Week in review
Sometimes it’s easy to miss an event, so here’s a look back at the past week or so to help bring you up to date.
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Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin Republican vice presidential |
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Barack Obama’s official nomination- Wishing my parents were alive to see the day
On the day Barack Obama was nominated for president, rapper Kanye West lamented that his mother, Oklahoma City native Donda West, hadn’t lived to experience it.
“It’s an incredible time to be around. I wish my momma could have seen this day,” West said at a performance in Denver, according to the Associated Press.
On Facebook, the social networking site, several black members wished their parents were still alive to see Obama’s acceptance speech Thursday night.
It was a refrain to be echoed by many black Americans.
Both my parents, longtime Chicago South Side residents, would have been proud of Obama and the history he made Thursday night. Proud of his accomplishments as a successful Chicagoan, yes; but also as an African-American contender for president of the United States.
The day would have meant something to my mother, Virginia, who died in 2000, but even more to my father, William, who died just nine months ago. I remember taking my father to see President Bill Clinton speak at a convention in Chicago in the 1990s. Clinton touched older black Americans like few presidents before him. But as much as my father loved Clinton, I can imagine him watching Obama on TV at Denver’s NFL stadium and thinking that times really had changed.
As one of many black Americans with deceased parents, I can tell you that our mothers and fathers were on our minds last night. But the convention is over and the race has just begun. Obama made history, but now, my mother would say, it’s time to choose the best man for the job, no matter what color his skin.
Yvette Walker
The Oklahoman
The weekly news quiz
It’s time to see how much attention you’ve been paying to the news in the past week or so. From The Oklahoman’s news copy editors and designers, here’s a quiz.
1. How many years ago did 13 black children enter Katz Drug Store and help change the world by sitting at the whites-only lunch counter?
a) 70.
b) 60.
c) 50.
2. The Stolen Valor Act of 2005 makes it a federal crime to:
a) Wear medals and military decorations you haven’t earned.
b) Steal medals and military decorations.
c) Lie to get medals and military decorations.
3. An increasing number of students seek financial aid each year. This year, this percentage of Oklahoma college students received help:
a) 30 percent.
b) 60 percent.
c) 90 percent.
4. College presidents from about 100 of the nation’s best-known universities are calling on lawmakers to consider:
a) Making college free.
b) Mandating energy-saving methods.
c) Lowering the drinking age to 18.
5. As the economy slumps, the state’s tribal casinos are finding revenues:
a) Increasing a not-so-modest 22 percent.
b) Doubling, as winning is the only way to make ends meet.
c) Declining, as people have to eat, but gambling isn’t required.
6. A home drug test from a California-based company called Confirm Biosciences can test this from your teen for suspected drug use:
a) Hair.
b) Toenails.
c) Text messages.
7. About 400 Havasupai tribal members live in the village of Supai:
a) In the hurricane-prone Florida Keys.
b) In the flood plains around Bangladesh.
c) At the bottom of the Grand Canyon.
8. Australian media said a lost baby humpback whale thought it had found its mother, but it had bonded with:
a) A yacht.
b) A great white shark.
c) A swimmer wearing a pair of XXXL trunks.
9. Turns out the Bigfoot carcass encased in a block of ice and touted as proof of the creature’s existence was:
a) A possum-skin coat.
b) A space alien.
c) A rubber gorilla suit.
10. Norman police are undergoing training to help them better relate to:
a) Children who are victims of crime.
b) One another — improving teamwork.
c) Muslim residents and the Islamic culture.
11. A Blanchard retiree named George Huggins has worked for years on an invention that enables people to carry a table and chairs in:
a) The back seat of a passenger car.
b) A backpack.
c) A can, called Table-N-A-Tote.
12. Devon’s planned downtown headquarters, at a height of 925 feet, will be the largest building project in the state, costing:
a) $75 million.
b) $750 million.
c) $7.5 billion.
13. West Palm Beach, Fla., residents were warned to stay inside because:
a) A train carrying chlorine granules had derailed.
b) An ozone alert was making breathing difficult.
c) A Bengal tiger had escaped from a wildlife sanctuary.
14. In states where this is allowed, a boy is three times more likely to get this than a girl:
a) A soda with his school lunch.
b) Paddled for bad behavior.
c) An F on a spelling test.
15. A federal judge in Arizona has ruled an online retailer can print this on his “Bush lied” T-shirts:
a) A list of the troops killed in Iraq.
b) A picture of the president with a pig’s nose.
c) The designer’s phone number so he can collect donations.
How did you do on the quiz? Here are the correct answers:
Answers: 1-C; 2-A; 3-B; 4-C; 5-A; 6-A; 7-C; 8-A; 9-C; 10-C; 11-C; 12-B; 13-C; 14-B; 15-A.
