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Books in Brief

Posted on May 9, 2012 by justin

By Linda Sargent

“Look Again”

by Lisa Scottoline, St. Martin’s Press ($26.95)

What would you do if you discovered the child you had adopted might belong to someone else?

Ellen Gleeson’s life is complete. She is a successful journalist with a loving son, a comfortable home and good friends. One day, she thumbs through her mail and comes across a “Have you Seen this Child” flyer. Just as she is about to discard it, the picture of one of the boys catches her eye. He looks like her adopted son, Will. She dismisses the thought, but something causes her to keep the flyer.

When she can’t get the picture and the similarity to her son out of her mind, she decides to do some investigating, starting with the attorney who arranged the adoption. Further digging leads Ellen to discover the name of the birth mother. If Will, in fact belongs to someone else, will she be able to give him up? Is she willing to put her job in jeopardy to find the answer to a question she might not want to know?

This book is one of Scottoline’s best page-turners, with a new problem revealing itself in every chapter.

“Behind Every Man – The Story of Nancy Cooper Russell”

by Joan Stauffer, University of Oklahoma Press ($19.95)

Charlie Russell was known as “the Cowboy artist.” When he appeared at her grandfather’s backdoor, Nancy Mann was star-struck. Her grandmother had warned her about him. He had a reputation of being a womanizer, he liked his liquor, and he was too old for her. She was seventeen and he was thirty-one. But there was chemistry between them. Despite their age difference and despite everyone telling him not to marry her, he asked and she said yes.

From that point on, Nancy Russell became her husband’s business manager. She made sure he had a private studio in which he could work. He would spend every morning in his studio painting, and every afternoon in a local saloon telling stories of the West and the Indians for whom he held an affinity. She re-made herself into a person with better grammar and manners to fit into society. She marketed his paintings and his sculptures and set the prices of his pieces, asking for and getting more for his work than Charlie would have thought possible. She scheduled showings in New York City, the St. Louis World’s Fair, and galleries in London. She was obsessed with managing his career, even to the detriment of raising their son. Charlie adored his son, but Nancy was not maternal and thought Charlie pampered him. This led to estrangement between mother and son until the day she died.

When Charlie Russell died, Nancy made sure his work would always be remembered by establishing a museum in his hometown and making sure his work would be displayed.

Nancy Cooper Russell was a strong-willed woman who put her husband first and foremost in her life and helped establish him as one of the world’s premier western artists.

“Resilience – Reflections of the Burdens and Gifts of Facing Life’s Adversities”

by Elizabeth Edwards, Broadway Books ($22.95)

If you knew nothing about Elizabeth Edwards, to look at her, you might think she has led a charmed life. Growing up in a Navy family, she traveled extensively, was close to her siblings, went to law school, and married her law school sweetheart, John. They had the same beliefs, shared the same passion for helping the needy, working for better health care, and creating a better environment. When John decided to go into politics, it was the path that would lead them to helping Americans. They had two children and life was good.

The first test of her strength came when their sixteen-year-old son died in a car accident. For years, she couldn’t clean out his room, she visited his grave daily, and struggled to make life as normal as possible for her daughter and her husband. She found support groups on the Internet, and strangers became her best friends. She had two more children and life went on.

Just days before the 2004 presidential election, Elizabeth was dealt a second blow when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Rounds of chemotherapy and surgeries sapped her physical strength, but mentally she found the courage and fortitude to face each day and do the things she needed to do for her family. The cancer went away and she breathed a sigh of relief… until 2007, when it returned. She was thankful that she had her husband to lean on during the bad days. She was again sucker-punched when she learned of his infidelity.

This book can be a guiding light for individuals going through difficult times. It is the story of a woman who handles each day of her life with grace and the unavoidable fact that no one can avoid adversity.

“The Perfect Poison”

by Amanda Quick, G. P. Putnam’s Sons ($24.95)

The elite and polite society members of London all believe that Lucinda Bromley killed her fiancé by serving him poisoned tea. Lucinda stays in her home, rarely going out, and tends to her extensive botanical kingdom. Because of a unique talent of being able to identify almost all types of poisons, Lucinda lends herself out to the local police inspectors as a consultant on murders.

When a local lord is found dead, she is disturbed to discover that the source of the poison that killed him – a unique fern from South America – has come from her own garden.

To distance herself from the investigation and maintain her private existence, Lucinda hires a fellow Arcane Society founder who has a strong ability to learn secrets of the street and track down the truth.

With her talent in botany and his ability to uncover the gossip on the street, Lucinda and Caleb are soon targeted for destruction by members of the darker side of London. It will take every bit of their combined strength to avoid becoming victims of the underworld and expose a deadly killer.

“The Bourne Deception”

by Eric Van Lustbader, Grand Central Publishing ($27.99)

Kept alive after the 2001 death of his creator, Robert Ludlum, Jason Bourne is back again in another fast-paced adventure that has a killing in almost every chapter.

After being shot in the chest, Jason questions his life by wondering, “How many times does a man have to die before he learns how to live?” With the help of a companion, he fakes his death so that he can finally put an end to his enemies.

The triangular plot involves an attempt to convince the world that Iran has shot down an American airliner, a high level government official who has aligned himself with a mercenary group called Black River, and Jason Bourne who wants to discover more about his past. The end of the treachery converges in the oil fields of Iran in an attempt to not only control the oil fields, but also a major oil pipeline.

Characteristic of the Jason Bourne character and his chaotic life, the newest novel in this series is filled with action, life-and-death situations, complex characters, and an ever-changing plot with surprises around every corner.

If you are a Jason Bourne fan, you will enjoy reading this next adventure.

Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged book reviews | Leave a comment

Books in Brief

Posted on May 1, 2012 by justin

By Linda Sargent

“Blue Monday” by Nicci French, Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

This book sets the stage for a new series featuring Frieda Klein. Set in London, the book opens in 1987 with the disappearance of a young girl on her walk home from school. The investigation stalls, the case grows cold and 20 years pass.

Psychotherapist Frieda Klein sees patients on a daily basis, spends time after sessions writing up notes, is consumed by her work, and is seen as a mother figure by many of the staff.

Klein begins seeing a new patient, and is disturbed by some of his revelations, but has a duty to keep his information confidential. Then 5-year-old Michael Farraday is abducted, creating a desperate hunt by law enforcement personnel, and his face is splashed all over the newspapers. Klein finally decides to tell the police about her patient’s obsession and hunger for a child, one that matches Farraday’s description. The police aren’t interested until Frieda tells them he described the boy before the papers published his picture, and that he also described a “daughter,” whose description matches the girl who was abducted in 1987.

Before she realizes it, she is helping the police solve two mysteries. If you like psychological thrillers, this book will slowly draw you in and have you anticipating the next book in the series.

“Fairy Tale Interrupted” by RoseMarie Terenzio, Gallery Books

RoseMarie Terenzio was a blue-collar girl from the Bronx who landed a great job as a junior-level publicist with an upscale Manhattan public relations firm, a fortuitous springboard for her future. Then John F. Kennedy Jr. moved into the building to start George magazine with her boss, and she was asked to be his personal assistant. She was unimpressed with the Kennedy name, but realized she could learn much about the publishing business from him.

