Music to My Ears

Dear Editor,

(In response to "Making the Most" in the July 9-15 issue of Urban Tulsa Weekly.)

[Cory Cheney's] article in Urban Tulsa regarding movie soundtracks struck a chord with me (if you'll pardon the expression).

Like most, I don't pay attention to the soundtrack unless there is something glaring that requires my noticing it (such as its being too discordant or being played too loudly).

The notable exception to that happened to me many years ago. I went to see Sirens. During the movie, I noticed the music and really enjoyed it...so much so that I went to look for the soundtrack immediately after the movie and couldn't find it. No one had it. My six-month search for it was finally rewarded and I was able to order the soundtrack. I have yet to tire of it and even my mother enjoys the music. I gave her the CD and plan to search for another copy of it.

I appreciate your articles (I'm new to Tulsa) and oh, yeah...I'll go see Moon.

Regards,

Joan Gallo

Starving Artists

Dear Editor:

The arts are essential to the health and vitality of our communities. They enhance community development; spur urban renewal; attract new businesses; draw tourism dollars; and create an environment that attracts skilled, educated workers and builds a robust 21st century workforce.

Nonprofit arts organizations are proud members of the business community-employing people locally, purchasing goods and services within the community, and involved in the marketing and promotion of their cities. In fact, there are more full-time jobs supported by the nonprofit arts than are in accounting, public safety officers, even lawyers and just slightly fewer than elementary school teachers.

There are approximately 100,000 nonprofit arts organizations, which spend $63.1 billion annually. Without an economic stimulus for the nonprofit arts industry, experts expect about 10 percent of these organizations (ranging from large arts institutions like museums and orchestras to small community-based organizations in suburban, urban and rural areas) to shut their doors in 2009 - a loss of 260,000 jobs.

In a report released in mid-January, the National Governor's Association stated, "Arts and culture are important to state economies. Arts and culture-related industries, also known as "creative industries," provide direct economic benefits to states and communities: They create jobs, attract investments, generate tax revenues, and stimulate local economies through tourism and consumer purchases."

Sincerely,

Martha Mattes

M.I.A.

Dear Editor:

Sorry to see Michael Bates no longer has a column. He was the main reason I picked up a copy of your paper. I hope you will have him back soon.

-Lawrence Williams, Owasso

Editor's Note: The comments below came in response to stories at urbantulsa.com.

Schooled

Dear Editor:

(In response to "Grow Thyself," the Cover Story in the July 9-15 issue of Urban Tulsa Weekly.)

As an unschooling mom of four, and a friend of Sarah and Leslie, I am truly thankful for the way this article was written. I have yet to read an article that makes this life "make sense" to others who don't live it. It's nearly impossible to put your finger on the realities of this life. It is scary (for those choosing it and those who can't imagine it being successful.) But it's also freedom and bliss. It changes how you see everything. And, yes, teenagers can actually have outstanding friendships with people in their 30's and their parents. Thanks for an honest and decent effort.

- FarmJenny

Dear Editor:

Another poor article by the Urban Tulsa about education. A 16-year-old girl and two of her best friends are 30 and 34? Why does the Urban Tulsa continually slam public education and promote this nonsense?

-highschooljim

Dear Editor:

I really appreciated the depth of this article. Thank you Erin Fore for doing your research and learning a bit about unschooling; I've been an unschooling parent for 10 years and I learned a few things from your perspective. What I thought was the most interesting was the connection you made between social ills of our children (the "terrible twos, etc) and the "mold" we have placed them into. Imagine what life would be like if as a society we broke the mold, started to treat children individually and with equal respect, and really fostered healthy connections--with their education and their relationships. Great food for thought.

-Unschooling Mom

Border War

Dear Editor:

(In response to "Suddenly, It's a Race," in the July 9-15 issue of Urban Tulsa Weekly.)

Adelson seems to be a likeable enough guy, but as far as his voting record, he's pretty much a typical tax & spend liberal.

I am also continually surprised that for whatever reason, Tulsa continues to elect Mayor's from mid-town only. You would think that citizens might want sections of the city other than downtown or midtown to get some focus. Go figure.

- MJ

Cookie Cutter

Dear Editor:

(In response to "Taking the LEED" in the May 14-20 issue of Urban Tulsa Weekly.)

I think a gold rating of LEED is a great innovative step for Tulsa. However, I think that the exterior is just like every other newly constructed house in the area, not selling. I think we are really missing out on the opportunity to build something original, there are plenty of problems selling new construction let's not include lack of originality...how many houses can we build with faux shutters, country-fied cupolas, and barn styled garage doors?

-ihearttacos

Make it Happen

Dear Editor:

(In response to "Pearl of a Project" in the July 9-15 issue of Urban Tulsa Weekly.)

This project has so many positive things going for it. From mixed use, people-friendly zoning that promotes walking/biking over autos, to continuing the best-in-the-nation tradition Tulsa has with promoting effective and forward thinking natural disaster prevention, to bringing people and businesses back to Tulsa's core districts. This is a phenomenal project that can provide huge benefits to the City.

-Brob11

Leaving Tracks

Dear Editor:

Kudos to authorities for busting alleged dogfighting rings in five states, including Oklahoma, and rescuing some 350 dogs (AP story).

For everyone's safety, if the 26 people who were charged with cruelty to animals for their alleged involvement with dogfighting are found guilty, let's hope they receive jail time, counseling, and a ban on contact with animals.

Dogfighting is heinous cruelty to animals. Dogs used in fighting rings are typically kept in tiny cages or outdoors on heavy chains 24 hours a day and are starved, beaten, and taunted into aggression. If they lose a fight, they are often shot, drowned, or burned alive. Dogfighters frequently steal unattended companion animals from yards to use as "bait" to train dogs to attack.

It's vital for communities to do everything possible to stop this cruelty, because animal abusers are cowards who take their issues out on "easy victims"--and they rarely limit themselves to harming other species. The FBI has found that a history of cruelty to animals regularly appears in its records of serial rapists and murderers. What's more, animal fighting fast-tracks drugs and weapons into our communities.

Please notify authorities immediately if you see warning signs of dogfighting in your neighborhood. To learn more, visit www.HelpingAnimals.com.

Sincerely,

Martin Mersereau, Director, PETA