signs and banners while chanting “We want democracy, not a corporatocracy.”

There were about 30 demonstrators at the protest, which was organized by MoveOn.org Oklahoma City chapter, Change Oklahoma and Occupy Norman.

Photo slideshow by New Media Active.

The American Legislative Exchange Council, known as ALEC, is a “nonpartisan” organization that works to have “pro-business” legislation passed in state legislatures. Yet somehow ALEC legislation keeps seeming to restrict voting by Democratic-leaning citizens, limit reproductive rights, and generally curtail or eliminate other progressive policies.

So, of course, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and other state GOP leaders are all over it. But their soiree was greeted by demonstrators holding signs and banners while chanting “We want democracy, not a corporatocracy.”

There were about 30 demonstrators at the protest, which was organized by MoveOn.org Oklahoma City chapter, Change Oklahoma and Occupy Norman.

Photo slideshow by New Media Active.

The American Legislative Exchange Council, known as ALEC, is a “nonpartisan” organization that works to have “pro-business” legislation passed in state legislatures. Yet somehow ALEC legislation keeps seeming to restrict voting by Democratic-leaning citizens, limit reproductive rights, and generally curtail or eliminate other progressive policies.

So, of course, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and other state GOP leaders are all over it. But their soiree was greeted by demonstrators holding signs and banners while chanting “We want democracy, not a corporatocracy.”

There were about 30 demonstrators at the protest, which was organized by MoveOn.org Oklahoma City chapter, Change Oklahoma and Occupy Norman.

Photo slideshow by New Media Active.

The American Legislative Exchange Council, known as ALEC, is a “nonpartisan” organization that works to have “pro-business” legislation passed in state legislatures. Yet somehow ALEC legislation keeps seeming to restrict voting by Democratic-leaning citizens, limit reproductive rights, and generally curtail or eliminate other progressive policies.

So, of course, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and other state GOP leaders are all over it. But their soiree was greeted by demonstrators holding signs and banners while chanting “We want democracy, not a corporatocracy.”

There were about 30 demonstrators at the protest, which was organized by MoveOn.org Oklahoma City chapter, Change Oklahoma and Occupy Norman.

Photo slideshow by New Media Active.

The American Legislative Exchange Council, known as ALEC, is a “nonpartisan” organization that works to have “pro-business” legislation passed in state legislatures. Yet somehow ALEC legislation keeps seeming to restrict voting by Democratic-leaning citizens, limit reproductive rights, and generally curtail or eliminate other progressive policies.

So, of course, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and other state GOP leaders are all over it. But their soiree was greeted by demonstrators holding signs and banners while chanting “We want democracy, not a corporatocracy.”

There were about 30 demonstrators at the protest, which was organized by MoveOn.org Oklahoma City chapter, Change Oklahoma and Occupy Norman.

Photo slideshow by New Media Active.

The American Legislative Exchange Council, known as ALEC, is a “nonpartisan” organization that works to have “pro-business” legislation passed in state legislatures. Yet somehow ALEC legislation keeps seeming to restrict voting by Democratic-leaning citizens, limit reproductive rights, and generally curtail or eliminate other progressive policies.

So, of course, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and other state GOP leaders are all over it. But their soiree was greeted by demonstrators holding signs and banners while chanting “We want democracy, not a corporatocracy.”

There were about 30 demonstrators at the protest, which was organized by MoveOn.org Oklahoma City chapter, Change Oklahoma and Occupy Norman.

Photo slideshow by New Media Active.

The American Legislative Exchange Council, known as ALEC, is a “nonpartisan” organization that works to have “pro-business” legislation passed in state legislatures. Yet somehow ALEC legislation keeps seeming to restrict voting by Democratic-leaning citizens, limit reproductive rights, and generally curtail or eliminate other progressive policies.

So, of course, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and other state GOP leaders are all over it. But their soiree was greeted by demonstrators holding signs and banners while chanting “We want democracy, not a corporatocracy.”

There were about 30 demonstrators at the protest, which was organized by MoveOn.org Oklahoma City chapter, Change Oklahoma and Occupy Norman.

Photo slideshow by New Media Active.

The American Legislative Exchange Council, known as ALEC, is a “nonpartisan” organization that works to have “pro-business” legislation passed in state legislatures. Yet somehow ALEC legislation keeps seeming to restrict voting by Democratic-leaning citizens, limit reproductive rights, and generally curtail or eliminate other progressive policies.

So, of course, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and other state GOP leaders are all over it. But their soiree was greeted by demonstrators holding signs and banners while chanting “We want democracy, not a corporatocracy.”

There were about 30 demonstrators at the protest, which was organized by MoveOn.org Oklahoma City chapter, Change Oklahoma and Occupy Norman.

Photo slideshow by New Media Active.

The American Legislative Exchange Council, known as ALEC, is a “nonpartisan” organization that works to have “pro-business” legislation passed in state legislatures. Yet somehow ALEC legislation keeps seeming to restrict voting by Democratic-leaning citizens, limit reproductive rights, and generally curtail or eliminate other progressive policies.

So, of course, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and other state GOP leaders are all over it. But their soiree was greeted by demonstrators holding signs and banners while chanting “We want democracy, not a corporatocracy.”

There were about 30 demonstrators at the protest, which was organized by MoveOn.org Oklahoma City chapter, Change Oklahoma and Occupy Norman.

Photo slideshow by New Media Active.

The American Legislative Exchange Council, known as ALEC, is a “nonpartisan” organization that works to have “pro-business” legislation passed in state legislatures. Yet somehow ALEC legislation keeps seeming to restrict voting by Democratic-leaning citizens, limit reproductive rights, and generally curtail or eliminate other progressive policies.

So, of course, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and other state GOP leaders are all over it. But their soiree was greeted by demonstrators holding signs and banners while chanting “We want democracy, not a corporatocracy.”

There were about 30 demonstrators at the protest, which was organized by MoveOn.org Oklahoma City chapter, Change Oklahoma and Occupy Norman.

Photo slideshow by New Media Active.

The American Legislative Exchange Council, known as ALEC, is a “nonpartisan” organization that works to have “pro-business” legislation passed in state legislatures. Yet somehow ALEC legislation keeps seeming to restrict voting by Democratic-leaning citizens, limit reproductive rights, and generally curtail or eliminate other progressive policies.

So, of course, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and other state GOP leaders are all over it. But their soiree was greeted by demonstrators holding signs and banners while chanting “We want democracy, not a corporatocracy.”

There were about 30 demonstrators at the protest, which was organized by MoveOn.org Oklahoma City chapter, Change Oklahoma and Occupy Norman.

Photo slideshow by New Media Active.

The American Legislative Exchange Council, known as ALEC, is a “nonpartisan” organization that works to have “pro-business” legislation passed in state legislatures. Yet somehow ALEC legislation keeps seeming to restrict voting by Democratic-leaning citizens, limit reproductive rights, and generally curtail or eliminate other progressive policies.

So, of course, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and other state GOP leaders are all over it. But their soiree was greeted by demonstrators holding signs and banners while chanting “We want democracy, not a corporatocracy.”

There were about 30 demonstrators at the protest, which was organized by MoveOn.org Oklahoma City chapter, Change Oklahoma and Occupy Norman.

Photo slideshow by New Media Active.

The American Legislative Exchange Council, known as ALEC, is a “nonpartisan” organization that works to have “pro-business” legislation passed in state legislatures. Yet somehow ALEC legislation keeps seeming to restrict voting by Democratic-leaning citizens, limit reproductive rights, and generally curtail or eliminate other progressive policies.

So, of course, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and other state GOP leaders are all over it. But their soiree was greeted by demonstrators holding signs and banners while chanting “We want democracy, not a corporatocracy.”

There were about 30 demonstrators at the protest, which was organized by MoveOn.org Oklahoma City chapter, Change Oklahoma and Occupy Norman.

Photo slideshow by New Media Active.

The American Legislative Exchange Council, known as ALEC, is a “nonpartisan” organization that works to have “pro-business” legislation passed in state legislatures. Yet somehow ALEC legislation keeps seeming to restrict voting by Democratic-leaning citizens, limit reproductive rights, and generally curtail or eliminate other progressive policies.

So, of course, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and other state GOP leaders are all over it. But their soiree was greeted by demonstrators holding signs and banners while chanting “We want democracy, not a corporatocracy.”

There were about 30 demonstrators at the protest, which was organized by MoveOn.org Oklahoma City chapter, Change Oklahoma and Occupy Norman.

Photo slideshow by New Media Active.

The American Legislative Exchange Council, known as ALEC, is a “nonpartisan” organization that works to have “pro-business” legislation passed in state legislatures. Yet somehow ALEC legislation keeps seeming to restrict voting by Democratic-leaning citizens, limit reproductive rights, and generally curtail or eliminate other progressive policies.

So, of course, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and other state GOP leaders are all over it. But their soiree was greeted by demonstrators holding signs and banners while chanting “We want democracy, not a corporatocracy.”

There were about 30 demonstrators at the protest, which was organized by MoveOn.org Oklahoma City chapter, Change Oklahoma and Occupy Norman.

Photo slideshow by New Media Active.

The American Legislative Exchange Council, known as ALEC, is a “nonpartisan” organization that works to have “pro-business” legislation passed in state legislatures. Yet somehow ALEC legislation keeps seeming to restrict voting by Democratic-leaning citizens, limit reproductive rights, and generally curtail or eliminate other progressive policies.

So, of course, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and other state GOP leaders are all over it. But their soiree was greeted by demonstrators holding signs and banners while chanting “We want democracy, not a corporatocracy.”

There were about 30 demonstrators at the protest, which was organized by MoveOn.org Oklahoma City chapter, Change Oklahoma and Occupy Norman.

Photo slideshow by New Media Active.

The American Legislative Exchange Council, known as ALEC, is a “nonpartisan” organization that works to have “pro-business” legislation passed in state legislatures. Yet somehow ALEC legislation keeps seeming to restrict voting by Democratic-leaning citizens, limit reproductive rights, and generally curtail or eliminate other progressive policies.

So, of course, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and other state GOP leaders are all over it. But their soiree was greeted by demonstrators holding signs and banners while chanting “We want democracy, not a corporatocracy.”

There were about 30 demonstrators at the protest, which was organized by MoveOn.org Oklahoma City chapter, Change Oklahoma and Occupy Norman.

Photo slideshow by New Media Active.

The American Legislative Exchange Council, known as ALEC, is a “nonpartisan” organization that works to have “pro-business” legislation passed in state legislatures. Yet somehow ALEC legislation keeps seeming to restrict voting by Democratic-leaning citizens, limit reproductive rights, and generally curtail or eliminate other progressive policies.

So, of course, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and other state GOP leaders are all over it. But their soiree was greeted by demonstrators holding signs and banners while chanting “We want democracy, not a corporatocracy.”

There were about 30 demonstrators at the protest, which was organized by MoveOn.org Oklahoma City chapter, Change Oklahoma and Occupy Norman.

Photo slideshow by New Media Active.

The American Legislative Exchange Council, known as ALEC, is a “nonpartisan” organization that works to have “pro-business” legislation passed in state legislatures. Yet somehow ALEC legislation keeps seeming to restrict voting by Democratic-leaning citizens, limit reproductive rights, and generally curtail or eliminate other progressive policies.

So, of course, Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin and other state GOP leaders are all over it. But their soiree was greeted by demonstrators holding signs and banners while chanting “We want democracy, not a corporatocracy.”

There were about 30 demonstrators at the protest, which was organized by MoveOn.org Oklahoma City chapter, Change Oklahoma and Occupy Norman.

Photo slideshow by New Media Active.

Helen and I decided talking beer over lunch on Monday was a good idea, so you know what? We did it again, dammit. This time we sat downstairs at the bar at McNellie’s, and we socialized with the bartender and the bar manager while we wrote our opinions down. I doodled a Starfleet officer circa 2218, and Helen wrote down a lot of incomprehensible notes about future stories.

Then we drank beer.

And all was right with the world.

Dammit, Jim, I'm a doctor, not a brewmaster!

Beer #1

Helen: Mustang Wheat: I laughed when Daniel told me he’d never had a Mustang beer before (which is, after all, his hometown).  The beer is a fair amber color, with minimal cloudiness, less so than what you might expect from a wheat selection. Upon sipping, I noticed immediately that Mustang’s wheat beer is sweeter than some like Boulevard or Blue Moon, with a notable caramel flavor profile, along with a strong “bready” wheat flavor.

I would say Mustang Wheat is all around just a good, light, sippable beer with very little bitterness. It’s something you’d want to drink on a hot summer day. It’s neither heavy in body nor overbearing in taste.

Daniel: Great Divide Nomad Pilsner: Great Divide is a microbrewery based out of Denver, Colorado, and they don’t make a bad beer. As such, I was excited to try their new seasonal Pilsner, the Nomad. As I said last week, I like the generally light crispness of pilsners. However, the Nomad is a surprisingly strongly-flavored beer for the pilsner style (although, coming from Great Divide, makers of the Yeti Imperial Stout, this perhaps should not be such a surprise). The Nomad has a reasonable hop bitterness at the front, which, when combined with an almost white wine dryness at the back, makes for an enjoyable (if somewhat heavy) spring and summer beer.

In true Daniel fashion, random Starfleet officer doodles ensue.

Beer #2

Helen- Redbud Pale Ale: I’ve been exploring the brave new world of IPAs recently, and I decided to go with a local beer again. I feel heartened to know that Oklahoma City is witnessing a new surge of independent micro-breweries. To that end, the Redbud brewery, based out of OKC, is one I’ve yet to sample. The Redbud does not have the same level of citrusy notes or the imperious hop bitterness as the Coop F-5 or Choc’s SPring IPA (which I tried last week). I find this a good alternative to something seemingly brewed exclusively for hopheads, as, while it is a pale ale, it seems minimally hoppy compared to the other two, but with a bright citrus aftertaste. So the verdict? It is a little less intense in citrus flavor than say something like a grapefruit, but still kind of pithy. Would it be out of bounds to call it “the people’s IPA?”

Additionally, the reason it is not very hoppy is that it is not double-hopped like an India Pale Ale. Thanks to bar manager Brian Pittman for that bit of insight. He also said to watch for new offerings from Redbud on May 1st. Chase Healey, the owner has moved away from using contract breweries and now operates his own. Cheers to that!

Daniel drinks faster than Helen. Not that it is a race.

Daniel- Fuller’s London Porter: The London Porter is a beer I’ve had multiple times; while not quite an old standby, it is a beer I’m certainly familiar with. I enjoy the relative lightness of the beer considering it’s a porter (although, to be fair, my dark beer of choice is either the Great Divide Yeti or the Left Hand Milk Stout, both thick and complex beers), and it has pleasing hazelnut and coffee notes. While stouts porters are usually best enjoyed on long winter nights, Fuller’s London Porter is a refreshing dark beer which could conceivably be enjoyed in the spring and summer months, too.

I’d never been to the IAO Gallery before, either, and I have to say, I loved the space. Something I really enjoy about visiting art spaces is that going to galleries is a sort of meta-narrative all on its own. What I mean is, I always find it intriguing what the space looks like, how it’s arranged, how the art is arranged inside it, and how the art is complemented through the curator’s staging. IAO put together “Biting the Apple” beautifully in that regard. There seemed to be a thematic progression in the organization of the pieces. I started on the southeast side of the gallery, which seemed to be primarily art that represented the female (and to a degree, the male) body in fairly straightforward ways. As you moved around the gallery, though, the presentations began to be more symbolic, more ethereal, even.

Photo by Natalee Dobbs.

The theme for this year’s event was “Glam”, which was described as attempting to render things that may not normally be conceived as glamorous as such. The thematic progression, then, from what almost seemed to be boudoir photography where I started to very experimental works and almost impressionistic photography on the other side seemed to echo the theme of “Glam”. From the traditionally erotic and even possibly quotidian representations of the female form to pieces that stretched the imagination through psychedelia or symbol, it became clear that “Glam” and even “erotic” are multivalent words that, rather than having a strict definition, are subjective terms defined by the artist.

But I digress. Writing about “Biting the Apple” in terms of being simply an art show is at best reductive, and at worst, poor journalism. It is definitely an art show, but is above all a party; it reminded me of the 2011 Pride Festival Block Party I attended last summer; all types of people dressed in all sots of clothes. We saw men with blazers on, women in body paint, drag queens, women of every shape and size in corsets, stockings, or even leather bodysuits…and me in an argyle sweater, jeans, and Nike KDs.

My sister (also dressed normally) and I felt a little bit out of place at Biting the Apple; it was like we missed the memo on dressing up as a sexual fantasy (which, admittedly, may have been awkward to do at an event with your sibling). Next year, though, I’ll be more prepared. Now I just have to decide what color mesh shirt would flatter me most.

Daniel looks uncertain about "Whipping it real good." Photo by Natalee Dobbs.

All photos by Natalee Dobbs. Check out OKC.NET’s Flickr account to see more.

In this episode, Patricia and Mandy talk about all things evolution and if the human race is keeping pace.

