This Is A Test Posting
I’m doing a test post with quick press. Readers, please ignore what I’m doing here.
Changes. Again.
I’m told that OPUBCO’s very talented blog guru, Nick Tankersley, is preparing to upgrade WordPress from 1.2.2 to 2.7. Not sure what it all involves, other than the blog will look better and I’ll look more bewildered than ever.
There may, or may not, be access issues in the morning.
New Convention Center: Discuss Amongst Yourselves
Breaking story today about study suggesting up to $400 million be spent to build a new convention center. More coverage in tomorrow’s paper. So what do you think? Should this be the centerpiece of a MAPS 3? If so, when should it hit the ballots? Or should we simply stick with what we’ve got?
Where would you like a see a new convention center built? What should be done with the existing building?
Yes, You Did See Conan in Bricktown …
That’s my response to those of you who think Bricktown is filled with tall red-headed Irish fellas. Sorry, but despite the best efforts of the Brewer family to make Bricktown the hub of all things Irish and their St. Patrick’s Day festivities, we just don’t get that many tall red-headed Irish guys in Bricktown.
Now I know what you’re thinking; “Steve, how can you be sure?” Or maybe you’re wondering if this stranger was simply a long-lost relative of Mick Cornett. Nope, if you saw this stranger on Monday, in Bricktown, or in the vicinity of KFOR-TV, it was Conan. I’m told he was in town doing some prep work for his new show that starts in June.
So how was Conan spending his time here?
I don’t know.
So let’s just dream up a dream itinerary for Conan’s stay in downtown Oklahoma City:
6 a.m. Monday: Arrives at Will Rogers World Airport via Southwest Airlines. Finds out the show “Airline” is filming here and he quickly attacks a flight attendant with his friend, “vomiting Kermit.” OCPD are called, Conan rushes outside to catch a cab. Too bad he had to wait an hour. This ain’t no taxi town, Conan.
7:05 a.m. – OCPD catch up with Conan. But they are disappointed and bitter when they realize that the flight attendant was not attacked by an actual celebrity. She reported she was attacked by Conan’s distant cousin, television and movie star and fellow Irish guy Denis Leary. OCPD has high standards for celebrity crime in this town – we’re talking MacCauley Culkin on a traffic stop or Jim Belushi getting intoxicated in Bricktown. Conan is unceremoniously dropped off at the drunk tank at the entrance to Bricktown.
10 a.m. – Conan is released by Detox supervisor after more than two hours of constant crying and wailing about needing his momma to come pick him up. Vomiting Kermit has made new friends and chooses to stay. Conan asks why his fellow detainees are all excited about incoming weather and the chance to play the “Gary England drinking game.”
10:10 a.m. – Conan finds week-old newspaper announcing that Oklahoma City is the nation’s third most manliest city. Conan tries to fit in; he goes to Bass Pro, buys overalls, fishing boots, plaid shirt and a Texas Aggies ballcap.
10:25 a.m. – Conan waits for an Oklahoma Spirit trolley to pick him up at the stop outside Bass Pro.
11:30 a.m. – Conan gives up waiting for the trolley. He walks over to Toby Keith’s. Conan flirts with the waitresses and tells some jokes. The waitresses laugh at him, not with him.
noon: Conan hitchhikes a ride to KFOR and does an interview. He’s hurt, disappointed and confused that he can’t do the interview with all three Ogle brothers. Linda Cavanaugh does her best to console Conan.
1 p.m. – Conan decides to check out The Underground. He has not been seen since.
10 p.m. – Wailing is heard from the entrance to The Underground at the County office building. This sort of thing is considered normal at the home of Oklahoma’s proud county government.
Right to Know, Need to Know, Want to Know
It seems as if I’ve been going back to these basics of journalism a lot lately.
Now here’s a scenario being fought about behind the scenes. For now we’ll keep the other players’ identities quiet in the interest of being fair. But if they stick to their guns, I might just out them and start a new policy of letting you the readers know when you’re being excluded from public policy discssions.
I’d like your feedback on the following:
A private organization whose existence depends on a publicly funded contract hosts a meeting with developers. A consultant hired by the city speaks to the developers at said meeting. The discussion involves future actions and policies related to downtown growth and development.
Should I as a reporter be barred from attending? Interestingly enough, several of the developers felt I should have been allowed. The other sides argue otherwise. The cited reason? The old “Some of the people may not feel free to express their true thoughts or ask questions if a reporter is in the room” bit.
I’ve heard this one before. A classic was when former ODOT head Neal McCaleb insisted the public didn’t need to hear deliberations on which route would be chosen for relocation of the I-40 Crosstown Expressway. (Jack Money and I crashed that meeting anyway, dared the ODOT folks to forcibly remove us and came out with one heck of a front-page story). And because we were there, we remain a reminder to all that the state as represented by McCaleb promised to build and pay for a boulevard to replace the current alignment.
So, do you the readers want me to attend such meetings and report back to you? Or would you rather these discussions be held in private?
Twitter Frenzy – Grabbing for any Glimmer of Relevance
Leave it to the Daily Show to put everything in perspective.
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“It’s no wonder young people love it, according to reports about young people by middle-aged people.”
- Samantha Bee
A Message from Maralee Hamm
Thank You
On behalf of my sons; Austin, Tyler, and Gabriel, as well as myself, I would like to thank each and every one of you for your very thoughtful gifts.
Through this tragedy, we have seen the love of so many. Our family has received an unbelievable amount of support and encouragement from so many different groups, organizations, churches and individuals. While I would like to thank each and every one of you individually, I am so overwhelmed at this time, that I hope and pray you will accept my deepest appreciation for all you have done through this letter.
