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A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....11-14,15-07....Oklahoma ~ "The Sooner State" Turns 100!
Aquamarine; Billie

Posted on 11/13/2007 9:04:53 PM PST by Aquamarine




A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day
Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 200,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.
A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.
On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY







Oklahoma's 100th Birthday!

Oklahoma celebrates its 100th anniversary of statehood on November 16, 2007.
We invite you to learn more about the Oklahoma Centennial by exploring their website (click on Seal above), and we encourage you to join Oklahomans as they Celebrate Oklahoma!

Over the past four years we have taken A Few of FR's Finest on a cyber tour of many of the states in this great land of ours; today we are featuring the state of Oklahoma, as it approaches its 100th birthday.
If you'd like to see the other states we've visited since Mama_Bear took us to "Sweet Home Alabama" on May 23, 2003, just click on each STATE on the map below, and the thread will open in a separate window. (States with a white * have not been profiled yet.)
Alabama Maryland Vermont Utah Texas Nevada Wash DC Tennessee Florida Minnesota New Mexico Georgia Louisiana Michigan South Dakota California South Carolina West Virginia Oregon Pennsylvania Wyoming Mississippi Missouri Indiana Virginia Colorado Idaho New Hampshire Hawaii Maine North Carolina Arizona Iowa Alaska Massachusetts Kansas Delaware Washington North Dakota Montana Kentucky Illinois Arkansas Rhode Island New York Ohio Oklahoma Connecticut Nebraska New Jersey Wisconsin











The present Oklahoma State Flag adopted by the State Legislature in 1925, is Oklahoma's 14th flag. This shows a sky blue field with a central device: an Indian war shield of tan buckskin showing small crosses on the face -- the Indian design for stars -- and seven eagle feathers pendent for the edge of the shield. An Indian peace pipe (calumet) with a pipestone bowl and a tassel at the end of the pipestem lies on the shield; above the Indian peace pipe is an olive branch, the white man's emblem of peace. Underneath the shield or design in white letters is the word "Oklahoma."






Brief Oklahoma History
Evidence exists that native peoples traveled through Oklahoma as early as the last ice age, but the state's first permanent inhabitants settled in communities accentuated with mound-like structures near the Arkansas border between 850 and 1450 AD. Spaniard Francisco Vásquez de Coronado traveled through the state in 1541, but French explorers claimed the area in the 1700s and it remained under French rule until 1803, when all the French territory west of the Mississippi River was purchased by the United States in the Louisiana Purchase.
National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
"End of the trail" By James Earle Fraser - Oklahoma City, OK
Cowboys drove cattle across the state in the late 19th century. Thousands of Native Americans, including those making up the "Five Civilized Tribes", were removed from their lands in Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee and transported to Oklahoma in the 1830s. The area, already occupied by Osage and Quapaw tribes, was designated Indian Territory by the Indian Removal Act of 1830 and the Indian Intercourse Act of 1834. Fifteen tribes were given land within the territory in 1830, but by 1890, more than 30 tribes had been allocated federal land.

SOONERS
Major land runs, including the Land Run of 1889, were held for settlers on the hour that certain territories were opened to settlement. Usually, land was allocated to settlers on a first come, first served basis. Those who broke the rules by crossing the border into the territory before it was allowed, were said to have been crossing the border sooner, leading to the term sooners, which eventually became the state's official nickname. Delegations to make the territory into a state began near the turn of the 19th century, when the Curius Act abolished all tribal jurisdiction in Indian Territory. Failed attempts to create an all-Indian state named Oklahoma, and a later attempt to create an all-Indian state named Sequoyah failed, but the Sequoyah Statehood Convention of 1905 eventually laid the groundwork for the Oklahoma Statehood Convention, which took place two years later. On November 16, 1907, Oklahoma was established as the 46th state in the Union.


  • Its name is derived from the Choctaw words okla and humma, meaning "red people," and is known informally by its nickname, The Sooner State.

