(1838,1,'2010-09-05 15:48:38','2010-09-05 20:48:38','<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-1822\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/09/compadres-taco-eating-contest/dsc_1050-3/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-1822\" title=\"Compadres Taco Eating Contest\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/DSC_10501-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Compadres Taco Eating Contest\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLast week at about this time I was...on the couch. I hadn\'t eaten since the day before, but I was still too full of food to move.\r\n\r\n<!--more--><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-1821\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/09/compadres-taco-eating-contest/dsc_1047/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-1821\" title=\"Compadres Taco Eating Contest\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/DSC_1047-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Compadres Taco Eating Contest\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nIt\'d been about 24 hours since I\'d participated in the first-annual taco eating contest at <a href=\"http://compadresgrill.com/\">Compadres Mexican Grill</a>, a local chain of restaurants specializing in food inspired by south-of-the-border noms.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-1830\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/09/compadres-taco-eating-contest/46040_437668732912_85786297912_5060847_1634741_n/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-1830\" title=\"Compadres Taco Eating Contest from Compadres Facebook\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/46040_437668732912_85786297912_5060847_1634741_n-500x333.jpg\" alt=\"Compadres Taco Eating Contest from Compadres Facebook\" width=\"500\" height=\"333\" /></a>\r\n\r\nA group of 15 Tulsans, myself included, took the challenge: To eat as many beef-and-cheese tacos as possible within five minutes. It was all part of an effort to raise money and awareness for <a href=\"http://www.pepcooftulsa.org/\">PEPCO, or People Empowering People Community Outreach</a>, a north Tulsa community center that closed earlier this year due to budget cuts.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-1828\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/09/compadres-taco-eating-contest/45161_437668842912_85786297912_5060862_3781698_n/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1828\" title=\"Compadres Taco Eating Contest from Compadres Facebook\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/45161_437668842912_85786297912_5060862_3781698_n.jpg\" alt=\"Compadres Taco Eating Contest from Compadres Facebook\" width=\"480\" height=\"720\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLook how ready we were! The fight was on.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-1831\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/09/compadres-taco-eating-contest/46684_437668912912_85786297912_5060870_2114167_n/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-1831\" title=\"Compadres Taco Eating Contest from Compadres Facebook\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/46684_437668912912_85786297912_5060870_2114167_n-500x333.jpg\" alt=\"Compadres Taco Eating Contest from Compadres Facebook\" width=\"500\" height=\"333\" /></a><a rel=\"attachment wp-att-1830\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/09/compadres-taco-eating-contest/46040_437668732912_85786297912_5060847_1634741_n/\"></a>\r\n\r\nI was a proud competitor, but I admit, I didn\'t last long. Though I chewed and stuffed until my jaw muscles burned like a fire, I could only down five of the 10 tacos set in front of me within the time limit.\r\n\r\nWhich doesn\'t seem like much, does it? But it really is. Try it yourselves and you\'ll see.\r\n\r\nPlus, it was more than my fellow competitor Mary Ann Dutcher, Miss Oklahoma\'s Outstanding Teen 2010, could do. She ate one taco.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-1829\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/09/compadres-taco-eating-contest/45166_437669177912_85786297912_5060911_5734905_n/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-1829\" title=\"Compadres Taco Eating Contest from Compadres Facebook\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/45166_437669177912_85786297912_5060911_5734905_n-500x333.jpg\" alt=\"Compadres Taco Eating Contest from Compadres Facebook\" width=\"500\" height=\"333\" /></a>\r\n\r\nOne taco, y\'all. But hey, she\'s got a figure to maintain. We bloggers, we don\'t need figures. As long as we have a head for Twitter and Facebook profile photos, we\'re solid.\r\n\r\nAnother thing? I want a tiara. If I had a tiara, I would wear it all the time, every day - probably even in the shower and while mowing the lawn.\r\n\r\nBy the way, five tacos was the same amount eaten by <a href=\"http://www.newson6.com/Global/story.asp?S=7460592\">News on 6 reporter Chris Wright</a>.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-1833\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/09/compadres-taco-eating-contest/picture-7-2/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1833\" title=\"Compadres Taco Eating Contest on KOTV\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Picture-7.png\" alt=\"Compadres Taco Eating Contest on KOTV\" width=\"470\" height=\"394\" /></a>\r\n\r\n(Click the photo to see the video)\r\n\r\nWhich made me feel a little better. But wow, some of those competitors had some serious strategy. Next to me was <a href=\"http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4182/is_20100721/ai_n54586443/\">Geoffrey Simpson</a>, whose strategy was to take tiny sips of water as he took tiny bites of the tacos in an effort to be able to, you guessed it,  bypass the chewing process altogether.\r\n\r\nHardcore, Geoffrey. Hardcore.\r\n\r\nAnother strategy used by a few competitors in the contest was to dip the tacos in large glasses of water before chowing down, thus lubricating the whole thing for more efficient mastication.\r\n\r\nThese guys had obviously put a lot of thought into this tacoeating contest thing. Winning was paramount. They were intent on having their stomach capacity publicly lauded...a desire I totally understand, actually.\r\n\r\nIn the end, Manny Groll, Steven St. John and Greg Deardorff tied and advanced to a round of sudden death.\r\n\r\nThe term \"sudden death\" is not ironic here. No, not at all.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-1826\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/09/compadres-taco-eating-contest/dsc_1090/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-1826\" title=\"Compadres Taco Eating Contest\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/DSC_1090-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Compadres Taco Eating Contest\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nUltimately, Manny emerged as the winner. The potentate de taco, if you will.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-1825\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/09/compadres-taco-eating-contest/dsc_1089/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1825\" title=\"Compadres Taco Eating Contest\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/DSC_1089.jpg\" alt=\"Compadres Taco Eating Contest\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThat fancy trophy wasn\'t all Manny took home as his prize. He also won a $250 gift certificate to Compadres.\r\n\r\nWhich, as I found out this week when I visited the restaurant again with the aim of trying anything but their beef-and-cheese tacos, is a really big deal. The portion sizes at Compadres are huge. The real bonus? The food is really, really good, from the beef chile relleno and the fajita chimichanga all the way down to the salsa and chips on the table. If for some reason you haven\'t tried this place, you must. <a href=\"http://compadresgrill.com/\">Choose your favorite special</a> (we hear that the Thursday special of fajitas for two, a bowl of queso and two house margaritas for $20 is pretty rockin\') and plan your trip to Compadres accordingly.\r\n\r\nThe taco eating contest at Compadres started last Saturday at 3pm. The hilarious thing was that I was due downtown for the <a href=\"http://oksteakcookoff.com/\">Oklahoma Championship Steak Cookoff</a> with my family by 5:30pm.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-1832\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/09/compadres-taco-eating-contest/dsc_1094/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-1832\" title=\"Oklahoma Championship Steak Cookoff 2010\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/DSC_1094-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Oklahoma Championship Steak Cookoff 2010\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nOkay, okay. You can stop laughing at any time. I get it, and so do my arteries, hard and crusty though they are these days.\r\n\r\nThe second-annual Oklahoma Championship Steak Cook-off was a huge success, by the way. Though I didn\'t get there in time to try any, I heard from <a href=\"http://www.tulsafoodblog.com/\">Brian at Tulsa Food Blog</a> and <a href=\"http://www.joesburgersearch.com/\">Joe with Joe\'s Burger Search</a> that the variety of appetizers was mouth-watering. More than 50 teams cooked for upwards of 2,000 attendees throughout the day, where the main course was a 16-ounce Certified Angus beef ribeye.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-1832\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/09/compadres-taco-eating-contest/dsc_1094/\"></a>\r\n\r\nWhich is why, by Sunday, I was a useless, beef-filled lump, good for nothing but holding down my living room sofa.\r\n\r\nI\'m pretty sure my eyes went milky. And my husband said that for three days the back of my neck smelled like steak sweat, and not in a sexy way.\r\n\r\nSounds to me like I need to invest more of my time in the perfection of my Xtreme eating skills. I mean, I can\'t have anyone thinking that I eat like a girl. Five tacos and a 16-ounce ribeye in the space of two hours just ain\'t cuttin\' it.\r\n\r\nMan up, TDT. Man up.\r\n\r\nSo, have you ever participated in an eating contest before? If so, what was your strategy for the win? I must know. I must unlock the sacred secrets of the order of the belly busters.\r\n\r\n<strong>Compadres Mexican Grill</strong>\r\nWhere: In Tulsa at 7104 S. Sheridan; in Broken Arrow at 2200 W. New Orleans; in Owasso at 12551 E. 86th Street North\r\nCall: (918) 451-8970 (Broken Arrow); (918) 274-8970 (Owasso)\r\nWeb: <a href=\"http://www.CompadresGrill.com\">CompadresGrill.com</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/58/1530356/restaurant/Woodland-Hills-71st-Street-Corridor/Compadres-Mexican-Grill-Tulsa\"><img style=\"border: none; width: 130px; height: 36px;\" src=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1530356/minilink.gif\" alt=\"Compadres Mexican Grill on Urbanspoon\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=198413&amp;id=85786297912&amp;ref=mf\"><em>Select photos courtesy of Compadres on Facebook</em></a><em>.</em>','Compadres, Oklahoma Championship Steak Cookoff: Beef (lots of it), it\'s what\'s for dinner.','It\'d been about 24 hours since I\'d participated in the first-annual taco eating contest at Compadres Mexican Grill, a local chain of restaurants specializing in food inspired by south-of-the-border noms.','inherit','open','open','','1820-revision-4','','','2010-09-05 15:48:38','2010-09-05 20:48:38','',1820,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/09/1820-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(770,1,'2010-07-14 20:11:00','2010-07-14 20:11:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4465336705/\" title=\"Tulsa Blogger Meetup, Second Edition by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Tulsa Blogger Meetup, Second Edition\" height=\"425\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4465336705_32291134fc_o.jpg\" width=\"640\" /></a></div><br />As I continue to sew up the final details on the next <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/01/calling-all-tulsa-bloggers.html\">Tulsa Blogger Meetup</a> (squee! Look for an announcement within the next couple of days), I realized that for anyone looking for a variety of interesting online reading, Tulsa\'s blogosphere provides. <br /><br />At last count, Tulsa was home to more than 100 blogs, and those are just the ones to which I\'ve been alerted and subscribe. Needless to say, then, in the pages of Tulsa blogs, there\'s something for everyone.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a>Check out this round-up of my favorite posts written by Tulsa bloggers&nbsp;over the last couple of weeks.&nbsp;If everyone gets a kick out of this (leave a comment or <a href=\"mailto:tasha@tashadoestulsa.com\">e-mail me</a> to let me know what you think), I\'ll see what I can do to start putting together a weekly version of this list. Not only could it prove to be your one-stop shop for insider information on what to do in Tulsa, but it\'d also encourage excellence in local blogging.<br /><br />And that, pals, would benefit you, me and our little dogs, too.<br /><br /><b>Own it, Oklahoma</b><br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4359528472/\" title=\"Golden Driller by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Golden Driller\" height=\"640\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/4359528472_d85867425f_o.jpg\" width=\"480\" /></a></div><br />Check out&nbsp;<a href=\"http://www.batesline.com/archives/2010/07/oklahoma-ok-discoveryland-could.html\">this post</a> from the Michael Bates-penned <a href=\"http://www.batesline.com/\">Batesline.com</a> on the nightly (except Sundays) production of our namesake play <a href=\"http://dland.redrockcustomhomes.com/\">Oklahoma! out at Discoveryland</a>, west of Sand Springs (a city that, like Tulsa, straddles the Arkansas River, found a 10-minute drive west of downtown). <br /><br />The play proved to be an unsung treasure, Bates wrote, and Discoveryland is showing its age.<br /><br /><blockquote>\"Here is an attraction that last year drew visitors from all 50 states and 57 foreign countries, an attraction that capitalizes on one of the most widespread and positive associations people around the world have with the state of Oklahoma. Hundreds of millions in Tulsa County taxpayer dollars have been spent on attractions that are supposed to bring in visitors to spend money, and yet no one thought to put a tiny fraction of that money toward maintaining and improving an attraction that already draws visitors from around the world.\"</blockquote><br />Which follows from what Bates recommended to Mayor Bill LaFortune\'s visit summit in 2002, also something he\'s been pushing since the Convention and Tourism Task Force in 1999: <br /><br /><blockquote>\"I get the impression than some civic leaders are embarassed by our oil heritage, our Cowboy and Indian roots, and the strength of religious belief here -- so our tourist brochures trumpet the ballet and Philbrook and Utica Square, and downplay things like western swing music, the gun museum in Claremore, and ORU. When a German tourist comes to Oklahoma, he doesn\'t want to see the opera, he wants to see oil wells, tipis, old Route 66 motels, and tornadoes. Some adolescents go through a phase when their greatest longing is to be just like everyone else. If we\'re going to set ourselves apart, we have to stop trying to blend in as a modern city like every other, stop treating our quirky folkways as things to be suppressed and hidden, and celebrate them instead. It\'s nice to have the same cultural amenities as every other large city, but it\'s the unique qualities that will win the affections of our own people and capture the imaginations of the rest of the world.\"</blockquote><br />And you know what? I agree. <br /><br />But, I\'d take what Michael is saying one step further: What I think makes Tulsa worth a visit is the juxtaposition of our&nbsp;historic cowboys-and-indians-and-Route-66 stuff <i>with</i> our&nbsp;world-class museums, our award-winning theatre and ballet companies and our upscale shopping options, etc., etc. Also in the mix is this quirky and funky collection of local businesses and landmarks, some of the most outstanding architecture in the world and residents who are famous worldwide for friendliness.<br /><br />If we single any of this out and hold it up on its own in an attempt to get visitors to pack up and head for Tulsa, we\'re missing the boat, really.<br /><br />Because where else can you get the largest collection of western American art in the world, one of the largest collections of art deco architecture in the world, <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Driller\">the quirkiest landmark in the U.S.</a>, <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cyrus_Avery\">the adopted home of the guy who dreamed up that long highway we like to call Route 66</a> and gun shows and rodeos every weekend, all in the same town? Tulsa\'s it. And that, in my mind, is what we should be selling in our tourism brochures.  <br /><br />Dig his politics or no, Batesline.com is unfailingly good food for thought, and Bates has been an integral part of Tulsa\'s blogging community since before Tulsa even really had a blogging community. If you\'re not reading, you should be.<br /><br /><b>An Apartment-ka-bob</b><br /><br /><a href=\"http://blog.doubleshotcoffee.com/2010/06/mismeasurements.html\">This&nbsp;post</a> from <a href=\"http://www.doubleshotcoffee.com/\">Brian Franklin, owner of DoubleShot Coffee Company at 18th and Boston</a>, defies description. All that I can think to say is that it involves 1/32 of an inch, our business permits systems and a skewered apartment. If Brian ever writes a book based on the stories he tells in his blog posts, I hope this one makes it in. <br /><br /><b>Looking for Love in All the Right Places</b><br /><br />It takes someone like my friend and TDT columnist <a href=\"http://www.erinconrad.com/\">Erin Conrad</a> to not only think to shoot a newly engaged couple\'s photos at the Cherry Street Farmers\' Market, but <a href=\"http://erinconrad.blogspot.com/2010/07/magen-craig-engagement.html\">to execute it in such a refreshing and uplifting way</a>. If you\'re not already following Erin\'s series here on TDT, <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/search/label/Erin%20Sees%20Tulsa\">get thee to the archives post haste</a> and see what you\'ve been missing. <br /><br /><b>Peachy Keen</b><br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/3319906297/\" title=\"Porter Peaches by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Porter Peaches\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3607/3319906297_8138624d2c.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />The 44th annual Porter Peach Festival is upon us, and how better to get worked up for the occasion than by visiting my friend <a href=\"http://www.havesporkwilltravel.blogspot.com/\">Amanda Emerson at Have Spork, Will Travel</a> and baking up <a href=\"http://havesporkwilltravel.blogspot.com/2010/07/peach-and-blueberry-galette.html\">her Peach and Blueberry Galette</a>. This recipe will work just as well when you\'ve returned from Porter over the weekend with a whiskey barrel\'s worth of peaches. Not that I would know anything about this. <br /><br /><b>Toppier</b><br /><br />Sometimes <a href=\"http://irritatedtulsan.wordpress.com/\">Irritated Tulsan</a> makes me gasp and turn beet red, all alone here in my cluttered study where I do most of my blogging. But most of the time when I read IT, I laugh my ass off. <a href=\"http://irritatedtulsan.wordpress.com/2010/06/22/heat/\">In his latest post about the new QuikTrip stores that have landed in T-Town over the past several weeks</a>, he wrote:<br /><br /><blockquote>Tulsa’s top reason to not live in OKC got toppier.</blockquote><br />And I snorted. <a href=\"http://irritatedtulsan.wordpress.com/2010/07/06/tulsa-tuesday-superquiktrip-is-open-but%E2%80%A6/\">Get the rest of the post here</a>. And you can\'t call yourself a true QT fan if you\'re not reading <a href=\"http://en.wordpress.com/tag/mattatarian/\">IT\'s reviews (complete with towering photos) of the nommy-noms available there</a>.<br /><br /><b>Customers as Billboards</b><br /><br /><a href=\"http://davidrutkauskas.com/index.cfm?blogid=34\">David Rutkauskas, CEO of Tulsa-based Beautiful Brands International</a> (the parent company for the likes of Camille\'s Sidewalk Cafe and Freshberry Frozen Yogurt), has a new blog, and I thought that his post on satisfied customers as advertising would be of particular use to the local business owners TDT works to champion: <br /><br /><blockquote>Too often, I’ve been to businesses where they could care less if you were there or not. Most often it’s the case of a poorly trained staff that has NOT been taught the art of pleasing customers.</blockquote><br />We\'ve all had this experience, and it\'s doubly heart-breaking when it happens at a locally owned business. Make it easy for us to shop local, y\'all. Be nice, smile, and create an experience for the customer that he won\'t be able to find anywhere else. Your advertising makes a promise, and if you can\'t deliver that promise once the customer is in your store, all of that pretty money you spent on that billboard on the side of the busiest highway in Tulsa could have just as well have been used as wallpaper. Or coasters. <br /><br />Or, really rough toilet tissue. <br /><br /><b>Dinner at the Farm</b><br /><br />I\'ve seen Tulsa\'s mommybloggers writing a lot about bucket lists lately, and I\'ve gotta admit, I have a bucket list of my own. On it is a farm table dinner at Living Kitchen, a farm in Depew, Oklahoma, with a presence at Tulsa\'s farmers\' markets. Owner/farmer/chef extraordinaire Bibi Becklund hosts these dinners monthly, each on a different, seasonal theme. <a href=\"http://livingonthisfarm.blogspot.com/2010/06/garlic-dinner.html\">She wrote about the dinners before the event that celebrated the garlic harvest</a>, and last week\'s lavender dinner was <i>the</i> place to be for local foodies. Becklund calls August\'s dinners Oklahoma Dreamin\', and they feature a bounty of okra, corn, squash, tomatoes, peppers and eggplant. <a href=\"http://livingkitchen.homestead.com/FarmTableDinners.html\">The complete calendar can be found here</a>.<br /><br /><b>On Perkiness</b><br /><br />One of the only reasons I run is because <a href=\"http://moving4life.com/\">Shawna Simpson of Moving 4 Life</a> impresses the hell out of me. Her journey from life as a sedentary, overweight mom to an medal-winning marathon runner inspires me to get off my butt when the couch feels extra cushy. She wrote this post about the value of something about which I\'m passionate: <a href=\"http://moving4life.com/2010/07/icing-on-the-cake/\">The power of a pretty bra</a>. Ladies, the power is real. Let Shawna tell you all about it. <br /><br /><b>Knit Yourself South</b><br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4765841768/\" title=\"Loops, A Yarn Store by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Loops, A Yarn Store\" height=\"640\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4765841768_d619ef588a_b.jpg\" width=\"425\" /></a></div><br />Did you know that this city is full of artsy-crafty people? And did you know that Tulsa has its very own yarn store? It\'s true - actually, we have a few, but <a href=\"http://www.loopsknitting.com/\">my all-time favorite is Loops in swanky Utica Square</a>. Loops has news - they\'re expanding into southtown, and <a href=\"http://blog.loopsknitting.com/2010/06/mallorys-vip-sneak-preview-contest.html\">a few lucky (and creative) yarn lovers have the opportunity to win an evening of sneak peaking at the yarn store\'s new digs</a>.','Discoveryland, Super Quiktrip, Pretty Bras and Skewered Apartments: Tulsa Blog Roundup','','inherit','open','open','','679-revision','','','2010-07-14 20:11:00','2010-07-14 20:11:00','',679,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/07/679-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(772,1,'2010-08-30 20:10:35','2010-08-31 01:10:35','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"DSC_0597 by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4663335101/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4663335101_2038134bbe.jpg\" alt=\"DSC_0597\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a></div>\nTemperatures aren\'t very forgiving during Oklahoma summers, but that doesn\'t mean that your entertainment has to be relegated to the area immediate around the nearest air conditioning vent.\n\nThere\'s still tons of ways to get out on the town and have a great time, all without breaking a sweat. Here are a few ideas.\n\n<a name=\"more\"></a><strong>Parks and other Free Stuff</strong>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Owen Park by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4530993413/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4530993413_39258459c3.jpg\" alt=\"Owen Park\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a></div>\n<strong>1. The River Parks Plaza</strong>. Not only is this one of the only shaded playgrounds in Tulsa, but it\'s also the one equipped with a new splash pad. And really, it\'s more than a splash pad. It\'s a water park without the pools and slides, and it\'s open every night until 10pm. Plus, there are hot dogs and sno cones on site. Each Thursday brings <a href=\"http://www.tulsalibrary.org/\">the Tulsa Library\'s Reading Roadshow</a> with a story time for the kids at 10am, and on Fridays is Rhythm on the River, a chance to picnic with friends and family, hear some of the best live music around and let the kids take over the playground at the same time. Find it at 41st Street and Riverside Drive.\n\n<strong>2. Chandler Park</strong>. Get not just one, but two pools at <a href=\"http://sites.google.com/site/chandlerparktulsa/\">this west Tulsa park</a> that also offers everything from sheltered picnicking to rock climbing to disc golf. One pool is sized for us adult types while the other is designed for the pint-sized. Pool hours are Sunday-Friday, 1-6:30pm; Saturday, noon-6:30pm; closed Wednesdays. Cost is $2.50 for those aged 13 and older, $1.50 for kids 12 and under. A good deal to beat the heat, if you ask me.\n\n<strong>3. Hunter Park</strong>. This south Tulsa park has a splash pad to rival that at River Parks, and it offers shaded playgrounds - and shaded areas where parents can sit, too. If you like your livin\' south, and if you like your livin\' free, Hunter Park is the summer destination for you.\n\n<strong>4. Owen Park</strong>. Not only will there be a brand-spanking-new splash pad at <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/04/owen-park-tulsas-oldest.html\">Tulsa\'s first and oldest park</a> before you know it, but it\'s also the site of a giant duck pond, complete with lots of shade and a beautiful water feature. When you bring your picnic, pack some stale bread, people, because those ducks don\'t expect to miss a meal.\n\n<strong>5. Any Tulsa City-County Library Location, anytime</strong>.<strong> </strong>I continue to be impressed by the volume and quality of events going on at our community\'s libraries. Not only can you get a story time or book discussion for any age group any day of the week, but the library also offers activities ranging from family-friendly concerts, magic shows, and scavenger hunts to video gaming parties, family game nights and art classes. Plus, there\'s always Tulsa Library\'s Summer Reading Program, complete with lots of reading fun and, cha-ching, prizes. <a href=\"http://www.tulsalibrary.org/eventguide/\">Check this events calendar for what\'s going on at the library when you\'re free to chill</a>.\n\n<strong>6. The Kids\' Free Film Festival at Riverwalk Movies and Circle Cinema</strong>. Looking for cost-free, air-conditioned, cinematic solutions to keeping your kids occupied this summer? Look no further than Riverwalk Movies, where twice on each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday shows a kid-appropriate movie, for free. <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/free-summer-kids-film-festivals-in.html\">Click here for details and a full schedule</a>. Now that July has rolled around, <a href=\"http://www.circlecinema.com/\">Circle Cinema</a> offers a free film festival for kids, too.\n\n<strong>7. Andy B\'s Bowling</strong>. Did you know that kids bowl for free at Andy B\'s? It\'s true - all you have to do is register at <a href=\"http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/\">kidsbowlfree.com</a>, get to 8711 S. Lewis and bowl your heart out. Family passes are available for purchase.\n\n<strong>Museums</strong>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Oklahoma Aquarium by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4557461063/\"><img src=\"http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3121/4557461063_b5d2b859cf.jpg\" alt=\"Oklahoma Aquarium\" width=\"332\" height=\"500\" /></a></div>\n<strong>8. Oklahoma Aquarium</strong>, 300 Aquarium Drive in Jenks. <a href=\"http://www.okaquarium.org/index.php\">Come on in, kids, the water\'s fine</a>. With nearly 200 exhibits and thousands of fresh and salt water species (don\'t forget about the mammals), all completely and totally indoors, there\'s an entire and frosty day\'s worth of fun at the Aquarium in Jenks. Hours are 10am-6pm. Admission is $13.95 for adults, $9.95 for kids 3-12, free for kids 2 and under.\n\n<strong>9. Philbrook Museum</strong>, 2727 S. Rockford Ave. From books as art to a brand-new exhibit on ancient Egypt, there\'s tons to see at this Italiante villa-turned-art museum. And guess what? Kids under 18 get in free. <a href=\"http://www.philbrook.org/exhibitions/current/\">Here\'s what to see while you\'re there</a>, and don\'t forget about Films on the Lawn this Friday night. Hours Thursday are 10am-8pm and on Friday 10am-5pm. Admission is $7.50 for adults.\n\n<strong>10. Gilcrease Museum</strong>, 1400 North Gilcrease Museum Road. One free-of-charge, icy-cold, world-class museum experience not enough for the kids this week? <a href=\"http://www.gilcrease.org/\">Head for the (Osage) hills and hit up Gilcrease Museum</a>, a treasure trove of American art and history - in fact, it\'s the largest, most comprehensive collection of art and artifacts of the American West anywhere. Hours are 10am-5pm. Admission is $8 for adults.\n\n<strong>11. Tulsa Air and Space Museum</strong>. It takes a lot of air conditioning to cool 19,000 square feet of air and space museum, but that\'s exactly what the folks at TASM do every day - every day except Monday, anyway. <a href=\"http://tulsaairandspacemuseum.com/admission.php\">Experience Tulsa\'s history in aerospace industry with family and friends</a> and stay cool at the same time. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, 1-5pm.\n\n<strong>Other Stuff</strong>\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Tulsa Shock by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4679189870/\"><img src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1297/4679189870_4b84e592b4.jpg\" alt=\"Tulsa Shock\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a></div>\n<strong>12. Oilers Ice Center</strong>, 6413 S. Mingo Road. Talk about cool, <a href=\"http://www.oilersicecenter.net/content/view/15/78/\">this is as icy-fresh as it gets</a>. Public skates are Monday-Friday, 11:30-1:30; Friday night skate from 8pm-11pm; Saturday, 12pm-2pm and Sunday, 1-3pm. With skate rental, it\'s $8.50.\n\n<strong>13. BOK Center</strong>. 200 S. Denver. Speaking of air conditioning lots of space, <a href=\"http://www.bokcenter.com/\">BOK Center</a> offers family-friendly shows all summer long and, of course, they\'re all as cool and fresh as the girls you wanted to be in high school.\n\n<strong>14. Purple Glaze</strong>, 3303 S. Peoria Ave. and 6528 E. 91st Street. What\'s more fun than making a mess with your kids? <a href=\"http://www.purpleglazestudio.com/\">Making a mess with your kids that you don\'t have to clean up, duh</a>. Head to Purple Glaze to pick out your favorite ceramic. Spend the afternoon painting or tiling it, just the way you like. Leave it behind until after the weekend and, voila, a one-of-a-kind commemoration of the time the first week of summer had everyone in Tulsa bringing wine and roses home to their air conditioners. Hours are 11am-9pm Thursday and Friday, with the Brookside location staying open until 10pm Friday night. Studio fee is $6; pottery prices include the ceramic, paints, glaze and firing.\n\n<strong>15. Bounce U</strong>, 8922 S. Memorial Drive. I\'m a former kid these days, but even I can\'t get enough of a good, old-fashioned Jupiter Jump - especially when it\'s an air-conditioned Jupiter Jump and it\'s 96 degrees outside. <a href=\"http://www.bounceu.com/party-places-for-kids/oklahoma/tulsa/\">Help the kids work out their snow day wiggles by setting them loose on a variety of inflatable structures</a>. Just don\'t forget to bring extra socks. Admission is $6.95 per child. Open bounce is 1:30-3pm.\n\n<strong>16. Admiral Twin Drive-In</strong>. The shows don\'t start until 9pm, right at about the time a breeze starts to blow across T-Town. Load up the fam and head to this relic of Americana for a movie, refreshments and an outdoor movie-going experience with some Tulsa history and, of course, fun. Adult tickets are $7.50 (cheaper than at most other movie theaters) each, and kids get in cheaper or free (as our two-year-old does), depending on age. Find AT at 7533 E. Easton, just north of I-244.\n\nWhat do YOU plan to do to keep cool during the upcoming hot, Oklahoma days?\n\n<em>This post updated from the June 22 feature on </em><a href=\"http://www.krmg.com/krmgmorningnews\"><em>the KRMG Morning News with Joe Kelley</em></a><em>.</em>','16 Ways to Keep Cool in Tulsa this Summer','Temperatures aren\'t very forgiving during Oklahoma summers, but that doesn\'t mean that your entertainment has to be relegated to the area immediate around the nearest air conditioning vent.\n\n','inherit','open','open','','677-autosave','','','2010-08-30 20:10:35','2010-08-31 01:10:35','',677,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/677-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(773,1,'2010-07-13 19:55:00','2010-07-13 19:55:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4663335101/\" title=\"DSC_0597 by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"DSC_0597\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4663335101_2038134bbe.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Temperatures don\'t look too forgiving here in Tulsa, Oklahoma, this week - <a href=\"http://krmg.com/weather/index.html\">highs are charted to be in the mid- to upper-90s until beyond the seven-day forecast</a> - but that doesn\'t mean that your only choice for entertainment is to camp out next to the nearest air conditioning vent. <br /><br />There\'s still tons of ways to get out on the town and have a great time, all without breaking a sweat. Here are a few ideas.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><b>Parks and other Free Stuff</b><br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4530993413/\" title=\"Owen Park by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Owen Park\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4530993413_39258459c3.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br /><b>1. The River Parks Plaza</b>. Not only is this one of the only shaded playgrounds in Tulsa, but it\'s also the one equipped with a new splash pad. And really, it\'s more than a splash pad. It\'s a water park without the pools and slides, and it\'s open every night until 10pm. Plus, there are hot dogs and sno cones on site. Each Thursday brings <a href=\"http://www.tulsalibrary.org/\">the Tulsa Library\'s Reading Roadshow</a> with a story time for the kids at 10am, and on Fridays is Rhythm on the River, a chance to picnic with friends and family, hear some of the best live music around and let the kids take over the playground at the same time. Find it at 41st Street and Riverside Drive.<br /><br /><b>2. Chandler Park</b>. Get not just one, but two pools at <a href=\"http://sites.google.com/site/chandlerparktulsa/\">this west Tulsa park</a> that also offers everything from sheltered picnicking to rock climbing to disc golf. One pool is sized for us adult types while the other is designed for the pint-sized. Pool hours are Sunday-Friday, 1-6:30pm; Saturday, noon-6:30pm; closed Wednesdays. Cost is $2.50 for those aged 13 and older, $1.50 for kids 12 and under. A good deal to beat the heat, if you ask me. <br /><br /><b>3. Hunter Park</b>. This south Tulsa park has a splash pad to rival that at River Parks, and it offers shaded playgrounds - and shaded areas where parents can sit, too. If you like your livin\' south, and if you like your livin\' free, Hunter Park is the summer destination for you.<br /><br /><b>4. Owen Park</b>. Not only will there be a brand-spanking-new splash pad at <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/04/owen-park-tulsas-oldest.html\">Tulsa\'s first and oldest park</a> before you know it, but it\'s also the site of a giant duck pond, complete with lots of shade and a beautiful water feature. When you bring your picnic, pack some stale bread, people, because those ducks don\'t expect to miss a meal.<br /><br /><b>5. Any Tulsa City-County Library Location, anytime</b>.<b> </b>I continue to be impressed by the volume and quality of events going on at our community\'s libraries. Not only can you get a story time or book discussion for any age group any day of the week, but the library also offers activities ranging from family-friendly concerts, magic shows, and scavenger hunts to video gaming parties, family game nights and art classes. Plus, there\'s always Tulsa Library\'s Summer Reading Program, complete with lots of reading fun and, cha-ching, prizes.&nbsp;<a href=\"http://www.tulsalibrary.org/eventguide/\">Check this events calendar for what\'s going on at the library when you\'re free to chill</a>.<br /><br /><b>6. The Kids\' Free Film Festival at Riverwalk Movies and Circle Cinema</b>. Looking for cost-free, air-conditioned, cinematic solutions to keeping your kids occupied this summer? Look no further than Riverwalk Movies, where twice on each Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday shows a kid-appropriate movie, for free. <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/free-summer-kids-film-festivals-in.html\">Click here for details and a full schedule</a>. Now that July has rolled around, <a href=\"http://www.circlecinema.com/\">Circle Cinema</a> offers a free film festival for kids, too. <br /><br /><b>7. Andy B\'s Bowling</b>. Did you know that kids bowl for free at Andy B\'s? It\'s true - all you have to do is register at <a href=\"http://www.kidsbowlfree.com/\">kidsbowlfree.com</a>, get to 8711 S. Lewis and bowl your heart out. Family passes are available for purchase. <br /><br /><br /><b>Museums</b><br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4557461063/\" title=\"Oklahoma Aquarium by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Oklahoma Aquarium\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3121/4557461063_b5d2b859cf.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br /><b>8. Oklahoma Aquarium</b>, 300 Aquarium Drive in Jenks. <a href=\"http://www.okaquarium.org/index.php\">Come on in, kids, the water\'s fine</a>. With nearly 200 exhibits and thousands of fresh and salt water species (don\'t forget about the mammals), all completely and totally indoors, there\'s an entire and frosty day\'s worth of fun at the Aquarium in Jenks. Hours are 10am-6pm. Admission is $13.95 for adults, $9.95 for kids 3-12, free for kids 2 and under.<br /><br /><b>9. Philbrook Museum</b>, 2727 S. Rockford Ave. From books as art to a brand-new exhibit on ancient Egypt, there\'s tons to see at this Italiante villa-turned-art museum. And guess what? Kids under 18 get in free. <a href=\"http://www.philbrook.org/exhibitions/current/\">Here\'s what to see while you\'re there</a>, and don\'t forget about Films on the Lawn this Friday night.&nbsp;Hours Thursday are 10am-8pm and on Friday 10am-5pm. Admission is $7.50 for adults.<br /><br /><b>10. Gilcrease Museum</b>, 1400 North Gilcrease Museum Road. One free-of-charge, icy-cold, world-class museum experience not enough for the kids this week? <a href=\"http://www.gilcrease.org/\">Head for the (Osage) hills and hit up Gilcrease Museum</a>, a treasure trove of American art and history - in fact, it\'s the largest, most comprehensive collection of art and artifacts of the American West anywhere. Hours are 10am-5pm. Admission is $8 for adults.<br /><br /><b>11. Tulsa Air and Space Museum</b>. It takes a lot of air conditioning to cool 19,000 square feet of air and space museum, but that\'s exactly what the folks at TASM do every day - every day except Monday, anyway. <a href=\"http://tulsaairandspacemuseum.com/admission.php\">Experience Tulsa\'s history in aerospace industry with family and friends</a> and stay cool at the same time. Hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10am-5pm; Sunday, 1-5pm.<br /><br /><b>Other Stuff</b><br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4679189870/\" title=\"Tulsa Shock by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Tulsa Shock\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1297/4679189870_4b84e592b4.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br /><b>12. Oilers Ice Center</b>, 6413 S. Mingo Road. Talk about cool, <a href=\"http://www.oilersicecenter.net/content/view/15/78/\">this is as icy-fresh as it gets</a>. Public skates are Monday-Friday, 11:30-1:30; Friday night skate from 8pm-11pm; Saturday, 12pm-2pm and Sunday, 1-3pm. With skate rental, it\'s $8.50.<br /><br /><b>13. BOK Center</b>. 200 S. Denver. Speaking of air conditioning lots of space, <a href=\"http://www.bokcenter.com/\">BOK Center</a> offers family-friendly shows all summer long and, of course, they\'re all as cool and fresh as the girls you wanted to be in high school. This week is the Tulsa Shock game on Tuesday night with tickets starting at $10, and PRB comes to town Friday night.<br /><br /><b>14. Purple Glaze</b>, 3303 S. Peoria Ave. and 6528 E. 91st Street. What\'s more fun than making a mess with your kids? <a href=\"http://www.purpleglazestudio.com/\">Making a mess with your kids that you don\'t have to clean up, duh</a>. Head to Purple Glaze to pick out your favorite ceramic. Spend the afternoon painting or tiling it, just the way you like. Leave it behind until after the weekend and, voila, a one-of-a-kind commemoration of the time the first week of summer had everyone in Tulsa bringing wine and roses home to their air conditioners. Hours are 11am-9pm Thursday and Friday, with the Brookside location staying open until 10pm Friday night. Studio fee is $6; pottery prices include the ceramic, paints, glaze and firing.<br /><br /><b>15. Bounce U</b>, 8922 S. Memorial Drive. I\'m a former kid these days, but even I can\'t get enough of a good, old-fashioned Jupiter Jump - especially when it\'s an air-conditioned Jupiter Jump and it\'s 96 degrees outside. <a href=\"http://www.bounceu.com/party-places-for-kids/oklahoma/tulsa/\">Help the kids work out their snow day wiggles by setting them loose on a variety of inflatable structures</a>. Just don\'t forget to bring extra socks. Admission is $6.95 per child. Open bounce is 1:30-3pm.<br /><br /><b>16. Admiral Twin Drive-In</b>. The shows don\'t start until 9pm, right at about the time a breeze starts to blow across T-Town. Load up the fam and head to this relic of Americana for a movie, refreshments and an outdoor movie-going experience with some Tulsa history and, of course, fun. Adult tickets are $7.50 (cheaper than at most other movie theaters) each, and kids get in cheaper or free (as our two-year-old does), depending on age. Find AT at 7533 E. Easton, just north of I-244.<br /><br />What do YOU plan to do to keep cool during the upcoming hot, Oklahoma days?<br /><br /><i>This post updated from the June 22 feature on </i><a href=\"http://www.krmg.com/krmgmorningnews\"><i>the KRMG Morning News with Joe Kelley</i></a><i>.</i>','16 Ways to Keep Cool in Tulsa this Week','','inherit','open','open','','677-revision','','','2010-07-13 19:55:00','2010-07-13 19:55:00','',677,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/07/677-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(775,1,'2010-07-10 19:03:00','2010-07-10 19:03:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4780737724/\" title=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4780737724_f280f82225.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />It\'s not very often one sees a child at a downtown restaurant in the middle of the day. Suits and ties, yes; Toy Story light-up sandals and Zany Bands, no. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4780106021/\" title=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4780106021_3010d88527.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Maybe that\'s why when my little guy visited downtown earlier this week to try my friend Rusty\'s new restaurant,&nbsp;<a href=\"http://modscrepes.com/\">Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes</a>, he attracted the attention of the media.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.newson6.com/Global/category.asp?C=121535&amp;autoStart=true&amp;topVideoCatNo=default&amp;clipId=4933040&amp;flvUri=&amp;partnerclipid=\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"303\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TDjDNF6D2aI/AAAAAAAAB7U/-E9xR4lw5js/s400/Picture+1.png\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br />Click the screenshot to check it out (or, <a href=\"http://www.newson6.com/Global/category.asp?C=121535&amp;autoStart=true&amp;topVideoCatNo=default&amp;clipId=4933040&amp;flvUri=&amp;partnerclipid=\">click here</a>).<br /><br />See someone familiar at about 1:35? <br /><br />Oh, and by the way? Pitter, patter, y\'all. I\'ve been a Rick Wells fan since I watched him on Six in the Morning before time to head to the bus stop when I was in the fourth grade. This week, he interviewed my kid! How cool is that?<br /><br />Thanks for reporting on new locally owned downtown businesses, Rick. And thanks for interviewing my son about his peanut butter and jelly crepe, even if he probably wasn\'t the best interview subject you\'ve ever had, what, with all the running around and screaming and refusing to speak to you and everything.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4780739368/\" title=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4780739368_4b8a582f92.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Wait. This photo reminds me of something. <br /><br /><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TDi-K9OX2-I/AAAAAAAAB7M/-oELRVeeaE4/s1600/cornholio.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TDi-K9OX2-I/AAAAAAAAB7M/-oELRVeeaE4/s320/cornholio.jpg\" /></a></div><br />Hmm...<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4780739368/\" title=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4780739368_4b8a582f92.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br /><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TDi-K9OX2-I/AAAAAAAAB7M/-oELRVeeaE4/s1600/cornholio.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TDi-K9OX2-I/AAAAAAAAB7M/-oELRVeeaE4/s320/cornholio.jpg\" /></a></div><br />Why, yes. There does seem to be a striking resemblance happening here. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4780105879/\" title=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4780105879_beff4c4402.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />If you all can get downtown today or tonight, you really should stop by Mod\'s to give it a go. They\'re celebrating their grand opening today by donating all of their proceeds to the <a href=\"http://www.ahct.org/\">Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa</a>. Plus, if you drive up on a scooter, you get 25 percent off the cost of your meal.<br /><br /><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/p/tulsa-events-this-weekend_2472.html\">As listed on this week\'s Tulsa Weekend Rundown here at TDT</a>, the party is from 4-10pm, and Mod\'s can be found at 507 S. Boston Ave. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4780104251/\" title=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4780104251_21e38f6d46.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />And so can their gelato. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4780739532/\" title=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4780739532_4c29e1eed1.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />You ability to resist, it has thus been dissolved.','Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes. Plus, ZOMG!!1! My kid was on TV!','','inherit','open','open','','675-revision','','','2010-07-10 19:03:00','2010-07-10 19:03:00','',675,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/07/675-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(776,1,'2010-07-08 15:02:00','2010-07-08 15:02:00','Can you guess where I was standing when I took this picture?<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4565657365/\" title=\"downtown tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"downtown tulsa.\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4565657365_571403c739_o.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br />Maybe this will help.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4771950235/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4771950235_4562032a9a_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br />Despite an overabundance of construction and a river that sometimes runs dry, we have one beautiful city to call home.<br /><br /><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.erinconrad.com/\" style=\"color: #cc6600; text-decoration: underline;\"><i>Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>&nbsp;photoblogs weekly at Tasha Does Tulsa as Erin Sees Tulsa.&nbsp;</i></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/search/label/Erin%20Sees%20Tulsa\" style=\"color: #78b749; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Check out her recent posts here</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>.</i></span>','How\'s Your Geography? Erin Sees Tulsa','','inherit','open','open','','674-revision','','','2010-07-08 15:02:00','2010-07-08 15:02:00','',674,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/07/674-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(777,1,'2010-08-01 22:50:32','2010-08-02 03:50:32','Can you guess where I was standing when I took this picture?<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4565657365/\" title=\"downtown tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"downtown tulsa.\" height=\"338\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4565657365_571403c739_o.jpg\" width=\"504\" /></a></div><br />Maybe this will help.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4771950235/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4771950235_4562032a9a_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br />Despite an overabundance of construction and a river that sometimes runs dry, we have one beautiful city to call home.<br /><br /><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.erinconrad.com/\" style=\"color: #cc6600; text-decoration: underline;\"><i>Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>&nbsp;photoblogs weekly at Tasha Does Tulsa as Erin Sees Tulsa.&nbsp;</i></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/search/label/Erin%20Sees%20Tulsa\" style=\"color: #78b749; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Check out her recent posts here</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>.</i></span>','How\'s Your Geography? Erin Sees Tulsa','','inherit','open','open','','674-revision-2','','','2010-08-01 22:50:32','2010-08-02 03:50:32','',674,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/674-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(781,1,'2010-07-07 23:20:00','2010-07-07 23:20:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4772257377/\" title=\"Cafe Samana by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Cafe Samana\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4772257377_b45a3ab383.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />We waited with anticipation to see what would become of the space that now houses <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/cafesamana\">Cafe Samana</a> when its former tenant, <a href=\"http://bluemoonbakerycafe.com/\">Blue Moon Bakery</a>, moved north on Brookside to Center 1 late last year. When we stopped in for lunch, we found a restaurant, open since Feb. 5, that is more than worthy of the space.<br /><br />Snack on the rest of this restaurant review <a href=\"http://tulsabusiness.com/industry_article.asp?cID=i&amp;aID=28765461.54110302.667472.9111089.3246379.669&amp;aID2=51335\">on the Food page of this week\'s edition of Tulsa Business Journal</a>. <br /><br /><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/search/label/Tulsa%20Business%20Journal\">Get more food and entertainment coverage by Tasha in Tulsa Business Journal here</a>.','Power Lunch: Cafe Samana','','inherit','open','open','','672-revision','','','2010-07-07 23:20:00','2010-07-07 23:20:00','',672,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/07/672-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(782,1,'2010-08-01 22:26:31','2010-08-02 03:26:31','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Cinnamon Rolls at Savoy Restaurant by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4828792925/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4828792925_077d87b603_b.jpg\" alt=\"Cinnamon Rolls at Savoy Restaurant\" width=\"512\" height=\"340\" /></a></div>\r\n\r\nSee that up there? That, my friends, is half a pound of soft, buttery dough, perfectly sweet icing and enough cinnamon to last you until you can make it home for the holidays.\r\n\r\nAnd it can only be found at Tulsa\'s <a href=\"http://www.savoyfoods.com/\">Savoy Restaurant, just north of 61st and Sheridan in Tulsa</a>.\r\n\r\n<a name=\"more\"></a>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Cinnamon Rolls at Savoy Restaurant by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4828792297/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4828792297_b332eda821_b.jpg\" alt=\"Cinnamon Rolls at Savoy Restaurant\" width=\"512\" height=\"340\" /></a></div>\r\nSavoy is an unassuming place. It\'s tucked into an old shopping center, and with its humble frontage, you\'re more than likely to drive right by if you don\'t know what you\'re doing.\r\n\r\nBut lucky for you and your taste buds, now you do.\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Cinnamon Rolls at Savoy Restaurant by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4828792439/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4828792439_8827a45e85_b.jpg\" alt=\"Cinnamon Rolls at Savoy Restaurant\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a></div>\r\nI took my son to Savoy late last week for his first taste of what might just be Tulsa\'s most legendary cinnamon roll.\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Cinnamon Rolls at Savoy Restaurant by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4828792567/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4828792567_280191b5a3_b.jpg\" alt=\"Cinnamon Rolls at Savoy Restaurant\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a></div>\r\nAnd, as per his usual, he went about the trip entirely in his own way.\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Cinnamon Rolls at Savoy Restaurant by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4829402438/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4829402438_5975481114_b.jpg\" alt=\"Cinnamon Rolls at Savoy Restaurant\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a></div>\r\nAfter he managed to stop flirting with the waitresses, all of whom I liked to imagine were on the verge of calling us hon or sug (which I totally don\'t mind at diners, by the way - it\'s practically part of the experience), we ordered our treat. It wasn\'t but a few minutes before it was at our table, steaming just a bit and looking pretty as a picture.\r\n\r\nAnd frankly, the kid couldn\'t contain himself.\r\n\r\n<a title=\"Cinnamon Rolls at Savoy Restaurant by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4829402438/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4829402438_5975481114_b.jpg\" alt=\"Cinnamon Rolls at Savoy Restaurant\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nI mean, how could you blame him?\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Cinnamon Rolls at Savoy Restaurant by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4828793009/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4828793009_4515b57f99_b.jpg\" alt=\"Cinnamon Rolls at Savoy Restaurant\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Cinnamon Rolls at Savoy Restaurant by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4829402554/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4829402554_18f57b6244_b.jpg\" alt=\"Cinnamon Rolls at Savoy Restaurant\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: left;\">Look at those fingers itching back there.</div>\r\n</div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Cinnamon Rolls at Savoy Restaurant by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4829403138/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4829403138_7fd4b4a9d0_b.jpg\" alt=\"Cinnamon Rolls at Savoy Restaurant\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a></div>\r\nI don\'t know about y\'all, but I\'m looking at this cinnamon roll and I\'m slapping my grandma upside the head right now, it looks so yums.\r\n\r\nFor my little guy, I couldn\'t unroll our napkins or find our forks quickly enough.\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Cinnamon Rolls at Savoy Restaurant by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4829403252/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4829403252_bee33927b0_b.jpg\" alt=\"Cinnamon Rolls at Savoy Restaurant\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a></div>\r\nApparently.