I am blessed with the incredible opportunity to raise three wonderful boys in to three wonderful men. I want you to know that your gifts will be used for them, to meet their needs, provide for their future and hopefully bring them joy along the way. The boys and I have been overwhelmed as we opened card after card from each of you. Your thoughts and prayers have, and will continue to sustain us during this very difficult time.
It has been so encouraging to see the relationships that Brett made here on earth, being carried over to his children and their future. I know Brett would be as moved as we are, that he was able to make such an impact, on so many people, that they would take his children under their wings at this difficult time. I pray the memory you carry of Brett will be one of the father who loved his children, and the man who had a smile for everyone.
My deepest appreciation to each and every one of you.
Sincerely,
Maralee, Austin, Tyler and Gabriel Hamm
Momentum
Momentum: Art Doesn’t Stand Still!
True to it’s name, Momentum: Art Doesn’t Stand Still is moving to a new date and location. The Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition’s (OVAC) dynamic event will be held March 6th & 7th, 2009 in a building that formerly housed a mail distribution center at 320 SW 5th St in downtown Oklahoma City. The exhibition gives audiences an opportunity to view, purchase and experience artwork by Oklahoma visual artists ages 30 and under amidst the talents of local musicians, performers, poets and more.
On Friday, March 6, visitors will experience the lighter side of the event at Momentum: Downtempo. The evening will begin with a Preview Party from 6-8pm with music by The Bridgewater Band and food from area restaurants. Momentum: Downtempo will continue from 8pm-Midnight with performances by local bands The Work Week, Penny Hill and Early Beat.
For a louder, faster paced experience, attend Momentum: Full Speed on Saturday, March 7, 8pm-Midnight. The art and performances will be accentuated by music from June Bug Spade, the Romantic Disaster and Jabee.
Each night, the official Momentum After Party will be held at TapWerks Ale House, 121 E Sheridan, featuring live music and drink specials with a Momentum ticket stub.
Curators for the exhibition are Heather Ahtone, a writer, curator and artist, and Romy Owens, photographer. They will select the art, film and performances for the exhibit from the more than 100 young artists that are expected to submit work. The two curators will also select the artists to receive the more than $2,000 in awards.
A new addition to Momentum this year is the Momentum Spotlight program, which awards three artists with $1,500 each and three months of guidance with the curators to create new installations or bodies of work for the exhibition. This year, the selected Spotlight artists are Grace Grothaus of Tulsa, Darryl Hillard of Stillwater and Brooke Madden of Norman.
Tickets for each night of the opening weekend are $10 in advance or $15 at the door and can be purchased online here, by phone 405.232.6991 or at Blue 7, Book Beat, Velvet Monkey, Full Circle Books, Guestroom Records (Norman & OKC), Thompson’s College Bookstore (Edmond) and Dwelling Spaces (Tulsa). For those interested in getting the first look at the art at the Friday night Preview Party, tickets are $25.
The Momentum exhibition will be open to the public, with free admission, through March 14. Hours are 5-8pm Wednesday-Friday and 10am-2pm on Saturday.
Participate in the MOMENTUM PHOTO CONTEST! Submit photos you take at Momentum for a chance to win prizes! Anyone who attends Momentum is eligible to participate – all ages, all levels. Winners will be selected by online voting. Come back to this website after the event for submission instructions.
EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday, March 6
6:15 Bridgewater Band
7:45 Bridgewater Band
8:30 Artist Award Announcements
9:00 Penny Hill
10:00 Early Beat
11:00 The Work Week
Saturday, March 7
8:15 Junebug Spade
9:45 The Romantic Disaster
11:00 Jabee
Online ticket sales have closed. Tickets may be purchased via phone at 405-232-6991 until noon on Friday, March 6. Tickets may also be purchased at any of the outlets or at the door.
Who Wants It More?
Let’s see how this twitter thing works. Fun idea below – and if you want Bcycle in OKC, you need to go here to vote and let Bcyle know “you want it more.”
Deja Vu All Over Again
Out of state real estate investors buy downtown OKC historic landmark office building. The new owners promise to fix up neglected building, return it to Class A office space. Owners tell skeptical reporter they are for real and show off portfolio of properties.
Owners swear they know the local market. Owners go to great lengths to make impression of local movers and shakers. A couple years pass and the owners fail to impress locals with their improvements because they don’t come close to what was promised. With such disappointment, leasing doesn’t meet up to owners’ expectations.
Owners respond by putting off paying bills. Liens are filed. Lawsuits follow. Owners then tack “extra costs” onto tenants’ leases. More legacy tenants decide to leave the building and conditions worsen …
Yes, sometimes I am instantly skeptical when I’m told about something that may sound too good to be true. Sorry, but when I’m told the Chinese are planning to open a North American headquarters in OKC as part of their efforts to start production of a defunct Brittish car in Ardmore, I say “yeah, I’ll believe it when I see it.” And when I’m told out-of-state interests are preparing to rescue a fading downtown architectural treasure without any city participation, I say “yeah, I’ll believe it when I see it.”
However, I’m very, very excited about plans for an NFL stadium to be built in Oklahoma City. Oh wait … we’ve not heard about that one in at a least year. Well, maybe we’ll still see a Disney World built between Oklahoma City and Tulsa.
Sigh.
(NOTE: To those in denial, this post was written in response to calls from four tenants of unnamed building who wish they could speak on the record but are afraid of retaliation. Everything written above is factual).
