Thinking About It

The new year, for me, lasts through the month of January and it is a serious time of introspection.  New year's resolutions, the clean up from the party, plans for the future - they are all part of the American pathos and I drink deep from the pitcher of contemplation this time of year.

Looking at some of my friends' photo albums on social networking sites as they post the places they've been and the things they've seen, it got me to thinking about some of the things I've seen, the people I've met and thought I'd share a few of them with you.

Ted Nugent.  Back "in the day," the Motor City Madman was a regular guest on my talk show on WKY and I was fortunate enough to go on a pronghorn antelope bow hunt with him in Marfa, Texas.  The pronghorn I bagged hangs on my wall in my office, overlooking my madness and certainly laughing.  I also got to introduce him at a concert he did in Ardmore, Oklahoma.  It was a fascinating time, and for those of you who wonder whether or not the Nuge is just an act, well, I'm here to tell you that with Ted Nugent, what you see/hear is what you get.  He's the genuine article. 

Oklahoma Rifle Association Media Award.  I won the Mike McCarville Oklahoma Rifle Association Media Award back in 2007, and though it feels like a lifetime ago, I remember it quite fondly.  It was a total surprise to win it, having no clue that I was even in the running.  It sits proudly on the mantle over the fireplace, and every now and again I glance at it and grin...remembering the hard work on 2nd Amendment issues so many people back then put into legislation.  It truly was an honor.

Australia.  While serving in the United States Navy, I was blessed to travel to Singapore, Africa, the Philippines and yes, the big island of Australia.  It was everything everyone said it would be and while I don't know that I'd ever go back if given the opportunity, I do know that it was an amazing place - though the Outback has plenty of snakes and I'm not big on snakes.

Blackened Blues Band.  The first band I put together here in Oklahoma, included the late Bill Frank who is greatly missed.  He wasn't the greatest musician, but damn, that boy put everything he had into every song.  Our first gig was a Blues Jam and Wail that just seemed to work.  The turnout was good, the people were fun and it was an opportunity to play with a bunch of different musicians and different styles.  Today, I play in my band (Organized Chaos) and with Wild Heart - a classic rock, progressive country band. 

Campaigns.  I've worked on a number of different campaigns - some in the forefront, others in a behind-the-scenes capacity and I have won most of the campaigns I worked on.  Campaigns are tough and without thick skin, can tear away at your very soul.  Sometimes the good guys (and gals) win, sometimes the bad guys win.  The process itself is taxing, difficult and requires the ability to babysit candidates and deal with some purposefully negative garbage.  It isn't for he faint of heart and while I have worked with the Trinity Foundation who investigates fraudulent televangelists, I must say that many within the campaign world make televangelists look like Saint John.  All of that being said, I admit that the few straggler friends I have kept as a result make it all worth while.

Oklahoma Legislative Committees.  I have had the honor to make presentations to two Oklahoma House of Representatives Committees in the last few years, the first being the Wildlife Committee in pitching the Constitutional protection of hunting and fishing in Oklahoma which was a huge success.  The second was at the invitation of Representative Joe Dorman wherein I had it out with two criminal defense attorneys over the issue of DUI legislation.  We did, however, make some progress in legislation and Dorman is to be commended for his work.  It was intense, to be sure, but wouldn't have traded the opportunity for anything.

Creed.  Creed is a band whom you either love or abhor.  I happen to love them and for my birthday a couple years ago, my wife surprised me with tickets for their show in Dallas and it was incredible.  They are wickedly talented musicians who really know how to put on one hell of a show. 

There are just a few that have come to mind and I am sure my mind will wander and stumble on to more repressed memories of things I've done, people I've seen and I'll share them with you.  In the interim, have fun and be safe.

Keeping Up

2011 is gone, 2012 is upon us and I have come to the realization that I don't have the informational multi-tasking capabilities I once possessed in my younger days.  For example, I watched the returns of the Iowa Caucus last night, flipping between news channels and found myself confused, befuddled and wondering how so many "professional pundits" could have such remarkably different takes.  Unless of course, they are on the take, as it were.

Trying to keep up with the 24/7 news cycle is a daunting task to be certain.  Change is everywhere and every other day, the news channels are fussing with their graphics, changing their lower thirds, their sweepers and now, even Mike McCarville has changed his website.  What is this world coming to? 

