Agreed, now if we can just get the perception that all Okies are not like those depicted in the grapes of wrath..

Unfortunately, those Okies who speak for us often are morons. That certainly doesn't help to change the perception.

I'm surprised no one has brought fears of California people wanting to come and californicate Oklahoma. After all, California is one of the most liberal states in the union. Maybe the more liberal ones will, though, will decide to pass up Oklahoma for Colorado while the conservatives from the valley like Bakersfield and Fresno will want to come to Oklahoma.

Why on Earth would a liberal want to move out of California? They have everything in California a liberal could want. Once all of California conservatives get out they will have the whole state to themselves. I left California nearly 20 years ago and it is the best thing I ever did.

Unfortunately, those Okies who speak for us often are morons. That certainly doesn't help to change the perception.

Am I being paranoid, or does it seem that every single time someone from Oklahoma is interviewed on national news (usually for some disaster) they typically are the most redneck bottom feeder every seen. Seriously, there is a direct correlation in the number of television cameras and the number of toothless meth addicts that are interviewed.

it must be working cuz at the Colcord i've been chatting and hanging out with this lady from LA who is vacationing in okc.
btw, she had a blast here.

And some days, I just want to renounce my U.S. citizenship. No sting towards you, Karrie. You will always be on my good list.

Seriously, Soonerliberal and Bunty. Where is your logic?

How is this honestly helping Oklahoma? If posting video clips on here of the "true" Oklahoma by exposing the negative side of life in this state, then hell, why don't we post clips on here of the "true" California. The thousands of homeless people, the spread of trash floating around off the coast of L.A. that is so huge the coast guard doesn't have the resources to clean up. And you think potholes in Oklahoma are a problem, let's go over some of the street conditions in many California cities. And lest we forget the L.A.P.D., have they redeemed themselves yet from all of the needless beatings?

Oh, I'm not done. Let's move on to New York. Rude cafe owners, rusted bridges in Buffalo and a parkway with lanes in such disrepair that was not closed for repair, it was just closed. Tall weeds and surface litter was enough of a sign that the state of New York was in no hurry to resurface this parkway. Instead, they reduced it to two lanes... indefinitely. And who can forget run-down Niagara Falls, NY. To get a taste of a well-maintained city we had to cross over to CANADA! And does New York not get the concept of a free bridge? Crossing rivers countless times cost us enough for two days worth of groceries.

And of course, Texas. Just as many overweight people, just as many smokers, and enough gun shops to pack a super mall. And oh, that highway system in Texas that so many people in Oklahoma seem to adore? Yeah, that all goes out of the window when you begin to traverse Dallas or Houston's arterials. If the uneven surface doesn't make you sea-sick, the giant cracks are sure to tease your bladder. Yeah, in Texas you can buy cold mythical six point beer (when are we going to learn there IS no six point beer... well, Boddington's, maybe), and on Sundays... if you're in the right place. While touring Texas, you might want to make note of the county you plan to visit. It is either parts dry, completely dry, and if you play the guessing game right... all wet.

Now on to Florida. When you're done with your luxurious stay at any one of Cocoa Beach's seaside two-story roach resorts, be sure to take in the massive amount of trailer parks just north of Orlando or in Fort Lauderdale, and don't forget to check into some Sunshine State property... before it subsides into a sinkhole. Confederate flags on modded pick-up trucks are aplenty. Never expected to see it in Daytona Beach, but it was there before my eyes, just as it was all over central Florida. Don't worry, I checked the plates... Florida.

Then there is New Jersey. Enjoy an afternoon of shopping at anyone of central New Jersey's 1950's style strip malls. Literally, there has been no remodeling in decades. Even has the original parking lot light fixtures and left rusted for authenticity. And if you plan to settle in the Garden State, be sure and take out a loan for the property taxes alongside the mortgage. Trust me, you'll need it.

You're not out of the dark, Missouri. Charasmatic staunch evangelists in central Missouri who send children to bible boot camps make Baptists look like wiccans. These people give Christianity a bad name. And thumpety-thumpety I-44 in Missouri makes N.W. 164th feel like a sheet of glass.

