Some items of good news . . .

[cannon_fodder]

Thought I'd post some good Tulsa news I've read the last couple of days since the economic news is all doom and gloom, layoffs, and companies exploding lately:

1. A small Tulsa TeleCom/Software company is expanding.  In and of itself it only means a handful of new jobs, but small start ups of decades ago are our civic leaders today (OneOK, QT, Williams).  We need to encourage locals to start companies that sell goods and services outside the area, we need to attract start up companies, and we need to retain the companies we foster.

2. A medium sized manufacturing firm has decided not to leave Tulsa.  This equates to ~300 jobs that will be staying in Tulsa.

3. The US Amateur Gold Tournament will be in Tulsa in August.  This is people and media coming to Tulsa.  They can spend their money AND see what we have to offer.  Plus it gets Tulsa on the news a little bit.  More exposure for positive things = goodness.

4. The House has approved a $1.25 million annual transportation grant for Tulsa. 

5. By and large, Tulsa is retaining jobs.  According to the BLS we have as many jobs at the end of June, 2009 as we need at the start of January.  With a total non-farm employment of about 430,000 people.  We have lost about 12,000 jobs from our all time high (which isn't seasonally adjusted) - which isn't good, but relative to the current economy is doing well.  But our unemployment has grown to 6.8%. Far ahead of the job losses we posted.  When employment holds fairly steady and/or unemployment % is growing, it means population increase.  People in Tulsa that are seeking employment increased from 444,000 to 450,000, certainly bringing wives and children with them who are not seeking work (greater total population increase).

We currently employ ~430,000 non-farm people with an average wage of $14.28

(All stats May) 2008:  433,000 people / $14.22 an hour
2007: 422,000 / 13.65
2006: 414,500 / 13.19
2005: 398,000 / 12.80

(was grabbing stats from the BLS.gov website, forgot to link, sorry)

So damnit, we are trending in the right direction and holding out as the rest of the nation falls.  Now if we can sustain the momentum when the rest of the nation recovers we will be the place with money and a rising standard of living, attracting new business and the new urban vibe.  It isn't all doom and gloom people!

[Conan71]

Well Sparty, if it weren't for the Busheviks and the banksters, and too many venues chasing too few entertainment dollars, and if we could just get single-payer health care... Oh, and I've never worked a day in my life but I know a bunch of working class people, so I know their pain better than you.

[FOTD]

Well Sparty, if it weren't for the Busheviks and the banksters, and too many venues chasing too few entertainment dollars, and if we could just get single-payer health care... Oh, and I've never worked a day in my life but I know a bunch of working class people, so I know their pain better than you.

He's now groove crusher. Pay attention. Having worked for 35 years, you obviously weren't aiming your anger at this devil disciple. Besides, you left out war no more, oil fixnation, and the prison fiasco caused by privatization.

There is going to be a double dip to this recovery. You said yourself just this week this is a suckers rally.

Tulsa's unemployment will not recover but you can hope. FOTD does.

As far as baiting me on the entertainment scene....we will see. FOTD stands by his position there is too much entertainment for such a level of spending. Let's see what those hoods do with their free option across from the Areema.

"... set up, like a bowlin pin.
Knocked down, it gets to wearin thin.
they just wont let you be, oh no no."
(Garcia Hunter Lesh Weir)

[FOTD]

Thought I'd post some good Tulsa news I've read the last couple of days since the economic news is all doom and gloom, layoffs, and companies exploding lately:

1. A small Tulsa TeleCom/Software company is expanding.  In and of itself it only means a handful of new jobs, but small start ups of decades ago are our civic leaders today (OneOK, QT, Williams).  We need to encourage locals to start companies that sell goods and services outside the area, we need to attract start up companies, and we need to retain the companies we foster.

2. A medium sized manufacturing firm has decided not to leave Tulsa.  This equates to ~300 jobs that will be staying in Tulsa.

3. The US Amateur Gold Tournament will be in Tulsa in August.  This is people and media coming to Tulsa.  They can spend their money AND see what we have to offer.  Plus it gets Tulsa on the news a little bit.  More exposure for positive things = goodness.

4. The House has approved a $1.25 million annual transportation grant for Tulsa. 

5. By and large, Tulsa is retaining jobs.  According to the BLS we have as many jobs at the end of June, 2009 as we need at the start of January.  With a total non-farm employment of about 430,000 people.  We have lost about 12,000 jobs from our all time high (which isn't seasonally adjusted) - which isn't good, but relative to the current economy is doing well.  But our unemployment has grown to 6.8%. Far ahead of the job losses we posted.  When employment holds fairly steady and/or unemployment % is growing, it means population increase.  People in Tulsa that are seeking employment increased from 444,000 to 450,000, certainly bringing wives and children with them who are not seeking work (greater total population increase).

