Is it any surprise that Switzerland has, arguably, the world's finest health care system?  Would you expect any less from a nation where the air is crisp, the streets are clean, and the trains run on time?

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When I joined Open Salon, I swore -- I swore -- I would never do an animal post. That promise ended last night when I watched the dazzling inaugural episode of So You Think You Can Dance: Animal Edition. 

The new dance show on FOX comes on the heels of the highly successful… Read full post »

America has a rich musical heritage.

Consider the adaptations of Protestant hymns -- the Negro spirituals -- that gave birth to blues, jazz, and gospel.  Consider "pop" music, beginning with Tin Pan Alley and ragtime luminaries like Scott Joplin. Consider… Read full post »

When Saturn Smith was convicted of aggravated assault last week, a pall was cast on OS.  Saturn was the smart and savvy journalist who kept us in touch with the world. I am grateful to her for granting me this exclusive interview. My prayers are with her and he… Read full post »

Air travel is complicated. There are many regulations. The worst involve carry-on luggage. Nowadays all toiletries (liquids, gels, and creams) must be kept in 3-ounce containers and transported in a clear, plastic, zip-top bag. 

Last week,&… Read full post »

I love my Mom. She’s 70-years old, and she’s the best mother in the world. When I was growing up, she fed me well, took care of me when I was sick, and paid for fourteen years of piano lessons. 

Three years ago, when my father died, I star… Read full post »

The Oklahoman is my local newspaper. I read it every morning. It tells me everything I need to know about the world, or at least that part of the world located between Norman and Edmond, Oklahoma. (For news elsewhere, I rely on e-mails). 

Yesterday, I was finishing… Read full post »

I love OS!!!!!

First, let me say "thanks" to all who made the OS Party in Oklahoma City a smashing success! When we planned it a month ago, our expectations were pretty low. Never would we have predicted such a huge turn out! 

I saw lots of people from the… Read full post »

Today is a very special "foodie" Tuesday. 

I'm here with my good friend and master chef, Vinh Dang Nguyen. Vinh is the inspiration behind Do An Cho, the most popular Vietnamese restaurant in central Oklahoma. If you want to dine here, you'd better make your res/… Read full post »

Recently I contacted Kerry Lauerman about a problem with OS. He responded promptly, and we were able to solve the problem in almost no time. Because some of you may be having the same problem, I’ve reproduced our exchange.

Steve: Kerry, I’ve had a problem with OS since/… Read full post »