Trending This Morning
No weather problems this weekend as December arrives. Mostly sunny days thru next Tuesday. Temps in the 60s, close to 68 on Monday and Tuesday. Cloudy and cooler by midweek. Back to the mid 50s. Lows in the 30s and 40s at night.
Lynchburg Police have charged the 14-year-old student who brought a chemical bomb to Rivermont School yesterday. He's now facing three charges: One felony count for having the device, a misdemeanor charge for threatening to damage a building, and another misdemeanor charge for having a weapon on school property.
President Obama and Mitt Romney had lunch at the White House yesterday (Thursday). This was like only the 8th time they met face to face through the whole campaign.
Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush has been in a Houston hospital for a week, being treated for a persistent cough. Docs were afraid the cough would turn into pneumonia. The former President is 88.
The Atlanta Falcons picked off Drew Brees' passes and ended his NFL-record touchdown streak with a 23-13 victory Thursday night over the Saints. Brees had thrown a touchdown pass in 54 consecutive games
Lookin' Back
1803: Spain finalized the process of ceding Louisiana to France, which had sold it to the United States.
1887: George Hancock invented softball at the Farragut Boat Club in Chicago. At first, it was played indoors with a stick and a boxing glove.
1913: Charles Chaplin made his screen debut in Mack Sennett`s short film 'Making A Living.'
1956: CBS replayed "Douglas Edward and the News" three hours after it was received on the West Coast. It was the world's first broadcast by videotape.
1958: Coed Records released "16 Candles" by the Crests.
1960 The last DeSoto is built by Chrysler, which had decided to retire the brand after 32 years.
1982: Today marks the 30th anniversary of Michael Jackson's "Thriller," one of the most popular albums of all time.
Cuttin' Cake Today
Efrem Zimbalist Jr.-94; Robert Guillaume (Benson: Benson DuBois)-85; G. Gordon Liddy-82; Billy Idol-57; Bo Jackson-50; Clay Aiken (American Idol Contestant)-34; actor Ben Stiller 47
Joke of the Day
Why was Santa's little helper depressed? ans - He had low elf esteem
Smarter Than Question
What is the most stolen food in the world? Congrats to Sally...she got it. The answer is "cheese". (Source: Center for Retail Research)
Entertainment Buzz
Lindsay Lohan was charged Thursday with crimes in New York and Los Angeles, marking her latest setbacks as she tries to revive her career and avoid a return to jail. Her attorney feels she will be cleared in the NYC case.
Father of Michael Jackson has suffered a mild stroke. Joe Jackson went to a Las Vegas hospital late Wednesday night when he had trouble standing up and walking. According to a spokesperson, the 83-year-old Jackson was having pains in his head but reports he was feeling fine Thursday and should be released today.
Two X-Factor acts were sent home last night, nixing their chances at $5 million. Paige Thomas - who earned high praises from the judges Wednesday - a bit of a surprise there. And, because of the voting, Diamond White and Vino Alan had sing for survival. Vino heads home.
(Photo: FOX)
The leaderboard:
1. Carly Rose Sonenclar
2. Tate Stevens
3. Emblem3
4. Fifth Harmony
5. Cece Frey
6. Diamond White
(Photo: NBC)
Does Mrs. Clause know about this? Mariah at the tree lighting Wednesday night in Rockefeller Center.
It's been more than a year since Kim Kardashian filed for divorce, but the case is nowhere near ready for a trial. Her attorney says Kardashian is "handcuffed" to Kris Humphries. She wants a traditional divorce, he wants the marriage annulled.
Katy Perry will develop a line of signature scents with French perfume company Coty. The beauty company will distribute the songbird's new creations on a larger scale than her previous perfumes, Purr and Meow.
Betty White is auctioning off a date with her to benefit the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles. In an auction starting December 3, fans will be able to bid on a dinner date with Betty at one of Betty's favorite restaurants.
Jenna Bush Hager, daughter of former U.S. President George W. Bush, has been named editor-at-large at Southern Living magazine. She will write for the publication's "Paper Napkin Interview," as well as a blog called "The Daily South," She is also a contributing correspondent for The Today Show.
IN THEATERS THIS WEEKEND :Killing Them Softly (R) and The Collection (R)
Christmas specials this weekend...
Friday (11/30)
- Santa Baby (Jenny McCarthy, 4pm, ABC Family)
Saturday (12/1)
- Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas (7am, ABC Family)
- Richie Rich's Christmas Wish (8:30am, ABC Family)
- A Dennis the Menace Christmas (10:30am, ABC Family)
- Miracle on 34th Street (1994, 12:30pm, ABC Family)
- Jack Frost (1998, 6pm, ABC Family)
- It's a Wonderful Life (8pm, NBC)
- ELF (8pm ABC Family)
- Snowglobe (midnight, ABC Family)
Sunday (12/2)
- Mickey's Twice Upon a Christmas (7pm, ABC Family)
- Miracle on 34th Street (1994 8:30am, ABC Family)
- Hoops and Yoyo Ruiin Christmas (10:30am Hallmark)
- I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (11am ABC Family)
- The Search for Santa Paws (1pm, ABC Family)
- Jack Frost (1998, 3pm, ABC Family)
- Elf (5pm ABC Family)
- The Holiday (5:15pm TBS)
- Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas (7pm ABC Family)
new dvd's today
- Lawless starring Shia LaBeouf
- The Apparition with Ashley Greene
- Step Up Revolution
- ParaNorman
News from Nashville
The Band Perry, Dierks Bentley and Hunter Hayes have joined the lineup for Grammy Nominations Concert Live in Nashville on Wednesday (Dec. 5).
