Danica McKellar (Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons)

Danica McKellar, best known for playing Winnie Cooper in the TV show titled The Wonder Years, has recently become a hot search on the Internet.

McKellar is an actress, mathematician, and author who recently modeled in a sexy photo shoot for Maxim magazine.

The thirty-five year-old mathematics major and soon to be mom has advocated that smart is sexy.

McKellar wrote Math Doesn’t Suck: How to Survive Middle-School Math without Losing Your Mind or Breaking a Nail and Kiss My Math: Showing Pre-Algebra Who’s Boss.

Danica McKellar also has websites:  Math Doesn’t Suck and Kiss My Math. McKellar also proved her own theorem as discussed on News Public Radio.

The Wonder Years were on KTUL Channel 8, the ABC station, in Tulsa, Oklahoma and the TV series ran from 1988 to 1993.

100 Oklahoma Outlaws

According to the books 100 Oklahoma Outlaws, Gangsters, and Lawmen: 1839-1939 by Dan Anderson with Laurence J. Yadon and More Oklahoma Renegades by Ken Butler one of the most violent outlaws to step foot in the town of Catoosa, Oklahoma was Robert “Bob” W. Rogers.

Bob Rogers was killed on Friday, March 15, 1895 by a posse that surrounded him at his father’s home in Horseshoe Mound. Rogers had lead a four-year criminal career by stealing horses and cattle, robbing banks and trains, and committing murder.

Although his father, Frank Rogers, tried to talk him into surrender Bob was an outlaw that did not give up.  The posse surrounding the Rogers’s home was lead by Deputy U.S. Marshall W.C. McDaniel. In a gunfight that lasted several minutes Bob had managed to shoot and kill McDaniel.

The remaining members of the posse were determined to bring an end to this outlaw and at their next chance they fired several rounds into Bob Rogers. Citizens in the Northeastern area of Oklahoma were relieved that this outlaw was put to rest.

Bob, the eldest son of Frank Rogers, was born on January 13, 1873 according to his tombstone. The earliest known record of his criminal career is from November 10, 1891 when he was arrested and transported to the jail in Fort Smith for assault with intent to kill. A few days later Bob was released on bond.

Bob Rogers was a fan of Bob Dalton and the Dalton gang who were known as big-money train bandits. During the summer of 1892 Rogers established the Rogers gang with members Bob Stiteler, Willis Brown, “Dynamite Jack” Turner, and “Kiowa” Turner.

Their first criminal action was to steal horses in Oklahoma and sell those horses in Arkansas. Deputy U.S. Marshall Hickman “Heck” Bruner along with a posse found and arrested the Rogers gang. The gang members were transported to jail at Fort Smith and charged with theft. But for whatever reason those charges were dismissed and the gang was set free.

They returned home.

Bob Rogers committed the horse thieving possibly as an attempt to emulate the criminal activities of Bob Dalton. Later that year on Tuesday, November 3, 1892 the actions of Bob Rogers would demonstrate that he was no common horse thief but a cold-blooded, murdering psychopath.

Deputy Constable Jess W. Elliott was a seasoned attorney and a dedicated peace officer from Vinita, Oklahoma. The youthful Bob Rogers possibly appeared to be nothing more than a obnoxious hell-raiser in the small ranch town of Catoosa, Oklahoma.

During the afternoon Elliott had fulfilled his responsibilities by delivering legal papers in Catoosa. Before he began his ride back home to Vinita he stopped by the town saloon in Catoosa. Both Elliott and Rogers were there guzzling on hard liquor.

For reasons unknown the two men exchanged words and insults. Elliott possibly never saw it coming when Rogers attacked like a wild man and knocked Elliott down. While down Rogers struck the unconscious Elliott with rapid fire punches. Patrons observing this unmerciful beating pulled the hostile Rogers off the the lawman. Rogers was forced to leave the saloon.

Elliott regained consciousness and some patrons tended to his wounds. Although Elliott’s face was bruised and swollen from the attack he felt recovered and decided to get on his horse and go home.

Rogers held a grudge against Elliott. A short distance out of town Elliott was once again caught off guard by Rogers.

