Friday, November 17, 2006

Well this week we launched our new website and hopefully you will like it (www.okhorizon.com). We've tried to update it to look more like a television website and I think we accomplished that. So I would like to take this opportunity to thank Robert Breisch and Tom Phillippe who helped redesign the look and feel of our website. Thanks guys.

And with Thanksgiving coming up I also wanted to take a moment and let you know what I'm thankful for.

1) I thank God for my family who have all been so supportive of me even during those times when I have to miss something that's going on with my children because I'm on the road.
2) I'm thankful that I live in a country where I can practice my religion without being persecuted (at least currently but that's one to watch).
3) I'm thankful that I have the freedom to tell y'all what I think without being censored.
4) I'm thankful that we live in a time where even if you don't agree with the war, you still agree to support the troops who are just doing their jobs and standing between us and harm's way.
5) I'm thankful that we can have free elections without causing civil war because the side I chose didn't win.
6) and lastly, I'm thankful that you are watching our show because without you, the viewer, we wouldn't be here.

So thank you for your support. Have a safe and family-filled Thanksgiving!
Alisa

Tuesday, November 07, 2006

Oklahoma's Centennial kick-off begins this month, November 9th through the 19th, in Tulsa but in really kinda started last Thanksgiving at the Macy's Thanksgiving parade where Oklahoma had our very own float. You can see what all the hoopla is about this week coming up on Oklahoma Horizon. Rob McClendon takes us to New York to see the float and what a float it was. It represented many aspects of Oklahoma and all Oklahomans should be proud. I know I am.

I hope each of you has as much pride in our state as I do. There was a time when I didn't live here (a very short time) and I missed it tremendously. When someone asked my why I would want to return to Oklahoma, I replied that it was the perfect place to raise my children. Lots of open spaces, clean air, and low crime rate. The people are warm and friendly and truly care about each other. You can't say that in a lot of places but in Oklahoma that is a true fact. We know how to help our neighbors even before they ask and in a time where people tend to ignore each other and say "that's not my problem," Oklahomans are different. We pitch in and let our neighbors know that your problem is my problem and I'll be there for you in a pinch. Life is at a slower pace, too, and that's just fine by me. There's something to be said for taking a step back, breathing in a clean breath of air, and watching the sun set instead of hurrying everywhere you go and not even noticing what's going on around you. You miss things that way.

So this month as our one hundred year birthday approaches, take the time to smell the autumn air, watch a sun set (or rise through the fog), and remember, we're all in this together. Help your neighbor when you can and let them help you when they can and attend one of the many, many festivals near you coming up over the next several months and help us celebrate one hundred years with this warm, friendly state. Happy Birthday, Oklahoma!

Alisa

Thursday, November 02, 2006

Well, things are sure hopping in Oklahoma, especially in the Panhandle. They have a new company moving in that will bring about 3,500 jobs to the area around Hooker. Now that's big considering the town only has approximately 1,700 people! But believe it of not, not everyone is thrilled about it. Some people in the small town don't want it, although most do. Coming from a small town, I can understand not wanting your town to grow very much (I happen to like my small town and want it to stay fairly small at least until my kids are grown because there's a lot fewer concerns in a small town like crime but I would hate to see my town dry up.) but walking downtown Hooker, it's clear the town is drying up. Many businesses have closed or left town. It's really kinda sad but there's hope. With the Smithfield Beef Group building a beef processing plant a few miles outside of town, this small town should start to see a lot of growth and that means other new businesses, more people, and the ability for those who grow up in Hooker to actually have the opportunity to stay there and raise their families close to home. I would think that would be the most important aspect of this new business. Hopefully, the people who don't want it will come around and see that it will benefit Hooker and maybe even them.

I love small towns. Where everyone knows everyone and looks out for each other. If you've never lived in a small town, you might not understand how good it feels to know that even if I can't watch my kids every move, there's probably someone else who will see and let me know. Boy, does that just irritate my son to no end but I think it's great!

Keep watching the show and let me know what you think.
Alisa