Taylor Swift, Carly Rae Jepsen, Brandy and Flo Rida will all perform for Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2013. Swift will headline the event at Times Square in New York. Fergie will host the party on the West Coast, which will have performances from Brandy, Flo Rida, Karmin, OneRepublic, Pitbull and more. Jenny McCarthy will be back to help Ryan Seacrest host the East Coast portion.
Keith Urban and the American Idol gang are on the road auditioning hopefuls nationwide for season 12.
Trace Adkins wore an earpiece decorated like the Confederate flag when he performed for the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting on Wednesday, but says he meant no offense by it. Trace says he's a proud American who objects to any oppression and says the flag represents his Southern heritage. He adds, he's a descendant of Confederate soldiers and did not intend offense by wearing it. He's already started his USO tour for the troops.
Lar's This & That
Neighborhood Watch
Buying online is easy. Click, pay, and it's delivered to your front porch. And then it's stolen by thieves. Wait, what?
Yep, police are seeing a huge spike in front porch package thefts this year. Although electronics are the most attractive items, thieves are grabbing everything from clothing to children's bicycles. Advice: If you're not going to be home, have a neighbor watch out for your package.
Why Didn't I Think of That
From the guys who gave the world Baconaise and bacon-flavored lip balm comes Bacon Shaving Cream. But if you're hearing this and thinking, "My man would LOVE this under the tree on Christmas morning!", you better order fast. Only 2,500 jars of this pork-scented lather of the gods have been made. You can buy it for $15 at BaconShavingCream.com.
2012's Top Questions
Ask.com released the Top Ten questions people asked this year about celebrities, news, and politics. And the most asked questions were: 'Will Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart get back together?' . . . 'How many medals did the U.S. Gymnastics team win?' . . . and 'Who's going to win the presidential race?'
source
Phone Smart
A new survey found middle school students are cheating with their smartphones. More than a third of youngsters are using their phone to help them find answers to their homework. 88% of kids admit that they're not allowed to bring their phones into the classroom, and 66% said they couldn't bring their tablet to school. **100% of adults are screaming: "Where was all this when I was in school?"
Got Cell Fever
According to a new study, cell phone use is CONTAGIOUS. Researchers found people are about 40% more likely to check their phone within 10 seconds if a friend they're with starts using their phone first.
Read more:
Male or Female Boss
According to a new survey, six times as many women would rather have a guy for a boss than a woman.
35% of women prefer having a man manage them at work. Just 6% prefer female managers. The rest didn't have a preference. And three times as many women want a manager their own age . . . instead of one that's younger.
Who won the Black Friday war on Twitter?
Forbes.com asked HootSuite CEO Ryan Holmes' to look which major stores most effectively used Twitter on the biggest shopping day of the year, and he says the prize goes to...ready for this?... Kohl's! Kohl's took the title over the way the company highlighted the positive feedback it received. Holmes said they responded and highlighted the feedback from customers, both good and bad.
Black Friday According To Twitter
Black Friday on Twitter: The Numbers
- The hashtag #blackfriday was used 522,150 times.
- Walmart had the most mentions of all the major brands, but only 59% of the mentions were positive
- Macy's, on the other hand, had an impressive 95% positive rating.
- Kohl's positive comments were at 92%, followed by JC Penny (88%), and Sears (54%).
Most Influential People
A new scientific study has figured out the most influential people in history. Jesus came in first, followed by Confucius, Isaac Newton, Gandhi, and Albert Einstein. Only one person in their top 20 is still alive: Nelson Mandela finished 17th.
Top 10 Office Party Don'ts
1. Don't Drink Too Much
Alcohol lowers your inhibitions and alters your judgement. It can make you do things you may regret. Even if you think you can handle your alcohol quite well, one mixed drink or a glass of wine at the office party should be your limit. Remember, perception is everything. You don't want to look like you're drinking too much, even if alcohol has little effect on you.
