Author Archives: Admin

Wiggles wiggled into town

Staff Report

The infamous Wiggles made a stop at the BOK Center on Sun., Aug. 2, as part of their Go Bananas Live Tour, performing in a total of 34 cities.

Tickets for this coveted event ranged from $20-$89, depending on the online outlet. Several vendors, however, were already posting that they were sold-out weeks before the show.

When this beloved family entertainment band arrived into Tulsa, they showcased some old favorites as well as their latest hit “Monkey Man” featuring Australian pop sensation Kylie Minogue from their most recent album “The Wiggles Go Bananas.”

The Wiggles consist of Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus, and Wags the Dog. Of course, we can’t forget all the Wiggly Dancers, either, who were busier than ever highlighting some new wiggle moves.
Along with some good family entertainment, The Wiggles are also supporting the nationwide early literacy program Reach Out and Read on their “Go Bananas Live!" Summer Tour.

Reach Out and Read (ROR) trains doctors and nurses to advise parents about the importance of reading aloud and to give books to children between 6 months and 5 years old at regular pediatric checkups.

Reach Out and Read has always said that “Reading is doctor-recommended.” Now reading is Wiggle-recommended too! See the recommendation list here:
(http://www.thewiggles.com.au/download/misc/WigglesBookList06.091.pdf)

The Wiggles are also proud to announce the launch of www.WiggleTime.com, their brand new virtual world for children. Created specifically for preschoolers and their parents, WiggleTime.com provides toddlers with a safe and fun learning environment online.

At this site, parents are able to monitor their child’s progress and have access to premium promotional offers, competitions, merchandise discounts and presale Wiggles tickets!

About The Wiggles
The Wiggles, the world’s #1 preschool entertainers, performed over 300 shows to more than 1.5 million fans since 2005 in the United States alone. The Wiggles perform over 200 shows annually across four continents.

The Wiggles are seen on TV in over 110 countries worldwide. Fans will be able to catch The Wiggles on television exclusively in the U.S. on 24-hour preschool network Sprout beginning August 24, 2009. The Wiggles have sold more than 22.5 million videos and 7 million CDs in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

About Reach Out and Read
Reach Out and Read (ROR) is a national nonprofit organization that promotes early literacy by giving new books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud at regular pediatric checkups.

More than 20 million books have been distributed through ROR, which currently serves 25 percent of the most impoverished children in the U.S. ROR is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and has one of the strongest records of research support of any primary care intervention.

This year, ROR’s 20th Anniversary, ROR pediatricians will provide 6 million new books to 3.8 million children at 4,535 healthcare Sites in all 50 states. For further information, please visit ROR’s website at www.reachoutandread.org.

Open for business

Staff Report

Tuesday, 04 August 2009
alt OKLAHOMA CITY–Thanks to efforts to allow the agency to broaden its use of existing revenue and internal cost cutting, plans to close all offices of the Oklahoma Corporation Commission one day a month and place employees on unpaid leave have been canceled.

Commission Vice-Chairman Jeff Cloud called the cancellation “the result of extraordinary commitment and cooperation.”

“Legislative and administration officials worked closely with us in our efforts to keep the doors open for business,” said Cloud.

“We are grateful for the support shown by Governor Henry, Oklahoma Treasurer Scott Meacham, House Speaker Chris Benge, Senate President Pro-Tem Glenn Coffee, and House Appropriations and Budget Committee Chairman Ken Miller.”

Commissioner Dana Murphy agreed.

“We went to these officials and others to explain the seriousness of the situation and develop solutions,” Murphy said.

“They responded, recognizing the concerns of those who do business in the state and know first-hand the negative impact closing the agency would have on business and the state’s economy.”
Commission Chairman Bob Anthony said the agency can now move forward.

“Given this agency’s many responsibilities, we always have a very full plate,” noted Anthony. “However, the current economic and energy challenges faced by the state make it more important than ever that the agency be able to devote its full attention to the issues and problems at hand.”

Because of a funding shortfall, Commission Director of Administration Brooks Mitchell had scheduled the closure of the agency and the furlough of employees for one day a month from August through January, 2010.

