February 1, 2012

Hold on tight, because it’s sure to be a nasty one! Chock full of articles about suicide, homicide, and genocide, this is one gritty paper that promises to take you on a harrowing, hair-raising journey. GOODBYE: Shawna Lewis says so long to John Sands, a London-born engineer who made a home in Tulsa for over 30 years. TOGETHER: For Nick Doctor and Mana Tahaie, saying “I do!” twice isn’t necessarily twice as nice. IMAGINARY OKLAHOMA: Author Jack Pendarvis weaves a tale of Texaco signs and white fog. BLIND SPOT: Larry Yadon explores the simultaneous rise to power of Boston gangster Whitey Bulger and Tulsa businessman Roger Wheeler. SUNDAY MORNING COMING DOWN: Randy Roberts Potts writes a letter to his deceased uncle Ronnie, the oldest son of Oral Roberts. REDEFINING THE LIBERAL ARTS: Oral Roberts’ daughter Roberta chimes in about the factors that drove her father to start his own college. SERVING KAGAME: Collin Hinds writes of Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s tenuous connection to Oklahoma City University. DANCING THE FRIGHT AWAY: Kerry Cohen tries a new sexual identity on for size. BOOMTOWN: This month, we’re featuring one of Woody Guthrie’s pen-and-ink drawings from the Woody Guthrie Archives. DONE THAT: Natasha Ball gets her hands dirty at the Chili Bowl. OKIE ORIGINAL: Jeremy Luther photographs jazz and classical musician Amy Cottingham. AND THERE’S MORE: This Land sales rep Dustin Brasel generously donated his torso to be used as the canvas for this issue’s cover!