[Headlines]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]

(----------------)
[VO-NAT]

Officials say there is no evidence of any domestic terror threat, but they say Americans should remain vigilant following the arrest of a suspected terrorist.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

And an invitation to spend part of New Year's Day at the governor's mansion.
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

Cloudy out there now, but rain and possibly a wintry mix of precipitation are scheduled to arrive by the time you drive home this afternoon.
We'll watch temperatures fall throughout the day from the 40s...down into the 20s and 30s.
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(ad lib live tease)
[2-shot]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

---

[terrorism-arrests]

[ANCHOR=melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=None]

There could be longer waits at border checkpoints over the holidays as the Customs Service beefs up staffing.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[3:00:43]
Officials say an extra 300 inspectors are going on duty at high-priority entry points after last week's arrest of an Algerian man who allegedly tried to smuggle bomb-making materials into Washington state.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[3:00:43]
[IN Q=]
(( RAYMOND KELLY/CUSTOMS SERVICE COMM: WHILE WE DO NOT YET KNOW MR. RESSAMS EXACT INTENTIONS, WE DO KNOW THAT HE WAS CARRYING THE PRIMARY INGREDIENTS FOR A VERY POWERFUL BOMB))
[SUPER=01-Raymond Kelly/Customs Service Commissioner]
[RUNS=:10]
[OUT Q=a very powerful bomb.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

National Security Adviser Sandy Berger says the government knows of no specific threats against targets in the U-S but he is urging Americans to be ``vigilant'' as they plan their holiday celebrations.
(------------)
[ANCHOR=MELANIE]
[SS=None]

Meanwhile, Border Patrol agents have arrested an Algerian man in Vermont who was carrying a falsified Canadian passport.
But officials say they don't know of any connection to the Washington state case.

---

[E-Y2K-Readiness]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=sgo]
[TAPE#=99-44 1:32:58]
[GRAPHIC=Battling the Bug]

There's no need to panic when the clock strikes midnight in Roanoke.
That's what the Star City's acting city manager says.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]

Jim Ritchie told city council that all city computers and equipment are Y-2-K-ready.
Though he only seemed willing to guarantee that the 9-1-1 system will work.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 53:38]
[IN Q=while we]
((JIM RITCHIE/ACTING CITY MANAGER: WHILE WE EXPECT SOME MINOR GLITCHES IN OTHER SYSTEMS ... WE DO NOT EXPECT MAJOR GLITCHES RELATED TO Y-2-K.))
[SUPER=01-Jim Ritchie/Acting City Manager;]
[RUNS=12]
[OUT Q=related to y-2-k]
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[graphic=none]

Ritchie said -- just in case there's a problem -- city staffers will work all day and night on New Year's Eve.
He also said the city will set up emergency shelters... and you should stock up on supplies -- like you're getting ready for a winter storm.

---

[E-Gilmores]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#=99-47 TC37:30]
[GRAPHIC=None]

If you're NOT doing something else on New Year's Day, feel free to head up to Richmond and hang out with the Gilmores.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond;]

Virginia's First Family is hosting a New Year's Day open house, to show off the top-to-bottom renovation of the governor's mansion.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 13:56:36]
[IN Q=We have not]
((GOV. JIM GILMORE: WE HAVE NOT EVER DONE THIS IN VIRGINIA BEFORE. SO AS A RESULT, NO ONE REALLY QUITE KNOWS WHAT'S GOING TO HAPPEN. BUT WE THINK THE PEOPLE OF VIRGINIA OUGHT TO HAVE AN OPEN INVITATION TO COME IN AND SEE THEIR MANSION ON NEW YEAR'S DAY AND WELCOME IN THE MILLENNIUM.))
[SUPER=@Gilmore;]
[RUNS=:14]
[OUT Q=the millennium.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The 7-point-2 million dollar job is the first complete renovation in the mansion's 186 year history.
A smaller-than-usual Christmas tree is up, so that movers can still finish furnishing and decorating the mansion before New Year's Day.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 13:52:36]
[IN Q=We really]
((ROXANE GILMORE/FIRST LADY OF VIRGINIA: WE REALLY LET HISTORY BE OUR GUIDE, WE DIDN'T TAKE A LOT OF PERSONAL LIBERTIES, BUT INSTEAD, LOOKED TO THE HOUSE ITSELF TO TELL US WHAT THE RIGHT THINGS TO DO WERE AS FAR AS DECOR AND RENOVATION GO.))
[SUPER=01-Roxane Gilmore/First Lady of Virginia; ]
[RUNS=:15]
[OUT Q=renovation go.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The Gilmores will be on hand, from two to six in the afternoon, to meet and greet the public.
(------------)

