The Uglysuit from beyond the crypt
Oklahoma City’s The Uglysuit has released what will likely be its final album.
Awwww, Schucks comes as a welcome serving of leftovers after the band decided to break up last summer.
The Uglysuit was always one of my favorite bands from the state and getting to film with them more than a year ago was one of my most memorable music moments.
Shooting for “on.”, my good friend Steven Hopkins, former NewsOK intern Nathan Poppe and I filmed the band in the bell tower of Oklahoma State’s Edmon Low Library. After they finished singing Pen and Self, the three of us looked at each other in awe of the special moment that we were sharing.
Preview the album below from their bandcamp, or buy it from iTunes.
Mary’s minis
Mary Shellhammer feeds her miniature horses at her home in Coyle, Okla. Saturday, June 18, 2011. Shellhammer breeds the horses to show and to sell. Photo by Zach Gray, The Oklahoman
On Saturday, I had an assignment in Stillwater that completely fell through as I was halfway up the turnpike on my way into town. It was my only assignment of the day, so I thought I might as well go ahead and take a trip to my old college town and see if I could find a picture in the way that Oklahoman photog John Clanton often does on Sundays.
I drove around for a while, but when the temperature is more than 100 degrees, there aren’t a lot of people who stay outside. So with my gas gauge drooping, I decided I had better leave town.
My last-ditch effort was to take a route that goes between Perkins to Guthrie instead of heading straight for I-35. Every time I go this way, I notice all of the mini horses and desperately want to stop.
Wendy, one of Mary Shellhammer's miniature horses, eats alone in a barn in Coyle, Okla. Saturday, June 18, 2011. Photo by Zach Gray, The Oklahoman
It would turn out to be my lucky day as I noticed a woman out and about around horses. I quickly pulled in and introduced myself to Mary Shellhammer.
After following her around for a few minutes, she invited me inside to share about her life and her love for horses.
Chicken Outlaws
Hermione the chicken peers out of her enclosure in a backyard in northwest Oklahoma City. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Oklahoman
Last Wednesday, I had the opportunity to photograph “illegal” chickens in northwest Oklahoma City.
In Oklahoma City, it is illegal to have chickens in backyards, so the videographer and I were told not to show the faces of the owners. I was surprised to find that you can make some interesting images of chickens and their owners, without showing faces.
Read more about the criminal chickens at NewsOK.com.
See more from our staff photographers at NewsOK.com/Multimedia/Photos.
Click here to see me hard at work. (Photo by Sarah Phipps, The Oklahoman)
Hermione the chicken walks around enclosure in the northwest Oklahoma City backyard where she lives. A growing number of people are lobbying the Oklahoma City Council to legalize backyard chickens. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Oklahoman
Eggy the chicken is held inside the enclosure in the northwest Oklahoma City backyard where she lives. A growing number of people are lobbying the Oklahoma City Council to legalize backyard chickens. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Oklahoman
Chicken feed is displayed in a northwest Oklahoma City backyard where a family keeps tww chickens. A growing number of people are lobbying the Oklahoma City Council to legalize backyard chickens. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Oklahoman
Playing Catchup
Well, we’re a little late in the game, but I figure that it’s time to catch up with my colleagues’ awesome blogging skills.
For an introduction, my name is Garett. I am a photography intern here at OPUBCO. I am a photographic arts major at the University of Central Oklahoma, with minor in journalism.
