Friday, January 30, 2009
Gov Henry has appointed Terri White as his Secretary of Health
The Oklahoma Governor has a Cabinet. Recently Gov Brad Henry's appointee as Secretary of Health, Mike Crutcher, announced he was retiring - leaving that post empty. Today Gov Henry announced who will fill that post -- Terri White, Commissioner of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, will now also carry the title 9and job responsibilities) or Secretary of Health. Congratulations Commissioner White. She is the first woman to hold this position since the cabinet structure was established in the 1980's. Click here to read the full press release and Terri's bio. Besides being a great accomplishment for an Oklahoma woman, this may bode well for Oklahoma's future. Mental health has played third string in Oklahoma for way too long. Solve the mental health problems in our state and you can make a big improvement in corrections and education and other areas where we also lag behind. Maybe, by lifting up the Commissioner of Mental Health to Cabinet status, it means Henry will also direct more attention and funding towards mental health in Oklahoma. So, a double "Hurray!"
Thursday, January 29, 2009
AAUW Applauds President Obama for Signing Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into Law
WASHINGTON – AAUW applauds President Barack Obama for signing the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which restores the long-standing interpretation of civil rights laws and EEOC policies that allow employees to challenge any discriminatory paycheck they receive.
"President Obama has put pay discrimination at the top of the agenda, right where it belongs.
The wage gap doesn't just hurt working women, it hurts families as well," said AAUW Executive Director Linda D. Hallman, CAE, who attended the signing ceremony. "We are especially pleased that this measure is the first bill moved by Congress and signed by our new president, sending a strong message that economic issues and pay equity are a top priority."
Statistics on women in the workplace speak to the need for action. The average woman earns just 78 cents of every dollar earned by her male counterparts, and disparities appear just one year out of college — even for those with the same job and the same major. Women of color make even less. Read balance of article by clicking here.
Source. http://www.aauw.org/index.cfm
"President Obama has put pay discrimination at the top of the agenda, right where it belongs.
The wage gap doesn't just hurt working women, it hurts families as well," said AAUW Executive Director Linda D. Hallman, CAE, who attended the signing ceremony. "We are especially pleased that this measure is the first bill moved by Congress and signed by our new president, sending a strong message that economic issues and pay equity are a top priority."
Statistics on women in the workplace speak to the need for action. The average woman earns just 78 cents of every dollar earned by her male counterparts, and disparities appear just one year out of college — even for those with the same job and the same major. Women of color make even less. Read balance of article by clicking here.
Source. http://www.aauw.org/index.cfm
Domestic Violence and Abuse Takes Many Forms But This May Take the Prize!
From the Tulsa World off Twitter (https://twitter.com/tulsaworld)
Man accused of neglecting injured wife charged with murder
By BILL BRAUN World Staff Writer
Published: 1/29/2009 8:46 PM
Last Modified: 1/29/2009 8:50 PM
A man who is accused of allowing his injured wife to stay day after day in a recliner soiled by her own feces and urine is now charged with murdering the woman.
Tulsa County prosecutors on Thursday charged Martin Junior Butler, 60, with the second-degree murder of Wanda Butler, 69.
He was originally charged Dec. 12, when his wife was in a Tulsa hospital, with caretaker abuse or neglect.
She died Dec. 18.
A medical examiner indicated that the cause of death was multiple organ failure and sepsis — a serious bacterial infection — due to complications of bedsores and blunt trauma.
Wanda Butler was taken to the hospital on Dec. 6. Her husband said she had fallen about a week earlier while carrying groceries into their home at 6501 N. Rockford Ave., Tulsa County sheriff’s investigators reported. Click here to read balance of story.
Man accused of neglecting injured wife charged with murder
By BILL BRAUN World Staff Writer
Published: 1/29/2009 8:46 PM
Last Modified: 1/29/2009 8:50 PM
A man who is accused of allowing his injured wife to stay day after day in a recliner soiled by her own feces and urine is now charged with murdering the woman.
Tulsa County prosecutors on Thursday charged Martin Junior Butler, 60, with the second-degree murder of Wanda Butler, 69.
He was originally charged Dec. 12, when his wife was in a Tulsa hospital, with caretaker abuse or neglect.
She died Dec. 18.
A medical examiner indicated that the cause of death was multiple organ failure and sepsis — a serious bacterial infection — due to complications of bedsores and blunt trauma.
Wanda Butler was taken to the hospital on Dec. 6. Her husband said she had fallen about a week earlier while carrying groceries into their home at 6501 N. Rockford Ave., Tulsa County sheriff’s investigators reported. Click here to read balance of story.
No member of the Oklahoma Congressional Delegation voted for the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act
Oklahoma's entire Congressional delegation - including our lone Democrat, Dan Boren, voted against the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. See GovTrack data on House votes and Senate votes. Here is Congresswoman Mary fallin's explanation of her Nay vote:
Thank you for contacting me about the Lilly Ledbetter Act and the Paycheck Fairness Act. Understanding your ideas and concerns is important to me, as it helps me to better represent you and the Fifth District of Oklahoma.
As you may know, this legislation seeks to amend the Equal Pay Act to revise remedies for and enforcement of prohibitions against sex discrimination in the payment of wages. The bill would also increase penalties and authorize the Secretary of Labor to seek additional compensatory or punitive damages from employers who violate the Equal Pay Act.
As a Woman Member of Congress, I believe that women are deserving of equal pay, but I have serious reservations about the unintended consequences this measure could cause. To begin, federal laws already exist to prohibit these injunctions and clearly define punishment for companies that do not abide by the law. This bill will blur these lines and instead raise the potential of increased frivolous litigation in the courts that allows for unlimited compensatory and punitive damages against private sector employers. It would place undue burdens on employers, forcing them to prove that differences in pay were not gender-related. As a result, I could not support the legislation; however, this bill has passed the House and was signed by the President on January 29th, 2009.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your ideas and concerns. As Congress continues to address the many challenges facing our nation, I hope you will continue to share your thoughts and views with me. However, due to increased security measures, mail delivery may be delayed for up to two weeks. Accordingly, I encourage you to visit my website at www.fallin.house.gov to contact me via email in the future. While visiting my site you may also sign up for my e-newsletter as well as find useful information about issues facing the 5th District.
Sincerely,
Mary Fallin
Member of Congress
Thank you for contacting me about the Lilly Ledbetter Act and the Paycheck Fairness Act. Understanding your ideas and concerns is important to me, as it helps me to better represent you and the Fifth District of Oklahoma.
As you may know, this legislation seeks to amend the Equal Pay Act to revise remedies for and enforcement of prohibitions against sex discrimination in the payment of wages. The bill would also increase penalties and authorize the Secretary of Labor to seek additional compensatory or punitive damages from employers who violate the Equal Pay Act.
As a Woman Member of Congress, I believe that women are deserving of equal pay, but I have serious reservations about the unintended consequences this measure could cause. To begin, federal laws already exist to prohibit these injunctions and clearly define punishment for companies that do not abide by the law. This bill will blur these lines and instead raise the potential of increased frivolous litigation in the courts that allows for unlimited compensatory and punitive damages against private sector employers. It would place undue burdens on employers, forcing them to prove that differences in pay were not gender-related. As a result, I could not support the legislation; however, this bill has passed the House and was signed by the President on January 29th, 2009.
Thank you again for taking the time to share your ideas and concerns. As Congress continues to address the many challenges facing our nation, I hope you will continue to share your thoughts and views with me. However, due to increased security measures, mail delivery may be delayed for up to two weeks. Accordingly, I encourage you to visit my website at www.fallin.house.gov to contact me via email in the future. While visiting my site you may also sign up for my e-newsletter as well as find useful information about issues facing the 5th District.
Sincerely,
Mary Fallin
Member of Congress
And so it begins -- Today Barack Obama Signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into Law
For almost twenty years I was paid less than my male co-workers. My case went all the way to the Supreme Court — I was shot down. But today, President Obama signed into law the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, and told the Supreme Court that they got it wrong. I always hoped this day would come and this is the best news I have heard in a long time. I was there with the President when he signed the bill. Here is the video fromthe signing.
In the months and years to come, the fight for fair pay will go on. We're still fighting to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, and there will be other fronts in battle to close the wage gap once and for all. But we've taken an enormous step forward today. Thanks for taking that step with me.
Sincerely,
Lilly Ledbetter
In the months and years to come, the fight for fair pay will go on. We're still fighting to pass the Paycheck Fairness Act, and there will be other fronts in battle to close the wage gap once and for all. But we've taken an enormous step forward today. Thanks for taking that step with me.
Sincerely,
Lilly Ledbetter
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Oklahoma ranks 6th in teen birth rates
Are you coming to the Oklahoma Women's Coalition Advocacy Day at the State Capitol on Wednesday, February 18? I hope so!You can click here for program details and a copy of the registration form.
The artwork on the event flyer (image left) notes that Oklahoma ranks 6th in teen births. Below is what an Oklahoma expert on this topic has to say:
Oklahoma ranks 6 highest (worst) in teen birth rates compared to the rest of the states and DC according to the recently released “final” 2006 national birth data (see Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy green fact sheet.)Source. Sharon Rodine, Director ofYouth Initiatives,Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy
After over a decade of slow but steady declines in teen birth numbers in Oklahoma, both our numbers and rates reversed that trend between 2005-2006, with a significant increase of over 500 births which were fairly evenly split between younger teens (ages 15-17) and older teens (ages 18-19). The increase in state teen birth numbers continued in 2007 (see Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy red fact sheet).
Oklahoma Advocate Jill Tarbel Remembered as Steadfast, Unrelenting
Remarkable Oklahoma advocate for the disabled, Tulsan Jill Tarbel is being remembered by her friends as "daunting," "fierce in a good way" and more in this article from the Tulsa World Jan 28, 2009.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Memorial for Jill Tarbel to Be Held in Tulsa Jan 31
Barbara Santee reports that a memorial service will be held for disability advocate and civic leader Jill Tarbel on Saturday, January 31st at 4pm at All Soul's Unitarian Church, 2952 So. Peoria, Tulsa. (If anyone can send me the link to her obituary, I'd like to post it here. Thanks.)
Monday, January 26, 2009
Tidbits
~ First Lady Michelle Obama's Policy Director Jocelyn Frye is a fellow Harvard Law School classmate who previously was General Counsel for the National Partnership for Women and Families, one of the nation's oldest organizations advocating for working families.
- Tell undergraduate women you know to apply to N.E.W. (National Education for Women's) Leadership, a statewide women's leadership program. NEW Leadership is a five-day residential institute that encourages college women to consider careers in politics and public service. All undergraduate women in Oklahoma from any college or university may apply to this award-winning, life changing program. View the brochure and 2009 application. Deadline for applying is March 5, 2009.
~Oklahoma City University is hosting a lecture February 12 in recognition of Charles Darwin's birthday (200th). At 7:30 pm in Petree Recital Hall famed ethnobiologist Mark Plotkin will speak (think rain forest, Amazon, "The Shaman's Apprentice," "The Medicine Quest".)
~ It is time for municipal elections. The filing period for Oklahoma City wards 1, 3, 4, and 7 council members is January 28-30. They are a little different for communities across Oklahoma County. I'd tell you to visit the Oklahoma County Election Board website for those filing dates but - ha, ha, ha (it sucks). It would be funny if it weren't so pitifully uninformative! (Dear God, please let some women run for OKC City Council so the wonderful Meg Salyer isn't the only woman on the 9-member Council!)
