One thing, and this is not putting blame on people, that is shocking to me. I read an article that says the majority of federal workers only have an 8 day cushion of funds. I don't know if this is true, but if so, a lot of folks need some help with budgeting. Maybe it's because I've always worked in the private sector, and largely as a contractor, but I know periods without pay happen. The last stat I saw said the average time to find a new job is 3 months. How can someone not have at least a couple of weeks of cushion (I know there are exceptions - major medical expenses, disasters, etc can use up a cushion)? I know the 6 months cushion is hard for folks, but still. I know of so many people that get excited to get their tax return so they can make a large purchase or go on a vacation somewhere. Hopefully, those folks have a cushion already. If not, maybe they should put that money into a savings account. This all makes me want to go home and have yet another bills and budgeting lecture to my sons.

One thing, and this is not putting blame on people, that is shocking to me. I read an article that says the majority of federal workers only have an 8 day cushion of funds. I don't know if this is true, but if so, a lot of folks need some help with budgeting. Maybe it's because I've always worked in the private sector, and largely as a contractor, but I know periods without pay happen. The last stat I saw said the average time to find a new job is 3 months. How can someone not have at least a couple of weeks of cushion (I know there are exceptions - major medical expenses, disasters, etc can use up a cushion)? I know the 6 months cushion is hard for folks, but still. I know of so many people that get excited to get their tax return so they can make a large purchase or go on a vacation somewhere. Hopefully, those folks have a cushion already. If not, maybe they should put that money into a savings account. This all makes me want to go home and have yet another bills and budgeting lecture to my sons.

TSA's starting salary is $29K with small incremental raises that eventually tops out at about $44K. This is one example of many of the federal jobs held by employees which are not being paid. When I was first out of college earning about that, I couldn't save a dime because of all my expenses and student loans. Federal employees don't work for Uncle Sam to get rich, they work for Uncle Sam to help better the country or care for fellow citizens for little pay. Across the labor industry and regardless of political party affiliation, it is not an unreasonable expectation to work and get paid timely.

This is a glimpse into what lies ahead for those nearing retirement age. These federal employees have had years of full-time employment and the opportunity to save, but didn't. Individually they will become a burden on their families, but in a larger sense this group will become a burden on society. (Understand that I'm not being judgmental or faulting them - saving is just not something most people have adequately done.)

This is a glimpse into what lies ahead for those nearing retirement age. These federal employees have had years of full-time employment and the opportunity to save, but didn't. Individually they will become a burden on their families, but in a larger sense this group will become a burden on society. (Understand that I'm not being judgmental or faulting them - saving is just not something most people have adequately done.)
It comes across as presumptuous because I know many federal employees that haven't had years of full-time employment - they were just starting out and this is a serious blow to them. But you're absolutely right about many people not saving adequately and it will be a crisis, if it's not already.

On a closer related note, anyone have any updates on the security lines at World Rogers? Have they gotten worse in the past week or two, or about the same?

Sorry, off-topic, but have to mention that a huge part of the problem is 401(k) savings replacing pensions instead of supplementing them, because companies ended up better, while the employees got less.

https://www.cnbc.com/2015/03/20/l-it-the-401k-is-a-failure.html

Sorry, off-topic, but have to mention that a huge part of the problem is 401(k) savings replacing pensions instead of supplementing them, because companies ended up better, while the employees got less.

https://www.cnbc.com/2015/03/20/l-it-the-401k-is-a-failure.html

My company had a defined benefits pension plan that was expensive and cumbersome to administer. We bought 401(k) plans for the remaining employees & designees in accordance with rules by the USDOL, USPBGC and IRS. That gave them 100% investment control from that point forward. The only impact on us was no more reports to the feds, or fees to attorneys, accountants, actuaries and administrators.

Let's move a lot of this to Politics, Pete...

nm

My apologies - my post wasn't intended as political, just explanatory since the topic of 401(k) was mentioned and I have a little experience with a conversion. Didn't mean to sidetrack.

^^^ Geez who would have thought a post about defined pension plans v. 401's would be deemed political?