---

[81-Lawyer]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Interstate 81]

A Roanoke lawyer who makes daily trips on Interstate 81 wants a judge to declare a ``public safety emergency'' on the heavily traveled road.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=@file;]

The complaint filed by Richard Lawrence seeks public hearings on how to improve conditions.
It isn't a lawsuit and no monetary damages are being sought.
The state police and department of transportation are named as defendants.
If it succeeds, the complaint could force state officials to make both short- and long-term improvements to the interstate.
(------------)

---

[E-Rubatex]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#=99-45 1:10:25]
[GRAPHIC=Rubatex]

For more than a hundred days now, Rubatex workers have been on strike.
(------------)
[VO-NAT ]
[SUPER=04-File Tape;]

That means this is the longest strike in the foam and rubber manufacturer's history.
The union hit the picket lines September 12th.
Many strikers have since found temporary jobs at department stores and other factories.
So far there is no word when the two sides will resume bargaining.
(------------)

---

[E-Condemnation]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=sgo]
[TAPE#=99-39 1:39:24]
[GRAPHIC=Roanoke City Seal]

The city of Roanoke will not go to court to seize a controversial piece of land.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke/File Tape;]

City council voted to drop its condemnation case against the man who owns this property at the corner of Franklin Road and Elm Avenue.
Council wanted to build a park to serve as a "gateway" to downtown.
Now it's going to change its strategy and try to buy the land without getting a judge involved.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 1:12:27]
[IN Q=if we can]
((JIM TROUT/CITY COUNCIL MEMBER: IF WE CAN BUY IT AT A REASONABLE PRICE ... TO BUILD UPSCALE CONDOS.))
[SUPER=01-Jim Trout/Roanoke City Council;]
[RUNS=:12]
[OUT Q=BUILD UPSCALE CONDOS]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Landowner Herbert George wants twice the 123-thousand dollars that the city offered.
No word on how much city council might be willing to pay.
(------------)

---

[1-Sports]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=sports cut in]
[GRAPHIC=None]

In sports, the Virginia Tech men and women hit the court last night.
Denise Allen has highlights and a note from the Richmond Rhythm.
Good Morning Denise.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Good morning]
[RUNS=1:41]
[OUT Q=bit later]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
(Melanie ad lib toss to Kimberly/Wx)

---

[One-Steve]

[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=spa]
[TAPE# M99-7]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]

[Microwave]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon;]
[SUPER=11-Roanoke;]
[SUPER=01-Bob Lutjen/American Red Cross;]
[SUPER=01-Stephanie Key/Norfolk Southern;]
[SUPER=11-Roanoke;]



(I'll call for vid)
(-------------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=04-Yesterday; :00]
[RUNS=1:20]
(-----------------------)

[Steve Live]

(toss to stocks)
[STOCKS] [COMM] ((Archive: blood drive))

---

[S-VT-Marriage]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=equ]
[TAPE#=99-50 51:47]
[GRAPHIC=Legal Scales]

Vermont's Supreme Court ruled yesterday that same sex couples are constitutionally guaranteed the same benefits and protections that heterosexual couples have.
The first-of-its kind in the nation ruling leaves it up to Vermont's legislature whether to allow same sex marriages, or just establish a domestic partnership statute.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond]

Governor Jim Gilmore says he sees NO immediate impact on Virginia.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 14:06:13]
[IN Q=Well I haven't]
((GOV. JIM GILMORE: WELL I HAVEN'T READ THE VERMONT RULING. NOR WAS I AWARE OF IT UNTIL YOU JUST MENTIONED IT. BUT I WOULD THINK THAT WOULD BE AGAINST THE PUBLIC POLICY AND LAW OF THE COMMONWEALTH. I WOULD NOT FORESEE US RECOGNIZING IT IN THAT SAME WAY.))
[SUPER=@Gilmore;]
[RUNS=:12]
[OUT Q=that same way.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Richmond/File Tape]

Abingdon Delegate Joe Johnson sponsored a bill which became state law in 1997.
It says "any marriage entered into by persons of the same sex in another state or jurisdiction shall be void in all respects in Virginia."
(------------)
[TALENT=Melanie]
[SS=Hold]

Virginia law already prohibited same sex marriages.
But the Virginia chapter of the A-C-L-U says there's nothing in Virginia's CONSTITUTION which specifically prohibits such a union.
But, the A-C-L-U says it is unlikely that Virginia's conservative courts or lawmakers are likely to find, agree with or act on that interpretation any time soon.