~ Shopping tip: The best time to buy fresh baked bread at Big Sky Bread on North Western (divine doesn't do it justice) is 12:30 pm (AFTER the loaves have cooled and are ready to slice). On any day there are 8-10 varieties of bread plus granola, cookies, brownies, muffins, scones. Whole grain, made from scratch; no preservatives. Mmmmmm. 6606 N Western Ave. (Can you tell I'm on a low carb diet these days?!)
~We have had nine victims of domestic violence in Oklahoma already this year. Authorities estimate 15,000 domestic violence calls come in to law enforcement in Oklahoma each year (and about half the incidences go unreported). This unacceptable behavior starts early; one in five Oklahoma highschool students report being injured by their boyfriend or girlfriend. We MUST STOP THIS. If you suspect someone is being abused, pick up the phone. Find help HERE.
~The Oklahoma Department of Human Services is being sued by Children's Rights, Inc over their handling of foster care cases. Children's Rights is particularly concerned about the high number of caseloads handled by each child welfare worker and the high turnover rate among caseworkers. The head of DHS, Howard Hendrick, worries that an extended, highly publicized case could affect employee morale. What about the foster child who'd been placed in 16 different homes by the time he was 16? Maybe if DHS did their job right, the lawsuit would go away. Watch for lots of bills to "fix Oklahoma's foster care system" in the state legislature this spring.
- Tell undergraduate women you know to apply to N.E.W. (National Education for Women's) Leadership, a statewide women's leadership program. NEW Leadership is a five-day residential institute that encourages college women to consider careers in politics and public service. All undergraduate women in Oklahoma from any college or university may apply to this award-winning, life changing program. View the brochure and 2009 application. Deadline for applying is March 5, 2009.
~Oklahoma City University is hosting a lecture February 12 in recognition of Charles Darwin's birthday (200th). At 7:30 pm in Petree Recital Hall famed ethnobiologist Mark Plotkin will speak (think rain forest, Amazon, "The Shaman's Apprentice," "The Medicine Quest".)
~ It is time for municipal elections. The filing period for Oklahoma City wards 1, 3, 4, and 7 council members is January 28-30. They are a little different for communities across Oklahoma County. I'd tell you to visit the Oklahoma County Election Board website for those filing dates but - ha, ha, ha (it sucks). It would be funny if it weren't so pitifully uninformative! (Dear God, please let some women run for OKC City Council so the wonderful Meg Salyer isn't the only woman on the 9-member Council!)
~ Shopping tip: The best time to buy fresh baked bread at Big Sky Bread on North Western (divine doesn't do it justice) is 12:30 pm (AFTER the loaves have cooled and are ready to slice). On any day there are 8-10 varieties of bread plus granola, cookies, brownies, muffins, scones. Whole grain, made from scratch; no preservatives. Mmmmmm. 6606 N Western Ave. (Can you tell I'm on a low carb diet these days?!)
~We have had nine victims of domestic violence in Oklahoma already this year. Authorities estimate 15,000 domestic violence calls come in to law enforcement in Oklahoma each year (and about half the incidences go unreported). This unacceptable behavior starts early; one in five Oklahoma highschool students report being injured by their boyfriend or girlfriend. We MUST STOP THIS. If you suspect someone is being abused, pick up the phone. Find help HERE.
~The Oklahoma Department of Human Services is being sued by Children's Rights, Inc over their handling of foster care cases. Children's Rights is particularly concerned about the high number of caseloads handled by each child welfare worker and the high turnover rate among caseworkers. The head of DHS, Howard Hendrick, worries that an extended, highly publicized case could affect employee morale. What about the foster child who'd been placed in 16 different homes by the time he was 16? Maybe if DHS did their job right, the lawsuit would go away. Watch for lots of bills to "fix Oklahoma's foster care system" in the state legislature this spring.
2,618 Bills Filed in the 2009 Legislature (a record number)
The deadline has passed and all bills have been introduced.
So we have a final number.
2,618 bills were introduced this year.
The legislative session convenes February 2.
Buckle your seatbelt and check back for updates!
So we have a final number.
2,618 bills were introduced this year.
The legislative session convenes February 2.
Buckle your seatbelt and check back for updates!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Need to De-stress? Try this guided yoga CD!
Want to relax and renew for a few minutes each day?
Then you should get this Guided Relaxation CD
for Wellness & De-Stressing
Then you should get this Guided Relaxation CD
for Wellness & De-Stressing
Featuring Sara Alavi, 3rd Street Yoga in Edmond, OK.
This 20-minute guided relaxation CD (voice only) will help
promote the health of your mind as well as your body.
your copy of this CD @ $15 each.
Yes, this is an ad - but it is MY ad. Every Thursday noon, Sara leads a yoga class at Nichols Hills United Methodist Church we affectionately call "Yoga for Seniors" (read, lazy, overweight, out of shape and older women). We hold it in the youth prayer room in the basement which has "stars" in the ceiling and we spend the last 10 minutes or so curled up "relaxing" while Sara leads us through calming, breathing, emptying, etc. Those of us who attend wouldn't miss it for the world. It sustains us for the balance of our very busy week. We have pleaded with her to give us "something to help us at home" and so she made this CD. If it is 1/10th as good as the sessions she leads, it will be worth your $15! And if you live in NW OKC and would like to join our yoga class, call me at 405-858-0515! We'd love to have you. Jean
Event Feb 19, OKC: Girl Scouts Lun Features Olympic Gold Medalist Dominique Dawes
Come hear Olympic Gold Medalist Dominique Dawes speak at the Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma Juliette Low Leadership Society Luncheon on Thursday, Feb. 19 at the Oklahoma City Golf and Country Club. Tickets for the event are $60 per person and went on sale Jan. 15. The public is welcome to attend. Read an article about the program by CLICKING HERE. View GSWO website HERE. To purchase tickets, call (405) 528-3535.
Apply for an AARP Scholarship
The AARP Foundation Women's Scholarship Program opens Feb 3, 2009. Applications are online at http://aarpfoundationwlc.org/. These are for low-income women 40+.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Oklahoma Woman Blogger "Decisionally Challenged"
The author of Decisionally Challenged, Georgie, has been awarded the "Blogger Congeniality Winner" by Today in Idabel Oklahoma for visiting every blog nominated for a 2008 Okie Blogger Award -- and leaving a nice message, too! I totally concur in this decision. Georgie's blog is nominated in the humor category and I can see why. I've added it on the left to our ever growing list of blogs authored by Oklahoma women. Check her out!
Get a 17-DVD set on "Introduction to Feminism" for $20
At the University of California at Santa Cruz (UCSC) one of the most popular courses, year after year, is the Introduction to Feminisms course taught by Professor Bettina Aptheker. In late 2003 a project was begun to record the course over an entire academic quarter and to make inexpensive DVD copies of the lectures available to high schools, junior colleges, universities, libraries, and individuals. These classes are now available as a 17-DVD set for only $20.
The course places women’s experiences at the center and emphasizes the diversity of women’s lives. Aptheker talks about everything from unlearning racism, to loving ourselves, to women, immigration and the global economy, to women and body image, to the politics of rape, and how they all interrelate with each other. She is engaging, tells stories and covers sexism, racism and homophobia and how they are connected and contribute to gender inequality in this country and around the world.
You can purchase the 17-DVD set by CLICKING HERE.
The course places women’s experiences at the center and emphasizes the diversity of women’s lives. Aptheker talks about everything from unlearning racism, to loving ourselves, to women, immigration and the global economy, to women and body image, to the politics of rape, and how they all interrelate with each other. She is engaging, tells stories and covers sexism, racism and homophobia and how they are connected and contribute to gender inequality in this country and around the world.
You can purchase the 17-DVD set by CLICKING HERE.
Domestic Violence is a Crime
Three years ago, women's rights advocates in Oklahoma were successful in getting domestic violence and sexual assault programs transferred from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to the Attorney General's Office. Since then, a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advisory Council has been working to revice the codes, service definitions, certification standards, etc for contracted domestic violence and sexual assault programs. What they come up with will be voted on by the Oklahoma House and Senate.
The council met last week and is completing their task. As part of their bill tracking service, eCapitol publishes news stories on what is happening at the Capitol. Their article by William Savage on January 21, 2009 caught my eye because it underscores so well WHY we worked to move these programs to the AG's office. Here is a portion of that article entitled "Council working toward domestic violence, sexual assault code changes" (emphasis is added by me).
The council met last week and is completing their task. As part of their bill tracking service, eCapitol publishes news stories on what is happening at the Capitol. Their article by William Savage on January 21, 2009 caught my eye because it underscores so well WHY we worked to move these programs to the AG's office. Here is a portion of that article entitled "Council working toward domestic violence, sexual assault code changes" (emphasis is added by me).
Susan Krug, assistant attorney general and unit leader for victim services, and other committee members expressed pleasure about work accomplished Wednesday.
"I'm just excited that the advisory council has continued its duty to take [the sexual assault and domestic violence rules] out of that mental health modality," Krug said. "It's not a mental health issue (…) it's a criminal issue."
While Krug said victims may have mental health needs, the council's objective has been to strengthen contracting organizations' true needs, which are to work as advocates, provide safety training and even work with children and necessary state agencies.
Take a Close Look at the VIPS at the Inaugural Ceremony
My brother, Pete, sends me the coolest URLs. Here is one from the New York Times that gives you an amazingly close shot of all the VIPs who got to sit on the same level as the Obamas during the the inauguration. You can zoom way in and, as you move the cursor, the name of many individuals pops up. Do you think John McCain got a better seat than Al Gore? Check it out here: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2009/01/20/us/politics/2009-inauguration-zoom-photo.html
Friday, January 23, 2009
Attention College & University Students: Here is a great competition with cool prizes, too!
Who: The Social Innovation Challenge 2009 Statewide Call for Student Entries
What: Do a project - then create a 5-7 minute video that clearly demonstrates an activity or action you took that made a difference on the issue of women incarcerated in Oklahoma. Show how you effectively remedied / improved / redressed / increased awareness of /... the ripple effects of Oklahoma's incarcerated moms.
How: Team up with other students at your school. Once your team signs up, you will be sent a wealth of background information, videos, stories, and statistics on this issue. For starters, get more information by clicking here or email studioblue@utulsa.edu or contact Dr. Charles Wood (918) 631-2281, charles-wood@utulsa.edu.
Bottom Line: The top 20 entries will be invited to Tulsa to present their work at the Social Innovation Summit event on April 10 to Oklahoma dignitaries (e.g., legislators, foundation representatives, state officials, not-for-profit agency directors), to discuss future actions with those attending, and to receive some nice awards.
Very cool; spread the word to students across Oklahoma!
What: Do a project - then create a 5-7 minute video that clearly demonstrates an activity or action you took that made a difference on the issue of women incarcerated in Oklahoma. Show how you effectively remedied / improved / redressed / increased awareness of /... the ripple effects of Oklahoma's incarcerated moms.
How: Team up with other students at your school. Once your team signs up, you will be sent a wealth of background information, videos, stories, and statistics on this issue. For starters, get more information by clicking here or email studioblue@utulsa.edu or contact Dr. Charles Wood (918) 631-2281, charles-wood@utulsa.edu.
