THE SHOW: 12/18/2009 - WHO'S YOUR DADDY / DRUNKEN KID / CRACK KILLS / TROOPS HOME

Local Buzz:

"Police Consider Felon on Loose Armed and Dangerous"

* NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Law enforcement agencies across the midstate have been on the lookout for an armed and dangerous convicted felon who took off during his attempted murder and kidnapping trial. Robert Adams, 34, was free on bond Thursday during his trial for his participation in a December 2008 drug-related shooting. Before the conviction was handed down, Adams told his attorney he had to go the ER. He never returned. Then, Adams allegedly called and told his attorney that he couldn't spend the rest of his life in prison. There has been no word on the 34-year-old's direction of flight, but his last known addresses are in Lavergne, Tenn. Again, Adams is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with any information should contact police. *No picture of Adams has been released at this time.

*NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Friday morning more information was available about a police officer who was hit by a vehicle Thursday during a traffic stop. The Ashland City Times reported Officer Todd Nelson with the Pleasant View Police Department in Cheatham County was hit on Highway 41 at Boat Factory Road. The officer was flown to Vanderbilt Medical Center. His injuries were not considered life-threatening.

*NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - State officials said Tennessee drivers can take a stand against impaired motorists by turning their headlights on throughout the day Friday. It's the national "Lights on for Life Day." Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell said it's an easy way to spread awareness of the dangers of drunken driving. In 2008, 327 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes inTennessee. They were 32 percent of the state's 1,043 traffic fatalities. Tennessee law allows fines of up to $1,500 and a maximum of 12 months in jail for first time DUI offenders. Multiple offenders can be sentenced to jail for up to six years and could be fined up to $15,000.

*NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The last minute toy store will open Friday morning. It is for Davidson County residents who need help this holiday season. Last year, hundreds lined up at a chance to get free toys for their children. The last minute toy store will be held Friday through Monday at the 61st Avenue United Methodist Church in Nashville. A limited number of tickets will be passed out beginning at 6:30 a.m. Parents or guardians must bring the following items: 1. Parent or guardian's picture I.D. 2. Proof of Davidson County address (such as utility bill, rent receipt, etc.) 3. Parent or guardians' Social Security card or something showing Social Security number. 4. Social Security cards of children or something official with Social Security number. 5. ID showing children's names and ages (such as birth certificate, report card, immunization record or other ID).

*Over the past three months, federal authorities have been moving inmates out of a Middle Tennessee jail over claims the prisoners were underfed or otherwise mistreated. Officials with the Robertson County Detention Facility in Springfield, a new jail that opened in July, insist they treat prisoners humanely, meet calorie requirements for meals and have made changes since the first complaints arose in court in September. Still, new complaints have emerged, and more inmates have been transferred to other jails as recently as last week. Without trying, Reza Koushkbaghi, who was imprisoned on drug charges, claims he lost 10 pounds in his first two months as a federal prisoner there. Convicted bank robber Tellis T. Williams told a judge he lost at least 10 pounds in his first two weeks in the jail. Others told similar stories in court of being served spoiled food, made to bathe in moldy showers and not getting timely medical treatment. "The food is not enough. I'm always hungry all the time," Koushkbaghi said during a federal hearing in late November. "It's not edible." At least five inmates who have complained have been transferred to other jails. Robertson County officials say they have addressed complaints by upping calorie counts in meals, providing more fruits and vegetables and making other changes. County officials say the jail meets standards and provides proper care for its inmates, and have produced testimony by a nutritionist who has verified the meals were adequate. Clyde Richert, the county's attorney, said the complaints are routine in jail settings and have no foundation. "Once (inmates) know they can write letters to a judge and get that kind of forum, it's a fire that fuels itself," he said. Dozens of prisoners wait out their federal court cases at the Robertson County jail, which is reimbursed by the U.S. government for holding federal defendants. There has been no move to end that arrangement, Richert said.

*A Memphis attorney bit off part of a man's nose during a fight in a restaurant bathroom. A lawsuit filed by Greg Herbers claims attorney Mark Lambert attacked him last June after Herbers asked two men in a bathroom stall to get out so that he could use it. The suit states that Lambert was at a urinal and had been carrying on a conversation with the men in the stall. Herbers claims Lambert pushed and grabbed him and bit off and swallowed part of his nose. Lambert told WMC-TV he did bite off part of Herbers' nose, but spit it out. He claims he acted in self defense after Herbers assaulted him. The police report says Herbers entire left nostril was missing. Herbers claims he suffered permanent disfigurement and will need plastic surgery and possibly a prosthetic nose. Herbers is asking for $5 million in damages.