For five years, she acted as his scheduler, his publicist and one of his closest confidants. Although he had faults, he was human and had to deal with factors that most normal human beings don’t have to deal with – the press, autograph seekers, constant invasions of his privacy. She came to know him as patient, protective and capable of extraordinary generosity and kindness. In his employ, she was given opportunities to meet influential people and go places where she would normally be excluded.

In July 1999, her world turned upside-down with the crash of Kennedy’s plane. She was suddenly unemployed with no prospects, and coming to grips with a tremendous loss. Without Kennedy’s umbrella, she got a strong dose of political reality when she applied for a position in Bill Clinton’s new Watts office and was turned down flat.

This is a book of unforgettable memories laid out with warmth, caring, humor and insight.

“The Dressmaker” by Kate Alcott, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

Historical fact and fiction are interwoven in this story of adventure, tragedy and romance. On April 9, 1912, Tess, an aspiring seamstress, quit her job as a maid, fed up with being treated like a second-class citizen. She heard that a new ship was setting sail for America, and they were hiring maids. She had dreamed of going to America, the land of opportunity. When she arrived at the dock, all the positions had been filled, but she was hired on the spot by a woman whose maid had not shown up. Tess felt lucky as she grabbed her bag and boarded the RMS Titanic on its maiden voyage to America.

Lady Duff Gordon was an enigma to Tess. As her employer, she could be wonderfully kind and helpful one moment and hateful and spiteful the next. But she was an infamous designer, and Tess hoped she could work her way into the design warehouse and gain valuable experience.

Then tragedy struck – it didn’t take long for the Titanic to sink after striking the iceberg. Chaos ensued, but Tess managed to get into a crowded lifeboat, while Lady Gordon and her husband were in another boat.

Survivors rescued by the Carpathian were astounded when Lady Gordon insisted on taking group photographs as if the rescue was a social occasion.

Arriving in New York, Tess soon learns whom she can and can’t trust, and is torn between two men who vie for her affection. The outcome of the characters’ lives, fictional and non-fictional, makes for a great read.

“Defending Jacob” by William Landay, Random House Publishing Group

This novel grabs your attention from the first page, moving back and forth between present and past.

Andy Barber is on the witness stand. For more than 20 years, he has been happily married and has one son, Jacob. He was assistant district attorney in Massachusetts and life was good, until one morning when everything started to unravel.

The body of a young boy is found in a nearby park. Andy is in charge of the case, standard operating procedure in high-visibility cases. But soon he is asked to recuse himself when his son becomes the chief suspect in the slaying.

Jacob claims innocence, and Andy believes him. But as facts and evidence pile up, his wife is not so sure. Hints of bullying surface between Andy and the slain boy, and police find a knife matching the murder weapon in Jacob’s room.

Facts surface about Andy’s childhood, widening the gap between him and his wife. Andy’s father and grandfather have both served time for murder and, in fact, his father is still in prison. Laurie questions whether Jacob could have been born with a “murder” gene, a concept not too farfetched in the genetic world.

We won’t spoil the ending, but the reader winds up wondering what really happened to warp the mindset of this family. This book has been on the New York Times Bestseller List for several weeks and is worth the purchase.

“Bond Girl” by Erin Duffy, HarperCollins Publishers

From the first time Alex Garrett spent the day with her dad in his office, she knew she wanted to work on Wall Street. She felt she reached her dream when she secured a job at a prestigious brokerage firm.

She immediately felt that she was out of her depth. She is relegated to a metal chair labeled “Girlie” while learning the ropes. As the new kid, she was in charge of fetching coffee and food for the entire floor, was the target of practical jokes, and had to deflect clients’ unwanted advances.

But somewhere along the way, she rose up from lowly analyst to become an associate. Her real name is being used, while another “Girlie” has joined the business. After graduating to her own desk, Alex passes along her metal chair and teaches the new “Girlie” the ropes.

When the stock market spirals downward, Alex must decide whether to stick it out at the firm or run for the hills in her expensive shoes and tailored suit. This lighthearted, fast-paced book is thoroughly enjoyable.

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BILLY SIMS BARBECUE: “It’s not just barbecue … it’s BOOMer-Q!”

Posted on May 1, 2012 by justin

By The Taste Buds

Here’s a favorite Taste Buds past-time – between napkin swipes of our various mugs, we like to link words to create what we feel offers a perfect description of items near and dear to our hearts. When, for example we hear the word “free” and “liquor” in the same sentence, our communal countenances soar. It’s the same with, say, “short” and “speech” or, in our case, “full” and “stomachs.”

However, here is a word combination that sends oodles of joy down to the very depths of our souls – “Boomer” and “Q.”

A hero of long standing in the Sooner nation has brought his strong persona of goodwill to the smoked epicurean delicacy. Yes, for the unenlightened, Billy Sims has entered the barbecue restaurant field of play … or, as we Taste Buds like to say, he is once again in the “pig-skin” business.

Let us first address the question of Mr. Sims himself, why he would merit such attention from those who enjoy a rib or ten.

It is safe to say that Billy Sims is one of the greatest players ever to play for what ESPN calls “the greatest college football program in American history” – the University of Oklahoma. In the mid-’70s, word spread among the Sooner faithful of a messiah in the small town of Hooks, Texas, who would, with lightening-fast feet, almost elegant movements and a gamer’s mentality, shower those in Owen Field with victory after victory in his wake. He was recruited by – who else – Coach Barry Switzer.

In this fair-weather world of recruiting, Billy Sims was indeed the real deal – during the 1978 season, he racked up a record 1,762 yards on 231 carries for an average of 160 yards per game, the nation’s leading rusher and scorer. Post-season awards that year landed at his feet like Caesar conquering Rome – he became only the sixth junior player in Heisman history to win that coveted award, while also being named a consensus All American as well as both the AP and UPI “Player of the Year.”

He was then the number one pick of the 1980 NFL draft and had an almost five-year career with the Detroit Lions, winning the NFL “Rookie of the Year” award along the way.

That this legend, this hero, this superstar would then decide to feed the hungry masses is indeed a Sooner born and bread (get it?) dream come true.

“My partner came to me several years ago about opening a restaurant, and I told him I was afraid that people would say ‘he can run, but he can’t cook,’ Sims said. “We finally opened our first restaurant at 51^st and Sheridan in Tulsa, and we have now opened our 21^st store.”

According to Sims, while the restaurants are franchised, each one approaches quality with the same exacting standards.

“Our franchisees are the cream of the crop,” Sims said. “They are the backbone of our wonderful success.”

So what, fellow lip-smackers, is one to expect upon entering a barbecue restaurant anchored to good old number 20?

Let’s start with the “Sooner Sandwiches,” which can be comprised of chopped or sliced brisket, pulled pork, smoked chicken or turkey, hot link or polish sausage and, yes, a Taste Bud supreme favorite – bologna.

But let’s not stop there – Billy Sims’ also offers “Special Teams Specialty Sandwiches” that include the “Heisman,” which offers a choice of chopped brisket or pulled pork (“piled high,” we can attest) with a bologna slice and a hot link, or the “Triple 20,” which offers pulled pork with Billy’s secret sauce, topped with coleslaw and provolone cheese.

Billy Sims’ Touchdown Dinners bring six points of deliciousness with names like the “Bevo Plate” (brisket), “Pulled Razorback” (pulled pork), “Arkansas Steak” (bologna), “Smoked Jayhawk” (chicken), “National Champ” (hot link), “Texas Dog” (polish sausage), “Running Back” (four-rib dinner), “Half Back” (half rack of ribs) and the “Full Back” (full rack of ribs).

