okc Metro Voice

july2006
p.5
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Oklahoma City Redhawks
Miss America Jennifer Berry
Nikz (Restaurant Review) .......p2
Tuxedos and Tails ..................p.2
Choose Your Words ................p.3
Entering the Bookosphere .....p.4
Missy’s Musings.....................p.5
Oklahoma's Girl Next Door .....p.5
Healthy Aging Month .............p.5
Someone You Should Know ....p.6
Flight School 101 ....................p.7
Here's What’s Cooking ...........p.8
When Right Isn’t Easy ............p.8
El Paso Gold ...........................p.9
Broadway in OKC .................p.10
Bill Federer ..........................p.10
Imigration ............................p.11
Restaurant Review
Nikz
at the top
By Christy Robertson and Dale Gober
Christy Robertson and Dale Gober
The experience of dining at “Nikz” restaurant is truly a step above the normal.
Located on the twentieth floor of the Founders Tower, near North May Avenue and
N.W. Expressway, your view of the OKC metro area is un-equaled. The beautiful
panoramic view, Italian Renaissance – Art Deco décor and superior service is a great
reason visit, but don’t forget the world class cuisine!
Our evening began with an appetizer of thinly sliced, marinated and charcoaled
Beef Satay. The beef was served with a delicious peanut sauce and served atop a fresh
red apple half. You may enjoy sampling more than one of the delicious appetizers
at Nikz. A second choice might be the Crab Stuffed Portabello Mushroom. A
generous portion of Jumbo Lump and Snow Crab meat, baked in a balsamic
marinated Portobello Mushroom, covered with just the right amount of toasted
cheese is Dale’s favorite choice.
For a fun southwest flair, try the Oklahoma Caesar Salad. Crisp Romaine lettuce
and thin strips of crispy – fried tortilla served with a lime Caesar dressing. Nikz’
Chop Salad is also a great choice. Fresh crisp vegetables in a honey stung orange
Chardonnay glaze. We both enjoyed this great mix of textures and taste.
The heart of any great meal for me is a great piece of meat. You might say Nikz
has a great heart! The Filet Mignon is served with a rich mushroom demi-glace,
cooked to perfection. Christy says; “One of the finest steaks I’ve ever eaten!” Julienne
vegetables and a Parmesan-dusted fried onion ring were nice additions. Don’t forget
the side dish of delicious Garlic Mashed Potatoes. If two hearts are better than one
then let the second heart be one of great seafood. Pan seared Orange Roughy with
Efstathios Giannakopoulos, Leisha McMinn, Kelly Corbett, Sheila Wood, Back row- Owner
Bill Wilson
tomato and fresh ginger, served with Lemon burre blanc. The fish was tender and
delicious, accompanied by a generous side of wonderfully flavored Rice Pilaf.
The finish! Nikz’ “signature” dessert is the Fried Cheesecake. Delicious, creamy,
cheesecake rolled inside a fried cinnamon and sugar coated tortilla; accompanied by
a very smooth raspberry chocolate sauce. Don’t stop with only one dessert. Banana
Pecan Bread Pudding was Christy’s favorite! Served warm with a fabulous caramel
sauce and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream – I’ll be back for this…
Owner Bill Wilson and General Manager Billy Wilson have delivered a friendly,
knowledgeable staff, a wonderful décor, and world class menu to Nikz. Stop by and
experience Nikz for yourself. You will be delighted.
Nikz is located at 5900 Moestellar Dr. in Oklahoma City. Take the elevator to
the top of Founders Tower and enjoy. For more information on Nikz you can call
405-843-7875 or visit their website at www.nikzokc.com.
TUXEDOS AND TAILS
By Dale Gober
No, it’s not tuxedos and ball gowns but tails are
acceptable. The “Canine Social Club” is just what
the name implies. It is a place for dogs of all sizes and
shapes to come during the day or overnight and have
a ball. Sorry about the pun but there are balls and
play toys for the dogs to enjoy. Enjoy they do!
Melissa Townsend, club owner and doggie
playmate, started the “Canine Social Club” in April
of 2004. It opened as the first facility of its kind in
Oklahoma City to have “free play” all day. Since its
opening the doggie daycare has grown to around
400 customers and has an average of 50 guests per
day. It takes a large heart and lots of love to keep up
with the demands of so many dogs, and the expertise
required for their care. All dogs are not alike and each
is treated as an individual. Melissa has experience
with 15 different breeds of dogs and hundreds of
doggie personalities. She says, “It’s just like daycare
for kids. Drop off at 7:00am play for awhile, wading
pools are filled around 10:30 – 11:00, then tug toys
and balls.” Naps of course are often an option. There
are always two people with the dogs for safety. Treat
times are special and help to reinforce obedience.
