Features
Few inventions have affected the world so profoundly as the Internet. In a time where the simple click of a mouse can phone a friend, access news, transfer funds or buy a car, is it any surprise that millions of people utilize blogs to communicate, investigate, rant, rave or ramble? The evolution of the blog from a simple online journal to a reliable source for up-to-date information has been quick; the term “blog” was coined only in 1999. But in the decade since, the medium has exploded into a worldwide phenomenon.Oklahomans have taken to their keyboards to blog. From a diverse group of residents comes a wide range of blogs with topics including current events, politics, shopping, music, food, pop culture and activism. Oklahoma Magazine has compiled a list of Oklahoma blogs that stand out in the crowd. We have also included several helpful, informative or simply entertaining websites and forums. The list was compiled through polling readers and bloggers, then whittled down to represent the spectrum of Oklahoma blogging. Please note that the views expressed in these blogs and websites are that of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of Oklahoma Magazine. Content on these blogs may not be appropriate for everyone. Without further ado, the hot 75.
Commentary
Bee-Spot: www.bee-spot.blogspot.com. Blythe takes her return to Oklahoma as an occasion to let the world know exactly what she thinks. For instance, “If I get one more e-mail telling me that Obama is a Muslim, I’m telling all of my little cousins that Santa isn’t real.”
Brit’ Gal in the USA: www.britgalusa.com. Sarah is a British expat who turned her life on its head when she fell for an Okie in an online backgammon room. Now she’s living far off the beaten track and watching out for tornadoes in rural Oklahoma.
Carleta.org: www.carleta.org. Carleta blogs about daily life in rural Oklahoma, but it’s her love of fried okra and sweet tea that won us over.
CycleDog: www.cycledog.blogspot.com. The blog of an Oklahoma, all-weather bicyclist and bicycle advocate who delves into politics and other topics on occasion.
Greedy Girl: www.iamagreedygirl.com. A catalog of smart, well-designed and inspiring finds from around the world and the web; Greedy Girl has a sharp eye for fashion and style.
Irritated Tulsan: www.irritatedtulsan.wordpress.com. The humorous observations and ramblings of an easily irritated young Tulsa man.
JustinFeed: www.Justinfeed.com. Justin, a self-described gay troublemaker from Tulsa, produces a high definition video blog (vlog) covering a range of topics. He has a bone to pick with Jim Inhofe.
Kellyology: wwww.kellyology.net. Witty musings on life from a 30-something stay-at-home mom, who offers up such bons mots of wisdom as this: “Never assume that a 9-year-old boy knows that he should change his underwear every day.”
The Lost Ogle: www.thelostogle.com. When you need biting, witty and sharp edged commentary on topics of local, national and international concern, you need an Ogle. That’s why this group of mystery bloggers has created the persona of a lost member of OKC’s first family of journalism to tell it like it is.
Okiedoke: www.okiedoke.com. Mike Hermes, self-proclaimed “Okie for Obama,” blogs live from Little Axe, Okla., on politics and a range of topics
affecting Oklahomans and Americans. He is also the creator and judge of the Okie Blog Awards.
Okie Sister: www.
okiesister.com. “Sister’s” take on a variety of topics, including television shows, traveling, food and drink, politics, celebrities and entertainment, many with a local focus. Includes personal photographs, recipes and a collection of Sister’s “senior moments.”
Oklahoma Lefty: www.oklahomalefty.blogspot.com. A punk rock-loving father of two gives his slightly left of center look at politics, religion and pop culture from the heartland.
Straight Shooter: www.shootinstraight.blogspot.com. An Oklahoma farm wife and mother’s humorous blog about rural life. We especially like the closing notes she leaves her hubby, “Big Shooter,” when he’s on the road.
Tasha Does Tulsa: www.tashadoestulsa.blogspot.com. Journeys through Tulsa from the perspective of a half-tourist/half-resident with a side order of humor.
Today in Idabel, Oklahoma: www.
todayinidabeloklahoma.blogspot.com. View Idabel through the eyes and thoughts of four different women: one black, one Native American, one “white trash redneck” and one picture taker.
T Town Tommy: www.ttowntommy.typepad.com. Tommy, a Libertarian, art-and-music-loving gay Tulsan, chronicles life “in the buckle of the Bible Belt” and offers up opinions on everything from music, movies and politics to how to fix sheetrock.
Yet Another Small Town Moment: www.yastm.blogspot.com. OKDAD tells of moving his family from L.A. to small town Oklahoma. He’s currently restoring his 113-year old Queen Anne home.
The Wynn Blog: www.tysonwynn.com. Online home of self-described right-wing nutjob, religious fanatic citizen journalist Tyson Wynn.
The Daily Bitch: www.brain-soup.blogspot.com. The regular commentary of a 40-year-old single mother of 13-year-old twins. Her personal philosophy: Take life with a grain of salt, a dash of pepper and a shot of tequila.
Community Action
Alliance of Emerging Professionals: www.aepokc.com. Oklahoma City’s networking hub for young professionals interested in making OKC a better place to live.
