Enid Supporters of Girl Scouts To Celebrate

The Enid News reports that Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma will host their fourth annual Juliette Low Leadership Society "Tea for Two" at 4 p.m. Nov. 5 at the home of Marcy Price, 1111 W. Wynona. Attendees will hear about local Girl Scouts projects. Juliette Lowe Leadership Society members support Girl Scouts through their donations of time and money. For information or a membership form, call Carla Burdick, Girl Scouts director, at 237-2187.

We Need Another Jeanna Sellmeyer; Nominate Someone for Oklahoma Small Business Person of the Year

Dottie Overal, Oklahoma Director of the Small Business Administration, invites you to nominate people for Oklahoma’s small business person of the year.  Last year, Oklahoma City entreprenuerJeanna Sellmeyer, founder of ASSET Group, Inc., won the state award and went on to win the national small business person of the year award! Read the Oklahoman article HERE.

Carl Albert Congressional Research & Studies Center Dinner

The Carl Albert Congressional Research and Studies Center at the University of Oklahoma is celebrating 30 years of contributions to the study and practice of political life. This evening current and former fellows gathered for dinner and fellowship. Also present were Carl Albert Center faculty Dr. Cindy Rosenthal, Director; Dr. Ron Peters and Dr. Allen Hertzke; CAC staff Donna Sullivan and Laurie Reynolds; and spouses. Guest of honor was Jack Rakove, the W.R. Coe Professor of History and American Studies, Stanford University, who is this year's Rothbaum Lecturer. Below Dr./Mayor Rosenthal welcomes everyone. Tomorrow we have a full day conference and another dinner planned. It was wonderful seeing everyone - even the few who have stayed to teach at colleges in Oklahoma. (We laughed that we don't really need to wait for a reunion to get together!!)

Oklahoma's Hottie Toddie Cakes are delicious!

Okay, so the FCC says I have to tell you that I "got something" for this review. And I DID - cake!

But here is how it went down.  First I read in the Oklahoman about an Ada, OK company that sells cakes online. I looked up their website and blogged about it because it was a woman owned business.

THEN, the owner, Richelle Jacks, sent me a cake! The Lacy Lemon Liqueur Poppy Seed cake. So I took a poll. First I gave out pieces at a Coalition Advocacy Committee meeting; everyone raved. Then I took the cake to a gathering of friends; again, it got great reviews. I'd like to tell you this went on until it was all gone but, sadly, I can't say that. Because the cake was SO GOOD I decided to save the rest of it for the two of us. Now, I realize this has set back my diet a tad but it was so WORTH IT!

Richelle's cakes aren't cheap but, hey, they are gourmet. They are so rich and delicious that you get by serving small slices so it goes a long, long way. Do I think they are worth it? Well, yes - since I'm about to actually PAY for another cake - just as soon as I can decide between the Dark Chocolate Coconut Rum Cake and the Chocolate Cherry Pistachio Bourbon Cake.

Check them out for yourself at http://hottietoddieliquorcakes.com/cakes.html. And let me know what you think.

Attorny General Drew Edmondson Speaks at Dinner for Delores, Edmond

"Dinner for Delores" is a fundraiser held by the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault. Funds raised go into The Delores Fund which provides money for victims of domestic violence in need across Oklahoma. The evening included fabulous food, great entertainment and good fellowship. It was held last Monday, October 26 at Cafe 501 in Edmond. The images are of OCADVSA Director Marcia Smith and Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson speaking. As Drew noted, "We talk about safe streets and safe schools but until every American is safe in their own home, we have work to do."

Howell's of OKC: Architecture, Fine Art, , Interior Design, Landscape Design

The Oklahoman ran a nice article today on Ken and Linda Howell and their daughters, Leigh and Laura. The four of them work together and provide services in architecture, interior design, landscaping, and fine art. What the story doesn't say as clearly as it might is that these are very, very talented but also very, very nice folks. I know because our church has benefited from their talent on more than one occasion. Check out the Howell Gallery of Fine Art at NW 64th and Western. You can read the Oklahoman article here.

Two of my husband's recent studies now on the Internet

Grrrrr - I just tried to put the links to two reports that Larkin did recently on Twitter/Facebook. The titles of his reports are longer that 140 characters - let alone adding the link. And the State Chamber and the Oklahoma City Chamber have them as pdf files that have to be downloaded. WHY can't they just put them out on the Internet as a unique URL, please?!?! Then I screwed up the " bitly" shortened links. I HATE that Twitter/Facebook don't let you delete a post when you realize it contains inaccurate information.  Whats with that? (Or maybe they do and I'm just too old to figure out all this new fangled stuff.) As far as I am concerned, blogging isn't dead; I still prefer it to tweeting!

And, in case anyone is interested, here is:

"Executive Summary: Impact Analysis of Oklahoma City's MAPS and Other Significant Central City Investments" prepared for the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce by Larkin Warner and Eric Long (Revised February 2009)

and

Dr. Warner: The Administration of Oklahoma State Government Promotion of Economic Development

Does Oklahoma need more afterschool programs? Longer school days?

Only 12% of Oklahoma kids now participate in afterschool programs according to a recent study by the Afterschool Alliance. That’s double the number in 2004 but 29% of Oklahoma kids are still unsupervised from the time they get out of school until their parent(s) get home from work. Another 12% are being watched by older siblings. A recent Oklahoman article (see Garrett cites study in fight to alter schools, 10-16-2009) said “Oklahoma lags behind most other states” according to Sonia Johnson, head of the Oklahoma Afterschool Alliance.