At the time of enrollment a temperament test is
given to identify the placement of each “student.”
Melissa and Friends
Melissa enjoying the "free play" with the dogs.
Close attention is also given in the area of interaction
with the other members of the “Canine Social Club.”
Elbows off the table and of course it’s never proper
to howl at other guests you know. Shot records are
a must and everyone must be spayed or neutered.
I have taken my Dachshund “Cinnamon” to the
“Club.” On the second visit she was so excited she
was the first one out of the car. I don’t know if it’s
all the running, jumping, swimming or fetching
but whatever Melissa is doing it’s working for
Cinnamon.
Grooming is available and works great for
Cinnamon. She goes to the club in the morning,
plays all day and then looks great for that next
social event in the evening.
Melissa and Nick Townsend are two special
people who run a very special facility. They give
each dog in their care the opportunity to get the
healthy interaction they need with other dogs.
And, when they get home the pampered pooches
are ready to relax. You can contact Melissa
Townsend at 405-842-1515 or stop by at 1020
Northwest 67th St. in Oklahoma City. Cinnamon
also wants to let you know about the website. That
address is www.k9sc.com . Now that’s the way to
go to the dogs!
PAGE 2 • OKC-METRO VOICE • AUGUST 2006
words wisely
Choose your
Owner/Publisher
Dale Gober
By Paul Sublett
dale.gober@coxinet.net
Advertising/Sales
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Contributing Writers
Christy Robertson
Paul Sublett
Scott Gordon
Staff Writers
Dale Gober
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Printing by
Lindsay Web Press
405-756-9551
okc-metro VOICE
720 West Wilshire, Suite 111
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Thank you for your support.
“Honey, I think
we’re lost”
“No we’re not! I
know exactly where I
am”
“Then why are we
going in circles?”
“We’re not going in
circles, now be quiet
and let me think!”
“If you know exactly
where we are, then
why do you need to
think?”
“Because, I know
exactly where we are! Any dummy
can look out the window and see
where we are. It’s where we’re trying
to get to that’s requiring so much
thinking!”
“Well why don’t you just stop
and ask that old man over there?”
“What old man? How did you
know he was over there?”
“Because… we’ve driven past here
four times and each time he’s been
sitting right there.”
“Well if you’re so observant, why don’t
you tell me where we need to go?”
“Because, we’re not lost and you
know exactly where we are!”
“I’ve had enough of this. I’m
gonna’ stop and ask that old guy
how to get where we’re going.”
Door slams! Shuffling feet, head
down, putting on best good-oldboy smile.
“Say there old timer, been here
long?’
“All my life.”
“No! No! No! I
mean today!... forget
it. It doesn’t matter.”
“Well, if it don’t
matter, why’d ya
bring it up?”
“I was…. I was just
trying to get to know
you before I asked”
“Before you asked
what? And what
makes you think you
want to get to know
me?”
“I don’t want to know you! I just
need to ask a question”
“Why would you want to ask
a question to someone you don’t
know?”
Wow, what a frustrating
conversation! Have you ever been
in one of these? Better yet, can you
describe the scenario?
Is this a middle aged couple trying
to find their way to a long-lost
relative’s house and the man is just
too stubborn to ask for directions?
Or..., is this a young man on a date
with a lovely young girl circling in
the country waiting for the perfect
time to “run out of gas”? And…., if
the second story is true, is the old
man simply an old man sitting on
the porch of the local gas stationgrocery store-post office, or is he
really the boy’s favorite uncle and
he’s in on the plot?
You see it’s all about perspective.
In every story there’s a need to know
certain revealing facts that bring
everything into place so you can
truly know what’s taking place.
For instance, what is the meaning
of everlasting life, eternity, the
beginning of time, death, Savior,
heaven, and hell?
In the hands of Carl Sagan, Rod
Serling, Jules Verne, Frank Lucas
and Charles Darwin, these are the
lift off points for elaborate and
shining tails of space travel and unnatural twists in man’s fate. Their
stories can take you light years
from earth and introduce you to
hundreds, no thousands of species
of new kinds of people and beings.
However, those same words, from
the mouth of a Holy God, Creator
of everything we see and know,
bring life and death into a different
perspective.
Which perspective will you choose?
Will you take the surreal path or
the real one? Will you follow the
wandering thoughts of the minds of
men who long to be the first person
to reveal the beginning and end of
men and predict their future and
their demise? Or, will you listen to
the One who created it all and holds
its very existence in the balance of
his own heart and mind?
It’s all about perspective!
Choose!