Week in review
Sometimes it’s easy to miss an event, so here’s a look back at the past week or so to help bring you up to date.
Week in review
Sometimes it’s easy to miss an event, so here’s a look back at the past week or so to help bring you up to date.
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Matthew Wilson Wilson, shown in these undated photos, |
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The Isaac Hayes I knew
By Mi-Ling Stone Poole
When I heard the news last weekend that Isaac Hayes passed away I was saddened. I don’t think people really understood who he was. Every newscast spoke of the “Shaft” soundtrack and his portrayal of the Chef on “South Park.” But he was deeper than that.
I remember going to one of his concerts in the late ‘70′s. He was definitely a sex symbol. His bald head and chains portrayed a strong, sexy, black man. He was soulful, confident, and even a little intimidating, at a time when Black Power was still at the forefront. I was in my late teens and I’ll never forget that concert. He commanded the stage and combined rap with his own unique style of rhythm and blues.
During the early ‘90′s, I met Isaac at a Teen Expo in Kansas City. After a brief discussion he agreed to join my speaker’s bureau. This is when I was told about all of the positive things that he was doing for children. He told me that his mission in life was to push world literacy and to encourage businesses and individuals to build global relationships with Africa, specifically, Ghana.
Later, I encouraged him to participate in an independent film called, “Ninth Street.” I was an associate producer on the project and we needed a known name to help push the film. After Isaac signed on Martin Sheen also played a small role in the film while he was in town shooting another project.
Isaac agreed to compose the soundtrack and to portray Tippytoe, the owner of a local cab company in Junction City, Kan. His presence in the film and the scoring of the soundtrack gave importance to the project and helped Kevin Willmott, an African American filmmaker make a name for himself. Willmott went on to write for the ‘70′s television series and the controversial film, C.S.A. to name a few.
I was an associate producer on the project and Isaac was willing to help out because he was interested in helping African Americans. That’s the kind of person he was. A down to earth, Memphis man with a kind spirit, nothing like the persona he portrayed.
Hayes was also a spokesman for the World Literacy Crusade. He told me his mission was to encourage young people to become literate. His grandmother had inspired him during his early years in Memphis and he credited her for his success as a composer, producer, and musician.
He told me that a proud moment for him was when he was named honorary Nigerian Chieftain and was enstooled as an African American King in Ghana. His goal was to bring economic development there.
The last time I saw Isaac was at the premier of “Ninth Street.” The event was held at the Gem Theatre in the historic 18th & Vine district in Kansas City, Missouri.
This was the Isaac that I knew. This is not the Isaac that is being talked about in the news. So I just wanted to give my two cents. To let people know that there was a deeper side to Isaac Hayes, the sex symbol, the soul man.
He was a man of compassion. A man who was eager to help a brother out!
I was sorry to hear the news and my heart goes out to his family and friends. But, I will be forever grateful for his participation in our little independent film.
Mi-Ling Stone Poole writes a decorating column for The Oklahoman’s Saturday Real Estate section.
Remembering music legend Isaac Hayes
Memphis soul music legend and 2002 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Isaac Hayes was excited to perform at the 2003 Charlie Christian International Jazz Festival at Remington Park in Oklahoma City. And what a spectacular show it was for fans who attended the June 7 show.
Hayes was the main headliner along with world-renowned jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis.
“Performing here is like hallowed ground,” Hayes said. “Those guys … all those blues artists … they’re my roots. They were the roots of rhythm and blues. And when you add gospel, it turns into soul. So, it’s a great thing. A lot of artists today need to know their roots. They would be better grounded if they knew that.”
The musician not only changed the face of American music with his innovative sound (“Shaft”, “Walk on By”, “Never Can Say Goodbye”), but his fashionable statement and regal demeanor embodied African culture. In recent years, Hayes ignited attention toward soul music with the opening of Soulsville, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music and the Stax Music Academy in Memphis, his hometown. He deeply supported his religion and took a stand when it was ridiculed on the TV show “South Park.”
For me, it was a pleasure to meet Hayes, who was not only down-to-earth, but our correspondence continued long after the last note was played on-stage.
Although we may mourn the loss of a great legend, Hayes’ legacy will be remembered for his many endeavors, including an appearance in the upcoming film, “Soul Men”. I can see Isaac working feverishly on the piano on the next song.
Rest in peace.
Natasha Mitchell, Online Editor
The weekly news quiz
It’s time to see how much attention you’ve been paying to the news in the past week or so. From The Oklahoman’s news copy editors and designers, here’s a quiz.
1. The new children’s area at the Oklahoma City Zoo will be designed around places where kids can explore nature and include an underground area with:
a) Tarantulas and cockroaches.
b) Moles and ferrets.
c) Fish and frogs.
