Posted by Tierney Cook



We announced this morning, and if you read his blog, you now know Frank Johnson is leaving us.

It's bittersweet.
This new job will take him closer to his family, he will be the head honcho in the weather department--that's the sweet.

The bitter is...

No longer will I pull into the station and see his motorcycle parked in the driveway.

No longer will he come into the dressing room before the show, and with much excitement tell John and I how he put new brick on his house.

No longer will I "crack a joke" and Frank look at me like "What are you talking about."

No longer will I run into his cute kids and wife at Wal-mart.

I will miss Frank Johnson.
But it's time we share him with South Carolina...they need his warmth, sweetness and weather expertise now.

So I will let you go.
Good Luck Frank!

Tomorrow is my last day at KOCO-TV. I have had a happy and fulfilling six and a half years in Oklahoma, and I am leaving with many good memories. Arriving with my wife in 2000, we have doubled the size of our family, and will be leaving with two beautiful Okie children. We bought our first house in Oklahoma City, and I have developed a new hobby in home improvement. I am leaving a house that I have put gallons of sweat into, but also looking forward to the next project.

Wild Oklahoma weather was the reason we came to the Sooner state, and I was not disappointed. The Christmas storm in 2000 was a big snow producer, and a good welcome to the state. During the ice storm in 2002, I was out live in Bethany and Warr Acres, and I remember how thick the ice was, and the strong pine smell from all the trees downed. May 8 and 9 in 2003 were the big tornadoes that hit the Metro on back to back days. The rotation from the second storm went right over my neighborhood and headed toward the station. My wife and 4 month old were huddled in the closet. The storm produced a tornado about a mile southwest of my home. It lifted and then touched down again about 5 miles to the northeast. Not a tree limb down in the neighborhood. This second touchdown was just a quarter mile from the station, and it destroyed KOCO's neighbors to the east. We had panicked travelers take refuge at our station, had to get all station employees into the tornado shelter, all while staying on the air. Other weather events still fresh in my mind are this year's El Reno tornado and the snowstorm last month.

During severe weather events, I often rode my motorcycle to work. I would keep my car at home in the garage to protect it from hail. As long as it was not raining on the way to work, I would be on my bike. I did not care about getting wet on the way home, and if the storms hit the metro hard enough, I would get the pine smell of downed trees on the way home, something I would have missed if in my car. This was also an early warning to other employees coming into work. If they saw my bike in the parking lot, they knew bad weather was on the way.

While I will miss Oklahoma during tornado season (not because I like the destruction, but I enjoy the challenge of forecasting the worst of what Mother Nature sends our way), I will most miss the friends my family has made during the past six years. I have moved frequently in my life, and have had to say goodbye many times, but it really pains me to watch my girls with their little friends and know that they will not grow up together. Oklahoma is a great place to raise a family. I grew up in a small town that was a community, and have not experienced that until moving to Oklahoma.... even though I am in the big city here, it still feels like that small town community. I really hope I can find people as nice as Oklahomans in my new home.

Tomorrow is my last day. I turn in my station key, employee handbook and KOCO jacket in the morning, do the noon show, and then say goodbye for now. We are moving to South Carolina, where I will be the evening meteorologist at the CBS station in Myrtle Beach. I am looking forward to the challenge of tropical storms, and about double the average rainfall of Oklahoma City. The new location will make it possible for The Johnsons to hop into the car to visit family in either Massachusetts or Florida. From Oklahoma, both these locations are a two day drive, or an expensive plane trip. I look forward to seeing my nieces and nephews grow up, and I am excited that my girls will see their grandparents more often.

We will miss Oklahoma, but am sure we will be back to visit.

Frank

Posted by Tierney Cook



This is the last week of 2006.
I decided to devote this week's Top 10 to the biggest news stories of the year for the Oklahoma City metro area.

In no particular order...


