Instead of creating a new thread every time our state makes a spot in a list, I just thought it'd be nice to have a thread for it.

Here's a spot we rank third in, but it is not a good list to be in.

Oklahoma again ranks third in rate of women killed by men, study finds | News OK (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-again-ranks-third-in-rate-of-women-killed-by-men-study-finds/article/5340433)

Jesus, that's a terrible list to by high on.

Way to start the thread off on a positive note, PluPan. . GEEZ!

The 10 Most Dangerous Cities in America | MyLife (http://www.mylife.com/blog/the-10-most-dangerous-cities-in-america/)

I need to take a vacation, like to Denver, to get away from how bad and backward Oklahoma is. Of course, surely someone can't wait to post what a bad idea that would be from Colorado also being a bad state to be in.

The 10 Most Dangerous Cities in America | MyLife (http://www.mylife.com/blog/the-10-most-dangerous-cities-in-america/)

I saw the response on the news the other night. Whereas OKC and Tulsa counts every single drive by shooting in a neighborhood, the larger cities do not count them, according to the FBI, per OKC police.

This entirely skews this report.

We're number one! We're number one! We're.... oh.

11%, which is the percentage of kids that have witnessed domestic violence in the home, highest in the nation.

http://www.childtrends.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Brief-adverse-childhood-experiences_FINAL.pdf

45th, Oklahoma’s rank in the AARP’s state scorecard on long-term services and supports for older adults, people with physical disabilities, and family caregivers.

Oklahoma State Scorecard - The Commonwealth Fund (http://longtermscorecard.org/databystate/state?state=OK)

9th Best State to make a living in.

No. 9 Best State To Make A Living: Oklahoma - In Photos: The Best And Worst States To Make A Living In 2014 - Forbes (http://www.forbes.com/pictures/fjle45gefg/no-9-best-state-to-make-a-living-oklahoma/)

45th, Oklahoma’s rank in the AARP’s state scorecard on long-term services and supports for older adults, people with physical disabilities, and family caregivers.

Oklahoma State Scorecard - The Commonwealth Fund (http://longtermscorecard.org/databystate/state?state=OK)

This all works itself out, actually. With our rates of smoking, obesity, and other various diseases, we've decided to gamble that we won't survive long enough to need the long-term services.

Report Ranks Oklahoma Among Worst In Nation For Nursing Home Car - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/26525622/report-ranks-oklahoma-among-worst-in-nation-for-nursing-home-care)

Here's soooooomething to lighten the mood, I think.....

Well, if you drive in Oklahoma, you're 3% less likely to hit a deer.

Oh, deer! Oklahomans less likely to hit deer while driving than average U.S. motorist | News OK (http://newsok.com/oh-deer-oklahomans-less-likely-to-hit-deer-while-driving-than-average-u.s.-motorist/article/5342175)

Maybe so, but I was one of the unlucky ones (3%) to hit one in the 80's. Actually, I swerved and the deer hit the side of my car. I had $250 deductible at the time and the damage was $260 so of course I had it repaired with my money.
C. T.

Oklahoma drivers get bad rap for being rude drivers - Norman Transcript: News (http://www.normantranscript.com/news/article_d8bc4f70-44d5-11e4-b8f9-4f7b9c738f73.html)

What's the use of bad rank lists, other than to tell outsiders coming in to please not add to the problem?

Here's soooooomething to lighten the mood, I think.....

Well, if you drive in Oklahoma, you're 3% less likely to hit a deer.

Oh, deer! Oklahomans less likely to hit deer while driving than average U.S. motorist | News OK (http://newsok.com/oh-deer-oklahomans-less-likely-to-hit-deer-while-driving-than-average-u.s.-motorist/article/5342175)

And if you don't slow down at night before entering a big dip in the road, then your chances of hitting a deer goes up from not seeing one on the road in time.

We rank 34th in energy efficiency.

Study ranks best and worst states for energy efficiency | KFOR.com (http://kfor.com/2014/10/07/study-ranks-best-and-worst-states-for-energy-efficiency/)

We rank 34th in energy efficiency.

Study ranks best and worst states for energy efficiency | KFOR.com (http://kfor.com/2014/10/07/study-ranks-best-and-worst-states-for-energy-efficiency/)

I'm surprised at Oklahoma being number 22 in auto efficiency.

