Posted by: John Flick

Not everyone is speaking the same language on a bill our state lawmakers will tackle this session... literally.
Some legislators propose making English the "Official State Language." What this means for you is all those documents paid for by taxpayer dollars would no longer be translated for Spanish speakers. Supporters of the bill say that would save on printing costs.
Former Senator Carol Martin proposed the bill in the past. She told us if you translate those documents for one group of people, you have to do it for all languages.
Patricia Fennell with Latino Community Development worries people who only speak Spanish will lose out on state services because they won't understand reading material and may be too embarrassed to ask for help.
She admits, "If you're going to live in this country you need to learn English. It's in your own personal advantage. Although from personal experience, I can tell you that English is not a very easy language to learn."
Similar bills have been brought up before, but have never passed. Will this year bring a new outlook on the language question? Tell us what you think.

By Morning Producer Derek Schnell

Maybe it's just me, but as a truck slowly drifted into my lane and cut me off without a turn signal on the drive home, I thought to myself, 'whatever happened to using the blinker?



Then I started counting. At one stoplight, I counted a flashing signal on just one of five cars waiting to turn. And I think the problem is even worse with lane-changers. Zipping through traffic without a flasher might work if everyone is paying attention, but you have to expect at least a few drivers are eating a quick bite or facing some other distraction on the road. It isn't worth risking an accident because that lever next to the wheel is so tough to reach.


Then there's the awkward driver encounter. I'm sure you've ended up on the 'is he or is he not going to turn' standoff at least once. So what do you think? Are too many people forgetting about turn signals out on the road? Am I seeing-- or not seeing-- a blinking problem?

Labels: blinker, driving, traffic, travel

Posted by: John Flick

Posted by: Executive Producer, Julie Fike

Tierney, I'm backing off but let me catch you up, since you are on the Bears Bandwagon.
By the way, the more the merrier.

Bears QB Rex Grossman worked out in the Walter Payton Center Thursday with the actual Superbowl XLI game balls. It got me to thinking of the "Sweetness," and the other great players of the 1985 Bears.

As football fans well know, the NFL Network has been airing Superbowl teams of late. Wednesday afternoon, it was the '85 Bears. It brought a tear to my eye (as well as my big German-descendant father). We lost it when then-defensive coach and Oklahoma-native, Buddy Ryan made his speech before the game. Ryan said, "whatever happens tomorrow, I want you to know you're my heroes." The emotions were high because it was all-but confirmed Ryan would be leaving the Bears organization.

With that, in true Bear-style, defensive tackle, Steve McMichael threw a chair against the blackboard and it stuck in the wall.

I know my '06 Bears are getting fired up under the guidance of head coach, Lovie Smith and defensive coordinator, Ron Rivera. Interesting how more than 20 years later, my Bears are in the same situation. I hope Rivera's got a good speech come Saturday night and the corner office of the Bears remember the player's heartbreak of Ryan.

Bear Down!
Julie

Posted by Tierney Cook
Photo Courtesy of Google Images


Okay.
The nominations are out.
I have just a few weeks to catch the "Best Picture" nominated films.
Up first today will be Babel.
I am meeting my friend Holle' to check out the flick.

Already I have seen, "Little Miss Sunshine" and "The Departed".
I loved them both.
"The Queen" seems boring, and "Letters from Iwo Jima" maybe a little heavy, but I will check them out anyway.

"Dreamgirls" was snubbed in the category, but I still think you should check it out, I have already seen it twice.

I will give you my film review next week.
Tierney Cook

Posted By Tierney Cook


As you may all know I was rooting for the Saints to make it to the Super Bowl.
It did not work out...they wanted to give the Bears the ball the whole game so I stand by my Saints, and agree, give the ball to the Bears.

The Bears will take on the Colts at the Super Bowl, and I am jumping on the Bear Bandwagon.
Go Bears, I am backing Julie on this one, I will be cheering on the Bears on Feb. 4th.

In other football news, My Dallas Cowboys are looking for a new coach.
I have not followed the Boys much this year, because it frustrates me.
But I am happy to see Parcells step down, we need new blood!

I am not a huge football fan, until the playoffs.
I normally only watch the Boys, Saints, and Chargers.
Only the last half (3rd & 4th quarters)
And I just want to see touchdowns, interceptions, and long running passes.
See I watch the second half, because all the good stuff in the first half will run again in the second half during highlights.

I like the playoffs, because then it's only the best teams of the season, all the okay teams are already back at home recovering.

So I am in football mode now, and it won't end until the 4th.
By the way I am the same way with basketball.
I didn't start watching the Mav's last year till they made it to the playoffs!