\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Cinnamon Rolls at Savoy Restaurant by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4828793717/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4828793717_454fe0f7ff_b.jpg\" alt=\"Cinnamon Rolls at Savoy Restaurant\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a></div>\r\nWhile I got a few you-are-<em>so-</em>not-getting-a-gold-star-today-in-the-mothering-category stares from a fellow patron or two, the waitstaff just about fell over themselves with gushing.\r\n\r\nAnd so did I. So, I let him go at it as he pleased for a few minutes. Because for how long in life can a person dive into a cinnamon roll in a public place and not only not get ejected from the restaurant, but instead be the inspiration for a symphony of ooo\'s and awww\'s?\r\n\r\nThat\'s what toddlerhood is for, I think.\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Cinnamon Rolls at Savoy Restaurant by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4829403744/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4829403744_ee3ce975e7_b.jpg\" alt=\"Cinnamon Rolls at Savoy Restaurant\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><object classid=\"clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000\" width=\"480\" height=\"385\" codebase=\"http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0\"><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\" /><param name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\" /><param name=\"src\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/PNze2IHoSTw&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1\" /><param name=\"allowfullscreen\" value=\"true\" /><embed type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"480\" height=\"385\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/PNze2IHoSTw&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" allowfullscreen=\"true\"></embed></object></div>\r\nBut soon, I had no choice but to enforce the law of the dining utensil.\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Cinnamon Rolls at Savoy Restaurant by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4828794059/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4828794059_a492e590cd_b.jpg\" alt=\"Cinnamon Rolls at Savoy Restaurant\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a></div>\r\nA development which displeased him oh-sogreatly, as you can plainly see.\r\n\r\nThe Savoy offers much more than just cinnamon rolls - full breakfast and lunch menus, in fact - all in what I found to be one of Tulsa\'s cleanest and coziest diners. I loved being part of the mix that morning, which included old men getting together for morning coffee (note: if old men are not gathering for coffee at your diner, restaurant owners, there is something sorely wrong), families on summer vacation and even a few other stay-at-home moms and their kids. Service was quick and friendly, and we thought $3.50 was a more-than-fair price to pay for our indulgence.\r\n\r\nSo, next time you get a hankering for a breakfast out, see if you can\'t make it out to Savoy. And if you make it there, see if you can\'t make it back out again without planting your face in one of those cinnamon rolls.\r\n\r\n<strong>Savoy Restaurant</strong>\r\nWhere: 6033 S. Sheridan Road\r\nWhen: Monday-Friday, 6am-2:30pm; Saturday, 6am-noon\r\nCall: (918) 494-5621\r\nWeb: <a href=\"http://www.SavoyFoods.com/\">SavoyFoods.com</a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/58/631233/restaurant/Woodland-Hills-71st-Street-Corridor/Savoy-Tulsa\"><img style=\"border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;\" src=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/631233/minilink.gif\" alt=\"Savoy on Urbanspoon\" /></a>','Savoy\'s Famous Cinnamon Rolls, a Boy and the Fork That Was Too Slow','','inherit','open','open','','691-revision-3','','','2010-08-01 22:26:31','2010-08-02 03:26:31','',691,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/691-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(783,1,'2010-08-01 22:28:22','2010-08-02 03:28:22','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"Marshall Beer by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4824274405/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4143/4824274405_e89c9c3527_b.jpg\" alt=\"Marshall Beer\" width=\"340\" height=\"512\" /></a></div>\r\nLadies and gents, we have a winner!\r\n<div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\" href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TFCgao58LdI/AAAAAAAAB8E/QN1t-YysmmU/s1600/Picture+9.png\"><img src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TFCgao58LdI/AAAAAAAAB8E/QN1t-YysmmU/s640/Picture+9.png\" border=\"0\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"398\" /></a></div>\r\nI loved this story because it\'s real. It\'s relatable. And it\'s a classic story of that first beer. Plus, it made my tummy do that nervous churn-y thing. I like that in a story. And I loved that he remembered the name of the officer who reprimanded him but, ultimately, let him off the hook.\r\n\r\nEnjoy your passes, Michael! Here\'s to hoping that the beers you\'ll enjoy this weekend will cause you much less angst than that first one did.\r\n\r\nAnd thanks to all of you for playing - see you all at Wild Brew!\r\n_________________________________________________________________________________\r\n\r\nYou could rent a jet and go globe-trotting to try 80 of the world\'s premium beers.\r\n\r\nOr, you could buy tickets to the <a href=\"http://www.wildbrew.org/\">Wild Brew, Tulsa\'s \"crawl-in-one\" beer tasting, music and food festival</a> at the Exchange Center at Expo Square Saturday, July 31st (just one Saturday from now). The event kicks off at 5pm, with a patron-only hour at 4pm.\r\n\r\n<a name=\"more\"></a>Headlining the list of brews this year is the aptly named Wild Brew, a critically acclaimed collaboration Belgian-style IPA by Oklahoma\'s own <a href=\"http://www.chocbeer.com/\">Choc Beer Company</a> and <a href=\"http://marshallbrewing.com/index.asp\">Marshall Brewing Company</a>. A slew of other Oklahoma beers will be featured at the festival, too, including beers from Choc, Marshall, <a href=\"http://www.coopaleworks.com/\">COOP Ale Works</a> and <a href=\"http://www.mustangbrewing.com/\">Mustang Brewing Company</a>. The Wild Brew festival will also feature beers ranging from Ayinger and Asahi to Young\'s Double Chocolate Stout. <a href=\"http://www.wildbrew.org/beer.html\">Get the full list of beers right here</a>.\r\n\r\nBut 80 different beers is a lot to enjoy without some food and music, right? WB\'s got you covered. Look for more than two dozen local restaurants at Wild Brew, serving up noms ranging from noodle bowls to barbeque. Chow down and drink up to the music of Shelby Eicher, Mark Bruner and The Mid-Life. <a href=\"http://www.wildbrew.org/restaurants.html\">Here\'s a complete list of Tulsa restaurants you\'ll see at Wild Brew</a>.\r\n\r\nProceeds of the event benefit the <a href=\"http://www.suttoncenter.org/\">Sutton Avian Research Center</a>. The folks there work to support conservation, education and research on endangered, rare and neglected species of birds and their habitats.\r\n\r\nIf that\'s not worth drinking to, I don\'t know what is.\r\n\r\nTickets to this wildest of T-Town parties are $55 per, a bargain for a night chock full of food, beer and music, with a donation to a worthy cause thrown in for good measure. Tickets have to be purchased in advance, so if you haven\'t snagged yours yet, you\'d better get moving - time\'s a-wastin\'.\r\n\r\nSo, here\'s what you do. Go ahead and buy a pair of tickets - one for you, one for a friend or sweetie.\r\n\r\nThen, head to the comments section of this post and tell me about <strong>the first time you ever tasted beer</strong>.\r\n\r\nBe sure to include all the gory details, because <strong>the best story before Monday at 8pm wins a pair of general admission tickets to Wild Brew</strong>.\r\n\r\nSee? If you\'re the winner, and since you\'ll already have a pair of tickets for yourself, you\'ll have an extra pair with which to flatter the boss. Or the Joneses. Or the new 21-year-olds in your life. I mean, Lord knows how much I would have enjoyed Wild Brew tickets back during those first few months after I turned 21.\r\n\r\nOn second thought, don\'t give these tickets to any new 21-year-olds.\r\n\r\nGood luck, everyone. I\'ll choose my favorite story shortly after the end of the contest, and after I notify the winners, I\'ll post them here. Cheers!','Wild Brew 2010: Food, Music, Beer and You','','inherit','open','open','','690-revision-2','','','2010-08-01 22:28:22','2010-08-02 03:28:22','',690,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/690-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(784,1,'2010-08-01 22:30:55','2010-08-02 03:30:55','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4817894615/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"381\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4817894615_f57af3ea60_b.jpg\" width=\"476\" /></a></div>\r\n\r\n<br />This was my second time at the Roller Derby out in Broken Arrow.  And really, there\'s nothing quite like it.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a>Check it.<br /><br />\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4818517574/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"316\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4818517574_c7f1d81fe0_b.jpg\" width=\"476\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4817894961/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4817894961_04b20448c9_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4818517628/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4818517628_ec439ac58f_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4817894999/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4817894999_8e816a1415_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4818517442/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4818517442_6540329832_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4817894871/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4817894871_aa815f7cdb_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4817894825/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4817894825_862ddc44b9_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4818517302/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4818517302_3777d30063_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4818517232/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4818517232_23d187149c_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4818517272/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4818517272_70a673f517_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4818517196/\" title=\"roller derby! by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"roller derby!\" height=\"595\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4818517196_3a6ccdaa37_b.jpg\" width=\"439\" /></a></div><br /><i>TDT Note: The next <a href=\"http://www.greencountryrollergirls.com/\">Green Country Roller Girls</a> bout is Aug. 29. <a href=\"http://www.greencountryrollergirls.com/\">Get the full details here</a>. And be sure to check out <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/p/tulsa-events-this-weekend_2472.html\">this weekend\'s event rundown for the bout between Sand Springs-based Tulsa Derby Brigade and OKC\'s Tornado Alley Rollergirls</a>.</i><br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.erinconrad.com/\" style=\"color: #cc6600; text-decoration: underline;\"><i>Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>&nbsp;photoblogs weekly at Tasha Does Tulsa as Erin Sees Tulsa.&nbsp;</i></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/search/label/Erin%20Sees%20Tulsa\" style=\"color: #78b749; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Check out her recent posts here</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>.</i></span></span></div>','Roller Derby in Pictures: Erin Sees Tulsa','','inherit','open','open','','688-revision-3','','','2010-08-01 22:30:55','2010-08-02 03:30:55','',688,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/688-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(785,1,'2010-08-01 22:33:14','2010-08-02 03:33:14','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"OK Foodie at Sage Southside by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4815924946/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4815924946_5635a960c2.jpg\" alt=\"OK Foodie at Sage Southside\" width=\"375\" height=\"500\" /></a></div>\r\nTulsa’s personal chefs can be found in the city’s swankiest homes. Now they’re breaking out of the kitchen to set up shop in historic and up-and-coming neighborhoods.\r\n\r\nFind out where on <a href=\"http://tulsabusiness.com/article.asp?aID=51377\">the Food page of this week\'s edition of Tulsa Business Journal</a>.','Personal Chefs on the Cutting Edge','','inherit','open','open','','686-revision-2','','','2010-08-01 22:33:14','2010-08-02 03:33:14','',686,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/686-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(786,1,'2010-08-01 22:39:20','2010-08-02 03:39:20','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4799270833/\" title=\"Pie Hole Pizzeria by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Pie Hole Pizzeria\" height=\"340\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4799270833_b6aaa6720e_b.jpg\" width=\"512\" /></a></div>\r\n<br />Did you know that, at Tulsa\'s <a href=\"http://www.pieholepizzeria.com/\">Pie Hole Pizzeria on Cherry Street</a>, any pizza lover can purchase dough enough for a large pizza for just $3?<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a>And that just up the street at 6th Street and Peoria Avenue at Centennial Park on Thursday afternoons there\'s a wealth of pizza toppings available at <a href=\"http://pearlfarmersmarket.org/\">The Pearl Farmers\' Market</a>?<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4799271249/\" title=\"Pearl Farmers Market by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Pearl Farmers Market\" height=\"340\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4799271249_b65dab0f87.jpg\" width=\"512\" /></a></div><br />It\'s true. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4799271339/\" title=\"Pearl Farmers Market by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Pearl Farmers Market\" height=\"425\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4799271339_63eccffec7_b.jpg\" width=\"640\" /></a></div><br />What I like to do: Have people over, crank up my oven to 525 degrees and pop in a pizza made with Pie Hole Pizzeria crust. When people ask me how I can produce something so delicious, I put on my Sarah Palin accent and say, \"That\'s my little secret, you silly man, you.\" <br /><br />And I smile inside. And then I make a note to e-mail my dinner guests after they\'ve all returned home to let them know they can get the same delicious pizza crust at Pie Hole. For three freaking bones. <br /><br />And that I\'m sorry I\'m a liar. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4799270127/\" title=\"Pie Hole Pizzeria by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Pie Hole Pizzeria\" height=\"640\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4799270127_081a25d582_b.jpg\" width=\"425\" /></a></div><br />While it\'s hard to fail with one of these pizza crusts and a reusable sack full of goodies from the Pearl Farmers\' Market on a Thursday night, I hope you won\'t mind my offering my own recipe for success. And I won\'t even leave out steps or important ingredients in an effort to thwart your success and prove my supreme pizza prowess.<br /><br />Because that would be wrong. And naughty. And I am never, ever either of those things.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4799903538/\" title=\"Pie Hole Pizzeria by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Pie Hole Pizzeria\" height=\"640\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4080/4799903538_721d25775c_b.jpg\" width=\"425\" /></a></div><br />First, ask a baby to toss your pizza dough. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4799903470/\" title=\"Pie Hole Pizzeria by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Pie Hole Pizzeria\" height=\"640\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4799903470_4541131cee_b.jpg\" width=\"425\" /></a></div><br />It adds flavor. Or something. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4799903394/\" title=\"Pie Hole Pizzeria by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Pie Hole Pizzeria\" height=\"640\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4799903394_4f81900da2_b.jpg\" width=\"425\" /></a></div><br />Here\'s an instructional video on pizza tossing technique to help you: <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><object height=\"344\" width=\"425\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/1LRDXbOypis&hl=en&fs=1\"></param><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"></param><param name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\"></param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/1LRDXbOypis&hl=en&fs=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\"></embed></object></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4799903686/\" title=\"Pie Hole Pizzeria by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Pie Hole Pizzeria\" height=\"425\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4799903686_854eaca6a3_b.jpg\" width=\"640\" /></a></div><br />Slap that tossed pizza dough on a baking stone. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4799270635/\" title=\"Pie Hole Pizzeria by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Pie Hole Pizzeria\" height=\"425\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4799270635_09f7de3fcc_b.jpg\" width=\"640\" /></a></div><br />Lord knows it doesn\'t have to be pretty. It just has to be delicious. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4799903604/\" title=\"Pie Hole Pizzeria by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Pie Hole Pizzeria\" height=\"425\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4799903604_e939f725fc_b.jpg\" width=\"640\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4799271185/\" title=\"Pearl Farmers Market by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Pearl Farmers Market\" height=\"425\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4799271185_f5ca5a7b09_b.jpg\" width=\"640\" /></a></div><br />Next, grab your favorite tomatoes. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4799904266/\" title=\"Pearl Farmers Market by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Pearl Farmers Market\" height=\"425\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4799904266_9f96218f72_b.jpg\" width=\"640\" /></a></div><br />These are fun. Their flavor is strong and plus, they\'re freaking gorgeous. Slice \'em up and sneak one for yourself.<br /><br />Playfully slap your husband\'s hand when he tries to do the same. Then wink at him so he won\'t complain as much about having to take out the trash later.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4799271339/\" title=\"Pearl Farmers Market by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Pearl Farmers Market\" height=\"425\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4799271339_63eccffec7_b.jpg\" width=\"640\" /></a></div><br />Roll up some basil leaves and slice them into ribbons. Look at you! You just pulled out a mean chiffonade. Fancy.<br /><br />Brush the crust with a good-quality olive oil. Add mozzarella cheese, tomatoes and basil, and top it all with, surprise, a little more mozzarella cheese. <br /><br />Then, pop it all into a 525-degree oven. Wait for 8 minutes or so. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4799904132/\" title=\"Pie Hole Pizzeria by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Pie Hole Pizzeria\" height=\"425\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4799904132_827dcf3a57_b.jpg\" width=\"640\" /></a></div><br />Then, slice and enjoy. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4799270833/\" title=\"Pie Hole Pizzeria by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Pie Hole Pizzeria\" height=\"425\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4799270833_b6aaa6720e_b.jpg\" width=\"640\" /></a></div><br />And be thankful for a fresh, easy supper that couldn\'t get more local, more Tulsa, if it tried.','Pie Hole Pizzeria + The Pearl Farmers Market: Oh, The Possibilities','','inherit','open','open','','683-revision-3','','','2010-08-01 22:39:20','2010-08-02 03:39:20','',683,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/683-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(787,1,'2010-08-01 22:49:41','2010-08-02 03:49:41','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4780737724/\" title=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4780737724_f280f82225.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />It\'s not very often one sees a child at a downtown restaurant in the middle of the day. Suits and ties, yes; Toy Story light-up sandals and Zany Bands, no. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4780106021/\" title=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4780106021_3010d88527.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Maybe that\'s why when my little guy visited downtown earlier this week to try my friend Rusty\'s new restaurant,&nbsp;<a href=\"http://modscrepes.com/\">Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes</a>, he attracted the attention of the media.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.newson6.com/Global/category.asp?C=121535&amp;autoStart=true&amp;topVideoCatNo=default&amp;clipId=4933040&amp;flvUri=&amp;partnerclipid=\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"303\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TDjDNF6D2aI/AAAAAAAAB7U/-E9xR4lw5js/s400/Picture+1.png\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><br />Click the screenshot to check it out (or, <a href=\"http://www.newson6.com/Global/category.asp?C=121535&amp;autoStart=true&amp;topVideoCatNo=default&amp;clipId=4933040&amp;flvUri=&amp;partnerclipid=\">click here</a>).<br /><br />See someone familiar at about 1:35? <br /><br />Oh, and by the way? Pitter, patter, y\'all. I\'ve been a Rick Wells fan since I watched him on Six in the Morning before time to head to the bus stop when I was in the fourth grade. This week, he interviewed my kid! How cool is that?<br /><br />Thanks for reporting on new locally owned downtown businesses, Rick. And thanks for interviewing my son about his peanut butter and jelly crepe, even if he probably wasn\'t the best interview subject you\'ve ever had, what, with all the running around and screaming and refusing to speak to you and everything.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4780739368/\" title=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4780739368_4b8a582f92.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Wait. This photo reminds me of something. <br /><br /><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TDi-K9OX2-I/AAAAAAAAB7M/-oELRVeeaE4/s1600/cornholio.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TDi-K9OX2-I/AAAAAAAAB7M/-oELRVeeaE4/s320/cornholio.jpg\" /></a></div><br />Hmm...<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4780739368/\" title=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4780739368_4b8a582f92.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br /><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TDi-K9OX2-I/AAAAAAAAB7M/-oELRVeeaE4/s1600/cornholio.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TDi-K9OX2-I/AAAAAAAAB7M/-oELRVeeaE4/s320/cornholio.jpg\" /></a></div><br />Why, yes. There does seem to be a striking resemblance happening here. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4780105879/\" title=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4780105879_beff4c4402.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />If you all can get downtown today or tonight, you really should stop by Mod\'s to give it a go. They\'re celebrating their grand opening today by donating all of their proceeds to the <a href=\"http://www.ahct.org/\">Arts and Humanities Council of Tulsa</a>. Plus, if you drive up on a scooter, you get 25 percent off the cost of your meal.<br /><br /><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/p/tulsa-events-this-weekend_2472.html\">As listed on this week\'s Tulsa Weekend Rundown here at TDT</a>, the party is from 4-10pm, and Mod\'s can be found at 507 S. Boston Ave. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4780104251/\" title=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4780104251_21e38f6d46.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />And so can their gelato. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4780739532/\" title=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4780739532_4c29e1eed1.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />You ability to resist, it has thus been dissolved.','Mod\'s Coffee and Crepes. Plus, ZOMG!!1! My kid was on TV!','','inherit','open','open','','675-revision-2','','','2010-08-01 22:49:41','2010-08-02 03:49:41','',675,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/675-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(788,1,'2010-07-07 18:44:00','2010-07-07 18:44:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4771348277/\" title=\"Circle Cinema by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Circle Cinema\" height=\"334\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4771348277_9360650285.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br /><i><a href=\"http://www.tulsaproject.com/\">Michael Champlin from The Tulsa Project</a> joins us today with some news from Tulsa\'s own indie movie theater,&nbsp;<a href=\"http://www.circlecinema.com/\">Circle Cinema</a>. Take it away, Michael!</i><br /><br />In a city which came of age in the golden era of Hollywood, it\'s not all that surprising to find that at one point in its history the city of Tulsa had a collection of world-class movie theaters. <br /><br />There were a multitude of Art Deco movie houses downtown, not to mention the Delman at 15th and Lewis, the Brook (now a restaurant) on Brookside, and last (though certainly not least) the little-theater-that-could, the <a href=\"http://www.circlecinema.com/\">Circle at Whittier Square</a>. Constructed in 1928, the theater remains the oldest existing theater in Tulsa. <br /><br />But, enough with the history lesson. Lets talk movies.   <br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br />The Circle is Tulsa\'s one-and-only independent movie theater. This is important for a lot of reasons, especially if you like  foreign films, indie films, short films, classic films, film festivals and, well, sticking it to the multi-plex cinema-loving man.<br /><br />The Circle also has a one-of-a-kind, once-per-month tradition: The showing of a vintage cult, pop culture, sci-fi or horror movie at midnight the last weekend of the month call <b>Midnight Movies</b>. The late-night showtime ensures a crowd that\'s just as excited to be there as you are, with the absolute minimum of chatty teenagers in the row behind you (it\'s past curfew, after all) and the absolute maximum of popcorn-munching movie junkies.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4771348277/\" title=\"Circle Cinema by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Circle Cinema\" height=\"334\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4771348277_9360650285.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Recent screenings have included Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Ghostbusters&nbsp;and Eraserhead. The folks at Circle Cinema take pains to get many of the movies the old-fashioned way, as film prints rather than digital versions. There\'s something about that classic pop of the film projector, scratched film and reel changes that lends the whole affair a bit of charm. <br /><br />\"It adds to the experience of it,\" said Joshua Peck, Midnight Movie programmer at the Circle. \"Some of these films, you see it too clean up on the screen and I think it kind of devalues the whole thing.\" <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4771347677/\" title=\"Circle Cinema by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Circle Cinema\" height=\"334\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4771347677_720b4e9abe.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Midnight movies, those are fun times. But they\'re made even better by the Circle\'s upcoming event: The second annual all-night horror movie lock-in lovingly titled \"<b>Slumber Party 2: Join Us</b>,\" on Saturday, July 24, starting at 10pm.  <br /><br />That\'s right - <b>an all-night horror movie slumber party</b>. <br /><br />The show will start with a brand-new film print of Sam Raimi\'s classic 1981 horror masterpiece The Evil Dead. The night will continue with four lesser-known horror movies throughout the night, the titles of which won\'t be announced until the night of the event. <br /><br />In case that\'s not enough to convince you, the $20 admission price also gets slumber party movie goers free <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/06/not-your-mothers-pizza.html\">Joe Momma\'s pizza</a>, bagels from <a href=\"http://www.oldschoolbagelcafe.com/\">Old School Bagel Cafe</a> for breakfast and half-price concessions all night.<br /><br />There will also be limited edition posters and t-shirts for sale that will only be available to event attendees, all designed by local artist <a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/rtpatterns\">Dan Fritchie</a>. Plus, look for other \"unexpected surprises,\" according to Peck.<br /><br />And, if you stay all night, you get a refund of $5 on the price of your ticket. <br /><br />Tickets go on sale this Friday, July 9th, at noon, but don\'t wait, because this show, like last year\'s, is expected to sell out. They\'re $20 per, which is a bargain for all-night, one-of-a-kind, uber-indie entertainment.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4771985762/\" title=\"Circle Cinema by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Circle Cinema\" height=\"334\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4771985762_3d92725e95.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br /><b>Circle Cinema Slumber Party 2: Join Us</b><br />Where: 12 S. Lewis Ave. <br />Cost: $20 (with $5 back if you can manage to stay all night), available on <a href=\"http://www.circlecinema.com/\">circlecinema.com</a><br />Call: (918) 585-3456<br />Web:  <a href=\"http://www.circlecinema.com/\">http://www.circlecinema.com/</a>','Slumber Party 2 at Circle Cinema','','inherit','open','open','','671-revision','','','2010-07-07 18:44:00','2010-07-07 18:44:00','',671,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/07/671-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(789,1,'2010-07-06 14:15:00','2010-07-06 14:15:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4748928743/\" title=\"Cheap Thrills by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Cheap Thrills\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4748928743_d02a028e99.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Lucky for those who enjoy a good romp through some resale retail, Tulsa is home to scads of thrift and vintage shops and flea markets.<br /><br />But while we have everything from Goodwill and Salvation Army outlets to kids\' consignment to second-hand hotel furniture super shops, there\'s nothing in Tulsa quite like this.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tulsa-OK/Cheap-Thrills-Vintage/16304834081?v=wall&amp;ref=ts\">Cheap Thrills</a>, at 3018 E. 15th Street, is Tulsa\'s home for hand-selected vintage clothing and goods, as well as pop culture collectibles, all under one quaint, funky, Cherry Street roof.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4748927961/\" title=\"Cheap Thrills by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Cheap Thrills\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4748927961_e591bd46db.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />What follows are just a few of my finds. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4748927727/\" title=\"Cheap Thrills by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Cheap Thrills\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4748927727_26836a37fe.jpg\" width=\"333\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4748927837/\" title=\"Cheap Thrills by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Cheap Thrills\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4748927837_eb8bf6e909.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4749570274/\" title=\"Cheap Thrills by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Cheap Thrills\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4749570274_6956ff8fa4.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><br /></div><div style=\"text-align: left;\">Cutest. Flirtiest. Undies. EVAR.</div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4749570236/\" title=\"Cheap Thrills by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Cheap Thrills\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4749570236_78fe0e901c.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><br /></div><div style=\"text-align: left;\">If I had abs more than three inches long and less than 24 inches around, I\'d totally wear this halter top.&nbsp;</div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4749570184/\" title=\"Cheap Thrills by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Cheap Thrills\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4749570184_8c9c596d29.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><br /></div><div style=\"text-align: left;\">And this bathing suit, which is, I\'m pretty sure, a replica of one I wore back when I was three years old.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"text-align: left;\">In the summer of 1986. Or, as I know it, the summer of animal crackers and the QT Squirt.</div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4748927461/\" title=\"Cheap Thrills by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Cheap Thrills\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4748927461_cec5673451.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Know what movie this hat brought to mind?<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><img src=\"http://blogs.abc.net.au/articulate/images/2007/12/13/pretty_woman.jpg\" /></div><br />Duh. <br /><br />Oh, great. Now I want a pair of delicate little white gloves, too. To wear to the swanky polo matches I attend on the weekends. Right after I watch late-night episodes of I Love Lucy and enjoy champagne and strawberries and dental floss in the penthouse of the Beverly Wilshire Hotel.<br /><br />Such a great movie.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4748927407/\" title=\"Cheap Thrills by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Cheap Thrills\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4748927407_cd8f3fecc6.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Vintage graphic tees stretch on as far as they eye could see, in just about any color and style that you could imagine. <br /><br />And how about these little boys\' vintage Lacoste shirts?<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4748928697/\" title=\"Cheap Thrills by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Cheap Thrills\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4748928697_e3a46fa1cc.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><br /></div><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4748928697/\" title=\"Cheap Thrills by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"></a><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4748928643/\" title=\"Cheap Thrills by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Cheap Thrills\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4748928643_ec9fb09ceb.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4749571276/\" title=\"Cheap Thrills by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Cheap Thrills\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4749571276_cb25c3942e.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a><br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: left;\">I remember my cousins wearing these when we were kids. And I had to use every ounce of my restraint not to buy every single one in stock at Cheap Thrills when I visited last weekend.<br /><br />Part of what I love so much about shopping at Cheap Thrills is that all the merchandise is super-organized. Typically, shopping resale, consignment and vintage is a frustrating experience for me. I\'m not the kind of person who is happy sifting through rack after rack of thousands of random articles of clothing, none of which seem to be grouped in any order or according to any category, looking for that one piece that makes my heart sing. I prefer to be able to quickly see what my options are, assess whether or not I want to make a purchase and then move on with my life.<br /><br />If you\'re jonesing for \"the hunt,\" though, you can still get that at Cheap Thrills. It\'s just much easier and much more enjoyable to peruse and browse there than it is at some other resale stores I\'ve tried.<br /><br />Clothes are organized by decade. Then, they\'re subcategorized by style. For instance, women\'s wear was hung on multiple racks behind tags labeled 1940s, 1950s and so on. Within those eras, the clothing was sorted into, as in the case of the 1980s rack, peasant tops and dresses, dynasty evening gowns and so on. Plus, the prices are good enough to make you swoon.<br /><br />It\'s heaven for the no-nonsense, Type A shopper.<br /><br />It\'s heaven for anyone looking for a reprieve from the one-size-fits-all, overpriced clothing at the shopping malls, too.&nbsp;</div></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4748928325/\" title=\"Cheap Thrills by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Cheap Thrills\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4748928325_bc2064b0b9.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4749570944/\" title=\"Cheap Thrills by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Cheap Thrills\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4749570944_ef2296446b.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Know who I think of when I see these hair ties?<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><img src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2gv6ieO34Fo/SesDD8drPeI/AAAAAAAAHF0/x5baNMQJBe0/s400/Drew+Barrymore-1.jpg\" /></div><br />Duh. Beeeee good.<br /><br />Now, if you\'re a child of the 80s, prepare to completely freak out.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4749570888/\" title=\"Cheap Thrills by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Cheap Thrills\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4749570888_09bb2df500.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />OMG!<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4748928187/\" title=\"Cheap Thrills by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Cheap Thrills\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4748928187_3b1c8bffc2.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />OMG!!!!111!!!1<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4748928117/\" title=\"Cheap Thrills by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Cheap Thrills\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4748928117_ec4ff388f8.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Creepy Crawlers, too?? Oh, Jesus...<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4748928481/\" title=\"Cheap Thrills by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Cheap Thrills\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4748928481_56b3d20929.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Oh, Jesus! It\'s really you! I\'m so sorry, Lord - I didn\'t see you kneeling there.<br /><br />Look, you guys - 3D Jesus, the sign says. $15, it says.<br /><br />I think you know what I have to do.<br /><br />Camera one:<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4748928481/\" title=\"Cheap Thrills by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Cheap Thrills\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4748928481_56b3d20929.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Camera two: <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4749571112/\" title=\"Cheap Thrills by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Cheap Thrills\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4749571112_5361b48833.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Camera one: <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4748928481/\" title=\"Cheap Thrills by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Cheap Thrills\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4748928481_56b3d20929.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Camera two: <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4749571112/\" title=\"Cheap Thrills by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Cheap Thrills\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4749571112_5361b48833.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Fun!<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4749570032/\" title=\"Cheap Thrills by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Cheap Thrills\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4749570032_49b336035e.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><div style=\"text-align: center;\"></div><br />Think you\'d like to stop in at Cheap Thrills soon and have your own self a look-see? Well, you (and your pocketbook) are in luck. They\'re having a 1/2-off sale from now until July 18. That\'s 50 percent off of everything in the store for two whole weeks.<br /><br />Just do me a favor, okay? If you snag something incredible at Cheap Thrills (and, odds are, you will), post a link to a photo of the newest addition to your life in the comments section of this post. I have a feeling you all will find some really, really interesting things, and I can\'t bear the thought of not taking a peek. <br /><br />Help me help you help me shop vicariously through you. Get it? Got it? Good. Can\'t wait to see your finds!<br /><br /><b>Cheap Thrills Vintage</b><br />Where: 3018 E. 15th Street<br />When: Monday-Friday, 12-7pm; Saturday, 11am-6pm; Sunday, 12-4pm<br />Call: (918) 295-5868<br />Web: <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tulsa-OK/Cheap-Thrills-Vintage/16304834081\">Cheap Thrills Vintage On Facebook</a>','Cheap Thrills: Just the Way I Like \'Em','','inherit','open','open','','670-revision','','','2010-07-06 14:15:00','2010-07-06 14:15:00','',670,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/07/670-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(791,1,'2010-07-05 20:08:00','2010-07-05 20:08:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764743336/\" title=\"Dilly Deli by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4764743336_c1fc29424a.jpg\" width=\"362\" /></a></div><br />If you\'re planning a birthday party at which:<br /><br />-Kids will be in attendance;<br />-You\'ll need plenty of room;<br />-You\'ll need fun things to do built right into the venue; and<br />-You like the idea of being outside,<br /><br />I\'m going to tell you right now where you should have your shindig: Dilly Deli.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764105307/\" title=\"Dilly Deli by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4764105307_e733693d78.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Check it out. For a party at <a href=\"http://dillydelitulsa.com/\">Dilly Deli, downtown at 402 E. Second Street</a>, you get: <br /><br /><ul><li>A hip, funky, intimate, lovely enclosed patio (which rules for those of us with kids who can\'t seem to stay in one spot for longer than .35692 seconds - no spending the entire party running around chasing little ones to keep them safe when you could be socializing);</li><li>A bocce ball court (fun for both adults and kids alike);</li><li>Plenty of seating, including booth, picnic table, classic car (see it in the photo above? to the right) and four-top options;</li><li>Shields from the Oklahoma sun and the chance of sprinkles that has been in the Tulsa forecast for the past several days;</li><li>A venue right smack dab in the middle of the trendy, historic Blue Dome District, right next to tons of free as well as $5 parking;</li><li>Excellent service;</li><li>Yummy food made from as many locally sourced products as possible.</li></ul><br />Can you say jackpot?<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764104999/\" title=\"Dilly Deli by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4136/4764104999_6229ea0813.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />That\'s what I said to myself a few weeks ago during a dinner at Dilly Deli. Actually, what I said to myself exactly was, \"Gee, this sure would be a dandy place for my husband\'s 30th birthday party.\" <br /><br />That\'s when I realized something. I met my husband just after his 24th birthday, six whole years ago. <br /><br />You know, back before I used the words \"gee\" and \"dandy\" in everyday conversation. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764740276/\" title=\"Dilly Deli by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4764740276_49798fc9c0.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />This weekend, we celebrated his turning 30. As in, the big 3-0. <br /><br />I\'ve been romantically involved with this man for six years. 2,190 days. More than 52,000 hours. That\'s, like, forever, man. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764106637/\" title=\"Dilly Deli by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4764106637_8fdaf7efb5.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />And now, we have this. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764105721/\" title=\"Dilly Deli by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4764105721_664a18abe1.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />And these people. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764104885/\" title=\"Dilly Deli by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4764104885_40dd46f782.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />And these people. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764104747/\" title=\"Dilly Deli by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4764104747_f900deed75.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Look! It\'s <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/hwall\">@hwall</a>! And her son, Isaac. And my mom. And my Meme.<br /><br />Isn\'t Meme pretty? It\'s really super-easy to tell in this picture.<br /><br />We also have whoever this is. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764104279/\" title=\"Dilly Deli by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4764104279_94189a08d3.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Actually, that\'s <a href=\"http://www.twitter.com/travelingspork\">@travelingspork</a>. She and her husband recently traded their Miami, Okla. digs for a house in T-Town.<br /><br />Their drive to my husband\'s birthday party from their old house in Miami: Approx. 1.5 hours.<br />Their drive to my husband\'s birthday party from their new house in Tulsa: Approx. 15 minutes.<br /><br />Advantage: My dear friend\'s gasoline budget.<br /><br />Also, her sanity. See what a few years of trying to live so far away can do to a person?<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764740574/\" title=\"Dilly Deli by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/4764740574_17c97f1404.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Plus, it\'s really nice to have that one friend back in town who likes to steal your camera and take photos of your parties so you don\'t have to.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764740738/\" title=\"Dilly Deli by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4764740738_f731052244.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />That\'s @travelingspork\'s hubs. When my husband first met him, he pretty much couldn\'t stop talking about him for, like, a month. I think he was his first-ever man crush.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764105119/\" title=\"Dilly Deli by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4764105119_e61fbc0d36.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />The studliness doesn\'t end there. Can you tell this was the guy in high school who made all the girls in math class swoon?<br /><br />According to @travelingspork, his high school sweetheart, he was.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764106043/\" title=\"Dilly Deli by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4764106043_9d545bf215.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />I\'m not sure what this has to do with the birthday party, but...did you know I have a sideways pinkie toe?<br /><br />And did you know that I have a little sister who really likes blue sno cones? <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764105817/\" title=\"Dilly Deli by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4764105817_88aeba25f9.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />And did you know that if you gave my dad some blush, some lipstick, a red wig and a Bump It, we\'d look pretty much like twins?<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764741726/\" title=\"Dilly Deli by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4764741726_01236d1b42.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />It\'s true. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764106759/\" title=\"Dilly Deli by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4764106759_2fcbe6bcc0.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />It\'s pretty funny that the men\'s bathroom at Dilly Deli is labeled with my husband\'s name. He could claim it as his own private domain, if he wanted. I think he\'d be well within his rights.<br /><br />And, if the spelling of my sister\'s name conformed to the traditional spelling, the ladies\' room, labeled Erin, could be her private domain. She could set up a partition outside the door and refuse to grant anyone access. I mean, it would be her private domain - it\'d have her <i>name</i> on it, for goodness sake.<br /><br />Or, she could give it to <a href=\"http://www.erinconrad.com/\">Erin Conrad</a>. You know, whatever works in the politics of friendly public restroom takeovers.<br /><br />This name, it\'s a recurring theme in my life.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764107611/\" title=\"Dilly Deli by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4764107611_d259b86d56.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />And now for what you\'ve all been waiting for.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764742912/\" title=\"Dilly Deli by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4764742912_c57f625985.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />How to light a perfectly good and innocent birthday cupcake on fire.<br /><br /><b>Step 1:</b> Tell the nice folks at <a href=\"http://www.annsbakery.com/\">Ann\'s Bakery</a> that you\'re gonna order a birthday cake from them. Remember that you haven\'t done so at the last minute. Kick self.<br /><br />Buy cupcake liners. Make cupcakes with cream cheese frosting from scratch with your two-year-old. Wear aprons.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764805641/\" title=\"Cupcakes! by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Cupcakes!\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4764805641_57eebd62db.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Bribe a friend to clandestinely transport the cupcakes to the party venue.<br /><br />Mark calendar two weeks before your own birthday to remind yourself to call Ann\'s and&nbsp;<a href=\"http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs536.ash1/31416_405324464029_104710214029_4269954_6696851_n.jpg\">order this</a>.<br /><br />Forgive self. <br /><br /><b>Step 2:</b> Load it up with the number of candles that would signify the new age of the birthday person.<br /><br />So, in our case, 30. Or, two-and-a-quarter packs of $2 birthday candles.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764743030/\" title=\"Dilly Deli by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4764743030_de5b574f34.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><br /></div><div style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Step 3:</b> Abscond with the birthday party venue\'s lighter. Don\'t mess with those sissy, thumb-powered things. Go all out with a trusty, burly charcoal lighter.&nbsp;</div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764743132/\" title=\"Dilly Deli by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4764743132_ff56ef2206.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br /><b>Step 4:</b> After lighting candles on one side of the cupcake, determine the direction of the wind. Tip: If you watch the wild fire developing on your cupcake, this should be relatively easy to figure out.<br /><br /><b>Step 5:</b> Turn cupcake so that the wind blows the fire onto the wicks of the other candles.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764107183/\" title=\"Dilly Deli by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4764107183_835d02f24e.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764743336/\" title=\"Dilly Deli by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4764743336_c1fc29424a.jpg\" width=\"362\" /></a></div><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><br /><div style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Step 6:</b> Blow out all candles in one breath.</div><br /><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764742436/\" title=\"Dilly Deli by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4764742436_6f76c0117d.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a><br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764743448/\" title=\"Dilly Deli by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4764743448_0d8bd06427.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764107491/\" title=\"Dilly Deli by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4764107491_2d135ac8a2.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a><br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: left;\">And that\'s the way you do it.&nbsp;</div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4764107611/\" title=\"Dilly Deli by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4764107611_d259b86d56.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: left;\">Tip: Do not attempt to eat stunt cupcake.<br /><br />Tip: Smoky the Bear would want me to tell you that it\'s good fire safety to have a fire extinguisher handy when lighting this many candles in a small space.<br /><br />And that only you can prevent cupcake fires.</div><div style=\"text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"text-align: left;\">Thanks again, Dilly Deli, for being such a great host to my sweet husband\'s 30th birthday party. We had a blast. You even helped my husband feel better about being a newly minted old fogey for awhile.</div><div style=\"text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"text-align: left;\">And for that we\'re eternally grateful.</div><div style=\"text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Dilly Deli</b></div><div style=\"text-align: left;\">Where: 402 E. Second Street</div><div style=\"text-align: left;\">When: Monday-Thursday, 8am-8pm; Friday-Saturday, 8am-10pm; Sunday, 8am-4pm</div><div style=\"text-align: left;\">Call: (918) 938-6382</div><div style=\"text-align: left;\">Web: <a href=\"http://www.dillydelitulsa.com/\">DillyDeliTulsa.com</a></div><div style=\"text-align: left;\">Menu (PDF): <a href=\"http://dillydelitulsa.com/images/data/attachments/0000/0001/Dilly_Deli_Menu_As_of_Dec16_09.pdf\">Click here</a></div><div style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/58/1435650/restaurant/Blue-Dome-District/Dilly-Deli-Tulsa\"><img alt=\"Dilly Deli on Urbanspoon\" src=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1435650/minilink.gif\" style=\"border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;\" /></a></div></div></div>','A Birthday Party at Dilly Deli. (Also, how to light a cupcake on fire.)','','inherit','open','open','','668-revision','','','2010-07-05 20:08:00','2010-07-05 20:08:00','',668,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/07/668-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(2811,1,'2010-10-09 13:10:19','2010-10-09 18:10:19','<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2775\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1678/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2775\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1678-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nBirthday parties in my family have always been a big deal.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><!--more-->\r\n[adrotate group=\"2\" banner=\"8\"]</p>\r\nAs a kid my birthday parties were <em>events</em>. More often than not, they were held at home. The dining room was covered in balloons and streamers, and the table was loaded with snacks, party favors and gifts. In the living room were party games, including one where kids would send a clothesline on the end of a fishing pole and line over a blue sheet covered in construction paper fish to catch a prize (the same game that I recently learned doubled as fishing game with naughty gag gifts as the catch once the kids went upstairs for naptime, but I digress).\r\n\r\nAt the center of these parties was always the cake. I\'ve had my fair share of amazing cakes over the years - Strawberry Shortcake, Care Bears, Sesame Street - basically, all the \'80s classics a little girl could ask for. But the cake I remember most was the cake at my fourth birthday party - the one that looked like a Barbie doll dressed in a purple ball gown.\r\n\r\nYou know the ones. The dress is made of a few layers of cake and frosting, and a Barbie stands in the middle, her torso covered in frosting styled to look like a bodice. The Barbie dress cake is the most exciting birthday cake ever, especially for prissy little girls, and I most certainly was one.