NOVEMBER 21, 2011

Falcons Beat Titans 23-17
The Atlanta Falcons beat the Titans 23-17 on Sunday. Rookie Titans Quarterback Jake Locker took over late in the third quarter after Matt Hasselbeck went out with a sprained right elbow. The Titans made lots of mistakes, including getting penalized 10 times — twice during third downs to extend Atlanta scoring drives — and Hasselbeck threw an interception that led to the first of Atlanta's three field goals.The Titans are back at home this Sunday against Tampa Bay.

Robertson Co. Farm Tour Features Reindeer
Mid-State families have the opportunity to have a unique encounter with reindeer at a local farm this holiday season. David and Jill Pepper own Strickland Place Farm located in White House, about 25 miles north of Nashville. For the first time ever, the couple is allowing visitors to come face-to-face with their seven reindeer.  They're just a magical sort of creature. They have an air about them that's really special to be around them," David Pepper said. Anyone interested in visiting Strickland Place Farm must make a reservation. Tickets for adults are $19 and $15 for children ages three to 11. Children two and under are admitted free. For more information or to make a reservation, visit SantasReindeerTour.com.

GM To Make Announcement Regarding Spring Hill Plant This Morning
Officials for General Motors are expected to make an announcement regarding the Spring Hill plant this morning. It's believed the announcement will reveal when workers will be going back to work at the plant, which was closed two years ago, and what vehicles will be made. Around 1,700 people will be employed once the plant begins production. In 2009, the Maury County plant was forced to lay off more than 2,000 workers after a shutdown of the line that built GM's Chevy Traverse.

Angel Tree Sees Small Boost, But Still Not Enough
The Salvation Army Angel Trees in Nashville are packed with Angel Ornaments this year, each one representing a child, a disabled adult or an elderly person who needs help. The Salvation Army says it has a record 17,000 "angels" who need sponsors this year, to 'adopt' those angels, and buy Christmas gifts and basic items for them. The Salvation Army says with the need greater than ever, this is the first time they're worried all the angels will not be adopted, and their needs won't be met. Angels are kids, disabled adults or elderly people who've applied for help and meet certain income requirements. You can call Mix 92.9 at 737-0929 to adopt an angel, or go online at Mix929.com.

'Real Housewives Of Music City' Tryout?
 While you're online, there's a Craigslist ad looking for Nashville area women with big personalities for a new reality show. The ad specifically asks for women in the country music industry. You can see it here if you'd like to try out.

Parents Upset Over Cursing Doll
Some parents say there's a popular doll this season that needs her mouth washed out. The "You & Me Interactive Triplets" talking dolls are sold at Toys R Us stores nationwide. Some parents claim one of the dolls appears to say, "Hey, crazy... b-word..." Toys R Us says, no, it's just baby talk, and the store isn't planning on pulling the doll from shelves. If you feel the doll's babbling is offensive, you can take it back to the store for a refund. 

Gas Prices Down
Gas prices are down nearly five cents from two weeks ago. The latest Lundberg survey shows the average price for a gallon of regular gas is down to $3.38 cents. Survey editor Trilby Lundberg says fewer daylight hours and the fragile economy all factor into the decline. That's little consolation for drivers in San Francisco who are paying the most at $3.78 a gallon. Drivers in Albuquerque, New Mexico are paying the least at $2.96 a gallon.

Bullying Forces Alleged Sandusky Victim Out Of School
The first identified alleged victim of sexual abuse by former Penn State assistant coach Jerry Sandusky is being forced out of his school because he's being bullied. The 17-year-old's family psychologist says the teen was suffering constant bullying and threats from other students who blame him because former Penn State head coach Joe Paterno lost his job.

Penn State Investigative Panel To Hold Press Conference Today
A news conference is scheduled today for a panel tasked with investigating the Penn State child sex scandal. The panel was formed several days after the announcement on November 5th that Sandusky was accused by a grand jury of sexually abusing eight young boys. The former defensive coordinator is facing 40 charges.

