WINNING FOOTBALL BRINGS TU TAILGATERS

I can hear them before I see them. Something that sounds like a jackhammer is running steadily outside my apartment, piquing my curiosity enough to make me look out there.

Tailgaters. The first of the season.

An older couple has parked a Winnebago in the middle of the field, the wife sitting in a lawn chair watching as her husband makes holes for their tent stakes.

TU football? Fans? I'm baffled.

Before long, the man has completed the setup of the tent, and the wife gets up long enough to move her chair to the newly created shade.

The day moves on, and I have little time to observe the setup of more fans throughout the day. The parking around campus is insane, and I'm almost glad that I don't currently have a car. There are more people here today than there likely will be the rest of the year, and all of them are ready for football.

The game comes and goes—we win! Our score is so high that I almost feel sorry for the opposing team. That feeling is incredibly fleeting, though, and I scream and yell with everyone else as the team goes wild.

I'm walking back to my apartment, which is now surrounded by the tailgaters, some of them chanting "45," our team's score.

As proud as I am for our team, I can't help but feel a sense of amusement toward these fans. Where on earth were they? Have they been here before, and I just missed them?

There's a very large chance that many of them didn't give TU a second thought before last year, but there's no point in getting worked up about that. The stadium was full, the people were having fun, and there's no harm in that.

--Caroline Richardson

Caroline Richardson is the business manager for TU's student newspaper, The Collegian, and a member of the TU band, The Sound of the Golden Hurricane.

LIFE AT LAMBRUSCO'Z

Walking into Lambrusco’z in Tulsa's Brookside neighborhood, you instantly get a feeling of comfort and warmth.

I see employees laughing with one another, having fun, all the while getting orders done in a speedy fashion. Stress does not seem to enter Lambrusco'z. Customers can relax on their lunch break while eating good food.

Lambrusco’z has been making sandwiches and catering for more than 30 years. They offer tasty sandwiches at a good price. They serve Boars Head meat, said to be the best meat in the nation.

Describing a typical day at Lambrusco’z, an employee says is a really busy but not stressful.

“Everyone gets here around ten and leaves at seven," she says. "The morning duties are basically finishing up catering orders for the day as well as getting everything ready for the lunch rush. At the lunch rush we make sandwiches, make sure everything is stocked up, and talk to customers."

She continues: "Once three o’clock hits the lunch rush is over and everyone begins working on catering orders for the following day. Around four o’clock the dinner rush slowing starts coming which goes on until we close at seven. The dinner rush consists of making dinners for customers, nothing too hard.

"The people are really fun to work with she says, I enjoy work,” she says.

My first impressions have been confirmed: Lambruso’z is a great place to go for a enjoyable meal. Lambrusco'z is on 41st Street, just east of Peoria, across from Wild Oats Market.

--Emily Pickens

Emily Pickens is a TU junior from Oklahoma City. She is a communication major with an emphasis in public relations and a minor in marketing.

A NEW REPORT FROM THE CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE

Not many people know this, but Tulsa is the home to the Center of the Universe.

I know it must be hard to believe, but it's true. The Center of the Universe is across the street from the William’s building on 1st Street, in the center of the bridge next to the old train station. You will know you are in the right place when you see a tall metal statue. Walk a few feet, and you will see a circle—the Center of the Universe.

Once you stand in the Center of the Universe, yell out something, anything you want and experience the phenomenon.

What phenomenon I am referring to? Once you yell out something you can hear your echo many times over. It may not seem like anything spectacular, but think about when you yell in a cave. There is obviously a reason why your voice is echoing. Your voice is bouncing off the walls of the cave.

At the center of the universe, no walls close in around you. You are in the outside air with the sky above you, the bridge at your feet, train tracks below the bridge, and buildings many yards away from you.

While I was sitting on the edge of the bridge I watched as a young man and a young woman walked to the center of the universe. They talked and smiled at each other, then the man got down on one knee and yelled, “Marcy, will you marry me?”

I could see the tears starting to swell up in Marcy’s eyes as she yelled, “Yes!”

The echo of both of their voices became the background music of their loving embrace. I let the couple have a moment, before walking over to ask a few questions. The main thought going through my mind was why here? Why the center of the universe?

Scott told me that he brought Marcy here on their first date.

“I did not believe Scott whatsoever when he told me about the center of the universe. I thought it was his come on line to get me to a secluded place,” Marcy said.

After Scott showed Marcy he was indeed telling the truth, their relationship sky rocketed.

Maybe there is a scientific explanation as to why voices echo at this particular spot in Tulsa. Or maybe Tulsa really is the home to the Center of the Universe. Whichever it is, something magical happens every time someone steps into the center of the universe.

--Melissa Fulton

Melissa Fulton is a TU senior majoring in communication.