Sandy Garrett, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, is working with the Oklahoma City and Tulsa school districts to extend the school day in select districts and schools. OKC middle school kids attend school from 9:20 to 3:50; in Boston it is 7:30 to 4pm. Guess which kids have higher academic performance.

Do you have a child now in a school-based after school program? If such a program was available, would you use it? Would you rather have longer school days (with fun electives like art, music, fun science) added in? Or are you happy with the current system?

Vote for Dana Tiger's Book!

Oklahoma artist and women's advocate Dana Tiger has written a book...and entered it in the Best Blurb Books Contest. Now she needs our votes to help her win. If she gets enough votes, she could win $3,000. You can vote through November 9. While you are there, learn how to make your own Blurb book; it seems easy and could be a great holiday gift! Just follow the link below to vote. Thanks!!!

http://www.blurb.com/photo-book-contest/view_book/794454

Vote on most pressing issue confronting Oklahoma girls today

Mark your calendar! Girl Scouts of Western Oklahoma has set the date for their 2010 fundraiser - the Juliette Lowe Leadership Society Annual Luncheon. This is a fun event and you should plan to attend!

The luncheon will be on February 18, 2010 and Liz Murray will be the keynote speaker. Murray will share her story of going from being a homeless person in the streets of New York City, to graduating from Harvard University. She will talk about what it is to make a vision for your life and to draw on the tools and skills inside of you required to get to that vision.

As part of the announcement, GS is asking you to vote on what you think is the most pressing issue confronting Oklahoma girls today.

Check it out and cast your vote here.

What should a victim of sexual harassment do?

Recently a woman told me of a relative who was experiencing sexual harassment at work. She had been one of three women managed by the harasser but the other two women had been let go. She needed the job and feared she’d get fired if she complained.

I didn’t know what to recommend. I know there are some good national websites like this one at SexualHarassmentSupport.org. But are there any Oklahoma resources to which we can direct people? Any good videos on YouTube maybe? If you have any ideas, leave a comment and let us know, please.  Thanks!!

That nice Leo Laporte says, "Screw you, Mike Arrington!"

I listen to Leo Laporte's podcasts regularly. He is informed, courteouus, gentle, patient - just a very NICE GUY. See TWIT.tv.

Lately, many of his guests have been using the phrase, "Screw you, Mike Arrignton!" I never understood where the line came from until Guy Kawasaki posted a link to "the event" on his posterous blog recently. I discovered there were several clips on YouTube. Below is one version. I really do believe Leo is totally above reproach so Mike was clearly being a jerk (or, as Leo says, a troll). So, "Screw you, Mike Arrington!" has come to be used in the tech community to mean something like "Forget THAT!"



I recommend listening to "This Week In Tech" but I also listen to Leo's show "The Tech Guy,"  "This Week in Google," and several others. Just search for TWIT on iTunes. Coming soon: There will be a TWIT button on the Roku Digital Video Box so we can watch Leo's video versions on our televisions. 

New York Times editorial "Oklahoma vs. Women"

Today the New York Times published an editorial knocking our state for passing HB 1595 (see http://www.sos.state.ok.us/documents/Legislation/52nd/2009/1R/HB/1595.pdf). The piece is entitled "Oklahoma vs. Women." You can read it for yourself at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/26/opinion/26mon2.html and curse or applaud depending on your stance re abortion.

Wants to watch our legislators live on OETA?

Oklahoma soon may have live streaming of all activity in the Oklahoma State House and Senate (see Cameras may be put in House, 10-16-2009).  We already have some live audio streaming to the Internet from the House and live audio and video streaming to Internet from the Senate. But it  isn’t gavel to gavel and some areas of Oklahoma still don’t have access to high-speed Internet. I'd prefer it got broadcast on OETA; what do you think? If it was on OETA, would you watch? Why or why not?

Oklahoma Homeless Alliance reaches out to veterans

Read the newspaper and you’re likely to be shocked/disgusted by one or more news articles (ie the couple who abused a boy for years including setting him on fire, the minister who sexually abused youngsters, etc).  But there are plenty of upbeat articles that offset the bad news. Such as -- the Oklahoman article on the Oklahoma Homeless Alliance’s event to help homeless veterans. Hats off to Dan Straughan, Executive Director of the Homeless Alliance, for the excellent work that organization does.

Should Oklahoma outlaw texting while driving?

Studies show driving while texting, reading emails or even just dialing your cell phone can be dangerous for you and others on the road. Now 18 states plus the District of Columbia have outlawed texting while driving. AAA wants that for Oklahoma, too.

Rep Sue Tibbs, R-Tulsa, plans to introduce a bill banning texting while driving and requiring drivers use hands-free technology. Senator Debbe Leftwich had a bill outlawing texting in the 2009 session and plans to reintroduce it this year. Click here to read her take on the subject

What do YOU think? Is this a brilliant idea or an infringement of your rights? Will Oklahoma outlaw texting while driving in 2010?

Congratulations, Rep. Todd Russ (Oklahoma’s newest legislator)

Republican Todd Russ of Cordell was sworn into office Wednesday as our newest Oklahoma State Representative. He recently won a special election to fill the District 55 House seat vacated when Ryan McMullen resigned to take a federal job. Congratulations, Representative Russ!

Sign Up for the YWCA of OK City's Newsletter

Help let more people know about the life-saving services provided by the YWCA of Oklahoma City by encouraging your friends to sign up for their eNewsletter! Sign up for the eNewsletter here!
 