Bottom Line: The top 20 entries will be invited to Tulsa to present their work at the Social Innovation Summit event on April 10 to Oklahoma dignitaries (e.g., legislators, foundation representatives, state officials, not-for-profit agency directors), to discuss future actions with those attending, and to receive some nice awards.
Very cool; spread the word to students across Oklahoma!
Oklahoma Magazine Interviews Tulsa YWCA's Felicia Collins Correia
The February edition of Oklahoma Magazine is out and it includes a nice interview with Felicia Collins-Correia, CEO of YWCA Tulsa. The Y's mission is "Ending Racism and Empowering A Women." In an article entitled "Moving Beyond Color Lines," Corria, who is on the board of directors of the Oklahoma Women's Coalition, talks about the Tulsa race riots and, as an African American, reflects on the significance of President Barack Obama's election. You can view the digital version of the magazine by clicking here (Felicia's article is on pages 7-8).
Are we taking "stalking" seriously in Oklahoma?
Do you know the difference between domestic violence and stalking? There is a big difference. And it is a big problem! The Tulsa World ran an excellent op ed piece January 23, 2009 by Ann Dapice and Sheree Hukill entitled "Stalking can't be ignored." You can read it by clicking here.
Do you want to order some Girl Scout Cookies?
It is that time of the year once again: Girl Scout cookies are for sale. Girl Scouts of Western Okahoma is a council of 39 counties serving over 14,000 girls. Their recent merger makes them the largest youth serving organization in Oklahoma. With our support, last year they:
· Helped send 4 teams of girls to the First Lego League Competition where we took first and second place;
· Helped send 30 girls in Troop 17 to the Inaugural;
· Created the pipeline for 12 girls to earn their Gold Award;
· Sustained a troop of 40+ girls at the only Juvenile Detention Center for girls in Oklahoma (COJC – Tecumseh)
· Reach more than 200 girls in Public Housing in Oklahoma City after other funding dried up
· ….and much more!
If you don't have a friend with a daughter selling Girl Scout cookies, call the headquarter and they'll be happy to mail or fax to you a cookie order for that you can post at your place of work.
After a couple days, you can send it in to them and girls will bring the cookies to your home or place of work. They have cookies now, so orders can be filled within 48 hours!
· Helped send 4 teams of girls to the First Lego League Competition where we took first and second place;
· Helped send 30 girls in Troop 17 to the Inaugural;
· Created the pipeline for 12 girls to earn their Gold Award;
· Sustained a troop of 40+ girls at the only Juvenile Detention Center for girls in Oklahoma (COJC – Tecumseh)
· Reach more than 200 girls in Public Housing in Oklahoma City after other funding dried up
· ….and much more!
If you don't have a friend with a daughter selling Girl Scout cookies, call the headquarter and they'll be happy to mail or fax to you a cookie order for that you can post at your place of work.
After a couple days, you can send it in to them and girls will bring the cookies to your home or place of work. They have cookies now, so orders can be filled within 48 hours!
Event Feb 12, Norman: Is it time to abolish the Electoral College?
The Norman League of Women Voters will host a public forum on the Pros and Cons of the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact on February 12, 2008 at 7 pm at Memorial Presbyterian Church (601 24th Ave SW, Norman). Speakers include Keith Gaddie, Tim Mauldin, and Harry Tepker (see image - click on to enlarge). Links to resources on the topic are available on the Norman LWV's website on the "Public Forum Announced" page (see http://norman.ok.lwvnet.org/).
US Senate Passes Lilly Ledbetter Wage Discrimination Act
All 16 female US Senators voted for this bill which substantially eases the statute of limitations stipulations so a plaintiff can sue for wage discrimination more easily. It already passed in the House of Representatives but needs to be voted on again in the House because wording was changed. Then it may become the first act signed into law by President Obama; how appropriate since he ran in favor of passage of this legislation. The bill overturns a 2007 US Supreme Court decision. Read the Washington Post article about it by CLICKING HERE.
Event Feb 24, OKC: Students & Recent Graduates Career Fair
Local college students and recent grads can meet with scads of potential employers about career and internship opportunities at the fourth annual Greater Grads Career Fair, February 24, 2009 from noon - 4:30 p.m. at the Cox Business Convention Center, 1 Myriad Gardens. Learn more by CLICKING HERE and register to participate HERE.
Event March 13: Women's Leadership Conference for Women in Public Service
The Women’s Leadership Conference for Women in Public Service will be held on March 13, 2009, at the Will Rogers Theater in Oklahoma City. The conference is sponsored by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, the University of Oklahoma Center for Public Management, and the Oklahoma Office of Personnel Management. Featured speakers are Congresswoman Mary Fallin, Lieutenant Governor Jari Askins, State Representatives Anastasia Pittman and Pam Peterson, ODMHSAS Commissioner Terri White, Oklahoma Secretary of State Susan Savage, Norman Mayor Cindy Simon Rosenthal, and former State Representative Laura Boyd. See http://register.oucpm.org/wlc/.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
View President Obama's Agenda on Women
President Obama has released his agenda. You can read more about his positions on a variety of issues at http://www.whitehouse.gov/agenda/women/. (Thanks to the National Association of Commissions for Women and the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women for the heads-up.)
March 4 Women's Business Leadership Program
On March 4, the 18th Annual Women's Business Leadership Program from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm at Crowne Plaza hotel in Tulsa, OK. For a copy of the program event and registration form, CLICK HERE. Co-hosts are the International Women's Forum Leadership Foundation, the Oklahoma International Women's Forum and the OSU Center for Executive and Professional Development (Spears School of Business, Oklahoma State University).
World Neighbors' Says, "Support the GROWTH Act"
World Neighbors' WOW! (Work of Women) project urges you to ask your US Representative to support The GROWTH Act, or Global Resources and Opportunities for Women to Thrive Act.
WOW! and World Neighbors, along with other coalition members of Women Thrive Worldwide, support passage of this bill which has the potential to help lift millions of women in the developing world out of poverty. If passed, it would make the U.S. a leader in reducing poverty and promoting opportunities for women and families around the world. Click here to earn more about the GROWTH Act.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Women's Coalition Advocacy Day at the Capitol, February 18
Did you know Oklahoma has been ranked the 3rd worst state for women?? We rank #1 in Incarcerated Women, #1 in Child Abuse, #1 in the Divorce Rate, #7 in Teen Births, #42 in overall women's health, #45 in women in professional jobs. The list goes on and on.
The newly formed, non-partisan Oklahoma Women's Coalition is out to change these statistics. Please join us for Oklahoma Women: Advocate! on February 18 at the State Capitol as we make history for Oklahoma women and girls.
The newly formed, non-partisan Oklahoma Women's Coalition is out to change these statistics. Please join us for Oklahoma Women: Advocate! on February 18 at the State Capitol as we make history for Oklahoma women and girls.
The day will begin with a press conference to officially launch the Coalition, followed by sessions where state leaders will provide updates on key issues and legislation affecting women and girls. We will also learn effective advocacy techniques to have our voices heard.
To download a registration form for Oklahoma Women: Advocate! just click HERE. Seating is limited, so send in your registration as soon as possible.
To download a registration form for Oklahoma Women: Advocate! just click HERE. Seating is limited, so send in your registration as soon as possible.
Whether or not you are able attend the Advocacy Day in February, I urge you to become a member of the Oklahoma Women's Coalition now. Together, we can create significant change for Oklahoma women and girls! To download the Membership Application Form, just click HERE.
Okie Blog Awards Finalists Announced
Thank you, everyone who nominated my blog for a 2008 Okie Blog Award. I'm in two categories -- Best Culture Blog (which I think fits) and Best Overall Blog (Aw, shucks - now I'm blushing). Remember when Julia Roberts accepted her Academy Award and gushed, "You like me! You really like me!" That's me today. This is the first time I have made it into the finals (and probably the first time I've been nominated) - and I've been blogging since May 1, 2006. (Here's my very first post.)
Now, go vote for your favorite blog in each of the 12 categories by Feb. 7, 2009.
I voted tonight and confess a bias towards women's blogs. I did vote for Tim Ryan's blog From the Faraway, Nearby. Who else shows us green butterflies, birds of the Amazon, Siberia, Albania, and the Olympics from China (remember his post on "steak" (nope-snake) on a stick)?
Finalists and instructions on how to vote are here. Thanks, Mike Hermes, for doing the awards.
Like the Oklahoma Women's Coalition's New Logo?
How do you like the Oklahoma Women's Coalition's new logo?
Actually, I hope you LOVE IT because we have agonized over this for months and I'm quite tickled with what the Communications Committee settled on. I think it is whimsical.
What do you think?
Will President Obama Twitter?
President Elect Obama (or, at least, his transition team staff) used Twitter as one of several ways to to get the word out (see http://twitter.com/BarackObama). Do you think they will terminate their Twitter account now that he is Commander In Chief?
Do You Have Any PiNKiTUDE yet?
Thinking about buying a Valentine's Day gift for others or yourself? Consider clothes, jewelry, and accessories from PiNKiTUDE and combine fashion with compassion and attitude. Show off your PiNKiTUDE while helping educate others that early detection is the key to surviving breast cancer. Best of all, MGM and other PiNKiTUDE partners donate a portion of their profits to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.
The Obama White House has a Blog
Check out the new White House blog by clicking here --> http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/
Oklahoma's Daisy Blackbird at 106 & Kristin Chenoweth
US Women in the Labor Force: A Databook (2008 Edition)
The U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in December 2008 issued Report 1011 - Women in the Labor Force: A Databook (2008 Edition).
Click here to view and download the full 110 page report.
Click here to view the 3-page Introduction and Highlights Section.
Click here to view a listing of 38 major statistical tables (see links to first 5 below).
Click here to view and download the full 110 page report.
Click here to view the 3-page Introduction and Highlights Section.
Click here to view a listing of 38 major statistical tables (see links to first 5 below).
1. Employment status of the civilian noninstitutional population by age and sex, 2007 annual averages
2. Employment status of the civilian noninstitutional population 16 years and over by sex, 1970-2007 annual averages
3. Employment status by race, age, sex, and Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, 2007 annual averages
4. Employment status by marital status and sex, 2007 annual averages
5. Employment status by sex, presence and age of children, race, and Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, March 2007
Thanks, Wanda DeBruler, for forwarding this great data.
Monday, January 19, 2009
OSU's Oral History Research Program Interviews Oklahoma's Women Legislators
Oklahoma State University has an oral history program which operates out of the Edmond Lowe Library. One initiative records the voices of the women inducted into the Oklahoma Women's Hall of Fame which is hosted by the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women. Project leader here is Juliana Nykolaiszyn.
Another effort is their "Remembering Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel: Poet and Dust Bowl Emigrant" project. Here prreservation of materials, historical documents and oral memories focus on Oklahoma poet Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel. Project leader on this effort is Karen Neurohr.
Another effort is their "Remembering Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel: Poet and Dust Bowl Emigrant" project. Here prreservation of materials, historical documents and oral memories focus on Oklahoma poet Wilma Elizabeth McDaniel. Project leader on this effort is Karen Neurohr.
