Race of Champions Added to Chili Bowl Lineup! Lonnie Wheatley, TULSA, Okla. (September 10, 2008) - Chili Bowl week just got a little bit better for the thousands upon thousands of race fans that flock to Tulsa each January for the world's premier auto racing event, as a Chili Bowl Race of Champions has been added to the Tuesday night portion of the event that spans five nights. The 23rd edition of the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals is slated to take place at the QuikTrip Center's Tulsa Expo Raceway on January 13-17, 2009. It had previously been announced that the Tuesday event would become a full qualifying event in 2009 rather than a "pre-qualifying" card reserved for Chili Bowl rookies and relative newcomers, as had been the case over the previous two years. Now, in addition to a loaded ... 12/02/2008

Saturday, Jan. 17, 2009 9 a.m.  Building opens (Note - Must have ticket or pit pass to enter grandstands or pits) 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Trade Show 11:30 p.m. Drivers Meeting at chalkboard Noon  K Main hot laps (by race) 12:10 p.m.  J Main hot laps (by race) 12:25 p.m.  I Main hot laps (by race) 12:40 p.m.  H Main hot laps (by race) 12:55 p.m.  G Main hot laps (by race) 1:10 p.m.  K Mains (2 races - 10 laps - approx. 10-16 cars) 1:25 p.m.  J Mains (2 races - 10 laps - 16 cars)  1:40 p.m.  F Main hot laps (by race) 1:55 p.m.  I Mains (2 races - 10 laps - approx. 16 cars each) 2:10 p.m. E Main hot laps (by race) 2:25 p.m. H Mains (2 races - 10 laps - 16 cars each) 2:40 p.m. E Main hot laps (by race) 2:55 p.m. G Mains (2 races - 10 laps - 16 cars each) 3:10 p.m. F Mains (2 races - 10 laps - 16 cars... 12/02/2008

Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009 9 a.m. Building opens 11 a.m. Pit Pass Booth opens 11-7 p.m. Trade Show 2:00 p.m. Clear building 2:30 p.m. Open grandstands and pits for entry with ticket or pit pass 3:00 p.m. Drivers draw for heat starting positions at chalkboard 4:15 p.m. Driver's Meeting 5:00 p.m. Hot Laps (by heat race group) 6:00 p.m. Heat Races start (est. 8 races - 8 Laps each) 7:30 p.m. Qualifying Races (4 races, top 16 in combined passing points to A, Balance to Twin B's) 8:00 p.m. Twin C Features (Top 4 from each to B) 8:45 p.m. Track Maintenance 9:00 p.m. Twin B Features (Top 4 from each to A - 15 laps each) 10:00 p.m. A Feature start (24 cars - 25 laps) Midnight Building closes 12/02/2008

Schedule of Events - Wed, Jan. 14, 2009 9 a.m. Building opens 11 a.m. Pit Pass Booth opens 11-7 p.m. Trade Show 2:00 p.m. Clear building 2:30 p.m. Open grandstands and pits for entry with ticket or pit pass 3:00 p.m. Drivers draw for heat starting positions at chalkboard 4:15 p.m. Driver's Meeting 5:00 p.m. Hot Laps (by heat race group) 6:00 p.m. Heat Races start (est. 8 races - 8 Laps each) 7:30 p.m. Qualifying Races (4 races, top 16 in combined passing points to A, Balance to Twin B's) 8:00 p.m. Twin C Features (Top 4 from each to B) 8:45 p.m. Track Maintenance 9:00 p.m. Twin B Features (Top 4 from each to A - 15 laps each) 10:00 p.m. A Feature start (24 cars - 25 laps) Midnight Building closes 12/02/2008

Schedule of Events - Tue, Jan. 13, 2009 9 a.m. Building opens 11 a.m. Pit Pass Booth opens 11-7 p.m. Trade Show 2:00 p.m. Clear building 2:30 p.m. Open grandstands and pits for entry with ticket or pit pass 3:00 p.m. Drivers draw for heat starting positions at chalkboard 4:15 p.m. Driver's Meeting 5:00 p.m. Hot Laps (by heat race group) 6:00 p.m. Heat Races start (est. 8 races - 8 Laps each) 7:20 p.m. Qualifying Races (4 races, top 16 in combined passing points to A, Balance to Twin B's) 7:50 p.m. Twin C Features (Top 4 from each to B) 8:30 p.m. Track Maintenance 8:45 p.m. Twin B Features (Top 4 from each to A - 15 laps each) 9:30 p.m. Chili Bowl Race of Champions 10:00 p.m. A Feature start (24 cars - 25 laps) Midnight Building closes 12/02/2008

