Tag Archives: Andy Barth

Oklahoma Horizon TV

On the Horizon: Cash It In–Tribal Impact

We all see them as we drive down the road. Huge buildings, with flashing lights, and parking lots that are always full – casinos. Once inside, the sound of slot machines turning and cards shuffling offers an appealing atmosphere to those who wish to participate. While an individual hopes to win the next mega jackpot, Native American tribes automatically win money every time someone walks through the door. And with every dollar made from the casinos, Oklahoma’s economy grows too.

In this week’s video blog, we take a look at the how the gaming industry brings growth and entertainment to the state.
Andy Barth

Oklahoma Horizon TV

On the Horizon: Heart of the Community

For centuries, a community’s downtown has been the heart of the city. With unique shops and restaurants populating the area, downtown offers its citizens and visitors a taste of the community.

Studies show that if a downtown is prosperous so is the community. Growing up in a tiny community, I was able to see our town go from struggling to vibrant. The reason for the change was our community decided to focus on our main street area. Now people can find unique shops, restaurants and a lot of culture.
In today’s video blog, we take a look at how Stillwater, OK, is focusing on revitalizing its downtown area. From apartments above shops to one-of-a-kind restaurants, the downtown district is getting a makeover.
Andy Barth

Oklahoma Horizon TV

On the Horizon: Shipping Out

Whether it is in a barge floating the Mississippi to the Gulf, or on a railcar tracking its way across the lower 48, the United States sends goods nationwide. But what happens to those goods once they hit our borders?

The United States has a solid reputation for producing high quality products. While our nation utilizes many of the things produced here, the vast majority of what we manufacture and grow is utilized by millions around the globe.

Oklahoma may have been one of the last territories to become a state, but it ranks high on the list of export markets. In today’s video blog, we take a look at the diverse export market that keeps Oklahoma ahead of the curve and in high demand worldwide.
Andy Barth

Oklahoma Horizon TV

On the Horizon: Home Learnin’

I grew up as the oldest child, the oldest grandchild, and the oldest great grandchild. Needless to say, for the first three years of my life, I was surrounded by a lot of adults and grew up very quickly. I learned to speak especially early and was always a social butterfly. As I grew older, my surroundings may have changed with the additions of more little ones running around but we all were expected to be social with each other, those older than us and have manners while interacting.
When the time came for school we all went in different directions. Some went to public school, others went to private, while a few were homeschooled. As the years went on, each family changed their minds about where their children should be learning but all three sectors of education were still employed, just by different people.

In my experience, I’ve learned that it’s not where you go to school. It’s who you surround yourself with and how you choose to live your life. While I was a homeschool student, I wasn’t “in class” everyday. Sometimes I would be working with my grandfather in his auction company and taking my “business class.” Other times I would go to work with my dad in his weed control business and learn about natural resources. Each morning and evening I would spend time with my livestock project. That would entail exercising, feeding, vaccinating and managing books. While doing that I was taking, P.E., nutrition, health, and accounting. Every day was a new day for learning and while I still learned the basics that the state required me to, I was gaining valuable knowledge that I use every day.

In today’s video blog, we take a look at homeschool students from around the nation who are getting the most out of their education and their lives.
Andy Barth

Oklahoma Horizon TV

On the Horizon: One Victim Too Many

Childhood is supposed to be a fun and innocent time in our lives. While danger and fear is an unfortunate part of life, it should not permeate our youth. The schoolyard is meant for playtime and the classroom is a place for the mind to grow and prosper. As we go through the school system, be it private or public school, clicks and groups begin to separate. Kids begin to view others as not being good enough and others see their vulnerability as an excuse to lash out at other students. By the time students enter middle school, a definite pecking order is established and if you are at the wrong end you may find yourself shoved in a locker or falling victim to the all-too-famous “swirly.”

Today’s bullies are not only beating kids up on the playground, that will get them caught too easily, they are resorting to cyberbullying and emotional terror. Today’s victims are not just swallowing it and hoping it goes away either. They are taking matters into their own hands and either harming their attacker or themselves.

In today’s video blog, we take a look at how bullying affects students and what they are doing to stop it. While the footage they shot is fictional, the issue they go up against is all too real. These students are talented at what they do. They tell a gripping story and will inspire you to stand up and start a movement.
Andy Barth