Not surprisingly, the project I get most excited about is OSU's oral history of the "Women of the Oklahoma Legislature." Here OSU is chronicling the lives of the women who served in the Oklahoma House and Senate. It records their memories plus holds historical documents of these extraordinary women past and present. This project is lead by Tanya Finchum.
The image in the post comes out of that effort. Hope they get more information up on the Internet so we can know more on this project (or maybe it is there and I can't find it). :-)
Here is a list of all women who have served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. (Anyone know of a similar list for all women who have served in the Oklahoma State Senate?)
Here is a list of all women who have served in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. (Anyone know of a similar list for all women who have served in the Oklahoma State Senate?)
Sunday, January 18, 2009
2009 N.E.W. Leadership Application Form Is Available Online NOW
Tell all the women you know in college -- women either attending college IN Oklahoma or women FROM Oklahoma attending college out of state. It is time to apply for the 2009 N.E.W. Leadership program!
The mission of N.E.W. Leadership is "educating, inspiring, and empowering women
to become political leaders." They select students for each year's class with the intent of creating a class of individuals who represent varied backgrounds and experiences.
This free, five-day intensive leadership training program takes place immediately after the spring semester ends. This year is is May 19-23, 2009. Women from all across Oklahoma attend and will tell you it is truly a life changing experience.
Five primary criteria guide the competitive selection process:
~ Individual leadership potential;
~ Maturity, ability to deal with challenges, and capacity to reflect on one’s own personal strengths and weaknesses;
~ Special interests, unique characteristics and/or diverse experiences which contribute to the N.E.W. Leadership learning goals;
~ Interest in politics, public service, or public policy; and
~ Commitment to participate fully in the N.E.W. Leadership institute.
To be considered for the institute, you must submit: 1) the completed application, 2) a one-page summary of background experiences, 3) three essays, and 4) two letters of recommendation.
Here --> www.ou.edu/carlalbertcenter/leadership/2009application.htm <-- is the on-line application.
Get hopping -- N.E.W. Leadership is NOW accepting applications.
The mission of N.E.W. Leadership is "educating, inspiring, and empowering women
to become political leaders." They select students for each year's class with the intent of creating a class of individuals who represent varied backgrounds and experiences.
This free, five-day intensive leadership training program takes place immediately after the spring semester ends. This year is is May 19-23, 2009. Women from all across Oklahoma attend and will tell you it is truly a life changing experience.
Five primary criteria guide the competitive selection process:
~ Individual leadership potential;
~ Maturity, ability to deal with challenges, and capacity to reflect on one’s own personal strengths and weaknesses;
~ Special interests, unique characteristics and/or diverse experiences which contribute to the N.E.W. Leadership learning goals;
~ Interest in politics, public service, or public policy; and
~ Commitment to participate fully in the N.E.W. Leadership institute.
To be considered for the institute, you must submit: 1) the completed application, 2) a one-page summary of background experiences, 3) three essays, and 4) two letters of recommendation.
Here --> www.ou.edu/carlalbertcenter/leadership/2009application.htm <-- is the on-line application.
Get hopping -- N.E.W. Leadership is NOW accepting applications.
Hillary Clinton Discusses "Women and Girls" During Confirmation Hearing
The National Journal's "Hotline On Call" blog has a post about Hillary Clinton's testimony before the US Senate and her emphasis on improving the status of women and girls around the world. I've pasted a little of the post below; read it in full including the full text of Clinton's statement by clicking here.
Source. Hotline On Call. HCR On "The Plight of Women and Girls"As Sen. Hillary Clinton fields mostly friendly questions from members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committe, she is repeatedly hitting a matter of interest and concern that has been prominent throughout her public career -- the plight of the world's under served women and children.
Clinton has, of course, addressed Iran and Iraq, and other hot spots in the international scene, promising to use "smart power" in approaching the nation's delicate diplomatic endeavors. But listening closely to her comments and the answers to her colleagues' questions, Clinton appears most animated, most passionate when
addressing the needs of women.“Our foreign policy must reflect our deep commitment to help millions of oppressed people around the world," Clinton said in her opening statement. "And of particular concern to me is the plight of women and girls, who comprise the majority of the world’s unhealthy, unschooled, unfed and unpaid. If half the world’s population remains vulnerable to economic, political, legal and social marginalization, our hope of advancing democracy and prosperity is in serious jeopardy.” ...
Clinton captured the world's attention when she chided China for marginalizing women. "It is no longer acceptable," she said at the time, "to discuss women's rights as separate from human rights."
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Obama Launches "Organizing for America" Movement
Obama is launching something called "Organizing for America." You can watch his announcement by clicking here.
US Census Statistics on Women
I am forever looking for rankings and statistics on OKLAHOMA women but still I was delighted to recently get a link to US Census data on US women. Here is the link
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/013129.html
Ands a special "thank you" to Tom Clapper for sending it to me!
http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/facts_for_features_special_editions/013129.html
Ands a special "thank you" to Tom Clapper for sending it to me!
Presidential Inauguration Schedule
NOTE: There is a list of websites at the bottom of this post that include streaming video links.
The Swearing-in ceremony takes place on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol with the president-elect being sworn-in by 12 noon on January 20. Amendment XX to the U.S. Constitution states that the term of the President expires at noon on January 20.
Here's the order of the program:
Musical selections start at 10:30
The U.S. Marine Band
The San Francisco Boys Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus
Call to order and welcoming remarks: Sen. Dianne Feinstein
Invocation: Dr. Rick Warren, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, Calif.
Musical selection: Aretha Franklin
Oath of office administered to Vice President-elect Joe Biden by Supreme Court Justice John
Paul Stevens
Musical selection, John Williams, composer-arranger:
~ Itzhak Perlman, violin
~ Yo-Yo Ma, cello
~ Gabriela Montero, piano
~ Anthony McGill, clarinet
Formal Ceremony starts at 11:30
Oath of office administered to President-elect Barack Obama by Chief Justice John G. Roberts
Inaugural address by Obama
Poem: Elizabeth Alexander
After a hiatus of more than a decade, poetry is returning to the inauguration of the American president. Elizabeth Alexander, 45, would be only the fourth poet to read at a swearing-in after Frost, who read at John F. Kennedy's in 1961, Maya Angelou, who read at Bill Clinton's in 1993, and Miller Williams, who read in Clinton's second inaugural in 1997. Alexander, a professor of African American studies, was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2005 and winner of the Jackson Poetry Prize last year. She is the daughter of former secretary of the Army Clifford Alexander, grew up on Capitol Hill and attended Sidwell Friends School, which Obama's children will attend. She is also a former neighbor of Obama's in Chicago. She said she was overjoyed at the inaugural honor. "I am obviously profoundly honored and thrilled," she said today. "Not only to have a chance to have some small part of this extraordinary moment in American history. . . . This incoming president of ours has shown in every act that words matter, that words carry meaning, that words carry power that words are the medium with which we communicate across difference, and that words have tremendous possibilities and those possibilities are not empty."...
Benediction: The Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery
The national anthem played by The U.S. Navy Band "Sea Chanters"
http://inaugural.senate.gov/ http://www.pic2009.org/content/home/
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/18/us/politics/18inaug.html?_r=1
Online streaming video coverage http://www.tvoneonline.com/ http://www.abcnews.com ( http://www.abcnews.com/ )
http://www.cbsnews.com ( http://www.cbsnews.com/ )
http://www.msnbc.com ( http://www.msnbc.com/ )
http://www.cnn.com ( http://www.cnn.com/ )
http://www.foxnews.com ( http://www.foxnews.com/ )
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/
Thanks to Lynne Saunders for sending me this info.
The Swearing-in ceremony takes place on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol with the president-elect being sworn-in by 12 noon on January 20. Amendment XX to the U.S. Constitution states that the term of the President expires at noon on January 20.
Here's the order of the program:
Musical selections start at 10:30
The U.S. Marine Band
The San Francisco Boys Chorus and the San Francisco Girls Chorus
Call to order and welcoming remarks: Sen. Dianne Feinstein
Invocation: Dr. Rick Warren, Saddleback Church, Lake Forest, Calif.
Musical selection: Aretha Franklin
Oath of office administered to Vice President-elect Joe Biden by Supreme Court Justice John
Paul Stevens
Musical selection, John Williams, composer-arranger:
~ Itzhak Perlman, violin
~ Yo-Yo Ma, cello
~ Gabriela Montero, piano
~ Anthony McGill, clarinet
Formal Ceremony starts at 11:30
Oath of office administered to President-elect Barack Obama by Chief Justice John G. Roberts
Inaugural address by Obama
Poem: Elizabeth Alexander
After a hiatus of more than a decade, poetry is returning to the inauguration of the American president. Elizabeth Alexander, 45, would be only the fourth poet to read at a swearing-in after Frost, who read at John F. Kennedy's in 1961, Maya Angelou, who read at Bill Clinton's in 1993, and Miller Williams, who read in Clinton's second inaugural in 1997. Alexander, a professor of African American studies, was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 2005 and winner of the Jackson Poetry Prize last year. She is the daughter of former secretary of the Army Clifford Alexander, grew up on Capitol Hill and attended Sidwell Friends School, which Obama's children will attend. She is also a former neighbor of Obama's in Chicago. She said she was overjoyed at the inaugural honor. "I am obviously profoundly honored and thrilled," she said today. "Not only to have a chance to have some small part of this extraordinary moment in American history. . . . This incoming president of ours has shown in every act that words matter, that words carry meaning, that words carry power that words are the medium with which we communicate across difference, and that words have tremendous possibilities and those possibilities are not empty."...
Benediction: The Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery
The national anthem played by The U.S. Navy Band "Sea Chanters"
http://inaugural.senate.gov/ http://www.pic2009.org/content/home/
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/18/us/politics/18inaug.html?_r=1
Online streaming video coverage http://www.tvoneonline.com/ http://www.abcnews.com ( http://www.abcnews.com/ )
http://www.cbsnews.com ( http://www.cbsnews.com/ )
http://www.msnbc.com ( http://www.msnbc.com/ )
http://www.cnn.com ( http://www.cnn.com/ )
http://www.foxnews.com ( http://www.foxnews.com/ )
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/
Thanks to Lynne Saunders for sending me this info.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Bill Filing Period Ends - Oklahoma House Reports 1,269 Bills And More
OKLAHOMA CITY – At the conclusion of the filing process at 5 p.m. on Jan. 15 – the last day for state representatives to file legislation – there were 1,269 bills, 46 joint resolutions, and six concurrent resolutions filed in the Oklahoma House of Representatives for the 2009 legislative session.
This is the first year members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives were able to file bills electronically, increasing efficiency and moving the state one step closer to a “paperless” government.
The new electronic bill filing system is one of the first in the nation and puts Oklahoma at the forefront of developing and using new technologies to make government more efficient and cost-effective.
Until this year, members filed their bills in person, which then were hand numbered by the House Bill Clerk. Each member is allowed to file as many as eight separate bills. Each individual bill packet contained six copies of each bill that would be hand-numbered. Last year, the House Chief Clerk’s Office reported that more than 1,200 bills were filed, meaning more than 7,200 bills were hand numbered.
Since Republicans took control of the House in 2004, they have attempted to bring the legislative process into the 21st century by introducing new technology, including implementing wireless Internet service in the House, providing each representative with a laptop computer for the first time and creating an electronic system that allows members to file amendments to bills and access the House Calendar from the chamber floor.