10. Adrian Peterson breaks his collarbone (October 2006)

9. Eddie Sutton's drunk driving crash (February 2006)

8. Snow Storm of 2006 (November 2006)

7. Tornado touches down in El Reno (April 2006)

6. The Murder of Jamie Rose Bolin. (April 2006)

5. Pauls Valley man kills his family and himself. (October 2006)

4. Jayme Daniel Shot in her home (May 2006)

3. Window Washer David Kaplan shocked by power lines (June 2006)

2. 2006 Elections (November 2006)

1. Lexington Correctional Center Escapees (July 2006)

Tierney Cook

Posted by: Executive Producer, Julie Fike

Merry Christmas, Eyewitness News 5 In the Morning Viewers! Most of the crew is off today because we didn't have a morning show but we'll be on tomorrow with all the shopping and traveling madness.

It's nice that most of us get to spend time with our family and friends over the holiday.

It seems like Tierney's been off for forever, so in the spirit of Tierney, my top 5 Christmas presents received this year.

5. Stabucks Gift Card (Thanks John! We DO get up early)

4. Nike Shox ( I'm running a half marathon in January)

3. Leaf Blower Vac (My brother knows I hate yard work, this will help)

2. A Blue Topaz Ring (My loved ones know how I love sparkly things)

1. My family all under one roof for the first time in 6 years.

What a snowstorm in Colorado! The storm is winding down this morning, but many places will still get a few more inches of snow. Here are the top snow amounts as of 6:30 am:

• 52" Glen Haven
• 35" Golden
• 33" Boulder
• 32" Black Hawk
• 30" Jamestown
• 27" Nederland
• 26" Parker
• 26" Genesee
• 26" Aurora
• 25" Idaho Springs
• 24" Loveland
• 24" Littleton
• 23" Fort Collins
• 22" Elizabeth
• 22" Frederick
• 21" Louisville

Posted by: Executive Producer, Julie Fike

Wow! What a night! The two earthquakes under three hours rocked the Mid-Del area. Using a cliche, our phone lines lit up like a Christmas tree! Derek (the morning show) and I were using both our hands and feet, trying to answer phones. It seems everyone in Midwest City and Del City called either worried or just wanted to let us know what was going on.

Thank you for calling. We did our best but we were exhuasted. If we ever needed a reminder as to who our loyal viewers are, we found out in a flurry last night. Most told us they thought someone had hit their house, something happened at Tinker AFB, or even one person thought his roommate was playing a prank and shaking his bed.

None of those turned out to be true. Also there was no damage reported and no one was injured.
We'll see what tomorrow brings!

Much needed rainfall across the state for the past few days. Here are the top rain amounts as of 8:30 am:

Butler - 3.72"
Cheyenne - 3.16"
Carmargo - 2.98"
Putnam - 2.89"
Bessie - 2.65"
Seiling - 2.59"
Hobart - 2.53"
Alva - 2.44"

Posted By Tierney Cook

Right now I am typing this blog, and taking in the sweet scent of my new creamy vanilla candle.

This morning I came to my desk and found a gift addressed to me.
My 6am producer Derek thought enough of me this holiday season to get me a Christmas gift.

It's good to know you work with people who like and respect you enough to spend money on you.

Last year I admit, I totally forgot about my co-workers and did not get them anything for Christmas not even a card.

I felt bad, so this year, I made a trip to Wal-Mart and shopped for cards and a gift for my beloved co-workers.

Then I went home and slaved in the kitchen to cook pre-mixed and cut cookies.
They still did not turn out tasty despite the fact someone else did all the pre-production.

I guess it's the thought that counts.
So if you can make sure you show appreciation to the people in your personal and professional life.

Thanks to all my KOCOers who gave me gifts this year!

Tierney Cook

Posted by Tierney Cook
Photo Courtesy of Google Images



There is a new addition to my morning routine.
Actually 2 additions.
The snooze button and an ice cold Dr. Pepper.

It was never like this.
Up until about October, my alarm would go off at 3:00am,
I will hop up and start my day. Just fine no problem.

Now I get up around 3:30am and as soon as I walk into the KOCO-TV 5 studios I am rummaging for $.50

The problem started one morning with a simple wrinkle in my usual morning routine.
I hit the snooze button...3 times!
It was great. The best 27 minutes I have had in a long time.
Finally at 3:27am I rolled out of bed, and started my day.