Tulsa Young Professionals: www.typros.org. As the name suggests, the homepage of Tulsa’s young professionals organization, working together to showcase Tulsa as a cool place to live, work and play.
TulsaNow: www.tulsanow.org. What started as a group of Tulsa citizens frustrated by a string of failed revitalization efforts now has an online presence for citizens to exchange news and ideas.
Urban Neighbors: www.urbanneighbors.org. Oklahoma City’s dowtown neighborhood association, which is also a grassroots organization promoting progressive development and residential living. They also have a lot of fun.
Food & Drink
Cocktailnerd: www.cockailnerd.com. Frustrated with a world full of sub-par cocktails, Oklahoma Magazine’s libations columnist sets out to rediscover the lost art of the cocktail and spend a lot of money on booze. His site was listed as one of PC Magazine’s 100 Favorite Blogs of 2007.
The Mattatarian: www.mattatarian.com. An aspiring brewer writes about beer, food and life.
OKC EATZ: www.okceatz.com. An innovative, interactive Oklahoma City restaurant guide featuring web and video reviews, a food blog and restaurant listings.
Oklahoma Food Cooperative: www.oklahomafood.coop. This website is the go-to spot for those looking to buy or sell Oklahoma grown and/or made food and other products throughout the state.
Oklahoma Wine News: www.
nuyakacreek.com/blog/blogger.html. Statewide Oklahoma wine industry news and vineyard events.
Small Bites: www.tulsaworld.com. The official blog of Tulsa World food writer Natalie Mikles. It’s where she shares recipes from her readers and her latest food discoveries.
Taste Oklahoma: www.tasteoklahoma.com. An informative guide to the best Oklahoma foods, drinks, festivals and activities.
The Tulsa Food Blog: www.tulsafoodblog.com. Tulsa restaurants casually reviewed by normal everyday people who live to eat. This group had a great time at the Tulsa State Fair.
Parenting
918moms.com: www.918moms.com. A social networking site for moms in the 918 area code. The site also includes a host of valuable content.
Friday Playdate: www.fridayplaydate.com. OKC resident and fabulous mommy Susan Wagner discusses her thoughts on parenting, shopping and more on this entertaining blog, which is part of the BlogHer network.
Redneck Diva: www.theredneckdiva.com. Musings on motherhood and family life from a Miami, Okla. “redneck” who’s happy that her diva side has kept her from growing a mullet.
Rocks in My Dryer: www.
rocksinmydryer.typepad.com. The blog of a stay-at-home, work-at-home mother of four and bone fide southerner. The author is a professional parenting writer and offers insight from her own life and that of her extensive network.
Sleeping Mommy: www.
sleepingmommy.com. The journal of a never-ending effort to stay sane, rested and healthy, while pursuing academic goals and trying to be a good mom.
Politics
Batesline: www.
batesline.com. The blog of well-known conservative Tulsa columnist and commentator Michael Bates. He covers local, state and national politics, urban policy, faith, family, music, culture and more.
Blue Oklahoma: www.blueoklahoma.org. Described as a community blog operated by Oklahoma progressives dedicated to “taking back this state for the people.” Their goal is simple: to turn one of the reddest of red states blue.
Bounded Rationality: www.
boundrationality.blogspot.com. Tulsan Jeff Shaw’s two-year old blog reflects his common sense brand of conservatism, which he believes has gotten lost in today’s political landscape.
The McCarville Report Online: http://wwwtmrcom.blogspot.com. Covering Oklahoma political news and government with a conservative Republican bent since 1980. TMRO’s motto is “Follow the Money.”
Oklahoma Insider: www.okinsider.com. A comprehensive website featuring nonpartisan, up-to-the-minute information on all legislative action going on at the Oklahoma Capitol.
Oklahoma Women’s Network Blog: www.oklahomawomen.blogspot.com. The blog arm of Dr. Jean Warner’s Oklahoma Women’s Network (a great website in its own right) is dedicated to current news designed to inform and empower Oklahoma women and girls.
Okie Funk: www.okiefunk.com. UCO professor Dr. Kurt Hochenauer’s liberal critique on local and national governmental issues and political races. Recent posts on topics range from his thoughts on the corporate media and the economic bailout plan to the state Senate race.
Sports &
Entertainment
Agent Bedhead: www.agentbedhead.com. A pop culture blog focusing on film, music, and whatever else strikes their fancy.
Barrelhouse Beat: www.tulsaworld.com. Tulsa World music writer Jennifer Chancellor keeps up with all things music. She provides commentary on the music industry, local shows and musicians who either call Tulsa home or are just passing through.
Berry Tramel: www.newsok.com. The Oklahoman sports columnist’s popular blog features lively discussions of college and professional sports.
Cheese Factory Radio:
www.cheesefactoryradio.com. This Tulsa radio station streams original music from local musicians. From country music to metal, the station provides a little something for everyone.
The Flaming Lips: www.flaminglips.com. Keep up with your favorite Oklahoma psychadelic rock band through their official site. Includes the latest news, photo gallery and downloads about Wayne Coyne & Co.