\r\n\r\nI celebrated my 27th birthday this week. Maybe it\'s because I\'m regretful that I\'ve officially entered into my late twenties, maybe it\'s because I still feel as young as ever (with a few minor, saggier exceptions), but when my mom and my Meme asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I told them that I wanted another Barbie dress cake, just like the one I had for my fourth birthday.\r\n\r\nTo keep things extra-consistent, I requested that the cake be ordered from the bakery that made the last cake.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2776\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1665/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2776\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1665-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.annsbakery.com/\">Ann\'s Bakery</a>, just north of I-244 at 7 N. Harvard Avenue, has been in business here in Tulsa since 1938. The business has lasted through four generations of the family of founder Ann Bay who, with her husband, operated the bakery out of the ground floor of her home.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2775\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1678/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2775\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1678-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.annsbakery.com/goodies.html\">There\'s more available at Ann\'s than just Barbie dress cakes</a>, of course. There\'s a variety of pastry, cookies and breakfast goodies at the shop, and Ann\'s is also a top choice amongst Tulsa\'s discriminating brides for wedding cakes. There\'s <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/09/cupping/\">Topeca coffee</a> , too.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2777\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1654/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2777\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1654-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2778\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1662/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2778\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1662-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAre you seeing how beautiful those fall leaf cookies are? Wow. The color is incredible. They\'re almost too pretty to eat, really.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2779\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1606/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2779\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1606-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nMy son and I met my mom at Ann\'s yesterday to help her pick up the cake and to have breakfast together.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2780\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1607/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2780\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1607-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nMy mom chose a cream horn, I had a cheese danish. My son preferred the chocolate donut topped with Halloween sprinkles.\r\n\r\nBut of course.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2781\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1603/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2781\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1603-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nTrue to his style, though, he saw my breakfast...\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2782\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1601-2/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2782\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_16011-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nKnew I was busy taking photos...\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2783\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1605/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2783\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1605-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAnd, well, I think we know what happened there.\r\n\r\nBut who could blame him when something like this is staring him in the face?\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2784\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1631-2/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2784\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_16311-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2785\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1624/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2785\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1624.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThis lovely lady is Shannon Harris, and she represents the third generation at Ann\'s. I met Shannon at the <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/oklahoma-blogging-week-tulsa-meetup/\">Oklahoma Blogging Week Meetup</a> here in Tulsa Thursday night, and on Friday morning I met her mom, Sharon, and her daughter, Jordan.\r\n\r\nMy son is a sixth-generation Tulsan on both sides of my family, so it\'s rare that I meet someone else who has roots in Tulsa that are as deep as my family\'s. But I love it when I do.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2786\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1646/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2786\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1646-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2787\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1666/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2787\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1666-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2788\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1698/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2788\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1698-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nSo, about that Barbie dress cake.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2789\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1718/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2789\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1718.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nEvery time I look at this picture, the little girl in me jumps up and down and makes a sound that\'s a bit like...\r\n\r\nSQUEEEE!!!!!!\r\n\r\nI mean, just look at the level of detail:\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2790\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1694/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2790\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1694-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2791\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1702/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2791\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1702.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nUnbelievable.\r\n\r\nAnd here\'s the best part: The cake looks exactly like the one I had at my fourth birthday party. I mean, to a T.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2792\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1722/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2792\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1722-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAnd yes, I\'m wearing a princess crown. Don\'t knock it \'til you\'ve tried it at your own birthday party.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2793\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1722-2/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2793\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_17221-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThanks goes to everyone at Ann\'s Bakery for continuing to be part of a family tradition that I hold so dear, even when it means taking a special order for a 27-year-old woman\'s Barbie dress cake that was ordered to be made according to a photo from 1987, and on a weekend when you have more than 20 wedding cakes to make and deliver.\r\n\r\nReally. From the bottom of my heart.\r\n\r\n<strong>Ann\'s Bakery</strong>\r\nWhere: 7 N. Harvard Avenue\r\nCall: (918) 834-2345\r\nWeb: <a href=\"http://www.annsbakery.com/\">AnnsBakery.com</a>','Ann\'s Bakery: The 23-Year Tale of the Barbie Dress Cake','It\'s not every day that a hometown bakery has to take a special order for a 27-year-old woman\'s Barbie dress cake, to be made according to a photo from 1987. ','inherit','open','open','','2605-revision-17','','','2010-10-09 13:10:19','2010-10-09 18:10:19','',2605,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/2605-revision-17/',0,'revision','',0),(2812,1,'2010-10-09 13:17:46','2010-10-09 18:17:46','<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2775\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1678/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2775\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1678-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nBirthday parties in my family have always been a big deal.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">[adrotate group=\"2\" banner=\"8\"]</p>\r\n\r\nAs a kid my birthday parties were <em>events</em>. More often than not, they were held at home. The dining room was covered in balloons and streamers, and the table was loaded with snacks, party favors and gifts. In the living room were party games, including one where kids would send a clothesline on the end of a fishing pole and line over a blue sheet covered in construction paper fish to catch a prize (the same game that I recently learned doubled as fishing game with naughty gag gifts as the catch once the kids went upstairs for naptime, but I digress).\r\n\r\nAt the center of these parties was always the cake. I\'ve had my fair share of amazing cakes over the years - Strawberry Shortcake, Care Bears, Sesame Street - basically, all the \'80s classics a little girl could ask for. But the cake I remember most was the cake at my fourth birthday party - the one that looked like a Barbie doll dressed in a purple ball gown.\r\n\r\nYou know the ones. The dress is made of a few layers of cake and frosting, and a Barbie stands in the middle, her torso covered in frosting styled to look like a bodice. The Barbie dress cake is the most exciting birthday cake ever, especially for prissy little girls, and I most certainly was one.\r\n\r\nI celebrated my 27th birthday this week. Maybe it\'s because I\'m regretful that I\'ve officially entered into my late twenties, maybe it\'s because I still feel as young as ever (with a few minor, saggier exceptions), but when my mom and my Meme asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I told them that I wanted another Barbie dress cake, just like the one I had for my fourth birthday.\r\n\r\nTo keep things extra-consistent, I requested that the cake be ordered from the bakery that made the last cake.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2776\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1665/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2776\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1665-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.annsbakery.com/\">Ann\'s Bakery</a>, just north of I-244 at 7 N. Harvard Avenue, has been in business here in Tulsa since 1938. The business has lasted through four generations of the family of founder Ann Bay who, with her husband, operated the bakery out of the ground floor of her home.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2775\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1678/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2775\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1678-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.annsbakery.com/goodies.html\">There\'s more available at Ann\'s than just Barbie dress cakes</a>, of course. There\'s a variety of pastry, cookies and breakfast goodies at the shop, and Ann\'s is also a top choice amongst Tulsa\'s discriminating brides for wedding cakes. There\'s <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/09/cupping/\">Topeca coffee</a> , too.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2777\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1654/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2777\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1654-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2778\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1662/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2778\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1662-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAre you seeing how beautiful those fall leaf cookies are? Wow. The color is incredible. They\'re almost too pretty to eat, really.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2779\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1606/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2779\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1606-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nMy son and I met my mom at Ann\'s yesterday to help her pick up the cake and to have breakfast together.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2780\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1607/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2780\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1607-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nMy mom chose a cream horn, I had a cheese danish. My son preferred the chocolate donut topped with Halloween sprinkles.\r\n\r\nBut of course.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2781\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1603/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2781\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1603-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nTrue to his style, though, he saw my breakfast...\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2782\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1601-2/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2782\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_16011-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nKnew I was busy taking photos...\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2783\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1605/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2783\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1605-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAnd, well, I think we know what happened there.\r\n\r\nBut who could blame him when something like this is staring him in the face?\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2784\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1631-2/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2784\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_16311-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2785\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1624/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2785\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1624.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThis lovely lady is Shannon Harris, and she represents the third generation at Ann\'s. I met Shannon at the <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/oklahoma-blogging-week-tulsa-meetup/\">Oklahoma Blogging Week Meetup</a> here in Tulsa Thursday night, and on Friday morning I met her mom, Sharon, and her daughter, Jordan.\r\n\r\nMy son is a sixth-generation Tulsan on both sides of my family, so it\'s rare that I meet someone else who has roots in Tulsa that are as deep as my family\'s. But I love it when I do.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2786\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1646/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2786\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1646-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2787\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1666/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2787\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1666-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2788\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1698/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2788\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1698-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nSo, about that Barbie dress cake.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2789\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1718/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2789\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1718.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nEvery time I look at this picture, the little girl in me jumps up and down and makes a sound that\'s a bit like...\r\n\r\nSQUEEEE!!!!!!\r\n\r\nI mean, just look at the level of detail:\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2790\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1694/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2790\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1694-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2791\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1702/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-2791\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1702.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nUnbelievable.\r\n\r\nAnd here\'s the best part: The cake looks exactly like the one I had at my fourth birthday party. I mean, to a T.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2792\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1722/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2792\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_1722-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAnd yes, I\'m wearing a princess crown. Don\'t knock it \'til you\'ve tried it at your own birthday party.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-2793\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/anns-bakery-barbie-dress-cake/dsc_1722-2/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-2793\" title=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/DSC_17221-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Ann\'s Bakery\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThanks goes to everyone at Ann\'s Bakery for continuing to be part of a family tradition that I hold so dear, even when it means taking a special order for a 27-year-old woman\'s Barbie dress cake that was ordered to be made according to a photo from 1987, and on a weekend when you have more than 20 wedding cakes to make and deliver.\r\n\r\nReally. From the bottom of my heart.\r\n\r\n<strong>Ann\'s Bakery</strong>\r\nWhere: 7 N. Harvard Avenue\r\nCall: (918) 834-2345\r\nWeb: <a href=\"http://www.annsbakery.com/\">AnnsBakery.com</a>','Ann\'s Bakery: The 23-Year Tale of the Barbie Dress Cake','It\'s not every day that a hometown bakery has to take a special order for a 27-year-old woman\'s Barbie dress cake, to be made according to a photo from 1987. ','inherit','open','open','','2605-revision-18','','','2010-10-09 13:17:46','2010-10-09 18:17:46','',2605,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/10/2605-revision-18/',0,'revision','',0),(794,1,'2010-07-01 21:47:00','2010-07-01 21:47:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4751667439/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"448\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4751667439_9fd6564508_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br />In an effort to beat the heat last Saturday, my first photo shoot of the day was at 8am.<br /><br />Even starting off that early did little to keep the sweat from dripping and the clothes from sticking. However, I was all smiles when my newly engaged couple agreed to finish up their shoot at the Cherry Street Farmer\'s Market.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4752308610/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4752308610_ec608751c3_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br />I have just one question.<br /><br />Well that\'s not true, I\'m always full of questions.  But for today, right now, I have just one.  <br /><br />How in the world have I gone so long without photographing this place? <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4751668087/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4751668087_02f300f754_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a> </div><br />You may call it the farmers\' market. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4752308402/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4752308402_75c1db203a_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a> </div><br />I call it heaven.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4752308038/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4752308038_dda6bee533_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br />My senses came alive with all the colors, people, food, music and flowers.  I hope this makes you smile the same way it does me.<br /><br />I also hope you won\'t wait as long as I did to enjoy this little slice of paradise right here in Tulsa, Oklahoma.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4752308460/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4752308460_ef662d22b6_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4751668149/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4751668149_d98b629525_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4752307914/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4752307914_6cb73e6e6a_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4751667335/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"448\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4751667335_9003677e9d_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4752307840/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4752307840_b57c3e83fd_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4751667579/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4751667579_875b8e3079_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4751667981/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4751667981_daa5984b19_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a><br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.erinconrad.com/\" style=\"color: #cc6600; text-decoration: underline;\"><i>Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>&nbsp;photoblogs weekly at Tasha Does Tulsa as Erin Sees Tulsa.&nbsp;</i></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/search/label/Erin%20Sees%20Tulsa\" style=\"color: #78b749; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Check out her recent posts here</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>.</i></span></span></div></div>','Cherry Street Farmers\' Market: Erin Sees Tulsa','','inherit','open','open','','665-revision','','','2010-07-01 21:47:00','2010-07-01 21:47:00','',665,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/07/665-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(795,1,'2010-08-01 22:57:23','2010-08-02 03:57:23','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4751667439/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"403\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4751667439_9fd6564508_b.jpg\" width=\"504\" /></a></div><br />In an effort to beat the heat last Saturday, my first photo shoot of the day was at 8am.<br /><br />Even starting off that early did little to keep the sweat from dripping and the clothes from sticking. However, I was all smiles when my newly engaged couple agreed to finish up their shoot at the Cherry Street Farmer\'s Market.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4752308610/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4752308610_ec608751c3_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br />I have just one question.<br /><br />Well that\'s not true, I\'m always full of questions.  But for today, right now, I have just one.  <br /><br />How in the world have I gone so long without photographing this place? <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4751668087/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4751668087_02f300f754_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a> </div><br />You may call it the farmers\' market. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4752308402/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4752308402_75c1db203a_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a> </div><br />I call it heaven.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4752308038/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4752308038_dda6bee533_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br />My senses came alive with all the colors, people, food, music and flowers.  I hope this makes you smile the same way it does me.<br /><br />I also hope you won\'t wait as long as I did to enjoy this little slice of paradise right here in Tulsa, Oklahoma.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4752308460/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4752308460_ef662d22b6_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4751668149/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4751668149_d98b629525_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4752307914/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4752307914_6cb73e6e6a_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4751667335/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"448\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4751667335_9003677e9d_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4752307840/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4752307840_b57c3e83fd_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4751667579/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4751667579_875b8e3079_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4751667981/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4751667981_daa5984b19_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a><br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.erinconrad.com/\" style=\"color: #cc6600; text-decoration: underline;\"><i>Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>&nbsp;photoblogs weekly at Tasha Does Tulsa as Erin Sees Tulsa.&nbsp;</i></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/search/label/Erin%20Sees%20Tulsa\" style=\"color: #78b749; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Check out her recent posts here</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>.</i></span></span></div></div>','Cherry Street Farmers\' Market: Erin Sees Tulsa','','inherit','open','open','','665-revision-2','','','2010-08-01 22:57:23','2010-08-02 03:57:23','',665,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/665-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(796,1,'2010-06-27 15:16:00','2010-06-27 15:16:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4738834130/\" title=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4738834130_93601e967b.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Hamburgers run through the garden, served in a yellow paper wrapper and sealed with a toothpick.<br /><br />Soft drinks served in frosty mugs. Crispy, piping-hot onion rings.<br /><br />The best chocolate malt in town, served with a dollop of whipped cream. <br /><br />What I\'m talking about here is, of course, Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4738202475/\" title=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4101/4738202475_6704efe214.jpg\" width=\"333\" /></a></div><br />Like Arnold\'s, which is located just west of the West 51st Street and Union intersection, I\'m from the west side. Having graduated from a high school in west Tulsa, I spent plenty of time at this burger bar. It was a classic post-band practice destination, and we even snuck away from campus a time or two to Arnold\'s for lunch. <br /><br />Part of the fun of raising a child in the same city in which you grew up is sharing your memories with him, re-experiencing with him your old stomping grounds. A few weeks ago I loaded up my little guy and trucked it across town so that he could experience those same burgers, onion rings, chocolate malts, neon signs and 1950s-reminiscent glass blocks by the counter that serve as the background of many a high school memory for me.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4738201999/\" title=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4738201999_ae032e69b6.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4738202115/\" title=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4738202115_3014d39402.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4738834730/\" title=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4077/4738834730_525803161e.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Upon arriving my son and I went through the lunch line, ordered a couple of burgers and an order of Arnold\'s famous onion rings, grabbed our drinks and our number and took the last available booth in the dining room. <br /><br />Lunch time at Arnold\'s is a busy place. Those west siders, they know a good burger when they taste it, and they\'re not afraid to drive back again and again for a tried-and-true delicious meal. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4738201887/\" title=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4738201887_e0119b582b.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Here\'s my son telling me all about the finer points of this Arnold\'s burger. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4738834372/\" title=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4738834372_57be404a07.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />\"Burger - cheeseburger! Mommy, burger pretty tasty. Mmm, Mommy? Burger good!\"<br /><br />Well said, kiddo. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4738201721/\" title=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4738201721_555571f18f.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />\"Hey, son? You want my extra onions?\"<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4738834532/\" title=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4738834532_808eb9b601.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Yeah, I didn\'t think so. Which was good, because then I got to keep them all to myself.<br /><br />He did, however, enjoy these: <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4738202227/\" title=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4738202227_5d506c81ae.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />He likes his with ketchup, but I\'m partial to ranch dressing myself. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4738202361/\" title=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4738202361_03a1093271.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />As lunch time sometimes does, it runs into what\'s supposed to be nap time for this little guy. If we\'re out and about, very bad things start to happen - things involving whining, grabbing, throwing and general misbehaving. <br /><br />So, Mom had to have her Arnold\'s chocolate malt from the drive-thru. While it wasn\'t served in its customary frosty glass, it was much, much better than going totally without. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4738201641/\" title=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4738201641_b354d2a556.jpg\" width=\"333\" /></a></div><br />Which one can never do when visiting Arnold\'s. It\'d be like visiting Paris without going to the Eiffel Tower, or visiting Ireland without kissing the Blarney stone. It just wouldn\'t be fittin\' - the visit wouldn\'t be complete.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4738834130/\" title=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4078/4738834130_93601e967b.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a> </div><br />Since it\'s at 51st and Union, Arnold\'s isn\'t conveniently located just for westsiders, but it\'s also just off I-44, putting it just minutes from, well, just about anywhere. Even coming from across town, once we hit the highway, we were there within 10 minutes.<br /><br />Which is about as long as I\'m willing to wait once I get an Arnold\'s burger on my mind.<br /><br /><b>Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers</b><br />Where: 1722 W. 51st Street<br />When: Monday-Saturday, 11am-9pm (closed Sunday)<br />Call: (918) 445-4633<br /><br /><a href=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/58/630047/restaurant/West-Tulsa/Arnolds-Old-Fashioned-Hamburgers-Tulsa\"><img alt=\"Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers on Urbanspoon\" src=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/630047/minilink.gif\" style=\"border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;\" /></a>','Arnold\'s Old-Fashioned Hamburgers: A West Side Story','','inherit','open','open','','663-revision','','','2010-06-27 15:16:00','2010-06-27 15:16:00','',663,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/663-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(797,1,'2010-06-26 14:57:00','2010-06-26 14:57:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4735127207/\" title=\"River Parks Plaza by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"River Parks Plaza\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4735127207_55412ac978.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />The city of Tulsa manages over 130 parks, and <a href=\"http://www.cityoftulsa.org/culture--recreation/tulsa-parks.aspx\">31 of them offer water playgrounds</a>. Just think - that\'s a splash pad for every day of the month, all right here in Tulsa. <br /><br />It\'s also a lot of water park to navigate all on your little lonesome. To help out, a certain kiddo would like to offer his guide to Tulsa splash pads to all of you - he just loves to be of service.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a>Take it away, son!<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4735126985/\" title=\"River Parks Plaza by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"River Parks Plaza\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4735126985_47e09d09d5.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Thanks, Mom. I\'ll just jump right in.<br /><br /><b>Step 1: Survey the crowd</b>. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4735765348/\" title=\"River Parks Plaza by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"River Parks Plaza\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4135/4735765348_162029321f.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />It\'s important for a kid to get a lay of the social land in play at any given splash pad. You want to be sure to identify the cool kids, right? And you want to be able to befriend them, don\'t you? After all, no one wants to start things off on the wrong foot. It\'d be social suicide, man.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4735128067/\" title=\"River Parks Plaza by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"River Parks Plaza\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4735128067_9c58315b8b.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />A crucial step for the guys: You gotta scope out the ladies. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4735128199/\" title=\"River Parks Plaza by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"River Parks Plaza\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4094/4735128199_4efea87af7.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />If you find one who is extra fine, don\'t be afraid to tell her so. After all, with all of the different splash pads in town, what are the odds the two of you will meet up again at the same one, at the same time? <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4735127911/\" title=\"River Parks Plaza by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"River Parks Plaza\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4735127911_9dbebf5d9d.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Life is short, people. Play hard. <br /><br /><b>Step 2: Test all water spouts</b>. <br /><br />There are a few ways to go about this. I always like to start with a good, old-fashioned finger poke. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4735126985/\" title=\"River Parks Plaza by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"River Parks Plaza\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4735126985_47e09d09d5.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Again, it\'s all about getting things started on the right foot. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4735126771/\" title=\"River Parks Plaza by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"River Parks Plaza\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4735126771_f06978b3f9.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Next, give the spout a good splash. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4735127127/\" title=\"River Parks Plaza by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"River Parks Plaza\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4735127127_dcdf7c9799.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />If all seems to be in order, up the ante with a good stomp. <br /><br />Gentle at first...<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4735764488/\" title=\"River Parks Plaza by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"River Parks Plaza\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4735764488_83dabd4965.jpg\" width=\"333\" /></a></div><br />...then good and strong.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4735764276/\" title=\"River Parks Plaza by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"River Parks Plaza\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4735764276_afc8984bc5.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />That\'s the ticket. <br /><br />Be sure not to neglect the other parts of the water park. It\'s your responsibility as a kid to thoroughly test the entire splash pad. Leave no stone - or, spout, as it were - unturned. Don\'t be afraid to go above and beyond. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4735764948/\" title=\"River Parks Plaza by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"River Parks Plaza\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4735764948_6374ab133c.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Or down and deep. <br /><br />Very deep. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4735127473/\" title=\"River Parks Plaza by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"River Parks Plaza\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4735127473_581aaa73b1.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4735765140/\" title=\"River Parks Plaza by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"River Parks Plaza\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4735765140_a707b405bd.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />While this spout testing stuff is hard work, it\'s okay to enjoy your job. <br /><br />And don\'t let anyone tell you otherwise. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4735127697/\" title=\"River Parks Plaza by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"River Parks Plaza\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4735127697_75b4660af4.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br /><b>Step 3: Test the quality of the water</b>. <br /><br />This is most easily done by getting as close to the water as possible. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4735128459/\" title=\"River Parks Plaza by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"River Parks Plaza\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4735128459_e40a1c2b41.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4735128631/\" title=\"River Parks Plaza by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"River Parks Plaza\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4735128631_af9882f64d.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Don\'t be shy. No one was ever give the corner nursery for being timid. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4735128881/\" title=\"River Parks Plaza by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"River Parks Plaza\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/4735128881_59de744dba.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />For optimal water testing, really get up close and personal with the stuff. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4735128743/\" title=\"River Parks Plaza by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"River Parks Plaza\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4735128743_d08fd74d2a.jpg\" width=\"333\" /></a></div><br />Yeah. Like that. <br /><br />If you\'ve done your job well, and if you\'ve completed all three of these techniques for optimal splash pad use, by the time Mom or Dad or Grandma says it\'s time to call it a day, you should look a little something like this: <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4735765828/\" title=\"River Parks Plaza by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"River Parks Plaza\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4735765828_9a3ab6a81e.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Happy. Tired. Hungry. <br /><br />And above all, absolutely soaked to the bone. It\'s the ultimate sign of a splash pad inspection job well done.','A Tulsa Kid\'s Splash Pad How-To','','inherit','open','open','','662-revision','','','2010-06-26 14:57:00','2010-06-26 14:57:00','',662,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/662-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(798,1,'2010-06-25 16:48:00','2010-06-25 16:48:00','<b>UPDATE//</b>The pageant judges have spoken! <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4742094021/\" title=\"Sonic by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Sonic\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4742094021_47e5d862a9.jpg\" width=\"375\" /></a></div><br /><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tasha-Does-Tulsa/403568208507\">Despite much speculation from the TDT Facebook community that Braum\'s actually has the better cherry limeade</a>, the Cherry Limeade from Sonic beat out all other tasty Tulsa refreshments and accepted the crown this morning with humility and grace. Feel free to visit her between 2-4pm today for happy hour, when you can take her home for half price.<br /><br />The QuikTrip 49-cent drink won the title of first runner-up, with a frosty glass of Weber\'s root beer taking third place.<br /><br />Thanks, all, for voting! Have a refreshing day, T-Town style. <br />__________________________________________________________________________________<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4420932184/\" title=\"Sonic by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Sonic\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4420932184_afb18d4a67.jpg\" width=\"375\" /></a></div><br />Now that the first week of summer has smacked us upside the head with a 100-degree-plus heat index every day this week, we Tulsans are all thinking of ways to stay cool. An easy way to do that is from the inside out, with a tasty, local refreshment.<br /><br />But, which gets the job done best? To find the answer, say hello to the first-ever TDT Refreshment Pageant, a showcase of some of Tulsa\'s most refreshing refreshments and icy-cold treats. <br /><br />Be sure to vote for your favorite after the jump. <br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><b>QuikTrip 49-cent Fountain Drink</b>. At just 49 cents, not only is this refreshment refreshing, but it\'s also easy on the wallet.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><img height=\"512\" src=\"http://irritatedtulsan.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/491.jpg\" width=\"384\" /></div><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><i>Photo by <a href=\"http://www.irritatedtulsan.wordpress.com/\">Irritated Tulsan</a> - if you\'re not reading this blog, you\'re missing out on some serious Tulsa hilarity.</i></div><i><br /></i><br /><b>Sonic Drive-In Cherry Limeade</b>. Between 2-4pm, it\'s half-price, but it\'s always fully delicious.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4420932184/\" title=\"Sonic by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Sonic\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4420932184_afb18d4a67.jpg\" width=\"375\" /></a></div><br /><b>Anything from Josh\'s Sno Shack</b>. There\'s not a line of 30-plus summer-struck Tulsans outside every Josh\'s location at all times for no reason. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><img height=\"512\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4698067666_669b4fd6ff_b.jpg\" width=\"384\" /></div><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><i><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/sno-cone-mystique-erin-sees-tulsa.html\">Photo by Erin Conrad</a></i></div><br /><b>Weber\'s Root Beer</b>. A bonafide Tulsa classic, best served in a frosty mug. <br /><br /><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TCTXwwN1ykI/AAAAAAAAB6c/78b_pcSMnnw/s1600/Picture+1.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"263\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TCTXwwN1ykI/AAAAAAAAB6c/78b_pcSMnnw/s400/Picture+1.png\" width=\"400\" /></a></div><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><i><a href=\"http://www.webersoftulsa.com/webers_story.asp\">Photo from the Weber\'s of Tulsa website</a></i></div><br /><b>Marshall Beer</b>. My favorite for summer is the hoppy Atlas Pale Ale, but Marshall gives thirsty Tulsans some seriously tasty options. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/3834219306/\" title=\"T-Rex Pie at Joe Momma\'s Pizza Downtown by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"T-Rex Pie at Joe Momma\'s Pizza Downtown\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3475/3834219306_d73a84491d.jpg\" width=\"375\" /></a></div><br /><b>Arnold\'s Chocolate Malt</b>. It\'s legendary in its maltiness, and it can only be found at this west Tulsa burger joint. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4732849611/\" title=\"Arnold\'s Malt by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Arnold\'s Malt\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1320/4732849611_af3ab3e0fe.jpg\" width=\"333\" /></a></div><br /><b>FroYo from Cherry Berry</b>. This Tulsa-based frozen yogurt chain knows how to serve up some seriously refreshing treats, but they don\'t. They let you do it instead, letting you totally customize your refreshment experience. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4733497136/\" title=\"Cherry Berry by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Cherry Berry\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1428/4733497136_579644984f.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br /><b>Farmers\' Market Margarita from Elote Cafe</b>. It doesn\'t get any more local than this, folks, especially with blueberries from the farmer\'s market mixed in.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4732878781/\" title=\"Elote by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Elote\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1236/4732878781_f6ce5d7278.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: right; width: 170;\"><form action=\"http://www.free-website-polls.com/poll.php\" method=\"POST\"><table border=\"0\" cellpadding=\"2\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"border-bottom-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; width: 170px;\"><tbody><tr><td align=\"center\" colspan=\"2\" style=\"color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;\">Which is Tulsa\'s most refreshing, frosty-cool treat?<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td><input id=\"answer238682\" name=\"answer[]\" type=\"radio\" value=\"238682\" /></td> <td width=\"100%\"><label for=\"answer238682\" style=\"color: black; font-family: Verdana;\">QuikTrip 49-Cent Fountain Drink</label></td></tr><tr><td><input id=\"answer238683\" name=\"answer[]\" type=\"radio\" value=\"238683\" /></td> <td width=\"100%\"><label for=\"answer238683\" style=\"color: black; font-family: Verdana;\">Sonic Drive-In Limeade</label></td></tr><tr><td><input id=\"answer238684\" name=\"answer[]\" type=\"radio\" value=\"238684\" /></td> <td width=\"100%\"><label for=\"answer238684\" style=\"color: black; font-family: Verdana;\">Anything from Josh\'s Sno Shack</label></td></tr><tr><td><input id=\"answer238685\" name=\"answer[]\" type=\"radio\" value=\"238685\" /></td> <td width=\"100%\"><label for=\"answer238685\" style=\"color: black; font-family: Verdana;\">Weber\'s Root Beer</label></td></tr><tr><td><input id=\"answer238686\" name=\"answer[]\" type=\"radio\" value=\"238686\" /></td> <td width=\"100%\"><label for=\"answer238686\" style=\"color: black; font-family: Verdana;\">Marshall Beer</label></td></tr><tr><td><input id=\"answer238687\" name=\"answer[]\" type=\"radio\" value=\"238687\" /></td> <td width=\"100%\"><label for=\"answer238687\" style=\"color: black; font-family: Verdana;\">Arnold\'s Chocolate Malt</label></td></tr><tr><td><input id=\"answer238688\" name=\"answer[]\" type=\"radio\" value=\"238688\" /></td> <td width=\"100%\"><label for=\"answer238688\" style=\"color: black; font-family: Verdana;\">FroYo from Cherry Berry</label></td></tr><tr><td><input id=\"answer238690\" name=\"answer[]\" type=\"radio\" value=\"238690\" /></td> <td width=\"100%\"><label for=\"answer238690\" style=\"color: black; font-family: Verdana;\">Elote Farmers\' Market Margarita</label></td></tr><tr><td align=\"center\" colspan=\"2\"><br /><br /><input style=\"border: 1px #333333 solid;\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Vote\" /><br /><br /><br /><a href=\"http://www.free-website-polls.com/poll.php?show_poll=86235\" style=\"color: black; font-weight: bold;\" target=\"_blank\">View Results</a><br /><input name=\"poll_id\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"86235\" /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href=\"http://www.free-website-polls.com/\" style=\"display: block; font-size: 11px; margin-top: 3px;\">Free poll from Free Website Polls</a></center></form></div><br />Now that you\'ve voted for your favorite Tulsa summertime treat, go forth and refresh yourself. Don\'t forget to take this list of refreshments along as your Tulsa guide to extreme heat relief.<br /><br />And don\'t forget to check out the latest on <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/p/tulsa-events-this-weekend_2472.html\">what\'s going on in Tulsa this weekend</a>.','Miss Tulsa Refreshment Pageant: Which is Tulsa\'s Most Refreshing Summertime Treat?','','inherit','open','open','','661-revision','','','2010-06-25 16:48:00','2010-06-25 16:48:00','',661,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/661-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(800,1,'2010-06-24 14:06:00','2010-06-24 14:06:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4727430901/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"560\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1148/4727430901_d9c7dabd1e_b.jpg\" width=\"372\" /></a></div><br />With July 4th less than two weeks away, my eyes have started noticing all the red, white and blue that surrounds us.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4727430961/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1359/4727430961_0e96e689f7_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4727431391/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1158/4727431391_87c8d36a16_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br />Of course it\'s easy to spot Old Glory, but what about finding these colors in normal, everyday living?&nbsp; <br /><br />Start looking.  You\'ll be shocked by just how easy it is to dream in red, white and blue.  <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4727431451/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1149/4727431451_cdb55bdfc5_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br />And just to keep you on your toes, I\'ve mixed in some instant images with my digital ones.  <br /><br />Which are your favorites?<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4728076378/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"560\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1309/4728076378_0d8298f756_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4727431535/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"560\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1229/4727431535_6bfc95554c_b.jpg\" width=\"372\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4728077342/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1346/4728077342_9422a30570_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4727431615/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1139/4727431615_8ef0341bff_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4727430799/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"560\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1005/4727430799_af6686a74e_b.jpg\" width=\"362\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4728076724/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1078/4728076724_e6cc0254e4_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4728077068/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"560\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1161/4728077068_5aaf619b38_b.jpg\" width=\"375\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4727431133/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1102/4727431133_b94d78f1e1_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4728076894/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1009/4728076894_66a6865ce2_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4728076764/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"560\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1099/4728076764_374a92cee5_b.jpg\" width=\"375\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4727431325/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"560\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1324/4727431325_9979f6fb75_b.jpg\" width=\"375\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4727431227/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1354/4727431227_0d658093ff_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4728076274/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"560\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1073/4728076274_f00a071474_b.jpg\" width=\"375\" /></a></div><br />These colors aren\'t only a wonderful reminder that not only do we live in the greatest city in this country, but also the greatest country on this earth.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4727430901/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"560\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1148/4727430901_d9c7dabd1e_b.jpg\" width=\"375\" /></a></div><br />Happy dreaming! <br /><br /><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.erinconrad.com/\" style=\"color: #cc6600; text-decoration: underline;\"><i>Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>&nbsp;photoblogs weekly at Tasha Does Tulsa as Erin Sees Tulsa.&nbsp;</i></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/search/label/Erin%20Sees%20Tulsa\" style=\"color: #78b749; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Check out her recent posts here</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>.</i></span><br /><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i><br /></i></span><br /><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i><b>Find a listing of 2010 4th of July events in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Jenks, Owasso and more </b><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/4th-of-july-2010-events-in-tulsa.html\"><b>right here</b></a><b>.</b></i></span>','Dreaming in Red, White and Blue: Erin Sees Tulsa','','inherit','open','open','','660-revision','','','2010-06-24 14:06:00','2010-06-24 14:06:00','',660,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/660-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(801,1,'2010-06-23 21:51:00','2010-06-23 21:51:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4191734804/\" title=\"The Cigar Box by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"The Cigar Box\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2673/4191734804_3a79019a8a.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />The recession might have put some members of the Tulsa business community in last season’s neckties or put a hold on that man cave renovation, but one thing is for sure: No one is giving up his cigar.<br /><br />There’s nothing quite like a fine cigar and scotch on the rocks at the end of a long week at the office. The taste that can range from a sweet, floral grassiness to wood and leather can put the troubles of the boardroom miles away.<br /><br />Thanks to the local selection of fine cigars — who knew the Tulsa area offers nearly a dozen cigar shops and counting? — there’s no need to try one’s hand at smuggling hand-rolled Cubans or, worse, going without cigars altogether.<br /><br />Get the list on <a href=\"http://tulsabusiness.com/article.asp?aID=285937502.58836.666822.8849865.5248311.453&amp;aID2=51285\">the High Life page in this week\'s edition of Tulsa Business Journal</a>.','Where to Find Cigars in Tulsa','','inherit','open','open','','659-revision','','','2010-06-23 21:51:00','2010-06-23 21:51:00','',659,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/659-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(802,1,'2010-06-23 21:42:00','2010-06-23 21:42:00','<div class=\"text-align: center;\"><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TCJ_Yh7G5TI/AAAAAAAAB6U/g57NrftjmvQ/s1600/hotdogs.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TCJ_Yh7G5TI/AAAAAAAAB6U/g57NrftjmvQ/s400/hotdogs.jpg\" width=\"321\" /></a></div></div><br />They’re a mark of every major metropolitan city: vendors of street fare, set up along busy thoroughfares where hungry downtowners rove for midday sustenance.