The 10 States With the Worst Quality of Life - 24/7 Wall St. (http://247wallst.com/special-report/2014/10/07/the-10-states-with-the-worst-quality-of-life/)

6. Oklahoma
> Employment rate: 67.9% (22nd lowest)
> Household disposable income per capita: $27,384 (19th lowest)
> Homicide rate: 5.5 per 100,000 (14th highest)
> Voter turnout: 62.4% (3rd lowest)

While some of the states with the worst quality of life reported exceptionally high voter turnout rates, Oklahoma residents were among the nation’s least likely to make it to the ballot box. Less than 53% of eligible Oklahomans voted last year, worse than in all but two other states. This also placed Oklahoma in the bottom 16% of OECD regions for civic engagement. It may be difficult for many residents to stay engaged with politics, as high-speed Internet access was somewhat of a luxury in the state. Less than 60% of households had broadband Internet access as of last year, among the lowest rates in the country.

With any state with as much rural space as we have, some of these ranks are not surprising. Also, what some of us may value for quality of life, many rural residents just don't care about.

I know broadband availability is pretty sparse in the rural eastern part of the state which probably contributes a lot to the low-ranking. A lot of people have wondered how AOL dial-up is still in business and actually turning a profit. It's because a lot of people have no other option. I haven't met anybody in OKC who still uses dial-up.

Perhaps I'm crazy here, but didn't Google propose using high-altitude stationary blimps to broadcast high-speed internet and listed Oklahoma as a test ground? Keep in mind, I think this was a few years ago.

Maybe so, but I was one of the unlucky ones (3%) to hit one in the 80's.
Actually, I swerved and the deer hit the side of my car. I had $250 deductible
at the time and the damage was $260 so of course I had it repaired with my
money.
C. T.
Too bad we can't make steaks, ground meat and sausage out of the deer we hit.

Too bad we can't make steaks, ground meat and sausage out of the deer we hit.

So, you are suggesting there is a law against that?

So, you are suggesting there is a law against that?

The problem is that most aren't prepared to dress the deer at the time they hit it. My uncle was a truck driver and hunter and used to dress deer he hit. But he always had ice chests and ice, knives, etc., and had the know how to do it properly. If you are just driving down the road with your family you probably don't have the right things at your disposal. And time is your enemy. Don't think you want to eat the meat from a deer that has been on the road awhile in the heat.

RM,
Yes sir, there is as a matter of fact. I was going to go get my neighbor (I was less than a mile from my house), an avid deer hunter and have hime come and get it. But while I was out of the car looking at the deer, a local wildlife officer (I've forgotten the actual state group he worked for) stopped and asked if I needed help an I told him what I was going to do and he informed me that there was some huge fine for doing it. It's like shooting a deer without a hunting tag, I think it's $500. He proceeded to slice the deer's throat and load it in his truck. He called me the next day and asked me if I needed anything from him for my insurance company and also told me where the deer went. It was butchered and taken to a couple of nursing homes in the Edmond area.
C. T.
So, you are suggesting there is a law against that?

Well then . . . I sit corrected. How large of an ice chest does it take to hold a properly dressed deer? And, as far as knives go, is Wusthof a good choice? =)

Sorry . . . I just got finished listening to a "Game Ranger" talk for about ten minutes regarding the need for mountain lion walkways over California freeways to help the gene pool. On PBS. It really sounded like an audio skit from The Onion. =)

RM,
I'm no expert, but I have Wusthof (actually, Wusthof-Trident when I purchased them) and I have been very happy with them. I started buying one knife at a time at a little place in Casady Square. I picked up one a month until I had all I needed. One exception to the "one knife at a time", I bought two sets of steak knives (one set a month of course). I have two three inch paring, one four inch paring, two chefs knives, one ten inch and one eight inch, a tomato and a three inch serrated knife. I think that's it and it works well for me.
C. T.
And, as far as knives go, is Wusthof a good choice? =)

#1 in student spending cuts

Report: Oklahoma again No. 1 in nation in student spending cuts | News OK (http://newsok.com/report-oklahoma-again-no.-1-in-nation-in-student-spending-cuts/article/5356950)

Oklahoma?s major cities make list to be proud of | KFOR.com (http://kfor.com/2014/10/23/oklahomas-major-cities-make-list-to-be-proud-of/)

#11 for Top Business Climates

Oklahoma ranks No. 11 for Top Business Climate cities - Tulsa World: Business (http://www.tulsaworld.com/business/oklahoma-ranks-no-for-top-business-climate-cities/article_7f543733-55ee-5ada-8c8e-c7a94ba401a0.html)

5th lowest in student debt

Oklahoma average student loan debt 5th lowest in U.S., study shows | News OK (http://newsok.com/oklahoma-average-student-loan-debt-5th-lowest-in-u.s.-study-shows/article/5367016)

No. 46 in national health ranking

- Despite some progress, Oklahoma drops to No. 46 in national health ranking | News OK (http://newsok.com/despite-some-progress-oklahoma-drops-to-no.-46-in-national-health-ranking/article/5374632)

No. 46 in national health ranking

- Despite some progress, Oklahoma drops to No. 46 in national health ranking | News OK (http://newsok.com/despite-some-progress-oklahoma-drops-to-no.-46-in-national-health-ranking/article/5374632)
Quote from story: “Unless we’re comfortable knowing that we’re leaving people’s lives on the lines, we need to pick up the pace, and we need to use policy to be able to drive those changes,” Cline said.