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Violett Shallot entered specialty boxes into this year's Biting the Apple erotic art show. The show runs from April 13-14th from 7-11pm. Tickets are available in advance online via Ticketstorm for $25 a night or go both nights for $35. Photo by Helen Grant.

Sure, the annual erotic art show in downtown OKC is called Biting the Apple, but I took some time Wednesday afternoon to preview the art work that will be on display this weekend, and  Ooo-la-la, is there a lot more loin fruit than seen in previous years. The theme for the 2012 show is “Glam”, which doesn’t necessarily cause fruit to spring to mind. However, according IAO‘s website, “Glam” is the notion that an object can appear vastly more desirable than it is, and that this magical way of thinking has spread beyond the silver screen to every facet of pop culture.

"Is more better?" by Sarah Clough Chambers. Photo by Helen Grant.

Executive Director of the gallery Clint Stone said the response from the community has been pretty good this year and that jurors Mike Wimmer, Marilyn Artus, and J Michelle Martin Coyne selected a fairly diverse group of artists. Having looked over most of the entries, I’d say the art ranges from traditional art mediums to mix media. A lot of it doesn’t strike me as overtly glamorous, but I think that’s kind of the point. The wide variety of art that is on display this year is playfully provocative and it’s nice that there is more dick in this show than you can shake, well….a dick at.

“Wait,” you might be thinking, “how is that a good thing? Penises are silly-looking, and testicles are like hard-boiled eggs tucked inside hackey sacks.”

Allow me to offer a rebuttal. The pervasive tendency in the portrayal of sexuality and gender in mass media (and culture at large) is the fetishization of the female body, but as for male members?  Not so much. Boobs sell, but manly bits are only good for low-brow comedy. Not that dick jokes aren’t funny, but still, it’s sort of a shame, really, to treat male genitalia primarily as an object of ridicule. So the inclusion of more phallo-centric art  was a refreshing twist to observe at this year’s Biting the Apple. It’s nice to see the concept of “Glam” extending to the often lampooned penis.

Claudia Wylir created 3-D shoes entitled "Lucky Pecker." This is but a sample of the effect, but to really see it pop, you'll have to put on 3-D glasses (provided at the show) and view the pair of shoes in person. For the record, do not Google "dick shoe". You will be most likely be sorry to see what comes up in the image search, as one of our editors found out yesterday. Photo by Helen Grant.

Alicia Smith is one of the new artists whose work has been accepted this year. Smith has known about “Biting the Apple” for a few years now, but this was the first year she felt as though she had something relevant to contribute in regard to the theme. Smith said she has always been fascinated by fetishes and pinups, and that as an artist she has struggled to find a way to express herself in sex positive ways. To aid in her research, she had read many blogs, looked at “tons” of porn, and examined aesthetically strong images. She said when the research phase was over she was inspired to create a collage.

“It’s kind of celebrating what I like sexually and making a visual stand that I won’t let anyone else ever shame me for what I like.” Smith said, “We need to smash those horrible constructs we have about how people should or should not have sex. Just because it’s not your flavor doesn’t mean it’s wrong. As long as it’s between CONSENTING parties, no sex is bad sex.”

"Clusterfuck" by Alicia Smith. If you look really hard, you'll spot the penis. This is one of two variations that will be on display April 13-14th. Photo by Helen Grant.

All said, this juried art show will only be on display for two nights before IAO pulls it down to prep for their next art exhibit. If you’ve never been before, Friday night, aka “Opening Night,” has a charged atmosphere where the performance artists are just as much on display as the audience. Not that you have to dress up, but expect to see both guests and artists as a nearly indistinguishable group.

Tickets get you in and catering is provided by:
Picasso on Paseo
The Roadside Chef
Joey’s Pizzeria
Flip’s
Jazmo’s Burbon Street
The cash bar will be run by Picasso on Paseo.

There will performances by:
TNT Burlesque
Jabee Williams
Balthazar
Perpetual Motion Dance
The Ladies Of The Boom
7 Deadly Sins
2XLP

Ever seen live painting? No? Well you should. Marcus Muse & Co will be treating to you a fun show.

There’s also a Hair & Makeup event by Hair Lounge by Miranda and Velvet Monkey.

Tickets: $25 or $35 for both nights. You can purchase them at the door or online at Ticketstorm.

Think midnight is too early to end a party?

There’s an after party at Saint’s on the Plaza.

The IAO gallery is located at 706 West Sheridian Ave. in downtown Oklahoma City, in the Historic Film District.

That’s the first thing that struck me about the curious case of Dane Scott Jr, the young man who was shot dead by Del City Police following a short car chase. Police can only use deadly force in the event that “the officer has probable cause to believe that the suspect poses a significant threat of death or serious physical injury to the officer or others.”

It’s hard to see how a teenager with his back turned (and, as witnesses suggest, his hands up) could constitute a significant threat to an armed police officer. The release of Scott’s autopsy this week only deepens the questions surrounding this case. According to Del City Police Department Captain Jody Suit,

“When Scott exited the vehicle, he did have a firearm in his hand. There was an altercation between the officer and Scott. During the course of that, they both went to the ground. When they got back up, shots were fired. We’re not going to go into details, yet, on how many and where. Scott did run for a distance from that location, where he later fell down and died..”

The autopsy shows that Scott was shot with a taser dart and received significant blunt force trauma prior to his death. Not many people can pose much of a threat to anything after being hit with a taser. Witnesses report hearing 4 to 5 shots. The entire event smells like overkill.

The reactionary position is predictable. “Why take the side of a kid who engaged in a car chase with the police over that of an officer? Clearly he was up to no good.” The implication is that if you break the law, you deserve whatever you get. That sort of mentality has no place in a nation of laws. We don’t have the death penalty for traffic infractions, and we generally prefer judgements to be passed by juries.

It’s hard to say anything definitively. As someone will no doubt point out, I wasn’t there. The evidence is scant and much of it is in the care of the Del City Police Department, who the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has entrusted to investigate themselves. An independent investigation will be needed to sort this out. As State Senator Mike Shelton (D-Oklahoma City) said, “Witness and police accounts of the shooting are at odds, and local citizens will have a hard time accepting the word of the Del City Police Department when they are investigating one of their own. Even if the investigation is handled correctly, doubt will linger. To avoid having this situation turn into an even bigger controversy, I believe state officials should be put in charge.”

What does seem clear to me is that even if Dane Scott Jr. had a gun, even if he ran from the police, even if he was a 60-year-old felon with a rap sheet a mile long rather than a teenager engaged in criminal mischief, none of those things should warrant a death sentence.

As Scott’s uncle James Edward wrote on the family’s change.org petition page, “You can’t justify shooting a man with his hands up, he’s only a kid. He just turned 18. His whole life was ahead of him.”

Community activists will gather tonight at 6pm at 23rd and MLK to protest the shooting.

Flyer for protest march.

Kent Johnson's Doin' Fine. Photo courtesy of LIVE on the Plaza.

Oklahoma City‘s Plaza District, located on NW 16th St. between Blackwelder and Indiana Ave, has transformed from a decaying neighborhood into a thriving one and is now home to galleries, studios, retail spaces, and eateries run by community-oriented entrepreneurs. When the weather warms, the Plaza District puts on a seasonal arts market, which takes place during the neighborhood’s monthly LIVE on the Plaza street fair.

The arts market features traditional media as well as artisans of all stripes. Norman-area fiber artist Darci Lenker returns to the Plaza with her hand-made dolls and stuffed animals.  Artist Jim Shelley will be selling a variety of fused glass creations, including glass pendants, while Kent Johnson will be there with his collaborative art clothing line Doin’ Fine Clothing. Johnson’s creative vision celebrates “Okieness” and a love for living in this state.  Photography fans can check out Ramsay Walcher. He produces a variety of digital and film prints, including prints made with sun-sensitive inks.  Delaney Martin makes organic apothecary style items like handmade soaps and solid perfumes, which she creatively packages in recycled glass bottles. Martin also carries lockets in her assortment of specialty wares. Another artist, Brandy McNair, will also have handmade jewelry available.

Handmade dolls by Darci Lenker generally sell for $20, but can range from $10-30. Photo courtesy of Darci Lenker Art.

The Plaza’s second Friday events also include live music and food vendors, along with open houses at the neighboring local businesses and galleries. The Society hosts a show featuring folk singer Samantha Crane and Chrome Pony (Unfamiliar with Steven Battles’ music? Read what Cody Bromley had to say about the three speeds of Chrome). There is no cover for the show. At The Parish there will be live performances by The Younglings, Jerrod Beck, and Patrick Hill.

LIVE on the Plaza runs from 7-11PM this Friday April 13^th and the artists will be out with their wares weather permitting. If it storms that evening the event will likely be canceled. Check LIVE on the Plaza’s Facebook page to stay up-t0-date.

Click on the images to see artist details.

Also, because the Plaza folks are community-oriented there's also a Plant the Plaza event that will be held the next day on April 14th between 9 am to 1 pm. Check it out!


Watchmen.

Whatever happened to the Man of Tomorrow? It’s a fair question. It seems easily answered at first: well, nothing, really. He’s still around, and alive and well. But think about it. When did Superman seem to stop being a completely relevant media figure, and become something of a nostalgic cultural icon? It was probably around the late 1980′s, although I can’t say with any certainty. I think portrayals of Superman in stories like Jeph Loeb and Tim Sale’s achingly beautiful Superman for All Seasons and Grant Morrison and Frank Quitely’s All-Star Superman are reactionary against something called the Watchmen Effect (which is a term I just made up).

The Metropolis skyline. Art by Tim Sale.

So let me explain the Watchmen Effect. When Watchmen originally came out, no one had ever seen anything like it in comics. It was unprecedented in terms of depth, artistry, and darkness. No one had ever taken superheroes where Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons took them; Moore’s morally ambiguous characters with disturbing motives and backgrounds created an entirely new discourse in comics. Which brings me to the Watchmen Effect: writers  started trying to emulate Moore’s work, but the ones who didn’t understand why Watchmen is so effective emulated the darkness, the violence, and the skulking antiheroes, but without bothering to offer a commentary or context. In other words, many comics in the ’90′s ended up exactly like Zak Snyder’s 2009 film adaption of Watchmen; it looked like Watchmen, and seemed like it, too, but it wasn’t really Watchmen, because  it expunged everything but the plot (which really isn’t even the most important thing in Watchmen).

Remember the first time you read Watchmen, and you didn’t know what the hell you’d just read when you finished? When I finished Watchmen for the first time, I couldn’t help but ask myself David Letterman’s wonderfully existential question, “is this anything?” Initially, I wasn’t sure it was anything; it was so dense and multi-layered that I’m not sure I even knew what it was about the first time I read it.

Several years later, I’ve decided Watchmen is something. It’s not only the greatest piece of graphic literature ever created (find someone who doesn’t agree, I dare you), it’s a master-class in intertextual collage. In fact, I would argue it’s one of the most salient and accessible pieces of post-modern literature.

Yo, Thomas Pynchon, I'm really happy for you, and Imma let you finish, but Alan Moore had one of the most salient and accessible pieces of postmodern literature of all time. OF ALL TIME!

Watchmen is about so much more than the plot; over the course of its twelve issues, it becomes not just a comment on the state of superheroes and their motives, but also a comment on the nature of narrative itself. Take the inclusion of epistolary documents (the case files and excerpts at the end of each of the first eleven issues). The suggestion that the entire story isn’t being told, can’t be told, is brilliant; as the story progresses, you begin to try to fill in the gaps, and think about what’s happening between the  panels.

Since Watchmen, there have been a lot of intelligent comics written, even some brilliant ones, but there have also been a lot of crappy, hyper-violent comics about antiheroes running around doing terrible things in the name of shock value. So the Watchmen Effect has been both positive and negative, spawning both great and awful comics that were inspired or influenced by Alan Moore’s magnum opus. A postmodern masterpiece that is at turns both beautiful and terrifying, Watchmen remains the greatest comic book ever. And I can’t imagine that changing.

One day, all the whores and politicians will look up and shout "stop making corny jokes in the captions!" And I'll look down and whisper, "No."

Picks for the week:

America’s Got Powers #1, Jonathan Ross & Bryan Hitch: This is a fun take on reality television and superpowers. Look for fantastic art by Bryan Hitch, who gave the Avengers a fascinating make-over in Marvel’s The Ultimates. Also, one of the characters looks just a little like Barry Switzer, so there’s that.

Also, Haley Joel Osment. Covert art by Bryan Hitch.

Thief of Thieves #3, Robert Kirkman, Nick Spencer, & Shawn Martinbrough: My comic book guy Dan Nash at Speeding Bullet Comics in Norman recommended Thief of Thieves to me when issue #1 came out, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite non-superhero comics. Between the action, the heists, and the snappy wit, Thief of Thieves is a book you should be reading.

Thief of Thieves. Read it. Cover art by Shawn Martinbrough and Felix Serrano.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

In this episode of Sounds of the City, we interview people from the Plaza District to see what they’ve been listening to. There are no right or wrong answers, only interesting sounds.

T.S. Eliot and Garfield have more in common than you think...

Today at the OKC.NET offices, there was a massive, Garfield-sized case of the Mondays. There was nothing we could do; it was sort of like the flu pandemic of 1918, but with fewer silly hats. Managing editor Helen was struck down by the Mondays, and was feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of work that must be done every Monday. Our fearless leader Colin was so stricken by the Mondays that he had to stay at home so as not to spread this infectious disease even more; even normally bright-eyed and bushy-tailed special projects editor Daniel was feeling listless and morose, even though he had two bowls of Peanut Butter Crunch for breakfast. So the office, such as it was, decided there was only one cure for this debilitating disorder: work from McNellie’s (which has free wifi, by the way).

To rationalize this field trip, Daniel and Helen decided to do a beer tasting. Here are the results:

Beer #1:

Helen

Coop F-5 IPA

$5.00

I’m on the job, so I decided to go with a beer that reflects my whirlwind schedule. I feel the Coop F-5 more than adequately exemplifies the chaos I deal with when coordinating writers, photographers, and our multimedia team. Coop’s F-5 India Pale Ale is hoppy all the way through, but has a nice citrus flavor to balance it out. It’s bitter like a grapefruit on the back end, not unlike a Monday.

Daniel contemplates the existenital nature of his pita bread and artichoke dip.

Daniel

Warsteiner Pilsner-

$5.50

While there’s nothing particularly special about this German beer, I find that I very much enjoy the semi-sweet maltiness at the front-end, as well as the crisp, refreshing nature of the pilsner style in general.  Also, it looks very similar to a Coors Lite when poured into a glass, so you can have the illusion of drinking cheap beer while secretly (read: pretentiously) enjoying an overpriced import. Like a boss.

Beer #2:

Helen

Choc Spring IPA

$4.00

I did not intend to drink two beers with lunch, but I let Daniel talk me into it as I worked on our list of agenda items for this week in addition to asking writers to let me know how their stories were coming along. With my focus being on all that is “local” I decided to go with the Choc Spring IPA. It’s a less hoppy version of the Coop F-5. At the front it’s a little sweeter too. It has that grapefruit aftertaste as well, but it is slightly less bitter.

Always typing, always typing.

Daniel

Young’s Double Chocolate Stout

$6.00

In my defense, it wasn’t like I had to twist Helen’s arm about beer #2. For my second beer, I went with something I’ve not had many times before. While I like stouts and porters, I generally frown on adding undue flavors to beer (unless it’s my favorite stout, Great Divide’s Espresso Oak-Aged Yeti, which has as pretentious and ungainly a flavor as its name suggests). I’m somewhat split on this beer; while its subtle dark chocolate flavor profile is interesting and unique, I think I might prefer this beer if it were just a stout, rather than a chocolate stout. Also, why is it a double-chocolate stout? Are there two chocolates in this? Perhaps my palette isn’t developed to catch the subtle differences in chocolate flavors within beer. Whatever it is, I apparently like my beers like I like my women (in most cases): not restricted by unnecessary pretense or accoutrements.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Do you like wine? Well, it may not matter; Urban Wineworks probably has something you’ll like. Open since late last year, Urban Wineworks is a stylish wine bar/ bistro that has a wine menu that caters to every taste; from their crisp, European-style chardonnay to their bold, full-bodied pinot taj, you can find something enjoyable. Urban Wineworks is located on NW 16th street in the Plaza District.

I’m a big fan of documentaries. I especially enjoy social and cultural documentaries. They can’t all be winners though. And as I see more of them, I have begun to witness a few themes that are, well, over done. Stale. Silly. Pretentious. Insulting. Not all films in these subgenres are any of those things (I have tried to give at least one example in each category of a film that fits the description and is actually kinda good) but enough of them are to be worthy of note.

So, without further ado, here is my list. All of the films I mention are available for streaming on Netflix Instant.

1. “Wow, New York City is amazing!”

What the filmmakers think they are saying: “NYC is a city of epic contrasts, indelible joy, and crushing sorrow. These years spent living in Park Slope have been the best of my life, and I want to document that.”

What the filmmakers are actually saying: “Hey, look at my awesome life!”

