Posted by: John Flick

On Friday, a program in the Netherlands will take Reality TV to a whole new level... a program where "contestants" are literally fighting for their lives. A terminally ill woman will give away her kidney to the person she thinks most deserves it. There are three finalists, and over the 80-minute show the woman will interview them and their families before choosing the winner.
The program has outraged government officials, who have asked the network not to air the show. The network isn't bending, saying it brings to light how hard it is to get an organ transplant.
The best ending would be that the show galvanizes viewers to become organ donors, and the other two contestants are given life-saving surgeries.
You've heard the saying, "sex sells." Maybe kidneys will as well. And if the program is a ratings success, who knows what the networks will come up with next.

Posted by Tierney Cook


To piggy back off Oprah and Julie Fike, here are my 5 favorite things.


In NO Particular Order....



1. Singing Gospel music at the top of my lungs when I am driving alone on a road trip.
(Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, J. Moss are my favorite)

2. Sushi

3. My nephew Adevian and my niece Ryan Nicole (waiting for her to get here)

4. Naps on Sunday afternoon when it's raining.

5. Eyewitness News 5 in the Morning (best shift I have ever worked)

Posted by: Executive Producer, Julie Fike

"It looks like a tornado went through here!"

How many kids haven't heard that a time or two from their parents? I know I did growing up. So I got real tickled this morning reading about a German girl who took things to the extreme.
Read below. I hope you enjoy it.

BERLIN (Reuters) - A nine-year-old German girl was so upset about having to tidy her room she put up a sign in her window urging passers-by to call police for help.
Pedestrians in the central city of Braunschweig saw the girl crying in the window, holding up a sign up saying "Help! Please call the police!" Next to her sat a small boy. Quickly alerted, officers rushed to the scene to discover the girl had argued with her mother about tidying her room and enlisted her two-year-old brother's aid to attract attention.
"The room looked like a battlefield," said a spokesman for local police on Monday. "Officers told the girl to tidy her room. When they came back two hours later to check, it was all cleaned up. And the mother and daughter had made up too."

Posted By Tierney Cook


The end of May marks the end of school for many of us, and the end of great television.
Even the stars in Hollywood need a summer vacation.

I am going to be glued to my television for the rest of this week!!!

"Dancing with the Stars" finale is tonight.
All season long I have been rooting for Joey Fatone!
I predict he will take it home tonight and beat out Apolo and Laila!

"Lost" look for the finale Wednesday.
I am not going to try and predict what is going to happen on this show, I have no clue and that is what I love about it!!!

As for last weeks finales....

Grey's Anatomy-
Meredith and Derek are over (I'm happy about it she has issues)
Christina and Burke are over, (I think he will leave the show)
Callie and George are over (Callie knows he loves Izzie, George will start the intern program over again)
Izzie and George will not work out, he will fall in love with one of the new interns.
Meredith will start to date McSteamy pushing Derek toward her sister "Lexi".
Kerev will spend all next season look for Ava (Rebecca).

Brother's and Sisters-
There is something fishy with Saul and his old friend (the guy who came to the party who left his wife)
Kevin and McAllister's brother will start dating.
Sara will beat up Rebecca for initiating the kiss with Joe. But Sara and Joe are over.
Kitty and the Senator will plan their wedding, but his ex-wife and kids will get in the way.

I am ready for the next season.
We'll see if I am right!!!

Tierney

Posted By Tierney Cook


I went for a run/walk mix yesterday afternoon.
I told John Flick about it this morning and he couldn't believe his ears!
I am trying to appreciate nature, but the bugs and heat get in the way.

I am on standby for my my new niece's arrival.
She could come any minute.
I already have a nephew, so a girl will be fun.

My sister is doing fine, ready to bring the new life in the world, and my nephew is excited about being a big brother, at least for now.

That is pretty much all that is going on in my life lately.

Make sure you watch the morning show tomorrow.
We are taking a close look at OHP Trooper Training.
John will take us through the intense physical and mental training!

Hope you watch!!! Catch Ya Later!!

Tierney

When I accepted the job as morning meteorologist here at KOCO and moved to Oklahoma City, I decided it was time to buy my first house. I had grown tired of renting and felt like now was the right time for me. It was an exciting, exhausting and frightening experience all wrapped up into one.
The exciting part: getting to explore a whole community as I shopped for a house. Having never been to the OKC area before, it was vitally important to me to get to know this area and the people before I was ever on-air at KOCO. Looking for a house in various parts of the city, and in Edmond, really helped me get sense of the "lay of the land". I like how most of the city is gridded out, that helps us newcomers.
The exhausting part: trying to find the right house for me while spending extra long hours here preparing myself and also getting geared up for severe weather season. I also knew the house was a big commitment on my part, so I was picky. I probably looked at at least 30 houses (some three or four times). Luckily, I had a patient realtor (thanks Jack and Power Team). The day I closed on my house and got the keys, we had 5" of rain (remember March 30th?). I came to realize that moving in and getting situated with all of our Spring storms was going to be a slow, slow procedure.
The frightening part: having a mortgage..need I say more. Also, all of that paperwork. I think somewhere along the line I signed a paper that said "right to first born", or something like that.
Having a home as made me feel a part of this community very quickly. Everyone I have met has been so nice and accommodating, I'm certainly proud to say I live here.

