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PLUS INSIDE

All Things Pumpkin Thunder Food Review Gazedibles: Chai Casa Freddies Triumph of Nature

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 6 | O KG A Z E T T E . C O M

PLUS INSIDE

All Things Pumpkin Thunder Food Review Gazedibles: Chai Casa Freddies Triumph of Nature

COVER Pumpkin Cake at Paseo Grill. NEWS 4

CAMPAIGN LOAN GONE WILD

A DIFFERENT DIRECTION

ARGUS HAMILTON

CHICKEN FRIED NEWS

NONPROFIT - CITY CARE

TRUMP’S COMPLETE & TOTAL EMBARRASSMENT

EAT & DRINK 11

RUMBLE’S TUMMY

GAZEDIBLES

ALL THINGS PUMPKIN IN OKC

CASA FREDDY’S

SAKE

ARTS & CULTURE 19

ART - TRIUMPH OF NATURE

OKC HORSE SHOW CAPITAL

SEPARATION OF CHURCH & HATE

ART - VISUAL ARTS OVERVIEW

SPORTS 25

THUNDER’S ADAY MARA

HEALTH 27

HOSPICE WHYS & HOWS

FUN 28

OG PICKS

PUZZLES

ASTROLOGY

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A N A LYS I S

NEWS Campaign Loan Gone Wild!!! Mike Mazzei spent millions to win Oklahoma’s gubernatorial nomination. Now questions about the financing behind his campaign have attracted bipartisan attention. By Gazette Staff

Mike Mazzei has proven that money can buy plenty of political ads, but whether it can buy the Oklahoma governor’s mansion remains to be seen. The Republican gubernatorial nominee poured more than $11 million of personal loans into his campaign, an extraordinary spend that helped him defeat Attorney General Gentner Drummond by just over 2,000 votes in the August Republican runoff election. But the money behind the campaign has become a story of its own. Maria Guinnip of the The Oklahoman first reported that Mazzei pledged his business assets as collateral for a loan from Regent Bank, a Tulsa institution headed by Sean Kouplen, who served alongside Mazzei in Governor Kevin Stitt’s cabinet. A January financing statement identifies Mazzei’s ownership interests in Trinity Strategic Wealth, along with certain associated financial assets, as collateral. The publicly available documents do not disclose the bank’s loan amount, the loan’s interest rate or its repayment terms. Nor do they establish how much of Regent’s money, if any, ultimately financed Mazzei’s campaign. That’s an important distinction, but it hardly makes the unanswered questions disappear.

The $11 million question Mazzei’s campaign reported approximately $11.6 million of personal loans to his campaign by August, compared to $3 million loaned by Drummond. Those figures exclude outside contributions, although the reported number of outside contributions is a mere fraction of what Mazzei has possibly borrowed and ultimately loaned to his own campaign. Mazzei defended his financing to Oklahoma Voice, saying, “My wife and I thought it was a good investment.” Perhaps, but investing over $10 million to secure a job paying 4

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$147,000 per year invites some obvious questions. The most interesting question involves Trinity Strategic Wealth, the financial advisory business Mazzei pledged as collateral. Trinity operates as an independent registered investment advisory, sometimes known as an RIA. An RIA’s business is not easily valued and depends on recurring revenues, profitability and client retention. Mazzei is the majority owner of Trinity Wealth, as reported on its form ADV filing, which states he owns between 50-75% of the firm, alongside three other partners. For lenders, client contracts and regulatory restrictions can complicate their ability to sell or transfer ownership following a default on a loan with the RIA as collateral. What valuation did Regent assign Trinity, and how much rigor was exercised in doing so? What repayment capacity did the bank establish? And how would Mazzei’s departure to become Governor affect the firm and collateral? Also, were Mazzei’s partners duly informed and in agreement? What if they decide to leave Trinity and start their own firm, taking staff and client relationships with them?

A bipartisan concern On Oct. 15, Democratic state Representative Jared Deck called for scrutiny of Mazzei’s financing, sending letters to the FDIC, the Oklahoma Banking Commission and the Oklahoma Ethics Commission, while also calling for legislators to review campaign loan rules. Republican Representative Jonathan Wilk of Goldsby has independently proposed that the Ethics Commission review candidate loans or contributions exceeding $100,000. Wilk raised the issue months before Deck’s press conference on Oct. 15. His proposal has been added to the commission’s rulemaking agenda.

The concern is bipartisan: Should candidates be required to disclose more about the origins of extraordinarily large campaign loans? However, it goes farther than just this. Many political leaders and voters have expressed concerns about candidates self-funding their elections. Both Chip Keating and Jake Merrick were outspoken about this in a recent “Clowns Left Jokers Right” podcast, specific to Mazzei. Since then, Merrick has endorsed Mazzei and is rumored to be slated for a highlevel role in Mazzei’s administration. Mazzei’s campaign rejects suggestions of an active investigation. Spokesman Jahan Wilcox told Oklahoma Watch, “The truth is there is no legislative investigation, no FDIC review or Ethics Commission probe.” While requests for regulatory review are not findings of misconduct, any request would likely take weeks or months to result in an official investigation or review commencing, so Wilcox might have jumped the gun by saying there is no review or investigation. Maybe he should have added the word “yet” to the end of his quote.

He now faces Democrat Cyndi Munson on Nov. 3. Munson is getting exceedingly close to Mazzei in the polls, and both the Democratic and Republican Governor’s Associations are putting money into their respective candidate’s races, as they see a tight race. Cook’s Political Report recently re-ranked the race from “Solid Republican” to “Likely Republican” as well, recognition of a race becoming more competitive. Mazzei has demonstrated an ability to finance a campaign. Whether he can persuade voters to embrace his candidacy remains to be seen. Before Oklahoma hands him the keys to the governor’s desk, we deserve a clear understanding of the financing that paid for it. Mike Mazzei declined to meet or discuss this issue with Oklahoma Gazette. Sean Kouplen declined to answer questions about the campaign loan, citing privacy issues.

Sources: •

The Oklahoman-Maria Guinnip, Oct. 17, 2026

•

Oklahoma Watch-Paul Monies, Oct. 16, 2026

Can money buy the governor’s mansion?

•

Oklahoma Voice-Aug. 18, 2026

•

Associated Press-Aug. 25,

Mazzei spent more than $11 million to win a Republican nomination by 2,000 votes. That’s an expensive way to discover that half your own party would rather vote for somebody else.

•

2026 Cook Political Report-Oct. 13, 2026

OP-ED

A Different Direction After 52 years as a Republican, I believe Oklahoma needs change By Steven Agee

For 52 years, I was a Republican. I still believe in fiscal responsibility and the importance of effective government, but I’ve become increasingly at odds with the party I supported for most of my adult life. Eventually, the economic priorities—or lack thereof—of Republican leaders led me to become an Independent. Some of my disillusionment likely comes from my experience as an economist and businessman. I can’t help but see the opportunity costs in every shortsighted economic decision that Republicans have made. Whether you’re managing a household budget, running a business or governing a state, every dollar you spend in one place is a dollar that cannot be spent elsewhere. Consider President Trump’s war with Iran. Besides the fact that he promised the American people to keep us out of foreign wars, one estimate placed the military cost of the war at more than $890 million per day. For the federal government, money devoted to Iran cannot simultaneously be used elsewhere and we’re giving up the benefit those funds could have provided to improve Social Security’s finances, repair infrastructure or reduce the deficit. The war has also disrupted energy markets, driving up crude oil prices and raising the costs of gasoline, diesel and jet fuel. While oil companies are experiencing a massive increase in revenue, the American people are stuck with the stubborn bills. These higher prices don’t stop at the gas pump, of course. They work their way through the entire economy. Brown University’s Iran War Energy Cost

Tracker estimates that Americans have paid $138 billion in additional gasoline and diesel costs since the start of the war, amounting to more than $1,059 per household. Think of what every American household could do with that money as an alternative to higher prices. The timing is also particularly troubling. Not only have prices for working families continued to climb under Republican control of Congress and the White House, but social safety nets have also been slashed. Last year, Republicans in Congress passed what President Trump called the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which delivered substantial tax benefits to corporations and higher-income Americans while reducing federal spending on programs that support lowerincome households. Some of the largest oil companies in America reaped significant tax benefits. ExxonMobil reported $5.9 billion in immediate tax savings, ranking it second only to Apple as the nation’s largest corporate beneficiary of the GOP tax bill. Chevron and ConocoPhillips received $2.02 billion and $852 million in tax savings, respectively. Now, I don’t fault the oil and gas companies for the double boom of skyrocketing prices on top of lucrative new tax benefits. They didn’t create this war. But I do question the priorities of Republican leaders, like Congresswoman Stephanie Bice, who chose to provide substantial tax benefits to large corporations while reducing assistance to struggling Oklahoma families. Here in Oklahoma, the changes to SNAP and Medicaid that were supported by Bice have kicked 54,767 Oklahoma children off

Jena Nelson food assistance. Rural hospitals, many of which serve families working in the oil and gas industry, already operate on narrow financial margins. And thanks to Bice, will face additional uncertainty as healthcare funding changes take effect. Every federal budget is a statement of priorities. When we head to the polls this November, we should be asking if the priorities reflected by Republicans in Washington are the ones that best serve us here in Oklahoma. Republicans control Congress and the White House, and they have had ample opportunity to help lower costs (like they said they would) and build an economy that supports American workers. They’ve failed. All while adding $2 trillion to our national debt! I didn’t spend 52 years as a Republican only to abandon the principles that led me to support

the party in the first place. I still believe in fiscal responsibility and that our tax dollars should be spent as effectively and transparently as possible. That’s why I’ll be voting for Jena Nelson on Nov. 3.

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F E AT U R E

NEWS What I’m Seeing An eye on Oklahoma politics and comedy—but I repeat myself By Argus Hamilton

God bless the great state of Oklahoma and greetings from West Hollywood! Oklahoma’s election season is finally approaching the finish line. It’s been so ugly the Oklahoma Department of Tourism is changing its slogan to “Oklahoma is OK … Depending on who you ask.” Republican Mike Mazzei has campaigned hard to portray himself as both a fiscal conservative and still compassionate. His healthcare policy plan states that if you like your doctor, you may caddy for them on Wednesdays. Mazzei said he would run Oklahoma like a business, which is brave talk when the nation is $40 t rillion in debt . That ’s $40,000,000,000,000! America hasn’t been attacked by so many zeroes since Pearl Harbor. But don’t get me wrong, I’d run Oklahoma like a business too—waiting until

no one was looking and burning it down for the insurance money. Mazzei says he plans to make Oklahoma prosperous, but he cannot compete with the “Hamilton Plan,” which combines last summer’s heat with October’s rainfall. We will forget about marijuana, start growing cocoa bushes and start making some real money, especially with direct flights to Los Angeles! Cyndi Munson is running a surprisingly strong race, and she’s probably too young to know how federal judge Luther Bohanon ran all the southern Democrats over to the Republican Party with his school busing rulings in the 1960s. I have an idea for Cyndi to even the score. The night before the election, she should go on Tulsa TV and remind Republicans all over Little Dixie that it was Henry

Bellmon who lowered the Confederate flag at the state Capitol. This will assuredly cause her to carry Eastern Oklahoma on election day. The Oklahoma Freedom Caucus is proudly proclaiming its mission statement as standing for Liberty. They are like the national chapter, just without the sex scandals. It’s possible to take too many liberties with some people, especially with Flock cameras watching you. President Trump really enjoyed himself in Durant. I think he carried Oklahoma’s 77 counties all three times he ran for President. I just don’t understand why he has to speak behind bullet proof glass on stage. Just because he’s a New Yorker doesn’t mean he’s going to shoot somebody. Trump himself has been shot at so many times, you would

think he was the President of Death Row Records. Signing off for now, Oklahoma, it’s been great to be back with you. Hope to perform back there for you soon. I’m still in mourning over the football season my beloved alma mater is having. Only the Iranian missile program has suffered more interceptions this fall. My thanks to the Oklahoma Gazette and Red Center Media for bringing me back. Meanwhile, follow me on Instagram or catch my act live at The Comedy Store in West Hollywood. Instagram @argushamilton

Cheddar Late Than Never: An Election Night Party in OKC by Jory Blaney

Let’s Fix This hosts its third election-night event Nov. 3 at Tower Theatre in Oklahoma City, featuring games, comedy and cheesefueled dancing. The event will combine election coverage with a cheese rave, a dance party fueled by artisanal cheeses. Organizers say the event is intended to give attendees a place to gather and process election results. “With politics becoming more divisive, we’re offering this event as the antidote to high-stakes election anxiety,” said Andy Moore, CEO of Let’s Fix This. “Election night is always intense, so we wanted to take the edge off with music, dancing, friends and comfort food.” This year’s event marks the third time Let’s Fix This has hosted an election-night gathering. The organization is introducing the 6

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cheese rave for the first time, adding a new element to its combination of election coverage and live entertainment. The evening will follow a Tonight Show-style format, featuring Potts Family Foundation CEO and former state Senator AJ Griffin and entrepreneur and political creator Erika Lucas. The lineup also includes a magic performance by John Shack, and election trivia hosted by KOSU’s Graycen Wheeler. Musical performances will feature Kodey Prewitt and the Dirty Smelters, along with New York City-based DJ Daniela. Local restaurants will serve pizza, queso, ice cream and a large charcuterie board. Organizers say additional food options will be available for attendees who cannot eat dairy. The show begins at 6 p.m., with the cheese rave scheduled for 8 - 10 p.m.