And once you've made your lovely circle around our "true" Un-united States of America, remember to come see me in Texas. Look for my out-of-place subdivision north of The Woodlands. You won't miss it. It's surrounded by abandoned industrial yards, trailer parks with dirt roads, shacks that are hoisted up on cinderblocks, an AA meeting place, a gas station where people still smoke inside, a gun shop, and an auto-repair business that kept a starving goat tied to their rusted barbed-wire fence for two weeks.

These are all attributes people tie to Oklahoma. So, let's be honest. Let's enjoy our "true" America.

hmmm... when i look at america i see something totally different. everywhere is effed up, friend. i can't think anyone else could do any better in our shoes. i feel blessed to live in america.

btw, i bought 8.1 percent beer in texas all the time in the corner store. steel reserve made in ft. worth, tx.

it must be working cuz at the Colcord i've been chatting and hanging out with this lady from LA who is vacationing in okc.
btw, she had a blast here.

That's good to hear. Now when one person here and another person there turns into thousands filling up our hotels as vacationers to Oklahoma City for no other reason than to vacation in Oklahoma City, we'll know the advertising worked. OKC is a lot of good things, but a destination city for tourism from states away it is not. We may get there some day, but there aren't too many kids that are going to get real excited when mom and dad say, "Guess where WE ARE GOING on vacation this summer????? when the answer is Oklahoma City. I'm just being realistic. We're a nice destination for people in bordering states to get away for the weekend, but Californians booking trips to Oklahoma City for summer vacation? Dream on.

I also really agree with mcgrawsdad. I remember after the pond rescue at Ski Island that was covered by all the cable news channels, the first few people they talked to sounded like caricatures of what so many people think of our state. It's like the cameras attract them. That kind of thing negates thousands of dollars worth of tourism advertising.

And I was just in San Diego for the 3rd time about 3 weeks ago and didn't notice anyone smoking at all.

I'm envious, San Diego is one beautiful city.

San diego is really a beautiful place, my wife told me last time we where there she said it feels like we are on a island because of all the plants and flowers and the breeze. The best thing about san diego to me is the morning sunrise, the cool dry air, it so peaceful in the morning, and you can actually sit outside and have breakfast without feeling sweaty. now back to the subject of advertising, I do apologize I remember seeing the california ad with arnold and his wife sipping wine.

Some people are really too pessimistic. I don't think OKC is going to become a major tourist destination, but spending advertising dollars in California sure doesn't hurt. The fact is, people in the coastal states have all sorts of reasons to travel to the middle of the country. But it's not just tourism -- it's improving the overall image of the state.

Suppose a businessman in California is looking for a place to move his company headquarters, or is looking to establish a regional headquarters somewhere. A timely OKC commercial might help us stick around in his memory when it comes time to make a decision.

Why do you think people spend millions of dollars on Superbowl ads? Do they believe that each and every person watching the game is going to go out and buy their product? Nope. But it does increase viewer awareness of your product, and a good commercial can sway someone who is on the fence. It establishes brand recognition as well. That's what OKC needs: brand recognition. Once we get the new Crosstown built, and we've got that scissortail pedestrian bridge, you can bet that will appear in new OKC commercials. And people who see it will say "Hey, that's a cool bridge." Maybe one in ten thousand will choose to visit here because of that, but there are a lot of people in California. The real benefit is long-term. Long term advertising like this will generally lead to a more positive image for OKC and the state as a whole. That's important for people looking to move somewhere.

hoya, i think we're all in agreement branding is good and much needed for our state and city. it already has proven itself.

At one time San Antonio was not considered a tourist destination.....

hmmm... when i look at america i see something totally different. everywhere is effed up, friend. i can't think anyone else could do any better in our shoes. i feel blessed to live in america.

btw, i bought 8.1 percent beer in texas all the time in the corner store. steel reserve made in ft. worth, tx.

My point is, edcrunk, that every state has its equal share of good and bad, and I am tired of of the cynicism and superficiality against Oklahoma. We'll never improve as a country if people are out to pigeon-hole certain parts of the country in favor of others.

And at 8.1 percent, you're past beer and in the barley-wine zone.

At one time San Antonio was not considered a tourist destination.....

Exactly. Then they built a canal and look where they are 40 years later...