Thursday, September 27, 2007
The Color of Autumn
Each Autumn we are treated to a spectacular display of color by Mother Nature. As Autumn arrives, less sun and cooler temperatures allow the green leaves of Summer to change. Have you ever wondered what processes lead to the yearly occurrence?
In the Autumn, the decrease in the intensity and duration of sunlight, as well as cooler temperatures, causes the leaves to stop their food-making process (photosynthesis). The chlorophyll in the leaves breaks down, causing the green color to disappear, and the yellowish pigments, known as carotenoids, become visible. The Autumn foliage of some trees, including aspen, birch and ash, are mostly yellowish colors. Also, the reddish pigments, the anthocyanins, become more visible in the leaf veins and cells in some leaves, such as maples.
Leaves have just as much yellow pigment (xanthophyll) in July when they are green as they do in October when they are yellow. In July the darker green pigment (chlorophyll) masks the yellow color.
Autumn weather conditions favoring the most brilliant colors are warm, sunny days and cool (but not freezing) nights. During this kind of weather, the leaf produces quite a bit of sugar. However, the cooler weather results in the closing of the leaf veins, thus preventing the sugar to leave.
A few hard frosts can cause the leaves to wither and fall prematurely. The degree of color may also vary from variety to variety, and from tree to tree. Leaves directly exposed to the sun tend to turn red, while those on the shady side of the same tree may be yellow. When there is much warm, cloudy and/or rainy weather in the Fall, the leaves will have less red coloration.
Carotenoids are always present in leaves, allowing the yellow and gold colors to remain until the leaf falls. As Winter approaches, there will not be enough light or water for photosynthesis. The leaf veins will continue to close, eventually leading to the separation from its base. The tree will then become dormant and live off the food it stored internally during the summer.
Rusty
In the Autumn, the decrease in the intensity and duration of sunlight, as well as cooler temperatures, causes the leaves to stop their food-making process (photosynthesis). The chlorophyll in the leaves breaks down, causing the green color to disappear, and the yellowish pigments, known as carotenoids, become visible. The Autumn foliage of some trees, including aspen, birch and ash, are mostly yellowish colors. Also, the reddish pigments, the anthocyanins, become more visible in the leaf veins and cells in some leaves, such as maples.
Leaves have just as much yellow pigment (xanthophyll) in July when they are green as they do in October when they are yellow. In July the darker green pigment (chlorophyll) masks the yellow color.
Autumn weather conditions favoring the most brilliant colors are warm, sunny days and cool (but not freezing) nights. During this kind of weather, the leaf produces quite a bit of sugar. However, the cooler weather results in the closing of the leaf veins, thus preventing the sugar to leave.
A few hard frosts can cause the leaves to wither and fall prematurely. The degree of color may also vary from variety to variety, and from tree to tree. Leaves directly exposed to the sun tend to turn red, while those on the shady side of the same tree may be yellow. When there is much warm, cloudy and/or rainy weather in the Fall, the leaves will have less red coloration.
Carotenoids are always present in leaves, allowing the yellow and gold colors to remain until the leaf falls. As Winter approaches, there will not be enough light or water for photosynthesis. The leaf veins will continue to close, eventually leading to the separation from its base. The tree will then become dormant and live off the food it stored internally during the summer.
Rusty
posted by Rusty McCranie at 9:00 AM
0 comments
Friday, September 21, 2007
Chili Cook Off Contest
Posted By: Tierney Cook
I have a busy weekend in store.
I previously told you about hosting the Black Arts Festival on Saturday, well on Sunday I get to judge the Oklahoma State Fair Chili Cook-Off.
I am not normally a chili fan, but I am excited to taste what Oklahomans have to offer Chili wise.
Of course buckets of chili will not agree with my diet plan my new trainer has enacted, but she did tell me you have to cheat every now and then.
I will offer a full report on Monday!
Have a great weekend!
Tierney
I have a busy weekend in store.
I previously told you about hosting the Black Arts Festival on Saturday, well on Sunday I get to judge the Oklahoma State Fair Chili Cook-Off.
I am not normally a chili fan, but I am excited to taste what Oklahomans have to offer Chili wise.
Of course buckets of chili will not agree with my diet plan my new trainer has enacted, but she did tell me you have to cheat every now and then.
I will offer a full report on Monday!
Have a great weekend!
Tierney
posted by Anonymous at 9:07 AM
0 comments
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Jena 6 Rally Scheduled in OKC
Posted by Tierney Cook
I am sure you have heard this story.