Doors open at 5 p.m. at Tower Theatre, 425 NW 23rd St. Tickets cost $35 and are available at letsfixthis.org/electionnight. Founded in 2016, Let’s Fix This began as a grassroots effort to get more people involved in politics. The Oklahoma-based organization works to reduce barriers to civic participation and make government more accessible. Its mission is to bring people together across different perspectives to encourage engagement in government and strengthen democracy. More information is available at letsfixthis.org.

Craig Groeschel and Tim Tebow

Celebrity pastor Craig Groeschel and former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow made the news when podcaster extraordinaire and bane of at least one NBA owner Pablo Torre and Mother Jones magazine revealed that the two were accepting large speaking fees for their work with Life Surge, which we were surprised to learn is not the name of a Life.Church small group program, but is in fact a Christian leadership and wealth series of stadium events. Both evangelical leaders were apparently surprised to learn that Jesus did not charge 50,000 shekels for the Sermon on the Mount, and given the reporting that Life Surge encouraged attendees to spend well beyond their means for wealth training, including “paying for the courses by opening interest-free credit cards, taking out home equity loans, or even cashing in their 401Ks (per Mother Jones)” both men quickly canceled upcoming speaking engagements with Life Surge.

Swadley Free To Go

Brent Swadley, founder of the Swadley’s Bar-B-Q chain of restaurants, finally had to face the music for his six felony convictions in the State’s fraud case related to the now defunct Foggy Bottom Kitchens. Judge Cindy Truong handed down a devastating six-year suspended sentence, meaning after 144 days in county jail and a punch in the face, Swadley is free to go. He’ll have to do community service and repay $1.2 million plus a $50,000 fee, so basically a tithe on what he actually stole. We guess the message is if you steal enough, you’re a businessman.

Charter Schools

A federal judge has ruled that the Oklahoma Statewide Charter School Board cannot exclude religious schools from the charter program based on religious affiliation. According to reporting from KOKH Fox 25, “U.S. District Judge David L. Russell said the board cannot ‘single out religious schools for exclusion solely because of their religious character.’” The ruling was in reference to Ben Gamla Jewish Charter School, but the Supreme Court of the U.S. declined in May 2025 to overturn an Oklahoma Supreme Court ruling that proposed Catholic charter school St. Isidore not receive a charter, closing the door at least temporarily for religious charter schools in the U.S. Supporters of Ben Gamla are arguing that the religious character should not exclude the school from the program, and we’re excited to see what happens when the Satanic Temple or a local Wiccan coven decides to apply for a charter under the same auspices.

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F E AT U R E

NON-PROFIT FOCUS North Star

For 30 years, City Care has filled gaps in Oklahoma City’s safety net while challenging the systems that leave neighbors without homes. By Julie Porter Scott

Before City Care formally organized in 1996, a group of friends gathered weekly at a downtown church to serve pancake breakfasts to people experiencing homelessness. The pancakes were an invitation to connection, a weekly reminder that their neighbors were not forgotten. When the 1995 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building destroyed some of the transitional housing downtown, the volunteers watched friends lose their homes. “Because of that proximity and friendship, they had a very visceral response to that housing being destroyed,” said Rachel Freeman, president and CEO of City Care. “And so they formalized around the idea of replacing it for their friends who were living outside.” Since then, City Care has responded to the immediate needs of people experiencing homelessness while continually asking two bigger questions: Why are people falling into homelessness in the

work, build skills or increase their earning potential. Finally, the organization continues to provide support after someone is housed, especially when another crisis threatens their Rachel Freeman, president and CEO of City Care. stability. Credit: Madi Rae Jones Transitional housing has also rose 71% from 2022 to 2025. been part of the mission since “It’s not that families and 2001, when City Care opened its seniors just have decided they first 60 transitional housing units want to be homeless,” Freeman at the Pershing Center. said. “This is an affordability The need continues to grow and issue, which is a systems change. In 2025, more than 5,000 problem.” people experienced homelessness City Care’s experience operatin Oklahoma City, more than ing the Homeless Alliance’s day 4,000 of them for the first time. shelter revealed another gap in The number of seniors experienc- OKC’s safety net: people who ing homelessness increased 35% couldn’t access existing overfrom 2024 to 2025, while the night shelters. “We opened our number of families with children first night shelter in 2021, and we were full on night three, and we’ve been full ever since.” The shelter serves 140 people per night, accommodates pets and keeps families together. Its defining feature is a low-barrier approach. “We have designed our built environment and our service delivery with the lived experience in mind—so that any reason that we can eliminate for you to stay outside, we are eliminating that,” said Freeman. Guests can bring their belongings, and sobriety is not a prerequisite for entry. Removing those obstacles means fewer reasons for someone to remain outside. Another troubling gap became apparent as City Care encountered people discharged from hospitals directly into homelessness. Freeman recalls finding a man living in an encampment in Family suites at City Care’s OKC Night Shelter allow families to stay together overnight. Credit: Madi Rae Jones the August heat, still wearing his

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first place, and what gaps in the system allow them to remain there? Today, housing navigation is central to City Care’s approach. “That starts with trust and rapport, and then it is this very methodical and linear process,” explained Freeman. Once someone enters the housingnavigation process, City Care helps them secure stable housing in an average of 45 days. Housing navigators help guests identify and overcome the barriers standing between them and stable housing. Someone fleeing domestic violence may need to replace their identification before they can sign a lease, or an existing balance may make it hard to start new utilities. Navigators work through these barriers until the person can move into stable housing. Navigators also provide employment assistance, which may include helping someone find

hospital identification bracelet and suffering from a serious open wound. His circumstances illustrate a painful reality: Patients may be medically stable enough for discharge but have nowhere safe to recover. City Care’s response is a planned 40-bed medical respite facility, funded through a $10.1 million capital campaign completed in October. With construction slated to begin in the coming months, the purpose-built space will offer a safe place to recuperate after hospitalization while housing navigators work to prevent a return to homelessness. “The idea is that there will now be a warm handoff, and they won’t be discharged to the street. They’ll be discharged to our care so that we can continue their recuperation and also work on that housing plan,” Freeman said. Supported by a knowledgeable staff, an engaged board and a gen-

erous donor base, City Care has the flexibility to identify gaps in the homeless response system and pursue new solutions. Freeman hopes City Care’s work ultimately inspires a broader understanding of community responsibility. “Homelessness is not an isolated phenomenon. It’s a predictable result of stagnant wages and lack of affordable housing,” she said. “And that is City Care’s North Star. We’re providing that safety net that people need right now because we care about our neighbors, but we have to lift our gaze. “We have a responsibility to each other; we belong to each other.” For more information about City Care, visit citycare.org.

City Care’s Mobile Outreach & Engagement shuttle helps connect people experiencing homelessness with services and support. Credit: Madi Rae Jones O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 6

OP-ED

NEWS Trump’s Complete and Total Embarrassment By Drew Williamson

Donald Trump has endorsed some real winners over the years, and some spectacular losers. Oklahoma’s Mike Mazzei is making a serious run at joining the latter category. Mazzei wants Oklahomans to believe he’s a financial genius, a principled conservative and a man whose Christian faith guides his every decision. Let’s examine the evidence. First, there’s the money. Mazzei has poured more than $11 million into his own campaign, including financing via a loan from Regent Bank and using his Trinity wealth management business as collateral. Regent CEO Sean Kouplen served alongside Mazzei in Governor Stitt’s administration and has endorsed him. Nothing suspicious about that, right? Apparently, Oklahoma’s next Governor is so financially sophisticated he needs a multimillion-dollar bank loan to convince voters he’s fiscally responsible. The arrangement has prompted calls for regulatory scrutiny. Mazzei could clear up plenty of questions by disclosing the loan terms. Instead, we are left wondering how he will repay this without selling his business, which seems to be the only plausible way to come up with so much money, as this amount has never been raised in Oklahoma by any individual candidate. Then there’s the Inola smelter. Mazzei originally expressed serious concerns about foreign ownership and taxpayer subsidies, positions shared by his Republican opponents in the GOP primary. Then, literally hours before President Trump endorsed Mazzei, he put out a post on X singing the smelter’s praises as being exactly what the economic doctor ordered for Oklahoma. Suddenly, the smelter was a wonderful idea.

Enter Roger Stone, Trump’s longtime political operative, whose associated firm received $67,500 from Mazzei’s campaign. Did Stone arrange the endorsement? Was supporting the smelter the price Mazzei had to pay for Trump’s seal of approval? We don’t know, but the timing of these events was remarkable and the dots seem to all be connected. Mazzei’s tax plan is another masterpiece of political fiction. Eliminate the state income tax! Abolish property taxes for seniors and veterans! Everbody gets a tax cut! But how does he pay for it, or get this through the legislature? Minor details we get to worry about later … For a former state budget secretary, you would think he could explain this to voters. Then there’s his personal testimony. Mazzei has publicly discussed his struggles with opioids on an appearance of Trinity Broadcasting Network’s “Praise,” where he discussed entering a rehabilitation program following a 2008 car accident. More recently, he sings a very different tune. In an interview with local influencer Rachel Ackerman, he said opioids made him very sick, so he “quickly” came to rely on his faith and scripture, with no mention of a “medically supervised” program to get off opioids. Faith and recovery are things to celebrate, but voters might reasonably wonder why his story seems to change, depending on who’s listening. During the runoff election, Mazzei offered results from a negative urine test, but declined to take a longer-window hair follicle drug test, which would show drug usage over a 90-day period vs 48-72 hours from a simple urine test.

Then there’s an interesting detail from Mazzei’s accident litigation, where Noel Mazzei filed a “loss of consortium” claim, asserting the accident had damaged their marital relationship. One would think a strong Christian marriage would draw strength from their faith during a period of illness or medical hardship, but maybe it was also an opportunistic way to get paid. This claim and lawsuit that included claims for emotional distress were either settled or dropped altogether, as they went away after opposing counsel requested sensitive records from pharmacies and information from a mental health clinic. Filing a claim is perfectly legal and dropping or settling a case proves nothing improper, but it’s a curious footnote to the story Mazzei tells on the campaign trail. While Oklahoma voters deserve some semblance of truth, they will likely never get it, as the information around this case has been made inaccessible by the court, presumably because Mazzei was a member of the state Legislature at the time. Contemporary reports from the time of his accident also indicated Mazzei was missing much of his state senator responsibilities due to a herniated disc, as opposed to Mazzei referring to his “broken spinal

complex” in campaign interviews and speeches. What in the heck is a “broken spinal complex?” I’ve asked a few surgeons and nobody knows … Perhaps there’s a perfectly reasonable medical explanation. A little consistency would be nice, and Oklahomans would probably like to know the truth about Mazzei’s health and history. Which brings us back to Trump. He had an opportunity to endorse a credible conservative with a coherent governing philosophy. Instead Oklahoma’s next Governor is bought and paid for with borrowed money and an endorsement of a smelter, which is directly tied to a UAE sheikh who is directly tied to the President’s cryptocurrency business. Trump may be the world’s greatest salesman, but even he can’t make Mazzei look great. And if Oklahoma’s voters have been paying attention, Trump’s “complete and total” endorsement may become his complete and total embarrassment. Drew Williamson is a Partner with Red Center Media-Oklahoma Gazette and served as Trustee of Teachers Retirement System-Oklahoma from 2019-2023.