Combo plates, which include any or all of the above, are called the “Sooner Magic” (two meats), “Option” (three meats) and “Wishbone” (four meats).

Rounding off the Billy Sims’ menu are “Big Dogs,” including the “Polish Playoff” and the “Lineman,” which is a hot link. Both are served with chili, cheese and onions. Also available are both regular and loaded baked potatoes, Billy’s chili and Frito pie.

For the light eaters, there are “Sooner Salads” that include a “Smoked Chicken Caesar” and a “Schooner BBQ Salad.”

As for side dishes, Billy Sims has them up to his kneepads, including “Billy Beans,” “Mini Husker Corn Cobs” and “Sooner Slaw-ter.”

Large groups or tailgaters may want to inquire about their catering and family packages featuring combinations of meat and side dishes, enough to feed a whole stadium!
Football legend or not, any restaurant bearing the cherished moniker of “barbecue” must win or lose by its sauce. And how, pray tell, was the sauce created at Billy Sims’?

“When we opened our first store, we decided to all put our heads together on what sauce the chain would finally use,” Sims said. “Actually, my family sauce came in third

place when all the mixtures were rated.” They now offer a Sweet & Mild sauce, along with a Hot version.

According to Josh Meriano, assistant manager at the Billy Sims franchise located on NW Expressway in Oklahoma City, food preparation takes many hours to offer a consistent, delicious serving of Boomer-Q.

“Billy Sims’ has its own rub, which is applied to the brisket and pork before it’s thrown into the smoker the night before,” he said. “It cooks in its own juices and is ready to serve the next day.”

As for the ribs, Meriano says they spend the entire night soaking in the rub mix before being put in the smoker.

“Some restaurants claim their rib meat falls off the bone; however, I can tell you for sure that ours does that at every serving.”

When asked if one had to be a fan of either the Sooners or Sims himself to enjoy the food at Billy Sims, Meriano tells this story.

“Recently, a man came into our restaurant fully dressed in gear representing the Texas Longhorns. By the time he was through eating, he had also bought several bottles of our sauce to take home,” Meriano recounts.

Sims adds that he intends to take his show on the road, so to speak, with plans to open a location in – egad! – Austin, Texas.

For his part, we find Billy Sims thrilled to be suited up for this particular crowd-pleasing venture.

“I love what I’m doing,” he said. “It really means something to me that I am able to keep people working in tough times such as these.”

And what of his long-time mentor, coach and friend Barry Switzer, who has stuck his toe into the proverbial waters of restaurant ownership?

“He told me I was crazy!” laughed Sims.

And so, dear readers, we leave Billy Sims Boomer-Q with a gleam in our eyes, a song in our hearts and a heft to our midsections, licking our fingers all the way.

Come to think of it, this food might be too good for them Longhorns!

For more Billy Sims Barbecue locations, go to www.billysims.com.

Posted in Food/Restaurants | Tagged food, restaurant, restaurant review | Leave a comment

The Ever Changing, Always Enlightening Oklahoma History Center

Posted on May 1, 2012 by justin

About the time you think you’ve seen everything there is to see at the Oklahoma

History Center – that’s exactly when the museum changes its existing exhibits

or brings in brand spanking new ones, both educational and magnificent. The

museum’s director says, “My absolute favorite thing about coming to work

at the museum is watching people enter the building, stop, and say, ‘Oh, wow!’”

By David Althouse

From the earliest periods of American Indian tribes to the present, the Oklahoma History Center prides itself on ever-changing, world-class exhibits telling the story of Oklahoma.

If you haven’t been there in a while, then you’ve probably missed a lot.

“All of the major exhibits in each of the museum’s galleries are designed to change over time,” said Dan Provo, director of the Oklahoma Museum of History. “One of the promises we made when we opened this museum was that the exhibits would constantly change, that you could come to the Oklahoma History Center every month and find something new and different.”

Since opening in 2005, the museum has kept that promise, enriching the lives of over 1.2 million visitors with masterfully planned, history-telling exhibits – exhibits ever new, ever exceptional.

Coming in May is the “Oklahomans at the Movies” exhibit, sponsored by the Inasmuch Foundation and Distinctly Oklahoma magazine. The 4,000-square-foot exhibit will showcase Oklahoma’s contribution to the movie industry, the accomplishments of Oklahomans on-screen and behind the screen in the movie industry, as well as celebrate Oklahomans going to theaters.

“Dozens and dozens of people from Oklahoma associated with the movie industry have been interviewed, and the stories are really going to fascinate people,” Provo said. “We’re going to explore stories of stars people have heard about and grown up with, and we’re going to tell the stories of Oklahoma-related movies that have impacted the national and international consciousness. We will discuss movie locations, actors, directors, writers, editors, composers, special effects and makeup people, and we will talk about and illustrate movie theaters from all over Oklahoma.”

“Oklahomans at the Movies” opens May 15, and will run for two years.

In June, the museum opens an exhibit on Woody Crumbo, extraordinary Citizen Potawatomie artist, whose works are held by several prominent museums including the Smithsonian Institution and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

“This will be an exploration of his artwork, but we’re also going to discuss his family, the development of his art and Oklahoma’s impact on the creation of his art, because we’re all about Oklahoma,” Provo said.

Marking the 100^th anniversary of Crumbo’s birth, the exhibit will feature silkscreens, etchings, drawings and paintings by the renowned artist.

Just after July 4, the museum will host a living history interpreter portraying Benjamim Franklin, and in December, a Franklin Roosevelt re-enactor will perform while discussing a variety of subjects, including World War II.

“These are wonderful experiences,” Provo said. “We bring in some of the top historical re-enactors in the country – people from places like Mount Vernon and Williamsburg who are the best at what they do.”

In 2013, the museum will bring to life a fascinating story of underwater archeology directly associated with – believe it or not – Oklahoma’s southern border.

The exhibit will revolve around the steamship Heroine, a vessel the U.S. Army sent forth in 1837 for the provisioning of Fort Towson, a frontier outpost established in 1824 and located in present-day Choctaw County in southeastern Oklahoma.

“As this steamship was heading toward the fort – having already gone down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, and finally up the Red – it got to within a couple of miles of Fort Towson, hit a snag and sank,” Provo said.

According to Provo, the museum will recreate both the upper and lower decks of Heroine.

“Recreating the steamship will allow us to tell the story of not only what the vessel was doing here, but who was on it and what was happening with the people; it will also enable us to discuss the story of commerce and military posts on the frontier,” Provo said. “There are so many stories that come out of this that are just exceptional. It’s a window to the past that’s going to come alive!”

Provo adds that a quarter of the boat will be recreated with real machinery.

“No one has ever seen steamboat machinery from this period of time before. When you discuss this project with people, you’re basically discussing underwater archeology in Oklahoma, and they look at you in disbelief,” said Provo.

One would have to go back 13 years to uncover the museum’s role in this captivating story.

After learning that a vessel of unnamed origins had been uncovered in the muddy waters of the Red River in 1999, the Oklahoma Historical Society and the Institute of Nautical Archeology at Texas A&M University began collaborating to excavate the site.

So, now that you know what’s coming to the museum, here’s a few teasers on museum exhibits you can enjoy today – as in right now!

Featured in the museum’s ONEOK, Inc. Gallery – “We Are Who We Were,” an exhibit on American Indians in Oklahoma.