I was at work at 4:05am (so thankful I have short hair).
But I needed a boost. In came the second addition, a can of Dr. Pepper.

By 4:45am I felt ready to take on the day!!!!
Since then I have not been able to put it down.
I always said I would not drink coffee for fear I would become addicted.
Little did I know, my addiction would come in the form of a chilly sugar induced drink and a button that gives me 9 more minutes of slumber.

I know what I have to do, no advice needed from you.
I gotta get up.
I gotta put down the Dr. Pepper!!!

Pray for me.
Tierney

Posted by: John Flick

I'm back from vacation and it was a wild one. I went to Washington and I think the Oklahoma wind followed me. They had the worst wind storm in at least 10 years.
The first part of my trip was spent with family in Spokane. Wind gusts got up to 50 or 60 miles per hour, downing structures and power lines.
In Seattle, the destruction was worse. I went there to find half the city in the dark. It was strange to drive through neigborhoods at night in total darkness. No street lights, no holiday lights... stores and homes were blacked out.
Gas stations were turning people away because everyone was filling up generators.
Friends of mine had a holiday party with no power. You just had to be careful where you walked because candles were everywhere.
While gone, I understand Tierney commented on what seems to be a "Flick Phenomenon"... where I go, so does the bad weather. I'll try to keep my sunny disposition and hope that makes up for the winter weather that "coincidentally" came back to Oklahoma the same day I did.

Posted by Adam Slinger

Of all the Charlie Brown Christmas trees in the world, this is the Charlie Browniest.

I didn't get a true Christmas tree, at least not in the traditional sense. It's not an evergreen.

I actually haven't had a tree since I lived in Ohio. I thought seriously about getting one this year, but came to a better solution this past weekend...

I spiced up my fake house plant. The plant was selected by my mother when I moved in, decorated with the ornaments that she sent me.

In addition to the tree, I also have a little gold wreath, and a miniature Santa Claus.

I think it's safe to say that I didn't go all-out for Christmas.

I do enjoy the holiday, though. I have a few Christmas CDs, a few movies, I've eaten quite a few Christmas cookies this year. Yes, I could have purchased a new tree, but I realized that there was a tree-like object already in my home that would feel neglected and perhaps, needed a little holiday cheer itself. (Yeah, that sounds better than saying that I was just too lazy to get a real tree.)

As the precocious Linus Van Pelt once said, "I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It's not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a little love."

Posted by Tierney Cook
Photo Courtesy of Goggle Images

This Week I Highlight "My Top 10 Christmas Songs"
In No Particular Order because I can't decide.

10. "Let It Snow" -Boys to Men

9."Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" -Frank Sinatra

8."The Chipmunk Song" -The Chipmunks

7."Santa Baby" (most versions are good)

6. "What Child is This" -Vanessa Williams

5. "This Christmas" -Donny Hathaway

4. "The Christmas Song" -Nat King Cole

3. "Deck the Halls" -The Faubion Junior High School Choir (the year I was singing soprano)

2. "All I Want for Christmas Is My 2 Front Teeth" (most versions are good)

1. "I'll Be Home for Christmas"

Posted by Tierney Cook


If you haven't noticed, we have been without John Flick for the past few days.
He is on vacation in Seattle and Portland and won't be back until next week.

I noticed that as soon as John left, the weather here in Oklahoma turned sunny warm and beautiful.

As for the weather along the pacific northwest it's rainy, windy, and miserable.
I think John brings bad weather where ever he goes.

He returns next week, and guess what we have a chance for.
Rain and Snow!

Go figure!
Tierney Cook

Posted by Tierney Cook
Photo Courtesy of Google Images

I am happy to announce Jennifer Hudson got a nomination for her work in "Dreamgirls".
So did Eddie Murphy and Beyonce' Knowles. If you have not noticed I am a movie buff. My friend Mike and I go to the movies at least once a week, so a lot of the nominated films I have already seen.