GO BEARS!
Tierney Cook

"We are the Bears Shufflin' CrewShufflin' on down, doin' it for you.We're so bad we know we're good.Blowin' your mind like we knew we would.You know we're just struttin' for funStruttin' our stuff for everyone.We're not here to start not trouble.We're just here to do the Super Bowl Shuffle."

Tierney, I tried to warn you, my boyfriend (in my dreams) Brian Urlacher was going to pummel your man, Reggie Bush. Now my Chicago Bears are Miami bound. It's been a long road since 1985. Namely on the QB front.

Who remembers-rather-forget, Will Furrer, Jim Harbaugh, Erik Kramer, Cade McNown, Jim Miller and Chris Chandler. These guys are singlehandedly responsible for many-a-heart attack and disappointment over the years for Bears fans around the globe.

I know many could debate Rex Grossman but I'm not even going there. Let's focus on my boys on D. Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs and Tank Johnson and of course the man with the golden foot, Robbie Gould.

A shoutout goes to all the Bears fans at the Varsity Grill on Sunday. We all did our very best to ignore the two Saints fans in the corner. See you there Superbowl Sunday!

"We love to play for the world's best fans,You better start makin'Your Super Bowl plans. But don't get ready or go to any trouble Unless you practice The Super Bowl Shuffle."

Posted by Tierney Cook
Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Hello, it's been a busy January for me so far.
I have missed my weekly Top 10.
And this week, I will list the Top 10 Things I Need to Do This Week.


You may be wondering why?
It's because for the last two weeks, my life has consisted of,
Go to Work
Go Home
Go to Sleep

The Ice Storm and the weather this past weekend has really kept the crews at KOCO-5 busy for the last two weeks.
Now I need to concentrate on me.
So This Week...

10. Change the sheets on my bed
(This is normally a Saturday occurrence, but I have been working so this week the sheets are coming off)

9. Make Up My Bed
(For the past few weeks, I have wondered, why bother, I am just going to get back in it when I get off in 12 hours.)

8. Clean up my kitchen
(There is a sink full of dirty glasses. The station has been kind enough to feed us the past few weeks, so I have not had to cook, but I need some water every now and then)

7. Start the dishwasher
(It's pretty bad no description necessary)

6. Tutor at Emerson
(I have not seen the kiddos in a few weeks. I tutor the high school kids there in most subjects. I am looking forward to seeing them this week and catching up on what they have been doing during the Ice Storm vacation.)

5. Hang out with Lauren
(I am in the Big Sister and Brothers Program, and my little Lauren and I hang out a lot. But we missed the last two Hornets games I had tickets for because of the Ice Storm.)

4. Catch up on DVR
(There is a long list of programs I recorded that I have yet to set eyes on. Brothers and Sisters this week and last week and The Twilight Zone episodes are up first.)

3. Sleep in Late
(Over the past two weekends I was in at 6am so up at 4:30am. Normally the weekend is the time I catch up on the sleep I missed during the week. So much like the state of Oklahoma I am in a drought, and I have issued my own disaster declaration.)

2. Catch up on my volunteer work
(I serve on the Oklahoma Brain Tumor Foundation Board, and officer in the Sigma Sigma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, and the Oklahoma Association of Black Journalists. I am way behind on committee reports, and scheduling events I will fit that in after the nap)

1. See my Friends
(I graduated from Langston University, so I have a lot of friends who still live here, and keep me entertained. With my family in Texas and Georgia, my friends are a great outlet from the daily grind, so Shauntae', Holle', Rob, Jessica, Flick, Julie, Tamya and Tiece we need to have dinner this weekend! We need to catch up!

Tierney Cook

Posted by: John Flick

Pardon me while I vent. Despite our freezing temperatures, my blood is boiling. The roads are terrible... some of them are solid ice. So, why is it everywhere I go, the car behind me is madly in love with my bumper? SLOW DOWN and give some space.
Earlier this week, our fearless producer Derek picked Tierney and me up (her car was dead, mine was stuck in my driveway). On the way to work a car tailgated us and, obviously angry that our 27 mph speed didn't meet his racetrack expectations, passed us on what had become a one-lane road. As he slid by, spewing slush in his wake, we motioned for him to slow down. So, he stopped his car in the middle of the road and actually got out (mind you it was 3:20 am, 12 degrees, with a windchill of 5). He obviously wanted to fight. Derek calmly maneuvered around him and we moved on.
Tuesday night, a car was stuck in the intersection at 30th and Penn. I got out, along with another driver, to push him out of his rut. It was apparently too much for the driver behind us. In all his wisdom, he drove into oncoming traffic to pass and got stuck himself... causing even more trouble. Despite my disgust at his actions, I helped push him along. The young man drove off without even a smile or wave of thanks.
Wednesday night, a truck was stuck in a grocery store parking lot. I joined another guy to help him. We must have put on a good show, because at least 5 grown men walked by and just watched. We finally pushed the driver out, and he was very appreciative. (Ironically, his bumper sticker read "Got Ice?"... yes, plenty.)
And now we're expecting snow this weekend. Folks, I'm not saying I'm a saint but I hope patience, common courtesy and common sense are also in the forecast.
Please, be careful.

