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Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: mrburns918 on October 16, 2008, 08:08:59 am and you could only pick three charities, fund drives, etc. etc. What three would you pick? Why? How would you divide the funds?
1. Circle Cinema - Because I love film. I love that I saw my first "R" and "X" rated movie at the Circle. They get 5 million to finish the construction and use whatever is left over to bring more films to Tulsa. I would only ask in return that they have an Akira Kurosawa film festival. And, I get a free (large)Mr. Pibb for the rest of my life when I visit. 2. Greenwood Cultural Center - A great place that could be even more especially in the area of America's classical music better known as Jazz. North Tulsa raised this white boy right and I can't forget where I came from. Greenwood is an important part of Tulsa's history and because of that, they get 3 million dollars. 3. United Way. Just kidding. 3. Bell's - If the Bell family would promise to use my remaining 2 million dollars to bring Bell's back and not give it to the John Birch Society I would help back them. The only stipulation would be that they put Bell's in downtown Tulsa by the new ballpark. I think this would be a great thing for the city. Don't think it would work? See Denver, CO. It would be a great thing. Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: zstyles on October 16, 2008, 08:12:23 am I really can't think of anything worth donating 10 million to right now...weird!
Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: cannon_fodder on October 16, 2008, 08:32:56 am 1) Entrepreneurial fund.
Make loans to growing Tulsa companies and/or lure new companies to Tulsa with loans. Mostly small loans ($250K) for Tulsans to start their own businesses and mostly to companies geared to bring money IN to Tulsa. That is to say, companies that make products or sell services outside the metro area and bring revenue IN. That wouldn't preclude one or two larger loans to lure small or mid-sized start-ups to Tulsa. Much like Portland did to our small tech company. Nor would it preclude smaller loans for people to start developments in underdeveloped parts of town - ie. small neighborhood grocers in North Tulsa. LOANS. These would be on favorable terms but would be paid back. Thus the fund would be revolving. I would not fund nor lure new businesses in Tulsa to compete directly with old businesses in Tulsa. 2) Hand's on Science Museum Often called a Children's Science Museum, but not exactly. All this science related that can be played with, felt, seen, touched or otherwise aid in the understanding of and increase the desire of people to learn about science. Albuquerque has a great one, as does San Francisco and many other towns. I would not call it a "Children's" museum because if done right the adults want to go as much as the kids. The one in Albuquerque has an over 16 night that is popular with young adults as well as teenagers. Probably located downtown. 3) The University of Tulsa For a community outreach program. I haven't given it much thought, but SOMETHING to tie the University more closely with the community as a whole. Provide package tickets to one high school football/basketball team per week to go to TU athletic events. Merit/need based scholarship fund just for kids from +100 miles of the campus. Some kind of involvement with TPS to encourage kids to go to college OR pick a trade or occupation (college is not always the right or best choice). Sponsor Physics Olympics for area high schools. Kids have to build toothpick bridges, save an egg from dropping... things like that. A competition that subversively makes the kids learn or at least think about some physics. Probably some other extra curricular type activities that would encourage learning. Admittedly not well thought out, but the general idea would be to 1) increase TU's profile and reputation in the community and 2) encourage kids to care about their education (kids are stupid, you don't realize until WAY later how good you had it in high school and what choices you SHOULD have made). - - - Distribution? Not sure. Probably: $5mil to the entrepreneurial fund - needs a lot of capital to get started. Will have an economic positive impact which can benefit many other things. $3mil to the science museum. $2mil to the TU project - using faculty and students it wouldn't be that expensive AND the University would likely match (would be a $250K yearly budget if endowed with $4mil. A full time coordinator plus a budget). Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: Hometown on October 16, 2008, 09:12:53 am Not for Profit Contemporary Art Center. Then I would appoint myself Chairman of the Board and Director.
Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: sauerkraut on October 16, 2008, 09:15:27 am I'd like to spend some of that building a system of jogging trails in Tulsa like what Omaha has a complete network, and spend some for other good causes[:)]
Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: sgrizzle on October 16, 2008, 09:32:16 am 1. Utilize Bells to build a park/boardwalk area in the East End as focal point for development in that area. Rides are interspersed through the area and you pay per ride or get a ride pass. No admission. If East end doesn't work, then West bank of the arkansas.
2. Tulsa Children's Museum. I still think the abundant life building would be perfect. If not, something else historic like the rose bowl. 3. Goddess of Oil. But only if it gets built BIG. Like, Driller Big. Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: Gold on October 16, 2008, 09:34:17 am Endowment for TU basketball coach.
Bring Nelson's back downtown. DVIS. Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: TheArtist on October 16, 2008, 09:36:27 am An interactive "Science of The Arts" museum in the Brady Arts district.