Bob Rogers hid in an area along a path that lead to Vinita. According to More Oklahoma Renegades by Ken Butler,”Rogers jumped from his hiding place…grabbed the horse’s reins and pulled the startled constable from the saddle.” Rogers then pulled a knife and slit Elliott’s throat.

A traveler heading into town spotted Elliott whom was bleeding so severely it was only a matter of moments before he died. Rogers left the scene. The traveler reported the incident in Catoosa. Some townsfolk established a camp near the corpse of Elliott.

The legal authorities had to be informed and the body would not be removed until a U.S. Marshall could assess the crime scene. A dispatch was sent to Deputy U.S. Marshall John Taylor. There appeared to be no other reason for Rogers to return to the scene of the crime.

More Oklahoma Renegades

Bob Rogers killed a lawmen and by daylight Rogers would be wanted–dead or alive.

As folks settled around a campfire Rogers returned. While on horseback Rogers leapt over the fire startling the campers. Frightened by the return of this maniac the campers fled. Rogers dismounted and began to kick

and hit the corpse of Elliott.

Perhaps Rogers was looking for something Elliott had because Rogers spent some time looking through the papers and belongings Elliott had on his person. Rogers finally left.

Marshall Taylor arrived and then took the mutilated body of Elliott to Vinita where Elliott was buried in a cemetery south of the town.

Bob Rogers was a now wanted outlaw was would be described as “ill-tempered, quick-fisted, and mentally demented.” His criminal career would last another three years. Rogers and his gang would terrorize by

robbing and killing in Northeastern Oklahoma and areas of Kansas before his demise on March 15, 1895.

Bob Rogers would never be a glorified outlaw like his hero Bob Dalton.

Blue Whale (Credit: Wikimedia)

Catoosa is the most unique small town in the Northeastern area of Oklahoma.

Better than malls, movies, or museums it provides  history and attractions that make great stories for folklore.

No article about attractions in Catoosa can begin without an introduction to the most popular roadside attraction near the town–The Blue Whale.

The Blue Whale is known worldwide and is probably one of the most professionally photographed and published images in the media. On occasion I come across a book, particularly books about historic Route 66, that have a picture of the Blue Whale.

Wikipedia reported on the Blue Whale:

The Blue Whale of Catoosa is a waterfront structure, located just east of the town of Catoosa, Oklahoma, and it has become one of the most recognizable attractions on old Route 66. Hugh Davis built the Blue Whale in the early 1970s as a surprise anniversary gift to his wife Zelta, who collected whale figurines. The Blue Whale and its pond became a favorite swimming hole for both locals and travelers along Route 66 alike.

The Road Wanderer wrote:

Hugh was an entrepreneur in the grand old tradition of those roadside attraction proprietors of old. Over the years his park became a destination in itself. His property not only included this fanciful blue whale, but picnic tables, concessions, a couple of boats and a wonderful zoo housed in a wooden ark. The zoo was once a favorite field trip for the local school kids. Blaine Davis, Hugh’s son, recalls giving tours of the zoo when he was only six years old!

Oklahoma Route 66 provided a detailed history of the Blue Whale:

Hugh S. Davis was a man who adored animals. In his youth, Hugh inched his way through Africa with wildlife wunderkinds Martin and Osa Johnson. In his prime, Hugh stood front-and-ferocious-center as director of Tulsa’s Mohawk Zoo. Hugh’s bride, Zelta, shared her husband’s love of things untamed. She joined Hugh on the Chautauqua lecture circuit—wrapping reptiles around her waist while he espoused the beauty of beasts. Eventually, Zelta talked Hugh into installing an alligator farm near their home—on property that fronted Route 66. When Hugh left the Mohawk Zoo—and began spending more time around the house—he opted to drop the gators and shape a pond on the property into a pretty waterpark.

An author at Roadside America who grew up in Catoosa wrote:

I swam there a couple of times when I was 11 or 12 years old. It was great fun jumping off the tail, which seemed quite tall at the time.

A writer for Legends of America complemented:

Just beyond the bridges you will come to the site of Catoosa’s famous Blue Whale; an absolute must stop for  Route 66 travelers.