<br /><br />Suddenly, these vendors are on seemingly every corner in Tulsa’s central business district, especially hot dog cart operators, numbering about half a dozen businesses within the IDL.<br /><br />Grab some napkins and chow down on <a href=\"http://tulsabusiness.com/industry_article.asp?cID=i&amp;aID=91708527.4547083.666809.6765667.9782155.609&amp;aID2=51284\">the rest of the story on the Food page in this week\'s issue of Tulsa Business Journal</a>.','Street Eats Fill a Market Void','','inherit','open','open','','658-revision','','','2010-06-23 21:42:00','2010-06-23 21:42:00','',658,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/658-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(803,1,'2010-08-01 23:07:25','2010-08-02 04:07:25','<div class=\"text-align: center;\"><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TCJ_Yh7G5TI/AAAAAAAAB6U/g57NrftjmvQ/s1600/hotdogs.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TCJ_Yh7G5TI/AAAAAAAAB6U/g57NrftjmvQ/s400/hotdogs.jpg\" width=\"321\" /></a></div></div><br />They’re a mark of every major metropolitan city: vendors of street fare, set up along busy thoroughfares where hungry downtowners rove for midday sustenance.<br /><br />Suddenly, these vendors are on seemingly every corner in Tulsa’s central business district, especially hot dog cart operators, numbering about half a dozen businesses within the IDL.<br /><br />Grab some napkins and chow down on <a href=\"http://tulsabusiness.com/industry_article.asp?cID=i&amp;aID=91708527.4547083.666809.6765667.9782155.609&amp;aID2=51284\">the rest of the story on the Food page in this week\'s issue of Tulsa Business Journal</a>.','Street Eats Fill a Market Void','','inherit','open','open','','658-revision-2','','','2010-08-01 23:07:25','2010-08-02 04:07:25','',658,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/658-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(804,1,'2010-06-21 20:27:00','2010-06-21 20:27:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4697532538/\" title=\"The Brook by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"The Brook\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4697532538_be52449816.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />You know how when fall and winter start to come around that you notice you crave things like chicken pot pie and bread pudding and generally heavy, food-for-the-soul-type stuff? <br /><br />And how when spring arrives the first thing everyone wants is anything besides chicken pot pie and bread pudding? And how you feel like if you have to eat another piece of citrus you might just cry your eyes out? You need real fruit, by George! <br /><br />Well, me, too. And when summer (and 90-plus percent humidity) is in the air, I get to craving one thing.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4696900145/\" title=\"The Brook by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"The Brook\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1274/4696900145_427349d114.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />And that\'s macaroni and cheese with some buffalo chicken tenders from&nbsp;<a href=\"http://www.brookrestaurant.com/\">Brook on Brookside</a>, known by us locals as \"The Brook.\"<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4697533226/\" title=\"The Brook by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"The Brook\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1303/4697533226_daff7d47a9.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4697531622/\" title=\"The Brook by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"The Brook\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4697531622_1760ca6d25.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />I know it seems like an unlikely choice for summer. It\'s not a light meal, by any means, and it\'s not anything that\'s going to cool a person from the intense Oklahoma heat from the inside out. <br /><br />But, to me, it\'s bright and festive like summer, with a little spiciness to boot. And it also happens to be the best macaroni and cheese and buffalo chicken I ever had, anywhere. Including my grandma\'s house. <br /><br />Sorry, grandma. I love your homemade mac-and-cheese, but it\'s just not as creamy or as decadent or as addictive as the macaroni and cheese from The Brook. Beyond that, I can\'t explain my obsession. It just is. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4696900469/\" title=\"The Brook by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"The Brook\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4696900469_bb8675e9aa.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />And so I accept it. With a knife and with a fork. And sometimes a bib. <br /><br />Because it is.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4697532218/\" title=\"The Brook by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"The Brook\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4697532218_3d628fec94.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />That it\'s all served in one of the most interesting, independently-owned restaurants in Tulsa just adds to the awesomeness. See, the Brook, in all of its doo-wop splendor, was a popular movie theatre back in its first life. Now, it\'s one of the most happening restaurants on Brookside, open for lunch and dinner and into the night for the crowd that knows how to get their bar hop on.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4696900469/\" title=\"The Brook by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"The Brook\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4696900469_bb8675e9aa.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Macaroni and cheese and buffalo chicken tenders in an old moviehouse on a historic and hip bar-and-restaurant strip to help kick off summer 2010? Remind me - how far would I have to drive before I found an experience that could compare to this? All the way around the globe and back to Brookside, right?<br /><br />Yeah. That\'s what I thought.<br /><br /><b>The Brook</b><br />3401 S. Peoria Ave. <br /><a href=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/58/630195/restaurant/Brookside/The-Brook-Tulsa\"><img alt=\"The Brook on Urbanspoon\" src=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/630195/minilink.gif\" style=\"border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;\" /></a>','The Brook: This Is Summer','','inherit','open','open','','657-revision','','','2010-06-21 20:27:00','2010-06-21 20:27:00','',657,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/657-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(805,1,'2010-06-17 16:18:00','2010-06-17 16:18:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4698067666/\" title=\"josh\'s sno shack by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"josh\'s sno shack\" height=\"560\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4698067666_669b4fd6ff_b.jpg\" width=\"375\" /></a></div><br />While the official first day of summer is June 21st, for me summer always begins the day I eat my first sno cone.<br /><br />&nbsp;It\'s true.  It\'s not really summer until I\'ve been satisfied with the sticky sweetness that is a sno cone from <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/04/joshs-sno-shack-okay-spring-you-can.html\">Josh\'s Sno Shack</a>.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4709344776/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4709344776_a6806584f7_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br />My favorite flavor is the Boomer Sooner, of course.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4708702461/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4708702461_7b2ee1abb0_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br />However, if you aren\'t as partial to the crimson and cream as I am, there are tons - I repeat, TONS - of flavors to choose from.  <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4709345014/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4709345014_c2466bd639_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br />Just look at this list. And that\'s only the half of the menu. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4709344950/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1300/4709344950_85aabec2df_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br />And if for some reason you can\'t make up your mind, you can always do what Jennifer here did and go for the Josh\'s Surprise. They won\'t tell you what it is, but that\'s okay because the ice is shaved to perfection and the concoction is a perfect combination of sweetness and summer lovin\'.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4708702353/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4708702353_83babf932c_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4708702061/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4708702061_a871e41dec_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br />I must warn you though, this place is pretty much always packed. These sno cones are THAT amazing.  <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4709344678/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4709344678_2489210f63_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4708702191/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4708702191_6a69f13808_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br />And you know what else? Your sno cone is ready within mere seconds. Plus, it\'s guaranteed to be delivered with a smile. <br /><br />Could you really ask for more?<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4698067666/\" title=\"josh\'s sno shack by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"josh\'s sno shack\" height=\"560\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4698067666_669b4fd6ff_b.jpg\" width=\"375\" /></a></div><br />Well, actually you can.  By following Josh\'s Sno Shack on <a href=\"http://twitter.com/joshssnoshack\" rel=\"nofollow\">Twitter</a> and <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/joshssnoshack\" rel=\"nofollow\">Facebook</a>, you will be the first to know about awesome discounts they\'ll offer all summer long.<br /><br />Here\'s to the official start of the hottest season of the year!<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4708702061/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4708702061_a871e41dec_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><br /></div><div style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Josh\'s Sno Shack</b></div><div style=\"text-align: left;\">Where: 71st and Garnett;&nbsp;91st and Memorial;&nbsp;New! 61st and Memorial</div><div style=\"text-align: left;\">When: Monday-Saturday, 12-10:30pm; Sunday, 2-10:30pm</div><br /><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.erinconrad.com/\" style=\"color: #cc6600; text-decoration: underline;\"><i>Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>&nbsp;photoblogs weekly at Tasha Does Tulsa as Erin Sees Tulsa.&nbsp;</i></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/search/label/Erin%20Sees%20Tulsa\" style=\"color: #78b749; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Check out her recent posts here</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>.</i></span>','The Sno Cone Mystique: Erin Sees Tulsa','','inherit','open','open','','655-revision','','','2010-06-17 16:18:00','2010-06-17 16:18:00','',655,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/655-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(806,1,'2010-06-16 14:00:00','2010-06-16 14:00:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4705582316/\" title=\"Joe Momma\'s Downtown by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Joe Momma\'s Downtown\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4705582316_3c76436914.jpg\" width=\"375\" /></a></div><br />Shop local, shop local, shop local. It\'s a mantra we\'re all hearing a lot lately, especially here at TashaDoesTulsa.com.<br /><br />Okay, right? If we want to improve our quality of life as residents of this city, we\'re supposed to shop local.&nbsp;We get it.<br /><br />But, now what?<br /><br />An easy way to get rolling on the shop-local train is to do some creative and thoughtful shopping for gifts. Since this Sunday is Father\'s Day, you\'ve got the perfect opportunity to jump-start your efforts. Here\'s a list of places to start looking for a gift for the dad in your life, categorized by type of dad.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br /><b>For the Outdoorsman</b><br /><a href=\"http://www.dandboutfitters.com/\">D&amp;B Outfitters</a><br />5433 South Mingo Road<br />If dad loves camping, hiking and fishing, get him some sweet gear at this east Tulsa outpost. <br /><b><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: normal;\"><br /></span></b><br /><b>For the Golfer</b><br /><a href=\"http://www.bakerscustomgolfinc.com/\">Baker\'s Custom Golf</a><br />9909 East 61st Street<br />Forget shopping at the big-box stores for your golf-happy dad. If you want service, attention and selection, it\'s all about shopping the local scene.<br /><br /><b>For the Book Lover</b><br /><a href=\"http://www.stevessundrybooksmags.com/\">Steve\'s Sundry Books and Magazines</a><br />2612 South Harvard Avenue<br />Forget the giant, faceless bookstores - this book and magazine seller\'s got personality, and lunch, too, while you\'re perusing for the perfect volume for dad this Father\'s Day.<br /><br /><b>For the Runner</b><br /><a href=\"http://www.fleetfeettulsa.com/\">Fleet Feet Sports Tulsa</a><br />5968 S. Yale Ave. in KingsPointe Shopping Center<br />Dad need new running gear? Get whatever he needs at this local store, which will soon open a location downtown in the Blue Dome District. <br /><br /><b>For the Movie Buff</b><br /><a href=\"http://audiovideoconnections.com/#\">Audio Video Connections</a><br />Time for dad to upgrade the ol\' home theater system? Go custom with this Tulsa company. <br /><br /><b>For the Grill Master</b><br /><a href=\"http://www.hastybake.com/\">Hasty-Bake</a><br />1313 S. Lewis Ave.<br />Man cannot live on grilled food alone, but he sure can try. Help dad achieve this noble goal with a grill from this Tulsa-based company. <br /><br /><b>For the Collector</b><br /><a href=\"http://thegadgetcompany.com/\">The Gadget Company</a><br />104 East 15th Street<br />Your dad have a thing for collection zero-gravity pens? How about duct tape accessories like wallets and money clips? Or candles scented like garage, cut wood and pizza? Get this and more at this boutique of all that is man. <br /><br /><b>For the Sports Fanatic</b><br /><a href=\"http://www.tulsadrillers.com/\">Tulsa Drillers</a><br /><a href=\"http://www.tulsatalons.com/\">Tulsa Talons</a><br /><a href=\"http://www.tulsashock.com/\">Tulsa Shock</a><br /><a href=\"http://sportsfan-attic.com/\">Sports Fan-Attic</a><br />Between all the teams with schedules this summer in Tulsa, you\'re sure to find some tickets that\'ll make that dad in your life with sports on the brain drool. Throw in a little something emblazoned with the logo of his favorite team from the Sports Fan-Attic and you\'re golden.<br /><br /><b>For the Beer Lover</b><br /><a href=\"http://www.google.com/search?client=safari&amp;rls=en&amp;q=high+gravity+homebrewing+tulsa,+OK&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;oe=UTF-8\">High Gravity Home Brewing Supply</a><br /><a href=\"http://marshallbrewing.com/index.asp\">Marshall Brewing Company</a><br />The great thing about High Gravity is that not only is the service impeccable and the selection superb, but they don\'t sell you a bunch of stuff and simply send you packing. Take brewing and winemaking classes every Saturday at High Gravity for free. If Dad isn\'t the patient kind, grab him a 22-ounce bottle or a six-pack of 12-ounce bottles of beer from Marshall Brewing Company, which operates a brewery just outside of downtown Tulsa. <br /><br /><b>For the Carnivore</b><br /><a href=\"http://www.harvardmeats.com/\">Harvard Meats</a><br />3245 East 15th Street<br />If there\'s one thing Dad loves, it\'s steak. Get the good stuff here.<br /><br /><b>For the Straight Shooter</b><br /><a href=\"http://www.dongsguns.com/\">Dong\'s</a><br />4144 East Admiral Place<br />You know what they say, folks - the word \"gun\" is just one letter away from the word \"fun.\" Get Dad some gun fun and more at this ammo and sporting goods store this Father\'s Day.<br /><br /><b>For the Cigar Aficionado</b><br /><a href=\"http://www.cigarboxtulsa.com/The_Cigar_Box/Welcome.html\">The Cigar Box</a><br />RiverWalk Crossing in Jenks<br />The Village at Stone Wood Hills in Broken Arrow<br />If your dad likes a good stogey every now and then, check out what\'s in the humidor at either location of The Cigar Box. If you don\'t know what to buy, don\'t hesitate to ask - the service is knowledgeable, friendly and, in case you\'re not a cigar aficionado yourself, won\'t talk down to you if you don\'t know the difference between a Marlboro and a Macanudo.<br /><br /><b>For the Naked Dad</b><br /><a href=\"http://www.dwellingspaces.net/\">Dwelling Spaces</a><br />119 S. Detroit Ave. <br />Dad getting a little indecent? Stop by Dwelling Spaces for a complete selection of Tulsa-tastic shirts and sweatshirts and get that man into some clothes, for goodness sake.<br /><br />Where in Tulsa are YOU shopping for Dad this Father\'s Day?','TDT Father\'s Day Gift Guide 2010','','inherit','open','open','','653-revision','','','2010-06-16 14:00:00','2010-06-16 14:00:00','',653,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/653-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(807,1,'2010-06-15 21:40:00','2010-06-15 21:40:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4703861467/\" title=\"Steak Stuffers by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Steak Stuffers\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4703861467_4bb72af151.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />DJ, cue the Honky Tonk Badonkadonk music.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4703861467/\" title=\"Steak Stuffers by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Steak Stuffers\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4703861467_4bb72af151.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Because this here is a <a href=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/58/631334/restaurant/East-Tulsa/Steak-Stuffers-USA-Tulsa\">Steak Stuffers</a> striptease. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4703861555/\" title=\"Steak Stuffers by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Steak Stuffers\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4703861555_38ac65397f.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />And things are about to get all steakalicious up in here. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4703861555/\" title=\"Steak Stuffers by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Steak Stuffers\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4703861555_38ac65397f.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />That sure is a pretty wrapper you\'re wearin\'.<br /><br />But it\'d look even better on my dining room floor.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4704501812/\" title=\"Steak Stuffers by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Steak Stuffers\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4704501812_338694d71e.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Bow chicka wow wow...<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4704501880/\" title=\"Steak Stuffers by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Steak Stuffers\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1281/4704501880_c971e0a9dc.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Oh, baby.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4704501956/\" title=\"Steak Stuffers by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Steak Stuffers\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4704501956_c43e0bed56.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />*holding my breath...palms sweating...heart pounding*<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4703861835/\" title=\"Steak Stuffers by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Steak Stuffers\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4703861835_049bd8876e.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Well, what can I say.<br /><br />Philly cheesesteaks aren\'t known for being the prettiest things in the world. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4703861939/\" title=\"Steak Stuffers by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Steak Stuffers\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4703861939_59355c4e60.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />But, when they\'re as good as they are from locally owned and operated Steak Stuffers USA, who needs them to be? <br /><br />Besides, they sure can put on a good show.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4703862075/\" title=\"Steak Stuffers by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Steak Stuffers\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4703862075_a37fa62df0.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Mmm...delish.<br /><br /><b>Steak Stuffers USA</b><br />Where: 7846 E. 51st Street (51st and Memorial Drive)<br />Phone: (918) 743-7474<br />Hours: Until 8pm on weekdays, closed on weekends (which is a huge bummer, by the way - shall we start a movement to change that, TDT readers?)<br /><br /><a href=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/58/631334/restaurant/East-Tulsa/Steak-Stuffers-USA-Tulsa\"><img alt=\"Steak Stuffers USA on Urbanspoon\" src=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/631334/minilink.gif\" style=\"border: none; height: 36px; width: 130px;\" /></a>','Steak Stuffers Striptease','','inherit','open','open','','652-revision','','','2010-06-15 21:40:00','2010-06-15 21:40:00','',652,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/652-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(808,1,'2010-06-12 23:21:00','2010-06-12 23:21:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4694385018/\" title=\"Brewburger by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Brewburger\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1301/4694385018_f92b7eab6f.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />What happens when you put the shell of a former Braum\'s location, handmade burgers and a entrepreneurial south Tulsa family in a jar of awesome sauce and toss to cover? <br /><br />Brewburger, that\'s what.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4694385758/\" title=\"Brewburger by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Brewburger\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4694385758_b8b3cbe52a.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />How I found out about <a href=\"http://www.brewburgertulsa.com/\">Brewburger</a> is my favorite way to find out about new locally owned businesses to try: From a friend. And then another friend. And another friend after that.<br /><br />Until finally, I\'m the only one I know who hasn\'t tried it.<br /><br />Last summer, when I finally did make my way to Brewburger, I discovered that what everyone had been raving about was something I wasn\'t interested in living without anymore.&nbsp;I found fresh beef, bison and fish for burgers. I found housemade, fried-to-order tortilla chips. And onion rings so good that I had the distinct urge to slap my grandma. Plus, local art for sale displayed on the walls.<br /><br />I also found a restaurant owned by a Tulsa family a lot like mine: Two food-loving adults with a small fry in tow. Translation? One of the most kid-friendly restaurants in town with a menu full of thoughtfully made, delicious food. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4693750195/\" title=\"Brewburger by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Brewburger\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4693750195_926b3e6fa3.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4694385696/\" title=\"Brewburger by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Brewburger\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4694385696_00976af274.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4694385758/\" title=\"Brewburger by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Brewburger\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4694385758_b8b3cbe52a.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4694386052/\" title=\"Brewburger by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Brewburger\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4035/4694386052_3b33f876f9.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Hold on. Can we talk about something right quick? <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4693751999/\" title=\"Brewburger by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Brewburger\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1298/4693751999_00229e60ae.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Since when does this kid have legs a million miles long?<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4694385908/\" title=\"Brewburger by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Brewburger\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4694385908_221e2ea4cc.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Golly gosh darn it, kiddo, I told you to stop that growing so fast. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4694385982/\" title=\"Brewburger by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Brewburger\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4694385982_6d2c9ba346.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Now, before you know it, you\'re gonna have gas bills and homeowner\'s insurance and car tags to pay for. But when you do, don\'t come crying to me. I told you early on that growing up too fast was something you wouldn\'t want to do. <br /><br />But then you went and did it anyway. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4693752065/\" title=\"Brewburger by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Brewburger\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4693752065_9964a0bd40.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />See? He never listens. All he wants to do is eat and grow. <br /><br />And run around like crazy a lot. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4694385108/\" title=\"Brewburger by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Brewburger\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1299/4694385108_941620e364.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Not only is it easy in the culinary sense to eat at Brewburger, but it\'s easy on the wallet, too. Mondays, munchkins like this guy here eat for a buck.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4693751023/\" title=\"Brewburger by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Brewburger\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4693751023_50e360c447.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />On Wednesdays - our favorite day to visit Brewburger, since it\'s like that extra push we need to make it through hump day and into the rest of the week - two Brewburgers go for $10.<br /><br />All drinks, including beer, are half-price every Saturday. Which makes this guy pretty happy: <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4694385346/\" title=\"Brewburger by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Brewburger\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/4694385346_c371edbdeb.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />This guy lives with an over-active jumping bean whose emotions can turn on a dime and who can\'t seem to keep from touching the really expensive, breakable things at the gift shops. <br /><br />He also lives with a toddler. The man, he needs a drink every now and again. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4693751091/\" title=\"Brewburger by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Brewburger\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4693751091_ee5cbb401c.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />We started our more recent meal at Brewburger with an order of those made-to-order tortilla chips I was telling you about. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4693750485/\" title=\"Brewburger by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Brewburger\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4693750485_074d34b8b2.jpg\" width=\"333\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4693750569/\" title=\"Brewburger by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Brewburger\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4045/4693750569_5af06f5b05.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4693750195/\" title=\"Brewburger by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Brewburger\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4693750195_926b3e6fa3.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />As you can see, an hand full is worth trying to climb the table.<br /><br />Then, it was burgers all around. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4693750619/\" title=\"Brewburger by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Brewburger\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4693750619_1afb3dee54.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4693750701/\" title=\"Brewburger by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Brewburger\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4693750701_eea10c0bbb.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Hey, you fresh, crispy, house-made fries. I see you back there. <br /><br />I order my son\'s burgers well done. My husband, he prefers medium-well. But me, I like my burgers pink in the middle, somewhere between medium and medium rare.<br /><br />For some reason, though, I\'ve had a really hard time getting a burger cooked to order correctly in this town as of late. Nine times out of 10, my burger is cooked well, even when I order it medium rare. I\'ve been nice and have only sent one back (which is really saying something, since I have a friend who\'s afraid to have dinner with me because if something about my order isn\'t right, particularly if it\'s overcooked, I\'m pretty likely to send it back), but honestly, I\'ve been irked.<br /><br />Thanks, Brewburger, for getting it right. With that juicy pink center you left in my burger that Wednesday, you gave me hope in all of burger-cookin\' kind.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4694385404/\" title=\"Brewburger by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Brewburger\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4694385404_6b235bd113.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4694385480/\" title=\"Brewburger by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Brewburger\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4694385480_9037caed79.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><object height=\"344\" width=\"425\"><param name=\"movie\" value=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/aeHTHdGYEk0&hl=en&fs=1\"></param><param name=\"allowFullScreen\" value=\"true\"></param><param name=\"allowscriptaccess\" value=\"always\"></param><embed src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/aeHTHdGYEk0&hl=en&fs=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" width=\"425\" height=\"344\"></embed></object></div><br />And that, my friends, is the TDT Tot Seal of Approval. <br /><br /><b>Brewburger</b><br />Where: 6577 E. 71st Street<br />When: 11am-9pm Monday-Saturday<br />Call: (918) 591-2818<br />Web: <a href=\"http://www.brewburgertulsa.com/\">http://www.brewburgertulsa.com/</a><br />How much: $1 for a kid\'s meal on Monday-$7.50 for the likes of the Turkey Burger, the Fish Burger, the Buffalo Burger, the Brew Wrap and the Mexi Wrap (<a href=\"http://brewburgertulsa.com/\">click here for the full menu</a>)<br /><br /><a href=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/58/1425060/restaurant/Woodland-Hills-71st-Street-Corridor/Brewburger-Tulsa\"><img alt=\"Brewburger on Urbanspoon\" src=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1425060/minilink.gif\" style=\"border:none;width:130px;height:36px\" /></a>','My Darling, My Brewburger','','inherit','open','open','','648-revision','','','2010-06-12 23:21:00','2010-06-12 23:21:00','',648,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/648-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(809,1,'2010-06-12 15:04:00','2010-06-12 15:04:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4693513118/\" title=\"DSC06949 by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"DSC06949\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4693513118_6858d34127.jpg\" width=\"375\" /></a></div><br />It\'s June and <a href=\"http://www.stonebluffcellars.com/\">Bob and Sandy McBratney out at Stone Bluff Cellars</a> - just southeast of Tulsa in Haskell - say the vines are letting them know that it\'d be nice if they could be picked later this summer. <br /><br />And, their crop will be abundant. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4692878173/\" title=\"DSC06994 by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"DSC06994\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4052/4692878173_28a20e8863.jpg\" width=\"375\" /></a></div><br />Meaning, they need our help.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a>Who said a wine lover needs to go to Napa Valley to partake in grape harvest festivities? It\'s an experience anyone, including the kiddos, can have right here in the Tulsa area, and not just at Stone Bluff Cellars. There are several vineyards in Green Country that host harvesting parties, so it\'s easy to find one near you and get to pickin\'.<br /><br />This year the harvest at Stone Bluff will come in two strings - one in August for the white grapes and another in late September for the reds. Each harvest will be held on a free-and-easy Saturday. <br /><br />And get this: If you help harvest at Stone Bluff, you get paid some cold, hard cash. The McBratneys pay $4 per 25-pound lug of grapes picked. A good harvester, they say, should pick 3-4 lugs an hour. <br /><br />Hello! Can you say wine money? <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4618241059/\" title=\"Napa Valley by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Napa Valley\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3301/4618241059_602b042128.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />If you and your kids want some cash for some easy (albeit hot and dirty) work, this is an opportunity to squirrel away a good amount of the green stuff in a short time, not to mention that it\'s a way to pry the kids away from the TV or computer screen and teach them a little something about honest work and the great outdoors. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4692878291/\" title=\"DSC07045 by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"DSC07045\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4692878291_abde2f3ddb.jpg\" width=\"375\" /></a></div><br />But, here\'s the deal - <b>space for harvest is limited to the first 50 people for the white grape harvest and to 100 for the red grapes</b>. <br /><br />If you\'d like to be placed on one of the harvest lists (or both!), <a href=\"mailto:info@stonebluffcellars.com\">send the folks at Stone Bluff Cellars an e-mail</a>. Be sure to put \"Harvest Help\" in the subject line and to include your name and phone number and which harvest with which you\'d like to help. <br /><br />In peace, love and Oklahoma wine, <br />TDT','The Grape Harvest at Stone Bluff Cellars: You\'re Invited!','','inherit','open','open','','647-revision','','','2010-06-12 15:04:00','2010-06-12 15:04:00','',647,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/647-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(810,1,'2010-06-10 13:59:00','2010-06-10 13:59:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4686606935/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa: finding color by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa: finding color\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4686606935_9538bd4774_b.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />This city is alive with color.  Every direction we turn we can see it.  Every where we look, we can soak it in.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a>Just yesterday afternoon while driving to a celebratory happy hour with friends, I did a sharp 180 because I couldn\'t dare pass up the chance of snapping a polaroid of a bright yellow building adorned with multi-colored flags.<br /><br />Do you look for it?  Do you take the time to soak it in?  <br /><br />Don\'t over think it.  Just look up and down and then side to side.  But I\'m warning you to be careful.  You might just happen to find something you can\'t live without.  And when you do, don\'t be afraid to share it with the world.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4687174910/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa: finding color by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa: finding color\" height=\"600\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4687174910_e95939d3db_b.jpg\" width=\"600\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4686539569/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa: finding color by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa: finding color\" height=\"600\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4686539569_4afa3bce65_b.jpg\" width=\"600\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4686539533/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa: finding color by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa: finding color\" height=\"600\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1293/4686539533_f361fd5035_b.jpg\" width=\"600\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4687174792/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa: finding color by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa: finding color\" height=\"600\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4687174792_e146074d2d_b.jpg\" width=\"600\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4687174872/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa: finding color by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa: finding color\" height=\"600\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4687174872_1954757265_b.jpg\" width=\"600\" /></a></div><br /><a href=\"http://www.erinconrad.com/\"><i>Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad</i></a><i> photoblogs weekly at Tasha Does Tulsa as Erin Sees Tulsa. </i><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/search/label/Erin%20Sees%20Tulsa\"><i>Check out her recent posts here</i></a><i>.</i>','Color Your World: Erin Sees Tulsa','','inherit','open','open','','645-revision','','','2010-06-10 13:59:00','2010-06-10 13:59:00','',645,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/645-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(811,1,'2010-06-09 19:10:00','2010-06-09 19:10:00','<div class=\"text-align: center;\"><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TA_mfNvfIKI/AAAAAAAAB4E/CqFgoDvISBU/s1600/DSC_0600.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"512\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TA_mfNvfIKI/AAAAAAAAB4E/CqFgoDvISBU/s640/DSC_0600.jpg\" width=\"340\" /></a></div></div><br />When we heard La Villa — the restaurant at <a href=\"http://www.philbrook.org/\">Philbrook Museum of Art</a>, 2727 S. Rockford Road — was boasting a new look, we knew we had to stop by to check it out.<br /><br /><div class=\"text-align: center;\"><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TA_mmZWezXI/AAAAAAAAB4M/vd4WcNUhG4Q/s1600/DSC_0606.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"266\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TA_mmZWezXI/AAAAAAAAB4M/vd4WcNUhG4Q/s400/DSC_0606.jpg\" width=\"400\" /></a></div></div><br />In four words, we’re glad we did.<br /><br /><div class=\"text-align: center;\"><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TA_msUA0ccI/AAAAAAAAB4U/sB01_DFmgQA/s1600/DSC_0610.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"266\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TA_msUA0ccI/AAAAAAAAB4U/sB01_DFmgQA/s400/DSC_0610.jpg\" width=\"400\" /></a></div></div><br />Read the whole review on <a href=\"http://tulsabusiness.com/industry_article.asp?cID=i&amp;aID=81719022.3778293.665938.6283952.4591559.656&amp;aID2=51217\">the Food Page of this week\'s edition of Tulsa Business Journal</a>.','Power Lunch: La Villa at Philbrook','','inherit','open','open','','644-revision','','','2010-06-09 19:10:00','2010-06-09 19:10:00','',644,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/644-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(812,1,'2010-08-01 22:40:03','2010-08-02 03:40:03','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4840767903/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/4840767903_b715944b7b_b.jpg\" alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" width=\"504\" height=\"378\" /></a></div>\r\nIn the world we live in today, most people I know are rarely without a camera.\r\n\r\n<a name=\"more\"></a>The pocket size of point and shoots make them easy to keep within reach - mine is always in my purse.  And since cell phones basically don\'t exist anymore without a built in camera, it\'s not hard to capture a moment on a dime\'s notice.\r\n\r\nFor me this is a good thing.\r\n\r\nI recently found myself driving through the country in south Tulsa.  With the windows down and a deadline looming, there was no time to stop and enjoy what was pretty much a perfect summer day.\r\n\r\nHowever, there was no way I was letting this moment go undocumented.  With only my point and shoot on me, I hung out the window and snapped some pictures as I headed back into town.  I looked backwards, forwards and upwards.  I stuck my camera out the sun roof, out the windows and barely bothered to look through the viewfinder.\r\n\r\nThis is what I saw.\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4841382216/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/4841382216_9b1428d464_b.jpg\" alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" width=\"504\" height=\"378\" /></a></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4840768533/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/4840768533_70f55fe65f_b.jpg\" alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" width=\"504\" height=\"378\" /></a></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4840768439/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/4840768439_4f3fa89c3e_b.jpg\" alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" width=\"504\" height=\"378\" /></a></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4840768127/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/4840768127_c947d47e58_b.jpg\" alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" width=\"504\" height=\"378&quot;\" /></a></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4841381604/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4841381604_f0bb36c56d_b.jpg\" alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" width=\"504\" height=\"378\" /></a></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4841381500/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/4841381500_8587ffd990_b.jpg\" alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" width=\"504\" height=\"378\" /></a></div>\r\nAnd this is what I remembered.\r\n\r\nIt\'s more important to capture the memory then to let it go because you may not have the perfect camera.  Plus there\'s always great editing tools like <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"http://www.alienskin.com/exposure/index.aspx\">Exposure 3</a> that allow your nostalgic mood to turn a digital image into the timeless feel of film.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a style=\"color: #cc6600; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"http://www.erinconrad.com/\"><em>Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad</em></a></span><span style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><em> photoblogs weekly at Tasha Does Tulsa as Erin Sees Tulsa. </em></span><span style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a style=\"color: #78b749; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/search/label/Erin%20Sees%20Tulsa\"><em>Check out her recent posts here</em></a></span><span style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><em>.</em></span>','Erin Sees Tulsa: Opportunity Doesn\'t Care About Your Camera','','inherit','open','open','','695-revision-4','','','2010-08-01 22:40:03','2010-08-02 03:40:03','',695,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/695-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(1638,1,'2010-08-30 16:33:19','2010-08-30 21:33:19','','Circle Cinema Tulsa, Oklahoma','','inherit','open','open','','2345762984_ddcd3c6ee4_o','','','2010-08-30 16:33:19','2010-08-30 21:33:19','',693,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/2345762984_ddcd3c6ee4_o.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(813,1,'2010-08-01 22:53:19','2010-08-02 03:53:19','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4817894615/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"381\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4817894615_f57af3ea60_b.jpg\" width=\"476\" /></a></div>\r\n\r\n<br />This was my second time at the Roller Derby out in Broken Arrow.  And really, there\'s nothing quite like it.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a>Check it.<br /><br />\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4818517574/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"316\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4818517574_c7f1d81fe0_b.jpg\" width=\"476\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4817894961/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4817894961_04b20448c9_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4818517628/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4818517628_ec439ac58f_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4817894999/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4817894999_8e816a1415_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4818517442/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4818517442_6540329832_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4817894871/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4817894871_aa815f7cdb_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4817894825/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4817894825_862ddc44b9_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4818517302/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4818517302_3777d30063_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4818517232/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4818517232_23d187149c_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4818517272/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4818517272_70a673f517_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4818517196/\" title=\"roller derby! by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"roller derby!\" height=\"595\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4818517196_3a6ccdaa37_b.jpg\" width=\"439\" /></a></div><br /><i>TDT Note: The next <a href=\"http://www.greencountryrollergirls.com/\">Green Country Roller Girls</a> bout is Aug. 29. <a href=\"http://www.greencountryrollergirls.com/\">Get the full details here</a>. And be sure to check out <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/p/tulsa-events-this-weekend_2472.html\">this weekend\'s event rundown for the bout between Sand Springs-based Tulsa Derby Brigade and OKC\'s Tornado Alley Rollergirls</a>.</i><br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.erinconrad.com/\" style=\"color: #cc6600; text-decoration: underline;\"><i>Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>&nbsp;photoblogs weekly at Tasha Does Tulsa as Erin Sees Tulsa.&nbsp;</i></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/search/label/Erin%20Sees%20Tulsa\" style=\"color: #78b749; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Check out her recent posts here</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>.</i></span></span></div>','Roller Derby in Pictures: Erin Sees Tulsa','','inherit','open','open','','688-revision-4','','','2010-08-01 22:53:19','2010-08-02 03:53:19','',688,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/688-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(814,1,'2010-08-01 22:42:08','2010-08-02 03:42:08','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4794754732/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" height=\"340\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4794754732_8beb446dc1_b.jpg\" width=\"512\" /></a></div><br />Spotted in one downtown block: Those enjoying life.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4794754878/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" height=\"340\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4794754878_3539525139_b.jpg\" width=\"512\" /></a></div><br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a>The beginning of things to come.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4794754826/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" height=\"425\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4794754826_79f585c8ee_b.jpg\" width=\"640\" /></a></div><br />Detail that stopped me dead in my tracks.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4794121557/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" height=\"425\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4794121557_227e039a5f_b.jpg\" width=\"640\" /></a></div><br />A new angle on a familiar place.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4794754518/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" height=\"425\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4794754518_a27e400e06_b.jpg\" width=\"640\" /></a></div><br />Color.  Always color.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4794754464/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" height=\"512\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4794754464_0ea4aee6c1_b.jpg\" width=\"640\" /></a></div><br />It really is the place I want to be.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4794754732/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" height=\"425\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4794754732_8beb446dc1_b.jpg\" width=\"640\" /></a></div><br />Downtown, you steal my heart daily.<br /><br />Is anyone else as head over heels as I am?<br /><br /><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.erinconrad.com/\" style=\"color: #cc6600; text-decoration: underline;\"><i>Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>&nbsp;photoblogs weekly at Tasha Does Tulsa as Erin Sees Tulsa.&nbsp;</i></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/search/label/Erin%20Sees%20Tulsa\" style=\"color: #78b749; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Check out her recent posts here</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>.</i></span>','In One Downtown Block: Erin Sees Tulsa','','inherit','open','open','','681-revision-3','','','2010-08-01 22:42:08','2010-08-02 03:42:08','',681,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/681-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(815,1,'2010-08-01 22:51:10','2010-08-02 03:51:10','Can you guess where I was standing when I took this picture?<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4565657365/\" title=\"downtown tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"downtown tulsa.\" height=\"338\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4565657365_571403c739_o.jpg\" width=\"504\" /></a></div><br />Maybe this will help.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4771950235/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"338\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4140/4771950235_4562032a9a_b.jpg\" width=\"504\" /></a></div><br />Despite an overabundance of construction and a river that sometimes runs dry, we have one beautiful city to call home.<br /><br /><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.erinconrad.com/\" style=\"color: #cc6600; text-decoration: underline;\"><i>Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>&nbsp;photoblogs weekly at Tasha Does Tulsa as Erin Sees Tulsa.&nbsp;</i></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/search/label/Erin%20Sees%20Tulsa\" style=\"color: #78b749; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Check out her recent posts here</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>.</i></span>','How\'s Your Geography? Erin Sees Tulsa','','inherit','open','open','','674-revision-3','','','2010-08-01 22:51:10','2010-08-02 03:51:10','',674,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/674-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(816,1,'2010-08-01 23:14:53','2010-08-02 04:14:53','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4794754732/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" height=\"340\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4794754732_8beb446dc1_b.jpg\" width=\"512\" /></a></div><br />Spotted in one downtown block: Those enjoying life.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4794754878/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" height=\"340\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4794754878_3539525139_b.jpg\" width=\"512\" /></a></div><br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a>The beginning of things to come.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4794754826/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" height=\"425\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4794754826_79f585c8ee_b.jpg\" width=\"640\" /></a></div><br />Detail that stopped me dead in my tracks.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4794121557/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" height=\"425\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4098/4794121557_227e039a5f_b.jpg\" width=\"640\" /></a></div><br />A new angle on a familiar place.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4794754518/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" height=\"425\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4120/4794754518_a27e400e06_b.jpg\" width=\"640\" /></a></div><br />Color.  Always color.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4794754464/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" height=\"512\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4794754464_0ea4aee6c1_b.jpg\" width=\"640\" /></a></div><br />It really is the place I want to be.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4794754732/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" height=\"425\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4794754732_8beb446dc1_b.jpg\" width=\"640\" /></a></div><br />Downtown, you steal my heart daily.<br /><br />Is anyone else as head over heels as I am?<br /><br /><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.erinconrad.com/\" style=\"color: #cc6600; text-decoration: underline;\"><i>Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>&nbsp;photoblogs weekly at Tasha Does Tulsa as Erin Sees Tulsa.&nbsp;</i></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/search/label/Erin%20Sees%20Tulsa\" style=\"color: #78b749; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Check out her recent posts here</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>.</i></span>','In One Downtown Block: Erin Sees Tulsa','','inherit','open','open','','681-revision-4','','','2010-08-01 23:14:53','2010-08-02 04:14:53','',681,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/681-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),(817,1,'2010-08-01 23:14:40','2010-08-02 04:14:40','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4817894615/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"381\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4817894615_f57af3ea60_b.jpg\" width=\"476\" /></a></div>\r\n\r\n<br />This was my second time at the Roller Derby out in Broken Arrow.  And really, there\'s nothing quite like it.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a>Check it.<br /><br />\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4818517574/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"316\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/4818517574_c7f1d81fe0_b.jpg\" width=\"476\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4817894961/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4817894961_04b20448c9_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4818517628/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4121/4818517628_ec439ac58f_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4817894999/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4817894999_8e816a1415_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4818517442/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4095/4818517442_6540329832_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4817894871/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4817894871_aa815f7cdb_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4817894825/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4093/4817894825_862ddc44b9_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4818517302/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4818517302_3777d30063_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4818517232/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4099/4818517232_23d187149c_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4818517272/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"395\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4818517272_70a673f517_b.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4818517196/\" title=\"roller derby! by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"roller derby!