It comes out of a small town in Louisiana (Jena, LA population 4,000).
6 African-American boys (ages 14 to 17 years old) are charged with attempted second degree murder of a white student.
This all started September of last year at the small Jena High School.
Three nooses were found hanging from a tree on campus.
Three white students are suspended for the act, the black student form a sit in under the tree.
This prompts a number of racial fights on campus, once incident even involved an arsonist setting part of the school on fire.
Then December of last year, a white student is beaten by 6 black students.
The victim is knocked unconscious, has cuts and bruises. He is sent to the hospital and later released.
Five of the six African American teens (ages 16-17) are charged as adults and sent to jail.
All are expelled.
Mychal Bell a 16 year old is convicted and stands to serve 22 years in prison for the fight.
He will be formally sentenced on Thursday.
This story is gaining national attention because the boys are charged and possibly sentenced as adults.
Rocker David Bowie has donated money to the boys legal fund, Hollywood musicians and actors even Barak Obama have made comments about the case.
On Thursday the OKC Chapter of the NAACP will hold a rally at the state capitol from 11-1pm.
There are several planned across the country.
I am posting this blog, hoping to get comments from you.
What do you think about the decision to try the young boys as adults, and are you surprised by the actions that took place in Jena, LA?
Sound off!
Tierney
I am sure you have heard this story.
It comes out of a small town in Louisiana (Jena, LA population 4,000).
6 African-American boys (ages 14 to 17 years old) are charged with attempted second degree murder of a white student.
This all started September of last year at the small Jena High School.
Three nooses were found hanging from a tree on campus.
Three white students are suspended for the act, the black student form a sit in under the tree.
This prompts a number of racial fights on campus, once incident even involved an arsonist setting part of the school on fire.
Then December of last year, a white student is beaten by 6 black students.
The victim is knocked unconscious, has cuts and bruises. He is sent to the hospital and later released.
Five of the six African American teens (ages 16-17) are charged as adults and sent to jail.
All are expelled.
Mychal Bell a 16 year old is convicted and stands to serve 22 years in prison for the fight.
He will be formally sentenced on Thursday.
This story is gaining national attention because the boys are charged and possibly sentenced as adults.
Rocker David Bowie has donated money to the boys legal fund, Hollywood musicians and actors even Barak Obama have made comments about the case.
On Thursday the OKC Chapter of the NAACP will hold a rally at the state capitol from 11-1pm.
There are several planned across the country.
I am posting this blog, hoping to get comments from you.
What do you think about the decision to try the young boys as adults, and are you surprised by the actions that took place in Jena, LA?
Sound off!
Tierney
posted by Anonymous at 9:24 AM
0 comments
What Up With Crocs?
Posted by: Executive Producer, Julie Fike
I concede it may be generational but what is up with the crocs? It's like the next generation of jelly shoes. Remember those? That was my generations "crocs." People tell me crocs are comfortable but sometimes as women know style sometimes has to supercede comfort.
Just like jellies, crocs come in all styles and colors. And just like jellies I can predict they'll last about a year. Now granted, some might hold onto their crocs for awhile but those are the people you'll stare at at the airport and say, "those were so 2007."
I know one person who USED to be in my inner circle who wore them. Now he's no longer in the inner circle not because of crocs but for other reasons, anyway, he never wore them around me. He knew I thought they were hidious and quite frankly, deep down inside, he knew they were hidious too.
By the way, have you noticed jellies have made a comback in the stores but you don't see anyone wear them out. Maybe it's like a secret underground society of jelly-wearers.
posted by Anonymous at 6:15 AM
0 comments
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Gearing Up for the Black Arts Festival
Posted By Tierney Cook
I am hoping for great weather next weekend. I get to emcee the 2nd Annual Black Arts Festival of Oklahoma!
I spent a hot Saturday last September checking out some of the best artists, dancers and musicians in our state, and next Saturday I be back in action.
I listed the website up above so you can check out the site.
I grew up in the arts. I took ballet, tap, jazz even clogging when I was a girl. The Cook family spent a lot of time at ballets, plays and concerts. I am so excited the event is available to Oklahomans.
It's Saturday September 22, 2007
Edwards Park in OKC
10AM-8PM
Free Admission!
Last year the performances were great, the vendors successful and the weather top notch.
Hope we get the same next weekend!! If you stop by make sure you say hello!