2. Don't Treat the Office Party Like a Singles Bar
An office party gives you a chance to see another side of your co-workers. However, you shouldn't try to get to know any of them too well. Jim (or Jane) from accounting may suddenly look a lot more appealing under bar lights than cubicle lights. Ignore your animal instincts. Workplace romances — or worse, one night stands — can be disastrous.3. Don't Flirt or Act in a Sexually Provactive Manner
Your flirting may be entirely innocent (if it's not please see #2), but the message it sends to your colleagues isn't innocent. If you want to be respected on a professional level, save this side of yourself for parties with friends.4. Don't Wear Suggestive Clothing
If you wouldn't wear it to the office, you shouldn't wear it to the office party. Of course, your clothes can be more festive than those you wear to work (think sequins, color, and sparkles), but they shouldn't be revealing.5. Don't Let Your Guard Down
People tend to relax at office parties. When relaxed, we let our guards down and reveal things about ourselves we don't want our co-workers to know. Alcohol may contribute to this too, so be sure to pay careful attention to item #1.6. Don't Tell Dirty or Off-Color Jokes
This rule holds true in or out of the office. Dirty or off-color jokes may be offensive to others so avoid telling them.7. Don't Use Foul Language
You may feel so comfortable at the office party that you forget you're really at work. Keep bad language in check as it could make you look unprofessional.8. Don't Talk About People Behind Their Backs
9. Don't Bring Uninvited Guests
Often office parties are for employees only. Don't assume it's okay to bring your significant other or someone else without asking first.10. Don't Underestimate the Importance of Your Guest's Behavior
If it's okay to bring a guest, choose wisely. Invite someone who will behave appropriately. That means he or she will have to follow the same rules you are expected to follow.
How's My Hugging
According to a new study out of England, the average person wants a hug 13 times a day. Each of those hugs averages 9.5 seconds.
We spend one hour hugging each month, which breaks down to hugging someone around 40 FULL DAYS of your life. Not bad.
The study also found that 69% of people turn to their significant other for a hug.
14% look to close friends when they want a hug . . . 9% look to their parents.
About 14% said that they do their hugging in private because public displays of affection are inappropriate.
33% said it's inappropriate to hug in the workplace. (Times of India)
Your Ornaments May Be Stressing You Out
Robyn Bentley says she's an expert on the proper placement of household items. She also calls herself the Feng Shui Diva . . . so take this with a grain of salt.
She points out that many families have more sickness over the holiday season, people argue more, and feel more depressed . . . and she blames the decorations. So here are her decorating tips:
#1.) No red lights on the East or South sides of your house: According to Robyn, there's illness energy in the East and South sections of every house. And red lights add the "fire" element to your home.
Obviously, you don't want such an intense element in areas of the house filled with illness energy. So use silver, white, and gold there instead.
#2.) Don't create clutter or obstacles: First of all, squeezing past the talking, dancing snowman to get into the kitchen is just going to increase everyone's stress level. But clutter also slows the "chi flow" in your home.
#3.) Turn the Christmas lights off at bedtime: Too much light makes your body think it's daytime, and you won't get restful sleep. So turn off the holiday light display before hitting the sack. (FengShuiDiva.com)
Check out this Snow Globe....click here.
Kinda creepy.
Weird, But True News
It sounds a like a scene from an action movie. A tow truck being chased through the streets of Durango. Authorities in the Colorado city report the tow driver repossessed the wrong car. The car owner called two friends who chased the tow truck. During the wild ride, police say the tow truck hit another vehicle and that driver joined the pursuit. Tow truck driver Charles Buckland was busted on suspicion of motor-vehicle theft and reckless driving. The Durango Herald reports two of the three pursuers are also cited for reckless driving.
Staying Healthy Today 
Parents, listen up. Does having kids make you sick? Recent research found that parents of children of any age were, on average, less likely to catch colds when they’re exposed to the viruses that cause them, compared with nonparents.
In the study, parents and nonparents ranging in age from 18 to 55 were first screened for general health. Anyone who was sick was excluded. Remaining participants were given nasal drops that contained a cold virus. Over the following week, researchers took nasal cultures and examined symptoms for signs of infection.
The researchers discovered…
- Parents of children of any age were, on average, about half as likely to catch colds as nonparents. .
- In fact, parents of three or more kids of any age had an even lower chance of becoming sick—a 39% chance—than parents of just one or two kids (who had a 52% chance).
In case you’re wondering, there were no differences found between mothers and fathers. And these associations were independent of race, body mass index, gender and employment or marital status.
There was ONE EXCEPTION to the rule. The study found that younger parents (those ages 18 to 23), on average, didn’t have as much protection from colds as older parents (those age 24 to 55). Younger parents were just as likely to catch colds as nonparents of the same age, on average.
Source: Rodlescia Sneed, MPH, PhD student of social and health psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh. She is lead author of a study reported in Psychosomatic Medicine.
Good News Story 
Amber Thompson stops by the Sali Mini Mart on U.S. 220 in Daleville every week for a soft drink. But this week she bought what everybody else was getting, a Powerball Lottery ticket. in fact, this was the first time - in her life - she bought lottery ticket. But why not, the jackpot was almost $580 million.
Then Wednesday night, as she and her husband, Marvin watched TV in their Buchanan home, the numbers were drawn. Marvin shouted, "I got those!" The excitement woke his 4 month old daughter Haylee. But he might be forgiven this time.
One of the tickets matched five of the numbers drawn, meaning it was worth a $1 million. It's not Arizona or Missouri, but a million will do.
They told the Roanoke Times, the prize isn’t enough to retire on, but it represents an end to a lot of paycheck-to-paycheck struggle and long-term worry. Amber added, it's going to be our kids education. That's nice.
Lar's Thought of the Day 
"A good reputation is more valuable than any amount of money."