2. The state has been experiencing triple-digit temperatures, and the hottest reported spot was:
a) Freedom, where it was 110.
b) Oklahoma City, 106.
c) Who cares? Somebody turn up! the air conditioning.
3. By law, the property in a foreclosure must be sold for at least two-thirds of its:
a) Appraised value.
b) Last legal transaction.
c) Tax lien.
4. The Health Department wants all schoolchildren to get their immunizations, but exemptions can be made. If your children have an exemption, they:
a) Can be ordered to stay home during an outbreak.
b) Can be excused from doing homework.
c) Are not allowed to take part in gym class without a doctor’s note.
5. A protest of U.S. dependence on foreign oil brought hundreds of these to a park in St. Louis:
a) Recyclers, freecyclers and environmentalists.
b) Democrats.
c) Mostly nude bicyclists.
6. Major League Baseball officials been investigating this growing trend:
a) Maple bats shattering at a record pace.
b) The health implications of “All You Can Eat” seats at stadiums.
c) Pitchers intentionally hitting opposing players.
7. More than half of all computer-based crimes involve:
a) Theft.
b) Financial fraud.
c) Child pornography.
8. Oklahoma City Public Schools Superintendent Karl Springer plans to do this to educate himself about his district:
a) Return to college for a second doctorate.
b) Ask questions in a series of brown bag lunches.
c) Visit classrooms and lunchrooms in his district.
9. The Lawton School District is working to put more resources in the classroom by:
a) Eliminating 500 bus stops and telling about 1,500 kids to find their own way to school.
b) Floating a bond issue for instructional materials.
c) Eliminating gym, art and music classes.
10. Rep. Sally Kern, R-Oklahoma City, who has spoken about her opposition to gay marriage and homosexuality, describes herself as a:
a) “Good Christian soldier.”
b) “Cultural warrior for Judeo-Christian values.”
c) “Fine example of what makes America great.”
11. Delta and Continental Airlines are offering during domestic flights:
a) Wider seats and more leg room.
b) Better food, but you have to pay a premium.
c) Wireless broadband Internet access.
12. A flaw in the Internet’s design is allowing criminals to manipulate the machines that help computers find Web sites and target ordinary users as they:
a) Type in legitimate Web addresses.
b) Give out their credit card numbers during secure transactions.
c) Opt out of online newsletters and deals offered by specific companies.
13. The Republican Party’s Blaine County sheriff’s primary was tied at 451 each. They chose the nominee by:
a) Tossing a coin.
b) Drawing a name out of a hopper.
c) Figuring out which candidate arrived first to a court hearing.
14. Devon Energy is building a high-rise next door to the upscale boutique hotel called the Colcord, so Devon has agreed to:
a) Install sound baffles between the hotel and the construction.
b) Try to keep down dust and noise before 6 a.m. and after 10 p.m.
c) Buy the hotel and keep it operating.
15. Which of these is NOT on the list of top security blunders made by U.S. consumers:
a) Accessing an account through an e-mail link.
b) Clicking on a pop-up that says your PC is not secure.
c) Using a new password for each online account.
How did you do on the quiz? Here are the correct answers:
1-A; 2-A; 3-A; 4-A; 5-C; 6-A; 7-C; 8-C; 9-A; 10-B; 11-C; 12-A; 13-B; 14-C; 15-C.
Week in review
Sometimes it’s easy to miss an event, so here’s a look back at the past week or so to help bring you up to date.
An unnecessary courtroom restriction
My editors and I hoped to try out a new video camera so easy, even a reporter can use it. The assignment: A manual recount of the Blaine County sheriff’s primary election, which ended in a tie.
This was a story made for video: Boxes of sealed ballots being carted into the courtroom, a tally board showing updates as each precinct is counted by hand, an election official explaining the rules of the recount process.
Unfortunately, my words will have to suffice, at least for the recount itself. Special Judge Paul Woodward prohibited cameras of any kind in the courtroom where the recount was conducted. He wouldn’t even allow a camera on the courthouse’s second floor, saying he didn’t want it to interfere with the recount.
Woodward was unswayed by arguments that cameras would provide Oklahomans a view into a rarely needed aspect of the electoral process.
His directive prompted a TV reporter to quip, “We have footage from the Florida recount that determined the president of the United States, but we can’t get it of a recount for Blaine County sheriff?”
Oklahoma judges have differing opinions on whether cameras should be allowed in the courtroom. Almost without exception, the judge’s discretion involves a high-profile criminal trial. Typically when a judge declines to allow cameras, the reason given is courthouse security. But whose security was at stake in this case matter administered by the election board?
To his credit, the judge allowed cameras in the courtroom for the drawing to pick the winner after the recount ended.
By Tony Thornton, The Oklahoman
