HispanicBusiness

and sensitive to the fact that Tulsa, and the state at large, are becoming increasingly diverse when it comes to age, race, disabilities, religious beliefs and sexual orientation."

Being open and tolerant toward differences will, in turn, help the city attract and retain the kind of work force talent it needs to be competitive, he said.

Concerning the recent flap over comments made by Sen. Jim Inhofe in a chamber speech about the repeal of the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, Fernandez said last week that he hopes some good will come from the controversy.

"I hope people will be more cognizant that Tulsa is a diverse community with varying perspectives and that they expect tolerance and attention to change."

"To clarify, diversity doesn't mean you have to agree with differing opinions and perspectives," he added.

Allowing everyone a seat at the table, however, does "lead to the most creative discussions."

- TIM STANLEY, World Staff Writer

Thompson Square: Breakout duo rock country radio

Thompson Square isn't a place. It's a space inhabited by a husband and wife duo who have created a contemporary blend of smooth country and raucous rock 'n' roll.

Thompson Square quickly became music's biggest "breakout" act of 2011. Featuring Miami, Okla., native Keifer Thompson and his wife, Shawna Thompson, Thompson Square released the most-played song on country radio in 2011, according to Mediabase.

That tune, "Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not," unleashed a tidal wave of acclaim in 2011. It's earned them 14 award recommendations this year, including two Grammy nominations. More about those potential Grammys will be known in 2012 with the awards show Feb. 12.

The couple won three American Country Awards in 2011: Single by a Duo/Group, Single by a Breakthrough Artist and Music Video by a New Artist, all for that one song.

Thompson Square also released two other singles, "Let's Fight" and "I Got You," along with their self-titled debut.

The pair met at a singing competition in Nashville, and their chemistry quickly pulled them together. The two were solo artists before forming Thompson Square.

They will make an Oklahoma homecoming at Tulsa's BOK Center on Jan. 27 when they open for Lady Antebellum's "Own the Night" tour. Darius Rucker also will perform. For information on the show, go to

For more:

- JENNIFER CHANCELLOR, World Scene Writer

Broken Arrow's Archie Bradley (left) and Owasso's Dylan Bundy each agreed to multimillion-dollar baseball contracts after being drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks and Baltimore Orioles, respectively, last year. CORY YOUNG / Tulsa World

Baseball: Big-league hopes for Bradley and Bundy

Owasso's Dylan Bundy and Broken Arrow's Archie Bradley have big bucks in their pockets and high hopes of making it in professional baseball.

Friends and frequent baseball rivals since they were 8, the right-handed pitching phenoms brought national attention to Oklahoma high school baseball last spring.

Now they're facing their first full pro seasons after becoming instant millionaires in August. Bundy agreed to a five-year deal with the Baltimore Orioles. He's guaranteed $6.25 million and could receive up to $8.7 million if