Part of what’s magical about film documentaries is how they make the specific details about someone’s life feel universal. But documentaries cannot survive on local quirk alone. If the point of your movie is to say nothing more than “hey, look at this cool place!”, then I think what you have is a recipe for a vapid and shallow documentary.

 Watch this movie:

I Like Killing Flies

About a famous greasy spoon in the east village. An example of how “slice of life” can work in a film.

Instead of this one:

Ashtanga, NY

About how Yoga helped NYC heal after 9/11. Seriously.

Clearly this is not pretentious at all.

2. “Inner City Youth Overcome Poverty Through Art.”

What the filmmakers think they are saying: “All people have dignity and potential, and the current social system is doing nothing for so many of us. Perhaps this film will be the single point of light that shines in the darkness.”

What the filmmakers are actually saying: “Gee it’s hard for these kids! We should help them somehow if it’s politically expedient!”

Whoa, a typewriter in prison?

This genre is particularly irksome, because it typically focuses on young non-white kids learning to appreciate the same things that middle-aged white people like. It typically treats it’s subjects like curiosities. A black kid doing ballet is treated like a bear on a unicycle. All of this is wrapped around a usually vague and ham fisted political argument. If you want to change things, get specific, get active, or STFU.

 All of these movies are pretty bad:

Mario’s Story

Latino youth learns about writing while in prison. Heroic white people work on his behalf.

 Accelerating America

Heroic principal sets ethnic youth on a course for success. Ok, what really happens is you see a principal yelling at teenagers for two hours, a swell of music announces the end, and you’re like, “Well, I guess that worked?”

And a special jury prize for achievement in white savior complex cinema:

The Art Star and the Sudanese Twins

A conceptual artist fights to be the first person to adopt out of the new nation of South Sudan. Not everyone is thrilled. The documentary is unfailingly fawning and sycophantic.

3. “Hey! Look at this crazy subculture!”

What the filmmakers think they are saying: “We can use this strange subculture to really get at something universal about human nature.”

What the filmmakers are actually saying: “Hey, Trekkies made money, so let’s make Trekkies 2!”

I’m a certified nerd. This much is undeniable. Does that mean I want to watch 90 minutes about people who love Dr. Who? No. If I want to hear all about Dr. Who fandom, I can either call someone I know, or look it up on the Internet like a normal person.

Trekkies had a spark. Trekkies 2 was a little too much. All the imitations are way too much.

Borderline Unwatchable:

Dalekmania

Dr. Who sure has some crazy fans!

Indyfans

Indiana Jones sure has some crazy fans!

Cosplay, baby.

4. “Entitled White People Go On Road Trip, Learn About Life!”

What the filmmakers think they’re saying: “America is such a land of unique characters, let’s peek into their lives for just a minute and see what it tells us about ourselves”

What the filmmakers are actually saying: “Best spring break ever, bro.”

This generally involves someone seeking to “Look for America,” to quote the Paul Simon song, often on a trip to “all the lower 48 states,” because getting to Hawaii and Alaska isn’t in the budget. What it actually means is you get to watch some obnoxious hipster’s vacation videos. Extra points for every Wacky Character and stereotypical regional accent that is gently mocked.

Quirky Self Indulgent Crap:

10 MPH

2 guys quit their jobs and ride Segway scooters across America. Yep, it’s exactly what it sounds like.

Self Indulgent Crap:

Our Time

Remember MTV’s Road Rules? What if they made that into a ploddingly slow docu-melodrama with some sort of vague philosophical point to make? You would get this movie.

Preachy Self Indulgent Crap:

The Human Experience

We are the world. We are the children. Time to make the world a better place, so let’s start going on field trips into the lives of poor people with our cameras.

A far more profound take on the human experience. You're welcome.

5. “What’s Destroying The Earth This Time?”

What the filmmakers think they are saying: “Only immediate action can save our beautiful blue marble.”

What the filmmakers are actually saying: “Despite the fact that the vast majority of environmental damage is caused by post industrial waste and can only be reversed by concerted effort on the part of governments and industry, saving the biosphere is your personal responsibility.”

I suffer from outrage fatigue. I get bent out of shape so easily and so frequently when faced with the less than ideal state of the world that I just can’t handle the plight of the honeybees right now. I just can’t deal with it. I’m glad other people care. I’m glad that those other, better, smarter people are working on it.

Save the Dirt! Before it’s too late!

Dirt The Movie

Dirt is apparently kind of awesome. Alright, if you want to watch a slow ass movie about people waxing philosophical on the life of microbes, this is your movie.

Save the Bees! Before it’s too late!

Queen of the Sun: What are the Bees Telling Us?

I think the bees are telling us: “more pollen, plz. kthxbye.”

All kids love the wry observational humor of Jerry Seinfeld.

6. “The Secret Conspiracy Behind ______!”

What the filmmakers think they are saying: “The truth is out there, people.”

What the filmmakers are actually saying: “Hey, listen to this crazy unsubstantiated shit a guy told me!”

Everyone loves a good myth, and plenty of these films are entertaining as hell, if only because they’re so out there. You have to constantly maintain a bit of critical distance because the documentary form is so powerful that you are forced to accept the viewpoint of the documentarian to a certain extent. The best of these are made by either skeptical outsiders or true believers. The worst are made by cynical opportunists exploiting harmless cranks for a cheap dollar.

Mystical new age BS:

What the Bleep Do We Know?

We know that this movie sucks big fat bleepty bleep. It purports to be a documentary about quantum physics, but is actually a propaganda piece for the followers of Ramtha, the ageless celestial entity that speaks through some lady in Oregon. I’m not making that up. Unlike most of the “science” in this film.

Cynical money grubbing BS:

Paul McCartney Really Is Dead: The Last Testament of George Harrison

The real tragedy here is that you will never get these 55 minutes back.

Actually quite good:

Cropsey

Some guys revisit an urban myth from their hometown, and then shit gets real. Could be terrible, but isn’t.

Not at all good:

Eyes of the Mothman

THE REAL STORY behind THE MOTHMAN. If that sounds awesome to you, you should watch it. You will get exactly what you expect.

12 ft stainless steel Mothman statue, Point Pleasant West, Virgina.

7. “Wow, The 60s Were Amazing!”

What the filmmakers think they are saying: “What an amazing time in America, when the change in economic relationships finally was reflected in changing social relationships.”

What the filmmakers are actually saying: “Baby Boomers are awesome, and we like to hear ourselves talk!”

It’s easy to believe from popular media that everyone was “down with the struggle.” Plenty of deeply conservative people have described themselves in my presence as “an old hippie.” I don’t have proof, but I think way more people voted for Nixon back then than will own up to it now. He got elected twice after all.

Meh:

Chelsea on the Rocks

Over it. Did you know it’s super expensive to live there now? THANKS, RUDY!

Pssshaw:

Berkeley in the Sixties

I think Berkeley is still sorta like this, just without any push back from The Man.

8. “Yelling Louder Proves My Point.”

What the filmmakers think they are saying: “Here is a well constructed video essay about why you should agree with me about this political issue.”

What the filmmakers are actually saying: “RIDDLED WITH LOGICAL FALLACIES??? YOUR MOM IS RIDDLED WITH LOGICAL FALLACIES!!!1”

This is all Michael Moore’s fault. I love “Roger and Me“, and I enjoyed “Bowling for Columbine,” but it should be understood that these aren’t documentaries. They are polemics. And because of this, it’s hard to make a good one, or even a watchable one. Most of them are profoundly shallow and unfair. Unfortunately, there are also a ton of them, because all you really have to do is have an opinion and find some academics who will talk about it with you on camera. Then you just cut it together with some file footage and maybe an audacious stunt before calling it a day.

GOP garbage:

Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed

Science teachers who don’t want to teach science get fired sometimes. Kind of like how if I was a college professor and I wanted to teach an alternative set of grammar rules for American English, actually, you could probably get away with that. You would probably need tenure, though.

Dem. Garbage:

Deflating the Elephant

It’s a 124-minute movie that essentially functions like one of those shrill liberal blogs that deconstructs conservative language. And oh, hey, look it’s American actor and political activist Sean Penn!

So much better than I Am Sam.

9. “Unexpected Profundity.”

What the filmmakers think they are saying: “The wisdom of everyday people never ceases to amaze me.”

What the filmmakers are actually saying: “I’m amazed that other people have thoughts.”

This is the “Good Will Hunting” trope; we’re all actually brilliant! Even people you wouldn’t expect! The problem is that in making this point, the filmmakers reveal the people that they think are unlikely sources of wisdom, almost always working class people and people on the margins of society. It’s more than a little exploitative.

Crap:

The Philosopher Kings

The inspiring story of janitors at top universities. What was I just saying about the Good Will Hunting trope?

Actually pretty good:

The Parking Lot Movie

It’s about parking lot attendants. Manages to avoid talking down to the audience or ridiculing the subjects.

10. “Dysfunctional Family Struggles With Dysfunction.”

What the filmmakers think they are saying: “What an interesting study of diverse family dynamics.”

What the filmmakers are actually saying: “I bet people would pay money to watch these fuck-ups!”

The difference between a good film in this genre and a bad one is empathy. If the subjects are played chiefly for laughs, it’s basically the ethical equivalent of watching Maury, but with the added stink of hipster irony. I would like to say that such films are the exception. I would be wrong.

Exploitative:

The Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virginia

Hey, let’s laugh at some poor people with substance abuse problems as their children suffer from neglect. Yay, finally a movie that gives us permission to enjoy watching the cycle of dysfunction repeat itself.

Amateurish:

Family Values: An American Tragedy

Top prize at the Bitter Home Video Festival.

Doesn’t Live Up To Potential:

Dr. Bronner‘s Magic Soapbox

The story of the crazy dude who escaped the Nazis and created a semi famous brand of holistic peppermint soap with labels covered in philosophical ramblings and Bible verses. It seems like it would be interesting, right? Prepare to be surprised.

This is so depressing. Jesco White from the Wild and Wonderful Whites of West Virgina.

Ava Lord from Sin City. Art by Frank Miller.

When was the last time you read a comic book with a woman in it? Probably the last time you read a comic book. But when was the last time you read a comic book with a real woman in it? I’m not talking about women with capes and silly costumes, or pulpy femme fatales. I’m not talking about Boris Vallejo-inspired pin-ups who wear lingerie in lieu of battle armor, or female characters who say ridiculous things because they’re written by men who have no idea what real women sound like.

Exhibit A. Well, more like Exhibit D. Cover art by Garrie Gastonny.

To be fair, there are a lot of poorly written male characters, too. But still, women have had it fairly rough in comics over the years. There are probably any number of reasons for this; you could point to the overwhelmingly male readership and creator-ship, and say something smart about the male’s intrinsic need to fantasize about exerting dominance over women, or the fetishization of the female body. And maybe you’d be right, judging from characters like Dejah Thoris and anyone in any of Jim Balent’s comic books.

There are exactly two things to like about "Warlord of Mars: Dejah Thoris", both of which are on display right now. Art by Carlos Rafael.

Whatever the reason, like I said before, female characters don’t exactly have it easy most of the time. It may be because in general women haven’t exactly had it easy most of the time throughout history [pause to allow vast understatement to sink in]. Women have been mistreated in comics an inordinate amount, though. I mean, they have been really mistreated. Take Green Lantern Kyle Rayner’s girlfriend, who was killed and ended up in a refrigerator. Apparently, all of Savage Dragon’s girlfriends are dead.

He might have just accidentally killed them with that thing on his head. Image Comics.

Batgirl was paralyzed when the Joker shot her. Starfire of the Teen Titans has been raped and forced into marriage twice. According to reports, Daredevil’s girlfriend Karen Page got on drugs, made adult films, and caught HIV before she died. Really, comic books? Really?

Once again, to be fair, there is plenty of violence in comic books in general, and there’s an abundance of it happening to men, too. For example, remember that story arc in Fantastic Four where the The Thing loses his powers and gets sexually tortured by the Mole Man? No? That’s because that never happened. Things like that don’t generally happen to men in comics.

The Mole Man, would, of course, be played by Ron Jeremy in a movie.

So what’s the deal? I can’t begin to account for all the awful violence that is done to women in comics; it’s there, and it’s disturbing. Why did Major Force have to not only kill Kyle Rayner’s girlfriend Alexandra DeWitt, but then mutilate her and shove her in a refrigerator? Even worse, consider David Lapham’s story arcs on the zombie comic Crossed, in which the rapes per issue probably averages out to around .87 (and that’s just the humans raping each other; the number probably raises to around 2.1 if you include the zombies, too).

If I had a nickel for every time this happened to me...

This may be a microcosm of the larger problem with the representation of women in media to begin with; in Frank Herbert’s novel Dune, the villain is portrayed as a pederast, and the subtext seems to be that, not only is he a pedophile, he’s even worse because he rapes boys instead of girls. I find it ridiculous and cruel that mass culture apparently places the rape of a man above the rape of a woman in severity. And don’t get me started on victim-blaming, which could be an entirely other article (but not  a comic book one).

As if all that isn’t bad enough, women are often used as scenery rather than as real characters in film and television; just ask Megan Fox, who got replaced not by another actress for Transformers 3, but a Victoria’s Secret model. Megan Fox obviously got hired for her “acting talents”, right? Her filmography since then proves that. As I said before, this problem seems endemic not only to media geared towards men, but also media in general. Look at the sitcom King of Queens; can I see a show of hands of people who really believed Leah Remini and Kevin James were a good match? Not to insult Kevin James unduly, but Doug Heffernan did way better for himself than he really had any right to.

As for the portrayal of women in comics (and media) as sex objects, I think the over-sexualization of female characters’ appearances in comics exceeds even that of media in general. And I get it. I really do; sex sells. It’s a lot easier to sell a mediocre sword-and-sorcery comic that has a buxom woman in her underwear on the cover than one that has actual swords and sorcerers on the cover.

Once again, Lady Death. Who needs swords and sorcerers on the cover of a fantasy comic?

Don’t get me wrong, there are some fantastic comics going right now with strong female characters (Brian Azzarello’s Wonder Woman, Joss Whedon’s run on Astonishing X-Men and Gail Simone’s Batgirl, among others), but even these aren’t safe: both Batgirl and Wonder Woman are still pretty hot, and Emma Frost (by design) is a nerd’s wet dream.

This is Emma Frost's costume in which she fights for Mutant rights. Yup. Art by Marvel Comics.

Even the New 52′s version of Amanda Waller, the stern wrangler of the Suicide Squad, is made attractive. Previously, she was an overweight, dour African-American woman with no regard for human life and a take-no-prisoners worldview, but now she’s a younger, attractive African-American woman. And since she’s attractive, I suppose it’s ok to humanize her (which was never done in her previous incarnation), as they do in issue #5, wherein it’s shown that she has a family, and there’s the suggestion that she has a (somewhat) softer side.

The Princess of the Amazons. Art by Terry Dodson.

And while the image above is ineffably classier than something from Jim Balent or Zenescope entertainment, it still obviously recognizes Diana’s beauty and plays it up.

But, amongst all this, I find myself in a precarious position; I’m not immune to the charms of the women-folk of comic books. Wonder Woman is one of my favorite characters, and I wish I could say it’s all because of the fun troping on mythology (one of the things I really love about Marvel’s Thor), the interesting stories told by George Perez, Gail Simone, and now Brian Azzarello, and Diana’s stoic, regal nature. The truth? I love all of those things about Wonder Woman, but it sure doesn’t hurt that she’s gorgeous.

I’d like to say here that pretty girls in comic books don’t automatically convince me to buy them. I’d like to think I’m above that, but the more I do, the harder it is for me to believe. I currently follow Supergirl, Batgirl, Catwoman, and of course Wonder Woman; the current stories in all of these books are interesting and worthwhile in their own ways, but, regardless, the fact remains: all of the aformentioned characters are beautiful. Is this a coincidence?

Don't even pretend you wouldn't buy any comic with Kara Zor-El on the cover. Art by Mahmud Asrar.

In my defense, I don’t mean to say that the only reason I like these comics are the attractive women; I read the first issues of Aspen Entertainment’s Fathom and the New 52′s Voodoo, and promptly gave up on them because of sub-par writing and plotting. However, there’s still a part of me I can’t escape, an almost vestigial adolescence when it comes to the opposite sex. It’s this part of me that secretly feels a little giddy when the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models come on David Letterman when the issue comes out every February, the part of me that will watch any movie Nicole Kidman or Salma Hayek is in.

I absolutely realize how unnecessary this picture is. Photo by Sports Illustrated.

At any rate, in spite of many comics readers (myself included), there is hope for women in comics. Terry Moore’s Strangers in Paradise as well as his new series Rachel Rising are both wonderful, tasteful portrayals of strong women in comics. Additionally, indie comics author Monica Gallagher’s online comic Gods and Undergrads is moving and quirky. So whatever you do end up reading, don’t be afraid to try something different, even if it means reading something that’s fair to its female characters.

Picks for the week: Editor’s Note: Nothing interesting came out this week (Avengers Vs. X-Men was a pick for last week), so Daniel chose classic graphic novels instead of new releases.