Yes, I think Oklahomans are comfortable about leaving people's lives on the lines. The culture of individual responsibility in Oklahoma dictates that people proudly stand up and take care of their own health and medical care, or else get left behind. None of this thinking that you got to run to the government for help when you're sick.

Until personal behavior changes, Oklahoma's health outcomes will not | Oklahoman.com (http://www.oklahoman.com/article/5376276?access=c9542904bcd43b65866c2b536b4bcfdd)

Quote from story: “Unless we’re comfortable knowing that we’re leaving people’s lives on the lines, we need to pick up the pace, and we need to use policy to be able to drive those changes,” Cline said.

Yes, I think Oklahomans are comfortable about leaving people's lives on the lines. The culture of individual responsibility in Oklahoma dictates that people proudly stand up and take care of their own health and medical care, or else get left behind. None of this thinking that you got to run to the government for help when you're sick.

I don't see it as a political divide so much as the mentality of Oklahomans. Smokers gonna smoke. Fat people gonna eat. These people know it's bad for them. It's no secret. They've been hit over the head with how bad it is for them for the last few decades. But they're gonna do it anyway.

I think what Cline means when he talks about policy (and I could be completely misreading him here) is making it possible for municipalities to enact harsher tobacco laws than the state and federal government mandate. Regquiring building codes that make Oklahoma more walkable. Many Oklahomans aren't gonna walk for the health of it. But if you give them a place to walk and a reason, and make it more appealing or cost effective than driving, people will walk. I think many people would love to walk to get a carton of eggs or somesuch instead of having to get in the car and fight traffic.

No. 9 in Top Moving Destinations In 2014

Oklahoma Ranks High On List Of Top Moving Destinations In 2014 - News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | (http://www.news9.com/story/27747571/oklahoma-ranks-high-on-list-of-top-moving-destinations-in-2014)

http://www.koco.com/news/Oklahoma-No-9-on-top-moving-destinations-list/30503540

No. 11 in Alcohol Poisoning

CDC: Oklahoma 11th in alcohol poisoning death rate | The Journal Record (http://journalrecord.com/2015/01/07/cdc-oklahoma-11th-in-alcohol-poisoning-death-rate-health-care/)

Here Is The Most Disproportionately Popular Cuisine In Each State (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/14/most-popular-cuisine-state_n_6457252.html)

Here Is The Most Disproportionately Popular Cuisine In Each State (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/14/most-popular-cuisine-state_n_6457252.html)

I am kind of curious what traditional American is?

I am kind of curious what traditional American is?

I'm guessing steak and potatoes and green beans, etc. Likewise, what's "New American" and "Comfort Food"? I find it sad, but not surprising, that our 4th and 5th entries are buffets and fast food.

Ouch.

10 Best and 10 Worst Academic Performers (Interactive Infographic) | Free Enterprise (http://www.freeenterprise.com/story/10-best-and-10-worst-academic-performers-interactive-infographic/?utm_source=Outbrain%2C%20CPC&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=RSS%20-%20Desktop&utm_campaign=Outbrain%20-%20RSS%20-%20Desktop)

Along similar lines as the above post, we have: States With the Best (and Worst) Schools (http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/savingandinvesting/states-with-the-best-and-worst-schools/ss-AA8oTvp#image=1)

As for the "worst" list, I thank Mississippi for continuing to lead the charge to the top of every bad list and the bottom of every good list. Oklahoma came in at #4.

We have improved our rate but we are still 3rd highest in the country in our teen birth rates. Im glad there has been a push for more evidence based prevention programs rather than abstinence based, but there is probably still many schools that arent using any evidence based education programs. Also, not fighting every opportunity to expand contraceptive access would help as well.