Drew Williamson 10

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F E AT U R E

EAT & DRINK

Rumble’s Tummy It’s always been fun to be a Thunder fan, but for foodies, the team’s 19th season promises the best bites yet. By Julie Porter Scott

When the Oklahoma City Thunder hosted the first home game of the 2026-27 season on Thursday, Oct. 22, guests at Paycom Center had more than basketball to look forward to. This season’s food and beverage offerings are rooted in Oklahoma traditions and reflect just how far Oklahoma City’s food scene has come over the last two decades. As a diehard Thunder fan, I was delighted to have a courtside seat to tuck into this season’s menu during a recent media preview. The food and beverage program at Paycom Center is managed by Levy, a national hospitality company that operates locally under the name Loud City Hospitality. Levy has overseen premium dining at the arena since 2009 and expanded its role to include all concessions in 2023. The Thunder recently announced that Levy will continue as the food and beverage partner at the new Continental Coliseum, scheduled to open in 2028. Tip off with the birria nachos. Forget the stadium nachos of yore: These got an upgrade with house-

made kettle chips, queso blanco, pickled red onions, lime and cotija. These nachos put that radioactive cheese sauce firmly in the rearview mirror. They were also served in the cutest little carrier. Before you judge me for calling it cute, all the guys at our table agreed. Find them in CompSource Commons (formerly Jack Daniel’s Old No. 1). Along those lines, the street corn salad is a perfect snack, especially for fans craving something fresh. The combination of sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, Fresno chiles, burrata and cotija with aji verde dressing is an MVP. It’s a treat that isn’t also a gut bomb, just a starchy, satisfying salad. A similar recipe made the rounds this summer, at least on my yummy mummy algo. It’s good to have gameday food that doesn’t destroy the week’s calorie budget. Sadly, this dish is only available in the suites, so let me know if anyone with suite seats is looking for a new friend who happens to be a food writer. On the other end of the caloric spectrum, we tried the chicken fried

The bologna panini features Oklahoma-made Seikel mustard and Head Country Bar-B-Q sauce. Find it in Sections 113 and 312. Credit: Julie Porter Scott 11

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The chicken fried steak sandwich at Hochatown Stillhouse features blackpepper gravy, crispy tobacco onions and bread-and-butter pickles. Credit: Julie Porter Scott

steak sandwich, available at Hochatown Stillhouse. Few things say Oklahoma quite like chicken fried steak, and Paycom Center’s version tucks the comfort-food classic into a brioche bun with black pepper gravy, crispy tobacco onions and bread-andbutter pickles. This was rich and substantial, and although I’ve never even thought about “crispy tobacco onions,” you can bet your bottom dollar I’ll be figuring that recipe out ahead of the impending green-bean casserole season. The buffalo chicken dip was delicious, and it seems like a perfect fit for arena eats. The creamy, garlicky chicken dip is paired with housemade kettle chips. Easy to share, and rich enough that you’d be smart to split with a seatmate. Find this in CompSource Commons. My favorite item of the evening absolutely shocked me. The struggle meals of my childhood made me swear off bologna long ago, so I was reluctant to even try the bologna panini. But I’m also a Made in Oklahoma girlie, so I opted to sample the selection, made with Seikel mustard, slaw and Head Country Bar-B-Q sauce. It was absolutely perfect, a

delightful blend of flavors and textures and a welcome departure from the standard chicken, beef or turkey. I would be hard-pressed to order anything other than this the next time I’m at a game, so look for me in Sections 113 and 312. In addition to the selections provided by the team at Loud City Hospitality, we also enjoyed some items by local partner restaurants. Eddie’s will serve its famous wings, but my standout was Eddie’s Cajun pasta. It was flavorful and filling, with just the right amount of spice. Empire Slice House is back with those massive thin-crust slices you know and love, and Boomarang Diner is always a reliable pick for kid-friendly fare. One final note: The simple, salty pretzels from Perfect Pretzel truly live up to their moniker. No notes, no qualifiers. Especially if you’re ballin’ on a budget, you learn to be happy with a pretzel and a drink. It’s standard game-day fare for my family, and as some famous figure probably said, you only regret the pretzels you don’t eat.

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GAZEDIBLES

EAT & DRINK

“Chai These” By Hope Whitmire

As overcast days pick up frequency and layers of clothing begin to increase, that regular drip coffee or cappuccino is feeling less and less festive. The combined flavors of chai, cinnamon and clove are a perfect fit for settling into the season while simultaneously scratching that caffeine itch. Whether plain, dirty, traditional or trendy, OKC has a range of options for you to chai.

Toast & Coffee

“Chumpkin” Latte Chai & Pumpkin Tucked aside at the entrance to Jefferson Park, Toast & Coffee greets sleepy neighborhood regulars. The shop emulates a 1970s living room with vintage-looking furniture and a warm color scheme of burnt orange, brown and yellow racing across the walls. Its “Chumpkin” Latte (chai and pumpkin) pairs well with the open-faced specialties, most of all the seasonal “pot roast” toast.

okgazette.com

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Classen Coffee Company

Taj Cuisine of india

Classen Coffee has been a staple for students and remote workers since opening in 2017. For the extra sluggish mornings, when last night’s thunderstorm rolls into dawn, the double shot of KLLR Coffee espresso beans is a necessary addition into the regular chai latte. The sweet spice of cinnamon followed by a slight bite of espresso is a siren call, the only thing more appealing than hitting “snooze” for the third time.

Taj is a well-known and well-loved restaurant near the Asian District of OKC, serving up hot and fresh Indian food buffet-style. Its selection of rich, flavorful curries will welcome any Indian food beginner with warm and open arms. The guests have no choice but to pile their plate up high and still go back for seconds. After an impressive high pour from the kettle, the masala chai is just as irresistible as the food. Once the smell of cardamom wafts up, even a scalded tongue won’t stop your constant sipping.

Dirty Chai Latte

Hot Masala Chai

Cafe Antigua

Kebabish Bites

HQ Coffee + Matcha

Masala Chai

Kabocha Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte

One of OKC’s favorite brunch spots is the family-run Guatemalan restaurant Cafe Antigua. The environment welcomes guests into a charming dining experience sealed with the friendliness of customer service while sustaining the hustle and bustle of one of OKC’s favorites. You can basically throw a dart at the menu and be more than satisfied. The dirty vanilla chai, almost too stunning to drink, is sweet with a dash of spice dancing behind the vanilla. You’re bound to finish your beverage and meal feeling cozier but heavier with each step leaving the restaurant.

This Norman restaurant focuses on the harmonious merge of soulful Punjab cuisine and global influences. Kebabish Bites is a peaceful dining experience decorated in a fusion of mid-century lighting and an abundance of greenery. Abandon the frills of latte art and sweetness when tasting its masala chai; this tea is the most distinctive on the list as the spices take full uninhibited control. Leave the sugar packets in their caddy and enjoy the ride of cinnamon, ginger and clove.

A newer addition also in the Asian District, HQ Coffee + Matcha is an Asianinspired coffee and tea drive-thru and walk-up spot that swiftly made its way into many neighbors’ morning routines with its specialty flavors. One of its fall features is the Kabocha Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte, a unique take on the commonly deemed “basic” drink, the PSL.

Hot Dirty Vanilla Chai

Gold Dome Coffee Stop Moneyball Chai

This drive-thru has made quite a reputation as it never falls short on creative out-of-the-box beverages. With any of its special combinations, you can sub out espresso or tea to fit your fancy. The most complementary toward the flavors of chai would be the Moneyball with chai as the base. This includes peanut butter, banana, honey and maple in addition to the tea. If you’re anything like me, who used to eat peanut butter out of the jar, you will go to sleep dreaming of this drink.

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EAT & DRINK

All Things Pumpkin in OKC By Greg Horton

The official beginning of fall used to be the fall equinox, but since 2004, when Starbucks rolled out their version of the pumpkin spice latte nationwide, the frothy beverage is now the true harbinger of cooler weather, football and sweater season. Clarity Coffee was the first local coffee shop to offer an elevated version in the Oklahoma City metro area, using regionally sourced fresh pumpkin to make their syrup, which they still do. While pumpkin is typically associated with Halloween and Thanksgiving, there is no reason not to have it all season, especially given how delicious the options on the list below are. Coffees & Breakfast Aurora, a hot spot in the Plaza District, kicks off fall with pumpkin waffles or pancakes every year, and this is a waffle year. Their waffles are served with cream cheese icing and candied pecans for a creamy-meets-crunchy texture, making for deeply satisfying comfort food. Plus, their cinnamon rolls are a must-try at any hour of the day, and the fall specialties with

pumpkin make them extra appealing. As noted above, Clarity Coffee has been serving a pumpkin spice latte using locally grown pumpkin for several years now. This year they’re also offering a delicious riff of the flavor in the form of a pumpkin spice mocha latte, which tastes like a chocolate-covered pumpkin pie. Mezzo Bakeshop offers a cold weather indulgence in the form of a Fireside Cold Brew, with their house roast in a brown sugar cold brew, topped with pumpkin cold foam and cinnamon. The Adult Beverages The Angry Scotsman is your source for tasty pumpkin beers again this year in OKC. They often make interesting styles work well, like this fall with their Fall Back Pumpkin, a dark wheat beer that’s quaffable in warm or cold weather. New takes on espresso martinis are a popular way to get pumpkin spice on the bar menu, and Aurora has a pumpkin espresso martini with Rumchata to amp up the creamy, boozy profile. It’s available at brunch, lunch and dinner, so you

Boom Town Creamery. Photo provided by VisitOKC.com.

get to decide when to enjoy their festive cocktail creation. The Hamilton has long made one of Oklahoma City’s best espresso martinis, so it’s no surprise to see them add The Witching Hour to their fall martini menu – yes, they have a whole section of espresso martinis. The Witching Hour features chai vanilla bourbon with Kahlua, ancho chile liqueur and pumpkin syrup with freshly brewed espresso. The Sweets Boom Town Creamery released their pumpkin cheesecake ice cream in early October, and it sold out quickly. Fortunately, Chef

Mezzo Bakeshop. Photo provided by VisitOKC.com. 14

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Kayli Bartinicki is whipping up another batch! So, if you missed it the first time, you can grab a cone, scoop, shake or pint at any of their locations. They make it with Biscoff crumbles in the house-made pumpkin cheesecake base, so it never leans too sweet. Holey Rollers is tucked inside 30th Street Market just off The Paseo District, and both have pumpkin choices for the season. Holey Rollers has their vegan pumpkin pie donut, filled with spiced pumpkin puree and topped with vegan whipped cream. The pastry case at 30th Street Market has gluten-free chocolate-pumpkin financiers and a pumpkin-pecan pie danish. Mezzo Bakeshop has more than pumpkin coffee-- including their Pumpkin White Chocolate Torte Caprese, a flourless almond torte with white chocolate and pumpkin spice. The added good news is that it’s gluten friendly. OKC Sweets features the delicious work of chef and owner Stefanie Embree, who single-handedly elevated OKC’s food profile last year when she won the inaugural season of Gordon Ramsay’s “Next Level Baker.” Her Western Avenue shop is always stocked with rows of temptation, and for the fall, she’s offering pumpkin spice macarons and pumpkin cupcakes. One thing there is never enough of every fall – pumpkin rolls, but Picasso Cafe has us covered. Their rolls are made with pumpkin spice sponge cake, cream cheese frosting, candied pecans and whipped cream, all topped with a drizzle of caramel for a magical fall treat. Pie Junkie has a few nods to pumpkin --they always have their

take-and-bake pumpkin pie, but you can also grab a six-inch pumpkin crumble “Cutie Pie.” It’s spiced pumpkin filling in a flaky crust, topped with their brown sugar and oat crumble. And you might as well grab a pumpkin whoopie pie (or a dozen) while you’re there. Quincy Bakeshop has a small storefront and bakery on NW 11th St. Chef Tricia O’Donoghue keeps the selection small for the fall season, including ridiculously delicious pumpkin cookies as well as pumpkin crumb cake (perfect with coffee!) and a pumpkin cinnamon roll that has us wondering why we can’t have pumpkin cinnamon rolls yearround. Spark, the popular burger joint from Social Order Dining Collective, changes up their featured custard every month. In October, they’re featuring pumpkin chai custard, which you can get in a cup, cone or shake, and if you want a side-by-side tasting, might as well grab the shake of the month too: the flavor is pumpkin pie. Shannon Roper is the co-founder of Sunnyside Bakery, which delivers their traditional pumpkin pie to all their Sunnyside Diner locations plus Classen Grill. It’s a very traditional take on pumpkin pie, and like everything else coming for their bakery, it’s excellent. Tuckers, the local onion burger concept from A Good Egg Dining, is also getting in on pumpkin shake action, and why not? Burgers and shakes are the perfect pairing. For the season, they have a pumpkin spice shake, and if you choose to dip your fries “frosty style,” we’re not here to judge. Harvey Bakery’s croissant of the month for October is the pumpkin pie croissant, made with pumpkin frangipane and rum syrup with a cinnamon glaze, all topped with candied pepitas. This one ends on Halloween, so you’ll need to get in there soon! Paseo Grill brings back their pumpkin cake every year in the fall, and once you have it, you’ll wish they offered it in every season. It’s a brown sugar pumpkin cake, served with cinnamon ice cream and drizzled with caramel. It’s a shareable size, too! Whether you’re sipping it, scooping it, slicing it or pairing it with fries, pumpkin season in OKC clearly has more than enough treats to keep fall delicious from the first latte to the last bite.