\" height=\"595\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4122/4818517196_3a6ccdaa37_b.jpg\" width=\"439\" /></a></div><br /><i>TDT Note: The next <a href=\"http://www.greencountryrollergirls.com/\">Green Country Roller Girls</a> bout is Aug. 29. <a href=\"http://www.greencountryrollergirls.com/\">Get the full details here</a>. And be sure to check out <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/p/tulsa-events-this-weekend_2472.html\">this weekend\'s event rundown for the bout between Sand Springs-based Tulsa Derby Brigade and OKC\'s Tornado Alley Rollergirls</a>.</i><br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.erinconrad.com/\" style=\"color: #cc6600; text-decoration: underline;\"><i>Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>&nbsp;photoblogs weekly at Tasha Does Tulsa as Erin Sees Tulsa.&nbsp;</i></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/search/label/Erin%20Sees%20Tulsa\" style=\"color: #78b749; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Check out her recent posts here</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>.</i></span></span></div>','Roller Derby in Pictures: Erin Sees Tulsa','','inherit','open','open','','688-revision-5','','','2010-08-01 23:14:40','2010-08-02 04:14:40','',688,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/688-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(818,1,'2010-08-01 23:14:26','2010-08-02 04:14:26','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4840767903/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4124/4840767903_b715944b7b_b.jpg\" alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" width=\"504\" height=\"378\" /></a></div>\r\nIn the world we live in today, most people I know are rarely without a camera.\r\n\r\n<a name=\"more\"></a>The pocket size of point and shoots make them easy to keep within reach - mine is always in my purse.  And since cell phones basically don\'t exist anymore without a built in camera, it\'s not hard to capture a moment on a dime\'s notice.\r\n\r\nFor me this is a good thing.\r\n\r\nI recently found myself driving through the country in south Tulsa.  With the windows down and a deadline looming, there was no time to stop and enjoy what was pretty much a perfect summer day.\r\n\r\nHowever, there was no way I was letting this moment go undocumented.  With only my point and shoot on me, I hung out the window and snapped some pictures as I headed back into town.  I looked backwards, forwards and upwards.  I stuck my camera out the sun roof, out the windows and barely bothered to look through the viewfinder.\r\n\r\nThis is what I saw.\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4841382216/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/4841382216_9b1428d464_b.jpg\" alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" width=\"504\" height=\"378\" /></a></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4840768533/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/4840768533_70f55fe65f_b.jpg\" alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" width=\"504\" height=\"378\" /></a></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4840768439/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/4840768439_4f3fa89c3e_b.jpg\" alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" width=\"504\" height=\"378\" /></a></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4840768127/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/4840768127_c947d47e58_b.jpg\" alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" width=\"504\" height=\"378&quot;\" /></a></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4841381604/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4841381604_f0bb36c56d_b.jpg\" alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" width=\"504\" height=\"378\" /></a></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"></div>\r\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"erin sees tulsa. by econ, on Flickr\" href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4841381500/\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/4841381500_8587ffd990_b.jpg\" alt=\"erin sees tulsa.\" width=\"504\" height=\"378\" /></a></div>\r\nAnd this is what I remembered.\r\n\r\nIt\'s more important to capture the memory then to let it go because you may not have the perfect camera.  Plus there\'s always great editing tools like <a rel=\"nofollow\" href=\"http://www.alienskin.com/exposure/index.aspx\">Exposure 3</a> that allow your nostalgic mood to turn a digital image into the timeless feel of film.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a style=\"color: #cc6600; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"http://www.erinconrad.com/\"><em>Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad</em></a></span><span style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><em> photoblogs weekly at Tasha Does Tulsa as Erin Sees Tulsa. </em></span><span style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a style=\"color: #78b749; text-decoration: none;\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/search/label/Erin%20Sees%20Tulsa\"><em>Check out her recent posts here</em></a></span><span style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><em>.</em></span>','Erin Sees Tulsa: Opportunity Doesn’t Care About Your Camera','','inherit','open','open','','695-revision-5','','','2010-08-01 23:14:26','2010-08-02 04:14:26','',695,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/695-revision-5/',0,'revision','',0),(819,1,'2010-08-01 22:57:50','2010-08-02 03:57:50','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4751667439/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"403\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4142/4751667439_9fd6564508_b.jpg\" width=\"504\" /></a></div><br />In an effort to beat the heat last Saturday, my first photo shoot of the day was at 8am.<br /><br />Even starting off that early did little to keep the sweat from dripping and the clothes from sticking. However, I was all smiles when my newly engaged couple agreed to finish up their shoot at the Cherry Street Farmer\'s Market.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4752308610/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"335\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4752308610_ec608751c3_b.jpg\" width=\"504\" /></a></div><br />I have just one question.<br /><br />Well that\'s not true, I\'m always full of questions.  But for today, right now, I have just one.  <br /><br />How in the world have I gone so long without photographing this place? <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4751668087/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4751668087_02f300f754_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a> </div><br />You may call it the farmers\' market. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4752308402/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4752308402_75c1db203a_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a> </div><br />I call it heaven.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4752308038/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4137/4752308038_dda6bee533_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br />My senses came alive with all the colors, people, food, music and flowers.  I hope this makes you smile the same way it does me.<br /><br />I also hope you won\'t wait as long as I did to enjoy this little slice of paradise right here in Tulsa, Oklahoma.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4752308460/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4138/4752308460_ef662d22b6_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4751668149/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4079/4751668149_d98b629525_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4752307914/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4752307914_6cb73e6e6a_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4751667335/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"448\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4117/4751667335_9003677e9d_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4752307840/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4082/4752307840_b57c3e83fd_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4751667579/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/4751667579_875b8e3079_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4751667981/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4123/4751667981_daa5984b19_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a><br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: left;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.erinconrad.com/\" style=\"color: #cc6600; text-decoration: underline;\"><i>Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>&nbsp;photoblogs weekly at Tasha Does Tulsa as Erin Sees Tulsa.&nbsp;</i></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/search/label/Erin%20Sees%20Tulsa\" style=\"color: #78b749; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Check out her recent posts here</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>.</i></span></span></div></div>','Cherry Street Farmers\' Market: Erin Sees Tulsa','','inherit','open','open','','665-revision-3','','','2010-08-01 22:57:50','2010-08-02 03:57:50','',665,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/665-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(1680,1,'2010-08-30 21:08:12','2010-08-31 02:08:12','Get your 4th of July celebration groove on with these Tulsa-area events.\n<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><img src=\"http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a2/InvitationIndependenceDayGreenwichCT06201825.jpg\" alt=\"\" />\n\n</div>\n<a name=\"more\"></a><strong>Tuesday, June 29</strong>\n\n<strong>Southern Hills Baptist Church Patriotic Music Event</strong>\nWhen: 7pm\nWhere: <a href=\"http://www.shbctulsa.org/events/coming-events.html\">Riverwalk Crossing in Jenks</a>\nSee this patriotic music event orchestra along with ensemble and vocal groups present modern arrangements of patriotic favorites.\n\n<strong>Starlight Band Concert</strong>\nWhen: 8pm\nWhere: <a href=\"http://www.tulsafreedomfest.com/entertainment.html\">River West Festival Park Amphitheater</a>, 2100 S. Jackson Ave.\nThe Starlight Bands presents Americana Night in celebration of Independence Day 2010.\n\n<strong>Thursday, July 1</strong>\n\n<strong>Red, White and $1 Brew at ONEOK Field: Drillers Independence Bash</strong>\nWhen: 7:05pm\nWhere: <a href=\"http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100625&amp;content_id=11568338&amp;vkey=news_t260&amp;fext=.jsp&amp;sid=t260\">ONEOK Field</a>, 201 N. Elgin Ave.\nThirsty Thursday, known as Red, White and $1 Brew during the Drillers Independence Bash, returns to ONEOK Field to open the homestand. Red, White and $1 Brew features servings of 16 oz. soft drinks and 12 oz. Miller Lite and Coors Light for only $1.\n\n<strong>Sunset Concert Series at Stone Canyon</strong>\nWhen: 6-9pm, with fireworks start at 9:15pm\nWhere: <a href=\"http://www.stonecanyonliving.com/#/news/12/\">Stone Canyon</a>, 76th Street North and 177th E. Ave. in Owasso\nSee Remedy live in concert, followed by a fireworks show. It\'s all free and open to the public.\n\n<strong>Friday, July 2</strong>\n\n<strong>Rhythm on the River: FreedomFest</strong>\nWhen: 6:30pm\nWhere: <a href=\"http://www.tulsafreedomfest.com/entertainment.html\">River Parks Plaza</a>, 41st Street and Riverside Drive\nDon\'t miss this showcase of live, local music this Fourth of July weekend. Bring your blankets and your lawn chairs, but if you forget your picnic basket, don\'t fret - concessions will be available at the plaza.\n\n<strong>Red, White and BOOM</strong>\nWhen: Gates at 7pm, Fireworks at 9:45pm\nWhere: <a href=\"http://www.cityofowasso.com/city_news_info_res/Red_White_Boom.pdf\">Owasso Stadium</a> (PDF)\nLike to rock your Independence Day Owasso style? Then stay on the north side of US 169 and watch the fireworks show at Owasso Stadium. Admission is free and open to the public.\n\n<strong>Friday Night Fireworks: Drillers Independence Bash</strong>\nWhen: 7:05pm\nWhere: <a href=\"http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100625&amp;content_id=11568338&amp;vkey=news_t260&amp;fext=.jsp&amp;sid=t260\">ONEOK Field</a>, 201 N. Elgin Ave.\nKRMG AM 740 and 102.3 FM present Friday Night Fireworks at ONEOK Field. Following the game, the downtown skyline will be illuminated by another marvelous fireworks show.\n\n<strong>Saturday, July 3</strong>\n\n<strong>Firecracker 5K</strong>\nWhen: Starting at 7:30am\nWhere: <a href=\"http://www.fleetfeettulsa.com/fleet-feet-firecracker-5km\">Downtown Tulsa</a>\nLooking for a way to get moving with the fam this 4th of July weekend? Sweat it out with this event. <a href=\"http://www.fleetfeettulsa.com/fleet-feet-firecracker-5km\">Register here</a>.\n\n<strong>All Things Cake Patriotic Topsy Turvy Cake Class</strong>\nWhen: 10am-2pm\nWhere: <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tulsa-OK/All-Things-Cake/238407992305\">All Things Cake</a>, 8256 S. Memorial Drive\nWanna learn to make a cake that\'s worthy of the red, white and blue? Look no further than this class at All Things Cake, a sugar art supplies outlet, custom cake bakery, cooking school and more in south Tulsa. Cost is $45. Call to register, (918) 994-4490.\n\n<strong>Cajun Festival</strong>\nWhen: Starting at 10am\nWhere: <a href=\"http://grandlakefestivals.com/cajun.htm\">Grove Civic Center</a> on Grand Lake\nWhere else can you get cajun food, cajun music and great fun for the entire family without heading for the actual bayou? Luckily for your gasoline budget, all of this can be found Fourth of July weekend just a few miles from Tulsa in Grove. Get a map and even more information at the link above.\n\n<strong>Fireworks, Buffet and Live Music at The Canebrake</strong>\nWhen: Starting at 5pm\nWhere: <a href=\"http://www.thecanebrake.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/July-3-flyer.jpg\">The Canebrake</a>, 33241 E. 732nd Road in Wagoner\nWhat do you call a July 4 celebration that’s held July 3? You decide, but the folks at The Canebrake, a swanky, eco-friendly resort just up the road from Tulsa a piece in Wagoner, call it F to the U to the N. Start your Saturday evening with a summer buffet in the dining room that will feature ribs, gourmet hot dogs, onion burgers, salads, slaw, beans, melons and a giant ice cream sundae bar. After dinner, retire to the lawn (BYO chair!) for wine and beer, sundaes and music from recording artists “La Moustache” and one of the best home grown fireworks shows around (leave your own fireworks at home, please). Buffet is $40 (includes tax and tip) and, get this: Cost is only $10 for kids 10 and under, veterans or active military (with ID) and guests 65 and older. Fireworks start at dark-thirty. Get more info and RSVP at 918.485.1810.\n\n<strong>Ride the River Bike Ride: FreedomFest</strong>\nWhen: 6:30pm registration; 7pm start\nWhere: <a href=\"http://www.tulsafreedomfest.com/entertainment.html\">River West Festival Park</a>, 2100 S. Jackson Ave.\nRegister online at tomsbicycles.com to save $5 on the registration for his huge bike ride in celebration of July 4, The race will start and finish at River West Festival Park. Be sure to stick around after the ride to see the Tour de France on the big screen.\n\n<strong>City of Claremore Fireworks Spectacular</strong>\nWhen: Starting at 7pm\nWhere: <a href=\"http://claremore.org/\">Claremore Lake</a>\nIf you like your Independence Day done Claremore style, don\'t miss this festival and fireworks show. The sky is scheduled to light up at about 9:30pm.\n\n<strong>Fourth on the Third</strong>\nWhen: 7:30pm\nWhere: <a href=\"http://signaturesymphonyattcc.org/special_events.htm\">VanTrease PACE</a>, 81st Street and Highway 69\nDon\'t miss this celebration of patriotic music, featuring The Signature Chorale, The Signature Children\'s Choir and The Signature Symphony under the direction of Dr. Barry Epperly. Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for students and $6 for kids and TCC students. Call (918) 595-777 for tickets.\n\n<strong>Grand Lake Fireworks</strong>\nWhen: 9pm\nWhere: <a href=\"http://grandlakefireworks.com/\">Grand Lake</a>\nCheck out this floating fireworks show as it reflects on Grand Lake. The show can be viewed at the new GRDA Visitors Center in Langley, the Pensacola Dam, 3 Cherokee State Parks near the Spillways, on the water in the main channel of Grand Lake, and all along the shores of South Grand Lake.\n\n<strong>Sunday, July 4</strong>\n\n<strong>ONEOK Freedom Fest at River Parks</strong>\nWhen: Starting at 12pm\nWhere: <a href=\"http://www.tulsafreedomfest.com/entertainment.html\">River West Festival Park</a>, 2100 S. Jackson Ave.; <a href=\"http://www.tulsafreedomfest.com/entertainment.html\">Veterans Park</a>, 1875 S. Boulder Ave.; <a href=\"http://www.tulsafreedomfest.com/entertainment.html\">Elwood\'s Cafe</a>, 1924 S. Riverside Drive\nTulsa\'s largest 4th of July fireworks display can be seen from miles around, but you won\'t want to miss being smackdab in the middle of the action this year. This event is more than just fireworks, with:\n<ul>\n	<li>Beverages, food, face painting, free inflatables, a rock climbing wall and live music by the Red Dirt Rangers at River West Festival Park, starting at 5pm;</li>\n	<li>The annual American Salute celebration, an old-fashioned family picnic and music showcase, where there will be free inflatables for the kids; and a bicycle parade featuring free bike decorations provided by Tom\'s Bicycles that will start at 7pm, all at Veterans Park;</li>\n	<li>Live music galore featuring Junaloosca, Eric and the Adams, Sam and the Stylees and Midlife Crisis Band, all at Elwood\'s Cafe.</li>\n</ul>\n<a href=\"http://www.tulsafreedomfest.com/entertainment.html\">Click here to get information on parking</a>, as well as even more info on what\'s going on down at River Parks this 4th of July.\n\n<strong>Fourth of July at McBirney Mansion</strong>\nWhere: <a href=\"http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pgt7oVcQCl4\">McBirney Mansion</a>, 1414 S. Galveston Ave.\nRibs, pulled pork, sandwiches, potato salad, cole slaw, fried chicken and beer, and a surprise dessert. Then, watch the fireworks and get a fantastic view of the downtown skyline from the hill at McBirney mansion. Tickets are $40. Call (918) 585-3234 for reservations.\n\n<strong>Fish and Fireworks</strong>\nWhen: Open at 10am; Parking begins at 4pm\nWhere: <a href=\"http://okaquarium.org/FishandFireworks.php\">Oklahoma Aquarium</a>, 300 Aquarium Drive in Jenks\nMake plans to spend the Fourth of July with the Oklahoma Aquarium and enjoy indoor and outdoor fun for the entire family. Your paid parking provides access to the best viewing of the Jenks/96th Street Bridge fireworks, as well as summer fun with Bass Pro, including fishing and other games. Parking will be $5 beginning at 4pm, which also earns you a $2 discount on Aquarium admission for everyone in your car. You\'ll receive an all-access wristband and be able to enjoy the indoor exhibits, the outdoor activities, concessions for purchase and prime viewing of the fireworks, which are slated to start at about 9:30pm. No outside food or drinks will be allowed since there will be concessions on site, but lawn chairs and blankets are encouraged. Visit the link above for even more information.\n\n<strong>Jenks America Independence Day Celebration</strong>\nWhen: Starting at 11am\nWhere: <a href=\"http://riverfrontsouthok.com/\">Parking in the Oklahoma Aquarium lot</a>, 300 Aquarium Drive in Jenks\nLos Cabos is sponsoring a fireworks display that will be among the largest in the state in Jenks. Plus, look for a military flyover, a day-long line up of bands, a car show and an appearance by Ms. Oklahoma. The fireworks show will launch from the Jenks Pedestrian Bridge, which will be visible all over the city of Jenks, but prime viewing is available by parking at Oklahoma Aquarium (see Fish and Fireworks, above). Click the link above to get maps and even more information about the Jenks America Independence Day Celebration.\n\n<strong>Rockets over Rhema</strong>\nWhen: Starting at 5pm\nWhere: <a href=\"http://www.rocketsoverrhema.com/index.php?option=com_content&amp;view=article&amp;id=127&amp;Itemid=55\">RHEMA Bible Church</a>, 1025 W. Kenosha in Broken Arrow\nThe patriotic tribute gets started at 5pm, followed by a slew of outdoor activities including a car show, a mechanical bull, a rock climbing wall and face painting, a live concert featuring the lines of Point of Grace and Pocket Full of Rocks and finally, at 10pm, one of the largest fireworks shows in the land where the wind goes sweepin\' down the plains. Get even more information at the link above.\n\n<strong>American Celebrates America: Fireworks Over Sapulpa</strong>\nWhen: Starting at 5pm\nWhere: <a href=\"http://www.valuenews.com/issues/story.php?view=1580\">Sapulpa Municipal Golf Course</a>\nCheck out this 14th annual event featuring fireworks choreographed to music, taking place over the Sapulpa Municipal Golf Course. Viewing and parking are available at the Sapulpa Wal-Mart and the grassy fields east of and behind the store, as well as at Westside Baptist Church.\n\n<strong>Independence Day Fireworks Extravaganza: Drillers Independence Bash</strong>\nWhen: 7:05pm\nWhere: <a href=\"http://web.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100625&amp;content_id=11568338&amp;vkey=news_t260&amp;fext=.jsp&amp;sid=t260\">ONEOK Field</a>, 201 N. Elgin Ave.\nOne of the very best fireworks shows will be exploding in the sky above downtown Tulsa this year. Look for it after Sunday night\'s game. Plus, if you bring a canned food donation to the ticket office, you get $2 off your tickets to the game.','4th of July 2010 Events in Tulsa','','inherit','open','open','','664-autosave','','','2010-08-30 21:08:12','2010-08-31 02:08:12','',664,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/664-autosave/',0,'revision','',0),(820,1,'2010-08-01 23:05:34','2010-08-02 04:05:34','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4727430901/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"504\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1148/4727430901_d9c7dabd1e_b.jpg\" width=\"335\" /></a></div><br />With July 4th less than two weeks away, my eyes have started noticing all the red, white and blue that surrounds us.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4727430961/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"335\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1359/4727430961_0e96e689f7_b.jpg\" width=\"504\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4727431391/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"335\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1158/4727431391_87c8d36a16_b.jpg\" width=\"504\" /></a></div><br />Of course it\'s easy to spot Old Glory, but what about finding these colors in normal, everyday living?&nbsp; <br /><br />Start looking.  You\'ll be shocked by just how easy it is to dream in red, white and blue.  <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4727431451/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1149/4727431451_cdb55bdfc5_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br />And just to keep you on your toes, I\'ve mixed in some instant images with my digital ones.  <br /><br />Which are your favorites?<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4728076378/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"560\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1309/4728076378_0d8298f756_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4727431535/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"560\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1229/4727431535_6bfc95554c_b.jpg\" width=\"372\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4728077342/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1346/4728077342_9422a30570_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4727431615/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1139/4727431615_8ef0341bff_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4727430799/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"560\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1005/4727430799_af6686a74e_b.jpg\" width=\"362\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4728076724/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"372\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1078/4728076724_e6cc0254e4_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4728077068/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"560\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1161/4728077068_5aaf619b38_b.jpg\" width=\"375\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4727431133/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1102/4727431133_b94d78f1e1_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4728076894/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1009/4728076894_66a6865ce2_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4728076764/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"560\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1099/4728076764_374a92cee5_b.jpg\" width=\"375\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4727431325/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"560\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1324/4727431325_9979f6fb75_b.jpg\" width=\"375\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4727431227/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1354/4727431227_0d658093ff_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4728076274/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"560\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1073/4728076274_f00a071474_b.jpg\" width=\"375\" /></a></div><br />These colors aren\'t only a wonderful reminder that not only do we live in the greatest city in this country, but also the greatest country on this earth.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4727430901/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"560\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1148/4727430901_d9c7dabd1e_b.jpg\" width=\"375\" /></a></div><br />Happy dreaming! <br /><br /><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.erinconrad.com/\" style=\"color: #cc6600; text-decoration: underline;\"><i>Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>&nbsp;photoblogs weekly at Tasha Does Tulsa as Erin Sees Tulsa.&nbsp;</i></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/search/label/Erin%20Sees%20Tulsa\" style=\"color: #78b749; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Check out her recent posts here</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>.</i></span><br /><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i><br /></i></span><br /><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i><b>Find a listing of 2010 4th of July events in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Jenks, Owasso and more </b><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/4th-of-july-2010-events-in-tulsa.html\"><b>right here</b></a><b>.</b></i></span>','Dreaming in Red, White and Blue: Erin Sees Tulsa','','inherit','open','open','','660-revision-2','','','2010-08-01 23:05:34','2010-08-02 04:05:34','',660,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/660-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(821,1,'2010-08-01 23:09:34','2010-08-02 04:09:34','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4698067666/\" title=\"josh\'s sno shack by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"josh\'s sno shack\" height=\"504\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4698067666_669b4fd6ff_b.jpg\" width=\"338\" /></a></div><br />While the official first day of summer is June 21st, for me summer always begins the day I eat my first sno cone.<br /><br />&nbsp;It\'s true.  It\'s not really summer until I\'ve been satisfied with the sticky sweetness that is a sno cone from <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/04/joshs-sno-shack-okay-spring-you-can.html\">Josh\'s Sno Shack</a>.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4709344776/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"338\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4709344776_a6806584f7_b.jpg\" width=\"504\" /></a></div><br />My favorite flavor is the Boomer Sooner, of course.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4708702461/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4708702461_7b2ee1abb0_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br />However, if you aren\'t as partial to the crimson and cream as I am, there are tons - I repeat, TONS - of flavors to choose from.  <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4709345014/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4709345014_c2466bd639_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br />Just look at this list. And that\'s only the half of the menu. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4709344950/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1300/4709344950_85aabec2df_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br />And if for some reason you can\'t make up your mind, you can always do what Jennifer here did and go for the Josh\'s Surprise. They won\'t tell you what it is, but that\'s okay because the ice is shaved to perfection and the concoction is a perfect combination of sweetness and summer lovin\'.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4708702353/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4708702353_83babf932c_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4708702061/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4708702061_a871e41dec_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br />I must warn you though, this place is pretty much always packed. These sno cones are THAT amazing.  <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4709344678/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4709344678_2489210f63_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4708702191/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4708702191_6a69f13808_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br />And you know what else? Your sno cone is ready within mere seconds. Plus, it\'s guaranteed to be delivered with a smile. <br /><br />Could you really ask for more?<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4698067666/\" title=\"josh\'s sno shack by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"josh\'s sno shack\" height=\"560\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4698067666_669b4fd6ff_b.jpg\" width=\"375\" /></a></div><br />Well, actually you can.  By following Josh\'s Sno Shack on <a href=\"http://twitter.com/joshssnoshack\" rel=\"nofollow\">Twitter</a> and <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/joshssnoshack\" rel=\"nofollow\">Facebook</a>, you will be the first to know about awesome discounts they\'ll offer all summer long.<br /><br />Here\'s to the official start of the hottest season of the year!<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4708702061/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4708702061_a871e41dec_b.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><br /></div><div style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Josh\'s Sno Shack</b></div><div style=\"text-align: left;\">Where: 71st and Garnett;&nbsp;91st and Memorial;&nbsp;New! 61st and Memorial</div><div style=\"text-align: left;\">When: Monday-Saturday, 12-10:30pm; Sunday, 2-10:30pm</div><br /><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.erinconrad.com/\" style=\"color: #cc6600; text-decoration: underline;\"><i>Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>&nbsp;photoblogs weekly at Tasha Does Tulsa as Erin Sees Tulsa.&nbsp;</i></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/search/label/Erin%20Sees%20Tulsa\" style=\"color: #78b749; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Check out her recent posts here</i></a></span><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>.</i></span>','The Sno Cone Mystique: Erin Sees Tulsa','','inherit','open','open','','655-revision-2','','','2010-08-01 23:09:34','2010-08-02 04:09:34','',655,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/655-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(822,1,'2010-08-01 23:12:57','2010-08-02 04:12:57','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4686606935/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa: finding color by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa: finding color\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4686606935_9538bd4774_b.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />This city is alive with color.  Every direction we turn we can see it.  Every where we look, we can soak it in.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a>Just yesterday afternoon while driving to a celebratory happy hour with friends, I did a sharp 180 because I couldn\'t dare pass up the chance of snapping a polaroid of a bright yellow building adorned with multi-colored flags.<br /><br />Do you look for it?  Do you take the time to soak it in?  <br /><br />Don\'t over think it.  Just look up and down and then side to side.  But I\'m warning you to be careful.  You might just happen to find something you can\'t live without.  And when you do, don\'t be afraid to share it with the world.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4687174910/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa: finding color by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa: finding color\" height=\"600\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4687174910_e95939d3db_b.jpg\" width=\"600\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4686539569/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa: finding color by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa: finding color\" height=\"600\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4686539569_4afa3bce65_b.jpg\" width=\"600\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4686539533/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa: finding color by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa: finding color\" height=\"600\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1293/4686539533_f361fd5035_b.jpg\" width=\"600\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4687174792/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa: finding color by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa: finding color\" height=\"600\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4687174792_e146074d2d_b.jpg\" width=\"600\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4687174872/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa: finding color by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa: finding color\" height=\"600\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/4687174872_1954757265_b.jpg\" width=\"600\" /></a></div><br /><a href=\"http://www.erinconrad.com/\"><i>Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad</i></a><i> photoblogs weekly at Tasha Does Tulsa as Erin Sees Tulsa. </i><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/search/label/Erin%20Sees%20Tulsa\"><i>Check out her recent posts here</i></a><i>.</i>','Color Your World: Erin Sees Tulsa','','inherit','open','open','','645-revision-2','','','2010-08-01 23:12:57','2010-08-02 04:12:57','',645,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/645-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(823,1,'2010-06-09 18:47:00','2010-06-09 18:47:00','<div class=\"text-align: center;\"><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TA_ZR6TjejI/AAAAAAAAB30/mXBkHgJj4_0/s1600/Picture+36.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"252\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TA_ZR6TjejI/AAAAAAAAB30/mXBkHgJj4_0/s640/Picture+36.png\" width=\"512\" /></a></div></div><br />Here at <a href=\"http://www.TashaDoesTulsa.com/\">TashaDoesTulsa.com</a>, I field lots of questions.<br /><br />Besides inquiries as to where the best make-out spots are in Tulsa (I\'ll give you some tips, but not from my personal stash - those secrets are hard-won and if you were me, you wouldn\'t share them, either) and on whether you should go to the gun show at Expo Square or to the tire kickin\' on Route 66 that weekend, I\'m often asked <b>why the heck I do what I do</b>.<br /><br />Here are a few explanations.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Why I Blog</span><br /><br />I was interviewed a week or so ago by the folks at <a href=\"http://www.Outside.in/\">Outside.in</a>. Outside.in is a media outlet that organizes news by location, and they\'re great about highlighting the work of place- and hyper-local bloggers.<br /><br /><a href=\"http://blog.outside.in/2010/06/03/bloggers-we-love-natasha-tasha-ball-part-1-of-2/\">TashaDoesTulsa.com was the subject of their latest profile</a>.<br /><br />Here are a few bits from the story: <br /><br /><blockquote>Seriously, though – I don’t think I’ve spoken to many people who are as enthusiastic and genuine in their love for their town or city as Tasha Ball. As a Tulsa native, her love for the city is contagious, exciting, and completely authentic...</blockquote><blockquote><br /></blockquote><blockquote>...after reading Tasha Does Tulsa and having a wonderful telephone conversation with Tasha last week, I can honestly say that I have a newfound desire to visit Tulsa, and I’m confident that when I do, I will have an awesome time (and an amazing tour guide!)</blockquote><br />Aw, shucks, y\'all.<br /><br />Here\'s <a href=\"http://blog.outside.in/2010/06/03/bloggers-we-love-natasha-tasha-ball-part-1-of-2/\">the rest of the write-up</a>.<br /><br />For more, <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/p/about-tdt.html\">here\'s the TDT About page</a>. Spoiler alert: It all started in a bar.<br /><br /><b>My Aha Moment</b><br /><b><br /></b><br />Last month there was a Windstream trailer parked outside of Hotel Ambassador. Inside were Tulsans telling <a href=\"http://www.ahamoment.com/\">Mutual of Omaha\'s Aha Moment Campaign</a> about moments that changed the course of their lives.<br /><br />I was one of the many invited to do just that.<br /><br /><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.ahamoment.com/pg/moments/view/11678\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"316\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/TA_ZR6TjejI/AAAAAAAAB30/mXBkHgJj4_0/s640/Picture+36.png\" width=\"640\" /></a></div><br />Click on the photo to watch a video about my Aha Moment.<br /><br />Wanna see more Tulsa Aha Moments? <a href=\"http://www.ahamoment.com/mod/moments/search.php?searchstring=Tulsa&amp;searchhit=searchhit\">Click here</a>. But first, grab a Kleenex. I watched these one afternoon and cried my eyes out.<br /><br /><b>How to Start (and Grow) a Hyper-Local Blog</b><br /><br />As Part II&nbsp;of the story with Outside.in, I talked with their reporter about ways bloggers can start and grow place-centric and hyper-local blogs.<br /><br /><a href=\"http://blog.outside.in/2010/06/08/bloggers-we-love-natasha-tasha-ball-part-2-of-2/\">Here are my tips</a>. My favorite? The part where I tell the reporter that cookies and milk are required if a blogger wants a hyper-local post to bring home the bacon.<br /><br />Just kidding. I didn\'t talk to Outside.in about cookies. Or bacon, for that matter. But I did talk about focus groups, establishing a routine and what kind of content for which readers of place-centric blogs are looking. Plus, more.<br /><br /><b>Looking for more?</b><br /><br />As always, <a href=\"mailto:tasha@tashadoestulsa.com\">send me your questions, whatever they may be</a>. I love to talk Tulsa and blogging, so whatever you might be wondering, odds are I\'m ready to dislocate my jaw jabbing about it.','How to Start a Hyper-Local Blog and Why I Started TDT: A Peek Into My Bloggy World','','inherit','open','open','','643-revision','','','2010-06-09 18:47:00','2010-06-09 18:47:00','',643,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/643-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(824,1,'2010-06-08 15:00:00','2010-06-08 15:00:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><img src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/SjHGiZ4OS9I/AAAAAAAABTU/Zy164Etw21Y/s400/ConradFarms.jpg\" /></div><br />\"Where can my kids visit a farm and pick their own berries?\" It\'s summer, and that\'s one of the most oft-asked questions here at TDT lately. <br /><br />I have to say, I\'m so, so glad that you\'re asking. Picking berries with the kids isn\'t only an easy and satisfying way to spend time together as a family, but it\'s also great for building bright minds and healthy bodies. Plus, freshly picked berries is one of the most magical taste adventures there is. Ask anyone who\'s had a just-picked strawberry, or a cobbler made from the blackberry bush out back. It\'s heaven in a Pyrex pan.   <br /><br />After the jump is a list of berry farms in the Tulsa area at which you and your kids are welcome to pick to your heart\'s content.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a>Call ahead for guest hours, and have fun!<br /><br /><b>Bucket of Berries</b><br />Where: <a href=\"http://www.localharvest.org/farms/M36129\">13695 Dugans Road in Sapulpa</a><br />Phone: (918) 227-0101<br />When: Mid-April thru Mid-July<br />What\'s available: Blackberries, strawberries and blueberries. <br /><br /><b>Cedar Bluff Raspberries</b><br />Where: <a href=\"http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;cd=1&amp;ved=0CBIQFjAA&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pickyourown.org%2FOK.htm&amp;ei=3sINTPTnJ8P9nQen1PSJAg&amp;usg=AFQjCNEltkrqDtPa-028AbraAUl0kePNaA\">3101 Stanfield Road in Sapulpa</a><br />Phone: (918) 227-3589<br />When: June-July<br />What\'s available: Raspberries. With a capital-R. <br /><br /><b>Cimmaron Valley Ranch</b><br />Where: <a href=\"http://www.cimarronvalleyranch.com/\">RR 1, Box 30 in Cleveland</a><br />Phone: (918) 694-9281<br />What\'s available: Apples, cherries and peaches. <br /><br /><b>Deep Fork Farms</b><br />Where: <a href=\"http://www.deepforkfarms.com/\">11265 Dentonville Road in Okmulgee</a><br />Phone: (918) 267-3477<br />What\'s available: You get your organic pecans from Deep Fork Farms, but did you know that during the summer, you can get other organic produce from them, too?<br /><br /><b>Hatcher\'s Farm and Greenhouse</b><br />Where: <a href=\"http://www.allaboutapples.com/orchard/ok.htm\">Route 1 Box 63A in Sand Springs</a><br />Phone: (918) 245-7143<br />What\'s available: Apples, blueberries and blackberries.<br /><br /><b>Jordan Farms</b><br />Where: 14649 Creager Road in Hectorville<br />Phone: (918) 366-4881<br />When: July-August<br />What\'s available: Blackberries, baby! <br /><br /><b>Livesay Orchards</b><br />Where: <a href=\"http://www.livesayorchards.com/\">39232 E. 231st. St. South in Porter</a><br />Phone: (918) 483-2102<br />When: Mid-June thru October<br />What\'s available: Livesay is famous for Porter Peaches, but a variety of local fruits and vegetables are available there. <br /><br /><b>Lone Bird Blackberries</b><br />Where: 26168 E. 191st. South in Haskell<br />Phone: (918) 482-3884<br />What\'s available: Blackberries, blackberries and, oh yeah, more blackberries. Yum! <br /><br /><b>Owasso Tree and Berry Farm</b><br />Where: <a href=\"http://www.owassochristmastreefarm.com/\">11039 N. 129th East Ave. in Owasso</a><br />Phone: (918) 272-9445<br />What\'s available: You buy your Christmas tree here, so why not pick your blackberries here, too? <br /><br /><b>Ritchie Blackberry Farm</b><br />Where: <a href=\"http://www.dadreon.com/\">100 N. Mt. Vernon Road in Yale</a><br />Phone: (918) 605-6226<br />When: June-July<br />What\'s available: Blackberries to your heart\'s content - thornless varieties, even. <br /><br /><b>Skedee Farms</b><br />Where: 4 miles north of Pawnee on Hwy 18<br />Phone: (918) 767-2142<br />What\'s available: Got blackberries? No? Get \'em here. <br /><br /><b>The Peppermint Dragon</b><br />Where: 7920 W. 133rd St. South in Sapulpa<br />Phone: (918) 224-5337<br />When: June-August<br />What\'s available: Everything from blackberries to peppers to pre-picked produce. <br /><br /><b>The Toomey\'s Black \'n\' Blue Thornless Berry Farm</b><br />Where: <a href=\"http://toomeyblackberryfarm.com/\">22629 E. 61st Street in Broken Arrow</a><br />Phone: (918) 595-5881<br />What\'s available: Blackberries, blackberry preserves and, probably, blackberry accessories. Sorry - I watch too much King of the Hill and I couldn\'t help myself. <br /><br /><b>Thunderbird Berries</b><br />Where: <a href=\"http://www.thunderbirdberryfarm.com/\">7515 S. Hansen Road in Broken Arrow</a><br />Phone: (918) 704-5374<br />When: May-August<br />What\'s available: Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries and raspberries - oh, my!  <br /><br /><b>Woodland Farm</b><br />Where: 1211 E. 166th Street in Skiatook<br />Phone: (918) <br />What\'s available: Blackberries.<br /><br />For more outdoor fun in Oklahoma this summer, check out <a href=\"http://agritourism.travelok.com/\">Oklahoma Agritourism</a>.<br /><br />Looking to check out the local farmers\' market with the fam? <a href=\"http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;cd=1&amp;ved=0CBIQFjAA&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tashadoestulsa.com%2F2010%2F04%2Flist-tulsa-area-farmers-markets.html&amp;ei=ZscNTOPcOI2MnQfNovzFBA&amp;usg=AFQjCNHQ_F94QJ9LMQ2LcBXALWLLIQW_Sg\">Check here for a complete list of area markets, times and locations</a>.','Berry Pickin\' in Tulsa','','inherit','open','open','','641-revision','','','2010-06-08 15:00:00','2010-06-08 15:00:00','',641,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/641-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(825,1,'2010-06-08 14:09:00','2010-06-08 14:09:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><img height=\"576\" src=\"http://www.circlecinema.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/library-nacho-libre.png\" width=\"499\" /></div><br />Is your house overrun with kids who are out of school for the summer? Are you coming up short on cash to keep them entertained? Here, Tulsa parents, are two cost-free, air-conditioned, cinematic solutions: <br /><br />The&nbsp;<a href=\"http://www.selectcinemas.com/index.php\">Free Summer Kids\' Film Festival out at Riverwalk Crossing in Jenks</a>, 600 Riverwalk Terrace;<br />The&nbsp;<a href=\"http://www.circlecinema.com/events/free-films-for-kids-this-july\">Free Film Festival for Kids in July at Circle Cinema</a>, 12 S. Lewis Ave. <br /><br />Get out your calendars, parents, because here comes the line-up.<br /><br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"font-weight: bold;\">Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs</span><br />Where: Riverwalk Movies<br />When: June 8, 9 and 10; 11:30am and 1:45pm<br /><br /><b>Planet 51</b><br />Where: Riverwalk Movies<br />When: June 15, 16 and 16; 11:30am and 1:45pm<br /><br /><b>Surf\'s Up</b><br />Where: Riverwalk Movies<br />When: June 22, 23 and 24; 11:30am and 1:45pm<br /><br /><b>Alvin and the Chipmunks 2</b><br />Where: Riverwalk Movies<br />When: June 29, 30 and July 1; 11:30am and 1:45pm<br /><br /><b>Hook</b><br />Where: Circle Cinema<br />When: July 1, 2pm<br /><br /><b>Monsters Vs. Aliens</b><br />Where: Riverwalk Movies<br />When: July 6, 7 and 8; 11:30am and 1:45pm <br /><br /><b>Shark Tale</b><br />Where: Circle Cinema<br />When: July 8, 2pm<br /><br /><b>Kung Fu Panda</b><br />Where: Riverwalk Movies<br />When: July 13, 14 and 15; 11:30am and 1:45pm<br /><br /><b>Surf\'s Up</b><br />Where: Circle Cinema<br />When: July 15, 2pm<br /><br /><b>Madagascar</b><br />Where: Riverwalk Movies<br />When: July 20, 21 and 22; 11:30am and 1:45pm<br /><br /><b>Nacho Libre</b><br />Where: Circle Cinema<br />When: July 22, 2pm<br /><br /><b>Madagascar 2</b><br />Where: Riverwalk Movies<br />When: July 27, 28 and 29; 11:30am and 1:45pm<br /><br /><b>Igor</b><br />Where: Circle Cinema<br />When: July 29, 2pm<br /><br /><b>Shrek</b><br />Where: Riverwalk Movies<br />When: August 3, 4 and 5; 11:30am and 1:45pm<br /><br /><b>Happy Feet</b><br />Where: Riverwalk Movies<br />When: August 10, 11 and 12; 11:30am and 1:45pm<br /><br />Some notes before you go: Be sure to arrive at each movie time a bit early as the free show is subject to availability. And parents, don\'t try to get in for a free movie while the kids are a Mom\'s Day Out - no adult will be admitted to the shows without a kiddo. <br /><br />Have fun!<br /><br /><i><a href=\"http://www.circlecinema.com/\">Nacho Libre photo from the Circle Cinema website</a></i>','Free Summer Kids\' Film Festivals in Tulsa for Summer 2010','','inherit','open','open','','640-revision','','','2010-06-08 14:09:00','2010-06-08 14:09:00','',640,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/640-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(826,1,'2010-06-07 21:43:00','2010-06-07 21:43:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4679189870/\" title=\"Tulsa Shock by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Tulsa Shock\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1297/4679189870_4b84e592b4.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Often, I wish I knew more about sports. I wasn\'t one of those kids who was ferried to a plethora of sports activities after school and on weekends. I went to dance, music and band classes, yeah, but basketball, soccer and softball? Not so much. <br /><br />So, when I find myself at a major sporting event here in Tulsa, whether it\'s at <a href=\"http://www.tulsadrillers.com/\">ONEOK Field</a> or <a href=\"http://www.bokcenter.com/\">the BOK Center</a>, I often find myself also in cluelessville.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4678556045/\" title=\"Tulsa Shock by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Tulsa Shock\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4678556045_5f96f84904.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Thanks to <a href=\"http://www.one2onenetwork.com/\">the One2One Network</a>, my husband and I were invited to last Friday\'s <a href=\"http://www.tulsashock.com/\">Tulsa Shock</a> game vs. the Minnesota Linx at the BOK Center.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a>It was nice to beat the heat that has already descended upon northeastern Oklahoma for the summer and to work in some family-friendly fun, all in the same evening.&nbsp;It doesn\'t take a sports rocket scientist to realize that these Shock games are fun, which is good for me, the sports impaired captain of the universe. It\'s also easy on the pocketbook - tickets to Shock games start at a mere $10.<br /><br />And while Friday night\'s crowd wasn\'t the biggest I\'ve ever seen at the BOK Center, it was by far the most enthusiastic. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4679187168/\" title=\"Tulsa Shock by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Tulsa Shock\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4679187168_275b4b5fe7.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Look at all those Shock shirts. Wow. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4679189978/\" title=\"Tulsa Shock by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Tulsa Shock\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4679189978_ccb2ea14bc.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />The thing I couldn\'t help but notice? <a href=\"http://www.wnba.com/\">The women of the WNBA are hardcore</a>. Watching them play made me want to punch my fellow Tulsa mommybloggers at the game that night in the face. And throw my husband over the railing. And stomp them all into the court.<br /><br />It\'s nothing against them - not at all. It\'s just, watching pure athleticism makes me wanna fight.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4679188768/\" title=\"Tulsa Shock by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Tulsa Shock\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4679188768_488774f710.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Check this out:<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4678556359/\" title=\"Tulsa Shock by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Tulsa Shock\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4678556359_4c22937cbe.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Face smash! Totally hardcore. <br /><br />See this player? <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4678557553/\" title=\"Tulsa Shock by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Tulsa Shock\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4678557553_d48d2757a3.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />That\'s <a href=\"http://sports.yahoo.com/wnba/players/4072\">Scholanda Robinson</a>, No. 5. I got to take her on a tour of Tulsa not too long ago, when she first moved here. Pretty much the most awesome Tulsa touring experience I\'ve ever had.<br /><br />It was also the shortest I\'ve ever felt in my entire life. Scholanda? She\'s tall, y\'all.<br /><br />And then, there\'s Volt. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4679189324/\" title=\"Tulsa Shock by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Tulsa Shock\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4679189324_473f459a1d.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Volt is the (sexy?) Tulsa Shock mascot. <br /><br />At least he has a pose strategy in place for the whole sexy plan. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4678556735/\" title=\"Tulsa Shock by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Tulsa Shock\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4678556735_544fcaec98.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Guess what. Volt can do backflips. Hey, Hornsby? Can you do a backflip? <br /><br />Something tells me that, given the size of his head, Hornsby wouldn\'t fare so well trying to do a backward somersault in midair. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4679189232/\" title=\"Tulsa Shock by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Tulsa Shock\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1304/4679189232_b8dce9f67a.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4679189460/\" title=\"Tulsa Shock by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Tulsa Shock\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4679189460_e21563c511.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><br /></div>Anyone else hearing Cookie Monster right now? \"One of these things is not like the other...\" <br /><br />I had fun watching the game and the crowd, of course, but I also had a pretty interesting time eyeing the security guards, who were posted at every corner of the court. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4679432301/\" title=\"Tulsa Shock by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Tulsa Shock\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4679432301_92b10e2db5.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />I felt really sorry for them. I mean, how weird would it be to have to stand on the edge of the court and not only not get to see the game, but also to have to face the crowd looking right through you? <br /><br />I\'d be scared to death the whole time that my fly was unzipped. And you know what? There\'d be nothing I could do about it. There\'s really no stealthy way to check one\'s fly when facing a large crowd head-on.<br /><br />At least, not one that I\'ve discovered.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4678555533/\" title=\"Tulsa Shock by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Tulsa Shock\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4678555533_0fd052a056.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4679187592/\" title=\"Tulsa Shock by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Tulsa Shock\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4679187592_476904d980.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4678555723/\" title=\"Tulsa Shock by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Tulsa Shock\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4025/4678555723_324c8bfe86.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4679190218/\" title=\"Tulsa Shock by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Tulsa Shock\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4679190218_4d10060c64.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />So cold. So alone.&nbsp;So tired of standing. At any rate, these guys did a great job. No players were attacked at this game - at least, not by the crowd, anyway.<br /><br />Know what\'s fun to think about when watching a Tulsa Shock game? The fact that <a href=\"http://www.wnba.com/gallery/wnba_moms_1.html\">many of the women on the team are moms</a> and that, after they\'re done putting the smackdown on the court, they return home to their kids and parental duties. <br /><br />Kinda like me, you know? Except, I put the smackdown out here in bloggy blogger land, and those women are six feet tall and practice up and down a basketball court for hours and hours each day, with Coach Nolan Richardson, a notorious hard-ass, adding a little of his own smackdown to the party the entire time. <br /><br />The worst I have to deal with is an accidental pooping on the floor, and that happened only once.<br /><br />The promotions at the games were exciting, too - a lot more exciting that cleaning poop off the floor, let me tell you. Who doesn\'t love a little parachute chasing and giant t-shirt guns?<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4678558355/\" title=\"Tulsa Shock by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Tulsa Shock\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4678558355_dbfd287863.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4679189608/\" title=\"Tulsa Shock by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Tulsa Shock\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4679189608_9b994f64f1.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4679189550/\" title=\"Tulsa Shock by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Tulsa Shock\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4679189550_cc91b947a9.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Several dozen of them floated down from the ceiling, but alas, we didn\'t catch one. I heard there was a big wad of cash in one of these suckers. <br /><br />Next time, cute little prize-loaded parachutes. Next time.