So6ix Magazine March issue by So6ix

SPECIAL BANKING & FINANCIAL ISSUE

INTERVIEW:

SERGE IBAKA’S TREK

ARTICLE BY Angelique Christina PHOTOS BY Clifton Roberts P. 32

so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

MARCH 2012

INSIDE

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

• ALL THAT GLITTERS

• THE FEDERAL RESERVE

• THE DEATH OF THE DOLLAR

• BETTER BUSINESS

by Beth Ann Mock

WHAT IS IT & by Jacqueline Larocco

WHY DOES IT MATTER?

by Beth Ann Mock

DRESS TO IMPRESS

by Johnathan Kayne

• TAKE IT TO THE BANK

WITH BIG, SEXY HAIR

by K. Shane & Jennifer Austin, Salon 9309 Stylists

• PRETTY PROFESSIONALS

WHAT MAKEUP TO WEAR TO WORK

by Jennifer McLaughlin

• HOW TO KNOW

WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT TO REFINANCE

by Josh Litsch, Prime Bank

• SERGE IBAKA

INTERVIEW & FASHION PICTORIAL

by Angelique Christina, photography by Clifton Roberts

• SIX PICKS

SPRING BREAK BEACHES

by Angelique Christina

• HOROSCOPES

MARCH 2012

by Dadhichi Toth

• SO6IX PIX

MARCH 2012

photography by Clifton Roberts, Ericka Williams and Nexus Open Air PhotoBooth

• CALENDAR OF EVENTS

• SO6IX PROFESSIONALS

MARCH 2012

photography by Clifton Roberts

46 so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

LEGAL AND CREDITS

PUBLISHER

Jack McBride jack@so6ix.com

PRODUCTION MANAGER Clifton Roberts clifton@so6ix.com

SPECIAL BANKING & FINANCIAL ISSUE

MANAGING EDITOR Whitney Finley whitney@so6ix.com

MARKETING MANAGER Ericka Williams

INTERVIEW:

SERGE IBAKA’S TREK

ARTICLE BY Angelique Christina PHOTOS BY Clifton Roberts P. 32

ericka@so6ix.com

BEAUTY DIRECTOR

Jennifer McLaughlin jennifer@so6ix.com

DESIGN AND LAYOUT

Beals Cunningham Strategic Services

PHOTOGRAPHY

Clifton Roberts and Ericka Williams

WEBSITE DESIGNER Clifton Roberts

ON THE COVER...

MODEL: SERGE IBAKA PHOTOGRAPHY BY: CLIFTON ROBERTS STYLING BY: JOHNATHAN KAYNE

STAFF WRITERS

GILS CLOTHING VEST BY: THE FRESH BRAND, $82 JEANS BY: G-STAR RAW, $158 BELT BY: LEATHER ISLAND, $50

Jennifer Austin, Johnathan Kayne, Josh Litsch, Jennifer McLaughlin, K. Shane and Dadhichi Toth.

BC CLARK JEWELERS DIAMOND EARRINGS, $156,750 WATCH BY: ROLEX, $10,800 CROSS NECKLACE BY: DAVID YURMAN, $550 DOGTAG NECKLACE BY: DAVID YURMAN, $1,025 BRACELET BY: DAVID YURMAN, $800 BRACELET BY: DAVID YURMAN, $1,400

Angelique Christina, Jacqueline Larocco and Beth Ann Mock CONTRIBUTING WRITERS FOR ADVERTISING: jack@so6ix.com

©Copyright 2012 JM Publishing L.L.C. and So6ix Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced without prior written consent of Publisher. So6ix Magazine is published monthly and distributed in Norman, Oklahoma City and Edmond. Oklahoma annual subscription rate is $22 per year. Single magazine rate in $3.50 per copy.

so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR I sat down to write about the world of business and banking, and my thoughts meandered through such things as gold, capitalism, currency, free market enterprise, supply & demand. And then a poem I’ve always liked by Gary Soto came to mind in which a father is sharing with his daughter, as best as he can, about how things work in the world of money and enterprise. “How Things Work” by Gary Soto Today it’s going to cost us twenty dollars To live. Five for a softball. Four for a book, A handful of ones for coffee and two sweet rolls, Bus fare, rosin for your mother’s violin. We’re completing our task. The tip I left

Of a balled sock until there’s chicken to eat. As far as I can tell, daughter, it works like this: You buy bread from a grocery, a bag of apples From a fruit stand, and what coins Are passed on helps others buy pencils, glue, Tickets to a movie in which laughter Is thrown into their faces. If we buy goldfish, someone tries on a hat. If we buy crayons, someone walks home with a broom. A tip. a small purchase here and there, And things just keep going. I guess.

For the waitress filters down Like rain, wetting the new roots of a child Perhaps, a belligerent cat that won’t let go

Whitney Finley

so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

SELF-HELP

ALL THAT GLITTERS BY

Beth Ann Mock Men in the Alaskan wilderness brave every

• Purity is of utmost importance.

danger nature has in store with hopes of striking

The higher the content of gold, the more

it rich in the Discovery Channel’s “Gold Rush.”

valuable the item is. Pure gold, much too soft to

The current high price of gold has led one family

cast, is mixed with other metals to achieve stability.

that the show features to sell off all their assets

What constitutes 18k gold? A mixture of 75% gold

and search for treasure. “Bering Sea Gold Rush”

and 25% copper makes this magic happen.

portrays various fortune hunters risking life and limb to search for gold at the bottom of the sea each summer when the glacial ice melts near

FROM GRAINS TO BARS Raw nuggets are measured in grains. About

Before you head north to Alaska, it’s

15.5 grains will equal a gram. When the price

helpful to know that most of today’s gold supply

of gold goes up, as it is doing right now, smaller

is garnered from milling, not from sea searches or

gram bars rise in popularity. This is because most

mining. Soil is sifted for loose gold that has been

investors won’t be able to afford one-ounce coins

eroded from mountains and carried off by water.

as the demand for gold climbs. The current gold

Most of it becomes, of course, jewelry.

gram bar value is $60 US dollars, give or take, per

Nome.

The worth of gold has remained very stable

1 gram gold bar.

through the ages. In the past decade, gold’s value has made an astounding rise from $280 to $1,300 per ounce. Dabbling in the gold market isn’t just the province of high financiers and the uberwealthy. We can all get in on this glittery business without panning the mountains or scouring the ocean floor. There are some simple guidelines to BUYING & TRADING

prepare for the pursuit. Let’s begin with jewelry.

• Bars and coins WHAT TO LOOK FOR • All real gold jewelry should have what is called a karat quality mark.

Buying physical gold can be a costly endeavor. It can involve paying for transport and storage, and these are fees that add up rapidly.

This mark is not required by law, but it is accepted practice, so beware of items missing

• Gold Stock

The trademark of the company

When you buy the stock of individual mining

should appear on the mark as well, lest you have

companies or invest in gold mutual funds, you

problems down the line with the perceived quality.

have a more liquid investment. You can sell these

this mark.

so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

options from your home computer at any time. The drawback to keep an eye on is, again, fees. Consider mutual fund fees, trading fees if you are using a broker, and the tax you’ll pay on each gain. • Auctions Getting gold at auctions is a good, safe position to take. Believe it or not, gold can be bought on eBay for around $25 per gram. It then sells the following week at a small variation in price, either up or down. There are two major concerns to mull over regarding auctions. The first consideration is any transportation or storage expense. The second is making certain you find the right auction to engage in at the right price.