Quincy Bakeshop Photo provided by VisitOKC.com.

The Anrgy Scotsman. Photo provided by VisitOKC.com. O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 6

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EAT & DRINK

Something Special From breakfast favorites to traditional Mexican specialties, Casa Freddy’s offers something for everyone in a surprisingly sophisticated setting. By Julie Porter Scott

There’s something particularly satisfying about discovering a restaurant that pleases everyone at the table. The person craving breakfast, the one who always orders enchiladas and the devoted taco enthusiast can all find exactly what they’re looking for. Better still, they can enjoy it in a setting that feels like a special occasion without requiring one. That’s the appeal of Casa Freddy’s Cocina Mexicana, a charming restaurant on North Portland Avenue with an expansive menu of Mexican favorites and a surprisingly sophisticated space. The restaurant has humble beginnings: Freddy originally ran a food truck here, building a loyal following that encouraged him to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant. Eventually, he took their advice and

transformed the site into a permanent home for his cooking. And what a transformation it is. From the outside, Casa Freddy’s has a handsome stone-and-brick facade and a patio furnished with wooden picnic tables and umbrellas. Inside, the compact restaurant feels more like Mexico City than Oklahoma City. Windows flood the space with natural light, while warm wood ceilings, exposed brick, pendant lighting and abundant greenery create a contemporary, welcoming atmosphere. Potted cacti and trailing plants fill wooden shelves, while framed photographs of Mexico lend personality to the space. It’s the sort of place where you could comfortably linger over lunch with friends or bring the whole family for dinner. The menu is equally inviting,

Tacos al pastor, made with marinated pork topped with cilantro and onions, served with rice and beans. Credit: Julie Porter Scott

though its sheer size might require a few minutes of study. Breakfast is a substantial affair, with everything from huevos a la Mexicana and breakfast burritos to chilaquiles, hot cakes and migas. Traditional favorites include tacos, enchiladas, quesadillas and tortas,

but there’s also an impressive selection of dishes that venture beyond the usual Mexican restaurant offerings. Handmade corn tortillas feature prominently in quecas, gorditas, sopes and tlacoyos. Diners can choose from a variety of meats and guisos, including pork simmered in green tomatillo sauce, steak with potatoes or chicken in chipotle sauce. More adventurous eaters will appreciate options like huitlacoche, squash blossoms and nopalitos. In other words, there’s plenty to explore, whether you’re inclined to stick with your favorites or try something entirely new. Since I was dining with my family, we stuck to the hits. The migas at Freddy’s are scrambled eggs mixed with pieces of tortilla, tomatoes, onions and jalapeños. Served alongside refried beans and seasoned potatoes, it was a hearty, satisfying breakfast. I enjoyed the tortilla’s bite alongside the fluffy eggs. The potatoes and beans made it a substantial meal. The green chicken enchiladas were another hit. Rolled tortillas filled with chicken were blanketed in green sauce, crema and a generous layer of cheese, then finished with fresh vegetables and bright pink pickled onions. Served with rice and beans, the dish was as colorful as it was appealing, with fresh toppings Once home to Freddy’s food truck, this spot on North Portland Avenue now welcomes diners to Casa Freddy’s Cocina Mexicana. providing a lively contrast to the enCredit: Julie Porter Scott

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EAT & DRINK chiladas’ richness. For the taco traditionalist, the al pastor delivered: marinated pork layered into handmade corn tortillas, topped with cilantro and chopped onions and served with lime wedges. We ordered this as a platter, which made for another filling plate. They also serve them individually for $2.75 each, and when I come back, that’s what I’ll do. We left a lot of beans and rice on the table, but there’s a smarter way to order when sharing. I’ve always loved the simplicity of a street taco, and these did not disappoint. A basket of tortilla chips and salsa rounded out the table, and we also loved the agua de pepino margarita. Made with cucumber, lime, agave and tequila, it was one of the most refreshing margaritas I’ve ever had. I will definitely be trying these at home, but I’ll add a Tajín rim and some jalapeño or try making them with mezcal.

Everyone genuinely loved what they ordered, and there is still so much more to explore. Casa Freddy’s offers familiar comfort foods alongside more traditional and distinctive preparations without making either feel like an afterthought. And while the menu is extensive, the atmosphere remains intimate. The relatively small dining room, thoughtful design and casual, attentive hospitality create a welcome contrast to the sprawling menus and cavernous dining rooms found at many Mexican restaurants. Whether you’re stopping in for breakfast, meeting friends for margaritas or gathering a group with wildly different ideas about what sounds good for dinner, Casa Freddy’s makes it easy to find common ground. And there’s a good chance everyone will leave happy.

Pictured: Freddy. Encouraged by loyal food truck customers, Freddy opened his restaurant in the same location where he once served food from his truck. Credit: Julie Porter Scott

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EAT & DRINK

Beyond Hot Sake Exploring Oklahoma City’s Growing Sake Scene By James Biscone

For a lot of Americans, their first experience with sake probably looked something like this: a small ceramic carafe arrives at the table of a neighborhood sushi restaurant, steaming hot, accompanied by tiny cups. There is nothing wrong with that. But there is a whole lot more out there. “They’re missing out on sake’s premium category, which, when explored, can really hit notes of the fine wine world,” said Melissa Hoffman, who represents BŌKEN Sake, an award-winning portfolio assembled from historic Japanese breweries. And Oklahoma City is becoming a pretty good place to explore it. Restaurants like Awaji Izakaya, Kaizume and AKAI Sushi have developed sake programs that give diners an opportunity to move beyond the familiar hot pour and discover just how varied sake can be. Jesse Way has watched that evolution firsthand. An OKC native and sales manager for Thirst Wine Merchants, Way works directly with restaurants and their staffs on sake and other beverages. “We always have our big standbys—Sushi Bar, Sushi Neko, Tokyo—places that have been around forever,” Way said. But as Oklahoma City’s restaurant scene has expanded, so have its diners’ tastes. “People are getting a little bit more adventurous with what they’re drinking,” Way said, “not just going straight for hot sake and calling it a day.” Part of the challenge is simply knowing where to begin. Wine drinkers recognize terms like Chardonnay, Cabernet and Pinot Noir. Sake comes with its own vocabulary words—junmai, ginjo and daiginjo among them—that can make a menu intimidating to someone encountering it for the first time. “There’s always some trepidation for people who haven’t really

delved into sake before,” Way said. “There’s kind of a barrier of knowledge.” Good restaurants can break down that barrier. Way estimates he has conducted more than 20 restaurant staff trainings in the past year, allowing servers and bartenders to taste different styles side by side and learn how to explain them to customers. “That service aspect is huge,” he said. Hoffman agrees. She said two of the most important parts of a good sake program are “the education of the person at the helm,” and a selection diverse enough for customers to experience the differences among styles. She said perhaps the biggest misconception about sake is that “it is restricted to being consumed with Japanese or other Asian cuisine.” BŌKEN deliberately challenges that assumption. Its bottles suggest pairings including lobster rolls, cheeseburgers and oysters. “The more consumers can connect one side of the bridge to the other with wine,” Hoffman said, “the more likelihood that they’ll be open to new experiences.” That philosophy has even put BŌKEN on the beverage list at MAHT, Chef Kevin Lee’s modern American steakhouse on NW 23rd Street. Its Korean-influenced menu demonstrates sake’s ability to travel beyond the cuisine with which many Americans traditionally associate it. But for diners who do want to explore sake alongside Japanese food, Oklahoma City offers several excellent places to start. At Awaji Izakaya, 12305 N. Rockwell Ave., Chef Richard Ly pairs an extensive sake selection with sushi, sashimi, yakitori, noodles, tempura and other dishes in the spirit of a Japanese izakaya, where food and drinks are meant to be enjoyed together. Then there is Kaizume, 1501 NW

23rd St., a modern seafood restaurant inspired by Japanese craft and hospitality. Its seafood-forward menu provides another opportunity to treat sake less like a novelty and more like wine: something selected in part because of what is on the plate. At AKAI Sushi in the Wheeler District, Way points to a staff capable of helping diners pair sake with their meal, whether they are eating fatty tuna, lighter fish or a heavier cooked dish. “They do a good job of starting to pair sake with the meals themselves and educating their staff to give people better recommendations,” Way said. For someone who knows virtually nothing about sake, Way’s advice is simple: Start light and crisp, try it chilled and consider ordering a few glasses rather than committing to a bottle.

“I think that’s one of the best ways to learn about sake,” Way said. “Try two or three different styles right next to each other, so you can really see the nuance and the difference between them.” Better yet, ask for help. Tell the server what you normally drink and what you are eating, then ask what they recommend. And if your only experience with sake is that little steaming carafe that arrived next to your sushi years ago, don’t worry. Nobody is taking it away. There is simply a much bigger world sitting behind it. As Way put it: “Go try something new. You just might like it.” James Biscone is a native Oklahoman, attorney and author. He is a contributing writer to the Oklahoma

BŌKEN Sake 18

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F E AT U R E

ARTS & CULTURE The Old New Style

A cult of beauty arrives to OKCMOA in Triumph of Nature By Hope Whitmire

The Chrysler Museum of Art’s collection explores a movement that challenged tradition through organic forms, intricate craftsmanship and a celebration of nature. The Triumph of Nature: Art Nouveau from the Chrysler Museum of Art will be on view at the Oklahoma City Museum of Art from Oct. 31 to Jan. 24, 2027. The traveling exhibition brings together 127 works, including paintings, prints, jewelry and furniture, exploring a movement that transforms everyday objects into expressions of exuberant natural beauty. Art Nouveau was a French movement that spanned from 1890 to 1914, ending right before the first World War. Though it has often been overshadowed by the movements that preceded and followed it, the exhibition offers an opportunity to reconsider Art Nouveau’s influence and the radical ideas behind its beauty. The collection of an often-forgotten art movement being featured in a “flyover” state that frequently gets left out of national conversations about creative works is swirling in serendipity. Lloyd DeWitt served as Irene

chief curator who developed The Triumph of Nature; he now works as the Janet and Richard Geary Curator of European and American Art at the Portland Art Museum. “I think of it as a cult of beauty and a return to nature,” he said. “It’s very bold art that really looks outside of the Western tradition and also tries to push the limits of materials.” DeWitt went on to describe the style: “It’s a very feminine kind of luxurious version of nature that really explores the sense of form and shapes that are gentle and undulating.” The movement was a response to classicism; the rigid structure of Greek and Roman architecture had worn thin and artists desired something more daring. “It broke a lot of rules, and that bothered people, but they couldn’t put a finger on why they were bothered by it, because it was so seductive,” said DeWitt. Art Nouveau was not confined to paintings on a wall; it extended into furniture, glass, interiors and decorative objects. The result was a style that could feel simultaneously delicate and daring. The designers

conventional expectations of structure and form. DeWitt explained how the movement sought to transform everyday surroundings: “It’s about creating a total environment for you to live in, where everything is beautiful, and everything is inspired by nature.” That combination of beauty and rebellion is central to the movement’s appeal. Its elaborate, laborintensive craftsmanship also made many pieces expensive to produce. The height of the movement eventually ended as WWI began and the whimsical fantastical Art Nouveau bubble had burst. The wonderful escapist world the movement built didn’t make sense anymore in a brutal period. The works come from the son of the automobile magnate Walter P. Chrysler Sr., Walter P. Chrysler Jr. and wife Jean Chrysler’s home. Their collection deviated severely from the aesthetic they were so closely associated with, as the Chrysler Building was such an architectural hallmark for the more structural style of Art Deco. This collection highlights the personal perspective of a generational shift in taste and desire. For DeWitt, the contrast raises questions about Walter Jr.’s desire to establish an identity distinct from his father’s. While much of the couple’s art collection was assembled for public exhibition, the Art Nouveau pieces resided in their home, representing their private rebellious taste. After WWII, in a time when mid-century modern was in fashion, Walter Jr. found the value in Art Nouveau. Amazing pieces were of little cost because they were so out of style. The couple always had the mindset of completing a comprehensive collection that told the whole story of a movement. Their holdings included works by Louis Ernest Lessiux, Rose and Thistle prominent designers and artists,

Leache Curator of European Art and

created objects that seemed to defy

Alphonse Mucha, Autumn

among them Louis Comfort Tiffany and the French furniture designer Louis Majorelle. The exhibition also features work by Gustav Klimt, Alphonse Mucha and Aubrey Beardsley, reflecting the breadth of Art Nouveau’s influence. The name of the exhibition came from the constant theme within the works. DeWitt stated, “It is a triumph of nature—not just using it, but embracing it. Creating this return to Eden within this perfected kind of nature.” For visitors unfamiliar with Art Nouveau, DeWitt recommended approaching the exhibition with curiosity. “I think it’s just to enjoy nature and to look for the motifs. They are hiding everywhere,” he said. “And to think about the contrast and strength and delicacy, just the exuberant artistry of it is the most fun thing.”