Posted by Tierney Cook
Photo Courtesy of Google Images


It is really cold outside, ice even some snow looming this weekend.
Yet I am still afraid of my fireplace.

Sure I am close to 30 years old; but I am afraid I will start a small fire in my fireplace, and it will spread and take out my condo.

My fireplace is gas powered. Each time I have tried to get a little flame going, anxiety comes over me.

There is sweating, increased heart beats, and the room starts spinning.
Then I put the poker down and run for my electric blanket.

I do admit, it's a shame that I am this old and have never started a fire on my own.
I am from Texas!!

Sure it gets chilly, but never down to 9 degrees, which is why I have never had to start my own fire.

I am thinking of taking some counseling to get over my fears, because with snow this weekend, and the January we have had so far; I should really start putting my fireplace to use.

Tierney

Posted By Tierney Cook

Hey Guys.
It's been so long since I blogged, that I want to take a little time to get you caught up on what I have been up to.

Ice Storm 2007.
I worked a lot of hours. We all have, but it was worth it. It's what we do here at Eyewitness News Five.
Most of the time out in the field I could not feel my toes, they are the first to go.
On the desk during our 7 hour coverage, my legs were an issue again, they started to go to sleep. It's just a part of process. All you do is get up stretch and sit back down.
The food here at the station has been great. My boss has made sure to deliver sandwiches, bar-b-que, donuts, snacks and a whole lot more over the past few days.
Love it! Thanks!


Golden Globes 2007.
I am so happy to hear that my girl Jennifer Hudson and funny man Eddie Murphy took home an award for their work in "Dreamgirls".
Also, I love the shows "Ugly Betty" and "Grey's Anatomy" both took home big prizes at last night's award show.
Now I have to root for Eddie and Jennifer to pick up an award at the Oscars!

Reggie + Tierney = Love
This is for my Executive Producer Julie Fike.
My guy Reggie Bush with the Saints will be all over the Da Bears this weekend.
If you read Julie's post today she is talking smack about the Saints/Bears game this weekend.
Urlacher is good, but he has nothing on Bush!
As the score will reflect this weekend!!!

GO SAINTS!!!
Oh I like the Cowboys too!!!

Tierney

Posted by: Executive Producer, Julie Fike

It's no secret Tierney and I are friends but not this Sunday. It's no secret to regular readers of the Eyewitness News 5 in the Morning blog that my boyfriend (in my dreams) is none other than Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (#54). I have Bears stuff in my office, including a figure of Urlacher tackling and staring right at me. Tierney's boyfriend (in her dreams) is none other than New Orleans Saints' running back Reggie Bush. So you see the dilemma.

The two teams will go after it this Sunday to make it to the Superbowl. Of course, I'm all about Da Bears, Tierney is just for Reggie. It'll be interesting. Both "boyfriends" will face off in Chicago. I'm sure Urlacher will sack Reggie a couple of times. I'm sure Tierney wouldn't mind helping Reggie in his recovery of bruises and other wounds from Urlacher's punishment.

Tierney, do you want to make a friendly bet? Bear Down Chicago Bears!

Posted by: Executive Producer, Julie Fike

I take this space to congratulate my running partner, Melannie from Houston. Because of Ice Storm 2007, I had to cancel my plans to run 13.2 miles right beside her on Sunday. I had a marathon of my own, I was in the control booth for hours on end, bringing ya'll the latest information and great video, all the while, Melannie ran all by herself and finished just in time before it started to sleet there!

When I knew the trip was off on Friday, I left a voicemail for her to remember the "Eye of the Tiger" from the movie "Rocky." She did and finished in a very respectable time, especially for gutting it out by herself. You rock girl.

My marathon continues, especially with Ice Storm 2007 aftermath. The Eyewitness News 5 in the morning crew is working on several days in a row without a day off. Way to go guys and Melannie. I'm lucky to know such great people with big hearts.

Posted by Adam Slinger

In case you didn’t know, there’s an ice storm outside your window.

I think Kimberly Lohman said it best, “We’re covering latebreaking news and ice-breaking news.”