To start off with, I thought I would make a blog post with some of my favorite images this summer. If you want to see more photos by me and the other photographers, just follow this link: Alternate Crop
Birds bathe in the reflecting pool of the Oklahoma City Bombing National Memorial as the sun sets, June 17, 2011. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Oklahoman
Firefighters take a break after fighting a fire that burned near Harrah, Wednesday, June 22, 2011. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Oklahoman
Eggy the chicken is held by her unnamed owner. Oklahoma City residents and council members have been lobbying to legalize having chickens in back yards. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Oklahoman
Hermione the chicken peers out of her enclosure in a backyard in northwest Oklahoma City. Oklahoma City residents and council members have been lobbying to legalize having chickens in back yards. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Oklahoman
The owner of chickens in northwest Oklahoma City shows chicken feed. Oklahoma City residents and council members have been lobbying to legalize having chickens in back yards. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Oklahoman
The main dish is shown during the Crawfish Festival in Yukon, June 4 2011. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Oklahoman
Kane Ozment, 15, bathes his horse, Itchy, during the Non-Pro Cow Cutting Show at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City, June 15, 2011. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Oklahoman
Guests come to pay their respects at the viewing of Clara Luper, as she lies in repose at the Oklahoma state Capitol in Oklahoma City, June 16, 2011. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Oklahoman
Mikala West, 13 of Mustang, a member of Youth Force, from St. Luke's United Methodist Church in Oklahoma City cleans a window screen during a mission trip cleans windows during a mission at Strawberry Fields Senior Center in Mustang, June 20, 2011. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Oklahoman
Children wait for their chance to operate kayaks during the Olympic Day Corporate Classic Regatta at the Chesapeake boathouse on Saturday, June 25, 2011. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Oklahoman
University of Alabama's Jazlyn Lunceford (2) dives for a ball as Jennifer Fenton (7) looks on during the Women's College World Series game between Flordia and Alabama at the ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Sunday, June 5, 2011. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Oklahoman
A fan catches a home run ball as Alabama's Jennifer Fenton (7) walks away during the Women's College World Series game between the University of Florida and Alabama at the ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Sunday, June 5, 2011. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Oklahoman
Travis Comer gives Madison Clem a drink of Gatorade before marching in the Oklahoma City Gay Pride Parade Sunday, June 26, 2011. Photo by Garett Fisbeck, The Oklahoman
-Garett
TOP 3: Extranormal
There are very few things I can say that I love, love, love. One thing that I just can’t get enough of is Xtranormal. Below are my TOP 3 : Xtranormal Dance Videos
My #3 pick: Personally, I would love to see a presidential dance-off rather than a mouth off anytime. And if Xtranormal is the only way to make that happen than so be it.
My #2 pick: I always like this commercial, but it simply can’t be number one. Once you get to number one you’ll understand why.
The Winner is: This is my favorite not because I created it, but because it brings back so many good memories of my time in DC and the SIWJ 2010 Summer Crew…P.S. the video is unlisted so going through this link is the only way to find it. Enjoy:)
Potter (Gimme Gimme) More
I first cracked open my copy of Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone on a lazy summer day in 1999. I had just recently graduated from West Nichols Hills Elementary and was preparing for the jump to middle school at Classen S.A.S.
The parallels I found in Harry Potter could only be described as magical (sorry to be lame, but it’s true.) and the fact that I was reading a book could also be considered some form of sorcery as I was much more inclined then to sit around and play Playstation (Crash Bandicoot for life!).
But as I opened up the book with that red tinted cover with a picture of a peculiar looking boy riding a broomstick with his broken glasses and messy hair, I was blown away by the sheer entertainment of word on paper. The immersion into a ridiculous world where pictures moved in newspapers, where giants existed (and half-giants; you’re my boy Hagrid!), a world of flying broomsticks, spellbooks and huge fire breathing dragons; I was hooked.
It was announced this morning at 7 a.m. ( and yes I set an alarm so I could watch the announcement because I’m a huge, lame 23-year-old nerd) the revealing of J.K. Rowling’s newest project Pottermore!
Rowling starts off the video by telling everyone how passionate Harry Potter fans are and how she hopes the love affair will spread to a new generation with this new project.
“Thirteen years after the first Harry Potter book was published, I am still astonished and delighted at the response the stories have met,” she began.
Rowling said the introduction of Pottermore will be an “online reading experience unlike any other.” Pottermore users will be able to choose a username and be sorted into a Hogwarts house, as well as upload drawings, comments and other feedback.
I AM SO STOKED!!! Can I make it into Gryffindor? Or will I be embarrassed and sent to Hufflepuff?
Photo of my girlfriend and I at the Deathly Hallows book release. She was the Woming Willow and I was being womped.
Probably Hufflepuff 
Rowling went on to say that she will also be releasing content that she has been hoarding for years, which makes me think that this could be the release of the much anticipated Harry Potter encyclopedia.
“The digital generation will be able to enjoy a safe and unique online reading experience built upon the work,” said Rowling. The site will be an “exclusive place to purchase digital audio books and, for the first time, e-books of the series.”
The website won’t go live until October, but Rowling said a few lucky fans will get a chance to get an early sneak pick and help by giving their input on what they want to see out of Pottermore.
I practically crushed my rememberall in excitement for this site! Alright, gotta go re read all the books for the 34th time in preparation.
Watch this video and visit Pottermore!