TIPS ON WHAT TO BUY AND WHEN • Don’t buy gold coins unless you’re expertly familiar with them.

• Unless you’re a jeweler, don’t buy at premium level as you won’t be able to sell at premium. • Take the time to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. • Jewelers stock up in September, so summer is the best time to buy gold. • The gold price has a fairly routine rise every two years, and then plateaus about six months later. The most recent peak was in August, so there should be gold in them thar’ hills right about now!

Beth Ann Mock so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

March 11th, 2012

so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

SELF-HELP

THE FEDERAL RESERVE

as cash available on hand or as account balances at a Reserve Bank. An example of the Federal Reserve’s “policing” responsibilities in action could be seen in February 2009. The economy was in severe recession at that time, and in order to protect consumers, the Federal Reserve System (along with the help of other bank regulatory agencies) started the Supervisory Capital Assessment Program, or

W H AT I S I T & W H Y D O E S I T M AT T E R ? BY

SCAP. Some refer to SCAP as the bank stress

Jacqueline Larocco

test. SCAP required banks to have enough capital

The Federal Reserve was created by Congress during Woodrow Wilson’s presidency in 1913, to act as a central bank for the United States. This Federal Reserve System was intended to be a

available in case of large losses. SCAP, or the bank stress test, helped to put consumers’ confidence back into banks during a time of great financial strain on the nation.

flexible and stable financial system, and today it is responsible for several areas: • The

Federal

Reserve

influences

money

and credit conditions in the US in order to provide employment and to keep prices from fluctuating. • The Federal Reserve acts as a “policing” force for other banks across the nation by protecting the credit rights of consumers and ensuring the security and reliability of banking systems in the US. This includes on site inspections of banks as well as off-site supervising. • The Federal Reserve acts to contain any risk that may present itself in the financial market, and can even provide financial services to

The “prime rate” is something we hear a lot,

not only the US but also other foreign official

but many don’t really know what it is. The prime

institutions.

rate acts as a base rate that many banks and

• The Federal Reserve sets the requirements for

institutions use to set the bar for their interest

banking institutions regarding the percentage

rates on commercial loans and other consumer

of deposits that must be set aside and held

loan policies. So, if you ever want a loan, the

so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

SELF-HELP prime rate matters a great deal to you! The prime

stability of our financial system. By providing this

rate is usually pretty constant across most banks,

stability and ensuring consumers’ confidence in

as opposed to deposit interest rates. Banks can

the banking system, the United States is able to

change their prime rates to meet certain market conditions, but most banks stay close to the market interest rates. The Federal Reserve System uses open market operations, which is a monetary policy tool that consists of buying and selling United States government securities on the open market. This helps to keep the federal funds rate in line with the

promote a financial environment with low inflation and reduced market conflicts and troubles. During periods of extreme financial strain or shock, the Federal Reserve can take major actions to keep the financial crisis constrained and to prevent it from boiling over into the greater economy. The

rate set by the FOMC. In simpler terms, the Federal

Federal Reserve can act as the

Reserve System (through the New York trading

emergency cash provider to

desk) is able to directly affect the federal funds

financial institutions, and is even

rate by buying and selling government securities on the open market, causing market interest rates to rise and slowing economic activity, which can

referred to as the “lenders of last resort.”

Jacqueline Larocco

decrease inflationary pressure. Ben S. Bernanke is the chairman of the Federal Reserve System, and he is one very important man! Some say the chairman for the Federal Reserve has more power to affect American lives than the president… because our pocket books matter to all us! Bernanke works with other board members to devise monetary policies for the nation. This group works together to create important decisions that affect the cost and availability of credit in the United States economy. The board also is responsible for supervising and regulating the banks that are members of the Federal Reserve System and other banking companies, including United States’ activities with foreign-owned banks and foreign activities of member banks. All of the activities and procedures performed by the Federal Reserve act to maintain the so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

SOCIETY

DEATH OF THE DOLLAR

THE

Beth Ann Mock

over, but we are also responsible for the largest debt in the world.

excess amounts of dollars when they export a lot more than they import. This means that when our dollar declines, the value of the dollars they hold declines as well. The two other nations who hold the most reserves of US dollars (also the two countries to whom we owe the most money) are China and Japan.

THE FACTS

Foreign countries amass

China holds about a trillion

dollars in U.S. Securities.

China periodically

The rise or decline of the U.S. dollar is based

threatens to devalue our dollar if we don’t start

on its relative value to foreign currencies. When

paying down what we owe. Japan has the second

our dollar is devalued, it can buy less of the many

largest dollar holding, and it does this to keep

imported goods we depend on. This causes the

the value of its yen from rising. A low yen allows

cost of goods to skyrocket and produces high

Japan to export goods very cheaply. Japan’s debt

inflation. When inflation rears its head too high,

is beginning to climb, however, and there are fears

citizens who hold U.S. Treasury Bonds sell them,

that the country might begin to liquidate its dollars

and this exacerbates the already rising inflationary

to help pay for the recent tsunami it experienced.

costs. A major reason for the ill health of the dollar is our continued deficit spending and our rising national debt, which is now upwards of $14 trillion dollars. Our federal and state governments are spending above and beyond the revenue they take in by taxing us. According to Porter Stansberry, head and founder of Stansberry and Associates Investment Research, even if every

The International Monetary Fund reports that

U.S. citizen were taxed at a rate of 100%, our debt

some countries are beginning to move their

would still not be paid off.

reserves out of dollars, albeit slowly.

China,

The dollar is still the world’s reserve currency,

Russia, and France have begun to discuss an end

however, and that is very good news…for now. In

to pricing oil in dollars. Should this happen, our

a nutshell, this means that we are the only country

entire way of life would change drastically and

that doesn’t pay for its debts or imports in a foreign

unpleasantly. Gas prices, of course, would rise to

currency. Oil, as well, is currently priced in US

an untenable level. The cost of every single item

dollars. The problem is, many economists suggest

we buy would climb to an outrageous price. Think

that is likely to change in the not too distant future.

of the cost of transporting food, for instance, with

So, for now, our money is accepted the world 20

so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

oil and gas at record highs.

SOCIETY DON’T PANIC Don’t panic just yet. The dollar is unlikely to

PRACTICAL MEANS TO PROTECT YOUR MONEY • Invest in overseas funds. This is different than

plummet further at the moment, and it is slated

merely moving money “offshore.”

to remain the world’s reserve currency—for now.

investing in strong foreign markets with hearty

China, Japan, and our other international debtors

currencies such as Japan and Western Europe.

have a great interest in seeing the dollar remain

• Put your money in the safest funds available. Ask

healthy. If our currency hits bottom, the dollars

your investment counselor about commodities

we pay toward our debt with these nations will be

like gold, silver, and oil.

worth much less as well. This means that, with

always increases when the dollar declines.

a weak dollar, we would actually wind up paying

It involves

The value of these

• Don’t make hasty or uninformed decisions.

much less than the value of our original debt.