Terrorist Plot In NY Foiled
A terrorist attack has been stopped in New York. "Al-Qaida sympathizer," 27 year-old Jose Pimentel of Manhattan was allegedly plotting to bomb police patrol cars and postal facilities as well as targeted members of our armed services returning from abroad. Pimentel was arrested Saturday. It's believed he was acting alone.  

Protests Against Alabama Immigration Law
Protests are scheduled across the nation today against Alabama's controversial anti-illegal immigration law, holding vigils and demonstrations demanding the repeal of HB 56. Religious and civic leaders hold a vigil in front of the White House.

McDonald's Cuts Off Egg Supplier After Investigation
McDonald's says it's cutting off the company that supplies eggs for its Egg McMuffins after a hidden camera turned up unsanitary conditions and animal cruelty. ABC News reports that the FDA has issued a letter to Sparboe Farms, warning the company that it is in violation of public health laws at five locations. Sparboe Farms President, Beth Sparboe Schnell, is upset over the allegations and says they have investigated the abuse, figuring out who the abusers were. The animal rights group Mercy For Animals smuggled a video camera into one of the "factory farms." The video shows farm employees allegedly treating chickens cruelly. It also shows insects, rodents and cages with dead birds. McDonald's says it will no longer accept eggs from Sparboe.

Super-Committee Won't Meet
The congressional deficit super-committee is expected to announce today they will not meet their Wednesday deadline for finding trillions of dollars in spending cuts.

Health Officials Worry Over Supercommittee Decision
Some health officials are worried the deficit reductions will affect the TennCare program, by lowering matching funds for Tennessee's Medicaid, or forcing rural hospitals to close.

Taylor Swift Cleans Up At AMAs
Taylor Swift is continuing her award dominance after last night's American Music Awards. The young star took home awards including Artist of the Year, Favorite Country Female Artist and Favorite Country Album. Lady Antebellum won for Favorite Country Duo/Band or Group.

Officials Reconsider Bridgestone Subsidies
Some Metro officials SAY they're reconsidering Nashville's financing of Bridgestone Arena. The city pays almost $8 million a year to the Predators out of the general fund, to cover operating costs. One councilman is calling for review of the arrangement because of its effect on the city budget. If the city is serious, it would have to give notice that it's going change things by December 31st.

Arson Blamed For Animal Control Fire
Metro fire officials are ruling a fire at a Manchester Animal Shelter on Halloween night was arson. The incident almost killed an 80-year-old woman and several animals who lived upstairs in the building. The woman was trapped by the fire but eventually rescued.

Bee Gees' Robin Gibb Diagnosed with Liver Cancer
Robin Gibb, legendary singer/songwriter of the Bee Gees, has been diagnosed with liver cancer, according to several UK reports. Gibb was reportedly diagnosed a few months back and rushed to the hospital last week. He was hospitalized back in October for what was he thought was simply stomach pains. Andy Gibb died in 1988. Maurice passed in 2003. A rep for Gibb could not be reached for comment.

Tony Stewart Wins Sprint Cup Series Championship
NASCAR has a new champion, and he's been there before. Tony Stewart has won the Sprint Cup Series championship. He also won NASCAR's top series in 2002 and 2005.
 
Missing Boy Scouts Found
Three Boy Scouts are safe and sound with their families in North Carolina after spending almost 24 hours lost in the Pisgah National Forest. The boys were on a camping trip when they got separated from their group late Saturday night without food or fire. The boys were unhurt when they were finally located yesterday.
 
Poll: Two-Thirds of Online Adults Use Social Media
A new survey finds most Internet users log on, and then go to some social media website such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace or LinkedIn. Two-thirds of those who use social media do it primarily to keep in touch with friends and family. Three percent said they use social media to look for love.

Study: Acupuncture Safe For Kids
A new study reports accupuncture is safe for kids. The study shows children who undergo the traditional Chinese needle therapy have only an eleven-percent risk of suffering adverse effects. That's compared to just over eight-percent in adults. The study appears in the journal "Pediatrics."