Last night at band practice, drummer Bob Griffiths made some comments to me about this blog, asking if I planned on getting after it more aggressively with the campaign season bearing down on us.  He mentioned a few news stories that I had only glossed over and I kind of told him that I blog when the mood strikes me, not republishing every stinking press release I get but rather when I feel like talking, I do.  He laughed and told me he appreciated it - probably because there is just so much to filter these days.

This is an election year and yes, there is a lot at stake, but there is a lot at stake every election.  In 2006, every congressional candidate ran with an agenda, one with a sense of urgency because either the illegal immigrants or the Islamic terrorists would soon take over America.  Of course, it didn't happen, but don't tell them that.  In 2008, we realized that nothing promised in 2006 would come to fruition and we pretty much accepted it.  In 2010, more of the same.  In 2012, we're probably going to get exactly what we ask for - anyone but Obama.  But at what cost?

It's hard to keep up these days because there are far too many information resources available.  I make no bones about the fact that this blog is, always will be, little more than one man's opinions about issues and some commentary on life.  I'm not trying to change the world through press release redistribution or hyperbole.  I'm just running my mouth when I should probably just quietly go somewhere dark and damp to die.

But I'm not ready for that yet.

Casino Competition

Sara Evans

If you've spent any time on the road in Oklahoma, you've no doubt seen the billboards promoting any one of the multitudinous Native American Casinos we have in the great state of Oklahoma.  I saw one for the Riverwind Casino over by the Fairgrounds for an upcoming Sara Evans concert and it dawned on me...

Isn't a bunch of taxpayer money being spent to improve the building formerly known as the "Ford Center" as well as the Cox Convention Center?  Weren't these to be billed as new concert venues, blah, blah, blah?

Seems that perhaps we were wrong.

There is built-in competition now for large music venues and how the Oklahoma City Zoo Amphitheater stays alive with all the casino competition befuddles me.  And it isn't like the casinos are drawing in lesser-known artists...they are getting the big fish in the musical pond.

Just makes you wonder a little, doesn't it?

The Empty Club

Business owners in this economy have to make hard decisions about their business plan and during the holiday season, it's sometimes more difficult to create a consistent cash-flow strategy for obvious reasons - beginning with how consumers are spending what little discretionary income the have right now.  And this is particularly true where clubs are concerned.

Bars/clubs known to host live music understand that it is the atmosphere and excitement of live music that brings people in and the more energy the band has, the more customers appreciate it and the more willing they are to spend money.  If the music is good, the customers will stay longer and the longer they stay, the more they spend.

With all of this in mind, why would a club/bar have live music one night of the weekend and not both nights of the weekend?  Sure, there's an additional cost for the bands, but they more than make up for that investment.  Last evening, I went out with a few musician friends to see what was happening in the local music scene on a wet, windy Friday night.  One location, with a reputation for hosting some of the top bands in Oklahoma had literally two people there.  Two.  When we arrived, the numbers tripled.

With the plethora of talent in Central Oklahoma, why any club owner would decline booking bands every night of the weekend eludes me.  It would be like McDonald's shutting down on Saturday because "it's the weekend."  Live music is a significant selling point to consumers and this is very true when choosing an entertainment establishment on the weekends and with the economy being what it is, owners have to provide value-added services to draw in more customers and to get the same customers to stay longer. 

Of course, that's just my opinion and I could be wrong...but I seriously doubt it. 

Post Thanksgiving Moment of Zen

The holidays are upon us, the maddening crowds filling the malls and the arguments over the "war on Christmas" ensue.  Thought it would be nice to just relax for a moment, enjoy some amazing music from an incredible talent.  Mr. Steve Vai.

Music News: Echofist Together Again

From their press release:

In 2007 Echofist was one of the most powerful, explosive, and by far the most original progressive metal band on the Oklahoma City music scene. The collaborative efforts by the five musicians involved weaved a sound and style all unique to their own. Masterfully blending elements of jazz, blues, classical, and modern rock with bone crunching metal tones, Echofist commanded the stage with authority.

Although the project dis-banded in late 2009, their influence is still felt. Currently Joeix Deadboix, known for his theatrics and soulful lyrics, is fronting one of the fastest rising bands in the market with "Ugly Seed".