All-Star Superman, Grant Morrison, Frank Quitely: Perhaps the most moving Superman story ever written, All-Star Superman is a twelve-issue limited series that’s now available in trade paperback. The art is beautiful, and the writing is pitch-perfect; if you haven’t read All-Star Superman, read it. Read it today.

Superman has never looked better. Cover art by Frank Quitely.

Watchmen, Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons: Quick, everyone read the original Watchmen before Before Watchmen ruins everything! As if you don’t already know, Watchmen is the greatest graphic novel of all time; it deconstructs the superhero genre and is one of the most chilling Cold War stories ever told. Add to that its dense, incredibly complex plot and its distinctly post-modern sensibilities, and you have something that transcends its media: art.

Never forget. Cover art by Dave Gibbons.

There are several of these specialty bakeries here in the Oklahoma City Metro, and today I am reviewing three: Cuppies and Joe, Green Goodies by Tiffany and Sara Sara Cupcakes.  The only requirement for this assignment is that each establishment had to be locally owned and operated, so no chains (sorry, GiGi’s!).  I embarked on my culinary adventure this past Saturday and brought along my husband, Jake, as a neutral second opinion.  Jake isn’t that into sweets. I knew if he liked the cupcake then it had to be good.

Our adventure started at Cuppies and Joe on N.W. 23rd Street at 10 am.  When we arrived there was already a small line. People seemed perfectly at ease in the cozy atmosphere as they enjoyed their coffees and desserts.  We were ready to place our order, but were informed that today’s cupcakes wouldn’t be ready for another thirty minutes. But all was not lost. Cuppies and Joe said they had leftovers from yesterday, along with some fresh cranberry-poppy seed cupcakes that were also available.  Rather than wait, I opted for the cranberry-poppy seed (the Return to Oz), and Jake ordered the carrot cake cupcake (the Horsebite).  I had already drank a cup of coffee at home, so I only ordered a bottled water to cleanse my pallet.  Jake had complained about the cost per cupcake, which is about $2.50. But then he took his first bite.

His reaction: “Nevermind, this is GOOD.”

Not only was Jake’s cupcake incredibly fresh and moist, despite being a day old, but you could actually see the freshly-ground carrot in the cake itself.  I took my first bite of the Return to Oz cake and instantly was hit with a tangy-sweet burst of fresh cranberries.  The almond glaze had a hint of lemony zest, which perfectly complimented the fruit in the cake.  My cake was also fresh, moist, and delicious.  I’ve had their Bangarang (chocolate cake with mocha icing) at a LIVE! On the Plaza event, and even then I enjoyed the dessert tremendously, especially the icing. I could live on that icing alone, it is that good.

Horsebite cupcake from Cuppies and Joe. Photo by Natalee Dobbs.

Cuppies and Joe is open 8am – 10pm Tuesday – Saturday.  You can find more information, including their menu on their website, or follow them on Twitter.

The next stop was Green Goodies by Tiffany, located in the Classen Curve shopping center.  Because it is a corner store with large glass windows, there is a lot of light that illuminates the white and pink decor within.  Green Goodies promotes itself as offering the finest organic, gluten-free, and vegan desserts. They also offer frozen yogurt with a dairy-free option.  The offerings here were so diverse and enticing, I had a hard time making a selection.  I eventually chose the Sopapilla Cheesecake cupcake and Jake chose the Banana Pudding cupcake. He also ordered a dish of swirled frozen yogurt that combined dark chocolate and salted caramel.  Green Goodies goes the extra mile in the presentation of their cupcakes. Jake’s cupcake was topped with a miniature vanilla wafer, while mine had been topped with honey drizzle and cinnamon-sugar dust.  Like Cuppies and Joe, our cakes here were extremely fresh, moist, and super tasty.  I was amazed that so much flavor was packed into such a small cake.  The cinnamon in my cake was not overwhelming, and Jake’s cake had visibly fresh banana slices in it too.  He also enjoyed Green Goodies fro-yo, but is still partial to Orange Leaf when it comes to frozen yogurt.  I had heard good things about Green Goodies from friends, so I’m glad we decided to finally try it.

Banana Pudding cupcake from Green Goodies. Photo by Natalee Dobbs.

Green Goodies by Tiffany is open Monday – Thursday 10am – 8pm and Friday – Saturday 10am – 9pm.  You can find their menu and catering options at their website, receive daily updates (including the latest daily specials) on their Facebook page, or follow them on Twitter.

The final bakery on our agenda was Sara Sara Cupcakes. They are located on N.W. 9th Street in Automobile Alley, next to the Iguana Grill and the WOMB gallery.  I’ve had goodies from Sara Sara back when I was an office drone downtown. But this time I wanted to deviate from my usual go-to, which is their strawberry cupcake.  So for this trip I chose the Pineapple Upside-Down cupcake and Jake chose the Elton John, which was described as a “cherry cheesecake-type” of cupcake.  We also decided to take advantage of Sara Sara‘s milk bar. I got a chocolate milk and Jake had the strawberry milk.  I always love coming to Sara Sara. The white interior brings light into the space and it is quite chic in a stark sort of way.  The offerings at Sara Sara are much bigger (almost 2 times as large) as the previous cupcakes we consumed. A fork is definitely needed; unless you can unhinge your jaw like a snake.  While both of our cupcakes were quite moist, the texture of Jake’s cupcake was extremely dense. I found the flavor of my Pineapple Upside-Down cupcake somewhat lacking.  The icing on my cupcake was almost too sweet, and it overwhelmed the caramelized pineapple ring.  Jake enjoyed the flavor of his cupcake, but could only get through half as the texture was very rich.  We both enjoyed the flavored milk, especially as it was served in frosted glasses.  Even though this visit was a slight disappointment, I would still recommend Sara Sara to friends.  The strawberry cupcake is a regular favorite and I can’t get enough of their seasonal pumpkin cupcakes with cream cheese frosting, so I’ll definitely be back again.

The Elton John and Pineapple Upside-Down cupcakes from Sara Sara. Photo by Natalee Dobbs.

Sara Sara cupcakes is open Monday – Friday 7:30am – 9pm, Saturday 9am – 9pm, and Sunday 11am – 6pm.  You can find menu and catering information on their website and updates on daily specials on their Facebook page.

Spooky moon silhouette. Oh, yes. Intrigue abounds. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Album: “A Wasteland Companion”

Artist: M. Ward

Label: Merge

Out: April 10th

Rating: 3.5/5

When I first listened to “A Wasteland Companion” last week, I wasn’t sure that I liked it. Something about it felt off and it took me a while to get to the second half. But since I do enjoy the majority of what M.Ward has released (be it on his own, notably: “Post-War,” “Hold Time,” and “Transfiguration of St. Vincent”, or as the other half of She & Him or one fourth of Monsters of Folk), I decided that I would give myself several listens before completely writing this album off as bland.  That said, “A Wasteland Companion” is a slow burn. Honestly, upon the very first listen none of the tracks really stood out for me with exception of a couple that were heavy on reverb and rife with subversive lyrics. Maybe I’m jaded, but the tracks with Zooey Deschanel made me want to roll my eyes. In fairness it has much to do with the lyrics Deschanel sings, like on “Sweetheart,” (“Everyone I know must be jealous that they don’t have a love such as I”) more than the musicianship. Despite the lyrics, “Sweetheart”  is plenty catchy and brings to mind jukeboxes and dancing.

And that’s OK, I suppose.

After a second listen with “A Wasteland Companion,” I was reminded of the all the other reasons I like M. Ward. The man knows how to work subtlety to his advantage. One song that I enjoyed for its keen lyrical content is called “Clean Slate.” It has a sort of weary wisdom imbued within it.

“When I was a younger man I thought the pain of defeat would last forever

now I don’t know what it would take to make my heart back down

cause only I have to wait a little while before I get my clean slate.”

I can get with that idea.

From there I could easily skip “Primitive Girl” and “Sweetheart.” Although they do make sense within the context of the album, they lack the lyrical depth that I’ve come to expect from M. Ward. But if I had to listen to those songs to get songs like “Me and My Shadow,” so be it. “Me and My Shadow” is one of my favorites on “A Wasteland Companion.” I love the reverb: it is delicious ear candy. Lyrically it’s self deprecating, layered, and dark.  Clearly “Me and My Shadow” provides the set up for “Watch the Show,” which is just as drenched in reverb and all about delivering a beautifully dark echo. Quite frankly, it might be my absolute favorite track.

The other songs are enjoyable enough. The title track, “A Wasteland Companion,” which comes before “Watch the Show,” begins breezy and light before it trails off on a somewhat ominous string arrangement only to pick back up with the sounds of a crowd in the background while a contemplative Spanish guitar plays in the foreground before ending once more on those dark and pensive strings.

There’s a lot of poetry on this album too. I didn’t really appreciate “Crawl After You” until the second listen, mostly because my mind had been preoccupied with trying to identify a bare bones version of a classical string arrangement found on this track. Think of something like Bach, but with a touch of prairie hootenanny.  Maybe that hint of the familiar is just what Ward was after considering the nature of this song. That said, the lyrics take on an enchanting quality when it comes to the son of a whirlwind romance looking for his parents.

“I was raised by a tribe of Vegas cowboys

who claim I was born from a union of dust and wind

And when I came of age well I sailed away

A pine cone on the Rio Grande

Now I gotta crawl after you

And tell you who I am…”

Lest I be called a “love” hater because I found certain tracks to be more annoying than others, I did very much appreciate the song “I Get Ideas.” I swore I wouldn’t write an early 2000s style Pitchfork review, where I proceed to tell you all about what was going on in my life and how the album echoed whatever the hell it was I did that week rather than rating it on the strength of it’s content…but…for reasons that are personal this song reminds me of my husband. It’s the sort of song that bewitches you into day dreaming about the one you hold nearest and dearest. It’s also got a wonderful rhythm for dancing should you convince your significant other that your living room is in fact an old-timey dance hall. To that end, I really enjoyed “Pure Joy.” It’s more sweetness and softer imagery than “I Get Ideas,” but musically it’s far more laid back. Think: laying together in a hammock by a sparkling sea or by the Rio Grande and watching the clouds roll by, it’s that kind of joy.

All said, “A Wasteland Companion” is very nicely arranged. The themes from song-to-song flow in a logical order as other layered elements, found in tracks like “Me and My Shadow” and “Watch the Show,” weave themselves in and out of the story that’s being told.

Check out the album for yourself at npr.org’s First Listen.

Mandatory indie beards

They’ve been on the road opening for Radiohead, but soon enough they’ll be making a trip to Norman.

Who? Other Lives of course. They are one of many bands coming for Norman Music Festival later this month.

Maybe You’ve Heard of Them

The latest local band to make the jump from dive bar favorites to international acclaim, this indie-folk-rock group from Stillwater have had quite a few breaks in the business. They’ve had songs featured on the television shows Ugly Betty, Grey’s Anatomy and One Tree Hill. They’ve opened for Bon Iver and traveled the world playing their sweet, sweet melodies.

Old Statues by Other Lives

They have a sound that is broad and orchestral without feeling heavy or dense. Guitars and drums lead the sound without dominating them. Retro keys and organ create a mellow environment for lead singer Jesse Tabish to do all sorts of delicious experiments. This comes out strong in the self-harmonizing used in their most recent album “Tamer Animals,” most notably on the track “Weather.”

Artists Coming Into Their Own

The video for “For 12″ is marvelous. Up until watching it, I’d kind of just pictured the song being the sort of mellow ballad that would play over a winsome cowboy horse riding montage. The video comes remarkably close to that vision, except that it’s a cosmic space cowboy.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

If I ever find myself exploring the lonely dunes of Mars, I know what I’ll have on my iPod.

Tamer Animals

If you’re looking to familiarize yourself with the music of Other Lives before you see them later this month, a good place to start is with their most recent album “Tamer Animals.”

While the album does have several singles that are great places to start, “Tamer Animals” is one of those albums best enjoyed listening start to finish.

I first discovered Other Lives during the winter months and was almost content to write it off as winter music- shades of Bon Iver, Sea Wolf, Matt Pond PA and anything else that is downtempo, folkish and mellow. I’m now discovering that Other Lives is more complicated than that.

Besides, songs like “Desert” lead the album on a path I would much rather travel on a summer evening than the depths of a snowy December.

Desert by Other Lives

I can’t help shake the idea in my head that lead singer Jesse Tabish looks like he could be a member of Ned Stark‘s family from Game of Thrones. The one thing that House Stark could use if “winter is coming” is a good bard, but the current affairs of Westros are neither here nor there.

So here’s hoping that the crowd in Norman makes Other Lives feel at home. For good measure, how about we keep the Boomer Sooner chants to a minimum?

Other Lives are just one of many fantastic acts you shouldn’t miss at NMF this year. For more details, including how to get VIP tickets, visit the NMF website and also stick with OKC.NET for our continuing coverage.

For more information about Other Lives visit their website, their SoundCloud or catch them on Facebook.

In this episode, we saw The Hunger Games and we talk about its qualities as an adaptation, the state of adaptations in general, Cody gets angry about the Ninja Turtles, and Daniel introduced a new corollary.

Episode #8: Listen Now!

Subscribe to us on iTunes or on reelhumanbeings.tumblr.com!

OK, is that everyone? Any stragglers? Good.

On to our topic: Voting.
Our party faces a serious problem: while our policies support the best 1% of Americans- the Job Creators- did you know that you don’t get to vote more than once, no matter how many houses you own? It really isn’t fair. There was a time in our fair land when real work was rewarded; sure, it’s hard work supervising a sweatshop or putting down slave revolts, but it was worth it, because at the end of the day you could relax with a huge pile of money and some good old fashioned marital rape. We don’t live in that America anymore. Ever since Franklin “Lenin” Roosevelt took over, we have coddled the parasite class. Eight hour work days, weekends, minimum wage. These loafers even get free school for their kids, when it’s a well known fact that kids are the best at making textiles! In the interest of making this country a better place, I will mention a few ways for us to overcome this unfair turn of events.
Most of our supporters happen to be well-off, while those who are poor seem to think our policies are bad for them. What we need to do is keep these people away from the polls. We need to make it clear once again that voting is a privilege, not a right. We can bring back the poll tax, but since taxes aren’t popular right now, we need to call it something different. We can call it a usage fee, and if you vote more than once a year, you have to pay for the overage. Wanna bet that this stops poor people from voting? $10000 bet?
We also should make full use of our power to redistrict. Because the non-specials tend to clump together in a few urban neighborhoods and rural pockets, we can link as many of them together as possible, so that they get the absolute minimum number of house seats. The courts may try to interfere, insisting this infringes on the 15th Amendment and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, but I contend that we can overcome this by being persistent. If at first you fail, try try again. Just like marital rape. We can also word the state questions in such a way that makes the conservative ones more appealing and liberal ones less so. For example, call anti-union measures “Employee Rights” or “Right to Work” laws, even though we’re taking away their rights to organize.

Lastly, and possibly most importantly, is voter ID laws. Poorer people tend to vote more liberal, but they also are more likely not to have a valid, current photo ID. Have you ever taken the bus to the DMV? Disgusting. We can also make them show proof of residency at the polls, because poorer people are less likely to have utility bills. If asked why we are introducing these laws, we should emphatically respond by saying that we are preventing voter fraud. There probably won’t be many cases in your state, so be sure to really reiterate any voting violation you can find. If you happen to live in one of the United Soviet States of America where they “don’t believe” in that sort of thing, there is an untapped group of voters who we can make sure will always vote conservative: the recently deceased. Our elderly friends would want you to vote for them. Think of it as civil disobedience: break the law to save America! Grandma would want it that way.
With poll taxes, gerrymandering, confusing ballots, voter ID laws, and zombie voters, we can assure that our party remains strong even in the face of our overwhelming unpopularity. Our wealthy financiers know what is best for America, not the people.
(While this is best for America, be sure to not discuss this with anybody or leave this page open. Those damn libruls may object.)

Rep. Jim Crow
R-‘Bama, 9th District

The recent mega-hit Children of Men.

Everyone knows Hollywood’s run out of ideas. Or, at least, it’s in style to say so. There are blockbusters that come out every summer, and, amid these “tent-pole” movies, there is so much that gets lost. Often, though, the movies that are off the beaten path or that fall between the cracks of massive franchises are some of the most rewarding film-viewing experiences. In other words, for every sensationalized blockbuster like The Squid and the Whale or Breakfast on Pluto, there is a Transformers or Pirates of the Caribbean, both of which are two fantastic little pieces of art that you probably missed out on at your local art theater. This is a tribute to three movies you probably haven’t seen.

Edward and Bella share an intimate kiss in the oft-overlooked Twilight film series.

 Twilight (2008)- Twilight has such a non-descript name that you wouldn’t have any idea what it’s about from just the title. That’s one of the appealing things about it, though; it reveals so little of itself prior to viewing. Twilight is a fish-out-of-water piece based on a little-known novel series by Stephenie Meyer. It follows the story of Bella Swan, a teenage girl transplanted from her home in Arizona to a small town in Washington. Things are not as they seem, though, and she soon finds herself embroiled in a world of violence, small-town intrigues, and illicit romance. Think Blue Velvet or Twin Peaks, but with Vampires and Werewolves.