Tierney
posted by Anonymous at 8:26 AM
0 comments
Tornado vs. Hurricane
Posted by: Executive Producer, Julie Fike
Us news people often ask ourselves on days like this, what's worse, tornadoes or hurricanes?
I've asked this questions many times before and I find the answer depends on where this person has lived. Here in Oklahoma, most people say tornadoes. The Texas Gulf Coast, hurricanes. I've lived in both places and have lived through both types of storms. For the anticipation and just the "messing" of your mind factor, I would say hurricane. For Katrina and Rita, weather guys were predicting the story 14 to 10 days out. So your mind gets to play tricks on your every day the storm gets closer.
For just the pure noise factor, tornado. It's no surprise most people describe it like a freight train. They are just down right scary sounding. In both storms you have fierce winds and rain and sometimes flooding. However, as we've experience this year with Erin, those hurricanes tend to linger.
No matter what the type of storm, news people go out in these conditions to bring you what's happening. Today, my former colleagues stretched across the country, were talking about Wayne Dolcefino. He's out of KTRK in Houston. He was one of the first to show us what Hurricane Humberto was doing. He was standing out in 75mph winds with rain pelting his face. Let me tell you, that rain feels more like needles. Wayne's a great reporter and a great guy. It's great to see him out in something that he loves to cover. And I know this man doesn't fear any storm. Julie
Us news people often ask ourselves on days like this, what's worse, tornadoes or hurricanes?
I've asked this questions many times before and I find the answer depends on where this person has lived. Here in Oklahoma, most people say tornadoes. The Texas Gulf Coast, hurricanes. I've lived in both places and have lived through both types of storms. For the anticipation and just the "messing" of your mind factor, I would say hurricane. For Katrina and Rita, weather guys were predicting the story 14 to 10 days out. So your mind gets to play tricks on your every day the storm gets closer.
For just the pure noise factor, tornado. It's no surprise most people describe it like a freight train. They are just down right scary sounding. In both storms you have fierce winds and rain and sometimes flooding. However, as we've experience this year with Erin, those hurricanes tend to linger.
No matter what the type of storm, news people go out in these conditions to bring you what's happening. Today, my former colleagues stretched across the country, were talking about Wayne Dolcefino. He's out of KTRK in Houston. He was one of the first to show us what Hurricane Humberto was doing. He was standing out in 75mph winds with rain pelting his face. Let me tell you, that rain feels more like needles. Wayne's a great reporter and a great guy. It's great to see him out in something that he loves to cover. And I know this man doesn't fear any storm. Julie
posted by Anonymous at 6:37 AM
0 comments
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
A Year Later
Posted by: Executive Producer, Julie Fike
For those of you who don't know Tierney Cook personally, I'll let you in on a secret. She's kind of my spiritual touch stone. Don't be fooled, she has a razor-sharp truth that can cut you sometimes but you know it's coming from love.
So, when I joined St. Luke's United Methodist Church Sunday, Tierney is one of the first people I told. I knew she would be proud and support me in my quest to better myself. You see, Tierney and I are very similiar people. It shocks us sometimes just how close we are in certain beliefs and behaviors.
For instance, we're very goal oriented people. I'm sure you could tell that by the blog. For me, 2006 was supposed to be about improving mind, body and soul. I got the mind and body part pretty good the latter part of the year started the soul. So now, almost a year later, I decided St. Luke's was my church family. They've been nothing but nice and supportive. I know Tierney's already written about "Funeral for Fat," so she's starting her "body" part of her improvement and I couldn't be happier for her. We have the same personal trainer and Tierney has her second session today. Go T!
I'm there for you girl in your workouts and eating right just as you've been there for me helping me with the Big Guy. Julie
posted by Anonymous at 4:08 AM
2 comments
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Are You Ready For Some Football?
With the weather turning to Fall this week, I couldn't help but think of the one thing that defines Fall for me...the start of Football season!!! (Ok, that and the new TV shows...where are you "Lost"?)
With college football being so big here, I'd thought I'd give you my Top 10 college football teams after two weeks of play:
#1 USC - Trojans get the top spot by default because all the analysts say they're the best. Pac-10 is good, not great. Oregon could prove a test down the road.
#2 LSU - Thump city over Virginia Tech. Rough SEC schedule will quickly prove if the Tigers are for real. A positive...most important games are at home.
#3 Florida - Gotta give the defending champs their respect. Defensive looked porous last week, but offense is outstanding. Tim Tebow could be a linebacker. Tennessee this week is always an early season benchmark.