The architect, or prog-father Roy Limon, continues to create mind blowing compositions as the lead seven string guitarist for the crushing hard-core metal band "Indeed Sir".

Jon Parr, whose chord playing and finger tapping five string bass style added depth to the Echofist sound, also has found success co-forming the highly acclaimed southern rockers "Shotgun Rebellion".

Classically trained keyboardist Carter Cox and English native punk drummer Gor Hudson also have remained active in various projects in and around the area.

After a tribute video to their iconic single "Cut Your Tongue" was created and posted by Gor, the former band-mates began to receive requests and pleas for a reunion. As winter approached in 2011, the schedules began to open up creating the possibility.

Finally the prayers of the OKC metal scene has been answered...

Echofist is together again.

Shocker: Obama Doesn't Mention God During Speech

A lot of tumult is being created as a result of President Obama giving his Thanksgiving without mention of the Sovereign Creator.  Conservatives, Christians, Conservative Christians, Moderate Christians and pretty much every hardcore Republican is up at arms because the President failed to mention God in his Thanksgiving address.

Well, I have a few thoughts about it.

First, so what?  We elected a President, not a Priest or Pastor.  There was a time in this country (election time) when we cared about issues such as the economy, the war on terrorism, the crumbling infrastructure, energy independence and even education.  Perhaps because it's a slow news week, it's become an issue that the President did not mention God in his speech.

Secondly, this is a country wherein our founding fathers wanted government to stay the hell out of religion.  They didn't want a state-run religious system and that's pretty much what we have.  While I could argue quite easily that government has become a religious institution for individuals on both sides of the aisle, the essence of what our founders believed remains intact.  My, how times have changed.

Thirdly, the God in whom I believe is still God - regardless of who acknowledges His existence or doesn't.  His sovereignty is not dependent upon whether some elected official mentions Him or not in a Thanksgiving Day speech.  Frankly, this same sovereign Creator of all that exists probably doesn't even care that I am contributing my opinion because He transcends me, the President and yes, even Sean Hannity.

Thanksgiving is to each of us something different.  Many are at their core thankful for God's grace, and at the same, thankful for family members, friends and even this wacky thing called the Internet.  Thanksgiving isn't just a time to thank the Father because if we really want to be technical about it, we are to live in a perpetual state of thankfulness. 

It's interesting how sometimes we watch professional ball players giving thanks for a touchdown and we chuckle a little bit - because we know that in the grand scheme of things, God doesn't really give a rip about a touchdown, or extra point.  He cares about the person who made the touchdown and everyone watching.  He cares about people that He created in His image.

Of course, this is just my opinion and I could be wrong.  And I doubt God cares one way or the other whether I'm spot-on or not.

NBA Alternatives

There may still be hope for an NBA season this year, though remarkably abbreviated and the fans pretty pissed off.  But if there is no season, no Thunder games at the CHK arena, there are still plenty of entertainment alternatives out there for your discretionary income and some of the alternatives may actually pay dividends in the end.  Here are some ideas...

Support Local Music.  An incredible thought, I know, but one that even the pro-NBA Oklahoman can get behind.  There are literally hundreds of venues in Central Oklahoma where local musicians entertain and provide a real boost to the economy...without government-backed payroll tax incentives.  On any given evening, you can find folk music in the Paseo, some ear-splitting rock at the Thirsty Hog, country music in Bricktown, and many coffee shops feature acoustic sets from solo artists with incredible talent.  And when you support these local venues, the money stays in our community.  And while you're at it, check out some of the locally owned music shops like The Horn Trader or Dancing Dragon Music.

Donate.  If you're a high-roller and the economy hasn't ripped a hole in your check book, you could do something exceptional with your extra dough - you could help places like City Rescue Mission.  CRM, Jesus House (under new management) and local churches are busting their chops this holiday season to make ends meet as they help those who cannot help themselves.  Another great organization is the Mid America Chapter of the Paralyzed Veterans of America.  They host events, advocate for veterans who have been hurt and are a group of men and women who are absolutely phenomenal in their service to those who have served us. 

Movies.  Chances are you're not a big Twilight fan, but equally plausible is the fact that someone in your family probably is a fan.  Go to the movies and do so with a mission.  Hit each of the major theaters in Central Oklahoma over the course of a couple months and just enjoy some mindless entertainment.  Mindless entertainment is what the NBA brings anyway, but you can enjoy some movies with the whole family and not have to worry about traffic problems in downtown.