We currently employ ~430,000 non-farm people with an average wage of $14.28

(All stats May) 2008:  433,000 people / $14.22 an hour
2007: 422,000 / 13.65
2006: 414,500 / 13.19
2005: 398,000 / 12.80

(was grabbing stats from the BLS.gov website, forgot to link, sorry)

So damnit, we are trending in the right direction and holding out as the rest of the nation falls.  Now if we can sustain the momentum when the rest of the nation recovers we will be the place with money and a rising standard of living, attracting new business and the new urban vibe.  It isn't all doom and gloom people!

What does "buy and large" mean?

Your list is small...and it's short term.

If it were not for several very smart and generous souls, the information here might read differently. As someone who helps small business', there is no doubt their struggle with debt (NOT TAXES) is deep and their concentration is on lowering costs. Their expectations of increased business is mostly non existant at this time. Few national companies are expanding into the area.

The end of American empire -- closer than we think?

http://www.opednews.com/articles/The-end-of-American-empire-by-Richard-Clark-090725-251.html

"Our economic crisis, despite the corporate media circus surrounding the death of Michael Jackson or the marital infidelity of Governor Mark Sanford, barrels forward.  And this crisis will lead to a period of profound political turmoil and change. Those who care about the plight of the working class and the poor must begin to mobilize quickly to abandon the two-party system, to build a viable socialism, or we will lose our last opportunity to save our embattled democracy. "

Read up. It's both fascinating and sad to be just old enough to be born at the height of power of this empire and live to see it's impending collapse.

Sorry to have to crush your groove.

[TheArtist]

Too much entertainment for such a level of spending...?

Hmmm on the one hand people have always complained that there wasn't anything to do in Tulsa. If you look at the ridiculous number of eating places in this town compared to other cities its size, or larger, you can see where most peoples "entertainment dollars" have been going lol. If we go with the contention that there is a limited pie of discretionary, locally spent dollars, its not too far a stretch to assume that there could be a bit less "eating out" as entertainment and more "goin to a concert or game" in this town. Which would do us some good imo lol.  Plus as has been noted, incomes are trending up along with the population numbers.

Thanks for the bright side Cannon.    

[Conan71]

Yep, this thread has been crapped on by the doosh patrol.

[FOTD]

What goes around, comes around.

[FOTD]

Too much entertainment for such a level of spending...?

Hmmm on the one hand people have always complained that there wasn't anything to do in Tulsa. If you look at the ridiculous number of eating places in this town compared to other cities its size, or larger, you can see where most peoples "entertainment dollars" have been going lol. If we go with the contention that there is a limited pie of discretionary, locally spent dollars, its not too far a stretch to assume that there could be a bit less "eating out" as entertainment and more "goin to a concert or game" in this town. Which would do us some good imo lol.  Plus as has been noted, incomes are trending up along with the population numbers.

Thanks for the bright side Cannon.    

Arteest.  This little demon continues to hold back pouncing on your rah rah. Answer me this, why can't we find anything decent to eat after 10 p.m.? Actually, decent and food  part here in T Town in %95 of our eateries .
Lately, there is quite a bit less eating out locally. You doing surveys or just playing with your crayons? Why are you imagining this income trending up bs? LOL.

"If the thunder don't get you, then the lightening will." (Garcia/Hunter)
http://www.stormtrack.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21429
Tyree shoots and scores...Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom of the page and look at the shots that the Schuttler guy took. Electrifying skyline, eh?

[TheArtist]

Arteest.  This little demon continues to hold back pouncing on your rah rah. Answer me this, why can't we find anything decent to eat after 10 p.m.? Actually, decent and food  part here in T Town in %95 of our eateries .
Lately, there is quite a bit less eating out locally. You doing surveys or just playing with your crayons? Why are you imagining this income trending up bs? LOL.

"If the thunder don't get you, then the lightening will." (Garcia/Hunter)
http://www.stormtrack.org/forum/showthread.php?t=21429
Tyree shoots and scores...Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom of the page and look at the shots that the Schuttler guy took. Electrifying skyline, eh?

I am sure there has been a lot less eating out lately because of the recession. Its not as though this recession is going to last forever. Having the arena is a long term thing, having the WNBA is a long term thing,,,, the recession may be well over before we actually see any first game here lol. 

