Sometimes good things happen to good people
Darrishae Potts was given a car today, on Christmas Eve. She’s 19 and looks after her siblings and was completely surprised by the free gift.
The feel-good story is more than that. She is the eldest child of a homicide victim. Her mom isn’t with her this Christmas.
Darrishae works but couldn’t get to work without a car. And good people stepped up today for a good person.
Wendy Kleinman, reporter for The Oklahoman, shot what we term a Tier 1 video. That’s where a reporter covers a story and uses a small camera to get an interview and some b-roll. We then put the video together back in the office.
I gave this video a little gospel instrumental under the open as Darrishae received her car. And beyond that, it’s the girl in her own words. Background of the story is given at the video’s end by Gina Cox, committee chairwoman, Oklahoma Home Builders Foundation.
What are you thankful for?
Lt. Gov. Jari Askins and her security stopped by the OPUBCO Studios for breakfast. Just kidding, Askins was here for a quick segment on what she’s thankful for this holiday season.
Spoiler alert: family.
There, gave it away without warning. We also taped Mayor Mick Cornett and First Lady Kim Henry last week for this segment and story that will run on Christmas day.
Another spoiler alert: they think highly of family too.
All three are great to work with, and we appreciate their time in stopping by to say a few words on camera.
Hundreds lineup early for Black Friday
Best Buy had about 300 people waiting for the 5 am open today at Memorial Road in NW OKC for some Black Friday shopping. Kyle Roberts shot video at Best Buy, Quail Springs Mall and Penn Square Mall this morning. I think he’s ready to go home now. He said one family arrived at the Best Buy on Wednesday evening and made a fun Thanksgiving out of the wait. The family that camps and shops together…
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Santa comes to town
We shot a promo for the OKC Philharmonic this afternoon. Santa, Mrs. Claus and two elves paraded in front of the green screen. With a trombone and flute. Of course. The ad should appear on NewsOK sometime soon, during the holidays.
Today’s three things you should know
First, it’s the day after Christmas. It was Dec. 26, 2004, when waves from the mightiest earthquake in 40 years killed around 230,000 people in 12 Indian Ocean nations. The Asian tsunami was remembered today as survivors prayed at mosques and mass graves marking the third anniversary.
A broad gauge of consumer spending released by MasterCard, which includes estimates for spending by cash and checks, showed a modest 2.4 percent increase in holiday spending, excluding gasoline and auto sales. Women’s apparel suffered especially, with spending down 2.4 percent. Target, the nation’s No. 2 retailer, warns its sales may have fallen in December.
Finally, I don’t know if you’ve seen this yet. But hey, it’s that week between Christmas and New Year’s and just maybe your boss isn’t around. So it may be time to re-cap the year on NewsOK.com and in The Oklahoman. Watch the top 20 videos of the year, view the best photos and slideshows. Also, find out which articles made it in the Top 10!
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DnA: The Nutcracker
It says Christmas-time as much as Santa. Ballet Oklahoma’s annual production of The Nutcracker has its two-weekend run at the Civic Center in mid-December.
Bryan Pitts is Artistic Director of Ballet Oklahoma. He took time between Acts during dress rehearsal earlier this month to chat with Angi and me. Attending a dress rehearsal reinforces how much Bryan oversees, from the music to the dancers on stage to the set. Many people are involved, but still someone has to answer for the overall show.
At one point, I asked Bryan if he thought Tchaikovsky was a genius for his score. Bryan questioned me on this (or maybe just didn’t hear my question clearly above the rehearsing orchestra), then agreed the music added to the legacy of this ballet. I think the music is one of the reason’s everyone knows The Nutcracker. That music just reminds you of Christmas.
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DnA: Holiday decorating
Angi and I headed to North Pole City for decorating ideas.
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Capitol Christmas tree lighting
Angi, Tanner and I hit the Oklahoma state capitol today for the annual Christmas tree lighting.
I won’t lie: it was COLD.
But we met Santa. And Brad Henry. And Angi got a classic response from the governor that still cracks me up. And no, we won’t show it on this video! Nothing bad, just quality stuff.
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Signing Santa
Angi and I interviewed the Santa at Northpark Mall in OKC today. This Santa is a little different. He talks with children in sign language. This is very cool for them and a great service provided by the OKC Northwest Rotary Club.
You could tell it meant a lot to the parents to see their children react and their eyes light up as the Jolly man in the red suit communicated with them.
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What do you want for Christmas?
OKC is raising its golf fees.
Computers top wish list for the holidays.
NewsOK offers daily quiz. Hope you paid attention.
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