Eat.  Take the family out to eat - and I don't mean at one of the chain restaurants, but rather locally-owned restaurants.  Try something different like Flat Tire Burger in Edmond, up by UCO.  Or you could take the family to Ted's for some good Mexican food.  On 23rd and Classen, you'll find some exquisite Asian cuisine that the whole family can enjoy and yes, they are largely locally-owned.

There are alternatives to the NBA and if you're a die hard basketball fan, support local universities' basketball programs.  There are a lot of ways to spend the money that is burning a hole in your pocket, lusting for some Thunder, and you can do so in such a way that you can sleep well at night.

Veteran's Day Rant

WARNING:  STRONG LANGUAGE.

Veteran's Day.  A day when we pause for a moment and thank all who have served this great nation by raising their right hands, taking an oath like this:

I, Ron Black, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God. I swear that I am fully aware and fully understand the conditions under which I am enlisting.

It's the oath I took, the oath Mike McCarville took, the oath Bob Dani took, the oath my brother-in-law Nathan Murphy took, the oath my father and uncles took and it is the same oath that men and women who right now stand a post to protect our freedom.

Men and women are, right now, laying down their lives overseas and some have given the same in service to our country and while we're the greatest nation on the planet, we have a long way to go.

We have elected officials, attorneys and judges who work their asses off to twist, redefine and hide from the very Constitution we veterans have sworn an oath to defend.  They use it as toilet paper, wiping their collective asses with it, forgetting that without the sacrifices made by those who raised their right hand in service to this country they wouldn't be driving those new sports cars, plopping their asses down court side at a Thunder game, playing footsie with one another behind closed doors as they craft legislation that takes away our freedom rather than expands it.

It isn't the Tea Party that is the guardian of freedom.  It isn't the Occupy Wall Street crowd that is the guardian of freedom.  It isn't the mainstream media that is the guardian of freedom.  It isn't Bob Stoops, Mike Gundy or any of the ball players who protect our freedom.  It is the member of the United States Armed Forces.

I am a veteran and will say that my service to this magnificent country was an eight-year period of my life filled with joy and excitement.  It wasn't perfect, but I fulfilled my service obligation with pride and honor.  Today, I see and hear so many talk about their dedication to our veterans, but can't find the time to do anything about it because the Sooners are playing ball on television that day.  I hear elected officials give long-winded speeches about military service in one breath, but in the next they are authoring legislation that precludes a pay raise for service members.  It's sickening, and yes, it pisses me off to no end.

We have a ridiculous number of veterans who are unemployed, homeless, sick and whose home is a place like City Rescue Mission.  It's easy for people to sweep this reality under the carpet because it's not "sexy."  Helping veterans in need, helping men and women who have served or are currently serving is nowhere near as fun and entertaining as having cocktails at the boathouse - but it's because of these men and women that we even have a boathouse to begin with.

It's a problem that I pontificate about every year on Veteran's Day, but usually with little response.  The problem continues and will continue as long as the ruling class elites want it to be so.  They would never desire their offspring to lay their lives down or even pretend to stand a post because to do so would force them to sacrifice their time on the lacrosse field and heaven knows we can't have that, can we?  We'll let the poor and the middle class make the sacrifices so the oligarchies can continue their reign. 

If you want to do something for veterans today, I mean REALLY do something, thank a veteran for their service.  Hire a veteran looking for work.  Send a check to City Rescue Mission and tell them to dedicate it to one of the veterans under their roof.  Then, when you've done that, send a letter to your elected officials telling them that you're watching them, that you will fight them tooth and nail if they author any legislation or support any legislation that hurts veterans or their families.  And for some of you, this would be a huge sacrifice:  Give your college football tickets to a veteran and his/her family and tell them that you realize that without men and women willing to put their asses on the line for freedom, your ass wouldn't have freedom.

We now return you to your daily programming of sanitized for your protection, syndicated hyperbole.

Axis Entertainment Taking Submissions for Rocklahoma 2012

There's the main stage, the Hard Rock stage and then, there's the Axis Entertainment stage at Rocklahoma.  And to be perfectly candid, the Axis stage was nothing short of incredible, showcasing Oklahoma talent you're bound to hear about at any moment. 