  • With 3,579,212 residents in 2006, it is the 28th most populous and 20th-largest state by land area.

  • Oklahoma's state wildflower the Indian Blanket is red with yellow tips. It symbolizes the state's scenic beauty as well as the its Indian heritage.

  • Formed from Indian Territory on November 16, 1907. Its people are known as Oklahomans, and its capital and largest city is Oklahoma City.



  • In 2005, the Oklahoma state senate decided that their state fruit would be the Strawberry. The strawberry bill was proposed by a group of fifth graders when they discovered that Oklahoma did not have a state fruit.

  • Most of the state lies in an area known as Tornado Alley characterized by frequent interaction between cold and warm air masses producing severe weather.

  • Tulsa has been credited as the birthplace of Route 66 and the home of Western Swing music.

  • Oklahoma is the fifth-largest producer of crude oil in the nation.

  • Oklahoma City and Tulsa serve as Oklahoma's primary economic anchors, with nearly 60 percent of Oklahomans living in their metropolitan statistical areas.

  • Bob Dunn a musician from Beggs invented the first electric guitar 1935.

  • It is located on a confluence of three major American cultural regions and historically served as a route for cattle drives, a destination for southern settlers, and a government-sanctioned territory for Native Americans.










In an attempt to scalp an enemy, Chief Pawhuska once pulled at a man's white hair. The man's wig came off in his hand. The chief kept this powerful "magic" the rest of his life and took the name meaning "white hair."






Tulsa

A small town near the banks of the Arkansas River in 1901, Tulsa's first oil well, named Sue Bland No. 1, was established that year. By 1905, the discovery of the large Glenn Pool nearby prompted a rush of entrepreneurs to the area's growing number of oil fields. Tulsa's population swelled to over 140,000 between 1901 and 1930.
For most of the 20th century, the city held the nickname "Oil Capital of the World" and played a major role as one of the most important hubs for the American oil industry.
Part of the Bible Belt, widespread beliefs in evangelical Christianity make Oklahoma one of the most politically conservative states.
Oklahoma is part of a geographical region characterized by widespread beliefs in Biblical Christianity and Evangelical Protestantism known as the "Bible Belt." Spanning the Southeast and Midwest states, the area is known for politically and socially conservative views. Tulsa, the state's second largest city, home to Oral Roberts University, is considered an apex of the region and is known as one of the "buckles of the Bible Belt."



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


The collections of Thomas Gilcrease are housed in the world-renowned Gilcrease Museum of Tulsa, which also holds the world's largest, most comprehensive collection of art and artifacts of the American West. The museum's charm, beauty and art collections draw thousands of visitors from around the world to the hills just northwest of downtown Tulsa for a glimpse into the past. The Museum also offers an unparalleled collection of Native American art and artifacts, as well as historical manuscripts, documents and maps.



Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City was settled on April 22, 1889, when the area known as the "unassigned lands" was opened for settlement in an event called "The Oklahoma Land Run".
Some 10,000 homesteaders settled what is now downtown Oklahoma City, creating a tent city in a single day. Within 10 years the population had doubled in what became a permanent settlement and the future capital of Oklahoma.
The spacious lobby of Oklahoma City’s Skirvin Hotel became a place where oil tycoons met politicians after it was built in 1911. It also sat empty for nearly 20 years until February, 2007, when it reopened after a $55 million renovation as the Skirvin Hilton, complete with 29 hand-carved Bacchus busts, accented by gold-leafing, that peer from the hotel’s pillars.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Oklahoma City was the site of the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in 1995, the largest act of terrorism on American soil prior to the September 11, 2001 attacks and the most destructive act of domestic terrorism in American history.
The Suvivor Tree on the grounds of
the Oklahoma City National Memorial
The blast, which killed 168, became international news and brought to the forefront of the world's mind a city that was little known outside of the region previously. The citizens of Oklahoma City rallied around each other, and the attack served to unite the city as it began a new era of revival.