Nominate a Young Woman Leader

YWCA SEEKS NOMINATIONS FOR AWARD
TO CELEBRATE YOUNG WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 13, 2009) – The YWCA Oklahoma City is seeking nominations for the Young Woman Celebrated Award, an award to recognize a young woman leader in Oklahoma.

“This award is our way of celebrating the phenomenal young women in our community,” said Janet L. Peery, CEO of the YWCA Oklahoma City. “Since our founding in 1907, the YWCA has helped and encouraged young women, and this is our way of continuing that tradition.”

Lt. Gov. Jari Askins will present the winner with the Young Woman Celebrated Award at the YWCA’s Women Who Care, Share Luncheon, scheduled for December 7, 2009 at the Skirvin Hilton. Four seats will be reserved at that luncheon for the winner and her guests.

“The YWCA is best known for providing help and hope to victims of domestic violence, but our mission is to empower women,” continued Peery, “The Young Woman Celebrated Award is another way we can celebrate, encourage and empower young women leaders in our community.”

Nominees for the Young Woman, Celebrated Award should have an active record of service and commitment to community, as well as a passion and history of work on issues affecting women and minorities. A spirit of leadership, commitment to education and strong emphasis on self-improvement should also be present. Nominees should be young women between 13-17 years old.

To submit a nominee, please provide the following:
• Name, phone number and email address for the young woman
• School she is attending and grade level
• Reasons she should receive the Young Woman Celebrated Award, and
• Your name, phone number and email address, and relationship to the nominee.

Please submit all nominations to Josh Beasley at jbeasley@ywcaokc.org or online at www.ywcaokc.org. Submission deadline is Thursday, November 19, 2009.

About the YWCA Oklahoma City
The YWCA Oklahoma City is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice and dignity for all. The YWCA Oklahoma City is best known as the only shelter for battered women and children in Oklahoma County. More than 18,000 women, children and men receive help through YWCA programs, including emergency shelter for battered women and children, counseling, support groups, child care, transitional housing, financial literacy, batterer's intervention and other services. Ongoing community outreach efforts of the YWCA provide education on the issues of domestic and family violence, the empowerment of women and strategies to end racism. For more information on the YWCA Oklahoma City, visit www.ywcaokc.org
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YWCA Media Contact: Katie Hurst, Cell: 918-637-9507 / Office: 405-951-3381

Univ of Central Oklahoma/Rose State focusing on domestic violence

UCO is hosting a series of events drawing attention to domestic violence during October which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Kudos to Kathryn Touhty for helping organize UCO's events. 

I know Rose State College is also holding several events because one of my interns staffed a table today at Rose. She reports the event was filled with people learning about domestic violence awareness and prevention.

Do you know of any other Oklahoma colleges or universities that have hosted or will be hosting DV awarness events this month? If so, leave a comment and tell us about it! Thanks.

Cathy Cummings and Vito's Ristorante in North Oklahoma City

There is a great restaurant review in today’s paper about Vito’s Ristorante in north Oklahoma City which is owned and run by a woman, Cathy Cummings. I can vouch for the very high quality of both food and service at this restaurant at 7512 N May Avenue. My grandson, Andy, occasionally helps with the cooking week nights or on Saturday night because (a) he has so much respect for Cathy and (b) it is such a pleasuure to cook there. The food is all made on site and fabulous. Andy has a full-time day job cooking for folks at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation but he just loves to hang out and cook with Cathy at Vito’s, too. With a degree in culinary arts and restaurant management from Johnson & Wales in Providence, RI, he knows great restaurants and Vito’s is one. Check it out and see if you don’t agree!

Congrats to Oklahoma's Faye Garrison - Outstanding Principal

An elementary school principal in Muskogee, Oklahoma - Faye Garrison - has been selected as one of 63 for a  2009 National Distinguished Principal award. She's at Hilldale Elementary School. Way to go, Faye!  Read more here.

Come to Cafe 501 Oct 26 & Help Abused Women

Come to the 4th Annual Dinner for Delores on Oct. 26 at Cafe 501 in Edmond.  You’ll sample gourmet food, wine and music- all to benefit victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Oklahoma.  Attorney General Drew Edmondson will be our special guest for the evening!

All proceeds go to the Delores Fund of the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault. The Delores Fund directly funds ongoing safety needs for victims of violence across Oklahoma.

Tickets are $50 and are available online at www.ywcaokc.org.

SEE YOU THERE!!!!

Guy Kawasaki - 500 years of women portraits

Take a look at about 500 years of portraits of women in three minutes by Guy Kawasaki of AllTop posted to Holy Kaw and sent to me by posterous. Just Click HERE  and then click on the image. Amazing, delightful, hideously Western European (sorry - wished there were more women of color but it is still lovelyl).

Google Guy Kawasaki, Alltop, and posterous. You'd know about all these very cool services already if you'd gone to BlogWorld so start planning NOW to attend SXSW in Austin, TX next March.

Tulsa's Getting Women's Professional Basketball

From Tulsa Mayor Kathy Taylor:

Well, it's official! Women's professional basektball is coming to Tulsa!
A formal announcement was made yesterday, but Bill Cameron ended the speculation late Monday night, in a brief e-mail to the Tulsa World confirming the three-time WNBA champion Detroit Shock is moving to Tulsa.

"We're thrilled to not only have a team, but one of the most successful teams in league history," Cameron said in the e-mail. "Under Coach Nolan Richardson, we're eager to build upon this team's success, and continue its winning tradition here in Tulsa."
We look forward to welcoming the Shock to our community. We know that having world class athletes and a thriving sports industry in Tulsa adds to the appeal of living and working here. Our arms and doors are open.