AUGUST 2006 • OKC-METRO VOICE • PAGE 3
ENTERING THE
BOOKOSPHERE
By Scott Gordon
In our world
today we are
inundated
Scott Gordon
with
new
terms being invented almost every day. This
phenomenon can primarily be traced to Internet
related developments. For instance, we have the
word ‘blog’ (which, by the way, my MS Word
spellchecker does not recognize). It is a word
produced from two others, web log. A ‘blog’ is
someone’s personal, online type of journal about
any subject they choose. The realm of all these
varied blogs out there in cyberspace has become
known as the ‘blogosphere.’ I also want to join
the realm of word coiners. I, however, propose
to take an ‘old school’ activity and adopt a new
name for it…
Welcome to the ‘bookosphere.’ Especially with
the hot, ‘dog days’ of summer, I can think of
no greater ‘world’ to enter. Growing up I was
always challenged to read, by teachers, parents,
and even my friends. At some point we seem
to think we out-grow our need to read. We
have graduated and no one can make us pick
up a book for any reason. While that may be
the case, let me try the time-honored ploy of
pointing out some positives of spending some
time in the bookosphere.
One benefit is that the bookosphere can be
entered whether we are indoors or out. During
the heat of the summer, we can retreat to the
cooling comfort of the AC as we venture into a
far away land or are challenging ourselves with a
book on financial freedom. When the weather
is more suitable to our taste we can enter the
bookosphere as we relax by the tent on a family
campout. Personally, I see the greatest benefit
of the bookosphere being the stimulation of the
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PAGE 4 • OKC-METRO VOICE • AUGUST 2006
brain. When I encounter a book, whether it be
fiction or non-fiction, my imagination, beliefs,
thoughts, and even dreams are challenged. I
like to switch from novels to non-fiction. I like
the books which challenge me to think about
my worldview, but I also need the escape of a
good novel to take me away and entertain me
in a mentally active way (versus the passive
couch potato entertainment I too often enjoy).
The bookosphere is the mind’s health club and
playground all rolled into one!
For you avid readers-bookosphere masterscontinue the journey. For you less than avid
readers-bookosphere newbies-pick up a book (I
like novelists like Ted Dekker, Frank Peretti, Dan
Brown, and Tom Clancy. I also like non-fiction
writers like Sean Hannity, John Piper, and John
MacArthur) and begin a journey you will never
regret.
Missy’s Musings…
Missy Berry Simmons
My cousins, brothers, and I were lucky to be brought up by positive thinking
parents and grandparents. Our mutual grandfather particularly believed that
having a positive “attitude” is one of the strongest attributes a person can have.
One of the ways he maintained a positive attitude was to memorize “positive
poetry.” I think Granddad was right. Whenever I am challenged with difficult
situations I make a list of the pros and cons of the issues and work to weaken
the cons and strengthen the pros.
I also have found that by surrounding myself with positive thinking and
acting people, I can turn a rotten day into at least a bearable one that’s even a
better-than-hoped for day.
Additionally, I have learned that I am a visual learner……so over the years
I have compiled a notebook filled with positive statements, stories, and poems
from my grandfather, newspaper articles, magazines, and yes, greeting cards. I
find that reading a few of these helps me realize I can choose to change a rotten
day into a good one by simply having a positive attitude.
One of my favorites is:
“Your Town”
R.W. Glover
If you want to live in the kind of town
That’s the kind of town you like,
You needn’t slip your clothes in a grip
And start on a long, long hike.
You’ll find elsewhere what you left behind
For there’s nothing that’s really new.
It’s a knock at yourself when you knock your town;
It isn’t your town – it’s you.
Real towns are not made of men afraid
Lest somebody else gets ahead.
When everybody works and nobody shirks
You can raise a town from the dead.
And if while you make your stake
Your neighbor can make one, too,
Your town will be what you want to see,
It’s not your town – it’s you.
Short positive statements also help keep me focused. Here are a couple of
my favorites:
“Attitude – Not Aptitude – determines your Altitude.”
“The most important things in life aren’t things.”
Healthy Aging Month
Thrifty Pharmacy would like to encourage all seniors to stay active and
celebrate Healthy Aging Month in September by attending the Oklahoma
State Fair. Senior Day at the fair is Wednesday, September 20th. The day
begins at 8:30am and all seniors aged 55 and older will be admitted free
that day. The “GOLDEN AGE CELEBRATION” located in Carriage Hall
will feature a variety of activities: Free Health Screenings, Royalty Contest,
Antique Tractor Parade, Senior Spelling Bee and a Senior Swing Dance.
Miss America, Jennifer Berry
Oklahoma’s
girl next door
America I wanted to share with you.
Jennifer is from Tulsa, Oklahoma.