Read more about the Blue Whale of Catoosa:
Blue Whale of Catoosa
Catoosa and the Blue Whale
Catoosa Oklahoma attraction:  Blue Whale
Route 66 and the Blue Whale

Two Wheel Oklahoma

Keetonville, Oklahoma is near my hometown of Catoosa, Oklahoma and I have had an interest–perhaps an obsession–with the beautiful yet mysterious Keetonville Hill ever since I heard about the legend of the Cry Baby Bridge when I was a teenager.

However, what has caught my attention about Keetonville recently is that there is a new show called, “Two Wheel Oklahoma,” which recorded a portion of a show in Keetonville.

Two Wheel Oklahoma states the following about their show:

Two Wheel Oklahoma is a television program featuring the unique destinations and backroads of Oklahoma. Brad Mathison and Rex Brown are your hosts for this scenic tour of life off the beaten path.

Co-hosts: Rex and Brad Oh… and they ride motorcycles to get there.

To date four episodes of T.W.O. have been produced. On October 3, 2009 these pilot episodes began airing on KMYT-41 in Tulsa.

Episode 2: OK 20 features the segment on Keetonville, Oklahoma. Nice to know that others out there have an interest in this great area of Keetonville even if the interests are slightly different.

I’ll find a picture of a person who looks similar to how I imagined the character, I download that image and using an image editing software I size the image to fit on a 3′ x 5′ index card.

I print out the image and attach to the blank side of the index card. On the line ruled side I write the name and general description and characteristics of that character.

This helps me make the character seem more real. Once I have the major characters for a story on index cards, it helps me visualize the story in my mind and to write the story more clearly.

Sadly, most of us are having to do that nowadays because of downsizing. The term “multi-task” is the code word for doing the job of five people, which is humanely impossible.

Zen Habits is a joy to read. I learned how to declutter the home even though this annoyed my wife, how to keep my email inbox empty, and how to track tasks. I purchashed the 170 paged book by Leo Babauta titled, “The Power of Less” in 2009. Great book packed with powerful substance.

I can tell that it is about time to read the book again. I can tell because I am starting to get bogged down in so many tasks again I become confused about which task to tackle first. I feel like a tire spinning in the mud.

Babauta summarizes the essence of his book in the introduction by stating, “Identify the essential and eliminate the rest.” That is great advice. There is only so much that we can do each day. Do the important stuff and forget about the rest.

I’m not a believer in New Year’s Resolutions but I am a believer in reviewing my past year goals and setting goals for the days ahead.

Having said all of that I was disappointed with the new Star Trek movie, which I attended on opening day. I loved the new movie up until Spock’s mother died and Vulcan was destroyed. I felt like J.J. Abrams was re-writing Trek and all of the original and Next Generation shows and movies were no more because Trek history was destroyed by a rogue time traveling Romulan.

For Christmas I received a DVD of the new Star Trek movie. I watched it. And it rocks. I still have issues with the death of Spock’s mother and the destruction of Vulcan. But considering all the possible scenarios that could have played out in the new movie, there was no way to please all of the Trekkers. I believe Trek has become too much worshiped by some of us Trekkers.

I admit that the pacing and special effects are the best of any Star Trek to date. And the casting was excellent. Chris Pine is great as Kirk. Zachary Quinto shines as Spock. I look forward to more adventures with these crew. I can only accept the new Star Trek as a continuing adventure of the original and Next Generation Star Trek. With Leonard Nimoy portraying the elder Spock I accept this as an adventure where Spock has gone back in time to assist the young crew of the Enterprise.

Basically, the new Trek is for the young and Paramount was wise to make the movie as they did in order for this franchise to thrive again.

Those of us who grew up with the original Star Trek and the generation who followed behind us who grew up with the Next Generation are older. Sad but true. It is those people between the ages of seventeen to twenty-five year that bring the big bucks to the cinema. So I have made peace with the new Star Trek. It is fresh and new. It rocks.

And finally Star Trek is getting the big budget and guidance needed to make some damn good movies. Perhaps if Paramount had tried this years ago some of the Trek movies from the past would not have been so freaking bad.