Cool heads always prevail, and

Also, even as China reminds us that it would like

slow and steady always wins

for us to reduce our debt, China’s U.S. holdings

the race.

continue to rise. It is, at the moment, in the best

getting the best advice and

interest of the international community to promote

information you can before

the health of the dollar.

changing your portfolio.

Make sure you’re

Beth Ann Mock

so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

STYLE

BETTER BUSINESS DRESS TO IMPRESS BY

Johnathan Kayne Dressing for a job, an interview, an internship,

PROFESSIONAL DRESS

a networking event, etc. is a source of anxiety

Professional Dress is the most conservative

for everyone at some point in their career. Each

type of business wear. It’s what you’ll be expected

company and event is different, so it can be nerve-

to wear in the office if you work in accounting,

racking not knowing what the proper dress code

finance, or other conservative industries (or if you

is, what you can and can’t wear, and so forth. You

just have a really conservative boss!) For women,

want to make the best impression, of course, and

this means a business suit or a pants suit or a dress

your clothes say a lot about you and who you are!

and jacket. For men, professional dress means a

There’s also the question of what season it is.

business suit or a blazer, dress pants, and a tie. For

And what is the weather forecast? And what city

men or women, basic black and/or navy should be

are you working in? Do you walk to work or not?

a staple and first choice because of the versatility.

Will you be sitting or standing most of the time?

Of course, you can add your own personal style

That’s a lot to think about, so it’s no wonder so

with accessories, shoes, or an added vest.

many people feel frustrated with this kind of thing! Suffice it is to say that I know a lot about this stuff and have tons of tips to get your wardrobe right in a professional setting – without sacrificing style, of course. To start off, I’m going to go over career-wear basics. When your boss tells you that a certain dress code will be mandatory at the workplace or a networking event, do you know what he or she means? There are 3 main types of “business dress” that you need to understand before we get into dressing for specific events. These are probably terms you’ve heard before, but after reading this,

Getting dressed for work is a lot different

you should have a good understanding of what

than getting dressed for every day. As opposed

clothes work for what dress code. The three types

to when you’re dressing to go out with friends,

of dress codes are: Professional Dress, Business

the goal of dressing for the office is to blend in

Casual, and Campus Casual.

with what everyone else is wearing. It’s not so

so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

STYLE much about your personal style as it is about

casual is tricky – there are no set guidelines to this

representing your company in a positive way.

dress code, which I know is really frustrating and

You can still incorporate your personal style into

annoying to most people. In general, however,

outfits; just make sure your clothes fit with your

business casual can be understood as a slightly

workplace. So how can you tell ahead of time

less formal version of professional dress. Women

what the rest of the workplace will be wearing? Simple, think about your interview. What was the hiring manager wearing? Did you interview at the office? If so, what were other employees wearing? Take that information and dress to the same level of formality. A few ideas of where to shop for professional dress clothing: Brooks Brothers, Men’s Wearhouse, Parkway, and Mr. Ooley’s

can also sometimes wear a moderate length dress or skirt. For men, business casual is a polo shirt or shirt with a collar and/or sweater, khakis or dress pants and dress shoes. No tie is required. I suggest Banana Republic, Eddie Bauer, Macy’s, or EXPRESS for business casual options for men and women.

(men only). For women I suggest Ann Taylor and Nordstrom’s Women’s Suits (women only).

CAMPUS CASUAL Campus casual is what you probably won’t be wearing to work. Some people even say casual. This is the technical term for what you’re probably wearing every day – jeans, tee shirts, flip flops, sneakers. You may be asked to wear campus casual to some very informal on-campus interviews and career days, and some casual networking events or a company picnic. In general, you probably want to stay away from this in the workplace and lean towards more conservative stuff. If the dress code at your workplace is casual, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should break out your tank

BUSINESS CASUAL Business Casual is a more relaxed version of

tops, flip flops and mini skirts! With a casual dress code, you can wear denim, flats,

“Professional Dress,” but it doesn’t mean you’re

and skirts, but don’t think that all

actually going to be “casual”! This is likely going

the rules go out the window. You

to be your office dress code if you work in a semi-

always need to keep your look

conservative workplace, but some interviews and

classy and polished if you want

events may also call for business casual. Business

to be taken seriously on the job!

Johnathan Kayne

so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

STYLE

TAKE IT TO THE BANK

WITH BIG, SEXY HAIR BY

K. Shane & Jennifer Austin, Salon 9309 Stylists

flat iron also works great for curls! You may find it a little frustrating at first because you’re used to using the flat iron to straighten, but hang in there… practice makes perfect. One advantage to using a flat iron for curl is that the curls are long lasting, and it tames frizzy hair while it curls. Here are few tips to follow. First, make sure you are using a flat iron with adjustable temperature. Use a lower setting for thin hair and a higher setting for course

Curls, big and sexy are what’s hot. So you know what you want, but how do you achieve that look at home? Here are 3 simple methods to achieve the curly locks that every girl wants.

hair. Second, the slower you drag each section of hair through the flat iron, the tighter the curl. So, if you want to achieve flowing waves, pull slightly faster.

THE CURL STICK THE CURLING IRON The curling iron is the most basic way to create a curl. And to achieve the look currently in vogue, use a big barrel iron. First, make sure you section your hair well. For thicker hair, this will require a little more prep time. Second, make curls away from your face rather than toward your face. Third, tussle your curls with your fingers when are through curling. Finally, tease around the crown of your head for extra volume, and use a light spray that allows movement.

The curl stick will enable you to achieve a nice, beachy wave. This look is flirty and pretty, and you will find that it’s quick and easy to achieve. If you need to ramp up your wave but you don’t have much time, go for the curl stick. Just like the curling iron and flat iron, sectioning your hair is helpful. Simply wrap hair strands in a quick, uneven method, and “vwalla”… instant wave.

If you would like to see a demonstration of what you just read, and you want to practice creating big curls with professional help, come to Salon 9309 Thursday, March 15th from 6:308:30 for Trend Night. Bring your hair dryer and a curling iron, flat iron, or iron stick. It’s just $10 to reserve your spot. Also, the Salon is revealing a

THE FLAT IRON We’ve all used the flat iron for a few years to create that smooth, extra straight look, but the 24

so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

new product, Unite, and if you choose to purchase product, your $10 reservation fee will go toward your product purchase.

so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

STYLE

PRETTY PROFESSIONALS W H AT M A K E U P TO W E A R TO W O R K BY

Jennifer McLaughlin This month we are talking about business, so

a little under the brow is totally appropriate. Use

let’s get down to the business of makeup, ladies!

a deep neutral in the crease, to create a little bit

Working 9-5 doesn’t mean you need to abandon

of natural depth and contour of the eye. Keep

your makeup bag. Here are some great ideas on

liner to softer shades, like deep browns, plums, or

how to maximize your daytime, professional look.

even slate grey. Finish with mascara, of course, for wide-awake eyes!

BRIGHT EYED AND BUSHY TAILED It’s not just the morning cup of coffee that will give you a fresh and awake look at the office, but using neutral shade shadows, applied in a way

Complete your office, daytime look with neutral

to give lift and openness to your eyes, will too!

cheeks, using a light bronzer over the high planes

Choose matte, neutrals like warm toffee browns,

of the face (across the cheekbones, down the

chocolates, muted grey, and soft pinks to wear

bridge of the nose, and across the temples…think

to work.