<br /><br /><b>Think you might wanna round up the family and go to a Tulsa Shock game some time?</b> You should. And guess what? If you enter the super-secret promo code from right here at TDT, you could get a potentially major discount on tickets - up to 40 percent - to Shock games.<br /><br />For instance:<br />$10 tickets will be discounted to $8. <br />$19 tickets will be discounted to $12. <br />$25 tickets will be discounted to $15. <br />$55 tickets will be discounted to $30. <br />$60 tickets will be discounted to $35. <br /><br />Secret promo code (highlight to view): <span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: white;\">WNBABLOG</span><br /><br /><a href=\"http://bit.ly/WNBAShockTix\">Snag your tickets here</a>.<br /><br />Have fun! We certainly did.','Tulsa Shock: A Mom at a Professional Women\'s Basketball Game','','inherit','open','open','','639-revision','','','2010-06-07 21:43:00','2010-06-07 21:43:00','',639,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/639-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(827,1,'2010-06-05 14:43:00','2010-06-05 14:43:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4669363917/\" title=\"neon signs: erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"neon signs: erin sees tulsa\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4669363917_53b78243ce_b.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Nothing stops me dead in my tracks quite like a neon sign.<br /><br />Well, that might be a slight exaggeration.  Let me rephrase: Nothing stops me dead in my tracks quite like a neon sign when I have my polaroid camera on board.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a>That\'s more like it.<br /><br />Because really, what better way to capture the authenticity of an old sign than with an old polaroid camera? It\'s like chocolate and peanut butter. They\'re just made to go together, to be joined at the hip, peas in a pod.<br /><br />Lucky for me, Tulsa has it\'s fair share of these extraordinary signs.  Also lucky for me, I\'m rarely without my polaroid camera.  I just wish I didn\'t have to worry about running out of film.  But that\'s another story for another day.  Instead of dwelling on my woes, let\'s take a 3\"x3\" journey through this town via the wonders that are some of my favorite neon signs.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4669364043/\" title=\"neon signs: erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"neon signs: erin sees tulsa\" height=\"600\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/4669364043_11f26b1e55_b.jpg\" width=\"600\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4669987968/\" title=\"neon signs: erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"neon signs: erin sees tulsa\" height=\"600\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4009/4669987968_8e71d52030_b.jpg\" width=\"600\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4669363917/\" title=\"neon signs: erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"neon signs: erin sees tulsa\" height=\"600\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4669363917_53b78243ce_b.jpg\" width=\"600\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4669364223/\" title=\"neon signs: erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"neon signs: erin sees tulsa\" height=\"600\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4669364223_b9340eb027_b.jpg\" width=\"600\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4669987840/\" title=\"neon signs: erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"neon signs: erin sees tulsa\" height=\"600\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4669987840_62410ee62a_b.jpg\" width=\"600\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4669987742/\" title=\"neon signs: erin sees tulsa by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"neon signs: erin sees tulsa\" height=\"600\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1292/4669987742_06df81de20_b.jpg\" width=\"600\" /></a></div><br />While many of these signs are years or even decades old, rumor has it that vintage neon signs are the new black - or green, or whatever the saying is now - and a couple of these bad boys have even sprung up recently downtown, either new or vintage.<br /><br />Don\'t worry. I\'ve got my Polaroid camera, and I\'m on it.<br /><br /><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.erinconrad.com/\" style=\"color: #cc6600; text-decoration: underline;\"><i>Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad</i></a><i>&nbsp;photoblogs weekly at Tasha Does Tulsa as Erin Sees Tulsa.&nbsp;</i><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/search/label/Erin%20Sees%20Tulsa\" style=\"color: #999999; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Check out her recent posts here</i></a><i>.</i></span>','Running Toward the Neon Lights: Erin Sees Tulsa','','inherit','open','open','','638-revision','','','2010-06-05 14:43:00','2010-06-05 14:43:00','',638,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/638-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(828,1,'2010-06-04 14:29:00','2010-06-04 14:29:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4668207754/\" title=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden\" height=\"640\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4668207754_0488a67841_b.jpg\" width=\"425\" /></a></div><br />How\'s this for being a TDT reader and, thus, an insider expert on the best of what there is to do in this wonderful city: Not only do you know that there\'s an <a href=\"http://www.ocbg.org/\">Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden</a>&nbsp;and that it\'s right here in Tulsa, Oklahoma, but you also know about it before it even fully exists.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a>Take that, weird, slightly sweaty guy at the water cooler who\'s always trying to one-up you with his Tulsa knowledge. You\'re sure to have the edge on him this time.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4667584367/\" title=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4667584367_7dd175d70b.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />What promises to be a premier botanical garden - one of the fanciest in the whole U.S. - is taking root in the Osage Hills, just a few miles northwest of downtown Tulsa. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4667584931/\" title=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4667584931_9fd1dd6e4d.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />The setting? 160 acres of beautiful, rolling hills, where the Cross Timbers from the east meets the western prairie. Think panoramic views of sunrises, sunsets and skyscrapers. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4667584809/\" title=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1295/4667584809_1848a4ee51.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><div style=\"text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"text-align: left;\">See downtown peeking out at us from the right?</div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4668210056/\" title=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4026/4668210056_6e86acac85.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Wow.<br /><br />While the folks at the OCBG look to preserve the original ecosystem of the area, they\'re also planning 15 theme gardens, 60 specialty gardens, a 7-acre lake, a 3,000-seat amphitheater, visitor center, conservatory, inter-faith chapel, tram service and, if you can believe it, more.<br /><br />The Garden will promote research and education. The site has already become a living laboratory, and university botanists have collected, identified and catalogued the land\'s nearly 400 plant species. Archaeologists have searched for artifacts, and foresters are helping to preserve the ancient forest. <br /><br />And university geology students are checking out the 1.5-mile walking trail, as are their rock-loving spawn. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4667583137/\" title=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4667583137_365a4b8794.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4668208036/\" title=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4668208036_dde520d563.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4668208264/\" title=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1305/4668208264_37df76035c.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4667584731/\" title=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4667584731_e15730f6a4.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />The Centennial Phase - that 7-acre lake I mentioned, plus a temporary visitor center, an entrance road, a small parking lot and those hiking trails - is complete. <br /><br />What\'s cool about this project is that it will grow with our ability and commitment to fund it. The land for the Garden site was donated, and if donations prove to be enthusiastic enough to complete the garden according to the plan, it expects to host 300,000 visitors each year - which, given attendance at parks like the Tulsa Zoo and River Parks and Woodward Park, seems a very conservative projection.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4668207562/\" title=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4030/4668207562_b968b2212f.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4667582437/\" title=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4667582437_2ab2739889.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />The best part about all this? You can check out the garden for yourself. For free, even.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4668208866/\" title=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4014/4668208866_78f1292517.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />The OCBG hosts a free open house each Saturday from 10am-1pm. Kids, families, discontented goth teenagers, Uncle Bill - all are welcome to walk the trail and give the Garden a general once-over. <br /><br />Or, if you\'re so inclined, a twice-over. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4667584227/\" title=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4667584227_df81dee216.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><br /></div><div style=\"text-align: left;\">I think you\'ll find that the Garden and its promise is worth a donation of at least a few of your hard-earned dollars.</div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4667584313/\" title=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4667584313_9989053f18.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4667582881/\" title=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/4667582881_82da06e8aa.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Does anyone else thing that pink one looks like a Fraggle? <br /><br />I do.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4668207824/\" title=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4668207824_1fa9a2ce47.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />My husband told me this was a wild blackberry bush. I believe him. <br /><br />Well, I think I believe him. But I didn\'t exactly try any to make sure.<br /><br />At any rate, you\'ll need some of this if you want to hit the trail: <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4668207618/\" title=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4668207618_29ddfc5325.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />You deep woodsman, you. <br /><br />If you could add one thing to the Garden\'s master plan, what would it be?','The Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden: From the Insider Files','','inherit','open','open','','637-revision','','','2010-06-04 14:29:00','2010-06-04 14:29:00','',637,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/637-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(829,1,'2010-06-03 14:21:00','2010-06-03 14:21:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4665817683/\" title=\"Opera Underground by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Opera Underground\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4665817683_f8345925b9.jpg\" width=\"351\" /></a></div><br />While I make it a habit to seek out our city’s arts activities, I sometimes find those you stumble upon are the best experiences.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a>Hopefully that was the case for Coffee House on Cherry Street goers on a Saturday night earlier this year.<br /><br /><a href=\"http://www.tulsaopera.com/\">Tulsa Opera</a> quietly launched a new program, Opera Underground, on Feb. 6 at Coffee House on Cherry Street (<a href=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/58/630338/restaurant/Cherry-Street/Coffee-House-on-Cherry-Street-Tulsa\">or, as we locals like to call it, CHOCS</a>). When I say “quietly,” I mean the company didn’t tell a lot of people about it. The event itself was anything but, with TO’s Studio Artists belting tunes from Rigoletto and Don Quichotte, as well as Broadway and cabaret fare.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4665818227/\" title=\"Opera Underground by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Opera Underground\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4665818227_4ea55a8b7a.jpg\" width=\"331\" /></a></div><br />Though I make it a point to regularly frequent CHOCS — not only does the place serve delectable Topeca coffee, but its sandwiches and pastries are to die for — this time, I was on a mission. I grabbed a large mocha and settled in close to where Brian Landry was performing one of opera’s most famous arias — “La donna e mobile,” from Rigoletto’s third act.<br /><br />I could have been listening to a recording, Landry’s voice was so clear and booming. And it’s likely many of the CHOCS patrons who stumbled in looking for nothing more than a dirty chai latte and some free wi-fi thought so, too. However, as the hour-long program continued, more people gathered, clearly enthralled by what they were seeing and hearing.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4665817009/\" title=\"Opera Underground by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Opera Underground\" height=\"330\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4665817009_7d30676ace.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Later, I spoke with Kostis Protopapas, TO’s artistic director and the inventor of this program, who pointed out that much of the classical repertoire was written for public performance, meaning it was meant to be heard in salons and homes, not just in grandiose theaters.<br /><br />The idea behind Opera Underground is that it’s just that — underground. It’s meant to be stumbled upon, to catch people off guard and expose them to operatic music in a way they’ve never heard it before.<br /><br />It’s also a wonderful opportunity to spend some up-close and personal time with the music. While I love to hear the opera in <a href=\"http://www.tulsapac.com/\">the Chapman Hall at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center</a>, in that setting, you don’t get the opportunity to nestle in close to it, to hear it ringing in your ears and feel it breathing next to you.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4666450160/\" title=\"Opera Underground by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Opera Underground\" height=\"330\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4666450160_0a6c72baa9.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Honestly, I think Opera Underground is one of the coolest events I’ve attended in a long time.<br />If you missed it, don’t be sad. Tulsa Opera will be at <a href=\"http://www.lxitulsa.com/\">LXi, at 61st and Yale in KingsPointe Shopping Center</a>, Saturday night at 6pm.<br /><br />This weekend, patrons will be treated to a season preview by Light Opera Oklahoma, as well as a presentation of popular opera arias as introduced by Mark Armstrong, Tulsa Opera principal pianist and vocal coach. Look also for a giveaway that includes two orchestra-level tickets to <a href=\"http://tulsaopera.com/\">La Traviata, the 2010/2011 season opening production for Tulsa Opera</a>, and a $50 gift certificate to LXi.<br /><br />The event is free, but the chow and drinks are on you. Hope to see you there.<br /><br /><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>This post is thanks to Holly Wall, senior editor at&nbsp;</i><a href=\"http://www.tulsabusiness.com/\" style=\"color: #78b749; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Tulsa Business Journal</i></a><i>&nbsp;and&nbsp;</i><a href=\"http://www.urbantulsa.com/\" style=\"color: #999999; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Urban Tulsa Weekly</i></a><i>&nbsp;arts writer. Her work also appears in&nbsp;</i><a href=\"http://www.ovac-ok.org/ArtFocus/art_focus_current_issue.cfm\" style=\"color: #78b749; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Art Focus Oklahoma</i></a><i>,&nbsp;</i><a href=\"http://www.tulsapac.com/images/int150.pdf\" style=\"color: #78b749; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Intermission</i></a><i>&nbsp;and&nbsp;</i><a href=\"http://miamagazine.net/\" style=\"color: #78b749; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Mia Magazine</i></a><i>.</i></span>','Opera Underground','','inherit','open','open','','636-revision','','','2010-06-03 14:21:00','2010-06-03 14:21:00','',636,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/636-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(830,1,'2010-08-01 23:18:41','2010-08-02 04:18:41','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4665817683/\" title=\"Opera Underground by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Opera Underground\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4665817683_f8345925b9.jpg\" width=\"351\" /></a></div><br />While I make it a habit to seek out our city’s arts activities, I sometimes find those you stumble upon are the best experiences.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a>Hopefully that was the case for Coffee House on Cherry Street goers on a Saturday night earlier this year.<br /><br /><a href=\"http://www.tulsaopera.com/\">Tulsa Opera</a> quietly launched a new program, Opera Underground, on Feb. 6 at Coffee House on Cherry Street (<a href=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/58/630338/restaurant/Cherry-Street/Coffee-House-on-Cherry-Street-Tulsa\">or, as we locals like to call it, CHOCS</a>). When I say “quietly,” I mean the company didn’t tell a lot of people about it. The event itself was anything but, with TO’s Studio Artists belting tunes from Rigoletto and Don Quichotte, as well as Broadway and cabaret fare.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4665818227/\" title=\"Opera Underground by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Opera Underground\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4665818227_4ea55a8b7a.jpg\" width=\"331\" /></a></div><br />Though I make it a point to regularly frequent CHOCS — not only does the place serve delectable Topeca coffee, but its sandwiches and pastries are to die for — this time, I was on a mission. I grabbed a large mocha and settled in close to where Brian Landry was performing one of opera’s most famous arias — “La donna e mobile,” from Rigoletto’s third act.<br /><br />I could have been listening to a recording, Landry’s voice was so clear and booming. And it’s likely many of the CHOCS patrons who stumbled in looking for nothing more than a dirty chai latte and some free wi-fi thought so, too. However, as the hour-long program continued, more people gathered, clearly enthralled by what they were seeing and hearing.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4665817009/\" title=\"Opera Underground by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Opera Underground\" height=\"330\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4665817009_7d30676ace.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Later, I spoke with Kostis Protopapas, TO’s artistic director and the inventor of this program, who pointed out that much of the classical repertoire was written for public performance, meaning it was meant to be heard in salons and homes, not just in grandiose theaters.<br /><br />The idea behind Opera Underground is that it’s just that — underground. It’s meant to be stumbled upon, to catch people off guard and expose them to operatic music in a way they’ve never heard it before.<br /><br />It’s also a wonderful opportunity to spend some up-close and personal time with the music. While I love to hear the opera in <a href=\"http://www.tulsapac.com/\">the Chapman Hall at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center</a>, in that setting, you don’t get the opportunity to nestle in close to it, to hear it ringing in your ears and feel it breathing next to you.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4666450160/\" title=\"Opera Underground by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Opera Underground\" height=\"330\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4666450160_0a6c72baa9.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Honestly, I think Opera Underground is one of the coolest events I’ve attended in a long time.<br />If you missed it, don’t be sad. Tulsa Opera will be at <a href=\"http://www.lxitulsa.com/\">LXi, at 61st and Yale in KingsPointe Shopping Center</a>, Saturday night at 6pm.<br /><br />This weekend, patrons will be treated to a season preview by Light Opera Oklahoma, as well as a presentation of popular opera arias as introduced by Mark Armstrong, Tulsa Opera principal pianist and vocal coach. Look also for a giveaway that includes two orchestra-level tickets to <a href=\"http://tulsaopera.com/\">La Traviata, the 2010/2011 season opening production for Tulsa Opera</a>, and a $50 gift certificate to LXi.<br /><br />The event is free, but the chow and drinks are on you. Hope to see you there.<br /><br /><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><i>This post is thanks to Holly Wall, senior editor at&nbsp;</i><a href=\"http://www.tulsabusiness.com/\" style=\"color: #78b749; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Tulsa Business Journal</i></a><i>&nbsp;and&nbsp;</i><a href=\"http://www.urbantulsa.com/\" style=\"color: #999999; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Urban Tulsa Weekly</i></a><i>&nbsp;arts writer. Her work also appears in&nbsp;</i><a href=\"http://www.ovac-ok.org/ArtFocus/art_focus_current_issue.cfm\" style=\"color: #78b749; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Art Focus Oklahoma</i></a><i>,&nbsp;</i><a href=\"http://www.tulsapac.com/images/int150.pdf\" style=\"color: #78b749; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Intermission</i></a><i>&nbsp;and&nbsp;</i><a href=\"http://miamagazine.net/\" style=\"color: #78b749; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Mia Magazine</i></a><i>.</i></span>','Opera Underground','','inherit','open','open','','636-revision-2','','','2010-08-01 23:18:41','2010-08-02 04:18:41','',636,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/636-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(832,1,'2010-08-01 23:20:07','2010-08-02 04:20:07','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4663803500/\" title=\"Fifth Night at Utica Square by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Fifth Night at Utica Square\" height=\"640\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4663803500_c19572b797_b.jpg\" width=\"425\" /></a></div><br />Remember when I told you all that the <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/05/summers-5th-night-2010-at-utica-square.html\">Summer\'s Fifth Night event was on again for 2010</a>? And that you all should go to the next show? And the one after that?<br /><br />And do you remember that I told you all to do that because Summer\'s Fifth Night is a huge pot of free music, prizes and giveaways and a chance to hang out in the open air with your best buds and family, all tossed in some spicy awesome sauce? <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4663180717/\" title=\"Fifth Night at Utica Square by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Fifth Night at Utica Square\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4003/4663180717_71fa520f80.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Apparently, I\'m not the only one who agrees with the awesome sauce part.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4663181571/\" title=\"Fifth Night at Utica Square by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Fifth Night at Utica Square\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4663181571_ed68c4b13a.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />I knew Summer\'s Fifth Night was a big deal and everything, but wow - I hadn\'t quite realized that it\'s <b>the No. 1 place to be in T-Town on Thursday nights</b>.<br /><br />Just look at that sea of humanity. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4663180973/\" title=\"Fifth Night at Utica Square by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Fifth Night at Utica Square\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4663180973_a0342d7a7b.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />When I stopped in at last week\'s Summer\'s Fifth Night event, I saw everything from folks spread out on blankets chowing down on wine and cheese to kids grabbing sno cones to dudes camped out in what looked like the same lawn chairs they take to the tailgate during football season. <br /><br />And, of course, lots and lots of dogs. In bandanas.<br /><br />Summer\'s Fifth Night, it\'s for all kinds, y\'all - it\'s not even exclusive to humans.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4663181457/\" title=\"Fifth Night at Utica Square by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Fifth Night at Utica Square\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1289/4663181457_3a98ef2b66.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Catch this week\'s show featuring <a href=\"http://uticasquare.com/downloads/10USP6309_Summers_Fifth_Night_Schedule_2010.pdf\">the jazz stylings of Earl Clark</a>. Then, <a href=\"http://uticasquare.com/downloads/10USP6309_Summers_Fifth_Night_Schedule_2010.pdf\">print out this schedule</a> and hang it on your fridge. <br /><br />Because you won\'t want to miss another edition of Summer\'s Fifth Night 2010.','Looking for the biggest party in Tulsa this Thursday?','','inherit','open','open','','634-revision-2','','','2010-08-01 23:20:07','2010-08-02 04:20:07','',634,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/634-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(834,1,'2010-06-01 20:23:00','2010-06-01 20:23:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><img height=\"342\" src=\"http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v645/34/70/1510818541/n1510818541_159443_2879.jpg\" width=\"512\" /></div><br />There\'s a Tulsa Tough t-shirt that reads a little something like this: Like that thing they do in France, but in Tulsa. <br /><br />I\'m always a fan of simplicity, and that pretty much sums it up. <br /><br />Well...sorta.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><a href=\"http://www.tulsatough.com/\">Tulsa Tough, in town this weekend starting Friday, June 4, is a three-day series of bicycle races, yes - that part is true.</a><br /><br />But, it\'s also a festival. It\'s a champion of fitness and healthful lifestyles, too. Plus, it shows off our city.<br /><br />Even the racing part isn\'t just winner-take-all. Tulsa Tough offers rides for everyone from the pro to the newbie, from highly competitive races with some of the area\'s top athletes to tour rides. There are even kids\' and family rides. <br /><br />And it\'s all set to live music. Oh, and there\'s lots of opportunity to do some shopping with local vendors while Tulsa Tough is in town, too, since the festival takes place in some of Tulsa\'s old neighborhoods, famous for their continued revitalization over the past several years.<br /><br />In case you\'ve somehow managed to not get excited about Tulsa Tough after all of that, here are 17 ways to get fired up about one of the most exciting events to (literally) roll through our city.<br /><br /><ol><li>Just this: <b>Professional cyclists on a 3/4-mile course featuring eight 90-degree corners at 30-plus miles per hour</b>. Holy moly, cannoli. Now, imagine standing right next to this kind of action. The exciting news? You can do just that at Tulsa Tough.</li><li>If you\'re gonna get excited about an event, the best way is to find out all about what it has to offer, right? Do that here at <a href=\"http://www.tulsatough.com/images/data/attachments/0000/0422/TSC_Tulsa_Tough_Guide_Email.pdf\">the official <b>Tulsa Tough 2010 event guide</b></a> (PDF).</li><li>Learn about the <b>Tough Kids Challenge</b>. This is where kids in the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades get the opportunity to earn a bicycle. Check out <a href=\"http://www.tulsatough.com/site/sections/15\">how the kids put in their sweat equity</a>.</li><li>One word: <b>Spandex</b>. Having been to the last two Tulsa Tough events, trust me - this is definitely something to get excited about.</li><li>New this year, all kids 12 and under can ride in the Sunday afternoon <b>Townie Ride</b> - a chance for anyone who is inspired by the weekend\'s races to dust off that old bike and take a ride with the fam - for free. Plus, there are medals and cool t-shirts involved. <a href=\"http://www.tulsatough.com/site/sections/18\">Get more info and register your family to ride here</a>.</li><li><a href=\"http://www.livingarts.org/myers.htm\"><b>Artbikes</b></a>! Where else but at <a href=\"http://www.livingarts.org/\">Living ArtSpace</a>, 307 E. Brady Street.</li><li>It\'s not quite a fever by human standards, but temperatures are expected to climb well into the 90s this weekend. There\'s only one prescription, Tulsa, and that\'s <b>more cowbell</b>. <a href=\"http://www.tulsatough.com/images/data/attachments/0000/0422/TSC_Tulsa_Tough_Guide_Email.pdf\">Get it at Tulsa Tough (Sunday, June 6 Races)</a>.</li><li><a href=\"http://www.tulsatough.com/site/sections/3\">Check out the maps of the weekend\'s races</a>. See how the festival can\'t stand to stay in one place? No way - it moves around between <b>three of Tulsa\'s hippest, most happenin\' districts</b>. Go all three days for a full weekend of the Blue Dome District, the Brady Arts District and the downtown section of Riverside Drive.</li><li><a href=\"http://www.tulsatough.com/site/sections/3\">Check out <b>the schedule of events</b> for the weekend</a>. Take note of the various races to catch, where the music and shopping can be found and where you can stop in for a bite to eat or a cold beer. You\'re a cold soul if an enthusiastic squee didn\'t escape your lips after seeing what all there is to do at Tulsa Tough.</li><li><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=tulsa%20tough&amp;w=all\">Check out <b>these kick-ass photos</b> from Tulsa Tough festivals of years past</a> from the likes of photogs <a href=\"http://www.cooperphotog.net/\">Michael Cooper</a> and <a href=\"http://www.rjbphoto.com/\">Robert Baird</a>. Much like Spandex on a deserving cyclist\'s hiney, these expert shots give me the goosepimples.</li><li><a href=\"http://www.tulsatough.com/images/data/attachments/0000/0422/TSC_Tulsa_Tough_Guide_Email.pdf\"><b>$15,000</b></a>. That\'s the smackaroo factor of Sunday\'s Men\'s Pro I race, and it\'s three times as much as <a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105793/quotes\">Wayne and Garth were given by those network TV sleezes</a>. Plus, there\'s even more cash being awarded over the course of the rest of the weekend. There\'s a lot of moolah at stake at this thing, people.</li><li>Text TOUGH to 84700. Now you\'re sure to have the latest updates on Tulsa\'s hottest festival on wheels, <b>right in the palm of your hand</b>.&nbsp;</li><li><a href=\"http://www.tulsatough.com/images/data/attachments/0000/0422/TSC_Tulsa_Tough_Guide_Email.pdf\">There\'s <b>plenty of parking</b></a>. Take my word on this, y\'all. If 35,000 people manage to park downtown each and every week day, there will most definitely be a spot for you and your SUV in downtown this weekend, and it won\'t be somewhere in BFE.</li><li><a href=\"http://www.tulsatough.com/images/data/attachments/0000/0422/TSC_Tulsa_Tough_Guide_Email.pdf\"><b>Party on the Hill</b></a>, Sunday, June 6. Enough said.</li><li>Follow <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/TulsaTough\">Tulsa Tough on Facebook</a> and <a href=\"http://twitter.com/tulsa_tough\">Twitter</a>. While you\'re at it, <a href=\"http://www.tulsatough.com/site/forms/3/submission_create\">sign up for the Tulsa Tough newsletter, too</a>. There - you are now officially <b>informed about festival goings on all the way up to your eyeballs</b>.</li><li>Think you\'d like the be part of the event but aren\'t sure if you want to take to the track? <a href=\"http://www.tulsatough.com/site/sections/6\"><b>Volunteer</b></a>. Tulsa Tough wouldn\'t be possible without the folks willing to give of their time to bring a seriously awesome festival - not to mention lots of out-of-towners who might be so impressed with your friendliness that they call home to have their things sent to T-Town forevermore - to the streets of this city.</li><li>Have you seen the badass <b>Tulsa Tough merch</b>? <a href=\"http://www.dwellingspaces.net/site/dwelling_spaces/section/108\">Get it at Dwelling Spaces</a>.</li></ol><br />I don\'t know about y\'all, but I just peed my pants a little. I know that\'s not saying much coming from the mom of a two-year-old, but still. Now, off to the races with yas.<br /><br />See y\'all there!<br /><br /><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=49042670982&amp;ref=ts\">Photos from the Tulsa Tough Facebook group</a>.','Get Tulsa Tough: 17 Ways','','inherit','open','open','','631-revision','','','2010-06-01 20:23:00','2010-06-01 20:23:00','',631,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/631-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(835,1,'2010-08-01 23:21:11','2010-08-02 04:21:11','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><img height=\"342\" src=\"http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v645/34/70/1510818541/n1510818541_159443_2879.jpg\" width=\"512\" /></div><br />There\'s a Tulsa Tough t-shirt that reads a little something like this: Like that thing they do in France, but in Tulsa. <br /><br />I\'m always a fan of simplicity, and that pretty much sums it up. <br /><br />Well...sorta.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><a href=\"http://www.tulsatough.com/\">Tulsa Tough, in town this weekend starting Friday, June 4, is a three-day series of bicycle races, yes - that part is true.</a><br /><br />But, it\'s also a festival. It\'s a champion of fitness and healthful lifestyles, too. Plus, it shows off our city.<br /><br />Even the racing part isn\'t just winner-take-all. Tulsa Tough offers rides for everyone from the pro to the newbie, from highly competitive races with some of the area\'s top athletes to tour rides. There are even kids\' and family rides. <br /><br />And it\'s all set to live music. Oh, and there\'s lots of opportunity to do some shopping with local vendors while Tulsa Tough is in town, too, since the festival takes place in some of Tulsa\'s old neighborhoods, famous for their continued revitalization over the past several years.<br /><br />In case you\'ve somehow managed to not get excited about Tulsa Tough after all of that, here are 17 ways to get fired up about one of the most exciting events to (literally) roll through our city.<br /><br /><ol><li>Just this: <b>Professional cyclists on a 3/4-mile course featuring eight 90-degree corners at 30-plus miles per hour</b>. Holy moly, cannoli. Now, imagine standing right next to this kind of action. The exciting news? You can do just that at Tulsa Tough.</li><li>If you\'re gonna get excited about an event, the best way is to find out all about what it has to offer, right? Do that here at <a href=\"http://www.tulsatough.com/images/data/attachments/0000/0422/TSC_Tulsa_Tough_Guide_Email.pdf\">the official <b>Tulsa Tough 2010 event guide</b></a> (PDF).</li><li>Learn about the <b>Tough Kids Challenge</b>. This is where kids in the 3rd, 4th and 5th grades get the opportunity to earn a bicycle. Check out <a href=\"http://www.tulsatough.com/site/sections/15\">how the kids put in their sweat equity</a>.</li><li>One word: <b>Spandex</b>. Having been to the last two Tulsa Tough events, trust me - this is definitely something to get excited about.</li><li>New this year, all kids 12 and under can ride in the Sunday afternoon <b>Townie Ride</b> - a chance for anyone who is inspired by the weekend\'s races to dust off that old bike and take a ride with the fam - for free. Plus, there are medals and cool t-shirts involved. <a href=\"http://www.tulsatough.com/site/sections/18\">Get more info and register your family to ride here</a>.</li><li><a href=\"http://www.livingarts.org/myers.htm\"><b>Artbikes</b></a>! Where else but at <a href=\"http://www.livingarts.org/\">Living ArtSpace</a>, 307 E. Brady Street.</li><li>It\'s not quite a fever by human standards, but temperatures are expected to climb well into the 90s this weekend. There\'s only one prescription, Tulsa, and that\'s <b>more cowbell</b>. <a href=\"http://www.tulsatough.com/images/data/attachments/0000/0422/TSC_Tulsa_Tough_Guide_Email.pdf\">Get it at Tulsa Tough (Sunday, June 6 Races)</a>.</li><li><a href=\"http://www.tulsatough.com/site/sections/3\">Check out the maps of the weekend\'s races</a>. See how the festival can\'t stand to stay in one place? No way - it moves around between <b>three of Tulsa\'s hippest, most happenin\' districts</b>. Go all three days for a full weekend of the Blue Dome District, the Brady Arts District and the downtown section of Riverside Drive.</li><li><a href=\"http://www.tulsatough.com/site/sections/3\">Check out <b>the schedule of events</b> for the weekend</a>. Take note of the various races to catch, where the music and shopping can be found and where you can stop in for a bite to eat or a cold beer. You\'re a cold soul if an enthusiastic squee didn\'t escape your lips after seeing what all there is to do at Tulsa Tough.</li><li><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=tulsa%20tough&amp;w=all\">Check out <b>these kick-ass photos</b> from Tulsa Tough festivals of years past</a> from the likes of photogs <a href=\"http://www.cooperphotog.net/\">Michael Cooper</a> and <a href=\"http://www.rjbphoto.com/\">Robert Baird</a>. Much like Spandex on a deserving cyclist\'s hiney, these expert shots give me the goosepimples.</li><li><a href=\"http://www.tulsatough.com/images/data/attachments/0000/0422/TSC_Tulsa_Tough_Guide_Email.pdf\"><b>$15,000</b></a>. That\'s the smackaroo factor of Sunday\'s Men\'s Pro I race, and it\'s three times as much as <a href=\"http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105793/quotes\">Wayne and Garth were given by those network TV sleezes</a>. Plus, there\'s even more cash being awarded over the course of the rest of the weekend. There\'s a lot of moolah at stake at this thing, people.</li><li>Text TOUGH to 84700. Now you\'re sure to have the latest updates on Tulsa\'s hottest festival on wheels, <b>right in the palm of your hand</b>.&nbsp;</li><li><a href=\"http://www.tulsatough.com/images/data/attachments/0000/0422/TSC_Tulsa_Tough_Guide_Email.pdf\">There\'s <b>plenty of parking</b></a>. Take my word on this, y\'all. If 35,000 people manage to park downtown each and every week day, there will most definitely be a spot for you and your SUV in downtown this weekend, and it won\'t be somewhere in BFE.</li><li><a href=\"http://www.tulsatough.com/images/data/attachments/0000/0422/TSC_Tulsa_Tough_Guide_Email.pdf\"><b>Party on the Hill</b></a>, Sunday, June 6. Enough said.</li><li>Follow <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/TulsaTough\">Tulsa Tough on Facebook</a> and <a href=\"http://twitter.com/tulsa_tough\">Twitter</a>. While you\'re at it, <a href=\"http://www.tulsatough.com/site/forms/3/submission_create\">sign up for the Tulsa Tough newsletter, too</a>. There - you are now officially <b>informed about festival goings on all the way up to your eyeballs</b>.</li><li>Think you\'d like the be part of the event but aren\'t sure if you want to take to the track? <a href=\"http://www.tulsatough.com/site/sections/6\"><b>Volunteer</b></a>. Tulsa Tough wouldn\'t be possible without the folks willing to give of their time to bring a seriously awesome festival - not to mention lots of out-of-towners who might be so impressed with your friendliness that they call home to have their things sent to T-Town forevermore - to the streets of this city.</li><li>Have you seen the badass <b>Tulsa Tough merch</b>? <a href=\"http://www.dwellingspaces.net/site/dwelling_spaces/section/108\">Get it at Dwelling Spaces</a>.</li></ol><br />I don\'t know about y\'all, but I just peed my pants a little. I know that\'s not saying much coming from the mom of a two-year-old, but still. Now, off to the races with yas.<br /><br />See y\'all there!<br /><br /><a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=49042670982&amp;ref=ts\">Photos from the Tulsa Tough Facebook group</a>.','Get Tulsa Tough: 17 Ways','','inherit','open','open','','631-revision-2','','','2010-08-01 23:21:11','2010-08-02 04:21:11','',631,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/631-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2219,3,'2010-09-23 01:01:37','2010-09-23 06:01:37','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/5016371153/\" title=\"TheMax by econ, on Flickr\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5016371153_70b9065933.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" alt=\"TheMax\" /></a>\r\n\r\nVintage arcade games.  Skee ball.  Power ballads belting from the juke box.  As a child of the 80\'s those things alone make my little heart want to burst.\r\n\r\nBut what was that you say?  You think The Max - downtown Tulsa\'s hot, new retro pub - should also have a phone booth fresh from a Superman movie?  Oh yeah, they got that too.\r\n\r\nAnd on the night of the grand opening last week, the street was not only lined with the masses but I also caught glimpses of some Ghostbusters, a Delorean and a talking car.  Don\'t believe me?  I\'ve got the proof in the pictures.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n','','','inherit','open','open','','2217-revision-2','','','2010-09-23 01:01:37','2010-09-23 06:01:37','',2217,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/09/2217-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(2220,3,'2010-09-23 01:09:54','2010-09-23 06:09:54','<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/5016371153/\" title=\"TheMax by econ, on Flickr\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5016371153_70b9065933.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" alt=\"TheMax\" /></a>\r\n\r\nVintage arcade games.  Skee ball.  Power ballads belting from the juke box.  As a child of the 80\'s those things alone make my little heart want to burst.\r\n\r\nBut what was that you say?  You think The Max - downtown Tulsa\'s hot, new retro pub - should also have a phone booth fresh from a Superman movie?  Oh yeah, they got that too.\r\n\r\nAnd on the night of the grand opening last week, the street was not only lined with the masses but I also caught glimpses of some Ghostbusters, a Delorean and a talking car.  Don\'t believe me?  I\'ve got the proof in the pictures.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/5016977262/\" title=\"TheMax-1 by econ, on Flickr\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5016977262_e636ddcd6b.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" alt=\"TheMax-1\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/5016977282/\" title=\"TheMax-2 by econ, on Flickr\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5016977282_9ce471eec7.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" alt=\"TheMax-2\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/5016371041/\" title=\"TheMax-3 by econ, on Flickr\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5016371041_323f474e18.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"400\" alt=\"TheMax-3\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/5016371185/\" title=\"TheMax-4 by econ, on Flickr\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/5016371185_f760786ecd.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" alt=\"TheMax-4\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/5016977126/\" title=\"TheMax-5 by econ, on Flickr\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5016977126_16cb0d21ea.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"400\" alt=\"TheMax-5\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/5016371139/\" title=\"TheMax-6 by econ, on Flickr\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/5016371139_0e73d9283a.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" alt=\"TheMax-6\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/5016977100/\" title=\"TheMax-7 by econ, on Flickr\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5016977100_63e0de6ffc.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"400\" alt=\"TheMax-7\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/5016977168/\" title=\"TheMax-8 by econ, on Flickr\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/5016977168_d7eb6bd945.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" alt=\"TheMax-8\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/5016977146/\" title=\"TheMax-9 by econ, on Flickr\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5016977146_ae38f2709c.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" alt=\"TheMax-9\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/5016371117/\" title=\"TheMax-10 by econ, on Flickr\"><img src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/5016371117_a68b92483a.jpg\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" alt=\"TheMax-10\" /></a>\r\n\r\n','','','inherit','open','open','','2217-revision-3','','','2010-09-23 01:09:54','2010-09-23 06:09:54','',2217,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/09/2217-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(837,1,'2010-05-30 00:01:00','2010-05-30 00:01:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4650617567/\" title=\"Summer Reading Program at Tulsa Library by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Summer Reading Program at Tulsa Library\" height=\"640\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4650617567_c81f61c41f_b.jpg\" width=\"425\" /></a></div><br />There\'s just something about a library. I don\'t know if it\'s the quiet, the smell of old books or the crackle of a plastic book jacket, but libraries, they\'re magical. <br /><br />I thank programs like <a href=\"http://www.tulsalibrary.org/eventguide/events/SRP_EventGuide_10_children.pdf\">the Children\'s Summer Reading Program</a> for making me into a loyal library patron. <a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edmon_Low_Library\">I even worked in a library once</a>. Now, I\'m the mayor of <a href=\"http://www.tulsalibrary.org/hkkaiser/\">the Herman and Kate Kaiser Library branch of the Tulsa City-County Library</a> on <a href=\"http://foursquare.com/user/tashadoestulsa\">Foursquare</a>. <br /><br />And that\'s some big-time stuff.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a>My two-year-old loves the library, too.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4650618769/\" title=\"Summer Reading Program at Tulsa Library by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Summer Reading Program at Tulsa Library\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4650618769_218dd07463.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />In fact, it causes him to do some very strange things. <br /><br />Banshee-esque, monkey-like things. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4651235266/\" title=\"Summer Reading Program at Tulsa Library by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Summer Reading Program at Tulsa Library\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4015/4651235266_e6669b7e8f.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Which, mostly, is okay. We like to go to the HKK Library (how do you think I became the mayor of the place on Foursquare?!), and it\'s pretty kid-friendly. We\'ve only been shushed once there, and that was by some self-righteous teenager, and we all know how stupidly ironic that is. So, whatever. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4651235466/\" title=\"Summer Reading Program at Tulsa Library by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Summer Reading Program at Tulsa Library\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/4651235466_e3da40c394.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Now that it\'s summer we\'ve jumped head first into <a href=\"http://tulsalibrary.org/eventguide/events/SRP_EventGuide_10_children.pdf\">the Children\'s Summer Reading Program at the Tulsa City-County Library</a>. Not only does it reinforce our daily reading habit, but it also rewards kids for reading when it\'s not required, as it often is during the school year. <br /><br />Thanks to this program, a love of books and of reading has a real chance to grow in kids whose parents can\'t afford to hit Barnes every time a new \"it\" book hits the shelves. It\'s about discovering the fun in reading, whether that\'s in a book about math or a mystery novel.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4651236700/\" title=\"Summer Reading Program at Tulsa Library by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Summer Reading Program at Tulsa Library\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4056/4651236700_4958e705ca.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />So, here\'s how the Children\'s Summer Reading Program works. Between now and July 31:<br /><br />4 visits to the library<br />+8 books read or read to the child<br />=1 medal and 1 book of coupons<br /><br />To kids, that medal is a big, huge deal. I remember the first one I ever earned - I think I was in the second grade or so. I was so proud of that thing. I even wore it to summer camp that year. <br /><br />And look how I turned out! Wait - no. <a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/3958218147/\">Maybe you shouldn\'t look</a>.<br /><br />The medal is a big deal to caregivers, too. I may or may not have cried when my son earned his first summer reading medal last summer. I keep it in the same box in which I store his hospital bracelets from when he was born, his first fingerpainting and his first progress report from his preschool. In other words, it\'s sacred.  <br /><br />Coupon sponsors this year include <a href=\"http://www.tulsazoo.org/\">Tulsa Zoo</a>, <a href=\"http://www.okaquarium.org/\">Oklahoma Aquarium</a>, <a href=\"http://www.mazzios.com/\">Mazzio\'s</a>, <a href=\"http://www.tulsadrillers.com/\">Tulsa Drillers</a>, <a href=\"http://www.tulsa66ers.com/\">Tulsa 66ers</a>, <a href=\"http://www.tulsashock.com/\">Tulsa Shock</a> and <a href=\"http://tulsatransit.org/\">Tulsa Transit</a> and range from a free meal to free passes, so that coupon book is quite a prize, too, for sure. <br /><br />And medal earners who have completed any grade between kindergarten and fifth can enter a drawing for even more prizes. <br /><br />Plus, any kid who reads 12 additional books earns an inflatable toy. I hear that this year, it\'s a whale - it\'s all about keeping with the \"Make a Splash\" theme of the campaign this year.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4651236636/\" title=\"Summer Reading Program at Tulsa Library by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Summer Reading Program at Tulsa Library\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4033/4651236636_0b70f86b88.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />It\'s easy to sign up, too. Simply head to your nearest Tulsa City-County Library branch, help your child pick out a book or two and then tell a librarian you\'d like to sign up for the summer reading program. You\'ll be in business, pronto. <br /><br />Reluctant to get started with summer reading because you and your kid have racked up tons of overdue fines at the library? Don\'t worry - Tulsa City-County Library has its own amnesty day. Bring in any overdue children\'s or young adult books and the library will forgive the fines. <br /><br />Here are the books that will get us started on the Children\'s Summer Reading Program this year: <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4650618473/\" title=\"Summer Reading Program at Tulsa Library by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Summer Reading Program at Tulsa Library\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4650618473_072ef548b8.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />I like to let my son pick out his own books, and more often than not, this kid shows great taste. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4650617567/\" title=\"Summer Reading Program at Tulsa Library by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Summer Reading Program at Tulsa Library\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4042/4650617567_c81f61c41f.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4651236230/\" title=\"Summer Reading Program at Tulsa Library by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Summer Reading Program at Tulsa Library\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4651236230_8d0472c7b3.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Like I mentioned before, the library makes my son go a little nuts. It\'s like the excitement builds and builds, and stimuli flies at him from all directions until...<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4650618365/\" title=\"Summer Reading Program at Tulsa Library by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Summer Reading Program at Tulsa Library\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4650618365_5c53efa51f.jpg\" width=\"332\" /></a></div><br />Sensory overload hits. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4650618205/\" title=\"Summer Reading Program at Tulsa Library by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Summer Reading Program at Tulsa Library\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4650618205_20c9477d65.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />This time there was the throwing of books and yelling at babies. So, to time-out he went.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4651236374/\" title=\"Summer Reading Program at Tulsa Library by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Summer Reading Program at Tulsa Library\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4651236374_7fc661db9c.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />My little cheese ball.<br /><br />The Children\'s Summer Reading Program isn\'t the only exciting thing going on for kids at the library this summer. Check it out: <br /><br /><a href=\"http://teens.tulsalibrary.org/getinvolved/summer_reading.htm\">The Tween and Teen Summer Reading Program</a><br /><a href=\"http://www.tulsalibrary.org/eventguide/events/SRP_EventGuide_10_children.pdf\">Storytime in the Park</a><br /><a href=\"http://www.tulsalibrary.org/eventguide/events/SRP_EventGuide_10_children.pdf\">Library Summer Reading Night</a><br /><a href=\"http://www.tulsalibrary.org/eventguide/events/SRP_EventGuide_10_children.pdf\">Summer Events at Connor\'s Cove at Hardesty Regional Library</a><br /><a href=\"http://www.tulsalibrary.org/eventguide/events/SRP_EventGuide_10_children.pdf\">And lots, lots, lots more</a><br /><br />Hey, parents? Do your kids a favor. Don\'t over-commit them this summer to an endless stream of camps and programs. Not that there\'s anything wrong with those, because there\'s absolutely not - in fact, <a href=\"http://sageculinarystudio.com/uploads/Sage_Summer_Camp_Brookside_2010.pdf\">there are quite a few in which I\'ll be interested once my son is old enough</a>. But, a kid needs some down time. And you know what? So do you. It\'s so important to take the time not only to read with your kids, but to talk about what you read together. It\'s also fun to use your imaginations to come up with alternate endings. We\'ve even made crafts inspired by our favorite books (thanks, <a href=\"http://www.joemommas.com/\">Joe Momma\'s Saturday Morning Book Club</a>, for the idea!), and we\'ve collaborated on book-inspired living room puppet shows, too.<br /><br />Think of it as an excuse to be a kid and to act silly again. Because sharing a reading life with your kids is an easy opportunity to create memories with your family that will last a life time.<br /><br />See y\'all at the library!','Children\'s Summer Reading Program at Tulsa Library','','inherit','open','open','','628-revision','','','2010-05-30 00:01:00','2010-05-30 00:01:00','',628,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/05/628-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(838,1,'2010-05-29 20:36:00','2010-05-29 20:36:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4650326579/\" title=\"Jason Aldean by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Jason Aldean\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4650326579_b5cb4e3bde.jpg\" width=\"375\" /></a></div><br /><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/05/road-trips-and-guitar-picks-in-tulsa.html\">Remember how I told y\'all that I\'d been invited to the Brooks and Dunn concert last night as a Road Trips and Guitar Picks blogger</a>? And that I\'d be part of a group that\'d sit in on a private, live, acoustic concert with opener <a href=\"http://www.jasonaldean.com/\">Jason Aldean</a> backstage before the show? And that I might get to shake Jason\'s hand? Or, at least, get to look at him from less than 20 feet away?<br /><br />Well, guess what - last night, at <a href=\"http://www.bokcenter.com/\">Tulsa\'s BOK Center</a>, it actually happened.<br /><br />(highly entertaining groupie photo after the jump)<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4650869538/\" title=\"Us with Jason Aldean by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Us with Jason Aldean\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4650869538_cd8142c245.