She is one of only five women from
our state to ever hold that renowned
title. It is still Oklahoma and home she
loves. When she has the opportunity
to be with her family, most of her
time is spent “just hanging out.”
Jennifer also enjoys spending time
with a very special friend she’s known
since Junior High School. It’s her long
hair Daschund, “Heidi.” Jennifer tells
me Heidi is somewhat confused by
the fact that all Jennifer’s things are
still in her room, with only Jennifer
missing. Jennifer believes pets are a
wonderful influence in the lives of
many. Heidi has been a wonderful
Jennifer Berry winning Miss America
influence in Jennifer’s life and that of
her family. Another powerful influence
in Jennifer’s life is that of her mother.
By Dale Gober
“Mom’s so wonderful.” Jennifer said.
The dreams of a little girl can come “She’s my biggest role model to always
true! Miss America 2006, Jennifer put others first. She’s always been very
Berry, had a dream and boy did it supportive.” I had the pleasure to
come true! Determination, hard work speak with Jennifer’s mother. I will
and great support from family and agree she is a great supportive parent.
friends took Jennifer further than she But, we wouldn’t expect any less from
Miss America’s mom.
could have imagined. Now, wearing
Jennifer plans to continue
the crown of Miss America,
her degree in Elementary
doors are opening for
Education as soon as her
Jennifer to help make
tour of Miss America ends.
others’ dreams come
It is also her goal to be
true as well.
involved in media of
Jennifer is spending
some type. Jennifer asked
80% of her time
that I would express her
as Miss America
appreciation for the
speaking for and
support given her in
working
with
so many ways. It’s
organizations such
great to have another
as MADD (Mothers
Miss Oklahoma
Against
Drunk
representing the
Driving) and youth
Nation as Miss
organizations that
America.
It’s
work to end under Young Jennifer Berry
even better when
age drinking.
Jennifer travels over 20 thousand someone like Jennifer Berry is that
miles per month in her duties as Miss representative. okc-Metro Voice would
America. During one of her latest like to thank everyone in the Miss
visits to the OKC Metro area, I had America organization for making this
the golden opportunity to share a few exclusive interview possible. We will
minutes with this beautiful young be doing a second interview with
lady. I was struck by her humble Jennifer toward the end of her reign
spirit, seasoned with the exuberance as Miss America. We look forward to
of being crowned Miss America. So, that opportunity. Thank you Jennifer.
it was the “girl next door” side of Miss
AUGUST 2006 • OKC-METRO VOICE • PAGE 5
I’d like to
introduce to
you someone
I believe many
are
already
familiar with.
You might not
be aware of
Cindy and Paul Blair
his career and
heart for service, after playing football for
the Chicago Bears. I’ve asked Paul to give
his testimony in “Someone You Should
Know” because I truly believe Paul Blair
is someone we should know.
Introducing Paul Blair
After playing offensive tackle on
three highly ranked football teams at
Oklahoma State University in the early
1980’s, I had just completed my third
season of professional football with the
Chicago Bears.
It was February 1989. Out of respect
for my father who was a Baptist minister,
I was sitting in church on a Sunday
evening. While hearing the sermon I
had to honestly evaluate my relationship
with the Lord. I had a Dad who was a
pastor, I was a member of a church, and
I called myself a Christian – but honestly,
if Christianity was against the law, there
wasn’t enough evidence in the life that I
was living to arrest me.
I walked the aisle at church that evening
and committed my heart and life to Jesus
Christ as my Savior and Lord. My life
and lifestyle changed immediately. I
was married within the year and after
struggling through two more injuryplagued seasons in the NFL, retired back
to a normal life in Edmond. The Lord
blessed my wife Cindy and me with
two wonderful sons, Joshua and Jacob.
I started a business with my brother
called “Blair Vending and Coffee,” which
we still have to this day, 19 years and
counting.
I served the Lord at Fairview Baptist
Church in Edmond as a Deacon,
Sunday school teacher and eventually
youth pastor. I loved (and still do) the
Lord and was willing to serve in any
capacity…except as a pastor. I loved and
respected pastors, but having been the
son of a pastor I realized, that was one job
I never wanted to have.
The Lord certainly has an interesting
sense of humor.
Six years ago, He
seemingly put His finger on the end of
my nose and called me into the ministry.
Now at age 43, I have been an ordained
Baptist minister and have served the Lord
as the Senior Pastor at Fairview Baptist
Church in Edmond for over five years.