Apply a mid-tone neutral shade (not

of where the sun would hit you naturally if you

your lightest or your darkest shade) to the lower

were outside for an hour or so). Keep your blush

lid, from lashline to just where the eye begins to

look fresh and clean, applied right to the apples

crease. Highlight under your brow (where the arch

of your cheeks. Try smiling a big “Good morning,

is, to the edge) with a shadow in a pale beige or a

I have that report you asked for” smile, and apply

champagne color with slight shimmer. Shimmer is

your blush to the puffiest part! Line your lips with

best kept to a minimum in the workplace so that

a neutral liner that closest matches your choice of

you aren’t too “flashy” or “glitzy” for the office, but

lipstick, and skip the gloss for the office.

so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

STYLE AFTER FIVE, COME ALIVE! Hard at work and awaiting the five o’clock hour to hit? Maybe you’ve got a big date, a dinner with

job of your dreams! Remember, 9-5 doesn’t need to be boring and dull…just clean, polished, and approachable!

friends, or cocktails with coworkers…take five minutes to spice up your daytime look and give yourself an After-Five makeover. Your look won’t need any removing, or changing, just some quick and simple additions you can make to kick it up a notch!

Apply a deeper shade of shadow (try a dark brown, deep eggplant, or soft black), into the crease and corner of the eyes, and sweep it right under your lower lashes, for an instant smoky boost to your daytime look. Touch up your brown eyeliner, with black, and recoat those lashes with some mascara. Add a bit more bronzer or a soft contour to the cheeks and a shimmering or brighter blush to awaken your face and make everything pop! Touch up your lips, and add your gloss. There is nothing more evening appropriate than glossy lips, so don’t be shy, catch up for lost time and gloss up those lips. The same basis for daytime makeup can be used for interviews as well. It’s always best to bring a polished and professional you to the table when interviewing with a prospective employer. You don’t ever want your makeup to be such a distraction that it is a roadblock to you getting the so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

SUCCESS

HOW TO KNOW

WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT TO REFINANCE BY

Josh Litsch, Prime Bank

plan to retain the property, in theory, it makes sense to pursue a refinance. All mortgage products are priced from the same pricing source; however, all mortgage rate quotes are not equal. When making your analysis, all lender fees (i.e. application, underwriting, processing,

discount,

and

origination

fees)

associated with the loan should be considered in the costs.

Here in lies the differentiation

In today’s low interest rate environment, it

between one lender and the next. Some lenders

seems like everyone is willing to offer homeowners

might charge a higher rate to cover some of the

the opportunity to refinance their mortgage, but

associated costs. Others might charge a lower

how do you analyze whether it is the best decision for you? The mainstream rule of thumb is that you should not refinance unless your interest rate deceases at least 1%. I strongly disagree with this statement as there a number of variables that deserve consideration – loan amount, closing costs, remaining length of stay in home, debt consolidation, etc. Below is my thought process for determining whether a refinance makes sense for my clients. • Determine how long you anticipate staying at the property or whether you want to hold the property as an investment. • Compare your current monthly payment to the

rate and increase costs. The key is if all factors are considered, a fair comparison can be made and the best loan program identified. Homeowners should refinance for a number of reasons – shorten life of mortgage to decrease interest paid, pay off credit cards or other higher interest rate debts, eliminate mortgage insurance, or to simply lower monthly debt obligations. This

unprecedented

opportunity

for

homeownership, and everyone should try to take advantage of these historically low interest rates whether it is a refinance, first-time homebuyer or someone looking to get into a bigger home. At Prime Bank, we try to make the lending

proposed monthly payment to determine the

process as simple and convenient as possible.

monthly savings. To determine your proposed

Please check out our online Mortgage Center

monthly payment, use a payment calculator

to view our daily interest rates, complete a

online (Primebankgroup.com) or call me for

secure

a closing cost worksheet which includes all

a prequalification letter, or access mortgage

transaction details.

calculators at our resource center. If you would

• If the monthly payment reduction will repay the costs of the loan in a time period less than you 30

so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

online

mortgage

application,

obtain

like a more personal touch, please contact me to discuss all of you lending options.

so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

“I DIDN’T GROW UP KNOWING ANYTHING ABOUT THE DRAFT OR E V E R T H I N K I N G I W O U L D P L AY I N T H E N B A . I P L AY E D B E C AU S E I L O V E D B A S K E T B A L L .”

ARTICLE BY: ANGELIQUE CHRISTINA PHOTOGRAPHY BY: CLIFTON ROBERTS STYLING BY: JOHNATHAN KAYNE CLOTHING AND JEWELRY PROVIDED BY: BC CLARK, GILS, BLUE SEVEN, & PARKWAY GILS CLOTHING VEST BY: THE FRESH BRAND, $82 LONG SLEEVE BY: COHESIVE & CO., $62 BC CLARK JEWELERS WATCH BY: ROLEX, $38,900 so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

SUCCESS

o watch Serge Ibaka play is a

Serge’s long-time manager, Pere Gallago, says,

cross between witnessing pure,

“He appreciates the good moments and knows

uninhibited athletic ability and

that hard work brought him to this situation, so

having a brief flirtation with

he’s going to keep fighting to achieve his goals

without forgetting where he comes from.”

extraordinarily,

heartfelt

passion for the game that seems

Forgetting where he comes from would be

almost surreal to the average fan. He commonly

nearly impossible for Ibaka. Brazzaville Congo

performs feats with ease that don’t seem quite

has long suffered from civil unrest, enduring brutal

humanly possible, leaving us in a state of awe and

wars and constant violence. In one year alone,

questioning our own perception of reality for a

over 10, 000 people were killed in Brazzaville;

moment or two.

100, 000 were internally displaced; 70% of the

A shot-blocking mixture of legends Bill Russell

residents lived at or below the poverty line;

and Dikembe Mutumbo blended with Kevin

and 40% of the nation’s children did not attend

Garnett’s impassioned hunger for the game,

school. While this country has suffered a near

Ibaka has quickly become a force to be reckoned

humanitarian catastrophe for many years, it does

with in a league among basketball royalty. Two

not receive the media coverage that many others

years after joining the talented Oklahoma City

do. This is where Serge’s project with UNICEF

team filled with imposing scorers and audacious

(The United Nations Children’s Fund) comes into

playmakers, Serge has carved his own niche as

play.

“I WANT TO GIVE THE BOYS AND GIRLS THERE O P P O R T U N I T I E S F O R E D U C AT I O N A N D A G O O D LIFE. THEY DESERVE MUCH MORE IN LIFE THAN T H E Y H A V E .” one of the league’s leading shot-blockers, hence his aptly put nickname: “Iblaka.”