It would be a science and art museum focusing on the science and history of art. For example, the glassblowing section would have exhibits on the history of glass, how its made the chemistry, materials science etc, examples of glassblowing and glass art throughout history and you could take classes and try your hand at making your own glass art. It would be open to other artists to use as a studio. The painting section could go into chemistry, history, etc. and of course have examples of painting throughout history from cave art, exhibits showing Michaelangelo painting the Sistine Chapel, to contemporary. There would be studios that artists could use and classes. etc. There could be a metal arts section, ceramics section, mosaics, stone sculpture, etc. Each section would be in a large open space with the museum and educational part right there mixed in with the artists working and people taking classes and hands on activities. Learning, history, creativity, science, art, hands on activities, gallery, museum, classes, studios... all melded into one wonderful experience. Top that! [:D] Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: RecycleMichael on October 16, 2008, 11:27:10 am A million each to:
New Baseball Stadium. I want it to be as nice inside and out as the new arena. I plan to spend a lot of time there and want it to be the best minor league park in America. Up with Trees. My wife works there and it really does great work throughout our community. We need to be planting trees in every yard, every year. Tulsa Children's Museum. We have taken the family to children's museums from coast to coast. I also relly like the people now involved trying to bring it here. Tulsa Parks Department. When a park works in a neighborhood, everything in the neighborhood works. This is where we become neighbors. Tulsa Youth Council. Tell them they can spend the money on anything high school kids think is cool. Anything. I think we will all be surprised at what they will come up with. Another Golden Driller. A new design like William's Goddess of Oil...once we have two giant statues maybe we can have more. I think it would be so cool to be known as the city with the tall staues. Recycling programs for every school. We need to be doing it right and providing bins, dumpsters or trailers would make it happen. Solar panels for the IPE (Quik-Trip) center. If there was ever a perfectly designed building to install solar panels. it is this one. It could generate enough power to run most of the needs of the entire EXPO Square. Chess tables for downtown parks. I have seen these set up in other cities and lots of people hang out and play chess. I have seen matches between all sexes, ages and races. What a cool way to connect with each other. A bus from the airport and downtown. I can't beleve we don't have this. It would take a while to get it established, but it works in almost every other city I travel to. Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: carltonplace on October 16, 2008, 11:38:37 am 1. Purchase the MidContinent cement company at 21st and Jackson to spur west bank development.
2. Build more apartments in downtown, but facing the street. 3. The Artist's "Cathedral Square" idea. 4. I need more than $10 mil 5. East End Development with a grocery store and maybe a multi-use theater. Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: carltonplace on October 16, 2008, 11:39:46 am quote: If you could get the two "doing it" the rest of the stautes would be free. Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: dbacks fan on October 16, 2008, 11:42:40 am This is what we have and it is for kids as well as those of us older kids[:D]. They also have an exhibit hall for touring exhibits like Titanic, 007 James bond, The Body Human.
Arizona Science Center (http://"http://www.azscience.org/") A few years ago my wifes company had their winter event here when they had the Titanc exhibit. Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: dbacks fan on October 16, 2008, 11:46:07 am quote: The others, 2. Tulsa Childrens Medical Center 3. Animal Rescue Foundations and shelters, Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: Wrinkle on October 17, 2008, 08:01:42 am Buy advertising for a $1B tax increase.
Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: OurTulsa on October 17, 2008, 12:51:27 pm The Visual Art's Center...
Support bringing the State's idea for a school for the performing arts (I think that's the name) to Tulsa and influence it's location in the Brady attached or nearby the Visual Art's Center. Support the Children's Museum effort here as well...would love to get the Brady some real hard core arts critical mass...so I'd put the Children's Museum near the Visual Arts Center/State school for the arts (I too like the idea of calling and theming it more along the lines of a Discovery/Science center). Maybe I'd set up an endowment fund for some of those organizations. $10m should surely provide for annual operational costs for at least the visual arts center. My next choice for support would be the biking (bicycle) community and the distribution of free bikes throughout the City and public outreach, bike infrastructure... Last...a great public fountain that you can actually walk up to and through and sit around. I love the interactive wall fountain in Millenium Park in Chicago. Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: Gaspar on October 17, 2008, 01:20:55 pm I would buy a building downtown, open a business and employ a bunch of people.