Our church is wonderful!! We have an
outstanding, growing body of committed
Christians that the Lord, each other
and our community. Incidentally, the
Lord has allowed us to be a part of a
great upcoming event called “Reclaiming
Oklahoma for Christ.” Groups like the
ACLU have tried to convince us that
when we become Christians, we are
supposed to turn in our citizenship as
Americans. NOT SO!! America was
founded on the gospel of Jesus Christ
and it is high time that we remember
our roots, before it’s too late!! Check out
the web sight www.reclaimoklahoma.org
for details.
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PAGE 6 • OKC-METRO VOICE • AUGUST 2006
Flight School 101
Solo! There’s nothing more exciting than the word
“Solo” to a young person or any person seeking a
pilot’s license. The instructor steps out of the airplane
and tells you to take it around the pattern, alone,
for the first time in your life. There’s nothing more
indescribable as the feeling of being alone at the
controls of an airplane for the first time.
Micah
Garrett
of
Edmond just experienced
that feeling and the glow
is still in his eye. Just
seventeen years of age and
Micah has experienced the
freedom of flight! “I have
to put this back down” was
just one of the thoughts
running through Micah’s mind as he raced to the sky
in a Cessna 152 for the first time without an instructor
by his side. “Freedom… This is really cool…I know
what to do but I have to concentrate,”… all thoughts
flooding his mind, reaching for the clouds.
“I can’t wait to get started!” Aaron Gober, twenty
three, is about take his first lesson in a Cessna 172.
He begins flight training at AirOne Flight Academy
Inc. this month. We’ll track the progress of Micah
and Aaron as they soar with eagles. Others, too, will
By Dale Gober
be in our sights as they take training to become part
of an elite group called pilots.
I must admit while writing this article, the days
of my training as a pilot came flooding back as if
yesterday. In truth it has been 30 years since I first
took the check ride that “won” my wings, but my
first solo is still vivid in my memory. Hal Harris
is the owner of AirOne
Flight Academy Inc. While
speaking with Hal, I could
see even after his own
personal 30 years of flying
experience, the memory of
that first solo is still in his
heart as well.
What does it take to be
a pilot? Do I have the “right stuff?” What can I do
with a pilot’s license today? All questions that we
will begin to answer over the next few months. It is
my sincere joy to bring this series to you and I hope
you will call or write me with your experiences in
the air as well.
I will leave you with this thought of flying and the
possibility of becoming a pilot yourself. It has never
been safer. It has never been easier. You will never
forget the experience! NEVER!!
Aaron Gober checks the controls as he prepares to become
a student pilot at AirOne Flight Academy Inc.
Student pilot Micah Garrett and AirOne Flight Academy Inc.
Instructor Chase Arnold
AUGUST 2006 • OKC-METRO VOICE • PAGE 7
Here's
What’s Cooking!
By Susan Jennings Robertson
It’s “back to school cookies”, then and now. As
I think about the new school year starting, the
ritual of packing a lunch for children comes
to mind. Many of us began taking lunch
to school in a metal Roy Rogers or glen
plaid lunch box with matching thermos.
We then went on to junior high or high
school, and had the privilege of eating
in the school cafeteria.
I’d like to share a recipe with you
from my high school days. My four
sisters and I attended a wonderful public
high school in Oklahoma City, where
these fabulous cookies were served in the
school cafeteria. To our delight, a thoughtful
cafeteria chef shared the recipe with us, and we’ve
enjoyed these “High School Sugar cookies” with family
and friends now for over 30 years!
When
“Right”
isn’t
Easy
By Jack Bowen
High School Sugar Cookies
Ingredients:
1 pound butter
1 ½ cup granulated white sugar
2 Tablespoons real vanilla extract
5 cups all purpose flour
Pinch of cinnamon
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cream butter, sugar, and vanilla until light
colored and very fluffy. Continue creaming on low speed—add flour gradually.
Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly blended. Portion dough into walnutsize balls on an un-greased cookie sheet in rows, allowing room for cookies to
spread. Flatten each cookie with the bottom of a water glass or jelly jar that
has been coated with sugar and cinnamon. (Cinnamon is optional) Bake for
10-12 minutes. Recipe should make about 50 cookies.
PAGE 8 • OKC-METRO VOICE • AUGUST 2006
Jack Bowen
To paint the setting for what I’m
about to tell you, I need to say I’m
the Internet Sales Manager at a local
car dealership. I was struck a couple
of years ago by a most unusual
customer, and by his commitment
to doing what he felt was right, even
though it was going to cost him
money.
At the time, the federal government,
via a congressional act, was allowing
“businesses” to purchase SUV’s, if
they exceeded 6,000 pounds, and
take a huge tax deduction, so huge
that the business was really paying
very little for an SUV. On one hand,
the government was telling us to
conserve, but on the other hand,
encouraging people to buy SUV’s
that guzzle, quite reminiscent of
spending money to tell people not
to smoke, and on the other hand,
paying people subsidies to grow
tobacco.