---

[E-Hospital-Visit]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=tha]
[TAPE#=99-42 1:51:27]
[GRAPHIC=Tech Football]

The Virginia Tech football team filled the prescription for smiles yesterday at Montgomery Regional hospital.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Blacksburg;]

The players arrived at the hospital yesterday morning to try and make the holidays a little brighter for folks who may not be able to be with their loved ones.
The entire team was invited and there were plenty of fans waiting to welcome them inside.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT 9:31:26]
[IN Q=It's nice]
((SHAYNE GRAHAM/VIRGINIA TECH KICKER: IT'S NICE TO BE ABLE TO COME OUT HERE, NOT EVERYONE IS ABLE TO BE IN THE CONVENIENCE OF THEIR OWN HOMES OR TO WATCH OUR GAMES OR SEE US FROM THE STANDS, SO IT'S NICE TO BE HERE AND HAVE THESE PEOPLE MEET US ONE ON ONE.))
[SUPER=01-Shayne Graham/Virginia Tech Kicker; :00]
[RUNS=14]
[OUT Q=one on one.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

The team not only signed autographs for the sick but also the hospital's employees and their families.
(------------)

---

[Health-Check]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=NET]
[GRAPHIC=Mornin Health Check]

In medical news, a common vitamin may have some added health benefits.
Doctor Dave Hnida has that story and more in this morning's Health check.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Dr. Dave Hnida/Reporting; :00 ]
[RUNS=1:30]
[OUT Q=CBS News, New York.]
(( IT'S BEEN TOUTED AS A TREATMENT FOR THE COMMON COLD - AND A PROTECTOR OF HEART ARTERIES - NOW A NEW STUDY SAYS VITAMIN C MAY ALSO HELP LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE. VT-VO
A STUDY IN THE MEDICAL JOURNAL LANCET FINDS PEOPLE WHO TOOK ABOUT 500 MG OF VITAMIN C EVERY DAY FOR ONE MONTH HAD A DROP IN BLOOD PRESSURE OF ABOUT 10-15 POINTS OFF THE TOP NUMBER.
IT'S BELIEVED THE VITAMIN C WORKS WITH OTHER CHEMICALS IN THE BODY TO ALLOW BLOOD VESSELS TO RELAX AND OPEN WIDER. DR. DAVE/ON CAM
ALSO TODAY - IF YOU HAVE ASTHMA - SOME GOOD NEWS ON THE HORIZON. VT-VO
A PILL TO CONTROL YOUR ASTHMA THAT YOU TAKE JUST ONCE A WEEK. A STUDY FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO LOOKED AT PEOPLE WITH MODERATELY SEVERE ASTHMA WHO NORMALLY TOOK MEDICATION SEVERAL TIMES A DAY. THIS NEW DRUG - CALLED NUVANCE - HELPED THEM GET OFF THEIR MEDICATION AND JUST TAKE ONE PILL A WEEK.
DON'T HOLD YOUR BREATH THOUGH - NUVANCE WILL PROBABLY NOT HIT THE MARKET FOR AT LEAST ANOTHER YEAR. DR. DAVE/ON CAM
AND FINALLY TODAY - DO YOU STRETCH BEFORE YOU WORKOUT? VT-VO
WELL A NEW STUDY FROM THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SPORTS MEDICINE SAYS STRETCHING MAY BE A WASTE OF TIME. BUT THIS STUDY IS GETTING A LOT OF CRITICISM - MAINLY BECAUSE IT WAS DONE WITH A GROUP OF PHYSICALLY FIT ARMY RECRUITS. - -WHO WERE FLEXIBLE ENOUGH NOT TO NEED STRETCHING. EXPERTS SAY MOST OF US OLDER - MEANING OVER AGE 25 - AND STIFFER PEOPLE - SHOULD STRETCH BEFORE AND AFTER A WORKOUT. DR. DAVE/ON CAM
THAT'S A LOOK AT THE DAY'S HEALTH STORIES. I'M DR DAVE HNIDA FOR CBS NEWS.))

(ad lib to weather)

---

[Two-Steve]

[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=spa]
[TAPE#NONE]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]

[Microwave]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon;]
[SUPER=11-Roanoke;]
[SUPER=07-Phyllis McCallie]
[SUPER=11-Roanoke;]


[Double Boxes=KMC & SPA]
(toss to Kimberly)
((Archive: Blood drive )) [2-HEADLINES]
[2-shot=Mel/Kmc]
[SUPER=#4049; Morning Headlines]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

Here's a look at today's top stories.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

Officials say there is no evidence of any domestic terror threat, but they say Americans should remain vigilant.
There is increased concern about terrorism since two Algerians were caught, separately, sneaking into the U-S.
One allegedly was carrying bomb-making materials.
Officials say an extra 300 inspectors are going on duty at high-priority entry points at the Canadian border.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kim]