Ibaka has become a proud “Champion for UNICEF.” He works hand-in-hand with the UNICEF

Ibaka is destined for what could only be

US Fund who is in charge of the UNICEF Congo

described as an accelerated path to superstardom,

activities and is running a program in the capital,

which brings about the subject of his quiet sense

Brazzaville, to provide support, education, and

of humility and lack of prima donna attitude. With

a positive future to street boys and girls. Over

Serge, there is no grand entrance to be had, no

50% of the reported street children are orphans

helicopter flight into the home games, nor any

and lack basic human necessities, schooling,

extraneous fanfare needed. And he is happy

and social development. This program works to

to sign autographs and take pictures—even at

provide basic daily needs of the children, and it

times that would surely inconvenience the rest

also provides recreational activities that will allow

of us mere mortals. So, I had to ask him how he

the children to be reintegrated into normal society.

maintained this perfect sense of humility and

Ibaka says, “I want to give the boys and girls there

levelheadedness. His reply: “This is what I have

opportunities for education and a good life. They

always been taught. The coaches taught us to be

deserve much more in life than they have.”

humble in basketball. It’s been engrained in me.” 34

so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

Once you are able to grasp the severity of

GILS CLOTHING BLUE V NECK: DIESEL, $42 BC CLARK JEWELERS DIAMOND EARRINGS, $156,750 WATCH BY: BREITLING, $7,095 so6ix.com | MARCH 2012 35

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PARKWAY MENSWEAR SHIRT BY: GEORG ROTH, $185 BC CLARK JEWELERS DIAMOND EARRINGS, $156,750 WATCH BY: ROLEX, $34,700 BLUE SEVEN NECKLACE BY: DIESEL, $75 so6ix.com | MARCH 2012 37

GILS CLOTHING VEST BY: THE FRESH BRAND, $82 JEANS BY: G-STAR RAW, $158 BC CLARK JEWELERS DIAMOND EARRINGS, $156,750 WATCH BY: ROLEX, $10,800 CROSS NECKLACE BY: DAVID YURMAN, $550 DOGTAG NECKLACE BY: DAVID YURMAN, $1,025 BRACELET BY: DAVID YURMAN, $800 BRACELET BY: DAVID YURMAN, $1,400

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the situation of the country in which Ibaka grew

player who puts it all out there every night – all

up in and you wrap your brain around bits and

of his energy, passion, whatever it takes to win.

pieces of the hardships he has dealt with and

In this, they also find a player who seemingly

overcome in his very young life, you quickly begin

hits a certain level of euphoria during play. Ibaka

to comprehend the aura of mental toughness and

isn’t one who is playing into the crowd, but rather

extreme humility that radiates from the depths

one who is truly taking in the raw emotion of the

of his being. You also begin to understand his

game and allowing the crowd to feed off of his

deep-rooted love for the game that is carved into

own energy. Emotion like this doesn’t come from

his very soul and flows through his veins every

a million dollar contract or even playing in front of

second of the day.

stadium full of adoring fans; it comes from love.

I inquired, “What would you do if you weren’t playing basketball?”

In his youth Ibaka played basketball whenever and however he could. He played in the streets;

In his very distinct, French accent Ibaka replied,

he played with broken shoes and scraped knees;

“I don’t know. I can’t imagine my life without

he played morning to night – it didn’t matter. This

basketball. It is a part of me. It’s what I know.”

was love. “We played because we loved the game.

In a Post-Jordan era, where flamboyant play

I didn’t grow up knowing anything about the Draft

and impressive dunks are commonplace, a player

or ever thinking I would play in the NBA. I played

must have something extremely special about

because I loved basketball.”

him in order to stand out. In Ibaka, fans see a

After a 161-day NBA lockout, Serge Ibaka came so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

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GILS CLOTHING LONG SLEEVE BY: COHESIVE & CO., $62 JEANS BY: G-STAR RAW, $158 BELT BY: LEATHER ISLAND, $50 BLUE SEVEN CAMBODIAN SCARF, $17 WATCH BY: DIESEL, $100 BC CLARK JEWELERS BEAD BRACELET, $595

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GILS CLOTHING VEST BY: THE FRESH BRAND, $82 BC CLARK JEWELERS DIAMOND EARRINGS, $156,750 CROSS NECKLACE BY: DAVID YURMAN , $550 DOGTAG NECKLACE BY: DAVID YURMAN, $1,025 WATCH BY: ROLEX, $10,800 BRACELET BY: DAVID YURMAN, $1,400

so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

SUCCESS back to the States a much tougher player. Joining fellow NBA players, Ricky Rubio, Jose Calderon, Pau Gasol, and Marc Gasol, Ibaka lead the Spanish National team to a gold medal in Eurobasket 2011. When asked if he thought that the lockout helped Serge evolve as a player, manager Pere Gallego responded, “Yes, no question. He gained experience playing at higher level in Europe and playing for such a big organization like Real Madrid.” Ibaka isn’t a player merely focused on individual achievements, but rather a team player whose drive will propel a team to an NBA Championship. With Serge’s will to succeed and a mindset that doesn’t accept “no” for an answer, a big fan-base has developed that have an awe-inspired curiosity about what Serge’s future will hold. “Will we see you play for Spain in the 2012 Summer Olympics?” I asked. With no hesistation, Serge answered,“Yes! You will see me there!” In every great player and great man, there must be a certain sense of level-headedness and humility. In the course of our interview, Serge Ibaka never ceased to amaze me with this factor. When I asked him what big things we could expect in the future, he simply replied, “Every morning when I wake up is a big thing for me. It is a blessing, and I am thankful.” And this, my friends, is a moment in which life, love, and basketball become intertwined for a much greater purpose than we can possibly ever understand. so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

S AT I S FAC T I O N

SIX PICKS

and surcharges that often accompany amenities and beverages.

SPRING BREAK BEACHES BY

Angelique Christina

MIAMI BEACH Why go: While this Florida city has the reputation for being a tad bit pricey, vacationers will find that everything they possibly need is quite accessible. Nightclubs, restaurants, and even shopping can be found right along the colorful, beach-lined area. If you want to party from dusk to dawn, then work on your tan after breakfast, Miami Beach has it all. Expect to spend a bit more on food, hotels, cab fare, tips, and club entry here than you would CANCUN Why go: Cancun has consistently been ranked among the top Spring Break destinations in North

in some of your other Spring Break destinations. It may cost you a little more, but it is more than worth it in fun and memories!

America by travel experts and Spring Breakers alike year after year. The stretches of beautiful beaches and the exciting, non-stop-party that fills the nightlife scene are definite draws to this amazing Mexican destination. Unlike many other vacation spots, Cancun lives up to its Spring Break destination reputation and embraces its partygoers each and every day and night of their visit. Accommodations can be inexpensive if you look

South Padre Island

at the right places. However, your vacation can get

Why go: South Padre Island is a Spring

a bit pricey if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pay attention to the taxes

Break staple. For some college students, if you

so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

S AT I S FAC T I O N havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t gone to Padre and joined in the drunken

Dominican Republic was once just a sleepy,

debauchery, then you have missed out on part of

romantic place that catered to an older tourist set.

your college years. With pre-planned parties by

Now the all-inclusive rates and bar-lined streets

huge sponsors and surprise celebrity visits, Padre

make it highly attractive to Spring Breakers

is sure to be the place to be. The vacation can be made inexpensively with vacation packages and a drive with friends.

looking for a different adventure. It has a friendly atmosphere and beautiful beaches, only adding to the draw of an inexpensive vacation and the possibility of a non-stop party.

