Fill in the blank.
When Colourmusic released its second full length album, My ____ is pink, it was to the delight of ear plug makers everywhere.
Not because the band’s rumbling sonic sound isn”t pleasing to the ear, it’s just that listening to the band live it turns your ear canal into the Texas Motor Speedway.
Colourmusic is loud… that’s all I’m trying to say. They are loud but oh so awesome and fun to watch and everyone has a chance to see them tonight.
Colourmusic is playing tonight at the Blue Note Lounge with opening acts by Mannachine and Horse Thief. The show starts at 10:30.
I have seen Colourmusic more than a dozen times and they have never dissapointed with a show. The energy they bring coupled with their raw and explosive sound really makes for fun, fun time.
You will scream, you will jump and you might cry but you will most certainly turn your ____ Pink.
BTW… this may be the single creepiest and greatest music video in the history of the world.
Top 3: Fashion Must Haves
Have you ever heard of some being disciplined at the office or being kicked out of the hottest club for being dressed too well? I haven’t (if someone has that’ll be a separate issue to blog about). This is why I want to present to you the Top 3: Fashion Must Haves.
Whether networking in the professional workforce or mingling in the social scene, style and image go together like peanut butter and jelly. And, you don’t have to be a fashion expert or a fashion icon to know what styles are hot.
Today’s number 1 pick is:
1.) Convertible clothing – Yes you read right convertible clothing. Its a cost effective way to stretch your dollar in tough economic conditions like this recession. I’ve had the opportunity to style my sister who has a convertible dress. Wearing convertible clothing like the convertible dress featured in the video below is fun and allows you to be your own personal stylist. And you can go from work to after hours in a matter of minutes.
2.) Accessories – Everytime I watch fashion shows or hear someone speaking about fashion, I always always always here about accessorizing. Whether we speak about men or women, accessorizing can make an old outfit look new again. And it doesn’t take expensive cufflinks or earrings to make the difference.
3.) Shoes to match - Google the question, how important are shoes to an outfit? and you’ll quickly find out that they are very important. As some would say, shoes can make or break an outfit. If you think I’m wrong on this one, trying wearing the shoes below to the office and you’ll find how impressed your boss is with you.
- Tiffany B.
Taddy Porter shaking things up
Stillwater natives Taddy Porter are having some kind of week.
The classic rockers announced yesterday that they are in a contest on MTVU for the week’s best freshmen video.
The song being featured is “Long Slow Drag” off of the band’s self titled debut album “Taddy Porter.”
iTunes announced today that Taddy Porter is an “Artist to Watch” and for a limited time is selling the bands CD for $6.99.
The band is on tour all summer and is playing at Two Frogs in Ardmore tomorrow before taking off for stops in Chicago, Cincinnati and even a stop in Canada among others.
For more info on the band’s tour schedule and to hear more of its music; visit http://taddyporter.com.
Don’t Silence Us!
Recently, the Oklahoma State Supreme Court ruled that government employee birth dates are not public information. This ruling will prove to be a road block to the media’s watchdog responsibilities. Why? Routinely, journalists request employment rosters from various agencies and then check them against legal data bases. Let’s say John Doe shows up on the sex offender registry and on the employee roster for one of the local schools. The only way to confirm that these are the same two people is to verify the birth date. If the birth dates are withheld, then it is next to impossible to determine whether Mr. Doe is the same person on the list.
The people have a right to be informed about their government. And, it is the duty of journalists to inform them. If we do not fight when they start taking that right away, then what will they take next?
This Independence Day, remember that freedom is not something given. It is always earned. Every country has fought for the freedoms they enjoy. Let’s not give them up so easily.
What a week…
Since starting at the Oklahoman one month ago, I have been busy tackling all sorts of stories.
From writing about the documentary made about imprisoned soldier Michael Behenna, to covering the deadCENTER film festival and seeing the crazy awesome Troll Hunter, to traveling to Lone Wolf, Oklahoma and becoming engulfed in the artistic goodness of Quartz Mountain.
But this week especially, the workload has been turned up and the stories are flowing in. I have been writing or working on eight stories this week and I’m absolutely loving every one of them.
One of the week’s highlight was attending the OKC Summer Classic Dog Show on Thursday and getting to interview people who are completely obsessed with their pooch. You have never heard the word bitch used so casually as you do at a dog show.
http://www.newsok.com/article/3581775
Slightly unrelated to work but still happened this week was my experience getting to see Doug Benson at the OKC performing arts center. He and Graham Elwood were so stinking funny and the whole atmosphere was pretty spectacular, especially Elwood’s rendition of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.”
I don’t get much of a break for the Fourth of July, but I’m going to make every attempt to blow something up and watch Independence Day. Because nothing says I love America more than Will Smith punching aliens in the dome.
WELCOME TO ERF!!!
Happy Fourth everyone!
TOP 3: Disabilities
My very first post I wrote about how this blog would be my outlet. After this week I am extremely glad I do have that privilege, considering the fact that writing has always been a way for me to heal and overcome adversity. Today, I want to discuss the Top 3: Disadvantages to having a disability and the lessons I have learned from it.
For the majority of my childhood I’ve had to cope with the negative affects and effects of having epilepsy due to a brain injury I received while I was at the skating rink when I was young. I have not had a seizure for at least 6 years know nor have I had to take medication for epilepsy. I haven’t really discussed the disability I once had, but sometimes I feel as if I am still coping with having once had a disability. Through it all I most consistently remind myself of these three things below when problems arise.