As for why we (whoever this "we" is I dont know cause its not me or anyone I know) cant find anything decent to eat after 10 pm,,, I havent the foggiest idea. I have never looked lol.  I usually eat dinner at around 7 or 8.

Incomes trending... I am too lazy at the moment to look for some stats lol. Just going on what I remember seeing over the last few years. If you have them, show me the stats that say differently. No matter what they actually are, not gonna change my desire to see more entertainment options and to have Tulsa grow and prosper.  I dont think we should rest on any laurels one way or the other. We have to keep pushing for things to be better. 

[FOTD]

I am sure there has been a lot less eating out lately because of the recession. Its not as though this recession is going to last forever. Having the arena is a long term thing, having the WNBA is a long term thing,,,, the recession may be well over before we actually see any first game here lol. 

As for why we (whoever this "we" is I dont know cause its not me or anyone I know) cant find anything decent to eat after 10 pm,,, I havent the foggiest idea. I have never looked lol.  I usually eat dinner at around 7 or 8.

Incomes trending... I am too lazy at the moment to look for some stats lol. Just going on what I remember seeing over the last few years. If you have them, show me the stats that say differently. (WHAT?) No matter what they actually are, not gonna change my desire to see more entertainment options and to have Tulsa grow and prosper.  I dont think we should rest on any laurels one way or the other. We have to keep pushing for things to be better. (DUH...but you get to play PollyAnnna)

"I usually eat dinner at around 7 or 8. "  Well great. But some of us actually do go to concerts and/or movies and would prefer to get a drink and dinner afterwards as in most normal cities. Others, would just like to have a decent weekday drink and a salad or coffee and desert. This is very hard to come by in this fast food meat and potato "city." Someplace quiet with well mannered patrons hanging out, hanging on as in most cities.

When you state "No matter what they actually are, not gonna change my desire to see more entertainment options and to have Tulsa grow and prosper" FOTD finds himself having the devil restrain him from mocking the arteest.  Look, entertainment will not do that. OK? What attracts great people to a city? We have many things that draw attention. What will it take to keep our children coming back to start families after they complete higher education?

[SXSW]

What will it take to keep our children coming back to start families after they complete higher education?

Good jobs (of which there are many but we need more especially in aerospace, tech, and healthcare), good education system, and range of affordable living options.  Things like the river trails, park improvements, new restaurants and bars, new retail shops, etc. are the icing on the cake.  We don't have mountains or the ocean to attract people but we do have trees, hills, and nearby lakes.  Building a more walkable, urban inner city with good transit can set us apart from other inland river cities.  The growth of Tulsa's music scene and urban neighborhoods like Blue Dome, SoBo, Brookside, Cherry Street, etc. in the past decade has been very encouraging to see.

[TheArtist]

"I usually eat dinner at around 7 or 8. "  Well great. But some of us actually do go to concerts and/or movies and would prefer to get a drink and dinner afterwards as in most normal cities. Others, would just like to have a decent weekday drink and a salad or coffee and desert. This is very hard to come by in this fast food meat and potato "city." Someplace quiet with well mannered patrons hanging out, hanging on as in most cities.

When you state "No matter what they actually are, " FOTD finds himself having the devil restrain him from mocking the arteest.  Look, entertainment will not do that. OK? What attracts great people to a city? We have many things that draw attention. What will it take to keep our children coming back to start families after they complete higher education?

""...not gonna change my desire to see more entertainment options and to have Tulsa grow and prosper.''

That wasnt supposed to imply that entertainment options will make Tulsa grow and prosper, it was meant to be two seperate ideas.  However, having good entertainment options does help and can make a city more competitive, desirable, promotable, enjoyable, and liveable.  All work and no play...
What kind of city would we be without; Gilcrease, Philbrook, Riverside Trails, Zoo, TASM, Oklahoma Aquarium, PAC, Kains Ballroom, Big Splash, BOK Center, Parks and playgrounds, October Fest, Mayfest/Blue Dome Festival, Sporting events and venues, etc. etc. etc.?  Boooooooring. However, we cant have more of them or keep the ones we have if the city fails and doesnt prosper. Its one of those "both" things. As the city grows, people just naturally want to do things and create events and venues. Having more "things to do" can make a city more desirable and keep people here and be one more factor in choosing to move here. Jobs are a very important basic of course, yet lets not forget the entertainment industry, is an industry with jobs too lol. I would like to see more Tourism dollars in this town for one thing. Its hard to "perfectly balance" the amount and extent of entertainment options with the market for them at any one moment. Sometimes there are gonna be more people and dollars looking for too few things to do, then lots of stuff may get created to the point there is too much, then the equation will swing back to the other side and so on. 