“This gallery recognizes all the federally recognized American Indian tribes in Oklahoma,” Provo said. “The people representing the American Indians of Oklahoma are essential to any understanding of our state. In this gallery, visitors see firsthand numerous and wonderful examples of art and cultural representations.”

These representations include artifacts related to tribal origins such as clothing and weapons, and contemporary artifacts including a medal awarded to Jim Thorpe 100 years ago, in the 1912 Olympics.

Current exhibits in the Kerr McGee Gallery focus on the Civil War, the Military in Oklahoma, Business, African Americans, Travel & Transportation and Natural Resources.

“Our take on all of that is to talk about people,” Provo said. “For example, in the Military in Oklahoma exhibit, we talk about people and the impact of war on the home front. We take it all the way from some of the early explorations in the state, through the Civil War, and to such conflicts as the Spanish-American War. In the Business exhibit, we discuss such things as the evolution and growth of companies like Ditch Witch and Sonic.”

Here, visitors can see Oklahoma-relevant artifacts such as vintage Sonic roller skates, an early Ditch Witch machine, and much more.

Currently featured in the Sam Noble Gallery are exhibits showcasing such topics as the Land Run, Urban Development, Politics & Government, Law & Government, World War II, Farm & Ranch and Cowboys.

“In the Noble Gallery, we have a pink 1950s kitchen on exhibit,” Provo said. “This has become one of the main destinations in the museum, and it is always interesting to hear people’s comments when they see it. People say, ‘Wait a minute, I grew up with this, and it can’t be in a museum!’ or ‘I still have this at home!’”

Among the gallery’s many historical representations are a buggy and wagon from the Land Run of 1889, a series of partial building depictions of frontier dugouts, and a 1930s clapboard house with a kitchen, living room and finishings.

And there is so much more!

The bottom line is that the Oklahoma History Center keeps finding new and creative ways to come alive, with exhibits always top-notch and ever changing.

Our advice to museum visitors is to come early, stay late, and pop in often!

For more information on the many exhibits and programs of the Oklahoma History Center, visit http://www.okhistory.org/historycenter/index.

Posted in Features | Tagged history center, oklahoma | Leave a comment

Searching For Heroes

Posted on May 1, 2012 by justin

By Bud Elder

When one “googles” the search engine company Google, it might come as a surprise to find that the giant conglomerate is one of Oklahoma’s strongest corporate citizens. Now, through the cooperation of the Oklahoma Lt. Governor’s office, soldiers from the 45^th Infantry returning from Afghanistan will have the opportunity to participate in the company’s new program for veterans and their families.

According to Lt. Gov. Todd Lamb, googleforveterans.com will offer a myriad of support tools for those soldiers trying to return to civilian life.

“This website was designed by the Google Veterans Network, the company’s employee community of veterans, reservists, guardsmen, family members and other supporters who have had firsthand experience with the challenge of serving, coming home and transitioning back into the real world,” said Lamb. “This site includes tools such as ‘Google Resume Builder,’ video transition tips and ‘Vet Connect for Google.’”

Lamb also states that Google has established a veterans channel at youtube.com/veterans, where individuals can share their video thanks with veterans who have served, as well as those who are currently serving America both home and overseas.

“These videos are organized by state, which will allow thankful Oklahomans to communicate with their vets, active duty servicemen and women and the soldiers of the 45^th infantry,” Lamb said.

It was Larry Page and Sergey Brin who, as Ph.D. students at Stanford University, discovered Google in March 1996, as part of a research project – the Stanford Digital Library Project. Funded through the National Science Foundation, the goal of the program was to “enable technologies for a single, integrated and universal digital library.”

Through a series of experiments and tests far too complicated to explain here, the duo first placed the engine on the Stanford website at google.stanford.edu. The domain google.com was registered on Sept. 15, 1997; then the pair formally incorporated their company, Google, Inc. on Sept. 4, 1998 at a friend’s garage in Menlo Park, Calif.

At its peak in early 2004, Google handled upwards of 84.7 percent of all research requests on the World Wide Web.

On May 2, 2007, Google took a decided turn toward all things Sooner state when they announced plans to invest $600 million to build a data center complex at the MidAmerica Industrial Park in Pryor, Okla.

Lloyd Taylor, director of global operations for Google and then-Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry made the announcement.

“Our new project in Oklahoma will help us to provide fast, reliable and innovative online services for our users and customers,” Taylor said. “The assets we found here at MidAmerica Industrial Park are an outstanding fit to our needs. The state of Oklahoma has been wonderfully helpful during our site selection process, and we look forward to growing our business here and becoming an active participant in the successful future of Mayes County and Oklahoma as a whole.”

Gov. Henry was pleased at the announcement.

“This announcement marks a real milestone for Oklahoma, so it’s only fitting that it arrives in the year of our state’s centennial,” he said. “Google is one of the most innovative and exciting companies in the world today, and this data center means the creation of good paying, high-tech jobs. The establishment of this facility will have a continued and positive economic impact on Pryor and other communities across Oklahoma.”

Actually, Google first looked at Oklahoma in 2005, when they began to survey the central region of the nation for potential data sites. The following year, Google site selection representatives began to visit a short list of states that would provide a good environment for a data center.

“What Google was looking for was right here, including available land, water, electricity and a rich and reliable telecommunications infrastructure,” Gov. Henry said. “Our talent pool of potential employees was also attractive to the company.”

That was then … this is now.

On April 4, Google announced that it was planning to double its server capacity in Oklahoma, adding 50 new jobs and building an entirely new facility.

Mike Wooten, data center operations manager, announced that the new facility would be built next to the data center already located in Pryor. Jobs will include equipment maintenance and positions working on the deployment of servers.

Oklahoma’s current Google center employs more than 100 workers and contains systems that support Gmail, Google Maps, Google Search and Google Plus. Wooten says the new facility will have a café, gym, game room and office space, and will bring Google’s investment into Oklahoma at some $700 million.

“In addition to expanding our operational footprint, our new facility will enable us to offer services to our employees that will improve their day-to-day work experience and contribute to their health and well-being,” Wooten said.

As Oklahoma corporate citizens, Wooten felt it important that the company take part in the return of the 45^th Infantry from its service in Afghanistan.

“Google believes in supporting the communities in which our Googlers work,” he said. “Since we opened the data center in Pryor, we feel it’s only natural that we would support the state’s National Guard.”

According to Wooten, the decision to build the military websites was a team effort.
”We are doing this because our own employees, who are members of the veterans’ community, believe strongly that our products and tools can be helpful to those who have served in the military, particularly those going through their transition out of the military. Google has a large veterans’ community, called VetNet, which is made up of veterans, family members and supporters,” he added. “There are nearly 500 members in the group. Google and VetNet continually support veterans and members of the military. Recently, Google donated 500 Chromebooks to several military hospitals to help wounded, injured and sick service members connect with their friends and families.”