Source. Press release Jan 15, 2009 from Jennifer Monies, Press Secretary, Oklahoma House of Representatives, Office of House Speaker Chris Benge
This is the first year members of the Oklahoma House of Representatives were able to file bills electronically, increasing efficiency and moving the state one step closer to a “paperless” government.
The new electronic bill filing system is one of the first in the nation and puts Oklahoma at the forefront of developing and using new technologies to make government more efficient and cost-effective.
Until this year, members filed their bills in person, which then were hand numbered by the House Bill Clerk. Each member is allowed to file as many as eight separate bills. Each individual bill packet contained six copies of each bill that would be hand-numbered. Last year, the House Chief Clerk’s Office reported that more than 1,200 bills were filed, meaning more than 7,200 bills were hand numbered.
Since Republicans took control of the House in 2004, they have attempted to bring the legislative process into the 21st century by introducing new technology, including implementing wireless Internet service in the House, providing each representative with a laptop computer for the first time and creating an electronic system that allows members to file amendments to bills and access the House Calendar from the chamber floor.
Source. Press release Jan 15, 2009 from Jennifer Monies, Press Secretary, Oklahoma House of Representatives, Office of House Speaker Chris Benge
Oklahoma Magazine's January Issue Features Oklahoma Women
Oklahoma Magazine always focuses on brides and weddings in their January issue (2009 is the 12th annual Oklahoma Wedding issue) but there is lots more packed into this issue as well.
There is a story on world renowned wildlife artist Jan Martin McGuire - considered by many to be among the nation's top wildlife artists. She was born and raised in Colorado but now calls Bartlesville, Oklahoma home.
And an article on native Oklahoman Chryssee Martin who serves as an honorary warden of the Kenya Wildlife Services Animal Orphanage. She is author of several books including On A Road in Africa (with Kim Doner).
Plus a piece on OU basketball coach Sherri Coale.
And a profile on Sherry Capps and Laurie Hearon, the mother/daughter team who own True To You Bra Salon, where you can get a perfect fit (in London Square South Shopping Center in Tulsa).
But the feature article I loved was the 4-page spread on Oklahoma's music legend Wanda Jackson - who will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this April.
You may need to give Oklahoma Magazine a few more days to get their January magazine up online. I picked up a copy in the lobby of the Oklahoma City Art Museum. See if it is up yet by clicking here: http://www.okmag.com/currentissue/index.cfm.
There is a story on world renowned wildlife artist Jan Martin McGuire - considered by many to be among the nation's top wildlife artists. She was born and raised in Colorado but now calls Bartlesville, Oklahoma home.
And an article on native Oklahoman Chryssee Martin who serves as an honorary warden of the Kenya Wildlife Services Animal Orphanage. She is author of several books including On A Road in Africa (with Kim Doner).
Plus a piece on OU basketball coach Sherri Coale.
And a profile on Sherry Capps and Laurie Hearon, the mother/daughter team who own True To You Bra Salon, where you can get a perfect fit (in London Square South Shopping Center in Tulsa).
But the feature article I loved was the 4-page spread on Oklahoma's music legend Wanda Jackson - who will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame this April.
You may need to give Oklahoma Magazine a few more days to get their January magazine up online. I picked up a copy in the lobby of the Oklahoma City Art Museum. See if it is up yet by clicking here: http://www.okmag.com/currentissue/index.cfm.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Ardmore Artist Traci Martin to Exhibit at State Capitol
eCapitol News reports that Ardmore artist Traci Martin's exhibit, A Meditation On/Through Colour, will be on display in the first floor of the North Gallery at the State Capitol from January 19 through March 22. Curated by the Oklahoma Arts Council, the North Gallery is devoted to Oklahoma's finest photographers and is open daily from 8:30-5:00. Originally from Oregon, Martin has lived in the Ardmore area for about 12 years. She graduated in 2005 from Southeastern Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Studio Art and a minor in Psychology, with an emphasis in Art Therapy.
Oklahoma's Wanda Jackson to be Inducted into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Great news! Oklahoma rockabilly singer Wanda Jackson will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame + Museum in April. Yippee. well deserved and long overdue! Read Tulsa World article about it here.
Event, February = OSLEP Free Public Lectures
OKLAHOMA SCHOLAR-LEADERSHIP ENRICHMENT PROGRAM
Was There a Darwinian Revolution?
When: Thursday, February 12, 2009, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (free parking), University of Oklahoma, Norman.
Who: John M. Lynch, honors faculty fellow & senior lecturer, Barrett, the honors college, Arizona State University
Water Matters: The Competition for Fresh Water
When: Thursday, February 26, 2009 7:00 p.m.
Where: Fine Arts Auditorium (free parking), Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford.
Who: Sandra Postel, Founder and Director, Global Water Policy Project
Was There a Darwinian Revolution?
When: Thursday, February 12, 2009, 7:00 p.m.
Where: Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History (free parking), University of Oklahoma, Norman.
Who: John M. Lynch, honors faculty fellow & senior lecturer, Barrett, the honors college, Arizona State University
Water Matters: The Competition for Fresh Water
When: Thursday, February 26, 2009 7:00 p.m.
Where: Fine Arts Auditorium (free parking), Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Weatherford.
Who: Sandra Postel, Founder and Director, Global Water Policy Project
Will the OKC Downtown Rotary Elect a 2nd Woman President?
Oklahoma City's Downtown Rotary is the 4th largest in the world. It is also one of the oldest - the 29th one founded. And it holds another interesting record, too. With over 540 members, it has managed to elect a women president once. Yup - one time. (Yeah for Meg Salyer)
So it is exciting that several extraordinary women leaders have been elected to the 2009 board including Dr. Marion Paden, Emily Stratton, Cynda Ottaway, Donna Lawrence, and Cindy Batt. Any one of these women would make an excellent Club 29 president.
So it is exciting that several extraordinary women leaders have been elected to the 2009 board including Dr. Marion Paden, Emily Stratton, Cynda Ottaway, Donna Lawrence, and Cindy Batt. Any one of these women would make an excellent Club 29 president.
College Women - Apply to Attend N.E.W. Leadership Now!
Applications are now being accepted for the 2009 N.E.W. (National Education for Women’s) Leadership program. Any undergraduate woman in Oklahoma attending an Oklahoma college or university (or any Oklahoman attending an out-of-state institution) is eligible to apply for this five-day summer leadership program designed to encourage women to consider careers in politics and public service. Please email this post to women you think would have an interest in the program. The 2009 N.E.W. Leadership program will be held May 19-23, 2009 on the University of Oklahoma’s Norman campus.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the on-line application that is now available at www.ou.edu/carlalbertcenter/leadership/2009application.htm.
The deadline for applications is Thursday, March 5, 2009. For more information, see the brochure at www.ou.edu/carlalbertcenter/leadership. Questions? Contact Katie Fitzgerald,
Director, Women’s Leadership Initiative at 405-325-6372.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete the on-line application that is now available at www.ou.edu/carlalbertcenter/leadership/2009application.htm.
The deadline for applications is Thursday, March 5, 2009. For more information, see the brochure at www.ou.edu/carlalbertcenter/leadership. Questions? Contact Katie Fitzgerald,
Director, Women’s Leadership Initiative at 405-325-6372.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Tidbits 01/14/2009
The Will Rogers World Airport is now offering free Wi-Fi.
Thursday, Jan 15, 4-6pm: Deaconess Pregnancy & Adoption Services is hosting an open house to show off their new location. Enjoy light hourdouvres and get a copy of the book entitled: Redeeming Love: The Legacy of the Deaconess Ladies.
GOP Unveils Plan for Autism Care (sort of)
Askins announces her plans to run for governor Thursday in Duncan,OKC and Tulsa
Steve Jobs Taking a Leave of Absence From Apple Due to Health Problems
US Congresswoman Mary Fallin to wait until spring to decide whether she will run for Governor of Oklahoma
Rev. Sharon Watkins, the minister who will preach at Obama's National Prayer Service at the National Cathedral on Jan 21, is a former Bartlesville, Oklahoma pastor (read B-ville paper here). Read New York Times article here.
Thursday, Jan 15, 4-6pm: Deaconess Pregnancy & Adoption Services is hosting an open house to show off their new location. Enjoy light hourdouvres and get a copy of the book entitled: Redeeming Love: The Legacy of the Deaconess Ladies.
GOP Unveils Plan for Autism Care (sort of)
Askins announces her plans to run for governor Thursday in Duncan,OKC and Tulsa
Steve Jobs Taking a Leave of Absence From Apple Due to Health Problems
US Congresswoman Mary Fallin to wait until spring to decide whether she will run for Governor of Oklahoma
Rev. Sharon Watkins, the minister who will preach at Obama's National Prayer Service at the National Cathedral on Jan 21, is a former Bartlesville, Oklahoma pastor (read B-ville paper here). Read New York Times article here.
Tornado Alley Rollergirls take on breast cancer
The Tornado Alley Rollergirls worked with Judi Grove of Breast Impressions and local artists to create painted plaster busts of 10 of their skaters. They'll be auctioning them this Saturday during the half-time of their bout. The proceeds will go to SHOUT of OKC (http://www.shout-okc.org/) which is a support group for young women survivors of cancer.
Thank you, Sarah Hamby, aka the Outlaw Josey Whales, for the heads up!
You'll want to subscribe to Wanda DeBruler's Blog!
Wanda DeBruler has been sending me suggestions for things to put on my blog for ages. Now she has bitten the bullet and created her OWN blog. Yeah! She's named it Wanda DeBruler (no cautious concern about anonymity with this up front policy wonk!) and you can view it by CLICKING HERE. What has she posted on so far? Housing, entrepreneurship, conferences coming up women's leadership, weatherization, -- go see for yourself!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
World Neighbors' Woman of Work; Human Rights Are Women's Rights; Lunafest
I am a huge fan of the Oklahoma City based nonprofit World Neighbors - and especially their WOW! (Women of Work) program. Check out their December 2008 issue brief entitled "Human Rights Are Women's Rights." Written by WPW! intern Carollann Gamino, it gives examples of Women’s Human Rights Violations including violence, female genital mutilation, "Honor" killings, and economic, social and political inequalities. You might like to sign up to get their periodic emails, become a member of WOW! or (ta da) volunteer to help.
The World Neighbors Work of Women program is looking for a few volunteers to assist with securing corporate sponsorship to support the program’s LUNAFEST event. LUNAFEST is a film festival of independent short films by, for and about women. To learn more about LUNAFEST, please see the details below and visit: http://www.lunafest.org/default.cfm. To learn more about the World Neighbors Work of Women program, please visit: http://www.workofwomen.org/.
Lunafest is March 8, 2009 (International Women's Day) in Oklahoma City. Filled with stories of reflection and whimsy, hope and humor, grace and perseverance, LUNAFEST films are renowned for celebrating the talents and stories of women. These short films include many off the traditional “festival circuit.” Collectively, LUNAFEST films captivate audiences, compel dialogue and arm those who participate with both the knowledge and the motivation to make a difference in their communities.
LUNAFEST was established in 2000 by LUNA, the makers of the Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, to simultaneously promote women filmmakers, raise awareness for women’s issues, and support worthy women’s nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada. This Oklahoma City festival is hosted by WOW! and proceeds benefit World Neighbors and the Breast Cancer Fund.