I dont want to ignore your frustration in not finding the kind of restaurant options and such. I get it. This town does seem rather odd at times. But I go back to many of the circumstances surrounding our city and its history. Young isolated city, that just kind of appeared on the map one day and is still trying to grow into a lot of big expectations, while through it all trying to overcome some major hits.

"What attracts great people to a city?" Money, a lifestyle they want, other great people,,, are a few I can think of. What would you say attracts great people to a city?

What will it take to keep our children coming back to start families after they complete higher education?  Well for starters, I would like for more of them stay to get their educations, and people from different areas come here to get their educations. All kinds of jobs.  A full set of good, different, lifestyle options like; good urban neighborhoods and schools, good suburban neighborhoods and schools.  And yes, lots of fun and interesting things to see and do in a beautiful, safe environment. What do you think are the things we need?

[TURobY]

1. A small Tulsa TeleCom/Software company is expanding.  In and of itself it only means a handful of new jobs, but small start ups of decades ago are our civic leaders today (OneOK, QT, Williams).  We need to encourage locals to start companies that sell goods and services outside the area, we need to attract start up companies, and we need to retain the companies we foster.

Someone who posts regularly on this board works for that company... 

[cannon_fodder]

Way to address the points in this thread FOTD.  A small company based in Tulsa expanded, how horrible!  A company deciding to retain jobs in Tulsa, bad!  An arena that is among the busiest in the nation, god forbid.  A golf course consistently hosting major events that draw in tourist dollars, god no!  A growing employment base, rising wages, and a steady number of jobs - say it ain't so! 

I sprinkle some good news onto the forum in the middle of a recession and you feel the need to crap on it.  Why?  If everything is doom and gloom and so horrible that it cannot be looked at with optimism or change, why are you still here?  I CHOOSE TO LIVE HERE.  I could have and still could move to anywhere in the country and a good number of locations around the world, but live here.  What's your excuse?  My guess is you live here because it's easier to live somewhere you have a legacy and whine about it sucking than to either try and improve it or move.

To address your post:

FOTD wrote
What does "buy and large" mean?

I have no idea.  "BUY and large" is not a common phrase in the English language.  The idiot who wrote it in an attempt to mock me should probably explain its definition.  My best guess would be having something to do about buying a product and making sure it is large one.  But that's just inventing a meaning.

The phrase "by and large", on the other hand, is a common term used to mean "generally", "on the whole", "for the most part" or "all things considered".  In reference to jobs it would mean Tulsa is generally retaining jobs.  Describing a situation where retention of jobs is most common but not universal.  Such as when Employment in Tulsa is 12,000 off the all time high and holding fairly steady (fairly being a qualifying word, here indicating that some jobs are being lost and some added.  But on the whole more are being loss when looked at in a trend.).

I'm sorry these basic concepts escape you.  If any of the other words in this post exceed your ability please let me know and I'll explain.  I made sure to only use very common words and only a few are over 2 syllables.

Your list is small...and it's short term.

My list is from items in the news the last couple of days.  It didn't include the new ballpark (which will fail), the success of the BOk Center (which will never work), the growing throngs that attend Dfest (which probably sucks), the stream of events at the PAC (which can't compete with other venues), the steady real estate market (which will surely crash), the ongoing and recently completed expansions in higher education at OSU, OU, TCC, NSU, Langston, and U Tulsa.  The improvement in roads that are just beginning.    Or however other many little tidbits of good news float around here.  I wasn't trying to compile a frivolous or expansive list, just throwing items of good news up that I saw in the last couple days.  Honestly, I thought the reaction would be to add to the list, not tear down the list.

And how is any item on that list short term?  The US Amateur I suppose is by definition short term, but so is hosting any major event.  Job creation/retention isn't short term.  The trend in employment and wage growth over the past decade isn't short term.

When the old guard of Tulsa is interesting in reminiscing the greatness of the past and doing its best to belittle and discourage any kind of progress, it's no wonder that Tulsa suffered such decline.  Everything on my small, short term list is good news for your community.  It's good news for your neighbors who work in Tulsa, the music venues you want to see stay open, and the restaurants you want to see open after 10pm.

I encourage people to discuss the items openly.  But you didn't address any of the points.  You just tried to crap on a little bit of good news for Tulsa.

[Conan71]

I encourage people to discuss the items openly.  But you didn't address any of the points.  You just tried to crap on a little bit of good news for Tulsa.

"Life sucks"

It's a great excuse to justify getting baked every day.