^^^ Geez who would have thought a post about defined pension plans v. 401's would be deemed political?

Or have anything to do with Will Rogers World Airport?

Per Mayor Holt's Facebook page, the cow tipping t-shirt store will be going away.

Per Mayor Holt's Facebook page, the cow tipping t-shirt store will be going away.

That's a shame, the shirt I got there always gets lots of comments when I wear it. :Smiley122

Per Mayor Holt's Facebook page, the cow tipping t-shirt store will be going away.

You left out some rather important information.

I had not known this, but apparently Mayor Holt has a personal vendetta against these shirts. He said he personally sought to it that this company would be no more in the airport as a vendor.

I copied his tweet and will paste it here:


For the last decade or so, our redesigned OKC airport has made a beautiful first impression on visitors, with one notable exception: the awful cow-tipping t-shirts that bear no relation to actual life in OKC. Upon becoming Mayor, I made their removal a personal mission. (1/2)

I am pleased to report that the great team @fly_okc worked with me the last few months to sell out of the t-shirts & it was just reported to me they are officially gone forever. Efforts will continue to sell unique products that reflect the things that truly make OKC special.

We’re their products racist, homophobic, or just bigoted in anyway? If so I’m confused. Serious question, this is the first time I’ve ever heard of cow tipping. What is the issue here?

I think it’s rather weird that he went after a vendor because he didn’t like their products or maybe I’m missing something.

I don’t want to take a firm stance either way, but my support for Mayor Holt is fading with each new thing I learn about him.

I think you’re reading too far into this ^^

He wants OKC to be known for what it is and not some (false) idea it is from whatever company makes that “generic” merchandise you see in airports. He did not force them to stop carrying it, but sounds like he made his point known and they complied. That is a big difference from what you may be implying.

Also, the vendor did not shut down, only stop carrying a specific item. Please make sure you are accurate before you sling around accusations.

Also, the vendor did not shut down, only stop carrying a specific item. Please make sure you are accurate before you sling around accusations.I didn't sling around any accusations. I thought I made it clear in my post, but perhaps I didn't. I wanted more information about this. My assumption the store was closed was due to a lack of information provided by Holt on his Twitter post which made it sound like they were gone and several other people who responded who seemed to think the same thing as they recommended new businesses for the presumably vacant spot and Holt responded saying he'll look into it. Thank you for the clarification though.

It's not a big deal, but rather just a note from me about my opinion to this situation which I responded based on the information I had.

Also, I'd still like to know what the big issue is with cow tipping or what that even is. Is this an activity where people go and tip a cow? Seeing as how that seems physically impossible for even 3 people to accomplish, I suppose I could see why people wouldn't like that idea. Other than that, I don't understand what it is or what the deal is with it.

My only issue here is a mayor who is censoring things he doesn't like, again, unless I'm missing something.

No censoring. The mayor, just like anyone else, is welcome to provide feedback to a business. His voice might hold more weight however they can also tell him to go pound sand, they will sell what they see fit. Obviously it was no big deal for them to discontinue carrying that line of product.

Also something that plays into this is the product is being sold at a store in which the City of OKC is the landlord. It would not surprise me if there is some clause in the lease where the landlord (city of OKC) can object to a certain product being sold.

There’s nothing inherently wrong with the shirts other than they propagate a stereotype that OKC is a “country” city full of harses, baarns, chewin tabacka, and yeehaws where the only thing to do in the city is tip cows and talk about them boys in Warshington.

Holt is right in that OKC has more to offer than the stereotypes and wants to present OKC as the modern city that it is becoming.

^^^^ I can see your points, but I still completely disagree with much of that or at least the underlying premise. We'll have to agree to disagree on this one!

I'm not caring much about this issue or the shirts or whatever, but will just point out that we DID literally have a cow running through the streets of downtown OKC just a few months ago, we're talking about having a horse trail along the river, we spend millions on stables at the Fairgrounds, and I still (as recently as last month) hear stories about folks riding horses along major streets on the NE side of town (not sure if in support of Remington, but I don't think so, the most recent tale was a police officer telling me about a guy on a horse trotting up to Leo's at NE36th/Kelley to get food).

