7 Wonders of Tulsa

[sgrizzle]

quote:Originally posted by cannon_fodder

Rain killed it, are you kidding?  200,000+ people showed up last year and a record amount of beer consumed.  Seems to be rolling strong.  I may have 4 or 5 people in town just for Oktoberfest this year from Des Moines and Minneapolis.

Damn I feel like chicken dancing.

Yeah, but ever since the "rain out" year, oktoberfest has charged admission and attendance is still lower than mayfest and the fair. And yeah, Chili Bowl is a major national event too.

[TulsaEx]

There are many good suggestions on here.  You also might want to consider Southern Hills Country Club, Tulsa Ballet and Westhope

[TulsaEx]

Some more suggestions for the Tulsa region:
The Mid-Continent Tower, Philtower, Mohawk Park, Port of Catoosa/McKlellan-Kerr Navigation System, the Blue Whale, Admiral Twin and soon to be BOK Center, Centennial Gardens, River Parks, The American

Statewide: The Price Tower, Marland Mansion, Myriad Gardens, The Capitol Dome, Gallager-Iba Arena, Gaylord Family Stadium, Grand/Tenkiller/Skiatook/Eufaula/Broken Bow/Texoma lakes, Woolaroc

[Double A]

Do potholes qualify? There are some here in Tulsa that really make me wonder where the hell our tax dollars are being spent.

[JamesDVD]

no mention of the praying hands? this is the bible belt after all!

[Johnboy976]

Did anyone ever think, as a kid (if you're young enough) that the Prayer Tower on the ORU campus was ready to take off at some point?

Btw, the Tulsa Driller cannot be left out of this list. Sure, it's an eyesore, but its memorable. You know, like one of those horrible memories that is etched into your brain for all your life. Or that red-headed step-child of yours that you wish you could leave in a swamp somewhere in Louisiana (not encouraging child abandonment in any form, so you know).

[mr.jaynes]

quote:Originally posted by Johnboy976

Did anyone ever think, as a kid (if you're young enough) that the Prayer Tower on the ORU campus was ready to take off at some point?

Btw, the Tulsa Driller cannot be left out of this list. Sure, it's an eyesore, but its memorable. You know, like one of those horrible memories that is etched into your brain for all your life. Or that red-headed step-child of yours that you wish you could leave in a swamp somewhere in Louisiana (not encouraging child abandonment in any form, so you know).

I wouldn't call it an eyesore and it is memorable, but I can think of better things to be haunted by in terms of monuments. Like that statue in midtown Sand Springs of some rich dude who supposedly built that town. It's a much more poignant and heartfelt tribute than the Driller seemed to be for me.

As for ORU, the comment comparing it to Babylon was, as I recall, infamously coined by Tulsa Reverend John Wolfe of All Souls Unitarian Church-and it did seem fitting at the time. Then again, if their system of architecture has been retained, it may still evoke that asessment from me too.

[cannon_fodder]

Hey, the Driller makes my tour... but its in my neighborhood.  Not exactly a destination I guess.

I even have a picture of the Golden Driller on my wall, really really I do.  It has an American Airlines plain flying over it.  Part of a photo installation of Tulsa I did, I'll find the photos and post them sometime.

[waterboy]

1. I wonder why we never reach consensus in Tulsa.
2. I wonder why people think taxes are high in Oklahoma.
3. I wonder when the river will be developed.
4. I wonder when the capitol will realize its in their best interest to share the states wealth with us.
5. I wonder why my dog is afraid of squeaky shoes.
6. I wonder who wrote the book of love.
7. I wonder when it will stop raining every other day.

Bonus Wonder: I wonder how long we'll tolerate such wide disparities of income before we realize thats why we have no consensus.

[restored2x]

quote:Originally posted by mr.jaynes

quote:Originally posted by Johnboy976

Did anyone ever think, as a kid (if you're young enough) that the Prayer Tower on the ORU campus was ready to take off at some point?

Btw, the Tulsa Driller cannot be left out of this list. Sure, it's an eyesore, but its memorable. You know, like one of those horrible memories that is etched into your brain for all your life. Or that red-headed step-child of yours that you wish you could leave in a swamp somewhere in Louisiana (not encouraging child abandonment in any form, so you know).