Oklahoma!
(click on title for music)






Will Rogers was first an Indian, a cowboy then a national figure. He now is a legend.
Born in 1879 on a large ranch in the Cherokee Nation near what later would become Oologah, Oklahoma, Will Rogers was taught by a freed slave how to use a lasso as a tool to work Texas Longhorn cattle on the family ranch.
His hard-earned skills won him jobs trick roping in wild west shows and on the vaudeville stages where, soon, he started telling small jokes.
Quickly, his wise cracks and folksy observations became more prized by audiences than his expert roping. He became recognized as being a very informed and smart philosopher--telling the truth in very simple words so that everyone could understand.
Will Rogers was the star of Broadway and 71 movies of the 1920s and 1930s; a popular broadcaster; besides writing more than 4,000 syndicated newspaper columns and befriending Presidents, Senators and Kings.
During his lifetime, he traveled around the globe three times-- meeting people, covering wars, talking about peace and learning everything possible.
Inside himself, Will Rogers remained a simple Oklahoma cowboy. "I never met a man I didn't like," was his credo of genuine love and respect for humanity and all people everywhere.

Below are just a few of of the tributes and places named after or for Will Rogers.








Micky Mantle, Paul Harvey & Jeane Kirkpatrick ....and of course, our favorite Oklahoman, Jim Robinson, founder and owner of FreeRepublic.com, the best conservative forum on the net.



Websites that provided graphics and information for this tribute...

National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
Gilcrease Museum - The Museum of the Americas
Oklahoma State History and Information
Oklahoma www.ok.gov













03-27-07 ~ Hall of Fame #19 ~ Final

THIS WEEK'S THREADS

11-12,13-07 MilitaryTribute

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping'
Every Thursday at the Finest
The guy's good, folks!


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events; Political Humor/Cartoons
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To: All
Thanks to everyone who stopped by today and made this thread so special.

Good Night!


141 posted on 11/14/2007 6:29:44 PM PST by Aquamarine
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To: Coldwater Creek

I am so sad for your great loss..and know you will treasure that smile over Boomer Sooner..

Eloping to Oklahoma can turn out very well!


142 posted on 11/14/2007 7:44:02 PM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)
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To: La Enchiladita

This is so beautiful! Rose of Sharon comes in several colors..I am more accustomed to the pink or white one with maroon throat.


143 posted on 11/14/2007 7:51:04 PM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)
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To: Lady Jag

:o)


144 posted on 11/14/2007 7:52:17 PM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)
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To: ConorMacNessa

Warm Fuzzy (((HUGS)))


145 posted on 11/14/2007 7:55:22 PM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)
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To: JustAmy

I love her poems..Thank you, Amy.


146 posted on 11/14/2007 7:57:06 PM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)
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To: Mama_Bear

;o)


147 posted on 11/14/2007 7:58:02 PM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)
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To: Kitty Mittens

I have not seen one closeup..just perched on telephone wires along the roadside that also gives me wildflower sightings..Lovely, Kitty!


148 posted on 11/14/2007 8:04:17 PM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)
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To: LUV W

Thank you for the compliments and thank you for the Memorial pictures.


149 posted on 11/14/2007 8:06:46 PM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)
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To: Billie; Aquamarine
Pagonia Ophioglossides~Oklahoma Wildflower~Orchid Family

Orchids to you for a wonderful collaboration!


150 posted on 11/14/2007 9:24:19 PM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)
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To: ST.LOUIE1; Billie; dutchess; DollyCali; GodBlessUSA; The Mayor; JustAmy; Mama_Bear; MEG33; ...