During the storm, I took Jessica Schambach’s advice and covered my windshield with an old sheet. It saved some time this morning--Time that I did not want to spend outside in the single-digit wind chill temperatures. I spoke with one man today in Del City who said that it took him 30 minutes to scrape the ice off his vehicle.

There is a lot of ice out there--at least an inch on most Metro roads from what I witnessed today. In Oklahoma City, the street maintenance department reports that it may take salt/plow trucks up to ten days to clear the residential streets. By the end of the storm, they expect to use 6,000 tons of salt on city roads.

Eyewitness News 5 was broadcasting continuous coverage for over 10 hours Friday, bringing you the information you needed to know. Photojournalist Dan Ryan and I were watching the first round of the storm as it hit around 7:00am. It started out as a light mist that we almost missed. (Say that last sentence out loud.) The reason: it wasn’t visible unless you were looking at the droplets on your windows--it was that light. Within two hours though, it had picked up steam. (So to speak.) We had freezing rain, sleet and slush. Oh, and did I mention the cold? Baby, it was cold outside. Let me tell ya something, time does NOT fly when you’re cold and wet, but Dan and I enjoyed witnessing weather history here in the state from the beginning and talking to those drivers and emergency crews most affected by it.

Hopefully, you’re sending us the images that your witnessing, too. As John Flick put it this morning, we’re becoming a local news version of YouTube. You can be the reporter by uploading clips and pictures to koco.com.

This is one that we got yesterday. It made (and continues to make) our newsroom laugh.

"We love your blue beanie!"

-Aubra and Amanda in The Village

Hopefully my only two fans and the rest of the viewers aren’t sick of me or my “blue beanie” yet. We'll both be back out Sunday morning as the final wave approaches… and it doesn’t look good. So, if you don't wanna get near your cold window to watch the ice, just turn on KOCO-5. We'll keep you ahead of the storm.

Posted by: John Flick

Busy times at KOCO. We are all on standby for the ice storm. We'll be fully staffed to bring you the latest information.
I'm mentally preparing for what lies ahead and drawing on the memories of my childhood to get me through. I was born in North Dakota (Minot... anyone heard of it? Boy did we get a lot of snow) then moved to Minneapolis. I remember standing out at the bus stop, packed into my snowsuit, barely able to move through the layers. Every morning as I stood there shoulder deep in snow I would think of a hot tub. Yes, soaking in the heat of the warm water. The hot tub thoughts became my refuge in the winter. The only downside to these thoughts, it generally made me have to go to the bathroom. So, once I got to school it was a race to get all that snow gear off and get some relief. Good times.

And now, a little advice if you get to the store and they're out of de-icer... here's how to make it at home. (Martha Stewart would be proud)
You need a spray bottle, some water and either ethyl alcohol or vinegar.
Mix 50 percent water with 50 percent of the alcohol or vinegar. Spray as needed. (Your decision to decorate the water bottle is up to you...)

Good luck and think Hot Tub.

Posted by: Executive Producer, Julie Fike
Picture: Reuters

I always say there's a fine line between being nuts and pure genius. Here's another example of my theory. A toilet that doubles as an aquarium. I first saw this on Monday and told the producers to run it. They "conveniently" forgot. So here it goes.

It's called the "Fish 'n Flush." Love it! It sells for around $300 and fits most toilets. The creators insist parents are using it to help potty train their child. I don't know exactly how but hey, I hear that can be quite a challenge, so anything that helps.

I guess it would be kind of easy access once a fish goes to the "watery heaven in the sky." Who didn't have a fish-flush-funeral growing up? Mine was Bubba. (Yes, insert Arkansas joke here) He was one of those big fat gold fish, orange and white in color with flowly fins. I'm sure they have a scientific name but I don't know it. Anyway, it was amazing, I had Bubba for 2 years! 2 years! That's gotta be like 105 years to gold fish. His fish-flush-ceremony was the most heartbreaking. Looking at the toilet, I don't know if Bubba could even fit in there. Besides how would I feel about Bubba swimming all around me while I do my "business?" That's just too much information for any living thing.

Posted by Tierney Cook

Welcome to 2007!!
So far so good for me!

But in this week's Top 10, I am looking at the 10 things I left in 2006!
In no particular order...


10. Fear
(I've heard fear is False Evidence Appearing Real it stops me from doing things I know I should, so I said BYE BYE in 2006!)

9. Road Rage
(I don't know sometimes it just sparks up, and it's never a good thing. BYE BYE ROAD RAGE!)

8. Not Calling My Mom Enough
(I do a pretty good job, but it could be better-MORE HELLO MOM IN 2006!!)

7. My 32 Inch Television
(I need to step into the world of high tech! I need a flat screen plasma with picture in picture-A NEW VIEW IN 2006 YIPPEE!!)