House Bill 1053 would change how military pensions are determined

You may recall I recently posted about Oklahoma's House Bill 1053 that deals with military pensions in the event of a divorce. I appreciate all the comments readers left because I find it pretty confusing. I provided a link to a post on the OK Policy Institute's blog that was authored by Wanda DeBruler entitled "Will Oklahoma be first to discriminate against military spouses in divorces?" It too generated considerable comment. As Wanda explained it:

Oklahoma HB 1053 is a bill that proposes to change how military pension is regarded in divorce from “property” to “alimony”. Currently, military retirement like all other occupations is considered “property” and divided accordingly. Once property is divided, each recipient can do with it as he or she wishes. The bill changes military pension to be more like “alimony” which terminates upon the former spouse cohabitating with a member of the opposite sex or remarriage. Additionally, the changes in HB 1053 changes are retroactive to 1981.

The Pension Rights Center in Washington, D.C. posted an article on their website entitled "Military pensions and divorce: How a bill pending in Oklahoma could affect military pensions everywhere." That discussion of Oklahoma's HB 1053 has also drawn critical comments from divorced service members who support the bill. PRC has refuted each comment -- so it is a starting point for understanding the bill supporters perspective.

Oklahoma Equestrian Trail Riders to view Ouachita's fall color

The Oklahoma Equestrian Trail Riders Association plan a Fall Color Ride at Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp this November. It is located in Ouachita National Forest near Heavener, Oklahoma. (You can read more about the group here.) If you are going and can give Merry a ride, let her know. She recently left the following comment on an earlier post of mine about trail riding in Oklahoma:

Looking for someone to travel to Cedar Lake Nov. 8, 9 and 10th for the OETRA Fall Ride. Contact: Merry at 918-289-4409

Congratulations Kris Steele - OK's new House Speaker-Designate

From Jennifer Monies, Press Secretary, Oklahoma House of Representatives:

OKLAHOMA CITY (Oct. 19, 2009) –

House Speaker Pro Tempore Kris Steele was elected Speaker-designate by acclamation today for the 53rd Legislature.

The House Republican caucus met today to vote on who will be in line to become Speaker of the House should Republicans hold onto their majority following the fall elections next year.

“It is a tremendous relief knowing the House will be in such capable hands,” said House Speaker Chris Benge, who because of term limits cannot run for re-election in 2010. “Representative Steele possesses all of the qualities needed to be a strong leader of the House of Representatives—he brings a great amount of integrity to the position, he has a genuine concern for all Oklahomans, and he is incredibly knowledgeable on the issues facing Oklahomans today. He is a hard worker with a servant’s heart and I know he will serve the House to the best of his abilities.”

Benge, who will serve as Speaker of the House through Nov. 2010, also praised the House Republican caucus for the smooth leadership transition.

“Today’s election shows we are all united in our support for Kris and stand ready to continue our push for a better state for all Oklahomans,” said Benge, R-Tulsa.

Rep. Steele said he was humbled by the support shown by his colleagues and is ready to work with Speaker Benge in his final legislative year.

“Our caucus is united behind one purpose—making Oklahoma the best state possible,” said Steele, R-Shawnee. “This election provides a clear leadership transition that will allow us to make long-term policy plans. I look forward to working with not only all of the members of the Republican caucus, but all House members to move our state forward.”

Rep. Steele represents District 26 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, and completed his Master Degree in Education from East Central University in 2006.

Steele and his wife Kellie have been blessed with two daughters, 6-year-old Mackenzie and 5-year-old Madison.

Steele has been a pastor and currently serves as associate pastor at Wesley United Methodist Church in Shawnee.

Steele’s experience in education, volunteer work and government has provided him with a solid foundation as a state legislator. He was first elected to the House in November, 2000.

While in the Legislature, Steele has led the way on a number of health care reform initiatives. His Rx for Oklahoma plan helps low-income Oklahomans and senior citizens gain access to quality, safe prescription drugs.

Also, he helped turn a number of other health care reform measures into law, including proposals to lower health care insurance costs and ensure the safety of vulnerable Oklahomans who live in long-term care facilities. Steele also championed legislation to require background checks on Court Appointed Special Advocates, create the Oklahoma Task Force on Hunger and expand health savings accounts as an option for all state employees.

As co-chair of the Children and Juvenile Law Reform Committee created by the Kelsey Smith-Briggs Child Protection Act of 2006, he conducted a systematic review and study of all laws and procedures in Title 10 of the Oklahoma Statutes and passed legislation to reclassify, update, reform and recodify the statutes.

His work on behalf of at-risk children landed him a place in the Child Advocacy Institute Hall of Fame. In addition, as co-chair of the House Health Care Reform Task Force, Steele helped develop reforms and incentives for quality, affordable health care for all Oklahomans.

Steele will begin his final legislative term in 2011, and is set to serve as Speaker of the House for the 2011 and 2012 legislative sessions.

Let's Go to SXSW in Austin, TX Next March

Let's go to South by Southwest in Austin, Texas March 12-16, 2010. Register for the "Interactive" registration badge and here is just some of what you get:

* Website Awards and Pre-Party
* 5 Days of Panels, Keynote Speeches, and Feature Speakers
* Interactive Core Conversations and Book Readings
* Film/Interactive Trade Show and Day Stage Programming
* Registrant Lounges
* ScreenBurn at SXSW Arcade
* ScreenBurn at SXSW Panel Programming
* Online Registrant Directory, Productivity and Networking Tools
* Interactive Registrant Big Bag
* Interactive Program Book/Registrants’ Directory
* Annual Subscription to SXSWorld Magazine (normally priced at $20)
* Official Interactive Festival Parties including the Opening & Closing Parties
* Unlimited Networking Opportunities

The SXSW registration fee for bloggers/new media sessions -- what they call the "Interactive" sessions versus the Music and/or Film sessions -- has already gone from $395 to $450 and goes higher effective November 14.