Rocklahoma promoters have asked Axis Entertainment to feature their stage once again in 2012 and they are currently taking submissions for bands right now.  In 2011, they featured bands such as Blackwood, Rocker Lips, David Castro Band and many more.  In short, they rocked the house.

If you're a member of a band and would like to enter a submission, check them out here.

Movie Classic: "Falling Down"

Michael Douglas is one of the greatest actors to grace the screen.  He is intense, comedic when the part calls for it, but deeply passionate.  One of my favorite movies of all time and my favorite Michael Douglas movie is "Falling Down."

Douglas plays William Foster, an unemployed engineer whose day begins tied up in a traffic jam as he is traveling to see his daughter on her birthday.  His ex-wife, portrayed by Barbara Hershey, plays a more pivotal role than most realize and film buffs have overlooked.  What was once a happy and joyous marriage that produced a wonderful little girl, things went south - and in this movie, she is less than thrilled to have the father of her child visit, even on her birthday.

The movie follows Foster from the traffic jam on a Los Angeles freeway, to a convenience store where everything is over-priced, to an altercation with gang members, to a run-in with a bigot at a surplus store.  There's a run-in with wealthy golf course patrons, and more.  As the movie progresses, we see more closely the inner struggle and turmoil of a man who has lost everything, is forced to live with his mother and whose ex-wife is painfully reluctant to interact with the father of her daughter in any shape or form.

Foster is a deeply troubled character whose heart is in the right place, but circumstances create the perfect storm for meltdown.  And meltdown, he does.

At the end of the movie, if you have no soul, you'll fee no sympathy for Douglas' character.  You'll simply see him as a law-breaker, someone who is mentally unstable.  For the rest of us, it's an "a-ha" moment where we see another human being reaching a breaking point.  The "system" fails and on his mission to do the right thing, some bad guys face their demise.

It's a classic movie, and I highly recommend you see it.  Available on Netflix.

It's True...Time For Change

For two decades, I've been involved in or pontificating about the political processes and frankly, the words of Solomon ring true - "there is nothing new under the sun."  Politics has largely remained the same and it is what it is, both good and bad.  We have elected outstanding politicians and we have elected some bottom-feeding piles of human waste, but at the end of the day, we're still the greatest country on the planet and God willing, we'll continue to be as much.

Politics is, in many ways, a form of entertainment.  Every couple years, the cast of characters change, but the tunes remain the same, orchestrated and choreographed by recognizable names in the business.  But it is fun, it is entertaining, it is often painful, and it is always gratifying - even when our candidate loses. 

There is a lot more to life and I'm really starting to see and feel that.  Granted, it has taken me far too long and I can't recover the lost time, but I can redeem the time right now, right here.  I've lost some good friends over the years, friends who have gone to be with the Father and those losses have had a profound impact on me.   A trip last year to my home state of Washington was revelatory as well, learning more about my past, my childhood and my family than imaginable. 

This blog is going to change.  There will be a different, more diverse focus.  I'll be posting stories about music, about entertainment in Central Oklahoma, culture and yes, I'll still have the occasional post about politics - but I'll do my best to eliminate partisanship and just get to the heart of what's important. 

So, what is important to me?  My struggling faith, my family, music, culture and community.  Hopefully, you won't be too disappointed. 

It Could Always Be Worse

Political partisan fighting in America has maintained its fervor over the years and with a Presidential election coming next year, chances are the intensity will increase.  But remember:  It could always be worse.

In a story published by Reuters, the following proves that things may be bad in America, but they aren't THAT bad:

(Reuters) - Italian deputies exchanged blows in parliament on Wednesday as tensions over a tough economic reform program came to a head.
At least two deputies from the Northern League, a member of the ruling center-right coalition, fought with members from the opposition FLI party of speaker Gianfranco Fini. Two deputies grabbed each other by the throat as other parliamentarians rushed to separate them.
The parliamentary sitting was suspended for several minutes after the fight, which broke out because of sarcastic remarks on television by Fini alleging that the wife of League leader Umberto Bossi had retired at 39.

See?  It could always be worse - Coburn hasn't come to blows with anyone yet.