Posted by Tierney Cook


I am out of breath and out of energy!
I am still recovering from my jam packed Monday!!!

I really like Oklahoma City, and I like the people here, so when ever there is a chance to meet someone new I am there!


I am a board member with the Oklahoma Brain Tumor Foundation!
Yesterday we held our 3rd Annual Swing For Hope Charity Golf Tournament.
Dozens of teams signed up to play 18 holes at Gaillardia and help raise money for victims of brain tumors.

When I wasn't passing out water to the golfers, I was answering questions at Parker Elementary School in Spencer.

I was a guest on News 42 PARK-TV.
It's a student run newscast that features 3rd - 5th graders.
They wanted to know why I got into the broadcasting field and any advice on making it in the industry.

It was a busy Monday, but I had a blast!
Tierney

With the cost of gasoline on the rise, some are finding it cheaper to travel by air. Will Rogers World Airport has just added two new non-stop destinations and more are scheduled for the summer.

Posted by: John Flick

"Send a message to oil companies. Don't buy gas May 15th!" That's the email I got. It said if we all bypassed the pump for one day, the industry would lose more than 2 billion dollars. The idea isn't a new one, but having just spent more than $50.00 to fill up my tank, I want to sock it to somebody... but will this work?
I looked at some research online, and most of the info. out there says a one-day "gas out" won't work. All we're really doing is putting off our inevitable gas purchase to another day. One source says you'd need to do something like this over a prolonged period of time to get noticeable impact.
So, I'm going to try to drive less, carpool more and when I do have to fill up, frown harder to let those oil companies know how I feel. How about you??

Posted by: Executive Producer, Julie Fike

Tierney has a great, inspirational story about a man who says he's experienced heaven. Her story, "90 Minutes in Heaven," airs Monday. See her blog for the news side of this story. But there's a behind-the-scenes story of this story. The title has had us singing ever since she was assigned to profile this man.

Remember, "Dancing in Heaven," by Q-Feel? It's the song from the movie, "Girls Just Want to Have Fun." This is one of the times I wish we had a web camera in the newsroom. We were playing a wav sample this morning and Tierney and I cut-a-rug. We actually did moves from the movie. Can't you just remember Sarah Jessica Parker doing her slow, slow, quick, quick slow?

I found a sample of it on the internet. http://www.fortunecity.com/lavendar/atkinson/470/sounds/diheaven.wav

So if you have a little time to waste today at work, just listen to the 30 second sample and do your favorite move. It's okay, you aren't along in spirit. BTW- John nearly lost his teeth when Tierney and I did it. He was amazed at our 80's dance moves. Have a great weekend. Julie

Posted by: John Flick

As I drive through neighborhoods it's nice to see blue boxes at the end of driveways on trash day. That means folks are recycling. In Oklahoma City, all you have to do is request the recycling bin and they'll drop it off for you. Just call: 297-2833.
I'm sure many of you are happy to see a break in the rain. My yard is like a tropical rain forest. Cats wander in and aren't seen for days. I'm glad to be able to get out and mow and do other yardwork.
This weekend I'm off to Wichita to see my mom. The weather should be nice and the River Festival is going on. If you get a chance and don't mind a 2-hour drive, it's a great event.
Happy Mother's Day!!

Posted By Tierney Cook


I am a little down today.
Mother's Day is Sunday, and I cannot be with my mother this weekend.
We are in the middle of severe weather season here in Oklahoma, so time off is not likely.
My mom lives in Atlanta Georgia.

One of my most favorite memories of my mom is a phrase she would often say,
"Tierney move into your sisters room for a while. I don't want any complaining, this woman needs help and it's the christian thing to do."

My mom owns a beauty shop in Plano, Texas.
If you know about women and beauty shops we often pour our hearts out there.

My mom would meet women who would come in for a style but get a therapy session.

One woman helped put her husband through medical school, had two young boys and after 10 years of marriage...he left her. She cried her eyes out in my mom's salon chair.
My mom said, "You need a place to stay, You can come live with us for a while.
She called and said those famous words..."Tierney move into your sister's room for a while. I don't want any complaining, this woman needs help and it's the christian thing to do."

Months later another client revealed she was being molested at home. My mom couldn't stand for that, she said,
"You need a place to stay, You can come live with us for a while.
She picked up the phone.
"Tierney move into your sister's room for a while, I don't want any complaining this woman needs help and it's the christian thing to do."

There were a number of women and children that set up shop in th Cook house for months at a time until they got back on their feet.

It still goes on to this day.
I will call my mom at home and a strange woman will answer the phone.
I will ask her who she is and of course, "Oh I needed some help and your mom said I could stay here for a while."