DAYTONA Why go: Daytona was once the Spring Break Capitol of the Florida Coast. It is now known for its NASCAR reputation, but it hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t lost its appeal. With beaches that you can drive on and inexpensive accommodations, Daytona is slowly creeping back up the charts as a must-go for Spring Breakers everywhere. If you are looking for an inexpensive place to enjoy fun-in-the-sun with no frills, this is your spot.

BAHAMAS Why go: The Bahamas are yet another inexpensive alternative with amazing possibilities. The crystal clear waters and beautiful sands give beach-goers the ultimate hangout during day, and casinos, nightclubs, and a variety of bars give the party crowd endless options at night. The rather cheap, all-inclusive rates make this destination a great choice as well. Nassau and Paradise Island tend to be the most popular

PUERTO PLATA Why go: This gorgeous little city in the

choices among Spring Break Destination choices.

Angelique Christina so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

S AT I R E

MARCH 2012 BY

ARIES (MARCH 21 - APRIL 19)

Dadhichi Toth

Focus on spiritual affairs this month by staying

CANCER (JUNE 21 - JULY 22)

away from others. Don’t let your mind become

You could feel as if a problem you have wanted

confused after the 14th. Mercury and Neptune

solved on the home front is now over but could be

make you forget things, and you’re unclear in

surprised to learn that there are still some loose

communication. By the 28th you’ll feel much

ends that need to be dealt with. This could take

better about yourself, and a promotion is possible.

several more months to sort out. Friendships are on the rise, and you might now meet someone new who could have a strong impact on your life.

TAURUS (APRIL 20 - MAY 20) You can achieve some sort of accolade for your work this month. You are bright, in control, and respected by your peers and clients. Ask a friend

LEO (JULY 23 - AUGUST 22)

to be clearer about their intentions because

You have an opportunity to travel, or at least

Neptune is causing them to be a little vague. An

expand your cultural base of knowledge. With

active social life punctuates this period and makes

Mercury triggering your investigative nature,

you feel supported by the group.

you’ll find this month to be one where anything and everything fascinates you. Issues of personal transformation take precedence.

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUNE 20) Venus and Mars oppose each other this month, so impulsive and passionate interludes are likely.

VIRGO (AUGUST 23 - SEPTEMBER 22)

Remember that “All that glitters is not gold,” so

Don’t let the Sun and Pluto cause you to play

don’t assume that someone you meet this month

power games with the ones you love. It can be

is actually everything they are cut out to be.

a very defining time for you. Be persuasive but

You need to exercise caution and scrutinise the

not dominating in the way you handle lovers and

character of others in much more detail.

children. Work could be confusing but there will

so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

S AT I R E

PISCES (FEBRUARY 19 - MARCH 20) Your attractiveness and passion is at a peak at present, but be careful that Venus and Mars don’t cause you to act irrationally in relationships. Meeting new people is high on your agenda, but so too is making errors in the way you select friends. You have some excellent opportunities for journeys around the 1st of the month, and between the 8th until the 14th.

also be moments of great satisfaction. Try to focus

these relationships may have outgrown their value

on what’s positive, and you’ll attract more of that.

and usefulness. After the 19th family matters will predominate, and by the 25th, some additional expenses you had first thought would have to be borne by you alone will be lessened by the

LIBRA (SEPTEMBER 23 - OCTOBER 22) Your energy may be low this month, even though

assistance of a family member.

your creative urges are still strong. This is a month to take stock of yourself before rushing headlong into new enterprises. Mars and Venus cause you to be impulsive, sexually and romantically. There

CAPRICORN (DECEMBER 22 - JANUARY 19)

are secrets revealed and the possibility of your

Legal matters can occupy your mind and make you

jealousy being aroused.

impulsive in finalizing decisions. Venus, however, will persuade you to be cordial and diplomatic in the way you manage others and present your case. The planet Saturn urges you to tie up loose ends in your domestic sphere and, in particular, to

SCORPIO (OCTOBER 23 - NOVEMBER 21) A new partnership, possibly of a business nature,

sort out any difficulties you may have regarding your parents.

may come to pass after the 11th. Don’t take too much for granted, and move in slow but sure steps. Mars in your career zone makes you industrious but also very, very competitive. After the 20th your work and social life will be closely intertwined.

AQUARIUS (JANUARY 20 - FEBRUARY 18) You are idealistic about finances and after the 4th may have a brain- storm about some new business idea you wish to implement. You are at odds with your work colleagues after the 7th, but things smooth over by the 19th. Be careful not to

SAGITTARIUS (NOVEMBER 22 - DECEMBER 21)

push yourself too hard this month because the

Friendships are key issues this month, with major

difficult aspects between the Sun and Mars could

decisions being made about friends. Some of

indicate mishaps or problems physically. so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MARCH EVENTS TO PUBLISH YOUR EVENT EMAIL

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UNINVITED GUEST BAKER STREET OKC

DEVIL WEARS PRADA CAIN’S BALLROOM TULSA

80’Z ENUF DAN O’BRIENS OKC CAMI STINSON WEST RESTAURANT OKC CHRIS SULLIVAN GREENS COUNTRY CLUB OKC PIANISTS CHRISTIAN PEARSON & DAVID MORRIS SKIRVIN HILTON HOTEL OKC RICK JAWNSUN LAZY E ARENA GUTHRIE SAINTS OF STATE TAPWERKS OKC SOUTH40 TOBY KEITH’S BAR & GRILL OKC UNINVITED GUEST BAKER STREET OKC

MARCH 23

MARCH 3

MARCH 9

CONCERTS

MARCH 16

CHEVELLE DIAMOND BALLROOM OKC

MARCH 20

EXPERIENCE HENDRIX BRADY THEATER TULSA

MARCH 21

NEEDTOBREATHE BRADY THEATER TULSA

MARCH 24

ARANDA DIAMOND BALLROOM OKC

MARCH 28

GWAR CAIN’S BALLROOM TULSA TECH N9NE DIAMOND BALLROOM OKC

LIVE MUSIC

MARCH 1

WADE TOWER SKIRVIN HILTON HOTEL OKC

MARCH 2

THE PRETTY BLACK CHAINS WITH MONT LYONS BELLE ISLE BREWERY OKC

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SHOVELS AND ROPE W/ J CHARLES AND THE TRAIN ROBBERS & JOHN CALVIN AND THE CALVARY BELLE ISLE BREWERY OKC CHAD SULLINS & THE LAST CALL COALITION, THE RUBIES, AND L.J. AND THE DELIVERY THUNDER ALLEY OKC BANANA SEAT RIVERWIND CASINO NORMAN BEN BROCK LIVE TAPWERKS OKC MATT BLAGG WEST RESTAURANT OKC MORRIS MCCANN TOBY KEITH’S BAR & GRILL OKC PIANIST GRANT STEVENS SKIRVIN HILTON HOTEL OKC REPLAY DAN O’BRIENS OKC RICK JAWNSUN LAZY E ARENA GUTHRIE SQADLIVE RUSSELL’S OKC THE JETSET KINGS HALFTIME BAR & GRILL OKC