As I watched the news story about the Health-care Reform advocates, I noticed that I was in a few scenes. The funny part is that I can be seen walking and talking to folks on both sides of the debate.

Here are a few pictures of me blending in with the crowds.

I’m strolling along in the background of the Reform advocates.

I’m in the background trying to get a picture of a confrontation between a Reform advocate and an anti-Reform advocate.

Who’s side are you on, dude? Here is a picture of me standing and chatting with the Anti-Reform Advocates.

Gee, do you think I could start a career doing this? It was actually fun. I enjoyed walking and talking to people on both sides of the debate. It is funny how I was able to blend in with both groups of people. When is the next protest rally, anyway? I can’t wait to be there!

On Septemeber 2, 2009 in Tulsa, Oklahoma near 21st and Lewis two rival political groups arrived with signs, buttons, and attitudes to promote and protest the health care reform bill known as H.R. 3200. This event was scheduled by a local group of individuals who are in favor of the public option. While they may not all identify themselves as Liberals, for the purpose of this blog, that is the category I will assign for them. The Liberals scheduled the event as a candlelight vigil to began at 7:30 PM Central Standard Time.

The Conservatives arrived at 7:00 PM and must be given credit for planning an early ambush. They quickly took signs and stations at three of the four corners on the intersection. Around 7:15 PM a few Liberals began to arrive. By 7:30 PM most if not all Liberals stood on their crowded corner to hold signs and chant support for health care reform.

Both sides chanted patriotic slogans and both sides yelled insults at each other. There were a few minor verbal confrontations when a few members of the Conservative side stepped onto the Liberal side to call names and insult. Otherwise this demonstration went smoothly and peacefully.

Here are some pictures of the event.

Defend the Constitution: I forgot which side this sign was on; the Liberal or the Conservative.

Worship God not Government: Great sign for a Church, Mosque, or Temple.

Dictator, Socialist, and Marxist: This Guy is an overachiever!

Everyone Gets Health Care with Public Option: I bet that scares the socks off of those rich CEOs of Insurance companies!

Universal Coverage is a Moral Mandate: Sounds like she is promoting compassion.

No Pork. No Socialism: No Socialists pigs for this guy. He doesn’t look Muslim so he must be a Jew.

No Amnesty: I guess this means he’s not sorry.

Affordable Health Care = Public Option: This guy gets right to the point.

No Patients as Profit Centers: No more putting your hands in the cookie jar, Mr. Insurance CEO.

USA = 47th in the world for life expectancy. Why?: Damn good question. Let’s take another look at the Conservative side and see if they have the answer.

One. Big. Ass. Mistake. America: This guy doesn’t like donkeys either. What religion is that?

ObamaCare Dies. Granny Lives: Does she really believe that Death Panel lie? Goofy lady.

Join A Tea Party Today: Sorry, dude, wrong location and time. The tea party is at 21st and Yale on the 7th of September.

WWJD? and Honk for Liberty: Oh, Darn, I can’t remember if these are Liberals or Conservatives.

I worked with this programmer as a consultant. The online application was completed. I went on to other projects. In the meantime the small business decided to hire a group of programmers to expand and improve the program. That group of programmers asked and was able to speak to me and the original programmer. We provided all the information they needed.

Recently, I was asked by the owner of this online tracking database to return and assist in getting several thousands of records uploaded from a new customer who wants to use the system. I agreed to help.

The current group of programmers host the site and the database. There was, of course, new user names and passwords. The owner of the application informed all involved that I would be assisting with loading some records.

And these programmers have been guarding the site like a doberman with a taste for human blood. Interesting, that I was the original designer of the prototype database and gave these people all the information they needed but I can’t get nothing from them.

Sorry, no real point to this post. I am just whining and complaining. And I suppose I am being just as territorial as they are being. Interesting though, that the company who owns the full rights to this system was having trouble getting these people to relinquish the information I needed also.

Finally, after some weeks they did. But I conclude from this experience that Programmer jokes are going to become as rampant as Lawyer jokes. For example, “How many programmers does it take to change a light bulb?”

“Well that all depends on the testing, which will determine if there is some legitimate reason to change the light bulb in the first place.”