Wooten adds that most of the support is totally free.
”All of the tools are free for members of the military. For veterans who are no longer part of the military, only one tool, ‘Google Voice,’ can require payment,” said Wooten. “These tools are designed to help veterans and their loved ones connect, communicate and help each other through deployments and transitions back to civilian life. We believe that greater understanding of veterans’ issues encourages communities to celebrate their veterans. This is why we also have created a forum for civilians that allows them to learn more about veterans’ experiences and give thanks to those who have served.”
All members of the military need do is visit googleforveterans.com and explore all of the Google products and tools available. From there, they should take a look at the “Tools For Veterans” section and share with their families the “Tools for Families” as well. Military personnel may also visit youtube.com/veterans, where they can share transition tips with other veterans, along with sharing other experiences with civilians to help them understand the importance and complexity of service.
Those not in the military can visit youtube.com/veterans and explore the “Veterans’ Voices” section to hear veterans talk about their experiences in their own words. These are organized by question (like “why did you choose to serve” and “how was your transition out of the military”). In the “Tributes” section, one can upload a video message expressing appreciation for service members and their families.

Lt. Gov. Lamb is thrilled with the concept.

“I am proud to work with Google on this meaningful and thoughtful initiative to honor our service men and women, many of whom are far away from home” he said. “In Oklahoma, we hold the highest respect and appreciation for our soldiers and officers who serve in the military. Our fellow Oklahomans who have volunteered to serve our country deserve our thanks for their patriotism.”

Posted in Features | Tagged google, search, veterans | Leave a comment

Have Your Cake … and Feel Good About Eating It!

Posted on May 1, 2012 by justin

By Judy Brotton

No dessert is going to be 100 percent healthy – unless you stick to fresh fruit. But those of us who love desserts can minimize the damage when baking at home by substituting healthier ingredients for oil and eggs, and adding toasted nuts and coconut for more flavor. This recipe comes to us from Heather Housely, who has perfected it over the years, testing it on friends and co-workers. Chocolate lovers can easily add cocoa powder or substitute a box of chocolate cake mix, as well as adding cocoa powder to the icing. If you prefer, you can use store-bought cream cheese icing.

HEATHER’S CAKE

Ingredients:

1 box French Vanilla cake mix
Substitute equal amount of sugar-free applesauce for oil
Substitute equal amount of Egg Beaters^® for eggs
Large bag of chopped pecans
1 bag shredded coconut

Toast pecans and equal amount of coconut until golden brown (don’t place too close to broiler, and watch carefully!) Make cake according to box directions, using the applesauce and Egg Beaters^®. Stir in half the toasted pecan/coconut mix, reserving remainder for top and sides of cake.

Bake according to box directions, adding about 5 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Let cake cool before icing.

Icing:

8 oz. low-fat cream cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Beat all ingredients together until smooth – adjust sugar as needed. This was the easiest recipe we found online, although others use more sugar or added butter.

If making double-layered cake, spread icing on bottom, then place second layer on top. Frost sides of cake, then top (you may have to double the icing recipe). Sprinkle toasted pecan/coconut mix on top and sides of cake, pressing as you go.

(For Wine Punch, stir together 1 large bottle white zinfandel, 1 liter lemon-lime soda, 1 small can frozen pink lemonade, thawed; add sliced strawberries, blueberries and fresh mint. Serve chilled.)

Posted in Cooking | Tagged cake, cooking | Leave a comment

Fresh Florals and a Modern Conservatism

Posted on May 1, 2012 by justin

By Heather Rouba

Out with the dull, in with the rejuvenation of life. Spring is here, and so are a freshness of floral details, bright colors and a plethora of flattering styles that beckon us to embrace this Mother’s Day month. Not only do the organic patterns of this season reflect a feministic approach to fashion, but also the styles are showcasing a much more classic and conservative appeal. For those of us who dread summer because the thought of baring more skin makes us want to snuggle up in our warm winter coats, this should serve as a welcome trend this season, and hopefully for many seasons to come. Styles of the day will place feminine curves in the spotlight and a modest appeal as the underlying theme.

A number of current style trends are being featured right now, which showcase the spring fashions. Most noteworthy and welcome are nautical, the high-to-low skirt, botanical florals, bright colors, unique prints and the white pant. Okay, although the white pant is noteworthy, it may not be so welcome! It’s also about girly, flowy and delicate pieces, asymmetrical styles and items with a focal point in both the front and back. Comfort is also a factor – it always helps to be able to breath AND look great!

According to Danielle Keough, owner of Liberté, a new upscale women’s boutique in the Classen Curve, today’s professional woman wants a more finished look than in previous years. Women want something that is tailored and structured, but at the same time feminine and delicate. This season has seen a return to the classics. Styles like the Middleton dress by Issa bring fashion back to a more conservative, timeless quality.

Liberte’s store manager, Eden Turrentine, purports the effect that popular television programs have on fashion.

“Mad Men has influenced our current style trends in a major way. The show has been going for three years, and the fashion trend is just now gaining momentum. It takes several years to get things going.”

But going they are! She states that conservatism is coming back, as well as the retro trend, which attracts both men and women, without being too sexy.

“It’s about unilaterally flattering every woman’s body, and providing a variety of fits and styles,” says Turrentine.

Finding clothing to fit properly is always a dilemma that women face. With age, there comes a change in the body structure, and clothes should follow suit. Dressing “age appropriately” becomes not only difficult, but also quite confusing. How do you dress for your body and still follow trends? It’s about focusing on clothing that gives the body curves, while still flattering the figure. When in doubt about which styles flatter you most, have a friend take photos of you in various styles of pants and dresses. With photos in hand, you can see for yourself what looks best on your figure.

Spring colors and fashions are always full of life and energy. Be sure to combine that joie de vivre with the “Mad Men” structure and conservative flair. Seek styles that flatter you most, while simultaneously hitting a fashion trend or two along the way. It’s about being knowledgeable about what is most current, but also making sure you feel great in what you’re wearing. If you feel great, you will look great, and that is what fashion is all about!

Posted in Fashion | Tagged conservatism, fashion, spring | Leave a comment

Canvasing Chickasaw Country

Posted on May 1, 2012 by justin

Guest contribution by Brooke Clay

Each of Oklahoma’s six tourism regions boasts their own unique qualities. South-central Oklahoma – known for its rich landscapes and flowing rivers and lakes – recently unveiled a new identity that directly reflects a unique partnership between the Chickasaw Nation and the regional marketing groupformerly known as Arbuckle Country Marketing Association.

Comprised of 13 counties sprawling south from the Canadian River and aligned with the boundaries of the Chickasaw Nation, Chickasaw Country offers a diverse array of cultural and entertainment options. As Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby explains, this new partnership aims to blend tourism marketing efforts for the entire region.

“Tourism is becoming an increasingly important part of Oklahoma’s economy, so it is essential that we work together to encourage people to discover the natural beauty, history and hospitality of our state,” Gov. Anoatubby said.

Although breathtaking scenery may be an attraction in itself, in Chickasaw Country it’s just the pre-cursor to a plethora of adventures. An integral part of attracting thousands of people to the area annually is the numerous rivers and lakes spread across the region. Whether in search of a leisurely escape from the pace of life or an exhilarating wakeboarding adventure, Chickasaw Country has a mix of water sports adventures awaiting exploration.

Three large bodies of water – Lake Texoma, Lake Murray and Lake of the Arbuckles – are conveniently dispersed throughout the region, enabling dining venues, museums, boutiques and lodging opportunities to intertwine, creating an interesting travel experience for visitors.

Lake Murray

As Oklahoma’s first and largest state park, Lake Murray State Park is an ideal location for water sport enthusiasts. While the state park sits on 12,500 acres of land, the spring-fed lake features more than 5,700 surface acres and is ideal for kayaking, jet skiing, wakeboarding and more. Not only can Lake Murray visitors expect to find an adventure around every corner, they can also learn a little about the area from local residents Larry and Danielle Brown, who own Lake Murray Water Sports & Mini Golf.