151 posted on 11/15/2007 5:27:04 AM PST by Aquamarine
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To: Aquamarine

BTTT


152 posted on 11/15/2007 5:35:31 AM PST by OKSooner
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To: MEG33
Good Morning MEG. Love the orchid, wish I could smell it. :)
153 posted on 11/15/2007 5:36:58 AM PST by Aquamarine
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To: Aquamarine; The Mayor; DollyCali; ST.LOUIE1; dutchess; Mama_Bear; Billie; Allegra; lonestar; ...

Fringed Puccoon~ Borage~April Oklahoma Wildflower
Puccoon is a Native American word.

The roots yield a blue or violet dye that was used by some Native American tribes.
The Cheyenne treated delirium with a tea made from the roots,
stems, and leaves. They would also grind the dried leaves, stems, and
roots to make a powder to treat paralysis. Fringed puccoon was
used by the Navajo to treat coughs and colds.

~Good Morning To The Finest~
I found this one and thought it was a wow..
It's cooled down here in Central Texas..and will stay in
the 60s for today.

154 posted on 11/15/2007 5:39:08 AM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)
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To: MEG33
Another gorgeous wildflower post.

We had quite a bit of much needed rain here last night.
Our prayers were answered. Praise God.

155 posted on 11/15/2007 5:42:13 AM PST by Aquamarine
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To: MEG33

((HUGS))Good morning, MEG33. How’s it going/


156 posted on 11/15/2007 5:48:37 AM PST by E.G.C.
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To: ST.LOUIE1; Billie; dutchess; DollyCali; GodBlessUSA; Mrs Mayor; Mama_Bear; Aquamarine; JustAmy; ...

November 15, 2007

Say No To Self-Help

READ: Jeremiah 17:1-8

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped. —Psalm 28:7

Early in my editorial career in religious publishing, I was responsible for a line of books referred to as “self-help.” The label troubled me because it seemed contrary to everything Christian.

The idea of self-help is popular because it supports the notion that we are in control. In the words of the poem “Invictus”: “I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul.”

But we’re not! Eventually something happens that reminds us how out-of-control life is, and no self-help book can help us make it right.

Thankfully, Christians are not in the business of self-help. Quite the opposite! To become a Christian requires that we admit our helplessness and acknowledge our total dependence on God. “Without Me, you can do nothing,” said Jesus (John 15:5).

The ancient Israelites were always getting in trouble for trusting human strength rather than God’s (Jer. 17:5). Yet even after their failures, the Lord said, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord” (v.7).

When especially difficult circumstances or strong temptations invade our lives and remind us of our powerlessness, we have an all-powerful God who works on behalf of those who trust Him. 

No strength of our own, nor goodness we claim;
Our trust is all thrown on Jesus’ name:
In this our strong tower for safety we hide;
The Lord is our power, “The Lord will provide.”  —Newton

Whatever does not begin with God will end in failure.


157 posted on 11/15/2007 5:49:59 AM PST by The Mayor ( A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.—Proverbs 16:9)
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To: Aquamarine

I said a prayer that the drought stricken would get some rain! I am thankful for you!
Pogonia ophioglossoides is the proper spelling for the orchid..I noticed I goofed..It’s important if someone wants more information.

I have so much fun looking up these flowers..I’m glad you enjoy!


158 posted on 11/15/2007 5:50:04 AM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)
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To: Aquamarine

later


159 posted on 11/15/2007 5:52:00 AM PST by I_be_tc
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I want to take just a brief moment to invite everyone to this thread and take a good long look at the state which i was proud to have been born in

Oklahoma was incorporated into statehood on November 16, 1907. A lot has happened since then some good, some not so good. There's a lot of interesting stories to look at and lots of interesting stuff to read about.

Lawton is Oklahoma's third largest city. it came into existence as the result of a land lottery. The city is home to one of America's greatest military installations, Ft. Sill. The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge is also within driving distance. There's lots of Buffalo out there.

So much to find out about this great state of Oklahoma. I invite everyone to take a look at this thread to find out more.

160 posted on 11/15/2007 6:00:10 AM PST by E.G.C.
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