On Saturday, I brought my Lumix S1H camera to Scissortail Park during their Farmer’s Market to take fun, artistic photos. In this gallery batch, I’m sharing my experimental macro photographs of bees on flowers. I took a ton of photos, hoping to get the focus and action just right. These are the best from the photo session.
Enjoy and have a great week!
Bri guest hosts this episode as we visit five restaurants for International Bacon Day in Oklahoma City.
Following a two-day process, the Pork Belly Burnt Ends are trimmed, seasoned, and cooked for three to four hours on a thousand-gallon smoker to impart smoke flavor and color. They then cool the pork belly overnight, portion it out, and toss it in a Chipotle glaze they make in-house. Finally, they returned the meat to the smoker to caramelize the sauce and get more color and smoke flavor. You can only get this on Thursdays, and they do sell out quickly, but they also offer beef ribs on Saturdays and pastrami brisket on Fridays. Everything they do is the old-school, traditional low and slow way, and they’re open Thursday-Saturday from 11 a.m. until they sell out or 6 p.m.
S&B’s Burger Joint is a bacon lover’s paradise, with bacon offerings all over its menu. The Porker, a classic-style burger, is loaded with bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and more bacon. The quarterly special we tried during our visit was their bacon cheese fries tossed on the flat top with freshly grated cheese until it’s a big, gooey, cheesy mess of bacon and fries. The peanut butter bacon sweet potato fries are a customer favorite, with the peanut butter and sweet potato fries being a perfect combo and the bacon adding the ideal amount of flavor and crispiness. Half the menu is covered in bacon so any bacon lover will be in heaven at S&B’s Burger Joint.
Hall’s Pizza Kitchen has a secret menu item that any bacon lover would appreciate – their bacon jam and pepperoni pizza—loaded with the savory and smoky bacon jam that uses the sugars of a secret ingredient to add a slightly sweet flavor. While the bacon jam pizza is not traditionally on their menu, guests can request the topping anytime. However, the Bacon Jam + Pimento is on their starter menu, which includes their wood-fired flatbread with proprietary crust season, making it a mouth-watering experience. The creaminess of the jalapeno pimento cheese and a little bit of spice from the jalapeno perfectly complement the bacon jam on top. So, if you’re a bacon lover and want to try something unique, Hall’s Pizza Kitchen is the place to be. And remember to check out their incredible rooftop for a casual pizza night with friends.
New State Burgers & Spirits takes the art of cutting bacon seriously. Their thick bacon is cut in-house with precision to ensure every piece is uniform in size so every customer can enjoy the same quality of bacon with their burger. The thick bacon is juicy and big, which can change how the burger tastes and chews, so they also offer regular bacon for those who prefer a classic feel. While New State was awarded Yelp’s Best Cheeseburger in Oklahoma last year, don’t pass up on the Brussels sprouts. The bacon lardons on their fried Brussels sprouts are chunky and thick, giving you the whole bacon experience. They also offer chicken and non-meat options like Beyond and Black Bean and aim to accommodate all kinds of people and their preferences.
Broadway 10 Bar & Chophouse is a traditional chop house that offers a unique and creative way to explore bacon. They have a complimentary snack for their bar guests called the bar bacon, which is crispy and perfect to pair with cocktails, beer, or wine. In addition to that, they have a popular starter called Bacon Elevated, which offers five different flavors of bacon: jalapeno, peppered, espresso, traditional smoked, and candied bourbon. Each flavor offers a unique taste that complements the smoky flavor of the bacon. Broadway 10 also provides a traditional chop house experience where they cut all their primals, fins, feathers, and shells in-house and grill them over a hardwood grill with pecan hickory and oak.
With social media not being the best way to connect, I want to let you all know I have an email newsletter with weekly updates on the videos I’ve released and my upcoming events/shows you can attend. Subscribe for free today!
You can watch the latest episode of Uncovering Oklahoma early by subscribing to The Show Starts Now, an Oklahoma-based streaming service. Your subscription there will help me continue this series and create more content. Special thanks to my superstar supporters on Patreon: Revovle Productions, The Keller-Kenton Family, and Christopher Lloyd.
Drew Hendricks, a Regional Engagement Principal at the National Security Innovation Network (NSIN), has embarked on a dynamic career journey that spans military service, academia, entrepreneurship, and technology. His unique blend of experiences has equipped him with a holistic perspective on the complex landscape of defense innovation and entrepreneurship growth.
Hendricks’ path began when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after high school. Over his 14-year military career, he undertook diverse roles, from combat correspondent to marketing director for the recruiting command. Transitioning from active duty, Hendricks pursued higher education in advertising at the University of Oklahoma’s Gaylord College of Journalism and Mass Communication. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to collaborate with various business ventures, and he later earned an MBA from the University of Southern California.
At NSIN, a program operating with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Hendricks fosters connections between academia, venture companies, and the Department of Defense (DoD). One of NSIN’s flagship programs is the Venture portfolio, which develops and executes programs and services to facilitate access to emerging technology as it engages the talents of fast-moving innovators and non-traditional problem-solvers. The Venture Portfolio works directly with dual-use early-stage ventures emerging from both the academic and venture communities with solutions addressing Department of Defense problems.