I liked the "Departed". It's up for Best Motion Picture Drama and Leo Dicaprio has a nomination for Best Actor. He got another nod for "Blood Diamond."

I enjoyed Devil Wears Prada. It's up for Best Comedy or Musical and of course Meryl Streep is up for her acting talents. Beyonce' will face her in this category for "Dreamgirls."

"Babel", and "Bobby" also got a bunch of nominations.
Haven't seen those yet, so I will be busy this weekend!

Tierney Cook

Our warmest Christmas was in 1922, when it warmed to 73 degrees. The coldest was 1983 when it dipped to one degree below zero.

Our wettest Christmas was in 1987. 1.05 inches of liquid precipitation fell. It was below freezing, so that fell as snow, sleet and freezing rain.

The whitest Christmas was 1914 when 6.5 inches of snow fell on Christmas Day.

In 1955 Christmas Day was a mild 54 degrees, but a big cool down from Chirstmas Eve, when it warmed to 86 degrees.

In 1983 (the coldest Christmas) wind chills were as cold as -27. Christmas Eve had a high of 3, winds to 38 mph and wind chills to -45.

Finally, the Christmas storm of 2000. 6-12 inches of snow in the northwest part of the state. Snow, sleet and freezing rain in central parts of the state, and one of the worst ice storms ever to affect the state in the southeast with 1-2 inches of ice.

Each year people ask what our chances for a white Christmas will be. The technical answer is 5 percent. Since weather records began in 1890, there have been 6 Christmases with at least an inch of snow on the ground. A few other years have had less than an inch:

• 1913 Trace
• 1914 6 inches
• 1918 5 inches
• 1924 3 inches
• 1939 Trace
• 1943 1 inch
• 1962 Trace
• 1975 1 inch
• 1983 Trace
• 1987 Trace
• 1990 Trace
• 2002 2 inches

A 5 percent chance for a white Christmas means we will see one every 20 years. We saw one last in 2002, and before that, 1975.... so our next white Christmas is not due until about 2020.

Posted by Tierney Cook
Photos Courtesy of Google Images


There is a new Santa you should know about.
He is mainly found in Los Angeles.
NO more of the belly jiggling like a bowl full of jelly.
NO more long white beard.
No more sleigh and reindeer.
NO more long coats and pants covering up Jolly ole' Saint Nick.

There is a Hunky Santa putting in a few hours at a shopping center in Los Angeles.



This Santa pulls up in a red convertible, Rudolph has been laid off.
The store's officials say they want to draw more people to the mall to shop.
So the hunky Santa's shift starts at 5pm. He takes pictures with the older shoppers.
His older, plumper partner takes the 9am to 5pm shift and has the kiddos sit on his knee.

We have already seen stories about places getting rid of Christmas Trees, the Merry Christmas greeting but never would I think Santa would be a casualty as well!

Happy Holidays!
Tierney Cook

The UK Met Office has confirmed that autumn 2006 (September, October and November) was the warmest such period ever recorded in the United Kingdom. The Central England region has temperature records dating back to 1659, and are the longest instrumental temperature records in the world. Autumn 2006 had a mean temperature of 12.6 °C, breaking the previous record of 11.8 °C, recorded in 1730 and 1731.

Autumn 2006 was also the warmest ever recorded in Northern Ireland, Wales, Scotland, England and the United Kingdom as a whole.

Posted by: Executive Producer, Julie Fike

Way to go Chicago Bears! They crushed the St. Louis Rams last night 42-27. I will admit the first quarter made me nervous. I didn't feel as if we were settling down and playing "our game." Ya know, the morning hours come early and I was trying to wind down for sleep yet keep one eye on the game.

You might wonder how living in Oklahoma, I became a Bears fan. It started years ago in the town I was born and partially raised, Peoria, Illinois. I have an older brother, however, he was never a morning or even early afternoon person. It seems growing up he would get up from bed at 1pm. So, I would sit with my dad and we would talk about the game together. Our excitment would begin at 9:30am on game day.