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Ha!<br /><br />And, yes, I was wearing a Bump It. Special occasions call for special measures.<br /><br />And lots and lots of hair spray.<br /><br />As for that concert, Jason played an acoustic version of this:<br /><br /><embed allowfullscreen=\"true\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" height=\"385\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/n5RaGiIccSg&amp;hl=en_US&amp;fs=1&amp;color1=0x234900&amp;color2=0x4e9e00\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"640\"></embed><br /><br />And it made my husband want to buy a tractor. Right away.<br /><br />As if he didn\'t want to do that before. I have a hard enough time convincing that man, who was raised in rural Arkansas, that he doesn\'t need a riding lawn mower to take care of our 1/8-acre plot. Now I\'ll spend my weekend explaining to him that, in our case, not only would a tractor be total and complete overkill, but that we have no room to build a barn in which to store such equipment.<br /><br />He\'ll be okay, though. Especially since he found out our next door neighbors decided recently to raise chickens. He\'s feeling more and more in his element these days. <br /><br />I made sure to sign the tour poster while I was at the Aldean concert - you know, for posterity (my apologies in advance for the smartphone photography; no \"real\" cameras were allowed backstage): <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4650944008/\" title=\"Jason Aldean by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Jason Aldean\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4650944008_306849a897.jpg\" width=\"375\" /></a></div><br />Represent, y\'all.<br /><br />After the set Jason opened things up for a little Q and A. Since it wouldn\'t have been appropriate as the first question out of the box, I waited to ask the question that was on everyone\'s minds - the question that had our small audience itching for answers - second.<br /><br />\"So, Jason,\" I said after he answered the first question - something about how electrifying it is to play to a sold-out arena or something - when he called on me, \"which do you prefer - boxers, or briefs?\" <br /><br />His answer? Boxers. But, not when he performs. If you\'ve ever seen any country artist in concert, you know that those cowboy jeans don\'t exactly allow for a lot of breathing room - or boxer room, for that matter. So, last night, it was briefs. <br /><br />You\'re welcome, ladies. I\'m here to serve.<br /><br />Jason rocked the Brooks and Dunn opener, too. Lots of charm, lots of energy and even more big, green tractor. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4650326779/\" title=\"Jason Aldean by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Jason Aldean\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4650326779_0d24dde455.jpg\" width=\"375\" /></a></div><br />Sorry again for the smartphone photography. Even if I\'d had one of my more legit cameras, I\'m still clueless when it comes to how to shoot concert photos. It\'s wise to leave these things to <a href=\"http://www.jeremycharles.com/blog/\">the experts</a> (<a href=\"http://www.cooperphotog.net/\">and here</a>). <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4650869538/\" title=\"Us with Jason Aldean by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Us with Jason Aldean\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4650869538_cd8142c245.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Have I said lately that I love my job as a blogger? Because I do.<br /><br />I really, really do. Thanks, all of you, who humor me in this crazy-ass endeavor.','Blogging With the Stars (with a guest appearance by a Bump It)','','inherit','open','open','','627-revision','','','2010-05-29 20:36:00','2010-05-29 20:36:00','',627,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/05/627-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(839,1,'2010-05-28 20:12:00','2010-05-28 20:12:00','<b>WE HAVE A WINNER!</b>//Your votes are in and Miss Tulsa Burger has been crowned, ladies and gentlemen. Let me tell you, she\'s a blushing beauty.<br /><br />Congrats, Miss Claud\'s! Wear the Miss Tulsa Burger crown proudly. <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4651134411/\" title=\"Claud\'s Hamburgers by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Claud\'s Hamburgers\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4651134411_b9fd893cbb.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Runners up include Miss Fat Guy\'s at 2nd and Miss Gatsby\'s at 3rd. You go, ladies!<br /><br />Thanks to everyone for voting, and be sure to <a href=\"mailto:tasha@tashadoestulsa.com\">send in your photo nominations for the next Miss Tulsa Burger Pageant</a>!<br /><br />*cue music* There she is...Miss Tulsa Burger...<br /><br />--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/3320749692/\" title=\"Claud\'s Hamburgers by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Claud\'s Hamburgers\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3650/3320749692_8c3dcd9961.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br />Did you know that <a href=\"http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/2010/05/der-burger.html\">it\'s National Hamburger Day</a>? It\'s true.<br /><br />And did you know that one of the many areas in which Tulsans are experts is the world of burgers? That\'s true, too. In fact, <a href=\"http://www.joesburgersearch.com/Joes_Burger_Search/Blog/Blog.html\">there\'s a blog based right here in T-Town that\'s all about the burgers</a>. Plus, it\'s written by a guy named Joe. How could it not be awesome?<br /><br />To honor this most beefy of days, I thought it\'d be fun to dig through the TDT photo archives and host the first ever <b>Miss Tulsa Burger Pageant</b>, right here on TDT.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a>Swimsuit competition? We don\'t need no stinkin\' swimsuit competition. These burgers are au naturel, baby.<br /><br />Check out the contenders, then vote for your favorite at the bottom.<br /><br /><br /><b>Miss Claud\'s</b><br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/3320749692/\" title=\"Claud\'s Hamburgers by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Claud\'s Hamburgers\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3650/3320749692_8c3dcd9961.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>Miss Arnold\'s</b><br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4647740491/\" title=\"Arnold\'s Burger by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Arnold\'s Burger\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/4647740491_dbdf4688fd.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>Miss Fat Guy\'s</b><br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4508954656/\" title=\"Fat Guy\'s Burger Bar in Greenwood by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Fat Guy\'s Burger Bar in Greenwood\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2241/4508954656_65aae66f44.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>Miss La Villa at Philbrook</b><br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4648320982/\" title=\"La Villa Burger by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"La Villa Burger\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4648320982_aacd0effdb.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>Miss Gatsby\'s</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4180345748/\" title=\"Burger from Gatsby\'s Grill by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Burger from Gatsby\'s Grill\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2493/4180345748_9b94baf28e.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>Miss Lola\'s</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4648377970/\" title=\"Lola\'s by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Lola\'s\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4648377970_23de6abcb1.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>Miss Boulder Grill</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4438487382/\" title=\"The Boulder Grill by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"The Boulder Grill\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4438487382_cb84a9715f.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>Miss Midtown Meats</b><br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4443710727/\" title=\"MidTown Meats by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"MidTown Meats\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2724/4443710727_06ef6f7864.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><br /><div style=\"text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"text-align: left;\">So, who\'s the lucky lady? Vote here:&nbsp;</div></div><br /><div style=\"text-align: right; width: 170;\"><form action=\"http://www.free-website-polls.com/poll.php\" method=\"POST\"><table border=\"0\" cellpadding=\"2\" cellspacing=\"0\" style=\"border-bottom-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; width: 170px;\"><tbody><tr><td align=\"center\" colspan=\"2\" style=\"color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-weight: bold;\">Who wins the first Miss Tulsa Burger Pageant?<br /><br /></td></tr><tr><td><input id=\"answer234079\" name=\"answer[]\" type=\"radio\" value=\"234079\" /></td> <td width=\"100%\"><label for=\"answer234079\" style=\"color: black; font-family: Verdana;\">Miss Claud\'s</label></td></tr><tr><td><input id=\"answer234080\" name=\"answer[]\" type=\"radio\" value=\"234080\" /></td> <td width=\"100%\"><label for=\"answer234080\" style=\"color: black; font-family: Verdana;\">Miss Arnold\'s</label></td></tr><tr><td><input id=\"answer234081\" name=\"answer[]\" type=\"radio\" value=\"234081\" /></td> <td width=\"100%\"><label for=\"answer234081\" style=\"color: black; font-family: Verdana;\">Miss Fat Guy\'s</label></td></tr><tr><td><input id=\"answer234082\" name=\"answer[]\" type=\"radio\" value=\"234082\" /></td> <td width=\"100%\"><label for=\"answer234082\" style=\"color: black; font-family: Verdana;\">Miss La Villa</label></td></tr><tr><td><input id=\"answer234083\" name=\"answer[]\" type=\"radio\" value=\"234083\" /></td> <td width=\"100%\"><label for=\"answer234083\" style=\"color: black; font-family: Verdana;\">Miss Gatsby\'s</label></td></tr><tr><td><input id=\"answer234084\" name=\"answer[]\" type=\"radio\" value=\"234084\" /></td> <td width=\"100%\"><label for=\"answer234084\" style=\"color: black; font-family: Verdana;\">Miss Lola\'s</label></td></tr><tr><td><input id=\"answer234085\" name=\"answer[]\" type=\"radio\" value=\"234085\" /></td> <td width=\"100%\"><label for=\"answer234085\" style=\"color: black; font-family: Verdana;\">Miss Boulder Grill</label></td></tr><tr><td><input id=\"answer234086\" name=\"answer[]\" type=\"radio\" value=\"234086\" /></td> <td width=\"100%\"><label for=\"answer234086\" style=\"color: black; font-family: Verdana;\">Miss Midtown Meats</label></td></tr><tr><td align=\"center\" colspan=\"2\"><br /><br /><input style=\"border: 1px #333333 solid;\" type=\"submit\" value=\"Vote\" /><br /><br /><br /><a href=\"http://www.free-website-polls.com/poll.php?show_poll=84363\" style=\"color: black; font-weight: bold;\" target=\"_blank\">View Results</a><br /><input name=\"poll_id\" type=\"hidden\" value=\"84363\" /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a href=\"http://www.free-website-polls.com/\" style=\"display: block; font-size: 11px; margin-top: 3px;\">Free poll from Free Website Polls</a></center></form></div><br />Don\'t see your favorite Miss Burger in the competition? While this contest isn\'t meant to be a comprehensive Tulsa burger smackdown, if a certain greasy lady has a special place in your heart, give her a shout out (or, better yet, a link to a hot profile pic) in the comments.','Miss Tulsa Burger Pageant','','inherit','open','open','','626-revision','','','2010-05-28 20:12:00','2010-05-28 20:12:00','',626,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/05/626-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(840,1,'2010-05-27 17:02:00','2010-05-27 17:02:00','<b>UPDATE//</b>Valerie, you are officially the \"Tulsa Steeple Know It All,\" guessing 9 out of 10 of the home of the steeples correctly. Apparently #9 was entirely too difficult. I would apologize, but I like the picture too much to do that. Congrats, Valerie! Wear this title proudly.  <br /><br />For everyone else who is wondering exactly where these steeples belong in this, the greatest city on earth, here are the answers:<br /><br />1 First United Methodist<br />2 First Baptist<br />3 Boston Ave <br />4 Kirk<br />5 Vernon AME<br />6 Holy Family<br />7 Asbury<br />8 First Pres<br />9 Trinity<br />10 Christ the King<br /><br />Cheers! <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4393820102/\" title=\"holy family. by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"holy family.\" height=\"399\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4393820102_f7b2632f56_o.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br />As you well know, there is so much to <i>do</i> and <i>see</i> in Tulsa that sometimes I get overwhelmed with what to share with you each Thursday.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4643794590/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa: steeples by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa: steeples\" height=\"595\" src=\"http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3362/4643794590_b34a895597_o.jpg\" width=\"399\" /></a></div><br />Last week, I was enjoying happy hour with two friends who might, just might, love Tulsa and Oklahoma as much as I do.  And I pleaded with them to give me a project for my next installment of Erin Sees Tulsa.<br /><br />Without even batting an eye and almost in unison, they suggested steeples.  <br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4643180233/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa: steeples by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa: steeples\" height=\"399\" src=\"http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/4643180233_971c2db1bb_o.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br />We happened to be sitting at <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/03/power-lunch-boulder-grill.html\">the Boulder Grill</a> (which I might add has the best homemade tater tots EVER and also serves <a href=\"http://marshallbrewing.com/index.asp\">Marshall\'s beer</a>, a local favorite) and I turn around to see my friends had found their inspiration high in the sky and right across the street.<br /><br />So, steeples it is, my friends. With a church on every corner and a city that has a rich history in art deco, there are some breathtaking structures that beg to be admired.<br /><br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4393820102/\" title=\"holy family. by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"holy family.\" height=\"399\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4072/4393820102_f7b2632f56_o.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br />But before I divulge just exactly what I saw, I want to make this a guessing game.<br /><br />Here\'s how it\'ll work: <b>I\'ll show you a steeple and you get to tell me what church it belongs to</b>.  And don\'t even think about contradicting me and telling me that these structures aren\'t steeples.  In my world they are.  Period.  And it\'s your job to tell me what church they call home.  Fun?  Totally.  <br /><br />Let\'s see how well you know your city.  While there is no \"prize\" for the winner, TDT and I have agreed to crown who ever guesses all 10 correctly the \"<b>Tulsa Steeple Know It All</b>.\"<br /><br />And by crown we mean, name.  It\'s an honor of the highest, do not be fooled.<br /><br />Ready?  OK!<br /><br />#1<br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4643066295/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa: steeples by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa: steeples\" height=\"595\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4021/4643066295_7165a023c8_o.jpg\" width=\"399\" /></a></div><br />#2<br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4643066075/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa: steeples by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa: steeples\" height=\"399\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4643066075_01a1a994a9_o.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br />#3<br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4643679910/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa: steeples by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa: steeples\" height=\"399\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4061/4643679910_54694767c6_o.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br />#4<br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4643679586/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa: steeples by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa: steeples\" height=\"595\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4643679586_ff1158be78_o.jpg\" width=\"399\" /></a></div><br />#5<br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4643066059/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa: steeples by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa: steeples\" height=\"399\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4058/4643066059_985ac7f4b5_o.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br />#6<br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4643066247/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa: steeples by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa: steeples\" height=\"595\" src=\"http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3397/4643066247_40dab3aa42_o.jpg\" width=\"399\" /></a></div><br />#7<br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4643065987/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa: steeples by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa: steeples\" height=\"399\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4643065987_9662dbf705_o.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br />#8<br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4643679676/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa: steeples by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa: steeples\" height=\"399\" src=\"http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3351/4643679676_912d53d5ba_o.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br />#9<br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4643066209/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa: steeples by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa: steeples\" height=\"399\" src=\"http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3414/4643066209_8c8e8cd967_o.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a></div><br />#10<br /><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4643679648/\" title=\"erin sees tulsa: steeples by econ, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"erin sees tulsa: steeples\" height=\"595\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4643679648_1e46c8679d_o.jpg\" width=\"399\" /></a></div><br />I know some are harder than others, but do your best and be the first to answer correctly!  I will be back next Thursday with the winner and more things for you to see, just you wait.<br /><br /><span class=\"Apple-style-span\" style=\"color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px;\"><a href=\"http://www.erinconrad.com/\" style=\"color: #cc6600; text-decoration: underline;\"><i>Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad</i></a><i>&nbsp;photoblogs weekly at Tasha Does Tulsa as Erin Sees Tulsa.&nbsp;</i><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/search/label/Erin%20Sees%20Tulsa\" style=\"color: #999999; text-decoration: none;\"><i>Check out her recent posts here</i></a><i>.</i></span>','Here\'s the Church, Here\'s the Steeple: Erin Sees Tulsa','','inherit','open','open','','625-revision','','','2010-05-27 17:02:00','2010-05-27 17:02:00','',625,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/05/625-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(841,1,'2010-05-27 15:46:00','2010-05-27 15:46:00','Can I get a heck yeah from everyone who has tickets to that big concert here in Tulsa Friday night? The one at the BOK Center? The one in which <a href=\"http://bokcenter.com/index.asp\">Brooks and Dunn perform for the last time ever as a duo in T-Town</a>? The one for which <a href=\"http://www.jasonaldean.com/\">the hunky Jason Aldean</a> is opening? <br /><br /><embed allowfullscreen=\"true\" allowscriptaccess=\"always\" height=\"385\" src=\"http://www.youtube.com/v/_KL3TGxZ8tI&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0xb1b1b1&amp;color2=0xd0d0d0&amp;hl=en_US&amp;feature=player_profilepage&amp;fs=1\" type=\"application/x-shockwave-flash\" width=\"640\"></embed><br /><br />Yeah. That one.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a>Guess who gets to go back stage before the show for an acoustic performance from <a href=\"http://jasonaldean.com/\">Mr. Big Green Tractor himself</a>? And guess who gets to give him a handshake? Or - gasp! - maybe even a hug? Well, maybe not a hug - my husband will be there, and he\'s the kind to pay me back my hugging someone like Carrie Underwood for one second too long, and her hair (among other things) is way prettier and shinier than mine - but still. Thanks to being chosen as a <a href=\"https://www.tripsandpicks.com/\">Road Trips and Guitar Picks</a> blogger, I get to meet Jason Aldean.<br /><br />That\'s my point. And I\'m kinda freaking out about it a little. <br /><br />You\'d better believe I\'ll be posting a recap after the Brooks and Dunn concert and Jason Aldean\'s acoustic performance, so watch out for that. Cross your fingers that there\'s a side hug at least from Aldean in this for me somewhere.<br /><br />In the meantime, check out <a href=\"https://www.tripsandpicks.com/\">the Road Trips and Guitar Picks Web site and tour with Jason Aldean and Jewel</a>. Be sure to take the challenge and play the road trip game. Being a former Mario Kart devotee, that\'s where I headed first. Just for crashing into a bunch of guitars and suitcases scattered along the road I earned a free mp3 of Aldean\'s The Best of Me. Score! I had my pick of desktop and avatar images, too.<br /><br />Y\'all should play. Plus, it\'s something fun to do during a conference call. Just be sure to mutter the uh-huhs and yes sirs and right aways in the appropriate spots. If all else fails, at least you\'re bound to get a better score than I did ($6,800 - just ask my dad and he\'ll affirm that my driving/video game skills leave much to be desired). Even if you\'re having a really bad day, you know you\'ll beat my two-year-old\'s score. He raked in a whole $200.<br /><br />If things go well, don\'t plan to be around me this Memorial Day weekend. It\'ll be a scorcher, but still - I\'m not washing off a side hug from Jason Aldean until it\'s absolutely necessary.  <br /><br />Are you going to the Brooks and Dunn concert Friday night? Are you as excited about seeing Jason Aldean as I am?&nbsp;Where are your seats?<br /><br />And what are you wearing? I\'m thinking this cowgirl could use <a href=\"http://www.mockbros.com/\">a trip to Mock\'s</a>.','Road Trips and Guitar Picks in Tulsa with Jason Aldean','','inherit','open','open','','623-revision','','','2010-05-27 15:46:00','2010-05-27 15:46:00','',623,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/05/623-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(842,1,'2010-05-26 20:43:00','2010-05-26 20:43:00','<div class=\"text-align: center;\"><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_2HwYJk_6I/AAAAAAAAB3E/jzoF3LnmnQA/s1600/DSC_0594.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_2HwYJk_6I/AAAAAAAAB3E/jzoF3LnmnQA/s640/DSC_0594.jpg\" width=\"425\" /></a></div></div><br />It’s not a far stretch to say that, in Tulsa, a church and gas station can be found on nearly every corner.<br /><br />Next, it seems, will be self-serve frozen yogurt bars.<br /><br />Read about why on <a href=\"http://tulsabusiness.com/industry_article.asp?cID=i&amp;aID=594744902.8175928.664755.6816632.6816762.342&amp;aID2=51126\">the Food page in this week\'s edition of Tulsa Business Journal</a>.','FroYo, FroYo, Everywhere: Dessert bar concepts compete in Tulsa market','','inherit','open','open','','622-revision','','','2010-05-26 20:43:00','2010-05-26 20:43:00','',622,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/05/622-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(843,1,'2010-05-26 13:35:00','2010-05-26 13:35:00','<div class=\"text-align: center;\"><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0exos0GdI/AAAAAAAAB20/in-htLeuSPs/s1600/Picture+31.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0exos0GdI/AAAAAAAAB20/in-htLeuSPs/s640/Picture+31.png\" width=\"491\" /></a></div></div><br />While <a href=\"http://www.Ebay.com/\">Ebay.com</a> isn\'t the only thing anyone ever talks about anymore (remember when it was? Boy, I\'m glad those days are over), it\'s still better than going head to head with the crazies on <a href=\"http://tulsa.craigslist.org/\">Craigslist</a> when it\'s time to sell some weird stuff.<br /><br />Lots of folks harboring Tulsa knick-knacks agree. Check it out.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0YkiT5jXI/AAAAAAAAB1U/SYEolFTfMg0/s1600/Picture+19.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0YkiT5jXI/AAAAAAAAB1U/SYEolFTfMg0/s400/Picture+19.png\" width=\"300\" /></a></div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"></div><br />That\'s a old hot water heater, purportedly from the old Hotel Tulsa, <a href=\"http://www.tulsagal.net/2010/03/urban-renewal-what-we-lost.html\">demolished at 3rd and Cincinnati thanks to urban renewal in 1972</a>. <br /><br />Now, <a href=\"http://cgi.ebay.com/STEAM-DRIVEN-HOT-WATER-HEATER-OLD-TULSA-HOTEL-/300429546090?cmd=ViewItem&amp;pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&amp;hash=item45f2ff126a#ht_500wt_1154\">it\'s on Ebay</a>. For $300.<br /><br />Then, there\'s this:<br /><br /><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0aOaDHs3I/AAAAAAAAB1c/riu_l1-0uWg/s1600/Picture+20.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0aOaDHs3I/AAAAAAAAB1c/riu_l1-0uWg/s320/Picture+20.png\" /></a></div><br />I won\'t vouch for the authenticity of this saloon sign, but either way, it\'s total weirdness. <br /><br />Then there\'s this pretty little lady:<br /><br /><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0a8C2w5QI/AAAAAAAAB1k/Dd9zq3e2a0E/s1600/Picture+21.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0a8C2w5QI/AAAAAAAAB1k/Dd9zq3e2a0E/s400/Picture+21.png\" width=\"267\" /></a></div><br />Her name\'s Tulsa, and she\'s a real rodeo gal.<br /><br />For the record, I think Tulsa is an excellent name for a new baby, boy or girl.<br /><br />And now for more weird Tulsa stuff on Ebay:<br /><br /><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0cUibakTI/AAAAAAAAB1s/XaMYHFEPpJw/s1600/Picture+22.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0cUibakTI/AAAAAAAAB1s/XaMYHFEPpJw/s320/Picture+22.png\" /></a></div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><br /></div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">Every body needs a vintage car dealer decal sometimes. Especially if it has oil derricks on it.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0chxKYHbI/AAAAAAAAB10/D2IS2BXK_Hg/s1600/Picture+23.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0chxKYHbI/AAAAAAAAB10/D2IS2BXK_Hg/s320/Picture+23.png\" /></a></div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><br /></div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">Because who doesn\'t love sending postcards depicting the entrance to a toll road?&nbsp;</div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">See Turner Turnpike! Great views!</div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">Oy.&nbsp;</div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><br /></div><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0cqIvp4wI/AAAAAAAAB18/WkCZqJZNc9E/s1600/Picture+24.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0cqIvp4wI/AAAAAAAAB18/WkCZqJZNc9E/s400/Picture+24.png\" width=\"252\" /></a></div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><br /></div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">My dad, ever the Elvis fan, confirmed the authenticity of this poster image. He knew without looking, though, that there were two Elvis concerts at the Fairgrounds Pavilion that spring evening - one at 7:30pm, one at 10:30pm - and that tickets started at $1.75 and went up to $2.25. Both shows were sellouts, my dad\'s pretty sure.&nbsp;</div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">My dad was too young to see Elvis in 1956, but he wasn\'t on Independence Day 1976. On the date of our country\'s bicentennial, he was $12.50 poorer for his tickets to see Elvis the last time he performed in T-Town. He still has his ticket stubs and the Tulsa World review of the show.&nbsp;</div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">It\'s okay, Dad. I\'m sure that when Elvis un-disappears, he\'ll play a show at the BOK Center.&nbsp;</div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">Crazy, right? I\'m sure we\'d all have a hard time convincing the folks at BOK Center to let tickets to a big headliner act like Elvis go for $12.50.&nbsp;</div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><br /></div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0dP7yHvaI/AAAAAAAAB2U/7W6fO4uV3Ns/s1600/Picture+27.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0dP7yHvaI/AAAAAAAAB2U/7W6fO4uV3Ns/s320/Picture+27.png\" /></a></div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><br /></div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">An old Tulsa transit coin.&nbsp;</div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><br /></div><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0dIKu7OmI/AAAAAAAAB2M/mp0yydurs8w/s1600/Picture+26.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0dIKu7OmI/AAAAAAAAB2M/mp0yydurs8w/s400/Picture+26.png\" width=\"301\" /></a></div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><br /></div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">From back in the days when Glencliff Dairy delivered milk in glass bottles right to the doorsteps of Tulsa.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0djXNg5qI/AAAAAAAAB2c/5lETNNPe9m0/s1600/Picture+28.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"400\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0djXNg5qI/AAAAAAAAB2c/5lETNNPe9m0/s400/Picture+28.png\" width=\"257\" /></a></div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><br /></div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">A Beam decanter from the 1970s.&nbsp;</div><br /><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0eC2ENLoI/AAAAAAAAB2k/6YFNycWUZMc/s1600/Picture+29.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0eC2ENLoI/AAAAAAAAB2k/6YFNycWUZMc/s320/Picture+29.png\" /></a></div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><br /></div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">Old matchbooks!&nbsp;</div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><br /></div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0eZ7wJeKI/AAAAAAAAB2s/-SgO2SkgMO8/s1600/Picture+30.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0eZ7wJeKI/AAAAAAAAB2s/-SgO2SkgMO8/s320/Picture+30.png\" /></a></div><br />Okay, admittedly, some of this stuff is cool. As in, really, really neat-o. I may or may not have begged my husband for those matchbooks. And the Beam decanter.<br /><br />Now, don\'t go thinking weird Tulsa stuff is online at Ebay and on Ebay only. Check out the jewel I found on <a href=\"http://www.Etsy.com/\">Etsy.com</a>:<br /><br /><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0exos0GdI/AAAAAAAAB20/in-htLeuSPs/s1600/Picture+31.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0exos0GdI/AAAAAAAAB20/in-htLeuSPs/s640/Picture+31.png\" width=\"491\" /></a></div><br />Oh. Em. Gee. What Tulsan wouldn\'t want this crazy thing on their living room wall?<br /><br />Heh. Heh heh.<br /><br />Then there\'s the matter of this vintage Oktoberfest shirt, also on Etsy.com:<br /><br /><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0fJ_0mf6I/AAAAAAAAB28/ZpfTXABeET0/s1600/Picture+32.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"640\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_0fJ_0mf6I/AAAAAAAAB28/ZpfTXABeET0/s640/Picture+32.png\" width=\"380\" /></a></div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: center;\"><br /></div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">1986! So. Choice.&nbsp;</div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">I know you all are packing some killer garage sale, flea market and antique store finds of the Tulsa persuasion. Or, maybe you have weird Tulsa stuff on your Ebay watch list.&nbsp;</div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div class=\"separator\" style=\"clear: both; text-align: left;\">Share with us! Leave links to photos of your strange Tulsa goodies in the comments.&nbsp;</div>','Weird Tulsa Stuff on Ebay','','inherit','open','open','','621-revision','','','2010-05-26 13:35:00','2010-05-26 13:35:00','',621,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/05/621-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(844,1,'2010-05-24 19:58:00','2010-05-24 19:58:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/3579724212/\" title=\"41st Street Plaza at River Parks by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"41st Street Plaza at River Parks\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3315/3579724212_c09f3b7983.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><br /><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/05/something-to-do-at-sunset-tonight.html\">Sitting back and watching the sunset</a>, as blissful and idyllic as they might be, isn\'t the only free thing to do this summer at River Parks, Tulsa\'s most popular park with more than a million visitors each year. <br /><br />Find River Parks - and these free events - along Riverside Drive from now until the leaves fall.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/3578914167/\" title=\"41st Street Plaza at River Parks by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"41st Street Plaza at River Parks\" height=\"500\" src=\"http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3333/3578914167_05656704ed.jpg\" width=\"375\" /></a></div><br /><b>Wednesday Night Rides</b><br />When: 4:30-9:30pm<br />Each Wednesday during daylight savings time, more than 300 cyclists converge at 23rd and S. Jackson on the west side of the Arkansas River. This unsponsored, social ride attracts cyclists of all skill levels. Some ride a 16-mile route that includes the Sand Springs \"Katy\" Trail. Others ride more than 30 miles. Participants may park at the River West Festival Park (some of you might know it as the Oktoberfest site). Public restrooms at the amphitheatre will be open from 4:30 p.m. to approx. 9:30 p.m. Groups form as early as 4:30 p.m. The largest group leaves around 5:30 p.m. Bring the kids! <br /><br /><b>Storytime in the Park</b><br />When: Starting Thursday, May 27, 10-11am<br />Join <a href=\"http://www.tulsalibrary.org/\">the Tulsa City-County Library</a>\'s Reading Roadshow each Thursday morning for stories, songs and activities at 41st Street Plaza in River Parks. Please bring a blanket or lawn chair for seating. <br /><br /><b>Rhythm on the River</b><br />When: Starting Friday, June 4, 6:30-8:30pm<br />Did you know River Parks hosts a free summertime concert series at the 41st Street Plaza? It\'s true. A variety of local entertainers will perform every Friday night (weather permitting) throughout the summer. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and family out to enjoy the park, the new playground and water park and some free entertainment. The June 4 concert will feature the band Swing Shift, playing bluegrass-style music.<br /><br /><b>Starlight Band Concert</b><br />When: Starting June 22, 8pm<br />Head to River Parks to enjoy the free Starlight Band concert at the River West Festival Park, 2105 South Jackson Avenue. This Tulsa tradition is part of <a href=\"http://www.riverparks.org/Events/calendar.asp\">a five-concert series in 2010 (click for a schedule)</a>. Concerts begin at 8pm and lasts approximately 2 hours. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. Food and beverage will be available for purchase, or you may bring your own. A picnic riverside and free music - could it possibly get any better than that?<br /><br /><b>41st Street Plaza</b><br />When: Anytime<br />When you visit the new playground and water park at 41st Street and Riverside Drive, you\'ll marvel at the fact that it\'s all free and open to the public, all the time. If you get hungry, grab a hot dog from the cart near the park entrance. If you need to cool down, grab a sno cone from the vendor there. It\'s fun to grab a meal at a Brookside, downtown or, new this summer, a River Parks restaurant (<a href=\"http://www.bluerosecafetulsa.com/elwoods.html\">Elwood\'s!</a>) and then head to the 41st Street Plaza to chow down at the brand-new picnic tables there. Bring a book or a magazine, because you\'re gonna wanna stay awhile. <br /><br /><b>Other stuff to do at River Parks</b>: Running/walking/bike trails; Frisbee golf; Fishing; Volleyball; Picnic areas/tables; Attend annual Tulsa festivals like <a href=\"http://www.tulsaoktoberfest.org/\">Oktoberfest</a> and <a href=\"http://www.okscottishgames.org/\">the Scottish Games</a>; also, general sloth-like behavior.<br /><br />So. What\'s YOUR favorite way to pass the time at River Parks?','Free Stuff to Do at River Parks This Summer','','inherit','open','open','','618-revision','','','2010-05-24 19:58:00','2010-05-24 19:58:00','',618,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/05/618-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(845,1,'2010-05-23 18:51:00','2010-05-23 18:51:00','<div class=\"text-align: center;\"><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_l38T7Q31I/AAAAAAAAB1M/GkkCq_6ty60/s1600/Picture+18.png\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"364\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_l38T7Q31I/AAAAAAAAB1M/GkkCq_6ty60/s640/Picture+18.png\" width=\"544\" /></a></div></div><br />Duncan Christopher thinks he\'s a rock star. But really, he\'s not. <br /><br />That\'s what\'s going on with the main character of <a href=\"http://www.duncanchristopherthemovie.com/\">The Rock \'n\' Roll Dreams of Duncan Christopher</a>, a movie about loss, identity, redemption and, perhaps most of all, Tulsa, Oklahoma. <br /><br />Read the rest of the story on <a href=\"http://okmag.com/online/June10.html\">page 18 in the June issue of Oklahoma Magazine</a> (note: you might be required to register on Okmag.com to view the online version of the story).','The Rock \'n\' Roll Dreams of Duncan Christopher: Dreams Come True','','inherit','open','open','','617-revision','','','2010-05-23 18:51:00','2010-05-23 18:51:00','',617,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/05/617-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(846,1,'2010-05-23 18:50:00','2010-05-23 18:50:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/tashadoestulsa/4268070282/\" title=\"Our Wedding Day by Tasha Does Tulsa, on Flickr\"><img alt=\"Our Wedding Day\" height=\"332\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4268070282_5d4184bb7f.jpg\" width=\"500\" /></a></div><div style=\"text-align: center;\"><br /></div><div style=\"text-align: left;\">Maybe you fancy yourself a princess bride for your wedding day. Perhaps you always knew you\'d get married on a remote beach in the tropics. Did you and your fiance meet and fall in love thanks to your shared love of rock \'n\' roll? Are you looking for ways to tread lightly on the earth as you plan one of the most important days of your life?&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"text-align: left;\">To borrow an expression from a computer manufacturer, there\'s a wedding for that.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"text-align: left;\">For as many brides and grooms as there are out there, there\'s a type of wedding suited perfectly just for them. Oklahoma wedding experts have seen it all, and they have some advice for couples looking to create the wedding of their dreams.&nbsp;</div><div style=\"text-align: left;\"><br /></div><div style=\"text-align: left;\">Get the full scoop (and be mercifully spared any more of my wedding photos) <a href=\"http://okmag.com/online/June10.html\">starting on page 73 in the June issue of Oklahoma Magazine</a> (note: you might be required to sign up on Okmag.com to view the online version of the story.) &nbsp;</div>','There\'s a Wedding for That','','inherit','open','open','','616-revision','','','2010-05-23 18:50:00','2010-05-23 18:50:00','',616,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/05/616-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(847,1,'2010-05-20 21:24:00','2010-05-20 21:24:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4566286290/\" title=\"Downtown Tulsa, by Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad\"><img alt=\"downtown tulsa.\" height=\"375\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4566286290_2cb8f55125_o.jpg\" width=\"560\" /></a></div><br />How many of you take the same, exact drive to work everyday? How many of you reach your destination and couldn\'t tell me what you saw because you\'re so accustomed to seeing it everyday?<br /><a name=\'more\'></a><br />As a photographer here in Tulsa, I often find myself shooting the same spots around town. You know the ones:  Woodward Park, the old buildings of downtown, the spiral staircase that pretty much always has at least two if not three photographers hovering around it.<br /><br />And there\'s a reason people want pictures in these locations. But, as a photographer, I also strive for each shoot to be unique and creative, for it to bring out the personality of the people I\'m photographing. And for that reason I work hard to see the location differently.<br /><br />This is my challenge for you: see your city differently. Do this and I guarantee you will be inspired.<br /><br />Recently a client suggested downtown for his shoot. I thought about it. Then, I decided that instead of being in downtown, we should make downtown our backdrop. <br /><br />We climbed a little hill overlooking the highway and watched the sun as it set on the buildings. And we were amazed:<br /><br /><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4565657365/\" title=\"Downtown Tulsa, by Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad\"><img alt=\"downtown tulsa.\" height=\"399\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4565657365_571403c739_o.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a><br /><br />Driving away, my eye caught this:<br /><br /><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4566286290/\" title=\"Downtown Tulsa, by Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad\"><img alt=\"downtown tulsa.\" height=\"399\" src=\"http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4566286290_2cb8f55125_o.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a><br /><br />And then awhile later that same evening, the colors began to intensify and the lights of downtown started to dance:<br /><br /><a href=\"http://www.flickr.com/photos/econ/4566286230/\" title=\"Downtown Tulsa, by Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad\"><img alt=\"downtown tulsa.\" height=\"399\" src=\"http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3503/4566286230_ae2e31fc0b_o.jpg\" width=\"595\" /></a><br /><br />I felt like I had seen the skyline, OUR skyline, differently that evening. Different light, different angles, different feel.<br /><br />Don\'t get stuck doing and seeing the same things in Tulsa over and over. This city has come alive. And it\'s time for you to see it.<br /><br /><a href=\"http://www.erinconrad.com/\"><i>Tulsa photographer Erin Conrad</i></a><i> photoblogs weekly at Tasha Does Tulsa as Erin Sees Tulsa. </i><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/search/label/Erin%20Sees%20Tulsa\"><i>Check out her recent posts here</i></a><i>.</i>','See Your City Differently: Erin Sees Tulsa','','inherit','open','open','','615-revision','','','2010-05-20 21:24:00','2010-05-20 21:24:00','',615,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/05/615-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(848,1,'2010-05-18 15:29:00','2010-05-18 15:29:00','<a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ShSUVlsA-bI/AAAAAAAABNo/J_vqcp4LXxs/s1600-h/DSC04875.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img alt=\"\" border=\"0\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338054556955769266\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ShSUVlsA-bI/AAAAAAAABNo/J_vqcp4LXxs/s400/DSC04875.JPG\" style=\"cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;\" /></a>There\'s no question that <a href=\"http://www.uticasquare.com/\">Tulsa\'s Utica Square</a>, <a href=\"http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&amp;source=s_q&amp;abauth=89313a5e:sJ5lhqzouaMAGFX6vT9TrXtAtSM&amp;output=html&amp;q=21st+st+and+utica+ave+tulsa,+OK&amp;zoom=0&amp;zp=OO\">on 21st Street between Utica and Yorktown</a>, is a beautiful place, even when my then-15-month-old son did his little break dance last year on its freshly manicured lawns that, as marked, are not to be walked upon.<br /><br />Oh, well. Whatareyagonnado. It\'s still a beautiful, peaceful place for live music, trampled grass or not.<br /><br /><a name=\'more\'></a><a href=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ShSUIrgIJII/AAAAAAAABNY/ydThj8oL5Pc/s1600-h/DSC04882.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><br /><img alt=\"\" border=\"0\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338054335178220674\" src=\"http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ShSUIrgIJII/AAAAAAAABNY/ydThj8oL5Pc/s400/DSC04882.JPG\" style=\"cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;\" /></a><br />If you\'re tired of the Thursday night bar scene, consider heading to Utica Square this week for a change. The 2010 season of <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/looking-for-biggest-party-in-tulsa-this.html\">Summer\'s 5th Night, the Utica Square outdoor summer concert series</a>, will start at 7 p.m. this Thursday, May 20.<br /><br />Kicking off the season will be <a href=\"http://www.lightoperaok.org/index.php\">Light Opera Oklahoma, Tulsa\'s very own opretta and classical musical comedy company</a>.<br /><br />If the classics aren\'t your thing, dig out your calendars and block off next Thursday, May 27, from 7-9 p.m. <a href=\"http://mlcband.net/\">Mid Life Crisis, a T-Town based classic rock band</a>, will be rocking the socks off Utica Square that night.<br /><br /><b>UPDATE//</b><a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/06/looking-for-biggest-party-in-tulsa-this.html\">See photos of the Mid Life Crisis gig here</a> - and get ready to be blown away by imagery of a sea of humanity.<br /><br />Other acts this season include <a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/admiraltwin\">Admiral Twin</a> (June 10), the <a href=\"http://www.reddirtrangers.com/\">Red Dirt Rangers</a> (July 8), <a href=\"http://www.ecjazz.com/\">Earl Clark</a>&nbsp;(June 3) and the master of romance himself, <a href=\"http://www.myspace.com/gradynichols\">Grady Nichols</a> (Aug. 26). <a href=\"http://uticasquare.com/downloads/10USP6309_Summers_Fifth_Night_Schedule_2010.pdf\">Here\'s a full schedule</a>.<br /><br />Plus, Summer\'s 5th Night attendees are eligible for drawings and giveaways. And there\'s dancing. And picnic dinners. And soft breezes to cool your skin as you sprawl across your favorite blanket, loosing yourself in the music and some of the best scenery that Tulsa has to offer.<br /><br />Sorry. I\'ve been writing a romance novel, and I switched gears rather involuntarily back there. Happens to the best of us.<br /><br /><a href=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ShSUOcqK3EI/AAAAAAAABNg/PS5lGZXUqfk/s1600-h/DSC04880.JPG\" onblur=\"try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}\"><img alt=\"\" border=\"0\" id=\"BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338054434273025090\" src=\"http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/ShSUOcqK3EI/AAAAAAAABNg/PS5lGZXUqfk/s400/DSC04880.JPG\" style=\"cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 300px;\" /></a>Not really on the romance novel. I prefer to stick to the real smut - you know, blogging.<br /><br />This all sounds like high-quality entertainment, right? Like the kind of fun honest people are happy to pay for? Well, guess what. It\'s free. But you knew I was going to say that, didn\'t you?<br /><br />See you all there.','Summer\'s 5th Night 2010 at Utica Square','','inherit','open','open','','612-revision','','','2010-05-18 15:29:00','2010-05-18 15:29:00','',612,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/05/612-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(849,1,'2010-05-17 17:30:00','2010-05-17 17:30:00','<div style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_HCV-PpFTI/AAAAAAAAB0c/3omoYjTDBzw/s1600/IMG_0009.jpg\" imageanchor=\"1\" style=\"margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;\"><img border=\"0\" height=\"576\" src=\"http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tZVufRlMtzM/S_HCV-PpFTI/AAAAAAAAB0c/3omoYjTDBzw/s640/IMG_0009.jpg\" width=\"432\" /></a></div><br />Ever wonder what a brand-new luchador wrestling (<a href=\"http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucha_libre\">lucha libre</a>) ring in Tulsa, Oklahoma, would look like? <br /><br />See above. It\'s pretty much like that. I know - awesome, right? <br /><br />See it in action this Thursday night at <a href=\"http://www.elotetulsa.com/\">Elote Cafe and Catering</a>, 514 S. Boston Ave., starting at 9pm.','Nachooooo (in Tulsa)','','inherit','open','open','','609-revision','','','2010-05-17 17:30:00','2010-05-17 17:30:00','',609,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/05/609-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(853,1,'2010-08-02 09:19:37','2010-08-02 14:19:37','','KRMG Ad','','inherit','open','open','','picture-11','','','2010-08-02 09:19:37','2010-08-02 14:19:37','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Picture-11.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(854,1,'2010-08-02 09:21:36','2010-08-02 14:21:36','','Sage Culinary Studio Ad','','inherit','open','open','','sage-125x125','','','2010-08-02 09:21:36','2010-08-02 14:21:36','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Sage-125x125.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(855,1,'2010-08-02 09:23:25','2010-08-02 14:23:25','','Ttownmoms.com Ad','','inherit','open','open','','ttm-125-x-125','','','2010-08-02 09:23:25','2010-08-02 14:23:25','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/TTM-125-x-125.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(1039,1,'2010-08-11 17:01:01','2010-08-11 22:01:01','<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-1109\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/community-food-bank-of-eastern-oklahoma-packathon/dsc_0804/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1109\" title=\"Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0804.jpg\" alt=\"Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nI talk a lot about food here at TashaDoesTulsa.com - <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/category/restaurants/\">where in town to find the best of it</a>, <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/11/shopping-ethically/\">why you should shop for it locally</a> and even <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/03/because-i-know-yall-love-your/\">a few ideas on how to prepare it</a>.\r\n\r\nSomething that\'s missing in a lot of today\'s conversations about food (and, in case you haven\'t been watching <a href=\"http://www.foodnetwork.com/\">Food Network</a> or <a href=\"http://www.nytimes.com/pages/books/bestseller/\">the New York Times Bestseller List</a>, you should know that we talk about food a lot) is that there\'s not a lot said about the fact that while we foodies munch on our arugula salads and pan-seared Atlantic sea bass, millions of our fellow citizens are forced to choose between paying the rent and a trip to the grocery store.\r\n\r\nThat food security can be a real problem in the richest, most powerful nation on earth confounds me. That food security can be a problem in a state considered to be one of the bread baskets of said nation (we grow a lot of food here in Oklahoma,  but we beat out 44 other states in wheat production) - now, that is really something.\r\n\r\n<!--more-->Sadly, it gets worse.\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Oklahoma is one of the top 10 hungriest states in the nation. According to the USDA, we rank fourth in the nation in a category it calls \"very low food security,\" or what used to be referred to as \"food insecurity with hunger,\" and sixth in the U.S. in food insecurity.</li>\r\n	<li>One in five Oklahoma children lives in poverty and is at risk of going to bed hungry. More than 40 percent of those seeking emergency food assistance in this area are children under 18.</li>\r\n	<li>Nearly half of those using emergency food programs report having to choose between paying for food and paying for utilities. 45 percent of seniors report having to choose between paying for food and paying for medical care or medicine.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nThere are several organizations and groups in our state designed to ease the strain felt by these families. Today I want to talk about the <a href=\"http://www.cfbeo.org/\">Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma</a>.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-1109\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/community-food-bank-of-eastern-oklahoma-packathon/dsc_0804/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1109\" title=\"Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0804.jpg\" alt=\"Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe CFBEO is a private, non-profit organization that distributes food to 450 partner programs in 24 counties in Eastern Oklahoma, including soup kitchens, emergency food pantries and shelters, low-income after-school programs and senior citizen centers.\r\n\r\nTogether they help to feed 60,000 people per week. That\'s the equivalent of 800,000 meals per month, or more than 13 million pounds of food annually. It\'s the largest, private, hunger-relief organization in eastern Oklahoma.\r\n\r\n<strong>Recently CFBEO received a $2 million grant to deliver food boxes to families</strong> that count on the free and reduced-cost meals their children receive during the school year but are faced with covering during the summer months. In layman\'s terms, <strong>that\'s enough cash to feed 58,000 in CFBEO\'s service area</strong>.\r\n\r\nThe boxes must be packed and distributed by Sept. 30. But <strong>without enough volunteers to package that food, the Food Bank could lose this grant</strong>.\r\n\r\nEarlier this month my husband was looking for ways to volunteer during the weeks between his summer classes and the beginning of the fall semester.\r\n\r\nThrough the most efficient of grapevines that are Twitter and Facebook, I\'d heard about this need. So I\'ll give you two guesses where I sent my husband to volunteer, but I think you\'ll only need one.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-1097\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/community-food-bank-of-eastern-oklahoma-packathon/dsc_0837/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1097\" title=\"Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0837.jpg\" alt=\"Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe folks at CFBEO make it easy to get involved in this project. First, <a href=\"http://www.cfbeo.org/emergency.html\">visit this page on their website for a list of available shifts</a>. Once you (and your friends - because it\'d be totally cool if you brought your friends and/or co-workers with you) work out what\'s going to fit into your schedule, send <a href=\"mailto:jsanders@cfbeo.org\">Stimulus Emergency Food Program Coordinator John Sanders</a> an e-mail. Or, call him at (918) 585-2800, ext. 145.\r\n\r\nWhen you arrive at the Food Bank for your shift, simply sign in. You\'ll get a nifty volunteer badge, and you\'ll swiftly be put to work.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-1098\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/community-food-bank-of-eastern-oklahoma-packathon/dsc_0815/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-1098\" title=\"Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0815-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nHere\'s how this whole box-packing thing is going to go down. These boxes are folded and stacked and made ready to be packed, as seen above. Let\'s call it the Box Readiness Program.\r\n\r\nEither food or household items are packed into the boxes as they travel along an assembly line.