The Na'vi.

Avatar (2009)- Avatar tells a truly unique story that goes where few science fiction films have gone before: at the border of interstellar human exploration, there is a planet that contains a rich supply of the most important compound in the universe. Avatar pits futuristic human technology against  the weapons of the planet’s natives. Amongst all the action and special effects wizardry, it contains a story about the encroachment of one civilizations on another. Truly groundbreaking.

Batman and the Joker.

The Dark Knight (2008)- Something that has largely remained separate from the discipline of film in the last several years is comic book adaptions. Sure you had Spawn and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in the ’90′s, but there really hasn’t been a comic book presence on screen in years. Unfortunately, Christopher Nolan’s take on the Batman franchise went largely unrecognized for its brilliance.

Perhaps one day the brilliance of film will be appreciated by the masses.

April Fool's!

Intro Music by mildtape – “[EPH013] mildtape – Index Dub.” More infomation about mildtape at: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/mildtape/

Shot and edited by Cody Bromley on a Canon 60D in Adobe Premiere Pro CS5.5 with additional help from Daniel Page and Kenny Madison.

Even in the middle of a bustling art event like Momentum, Alexandra Knox’s performance piece “The Refusal to Forget” commands attention.

For this piece, Knox kneeled on a low white pedestal dressed entirely in white. Using a simple hand grater, she methodically grated a pile of 100 beets that lay in front of her, gradually coating and staining her clothing, pedestal, and hands in bright red.

This piece–and much of Knox’ work–is informed by an ongoing examination of her Ukrainian heritage, and by her wish to better understand this culture. “I feel the most Ukrainian when I cook Ukrainian meals,” she begins. “Beets are a staple in Ukrainian cuisine and culture. This piece is about a refusal to forget where part of me comes from.”

Knox is currently pursuing a Master’s of Fine Arts at the University of Oklahoma, after earning her Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in sculpture at East Carolina University. Her undergraduate studies provided her with a solid background in traditional skills–sculpture, welding, and other building methods–that Knox describes as a solidly “formalist-based” education.

The deep magenta liquid that welled-up as Knox worked was meant to evince blood, and our different associations with it. First, blood is a symbol of kinship and relation. Knox describes looking at her stained skin and having impression of being “stained” with a lineage she loves and seeks to understand. Second, the “blood” refers to the strenuous physical work of the performance. Knox anticipated some discomfort during the piece, but some came as a surprise. “I expected that it would be difficult, and endurance through the physical stress was one of my goals in this piece,” she explains, “But I didn’t expect my feet to go numb in the first ten minutes.”

Surprisingly to Knox, this discomfort evoked some complex–and unpredicted–thoughts on her family’s history. “I found myself feeling really grateful. I kept thinking about my grandmother who survived famine as a young girl in the Ukraine, and what she had gone through. I thought, ‘I’m not starving. This isn’t that bad.’ It became a meditation that helped me keep my focus.”

***
From 1932 to 1934, the famine in the Ukraine took millions of lives. Estimates range from 2.4 million to 7 million deaths during this period. Known as Holodomor, or The Great Famine, many scholars describe this event as an intentional famine, executed by Josef Stalin to punish the Ukrainian people for their continued national aspirations. In a 2003 statement, the United Nations seemed to agree, condemning the event as man-made genocide.

Alexandra Knox’ grandmother survived the famine, but the experience permanently altered the way she viewed food, cooking, conservation, and wastefulness. Some of the lessons of food preparation were passed on to family. In addition to learning to make do, she gained a deep appreciation for what she had, and the evidence of this is recorded plainly in her daily journals, which Alexandra has studied: “She wrote what she ate every day of her life.”

***

Ukrainian tradition, history, and heritage is woven into “The Refusal To Forget.” Although some of Knox’ motives and driving impulses may be impossible for audience members to know at a glance, there is something in this work that is instantly compelling to viewers. Evidence of this was obvious from the crowd that grew around her as she worked. Collectively, cheers and applause broke out all around her as Alexandra picked up her last beet.

Knox says she did not anticipate some of the different audience reactions she received: She smiles as she recalls the applause at the end of each night’s performance, coming at the height of the physical stress of the piece: “It was so encouraging.” Other audience members tried to engage Knox during her performance. Some people approached the podium to talk to her and ask questions about what she was doing. “A few people definitely thought it was interactive,” she comments in surprise.

One early attendee even climbed onto the pedestal and began to grate the beets himself, until volunteers spotted him.

The piece certainly engaged audience members easily, and Knox gives some credit to her subject matter: food. “Food is instantly relatable to people; food is universal. Everyone knows something about food, and so there is an automatic relationship there.” Everyone also, it seems, comes to food with their own specific emotional history. One viewer, speaking after the performance was finished, told Knox that she resonated with the piece because she loves to leave her hands stained with beet juice for days every time she prepares them.

In 2011, Knox created a different installation for Momentum that involved similar themes. The Scent in Which She Lingers used the aroma of garlic alongside video in a small enclosed space. The piece was an homage to Knox’ grandmother, who ate a clove of garlic every day of her adult life. In the installation, gauzy fabric saturated with garlic scent falls in curtains in a small, dark space while the (extremely slowed down) video shows her grandmother cooking. Between the strong smell and the almost-frozen moving images in the video, the installation leaves viewers with an experience as indelible–and as fleeting–as memory.

Knox considers a breakthrough- the first time that she had used food as an evocative element in her work.

The elements of food, memory, and family history will be developed even more in her thesis work. Her MFA show (along with the thesis work of all eight current OU MFA candidates) opens at Mainsite Gallery in Norman on April 13.

On display will sit jars of pickled and preserved beets- the very same beets grated during her Momentum performance. It was important to Knox that she use proper, traditional preservation methods to jar them. She plans to have the jars inspected by OU’s microbiology department to ensure that they are safe to eat, and eventually, to sell the beets. In this way, the performance piece remains in process, dynamic and subject to continued interaction.

In addition to the jarred beets and video of “The Refusal to Forget”, Knox’ work on display will include large boards screen printed with images of her family members, and depictions of her grandmother’s daily journal entries.

After earning her MFA, Knox plans to continue making art. She is also interested in teaching. “I think that being an artist is great,” she explains, “but in some ways, it’s even more admirable to pass down knowledge to others. Teaching is one of my ultimate goals.”

Knox’s future goals also include learning the Ukrainian language. “In studying any culture, there is something of an understanding gap if you don’t know the language,” she explains. She seeks to bridge this gap.

In attempts to fill the gaps between what she knows of her cultural background and what she seeks to know, Alexandra Knox creates moments and spaces that ache with a longing for connection. She creates this connection not only with her own past and familial memory, but with the viewers who encounter her work. Indeed, the more specifically Ukrainian her points of reference are, the more universally the themes of identity, tradition, and investigation seem to resonate. In casting these themes in the medium of food and tradition, Knox creates visceral experiences that paint her family’s history–and her own search for knowledge– in vivid, saturated color.

Cody the Intern – Adobe Photoshop with Wacom Intous3 Tablet

Before I set out to make my “masterpiece” I decided that I needed to refamiliarize myself with the work of Mr. Dio, since the last time I heard a song by him was when I last played Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80′s in 2007. I found the music video for Holy Diver and there was this flash of some kind of evil warrior thing so I drew it. I was channeling my inner 7th grader and thought to add some demonic clouds, plus I also had to draw the logo, duh. If I was a middle schooler in the 80′s this is exactly the kind of doodle I would want on the cover of my science notebook.

Art by Cody Bromley. This is clearly awesome. Extra "Soul of the Damned" points for those most excellent demonic clouds and the use of freakish "Ye Old Satan" font.

Helen the Managing Editor – iPad 3 with stylus, Doodle Buddy App, Photo+ App.

The internet defies logic sometimes and I like to procrastinate. So instead of writing a review of the new M.Ward album “A Wasteland Companion” like I’m supposed to, I seized the opportunity to suggest that we give the internet what must be so hard to find that it brought someone to a random Okie website under the search term: Dio Fan Art.

Now I kind of know who Dio is, but only in that I know he was in Quiet Riot (no he wasn’t) and some other metal bands (this part is true, actually). But to be honest, I had to go Wikipedia Ronnie James Dio because I know very little else about who he was outside of accidentally catching one of his bands’ videos on TV (probably on VH-1 back in the day when channel surfing and landing on shows like “I love 80s” or “Where Are They Now”).

Like did you know he was the frontman for a band called Rainbow? I didn’t. What’s more he wrote all the band’s lyrics from 1975-1979. Do you know why he left that band? Because they wanted to go in a more commercial direction and distance themselves from their “sword and sorcery” background. Dio apparently did not like this and left. Oh, damn these artists and their commercial vs creative differences!

Anyway, since I am not a Dio fan, I had to really think about this totally bogus assignment I invented for us. “What would a real Dio fan make in terms of expressing their love with their art?” Sadly, in the 5 minutes I gave myself to brainstorm, the only thing I could think of was someone trying to capture the memory of their first Dio concert. But alas! I was born in 1981 and this band broke up 2 years before I even set eyes on the world. So using my powers of time-teleportation, I went back to catch their 1977 concert in Munich. It was awesome! I took so much acid, though. Things got hazy. Wisps of memories sometimes flash before my very eyes and then I question my grip on reality. But that rocks!!! Whoo!!! Luckily, I have this Polaroid to sum up the magic of watching Dio work the crowd into a rockin’ medieval frenzy.  That Rainbow they used for stage decor was so magnificent it ate up all the power and sometimes the band’s instruments and sound system would cut out because of that during this concert. It was trippy. I know because I was there and not because I found some picture on Wikipedia that said this is what happened.

Man, the only thing that would have made this night better is if it'd been a Double Rainbow. Talk about EPIC! Art by Helen Grant.

Colin the Executive Editor – Sharpie, highlighters, paper, and the power of rock.

I was doing other things, but I didn’t want to disrespect, so I popped off a quick sketch of Ronnie James Dio defeating a winged serpent in a post apocalyptic hellscape using nothing but the power of rock.

Two thoughts:

1) This is the most ridiculous thing we have ever published.

2) I have the most art education of all of us, and mine is the worst by far. The fact that I spent under 2 minutes on it doesn’t make it any better.

LOOK UPON MY WORKS, YE MIGHTY, AND DESPAIR.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Editor’s Note: Our Special Projects Editor, Daniel Page, is a massive fan of 80′s metal.  So much so, that we are sending him to Rocklahoma. He is actually wearing a Motorhead shirt in the office as we speak. When he heard about this project, he created a piece of his own that was not part of the original exhibition of Dio fan art. The following is his creation and artist’s statement.

Daniel Page the Special Projects Editor – Crayola Crayons, Sketch Pad, Black Sabbath’s first album with Mr. Dio, “Heaven and Hell” that he politely asked Helen to play on her computer.

The piece I created is entitled “The Creation of Metal”. It is, of course, inspired by Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel piece “The Creation of Man”. However, instead of God’s hand reaching down to Adam from the Heavens, there is a demonic red hand reaching up from the nether-world, and using his two-fingered salute to imbue a Gibson Flying-V held by an ambitious rocker with the power of metal. The multicolored lightning coming up from the clouds below is representative of the potency and grandiosity that is characteristic of the genre.

This would be such a bad tattoo. No offense Daniel. Art by Daniel Page.

By Cody Bromley and Kevin Dodd

—

DIVORCED SEEKING SAME

Older silver fox seeks open minded lady for open relationship or NSA fun. Come gaze at the stars with me!

Important: Must be in good health!!!

Call me soon. 281-PEA-CHES

—

77 COUNTIES TO LOVE

Single red state seeking social-conservative for long term relationship. Have been burned in the past, and have been single now for over three years. No spam messages, and if you are real, put THUNDER UP in your message.

Email me or text 405-RED-STAT

—

READY TO GIVE IT A SIXTH CHANCE!

This message is for my ex, Mitt. I need you. I miss you so much. We had so many good times and now more than ever I need you back in my life. You’ve changed so much in the past 10 years, but I know the real you. I’ve got an individual mandate waiting for you

—

DON’T WANT HIM BACK!!!!1

Swing state considering getting back together with ex, but wants to see what else is on the market.  Gave him six years, and then sent him packing in record fashion.  Save us!

steelncheesesteak@hotmail.com

—

LONELY IVY GRAD SEEKS ACCOMMODATING PARTNER

I’ve watched you from afar my entire life. I know I’m not exactly what you had in mind, but I know I can be the man you so desperately want. I will do anything for you. You like cheesey grits?  I do too.  You like healthcare?  I pioneered the individual mandate.  Oh you hate healthcare?  Y-Yeah.  Screw that liberal entitlement BS.  Not only do I share your values, I can handle investing your money too, if you had some cash lying around ($100m minimum).

—

THE REAL GOLD STANDARD!

I’m tired of being ignored/made fun of.  I’m loyal, I tell you what.  I’ve had the same values for 40 years.  If you love America and tying your money to some kind of precious metal/electricity conductor, let me know.

1-800-TX-BIKER

—

ATTENTION FILTHY SLUT!

Looking for someone who like cigars and the feeling of being crushed under a sofa during sex. BRING YOUR OWN BIRTH CONTROL. I’m not paying for that shit, and condoms are for socialists. I have some great candid video of Georgetown law students to put you in the mood.

ElRushbo@aol.com

—

IS THERE ANYBODY OUT THERE?

I would just like to find someone smart, sane, and not Ron Paul or Mitt Romney.  So frustrating.

republicanvoter@yahoo.com

—

If you have come to this website based on one of these search terms (and by putting them in H3, I am ensuring that you will find your way back here) please tell me what the fuck you were thinking, and if you found what you were looking for. Email colin@okc.net. I will publish your answers, anonymously of course.

Here are the ones that I am most curious about, in order of most popular to least popular.

Selena Gomez when she was 12

I hope their next search term was “therapist +sexual disorders.”

Swamp butt

A subject of scholarly research, to be sure. FUN FACT: there is no wikipedia entry for swamp butt. GET TO IT, INTERNET.

Foot in vagina

I guess that’s sort of like when you put your foot in your mouth, right? I would Google this to see what the other results are, but I’m afraid.

Pink vaigna*

Clearly due to the frantic pace of our vagina coverage, a typo got through, and in Oklahoma when something like this gets past all the preventative barriers, you are required by law to keep it. (*SIC)

He asked she said yes

This happened in the office the other day. I was like “Hey, can I borrow a pen?” and Helen was all like “sure!” And then I had a pen to write with.

Square robot

Technically, it would probably be a cube robot, unless they mean square as in un-hip, in which case you just hurt my Roomba’s feelings.

Female dog pussy

You people are terrible. YOU STAY AWAY FROM MY DOG. She’s only two, you sick fucks. Also this search term is extremely redundant. Not just any dog pussy, female dog pussy.

Drawn vagina

Draw an egg. Now draw a spoon in the middle. Now draw some whiskers. DONE! (Author’s Note- not anatomically correct, I know, but I don’t have one in front of me to draw from. (Also: fuck yeah I called them whiskers.)

Werewolf porn

I’m sure it exists, but none of it is hosted here (as far as I know.) Related questions: Is it the transformation that people get off on, or is it a sort of furry/anthropomorphic fetish thing? Or is the appeal being chased by the Werewolf? Is it just that Werewolves are “in” right now thanks to Twilight et all?

Vagina shapes

At one point there was a Flickr group called “is my vagina normal?”

I suspect this is the same impulse. Ladies: unless it has teeth, we are not all that particular. I promise. There are so many better things to get all obsessive over, like this list.

How to make a totem pole

Like this.

Minnesota Beard Off 2012

Or whatever the fuck this is.

Nature and Grace

What an oddly meditative thing to search for on Google.

Fighting Loneliness

Step One: turn off the fucking computer and leave your house.

Scrooge Mcduck Inception

Thanks weed!

Pictures of small flower gardens

Thanks weed eater!

No publicity

I can see why that term linked to okc.net. That’s our problem exactly.

Wild sex parties

If only finding wild sex parties was as easy as searching on Google or Yelp. Unless Eyes Wide Shut was a work of fiction, you have to join the illuminati to get access to that shit.

Unaware of surroundings

This might have actually been me.

I swear that's Harvey Keitel. Art by Sean Phillips.

I love heroes. It’s always nice to see someone fight for something, to aspire to be a better being, even to kick a little ass. But here’s the thing: I love the bad guys, too. I don’t even know necessarily that I love good guys or bad guys in general, as much as I just like guys (and girls, too). Kurt Vonnegut once wrote that he never saw anyone in his novels as a hero or a villain, but just as characters. I appreciate when a movie or a book’s characters live in a world of moral ambiguity, where it’s not as simple as being a good guy or a bad guy. Several years ago, when I read George R.R. Martin’s epic fantasy series upon which HBO’s “A Game of Thrones” is based, I found myself increasingly cheering for the Lannisters. If you’ve only seen season one of the show, don’t hate me yet. Things get more complicated. It’s a grey world we live in, not a black and white one, and I really enjoy when that’s acknowledged in media. That’s why I love crime comics.