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ARTS & CULTURE More Than a Horse Town

Oklahoma City’s Place as the Horse Show Capital of the World By Corey Riddles-Lumry

As Route 66 celebrates its centennial, 2026 also marks the Year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese zodiac—a symbol associated with energy, boldness and courage. For Oklahoma City, known as the “Horse Show Capital of the World,” it is a fitting moment to spotlight the competitions that bring its horse culture to life and continue to contribute to its growth. Long before Route 66 linked the Midwest to the west coast through Oklahoma, horses were a primary means of transportation. Today, the journey is reversed: Horses themselves travel in well-equipped trailers, arriving from across the country to compete in central Oklahoma’s arenas. The horse and the highway remain connected, bringing people together and making Oklahoma a destination. Oklahoma City hosts more national and international equine championship events than any other city, according to Visit OKC. That means competitors, families and spectators traveling from across the country and around the globe, making horses part of both the city’s cultural identity and its visitor economy. This November, the spotlight falls on the Markel AQHA World and Adequan® Select World Championship Shows, running Oct. 29– Nov. 18 at the OKC Fairgrounds. The competition showcases the American Quarter Horse’s versatility across English, Western and halter classes. Past shows have welcomed entries from Canada, Australia, Brazil, Germany, Italy and Mexico, bringing an international gathering to the heart of OKC. At the OKC Fairgrounds, Quarter Horse, Morgan and Arabian championships showcase a range of English and Western riding traditions. The National Reining Horse Association’s Futu20

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rity and Derby feature precise spins and dramatic sliding stops, while the Better Barrel Races World Finals put speed and horseand-rider teamwork on display. Together, they offer a broader picture of Oklahoma’s horse culture than any single breed or discipline could convey. The new OG&E Coliseum underscores the city’s investment in that audience. Opened in June 2025 through MAPS 4, it replaced the longtime Jim Norick Arena, carrying forward generations of horse-show tradition in a modern facility. Near Guthrie, the Lazy E Arena expands that regional reach. Its signature CINCH Timed Event Championship tests competitors across five roping and steer-wrestling disciplines. The Barrel Futurities of America World Championship showcases developing barrel horses, while national youth rodeos give the next generation a stage. The Western Dressage Association of America World Championship Show adds another dimension, combining classical dressage principles with Western riding. The Lazy E ’s new 30,000-square-foot Equinety Center provides space for trade shows, horse sales, concerts and community gatherings. Alongside new barns, a covered arena and improved contestant amenities, the expansion strengthens central Oklahoma’s capacity to welcome competitors and visitors. The economic benefits extend beyond the arena floor. OKC Fair Park reported that the 2025 Quarter Horse World Show generated more than $32.4 million in direct spending in Oklahoma City. A recurring calendar of shows, sales and races creates opportunities for return visits by competitors, families, vendors and spectators, suppor t i ng hotels,

restaurants, transportation, retail and agricultural suppliers throughout the year. The city’s championship calendar is supported by a substantial statewide horse industry. Oklahoma State University Extension, citing American Horse Council’s 2017 estimates, placed Oklahoma fifth nationally in horse population, with approximately 252,700 horses. The industry’s economic reach is substantial: OSU Extension reports that a 2017 American Horse Council estimate put its annual statewide economic impact at approximately $3.9 billion, supporting about 39,000 jobs through direct activity and ripple effects. Behind those numbers are breeding farms, boarding barns, trainers, veterinarians, farriers and suppliers—a network of livelihoods extending from rural communities into the metro. The city’s broader equine connections are visible from the prom-

inent horse sales at Heritage Place and Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred racing at Remington Park to the preservation of cowboy history, art and culture at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum. Beyond competition and tourism, the industry links the city to farms and pastureland, sustains skilled trades and gives young people opportunities to develop responsibility and horsemanship. In a year celebrating the Mother Road and the Fire Horse, those connections help tell a fuller story of Oklahoma City. As the city grows, its ties to horses offer a distinct sense of place—one where cultural heritage continues to shape economic opportunity and community life. The Quiet Backbone of Oklahoma City’s Horse Industry Beyond the show rings, sale barns and racetracks, Oklahoma City’s horse industry is supported

by a quieter but deeply important network of nonprofit organizations. These equine welfare organizations, therapeutic riding programs and equine-assisted services operate across the metro and surrounding communities— Edmond, Guthrie, Yukon, Noble, Harrah and beyond—serving both horses and people in ways that rarely make headlines. While Oklahoma City is widely recognized as a national hub for equestrian sport and commerce, these nonprofits represent another side of the horse industry: one rooted in care, recovery and access. Their missions range from rehabilitating abused and neglected horses to helping children with disabilities, trauma survivors, veterans and at-risk individuals build confidence and connection through work with horses. Equine welfare organizations such as Nexus Animals, Blaze’s Tribute Equine Rescue and Horse Feathers Equine Center often step in at critical moments. They take in horses seized from neglect cases, owner surrenders or animals at risk of entering the

slaughter pipeline. Many work closely with local law enforcement, veterinarians and volunteers to provide long-term rehabilitation—sometimes for months or years—before horses are adopted into new homes or placed in lifelong sanctuary. Other groups focus on transition and retraining. Horse and Hound Rescue Foundation, for example, specializes in Thoroughbreds retiring from racing, helping them adapt to second careers and new environments. These programs preserve equine lives while also supporting responsible ownership and education within the broader horse community. Equine-assisted therapy organizations form another vital branch of Oklahoma City’s nonprofit equine ecosystem. Programs such as Savannah Station Therapeutic Riding Program, Flames to Hope Equine Assisted Services and The Right Path Riding Academy use horses as partners in physical therapy, emotional healing and life-skills development. Through adaptive riding,

groundwork and guided interaction, participants build balance, coordination, emotional awareness, trust and self-confidence. For many families, these programs provide services that are otherwise difficult to access, particularly in rural or underserved areas. What unites nearly all of these organizations is their reliance on volunteers. From feeding and grooming horses to serving as sidewalkers in therapy lessons, volunteers form the backbone of daily operations. Fundraising events, donations and community partnerships are essential for sustainability, especially as feed costs, veterinary care and land expenses continue to rise. In a region sometimes called the Horse Show Capital of the World, these nonprofits ensure that the benefits of the horse industry extend far beyond competition. They prov ide second chances—for horses

with nowhere else to go and for people seeking healing, purpose or connection. As Oklahoma City continues to expand its equestrian infrastructure and national profile, this quieter side of the industry remains just as essential to its identity.

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ARTS & CULTURE “Everybody Talking ’Bout Heaven Ain’t Goin’ There” Reviewing John Fugelsang’s Separation of Church and Hate By Robert Henry

Do Christian nationalists want to bring back compelled orthodoxy and the resulting persecution? Well, the question of whether God is one, two or three has caused hundreds of thousands of deaths throughout history. In 16th-century England, one could only discuss religion, especially the Christian religion, at his or her peril. William Tyndale—an English scholar fluent in multiple languages, whose translation work acquired the enmity of such notables as (later) Saint Thomas More—was strangled and then burned at the stake for his religious doctrines and for translating Hebrew and Greek texts into his Bible, which became the basis for what is still my favorite translation, the King James Version. Tyndale may have had more influence on the English language than Shakespeare. Earlier, John Wycliff, who produced the first com-

plete English translation of the Bible, managed to die on his own, but his bones were exhumed and burned about 43 years after his death by religious nationalists. Today we do not burn at the stake—yet—but there are those who want to go back to public firing squads. And some of that group probably have John Fugelsang (whose last name translates to “Birdsong”) in their sights for his—horror of horrors—best-selling book Separation of Church and Hate. Fugelsang freely admits to being the filial product of lapsed Catholic clergy, a former nun and a former monk: Sister Damien (christened before The Omen became strangely popular) and Brother Boniface. But whatever their breach of youthful vows to the Roman Church, his parents taught their son about the sort of repairing the world that Jesus proclaimed, and

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the love that Fugelsang’s Christian name John (“the apostle that Jesus loved”) evokes. In the most famous Greek Bible scripture, John 3:16, a lesson Jesus gave privately to the curious Pharisee Nicodemus: “God so loved the world …” Not kinfolk and neighbors, but the world. Fugelsang likes love; I actually think he loves it. Separation stakes its territory on a non-literal reading of his Bible, which indeed does not speak with one voice. This idea that the Bible is not “univocal” is not at all controversial with many, probably most Biblical scholars, since the Bible was authored by numerous men and women over thousands of years. And literal reading of the Bible creates problems as early as reading Genesis chapters one and two, as these chapters—assuredly written by different authors, and certainly written for different purposes—clearly disagree on the order of biblical creation. The most lyrical book in the Bible, Psalms, is somewhat unique in that it does not consist of God’s purported words to mankind, but rather man’s purported words to God. Man does not always get it right. On hot-button issues, Fugelsang sings a decidedly progressive tune. The Jesus he sees is a radical “who hung around lepers, hookers and crooks,” was “anti-wealth and antideath penalty;” his Jesus is not “even slightly anti-gay,” “never mentioned abortion,” and most radical of all to the “View from Versailles” crowd, he “supported paying taxes.” Fugelsang asserts that his Jesus was a longhaired, community-organizing, authority-questioning, anti-slut shaming, brown-skinned, Palestinian, unarmed, homeless Jew—“but only if you believe what’s actually in the Bible.” Fugelsang seems to

wonder why certain self-proclaimed Christians and their fellowships would extol the importance of posting the Ten Commandments on schoolhouse walls, but not allow discussion of our leaders’ admitted violations of those very commandments. Are some things best left unsaid? Unposted? Fugelsang wonders how Christian nationalists see the Beatitudes, with their non-testosterone call to acknowledge and bless the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, the righteous, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, the falsely persecuted. Why do they not seek to post this short part of the Sermon on the Mount on schoolhouse walls? Most Christian nationalists do not acknowledge shared faith or values with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Christian Scientists or Unitarians, and they advocate to Jews that salvation is exclusively available through faith in Jesus Christ. Many would, I suppose, like to either expel these and other religions, or make them second-class citizens. Fugelsang perorates that “Authentic Christianity doesn’t seek dominance, but transformation. Jesus is telling you to go beyond your religion’s rules into a deeper kind of love.” He might have said it better by paraphrasing St. Paul, a Christian author his book has some issues with: “The letter of the law kills, but the spirit gives life.” This admittedly light-hearted book will change few minds, but at least for now, you can read it without

F E AT U R E

The Battle for the Bible

John Fugelsang, Biblical Authority, and the Future of Western Civilization By Bob Linn