1.) Remembering the important things in life - More than one time this week I’ve had experiences that have brought me to tears. I had been upset with myself for misplacing items that would have cost more money to replace. So, I cried from being so upset and frustrated with myself for not remembering important things. At my age, I should have no problem remembering.The hardest part is not knowing. Not knowing why I forget things as much as I do. Not knowing the effects of the many seizures I had while I was a child. And not knowing whether the medication I had been given by doctors has caused long-term effects that I still have to cope with today.
The lesson I have learned is: To take things slow. While somethings may be harder for me at times, I have to remind myself to just take things slow and my circumstances will get better.
2.) Basic and Simple task - Tasks that are simple and easy to do are things I have trouble with at times. As a journalist, this especially becomes a problem. Basic information is crucial to every story. If journalist cannot get the basic information in a story than more than likely his/her career becomes short lived. The other day, I was just reminded by an editor to try and remember to include the basic information in a story, and I immediately came down on myself for forgetting to include that information. I’m pretty sure it crossed my mind to include the information he was asking for in the story, but I became so involved in the story itself and all the details I wanted to include to make it a good story that I forgot about the basic information. In spite of him saying that I did a good job on the story, in my mind I didn’t. I always strive to do my best, so it is very disappointing to know that my best is not good enough.
The second lesson I have learned is: Never be too critical of yourself. It’s never easy to cope a disability nor is it easy to overcome. But if you keep trying to achieve your goals, eventually you will succeed. Persistence pays off.
3.) Equality - I’ve never been one to think of myself as having a disability, but the reality is I did have a disability. I believe most people who have a disability want to be treated as an equal. The ironic thing is, as much as you want to be treated equal, there are some situations when you placed on an unequal playing field due to a disability and necessary accommodations may need to be made. In spite of adversity, I strongly believe in the adage, you can do anything you put your mind to just like anyone else. Even if you have to accomplish things in a different manner, the only thing that matters is that you believe in yourself.
The third lesson I have learned is: Remember the positive things more than the negative. When you have bad days, deal with them accordingly, but don’t dwell on the negative. Cherish all the positive moments in life. Celebrate every victory, even if it is small. Smile in the face of adversity.
Road Trip Series: Part 1
It’s the type of assignment I’ve dreamed about: The opportunity to travel and write about my experiences.
That being said, it should come as no surprise that I’ve looked forward to the Oklahoma road trip series my editor assigned me that will take me to various parts of Oklahoma.
The first trip was to places in Pauls Valley, Davis and Sulphur.
The entrance into The Toy & Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley.
Toy & Action Figure Museum
At first glance, the Toy & Action Figure Museum in Pauls Valley came across as a nerd’s collection of toys on display.
While it is a collection of various toys and action figures, it takes you back to much simpler times when your biggest challenge was finding a way to not eat your vegetables.
The place was jam-packed with action figures. There were the usual superheroes with Star Wars and Disney characters thrown into the mix. The figures are set into sections and displays with similar toys.
One area is a child’s play room with costumes for children and adults to try on. I’ve never wanted to be Spiderman, Superman or Batman. Instead, I’ve had the dream most little girls can relate to: I want to be a princess. With the help of a dress at the museum, that’s exactly what I became.
Sure, it was silly. It was fun to step outside of the norm and indulge my inner child.
Bedré Fine Chocolates
An Oklahoma-shaped chocolate from Bedré Fine Chocolates in Pauls Valley.
After a little GPS mishap, I made it to Bedré Fine Chocolates in Pauls Valley. Long story short, my GPS and I have a love-hate relationship. I love the way it gives directions, but it enjoys taking me to the wrong places.
The unforgettable aroma of freshly made chocolate greeted me at the door.
The woman behind the counter asked if I wanted to try a sample. This is what I heard, “Would you like to sample of this Heaven-sent chocolate?” Absolutely.
From the moment the chocolate touched my lips, the delectable mix of chocolate and peanut butter threw my taste buds into bliss overload. The pure, rich taste had me hooked.
As my mind was on the amazing candy, I walked further into the building and watched workers making the delicious creations.
As I left the store, the woman said some of the items are online and can be shipped to my house. My family should prepare themselves because I know what they are getting for Christmas.
The Turner Falls in Davis.
Turner Falls
As I looked for postcards to send my family, I saw one with a beautiful waterfall. The postcards featuring Turner Falls are deceiving.
As my car approached the outlook for Turner Falls, I looked forward to a breathtaking site of nature. Though I didn’t expect a mini-Niagara Falls, I thought it might be similar to Tahquamenon Falls in Michigan.
I was sadly mistaken.
Don’t get me wrong, Turner Falls is beautiful, but I expected too much. I enjoyed the scenery and the view of the surrounding area.
Though I was slightly disappointed, watching the water relieved the every day stress and brought about a peace that can only be found in nature.
Chickasaw Cultural Center
A statue at the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur.
It’s the beat of the drum, dancing around a fire and chanting often associated with Native Americans. What people don’t always remember is the history of how they got to where they are today.
The various exhibits in the Chickasaw Cultural Center in Sulphur, bring the history of the Chickasaw people to life.
The hallway resembling the Trail of Tears misted my eyes as motion-censored stories played. The stories talked about burying love ones during the journey.
As I walked out of the museum, I had a greater understanding of the Chickasaw people and their way of life.
Though there were some bumpy roads, my first trip went without any major problems. I look forward to my next trip.
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:)
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.
Kevin Durant with a crazy dunk!!!
This dunk ^ by Thunder Superstar Kevin Durant was considered one of the top plays of the season by NBA.com.
http://www.nba.com/video/channels/top_plays/2011/06/10/2011_top10_plays.nba
But is it possible that Durant just topped himself this past week with his performance at the Drew League in L.A.?
Watch (and enjoy) the whole video below but pay extra special attention to the absolute nastiness of this epic THROWDOWN!!!