City leaders claim Roanoke is Y-2-K ready, although the only guarantee acting City Manager Jim Ritchie seems willing to make is that the 9-1-1 system will work.
The City is setting up emergency shelters, stocked with supplies, just in case.
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

``American Beauty'' has picked up a leading six Golden Globe nominations, including best movie drama.
``The Insider'' is next with five.
On the small screen H-B-O took 18 nominations, including five for the Sopranos and Sex in the City.
The Winners will be announced January 23rd in Los Angeles.
(----------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

And that's what's making news on this Tuesday December 21.
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

News 7 Mornin' will be right back.

---

[ALGERIAN-ARREST]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=MORN]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=None]

The U-S Customs Service is adding 300 inspectors along the Canadian border after last weeks's arrest of an Algerian who allegedly tried to smuggle bomb making materials into Washington state.
One Customs officer says inspectors are on a ``heightened state of awareness.''
Jim Stewart has the latest.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[3:40:11]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=01-Mark Johnson/U. S. Customs Inspector; :36]
[SUPER=01-Raymond Kelly/U. S. Customs Commissioner; 1:05]
[SUPER=01-Jim Stewart/Reporting; 1:16]
[RUNS=1:33]
[OUT Q=CBS NEWS, Washington]
(( 32-year-old Ahmed Ressam of Algeria wouldn't say in court why he was headed from Canada to the United States with a carload of explosives. In fact, say investigators...he's not saying anything at all.....and appears to have been coached on his legal rights under U.S. law. NARR:
Meanwhile, federal agents still assume that Ressam was either with someone, or enroute to meet someone, when he was stopped at this Washington ferry landing last week....and have intensified their search for accomplices. The U.S. Customs agents who first spotted him were given medals...and explained how the young Algerian...almost gave them the slip.
SOT/Inspector Johnson

"I felt something in his pockets and I wasn't sure what it was. So I was holding his jacket and while I was holding his jacket, he left! (laughs). So I am standing there holding his jacket and he is on up the road." NARR:
Canadian police have recovered a van belonging to Ressam in Montreal....and U.S. authorities say its still the Canadians who have developed the strongest links between Ressam...and elusive terrorist leader Osama bin Laden's organization in Afghanistan. U.S. officials admit they don't know what Ressam's terrorist credentials are....or what targets he had in mind.
SOT/Ray Kelly

"While we do not yet know Mr. Ressam's exact intentions we do know that he was carrying the primary ingredients for a very powerful bomb." CLOSE/STEWART ON CAM))

---

[2-E-Y2K-Readiness]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=sgo]
[TAPE#=99-44 1:32:58]
[GRAPHIC=Battling the Bug]

Roanoke is ready for Y2K, but backup plans will be place, just in case.
Yesterday, acting city manager
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Roanoke]
Jim Ritchie told city council that all city computers and equipment are Y-2-K-ready.
Though he only seemed willing to guarantee that the 9-1-1 system will work.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 53:38]
[IN Q=while we]
((JIM RITCHIE/ACTING CITY MANAGER: WHILE WE EXPECT SOME MINOR GLITCHES IN OTHER SYSTEMS ... WE DO NOT EXPECT MAJOR GLITCHES RELATED TO Y-2-K.))
[SUPER=01-Jim Ritchie/Acting City Manager;]
[RUNS=12]
[OUT Q=related to y-2-k]
(------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[graphic=HOLD]

Ritchie said -- just in case there's a problem -- city staffers will work all day and night on New Year's Eve.
He also said the city will set up emergency shelters... and you should stock up on supplies -- like you're getting ready for a winter storm.

---

[School-Board]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=am]
[WRITER=kwe]
[TAPE#=99-46 TC44:42]
[GRAPHIC=none]

Parents in the town of Goshen are concerned about their children's safety when they get on the bus to go to school.
That's because some kids must travel up to 45 miles-- that's an hour and a half each way.
Kate Weidaw tells us that a change could be on the way.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=today a dollar]
[SUPER=03-Rockbridge Co.; :00]
[SUPER=04-1988; :08]
[SUPER=01-William Via/Goshen Vice-Mayor; :28 Quick!!]
[SUPER=01-Peggy Jolly/Parent; :42]
[SUPER=01-Quentin Fridley/Student; :57 Quick!!]
[SUPER=@Kate1; 1:10]
[RUNS=1:25]
[OUT Q=KW, News 7]
(( Today a Dollar General Store sign glows in front of the building that used to be Goshen Elementary School - until 1984. Closing the school 15 years ago lead to students being bused to Fairfield Elementary School -- that meant riding on Goshen Pass, a twisty road without guard rails and 20 foot drops into the river. That's why town officials have found land to build a new school in the heart of the community.

