Perspectives – Thoughts for Christmas Dinner

Thanksgiving is over and I truly hope your big meal was tasty and peaceful, meaning no shots fired. The following is not an editorial. It is offered as a public service and includes suggestions to help make your Christmas dinner, a cherished memory. You need to record this so grab the remote and hit ‘record’. You’ll be glad you did. I’ll give you a moment, (pause).
Ready? O.K. here we go, First, avoid political discussions and red MEGA hats. You already know how everybody feels and minds won’t be changed. Also, since we live in a state where such things happen, don’t wear your gun or carry your AR 15 to dinner. Now I know that’s against NRA Holiday guidelines, but turkeys and hams are best carved and sliced not shot full of holes. And depending on who you invite, you might want to post the same warning churches and schools have taped to their doors now, no guns allowed. That said, here are a few suggestions for discussion topics that you can bring up and amaze everyone at the table.
Did ya know the shopping cart was developed in Oklahoma?
The aerosol can was also invented here.
The world’s first parking meter, called the Park-O-Meter was installed in Oklahoma City in 1935.
The Yield traffic sign was invented by Tulsa policeman Clinton Riggs and installed at the corner of 1st. street and Columbia.
Oklahoma City was supposed to be located where Lawton is, but a major error by a surveyor moved it 100-miles north.
Women in Oklahoma had been voting for a year before the 19th. Amendment, giving women the right to vote was passed in 1920.
Spitting on the sidewalk is still against the law in Oklahoma.
Oklahoma has a WWII submarine sitting on dry land in Muskogee. The U.S.S. Batfish sank 15 Japanese vessels and destroyed three enemy subs in 76-hours, a record that was never broken.
During the dirty 30’s, the dust storms caused static electricity to build up and could be seen jumping from wire to wire on fences. Static electricity could short out a car engine and radios so drivers attached chains that drug the ground, to their back bumpers, to ground their vehicles.
The first tornado forecast in Oklahoma was in 1948, just before a tornado hit Tinker Air Force Base, causing 10-million dollars in damages, that’s 98-million in today’s figures. Cimarron County is the only county in the United States touching four states, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico and Kansas.
Oklahoma is the only state that produces iodine.
Oklahoma has 200-man-made lakes, more than any other state. We also have more shore line than any other state.
We are considered the earthquake capitol of the world.
Finally, Oklahoma City is the only state capitol with an Oil Well on the capitol grounds. That’s more than enough for lively conversation around the Christmas dinner table.
Your’re welcome. I’m Sam Jones. Please remember me when you pass the biscuits and gravy.