So go to the SXSW website and register now. Got questions? Check out SXSW 101 (answers to frequently asked questions).

Blog World Expo 2009 was GREAT!

Hi, everyone. I am back from Blog World Expo 2009. (<- So watch the slide show and see if you can spot Oklahoma's Beck McCray!) We broke the Guinness Book of Records and raised money for cancer research. (Click on box below to watch CNN's Don Lemons explain the effort). It will take me weeks to process everything I learned! It was a great experience; I only wished more people from Oklahoma had been there. Think about going next year.

See highlights of Maria Shriver/Center for American Progress report on women

Maria Shriver and the Center for American Progress have released a report on women you'll want to take a look at. You can learn more here: https://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B3Txlsv1TqnANTc4Y2E0ODgtYTg1Zi00OWM5LWE4MzgtYTg1ODYxOWNlMGVj&hl=en

Here is BlogWorld's WrapUp of Day 1 with Link to Photos: Enjoy!

"Today was a great learning experience. We met a lot of great people and learned a lot of things that we are going to put in to practice...

The most beneficial take-away was learning how to integrate our two biggest social media outlets, Facebook and Twitter" said Jay Scott and Melissa Jones of children's cancer foundation, Alexlemonade.org.

Laura Fitton (@Pistachio on Twitter) kicked off the Thursday session. Her presentation on Being Awesome struck home with the crowd. The tweets that followed (hashtag #bwe09) noted the importance of providing value and attention to others.

Keyboards were abuzz during the Luncheon Keynote - Tweeting and taking notes as Scott Monty, Global Digital and Multimedia Communications Manager for Ford Motor Company, shared how he is building and growing the Ford Fanbase with social media. Follow #bew09on Twitter to catch some of his insights and the conversations that followed.

The afternoon Keynote panel, Jeremiah Owyang, Ted Murphy and Wendy Piersall lead discusions on the new FTC sponsored conversation guidelines. Follow the details and opinions on Twitter #bwe09.

Closing up a full day of learning Chris Brogan, President of New Marketing Labs, led an energy packed presentation focusing on the importance of "making it about them." He talked about the value of turning your audience in to a community. "A community will fall on a sword for you, an audience will fall on you."

He encouraged everyone to seek out cool alliances and to start something together. He challenged the audience to take their skills and energy and "Go where your voice is helpful."
Check out photos taken today at BlogWorld by John Gaudio at http://abetterblogsite.com/ and es-pecially HERE --> http://www.flickr.com/photos/gaudio/sets/72157622462446531/show/.

Shout Out to NY's Sardis + Jude Law + Hugh Jackman (be still my heart)

From my sister, Bette, in Chicago:

I just got back from NYC visiting Lara and an old college friend. We had a fabulous time trucking around to some really spectacular art venues. On Saturday night Lara and I went to "Hair" which I hadn't seen in 40 odd years (first in San Francisco and then in Chicago). After the show we were looking for a place to have a drink and all I could think of was Sardi's.

I had always remembered Granddaddy and Grandma Pat taking us there after seeing "Camelot" on my first trip to New York. I remember we sat in the first floor room but that had been turned into a restaurant and the bar was full, so the maitre'd directed us to the bar upstairs.

There was a window table available that overlooked the street and the place was filled with an older theatre crowd. As Lara went to get us drinks I noticed that we were across the street from the theatre where "Hamlet" starring Jude Law was playing.

After thanking our lucky stars for our choice of tables and striking up conversations with people from neighboring tables by the time he came out of the theatre every woman in the place was lining the floor length windows around us with cameras in hand. He signed autographs for some time before he drove off.

Lara had already decided that she was going back to Sardi's with friends not only because of celebrity spotting but for cheap drinks/$6.00 each!

So next time you're in NYC visit Sardi's, I understand Hugh Jackman is in a play just behind the "Hamlet" theatre!

Girl Scouts of Eastern OK Help Fashion Solutions for Kids of Incarcerated Moms

From Karen Morgan, CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma:

This week our own Sheila Harbert, Director of our Girl Scouts Beyond Bars program, serving the daughters of incarcerated mothers (along with providing an excellent program for the Mothers) in five prisons in the state of Oklahoma had the opportunity to serve as the Resource person at the Fall Forum in Edmund for the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy to help determine the 2010 Legislative Agenda for children, youth and families. Sheila was selected to be the spokesperson out of a workgroup in the Tulsa area who meet to network and work through issues surrounding children of incarcerated parents.