The World Neighbors Work of Women program is looking for a few volunteers to assist with securing corporate sponsorship to support the program’s LUNAFEST event. LUNAFEST is a film festival of independent short films by, for and about women. To learn more about LUNAFEST, please see the details below and visit: http://www.lunafest.org/default.cfm. To learn more about the World Neighbors Work of Women program, please visit: http://www.workofwomen.org/.
Lunafest is March 8, 2009 (International Women's Day) in Oklahoma City. Filled with stories of reflection and whimsy, hope and humor, grace and perseverance, LUNAFEST films are renowned for celebrating the talents and stories of women. These short films include many off the traditional “festival circuit.” Collectively, LUNAFEST films captivate audiences, compel dialogue and arm those who participate with both the knowledge and the motivation to make a difference in their communities.
LUNAFEST was established in 2000 by LUNA, the makers of the Whole Nutrition Bar for Women, to simultaneously promote women filmmakers, raise awareness for women’s issues, and support worthy women’s nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S. and Canada. This Oklahoma City festival is hosted by WOW! and proceeds benefit World Neighbors and the Breast Cancer Fund.
Dana Murphy Sworn In As Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner
Today Dana Murphy was sworn in as Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner.In a packed courtroom, surrounded by elected officials, family and well wishers, she actually took two pledges!
Jane Jayroe Gamble served as master of ceremony. Kim Swyden gave the invocation. Misty Farmer sang. The other two Corporation Commissioners, Bob Anthony and Jeff Cloud, made welcoming remarks and recognized the many dignitaries present.
Justice Steven Taylor did the official swearing in after which Dana gave a wonderful talk. Everyone grinned and cheered and then we ate yellow and blue cookies! Congratulations, Dana!
(Click on images to enlarge.)
Monday, January 12, 2009
Selby's Blog "Fresh Ink"
Check out Selby's blog "Fresh Ink." She says that she is a "politico by day, student by night." Hmmm.
Selby - Thanks for joining the Oklahoma Women's Coalition; I am about to give you a call. So far we are doing a horrible job of connecting with our new members; sorry! We are scrambling frantically to get ready for the Legislative session and our day at the capitol Feb 18 (all are invited - click here for details).
Selby - Thanks for joining the Oklahoma Women's Coalition; I am about to give you a call. So far we are doing a horrible job of connecting with our new members; sorry! We are scrambling frantically to get ready for the Legislative session and our day at the capitol Feb 18 (all are invited - click here for details).
Nichole's Blog: "Year of Change 2009"
Nichole in Tulsa has committed to get serious about weight lose and blog about it. More power to her! I am committed to get back into Weight Watchers so I'll be looking in on "Year of Change 2009" often for Nichole's excellent tips and challenges and insights. Check out her new blog HERE.
Event: Tour a $4 million home in Gaillardia; proceeds benefit YWCA of OKC
You can tour a $4 million castle-style home in Gaillardia and your $15 ticket goes to benefit the YWCA of Oklahoma City. Read an article about the project in The Oklahoman by clicking here. Or read about it and buy a ticket online at the YWCA website by clicking here.
Dana Murphy To Be Sworn in Today, Jan 12, at 3 pm
Oklahoma's newest Corporation Commissioner,Dana Murphy, will be sworn in during a 3:00 p.m. ceremony today, Monday, January 12th, in the 3rd floor courtroom at the Jim Thorpe Building, 2101 North Lincoln Boulevard, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The public is welcome to attend.
Murphy's first her first day day as our new Corporation Commissioner on January 13th. Murphy defeated incumbent Jim Roth in the General Election last November.
Murphy's first her first day day as our new Corporation Commissioner on January 13th. Murphy defeated incumbent Jim Roth in the General Election last November.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
How Oklahoma's Delegation Voted on Equal Pay
On H.R. 11 - The Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 that passed the US House of Representatives Friday, none of our 5 House members voted for the bill. Click for details on voting.
On H.R. 12 - The Paycheck Fairness Act of 2009, Rep Dan Boren, D-Muskogee voted for it. All the others voted against it. Click here for details, and then on "View votes" for more detail.
On H.R. 12 - The Paycheck Fairness Act of 2009, Rep Dan Boren, D-Muskogee voted for it. All the others voted against it. Click here for details, and then on "View votes" for more detail.
The Oklahoman Editorializes on Gender and Politics
The Oklahoman's January 8, 2009 editorial entitled "Women in Politics: Legislative makeup settled by candidates, not genders" acknowledged that more women are getting elected to public office - just not in Oklahoma, where the number of women in our State Legislature actually dropped this year. You can read that editorial by clicking here.
The newspaper followed up on this subject Jan 10 with an editorial entitled "Murphy's laud" noting they had failed to acknowledge in their previous editorial Dana Murphy's successful race for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.
The Jan 8 editorial has generated interesting comments including a discussion asking why more women don't run for public office in Oklahoma.
You can join The Oklahoman's conversation HERE or share your thoughts here by clicking on the COMMENTS button below.
The newspaper followed up on this subject Jan 10 with an editorial entitled "Murphy's laud" noting they had failed to acknowledge in their previous editorial Dana Murphy's successful race for the Oklahoma Corporation Commission.
The Jan 8 editorial has generated interesting comments including a discussion asking why more women don't run for public office in Oklahoma.
You can join The Oklahoman's conversation HERE or share your thoughts here by clicking on the COMMENTS button below.
Oklahoma Congresswoman Mary Fallin Appointed to New Committees
Oklahoma 5th District Congresswoman Mary Fallin has been appointed to the Armed Services Committee of the US House of Representatives. Tinker Air Force Base isn't actually located in Fallin's Congressional District but many Tinker employees do live in the 5th District. She will also serve on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and on the Small Business Committee. For more, click here.
Oklahoman Carrie Underwood Winner at People's Choice Awards
Kuddos to Checotah, Oklahoma native Carrie Underwood. The People's Choice Awards lets Internet voters select their favorites in many categories. Underwood was the winner in the "Favorite Female Singer" category. In addition, fans selected her song "Last Name" to win the "Favorite Country Song" award this year. Way to go, Carrie! Oklahoma is so proud of you.
Event: Public Input Session on Oklahoma Housing
NOTICE OF PUBLIC INPUT SESSION ON THE 2009 HOME APPLICATION:
The Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency invites you to attend a public input session regarding its 2009 Application for the Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). This public input session is January 21, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. and will be held at the offices of OHFA at 100 NW 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK, in the Will Rogers Room.
The draft version of the 2009 HOME Application Packet is available on their website at www.ohfa.org. It can be accessed from the home page under "What's New at OHFA".
If you are unable to attend the public input session, you are welcome to comment in writing prior to February 1, 2009. All public comment will be considered.
Please contact Jody Jenkins, Housing Development Team Secretary, at (405) 419-8133 or email jody.jenkins@ohfa.org, if you plan to attend.
The Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency invites you to attend a public input session regarding its 2009 Application for the Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). This public input session is January 21, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. and will be held at the offices of OHFA at 100 NW 63rd Street, Oklahoma City, OK, in the Will Rogers Room.
The draft version of the 2009 HOME Application Packet is available on their website at www.ohfa.org. It can be accessed from the home page under "What's New at OHFA".
If you are unable to attend the public input session, you are welcome to comment in writing prior to February 1, 2009. All public comment will be considered.
Please contact Jody Jenkins, Housing Development Team Secretary, at (405) 419-8133 or email jody.jenkins@ohfa.org, if you plan to attend.
Were you an activist in the fight for the Equal Rights Amendment in Oklahoma? Know someone who was?
Were you an activist in the fight for the Equal Rights Amendment in Oklahoma? If so, the Women’s Studies Program at the University of Oklahoma wants you.
The program is initiating a project of video/oral history interviews with Oklahoma’s ERA activists in order to save their stories .
The interviews will be transcribed, indexed, and archived in OU’s Western History Collection and the Women’s Studies Library to be available to researchers and the public.
As part of the modern American women’s movement, Oklahoma’s fight for the ERA is a valuable piece of history. Activists in Oklahoma, as in the rest of the country, fought for women’s rights, and these interviews will contribute to the ability of scholars to write a complete history of the struggle.
If you were active in the ERA campaign in Oklahoma, or if you can identify others who were, please send names and contact information to
Dr. Martha Skeeters
Women’s Studies Program
PHSC 528
601 Elm
University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK 73019
For more information about the Women’s Studies Program and its initiatives, including this project, go to their website at http://ws.ou.edu/ or write to the address above.
The program is initiating a project of video/oral history interviews with Oklahoma’s ERA activists in order to save their stories .
The interviews will be transcribed, indexed, and archived in OU’s Western History Collection and the Women’s Studies Library to be available to researchers and the public.
As part of the modern American women’s movement, Oklahoma’s fight for the ERA is a valuable piece of history. Activists in Oklahoma, as in the rest of the country, fought for women’s rights, and these interviews will contribute to the ability of scholars to write a complete history of the struggle.
If you were active in the ERA campaign in Oklahoma, or if you can identify others who were, please send names and contact information to
Dr. Martha Skeeters
Women’s Studies Program
PHSC 528
601 Elm
University of Oklahoma
Norman, OK 73019
For more information about the Women’s Studies Program and its initiatives, including this project, go to their website at http://ws.ou.edu/ or write to the address above.
Friday, January 09, 2009
House Passes Fait Pay Act
Today, the United States House of Representatives passed both the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act and the Paycheck Fairness Act. Amazing! But will the US Senate?
Three more blogs by Oklahoma women to all to our list.
And even yet more great blogs by Oklahoma women:
1.) The Feminist Francophile (American women are fools because they try to be everything to everybody)
2.) Through My Eyes (2009, a new year and another chance at showing you what I see. Look for themes like fire hydrants, the color blue, or stuff that starts with Z. It should be fun.)
3.) A Road From Douglas County (I'm a mom, a yoga teacher, and a storyteller. I grew up in Kansas, running barefoot all over the neighborhood with my friends. We walked the creek for miles with a bunch of little kids in tow. When it got dark we caught fireflies and put then in a jar to light the way home. )
1.) The Feminist Francophile (American women are fools because they try to be everything to everybody)
2.) Through My Eyes (2009, a new year and another chance at showing you what I see. Look for themes like fire hydrants, the color blue, or stuff that starts with Z. It should be fun.)
3.) A Road From Douglas County (I'm a mom, a yoga teacher, and a storyteller. I grew up in Kansas, running barefoot all over the neighborhood with my friends. We walked the creek for miles with a bunch of little kids in tow. When it got dark we caught fireflies and put then in a jar to light the way home. )
Here are 7 more great blogs by Oklahoma women to add to our list
Here are some more great blogs written by Oklahoma women:
1,) A Day in the Life of a Crazed Mom (A funny look at the daily life of a domestic goddess.)
2.) The Bliss of It All (aka Staci: 40-Something, Okie, Sister, Friend, Aunt, Dog Lover, OU Fan, Voracious Reader, Coffee Lover, Milk & Cheese Lover, Tea Lover, Fox News Channel Watcher, Conservative, Blog-Reader, Vintage-Lover, Organizer of Junk Drawers)
3.) PAMOKC (Just me and my life and semi-wordy ramblings about all things Okie and some things British. We have one of those mixed-marriages -- I'm an Okie, he's a Brit.)
