Oklahoma's State Rock Song

Today the Flaming Lips' song "Do You Realize" became Oklahoma's official state rock song. The promotion was done with a collaboration between the Oklahoma Film and Music Office and the Oklahoma History Center. And actually, it looks like there will be an exhibit opening at the Oklahoma History Center about the history of Rock and Roll in Oklahoma in May 2009. Go here to learn more: www.anotherhotoklahomanight.org

When I got home from work today, I saw a few of my friends on facebook put up new pictures of them with the 'Lips. In the spirit of the day, I put on my favorite Flaming Lips album At War with the Mystics.

My appreciation for Wayne Coyne grows exponentially as I get older. Despite his world fame, he still stays in Oklahoma, and continues his active roll in leading the next generation into creative, energetic and optimistic community leadership. Listening to At War with the Mystics tonight, in honor of their new official status, made me feel hopeful that it's a reflection that things are going to get better in our state. It makes me proud to be a part of that change, and gives me some resiliance against the critics who weren't able to make changes because they were shot down in the past.

It's important to be aware of the inspiration that keeps us moving. We're all in this together, and we want to make our state a great place to live for EVERYONE!

Creative Energy

*At the risk of my boyfriend calling me a "hipster," I need to express that I'm big into this art and design stuff. I want it like an evangelical wants truth.....I need art and design in my environment, even if I have to create it myself.

When I go to a new city, I'm thrilled to discover new things...new culture, design, architecture, history, art in public places. As the Oklahoma Art in Public Places page states, " Public art reflects the local environment, cultural values and artistic vitality...and provides a vehicle for [communities to express their identity]."

I want to see the unexpected and unfamiliar everywhere...even in my own neighborhood...because I've got a thing for ideas. Seeing something different, new, or innovativeis exciting and makes ideas bubble up in my own mind. Creative energy is thrilling.

I was in an unnamed Oklahoma town a few weeks ago, and I couldn't help but feel the drag of disappointment when I realized it was like many other small Oklahoma towns. The Chiliswalmartcitgotargethobbylobbycvswalgreensribcriblowesbiglots and french provincial-style mcmansions with their endless oceans of pitched roofs didn't give off anything remotely unique or display any historic or cultural identity. I know there's got to be something different about this community...right?

I'm not just talking about a statue on a corner or another sculpture of a buffalo. I'm talking about functional art, architecture, parks designed for relaxation. I'm talking about making something ordinary and, whether people like it or not*, making it interesting.

* and you know, I might not like it, but if it gives me something to think about...i support it!

Calling all Oklahoman Vixens

The O.P. ("Original Pimp"), Wayne Newton is coming to Oklahoma and he'll be doing at show at ...
The "town" of Newkirk, Oklahoma ???

Here's a blurb from the Oklahoma Film Commission's email newsletter:

Wayne Newton
Sin City's most definitive performer is also one of the country's most revered icons. A total entertainer, Wayne Newton has been performing since he was five years old. America watched him grow and cultivate his talents in numerous television and film roles and hits such as 'Danke Schoen,' 'Red Roses for a Blue Lady,' and 'Daddy Don't You Walk So Fast,' not to mention thousands of performances in Las Vegas. With his smooth voice, easy sense of humor, and warm stage presence, the man known as Mr. Las Vegas has definitely still got it.
Newkirk, First Council Casino, 12875 N Hwy 77, (877) 725-2670, $45 General, $100 VIP, 8 p.m.
For more information: http://www.myfirstwin.com/firstcouncil/