“NSIN’s whole goal is to increase the speed of innovation and technological development within current and existing industries for national security,” said Hendricks. “Right now, locked up in someone’s brain somewhere, maybe even in Oklahoma, is a solution we need. But what happens is the DoD doesn’t go around asking, ‘What do you have? Show us what you got.'”
Hendricks emphasized businesses should rely on more than just DoD contracts for sustainability. Hendricks said companies thrive by catering to broader markets, which can ultimately enhance their stability and innovation. NSIN aims to work with small companies early on and encourage them to maintain versatility rather than being exclusively dependent on defense contracts. This approach aligns with the organization’s preference for engaging with companies poised for success in multiple sectors.
“Oklahoma has a unique blend of capabilities that can address complex problems,” Hendricks said. “We want the DoD to know we’re here and ready to contribute. I want to help you, but I want to help you if you do something to solve a problem.”
NSIN Challenges hosts competitive prize competitions on a specific topic or technology vertical. The open challenges allow early to mid-stage companies, even if they do not have SAM numbers, to pitch solutions to potential U.S. Department of Defense mission partners and industry subject matter experts for evaluation.
“When I tell people it’s not that you need to be a solve everything on that list telling you if you have that capability, you should apply,” said Hendricks. “What ends up happening is you apply to the mass challenge, and then your venture gets accepted based on some of its stuff, you work with that DoD mission partner and other mission partners to figure out whether or not you have a product market fit. And then you pitch to that group.”
Drew Hendricks will speak more about the National Security Innovation Network to Oklahoma Venture Forum Power Lunch members on Wednesday, September 13, 2023. The event will be held at Metro Tech Spring Lake Campus in Oklahoma City from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and will be open to members and guests both in-person and virtually via ZOOM.
From beginners to experienced cyclists, The Full Moon Bike Ride welcomes everyone for a leisurely ride through some beautiful locations in Oklahoma City under the moonlit night. The ride begins at Myriad Gardens’ Seasonal Plaza, where riders can sign their waivers, purchase t-shirts, and mingle with other riders. The group takes off at sundown, which varies throughout the year but always corresponds to the full moon.
While each route will vary, ride leaders ensure the way is safe and scenic. The pace is casual, at most 10 miles an hour, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy sites you usually wouldn’t see at night. Each bike ride usually takes 30 to 45 minutes, traveling several miles along the Oklahoma River and downtown area.
If you don’t own a bicycle, you can rent one from Spokies OKC and Ride OKC for the event. Ride OKC offers long-term bike rentals – perfect for those visiting out of town – and they can even deliver the bike to the event for free. The Full Moon Bike Ride is strictly bikes, but some riders have seated bikes or bring their dogs in baskets.
Overall, the Full Moon Bike Ride is an excellent way to spend a summer evening in Oklahoma City. With music, beautiful views, and a friendly atmosphere, it’s a great event for families, friends, and anyone who wants to experience the city from a different perspective. Rides occur on the night of a full moon from April to October. Check out myriadgardens.org for more information on dates and times.
You can watch the latest episode of Uncovering Oklahoma early by subscribing to The Show Starts Now, an Oklahoma-based streaming service. Your subscription there will help me continue this series and create more content. Special thanks to my superstar supporters on Patreon: Revovle Productions, The Keller-Kenton Family, and Christopher Lloyd.
When you think of adventure sports and extreme activities, your mind might not immediately conjure up images of the plains of Oklahoma. However, RIVERSPORT OKC defies expectations and offers an adrenaline-pumping experience like no other. This sprawling adventure haven combines the thrill of whitewater rafting, soaring heights of sky bridges, the rush of surfing, and the exhilaration of skiing, all in the heart of Oklahoma. Watch this episode as Jeff Provine and Lessa Keller-Kenton guest host as they delve into the exciting world of RIVERSPORT, where adventure knows no bounds.
Mike Knopp, the visionary behind OKC Riversport, also visited with us to discuss how this remarkable adventure hub came to life. As the founder and executive director, Mike’s passion for creating an active outdoor culture in Oklahoma shines through. Through innovative technology and dedicated development, RIVERSPORT has blossomed into a world-class venue that challenges stereotypes and offers unforgettable experiences.
RIVERSPORT isn’t just for daredevils and thrill-seekers; it’s a place that welcomes individuals of all ages. The complex’s dedication to providing summer camps and educational programs ensures that children and teens can develop their skills in a safe and exciting environment. With top-tier coaching in rowing, canoeing, e-sports, kayaking, and more, they offer unique opportunities for athletes of all ages and skills to excel.
Overall, we highly recommend checking out OKC Riversport if you’re looking for a unique and exciting outdoor experience. Their activities will surely get your adrenaline pumping, and the venue itself is a sight to behold. Be sure to bring the whole family and make some unforgettable memories. For more information, including pricing and hours, visit their website at riversportokc.org
You can watch the latest episode of Uncovering Oklahoma early by subscribing to The Show Starts Now, an Oklahoma-based streaming service. Your subscription there will help me continue this series and create more content. Special thanks to my superstar supporters on Patreon: Revovle Productions, The Keller-Kenton Family, and Christopher Lloyd.
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