4.) timshel (the Year of the Dog)
5.) Just The Beginning (what happens when a boy and girl meet.. then get married less than a year later)
6. ThinkLady (a work-in-progress blog exploring what is means to be living in a time of great transition)
7.) Stitch With Me (This Ain’t Your Grandma’s Needlework)
Thanks for Lynna of Okie Sister and others for sending me links.
1,) A Day in the Life of a Crazed Mom (A funny look at the daily life of a domestic goddess.)
2.) The Bliss of It All (aka Staci: 40-Something, Okie, Sister, Friend, Aunt, Dog Lover, OU Fan, Voracious Reader, Coffee Lover, Milk & Cheese Lover, Tea Lover, Fox News Channel Watcher, Conservative, Blog-Reader, Vintage-Lover, Organizer of Junk Drawers)
3.) PAMOKC (Just me and my life and semi-wordy ramblings about all things Okie and some things British. We have one of those mixed-marriages -- I'm an Okie, he's a Brit.)
4.) timshel (the Year of the Dog)
5.) Just The Beginning (what happens when a boy and girl meet.. then get married less than a year later)
6. ThinkLady (a work-in-progress blog exploring what is means to be living in a time of great transition)
7.) Stitch With Me (This Ain’t Your Grandma’s Needlework)
Thanks for Lynna of Okie Sister and others for sending me links.
Act Now for Free Download of Suze Ormand's 2009 Action Plan
Below is a link to Suze Ormands' new book, Suze Ormand's 2009 Action Plan. Oprah has it as a free download till the 15th January, 2009.
Thanks, Lisa (http://peckham2paris.blogspot.com/) for the heads up.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
We Are Not Going to Experience Another "Great Depression"
On December 25, 2008, The Oklahoman ran a story entitled "Economists, Survivors Say Depression Can't Compare" that quoted my husband, retired OSU economics professor Larkin Warner. In a nutshell, he said there are safety nets and systems in place and more that assure we are not heading for the same conditions seen in the Great Depression. Larkin leans toward expecting the worst so this is reassuring in these uncertain times. Click here to read the article.
Jan 13 6:30pm - Watch "Crystal Darkness"
Oklahoma has many problems. A surprising number of them can be traced back to crystal meth. Watch the TV program "Crystal Darkness" on Jan 13 at 6:30 pm. Then visit this website to see what YOU can do to help.
Mac at 25 (Compliments of Dave Winer) -- Enjoy!
The post below (including the embedded video from 25 years ago) divides the masses. Me? I end up in the group that feels sentimental but old watching this.
I wasn't an Apple freak; instead we went with IBM. I remember the thrill of the first IBM PC we brought into the College of Arts and Sciences at OSU; it was for Dr. Anne Schneider's research shop, the Policy Sciences Group.
All 64K worth of it.
If you set the monitor on top of the CPU, it stopped working. The monitor pushed down and bent the mother board. I kid you not. But it got us away from having to work with the good old boys over in Central Processing who wanted to reminisce about wiring boards and card sorters.
Within weeks Anne had convinced the Dean of A&S, Smith Holt, to buy a personal computer for himself. His background was science and he loved it! Within a month, he was ordering PCs for lots of faculty - even some who didn't think they'd like one or use one (because back then the mantra was "all migration is upward" to the massive IBM in Whitehurst Hall).
Boy were they wrong.
You youngsters, you have NO idea how lucky you are.
Watch a little personal computer history and enjoy the moment. Thanks, Dave, for this post:
Mac at 25 aka http://www.scripting.com/stories/2009/01/03/macAt25.html
Anyone got a story to share about their first personal computer encounter?
I wasn't an Apple freak; instead we went with IBM. I remember the thrill of the first IBM PC we brought into the College of Arts and Sciences at OSU; it was for Dr. Anne Schneider's research shop, the Policy Sciences Group.
All 64K worth of it.
If you set the monitor on top of the CPU, it stopped working. The monitor pushed down and bent the mother board. I kid you not. But it got us away from having to work with the good old boys over in Central Processing who wanted to reminisce about wiring boards and card sorters.
Within weeks Anne had convinced the Dean of A&S, Smith Holt, to buy a personal computer for himself. His background was science and he loved it! Within a month, he was ordering PCs for lots of faculty - even some who didn't think they'd like one or use one (because back then the mantra was "all migration is upward" to the massive IBM in Whitehurst Hall).
Boy were they wrong.
You youngsters, you have NO idea how lucky you are.
Watch a little personal computer history and enjoy the moment. Thanks, Dave, for this post:
Mac at 25 aka http://www.scripting.com/stories/2009/01/03/macAt25.html
Anyone got a story to share about their first personal computer encounter?
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Capitol Coverage Shrinking As Tulsa World Lays Off 28
Editor and Publisher (America's oldest journal covering the newspaper industry) reported Jan 6, 2009 that the Tulsa World "has terminated 28 employees, citing deteriorating economic conditions. The losses included 26 newsroom staffers and two in other departments." Read story here. and also this second E&P article. TheMediaIsDying also Twittered about this on Jan 6 HERE.
Rumor has it that among those laid off is Mick Hinton and another State Capitol reporter leaving only Barbara Hoberock to cover the Capitol!. Not everyone is unhappy about the layoffs; to read Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs VP Brandon Dutcher's reaction on Twitter click here. As for me, I want as much media coverage of Oklahoma state government as we can get!
Rumor has it that among those laid off is Mick Hinton and another State Capitol reporter leaving only Barbara Hoberock to cover the Capitol!. Not everyone is unhappy about the layoffs; to read Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs VP Brandon Dutcher's reaction on Twitter click here. As for me, I want as much media coverage of Oklahoma state government as we can get!
Oklahoma State Senators Set Priorities
For the first time since statehood, Republicans control the Oklahoma State Senate. So what do they want to do now that they are in control? Save the OSU Medical Center over in Tulsa? Pour more into roads and highways? More back to school sales tax holidays? You betcha - and more. Read about it HERE.
Federal Citizen Information Center Is a Super Resource
Check out the Federal Citizen Information Center's National Contact Center. There you can find:
* Toll-free numbers for federal agencies, including many specialized hotlines, such as the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service Meat and Poultry Hotline and the Small Business Administration's Small Business Answer Desk.
* Links to telephone directories for members of Congress (including committees and subcommittees), Cabinet departments and other federal agencies.
* The definitive collection of links to U.S. Government News/Press Release Websites Many - if not most - of these sites offer e-mail distribution services and/or RSS feeds. If you're interested in this type of information, you should also check out USA.gov's Government News page, which also links to you to blogs, podcasts, the Government RSS Library and more.
* An online knowledgebase,via USA.gov, that contains frequently requested information - e.g., how to apply for food stamps, what types of government grants are available, what's involved in getting a passport, and much more. There are currently more than 2,400 unique records in the knowledgebase.
Still can't find what you need? You can call or e-mail an information specialist - or chat with one online.
The Federal Citizen Information Center is part of the U.S. General Services Administration, which is basically the federal government's centralized procurement agency and landlord - and also the agency behind USA.gov.
http://digbig.com/4yars
(Thanks Wanda DeBruler for the heads-up.)
* Toll-free numbers for federal agencies, including many specialized hotlines, such as the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service Meat and Poultry Hotline and the Small Business Administration's Small Business Answer Desk.
* Links to telephone directories for members of Congress (including committees and subcommittees), Cabinet departments and other federal agencies.
* The definitive collection of links to U.S. Government News/Press Release Websites Many - if not most - of these sites offer e-mail distribution services and/or RSS feeds. If you're interested in this type of information, you should also check out USA.gov's Government News page, which also links to you to blogs, podcasts, the Government RSS Library and more.
* An online knowledgebase,via USA.gov, that contains frequently requested information - e.g., how to apply for food stamps, what types of government grants are available, what's involved in getting a passport, and much more. There are currently more than 2,400 unique records in the knowledgebase.
Still can't find what you need? You can call or e-mail an information specialist - or chat with one online.
The Federal Citizen Information Center is part of the U.S. General Services Administration, which is basically the federal government's centralized procurement agency and landlord - and also the agency behind USA.gov.
http://digbig.com/4yars
(Thanks Wanda DeBruler for the heads-up.)
eCapitol Notes Fewest Women in [Oklahoma] State Legislature Since 2001
The Oklahoma Women's Coalition has subscribed to eCapitol.net for our bill tracking service (thanks to a generous grant from the Women's Foundation of Oklahoma).
In addition to making it easy to identify and track bills in our target issue areas (aging, education, health, incarceration, safety/violence against women and workplace issues), they keep subscribers informed on everything happening at the State Capitol plus publish articles on Oklahoma politics and government.
Below, for instance, is eCapitol.net reporter William (Tres) Savage's January 7, 2009 article on the paucity of Oklahoma women legislators.
Fewest women in state Legislature since 2001
By William W. Savage III
Staff Writer, eCapitol
(OK) The 111th U.S. Congress will seat a record number of female members in 2009, with one more female U.S. senator and three more female U.S. representatives.
In Oklahoma, however, only 17 women will command the floors of the 2009 House and Senate chambers this spring, a steady decline from the 22 women who served in 2005 and 2006 sessions. It will mark the fewest female state legislators since 15 represented districts in 2001 and 2002.
In 2008, when 21 women were serving in the state Legislature, Chairwoman of the Oklahoma Women’s Coalition Jean Warner wrote on her blog that Oklahoma ranked 49th for the number of women in its Legislature.
“It’s a great disappointment to me,” said Oklahoma Democratic Party Communications Director Todd Goodman. “Women have been historically strong leaders in Oklahoma, and they should continue to be.”
While Goodman said his party unsuccessfully ran several strong female candidates for legislative positions in 2008, he is looking forward to a positive 2010 for female candidates.
“On a positive note, in 2010 it looks like we will have female candidates for governor from both parties,” Goodman said. “As someone who will be looking for candidates for our party, I can tell you I will be looking strongly toward women in 2010.”
Goodman was referring to the likely gubernatorial candidacies of current Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, a Democrat, and current U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin, a Republican.
“The Federation of Democratic Women has historically played a vital role in the Democratic Party and the Democratic Party leadership,” he said.
But, he said there is room to improve.
“We need to do a better job in our youth outreach, and we are recruiting younger people to be involved in the party and that will help us in our growth for the future,” he said.
Oklahoma Republican Party Chairman Gary Jones said much of the same and touted Fallin as a female U.S. representative and possible candidate for governor.
“I think there’s a possibility we may have a female candidate for governor as well [as the Democrats],” Jones said in a phone interview while in Washington D.C. on Tuesday. “I don’t know whether or not she’ll run, but her name has been talked about. She is a capable, competent, formidable opponent for anybody. Probably one of the most qualified females to seek that position.”
As far as the state Legislature goes, Jones said “having a good, diversified segment of the population is always good.”
He said he and his party always encourage the most capable and competent people to run.
“Quite honestly there are females out there who we’ve encouraged to run, and in some cases they have run and in other cases they haven’t run,” Jones said.
He added, however, that more could be done.
“For one thing, we’ve got to get the word out of exactly what the process is,” Jones said. “There’s so many people who don’t understand what it takes to run for office or how to get involved, and so people take a wait-and-see attitude.”