(begin sarcasm) Nah!, I'd just "spread the wealth around" $25.44 for everyone. That would really boost our economy, wouldn't it. Wait a minute. I wouldn't give any to wealthy people who make over $250,000, so it would be about $25.64 for everyone. That's my plan. (end sarcasm) Follow-up question: What will you do with the $25.64 I'm going to give you? Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: OurTulsa on October 17, 2008, 01:54:28 pm Or in substitute for all that I listed previously:
Establish an Institute for Sustainable Practices to promote energy conservation, alternative energy, environmental stewardship, clean air, alternative modes of transportation and compact/walkable land use development... Partner with Kaiser's Energy Policy Institute, TU, OU and OSU-Tulsa, local governments... ...and I'd put that in the Brady too (jk) to assist in advocating RM's idea to put solar panels on the QT Center at the Fairgrounds. What a great idea! Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: mrburns918 on October 17, 2008, 02:18:34 pm quote: Heeellloooooo Dalesandro's! Mr. Burns Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: Gaspar on October 17, 2008, 02:42:55 pm quote: Interesting idea. The roof of the QT Center with it's pitch is 477,204 sq.ft. You can get 26,511 standard BP 24V 175W solar panels on that surface. The cost would be $31,680,645 without installation wiring or any electrical conversion equipment. You would have to grid-tie-inverters to match the power to AC and insure grid sine wave compatibility, so I'd add an additional $8 to $10 million to the cost. I would estimate installation and hardware at around $15.9 million. May have to reinforce the roof of the building because the weight exceeds a million pounds in panels, wiring, and hardware (901,374 lbs for just the panels at 34 lbs each). It certainly wouldn't be able to supply all of the power that the QT center needs, but it may be able to provide a percentage on very sunny days, and could certainly provide most of the power during non-event times on sunny days. Comes out to about $55 to $60 mill. Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: dbacks fan on October 17, 2008, 03:12:24 pm quote: Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: Gaspar on October 17, 2008, 03:44:20 pm quote: I'm goin tonight, with or without $10 million! Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: Kenosha on October 17, 2008, 06:18:21 pm It depends on what day you ask me...
But today, I'd set up TLC Grants for homeowners to rehabilitate their homes and yards in a targeted, contiguous area. That area might be say... Cincinnati to LL Tisdale; North IDL to Apache. There are tons of super houses through there, and includes a diverse area: Brady Heights and its immediate neighborhood; lower Reservoir Hill, which looks amazingly similar to Florence Park in terms of housing style; and Reservoir Hill itself. I think you could revive a neighborhood in a relatively short period of time through a program like this. I also think it would incentivize private investment in the area. Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: TheTed on October 17, 2008, 06:35:11 pm I'd buy the massive parking lots on both sides of the Blue Dome district and turn them into parks (the one between 1st and 2nd east of Elgin along with the one between 2nd and 3rd west of Detroit).
Have a nice weekly summer concert series. Get some bands with broad appeal that'd draw a few thousand folks one night a week all summer. Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: Porky on October 17, 2008, 07:02:31 pm 1. Cherokee Casino
2. Osage (Million Dollar Elm) Casino 3. Creek Casino They funnel the money the best! [;)] Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: GG on October 17, 2008, 08:06:00 pm Tulsa Public Schools
To be divided among all the 8th grade teachers. They deserve combat pay. Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: RecycleMichael on October 17, 2008, 09:18:44 pm quote: Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: Wrinkle on October 18, 2008, 05:34:22 am quote: Nearly $14/watt isn't good use of even free money. Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: Gaspar on October 18, 2008, 09:06:11 am quote: Never seen them on a bid, so I don't know much about Sharp. They would boost power output slightly but we still have the problem of being in Oklahoma. Photovoltaic cells stop working at about 180F to 200F, and drop charge as the temperature increases. So on a hot summer day you will have a roof temperature of around 160F to 170F, meaning that you may gain less than 1% efficiency. They are usually tested and rated at 70F, so only if we had long 70 degree summer days you could get close to a 10% to 15% efficiency rating. The only incentive for solar at this technology level is the tax incentives. If you are a homeowner you can get around $2,000 a year. I'm not sure what businesses get, as that we've never had one follow through after they understand the technology. Many new home owners and businesses purchase the standard kits from Home Depot so that they can get the tax credit and in some cases the marketing advantages. Unless you have a 24 volt home, with few appliances, and store the energy (illegal in Oklahoma) solar technology has no advantage outside of marketing and tax credits. If it's strictly an environmental standpoint that you are going for with the QT center, then putting a Geothermal exchange system under the parking lot with 60 to 70 wells and cutting new skylights in the roof of the EXPO would be less expensive, provide more light energy and all of the cooling and heat exchange necessary for the center. It would also have a significantly lower maintenance cost and eventually pay for itself. Until we perfect the silicon ribbon system or find a different way of converting solar energy at a higher efficiency rate, solar is simply a scientific goal. Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: Conan71 on October 18, 2008, 11:40:59 am quote: I've got a bunch of money tied up in not-for-profits. Turns out, they offer really crappy return on investment. Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: Wrinkle on October 18, 2008, 02:02:59 pm quote: While I agree with your analysis, it would seem proper to confine your last statement to 'photovoltaic' energy, not 'solar' in general. Title: If you had 10 million to donate to Tulsa... Post by: Gaspar on October 18, 2008, 02:16:36 pm quote: I can agree with that. [:)] I'd like to see some advances in solar steam and solar-thermal-exchange, but it seems that no one is really that interested in developing either one beyond their current applications. Surface-mass/KW ratios I suppose. |