What happens to a civilization when it abandons the authority upon which it was built? That question emerges from John Fugelsang’s 2025 book Separation of Church and Hate. Fugelsang’s foundational premise is that the Bible we possess today bears little resemblance to what its original authors wrote. He calls Scripture the world’s longest game of telephone, claiming it consists of translations, revisions, and repeatedly copied stories whose original wording is now beyond recovery. His argument resembles one advanced by journalist Kurt Eichenwald in a 2014 Newsweek article, which portrayed modern Bibles as unreliable translations of endlessly copied manuscripts. Both arguments overlook extraordinary historical evidence. THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS In 1947, ancient manuscripts discovered near the Dead Sea revolutionized biblical scholarship. Among them were copies of Old Testament writings dating centuries before Christ, approximately a thousand years older than the principal medieval Hebrew manuscripts previously available. The discovery allowed scholars to compare biblical texts separated by nearly a millennium. What did they discover? Remarkable continuity in the transmission of scripture. The Great Isaiah Scroll demonstrated substantial agreement with the later Masoretic tradition. There were textual variations, some more significant than others. Nevertheless, the manuscripts decisively challenged the caricature of scripture as a collection of stories repeatedly altered beyond recognition. The Masoretic scribes developed elaborate safeguards, including counting words, letters, and verses, to protect the integrity of the biblical text. The New Testament possesses an equally impressive manuscript tradi-

tion. Thousands of Greek manuscripts survive, some dating to the second century. Scholars possess an extensive body of evidence with which to examine textual transmission and reconstruct earlier readings. We do not possess the original biblical autographs. That does not mean we know nothing about what their authors wrote. Fugelsang’s telephone analogy substitutes a memorable insult for serious engagement with textual scholarship, but his argument concerning scripture is only the beginning. The deeper issue is authority. THE SEXUAL REVOLUTION AND MORAL AUTHORITY Once scripture is dismissed as an unreliable record of divine revelation, man becomes free to determine which biblical teachings deserve acceptance and which may be discarded. Fugelsang advances a Christianity compatible with contemporary progressive positions on sexuality, abortion, and marriage. But by what authority does he determine which biblical teachings represent authentic Christianity? Italian philosopher Augusto Del Noce (1910-1989) recognized the relationship between abandoning transcendent authority and transforming Western moral culture. He argued that the sexual revolution represented more than changing private behavior. It was a philosophical revolution redefining human freedom by removing inherited moral restraints. Del Noce examined Wilhelm Reich, whose writings associated sexual liberation with broader social transformation. The implications were profound. If human fulfillment becomes primarily the satisfaction of desire, what becomes of man created in God’s image? What becomes of moral obligation? What becomes of the family? What becomes of a civilization that once

Bob Linn

understood liberty as freedom under moral law? Marcello Pera, former President of the Italian Senate, likewise warned that abandoning Christianity threatens Western civilization’s moral foundations. The Christian understanding of human dignity places limits upon political power. Human rights do not originate with government. Moral authority does not originate with the state. Even rulers stand under judgment. THE CONTRADICTION FUGELSANG CANNOT ESCAPE Perhaps the most revealing feature of Fugelsang’s book is his treatment of Jesus Christ. After questioning whether we can recover what biblical authors originally wrote, he confidently appeals to selected sayings of Jesus as the foundation of his preferred Christianity. But if scripture is hopelessly corrupted, why should the passages Fugelsang approves be trustworthy

while those he rejects are dismissed? He portrays the Apostle Paul as an adversary of early Christianity, despite Paul’s foundational role in the apostolic witness. Yet Christianity is not merely an ethical philosophy assembled from selected sayings of Jesus. Historic Christianity rests upon the incarnation, miracles, atoning death, and bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ. Remove these foundations and something fundamentally different emerges. The question is not merely whether Fugelsang correctly understands scripture. It is whether Western civilization can preserve its moral inheritance while rejecting the transcendent authority that helped establish it. Does man discover moral truth within an order that transcends him? Or does he invent moral truth according to the changing preferences of his age? That is the battle behind the battle for the Bible. Who speaks with final authority: God or man?

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F E AT U R E

ARTS & CULTURE November Visual Arts Overview

Tour this trio of autumn exhibitions for thrilling photos, thought-provoking dots and more by Brian Hearn

Dots from the Desert Fifty years ago, in a tiny desert town in the middle of nowhere, Australia, a core group of Aboriginal artists from various tribes collectively began painting with acrylic paints on board. They had been removed to the impoverished settlement by the government—sound familiar? Painting became a way to express their sovereignty, and created an economic engine for the community. Using these new materials they revived an ancient visual tradition of dot painting. We’re talking a lot of dots, millions and millions of dots of paint. The dots open up an extraordinary visual language with deep meaning for the artists of Papunya Tula— foremost to a living landscape, a cosmography shared by hundreds of First Australian tribes for 50,000 years.

From the Australian Desert: Contemporary Aboriginal Painting is an exceptional introduction to the powerful paintings that have emerged from Papunya Tula, now on view at Norman’s Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art through March 14, 2027. Working with what they had access to, first generation Papunya Tula artists painted dots on cardboard, linoleum and Masonite. They used thinly applied paint surfaces built up meticulously in detailed, highly abstract compositions. The accumulation of dots created optical effects among the organic geometric forms, often linked concentric circles in vibrating earth tones: browns, ochres, red and orange, blacks and whites. Among the 120 works, now from multiple generations of male and female artists, are many, many dazzling, beautifully rendered examples. Papunya Tula artists understand-

Artwork by Kaapa Tjampitjinpa ably began winning awards and soon rocketed right into the heart of the contemporary art world. Soon they began painting on canvas, at a larger scale, with works that can be read as pure organic abstraction to a ravenous art market. To suss out deeper meanings however, one must embrace the sacred and ceremonial knowledge depicted in the paintings. The exhibition highlights Aboriginal concepts that unlock the spiritual map-like functions of the paintings.

Artwork by Michael Jagamara Nelson 24

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Try pronouncing “Tjukurrpa.” It roughly translates to “Dreamings,” a belief system made up of the stories, songs and ceremonies of their ancestors and their presence on the land. At once ancient and contemporary, the art of Papunya Tula expresses a sense of past and present dwelling together. Well worth the trip down under.

That Rodeo Rush What do you do after retirement? How about when you’ve been half of one of country music’s greatest permanent duos? For onetime Tulsa native Ronnie Dunn, the answer is hanging out at rodeos with a camera. Turns out Mr. Dunn is a quick draw with his telephoto lens. In his new exhibition at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum entitled the same rush, Dunn presents 16 photographic images largely captured at the Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo, a summer staple of Western culture. Dunn likens the adrenaline rush of performing to a live audience to that of the rodeo athlete. His jaw-dropping images make his point. Tight cropping and shallow depths of field bring us right into the high-speed action. Dunn apparently gained access to the rodeo arena floor, because several images are taken from ground level POVs—which really brings home the danger and daring of these

athletes. There’s nothing like a hard cowboy landing with an agitated beast literally breathing down your neck. Talk about decisive moments; in one extraordinary image Dunn captures a bronc rider fully laid out across the arched back of an aerial bucking bronc like a cowboy Pietà, except he ain’t dead yet. We don’t need to see how that ride ended and can linger at the thrill of the throw. Guessing from Dunn’s other pictures in both black and white and color, the roughstock usually has the upper hoof. Other death-defying moments read as pure bodily ballet, choreographed ejections influenced by gravity and animal fury for eight seconds at a time—if they’re lucky. Experience the excitement of the bronc bursting out of the gate, the acrobatic crash landing that rivals a

Tulsa native Ronnie Dunn at the Cowboy Museum in his new photography exhibit.

Raygun headspin, a rider flipped in a flurry of mingled mane and flying fringe. These riders and wrestlers ain’t no two-jump-chumps either, they really put their necks on the line. Additionally, the same rush coincides with the reopening of the National Rodeo Hall of Fame on Nov. 13.

The Otto Neumann: Modern Artist exhibit at 1515 Lincoln Gallery.

Little Known Modern Master War is hell. No less for the artists on the other side. Neither WWI, nor the Nazis, nor WWII stopped Otto Neumann from fulfilling his artistic destiny. The little-known German artist was the son of a prominent academic and grew up among the intellectual elite of Heidelberg. Neumann had thorough training in fine art, and over his long, productive career he frequently changed styles, media and subject matter. Many of his shifts reflected profound interests in classical literature and mythology, though his aesthetic choices mirrored several great 20th-century artist peers like Henry Moore, Pablo Picasso or Henri Matisse. 1515 Lincoln Gallery hosts Otto Neumann: Modern Artist with 20 works on paper from the artist’s mature postwar period from 1952-1969, a time of tremendous change in the art world. After WWII, Neumann abandoned painting in oil or watercolor, instead concentrating on exquisite drawing and printmaking, especially unique monotypes as seen in this exhibition. The artist was labeled “degenerate” by the Nazi regime; refused to divorce his Jewish wife; and suffered personal family tragedy. Despite the adversity, his postwar work was influenced by Greek mythology … including some tale about a dude called Odysseus. Neumann was fond of the monotype process, drawn on inked

sheets of glass then printed as unique images on paper. His work of the 1950s features elongated, enlarged human figures often in timeless frieze like compositions absent any backgrounds. The forms are enhanced by his masterful continuous line drawing, sometimes with robust modeling; other times flat on flat. Things take a turn in the late 1960s when the forms become more layered, hard edged, semi-transparent silhouettes. Like overlapping Venn diagrams, the figures acquire sculptural solidity through his layering of shapes in brown, black and red inks. The artist is a rare 20th century modern master with a neoclassical bent.

Rust red, charcoal gray, and overlapping shapes define Estate No. 073065 by Otto Neumann.

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SPORTS

SPORTS Aday Mara Makes His Mark The OKC Thunder’s decision to draft the massive Spaniard looks primed to pay off. By David Brandon

Basketball behemoth Victor Wembanyama is a 7-foot-4 phenomenon, the favorite for both Defensive Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the NBA. He’s a once-in-ageneration talent. Rookie Aday Mara blocked him in the first game of the season. With 4:24 left in the third quarter, Victor Wembanyama thought he spotted a hole in the Thunder defense. He rolled down the middle for a dunk … and Aday Mara met and rejected him at the rim. Mara immediately sprinted down the court to the other basket, where Ajay Mitchell met him with an alley-oop pass for an easy dunk. Two points saved, two points made. A four-point swing in a matter of moments. That’s the promise Aday Mara holds for the Thunder.

Hasheem Thabeet, Moses Brown and Tacko Fall didn’t even make it past their rookie contracts. Timofey Mozgov and Alexis Ajinça’s tenure in the league ended once guard three-point shooting became the norm.

The Biggest Men in NBA History

Aday Mara is 7 feet 3 inches tall. There are only a few thousand men worldwide who are as tall as he is; a significant percentage of those men play in the NBA. From the time he was born, he was destined to play basketball professionally. Many people referred to him as a “Wembanyama stopper” in the NBA draft. This is a trap. Casual fans love the “stopper” idea, that there’s a guy who can keep another guy from scoring at all. It doesn’t work that way—defense is just too difficult and offense too potent in the modern NBA to stop a player for an entire playoff series. But what Mara did was noteworthy. He played within himself. He made smart passes (barring one John Mateer-level outlet pass that wound up immediately in the hands of the Spurs). He scored when he had opportunities. And he blocked Victor Wembanyama.

Few in the annals of the league have successfully married size with fluidity and skill. Size is a huge advantage in a sport where scoring starts 10 feet above the floor. But size isn’t everything. Many tall players have washed out of the NBA because they were unable to guard a spread floor.

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This new era of 7-footers is different.

Rudy Gobert was the first to make it in the modern league. Though he was exposed defensively in his early playoff experience, he built up his mobility and became a versatile defensive player. Kristaps Porzingis, Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren followed in those footsteps and added the three-point shot.

Enter Mara. Mara Magic

Aday Mara. Credit: Jimmy Do

A Summer of Growth

At the start of the summer, people didn’t expect a lot out of Mara. Rookie skills in the NBA are a mixed bag, and rookie big men who don’t require the ball often languish; they don’t score a lot of points, and they don’t jump out from the box score. But their influence lingers well beyond the points on the board. Mara struggled in Summer League; it was a bad showcase for his skills. The format plays to the strengths of ball-dominant players. It’s a lot of guards and wings looking for roster spots, scoring when they can, and bigs without on-ball skill tend to underperform. The conditioning issues that came up in the pre-draft evaluations of Mara were fully on display, too: He w `as slow up the floor and floated offensively. In preseason, though, Mara made his mark. The Thunder’s guards want to get the ball to their bigs. They run a ton of actions that engage the big man. And when Mara’s passing and basketball IQ had a chance to shine, he thrived.

Mara’s Basketball Background

Spanish big men grow up watching national icons Pau and Marc Gasol. You can see the Gasol influence in the passing and post buckets Mara made in preseason. He has balletic footwork in the paint. In Summer League, he looked slow and indecisive. But after training in Spain before preseason, he looked sharp. Guards found him with the ball; he scored with deft footwork in the post, set good screens and threw smart passes. In short, he looked like a Thunder big. Don’t get too excited yet. Mara is still a rookie, and his conditioning will get a tremendous test over the 82-game season. His rebounding is still underwhelming for a player of his size. There will be ups and downs. But in Aday Mara, the Thunder have a rookie who can immediately contribute to the team at center. Watch for him to get opportunities this season. He’s ready now. Just ask Victor Wembanyama.