Reprinted with permission from www.ecapitol.net
In addition to making it easy to identify and track bills in our target issue areas (aging, education, health, incarceration, safety/violence against women and workplace issues), they keep subscribers informed on everything happening at the State Capitol plus publish articles on Oklahoma politics and government.
Below, for instance, is eCapitol.net reporter William (Tres) Savage's January 7, 2009 article on the paucity of Oklahoma women legislators.
Fewest women in state Legislature since 2001
By William W. Savage III
Staff Writer, eCapitol
(OK) The 111th U.S. Congress will seat a record number of female members in 2009, with one more female U.S. senator and three more female U.S. representatives.
In Oklahoma, however, only 17 women will command the floors of the 2009 House and Senate chambers this spring, a steady decline from the 22 women who served in 2005 and 2006 sessions. It will mark the fewest female state legislators since 15 represented districts in 2001 and 2002.
In 2008, when 21 women were serving in the state Legislature, Chairwoman of the Oklahoma Women’s Coalition Jean Warner wrote on her blog that Oklahoma ranked 49th for the number of women in its Legislature.
“It’s a great disappointment to me,” said Oklahoma Democratic Party Communications Director Todd Goodman. “Women have been historically strong leaders in Oklahoma, and they should continue to be.”
While Goodman said his party unsuccessfully ran several strong female candidates for legislative positions in 2008, he is looking forward to a positive 2010 for female candidates.
“On a positive note, in 2010 it looks like we will have female candidates for governor from both parties,” Goodman said. “As someone who will be looking for candidates for our party, I can tell you I will be looking strongly toward women in 2010.”
Goodman was referring to the likely gubernatorial candidacies of current Lt. Gov. Jari Askins, a Democrat, and current U.S. Rep. Mary Fallin, a Republican.
“The Federation of Democratic Women has historically played a vital role in the Democratic Party and the Democratic Party leadership,” he said.
But, he said there is room to improve.
“We need to do a better job in our youth outreach, and we are recruiting younger people to be involved in the party and that will help us in our growth for the future,” he said.
Oklahoma Republican Party Chairman Gary Jones said much of the same and touted Fallin as a female U.S. representative and possible candidate for governor.
“I think there’s a possibility we may have a female candidate for governor as well [as the Democrats],” Jones said in a phone interview while in Washington D.C. on Tuesday. “I don’t know whether or not she’ll run, but her name has been talked about. She is a capable, competent, formidable opponent for anybody. Probably one of the most qualified females to seek that position.”
As far as the state Legislature goes, Jones said “having a good, diversified segment of the population is always good.”
He said he and his party always encourage the most capable and competent people to run.
“Quite honestly there are females out there who we’ve encouraged to run, and in some cases they have run and in other cases they haven’t run,” Jones said.
He added, however, that more could be done.
“For one thing, we’ve got to get the word out of exactly what the process is,” Jones said. “There’s so many people who don’t understand what it takes to run for office or how to get involved, and so people take a wait-and-see attitude.”
Reprinted with permission from www.ecapitol.net
Feds Issue RFP for "Gender Equity in Education" Grant Funds
The US Department of Education recently issued a Request for Proposal for "Women's Educational Equity Act" grants (see details below). Maybe the Girl Scouts could apply to expand their excellent girls and science, technology, engineering and math [STEM] programs.
FUNDING SOURCE: Dept. of Education
ELIGIBILITY: Nonprofit and public agencies
$ AVAILABLE: $1,827,714
GRANTS AVAILABLE: 10
MAX GRANT SIZE: $225,000
DEADLINE: 2/23/09
CONTACT INFORMATION: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E8-31226.htm
DESCRIPTION: Funds to promote gender equity in education in the United States, provide financial assistance to enable educational agencies and institutions to meet the requirements of title IX, and equity in education for women and girls who suffer from multiple forms of discrimination
Thanks, Wanda DeBruler (www.debrulerinc.com ), for this item.
FUNDING SOURCE: Dept. of Education
ELIGIBILITY: Nonprofit and public agencies
$ AVAILABLE: $1,827,714
GRANTS AVAILABLE: 10
MAX GRANT SIZE: $225,000
DEADLINE: 2/23/09
CONTACT INFORMATION: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E8-31226.htm
DESCRIPTION: Funds to promote gender equity in education in the United States, provide financial assistance to enable educational agencies and institutions to meet the requirements of title IX, and equity in education for women and girls who suffer from multiple forms of discrimination
Thanks, Wanda DeBruler (www.debrulerinc.com ), for this item.
Jane Jenkins to Head Downtown Oklahoma City, Inc.
Let's all say, "Welcome!" to Jane Jenkins who is coming to Oklahoma City to head Downtown Oklahoma City, Inc. She is currently director of the downtown program in Boulder, Colorado. Read more about Jane by clicking here. By the way, an upcoming event of theirs is Chocolate Decadence 2009 on Thursday, February 5th from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. at 825 N. Broadway in Automobile Alley.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Focus on Early Education Could Turn Oklahoma Around
Want to raise our state's average income? Want to lower crime? Want to increase the number of college graduates in Oklahoma? Then focus on early childhood education like the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce!
For years chambers of commerce defined economic development in terms of issues like roads, utilities, workers comp and right-to-work. But a new day has been dawning as chambers of commerce realize investment in human capitol leads to better skilled, higher paid citizens. And the learning process fails if we don't get to kids EARLY - while their brains are still developing.
So it is wonderful that, for the first time, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce this year included in their legislative priorities the issue of early education.
And the Oklahoma City Public School district is also placing higher priority on early education. They've set a goal of offering full-time kindergarten AND full-time pre-kindergarten in all their elementary schools by August of 2010.
Read Dave Lopez' op-ed piece "Real Momentum Builder" in The Oklahoman on this topic by clicking here.
Image credit: Department of Education and Training, Western Australia
Monday, January 05, 2009
How to Nominate Your Favorite Blogs for a 2008 Okie Blog Award
Oklahoma blogger Mike Hermes (see Okiedoke.com) runs the Okie Blogger Awards program. This will be the fourth year that awards are handed out (see 2005 - 2006 - 2007). Here is how it works:
NOMINATIONS
The nomination period began January 1 and ends January 20, 2009. Nominations can only be made by active Okie bloggers. A blogger cannot nominate his or her own blog.
A blogger can only nominate one blog per category (see categories below). The same blog may be nominated in multiple categories. In categories with more than ten nominees, the ten blogs with the most nominations will be placed on the final ballot.
This year's award categories are:
Best Overall Blog
Best Political Blog
Best Family Blog
Best Humor Blog
Best Audio Blog
Best Looking Blog
Best Writing
Best Commentary
Best Culture Blog
Best Unusual Blog
Best Inspirational Blog
Best Commercial Blog (company sponsored)
Go to http://okiedoke.com/ok/08awards/index.html for details on how to nominate your favorite blogs.
VOTING
Only active Okie bloggers can vote. A blogger cannot vote for his or her own blog. A blogger can only vote for one blog per category. Voting will begin Jan. 21 and end Feb. 7, 2009.
NOMINATIONS
The nomination period began January 1 and ends January 20, 2009. Nominations can only be made by active Okie bloggers. A blogger cannot nominate his or her own blog.
A blogger can only nominate one blog per category (see categories below). The same blog may be nominated in multiple categories. In categories with more than ten nominees, the ten blogs with the most nominations will be placed on the final ballot.
This year's award categories are:
Best Overall Blog
Best Political Blog
Best Family Blog
Best Humor Blog
Best Audio Blog
Best Looking Blog
Best Writing
Best Commentary
Best Culture Blog
Best Unusual Blog
Best Inspirational Blog
Best Commercial Blog (company sponsored)
Go to http://okiedoke.com/ok/08awards/index.html for details on how to nominate your favorite blogs.
VOTING
Only active Okie bloggers can vote. A blogger cannot vote for his or her own blog. A blogger can only vote for one blog per category. Voting will begin Jan. 21 and end Feb. 7, 2009.
AWARDS
The blog receiving the most votes in each category will be recognized. All decisions regarding the Okie Blog Awards are the responsibility of Okiedoke, and are final.
So let's get to work and nominate lots of women bloggers this year. There are 90-some of them listed on the left side of my blog and a number of others listed in the "Final nominations lists" for the past 3 years (see above)! Do it now while you are thinking about it so you don't miss the deadline of Jan 20.
I confess it won't be easy because I have many, many favorites. And I'll deviate from nominating women bloggers at least once to nominate Tim Ryan's blog, From the Faraway, Nearby. I have to thank TR for this post. I ran into him at Starbucks today (he's back from counting birds in the Amazon) and he mentioned it was time to nominate. (I am woefully behind on reading everyone's blog posts right now - including Okiedoke's - sorry!)
The challenge is selecting the right category. I think Tim's blog is about photography but others say he fits under culture. (Check out this year-end post and see what YOU think!)
And, frankly, I don't think the Oklahoma Women's Network blog fits under any category!
But that's part of the fun of it. So, nominate your favorites. I''l remind you again when it is time to vote!
Lt Gov Jari Askins To Run for Governor of Oklahoma in 2010
Lieutenant Governor Jari Askins has let her supporters know she will announce soon her intention to run for governor of Oklahoma in 2010.
You can read a related story in The Oklahoman by clicking here. And click here to read the Tulsa World's take on the story (they, it seems, broke the story).
Read the letter she sent to her supporters by clicking here.
You can read a related story in The Oklahoman by clicking here. And click here to read the Tulsa World's take on the story (they, it seems, broke the story).
Read the letter she sent to her supporters by clicking here.
Promote Oklahoma's Route 66 Connection
I recently heard a proposal for growing Stroud, OK that included the idea of approaching the Disney folks about building a Disneyland-type facility in Stroud based on the "Cars" movie. That made good sense to me!
Why doesn't our state do more to promote Oklahoma's connection to Route 66 anyway? With a lagging economy keeping US vacationers home and Pixar's "Cars" movie a huge hit all around the world, it's not surprising that we draw tour groups specifically seeking the Route 66 experience. Click here to read related Oklahoman article.
While I'm on the subject, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the Oklahoma Department of Tourism should go together and help Oklahoma's smaller cities and towns put decent, comprehensive websites on the Internet. All the wineries around Stroud have better looking websites than the town itself does! That is not a very good "front door" for businesses who might be looking to locate in the area.
PS Want to know more about Roue 66? Check out Michael Wallis' Route 66: The Mother Road, Route 66 Backroads or any of the many other excellent books on this national resource.
Why doesn't our state do more to promote Oklahoma's connection to Route 66 anyway? With a lagging economy keeping US vacationers home and Pixar's "Cars" movie a huge hit all around the world, it's not surprising that we draw tour groups specifically seeking the Route 66 experience. Click here to read related Oklahoman article.
While I'm on the subject, the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and the Oklahoma Department of Tourism should go together and help Oklahoma's smaller cities and towns put decent, comprehensive websites on the Internet. All the wineries around Stroud have better looking websites than the town itself does! That is not a very good "front door" for businesses who might be looking to locate in the area.
PS Want to know more about Roue 66? Check out Michael Wallis' Route 66: The Mother Road, Route 66 Backroads or any of the many other excellent books on this national resource.
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