6. My Car's Brakes
(I really need brakes on my car I have for the past few months, don't have a reason why I have not committed to buying them, but that is important. HEAR YOU LATER SQUEAKY BRAKES!)

5. My Comments About John's Wheat Thins Breath
(Some viewers I have seen out have told me it was insensitive to call out every time John Flick eats a trisket/wheat thin during a commercial break and kills me when the foul stench. So I'M SHUTTING MY MOUTH IN 2007!)

4. Impulse Buys
(It cost me a lot in 2006. I am going to take the wait and see approach this year, sorry Dillard's)

3. Staying Home
(I am a home body, but that doesn't mean I can't travel and stay at someone else's home. I'M COMING TO SEE YOU IN 2007!!!)

2. Waiting To Do Laundry
(There is no excuse for this. I am already CLEANING UP IN 2007!)

1. Waiting To Wash My Car
(During the ice storm last year, it was 2 weeks before I washed my car. SQUEAKY CLEAN IN 2007!)


Let me know what you left in 2006!

Tierney

Posted by: Executive Producer, Julie Fike

This morning we told you about the American Dialect Society's word of the year for 2006. It was "plutoed." Which means "to demote or devalue someone or something." It comes from the former planet which scientists decided didn't meet the definition of a planet.

Well, here at Eyewitness News 5 in the morning, Tierney and I have our own words that you don't hear on the air but should be considered "real" words in the dictionary. Here's some of them.

-Mantastic: A man who is really a good guy, from looks to personality, the whole package. A combo between man and fantastic. Example: George Clooney is mantastic.

-Sasstastic: Someone who is being sassy to the extreme. (This is often times the nickname Tierney and I call each other. It's an affectionate term for us.)

-Sasstress: This is a mix between someone who is being "sassy" and a "princess."

You can also make up your own combinations. Another we use is "spectacular." Basically we just used the "acular" of the word and attach whatever to the front of the word. It's not scientific but gives us a chuckle throughout the day.

Posted by: Executive Producer, Julie Fike

It's that time of year where I do something crazy, run a half-marathon in Houston. I've been "training" since September. I didn't run across the country and certainly won't be alone like Tom Hanks in the movie Forrest Gump however I feel good going into the race next weekend. Besides, I'll have my long distance training partner, Melannie with me. She and I have been running races since 2003.

It all started in San Antonio (where I used to live) when I wanted some company working out. I looked around the WOAI newsroom and saw a perky woman who seemed game. I didn't want to scare her so I simply asked about doing a 5K with me. Melannie said, "I've never done one but absolutely!" Told you she was perky. Which is great.

Since then we've done several 5k's, 10k's, Triathlons and Half Marathons. We both agree, she's the heart, I'm the brains of the operation. We make a great team. Houston is always a great venue in which to run, especially if you aren't a serious runner. It's nice and flat with plenty of live music bands during the course.

A new tradition we'll add now that I'm here in OKC is the Memorial Marathon. I hear it's a great race and who knows, maybe we'll make the jump 26.2 miles in April. Yikes!

Posted by Tierney Cook

I was busy over the New Years Holiday.
My dad (Steve) turned 60!!




My two sisters and I decided to call all his friends and co-workers and invite them out to celebrate the milestone.

Keep in mind the planning was months in the making, and it all came to an end on Saturday December 30th!

My dad is a huge Harley Davidson fan.
We decided that would be the theme of the party.
The cake had a motorcycle on it...the center pieces were Harley Davidson bags, and the colors were orange, black and white.

At least that is what we planned on.
My older sister (Deshea) was in charge of decorations.
She picked up the balloons (orange, black, white).
When it was time to decorate, (2 hours before the event) we realized, purple balloons look black UNTIL YOU BLOW THEM UP!!!

So at the party, we had purple, orange and white balloons.
Gotta roll with it.
Despite all that.
We had a great time, and I think my dad appreciated it.

Tierney Cook

Posted by Tierney Cook
Photo Courtesy of Google Images



I don't have a long list of resolutions this year.

1. Read more books (I am finishing up "Captivating unveiling the Mystery of a Woman's Soul" by John & Stasi Eldredge)

2. Travel with friends more

3. Stop using the snooze button.

Number 3 is where I am having the problem.
Already this morning I hit snooze 2x!

The other two are going on strong.
I have another book already lined up to start reading when I finish the latest one.
I have already planned a trip to Chicago and Napa Valley this year with my best girlfriends.

2 out of 3 is not bad.

Tierney Cook