The family-friendly business is an all-in-one attraction for lake-goers and outdoor adventurers alike. On shore, visitors can cool off with an old-fashioned snow cone while playing 18 holes of miniature golf. Later, they can make their way to the paddle boats, trampolines and water slides.

As long-time residents of the area, Danielle and Larry are able to share their intricate knowledge of the lake’s history and culture with visitors from across the globe.

“Our sunset lake cruise is one of our most popular services,” Danielle explained. “Oklahoma sunsets speak for themselves; however, our tours are unique in that Lake Murray is our home, so we are able to share our knowledge of the historical features of the lake.”

Whether you like to drive a boat or relax while the Browns do the driving, you can find what you are looking for among the wide range of rental boats at their shop or the Lake Murray Marina.

Lake Murray Marina is a full-service marina offering boat rentals as well as a large selection of water sports merchandise ranging from fishing equipment to wakeboards.

Lodging at the lake is an adventure in itself. At your fingertips are more than 56 park cabins that can accommodate large families or cozy cottage getaways – including Lake Murray Lodge and nine RV campgrounds with more than 200 tent sites for remote experiences.

For the traveler looking to play hard during the day and relax in a quieter environment, Lake Murray Lodge offers 52 guest rooms and suites, including a fabulous lake view suite.

For those whose lake-time adventures do not cease at sunset, Lake Murray Bed & Berth offers options that give travelers an experience they’ll be talking about for years. The luxurious floating villas offer private balconies that allow the world to fade away as the sunset puts on a private show for you and your family.

Panoramic views, wooded coves and immediate lake access make Lake Murray Bed & Berth the most sought after lodging experience on the lake. Although the villas are equipped with all the amenities of a home, vacationers have the option of treating themselves to dinner at Lake Murray Lodge Restaurant, which offers a variety of items sure to please a large family or a couple looking for a romantic dinner.

Lake of the Arbuckles

Nestled in the terrain of the Arbuckle Mountains in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area near Sulphur, Lake of the Arbuckles is billed as one of Oklahoma’s best fishing lakes. A newer lake by most standards, Lake of the Arbuckles was built in 1966 by the Bureau of Reclamation and is located at the confluence of the Buckhorn, Guy Sandy and Rock Creeks.

For years, this lake has been one of the best-kept secrets to those who live in Chickasaw Country.

Shirley credits the lake for drawing both beginners and advanced fishermen.

“I’ve been going to Arbuckle Lake my entire life,” says Sulphur resident Jeff Shirley. “It’s a great lake for all water sports – boating, fishing and water skiing.”

“If visitors don’t have access to boats, the fishing docks are easily accessible, located in quality fishing spots,” Shirley said.

These locations serve multiple purposes. In the winter months, the lake is a prime location for bald eagle watching. The National Park Service hosts a bald eagle watch at the Chickasaw National Recreation Area to celebrate their return to the area.

“Viewing the eagles at the lake is one of the most incredible experiences of my life,” Shirley said. “There is nothing like casting your line and watching an eagle sweep across the water catching its own fish.”

Protective coves and 36 miles of picturesque shoreline stand between the lake and campgrounds, picnic areas, shelters, boat docks and boat ramps.

If camping isn’t your cup of tea, Arbuckle Mountain Lodging offers properties to meet a variety of requests. From open floor plans to private decks, their cabins are a great asset to the Arbuckle Lake area.

Just a few minutes from Lake of the Arbuckles – in both Davis and Turner Falls – dining options abound.

Known for mouth-watering barbecue, Smokin’ Joe’s is one of the area’s mostpopular eateries, frequented by both locals and vacationers.

Chickasaw Country is proud of the rich heritage and culture that is able to intertwine into the lives of travelers during their visit, and one dining experience is able to capture the culture in such a way that makes it a must-see venue.

The Cliff at Cedarvale is an example of how a typical day in Chickasaw Country can blend into so many types of adventures. After a long day at the lake, you can relax the pace by dining on the patio at The Cliff, enjoying the romantic atmosphere overlooking the restaurant’s namesake. When lit, the cliff wall that inspired the restaurant’s name draws the attention of patrons enjoying the covered three-level patio.

Lake Texoma

With 93,000 acres of water crossing the Texas-Oklahoma border, Lake Texoma is the largest lake in the boundaries of Chickasaw Country, a playground for many in the Midwest. The lake is synonymous with striper fishing and is unparalleled for water sport adventures in the state of Oklahoma.

Each summer, the lake is filled with boats of all shapes and sizes, and includes two state parks and an abundance of resorts, campgrounds and restaurants.

Larry Kessler, co-owner of Texoma “T” Striper Guide Service, has been fishing Lake Texoma for over 20 years. Co-owner Shawn Summit joined forces with Kessler in 2004 to guide fishing excursions at the “striper capital of the world.”

“Working with people who love fishing and enjoying time on the lake is why this job suits us, and makes this job exciting,” Summit said.

Striper fishing is a hot commodity in Chickasaw Country. Each year, hundreds of guides take to the water in search of the next record-breaking catch.

“A six-hour trip is one of the best outdoor experiences on the lake,” Summit said. “It’s a great way to spend some much needed quality time with your family.”

But striper fishing is just one of the many fascinating activities for you and your family to explore this summer on Lake Texoma. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers offers ten campgrounds with more than 600 individual campsites as well as lodging facilities, boat rentals and boat-slip rentals at many of the 22 commercial venues located adjacent to the lake. While restaurants can be found lining the lake, this destination might just be the right place to grab a picnic basket, some goodies from the local grocery story and head out for a family adventure of your own.

Chickasaw Country

A land of flowing water, there are a million ways to play in Chickasaw Country. A plethora of amenities ranging from outdoor recreation, mouth-watering dining experiences, day spas and water adventures are awaiting you.

To help you plan your adventures, visit www.ChickasawCountry.com to explore attractions, seek new dining adventures and find your next lodging destination.

Brooke Clay is a travel writer and eCommunity manager of Canvasing Chickasaw, a travel blog housed on the Chickasaw Country website,www.ChickasawCountry.com. For the latest happenings in Chickasaw Country, you can follow on Twitter – @Chickasaw, or Facebookwww.facebook.com/ChickasawCountry.

Posted in Sports | Tagged arbuckles, fishing, lake murray, oklahoma, river, sports, texoma, wake boarding | Leave a comment

The Artist – Michael DeVore

Posted on May 1, 2012 by justin

By Terry Phelps

“The Artist” is a well-known movie title now, but it has been a family title for Michael DeVore since his early childhood in an extended family of art connoisseurs. DeVore, who most recently studied at the Florence Academy of Art in Florence, Italy, was one of the artists recently featured in Oklahoma City’s Festival of the Arts.

This would have pleased his grandmother, the late Marion DeVore, who was the primary force in the creation of the Festival of the Arts in 1967 as the first president of the Arts Council of Oklahoma City.

She was also the first woman president of two other arts organizations: the Oklahoma Art Center and the Allied Arts Foundation. She served on the board of directors of the National Advocates for the Arts Committee and was chairman of the Oklahoma Advocates for the Arts, a statewide organization working toward public awareness of the importance of the arts. She was the recipient of the Oklahoma Governor’s Arts Award in 1979, was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Oklahoma Heritage Association in 1980, and into the Wall of Fame of the Oklahoma City Schools Foundation in 1988.