H E A LT H

HEALTH The Whys and Hows of Hospice Care Looking rationally and compassionately at making the most of the end of life By Dr. Brett Krablin

Since the first fledgling U.S. program was founded in the early 1970s, hospice care has grown and evolved to become one of the most well-known aspects of our health care system. Through specialized support and compassionate care, millions of patients have benefited as they approached the end of their lives. Despite decades of widening availability and a long history of caregiving, hospice remains one of the most misunderstood and underutilized resources in healthcare.

What Hospice Is Not Somewhere along the way, hospice’s association with endof-life issues and up-close presence in the actual dying process have become unnecessarily attached to the idea of giving up, of being a last resort. While that perception may be understandable, it falls short of the full spectrum of what happens in real-life care. Hospice is best seen as a redirection of focus. In the face of the stark reality of only so much time left, each patient’s quality of life becomes the benchmark. Every decision is directed toward making a patient’s remaining time as meaningful and comfortable as possible. Hospice care, by definition, is intended for those who have a reasonable life expectancy of six months or less. Examples of this could include end-stage chronic illnesses such as heart or kidney disease as well as more short-term diagnoses such as advanced cancer. Un-

fortunately, patients and their caregivers often wait longer than necessary to seek out hospice care—holding out until their final hours, missing out on meaningful help that could have been accessed through the entire process. The misconception that all medications will be stopped, that associated urinary or respiratory infections will be left untreated and a flood of mind-altering drugs started is not only wrong, it delays patients and their families from connecting with care that in many cases turns out to be one of the most important factors at the end of their lives.

What Hospice Is When faced with terminal illness, a disease or condition that is not curable and has a good chance of ending one’s life in the near future, a multitude of questions arise. What happens in the dying process? Will I be in pain? Will I be scared? What happens when I die? What about my family? What options do I have? How do I continue to relate to and be helpful to my loved one who is dying? Hospice care is tailored to addressing these questions directly. Nurses and physicians assist in dealing with pain, changes and decline in physical capabilities, as well as associated infections and wounds. Designated social workers help handle any number of issues from living arrangements to financial concerns and legal assistance with end-of-life planning. Chaplains are critical in helping patients and their families grapple with life-and-death questions and maintenance of dignity and meaning in the final stages of life.

Taken together these caregivers can help navigate the uncertainty and emotional gravity of what it means to die.

patients’ families and friends. If you or your loved one is dealing with what you feel may be an end-of-life diagnosis or are coming to the end of a Why Hospice Matters long-term disease, I encourage you to take the first step toward Our society tends to shy away understanding your options, from anything relating to and contact a hospice promortality and death. Hospice vider to get more information. helps name the elephant in the One great place to start is the room, bringing patients and Oklahoma Hospice & Palliative their families to a place where Care Association at ohpca.org. they can talk openly and clearly Whatever your situation, I hope about fear and loss. It also you will reach out, ask your helps set things in motion such questions and discover how as connecting with hospice hospice can help you and those physicians and nurses, accessyou love make the most of the ing resources such as meditime you have together. cations and equipment, and receiving social and spiritual support. As a hospice physician, I have spent more than 25 years at the bedsides of patients who are dying. Each person’s experience, every family’s interactions are unique and different. Yet across this range of stories, one theme continues to come up in my practice: Patients and their families wish they had found hospice sooner. They recognize that when they moved past the initial grief and shock of realizing that the end is near, hospice was able to step in to Brett Krablin MD is an Internal inform them, to assist them, to Medicine physician who has practiced support them and to be with for 25 years in assisted living, memory them right in the middle of care and long-term care settings. He those last days and memories. attended the University of Oklahoma I can say with confidence College of medicine for both medical school and residency. that despite our best efforts as hospice providers, we cannot promise how much time a person has remaining. But what we can do is significantly improve the quality of that time for our patients, as well as the time and interactions shared with those O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 6

PICKS PICKS

CALENDAR - NOVEMBER

HOLIDAY SEASON Mistletoe Market Nov. 5-8, Oklahoma Fair Park jloc.org/mistletoe-market Oklahoma City Tree Lighting Festival & Downtown in December Kick-off Nov. 12, Bricktown downtownindecember.com Devon Ice Rink @ Myriad Botanical Gardens Nov. 13-Jan. 31 devonicerink.com OKC Zoo Safari Lights Nov. 14-Jan. 3 okczoo.org Girls Day Out Nov. 14, Oklahoma State Fair Park okcfairpark.com “I Want A Hippopotamus for Christmas” Sing-a-Long and book signing with Gayla Peevy Nov. 17, OKC Zoo okczoo.com Sparkle at Scissortail Park Nov. 21-Dec. 31 scissortailpark.org The Santa Market Nov. 21, Okla. State Fair Park okstatefairgrounds.com Santa Paws Nov. 22, Midtown Mutts Dog Park downtownindecember.com

OKC Philharmonic: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York Nov. 28, Civic Center Music Hall okcphil.org Myriad Botanical Gardens Holiday Poinsettia Show Nov. 23-Dec. 31, Crystal Bridge myriadgardens.org Holiday Pop-Up Shops Nov. 27-Dec. 20, Midtown downtownindecember.com An Actor’s Carol Nov. 27, Oklahoma Shakespeare, Paseo Arts District okshakes.org Sparkle Holiday Market Nov. 28 & Dec. 12, Scissortail Park scissortailpark.com Wheeler Wonderland Pop-Up Shops Nov. 28-29, Wheeler District wheelerdistrict.com An Evening with Peter Billingsley and A Christmas Story Nov. 29, Civic Center Music Hall okcciviccenter.com A Drag Queen Christmas Nov. 30, The Criterion criterionokc.com

FESTIVALS & FAIRS Paseo First Friday Gallery Walk Nov. 6, The Paseo Arts District thepaseo.org

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Bethany Route 66 Centennial Train Ride Celebration Nov. 20-29, Okla. Railway Museum Nov. 7, Bethany Childrens Health okcthepolarexpressride.com Center Lyric’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL Nov. 25-Dec. 26, Lyric Theatre lyrictheatreokc.com

bethanychildrens.org

Phantom of the Opera at the Civic Center Music Hall Nov. 15. Photo by Matthew Murphy Evan Zimmerman.

LIVE! on The Plaza Nov 8, Plaza District plazadistrict.org

FUNDRAISERS 20th Annual Paseo Arts Awards Nov. 17, The Skirvin thepaseo.org Visions, Celebrating Nonprofit Leadership Nov. 19, National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum okcnp.org/visions

FILM Oklahoma City Museum of Art films okcmoa.com • National Theatre Live: The Fifth Step, Nov. 6-7 • White Nights (Le notti bianche), Nov. 7-8 • Shô Miyake’s “Small, Slow But Steady” w/Filmmaker Q&A, Nov. 10 • Fatherland, Nov. 13-14 On Cinema: The Certified “Five Bags of Popcorn” Tour Nov. 13, Tower Theatre towertheatreokc.com Movies opening for the holidays: • Godzilla Minus Zero, Nov. 6 • The Cat in the Hat, Nov. 6 • Wild Horse Nine, Nov. 6 • Ebenezer A Christmas Carol, Nov. 13 • The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, Nov. 20 • Focker-in-Law, Nov. 25 • Hexed, Nov. 25 • The Further Mis-Adventures of Cliff Booth, Nov. 25 The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes Nov. 14, The Criterion criterionokc.com

OKC Zoo Safari Lights presented by OG&E runs Nov. 14-Jan. 3. Photo by Leslie A. Spears. 28

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COMEDY Bricktown Comedy Club bricktowncomedyclub.com • Adam Bush & Chris Munch Comedy Nov. 4 • Chris Higgins Nov. 3 • Chad Daniels Nov. 19 • Preacher Lawson, Nov. 20-21 Saturday Night Magic Comedy Show with Jonathan Meyer Nov. 7-28, Jonathan’s Magic Theater jonathansmagictheatre.com Mohanad Elshieky Nov. 12, Tower Theatre towertheatreokc.com Leanne Morgan: THE TIME OF OUR LIVES TOUR Nov. 15, Paycom Center paycomcenter.com

VISUAL ARTS Otto Neumann: Modern Artist Nov. 3-28, 1515 Lincoln Gallery 1515lg.com Opening Reception for “Beyond Words” an Exhibition Featuring Nancy Junkin Nov. 5, BancFirst Tower, Underground Gallery howellgallery.com Roger Runge Pop-Up: More Silly Little Pots and Other Curious Porcelains Nov. 7, 1515 Lincoln Gallery 1515lg.com Access for All at OKCMOA Nov. 8, OKC Museum of Art okcmoa.com Clever, Quick, Magnetic: The Art of Witty Banter Through Jan. 11 oklahomacontemporary.org For full calendar listings, go to okgazette.com. Add your event at okgazette.com/community

THEATER/ PERFORMING ARTS The Phantom of the Opera Nov. 4-15, Civic Center Music Hall okcbroadway.com The Guest, an original Comedy by Timothy Vanover Nov. 6-14 The Yellow Rose Dinner Theatre yellowrosetheater.com OU Musical Theatre “Violet” Nov. 19-21, CitySpace Theatre okcciviccenter.com OKC Philharmonic: Symphonic Stories: From Blues to Broadway Nov. 21, Civic Center Music Hall okcphil.org Over The River and Through The Woods, A Comedy by Joe DiPietro Nov. 27-Dec. 13, Carpenter Square Theatre carpentersquare.com OKC Philharmonic: Home Alone 2: Lost in New York - Live in Concert Nov. 28, Civic Center Music Hall okcciviccenter.com

SPORTS Oklahoma City Thunder Games Paycom Center, nba.com/thunder • Cleveland Cavaliers, Nov. 4 • Washington Wizards, Nov. 7 • Atlanta Hawks, Nov. 18 • NBA Cup: New Orleans Pelicans Nov. 20 • NBA Cup: Minnesota Timberwolves Nov. 25 Oklahoma City Blue Paycom Center oklahomacity.gleague.nba.com • Mexico City Capitanes Nov. 6 • Mexico City Capitanes Nov. 19 • Austin Spurs Nov. 22 Dirtie Bird Trail Run Nov. 7, Lake Thunderbird Park dirtiesbirdtrailrun.com

Prairie Line Half Marathon & 5K Nov. 15, Downtown OKC redcoyoterunning.com Oklahoma Sooners Football Oklahoma Memorial Stadium • Ole Miss Rebels Nov. 14 • Texas A&M Aggies Nov. 21 Oklahoma State University Football Boone Pickens Stadium • Texas Tech Red Raiders, Nov. 14 • Kansas Jayhawks, Nov. 28 Oklahoma City Turkey Trot Nov. 26, Northwest 5th Street and North Harvey Avenue okcturkeytrot.com NRHA Futurity Nov. 26-Dec. 5, Okla. State Fair Park - OG&E Coliseum okstatefair.com

CONCERTS Randy Travis Nov. 6, Rose State College Hudiburg Chevrolet Center okcciviccenter.com MercyMe with Jeremy Camp and Tim Timmons Nov. 8, Paycom Center paycomcenter.com Jonas Brothers: The Burning Up Tour All Over Again Nov. 9, Paycom Center paycomcenter.com Beatles vs Stones - A Musical Showdown Nov. 21, Rose State Performing Arts Center okcciviccenter.evenue.net

LIVE MUSIC Wage War with We Came As Romans and Cane Hill Nov. 3, Diamond Ballroom diamondballroom.com

Devon Ice Rink at Myriad Botanical Gardens runs Nov. 14 through Jan. 31. Photo provided by Downtown in December.

Jonas Brothers: The Burning Up Tour All Over Again, Nov. 9 at Paycom Center.