Depending who you chose to believe, cow-tipping is a fun activity for drunk rednecks, or a prank on drunk rednecks when they figure out they can't do it and now they're in the middle of a field with a very annoyed cow.

Some facts that might help you come to your own conclusion include:

Cows rarely sleep standing up, and when they do, it is more of a doze/light sleep.
An individual has enough strength to tip a cow solo if that individual is from the planet Krypton.
Even in today's world of Vine, TikTok, and YouTube videos, there appears to be a lack of cow-tipping videos.
PETA, the group that has said milk is a symbol of white supremacy and said cows are rape victims, has been silent on the issue.

Back in the day, currently horseless but I've ridden to the auto parts store and when I used to live a few blocks off of downtown in Edmond, I used to ride around town. This was the early 80's. Traffic has gotten bad where is questionable to even ride a bike let alone a horse. I would still like to ride around town if they made it user friendly. (horse that is since I don't like to ride a bike)

You left out some rather important information.

I had not known this, but apparently Mayor Holt has a personal vendetta against these shirts. He said he personally sought to it that this company would be no more in the airport as a vendor.

I copied his tweet and will paste it here:



We’re their products racist, homophobic, or just bigoted in anyway? If so I’m confused. Serious question, this is the first time I’ve ever heard of cow tipping. What is the issue here?

I think it’s rather weird that he went after a vendor because he didn’t like their products or maybe I’m missing something.

I don’t want to take a firm stance either way, but my support for Mayor Holt is fading with each new thing I learn about him.

So the mayor is not allowed to publicly voice or how his opinion. Got it! He didn't flex his muscle and shut them down, just showing he is glad that they are not going to sell the product again. He worked with the airport, but if the vendor wanted to keep selling the shirt, they could.

And cow-tipping also makes OK seem even more hickish than usual.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt6xsXKVdWI

For everyone's general edification

FWIW I think the mayor did more than voice his opinion. In this tweet of his he alludes that since the city is the business owner they can determine what is sold.

https://twitter.com/davidfholt/status/1098694760372600833

My opinion is part of me doesn't care, it's a stupid shirt that just pokes some fun out our rural/agrarian culture. The other part of me finds it petty that it's something the mayor feels like not only should he change, but that he should tweet about.

FWIW I think the mayor did more than voice his opinion. In this tweet of his he alludes that since the city is the business owner they can determine what is sold.

https://twitter.com/davidfholt/status/1098694760372600833

My opinion is part of me doesn't care, it's a stupid shirt that just pokes some fun out our rural/agrarian culture. The other part of me finds it petty that it's something the mayor feels like not only should he change, but that he should tweet about.

I agree with the bolded part, he's got waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay bigger cows to tip than that one. Yes, I know he can multitask, but seriously, how many other stores/vendors in other cities (both bigger and smaller) across the USA sell things that make good-natured fun of their city/state? If anything, Holt should try to ban those tacky-a$$ purses and blinged out shirts that so many stores (especially in Edmond) sell...

Here are pics of the shirt, in case anybody doesn't know what they look like (this is one I got years ago, not sure if they have other styles or not), and actually, I'm surprised John Deere hasn't made them cease and desist...

15167 15168

Back in the day, currently horseless but I've ridden to the auto parts store and when I used to live a few blocks off of downtown in Edmond, I used to ride around town. This was the early 80's. Traffic has gotten bad where is questionable to even ride a bike let alone a horse. I would still like to ride around town if they made it user friendly. (horse that is since I don't like to ride a bike)

I see plenty of people still riding their horses around Yukon. I live about a mile and a half south of Funk's mansion, but there is also a small rodeo place behind my neighborhood that attracts a lot of horse people, granted the last time I drove by it I was the only white person and got some funny looks...

I can see both sides of this. Holt is right about the fact that OKC needs to do more to squash old stereotypes that are still prevalent in the national psyche, but going after these shirts seems kind of petty. However, since the City of OKC is the landlord it's definitely understandable that the mayor wouldn't want products that present an inaccurate image of the city, especially in the airport since that's one of the first things people will be seeing when they get off the plane.