MARCH 6 PIANIST TARA DILLARD SKIRVIN HILTON HOTEL OKC

MARCH 7 PIANIST MARK VOLLERTSEN SKIRVIN HILTON HOTEL OKC THE WEATHERMEN BAKER STREET OKC

MARCH 8 CAMERON NEWBY TOBY KEITH’S BAR & GRILL OKC SQUADLIVE BAKER STREET OKC EQUILIBRIUM BELLE ISLE BREWERY OKC THE SWEETWATER KINGS THUNDER ALLEY OKC CAMI STINSON WEST RESTAURANT OKC DRIVE DAN O’BRIENS OKC PIANISTS CHRISTIAN PEARSON & CHUCK WHETSTONE SKIRVIN HILTON HOTEL OKC THE JETSET KINGS BAKER STREET OKC TRAVIS KIDD TOBY KEITH’S BAR & GRILL OKC WHO’S JOE FAZZIO GREENS COUNTRY CLUB OKC

MARCH 10 GUM WITH THE PASS BELLE ISLE BREWERY OKC ANNIE UP RIVERWIND CASINO NORMAN CODY ROBBINS BAND TOBY KEITH’S BAR & GRILL OKC

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MARCH EVENTS TO PUBLISH YOUR EVENT EMAIL

DYLAN HAMMETT WEST RESTAURANT OKC JIM THE ELEPHANT BAKER STREET OKC LEMMA TAPWERKS OKC PIANIST GRANT STEVENS SKIRVIN HILTON HOTEL OKC STEPHEN SPEAKS NONNA’S OKC SUPERFREAK DAN O’BRIENS OKC THE JETSET KINGS RUSSELL’S OKC

MARCH 13 PIANIST TARA DILLARD SKIRVIN HILTON HOTEL OKC

MARCH 14 MIKE HOST DUO BAKER STREET OKC PIANIST MARK VOLLERTSEN SKIRVIN HILTON HOTEL OKC

MARCH 15 MATT BLAGG SKIRVIN HILTON HOTEL OKC STARS BAKER STREET OKC

MARCH 16 THE STEEPWATER BAND BELLE ISLE BREWERY OKC LAST LEG LARGOS THUNDER ALLEY OKC ATTICA STATE TAPWERKS OKC BIG MOUTH BAKER STREET OKC BORN IN NOVEMBER DAN O’BRIENS OKC DEREK HARRIS ACOUSTIC NONNA’S OKC

DRIVE- CHARLES SCOTT DUO WEST RESTAURANT OKC PIANISTS CHRISTIAN PEARSON & DAVID MORRIS SKIRVIN HILTON HOTEL OKC SHAKERS OF SALT GREENS COUNTRY CLUB OKC TJ CHESSHIRE TOBY KEITH’S BAR & GRILL OKC

MARCH 17

SAINT PATRICK’S DAY WITH THE RIGHS, THE FRENCH WIVES, ERICA JAMES AND THE SUDDEN LOVELYS BELLE ISLE BREWERY OKC 2AM TAPWERKS OKC BIG MOUTH DAN O’BRIENS OKC BORN IN NOVEMBER O’CONNELLS OKC CROSSLAND BAKER STREET OKC DANTE & THE HAWKS TAPWERKS OKC DRIVE BRICKTOWN ST. PATRICKS DAY CELEBRATION OKC DYLAN HAMMETT WEST RESTAURANT OKC GROOVE MERCHANTS RIVERWIND CASINO NORMAN SQUADLIVE O’CONNELLS OKC SUPERFREAK HALFTIME BAR & GRILL OKC THE JETSET KINGS BAKER STREET OKC THE SUSPECTS O’CONNELLS OKC THE WEATHERMEN BAKER STREET OKC ZACH FELTS TOBY KEITH’S BAR & GRILL OKC

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MARCH 20 PIANIST TARA DILLARD SKIRVIN HILTON HOTEL OKC

MARCH 21 PIANIST MARK VOLLERTSEN SKIRVIN HILTON HOTEL OKC

MARCH 22 PIANIST DAVID MORRIS SKIRVIN HILTON HOTEL OKC THREAT LEVEL MIDNIGHT BAKER STREET OKC

MARCH 23 COLD FORTY THREE, 200 WEST, & LAST CHANCE CASANOVA BELLE ISLE BREWERY OKC BANANA SEAT OKLAHOMA CITY LIMITS OKC BEN BROCK LIVE TOBY KEITH’S BAR & GRILL OKC DEREK HARRIS ACOUSTIC GREENS COUNTRY CLUB OKC MATT BLAGG WEST RESTAURANT OKC MIX TAPE TAPWERKS OKC PIANISTS CHRISTIAN PEARSON & CHUCK WHETSTONE SKIRVIN HILTON HOTEL OKC STARS DAN O’BRIENS OKC STEPHEN SPEAKS NONNA’S OKC

MARCH 24 AVENUE TAPWERKS OKC DYLAN HAMMETT WEST RESTAURANT OKC MIX TAPE RIVERWIND CASINO NORMAN PIANIST GRANT STEVENS SKIRVIN HILTON HOTEL OKC so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MARCH EVENTS TO PUBLISH YOUR EVENT EMAIL

STARS RHINESTONE COWBOY OKC THE JETSET KINGS DAN O’BRIENS OKC URBAN ADDICTION RUSSELL’S OKC WHISKEY ROAD SHOW TOBY KEITH’S BAR & GRILL OKC

MARCH 27

PIANIST GARY JOHNSON SKIRVIN HILTON HOTEL OKC

MARCH 28

JAM CANDY BAKER STREET OKC PIANIST MARK VOLLERTSEN SKIRVIN HILTON HOTEL OKC

MARCH 29

HOOK CHASE PLAZA DOWNTOWN OKC MATT BLAGG SKIRVIN HILTON HOTEL OKC STARS BAKER STREET OKC

MARCH 30

ZERO2SIXTY BELLE ISLE BREWERY OKC HI-DEF HOWLERS THUNDER ALLEY OKC AARON NEWMAN DUO TOBY KEITH’S BAR & GRILL OKC DEREK HARRIS ACOUSTIC NONNA’S OKC MARK GALLOWAY GREENS COUNTRY CLUB OKC PIANISTS CHRISTIAN PEARSON & TARA DILLARD SKIRVIN HILTON HOTEL OKC SOULED OUT UCO JAZZ LAB EDMOND SQUADLIVE DAN O’BRIENS OKC

so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

events@so6ix.com

THE WEATHERMEN TAPWERKS OKC

LIVE ON THE PLAZA PLAZA ARTS DISTRICT OKC

MARCH 31

MARCH 13

JUST DIG IT BELLE ISLE BREWERY OKC DEREK HARRIS ACOUSTIN TOBY KEITH’S BAR & GRILL OKC DYLAN HAMMETT WEST RESTAURANT OKC GROOVE MERCHANTS DAN O’BRIENS OKC NOT OURS HALFTIME BAR & GRILL OKC

EVENTS

MARCH 1

TCHAIKOVSKY ST. PETERSBURG STATE ORCHESTRA ARMSTRONG AUDITORIUM EDMOND OKC INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW OKLAHOMA STATE FAIR PARK OKC