Weird, Wacky Political World

October has been a bizarre month for weather, Sooner football and as odd as the political world can be, it has gotten even more strange than usual.  Generally speaking, elections and politics have become tiresome for the artist formerly known as the 400lb Gorilla, and next to cleaning a dog kennel, following politics has plummeted on my list of entertainment options.  Here are some reasons why I believe we are through the proverbial looking glass:

Bob Dani

Representative Marian Cooksey draws an opponent.  Cooksey is an Edmond fixture much like the sculpture of Shannon Miller at the public library, so to hear that she is drawing a primary opponent was, and is, shocking.  Who is her opponent?  Bob Dani - founder of the High Noon Club, business owner and uber-conserverative 2nd Amendment champion.  Dani has secured seasoned talent to work on his campaign, a consultant who has been a part of virtually every successful Oklahoma County elected official's campaign.  This House race will be entertaining to watch and it will be even more challenging to see just how the current climate of conservatism bolsters Dani's campaign.

State Senator Steve Russell bows out.  Steve Russell, author of an open-carry bill, has announced that he's done and won't be running to retain his seat in the State Senate.  Russell campaigned on his military background, his work in the events surrounding the capture of Saddam Hussein, but apparently working in the Oklahoma Senate is just not his game.  Russell will be out pushing book sales and there is rumors abounding that he may be a new voice on NRA Radio.  Who will run for that seat?  It's going to be hard to tell, but there is talk that State Representative Mike Reynolds is considering a run, Kyle Loveless may be running again and if he does, his relationship with Red Chair Productions will be prominent in the race.   Red Chair is by far one of the most talented production firms in Central Oklahoma.  It will be a Republican primary race, whereas no Democrats are going to be strong enough to carry that Senate District.


Romney, Perry, Cain, oh my!  The Republican candidates for President have taken off the gloves and are maneuvering to out conservative each other.  It's bizarre to watch Romney back track on his previous record, to see Governor Perry explain away some of his statements regarding illegal immigration, and then there's the Herman Cain train.  It's as though the Republican party is just pushing anyone who looks like they can defeat Obama...forget talent, common sense and ability.

Rep. Randy Terrill

Randy Terrill draws an opponent.  Yes, you read that correctly.  The McCarville Report is reporting that Representative Randy Terrill has actually drawn a Republican opponent - Republican businessman Mark McBride.  Fascinating.  Terrill has been a target of the business community ever since he pushed, passed and defended the legendary House Bill 1804 (at the time, one of the nation's toughest illegal immigration bills).  Terrill has seen opponents come and go, but has been able to withstand the test of time and loyalty from his constituents in his House District.  I have stated previously that Terrill will own that House seat as long as he wants it, but I don't know that he's seen an opponent of McBride's pedigree - Terrill is going to have to work his rear off in light of the charges he's facing in Oklahoma County and let's face it; the Oklahoman isn't a big fan of Terrill either.  McBride looks to be a real contender in this race, but never underestimate the loyalty Terrill has from his constituency.

Coburn consistent, shocks some.  Senator Tom Coburn campaigned in such a way that there would be no surprises if he were to be elected and he's living up to that campaign ideology.  Coburn is a conservative who believes that our government is bloated and spends too damned much money.  What is shocking is that some are shocked that he's trying to reduce the size and scope of government, cutting programs that he believe to be pork.   Silliness, I tell ya.  Coburn is one of those few elected officials who is truly consistent and he's not afraid to reach across the aisle and work with members of the opposition party when there can be agreement.  Take, for example, government transparency - he worked with then Senator Obama to accomplish that feat. 

As you can see, things are just plain weird in the political world right now. 

Hugs Concert Conclusion

The rain rolled in, but thanks to the Edmond National Guard Armory, the bands and participants were kept dry and the music rolled on to support the Hugs Project.  Organized Chaos, Nikki Jackson, Kerry Folsom, Wild Heart and the always awesome Shotgun Rebellion all did their level best to support the Hugs Project by performing and raising awareness for a very worthy non-profit. 

A special thanks to everyone who worked so hard to pull it off.  It was truly a lot of fun as well as enlightening.

See you next time...

October 22nd, A Unique Happening

Every year, the Hugs Project sends hundreds (if not thousands) of care packages to our troops serving overseas.  The Hugs Project is based in Oklahoma, providing "Hugs" (cooling wraps) to service members as well as other necessities that aren't easily available at their duty stations.  It's an important and very needed service that sometimes is difficult to understand for those who have never served.