As the Arts Council of Oklahoma City notes in its history of the Festival of the Arts, Marion DeVore sought $7,500 from the Symphony and Art Center boards for initial funding of the festival. She and two other leaders “begged artists to participate, and most of them thought it was a crazy idea to have their work hung outside.”

Michael’s grandfather, Dr. John DeVore, was a talented sculptor who might have pursued sculpture as a career if he’d had the opportunity as a young man, but instead chose medicine. He and Marion visited art museums around the world and worked tirelessly to increase art education and appreciation in Oklahoma.

Michael’s uncle, Peter Hoffman, a major art collector, has been a city councilman and mayor of Nichols Hills, and is currently the vice-mayor. Hoffman also serves on the Associate Board of Directors of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Another uncle by marriage, Arthur Wheelock, is curator of northern baroque painting at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and professor of art history at the University of Maryland.

Michael’s parents, Allan and Annette DeVore, are collectors of art from emerging artists. It seems that being an artist was Michael’s destiny.

“From the time Michael was 3,” says Allan, a prominent Oklahoma City attorney, “even before we could figure out whether he was right- or left-handed, he would sit at our kitchen table with colored pencils and crayons, drawing anything and everything that came to his mind. We would ask him if he wanted to go outside and play with his friends. If we could actually get his attention, he would tell us that he was already playing and wanted to keep doing it.”

“Michael acted out events and created scenes in his head that he would then put on paper. His pencil or crayon would be shifted back and forth from one hand to the other as he furiously tried to capture on paper what he was thinking about. He sounded like a kid with action figures, and made sounds with his mouth to imitate the action that was going on. Then he would madly scribble away, as the figures in his mind appeared in blurs on his drawings. Most of the time it was hard to tell what he was trying to illustrate, but as he got older, the pictures became clearer and more life-like.”

Allan credits grandmother Marion for recognizing Michael’s talents as a child. When he was 6, she arranged for him to attend summer art classes at Oklahoma City University, the youngest student ever in the program. She gave Michael constant praise and encouragement.

He attended James L. Dennis Elementary, Hefner Middle School and Putnam City North High School, winning numerous art awards along the way. While in high school, he participated in the Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain and in the summer art program at Southern Methodist University.

DeVore won an academic scholarship at Pepperdine University in California, where he completed a B.A. in art in 2005, intending to become an animator for Disney. However, when he visited the University of Southern California’s school of animation, he found that it was an unlikely career because of computer-generated graphics.

“I felt very lost as an artist,” DeVore says.

So, he found himself in Italy. Turning to his love of realistic painting, he applied to the Florence Academy of Art. When he was not among the eight students selected from approximately 150 applicants for the 2005 fall trimester, he immediately enrolled in the academy’s summer art program, focusing on portrait painting. After summer classes concluded, he supplemented his Spanish language fluency with six weeks of Italian language classes in Florence, and continued to apply for admission. After two more unsuccessful applications, he was finally among the few students accepted for the full painting program beginning in 2006.

The Florence Academy is rigorous, with a full day of classes every weekday, plus one night per week. Days are broken into two parts: half a day in the model room working with a live model in a single pose for four or five weeks, then half a day in a shared studio.

Students initially work on paper with pencil for small drawings and charcoal for large drawings. In the studio, they copy drawings made by Charles Bargue in the 1800s. Incidentally, Vincent Van Gogh copied all 197 of Bargue’s casts.

After completing a number of copies, students set up plaster casts to draw from, first with charcoal on white paper and later on toned paper with the addition of chalk for the highlights. Eventually, students begin painting with a grisaille – or monochrome palette – consisting of black, white and raw umber, eventually adding to the palette yellow ochre and iron oxide red, into the colorful world of still life.

The introduction to still life is the same for everyone, beginning with a single pear. Students are first given as much time as needed to complete a painting of the pear. Then they paint the pear in one day, and finally paint the pear from memory. After this ritual initiation, they are allowed to set up any still life they choose.

Self-Portrait of Michael DeVore

Students are then welcome to begin hiring models for portraits in their studios and are expected to complete a number of drawn portraits, eventually moving on to painted ones. Anatomy lectures occur every Monday, art history lectures every Friday. In the weekly evening course, they discuss pictorial composition and bring sketches of their own compositions.

Michael also took an intensive anatomy course in which he made detailed anatomical drawings and a clay sculpture of the skeleton with muscles laid over one half. He and some other students met once a week for an independent night drawing class without instruction.

The painting program consists of three years of classes, but students sometimes stay for an additional year of specialized studying in their area of primary interest. DeVore completed his fourth year of study at the Florence Academy’s facility in Gothenburg, Sweden, which happened also to be the home of Cecelia Thorell, whom he had met in their first year in the Florence Academy. They married in May 2010 and are expecting their first child next month.

Now, DeVore is a classical realist painter, whose work includes landscapes and still lifes, but who favors narrative portraits in the tradition of Rembrandt. The works of Michael and Cecelia are displayed in galleries and exhibits around the world.

His greatest honor was when the Florence Academy’s founder and artistic director, Daniel Graves, informed him that the school wanted to buy one of his drawings to put in the Academy’s permanent gallery of student work.

Marion DeVore always predicted that Michael would end up being the most famous member of the family. Thanks to her and his parents, as well as his talent and hard work, Michael is living the life of the artist.

Four of Michael’s paintings can be seen on the Florence Academy’s website, http://www.florenceacademyofart.com/Alumni%20Gallery/gallery/painters/DeVore_Michael/. More of his works can be viewed at www.michaeldevore.net.

Posted in The Arts | Tagged art, Michael Devore, painting | Leave a comment

The Face of Leadership: John A. Barrett, Chairman, Citizen Potawatomi Nation

Posted on May 1, 2012 by justin

By Keith A. Eaton

“I want the people of Oklahoma to understand that the relationship with our
Nation and other Native American tribes is not confrontational, but cooperative
and mutually beneficial, through all our actions, both economic and social.”

– Chairman John “Rocky” Barrett

Barrett

Meeting John Barrett, we are reminded that the face of leadership has many expressions: compassion, vision, determination, integrity, commitment, a respect for tradition and a healthy dose of humility. Findingthem in evidence in a person of native ability is a rarity and a cause for celebration in elected officials.

Thinking of those in our country, past and present, who are recognized leaders reminds us that the qualities we admire do not “spring forth from the eye of Zeus,” but rather arise from heritage, influences from our formative years and from observing these qualities in our closest associations. This is the source of Chairman Barrett’s leadership skills.

Chairman Barrett’s maternal grandparents were Oliver and Ozetta (Bourassa) Peltier. Oliver served on the Tribal Business Committee in the 1940s and was the Bureau of Indian Affairs Federal Marshall. The son of Jack and Annetta (Peltier) Barrett, he grew up in the two worlds of oil field on his father’s side and Potawatomi Indian on his mother’s.

“My maternal grandparents, uncles and others were very involved in tribal leadership and politics, holding the highest offices during their lifetime. In particular, my grandmother, Ozetta, was a very strong, no-nonsense person of insight and intellect. She insisted that I had a responsibility to continue this multi-generational commitment to leadership in our Nation’s affairs. Often when silent, her message was unmistakable,” explains Chairman Barrett.