MARCH 2

FIRST FRIDAY GALLERY WALK PASEO ARTS DISTRICT OKC

MARCH 3

OKC PHILHARMONIC PRESENTS: MUSICAL SURPRISES CIVIC CENTER MUSIC HALL OKC UNDERGROUND MONSTER CARNIVAL OKLAHOMA CITY FAIRGROUNDS OKC JAMFEST CHEER AND DANCE COX CONVENTION CENTER OKC

MARCH 8

DOC SEVERINSEN & HIS BAND ARMSTRONG AUDITORIUM EDMOND ERIC CHURCH CHESAPEAKE ENERGY ARENA OKC

MARCH 9

2ND FRIDAY CIRCUIT OF ART NORMAN ARTS DISTRICT NORMAN

“STOMP” CIVIC CENTER MUSIC HALL OKC

MARCH 16

SESAME STREET LIVE: ELMO MAKES MUSIC COX CONVENTION CENTER OKC

MARCH 17

OKLAHOMA CITY ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE DOWNTOWN OKC BRICKTOWN ST. PATRICK’S DAY BLOCK PARTY BRICKTOWN ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT OKC

MARCH 20

STEPCREW ARMSTRONG AUDITORIUM EDMOND

MARCH 23

OKC PHILHARMONIC PRESENTS: PINK MARTINI CIVIC CENTER MUSIC HALL OKC OKC HOME SHOW STATE FAIR PARK OKC

MARCH 24

CREATIVE CRAFT FESTIVAL CLEVELAND COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS NORMAN

MARCH 27

JUBILANT SYKES- BARITONE ARMSTRONG AUDITORIUM EDMOND

MARCH 28

LYRIC THEATRE PRESENTS: SPRING AWAKENING LYRIC AT THE PLAZA OKC

MARCH 29

RAM NATIONAL CIRCUIT FINALS RODEO STATE FAIRGROUNDS ARENA OKC

MARCH 30 MEDIEVAL FAIR REAVES PARK NORMAN

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

MARCH EVENTS TO PUBLISH YOUR EVENT EMAIL

MARCH 31 OKC PHILHARMONIC PRESENTS: SUMPTUOUS STRINGS CIVIC CENTER MUSIC HALL OKC

MARCH 7

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS PHOENIX SUNS CHESAPEAKE ENERGY ARENA OKC

MARCH 9

OKLAHOMA CITY BARONS VS LAKE ERIE MONSTERS COX CONVENTION CENTER OKC OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS CLEVELAND CAVALIERS CHESAPEAKE ENERGY ARENA OKC

MARCH 10

SPORTS

MARCH 2

OU WOMEN’S GYMNASTICS VS ALABAMA LLYOD NOBLE CENTER NORMAN

MARCH 3 OU MEN’S BASKETBALL VS TEXAS A&M LLYOD NOBLE CENTER NORMAN OSU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL VS MISSOURI GALLAGHER-IBA ARENA STILLWATER

MARCH 4

OKLAHOMA CITY BARONS VS LAKE ERIE MONSTERS COX CONVENTION CENTER OKC OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS CHARLOTTE BOBCATS CHESAPEAKE ENERGY ARENA OKC

MARCH 13

OKLAHOMA CITY BARONS VS ROCKFORD ICEHOGS COX CONVENTION CENTER OKC OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS HOUSTON ROCKETS CHESAPEAKE ENERGY ARENA OKC

MARCH 16

OU WOMEN’S BASKETBALL VS KANSAS LLYOD NOBLE CENTER NORMAN

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS SAN ANTONIO SPURS CHESAPEAKE ENERGY ARENA OKC

MARCH 5

MARCH 17

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS DALLAS MAVERICKS CHESAPEAKE ENERGY ARENA OKC

TORNADO ALLEY ROLLERGIRLS VS ALAMO CITY ROLLERGIRLS FARMERS MARKET OKC

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MARCH 18 OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS CHESAPEAKE ENERGY ARENA OKC

MARCH 21 OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS LOS ANGELAS CLIPPERS CHESAPEAKE ENERGY ARENA OKC

MARCH 23 OKLAHOMA CITY BARONS VS TEXAS STARS COX CONVENTION CENTER OKC OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES CHESAPEAKE ENERGY ARENA OKC

MARCH 24 OKLAHOMA CITY BARONS VS GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS COX CONVENTION CENTER OKC WOMEN’S GYMNASTICS BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP LLYOD NOBLE CENTER NORMAN

MARCH 25 OKLAHOMA CITY BARONS VS GRAND RAPIDS GRIFFINS COX CONVENTION CENTER OKC OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER VS MIAMI HEAT CHESAPEAKE ENERGY ARENA OKC

so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

SO6IX PROFESSIONALS

SARAH TAYLOR Sarah Beth Taylor is originally from Edmond, Oklahoma. She began her financial career at the young age of 20 as a teller at Citizens Bank of Edmond, and within a short time Sarah was promoted to Senior Teller of the main branch. Citizens Bank has been around since statehood, and it is well known as a bank with a high level of customer support and strong values. Sarah’s experience there was seminal to her future endeavors in the finance world. Realizing that banking hours and her school schedule weren’t compatible, Sarah decided to leave Citizens and work as a cashier in the bursar’s office at UCO, where she remained until her graduation in 2008. Upon graduating, Sarah began working as an executive assistant for Citizens Investment Professionals,

which

was

the

newly

created

investment banking division of Citizens Bank of Edmond. Sarah became a “Jill of all trades,” which included such things as opening new accounts, scheduling appointments, creating portfolios, and correlating road shows with wholesalers. Through this, Sarah found that she most enjoyed investing, and this realization guided her into a specific career path she knew was right for her. Sarah currently works as a Branch Administrator at Edward Jones, a firm named as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in America by FORTUNE magazine for the 13th year in a row. When asked about the firm, Sarah said, “I consider it a privilege to work for a company as successful as Edward Jones, and I look forward to my future here.” 60

so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

SO6IX PROFESSIONALS

JOSH LITSCH Josh Litsch is a native Oklahoman who grew up in Edmond with western Oklahoma roots.

After

earning his Bachelor of Business Administration and Master of Accountancy degrees from the University of Oklahoma, Josh moved to Dallas to work in public accounting as an auditor with KPMG. At KPMG, Josh primarily audited financial statements for real estate companies and investment banks. Experience in both the real estate and investment industries helped form the foundation of his banking career. Josh is a licensed Certified Public Accountant, but decided to exit the accounting profession in 2009 and join Prime Bank in Edmond as a Loan Officer. Josh’s expertise is permanent mortgage and construction lending. “For most people, the largest financial transaction that they will experience in their lifetime is the purchase of their home. It is extremely gratifying to help a family achieve their goal of homeownership,” Josh said. Josh is currently in his junior year at the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU. This graduate program is designed to educate in all aspects of the banking industry from regulation to asset quality to making sure the bank offers the right deposit products. Josh tries to incorporate a little fun into his personal investments which includes ownership in thoroughbred race horses. His horses names are Silver Dandy and Radiant Rose. In his spare time, Josh is an avid golfer, an OU and Thunder fan, and he enjoys working out at CrossFit OKC. Josh is also dedicated to his Christian-based mission work. so6ix.com | MARCH 2012

so6ix.com | MARCH 2012