Many folks were buying SUV’s
under their businesses’ names, when
in reality, the vehicle was for personal
use but still taking the tax break.
One day, a local businessman
called me and told me he wanted
to trade in the SUV he’d bought
under the tax credit, and get a more
fuel efficient car that he wouldn’t
get that big tax break on. He said
that even though his accountant
was telling him to get another SUV
for his financial circumstances, his
conscience was telling him it was
not good stewardship of the earth’s
resources.
He said he only needed a car for
his business, and there was no need
for an SUV other than the financial
advantage. So he had ultimately
decided doing what he felt was
right outweighed doing what was
monetarily expedient. The man was
actually using the vehicle for his
business, not for personal use.
Doing what’s right is easy when
it provides immediate gratification,
such as a financial reward, public
praise, pleasure, etc. But how easy
is it to do what’s right when it
costs us some kind of immediate
gratification? To cut to the chase,
it’s hard to do what’s right when our
perception is that it’s going to cost
us something we dearly want.
What this businessman had
apparently figured out was that he
was giving up monetary gain for the
long-term fulfillment of knowing he
was doing what was right.
Doing what’s right when it costs
you something is worth a lot. But,
like the credit card commercial says,
it’s also priceless.
El Paso Gold - The Lawman
by Dale Gober
Chapter Two
The Posse
Morning came with Ma Morgan’s rooster crowing
and the sound of songbirds in the tree outside his
room. Tall stretched and washed his face in the
basin. He quickly dressed and headed downstairs.
Mrs. Morgan had breakfast ready. “Morning ma’am.”
“Good morning Mr. McCurdy, breakfast is ready”
“Thank you.” It was good to sit down to his first real
meal in a number of days. His appetite had grown
over night and steak and eggs with biscuits and gravy
hit the spot. His belly now full and the town’s trouble
on his mind didn’t allow much time for Tall to enjoy
his coffee. He reached for his hat and gun-belt hanging
in the entry hall and headed out to the street. “Goodday Mr. McCurdy” Ma Morgan called as Tall left the
house. Ma Morgan knew Tall McCurdy. He was a
man of determination. He was after killers.
Tall’s first stop was the Sheriff’s office. Tall knew the
deputy really just made the coffee and swept the place
out now and then. He was too old to track outlaws
and too weak-eyed to shoot them if he found any. He
was busy sweeping the floor when Tall walked up to
the door of the jail. “Good morning Pete. I see you’re
still dancin’ with that same sweetheart.” Pete turned
and smiled. He recognized the voice and figure of his
friend. He looked at the broom in his hands. “When
you get to be my age, any dance with any partner, is
welcome. How are you Tall?” “I’ve been better Pete.
Have you heard anything from the Doc?” “Doc says,
looks like the sheriff is going to pull through. Just
take awhile.” “That’s good news. Any word about the
posse?” “Nope! Tom Hanson, I don’t believe you know
him, he’s a good tracker. He’s leading the posse.” “Pete
if you hear anything, let me know.” “Sure thing Tall.
It’s good to have you back.”
Shops were beginning to open now. Tall made
his way to the livery stable to check his animals.
He entered the stall with Buck. “Good morning ol’
buddy.” He rubbed the horse’s neck with a soft brush.
“How’d you sleep?” Buck responded to his friend with
a soft whiny. He reached over and patted the mule on
the neck. “You’re a good old boy too you know.”
Tall’s mind could not leave the bank robbery and
murdered teller for long. Being a lawman for so many
years, the need to solve the crime became second
nature to him. He decided to drop by the bank and see
if he could find out more about the robbery.
The bank was closed but the owner, Mr. Simms, was
inside. As Tall entered, Mr. Simms called out, “We’re
closed.” “Yes sir! I see that.” Mr. Simms turned to see a
friendly face in Tall McCurdy. “Tall, am I glad to see
you!” Tall shook the banker’s hand. “Looks like you
had a bad day,” Tall said. “The worst day of my life
Tall.” said Simms. “Jim Jackson was a good friend and
a fine family man. No amount of money was worth
his life.” Tall sat on the corner of the banker’s big desk.
“I heard the sheriff is going to be alright in a few days.”
Tall said. “That’s good to hear,” said Simms. “Tall, I
can’t help you with any banking business today.” “I
know.” Tall said. “I just thought I might look around
and see if I could be of some help.” “Well I don’t know
how much help I can be to you Tall.” Mr. Simms
stepped out from behind the desk. “Four men rode in
from the north, didn’t talk to anyone, robbed the bank
and shot two men. They mounted their horses and
rode out north again.” “Did anyone get a good look at
them?” “No! They weren’t in town long enough, and
they wore flour sacks over their heads while they were
in the bank.” Tall adjusted his hat back on his head.