The Bears spirit stayed with me through the years and countless moves through different southern states. Recently, I went to a Bears game with my friend Liz at Soldier Field. All I can say is that it was life-affirming.

Bring on the Bucs this Sunday!

Posted By Tierney Cook
Photo Courtesy of Google Images


I have been on vacation so I know it's a day late...but here goes.
It's the holiday season, and I didn't want to do the expected Top 10 Christmas Songs or Movies so here are....

Tierney's Top 10 Christmas Gifts of All-Time


10. Flannel Pajamas.
This has to be on the list because I get it every year, no matter what, and every year it brings great joy plus you can never have to many pajamas.

9. Liz Claiborne Emerald Green Handbag.
I think I was 10 years old. I opened it and fell in love. It had the trademark triangles all over it! Thanks mom for starting my obsession with handbags.
I was a youth usher at my church, I got in trouble because I wanted to wear it during morning services.

8. "Eric-My Cabbage Patch Son"
He came with grey members only jacket made just his size and a pair of hip jeans.
He was bald, and had the prettiest chocolate skin. I still think of him.

7. Barbie and her Burger King Chain
Awesome!!! I don't even really like hamburgers but in my mind Barbie and I had the most successful Burger King Franchise in the state of Texas! Whopper anyone???

6. My first cellphone
It was the size of a VCR. I could not call anyone unless I was stuck on the side of the road and needed AAA or my dad. But oh it felt cool to be the first one of my friends with a cellphone.


5. My Leather Bomber Jacket
It was dark brown, and I got it right around the time Top Gun came out. So cute!

4. A Silver Necklace with a Cross Pendant
This was the first gift I ever got from a boyfriend. Cordell Thornton bought it and wrapped it up for me bright and shiny for Christmas. I still have it at my parent's house.

3. Furniture
During my first reporting job in Victoria, Texas I got a coffee table, two end tables, a kitchen table and 4 chairs. During the annual Christmas party my boss would get advertisers to donate gifts for the employees. In a raffle I won the last few pieces I needed to finish furnishing my place.

2. Money.
As I got older my parents would give me pajamas of course and an envelope with cold hard cash inside. The day after Christmas my sisters and I would get up early and spend the money shopping!

1. My friend's and family's health and happiness.
For the last 28 years I have received this gift and I appreciate it and am thankful for it every time.


Merry Christmas! Happy Gift Hunting!!!
Tierney Cook

They are getting tired of the typhoons in southeast Asia. Typhoon Utor plowed through the Philippines this weekend, causing great damage and killing at least 5 people. Utor is now heading toward Vietnam, where they are bracing for a storm that may not even hit the country. The forecast calls for a weaker Utor to hit Vietnam, or it may dissipate over the South China Sea... but they are not taking any chances, and thousands of people are evacuating.

Utor is following on the heels of a devastating typhoon that struck this region just last week. Typhoon Durian struck Vietnam December 5th, killing 82 people and leaving thousands homeless. Durian also hit the Philippines, killing hundreds and forcing the evacuation of 90,000 people. Typhoons are common this time of year in the Pacific, but storms that follow each other so closely are unusual.

Posted by: Executive Producer, Julie Fike

Wow! Little did I know exactly how hot Prince would get. He's been tapped to be this year's Superbowl half-time show performer. What a great choice! (see previous blog)

He joins other legends like Mick Jagger and Paul McCartney who have rocked stadiums during the monumental event.

The universe is shining down on me. First, Prince and who knows, maybe the Chicago Bears will be in Miami as well. Tonight, they are taking on the St. Louis Rams. Da Bears have only lost two games and I hope it stays that way for the rest of the season. Now if the Universe comes together in my favor, I might have two things I like under one roof. The ultimate trifecta would be if I just so happen to bump into (on purpose) middle lineback Brian Urlacher. He's my favorite player and has been since he was a rookie for the Bears.