"Leaders try to rescue Copenhagen climate talks as Obama rebukes China "

*World leaders have ditched their advisers at Copenhagen and are attempting to thrash out a compromise on their own as Britain warned that the climate change summit is on the brink of failure. Leaders of 25 nations will attempt to salvage the bare bones of an agreement after negotiations overnight went "backwards" and the first set-piece meeting of the day made little progress because of repeated obstructions by the Chinese delegation. President Obama disappointed delegates by failing to offer any new pledges in his much-anticipated speech, although he hinted there might be concessions later. "Here is the bottom line: we can embrace this accord, take a substantial step forward, and continue to refine it and build upon its foundation," he said. Wen Jiabao, the Chinese Premier, also signalled unhappiness over the proposals on "verification", the mechanism to ensure countries keep their climate change promises. But Mr Obama warned that the Chinese must soften its objections. "They must, however, ensure that an accord is credible, and that we are living up to our obligations. For without such accountability, any agreement would be empty words on a page." The only movement so far this morning was a bigger financial commitment from President Lula of Brazil. Downing Street issued a downbeat statement, suggesting that they did not anticipate any progress imminently.

*Washington (CNN) -- Facing year-end holidays and running out of time to discuss health care reform, the Senate voted early Friday to end debate on funding for the Department of Defense. The motion passed 63 to 33, gaining the necessary 60-vote majority to avoid a GOP filibuster. It also will set up a final vote on the $636 billion package on Saturday. The House of Representatives passed the spending bill 395 to 34 on Wednesday. The measure includes money for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan but does not include the additional costs expected for the 30,000 U.S. troops the Obama administration announced it will send to Afghanistan next year. A separate request for those troops is expected to come up for a vote next spring. The defense bill is the last spending measure of the year for both chambers of Congress. The end of debate on defense spending means the Senate can resume its discussions on health care reform. The body is deeply divided on the issue, making it difficult for Senate leadership to find a consensus. Those tensions were palpable on the Senate floor early Friday, with Democrats suggesting their Republican counterparts were sacrificing the defense of the nation to stall health care reform. "Many who are filibustering this defense appropriations bill tonight are filibustering because they want to delay ... the health care reform legislation from being voted on," said Sen. Carl Levin of Michigan. "So the bill that provides the funding to support our men and women in uniform who are serving on the front lines, often under arduous and dangerous circumstances, to protect our nation is being filibustered to keep the Senate from acting on another unrelated piece of legislation. This is not only unbelievable; it is unconscionable." However, Senate Republican Whip Jon Kyl was having none of it. "Don't blame Republicans for the fact that this bill comes before us a week before Christmas and, therefore, we have to act on it at this point in time. Republicans had nothing to do with that timing," the Arizona senator said. If the Senate eventually passes a health care bill, its version would have to be merged with the version the House of Representatives passed in November, which includes a public health insurance plan. The final bill would then need approval from both chambers before going to Obama to be signed into law. Obama and Democratic leaders have said they want the bill completed this year. The Senate would need to finish its work this week to leave a realistic chance of meeting that schedule.

"TIGER TO BE A LONE WOLF"

*Tiger Woods won't have to worry about being unfaithful for much longer -- because his wife's divorce plan is "100 percent on." A friend of Elin Nordegren tells A-B-C News that Elin has no desire to reconcile with the golf great. The source says "[She's] not rushing to divorce, however. She's going to take her sweet time. She wants all the dirty laundry to be out on the table before she signs anything."

*The man accused of stalking Jennfer Garner last year is at it again -- and he could be in even bigger trouble this time around. Steven Burky was arrested earlier this week after he was spotted lurking outside the L-A nursery school attended by Violet Affleck -- the daughter of Jen and Ben Affleck. Garner says Burky has been stalking her since 2002 and has barraged her with "packages and letters containing delusional and paranoid thoughts." He faces four years in prison if convicted of the current charges of felony stalking and violating a restraining order.

"LOHAN DAD EVENS THE ARREST SCORE"

*Michael Lohan, who was busted earlier this week for violating a restraining order filed by his ex, has turned the tables -- and gotten her charged with assault. Back in November, Lohan and Erin Muller pulled into the driveway of his mom's home, where he tried to get her out of the driver's seat because she was "too high" to operate the vehicle. When he opened her door, Erin allegedly intentionally kicked him in the head. Muller turned herself in to police yesterday.

*Kourtney Kardashian may soon have to play a game of "who's the daddy?" Though the official word is that Kourtney's son Mason is the child of boyfriend Scott Disick, a 23-year-old wannabe rapper named Michael Girtenti wants credit for the spawn -- and he may have a point. A Kardashian insider tells Star magazine "Kourtney hooked up with Michael twice while she and Scott were on the outs. He's definitely been mentioned as a possibility for being the father of her baby." Sounds like another reality show to us.