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-1102\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/community-food-bank-of-eastern-oklahoma-packathon/dsc_0819/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1102\" title=\"Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0819.jpg\" alt=\"Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-1100\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/community-food-bank-of-eastern-oklahoma-packathon/dsc_0834/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1100\" title=\"Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0834.jpg\" alt=\"Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-1099\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/community-food-bank-of-eastern-oklahoma-packathon/dsc_0812/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-1099\" title=\"Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0812-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-1103\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/community-food-bank-of-eastern-oklahoma-packathon/dsc_0835-2/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1103\" title=\"Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_08351.jpg\" alt=\"Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-1104\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/community-food-bank-of-eastern-oklahoma-packathon/dsc_0824/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1104\" title=\"Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0824.jpg\" alt=\"Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-1105\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/community-food-bank-of-eastern-oklahoma-packathon/dsc_0836/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1105\" title=\"Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0836.jpg\" alt=\"Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nOnce the boxes make it to the end of the line packed and full, they\'re sealed and ready to go.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-1106\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/community-food-bank-of-eastern-oklahoma-packathon/dsc_0807/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1106\" title=\"Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0807.jpg\" alt=\"Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-1107\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/community-food-bank-of-eastern-oklahoma-packathon/dsc_0841/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-1107\" title=\"Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0841-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nEasy peasy, right? It\'s definitely something you could see yourself doing for a few hours, right? If you\'re still not sure, <a href=\"http://www.cfbeo.org/emergency.html\">check out these training videos on the Food Bank site</a>. They\'ll tell you even more about what volunteers on a shift for this project could find themselves doing.\r\n\r\nThis project, dubbed the Emergency Packathon by the Food Bank peeps, is about 60 percent complete, up from just shy of being 20 percent complete at the beginning of last month. Your help is sure to put the Food Bank over the top on its goal of 100 percent complete by the Sept. 30 deadline.\r\n\r\n<a rel=\"attachment wp-att-1108\" href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/community-food-bank-of-eastern-oklahoma-packathon/dsc_0800-2/\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-image-1108\" title=\"Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_08001-500x332.jpg\" alt=\"Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma\" width=\"500\" height=\"332\" /></a>\r\n\r\nIt\'s not as bad as it is in other parts of the country right now, but the unemployment rate in Oklahoma is still higher than it\'s been in years. So <strong>even if you can\'t donate your time to fulfill the requirements of this grant, <a href=\"http://www.cfbeo.org/dfunds.html\">consider making a donation of non-perishable food items or cash to CFBEO</a></strong>. The slumping economy has more Tulsa families finding themselves in a spot in which they may have never imagined - having to visit the Food Bank to fill the gaps left by a lay off or prolonged job search.\r\n\r\nSome of my favorite ways to support the Food Bank:\r\n<ul>\r\n	<li>Do <a href=\"http://www.cfbeo.org/rw.html\">Restaurant Week</a> (the 2010 line-up has been posted, and I have just two words: Oh, yum.)</li>\r\n	<li>Make your reservations for the next <a href=\"http://www.cfbeo.org/recipe.html\">Recipe to End Hunger</a> event (A monthly cooking demo hosted by one of Tulsa\'s top chefs, along with a multi-course dinner and wine; <a href=\"http://www.cfbeo.org/recipe.html\">the next one is Thursday, Aug. 26</a>)</li>\r\n	<li>Check with your employer to see if they match your gifts to the Food Bank</li>\r\n	<li>Hold a <a href=\"http://www.cfbeo.org/vfdmain.html\">virtual food drive</a></li>\r\n	<li><a href=\"http://www.gardenwriters.org/gwa.php?p=par/index.html\">Plant a Row for the Hungry</a> (this is an easy way to get your kids in on volunteering, too)</li>\r\n	<li>Choose <a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/04/buy-local-feed-hungry-kids/\">MIO Paper Towels</a> at your grocery store</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nSee? There\'s a way for everyone, even punk college students like my husband and punk two-year-olds like my son and punk paper towel enthusiasts like me, to help. Pick a way, pick a row, pick a shift - however you decide to help, know that you\'re working to make Oklahoma the food-secure state it should be for our kids and families.','Emergency Packathon at Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma Wants You','That food security can be a real problem in the richest, most powerful nation on earth confounds me. That food security can be a problem in a state considered to be one of the bread baskets of said nation (we grow a lot of food here in Oklahoma, but we beat out 44 other states in wheat production) - now, that is really something.\r\n','publish','open','open','','community-food-bank-of-eastern-oklahoma-packathon','','http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/11/shopping-ethically/\nhttp://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/04/buy-local-feed-hungry-kids/\nhttp://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2009/03/because-i-know-yall-love-your/','2010-08-30 14:26:16','2010-08-30 19:26:16','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=1039',0,'post','',2),(858,1,'2010-08-02 11:24:46','2010-08-02 16:24:46','','Sharks at Oklahoma Aquarium','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0476','','','2010-08-02 11:24:46','2010-08-02 16:24:46','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0476.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(861,1,'2010-08-02 13:54:01','2010-08-02 18:54:01','','Ella\'s Deli','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0704','','','2010-08-02 13:54:01','2010-08-02 18:54:01','',882,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0704.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(862,1,'2010-08-02 13:54:04','2010-08-02 18:54:04','','Ella\'s Deli','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0707','','','2010-08-02 13:54:04','2010-08-02 18:54:04','',882,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0707.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(863,1,'2010-08-02 13:54:08','2010-08-02 18:54:08','','Ella\'s Deli','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0709','','','2010-08-02 13:54:08','2010-08-02 18:54:08','',882,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0709.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(864,1,'2010-08-02 13:54:11','2010-08-02 18:54:11','','Ella\'s Deli','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0710','','','2010-08-02 13:54:11','2010-08-02 18:54:11','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0710.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(865,1,'2010-08-02 13:54:14','2010-08-02 18:54:14','','Ella\'s Deli','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0712','','','2010-08-02 13:54:14','2010-08-02 18:54:14','',882,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0712.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(866,1,'2010-08-02 13:54:17','2010-08-02 18:54:17','','Ella\'s Deli','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0714','','','2010-08-02 13:54:17','2010-08-02 18:54:17','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0714.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(867,1,'2010-08-02 13:54:21','2010-08-02 18:54:21','','Ella\'s Deli','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0716','','','2010-08-02 13:54:21','2010-08-02 18:54:21','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0716.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(868,1,'2010-08-02 13:54:24','2010-08-02 18:54:24','','Ella\'s Deli','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0717','','','2010-08-02 13:54:24','2010-08-02 18:54:24','',882,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0717.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(869,1,'2010-08-02 13:54:27','2010-08-02 18:54:27','','Ella\'s Deli','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0718','','','2010-08-02 13:54:27','2010-08-02 18:54:27','',882,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0718.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(870,1,'2010-08-02 13:54:31','2010-08-02 18:54:31','','Ella\'s Deli','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0722','','','2010-08-02 13:54:31','2010-08-02 18:54:31','',882,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0722.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(871,1,'2010-08-02 13:54:34','2010-08-02 18:54:34','','Ella\'s Deli','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0725','','','2010-08-02 13:54:34','2010-08-02 18:54:34','',882,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0725.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(872,1,'2010-08-02 13:54:37','2010-08-02 18:54:37','','Ella\'s Deli','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0726','','','2010-08-02 13:54:37','2010-08-02 18:54:37','',882,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0726.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(873,1,'2010-08-02 13:54:40','2010-08-02 18:54:40','','Ella\'s Deli','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0731','','','2010-08-02 13:54:40','2010-08-02 18:54:40','',882,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0731.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(874,1,'2010-08-02 13:54:42','2010-08-02 18:54:42','','Ella\'s Deli','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0732','','','2010-08-02 13:54:42','2010-08-02 18:54:42','',882,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0732.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(875,1,'2010-08-02 13:54:45','2010-08-02 18:54:45','','Ella\'s Deli','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0737','','','2010-08-02 13:54:45','2010-08-02 18:54:45','',882,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0737.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(876,1,'2010-08-02 13:54:48','2010-08-02 18:54:48','','Ella\'s Deli','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0738','','','2010-08-02 13:54:48','2010-08-02 18:54:48','',882,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0738.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(877,1,'2010-08-02 13:54:51','2010-08-02 18:54:51','','Ella\'s Deli','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0745','','','2010-08-02 13:54:51','2010-08-02 18:54:51','',882,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0745.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(878,1,'2010-08-02 13:54:54','2010-08-02 18:54:54','','Ella\'s Deli','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0749','','','2010-08-02 13:54:54','2010-08-02 18:54:54','',882,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0749.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(879,1,'2010-08-02 13:54:57','2010-08-02 18:54:57','','Ella\'s Deli','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0762','','','2010-08-02 13:54:57','2010-08-02 18:54:57','',882,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0762.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(880,1,'2010-08-02 13:55:01','2010-08-02 18:55:01','','11th Street/Route 66','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0764','','','2010-08-02 13:55:01','2010-08-02 18:55:01','',882,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0764.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(881,1,'2010-08-02 13:55:04','2010-08-02 18:55:04','','11th Street/Route 66','','inherit','open','open','','dsc_0766','','','2010-08-02 13:55:04','2010-08-02 18:55:04','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0766.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(882,1,'2010-08-02 16:24:27','2010-08-02 21:24:27','<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0725.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-871\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0725.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nSometimes a person\'s lunch routine could use some jazzin\' up.\r\n\r\nThat\'s where Ella\'s Deli, in Tulsa just west of Harvard on 11th Street (a.k.a. old Route 66), right across the street from the <a href=\"http://www.utulsa.edu/\">University of Tulsa</a> campus, comes in.<!--more-->\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0704.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-861\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0704.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0762.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-879\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0762.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nSee it there, hiding in this strip mall? With 11th Street puttering along, right outside?\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0764.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-880\" title=\"11th Street/Route 66\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0764.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nDon\'t ask me why, but when restaurants that rule set up their kitchens in a strip mall or some other hole-in-the-wall location, the food tastes even better.\r\n\r\nDon\'t question it. Just know that it\'s true.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0709.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-863\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0709.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nElla\'s riffs off of <a href=\"http://okjazz.org/index.cfm?id=6\">Tulsa\'s rich history in jazz music</a> with a robust menu of sandwiches, sides and down-home desserts, all inspired by the greats of the genre.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0707.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-862\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0707.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhen we stopped in for lunch last week, we were impressed not only by the cheeky menu and the friendly service (owners Karen and Forrest leaned over the counter to introduce themselves to us, chatting us up lightly as we dined), but also by the fact that, on the day we visted, Ella\'s offered lunch time entertainment, a perk we thought reserved for Tulsa\'s late-night eats crowd.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0712.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-865\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0712.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nA guy in the corner with a guitar, playing blues and swing (and even a head-bobbing rendition of Route 66). How cool is that?\r\n\r\nAnd how hot is this?\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0722.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-870\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0722.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThat\'s Ella\'s famous reuben sandwich, piled high with sauerkraut, cooked-in-house pastrami and bratwurst, spicy mustard and Swiss cheese, all served on locally baked marble rye. Karen and Forrest, along with Ella, the basset hound for which the restaurant is named, claim that it\'s the best in the state.\r\n\r\nBeing big reuben eaters and having chowed down on this spicy sandwich concoction all over town, we couldn\'t argue.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0718.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-869\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0718.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe addition of bratwurst was my favorite part.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0725.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-871\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0725.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAnd that tabouli? It was good. Really good. It was so tasty that it made me pine for the tabouli at the now-shuttered Halim and Mimi\'s (which was located just up the street from Ella\'s on 11th Street) and its stemless gloriousness.\r\n\r\nI have lots of trouble finding tabouli I like, but at Ella\'s, I was satisfied.\r\n\r\nAnd then there was this:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0717.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-868\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0717.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nA monte cristo sandwich! I love monte cristo sandwiches. I\'d never had one that wasn\'t encased in a thick crust of fried batter (not that I\'m saying anything bad about thick crusts of fried batter), but I loved this lighter, eggier, almost breakfast-y version of my long-time favorite.\r\n\r\nAnd I didn\'t find anything wrong with that each quarter was topped with a maraschino cherry, either.\r\n\r\nBecause I like maraschino cherries. Plus, I can do this:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0731.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-873\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0731.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nIn my mouth. My husband timed me this time: Six seconds flat.\r\n\r\nSee? Idle hours in high school study hall just after a lunchtime getaway to Sonic for a cherry limeade do, at the end of the day, pay off in appreciable skills.\r\n\r\nThen we had to go and order this:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0737.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-875\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0737.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nHouse-made peach cobbler, served with vanilla ice cream...\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0732.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-874\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0732.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\n...and sin. Lots and lots of sin.\r\n\r\nSeriously? This was the best cobbler I\'ve ever had, and I come from a family of expert bakers, especially where pies and cobblers are concerned. The peaches were in perfect season, the crust stayed flaky until the syrupy end, and the whole thing had me wondering if anyone would notice if I put my head down on the table for a post-dessert nap.\r\n\r\nI know my mother and her mother read this blog, but ladies, I have to be honest - you\'ve been beaten by a restaurant named after a slobbery, droopy-eyed, sweetly named basset hound.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0745.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-877\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0745.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAnother way you know that cobbler really was that good:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0738.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-876\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0738.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nDrip trails. Only a spoon in too much of a hurry to get from the bowl to a mouth and back again to worry about what\'s lost on the table could create such a tell-tale sign.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0749.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-878\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0749.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nElla\'s isn\'t the cheapest lunch in town, but for what you get - meats cooked and carved in house (no wimpy deli slices here), locally baked breads, house-made sides good enough to eat out of a giant bowl with a serving spoon, live music and desserts that\'d make your momma cry with shame and remorse for having fed you with less all these years - it\'s a real value.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0726.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-872\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0726.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"426\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe only difficult part about lunch at Ella\'s is knowing that, since they\'re not open for dinner, you\'ll have to wait at least 24 hours before you can visit again. It\'s a tough wait, but you get through it - you get through it.\r\n\r\n<strong>Ella\'s Deli</strong>\r\nWhere: 3208 E. 11th Street\r\nWhen: Monday-Saturday, 11am-4pm\r\nCall: (918) 949-6666\r\nFind Ella\'s <a href=\"http://twitter.com/ellasdeli\">on Twitter</a> and <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/EllasDeli\">Facebook</a>.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/58/778215/restaurant/TU-Kendall-Whittier/Ellas-Deli-Tulsa\"><img style=\"border: none; width: 130px; height: 36px;\" src=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/778215/minilink.gif\" alt=\"Ella\'s Deli on Urbanspoon\" /></a>','Ella\'s Deli: Jazz Up Your Lunch Date','The only difficult part about lunch at Ella\'s is knowing that, since they\'re not open for dinner, you\'ll have to wait at least 24 hours before you can visit again. It\'s a tough wait, but you get through it - you get through it.','publish','open','open','','ellas-deli-lunchjazz-tulsa-route-66','','','2010-08-30 15:29:44','2010-08-30 20:29:44','',0,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/?p=882',0,'post','',5),(883,1,'2010-08-02 15:57:03','2010-08-02 20:57:03','<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0725.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-871\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0725.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\n\nSometimes a person\'s lunch routine could use some jazzin\' up.\n\nThat\'s where Ella\'s Deli, in Tulsa just west of Harvard on 11th Street (a.k.a. old Route 66), right across the street from the <a href=\"http://www.utulsa.edu/\">University of Tulsa</a> campus, comes in.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0704.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-861\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0704.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"340\" /></a>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0762.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-879\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0762.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"340\" /></a>\n\nSee it there, hiding in this strip mall? With 11th Street buzzing along, right outside?\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0764.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-880\" title=\"11th Street/Route 66\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0764.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\n\nDon\'t ask me why, but when restaurants that rule set up their kitchens in a strip mall or some other hole-in-the-wall place, the food tastes even better. Don\'t question it. Just know that it\'s true.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0709.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-863\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0709.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\n\nElla\'s riffs off of <a href=\"http://okjazz.org/index.cfm?id=6\">Tulsa\'s rich history in jazz music</a> with a robust menu of sandwiches, sides and down-home desserts all inspired by the greats of the genre.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0707.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-862\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0707.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\n\nWhen we stopped in for lunch last week, we were impressed not only by the cheeky menu and the friendly service (owners Karen and Forrest leaned over the counter to introduce themselves to us, chatting us up lightly as we dined), but also by the fact that, on the day we visted, Ella\'s offered lunch time entertainment, a perk we thought reserved for Tulsa\'s late-night eats crowd.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0712.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-865\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0712.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\n\nA guy in the corner with a guitar, playing blues and swing (and even a head-bobbing rendition of Route 66). How cool is that?\n\nAnd how hot is this?\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0722.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-870\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0722.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\n\nThat\'s Ella\'s famous reuben sandwich, piled high with sauerkraut, cooked-in-house corned beef and bratwurst, spicy mustard and Swiss cheese, all served on locally baked marble rye. Karen and Forrest and Ella, the basset hound for which the restaurant is named, claim that it\'s the best in Oklahoma.\n\nBeing big reuben eaters and having chowed down on this spicy sandwich concoction all over town, we wouldn\'t argue.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0718.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-869\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0718.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\n\nThe addition of the bratwurst was my favorite part.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0725.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-871\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0725.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\n\nAnd that tabouli? It was good. Really good. It made me pine for the tabouli at the now-shuttered Halim and Mimi\'s (which was located just up the street from Ella\'s on 11th Street) and its stemless gloriousness, it was so tasty. I have lots of trouble finding tabouli I like, but at Ella\'s, I was satisfied.\n\nAnd then there\'s this:\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0717.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-868\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0717.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\n\nA monte cristo sandwich! I love monte cristo sandwiches. I\'d never had one that wasn\'t encased in a thick crust of fried batter (not that I\'m saying anything bad about a thick crust of fried batter), but I loved this lighter, eggier, almost breakfast version of my long-time favorite.\n\nAnd I didn\'t find anything wrong with that each quarter was topped with a maraschino cherry, either.\n\nBecause I like maraschino cherries. Plus, I can do this:\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0731.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-873\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0731.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\n\nWith my tongue and my teeth. My husband timed me this time: Six seconds flat.\n\nSee? Idle hours in high school study hall just after a lunchtime getaway to Sonic for a cherry limeade do, at the end of the day, pay off in appreciable skills.\n\nThen we had to go and order this:\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0737.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-875\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0737.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\n\nHouse-made peach cobbler with with vanilla ice cream.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0732.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-874\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0732.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\n\nAnd sin. Lots and lots of sin.\n\nSeriously? This was the best cobbler I\'ve ever had, and I come from a family of expert bakers, especially where pies and cobblers are concerned. The peaches were in perfect season, the crust stayed flaky until the syrupy end, and the whole thing had me wondering if anyone would notice if I put my head down on the table for a post-dessert nap.\n\nI know my mother and her mother read this blog, but ladies, I have to be honest - you\'ve been beaten by a restaurant named after a slobbery, droopy-eyed, sweetly named basset hound.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0745.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-877\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0745.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\n\nAnother way you know that cobbler really was that good:\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0738.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-876\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0738.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\n\nDrip trails. Only a spoon in too much of a hurry to get from the bowl to a mouth and back again to worry about what\'s lost on the table could create such an unmistakable sign of deliciousness.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0749.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-878\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0749.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\n\nElla\'s isn\'t the cheapest lunch in town, but for what you get - meats cooked and carved in house (no wimpy deli slices to be found), locally baked breads, house-made sides good enough to eat all on their own, live music and desserts that\'d make your momma cry with shame and remorse for having fed you with less all these years - a lunch at this little diner is a real value.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0726.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-872\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0726.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"426\" height=\"640\" /></a>\n\nThe only difficult part about lunch at Ella\'s is knowing that, since they\'re not open for dinner, you\'ll have to wait at least 24 hours before you can visit again.\n\n<strong>Ella\'s Deli</strong>\nWhere: 3208 E. 11th Street\nWhen: Monday-Saturday, 11am-4pm\nCall: (918) 949-6666\nFind Ella\'s <a href=\"http://twitter.com/ellasdeli\">on Twitter</a> and <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/EllasDeli\">Facebook</a>.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/58/778215/restaurant/TU-Kendall-Whittier/Ellas-Deli-Tulsa\"><img style=\"border: none; width: 130px; height: 36px;\" src=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/778215/minilink.gif\" alt=\"Ella\'s Deli on Urbanspoon\" /></a>','Ella\'s Deli: Some Jazz for your Lunch Date','','inherit','open','open','','882-revision','','','2010-08-02 15:57:03','2010-08-02 20:57:03','',882,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/882-revision/',0,'revision','',0),(885,1,'2010-08-02 15:58:03','2010-08-02 20:58:03','<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0725.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-871\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0725.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\n\nSometimes a person\'s lunch routine could use some jazzin\' up.\n\nThat\'s where Ella\'s Deli, in Tulsa just west of Harvard on 11th Street (a.k.a. old Route 66), right across the street from the <a href=\"http://www.utulsa.edu/\">University of Tulsa</a> campus, comes in.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0704.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-861\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0704.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"340\" /></a>\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0762.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-879\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0762.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"340\" /></a>\n\nSee it there, hiding in this strip mall? With 11th Street buzzing along, right outside?\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0764.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-880\" title=\"11th Street/Route 66\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0764.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\n\nDon\'t ask me why, but when restaurants that rule set up their kitchens in a strip mall or some other hole-in-the-wall place, the food tastes even better. Don\'t question it. Just know that it\'s true.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0709.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-863\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0709.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\n\nElla\'s riffs off of <a href=\"http://okjazz.org/index.cfm?id=6\">Tulsa\'s rich history in jazz music</a> with a robust menu of sandwiches, sides and down-home desserts all inspired by the greats of the genre.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0707.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-862\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0707.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\n\nWhen we stopped in for lunch last week, we were impressed not only by the cheeky menu and the friendly service (owners Karen and Forrest leaned over the counter to introduce themselves to us, chatting us up lightly as we dined), but also by the fact that, on the day we visted, Ella\'s offered lunch time entertainment, a perk we thought reserved for Tulsa\'s late-night eats crowd.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0712.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-865\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0712.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\n\nA guy in the corner with a guitar, playing blues and swing (and even a head-bobbing rendition of Route 66). How cool is that?\n\nAnd how hot is this?\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0722.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-870\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0722.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\n\nThat\'s Ella\'s famous reuben sandwich, piled high with sauerkraut, cooked-in-house corned beef and bratwurst, spicy mustard and Swiss cheese, all served on locally baked marble rye. Karen and Forrest and Ella, the basset hound for which the restaurant is named, claim that it\'s the best in Oklahoma.\n\nBeing big reuben eaters and having chowed down on this spicy sandwich concoction all over town, we wouldn\'t argue.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0718.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-869\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0718.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\n\nThe addition of the bratwurst was my favorite part.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0725.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-871\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0725.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\n\nAnd that tabouli? It was good. Really good. It made me pine for the tabouli at the now-shuttered Halim and Mimi\'s (which was located just up the street from Ella\'s on 11th Street) and its stemless gloriousness, it was so tasty. I have lots of trouble finding tabouli I like, but at Ella\'s, I was satisfied.\n\nAnd then there\'s this:\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0717.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-868\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0717.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\n\nA monte cristo sandwich! I love monte cristo sandwiches. I\'d never had one that wasn\'t encased in a thick crust of fried batter (not that I\'m saying anything bad about a thick crust of fried batter), but I loved this lighter, eggier, almost breakfast version of my long-time favorite.\n\nAnd I didn\'t find anything wrong with that each quarter was topped with a maraschino cherry, either.\n\nBecause I like maraschino cherries. Plus, I can do this:\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0731.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-873\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0731.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\n\nWith my tongue and my teeth. My husband timed me this time: Six seconds flat.\n\nSee? Idle hours in high school study hall just after a lunchtime getaway to Sonic for a cherry limeade do, at the end of the day, pay off in appreciable skills.\n\nThen we had to go and order this:\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0737.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-875\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0737.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\n\nHouse-made peach cobbler with with vanilla ice cream.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0732.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-874\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0732.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\n\nAnd sin. Lots and lots of sin.\n\nSeriously? This was the best cobbler I\'ve ever had, and I come from a family of expert bakers, especially where pies and cobblers are concerned. The peaches were in perfect season, the crust stayed flaky until the syrupy end, and the whole thing had me wondering if anyone would notice if I put my head down on the table for a post-dessert nap.\n\nI know my mother and her mother read this blog, but ladies, I have to be honest - you\'ve been beaten by a restaurant named after a slobbery, droopy-eyed, sweetly named basset hound.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0745.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-877\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0745.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\n\nAnother way you know that cobbler really was that good:\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0738.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-876\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0738.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\n\nDrip trails. Only a spoon in too much of a hurry to get from the bowl to a mouth and back again to worry about what\'s lost on the table could create such an unmistakable sign of deliciousness.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0749.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-878\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0749.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\n\nElla\'s isn\'t the cheapest lunch in town, but for what you get - meats cooked and carved in house (no wimpy deli slices to be found), locally baked breads, house-made sides good enough to eat all on their own, live music and desserts that\'d make your momma cry with shame and remorse for having fed you with less all these years - a lunch at this little diner is a real value.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0726.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-872\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0726.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"426\" height=\"640\" /></a>\n\nThe only difficult part about lunch at Ella\'s is knowing that, since they\'re not open for dinner, you\'ll have to wait at least 24 hours before you can visit again.\n\n<strong>Ella\'s Deli</strong>\nWhere: 3208 E. 11th Street\nWhen: Monday-Saturday, 11am-4pm\nCall: (918) 949-6666\nFind Ella\'s <a href=\"http://twitter.com/ellasdeli\">on Twitter</a> and <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/EllasDeli\">Facebook</a>.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/58/778215/restaurant/TU-Kendall-Whittier/Ellas-Deli-Tulsa\"><img style=\"border: none; width: 130px; height: 36px;\" src=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/778215/minilink.gif\" alt=\"Ella\'s Deli on Urbanspoon\" /></a>','Ella\'s Deli: Jazz Up Your Lunch Date','','inherit','open','open','','882-revision-3','','','2010-08-02 15:58:03','2010-08-02 20:58:03','',882,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/882-revision-3/',0,'revision','',0),(884,1,'2010-08-02 15:57:32','2010-08-02 20:57:32','<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0725.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-871\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0725.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nSometimes a person\'s lunch routine could use some jazzin\' up.\r\n\r\nThat\'s where Ella\'s Deli, in Tulsa just west of Harvard on 11th Street (a.k.a. old Route 66), right across the street from the <a href=\"http://www.utulsa.edu/\">University of Tulsa</a> campus, comes in.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0704.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-861\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0704.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"340\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0762.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-879\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0762.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"340\" /></a>\r\n\r\nSee it there, hiding in this strip mall? With 11th Street buzzing along, right outside?\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0764.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-880\" title=\"11th Street/Route 66\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0764.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nDon\'t ask me why, but when restaurants that rule set up their kitchens in a strip mall or some other hole-in-the-wall place, the food tastes even better. Don\'t question it. Just know that it\'s true.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0709.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-863\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0709.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nElla\'s riffs off of <a href=\"http://okjazz.org/index.cfm?id=6\">Tulsa\'s rich history in jazz music</a> with a robust menu of sandwiches, sides and down-home desserts all inspired by the greats of the genre.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0707.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-862\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0707.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhen we stopped in for lunch last week, we were impressed not only by the cheeky menu and the friendly service (owners Karen and Forrest leaned over the counter to introduce themselves to us, chatting us up lightly as we dined), but also by the fact that, on the day we visted, Ella\'s offered lunch time entertainment, a perk we thought reserved for Tulsa\'s late-night eats crowd.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0712.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-865\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0712.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nA guy in the corner with a guitar, playing blues and swing (and even a head-bobbing rendition of Route 66). How cool is that?\r\n\r\nAnd how hot is this?\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0722.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-870\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0722.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThat\'s Ella\'s famous reuben sandwich, piled high with sauerkraut, cooked-in-house corned beef and bratwurst, spicy mustard and Swiss cheese, all served on locally baked marble rye. Karen and Forrest and Ella, the basset hound for which the restaurant is named, claim that it\'s the best in Oklahoma.\r\n\r\nBeing big reuben eaters and having chowed down on this spicy sandwich concoction all over town, we wouldn\'t argue.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0718.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-869\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0718.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe addition of the bratwurst was my favorite part.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0725.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-871\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0725.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAnd that tabouli? It was good. Really good. It made me pine for the tabouli at the now-shuttered Halim and Mimi\'s (which was located just up the street from Ella\'s on 11th Street) and its stemless gloriousness, it was so tasty. I have lots of trouble finding tabouli I like, but at Ella\'s, I was satisfied.\r\n\r\nAnd then there\'s this:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0717.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-868\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0717.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nA monte cristo sandwich! I love monte cristo sandwiches. I\'d never had one that wasn\'t encased in a thick crust of fried batter (not that I\'m saying anything bad about a thick crust of fried batter), but I loved this lighter, eggier, almost breakfast version of my long-time favorite.\r\n\r\nAnd I didn\'t find anything wrong with that each quarter was topped with a maraschino cherry, either.\r\n\r\nBecause I like maraschino cherries. Plus, I can do this:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0731.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-873\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0731.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWith my tongue and my teeth. My husband timed me this time: Six seconds flat.\r\n\r\nSee? Idle hours in high school study hall just after a lunchtime getaway to Sonic for a cherry limeade do, at the end of the day, pay off in appreciable skills.\r\n\r\nThen we had to go and order this:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0737.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-875\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0737.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nHouse-made peach cobbler with with vanilla ice cream.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0732.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-874\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0732.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAnd sin. Lots and lots of sin.\r\n\r\nSeriously? This was the best cobbler I\'ve ever had, and I come from a family of expert bakers, especially where pies and cobblers are concerned. The peaches were in perfect season, the crust stayed flaky until the syrupy end, and the whole thing had me wondering if anyone would notice if I put my head down on the table for a post-dessert nap.\r\n\r\nI know my mother and her mother read this blog, but ladies, I have to be honest - you\'ve been beaten by a restaurant named after a slobbery, droopy-eyed, sweetly named basset hound.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0745.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-877\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0745.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAnother way you know that cobbler really was that good:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0738.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-876\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0738.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nDrip trails. Only a spoon in too much of a hurry to get from the bowl to a mouth and back again to worry about what\'s lost on the table could create such an unmistakable sign of deliciousness.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0749.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-878\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0749.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nElla\'s isn\'t the cheapest lunch in town, but for what you get - meats cooked and carved in house (no wimpy deli slices to be found), locally baked breads, house-made sides good enough to eat all on their own, live music and desserts that\'d make your momma cry with shame and remorse for having fed you with less all these years - a lunch at this little diner is a real value.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0726.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-872\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0726.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"426\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe only difficult part about lunch at Ella\'s is knowing that, since they\'re not open for dinner, you\'ll have to wait at least 24 hours before you can visit again.\r\n\r\n<strong>Ella\'s Deli</strong>\r\nWhere: 3208 E. 11th Street\r\nWhen: Monday-Saturday, 11am-4pm\r\nCall: (918) 949-6666\r\nFind Ella\'s <a href=\"http://twitter.com/ellasdeli\">on Twitter</a> and <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/EllasDeli\">Facebook</a>.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/58/778215/restaurant/TU-Kendall-Whittier/Ellas-Deli-Tulsa\"><img style=\"border: none; width: 130px; height: 36px;\" src=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/778215/minilink.gif\" alt=\"Ella\'s Deli on Urbanspoon\" /></a>','Ella\'s Deli: Some Jazz for your Lunch Date','','inherit','open','open','','882-revision-2','','','2010-08-02 15:57:32','2010-08-02 20:57:32','',882,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/882-revision-2/',0,'revision','',0),(886,1,'2010-08-02 15:58:43','2010-08-02 20:58:43','<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0725.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-871\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0725.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nSometimes a person\'s lunch routine could use some jazzin\' up.\r\n\r\nThat\'s where Ella\'s Deli, in Tulsa just west of Harvard on 11th Street (a.k.a. old Route 66), right across the street from the <a href=\"http://www.utulsa.edu/\">University of Tulsa</a> campus, comes in.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0704.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-861\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0704.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"340\" /></a>\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0762.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-879\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0762.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"512\" height=\"340\" /></a>\r\n\r\nSee it there, hiding in this strip mall? With 11th Street buzzing along, right outside?\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0764.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-880\" title=\"11th Street/Route 66\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0764.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nDon\'t ask me why, but when restaurants that rule set up their kitchens in a strip mall or some other hole-in-the-wall place, the food tastes even better. Don\'t question it. Just know that it\'s true.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0709.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-863\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0709.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nElla\'s riffs off of <a href=\"http://okjazz.org/index.cfm?id=6\">Tulsa\'s rich history in jazz music</a> with a robust menu of sandwiches, sides and down-home desserts all inspired by the greats of the genre.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0707.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-862\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0707.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhen we stopped in for lunch last week, we were impressed not only by the cheeky menu and the friendly service (owners Karen and Forrest leaned over the counter to introduce themselves to us, chatting us up lightly as we dined), but also by the fact that, on the day we visted, Ella\'s offered lunch time entertainment, a perk we thought reserved for Tulsa\'s late-night eats crowd.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0712.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-865\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0712.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nA guy in the corner with a guitar, playing blues and swing (and even a head-bobbing rendition of Route 66). How cool is that?\r\n\r\nAnd how hot is this?\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0722.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-870\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0722.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThat\'s Ella\'s famous reuben sandwich, piled high with sauerkraut, cooked-in-house corned beef and bratwurst, spicy mustard and Swiss cheese, all served on locally baked marble rye. Karen and Forrest and Ella, the basset hound for which the restaurant is named, claim that it\'s the best in Oklahoma.\r\n\r\nBeing big reuben eaters and having chowed down on this spicy sandwich concoction all over town, we wouldn\'t argue.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0718.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-869\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0718.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe addition of the bratwurst was my favorite part.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0725.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-871\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0725.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"425\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAnd that tabouli? It was good. Really good. It made me pine for the tabouli at the now-shuttered Halim and Mimi\'s (which was located just up the street from Ella\'s on 11th Street) and its stemless gloriousness, it was so tasty. I have lots of trouble finding tabouli I like, but at Ella\'s, I was satisfied.\r\n\r\nAnd then there\'s this:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0717.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-868\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0717.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nA monte cristo sandwich! I love monte cristo sandwiches. I\'d never had one that wasn\'t encased in a thick crust of fried batter (not that I\'m saying anything bad about a thick crust of fried batter), but I loved this lighter, eggier, almost breakfast version of my long-time favorite.\r\n\r\nAnd I didn\'t find anything wrong with that each quarter was topped with a maraschino cherry, either.\r\n\r\nBecause I like maraschino cherries. Plus, I can do this:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0731.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-873\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0731.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWith my tongue and my teeth. My husband timed me this time: Six seconds flat.\r\n\r\nSee? Idle hours in high school study hall just after a lunchtime getaway to Sonic for a cherry limeade do, at the end of the day, pay off in appreciable skills.\r\n\r\nThen we had to go and order this:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0737.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-875\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0737.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nHouse-made peach cobbler with with vanilla ice cream.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0732.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-874\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0732.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAnd sin. Lots and lots of sin.\r\n\r\nSeriously? This was the best cobbler I\'ve ever had, and I come from a family of expert bakers, especially where pies and cobblers are concerned. The peaches were in perfect season, the crust stayed flaky until the syrupy end, and the whole thing had me wondering if anyone would notice if I put my head down on the table for a post-dessert nap.\r\n\r\nI know my mother and her mother read this blog, but ladies, I have to be honest - you\'ve been beaten by a restaurant named after a slobbery, droopy-eyed, sweetly named basset hound.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0745.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-877\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0745.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAnother way you know that cobbler really was that good:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0738.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-876\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0738.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nDrip trails. Only a spoon in too much of a hurry to get from the bowl to a mouth and back again to worry about what\'s lost on the table could create such an unmistakable sign of deliciousness.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0749.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-878\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0749.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"640\" height=\"425\" /></a>\r\n\r\nElla\'s isn\'t the cheapest lunch in town, but for what you get - meats cooked and carved in house (no wimpy deli slices to be found), locally baked breads, house-made sides good enough to eat all on their own, live music and desserts that\'d make your momma cry with shame and remorse for having fed you with less all these years - a lunch at this little diner is a real value.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0726.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-872\" title=\"Ella\'s Deli\" src=\"http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC_0726.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"426\" height=\"640\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe only difficult part about lunch at Ella\'s is knowing that, since they\'re not open for dinner, you\'ll have to wait at least 24 hours before you can visit again.\r\n\r\n<strong>Ella\'s Deli</strong>\r\nWhere: 3208 E. 11th Street\r\nWhen: Monday-Saturday, 11am-4pm\r\nCall: (918) 949-6666\r\nFind Ella\'s <a href=\"http://twitter.com/ellasdeli\">on Twitter</a> and <a href=\"http://www.facebook.com/EllasDeli\">Facebook</a>.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/58/778215/restaurant/TU-Kendall-Whittier/Ellas-Deli-Tulsa\"><img style=\"border: none; width: 130px; height: 36px;\" src=\"http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/778215/minilink.gif\" alt=\"Ella\'s Deli on Urbanspoon\" /></a>','Ella\'s Deli: Jazz Up Your Lunch Date','','inherit','open','open','','882-revision-4','','','2010-08-02 15:58:43','2010-08-02 20:58:43','',882,'http://www.tashadoestulsa.com/2010/08/882-revision-4/',0,'revision','',0),