Other agencies have written to us to tell us about the incredible presentation Sheila made at the forum and all attendees were able to vote out of 20 different issues presented surrounding Oklahoma’s children. We are told several agencies changed their vote after hearing Sheila’s presentation to put children of incarcerated parents on the legislative agenda. Out of the 20 presentations, children of incarcerated parents was one of 4 issues then selected to go forward to the 2010 Oklahoma Legislative Agenda. On the second day of the forum Sheila was then asked to present solutions to be addressed as this topic goes to the legislature. Grown children of incarcerated parents were there speaking up to support this issue. Our own Jeannie McDaniel, State Representative from Tulsa, was on hand to support the cause. Sheila’s presentation on solutions for the legislature to consider was as follows:

Address the Needs of Children of Incarcerated Parents
Establish an Oklahoma Bill of Rights for Children of Incarcerated Parents including the following:
! To be kept safe and informed at the time of their parent’s arrest.
! To be heard when decisions are made about the child.
! To be considered when decisions are made about their parent
! To be well cared for in their parent's absence.
! To speak with, see and touch their parent.
! To be supported as they struggle with their parent's incarceration.
! To not be judged, blamed or labeled because of their parent's incarceration.
! To have a lifelong relationship with their parent.
Create an advisory council for children and families of incarcerated parents to facilitate collaboration to ensure such children receive appropriate services and supports to uphold these rights.

Sheila, we are most proud of you and your staff’s work and progress to address this important issue in our state….the children of our incarcerated Moms.

BlogWorld in Las Vegas in AMAZING!!!

Having wonderful time. Will post about some of the workshops when I have a breather. Heard Chris Broogan last night and Jay Rosen on a future of journalism panel this morning. Just a minute ago I saw Leo Laporte - he is tonight's keynoter. We really HAVE to bring a big contingent from Oklahoma to this event next fall. Follow my updates on twitter at @jeanwarner.

Vote for Tulsa's Breast Impressions, Inc.

Judi Grove, founder & director of Breast Impressions, Inc. in Tulsa has been nominated for a Tulsay award. Voting opened today, and you can vote now and vote often until Nov.10th Here's the link:

http://www.facebook.com/l/1e432;vote.thetulseys.com/

On November 19, 2009, Mayor Kathy Taylor will recognize and celebrate ten inspirational Tulsa entrepreneurs at the world-famous Cain’s Ballroom.

Thanks!

Extraordinary Bartlesville Women

I recently briefed members of the Bartlesville Women's Network on the purpose and programs of the Oklahoma Women's Coalition. This image was take that night. On the left is Joanne Bennett, the first woman to be elected to the position of County Commissioner in Oklahoma except for women appointed/elected to fill their deceased husband's office. She served several terms as County Commissioner in Washington County. On the right is Carolyn Price, Bartlesville community leader and long-time women's rights advocate.

Drew Edmondson on Domestic Violence and Breast Cancer

In a recent email, Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson reminded me that:

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and for the past several years, my office has hosted a ceremony on the steps of the state capitol in honor and remembrance of the victims of this crime. The ceremony features a prayer for peace from a local clergyman and music provided by a children’s choir. During the ceremony, we also light the dome of the capitol in purple as a visible beacon of hope for survivors. I invite you to join me at 6:30 p.m. this Thursday on the south steps of the capitol for this very moving event.

October is also Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This Saturday, the 2009 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is being held in Bricktown. Each year, hundreds of Oklahomans come together in honor of their loved ones and in the hopes of finding a cure for this devastating disease. The Race also raises money for breast cancer research. You can learn more about the event and how you can help by going to www.komencentralok.org.

(A few years ago, enforcement of Oklahoma's domestic violence laws was transferred from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services to the Office of the Attorney General.)

Event, OU, Oct 12, 7pm - Mona Eltahawy speaks on "Generation Facebook: How Young People Are Changing Religion and Politics in the Middle East"

The OU Women’s and Gender Studies Program is pleased to announce the next speaker in their series of public talks by activists about the struggle for women's and human rights around the globe.

Please join them for “Generation Facebook: How Young People Are Changing Religion and Politics in the Middle East,” the public lecture for Mona Eltahawy’s visit to tOU. Her appearannce at OU is co-sponsored by the Women’s and Gender Studies Program, the School of International and Area Studies and the President’s Office.

Mona Eltahawy is an award-winning syndicated columnist, blogger and international speaker on Arab and Muslim issues.

Her talk will be at 7 p.m. on Monday, October 12th in the Kerr Auditorium at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History in Norman. Click HERE to view event flyer.

OK Policy Institute's Online Budget Guide Now Available

The Oklahoma Policy Institute has released an Online Budget Guide, a comprehensive look at how Oklahoma state and local governments collect and spend money to provide public services.

According to Matt Guillory, Executive Director, "We've designed the Guide to be a resource for anyone interested or affected by government finance in Oklahoma. Those just getting interested will find it to be a clear and simple overview, but it will also serve as a great reference tool for legislators, advocates, members of the media, teachers, and others with greater experience in budget issues."

The Online Budget Guide adds to available information on Oklahoma's fiscal picture in several ways, including:

1. It includes taxes and spending of both state and local governments.
2. It looks more broadly at spending than just state appropriations to examine spending from all sources, including user fees and federal grants.
3. It uses key performance indicators to measure "what we accomplish" as well as "what we spend."
4. It takes an in-depth look at fiscal challenges state and local governments will be facing in the coming years.
Because it is online, the Guide has many advantages over a printed version, including regular updates as new data are available, so users can always have the most current information.

You can check out the Guide at http://www.okpolicy.org/online-budget-guide. Also, be sure to download a copy of the "Talking Points Version," which includes thematic and data highlights in just a few pages.

Breast Impressions, Others Kick Off Breast Cancer Month in Tulsa

Breast Impressions, Inc. over in Tulsa is busy this month. Their Woodland Hills Mall Kick Off to Breast Cancer Awareness Month was a great success. They gave out 3,000 pink ribbons at the 4 entrances to the mall (they were all gone by 12:30!) with help from the Green Country Roller Girls, The Tulsa Oiler Hockey Ice Girls, Tulsa Craft Mafia and the Girl Scouts for making sure everyone knew it was Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Lots of wonderful Oklahoma groups had booths while Sparkles the dog kissed her heart out and raised $165 dollars!