The Blue Door bluedoorokc.com • Shelly Phelps & The Storm, Nov. 7 • Bettysoo, Nov. 8 • Plank’s Back, Nov. 11 • Michelle Shocked, Nov. 13 • The Shandies + Tipps and Obermiller, Nov. 14 • Amy Lavere & Will Sexton, Nov. 20 The Jones Assembly • Shakey Graves, Nov. 2 • Other Lives w/ Kelcey Ayer, Nov. 24 Blue Note okcbluenote.com • Red Kate with Filth Hounds & Matt Jewett, Nov. 6 • Wight Weighters with Lindagail Lewis, Nov. 7 • Trip G, Serenity, Shi Cortez with DJ Reaper & CG, Nov. 12 • The Steppers with Go Yonder, Nov. 14 Beam Live beamlive.club • Alice Jackson, Nov. 14 • Trackside & 3 Years Hollow & Awaken The Giant, Nov. 20

Resonant Head resonanthead.com • Noah Gundersen & Runner & Breakup Shoes, Nov. 6 • Gully Boys, Nov. 14 The Criterion criterionokc.com • Daughtry: 20 Years Unplugged Tour with Ryan Perdz, Nov. 4 • Chencho Corleone, Nov. 5 • Switchfoot with special guest Anberlin – Forever Now Tour, Nov. 13 • Blue October, Nov. 20 • Silverstein & Story of The Year: Camp Screamo Tour, Nov. 25 Tower Theatre towertheatreokc.com • The War And Treaty, Nov. 4 • Lily Rose with Erin Kinsey, Nov. 14 • House Party: A sweaty loveletter to the 2010s rager, Nov. 20 • Straight Tequila Night: 90s Country Tribute, Nov. 27

Shakey Graves at the Jones Assembly, Nov. 2. O KG A Z E T T E . C O M | N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 6

PUZZLES NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE CROSSWORD PUZZLE

HEART TRANSPLANTS

BY MICHAEL LIEBERMAN / EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ ACROSS 1 Easy putt 6 Clever 11 Exam for a future atty. 15 Boulderer’s safety item 18 Muffin alternative 19 Sea surrounding Mykonos 21 Flour in Indian cooking 22 ‘‘Mr. Blue Sky’’ band, in brief 23 Some ‘‘Star Trek’’ slang? 25 Infamous Russian mystic 27 Glow up? 28 One might be liquid or frozen 29 Street that might run all the way through town 31 Like most autographs 32 French filmmaker Jacques 34 Secrets known only to E.N.T.s? 38 Depression formed by a volcano’s collapse 41 Did a taxing job? 42 C.I.A. forerunner 43 Listened to ‘‘Rigoletto’’ way too many times? 46 Mideast leaders 48 Member of the South Asian diaspora 49 Ocho menos uno 50 Berkeley university, familiarly 53 Rubber stamp go-with 56 Many a David Foster Wallace piece 58 Not gross 59 Wild hogs 61 ‘‘____ y plata’’ (Montana’s motto) 62 Sleuth, slangily 64 ‘‘A sharp edge recalls a splinter’s bite’’ or ‘‘The forest’s final revenge is whisper-thin,’’ e.g.? 69 N.K. ____, ‘‘Broken Earth’’ trilogy author 73 Summer in France 74 Person discussed in Article II, Section 1, Clause 2 of the U.S. Constitution 75 Spark joy? 80 Educational inst. 81 ‘‘Feast,’’ in Arabic 82 Count (up) 83 Slippery swimmer 85 Daniel ____ (children’s TV character) 89 ‘‘The heart of the internet,’’ per its tagline 91 Handful 93 Those opposed 95 Animated explorer 96 Cornea-reshaping surgery

98 Diwali or Holi? 101 Queen ____ (pop nickname) 102 Bouncing 105 Some hair products 106 Like the world’s worst demolition company? 110 Rose bowl? 111 Status after a leadoff walk 112 Drubbing 113 Wibbly-wobbly 115 Hot stone massage location 118 Take a risk 120 A whole bunch of ocean detritus? 124 Tsp. or tbsp. 125 Triumphal monument shape 126 Off-target 127 Family girl 128 Fleur-de-____ 129 Luxury goods retailer since 1867 130 Needlessly adorns, in an idiom 131 Massachusetts county in which the term ‘‘gerrymandering’’ was first applied

PUBLISHER Red Center Media

D OW N 1 Disapproving sounds 2 ‘‘Dissent is patriotic’’ grp. 3 Anti-matter? 4 Overnight stop 5 Made irrelevant 6 ____ serif 7 Free-for-all 8 Stress-induced discomfort 9 Stimpy’s TV partner 10 Make it? 11 Roundup rope 12 Comics legend behind the Fantastic Four 13 Calls out on social media, slangily 14 Odd-toed ungulate 15 Document used for a travel companion who might sit under a seat 16 Many characters in Pixar’s ‘‘Elio’’ 17 ‘‘The Bear’’ matriarch played by Jamie Lee Curtis 20 Rootless 24 Green Egyptian god 26Get into, as a cab, say 30 DiFranco who made her Broadway debut in ‘‘Hadestown’’

WRITERS Steven Agee James Biscone Jory Blaney David Brandon Brian Hearn Corey Riddles-Lumry Julie Porter Scott Hope Whitmire

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Greg Horton ghorton@okgazette.com COMMUNICATIONS + SOCIAL MEDIA Leslie Spears lspears@okgazette.com PRODUCTION + DESIGN ASSISTANT Emily Comstock ecomstock@okgazette.com DISTRIBUTION distribution@okgazette.com

ADVERTISING advertising@okgazette.com

(405) 528-6000 Gina Nichols gnichols@okgazette.com

CONTRIBUTORS

No. 1018

33 Northernmost arm of the Mediterranean 35 Like a blue moon or blue steak 36 Something to chew on 37 Ship brass 38 Work with Python, say 39 Park and Fifth, e.g.: Abbr. 40 Tennis score following deuce 44 Second-in-command 45 ____ Place, female companion of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid 47 Closely examine 51 ‘‘Dancing With the Stars’’ network 52 Cardinals legend Brock 54 With the bow, in music 55 Sullen 57 ‘‘Indeed!’’

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3 1 5

6 9

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7 8 8 3

7 6 4 1 4 5 3 8

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60 Performed exceptionally, in slang 63 Bibliography listing 65 Louvre Pyramid architect 66 Mail Boxes ____ 67 Chain that sells climbing gear 68 Only egg-laying mammals besides platypuses 69 Mocking cry 70 ‘‘Night’’ memoirist Wiesel 71 They might be the last to be booked on an airplane 72 Grp. for Commanders and Chiefs 76 Holiday classic starring Will Ferrell 77 Soapmaker’s supply 78 Be inclined 79 Cryptid with a Tibetan name 84 Speech therapist’s target

86 Frigg and Freyja, 108 Like some e.g. allergy sprays 87 One of the Great 109 Splendid Lakes 114 Young newts 88 Cleaning cloths 116 A runner may 90 Home of the need to pick N.C.A.A.’s Flyers it up 92 Train sound 117 Charger’s option, 93 Home services informally website 119 Flop ____ 94 Dig up dirt, say (period of 97 ‘‘Barry Lyndon’’ failure) director 121 Part of NGO: 99 QB’s worry: Abbr. Abbr. 100 Statement by someone who’s out 122 Prefix with cycle 123 Christmas carol of date? contraction 101 Vietnamese sandwich 103 Animals known for their slow metabolism 104 Capital of ancient Troy? 106 Alternative to express 107 Ancient Andeans

Last month’s answers: RISE TO THE POWER

Oklahoma Gazette is circulated at its designated distribution points free of charge to readers for their The cash value of this copy is $1. Persons taking copies of the Oklahoma Gazette from its distribution points for any reason other than their or others’ individual use for reading purposes are subject to prosecution. Please address all unsolicited news items (non-returnable) to the editor. editor@okgazette.com 3701 N. Shartel Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73118-7102 PHONE (405) 528-6000

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY: NOVEMBER ARIES (March 21-April 19): For centuries, Japanese craftspeople have cultivated an ethos called shokunin kishitsu: a devotion to skilled work, lifelong learning, and continual refinement. The pursuit of perfection is less about reaching a final state than about bringing ever greater care and precision to the work. In traditional carpentry, this can mean years of learning to make joints whose quality resides in their strength and durability even though no customer will ever notice. I suggest you try out this attitude, Aries. Pour extra focus into details, regardless of whether anyone will applaud them. Be your best and brightest self not to impress anyone but yourself. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): How do the oldest trees live for so many years? What’s their secret to longevity? They’re very adaptable. During storms, they bend without breaking. During droughts, they slow down their growth. Cultivating alliances with fungi is one of their brilliant tactics. You’re in an opportune phase to favor this approach to strength and endurance, Taurus. Here’s what I propose: Weave gleaming strands of buoyant resilience into your fervent willpower. Experiment with yielding strategically rather than resisting reflexively. Boost your soulful power through flexibility and adaptability. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): When archaeologists unearth a fresh batch of ancient artifacts, they never find a complete civilization in one dramatic moment. Each object or bone fragment helps explain another. A piece of pottery illuminates the meaning of an inscription. A broken staircase reveals why buildings were constructed as they were. Through educated guesswork and chains of association, knowledge accumulates. I invite you to wield your curiosity in the same way, Gemini. Treasure the sequence of little discoveries that gradually reshape your overall understanding. Have eager faith that every clue will lead you to

further clues. PS: I suspect you’re close to a metaphorical version of discovering a lost civilization. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Researchers studying wolves have found that play remains essential to them throughout their lives. Mature wolves wrestle, chase, and invent games that strengthen trust and sharpen cooperation. They never graduate from joyful experimentation. I hope their friskiness inspires you to remember, dear Cancerian, that serious responsibilities don’t require a terminally serious personality. That’s especially crucial to keep in mind now. I invite you to bring maximum amounts of playful intelligence into everything you value. Laugh during challenging conversations. Invent rituals that nobody else would think of. Observe the true rule: Amused delight generates an atmosphere where meaningful work may become exceptional. Before sleep for the next few nights, ask your subconscious to send you dreams of being a playful wolf. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Peacocks’ extravagant feathers are beautiful displays that also communicate health, vitality, and genetic resilience. They’re excellent role models for you. You should never apologize for expressing your charisma with style and theatrical flair. As long as your outer brilliance reflects inner vitality, your radiance will nourish rather than intimidate others. Authentic glamour is a public service. (PS: I invite you to indulge in fantasies of being a sun deity or lion monarch.) VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “Dear Oracle: I am obsessed with improving things. I tinker with systems that already work fine. I wake at 3 a.m. and catalog details I could have done better. My results are never ultimate enough. Please offer tips to help me find rest. —Drooping Purist.” Dear Drooping: The autumn season is your teacher. The harvest is in; the fields are meant to lie fallow. Nothing more can be improved by

force. Growth happens underground, invisibly. In that spirit, I invite you to practice the radical art of leaving at least one thing gloriously alone so it can work its magic outside the reach of your conscious awareness. Here’s an imaginative exercise: Visualize yourself as a benevolent angel who watches over your life with tender grace and compassionate patience. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): If you’ve spent years regretting the moment a friend took credit for your best idea, that sting may finally lose its hold on you. If an opportunity you earned was handed to someone else, you may soon receive recognition in a form you never anticipated. And if an ancient family legend claims you were doomed to repeat the same mistake forever, you can now break that pattern. The days ahead favor overdue adjustments. Watch for turns of fortune that don’t erase what happened, but change what it means, and what becomes possible next. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): This is your high holy season, Scorpio, which also happens to be the time when the veil is thinnest between this world and the other world. Others find this eerie, but you’ve always been at home here. You know how to explore the deepest depths, how to abide with what’s buried and hidden, and how to find treasure in the dark. In the coming weeks, your natural power to perceive what’s concealed will be amplified. What secrets would you like to uncover? What spirits of the departed would you like to commune with? What seemingly impossible knowledge could you gain access to? SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Early balloonists had little control over the direction of their flights. They couldn’t steer horizontally. But they found that changing altitude allowed them to catch different winds moving in different directions. The smartest way to change course was to rise or descend. Keep that image close, Sagittarius. If you can’t alter external

circumstances directly, shift your perspective or your social environment. A new current may be waiting higher or lower than where you’ve been drifting. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Life must both perpetuate itself and surpass itself. Capricorn philosopher Simone de Beauvoir said that. We need continuity, but we also need transcendence. This beautifully encapsulates your assignment in the coming months. Your fun job will be to continue honoring the commitments that anchor your life while also making room for an exhilarating experiment or two. Make stability your launching pad rather than your destination. I dare you and urge you to visualize the person you will be three years from now. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Inventors often describe breakthroughs arriving after weeks or months of seemingly unproductive tinkering. Clearly, their subconscious minds kept working on the puzzles even while their conscious minds felt frustrated. Eventually, a fresh arrangement appeared as if by magic. I suspect you’re approaching a threshold like that. Your experiments have been subliminally educating your intuition. The solution that’s searching for you may be cleverer than the one you’ve been searching for. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Travelers crossing dark marshes on foot may report eerie, flickering lights hovering over the bog. Science explains these will-o’-the-wisps as gases from decaying matter that ignites in the night air. Folklore provides other theories: They’re spirit-lanterns, fairy lights, the lamps of the dead, or beckoning wanderers. I believe you’re in a similar liminal zone these days. Science and magic are both at work. Truth may take the form of both inexplicable mystery and fascinating anomalies that light your way. Be open to both!

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Oklahoma Gazette - November 2026