Oklahoma teen pregnancy rate decreases but remains third-highest in the nation - Tulsa World: Health (http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/health/oklahoma-teen-pregnancy-rate-decreases/article_3112cf36-71e2-57ee-bedf-512aea54ce9b.html)

We have improved our rate but we are still 3rd highest in the country in our teen birth rates. Im glad there has been a push for more evidence based prevention programs rather than abstinence based, but there is probably still many schools that arent using any evidence based education programs. Also, not fighting every opportunity to expand contraceptive access would help as well.

Oklahoma teen pregnancy rate decreases but remains third-highest in the nation - Tulsa World: Health (http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/health/oklahoma-teen-pregnancy-rate-decreases/article_3112cf36-71e2-57ee-bedf-512aea54ce9b.html)

There simply the fear easier access to birth control will encourage unmarried people to indulge in sexual intercourse, an act the Bible says is wrong.

The Best (and Worst) States for Business - 24/7 Wall St. (http://247wallst.com/special-report/2015/02/26/the-best-and-worst-states-for-business/)

OK is #8 on the worst list. :(

The Best (and Worst) States for Business - 24/7 Wall St. (http://247wallst.com/special-report/2015/02/26/the-best-and-worst-states-for-business/)

OK is #8 on the worst list. :(
And Utah ranked best state for business. Oklahoma Baptists and others of conservative religions need to take lessons from the Mormons of Utah how a conservative state becomes attractive for business. If Oklahoma must be such a highly conservative state, it might as well try harder and smarter to be a really good, conservative state.

From article: Utah also had among the most well-functioning transportation infrastructures, ranking among the highest in this category. Zero miles of state roads were in disrepair in 2013. The percent of deficient bridges in the state was also the fifth lowest nationwide. Workers had an average commute time of 21.2 minutes, one of the lowest in the country.

This won't be mentioned on the Chamber of Commerces' Online Magazine

TBH - There are other sources I'd take more faith in that routinely rank us higher. Forbes for one (#10)...

Best States for Business - Forbes (http://www.forbes.com/best-states-for-business/)

CNBC Puts us in the middle of the pack (nothing to brag about, but still)...

America's Top States For Business (http://www.cnbc.com/id/101758236)

Chief Executive has us ranked at #20, and IMO this is one of the more important rankings as it reflects the views of CEO's on which states are best for business...

2014 Best & Worst States For Business | ChiefExecutive.net | Chief Executive magazine (http://chiefexecutive.net/best-worst-states-for-business-2014#ranking)

But all this being said, that's the problem with rankings. Since they all use their own criteria, you can find a ranking list to support pretty much any conclusion/outlook you want.

From article: Utah also had among the most well-functioning transportation infrastructures, ranking among the highest in this category. Zero miles of state roads were in disrepair in 2013. The percent of deficient bridges in the state was also the fifth lowest nationwide. Workers had an average commute time of 21.2 minutes, one of the lowest in the country.

I've got to wonder how much easier it is to hit those goals, when they have significantly less than half the highway mileage that Oklahoma has, despite more total square miles.

I've got to wonder how much easier it is to hit those goals, when they have significantly less than half the highway mileage that Oklahoma has, despite more total square miles.

Of course it's easier, that's the whole point. Oklahoma's system has far too much road.

I've got to wonder how much easier it is to hit those goals, when they have significantly less than half the highway mileage that Oklahoma has, despite more total square miles.

The article referenced said "state roads", I don't know if this means exclusively highways or not.

Of course it's easier, that's the whole point. Oklahoma's system has far too much road.

Yeah, that was sort of my point. Unfortunately, I don't think Utah's solutions translate perfectly to Oklahoma.

Utah has 43,000 miles of public roads. Oklahoma has 112,000. But much more of OK is developed where Utah has huge areas of undeveloped areas, including mountain sides, high desert, etc.

Yeah, that was sort of my point. Unfortunately, I don't think Utah's solutions translate perfectly to Oklahoma.

True. A lot of Oklahomans wouldn't want to change over to the dietary restrictions of being a Mormon to achieve better health.

Utah has 43,000 miles of public roads. Oklahoma has 112,000. But much more of OK is developed where Utah has huge areas of undeveloped areas, including mountain sides, high desert, etc.

And Utah as close to a million fewer people to tax than Oklahoma to maintain its highway system.

Utah has 43,000 miles of public roads. Oklahoma has 112,000. But much more of OK is developed where Utah has huge areas of undeveloped areas, including mountain sides, high desert, etc.

Oklahoma should have more undeveloped areas. There's no reason for some of the roads we have to pay to maintain.

Yes, we don't need roads to farmland to get crops to market. Let's eliminate them. :(

And Utah as close to a million fewer people to tax than Oklahoma to maintain its highway system.

True. So, what are you saying?