Their Breast Impressions Survivors 2010 Calendar is now taking pre-orders. You can order them for $10 each plus $1.50 for shipping. They should arrive by October 25th. To view, click on the hotlink above; you can also order them there or send a check to Breast Impressions at 4645 S Vandalia Ave., Tulsa, OK 74135.

On October 25th at 3 p.m. get over to Woodland Hills Mall for the Breast Cancer Survivor Fashion Show. It's going to be one of the most moving shows the runway will ever host. Thanks to Linda Layman Modeling Agency for coordinating the show, and to all the wonderful stores who are participating!

Then on October 25th at 7 p.m. the Mall will be transformed into a wonderland of black and pink (Breast Impressions colors) and for just $25 you can be fed, entertained and bid on your favorite cast with all proceeds from the auction going to Tulsa Project Woman! You won't BELIEVE the fabulous gifts the merchants have donated to the $10 raffle! Even a $500 Coach Purse! The men won't be left out either.. some great gifts they might win too, if their number is drawn!

Kudos to Breast Impressions founder and director, Judi Grove, and her team working hard to meet the needs of women who are facing breast cancer now and educate those who may face it in the future.

NPR's "Weekend Edition" host Scott Simon Visits

National Public Radio's "Weekend Edition Saturday" host Scott Simon and Director, Sarah Beyer Kelly, with Oklahoma economist (and my darling husband) Larkin Warner. Scott and Sarah taped an interview with Larkin in our living room last week. It should be featured either this coming Saturday or the following Saturday. :-)

Stillwater League of Women Voters on Facebook

The League of Women Voters of Stillwater, Oklahoma has a page on Facebook. Check it out HERE.

Court rules shackling pregnant women in labor is cruel and unusual punishment!

This one seems like a no-brainer but, hey, here it is according to a press release yesterday from National Advocates for Pregnant Women:

The United States Court of Appeals for the Eight Circuit (the federal level appellate court that reviews decisions from federal district courts in North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Minnesota, and Arkansas) issued the long-awaited decisionin Nelson v. Norris. In this case, Shawanna Nelson argued that being forced to go through the final stages of labor with both legs shackled to her hospital bed was cruel and unusual punishment, in violation of the 8th Amendment to the Constitution. She argued that she should be allowed to sue the director of the prison and the guard who repeatedly re-shackled her legs to the bed. Ms. Nelson, an African-American woman, was incarcerated for non-violent offenses of credit card fraud and "hot checks."

In this historic federal court decision, the Court held that the guard was not immune from (protected from) suit because it has been clearly established by the decisions of the Supreme Court and the lower federal courts that shackling pregnant women in labor violates that 8th Amendment's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.

For more, click here.

Oklahoma let's domestic violence be a pre-existing condition

WASHINGTON -- Eight states and the District of Columbia don't have laws that specifically bar insurance companies from using domestic violence as a pre-existing condition to deny health coverage, according to a study from the National Women's Law Center.

The states are Idaho, Mississippi, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota and Wyoming. The study by the nonpartisan, nonprofit center focused on individual coverage, not group coverage. Read full article by clicking HERE.

Watch for a bill correcting this unfortunate oversight in the Oklahoma legislature next spring.

Women in majority on social media sites per Mashable

Mashable reports that equal numbers of men and women use LinkedIn, DeviantArt and YouTube but women outnumber men on Flickr, Facebook, Twitter, FriendFeed, MySpace, and Bebo. Read the full story by clicking here.

Leo Laporte gave a great pre-TED talk on future of broadcasting

Computer guru, Leo Laporte ("The Tech Guy"), will fly to Dubai this week to speak at a TED (Ideas Worth Spreading) conference on revolutionizing broadcasting. (Well, technically, it is a TEDxDubai conference...)

As far as I can tell, he hasn't finalized his 18-minute talk yet. He did however, give a little preview when he spoke to the Online News Association Conference in San Francisco Friday.

I highly recommend you watch his talk on Mashable: The Social Media Guide by clicking HERE.

Then go to iTunes and subscribe to at least one or two of his programs; I recommend "The Tech Guy" and "TWiT" (This Week In Tech). I listen to all those and now am listening also to Leo's "Windows Weekly" (Yeah, I'm a PC) and "This Week in Google" because I'm migrating to the GMail email platform.

While you are at it, subscribe to TED; you'll thank me.

FYI, my favorite part of Leo's talk is the Q&A (as in his line "I think Twitter is the Internet nervous system"). Enjoy!