For military personnel serving overseas, anything received from home is like a ray of sunshine.  Being separated from family, from familiar surroundings and facing the dangers of being an active duty service member is stressful.  Fear of loss, wondering what's happening back home, the thought of possible death is intense and even a postcard can restore a few moments of peace.

The Hugs Project does just that - sends our troops pieces of home and it has gotten expensive.  Postal rates have increased and it isn't as though the federal government has opened its wallets and decided that communications from home are a top priority for our service members, but you know, the Hugs Project takes on this task with vigor and a sense of duty.

On October 22nd at the National Guard Armory in Edmond, just north of Hafer Park, there is a fundraiser/music event to help the Hugs Project raise awareness and some much-needed funds to get that last influx of revenue to pay for Christmas mailings to our troops before the holidays.

It starts at 5pm on the 22nd.  You're asked to bring a chair and donation items to send to our troops.  The FREE music concert features some darned good talent who have practiced countless hours to get ready to support the Hugs Project:

Nikki Jackson - An up and coming local talent who performs a folk/country style with a great deal of flair.
Wild Heart - An established progressive country band featuring the vocal talents of Tonya Mandrell, singing everything from Sugarland to Gretchen Wilson.
Organized Chaos - A new band (mine) with Tad Osborne and Jennifer Leigh (from KMGL) on vocals, Rick Jackson on bass, Jim Blalock on drums and myself on guitar.  We will be performing some Tom Petty, Heart, Billy Squier, The Cranberries, and even some Cash.
Shotgun Rebellion - An Oklahoma band that is absolutely incredible.  Their style of red dirt rock is unsurpassed and has been the influence of many new Oklahoma bands.  Their new guitar player is a veteran of the Iraq war and has an incredible story.

Watch this video about the Hugs Project.

Again, it is a FREE event that is family-friendly and it is all about supporting our troops and those who support the troops, namely, the Hugs Project. You're cordially invited to be a part of this event that we hope is a blessing to you and we KNOW it will be a blessing to the troops.

There are a lot of opportunities to serve non-profits in Central Oklahoma, but there are few with the magnitude of this one.

Losing Bill, Gaining Perspective

Governor Christie, Libya, Wall Street protests, clashes in Saudi Arabia, The Simpson's budget cuts...it's all just crazy right now.  But then, something happens that jars human reason, cuts to the very heart of our existence.

The untimely loss of a friend to heart attack.

Bucket Truck Bill, as he was known by many in the days of Shannon & Spinozi on KRXO and later on WKY, Bill Frank was comic relief for many radio listeners, but he was more than that.  He was a business owner, a father, a grandfather and a good friend.  He passed away last week after a couple days in the hospital when he was pulled from life support.

Bill played in my band for a while, prior to his first heart attack a few months ago.  Bill was the kind of guy who always made you smile or laugh in even the most inappropriate moments.  He was wild, often unpredictable, but he was always a loyal friend and I believe he left us far too soon.  His positive attitude was infectious, permeating the fabric of everyone's being within his sphere of influence.  He was very often a "larger than life" person who could cut quickly through all the bologna of life and get to the heart of what really matters.

Bill's death was shocking, surprising and forced my emotional nose in the corner for some time of introspection and at the end of the day, I gained some perspective.

Family.
Forgiveness.
Mercy.
Love.
Friends.
Faith.
Laughter.
Music.

It all matters.

An Opportunity, Not Politics As Usual

The headline on the Drudge Report today reads, "Poverty Soars, Sets New Record."  The main picture is that of President Obama apparently working/serving at a soup kitchen.  The headline and accompanying photograph is clearly intended to lay blame for our economic woes on the President.  It's politics as usual, pure and simple.

My take on the economic problems we face and the record number of poor (46 million), is that this is an opportunity for us as a nation to come together and meet need.  No, I'm not proposing some "liberal" agenda wherein we raise taxes to meet the needs of those in poverty through more government programs, but rather it is an opportunity for us to do that which this "Christian nation" has been commanded to do.