Hartigan from Sin City. Art by Frank Miller.

The world of Frank Miller’s Sin City is black and white( visually, at least), but the world is still ambiguous. I’m not even sure I’d call it morally ambiguous. It’s just ambiguous. There may not be any morals in Sin City. It’s a mean, dirty, gritty place, where people do mean, dirty, gritty things; it might be like what Gotham were like if there were all the criminals running around, but without some totrtured soul who made a promise to rid the city of the evil that took his parents’ lives.

Sin City is of course heavily inspired and influenced by film noir and pulp fiction from decades past. As such, it won’t pass any feminist tests, because Miller seems to only write female characters who are prostitutes and femme fatales. Despite its heavy misogyny, Sin City is pitch-black neo-noir. And that makes it pitch-perfect.

Ed Brubaker’s collaboration with Sean Phillips, Criminal, is just as noir-y and compelling, but it’s also smart, sleek, and has well-rounded characters with real thoughts and feelings. The first story arc follows a protagonist who is like Steve Buscemi’s Mr. Pink in Reservoir Dogs: he’s a coward (or a professional, depending on how you look at it), and that’s why he’s still alive. There’s no going back benevolently to rescue anyone in Criminal, because that shit gets you killed.

Cover art from the story arc "Bad Night". Art by Sean Phillips.

Criminal isn’t black and white like Sin City, though; it has a very complex color palette, almost reminiscent of water-colors. I think this shows the difference between the two: Brubaker’s writing is full of moral grey areas, vibrant colors, and pathos, while Miller’s is sparse, stylish, and hard-edged. That doesn’t make one crime comic better than the other, though, because they set out with different goals in mind. Criminal tells the human side of the other side of the tracks, while Sin City itself embodies the other side of the tracks, and its residents are a part of its harsh, unforgiving urban landscape.

These aren’t the only two crime comics out there, but these are two of the best.If you happen to like noir, heist movies, mafia movies, or great storytelling in general, read them. And explore; like I said, there’s so much good crime stuff beyond what I’ve written about here; check out Gotham Central, which is a police procedural about the Gotham Police Department (and the resentment of Batman and other vigilantes many of them share). You should also check out Gary Philips’ recent mini-series The Rinse. Remember, comics isn’t all about superheroes and good guys and girls doing the right things. There are plenty of nasty people in comics doing nasty things. And sometimes it’s a hell of a lot of fun to read about them.

Goldie. Art by Frank Miller.

Picks for the week:

Avengers Vs. X-Men #0, Brian Michael Bendis, Frank Cho, Jason Aaron: Just read the title. Is there anything else you need to figure out why this is a recommendation? Brian Michael Bendis. Avengers. X-Men. Vs. Done.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. TOO MUCH! Marvel Comics.

Boobage, Monica Gallagher: I don’t read very many indie comics. I admit it. But in  my recent attempt to branch out to reading things that don’t begin with “X-”, “Bat-”, or “Super-”, I discovered Monica Gallagher. A good friend convinced me to try Boobage based on its name alone, and make no mistake, it’s about boobs. But it’s also a lovely, witty, moving examination of self-esteem and body image. I also love Gallagher’s Gods and Undergrads, which has something that’s all too rare in comics (at least the ones I tend to read): heart.

Don't let the cover fool you. This is very tasteful. Cover art by Monica Gallagher.

This week on the Dome, Daniel and Derek have to take all of the feet out of their mouths and say they’re glad to have Derek Fisher with the Thunder. Also, Daniel has a lot of NBA crushes.

Episode 7 – Listen Now!

Subscribe to us via danielandderek.tumblr.com, our iTunes link, or just listen down below! Share, like, Tweet, and donate.

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2012) Some lawmakers have no qualms subjecting to drug tests citizens who receive taxpayer dollars, but they are apparently unwilling to submit themselves to the same indignity.

HB2388 by Senator David Holt, and Rep. Guy Liebmann, both Republicans from Oklahoma City, would require drug testing for recipients under the program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

TANF is funded by a block grant from the federal government. Recipients of aid must work at least 30 hours per week to continue to receive assistance.

Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, filed an amendment to the bill on the House floor which would have required legislators to take a similar drug test to run for office. The bill, with the amendment, passed the House 82-6. The House author of the measure, Rep. Liebmann, also supported this language.

However, yesterday in the Senate Health and Human Services committee, Sen. Holt removed the language requiring legislators to take drug tests before moving the bill to a vote.

The bill passed along partisan lines by 5-3, and now awaits a hearing by the full Senate.

“This is a disappointing development,” said Rep. Shelton. “If citizens are required to undergo drug tests, then so should potential legislators who are entrusted with decisions critical to the welfare of our state.”

According to news sources, when the bill arrived in the Senate, Sen. Holt dropped the amendment from the legislation, describing it as a “stunt.”

Of interest, in the 2010 legislative session, the Senate passed by a 44-0 vote SB1392, by Senator Anthony Sykes, R-Newcastle. That bill contained an amendment to require all state elected officials to undergo the same standards of drug testing.

“Sen. Holt claimed that the amendment to HB2388 was a ‘stunt,’’ said Rep. Shelton. “If this is such a stunt, then why did 44 members of the Senate vote to approve the same thing back in 2010?”

SB1392 bill was never granted a hearing in the House, and subsequently stalled for the session.

“It is hypocritical of us as lawmakers to take state pay, and conduct the state’s business, but ask those who receive benefits to take a drug test, but then refuse to take the same drug test ourselves,” said Rep. Shelton. “I plan to re-submit this amendment when the bill comes back to the House for final consideration.”

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2012) Some lawmakers have no qualms subjecting to drug tests citizens who receive taxpayer dollars, but they are apparently unwilling to submit themselves to the same indignity.

HB2388 by Senator David Holt, and Rep. Guy Liebmann, both Republicans from Oklahoma City, would require drug testing for recipients under the program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

TANF is funded by a block grant from the federal government. Recipients of aid must work at least 30 hours per week to continue to receive assistance.

Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, filed an amendment to the bill on the House floor which would have required legislators to take a similar drug test to run for office. The bill, with the amendment, passed the House 82-6. The House author of the measure, Rep. Liebmann, also supported this language.

However, yesterday in the Senate Health and Human Services committee, Sen. Holt removed the language requiring legislators to take drug tests before moving the bill to a vote.

The bill passed along partisan lines by 5-3, and now awaits a hearing by the full Senate.

“This is a disappointing development,” said Rep. Shelton. “If citizens are required to undergo drug tests, then so should potential legislators who are entrusted with decisions critical to the welfare of our state.”

According to news sources, when the bill arrived in the Senate, Sen. Holt dropped the amendment from the legislation, describing it as a “stunt.”

Of interest, in the 2010 legislative session, the Senate passed by a 44-0 vote SB1392, by Senator Anthony Sykes, R-Newcastle. That bill contained an amendment to require all state elected officials to undergo the same standards of drug testing.

“Sen. Holt claimed that the amendment to HB2388 was a ‘stunt,’’ said Rep. Shelton. “If this is such a stunt, then why did 44 members of the Senate vote to approve the same thing back in 2010?”

SB1392 bill was never granted a hearing in the House, and subsequently stalled for the session.

“It is hypocritical of us as lawmakers to take state pay, and conduct the state’s business, but ask those who receive benefits to take a drug test, but then refuse to take the same drug test ourselves,” said Rep. Shelton. “I plan to re-submit this amendment when the bill comes back to the House for final consideration.”

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2012) Some lawmakers have no qualms subjecting to drug tests citizens who receive taxpayer dollars, but they are apparently unwilling to submit themselves to the same indignity.

HB2388 by Senator David Holt, and Rep. Guy Liebmann, both Republicans from Oklahoma City, would require drug testing for recipients under the program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

TANF is funded by a block grant from the federal government. Recipients of aid must work at least 30 hours per week to continue to receive assistance.

Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, filed an amendment to the bill on the House floor which would have required legislators to take a similar drug test to run for office. The bill, with the amendment, passed the House 82-6. The House author of the measure, Rep. Liebmann, also supported this language.

However, yesterday in the Senate Health and Human Services committee, Sen. Holt removed the language requiring legislators to take drug tests before moving the bill to a vote.

The bill passed along partisan lines by 5-3, and now awaits a hearing by the full Senate.

“This is a disappointing development,” said Rep. Shelton. “If citizens are required to undergo drug tests, then so should potential legislators who are entrusted with decisions critical to the welfare of our state.”

According to news sources, when the bill arrived in the Senate, Sen. Holt dropped the amendment from the legislation, describing it as a “stunt.”

Of interest, in the 2010 legislative session, the Senate passed by a 44-0 vote SB1392, by Senator Anthony Sykes, R-Newcastle. That bill contained an amendment to require all state elected officials to undergo the same standards of drug testing.

“Sen. Holt claimed that the amendment to HB2388 was a ‘stunt,’’ said Rep. Shelton. “If this is such a stunt, then why did 44 members of the Senate vote to approve the same thing back in 2010?”

SB1392 bill was never granted a hearing in the House, and subsequently stalled for the session.

“It is hypocritical of us as lawmakers to take state pay, and conduct the state’s business, but ask those who receive benefits to take a drug test, but then refuse to take the same drug test ourselves,” said Rep. Shelton. “I plan to re-submit this amendment when the bill comes back to the House for final consideration.”

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2012) Some lawmakers have no qualms subjecting to drug tests citizens who receive taxpayer dollars, but they are apparently unwilling to submit themselves to the same indignity.

HB2388 by Senator David Holt, and Rep. Guy Liebmann, both Republicans from Oklahoma City, would require drug testing for recipients under the program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

TANF is funded by a block grant from the federal government. Recipients of aid must work at least 30 hours per week to continue to receive assistance.

Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, filed an amendment to the bill on the House floor which would have required legislators to take a similar drug test to run for office. The bill, with the amendment, passed the House 82-6. The House author of the measure, Rep. Liebmann, also supported this language.

However, yesterday in the Senate Health and Human Services committee, Sen. Holt removed the language requiring legislators to take drug tests before moving the bill to a vote.

The bill passed along partisan lines by 5-3, and now awaits a hearing by the full Senate.

“This is a disappointing development,” said Rep. Shelton. “If citizens are required to undergo drug tests, then so should potential legislators who are entrusted with decisions critical to the welfare of our state.”

According to news sources, when the bill arrived in the Senate, Sen. Holt dropped the amendment from the legislation, describing it as a “stunt.”

Of interest, in the 2010 legislative session, the Senate passed by a 44-0 vote SB1392, by Senator Anthony Sykes, R-Newcastle. That bill contained an amendment to require all state elected officials to undergo the same standards of drug testing.

“Sen. Holt claimed that the amendment to HB2388 was a ‘stunt,’’ said Rep. Shelton. “If this is such a stunt, then why did 44 members of the Senate vote to approve the same thing back in 2010?”

SB1392 bill was never granted a hearing in the House, and subsequently stalled for the session.

“It is hypocritical of us as lawmakers to take state pay, and conduct the state’s business, but ask those who receive benefits to take a drug test, but then refuse to take the same drug test ourselves,” said Rep. Shelton. “I plan to re-submit this amendment when the bill comes back to the House for final consideration.”

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2012) Some lawmakers have no qualms subjecting to drug tests citizens who receive taxpayer dollars, but they are apparently unwilling to submit themselves to the same indignity.

HB2388 by Senator David Holt, and Rep. Guy Liebmann, both Republicans from Oklahoma City, would require drug testing for recipients under the program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

TANF is funded by a block grant from the federal government. Recipients of aid must work at least 30 hours per week to continue to receive assistance.

Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, filed an amendment to the bill on the House floor which would have required legislators to take a similar drug test to run for office. The bill, with the amendment, passed the House 82-6. The House author of the measure, Rep. Liebmann, also supported this language.

However, yesterday in the Senate Health and Human Services committee, Sen. Holt removed the language requiring legislators to take drug tests before moving the bill to a vote.

The bill passed along partisan lines by 5-3, and now awaits a hearing by the full Senate.

“This is a disappointing development,” said Rep. Shelton. “If citizens are required to undergo drug tests, then so should potential legislators who are entrusted with decisions critical to the welfare of our state.”

According to news sources, when the bill arrived in the Senate, Sen. Holt dropped the amendment from the legislation, describing it as a “stunt.”

Of interest, in the 2010 legislative session, the Senate passed by a 44-0 vote SB1392, by Senator Anthony Sykes, R-Newcastle. That bill contained an amendment to require all state elected officials to undergo the same standards of drug testing.

“Sen. Holt claimed that the amendment to HB2388 was a ‘stunt,’’ said Rep. Shelton. “If this is such a stunt, then why did 44 members of the Senate vote to approve the same thing back in 2010?”

SB1392 bill was never granted a hearing in the House, and subsequently stalled for the session.

“It is hypocritical of us as lawmakers to take state pay, and conduct the state’s business, but ask those who receive benefits to take a drug test, but then refuse to take the same drug test ourselves,” said Rep. Shelton. “I plan to re-submit this amendment when the bill comes back to the House for final consideration.”

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2012) Some lawmakers have no qualms subjecting to drug tests citizens who receive taxpayer dollars, but they are apparently unwilling to submit themselves to the same indignity.

HB2388 by Senator David Holt, and Rep. Guy Liebmann, both Republicans from Oklahoma City, would require drug testing for recipients under the program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

TANF is funded by a block grant from the federal government. Recipients of aid must work at least 30 hours per week to continue to receive assistance.

Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, filed an amendment to the bill on the House floor which would have required legislators to take a similar drug test to run for office. The bill, with the amendment, passed the House 82-6. The House author of the measure, Rep. Liebmann, also supported this language.

However, yesterday in the Senate Health and Human Services committee, Sen. Holt removed the language requiring legislators to take drug tests before moving the bill to a vote.

The bill passed along partisan lines by 5-3, and now awaits a hearing by the full Senate.

“This is a disappointing development,” said Rep. Shelton. “If citizens are required to undergo drug tests, then so should potential legislators who are entrusted with decisions critical to the welfare of our state.”

According to news sources, when the bill arrived in the Senate, Sen. Holt dropped the amendment from the legislation, describing it as a “stunt.”

Of interest, in the 2010 legislative session, the Senate passed by a 44-0 vote SB1392, by Senator Anthony Sykes, R-Newcastle. That bill contained an amendment to require all state elected officials to undergo the same standards of drug testing.

“Sen. Holt claimed that the amendment to HB2388 was a ‘stunt,’’ said Rep. Shelton. “If this is such a stunt, then why did 44 members of the Senate vote to approve the same thing back in 2010?”

SB1392 bill was never granted a hearing in the House, and subsequently stalled for the session.

“It is hypocritical of us as lawmakers to take state pay, and conduct the state’s business, but ask those who receive benefits to take a drug test, but then refuse to take the same drug test ourselves,” said Rep. Shelton. “I plan to re-submit this amendment when the bill comes back to the House for final consideration.”

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2012) Some lawmakers have no qualms subjecting to drug tests citizens who receive taxpayer dollars, but they are apparently unwilling to submit themselves to the same indignity.

HB2388 by Senator David Holt, and Rep. Guy Liebmann, both Republicans from Oklahoma City, would require drug testing for recipients under the program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

TANF is funded by a block grant from the federal government. Recipients of aid must work at least 30 hours per week to continue to receive assistance.

Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, filed an amendment to the bill on the House floor which would have required legislators to take a similar drug test to run for office. The bill, with the amendment, passed the House 82-6. The House author of the measure, Rep. Liebmann, also supported this language.

However, yesterday in the Senate Health and Human Services committee, Sen. Holt removed the language requiring legislators to take drug tests before moving the bill to a vote.

The bill passed along partisan lines by 5-3, and now awaits a hearing by the full Senate.

“This is a disappointing development,” said Rep. Shelton. “If citizens are required to undergo drug tests, then so should potential legislators who are entrusted with decisions critical to the welfare of our state.”

According to news sources, when the bill arrived in the Senate, Sen. Holt dropped the amendment from the legislation, describing it as a “stunt.”

Of interest, in the 2010 legislative session, the Senate passed by a 44-0 vote SB1392, by Senator Anthony Sykes, R-Newcastle. That bill contained an amendment to require all state elected officials to undergo the same standards of drug testing.

“Sen. Holt claimed that the amendment to HB2388 was a ‘stunt,’’ said Rep. Shelton. “If this is such a stunt, then why did 44 members of the Senate vote to approve the same thing back in 2010?”

SB1392 bill was never granted a hearing in the House, and subsequently stalled for the session.

“It is hypocritical of us as lawmakers to take state pay, and conduct the state’s business, but ask those who receive benefits to take a drug test, but then refuse to take the same drug test ourselves,” said Rep. Shelton. “I plan to re-submit this amendment when the bill comes back to the House for final consideration.”