My mom's heart is two big for just three daughters.
So she picks up more along the way.

That's why I love her.
Happy Mother's Day to Debra Diane Cook!!
I LOVE YOU!!!

Executive Producer, Julie Fike

Tierney, I totally know how you feel. I don't mind if my food touches. However, it seems that I've been touching all kinds of bad food and stuffing it in my face!

With these storms as of late, it's real easy just to grab whatever you can, when you can. For instance, yesterday morning, it was a long one for us here on the morning show and I just happened to have $25 bucks in purse. Who carries cash anymore?

Anyway, I told another producer to grab the money and get as much fast food breakfast food as she could. She willingly did and boy, did we all scarf down the food. Now, at the time, it tastes so good. Some fried hashbrown goodness combined with some greasy meat product in a milky biscuit. What's not to like?

Well, what's not to like is how you feel later, especially about how you crashed your diet and now that you are exhausted from work, you have no energy to workout and burn those calories!

All I can do is adopt the heroine Scarlett O'Hara's phrase, "tomorrow is another day!"
Julie

Posted by Tierney Cook

My co-worker Jessica Schambach...videotaped and logged everything she ate for a solid week.
Tonight she will reveal her eating habits to the metro.

So I decided to share my strange and weird habits...

1. I don't like my food to touch. If it touches I will not eat it.
2. I do not prefer red meat, anything fried, bbq, pork, whole milk or ice cream (i like sherbet and sorbet better).
3. I like food that did not have parents.
4. I can go weeks without eating meat...I am on the edge of being a vegetarian.

I have a sweet tooth, so I prefer not to have it in my house!

What are your strange eating habits?
I know I am not the only one.

Tierney

So last post, I told you about my favorite TV show, Lost. This time, I figured I would stick with the theme, but talk music instead. My favorite band is Sister Hazel. Most of you would know them from their late 90s hit "All For You". I actually like them for many other reasons, and actually have a few things in common with them.

Sister Hazel started as a lot of bands do, a band playing the college scene. SH got started in Gainesville, FL in the mid 90s. I so happened to be attending the University of Florida at the very same time. Actually, four of the five band members graduated from UF. It's funny, the first time I heard Sister Hazel play, I didn't even realize it was them. They were just the background band at one of the places I went out to one night with a group of friends. Then, "All For You" came out, and it immediately became my favorite song, and still is.

I actually got to interview them once while I was in college. Besides the football team, they were the hottest thing going in Gainesville the last two years I was there. I went to the taping of the "All For You" video at the Florida Theatre. In the video, you can't pick me out in the crowd, but I was there.

The main reason Sister Hazel is still my favorite band is because they're five genuine, grounded guys who haven't let fame affect them. I just like to root and support people like them. They're active in several causes, including "Lyrics For Life", and they're as much devoted to their fans as their fans are to them.

They're also one of those rare bands that actually sound better live than in the studio. I'm not sure if they're headed to Oklahoma City anytime soon, but if they are, I'll be there, even if it means no sleep before the morning show.

Rusty

Posted by: John Flick

Sunday was the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon, and I ran my first half marathon. I truly enjoyed 9.7 miles of it (the half marathon is 13.1 miles).
It was a beautiful day, there were great people and a lot of inspiration. We honored those victims of the bombing and I also ran for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
People lined the course and they were great cheerleaders. It was nice to see the smiling faces. Although at one point I slowed down for what I thought was a water station. There were cups, bottles of clear liquid and a lively group celebrating the race on their front lawn. Turns out that liquid was vodka, and the Bloody Mary mix was nearby. I moved on.
As I approached mile 10 my body gave me subtle hints that it didn't like what I was doing. And by that I mean my legs nearly fell off, my back went into spasms, and I'd lost all feeling in my feet... good times. It might sound corny but I thought of people who've had it a lot worse than me, and I trudged on, one foot in front of the other.
Crossing the finish line was great, not to mention the endless supply of cheeseburgers and chocolate milk handed out by volunteers. It was a great experience and I plan on doing it again. There is a 6 mile option, isn't there?

Posted by: Executive Producer, Julie Fike

In the infamous words of my friend and co-worker Tierney Cook, I'm over it.

From snow, to ice, now to wet weather, I'm over the wacky weather. Yes, it keeps us on our toes and breaks up the monotony but come on we've all got stuff to do. It's awfully tempting to blame Rusty for all of this. Isn't that what we like to do? Blame the weather guy. We all know it's not his fault but somehow it makes us feel better to point the finger.

I was talking with my neighbor and it's like the meeting of the UN to try and figure out when to mow your grass. The backyard grass is growing faster than the front...all this rain is making it grow like crazy...who wants to mow twice! Not only that but in between rainy days who wants to spend your precious time doing yard work! Not me. As you've read, I hate yard work more than math.

Intellectually, I get it. The state needs rain. We've been in a drought for awhile. It helps the farmers, rachers, not to metion our own water bills. Okay.. so now that I've vented and look at it like the glass is half full, maybe we should thank Rusty.