Mitchell today announced cancellation of that plan, citing the successful effort to find ways to avoid closure.

The agency reduced personnel through voluntary buyouts and a reduction-in-force, and has received a commitment from the Governor’s office and legislative leaders to allow the agency to broaden its use of some of its existing earmarked funds to pay for operational expenses, pending approval by the Legislature in the next session.

In addition, there will be a review of the budget formula for the OCC. Agency officials say a flaw in the process resulted in a state funding cut of 18 percent, rather than the intended 5 percent.
The Oklahoma Corporation Commission has regulatory responsibility for oil and natural gas production, public utilities, telephone service, trucking, pipelines, rail crossings, and underground petroleum storage tanks.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 04 August 2009 )

City announces new OSU/OU tuition program

Staff Report

Tuesday, 04 August 2009
Mayor Taylor announced today that City of Tulsa employees will now have a scholarship program available at OSU-Tulsa and OU-Tulsa starting for fall enrollment at both institutions.

OSU-Tulsa will provide full-time City employees who pursue any OSU-Tulsa undergraduate or graduate degree program a scholarship for half the cost of tuition for up to six hours each semester.

The City of Tulsa scholarship program at OSU-Tulsa is the equivalent to the tuition assistance program OSU-Tulsa offers to its own employees. More than 80 OSU degree programs are available on the Tulsa campus.

OSU-Tulsa has budgeted $50,000 for the program, which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The scholarships are funded by the University Center Trust at no cost to the City of Tulsa.

OU-Tulsa will be offering City of Tulsa employees 10 percent off tuition and waiving application fees for the upcoming fall semester in the following OU-Tulsa undergraduate programs: multidisciplinary studies and early childhood education.

OU-Tulsa graduate degrees that are part of the program include architecture, human relations, knowledge management, library and information studies, organizational dynamics, public administration, social work, educational administration, electrical and computer engineering and telecommunications engineering.

Students applying for the OU-Tulsa programs must be full-time City of Tulsa employees and must be fully admitted to OU-Tulsa in good academic standing, going by the same guidelines of full-time employment and admission to any undergraduate and graduate OU-Tulsa degree program.

“I want to thank Dr. Trennepohl, President of OSU-Tulsa and Dr. Clancy, President of OU-Tulsa for providing support to our City of Tulsa employees to further their education,” said Mayor Kathy Taylor.

“We have had cost-cutting measures and have asked employees to do a lot and continue delivering quality services to our citizens. This pilot program with the universities is a way to take the first steps to accomplish that goal. The opportunity for City of Tulsa employees to further their education at OSU-Tulsa or OU-Tulsa will not only benefit the employee, but bring additional expertise and skill to the City of Tulsa.”

Requirements for City of Tulsa employees to qualify for the scholarship program include: admittance to an OSU or OU degree program during the first semester, full-time employment at the City of Tulsa, supervisor’s approval and the submission of the City of Tulsa scholarship application upon enrollment.

“I want to thank the OSU-Tulsa and the UCT Authority Trustees for approving this scholarship program,” said OSU-Tulsa President Gary Trennepohl. “Helping City employees pay for their college degree aids the City during this economic turmoil. And, it’s a way for OSU to thank the City for creating the University Center Trust to promote higher education for Tulsans.”

Once in the program, the employee/student must remain in good academic standing to continue to be eligible for a tuition waiver for future semesters. The program will be reviewed after two academic years.

“Education is one of the key components in advancing Tulsa. OU-Tulsa is engaged in all aspects of education in Tulsa – from early childhood to improving health by offering clinics in schools to our graduate programs in education leadership,” said Dr. Gerry Clancy, OU-Tulsa president.

“The City of Tulsa has been a great supporter of OU-Tulsa. We are happy to help their employees advance their education during these difficult economic times.”

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 04 August 2009 )

Cash for Clunkers, what you need to know

Tracy Crain

The Cash for Clunkers legislation is currently in operation. For those interested in learning more, the government provided a website highlighting all the details over what is expected to be a short-lived program, as funding is likely to run out soon enough.