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2012) Some lawmakers have no qualms subjecting to drug tests citizens who receive taxpayer dollars, but they are apparently unwilling to submit themselves to the same indignity.

HB2388 by Senator David Holt, and Rep. Guy Liebmann, both Republicans from Oklahoma City, would require drug testing for recipients under the program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

TANF is funded by a block grant from the federal government. Recipients of aid must work at least 30 hours per week to continue to receive assistance.

Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, filed an amendment to the bill on the House floor which would have required legislators to take a similar drug test to run for office. The bill, with the amendment, passed the House 82-6. The House author of the measure, Rep. Liebmann, also supported this language.

However, yesterday in the Senate Health and Human Services committee, Sen. Holt removed the language requiring legislators to take drug tests before moving the bill to a vote.

The bill passed along partisan lines by 5-3, and now awaits a hearing by the full Senate.

“This is a disappointing development,” said Rep. Shelton. “If citizens are required to undergo drug tests, then so should potential legislators who are entrusted with decisions critical to the welfare of our state.”

According to news sources, when the bill arrived in the Senate, Sen. Holt dropped the amendment from the legislation, describing it as a “stunt.”

Of interest, in the 2010 legislative session, the Senate passed by a 44-0 vote SB1392, by Senator Anthony Sykes, R-Newcastle. That bill contained an amendment to require all state elected officials to undergo the same standards of drug testing.

“Sen. Holt claimed that the amendment to HB2388 was a ‘stunt,’’ said Rep. Shelton. “If this is such a stunt, then why did 44 members of the Senate vote to approve the same thing back in 2010?”

SB1392 bill was never granted a hearing in the House, and subsequently stalled for the session.

“It is hypocritical of us as lawmakers to take state pay, and conduct the state’s business, but ask those who receive benefits to take a drug test, but then refuse to take the same drug test ourselves,” said Rep. Shelton. “I plan to re-submit this amendment when the bill comes back to the House for final consideration.”

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2012) Some lawmakers have no qualms subjecting to drug tests citizens who receive taxpayer dollars, but they are apparently unwilling to submit themselves to the same indignity.

HB2388 by Senator David Holt, and Rep. Guy Liebmann, both Republicans from Oklahoma City, would require drug testing for recipients under the program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

TANF is funded by a block grant from the federal government. Recipients of aid must work at least 30 hours per week to continue to receive assistance.

Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, filed an amendment to the bill on the House floor which would have required legislators to take a similar drug test to run for office. The bill, with the amendment, passed the House 82-6. The House author of the measure, Rep. Liebmann, also supported this language.

However, yesterday in the Senate Health and Human Services committee, Sen. Holt removed the language requiring legislators to take drug tests before moving the bill to a vote.

The bill passed along partisan lines by 5-3, and now awaits a hearing by the full Senate.

“This is a disappointing development,” said Rep. Shelton. “If citizens are required to undergo drug tests, then so should potential legislators who are entrusted with decisions critical to the welfare of our state.”

According to news sources, when the bill arrived in the Senate, Sen. Holt dropped the amendment from the legislation, describing it as a “stunt.”

Of interest, in the 2010 legislative session, the Senate passed by a 44-0 vote SB1392, by Senator Anthony Sykes, R-Newcastle. That bill contained an amendment to require all state elected officials to undergo the same standards of drug testing.

“Sen. Holt claimed that the amendment to HB2388 was a ‘stunt,’’ said Rep. Shelton. “If this is such a stunt, then why did 44 members of the Senate vote to approve the same thing back in 2010?”

SB1392 bill was never granted a hearing in the House, and subsequently stalled for the session.

“It is hypocritical of us as lawmakers to take state pay, and conduct the state’s business, but ask those who receive benefits to take a drug test, but then refuse to take the same drug test ourselves,” said Rep. Shelton. “I plan to re-submit this amendment when the bill comes back to the House for final consideration.”

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2012) Some lawmakers have no qualms subjecting to drug tests citizens who receive taxpayer dollars, but they are apparently unwilling to submit themselves to the same indignity.

HB2388 by Senator David Holt, and Rep. Guy Liebmann, both Republicans from Oklahoma City, would require drug testing for recipients under the program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

TANF is funded by a block grant from the federal government. Recipients of aid must work at least 30 hours per week to continue to receive assistance.

Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, filed an amendment to the bill on the House floor which would have required legislators to take a similar drug test to run for office. The bill, with the amendment, passed the House 82-6. The House author of the measure, Rep. Liebmann, also supported this language.

However, yesterday in the Senate Health and Human Services committee, Sen. Holt removed the language requiring legislators to take drug tests before moving the bill to a vote.

The bill passed along partisan lines by 5-3, and now awaits a hearing by the full Senate.

“This is a disappointing development,” said Rep. Shelton. “If citizens are required to undergo drug tests, then so should potential legislators who are entrusted with decisions critical to the welfare of our state.”

According to news sources, when the bill arrived in the Senate, Sen. Holt dropped the amendment from the legislation, describing it as a “stunt.”

Of interest, in the 2010 legislative session, the Senate passed by a 44-0 vote SB1392, by Senator Anthony Sykes, R-Newcastle. That bill contained an amendment to require all state elected officials to undergo the same standards of drug testing.

“Sen. Holt claimed that the amendment to HB2388 was a ‘stunt,’’ said Rep. Shelton. “If this is such a stunt, then why did 44 members of the Senate vote to approve the same thing back in 2010?”

SB1392 bill was never granted a hearing in the House, and subsequently stalled for the session.

“It is hypocritical of us as lawmakers to take state pay, and conduct the state’s business, but ask those who receive benefits to take a drug test, but then refuse to take the same drug test ourselves,” said Rep. Shelton. “I plan to re-submit this amendment when the bill comes back to the House for final consideration.”

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2012) Some lawmakers have no qualms subjecting to drug tests citizens who receive taxpayer dollars, but they are apparently unwilling to submit themselves to the same indignity.

HB2388 by Senator David Holt, and Rep. Guy Liebmann, both Republicans from Oklahoma City, would require drug testing for recipients under the program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

TANF is funded by a block grant from the federal government. Recipients of aid must work at least 30 hours per week to continue to receive assistance.

Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, filed an amendment to the bill on the House floor which would have required legislators to take a similar drug test to run for office. The bill, with the amendment, passed the House 82-6. The House author of the measure, Rep. Liebmann, also supported this language.

However, yesterday in the Senate Health and Human Services committee, Sen. Holt removed the language requiring legislators to take drug tests before moving the bill to a vote.

The bill passed along partisan lines by 5-3, and now awaits a hearing by the full Senate.

“This is a disappointing development,” said Rep. Shelton. “If citizens are required to undergo drug tests, then so should potential legislators who are entrusted with decisions critical to the welfare of our state.”

According to news sources, when the bill arrived in the Senate, Sen. Holt dropped the amendment from the legislation, describing it as a “stunt.”

Of interest, in the 2010 legislative session, the Senate passed by a 44-0 vote SB1392, by Senator Anthony Sykes, R-Newcastle. That bill contained an amendment to require all state elected officials to undergo the same standards of drug testing.

“Sen. Holt claimed that the amendment to HB2388 was a ‘stunt,’’ said Rep. Shelton. “If this is such a stunt, then why did 44 members of the Senate vote to approve the same thing back in 2010?”

SB1392 bill was never granted a hearing in the House, and subsequently stalled for the session.

“It is hypocritical of us as lawmakers to take state pay, and conduct the state’s business, but ask those who receive benefits to take a drug test, but then refuse to take the same drug test ourselves,” said Rep. Shelton. “I plan to re-submit this amendment when the bill comes back to the House for final consideration.”

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2012) Some lawmakers have no qualms subjecting to drug tests citizens who receive taxpayer dollars, but they are apparently unwilling to submit themselves to the same indignity.

HB2388 by Senator David Holt, and Rep. Guy Liebmann, both Republicans from Oklahoma City, would require drug testing for recipients under the program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

TANF is funded by a block grant from the federal government. Recipients of aid must work at least 30 hours per week to continue to receive assistance.

Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, filed an amendment to the bill on the House floor which would have required legislators to take a similar drug test to run for office. The bill, with the amendment, passed the House 82-6. The House author of the measure, Rep. Liebmann, also supported this language.

However, yesterday in the Senate Health and Human Services committee, Sen. Holt removed the language requiring legislators to take drug tests before moving the bill to a vote.

The bill passed along partisan lines by 5-3, and now awaits a hearing by the full Senate.

“This is a disappointing development,” said Rep. Shelton. “If citizens are required to undergo drug tests, then so should potential legislators who are entrusted with decisions critical to the welfare of our state.”

According to news sources, when the bill arrived in the Senate, Sen. Holt dropped the amendment from the legislation, describing it as a “stunt.”

Of interest, in the 2010 legislative session, the Senate passed by a 44-0 vote SB1392, by Senator Anthony Sykes, R-Newcastle. That bill contained an amendment to require all state elected officials to undergo the same standards of drug testing.

“Sen. Holt claimed that the amendment to HB2388 was a ‘stunt,’’ said Rep. Shelton. “If this is such a stunt, then why did 44 members of the Senate vote to approve the same thing back in 2010?”

SB1392 bill was never granted a hearing in the House, and subsequently stalled for the session.

“It is hypocritical of us as lawmakers to take state pay, and conduct the state’s business, but ask those who receive benefits to take a drug test, but then refuse to take the same drug test ourselves,” said Rep. Shelton. “I plan to re-submit this amendment when the bill comes back to the House for final consideration.”

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2012) Some lawmakers have no qualms subjecting to drug tests citizens who receive taxpayer dollars, but they are apparently unwilling to submit themselves to the same indignity.

HB2388 by Senator David Holt, and Rep. Guy Liebmann, both Republicans from Oklahoma City, would require drug testing for recipients under the program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

TANF is funded by a block grant from the federal government. Recipients of aid must work at least 30 hours per week to continue to receive assistance.

Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, filed an amendment to the bill on the House floor which would have required legislators to take a similar drug test to run for office. The bill, with the amendment, passed the House 82-6. The House author of the measure, Rep. Liebmann, also supported this language.

However, yesterday in the Senate Health and Human Services committee, Sen. Holt removed the language requiring legislators to take drug tests before moving the bill to a vote.

The bill passed along partisan lines by 5-3, and now awaits a hearing by the full Senate.

“This is a disappointing development,” said Rep. Shelton. “If citizens are required to undergo drug tests, then so should potential legislators who are entrusted with decisions critical to the welfare of our state.”

According to news sources, when the bill arrived in the Senate, Sen. Holt dropped the amendment from the legislation, describing it as a “stunt.”

Of interest, in the 2010 legislative session, the Senate passed by a 44-0 vote SB1392, by Senator Anthony Sykes, R-Newcastle. That bill contained an amendment to require all state elected officials to undergo the same standards of drug testing.

“Sen. Holt claimed that the amendment to HB2388 was a ‘stunt,’’ said Rep. Shelton. “If this is such a stunt, then why did 44 members of the Senate vote to approve the same thing back in 2010?”

SB1392 bill was never granted a hearing in the House, and subsequently stalled for the session.

“It is hypocritical of us as lawmakers to take state pay, and conduct the state’s business, but ask those who receive benefits to take a drug test, but then refuse to take the same drug test ourselves,” said Rep. Shelton. “I plan to re-submit this amendment when the bill comes back to the House for final consideration.”

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2012) Some lawmakers have no qualms subjecting to drug tests citizens who receive taxpayer dollars, but they are apparently unwilling to submit themselves to the same indignity.

HB2388 by Senator David Holt, and Rep. Guy Liebmann, both Republicans from Oklahoma City, would require drug testing for recipients under the program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

TANF is funded by a block grant from the federal government. Recipients of aid must work at least 30 hours per week to continue to receive assistance.

Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, filed an amendment to the bill on the House floor which would have required legislators to take a similar drug test to run for office. The bill, with the amendment, passed the House 82-6. The House author of the measure, Rep. Liebmann, also supported this language.

However, yesterday in the Senate Health and Human Services committee, Sen. Holt removed the language requiring legislators to take drug tests before moving the bill to a vote.

The bill passed along partisan lines by 5-3, and now awaits a hearing by the full Senate.

“This is a disappointing development,” said Rep. Shelton. “If citizens are required to undergo drug tests, then so should potential legislators who are entrusted with decisions critical to the welfare of our state.”

According to news sources, when the bill arrived in the Senate, Sen. Holt dropped the amendment from the legislation, describing it as a “stunt.”

Of interest, in the 2010 legislative session, the Senate passed by a 44-0 vote SB1392, by Senator Anthony Sykes, R-Newcastle. That bill contained an amendment to require all state elected officials to undergo the same standards of drug testing.

“Sen. Holt claimed that the amendment to HB2388 was a ‘stunt,’’ said Rep. Shelton. “If this is such a stunt, then why did 44 members of the Senate vote to approve the same thing back in 2010?”

SB1392 bill was never granted a hearing in the House, and subsequently stalled for the session.

“It is hypocritical of us as lawmakers to take state pay, and conduct the state’s business, but ask those who receive benefits to take a drug test, but then refuse to take the same drug test ourselves,” said Rep. Shelton. “I plan to re-submit this amendment when the bill comes back to the House for final consideration.”

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2012) Some lawmakers have no qualms subjecting to drug tests citizens who receive taxpayer dollars, but they are apparently unwilling to submit themselves to the same indignity.

HB2388 by Senator David Holt, and Rep. Guy Liebmann, both Republicans from Oklahoma City, would require drug testing for recipients under the program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

TANF is funded by a block grant from the federal government. Recipients of aid must work at least 30 hours per week to continue to receive assistance.

Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, filed an amendment to the bill on the House floor which would have required legislators to take a similar drug test to run for office. The bill, with the amendment, passed the House 82-6. The House author of the measure, Rep. Liebmann, also supported this language.

However, yesterday in the Senate Health and Human Services committee, Sen. Holt removed the language requiring legislators to take drug tests before moving the bill to a vote.

The bill passed along partisan lines by 5-3, and now awaits a hearing by the full Senate.

“This is a disappointing development,” said Rep. Shelton. “If citizens are required to undergo drug tests, then so should potential legislators who are entrusted with decisions critical to the welfare of our state.”

According to news sources, when the bill arrived in the Senate, Sen. Holt dropped the amendment from the legislation, describing it as a “stunt.”

Of interest, in the 2010 legislative session, the Senate passed by a 44-0 vote SB1392, by Senator Anthony Sykes, R-Newcastle. That bill contained an amendment to require all state elected officials to undergo the same standards of drug testing.

“Sen. Holt claimed that the amendment to HB2388 was a ‘stunt,’’ said Rep. Shelton. “If this is such a stunt, then why did 44 members of the Senate vote to approve the same thing back in 2010?”

SB1392 bill was never granted a hearing in the House, and subsequently stalled for the session.

“It is hypocritical of us as lawmakers to take state pay, and conduct the state’s business, but ask those who receive benefits to take a drug test, but then refuse to take the same drug test ourselves,” said Rep. Shelton. “I plan to re-submit this amendment when the bill comes back to the House for final consideration.”

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2012) Some lawmakers have no qualms subjecting to drug tests citizens who receive taxpayer dollars, but they are apparently unwilling to submit themselves to the same indignity.

HB2388 by Senator David Holt, and Rep. Guy Liebmann, both Republicans from Oklahoma City, would require drug testing for recipients under the program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

TANF is funded by a block grant from the federal government. Recipients of aid must work at least 30 hours per week to continue to receive assistance.

Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, filed an amendment to the bill on the House floor which would have required legislators to take a similar drug test to run for office. The bill, with the amendment, passed the House 82-6. The House author of the measure, Rep. Liebmann, also supported this language.

However, yesterday in the Senate Health and Human Services committee, Sen. Holt removed the language requiring legislators to take drug tests before moving the bill to a vote.

The bill passed along partisan lines by 5-3, and now awaits a hearing by the full Senate.

“This is a disappointing development,” said Rep. Shelton. “If citizens are required to undergo drug tests, then so should potential legislators who are entrusted with decisions critical to the welfare of our state.”

According to news sources, when the bill arrived in the Senate, Sen. Holt dropped the amendment from the legislation, describing it as a “stunt.”

Of interest, in the 2010 legislative session, the Senate passed by a 44-0 vote SB1392, by Senator Anthony Sykes, R-Newcastle. That bill contained an amendment to require all state elected officials to undergo the same standards of drug testing.

“Sen. Holt claimed that the amendment to HB2388 was a ‘stunt,’’ said Rep. Shelton. “If this is such a stunt, then why did 44 members of the Senate vote to approve the same thing back in 2010?”

SB1392 bill was never granted a hearing in the House, and subsequently stalled for the session.

“It is hypocritical of us as lawmakers to take state pay, and conduct the state’s business, but ask those who receive benefits to take a drug test, but then refuse to take the same drug test ourselves,” said Rep. Shelton. “I plan to re-submit this amendment when the bill comes back to the House for final consideration.”