UN Security Council Backs Advocate for Women in War Zones

Tell me again how you don't think gender makes a difference in the development and adoption of public policy! Think this would have happened at this time if it hadn't been for Hillary?
~~~~~~~~~~~~

United Nations - The U.N. Security Council Wednesday called on Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to appoint a special representative to intensify efforts to end sexual violence against women and children in conflict situations.

Speaking as the current chair of the Security Council, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton stressed that, "The dehumanizing nature of sexual violence does not just harm a single individual or a single family or even a single village or a single group - it shreds the fabric that weaves us together as human beings, it endangers families and communities, erodes social and political stability, and undermines economic progress."

Read more...

Impact Oklahoma Grant Benefits Victims of Domestic Violence

From the YWCA of Oklahoma City:

Domestic violence is an epidemic in Oklahoma, one that has resulted in more than 30 deaths in 2009 alone. The damage to women is obvious: Oklahoma is 9th in the nation for the number of women killed by men. Less apparent are the caustic affects on the next generation as the cycle of violence damages children living with domestic abuse.

To help stem this tide of violence, Impact Oklahoma Inc. awarded a grant of $100,000 to the YWCA Oklahoma City to help battered women and child victims of domestic violence.

The $100,000 grant was awarded to YWCA for crisis services to be used to help women and children escape and recover from domestic violence and sexual assault. Specifically, the grant will be used for additional counseling and long-term planning to help women and children victims rebuild their lives.

“As the economy tightens, funding like this for existing programs is critical,” said Peery. “Thanks to Impact Oklahoma, the YWCA can keep sharing help and hope with victims of violence.”

Each year, Impact Oklahoma gives substantial donations to charitable organizations working in the areas of family, culture, health and wellness, environment and education. Since its formation five years ago, the organization has given over $1,176,000 to charitable non-profits in Central Oklahoma.

“We enjoy a true sense of satisfaction when we give back to the community and see the results of our actions,” said Page Amis Beatty, Impact Oklahoma President. “We know our grants will go to worthwhile and beneficial causes that directly meet local needs. We hope to make many more contributions in the future.”

Public input sought on OK Wellness Plan

The Oklahoma Department of Health is developing a plan to improve the state's health status - and wants citizen input. The "Oklahoma Health Improvement Plan" will go to the Legislature in late December. You can read the draft plan by clicking ehre - and leave comments until Oct. 14. Read more here.

Join the Oklahoma Women's Coalition

The Oklahoma Women's Coalition is almost a year old. Thanks to the 200 members and a hard working board of directors, we have come a long way! Here's where we are today:

~ Our Advocacy Sub-committees are busy identifying issues for the upcoming legislative session in these areas: Aging – Education – Girls – Health – Incarceration – Violence – Work and Family.

~ 2010 Advocacy Day at the Capitol is being planned and we hope to make a ‘big statement’ about improving the status of Oklahoma women and girls by having hundreds of women in attendance.

~ Issues Forums and Networking Events are also under consideration as opportunities to educate members and policymakers on key issues impacting Oklahoma women and girls.

~ A Coalition Administrator, Jan Loftis with Gilmore Communications, has been hired; we now have an office at 6301 N Western Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73118 and a business phone number (405-286-0356).

~ Our membership year is October 1 - September 30 so right now is a PERFECT time for you to become a member.

~ Donations from individuals and Oklahoma firms (especially women-owned businesses) are helping move the Coalition forward.

~ Our goal is 1,000 new members this year -- although I'm betting we surpass that mark!

~ A newsletter, a legislative action alert and social networking are under development.

~ A new, improved website is scheduled to launch in mid-October

Our numbers and our influence are growing daily which will lead us to unprecedented success as we pursue our mission. If you aren't already a member, I encourage you to join the Oklahoma Women's Coalition now. Individual annual membership is $25; become a member online by clicking here.

Journal Record Names Catherine O'Conner 2009 Woman of the Year; Many OK Women's Coalition members also honored

Congratulations to Catherine O'Conner, assistant city manager for the city of Oklahoma City, who was named 2009 Woman of the Year at the Journal Record's Woman of the Year banquet in Oklahoma City last night. You can read the Journal Record article about Ms. O'Conner and event highlights by clicking here.

Oklahoma Women's Coalition members who were honored as one of this year's "50 Making a Difference" were Barbara Butner, Calm Waters Center for Children and Families; Robyn Elliott, The Chickasaw Nation; Rhonda Godwin (InvesTrust); Senator Debbe Leftwich; and Penny Voss (Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation). Robyn Elliott was one of six women inducted into the Journal Record's "Circle of Excellence" for having been a Women of the Year honoree three times.

Four programs were honored including two run by Oklahoma Women's Coalition members -- Jan Peery, CEO of the YWCA of Oklahoma City and Katie Fitzgerald, Director of the Women's Leadership Program at the Carl Albert Center at OU. (The other two Okahoma-based programs recognizedwere World Neighbors and Peace Through Business.)

Best of all (excuse my bias), the 2008 Woman of the Year honoree (Ret.) Major General Rita Aragon made a few brief remarks. She ended her talk by giving the Oklahoma women's Coalition a HUGE plug - ending with "Tomorrow, Google 'Oklahoma Women's Coalition,' go to their website and become a member!" Rita sits on the Women's Foundation of Oklahoma board and, obviously is a big OWC supporter.Thank you, Rita!!!!!

The guest speaker was Immaculée Ilibagiza, a Rwandan genocide survivor who has written a New York Times best-seller, Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust. A major motion picture is about to be made about her remarkable story. The Rwandan Ambassador to the US and the Rwandan Minister of Gender and Family Promotion were also present.

It was a glorious night. Congratulations to Mary Melon for the Kudos to the corporate partners for the Woman of the Year program are Coppermark Bank, Cox Business Services, Crowe & Dunlevy, Eide Bailly, OGE Energy Corp., Oklahoma City University’s Meinders School of Business, Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center and University of Phoenix.

National study of the Economic Burdens of Health Inequalities in the US

The Economic Burden of health Inequalities in the united States is a study commissioned by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies and carried out by leading researchers from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland.

It provides important insight into how much of a financial burden racial disparities are putting on our health care system and society at large.

The researchers examined the direct costs associated with the provision of care to a sicker and more disadvantaged population, as well as the indirect costs of health inequities such as lost productivity, lost wages, absenteeism, family leave, and premature death.

Click here to access the study.