- The Heat - I've noticed that I tend to block out how much I truly hate the summer heat in Oklahoma City, like a traumatic life event that my conscious mind prefers not to address. But each June, those familiar feelings of misery come flooding back. I simply and absolutely hate the heat in Oklahoma City. Though I understand that other areas of the country might be hotter or more humid, that is no consolation to me as I struggle to keep my house cool each year. Perhaps it's just in my genetic makeup, but my desire to go out amongst the world is sucked immediately away when the July sun gets high in Oklahoma City.
- Outside Perceptions - Each time I travel, meet first-time visitors to the metro or even watch Oklahoma-centered movies and television shows, I'm struck by many of the misconceptions about our city and our state. Oh, I'm sure you've heard them. We apparently have little culture, are behind in all the world's technological advances and are undereducated. As our profile grows and outsiders get a chance to see what we have to offer, this is indeed getting better. But I hate the feeling of often having to defend Oklahoma City against these incorrect perceptions.
- Liquor Laws - Perhaps the above is partially caused by some of our archaic laws, and one of the worst in my humble opinion is the regulation of alcohol sales in the state of Oklahoma. With some of the strictest laws in the nation, Oklahoma stipulates that grocery and convenience stores can only sell low-point beer. As of 2010, 35 states allow wine to be sold in grocery stores, but movements to change the law in Oklahoma are frequently shot down by the state legislature. When this list was first written, I had the restaurant scene as one of the things I hate about OKC, but wonderful strides have been made there in recent years. I hope we can do likewise in an area such as this, not a partisan issue but to me, a common sense one.
- Landscape - While I recognize the number of lakes the metro possesses as well as the great beauty and scenery of spots such as Lake Hefner, it's difficult to ignore the fact that, for the most part, Oklahoma City is flat and wide, with plenty of red dirt to go around. Developments with city parks and the Oklahoma River help the overall landscape, but without the hills and greenery of eastern Oklahoma or the majestic rocked regions of the southwestern part of the state, central Oklahoma just isn't as picturesque as many places.
- The Better City Debate - Oh, I'm definitely a competitive guy (See page 1 under "Sports"), and I have absolutely nothing against the friendly back and forth between residents of Tulsa and Oklahoma City, a drive to outdo the other that frequently results in great improvement. With a rivalry that stretches back many, many years, Tulsa and Oklahoma City inspire a distinct passion in their residents. But it's amazing to me how much actual vitriol exists in this better city debate. As a person who grew up in Tulsa and now calls OKC home, I see the two as teammates rather than combatants. Unfortunately, based on some of the e-mails I see, forum messages I read and people I speak with, not everyone agrees with me, and I find it, frankly, a bit silly. Do other states possess such situations with their largest cities? I honestly don't know, but I hate to see us degrade in one area or another when we should feel nothing but pride for a couple of wonderful cities.
Now that you know how I feel, the things I love and hate about Oklahoma City, offer your thoughts below.
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