Posted By: John Flick

Friday, December 8th... a sad day at KOCO 5... the day we said goodbye to Terri Watkins. She's off pursuing other interests, and it won't be the same without her.
Terri worked at this station 24 years and in that time racked up a number of awards, big stories and was even inducted into the Oklahoma Journalists Hall of Fame. But I think Terri will tell you it's not the awards or acclaim that make her happy. She loves telling a good story. She PERSONALIZES each report. She knows Oklahoma and what's important to those of us who live here.
I love watching her on air because she makes me feel connected to the story... and she simply tells it like it is.
When I first came to KOCO more than three years ago, Terri went out of her way to show me around and help me learn the ropes. I've watched her do it with every new face around here.
She inspires... and she truly cares!
I'll miss you, Terri.

Posted by: Executive Producer, Julie Fike

The Grammy nominations came out this morning and among my favorites, of course, hometown girl Carrie Underwood and Prince!

Wide variety of music taste, I know. Here on the morning show some of us get into work starting at 11pm and the rest trickle in until 4am. You can imagine trying to start your day, before the sun comes up, while the rest of the country sleeps, sometimes you need a little inspiration to keep your eyes open and actually think. So, that's where music comes in.

Depending on what I feel the group needs, we jam the tunes the last half hour before we go on-air. Sometimes it's whatever gets stuck in our head. Ya know, the last song you hear before you get out of your car and you sing it for the rest of the day. For awhile there, it was Danity Kane's "Showstopper." I think that's kinda appropriate before the news. Tierney and I especially would sing this one in the makeup room together. John and Frank would roll their eyes. However, John has been know to belt out "Jesus Take the Wheel," by Carrie Underwood on occassion.

The classic choice for me is Prince. He's just a legend. He's a brilliant musician who can play nearly two dozen instruments and has been recording for about 20 years. He's now been nominated for R&B Album of the Year for "3121." I first saw him in concert here in Oklahoma City around 1997. It was awesome. I was 10th row center just in awe of a man who can sing, play guitar and do a double turn with platform shoes on. Just like other talented musicians, many of the popular acts of today try and "do" him better than him.

So maybe tomorrow morning in honor of the grammy nom the crew needs to get ready for a little Prince. Maybe a little "Let's Go Crazy."

2006 is a record breaking year for wildfires across the country. By the end of September there had already been 82,599 wildfires, burning 8,968,517 acres... topping the record number of acres burned, which was set last year. Records for wildfires have been kept since 1960.

Also, summer 2006 was the second warmest June to August period in the United States since records began in 1895. And, as of the end of August, 2006 is the warmest year on record for the continental United States.

Posted by Tierney Cook
Photo Courtesy of Google Images

I am dealing with a problem that only pops up a few times a year.
Here are the symptoms...

1. Lint filled pockets after buying an expensive plane ticket.
2. Repeatedly checking the forecast in a city other than the one you live in.
3. Googling a particular Visitor and Convention Bureau website.
4. Moving luggage from the back of the closet to your bedroom floor.
5. Hours anticipating the end of the work day.

I have "VACATIONITIS!!"

Sure you won't find the definition in Webster's Dictionary, but I know you have heard of it or experienced it in your life.

I am in Stage 4 of Vacationitis...but I expect a full recovery when I leave work today.



I am headed to Nashville, TN (that's it up there!!!) to visit my best friend from high school.
She just moved there; I have been to Memphis but never Nashville!

I have been getting text messages from my friend Brittny all day...counting down the hours until I arrive. Which is not good for my illness, it only makes it worse.

If your or someone you know suffers from "Vacationitis" please consult your time off list and schedule an appointment with freedom.

Tierney Cook

Posted by: John Flick

There are a couple movies included on my "mandatory holiday viewing" list.
"A Christmas Story" is right up there even though it does bring back some scary moments in my life . You see, I once stuck my tongue to a frozen pole on the playground. I was in second grade and didn't realize the ramifications of what I was doing. It was a little dicey for a couple seconds, but I managed to pull it free and only lost a couple taste buds.
And, talk about irony, the name of that character in the movie... can you remember?... yes, it was "Flick."
If you haven't seen "Elf" with Will Farrell you should check it out. Sure it's goofy and sometimes sappy, but it has a great message (I even teared up a bit at the end). Besides, nothing gets you in the holiday mood like a raccoon on the rampage. (check out the picture above left)
May your holiday movie viewing be merry! Feel free to share you favorites.