As posted on the official government site, The CAR Allowance Rebate System (CARS) is a $1 billion government program that helps consumers buy or lease a more environmentally-friendly vehicle from a participating dealer when they trade in a less fuel-efficient car or truck. The program is designed to energize the economy; boost auto sales and put safer, cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles on the nation’s roadways.

Consumers will be able to take advantage of this program and receive a $3,500 or $4,500 discount from the car dealer when they trade in their old vehicle and purchase or lease a new one. Consumers do not need to register anywhere or at anytime for this program.

Requirements

Click the following link to find out what is NHTSA doing to guard against fraud. Allegations of fraud may be reported by calling our toll-free 24-hour hotline at 1-800-424-9071.

QUALIFICATIONS
Qualified consumers may participate in the CARS Program between July 1, 2009 and November 1, 2009 or when authorized funds are no longer available. Qualified consumers will receive a credit of $3,500 or $4,500 for an eligible trade-in toward the purchase of lease of an approved vehicle under CARS Program. Qualified consumers will receive the $3,500 or $4,500 credit at the time the purchase their new vehicle.

Dealers must provide consumers with any other advertised rebates or discounts in addition to the credit they receive through the CARS Program. Consumers should expect to conduct their deals at their dealership of choice, not on the Internet. Consumers should expect the dealers to provide their best estimate of the scrap value for their eligible trade-in vehicle. Dealers are allowed to deduct $50 from this value for their administrative costs.

Consumers should expect that all information collected through the CARS Program will be kept confidential. Social Security numbers are not required for a CARS transaction. Or visit this website for more information: http://www.cars.gov/

GM has also posted additional information regarding the program on their website. It reads, For a limited time only, the Car Allowance Rebate System (or CARS — commonly referred to as Cash for Clunkers or Customer Assistance to Recycle and Save) is available to customers at registered, participating dealers.

GM is proud to offer a wide variety of eligible, gas-friendly vehicles to meet your needs. "There never been a better time than now to purchase a new GM vehicle that a sound investment for both your bottom line and the environment." If it sounds like something you are interested in, they offer a handy tool to calculate an estimated CARS voucher value.

Visit this website here.

American Idol review and rare photos

Tracy Crain

The highly anticipated American Idol Tour came rolling into Tulsa last weekend for a quick stop at the BOK Center on Friday as part of their incredibly successful 2009 summer tour.

Fans inside the standing room only show, which started promptly at 7p.m. and lasted for a good two and a half hours, filled the arena stadium with an eager excitement as they waited for a glimpse of their favorite idol performers.

The show, which featured the top 10 finalists from American Idol, included acts from: Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, Anoop Desai, Danny Gokey, Lil Rounds, Matt Giraud, Megan Joy, Michael Sarver, Scott McIntyre, and American Idol 2009 Season winner, Kris Allen.

Personnel working with the idol tour, BOK Center Emily Grober and American Idol Representative Michael Cilnis, were busier than ever confirming press passes and arranging for the pre-concert press hour, which took place here in Tulsa between 3-4p.m., Friday afternoon.

Although the American Idol Tour was booked the same weekend as Tulsa’s acclaimed Dfest music conference and festival, featuring more than 160 signed and unsigned bands from around the world, it didn’t really detour from the number of fans lining up to see the American Idol concert, which ran in competition to Dfest’s Friday night headliners.

It’s evident that the BOK Center was more than packed with idols fans of every age, singing along with their favorite idol songs.

The show, described as lively and engaging, started out with Sarver, who sang two songs, “In love with a girl,” and “Closer.” He was followed by American Idol finalist number nine, Megan Joy, singing, “Put your records on,” and “Tears dry on their own.”

McIntyre sang “Bend and Break,” and “A Thousand Miles,” followed by Giraud, who sang “Georgia on my Mind,” “Hard to Handle,” and “You Found Me.”

After a quick intermission, the show came back in full force featuring Allison Iraheta, singing songs such as “So What,” and “Crybaby.” Gokey did amazing renditions of “PYT,” and “What Hurts the Most,” and songs such as “My Wish.”