FolkSalad: www.folksalad.com. Folk Salad hosts Richard Higgs and Scott Aycock provide a complete playlist for their weekly KWGS radio program that features folk, Americana, blues and red dirt music.
Mike Strain: www.
tulsaworld.com. Tulsa World sports editor Mike Strain offers his opinions on Oklahoma sports. The comments section allows Strain to respond to his readers’ questions or criticisms.
The Morning After Tulsa: www.themorningaftertulsa.com. Did you go out last night in T-Town? Was there some random guy taking your picture? Could have been Monty, and you could end up on this site.
Oklahoma Grown Veg: www.
oklahomegrownveg.blogspot.com. A northeast Oklahoma gardener chronicles attempts to grow vegetables using organic methods. His blog records both successes and failures – successes seem to be much more common.
Oklahoma Per Square Foot: http://blogs.journalrecord.com/persquarefoot. This blog, courtesy of Oklahoma’s Journal Record, provides commentary on state and national trends that affect the real estate market.
OklahomaRock.com: www.
oklahomarock.com. A comprehensive listing of Oklahoma bands, a statewide schedule of shows and a newsblog make this site a destination for the latest on Okie rockers.
Paddle Tales – Kayak Oklahoma Blog: www.oklahomaroadtrips.com/paddle.htm. Find out where to travel with your paddle on this site dedicated to the culture of kayaking.
Parties Extra! www.newsok.com. Helen Ford Wallace’s society blog offers up details and photos of OKC parties and fundraisers.
Radio IROK: www.irokradio.com. The voice of Oklahoma music has been rocking for five years. Showcases all genres of Oklahoma talent.
Red Dirt Kings: www.reddirtkings.com. A blog dedicated to Sooner sports and the personalities that make them interesting.
Red Dirt Ramblings: www.
reddirtramblings.com. An Oklahoma garden blog that discusses the ins and outs of digging in the dirt, and provides beautiful photos of flora and fauna.
Salad Days Music: www.
saladdaysmusic.net. Salad Days Music is a blog offering commentary on the music industry. MP3’s posted on the site give readers a chance to samples work from bands that haven’t yet hit it big.
Shoes are for Work: www.memo57.blogspot.com. This Norman blogger offers comments on the local and national music scene. Bonus: This guy has impeccable taste when it comes to up-and-coming hipster bands.
Thunder Madness: www.thundermadness.com. This site dedicated to fans of the new NBA team that stormed into OKC earlier this year allows fans to post comments about their new favorite team and meet other Thunderheads.
Wimgo: www.wimgo.com. Oklahoma events, movies, concerts and more are now easier than ever to track down thanks to this one-stop online calendar.
Wisdom of the Trowel: www.wisdom-of-the-trowel.blogspot.com. A blog dedicated to “eco-psychology, lots of cooking, occasionally foraging and generally taking it easy.”
Other
Blog Oklahoma: www.blogoklahoma.com. Blog Oklahoma provides a “web ring” for Okie bloggers. With more than 900 blogs registered on the site, there’s a wide network that will keep you entertained for days.
BlogOklahoma.us: www.
blogoklahoma.us. Log on daily to get “Today in Oklahoma History” updates, or visit their library to get your state history by the month.
City of Oklahoma City: www.okc.gov. This official site of OKC keeps residents up to date on everything from garage sale rules to information on trash pick-up.
City of Tulsa: www.cityoftulsa.org. Tulsa residents can log on to find out what’s going down at City Hall. Find guides to the city’s cultural and recreational activities, pay your utility bill online, or read the latest message from Mayor Kathy Taylor on this comprehensive site.
Cold Case Oklahoma: www.coldcaseok.com. The site tells the story of Oklahoma crimes that remain unsolved. The Oklahoman’s Ken Raymond and other staff revisit these cases and blog about the OKC police beat on this gripping website.
Jeremy Charles: www.jeremycharles.com. One of Tulsa’s busiest photographers showcases his work from various shoots at concerts, and for several area publications and clients.
Oklahoma Historical Society: www.okhistory.org. The official site for the state’s history keepers includes links to “Encyclopedia Oklahoma,” which offers a comprehensive history of the state, as well as links to the Oklahoma Museum of History and other historic sites.
Oklahoma Magazine: www.okmag.com. How can we have a list of the best websites and not include ourselves? Okmag.com features an online dining guide and calendar of events, and readers can access archived issues of the state’s largest circulated monthly magazine.
The Pioneer Woman: www.
thepioneerwoman.com. Ree Drummond is a self-described “desperate housewife” living on a ranch in northeastern Oklahoma. Her site won the 2007 Okie Blog Award for Best Overall Blog.
Savvy Frugality: www.savvyfrugality.com. A blogger from Oklahoma City has taken lessons learned from past financial mistakes and turned it into a blog about how to stretch a buck. And in these tough economic times, everyone can stand to save a little cash.
Travel OK: www.travelok.com. The official tourism site for the state, Travel OK highlights Oklahoma travel destinations and provides tips for traversing the state.