DOWNTOWN TULSA'S "CENTER OF THE UNIVERSE"

I was raised in a small town in eastern Oklahoma. Because there is nothing much to do in Spiro, I like to visit interesting places in T-Town.

My favorite place in Tulsa is the "Center of the Universe," especially late at night. The Center is a large, circular brick area in downtown Tulsa. If you stand in the middle and shout, your voice echoes around you.

I find the spot extremely spiritual and mystical. My sorority sisters and I always feel compelled to sing our sorority songs there: the echoes really make the songs come to life. The Center has a certain power over those who speak there.

One colorful aspect of the Center are the people who always seem to be there. On my first trip to the Center I encountered a Goth couple who told me a myth about ringing the sculptural "shackles" at midnight on Halloween. They couldn't agree about what happened when you rang the shackles, but it was supposed to be magical.

On my last visit I met a drunk, homeless guy. He told my sisters and me that we should be careful about the weirdos in Tulsa. He only told us that after he forgot that he had talked to us moments before asking how our day was. The Center seems to draw all the colorful characters that Tulsa has to offer.

Another interesting aspect of the Center is the statue that Native American artist Robert Haozous created for the 1991 Mayfest named “Artificial Cloud." It always seems to depress me a little.

Haozous had a lot to say about technology and how it affects society. The lower base of the statue has shackles that are meant to symbolize the shackles that were placed on the Indians of early America. The long, center section illustrates humans without hands among a mass of airplanes and the center section comes to a point where a large cloud rests on top.

Haozous made this statue out of soft steel. It was made to corrode as technology is making our society corrode. While I marvel at the genius of the artist, I still find the statue too deep for my taste.

The Center of the Universe brings color to downtown Tulsa. It is a spot that is both magical and thought-provoking.

--Brandi Andrews

Brandi Andrews is a junior English education major from Spiro, Oklahoma. She is a member of Kappa Delta Sorority and the TU All-Girl Spirit Squad.

IN SALPULPA: THE SOUNDS OF MEGATRON

Smoke fills the air as bright flashing lights move to the increasingly loud music. Slightly overweight couples bounce over to the dance floor in an attempt to reenact the magic of 1985. Fog engulfs the guitar player as he unleashes a face-melting solo.

The pool tables are full of action and screams of joy arise from around the numerous TV’s displaying college football. The bartender tries to keep up with the relentless demand for Bud Light and various other alcoholic beverages.

The patrons of this establishment are here for one reason: to have a good time.

As a musician, it is my job to help create a fun atmosphere and help these people have a good time. I hold a certain power that many people never get a chance to experience. It is my job to make these people dance, drink and get lost in fury of rock and roll.

When I play the drums at a gig, my hands and feet can pretty much go on autopilot and my mind and eyes can wander. I often watch the crowd, observing all of the mini-dramas unfolding. An older couple dancing like it’s the 80’s, almost unaware that is isn’t … a suburban gangster who looks more than a little out of place… drunken girls arguing with each other… there is always entertainment.

The people that frequent this bar in rural Oklahoma are different than the people in ‘big city’ pubs. There are characters here that many people will never encounter, and certainly wouldn’t understand. This isn’t your average bar/grill, but the people in Sapulpa Oklahoma are as friendly as you will find.

Establishments such as the Beer Hunter in Sapulpa are full of character and almost always offer a good time. You won’t find Swedish seating or fancy drinks you can’t pronounce, but you will find friendly service, great music (when my band plays), and cheap drink specials.

The Beer Hunter is located at 1205 New Sapulpa Rd in Sapulpa.

--Tyler Hearn

When he's not playing drums in his band, Tyler Hearn is a TU student and sports editor of the student newspaper, The Collegian.

A SLICE OF NEW YORK PIZZA IN TULSA

Driving west into the sun, I search to my right for the sign. Mario’s New York Style Pizzeria is the place to go for pizza. One family I heard about has a standing Saturday night date here.

They tell me it doesn’t look like much, just a hole-in-the-wall in a little strip mall.

There it is! Parking is at a premium, so it’s nice to see some reserved spots in front. I open the door and the aromas assail my senses, fresh-baked dough, oregano, tomatoes, and sausage. Um-mmm.

Someone behind the counter is hand-tossing dough, three others are prepping in the back and calling out finished orders. Customers are sitting in the booths and at tables in the front and there’s a steady stream coming in and out the door. A television is tuned to a program about motorcycles.

As I wait for my order I notice the mural of Manhattan that includes the George Washington Bridge and a banner-draped depiction of the Twin Towers. On the opposite wall, next to the soda fountain, are framed covers from the Oklahoma Family Magazine and Oklahoma Magazine that name the restaurant Best of the Best for Pizza in 2000, 2002, and 2005.
Computer prints of a mom and her baby are taped to the side of the soda fountain. I recognize the mom behind the counter.