American Idol number two finalist, Adam Lambert did a total of five songs, which more than brought to life a stunned and adoring BOK audience.

As the highly anticipated Kris Allen took the stage, the crowd grew even more excited as he performed a total of five songs that included such hits as “Ain’t No Sunshine,” and “Hey Jude.” Allen’s performance in Tulsa followed the death of his grandmother. Yet, he remained strong, and appeared to be in great form as concert goers far and wide raved of the handsome and adorable young star, who is also working on his first album, in addition to performing on the 2009 American Idol Tour.

The Idol tour rolled out of Tulsa on Friday night and arrived in Arkansas for a sold-out show at the Verizon Alltel Arena in North Little Rock on Saturday night.

On Saturday afternoon, Allen’s grandfather attended a special ceremony in Allen’s hometown of Jacksonville, Arkansas, which honored the American Idol 2009 Season Tour Winner, by updating the city’s welcome sign to read, “Welcome to Jacksonville, Boyhood Home of Kris Allen.”

Something truly appreciated were the efforts of Grober, Cilnis, and staff from the Verizon Alltel Arena who kindly made accommodations for me to attend the press hours in both Tulsa and North Little Rock and provided photo passes for our photographer at the shows in both venues.

As the American Idol 2009 Summer Tour rolls on through its 52 stop concert schedule, reviews for each venue the show has booked and played, have been overwhelming positive. Over and over, it’s been printed, this is one great summer concert and it is.

The 2009 American Idol Concert Tour Schedule is listed below for those interested in catching this season’s tour or a second performance of this highly coveted show. Tulsa Today was pleased to present the pre-concert exclusive of Allen, which published earlier in July. (See our entertainment section for the article or click here.)

Special thanks to all the 2009 American Idol finalists! One thing is for certain, nearly everyone in Tulsa was rocking on Friday night.

Remaining Tour Dates on the American Idol 2009 Summer Tour

July 24
Tulsa, OK
BOK Center

July 25
N. Little Rock, AR
Alltel Arena

July 26
Memphis, TN
FedExForum

July 28
Tampa, FL
St. Pete Times Forum

July 29
Sunrise, FL
BankAtlantic Center

July 31
Duluth, GA
Arena at Gwinnett Center

August 1
Charlotte, NC
Time Warner Cable Arena

August 2
Greensboro, NC
Greensboro Coliseum

August 4
Washington, DC
Verizon Center

August 5
Baltimore, MD
1st Mariner Arena

August 7
Atlantic City, NJ
Boardwalk Hall

August 8
Newark, NJ
Prudential Center

August 9
Newark, NJ
Prudential Center

August 11
Long Island, NY
Nassau Coliseum

August 12
Long Island, NY
Nassau Coliseum

August 14
Hamilton, ON
Copps Coliseum

August 15
Rochester, NY
BlueCross Arena

August 16
Hartford, CT
XL Center

August 18
Boston, MA TD
Banknorth Garden

August 19
Albany, NY
Times Union Center

August 20
Philadelphia, PA
Wachovia Center

August 22
Pittsburgh, PA
Mellon Arena

August 23
Cleveland, OH
Wolstein Center

August 25
Columbus, OH
Schottenstein Center

August 26
Auburn Hills, MI
Palace at Auburn Hills

August 28
Milwaukee, WI
Bradley Center

August 29
St. Louis, MO
Scottrade Center

August 30
Kansas City, MO
Sprint Center

September 1
Minneapolis, MN
Target Center

September 2
Rosemont, IL
Allstate Arena

September 4
Madison, WI
Alliant Energy Center

September 5
Indianapolis, IN
Conseco Fieldhouse

September 6
Grand Rapids, MI
Van Andel Arena

September 8
Reading, PA
Sovereign Center

September 9
Wilkes Barre, PA
Wachovia Arena

September 10
Bridgeport, CT
Arena at Harbor Yard

September 12
Portland, ME
Cumberland County Civic Center

September 13
Providence, RI
Dunkin’ Donuts Center

September 14
Syracuse, NY
War Memorial at OnCenter

September 15
Manchester, NH
Verizon Wireless Arena