Issue: February 2008

The statistic may be shocking, but it’s true. Today, one in 150 individuals are diagnosed with the debilitating disease known as autism, a complex neurobiological disorder that often lasts throughout a person’s lifetime. Autism is more common than pediatric cancer, diabetes and AIDS combined. Families facing autism often have staggering medical bills. With this in…

Twelve year olds know how to enjoy life. Twins, Sara and Maci Whitton have been dancing with the stars, which is every young girl’s dream. One of the twins’ greatest thrills was performing at the New York Lincoln Center in December 2007 with Dino, who hosted the “Christmas in New York” program where the Children’s…

Two Oklahoma Christian University students took part in “Clash of the Choirs,” a hit NBC talent contest miniseries which aired live four consecutive nights in December. The reality show challenged five celebrity musicians to return to their hometowns and assemble choirs to compete in New York City for a $250,000 donation to a charity in…

In the lives of young patients at Jimmy Everest Cancer Center of Children’s Hospital, art signifies a powerful message of hope, love and everlasting support. Art with a Heart is an inspirational fundraiser event led yearly by Tri-Delta alumnae, benefiting the non-profit Oklahoma Children’s Cancer Association (OCCA). The fundraiser provides patients and families with financial…

Some of the most romantic gifts for Valentine’s Day are the collections of sweet memories that have been gathered over generations from couples of every age. Shoun & Ranju Thomas For newlyweds, Shoun and Ranju Thomas, love was found miles away in the state of Minnesota. Shoun, a mechanical engineer from Oklahoma, met Ranju while…

Not too far off the beaten path, one Edmond women is busy supplying a service that is easy to overlook in the high-speed world in which we live. Lisa Matlock, owner of Edmond Equestrian Center, says some counties in Oklahoma have 2.5 horses to every person. While this has not been the case in Oklahoma…

For some, a variety of body piercing is considered taboo. Others admire them as body art. Over the years, each generation increases the threshold on what is accepted in body modification. The negative image that comes along with tattoos and piercing has perhaps evolved more into a subtle disapproval and a slight outrage expressed mainly…

One day, Aaron and Laura Beese had a thought. Let's go to the highest point in each state. Then they rethought their plan. If they visited only the highest points they would miss much of the state. They gave Oklahoma as an example. “If we visited only the highest point in Oklahoma, in the far…

Forensic art is a law enforcement technique used in the identification, apprehension, or conviction of wanted persons. It encompasses several concepts, including composite art, image modification, age progression, post-mortem reconstruction, and demonstrative evidence. Local artist, Harvey Phillip Pratt, is considered one of the best in the country and his abilities and experience back that up….

Colby’s Grill There is a place, right here in Edmond, where families can still go to get a home cooked breakfast and not pay dinner prices. Inside, you will find homemade biscuits, fresh omelets packed with your favorite ingredients, and the enticing aroma of coffee filling the air. And that’s just the morning menu. The…

Performer, producer and director. These are the titles held by DWe Williams of the theatrical group, Rhythmically Speaking. Formed 11 years ago out of a need for authentic African American based children’s theatre, the group has performed more than 25 shows. The educationally entertaining group always seeks out one moment of each show to inspire…

Titled “The Dr. Phil for teens” by FOX and “The Dear Abby for the MySpace Generation” by CosmoGirl Magazine, Josh Shipp has gained an international reputation as an inspiring speaker with a simple, yet challenging message. His roots began in Edmond and have since expanded across the globe. Q: How did you get into this…

I admit it. I’ve been extra fascinated with this season’s, “The Biggest Loser: Couples.” Not only is it good reality-based entertainment, it’s the fact that an ex-Back40 staff member is a contestant. Neill Harmer and his lovely wife, Amanda, competed against nine other couples to lose the most weight and win $250,000. Neill and his…