My order is up, a large supreme pizza that is overlapping the pan and three fountain drinks. Hot, spicy cheesiness, it’s delicious! Three of us, two teenage boys and a hungry college student, were too full to eat the last two slices. Grazi!

Mario's is located at 3323 E. 51 Street, at the corner of 51 and Harvard, in Tulsa. The food is worth the trip.

--Karen Groff

Karen Groff is a TU junior, originally from Upstate New York. She is majoring in communication with a minor in psychology.

A MIGHTY GOOD BURGER IN TULSA

Ever get sick of eating at the proverbial hamburger restaurant chain? If so, I may have just the cure.

Claud's Hamburgers, located at 38th and Peoria in Tulsa's Brookside neighborhood, offers a diner-style burger that is well worth giving up the drive-through lifestyle.

Claud's is a small establishment, with a small parking lot occupied by a few cars. The window says simply "Claud's Hamburgers" in green and white paint. The lettering looks like was done in freehand.

As I walk in, I am greeted with a smile and take a seat on the last stool at the end of the counter. The place is simple in every since of the word. A counter with about 12 old stools faces the open kitchen, which is all original stainless steel from its beginning in 1965.

It's quiet this afternoon at Claud's, making it easy enough to hear the relaxing hum of the air conditioning as I read the menu on the wall.

"We'll see you later. It was a mighty good burger," a man says as he meanders out of the door.

Another man in business attire slowly shuffles a newspaper behind me as he quietly sits and enjoys a burger and soda.

"What can I get for you?" a portly, middle-aged man behind the counter asks me. Without hesitation I order the Big Claud, a nine-ounce burger with three patties smashed together, topped with grilled onions on a large bun.

Glancing over to the end of the kitchen I see two of the late Claud Hobson's sons hovering over the grill, handling spatulas as if they were extensions of their arms. They silently flip the burgers as a tiny fan cools their foreheads from the sizzling grill.

After I finish my burger, I take a quick look at six other customers eating by themselves, most of who are regulars. I realize I am not the only content person around.

For 41 years, Claud's has been creating a cozy atmosphere, a friendly smile, and, best of all, a mighty good burger.

--Brian Fagan

Brian Fagan grew up in Kansas City. He is a communication major with a minor in marketing. He enjoys going to concerts, playing drums, camping, and being around good people.

MY MORNING AT THE UTICA SQUARE STARBUCKS

Today, after my 8 a.m. class, I went to one of my favorite places in Tulsa. I went to Utica Square for my Starbuck experience. For this story, I wanted to go to Utica Square because I often have interesting encounters with appealing people.

The look of Utica Square is glamorous. The delicate, nurtured flowers, the artistic sculptures, and the gorgeous buildings add so much to the allure of this upscale shopping center, the oldest shopping center in Tulsa.

Starbucks seems to have its own style. I always feel that the people that work there let their personalities shine through their wardrobes and their attitudes. This is common in some people, but I feel and see it the most when I am at Starbucks in Utica Square.

This morning was a good example of an enjoyable encounter I had with a Starbucks employee. I specifically remember being vocal about how every one was in such a chipper mood.

The mood of Starbucks was set off by the attitudes of the employees and customers. Because it was so early (for me), the customers and employees were very positive.The mood is what I like most about Starbucks. It’s never the same when I go. For example, if I were to go during the evenings the atmosphere would be more laid back, the music would be different, and the employees would adjust their attitudes due to the customers.

The mood is unique at Starbucks—it can’t be compared to any other coffee shop that I have ever been to. I believe that every time I go to Starbucks I get the entire coffee shop experience. Maybe it’s just by watching the people that work there, or maybe it's watching the customers enjoy their time, or maybe it’s just the time I spend talking to the people that I with. No matter what the reason is, I always leave Starbucks satisfied and anticipating my next visit.

--Lindsey Naylor

Lindsey Naylor is a junior from Kansas City. She is majoring in communication, with a minor in marketing.

A COLORFUL OASIS: THE TULSA ROSE GARDEN

The air is thick with a floral scent, and it is hotter than September has any business being. I walk down the gravel path, avoiding the puddles that appear every few feet. Rows and rows of flowers surround me, an explosion of reds, yellows, whites and purples.

I walk through the Tulsa Rose Garden. I wasn’t the only one who had the idea to visit the garden today. I see five people having a picnic under a tree. A man and woman kiss at the base of the stone stairway. A woman walks her very small dog.

The planters are full of different varieties of roses, usually named after vacation destinations or famous people. The Caribbean, Granada, Elizabeth Taylor, and Julia Child all have floral namesakes.



It is not the ideal time for roses, and a few of the plants look like autumn. The Oklahoma rose, in particular, looks wilted and frail. Most of the roses though, are still dense with boldly colored flowers. As I walk down the path, a flock of birds explodes out of a yellow Eureka bush.