Even in today's world of Vine, TikTok, and YouTube videos, there appears to be a lack of cow-tipping videos.

The true disappointment.

A resourceful capitalist will print off something close and make some money offering a product that is banned by the "man".

Speaking of negative stereotypes at Will Rogers "World" Airport. I think the shuttle buses with "Giddyup" on the side of them makes me cringe. Maybe this too is on the mayor's radar.

FWIW I think the mayor did more than voice his opinion. In this tweet of his he alludes that since the city is the business owner they can determine what is sold.

https://twitter.com/davidfholt/status/1098694760372600833

My opinion is part of me doesn't care, it's a stupid shirt that just pokes some fun out our rural/agrarian culture. The other part of me finds it petty that it's something the mayor feels like not only should he change, but that he should tweet about.
This is my stance as well. I didn't even know these people existed and I had no idea there was a stereotype around OKC that "it's people" liked to tip cows. The only thing that caused me to make this an issue of any sorts was the mayor flexing by claiming he made it his personal mission to affect a business that wasn't doing anything illegal or hateful. That is concerning to me. So now it's whether or not Mayor Holt likes a business or product if it is to exist in the airport.

Speaking of negative stereotypes at Will Rogers "World" Airport. I think the shuttle buses with "Giddyup" on the side of them makes me cringe. Maybe this too is on the mayor's radar.
Isn't that a city owned service? I don't care for the name either, but if it is, then this is different.

Speaking of negative stereotypes at Will Rogers "World" Airport. I think the shuttle buses with "Giddyup" on the side of them makes me cringe. Maybe this too is on the mayor's radar.

Was going to mention that earlier but I decided not to.

You all do know that other states have the same shirt right. Wisconsin I know has one. Vermont has something like it. Iowa does. https://www.etsy.com/listing/243984486/nothing-tips-like-a-cow-iowa-t-shirt?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=cow+tipping+t+shirt&ref=sr_gallery-1-8&pro=1&col=1 It's just a funny shirt.

Don't understand why this is an issue. We need to move on, like put our chips on 9 and gamble with a dime...

So the mayor either uses his influence or doesn't to get some t-shirts he doesn't like removed from sale at the airport. As I understand it, the reason is he feels it gives the wrong impression of Oklahoma City.

Said act gets us listed on Snopes for all eternity.

https://www.snopes.com/ap/2019/02/23/moove-on-no-more-cow-tipping-shirts-at-oklahoma-airport/

D'oh? Mission Accomplished? Heckuva job, Holtie? No press is bad press?

^ and just as the article said: "the shirts have run its coarse".


Long overdue - time to move on. ....

Plutonic Panda, just curious. You’re originally from Oklahoma, right? If so, where did you grow up? It actually baffles me that someone from here has never even heard of the concept of cow tipping. Like someone mentioned above, the idea isn’t exclusive to our state.

TBH, I also haven't heard of Cow Tipping - that is UNTIL I moved up here to Seattle/Washington state back in 1991, and here it's an Eastern Wa thing.

I lived my entire youth in Oklahoma City (NW) and never heard of it. same for Cow Chip or Cow Patty (or whatever cow poop is called). I also don't have a drawl.

I suspect Panda and I are exclusive 'city boys'. I also have never seen a farm in Oklahoma but I have here. ...

^^^ yes I’ve never really been to “the country” in Oklahoma.

Plutonic Panda, just curious. You’re originally from Oklahoma, right? If so, where did you grow up? It actually baffles me that someone from here has never even heard of the concept of cow tipping. Like someone mentioned above, the idea isn’t exclusive to our state.I never said it was exclusive to our state and that strengthens my argument to why this witch hunt against these shirts makes no sense.

I was born in OKC and grew up in Dallas from age 10-16 then moved back to OKC until I moved to LA at age 20.

I never said it was exclusive to our state and that strengthens my argument to why this witch hunt against these shirts makes no sense.

I was born in OKC and grew up in Dallas from age 10-16 then moved back to OKC until I moved to LA at age 20.