Posted by Tierney Cook
Photo Courtesy of Google Images


That's a picture of George Clooney and his pet pig "Max".
Max was 18 years old and died this week.

Honestly I can't imagine having a pet pig, snake, lizard or ferret as a pet.
I am a dog lover, maybe because that is all I have ever owned.
And much like George Clooney I have had a pet or 6 die in my lifetime.

If you don't own a pet, you should know they can bring great joy to your life.
Maybe even pigs, snakes, lizards or ferrets.
My blog today I want to remember the pets I loved and lost.
Please post yours as well in the comments!

R.I.P.
Brandie (Cocker Spaniel)
Blondie (Cocker Spaniel and Brandie's sister)
Shaka (Chow German Shepherd Mix)
Sade (My sister's Cocker Spaniel)
Winston ( Shi-Tzu)
Roscoe (Rottweiler)

Still going strong is my family's latest Rottweiler "Rocky", "Mason" and "Asha" both Cockapoo and "Bojangles" my sister's cat.

Missing her pets...
Tierney Cook

Hurricane researchers placed an array of oceanographic floats and drifters ahead of Hurricane Frances in 2004. One of the goals of this was to study the cooling of the sea surface temperature as the core of the hurricane passed over the water. The strong winds of a hurricane produce a rapid cooling of the water as cooler water from below is mixed to the surface. During Hurricane Frances, the water temperature cooled as much as 1.8 degrees Celsius, with the wake of cooler water behind and to the right of the path of the storm. The water even had a small cool-down in the center of the storm, which may explain the weakening of the storm from 120 kt to 100 kt as the storm passed through the study area.

Wow... it has been a while since I have blogged. This will be my first entry since last Tuesday. I have not been slacking, but during the snowstorm we started a "Storm Blog" with updates at least every hour during the duration of the storm. It was a great success, and we got some great feedback on this new feature. I hope we will continue it with the next big storm.

Today's blog topic is tsunami's in the Alps.

The Swiss government is starting to create procedures for a possible mini tsunami. A landlocked nation in the Alps should not have to worry about tsunami's, but they are preparing for the possibility of large waves on their lakes. The worry comes from the melting of the permafrost on the peaks of the mountains, and the increased risk of large rocks falling into lakes. The waves from any rockslides could be a risk to lakeside resort town like St. Moritz, Saas Fee and Zermatt. Officials fear that rockslides into lakes creating giant waves could kill hundreds of people, and they are preparing just in case it does happen.

Posted By Tierney Cook
Photo Courtesy of Google Images


It's Monday and that means it is time for my weekly TOP 10!






The Top 10 Things I Did This Past Weekend.


10. Sleep

9. Shoveled my driveway so I could get my car out.

8. Sleep

7. Ordered Ted's Cafe Escondido Togo

6. Sleep

5. Billy Blank's Tae-Bo 8 Minute Workout

5. Sleep

4. Caught up on my long Twilight Zone DVR List

3. Sleep

2. Sang Karaoke at my friend Dacia's 34th Birthday Brunch...("Chain of Fools" by Aretha Franklin)

1. Sleep


It just so happened...that was the actual order of events this past weekend!
Have a great Monday.

Tierney

Posted by Tierney Cook
Photo Courtesy of Google Images



What a way to start the month!
December 1st in Oklahoma City was cold and under at least 4 inches of snow.

I am from Texas and not used to all this cold weather, so when the snow would not stop falling last night I started to freak out a bit.

My car is still stuck in my driveway I cannot get out, so for the first time in my life I will have to shovel snow.

I am going to borrow the shovel from the station, to hold me over until I can buy my own shovel.

It's a first for.
Thank You Oklahoma!!
If it weren't for you a little girl from Texas would never own a snow shovel.