The Tulsa Garden Club says the garden was built in 1935. History is visible all around in the garden. Prize winners are marked in all the planters. Bright Lights from 1991, Ivory Fashion from 1959, and Charlotte Armstrong from 1941, are just a few of the former world champion roses on display.

As I head back to my car, the scent of the garden fades from the air. The regular city air takes over, and the sound of cars driving down the road becomes audible once again.

--Ben Pernu

Ben Pernu is a TU sophomore from Broken Arrow, Okla. He is pursuing a major in biology and a certificate in journalism studies.

DANCING AT THE CLUB MAJESTIC

I am not someone who usually to ventures outside her comfort zone very often. So when my friends suggested I go to Club Majestic on Sunday for their drag queen show, I was a little nervous.

For anyone who does not know, Club Majestic is a club and bar for Tulsa's gay community, though heterosexuals are welcome also. Never having been to a gay club before before, I wasn't sure what to expect. As I observed the other club guests, it was easy to pick out the regulars from the people who did not go to the club often or had never been at all. Some people walked around like they owned the place, while others were nervously sitting back, observing everyone and trying to take it all in.

After the drag show started, people started to pile in. The show was actually much better than I had expected. I was impressed at how the performers were able to dance around so intensely in high heels while belting out those high tunes.

Mid-show, the lead drag queen told everyone who had never been to the club before to get on stage. She then proceeded to approach each one of us individually, asking a variety of questions about what had brought us to the club. There really were a variety of people there for different reasons. There was one man who was new to Tulsa and just trying to meet people, a guy taking out his brother for his birthday, and another girl who was kind of like me—just going out of curiosity and new experiences.

I left before the show was over, because the sweating people and the cigarette smoke-filled atmosphere got a little old. But I had a good time. And while I probably won'’t be going back to Club Majestic anytime soon, it was definitely an interesting experience.

--Hillary Lewis

TULSA'S BLACK WALL STREET: 85 YEARS LATER

It is Sunday afternoon in this historic district, Black Wall Street, on Greenwood Avenue. Every store is closed and the street is peaceful and quiet.

I remember learning about this place a couple of years ago in one of my history classes. I was taught that it used to be a thriving place with hundreds of businesses, but that's not true now. I could see that plainly, since I can use my ten fingers to count the businesses in the district. I see a fish market, a print shop, barbershop, and few others.

However, that is not the point about this place. This place means much more than business. It is one of the places in Tulsa that represents a minority group. The race riot of 1921 took many lives, but it failed to take the spirit away. The place may not be as prosperous as it was in early 1900s, but just by being there, means a lot to many of us.

Although "Jim Crow" is gone, stereotypes, prejudice, and hatred are still around. There is a thin line that separates each of us, like Interstate 244, a freeway that separates the north and south side of Tulsa's neighborhoods.

As I am sitting in my car on this quiet afternoon, this place is telling me what we need is a peace, as peaceful as a Sunday afternoon, calm with silent resistance.

--Jintae Hwang

TIE-DYED TULSA

You may have seen it driving around Tulsa: a boxy VW van covered with bumper stickers, multi-colored flowers, and reminders to “have a groovy day.”

The van belongs to Kelly Killion, who painted it with her mother a few years ago. It is the primary source of publicity for Killion’s small business, Tie Dyes of Tulsa, located on 11th Street, just east of the TU campus.

Killion herself is an unassuming woman. When I met her, she was wearing a tie-dyed T-shirt, paint-splattered denim shorts, and a pair of round John Lennon glasses with purple lenses. A floppy tie-dyed hat covered her head as she spray painted bright orange guitars onto blue and white sheets. She is not exactly your typical business owner.

She's obviously doing something right, though, because Tie Dyes of Tulsa has been going strong since 1995, when Killion got her start dying shirts for Hideaway Pizza employees in Stillwater. It is still a small business, perhaps, but it is a definite presence in the Tulsa community.

Tie Dyes of Tulsa is the kind of place that my friends would call "“hippie," which means there are beaded curtains in the windows and doorway, and the smell of incense in the air.

Killion’s two cats, named Yin and Yang, sleep curled up under the American flag hung from the ceiling. Appropriately for such a place as this, the stars on the flag have been replaced with a bold white peace sign.

Tie Dyes of Tulsa is not the kind of store that I expected to find when I shipped myself off to Oklahoma for college. In fact, had I gone my whole life without ever seeing a store for tie-dying, I probably would not have noticed the absence.

It is obvious, though, that Kelly Killion loves her business and believes that she is filling some sort of void in the Tulsa area. And after visiting for even a brief period, I cannot help but feel the same way.

--Laura Hermann

Laura Hermann is a TU sophomore from Fenton, Missouri. She is minoring in Musical Theatre and has yet to declare a major.