#4 Oklahoma - Both sides of the ball running on all cylinders. National champ contender. Is Big 12 south strong enough to impress computers if there's a three-way tie?
#5 West Virginia - Marshall was only down by four entering the fourth quarter. With games against South Florida (best team you don't know about), Louisville and Rutgers, WVU might just lose two of those.
#6 Wisconsin - I'm blah about this team.
#7 Texas - Hello?..is any one there? Bueller? Texas better wake up before October 6th.
#8 California - (or Cal-EE-Forn-uh) Number two Pac-10 team. Beat Tennessee opening week, but barely got by Colorado State this week.
#9 Louisville - This team can run up and down the field with anyone. 131 points in the first two weeks! Who needs defensive? Oh wait, they do.
#10 Rutgers - Love their enthusiasm. Ray Rice will always keep them in games.
Game of the week: #1 USC vs. #14 Nebraska
Rusty
With college football being so big here, I'd thought I'd give you my Top 10 college football teams after two weeks of play:
#1 USC - Trojans get the top spot by default because all the analysts say they're the best. Pac-10 is good, not great. Oregon could prove a test down the road.
#2 LSU - Thump city over Virginia Tech. Rough SEC schedule will quickly prove if the Tigers are for real. A positive...most important games are at home.
#3 Florida - Gotta give the defending champs their respect. Defensive looked porous last week, but offense is outstanding. Tim Tebow could be a linebacker. Tennessee this week is always an early season benchmark.
#4 Oklahoma - Both sides of the ball running on all cylinders. National champ contender. Is Big 12 south strong enough to impress computers if there's a three-way tie?
#5 West Virginia - Marshall was only down by four entering the fourth quarter. With games against South Florida (best team you don't know about), Louisville and Rutgers, WVU might just lose two of those.
#6 Wisconsin - I'm blah about this team.
#7 Texas - Hello?..is any one there? Bueller? Texas better wake up before October 6th.
#8 California - (or Cal-EE-Forn-uh) Number two Pac-10 team. Beat Tennessee opening week, but barely got by Colorado State this week.
#9 Louisville - This team can run up and down the field with anyone. 131 points in the first two weeks! Who needs defensive? Oh wait, they do.
#10 Rutgers - Love their enthusiasm. Ray Rice will always keep them in games.
Game of the week: #1 USC vs. #14 Nebraska
Rusty
posted by Rusty McCranie at 9:08 AM
1 comments
Monday, September 10, 2007
Funeral for Fat
Posted By Tierney Cook.
I am wearing black because starting today and three times a week; services will be held for my fat.
I start working out with my personal trainer (Laura) this afternoon, for help melting my pounds away.
I am working to get healthy in 2008, and decided to start early.
Trainer Laura has already had great success with my boss/friend/executive producer.
She's running marathons and keeping me in line.
I encourage everyone to do something active today.
Get healthy, you only have one body.
I will keep you updated on my progress.
I don't expect to be able to walk tomorrow, but we will see.
Tierney
I am wearing black because starting today and three times a week; services will be held for my fat.
I start working out with my personal trainer (Laura) this afternoon, for help melting my pounds away.
I am working to get healthy in 2008, and decided to start early.
Trainer Laura has already had great success with my boss/friend/executive producer.
She's running marathons and keeping me in line.
I encourage everyone to do something active today.
Get healthy, you only have one body.
I will keep you updated on my progress.
I don't expect to be able to walk tomorrow, but we will see.
Tierney
posted by Anonymous at 9:13 AM
0 comments
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Free Pizza!
Posted by Tierney Cook
I like this story.
It's out of Sand Springs, the owner of a pizzeria is offering free pizza for a year for anyone who can help him catch a crook.
Recently someone broke into his Minute Man Pizza Parlor and stole several thousand dollars, so much money the owner does not have enough cash to cover operating costs.
So far police have not made any arrests so the owner is trying his hand at catching crooks.
He's also offering membership in his "Pizza Posse," including two pizzas, a discount card and a Pizza Posse T-shirt for $29.95.
Local officers say they eat there all the time. If you know anything about this crime, and your information leads to an arrest, you can chow down on free pizza pies for a year.
GOOD LUCK!
Tierney
posted by Anonymous at 6:57 AM
0 comments
Excitement Is Building
Posted by: Executive Producer Julie Fike
Image: Courtesy Google Images
I don't know if you can tell by watching our sports director, Mike Rodgers at 6pm but we're all working hard for this week's OU vs. Miami game. We have a pregame show at 10am, Saturday, September 8. I've been tapped to help out the sports guys and it's fun. It's a change from news and as you all know, I'm a football nut.