Electric bills going down AEP-PSO plans to lower bills immediately AEP-PSO is reducing the average Oklahoman's monthly electric bill by more than $18 due to falling natural gas prices, the company announced Monday. By ROD WALTON World Staff WriterPublished: Tuesday, December 02, 2008Last Modified: 12/2/2008 4:41:51 AMAEP-PSO is reducing the average Oklahoman's monthly electric bill by more than $18 due to falling natural gas prices, the company announced Monday. The lowering of the monthly fuel-cost factor by American Electric Power-Public Service Company of Oklahoma will take effect immediately, spokeswoman Andrea Chancellor said. The company had raised the fuel-cost adjustment by an average $17.50 in June. "Right away," Chancellor said of the timeline for new, lower bills. "Some custo... 12/02/2008

Many of us in Tulsa , Oklahoma have been worried about the slumping national economy and tightening credit.  But from the looks of it, Tulsa is doing quite well in the commercial real estate market. Over the past year, more than 575,000 square feet of office space has been absorbed by commercial renters.  Another 2.25 million square feet of industrial space was also absorbed this past year.  Unlike the residential real estate market, commercial properties have seen less than 1% of default properties. Tulsa is located in the northeastern section of Oklahoma .  It's surrounded by wooded terrain and rolling green hills, making it one of the most beautiful places to live.  Tulsa sits along Interstate 44 & 244 for added convenience.  The area also has a pleasant climate making it even more p... 11/26/2008

Tulsa, Oklahoma has a great motto: "It's a good thing you're in Tulsa ."  Those living in Tulsa can see these words all over the city on billboards, buses and television.  So, if you live in Tulsa , give yourself a pat on the back.  If you're looking to buy a home in a great city with a good housing market, Tulsa is the place to be. Tulsa's property values have been stable for some time now and have been slightly increasing during 2008.  Although new home construction has slowed, existing home inventory has done great.  So, because of this great housing market, many Realtor associations across the state of Oklahoma have adopted their own motto.  If you're in Oklahoma City , Oklahoma , you will find "It's a good thing to be in Oklahoma City " advertised everywhere.  While the national ho... 11/19/2008

Bowman Acres IV and Magnolia Terrace neighbors affected by the rezoning of a triangle of land located to the south of 31st Street just west of Interstate 44 in Tulsa, Oklahoma met with the proposed developers of the land last night to express their concerns and to discuss the land use and rezoning issues involved in the placement of a storage unit facility on the property. The discussion was both cordial and productive.  The meeting began at 6 pm with a sign-in and introductions. The owners of  the Storage Station, Gary Harkreader and Kevin Coutant, began by showing us the pictures of their other in-fill projects in Midtown at 2915 E. 5 1st, in Brookside at 4530 S. Peoria, and at 4411 S. Sheridan (across from the Sam's Club). They then showed us the zoning map of the area and their prop... 11/12/2008

While many jobs around the country are disappearing rapidly, there will be one business in the Tulsa , Oklahoma area that will be going against this trend by opening space for over 400 new jobs. Throughout the next six months, the Cherokee Nation will be expanding and adding these jobs at its casino.  Once the expansion is complete, the casino will be four times its current size.  This will mean more jobs for gaming, jobs for marketing, jobs for finance, jobs for administration and jobs for engineering. Residents in the area are saying no matter what your skills or work history is, you can find a position at Cherokee since they are hiring across the board.  This is a great opportunity for Tulsa area residents and those looking to buy a home in Tulsa real estate.  Jobs will need to be fi... 11/12/2008

A lease deal has been agreed upon with Tulsa Drillers.  The agreement will go through its final approval today with the Tulsa Stadium Trust.  This lease is a much needed step forward for a downtown ballpark.  Officials hope it will be complete in time for the Double A baseball team's 2010 ball season. The deal took longer than most had anticipated, but in the end everyone was happy with the outcome.  Mayor Kathy Taylor, who approved the $60 million ballpark, thinks this is a very important step and is also pleased with the outcome.  But everyone knows there is much work to be done in order to make the stadium a reality.  Everyone involved in the project is excited about the day the first ball will be thrown over home plate. Other steps that will be needed include completing the design o... 11/05/2008

                                                                                                                                One of my favorite stores Home Decorators Collectionis closing its Tulsa location. The entire store is 50%-75% off, and all sales are final.  You can still continue to shop these stores online at www.homedecorators.com.   They also have an outlet center click here to check it out.  They are owned by Home Depot. The location for this store is 5315 East 41st Street, Tulsa, OK  74135- Phone #918-770-7242.  I will be going there over the Thanksgiving season, and hope they have something left and hadn't shut their doors by then.  I went there over Christmas, and came home with some really great stuff, and use it almost everytime I stage a home.   *******************... 11/03/2008

Mayor Kathy Taylor of Tulsa , Oklahoma is challenging local Tulsans to get up and get fit. She is starting a new fitness initiative to get Tulsans to walk, run, swim or bike one million miles. For those with running groups, Mayor Taylor wants you to keep track of the miles you run so everyone can see how fit Tulsa is. Her goal is to get everyone living in Tulsa up and off the couch, and on the road to good health. Every time you get out and get moving, log every mile you walk, run, swim or bike. Mayor Taylor also launched a new website: http://www.tulsamillionmiles.com/ .   With so many upcoming events,  you wont be alone when you're moving. This Saturday is the Tulsa Run.  This is a serious challenge to help beat childhood obesity and health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, an... 10/22/2008