Recycling Electronics
As an avid “recycler“ and someone striving to live a more Eco-friendly life, I’m always on the look out for environmental news. For anyone who’s ever wondered what to do with that old TV, now you can recycle it. Texas Governor Rick Perry signed a bill that will require television manufacturers who sell TVs in Texas to offer free recycling programs for Lone Star consumers. The bill was passed last week. This new bill will keep electronic waste, heavy metals and other toxic materials from decorating road sides or being dumped in landfills. According to Ecogeek.org this law will force manufacturers to “have a better plan” for TVs “at the end of their life cycle, and possibly even start making them with safer materials.” As a Texan (please don’t hold it against me), I’m glad to see my home state taking steps to be more green but what about my other home state, Oklahoma? Oklahomans who are looking to recycle their old TVs can take them to any Best Buy store. The electronics retailer will recycle almost any electronic device at any of their stores across the nation. They also have a trade-in program that allows you to trade video games, DVD players, game consoles and other electronics for Best Buy gift cards. There are numerous other companies that also accept electronics for recycling. I love that target has containers near the check out section for recycling one of them being small electronics. Other businesses that take recycled electronics are listed here on the EPA‘s website. So check it out before you dump your electronics in the trashcan.
TOP3: Google Trends
Today, I feel like doing something random, which led me to check out the top Google trends of the day. And, the TOP 3: Google Trends I’ve been digging are.
1.) Glenn Campbell – Campbell recently announced the recording of his up and coming album as his last due to him having Alzheimer’s disease. I could only imagine how frustrating it is to have a disease that literally, changes life as you know it to be…I used to have epilepsy, which some doctors believe cause long-term memory loss. I think back to all the times I’ve been frustrated and upset with myself for forgetting important events or misplacing things and not remember where I’ve put them and can’t help but feel sorry for people with Alzheimer’s.
2.) The Federal Reserve – Apparently, the feds will be ending a “$600-billion program to buy U.S. Treasury bonds.” I don’t know exactly what affects this will have on the U.S. economy, but I bet it does nothing to increase constituents confidence in the government when it comes to economic polices or the economy itself.
3.) Minot North Dakota – As many as 12,000 had to be informed of immediate evacuations due to the rising of the Souris River. It may be one of the worst floods in the area’s history.
Morning Commuters Ponderings
I drive to work each morning. I spend between an hour to an hour and half in my car each day. As I drive I listen to NPR and this morning a report by Scott Horsley caught my attention. The topic discussed, global warming.
As the announcements for presidential candidacy come rolling in, politicians are making their positions on hot topics known. The Horsley’s piece highlighted Former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman who has moderate views on immigration, same-sex civil unions and until now climate control. Huntsman was a cap and trade leader – capping carbon emissions and trading pollution permits. I say was because though he still finds climate control important, it isn’t as important as the economy. Huntsman told Time magazine until the economy is back on its feet “this isn’t the moment” to pursue cap and trade. Huntsman isn’t the only politician backing away from supporting climate control and other environmental beliefs. Other Republican presidential hopefuls have changed their tune like Tim Pawlenty or Michelle Bachman who, in 2009, said “CO2 is a harmless gas.” Mitt Romney, steadfastly holds as fact that greenhouse gases contribute to global warming but has recently backed off cap and trade.
And it’s not just politicians, but the American public who are changing their mind about global warming. An annual poll released by Gallup in March showed that American concern with global warming has almost reached an all time low at 51 percent. While 2011′s percentage is only one point lower than last years, it has gone down from a high of 66 percent in 2008 and is just one point above the lowest percentage recorded in 1997.
What I don’t understand is how can people change their minds about global warming? Isn’t it scientific fact, just that, fact?
Photo shoots require unexpected work
View from the photo shoot by the Devon tower.
The sun was shining, and there wasn’t a cloud in the sky. It was, in a sense, a perfect day for a sunglasses photo shoot for Mood.
Since it was my second photo shoot, I vaguely knew what to expect – models and a photographer. What I didn’t expect was the outdoors location. I’m from Michigan, and I’m still not acclimated to the Oklahoma heat.
The scenery was great. We were right next to the construction for the Devon tower. But the temperature was nowhere near wonderful. It was hot!
Two and a half hours later, I realized I had made a mistake. I burn easily, so sunscreen is my No. 1 priority when I venture outside for extended periods of time. However, I was so caught up in what I needed to do that I forgot. The next few hours outside weren’t kind to my fair skin, but it could have been worse.
I never realized the amount of work that went into what I thought was a simple, photo shoot.
Before my first experience, I didn’t think modeling took much work. You stand there and pose. Big deal.
I was wrong.
Being a model has challenges because you have to look natural while receiving occasional direction from the photographer.
The photographer has to find the right angles and deal with potential equipment malfunctions. Also, there’s someone making sure tags aren’t showing, and the model is wearing the correct accessories with each outfit.
This photo shoot was different from my first one. Clearly, swim suits grab attention more than someone wearing sunglasses. It was interesting to see how the photographer used the surroundings for creative pictures to highlight the sunglasses.
Though the weather was hot and uncomfortable, it was a fun and interesting experience. The next time I see an ad or even a 30-second commercial, I’m going to consider the amount of work that goes into it.