It's an hour pregame show and we've got all kinds of OU surprises for you. Not to mention the ever-controversial "Pick 5," from Mark and Chris Callahan. We'll see who comes out on top.
I know one person who will be watching. My friend Brent. He's the same friend I went to the OKC Redhawks game with. He's the ultimate Sooner fan.
Feel free to email us your best OU Fan Pictures at news@koco.com. You might see them on air Saturday morning! Boomer Sooner, Julie
posted by Anonymous at 3:37 AM
0 comments
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Short Term Dry Out
The upper-level low helping to drive the rain this morning is quickly exiting the region. If we don't get any rain in the metro by mid-afternoon, that might be it until Friday.
Most of the moisture will be carried to the east throughout the day. You can use I-35 as the dividing line, with a chance of rain east of the interstate. But, the best chances will be confined to the eastern 1/3 of the state.
Though we can't rule out a stray shower, Thursday should be dry for most of us. Our attention then turns to Friday and the possibility of heavy rain returning to the area.
We'll watch the remnants of Hurricane Henriette stream northeast into the southern plains. At the same time, a Pacific cold front will move through the area. If the moisture can get in place in time, the cold front will lift that moisture laden air, and heavy rain is possible. It's a timing issue, and it could be a. We'll keep watch.
Rusty
Most of the moisture will be carried to the east throughout the day. You can use I-35 as the dividing line, with a chance of rain east of the interstate. But, the best chances will be confined to the eastern 1/3 of the state.
Though we can't rule out a stray shower, Thursday should be dry for most of us. Our attention then turns to Friday and the possibility of heavy rain returning to the area.
We'll watch the remnants of Hurricane Henriette stream northeast into the southern plains. At the same time, a Pacific cold front will move through the area. If the moisture can get in place in time, the cold front will lift that moisture laden air, and heavy rain is possible. It's a timing issue, and it could be a. We'll keep watch.
Rusty
posted by Rusty McCranie at 8:55 AM
0 comments
Getting Fit!
Posted By Tierney Cook
It's almost here.
I have hired a trainer to help get in shape and stay healthy.
You know her, she's Trainer Laura.
She popped up a few times on Eyewitness News 5 in the Morning.
Starting on Monday she and I will be working out!
Of course inside.
Already she has changed my eating habits, as you know I do not eat a lot of meat.
So protein was absent in my diet.
No I am chomping down on soy nuts, roasted edamame beans, turkey even chicken.
I have a steak every once in a while.
I am excited about learning how to work out and feel better.
This is a lifestyle change, I am prepared for sore muscles, sweat, tears and RESULTS!
I'll keep you posted.
Tierney
It's almost here.
I have hired a trainer to help get in shape and stay healthy.
You know her, she's Trainer Laura.
She popped up a few times on Eyewitness News 5 in the Morning.
Starting on Monday she and I will be working out!
Of course inside.
Already she has changed my eating habits, as you know I do not eat a lot of meat.
So protein was absent in my diet.
No I am chomping down on soy nuts, roasted edamame beans, turkey even chicken.
I have a steak every once in a while.
I am excited about learning how to work out and feel better.
This is a lifestyle change, I am prepared for sore muscles, sweat, tears and RESULTS!
I'll keep you posted.
Tierney
posted by Anonymous at 5:16 AM
2 comments
Monday, September 03, 2007
Countdown to Kickoff
Posted by: Executive Producer, Julie Fike
americantailgater.com
Now that we've all got the first college football game under our belts, it's time to get serious. I'm talking of course, about the pre-party, or tailgating.
All this week, we'll show you the latest and greatest in tailgating on the morning show. This morning was the contraptions above. Magnetic coozies. Pure genius. Not only would this work for your favorite football game but for anything really. Camping, pee-wee games, whatever.
Don't you just hate it when someone comes out with something like that and you've been thinking it all along or maybe saying to yourself, "why didn't I think of that." Yeah, we've all been there.
Now to sidetrack for just a moment, we all know how OU & OSU did on the season opener. My Razorbacks did win against Troy, who are going after OSU this weekend. Although it wasn't pretty. Our quarterback leaves a lot to be desired. At any rate, no matter what the outcome you can always be winners during tailgating. Happy Football Season everyone! Julie
posted by Anonymous at 4:41 AM
1 comments