“Well maybe the posse will have some luck.”
Tall left the bank by the back door. The alley was
full of wagon and horse tracks. It would be impossible
to know which ones were the killers. As he turned to
walk down the alley the morning sun glistened off
something in the dirt. It was a gold coin. Tall stepped
back to the bank. “Mr. Simms! Did they take much
gold?” “All of it,” he said with disgust. “That’s all they
did take. No paper money at all, just the gold.” Tall
tossed the gold coin onto Mr. Simm’s desk. “There’s
part of the money back.” Tall left the bank with his
first shaky lead. Taking gold and not paper money
meant only one thing in Tall’s mind. Mexico! Paper
money could be traced. No one questions gold,
especially along the border.
Tall turned up the alley leading to the boarding
house. Stepping out in the main street he was drawn
back by a number of men riding hard for the sheriff’s
office. The posse had returned. Tall changed directions
and many other citizens headed for the sheriff’s office
to hear the news.
It wasn’t what the people wanted to hear. “We lost
their trail.” The voice in the crowd belonged to the
deputy in charge of the posse. “They had some fresh
horses and ours were played out. We’ll start out again
in the morning. See if we can pick up a fresh trail.”
A sigh of disappointment went through the gathered
crowd. Jim Jackson’s funeral would have been easier if
his murderer had been locked in the jail. The crowd of
people went about their business as the deputy went
inside. Tall followed him inside the office.
Tom Hanson was a dark tan Texan. The prairie
winds had furrowed deep lines in his face, but the
look of honesty in his eyes shown bright. “What can
I do for you Mister?” “The name’s Tall McCurdy.” He
reached out his hand to greet the deputy. The deputy
looked deftly at the unshaken hand. You’re the U.S.
Marshal I hear so much about.” Tall pulled his hand
back. “Look Mr. McCurdy, I know you have a history
in this town and a lot of good friends. But, the one
thing I don’t need is the local hero trying to impress
folks. Right now my job is tough enough without
organizing any parades or listening to speeches.” Tall’s
face flushed red. “Well I guess the only speech I’m
interested in is…” Tall stopped. “What can you tell me
about the trail?” “Nothing I haven’t already said. We
followed the trail north out of town about 15 miles
and found the place where they changed mounts. It
doesn’t take long to know when you’ve been out run in
a horse race. We’ll try to pick the trail up first thing in
the morning. Any more questions?” Tall’s anger was in
check for now. “Keep me informed.” The words were
pointed and sharp. The deputy looked up from the
desk and saw the blue steel of Tall’s eyes. “Sure thing,”
he responded. Tall stepped toward the door reaching
for the latch. “One more thing Mr. McCurdy, I want
you to look at this.” He reached into the pocket of his
duster and pulled out a flour sack with eyeholes. He
opened the sack. “Look inside.” There were strands of
hair that had been pulled out as the sack was taken off
and thrown to the ground. “We’re looking for a man
with long red hair, that has a lot of money to spend.”
Tall opened the door and stepped out on the porch of
the jail.
Down the street the noon train was filling its boiler.
Tall struck a match to re-light his cigar. He held the
match for just a moment, thinking as he watched the
train. As he lit his cigar a circle of smoke followed as
he crossed the corner to the livery stable.
Jack Bloom owned the livery and had just
returned with the posse. He had just finished unsaddling his horse and was measuring out grain for
the animal when Tall arrived. “Hello Jack.” “Hello
Tall, I knew you was in town when I saw ol’ Buck
there.” “Rode in last night. Wish I had been here
a couple of days sooner.” Jack shook his head in
agreement as he poured out the grain. Tall and Jack
had grown up together. During times of trouble
it seemed they could read each other’s thoughts.
“Jack, I want you to do me a favor.” Looking up he
said, “If I can.” “Would you take care of Buck for a
few days?” “Sure.”
The train whistle split the air announcing it was
ready to move on. Tall hurried to the station and
bought a ticket. “All aboard! All aboard for El Paso!”
Tall settled down in a window seat and jerked his hat
over his eyes.
“To Be Continued in the September edition of okcMetro Voice.
If you would like a previous month’s chapter, email
us at okcmetrovoice@coxinet.net”
AUGUST 2006 • OKC-METRO VOICE • PAGE 9
Broadway
in
OKC
Celebrity Attractions is once again bringing Broadway to Oklahoma City!