Never said that you said that. Don’t have a fight in this issue in any way. Was just shocked that someone’s never heard of cow tipping. Hardly consider myself “country,” but I know of the concept.

Aren't there bigger fish to fry in OKC? Like how pedestrian-unfriendly our city is, even in places like the Plaza? Shouldn't he be trying to fix our broken public school system? Who really cares about a silly t-shirt at the airport?

Multitasking.

Multitasking.

It also probably only took about 5 mins of his time to type an email to an assistant to find out how to "fix" this.

Aren't there bigger fish to fry in OKC? Like how pedestrian-unfriendly our city is, even in places like the Plaza? Shouldn't he be trying to fix our broken public school system? Who really cares about a silly t-shirt at the airport?

This issue was resolved in less time than it took you to complain in this post...not everything takes a long time to fix...

This issue was resolved in less time than it took you to complain in this post...not everything takes a long time to fix...

Yasss.

Let's move on and talk about airplanes! ;)

Yasss.

Let's move on and talk about airplanes! ;)

Agreed. So Southwest is doing a specially designed "Oklahoma" plane that will feature cow tipping on the side. (joking)

Agreed. So Southwest is doing a specially designed "Oklahoma" plane that will feature cow tipping on the side. (joking)

ROFL.

Actually, Southwest does have quite a few state-special planes, but they don't have an Oklahoma plane, do they? I'm sure they're the largest carrier in Oklahoma, aren't they?

ROFL.

Actually, Southwest does have quite a few state-special planes, but they don't have an Oklahoma plane, do they? I'm sure they're the largest carrier in Oklahoma, aren't they?


Doesn't look like it

Louisiana One joins 11 other 737s in the Southwest fleet that carry unique, state-themed paint schemes: Arizona One, California One, Colorado One, Florida One, Illinois One, Lone Star One (Texas), Maryland One, Missouri One, Nevada One, New Mexico One and Tennessee One.

Source: https://www.sfgate.com/chris-mcginnis/article/Southwest-Airlines-wildest-paint-jobs-12738642.php

According to the airports Twitter page the airport expansion is kicking into construction.

Construction starting on $89 million expansion at Will Rogers Airport (https://www.okctalk.com/content.php?r=591-Construction-starting-on-89-expansion-at-Will-Rogers-Airport)

Construction trailers are on site and some work is starting inside as Timberlake Construction is gearing up for a major expansion of the airport terminal and gates.

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa030619d.jpg


The project will expand the east concourse, add four new gates, a glass-enclosed public observation gallery, additional seating in the baggage claim area, more space for shopping, dining and concessions, and completely reconfigure the security check-in process with a consolidated and streamlined checkpoint.

The two existing security areas were constructed before the sweeping changes that occurred due to 9/11 and the new construction will allow for a large, single security check area with the goal of significantly reducing check-in times due to the new design and smart technology.

The entire structure will feature ceilings that will be much taller than the existing building, allowing for natural light and a Town Square that will provide comfortable seating for those waiting on arriving passengers, and easy viewing of the east concourse and aircraft operations on the ground.

The design of the 145,000 square foot addition allows for a total of 9 new gates which can be added to address ever-increasing travel volume.

The project is scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2021.

Design and engineering are by Frankfurt Short Bruza.


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa030619h.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa030619g.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa030619i.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa030619j.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa030619b.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa030619e.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa030619a.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa030619c.jpg


http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/wrwa030619k.jpg

Will they go ahead an pour footings, utilities, ect for future expansion to streamline it when time comes?

Has any construction progressed on the way finding signage project?

Has any construction progressed on the way finding signage project?

I saw what looked like new signage in a storage area west of the parking garage when I flew out on Sunday.

Will they go ahead an pour footings, utilities, ect for future expansion to streamline it when time comes?

Not sure but they completely relocated the cargo and other things that were in that general area.

It should be very easy to add the gates down the road.

Will they go ahead an pour footings, utilities, ect for future expansion to streamline it when time comes?

no beacuse that area will be used for gates with this phase

Considering there hasn't been a new destination added in months, the next phase will be far, far off in the future.