"BLACKS IN UNION ARMY" December 18, 1959~BLACKS IN UNION ARMY: The 185,000 Black soldiers in the Union army were organized into 166 all Black regiments (145 infantry, 7 cavalry, 12 heavy artillery, 1 light artillery, 1 engineer). Largest number of Black soldiers came from Louisiana (24,052), followed by Kentucky (23, 703) and Tennessee (20,133). Pennsylvania contributed more Black soldiers than any other Northern state (8,612). Black soldiers participated in 449 battles, 39 of them major engagements. Sixteen Black soldiers received Congressional Medals of Honor for gallantry in action. Some 37,638 Black soldiers lost their lives during the war. Black soldiers generally received poor equipment and were forced to do a large amount of fatigue duty. Until 1864, Black soldiers (from private to chaplain) received seven dollars a month whereas white soldiers received from thirteen to one hundred dollars a month. In 1863 Black units, with four exceptions (Fifth Massachusetts Cavalry, Fifty-fourth and Fifty-fifth Massachusetts Volunteers and twenty-ninth Connecticut Volunteers), were officially designated United States Colored Troops (USCT). Since the War Department discouraged applications from Blacks, there were few commissioned officers. The highest ranking of the seventy-five to one hundred Black officers was Lt. Col. Alexander T. Augustana, a surgeon. Some 200,000 Black civilians were employed by Union army as laborers, cooks, teamster and servants.

"Can I increase my lifespan?" *CNN blogger, Beata, asks: "Of those who have lived long lives, what is the common thread? What's the one thing I can do today that can make me live longer?" Answer: For well over a decade I've been investigating the answer to this question. The good news is there are actually a lot of small lifestyle changes you can make today that will add years to your life. For instance, flossing can add a year to your life a whole year just by adding to your daily routine. Turns out there's a pretty clear link between gum disease and heart disease. Flossing is your best bet at stopping that. Here are a few more: A low-dose aspirin a day could add two years, and limiting your coffee intake to two cups a day could add another year. Simply checking blood pressure regularly could add one and a half years, and exercising three times a week could add three years. Cut work hours down to a manageable 40-50 hours a week and you add another one and a half years. Add it all up and you have added a decade of functional life. I will be the first to admit, it isn't always easy to practice what I preach, especially when it comes to the work-hour issue. But, we do know stress affects just about every part of our bodies. Our bodies simply start to shut down and become unable to tolerate the assault being placed on them every day. Earlier this week I sat down with anti-aging expert Dan Buettner. He explores the world searching for longevity hotspots, known as blue zones, and looks for the lessons we can learn from them. One thing Buettner points out is that the people who live long lives in blue zones around the world are stressed out too. Yet they are still living disease free and often to 100 years old. The difference is they don't internalize their stress as most of us do. They all practice simple techniques to de-stress including praying, napping, even happy hour. Also meditating, which I have started, for 20 minutes every day and taking time for yourself every day can help. In case you missed it, click here to hear more of my conversation with the world's leading anti-aging experts and get more tips to live a longer, healthier life.

"Fort Campbell Unit Returns Home For Holidays"

*FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (AP) - Soldiers from an aviation brigade for the 101st Airborne Division finished their deployment to Afghanistan just in time for the holidays. A ceremony on Friday recognizes the return of the 159th Combat Aviation Brigade to Fort Campbell, Ky., on the Tennessee state line. Many of the soldiers from the division will be home for the holidays this year, with plans to start deploying early next year. Cathy Gramling, a spokeswoman for the post, said nearly 1,200 soldiers from Fort Campbell will be in Iraq over the holidays and about 100 more will be in Afghanistan.

*Change according to Webster's denotes a making or becoming distinctly different and implies either a radical transmutation of character or replacement with something else. To cause to become different; alter; transform; convert. Many of us make the mistake in relationships by thinking and trying to change the other person. We put all our efforts in trying to "fix" and change our loved ones. Instead of accepting them and loving them as is, we think they would be so much better if only they would act and do things our way. We all want and need unconditional love. No one wants to feel that they can only be loved and accepted by someone if they change according to the wants and desires of that special someone. If you think you can change another person you are really fooling yourself. The only person you can change is you! Once you change others will change. For every action there is a reaction. As you change and grow others will change and grow. Change is scary and some people won't want you to change. The fear of the unknown keeps these people from wanting any change in their lives and so they won't want to see you change. Don't allow other people's fears hold you back from making the positive changes you desire in your life. If you want to change yourself realize it takes time. Don't be hard on yourself if you fall back to the old ways. We are all creatures of habit. It took a long time for you to be who you are today and you shouldn't expect to change overnight. Also remember that change is a choice. You can choose to start today and learn to develop and create the positive changes you want. There are excellent self help books that will provide you with the guidance and information you need to make the changes you desire. Try listening to self-help books on tape while you drive, do housework, exercise or perform any mundane task. Once you acquire the knowledge you need to make a change then act on that knowledge. Action is the key to change. The little steps you make do count when it comes to changing in a positive way. Be persistent. Don't give up until you have made the changes you desire in your life a habit! Enjoy the journey and discover the joy and excitement of making positive changes.

"Drunken Kid Swipes Gifts"

*It's not uncommon for little boys to want to be like their dads, but when Dad is doing time in jail, that's when you run into problems. Take this four-year-old boy in Tennessee. Earlier this week, he snuck out of his house late at night, drank a beer, entered a neighbor's house, stole their wrapped gifts from under the Christmas tree, and was eventually found drunk and wearing a dress. Dad would be so proud.

*We don't know what this guy is paying for, but we hope it's either a pair of drawers or a new belt.