Most everyone is being touched with a bit of depression over our slumping economy around the nation. So many people in Tulsa are looking forward to Halloween this year. It's a time to dress up in your funnies, scariest, or silliest costume, and run around town having fun and letting go of all your worries for the night. Halloween is a day both children and adults can enjoy together. This Friday and Saturday, come join the fun at the fifth annual Fall Fun Fest in Johnstone Park from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Local area businesses and groups will be providing candy and prizes for trick-or-treaters. This event gives kids a chance to get an early start on Halloween this year. They can visit decorated booths and receive goodies. Last year's event was very popular and went over well with over 1,000 ch... 10/15/2008

Tulsa residents have been very vocal over the years about fixing our streets. And, there is no question that many more agree that because of the decades of inadequate street funding, Tulsaʼs streets are at an extremely bad point. Last fall, there was a citizens panel appointed to study the issue extensively and make recommendations on how the city can best fix these street problems. After the panel reported their findings to the Mayor, the City Council launched a series of town hall meetings and held weekly committee meetings throughout the city, so Tulsans could voice their opinion. And, that they did. The citizens of Tulsa were loud and clear: fix our streets now. So, in the upcoming November 4 General Election, every citizen registered to vote, will have the opportunity to vote on th... 10/08/2008

Tulsa, Oklahoma is a great place to be in October. There will be several great activities and events in and around the community this month. Today, October 1, 2008, starts the events off with the Night Ranger, an event that started with five hard-rocking youths from the San Francisco Bay area. The Night Ranger has epitomized the style and sound of the 80's metal pop. The Night Ranger will play at the Tulsa State Fair's Oklahoma Stage at 8 p.m. Just pay to enter the fair and you have a seat. Thursday, you can catch Rodney Atkins, who has a string of #1 hits and a platinum record. Rodney will perform in the Expo Square Pavilion, at the fair, after the rodeo at 7 p.m. Tickets will be $16 and $23. Jeff Dunham, the ventriloquist comic, will be at the BOK Center on Friday at 8 p.m. Jeff and h... 10/01/2008

The development of a mass transit system with light rail and Bus Rapid Transit (BRTs) will help Tulsa attract and retain young adults. At the today's PLANiTULSA session at the BOk Center a majority of the tables who presented their findings emphasized the importance of a mass transit system for attracting and retaining young adults, much needed for the growth and success of Tulsa's growth economy and quality lifestyle. Each table was given a giant map of Tulsa and four packets of stickers.  Each group could only open one packet of stickers to use on their map. The four packets of sticker choices were: Trend -- Do nothing.  Just move where we've been going. Economic Growth -- Empower emerging key industries Empower Neighborhoods -- Make sure neighborhoods grow and prosper to empower entr... 09/23/2008

The goal of PLANiTULSA is to develop a comprehensive plan for growth so that Tulsa can attract young skilled workers during the upcoming labor crisis.  Tulsa will be in competition with other cities for educated skilled workers. Tulsa's population is declining. The City of Tulsa was first incorporated in 1898.  It grew substantially with the oil boom that was kicked off by the discovery of the Glen Pool in 1905. Since then Tulsa has had its ups and down in population growth. According to John Fregonese, who has been hired to help Tulsa develop a new comprehensive plan, Tulsa lost six percent of its residents in the years between 2000 and 2005.  This period of flat or declining growth coincided with an increase in growth in the region.  While Tulsa had 62% of the MSA in 1970, it now only... 09/23/2008

If you missed last night's PLANiTULSA session at the Greenwood Cultural Center, then drop everything today and hurry on down to the BOk Center and attend this afternoon's session of PLANiTULSA. This is your chance to put your two cents in! No more whining! Bring your ideas to the BOk Center today between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Parking is free at the Parking Garage of the Old City Hall building at 200 Civic Center.  Enter from the west off of 6th Street. Be there!  We want to hear from you now -- not later when it's too late to add more concrete to add width to the walkways in the nosebleed section (oops, that should be a comment in one of my previous blogs).  I therefore repeat:  I don't hear whining!  So be there and be heard now! http://TulsaRealEstateWeb.com http://NortheastOklahomaRea... 09/23/2008

I went to the Get Motivated Seminar today with a bunch of friends from Coldwell Banker. It was the first time I have had the privilege to visit our new convention center, the BOk Center and I have to say I was overall very impressed even though I would make a few changes if I were queen of the world.  I had to get over my first impression that it looked like the space ship from Lost in Space.  Someone mentioned that it reminded her of a big roll of duck tape. Nevertheless, it is a beautiful new facility and a tribute to our city for getting the thing built.  Downtown Tulsa has needed something to get it jump started and this just might be what we needed. OK, OK -- traffic was gridlocked at 6:30 am because 18,000 people converged on downtown Tulsa at the same time.  What else? I am full ... 09/22/2008