His involvement in leadership began in 1971. At that time, the governing statutes in place and the relationships in operation between the U.S. federal government, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Oklahoma state government and the federally recognized tribes in Oklahoma severely restricted the several tribes’ ability to contract, utilize public grant funds and organize under their own constitutional form of government.

The prior hundred years of forced relocation and societal integration had left the Potawatomi Nation with essentially no land base, $500 in cash, a small pecan orchard and a BIA construction trailer sitting on 2.5 acres near the current administrative complex in Shawnee. Equally impoverishing was the loss of a culture distinct from all others.

“In 1971, I was nominated representative of the five recognized tribes to represent us in Washington, D.C. in pursuit of grant funds from the vestiges of the Great Society outreach to the ‘less fortunate.’ With legal authority to contract on behalf of the several tribes and my written grant application in hand, I was able to secure a large grant appropriation and return to Oklahoma with a check in hand,” recounts Barrett.

With passage of the Indian Self Determination and Educational Assistance Act of 1975, the Indian tribes were able to contract independently with government agencies, administer grant awards, manage construction projects and govern themselves largely independent of strict oversight by federal or state officials.

With the freedom to act, the Citizen Potawatomi Nation began the pursuits of self-governance, the restoration of their language and their spiritual and cultural traditions.

“We had some false starts with our early attempts at self-governance. Tribal councils, annual meetings, pure democracy and no real rule of law proved ineffectual and corrosive,” recalls Barrett.

Beginning in the late ’90s, the CPN established their Family Reunion Festivals and soon made them Potawatomi-only events. Over time, the cultural heritage has been restored, with emphasis on well organized and funded education in the Potawatomi language and with ceremonial marriage, burial, dancing, art, music, singing and family as the centerpiece of CPN societal norms.

Beginning with his election to Chairman in 1985, Barrett’s 27-year leadership of the Nation has resulted in a transformation of their constitution and governance to a form of representative democracy with a three-member executive, a 16-member legislature and an independent judiciary of judges and courts.

The 16-member legislature reflects the decentralization of power and outreach championed by Barrett and gives voice to the Nation’s 24,000 citizens, including the approximately 17,000 who inhabit the other 49 U.S. States. Those living outside Oklahoma are from eight districts, each with their own representative in the legislative body representing their particular constituency. The remaining eight members reside in Oklahoma. Of those eight, three are the embedded executive: Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Secretary-Treasurer, elected separately by a nationwide vote of all eligible Potawatomi citizens.

“In all the deliberations leading to the revised constitution, the creation of the legislature and judiciary, we wrestled with the issue of land-based versus geographical weighting. The need to go slowly, see what works in practice and avoid a major crisis in confidence or performance was the watchword. In this we have succeeded, to date,” says Barrett. “Looking ahead, if elected by the Nation, I intend to continue as Chairman for another term and keep my promise to amend the Constitution to reflect less executive power by diminishing their role in the legislature.”

During 35 years of service, 27 of them as Chairman, Barrett has defined and directed the economic and business strategies that have transformed the Nation from a nearly bankrupt, loosely organized entity with an income of $75/month and unable to afford a phone in its office, to an economic powerhouse with a budget nearing $400 million annually, an annual economic impact from operations nearing $500 million, a land base of 900 square miles and annual tax payments exceeding $10 million.

“Our approach to developing a strong economic base has been to hire and retain a lot of very smart, skilled professionals, to annually update our ten-year strategic plan, and to use both horizontal and vertical integration into markets closely related to sectors where we have enjoyed solid success. It’s no accident that we went from convenience store operations into the retail and wholesale grocery business, and from there to trucking. Casino operations were expanded to include a major entertainment venue, and our large cash flows naturally led to the formation of a banking enterprise to serve our own needs, those of our citizenry and the local communities in central Oklahoma,” explained Barrett.

Considering the number and size of the CPN’s business operations (see inset for listing), any observer of enterprise is impressed, but it’s just the beginning in Barrett’s visionary mind. On the books or in progress are another large entertainment complex, further investment in cost-saving thermal energy, youth recreation areas and expansion of its housing construction business.

Barrett affirms his commitment to his constituency, the CPN: “We’re all about offering opportunity to succeed to our citizens through benefits, education and health services, while emphasizing our heritage and culture in the context of dual citizenship, with full knowledge of the responsibilities of such privilege. Opportunity that leads to success and a higher quality of life always trumps a small check that accomplishes very little.”

Chairman Barrett’s leadership skills and the successful economic results they have produced are not surprising for careful observers of his career as a plywood salesman, a tool pusher, driller and principal of the largest privately owned refining corporation in the country. Currently, he is President of the Barrett Drilling Company and the Barrett Land and Cattle Company.

From the earliest days in what is now Michigan and Wisconsin, through forced relocation to Oklahoma, until today, the CPN – the “People of the Duck,” so named for their use of the native waterways in trade and wild rice farming – have rejuvenated their religious heritage and love of family through the leadership of Chairman John A. Barrett.

Overcoming adversity to achieve economic success and an improved quality of life for your Nation and your community, through leadership … nothing could be more Distinctly Oklahoman!

CPN Business Operations:

First National Bank
FireLake Grand Casino
FireLake Entertainment Center
FireLake Discount Foods
FireLake Express Grocery
FireLake Travel Plaza
FireLake Convenience Store
FireLake Golf Course
FireLake Design
FireLake Gifts
FireLake Ready-Mix Concrete
FireLake MiniPutt
CPN Farms
CPN Pecan Farm
Community Development Corporation

Posted in Cover Story | Leave a comment

“Look Again”

by Lisa Scottoline, St. Martin’s Press ($26.95)

“Behind Every Man – The Story of Nancy Cooper Russell”

by Joan Stauffer, University of Oklahoma Press ($19.95)

“Resilience – Reflections of the Burdens and Gifts of Facing Life’s Adversities”

by Elizabeth Edwards, Broadway Books ($22.95)

“The Perfect Poison”

by Amanda Quick, G. P. Putnam’s Sons ($24.95)

“The Bourne Deception”

by Eric Van Lustbader, Grand Central Publishing ($27.99)

“Blue Monday” by Nicci French, Penguin Group (USA) Inc.

“Fairy Tale Interrupted” by RoseMarie Terenzio, Gallery Books

“The Dressmaker” by Kate Alcott, Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

“Defending Jacob” by William Landay, Random House Publishing Group

“Bond Girl” by Erin Duffy, HarperCollins Publishers

About the time you think you’ve seen everything there is to see at the Oklahoma

History Center – that’s exactly when the museum changes its existing exhibits

or brings in brand spanking new ones, both educational and magnificent. The

museum’s director says, “My absolute favorite thing about coming to work

at the museum is watching people enter the building, stop, and say, ‘Oh, wow!’”

HEATHER’S CAKE

Ingredients:

Icing:

Lake Murray

Lake of the Arbuckles

Lake Texoma

Chickasaw Country

“I want the people of Oklahoma to understand that the relationship with our Nation and other Native American tribes is not confrontational, but cooperative and mutually beneficial, through all our actions, both economic and social.”

– Chairman John “Rocky” Barrett

CPN Business Operations:

Site Search

Categories

Archives

“I want the people of Oklahoma to understand that the relationship with our
Nation and other Native American tribes is not confrontational, but cooperative
and mutually beneficial, through all our actions, both economic and social.”