I wouldn't call it an eyesore and it is memorable, but I can think of better things to be haunted by in terms of monuments. Like that statue in midtown Sand Springs of some rich dude who supposedly built that town. It's a much more poignant and heartfelt tribute than the Driller seemed to be for me.

As for ORU, the comment comparing it to Babylon was, as I recall, infamously coined by Tulsa Reverend John Wolfe of All Souls Unitarian Church-and it did seem fitting at the time. Then again, if their system of architecture has been retained, it may still evoke that asessment from me too.

" 1. I wonder why we never reach consensus in Tulsa.
2. I wonder why people think taxes are high in Oklahoma.
3. I wonder when the river will be developed.
4. I wonder when the capitol will realize its in their best interest to share the states wealth with us.
5. I wonder why my dog is afraid of squeaky shoes.
6. I wonder who wrote the book of love.
7. I wonder when it will stop raining every other day.

Bonus Wonder: I wonder how long we'll tolerate such wide disparities of income before we realize thats why we have no consensus."

Been in Tulsa for about 13 years - my biggest wonder has been -

I wonder why people are so critical of the whole Oral Roberts/ORU thing.

He/it has brought many visitors, new residents, jobs, and even international attention to Tulsa, (although not always in a positive light.)

The international and national perception of ORU is mostly positive - the local perception - not so much. Why? I wonder.

[cannon_fodder]

Restored -

I would have to disagree that the overall perception of Oral Roberts, the man, is a positive one.  Outside of the Baptist South such evangelists who need a few million to build a gift shop or "god will call them home" are mocked, lamented, and greatly frowned upon.  I'd venture to say that the the Northern Midwest (KC, St. Louis, Iowa, Illinois, etc.) and CERTAINLY the Northeast and Left coast have a negative opinion of Oral.  People in the bible belt often forget that most of the nation is not religious (27% attend weekly services) - and of the minority that are religious most are not Baptist (16 branches of Baptist, ~25 million people.  1 Catholic Church ~ 62 Mil.).  
http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/US_2000.asp
(really interesting web page)

Rates of all evangelical adherence by state (per 1,000):
1     Arkansas     431.48
2    Oklahoma    414.91
3    Alabama    405.87
4    Mississippi    397.28
5    Tennessee    369.55
6    Kentucky    336.75
7    South Carolina    294
8    Georgia    277.76
9    North Carolina    255.78
10    Missouri    247.46
11    Texas            243.77
12    Louisiana    215.34
13    Virginia    171.09

A huge drop off from there. (sorry, I love statistics, maps, and so on.  Found this website and its damn neat)
http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/maps/map.asp?variable=9&state=101&variable2=

My point is, the hard line fundamentalist message is not popular with all but a small minority.  That happen to be concentrated in this area.  Most people hear someone say "I need money or god will..." and just shake their heads.

That said, it seems to be he has done a lot of good for Tulsa.  I do not agree with his views on most things, but he has brought a quality educational institution to Tulsa.  Built a top rate arena (and gift shop) as well as an interesting campus.  I disagree with his ideas, but it seems his actions have been positive for the community.

[Conan71]

quote:Originally posted by waterboy

Bonus Wonder: I wonder how long we'll tolerate such wide disparities of income before we realize thats why we have no consensus.

Socialism sucks.  Marx is dead.

[cannon_fodder]

Now, now.  It worked well for North Korea, the USSR, Poland, the Ukraine, Cuba, Vietnam, the Balkan states and Kazakhstan.  That's how they got to be the powerful and prosperous states they are today.  I, for one, whole heartedly trust my government to make informed and wise decisions.  The more they are in charge of, the better things will be!

I digress, back to the wonders!

[NellieBly]

The Dam on Lake Buchanan in Texas also claims to be the world's longest multiple arch dam. At two miles long, I think they got Pensacola Dam beat.

[sauerkraut]

Here's a few of the things I like about Tulsa, I guess ya can call 'em "wonders" ....The RiverSide jogging trail, and the BOK Tower,and  Whataburger Joints[]