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2012) Some lawmakers have no qualms subjecting to drug tests citizens who receive taxpayer dollars, but they are apparently unwilling to submit themselves to the same indignity.

HB2388 by Senator David Holt, and Rep. Guy Liebmann, both Republicans from Oklahoma City, would require drug testing for recipients under the program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

TANF is funded by a block grant from the federal government. Recipients of aid must work at least 30 hours per week to continue to receive assistance.

Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, filed an amendment to the bill on the House floor which would have required legislators to take a similar drug test to run for office. The bill, with the amendment, passed the House 82-6. The House author of the measure, Rep. Liebmann, also supported this language.

However, yesterday in the Senate Health and Human Services committee, Sen. Holt removed the language requiring legislators to take drug tests before moving the bill to a vote.

The bill passed along partisan lines by 5-3, and now awaits a hearing by the full Senate.

“This is a disappointing development,” said Rep. Shelton. “If citizens are required to undergo drug tests, then so should potential legislators who are entrusted with decisions critical to the welfare of our state.”

According to news sources, when the bill arrived in the Senate, Sen. Holt dropped the amendment from the legislation, describing it as a “stunt.”

Of interest, in the 2010 legislative session, the Senate passed by a 44-0 vote SB1392, by Senator Anthony Sykes, R-Newcastle. That bill contained an amendment to require all state elected officials to undergo the same standards of drug testing.

“Sen. Holt claimed that the amendment to HB2388 was a ‘stunt,’’ said Rep. Shelton. “If this is such a stunt, then why did 44 members of the Senate vote to approve the same thing back in 2010?”

SB1392 bill was never granted a hearing in the House, and subsequently stalled for the session.

“It is hypocritical of us as lawmakers to take state pay, and conduct the state’s business, but ask those who receive benefits to take a drug test, but then refuse to take the same drug test ourselves,” said Rep. Shelton. “I plan to re-submit this amendment when the bill comes back to the House for final consideration.”

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2012) Some lawmakers have no qualms subjecting to drug tests citizens who receive taxpayer dollars, but they are apparently unwilling to submit themselves to the same indignity.

HB2388 by Senator David Holt, and Rep. Guy Liebmann, both Republicans from Oklahoma City, would require drug testing for recipients under the program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

TANF is funded by a block grant from the federal government. Recipients of aid must work at least 30 hours per week to continue to receive assistance.

Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, filed an amendment to the bill on the House floor which would have required legislators to take a similar drug test to run for office. The bill, with the amendment, passed the House 82-6. The House author of the measure, Rep. Liebmann, also supported this language.

However, yesterday in the Senate Health and Human Services committee, Sen. Holt removed the language requiring legislators to take drug tests before moving the bill to a vote.

The bill passed along partisan lines by 5-3, and now awaits a hearing by the full Senate.

“This is a disappointing development,” said Rep. Shelton. “If citizens are required to undergo drug tests, then so should potential legislators who are entrusted with decisions critical to the welfare of our state.”

According to news sources, when the bill arrived in the Senate, Sen. Holt dropped the amendment from the legislation, describing it as a “stunt.”

Of interest, in the 2010 legislative session, the Senate passed by a 44-0 vote SB1392, by Senator Anthony Sykes, R-Newcastle. That bill contained an amendment to require all state elected officials to undergo the same standards of drug testing.

“Sen. Holt claimed that the amendment to HB2388 was a ‘stunt,’’ said Rep. Shelton. “If this is such a stunt, then why did 44 members of the Senate vote to approve the same thing back in 2010?”

SB1392 bill was never granted a hearing in the House, and subsequently stalled for the session.

“It is hypocritical of us as lawmakers to take state pay, and conduct the state’s business, but ask those who receive benefits to take a drug test, but then refuse to take the same drug test ourselves,” said Rep. Shelton. “I plan to re-submit this amendment when the bill comes back to the House for final consideration.”

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2012) Some lawmakers have no qualms subjecting to drug tests citizens who receive taxpayer dollars, but they are apparently unwilling to submit themselves to the same indignity.

HB2388 by Senator David Holt, and Rep. Guy Liebmann, both Republicans from Oklahoma City, would require drug testing for recipients under the program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

TANF is funded by a block grant from the federal government. Recipients of aid must work at least 30 hours per week to continue to receive assistance.

Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, filed an amendment to the bill on the House floor which would have required legislators to take a similar drug test to run for office. The bill, with the amendment, passed the House 82-6. The House author of the measure, Rep. Liebmann, also supported this language.

However, yesterday in the Senate Health and Human Services committee, Sen. Holt removed the language requiring legislators to take drug tests before moving the bill to a vote.

The bill passed along partisan lines by 5-3, and now awaits a hearing by the full Senate.

“This is a disappointing development,” said Rep. Shelton. “If citizens are required to undergo drug tests, then so should potential legislators who are entrusted with decisions critical to the welfare of our state.”

According to news sources, when the bill arrived in the Senate, Sen. Holt dropped the amendment from the legislation, describing it as a “stunt.”

Of interest, in the 2010 legislative session, the Senate passed by a 44-0 vote SB1392, by Senator Anthony Sykes, R-Newcastle. That bill contained an amendment to require all state elected officials to undergo the same standards of drug testing.

“Sen. Holt claimed that the amendment to HB2388 was a ‘stunt,’’ said Rep. Shelton. “If this is such a stunt, then why did 44 members of the Senate vote to approve the same thing back in 2010?”

SB1392 bill was never granted a hearing in the House, and subsequently stalled for the session.

“It is hypocritical of us as lawmakers to take state pay, and conduct the state’s business, but ask those who receive benefits to take a drug test, but then refuse to take the same drug test ourselves,” said Rep. Shelton. “I plan to re-submit this amendment when the bill comes back to the House for final consideration.”

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2012) Some lawmakers have no qualms subjecting to drug tests citizens who receive taxpayer dollars, but they are apparently unwilling to submit themselves to the same indignity.

HB2388 by Senator David Holt, and Rep. Guy Liebmann, both Republicans from Oklahoma City, would require drug testing for recipients under the program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

TANF is funded by a block grant from the federal government. Recipients of aid must work at least 30 hours per week to continue to receive assistance.

Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, filed an amendment to the bill on the House floor which would have required legislators to take a similar drug test to run for office. The bill, with the amendment, passed the House 82-6. The House author of the measure, Rep. Liebmann, also supported this language.

However, yesterday in the Senate Health and Human Services committee, Sen. Holt removed the language requiring legislators to take drug tests before moving the bill to a vote.

The bill passed along partisan lines by 5-3, and now awaits a hearing by the full Senate.

“This is a disappointing development,” said Rep. Shelton. “If citizens are required to undergo drug tests, then so should potential legislators who are entrusted with decisions critical to the welfare of our state.”

According to news sources, when the bill arrived in the Senate, Sen. Holt dropped the amendment from the legislation, describing it as a “stunt.”

Of interest, in the 2010 legislative session, the Senate passed by a 44-0 vote SB1392, by Senator Anthony Sykes, R-Newcastle. That bill contained an amendment to require all state elected officials to undergo the same standards of drug testing.

“Sen. Holt claimed that the amendment to HB2388 was a ‘stunt,’’ said Rep. Shelton. “If this is such a stunt, then why did 44 members of the Senate vote to approve the same thing back in 2010?”

SB1392 bill was never granted a hearing in the House, and subsequently stalled for the session.

“It is hypocritical of us as lawmakers to take state pay, and conduct the state’s business, but ask those who receive benefits to take a drug test, but then refuse to take the same drug test ourselves,” said Rep. Shelton. “I plan to re-submit this amendment when the bill comes back to the House for final consideration.”

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2012) Some lawmakers have no qualms subjecting to drug tests citizens who receive taxpayer dollars, but they are apparently unwilling to submit themselves to the same indignity.

HB2388 by Senator David Holt, and Rep. Guy Liebmann, both Republicans from Oklahoma City, would require drug testing for recipients under the program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

TANF is funded by a block grant from the federal government. Recipients of aid must work at least 30 hours per week to continue to receive assistance.

Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, filed an amendment to the bill on the House floor which would have required legislators to take a similar drug test to run for office. The bill, with the amendment, passed the House 82-6. The House author of the measure, Rep. Liebmann, also supported this language.

However, yesterday in the Senate Health and Human Services committee, Sen. Holt removed the language requiring legislators to take drug tests before moving the bill to a vote.

The bill passed along partisan lines by 5-3, and now awaits a hearing by the full Senate.

“This is a disappointing development,” said Rep. Shelton. “If citizens are required to undergo drug tests, then so should potential legislators who are entrusted with decisions critical to the welfare of our state.”

According to news sources, when the bill arrived in the Senate, Sen. Holt dropped the amendment from the legislation, describing it as a “stunt.”

Of interest, in the 2010 legislative session, the Senate passed by a 44-0 vote SB1392, by Senator Anthony Sykes, R-Newcastle. That bill contained an amendment to require all state elected officials to undergo the same standards of drug testing.

“Sen. Holt claimed that the amendment to HB2388 was a ‘stunt,’’ said Rep. Shelton. “If this is such a stunt, then why did 44 members of the Senate vote to approve the same thing back in 2010?”

SB1392 bill was never granted a hearing in the House, and subsequently stalled for the session.

“It is hypocritical of us as lawmakers to take state pay, and conduct the state’s business, but ask those who receive benefits to take a drug test, but then refuse to take the same drug test ourselves,” said Rep. Shelton. “I plan to re-submit this amendment when the bill comes back to the House for final consideration.”

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2012) Some lawmakers have no qualms subjecting to drug tests citizens who receive taxpayer dollars, but they are apparently unwilling to submit themselves to the same indignity.

HB2388 by Senator David Holt, and Rep. Guy Liebmann, both Republicans from Oklahoma City, would require drug testing for recipients under the program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

TANF is funded by a block grant from the federal government. Recipients of aid must work at least 30 hours per week to continue to receive assistance.

Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, filed an amendment to the bill on the House floor which would have required legislators to take a similar drug test to run for office. The bill, with the amendment, passed the House 82-6. The House author of the measure, Rep. Liebmann, also supported this language.

However, yesterday in the Senate Health and Human Services committee, Sen. Holt removed the language requiring legislators to take drug tests before moving the bill to a vote.

The bill passed along partisan lines by 5-3, and now awaits a hearing by the full Senate.

“This is a disappointing development,” said Rep. Shelton. “If citizens are required to undergo drug tests, then so should potential legislators who are entrusted with decisions critical to the welfare of our state.”

According to news sources, when the bill arrived in the Senate, Sen. Holt dropped the amendment from the legislation, describing it as a “stunt.”

Of interest, in the 2010 legislative session, the Senate passed by a 44-0 vote SB1392, by Senator Anthony Sykes, R-Newcastle. That bill contained an amendment to require all state elected officials to undergo the same standards of drug testing.

“Sen. Holt claimed that the amendment to HB2388 was a ‘stunt,’’ said Rep. Shelton. “If this is such a stunt, then why did 44 members of the Senate vote to approve the same thing back in 2010?”

SB1392 bill was never granted a hearing in the House, and subsequently stalled for the session.

“It is hypocritical of us as lawmakers to take state pay, and conduct the state’s business, but ask those who receive benefits to take a drug test, but then refuse to take the same drug test ourselves,” said Rep. Shelton. “I plan to re-submit this amendment when the bill comes back to the House for final consideration.”

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2012) Some lawmakers have no qualms subjecting to drug tests citizens who receive taxpayer dollars, but they are apparently unwilling to submit themselves to the same indignity.

HB2388 by Senator David Holt, and Rep. Guy Liebmann, both Republicans from Oklahoma City, would require drug testing for recipients under the program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

TANF is funded by a block grant from the federal government. Recipients of aid must work at least 30 hours per week to continue to receive assistance.

Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, filed an amendment to the bill on the House floor which would have required legislators to take a similar drug test to run for office. The bill, with the amendment, passed the House 82-6. The House author of the measure, Rep. Liebmann, also supported this language.

However, yesterday in the Senate Health and Human Services committee, Sen. Holt removed the language requiring legislators to take drug tests before moving the bill to a vote.

The bill passed along partisan lines by 5-3, and now awaits a hearing by the full Senate.

“This is a disappointing development,” said Rep. Shelton. “If citizens are required to undergo drug tests, then so should potential legislators who are entrusted with decisions critical to the welfare of our state.”

According to news sources, when the bill arrived in the Senate, Sen. Holt dropped the amendment from the legislation, describing it as a “stunt.”

Of interest, in the 2010 legislative session, the Senate passed by a 44-0 vote SB1392, by Senator Anthony Sykes, R-Newcastle. That bill contained an amendment to require all state elected officials to undergo the same standards of drug testing.

“Sen. Holt claimed that the amendment to HB2388 was a ‘stunt,’’ said Rep. Shelton. “If this is such a stunt, then why did 44 members of the Senate vote to approve the same thing back in 2010?”

SB1392 bill was never granted a hearing in the House, and subsequently stalled for the session.

“It is hypocritical of us as lawmakers to take state pay, and conduct the state’s business, but ask those who receive benefits to take a drug test, but then refuse to take the same drug test ourselves,” said Rep. Shelton. “I plan to re-submit this amendment when the bill comes back to the House for final consideration.”

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2012) Some lawmakers have no qualms subjecting to drug tests citizens who receive taxpayer dollars, but they are apparently unwilling to submit themselves to the same indignity.

HB2388 by Senator David Holt, and Rep. Guy Liebmann, both Republicans from Oklahoma City, would require drug testing for recipients under the program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

TANF is funded by a block grant from the federal government. Recipients of aid must work at least 30 hours per week to continue to receive assistance.

Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, filed an amendment to the bill on the House floor which would have required legislators to take a similar drug test to run for office. The bill, with the amendment, passed the House 82-6. The House author of the measure, Rep. Liebmann, also supported this language.

However, yesterday in the Senate Health and Human Services committee, Sen. Holt removed the language requiring legislators to take drug tests before moving the bill to a vote.

The bill passed along partisan lines by 5-3, and now awaits a hearing by the full Senate.

“This is a disappointing development,” said Rep. Shelton. “If citizens are required to undergo drug tests, then so should potential legislators who are entrusted with decisions critical to the welfare of our state.”

According to news sources, when the bill arrived in the Senate, Sen. Holt dropped the amendment from the legislation, describing it as a “stunt.”

Of interest, in the 2010 legislative session, the Senate passed by a 44-0 vote SB1392, by Senator Anthony Sykes, R-Newcastle. That bill contained an amendment to require all state elected officials to undergo the same standards of drug testing.

“Sen. Holt claimed that the amendment to HB2388 was a ‘stunt,’’ said Rep. Shelton. “If this is such a stunt, then why did 44 members of the Senate vote to approve the same thing back in 2010?”

SB1392 bill was never granted a hearing in the House, and subsequently stalled for the session.

“It is hypocritical of us as lawmakers to take state pay, and conduct the state’s business, but ask those who receive benefits to take a drug test, but then refuse to take the same drug test ourselves,” said Rep. Shelton. “I plan to re-submit this amendment when the bill comes back to the House for final consideration.”

OKLAHOMA CITY (March 27, 2012) Some lawmakers have no qualms subjecting to drug tests citizens who receive taxpayer dollars, but they are apparently unwilling to submit themselves to the same indignity.

HB2388 by Senator David Holt, and Rep. Guy Liebmann, both Republicans from Oklahoma City, would require drug testing for recipients under the program Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

TANF is funded by a block grant from the federal government. Recipients of aid must work at least 30 hours per week to continue to receive assistance.

Rep. Mike Shelton, D-Oklahoma City, filed an amendment to the bill on the House floor which would have required legislators to take a similar drug test to run for office. The bill, with the amendment, passed the House 82-6. The House author of the measure, Rep. Liebmann, also supported this language.

However, yesterday in the Senate Health and Human Services committee, Sen. Holt removed the language requiring legislators to take drug tests before moving the bill to a vote.

The bill passed along partisan lines by 5-3, and now awaits a hearing by the full Senate.

“This is a disappointing development,” said Rep. Shelton. “If citizens are required to undergo drug tests, then so should potential legislators who are entrusted with decisions critical to the welfare of our state.”

According to news sources, when the bill arrived in the Senate, Sen. Holt dropped the amendment from the legislation, describing it as a “stunt.”

Of interest, in the 2010 legislative session, the Senate passed by a 44-0 vote SB1392, by Senator Anthony Sykes, R-Newcastle. That bill contained an amendment to require all state elected officials to undergo the same standards of drug testing.

“Sen. Holt claimed that the amendment to HB2388 was a ‘stunt,’’ said Rep. Shelton. “If this is such a stunt, then why did 44 members of the Senate vote to approve the same thing back in 2010?”

SB1392 bill was never granted a hearing in the House, and subsequently stalled for the session.

“It is hypocritical of us as lawmakers to take state pay, and conduct the state’s business, but ask those who receive benefits to take a drug test, but then refuse to take the same drug test ourselves,” said Rep. Shelton. “I plan to re-submit this amendment when the bill comes back to the House for final consideration.”