September 17, 2006 will be “Opening Night” for the 2006-2007 Broadway
season. The Civic Center Music Hall will open its doors to a new musical
“The Rock & The Rabbi” September 17-23, 2006. This musical, about the
friendship between a fisherman and a teacher, is a contemporary treatment of
the Biblical story. It’s intimate and emotional, yet funny and thrilling.
But, wait! The season has just begun! November 7-12, 2006, Celebrity
Attractions brings to the stage the genius of Ray Charles in “I Can’t Stop
Loving You.” Then just as the New Year opens, On Golden Pond comes to the
Civic Center stage January 2-7, 2007. This timeless classic stars two of our
favorites from television, Tom Bosley (Happy Days) and Michael Learned (The
Waltons).
Man of La Mancha is coming March 2007. “La Mancha” is the epic story of
knight-errant Don Quixote, his servant Sancho, and the woman of his dreams.
Man Of La Mancha is the classic comic tragedy of man’s struggle against all
odds to dream the impossible dreams.
Rounding out the Broadway season is the untold story of the Witches of Oz.
Winner of the Grammy ® and 3 Tony ® Awards, “Wicked” has become Broadway’s
biggest blockbuster. “Wicked” will open to audiences at the Civic Center June
6-12, 2007. This is a season of entertainment you won’t want to miss. For
ticket information contact Celebrity Attractions at (800) 869- 1451 or log on
to their website at www.celebrityattractions.com.
American
Minute
with Bill Federer
pulpits. They were mass produced
and accessible to the multitudes.
Though millions were grateful, his
business partner sued him and took
his rights. Of his press, Gutenberg
wrote: “Let us break the seal which
seals up holy things and give wings
to Truth in order that she may
win every soul that comes into
the world.” In August of 1993,
Pope John Paul II spoke at Regis
University in Denver, Colorado,
regarding the nation’s current moral
Bill Federer
crisis and then presented an original
Gutenberg Bible to President Bill
Gutenberg means “Beautiful Clinton, who was in attendance.
mountain.” An appropriate name
If you would like to sign up for a
for Johannes Gutenberg, who
daily
dose of the American Minute,
invented the first moveable type
printing press. His masterpiece was here is the address.
www.AmericanMinute.com
the printing of the Gutenberg Bible
American Minute
around this day, August 24, 1455.
P.O. Box 20163
No longer were Bibles painstakingly
St. Louis, MO 63123
copied by hand and chained to
August 2006
PAGE 10 • OKC-METRO VOICE • AUGUST 2006
Immigration Debate
Impacted By Language
By David Dunn
Recent news stories have chronicled
Congressional and state efforts to
solve the illegal immigration problem.
What makes this issue so interesting
is its complexity. Partisan politics,
the rule of law, competing interests,
economics, nationalism, and abortion
all figure prominently in this debate.
But rather than re-hash all the
arguments pro-and-con, I want to
focus specifically on the language. Stay
tuned: I think you’ll be fascinated.
Perhaps the most interesting
aspect of the debate has been the
transformative use of language to sway
people’s thinking about the illegal
immigration issue. Take a moment to
consider your emotional reaction to
each of these terms: foreigners, illegal
aliens, illegal workers, migrant workers,
immigrants, undocumented workers,
guest workers. Notice the big impact
that the pairing of negative words,
a positive and a negative word, or
only positive words has on your gut
reaction.
As David Kupelian, author of the
excellent book, The Marketing of
Evil (WND Books, 256 pgs., 2005),
explained to a gathering last year at
The Heritage Foundation,
Have you noticed how the phrase
“illegal aliens” has morphed into “illegal
immigrants,” then “undocumented
immigrants,” then “undocumented
workers,” even “guest workers”? My gosh,
“undocumented guest workers”—that
phrase is so positive, it makes me feel
like moving out of my house and letting
them just move in. Poor “undocumented
guest workers”—undocumented must
mean they lost their documents, and
they’re our guests, and they’re working
hard—I mean, what could be better
than that?
This is big-time desensitization.
We’re losing our sense of outrage over
having 10 to 15 million illegal aliens
basically invading our country. We’re
being desensitized to the fact that illegal
immigration is illegal—it’s a crime,
remember? People who, for whatever
reasons, don’t want our immigration
laws to be enforced, use the word
“undocumented” instead of illegal.
And—this is critical—the news media
complete the sales job by picking up the
label and using it on us day in and day
out.
As the public-policy debate over
immigration continues, pay particular
attention to the words that are used
to influence people. Remember: as
Rush Limbaugh has said, words have
meaning. Words are important. They
shape our thinking and our laws—for
good or ill.
Dunn is research and project
director for the Oklahoma Family
Policy Council.
AUGUST 2006 • OKC-METRO VOICE • PAGE 11
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PAGE 12 • OKC-METRO VOICE • AUGUST 2006