From a theological perspective, those in poverty (financial and otherwise) are there for us to reach out to, to help, to provide assistance whenever and wherever possible.  No, we're not to overlook the realities of what put those people into poverty to begin with, but we are to deal rather in the here and now.  Today, these are people and families who could use some assistance and it is of no consequence how they got in that situation.  True, there are some who refuse real assistance - like the alcoholic who just hasn't hit bottom and come face-to-face with their issues.  But I would argue that we have a responsibility to seize the opportunity.

Christ said, "the poor you will have with you always."  His words have been proven true.  He also said, "I was hungry and you gave me something to eat." 

We don't need government doing the job that those of us who claim to be believers are supposed to be doing on our own.

I could be wrong, but I seriously doubt it.

Jeff Cloud Resigns From Oklahoma Corporation Commission

Statement from Commissioner Cloud:

It is with mixed emotions that I announce that I will resign my position as Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner in order to pursue opportunities in the private sector.

This decision has certainly not been an easy one. It has been my personal privilege and honor to serve on the Commission for more than eight years. In that time, many positive changes have been implemented that affect industries the Commission regulates. The issues that Commissioners and the agency’s staff tackle every day continue to grow in complexity. However, what certainly has not changed is the commitment of this agency to the public and industry to ensure the economy of Oklahoma continues to develop in a way that benefits both the consumer and the businesses we oversee and that treats citizens and regulated entities fairly.

I especially want to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to the people of Oklahoma for their support and for allowing me to serve and to the employees of the Commission and my fellow Commissioners for their hard work and commitment to excellence. On a personal note, I want to thank my family. I could not have done this without them.

I will be working closely with Governor Mary Fallin as she prepares to name my successor and to see that the transition period goes smoothly and the Commission’s critical work will continue without interruption.

Paycom Celebrates Grand Opening of New National HQ

From Governor Fallin:

OKLAHOMA CITY – Today, Paycom employees and Oklahoma City dignitaries cut the ribbon and celebrated the grand opening of Paycom’s new 90,000 square foot headquarters located on 14 acres on the north side of Memorial Road between Rockwell Ave. and Council Road. The beautiful, state-of-the-art, employee centric headquarters currently houses almost 400 employees with plans to hire and fill the remaining 200 seats within the next year.

In addition to a tier-3, fully redundant data center and on-site training facilities, the new Paycom headquarters has a colorful and multi-functional cafeteria where employees can gather and enjoy affordable meals, subsidized by Paycom. They also have a gym with a running track, a basketball court, outdoor fields and fully equipped locker rooms. “Our employees are our number one asset and this new building allows us to treat them as such,” said Chad Richison, Paycom’s CEO. “We have a fast-paced culture. We work hard, but we have fun in the process. This new building fits our culture and our employees are excited to utilize every square foot.” 

Governor Mary Fallin said, "This is an exciting time for Paycom and for the State of Oklahoma. They find themselves at this important milestone today because of their innovation, resourcefulness, financial responsibility, and cutting edge customer service. They are a great model for business in Oklahoma."

Founded in Oklahoma City in 1998, Paycom pioneered the Internet payroll market as the first 100% online payroll provider. Serving customers in all 50 states from 18 offices across the country, Paycom is the largest exclusively online provider of full-service payroll and HR software in the U.S. Paycom is a nine-year honoree on Oklahoma City’s Metro 50 list, and a six-year member of the Inc. 500/5000 for being one of the fastest-growing private companies in the country. Paycom continues to grow revenues at rate of 40% year after year by expanding into new markets and adding new services. In 2011, Paycom released Applicant Tracking, E-Verify, On-Boarding, Document Storage and Expense Management services to its already robust Payroll/HR application.

“It’s our vision to be the industry leader in the payroll business. We will accomplish that by continuing to develop our cutting-edge payroll/HR technology and by hiring bright, talented and passionate individuals to sell our product and care for our clients,” said Richison. “This new building is just the beginning.”

“We are thrilled that Paycom has chosen to invest in Oklahoma City,” said Roy Williams, president and CEO of the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber. “Paycom is growing steadily and continuing to add jobs to the local economy. They are a great example of how a company can thrive in this market.”

Paycom is currently hiring 15-20 new employees each month and anticipates adding at least 500 jobs over the next three years. Jobs include positions in sales and software development, client support and general headquarter administrative positions. The new 14-acre Paycom campus has plenty of room for growth.