[SOT 5:38:44]
[INQ=]
((WILLIAM VIA/GOSHEN VICE MAYOR: THIS WOULD BE THE ENTRANCE TO THE 46 ACRES WHERE THE SCHOOL WILL BE PLACED.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 6]

Parents are more then ready for the new school. They're sick and tired of seeing what their children have to go through to get to school in the morning.

[SOT 6:57:48]
[INQ=]
((PEGGY JOLLY/PARENT: THEY GET ON THE BUS AT ABOUT TEN TO 7 AND HE GETS OFF AT A QUARTER TO 4 THAT'S A LONG RIDE.))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 8]

Students say sitting on the bus for over an hour is hard and the drive can be dangerous.

[SOT 6:58:49]
[INQ=]
((QUENTIN FRIDLEY/STUDENT: WE HAVE TO GO THROUGH THE PASS AND WHEN IT'S ICY WE SLIP .))
[OUTQ=]
[RUNS= 5]

Parents and children both agree they don't want to wait another 15 years before something is done to keep students closer to home.
[STANDUP] ((KATE WEIDAW/REPORTING:SO FAR THERE ARE NO DEFINITE PLANS FOR THE SCHOOL TO BE BUILT IN GOSHEN, BUT TOWN OFFICIALS HOPE WITH THE SUPPORT FROM THE NEW PEOPLE ON THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS, TOWN COUNCIL, AND SCHOOL BOARD THE THIRD TIME COULD BE A CHARM. KATE WEIDAW NEWS 7.))
[OUTQ=]))

---

[2-81-Lawyer]

[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=Interstate 81]

A Roanoke lawyer is taking his concerns about Interstate 81 to the courtroom.
He wants a judge to declare a ``public safety emergency'' on the heavily traveled road.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=@file;]

The complaint filed by Richard Lawrence seeks public hearings on how to improve conditions.
It isn't a lawsuit and no monetary damages are being sought.
The state police and department of transportation are named as defendants.
If it succeeds, the complaint could force state officials to make both short- and long-term improvements to the interstate.
(------------)

---

[Ashes-Orbit]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=dse]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=None]

A Roanoke man's ashes are now orbiting the earth.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Vandenburg A. F. B., CA]

Last night, NASA sent a satellite into outer space carrying, among other things, the cremated remains of 36 people.
The ashes of Roanoker Gary Close will orbit the earth for some 45 years before burning up in the earth's atmosphere.
(-------------)

---

[Three-Steve]

[ANCHOR=Steve]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=spa]
[TAPE#NONE]
[GRAPHIC=NONE]

[Microwave]
[SUPER=15-Steve/Pardon;]
[SUPER=11-Roanoke;]
[SUPER=01-Bob Lutjen/American Red Cross;]
[SUPER=11-Roanoke;]


[double Boxes=SPA & MEL]
(toss to Melanie)


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[SS=None]
(ad lib toss to bump)
[BUMP-Chyron]
[COMM #6]
((Archive: blood drive))

---

[Golden-globes]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=morn]
[WRITER=mel]
[TAPE#=net]
[GRAPHIC=None]

In Hollywood the crystal ball for the Oscars is known as the Golden Globe awards.
And the nominees were announced yesterday in Hollywood.
Jennifer Sabih reports.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT]
[3;26;37]
[IN Q=]
[SUPER=03-Beverly Hills, CA; :00]
[SUPER=01-Jennifer Sabih/Reporting; 1:32]
[RUNS=1:53]
[OUT Q=FOR CBS NEWS.]
((THE BRIGHTEST LIGHT OF THIS YEAR'S GOLDEN GLOVES WAS ONE OF THE DARKEST MOVIES OF THE YEAR.
(NAT, AMERICAN BEAUTY)
AMERICAN BEAUTY, A SATIRE ON SUBURBIA LED THE FOREIGN PRESS PICKS GETTING SIX NOMINATIONS IN ALL INCLUDING BEST PICTURE. IT'LL BE GOING UP AGAINST MATT DAMON'S LATEST...
(NAT, TALENTED MR. RIPLEY)
...THE TALENTED MISTER RIPLEY, AND THE INSIDER, AN EXPOSE ON THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY. BOTH THOSE FILMS GOT FIVE NODS.
(SOT, HURRICANE)
HURRICANE, THE STORY OF BOXER RUBIN CARTER, ALSO IN THE BEST DRAMA CATEGORY ALONG WITH AN ADAPTATION ON A GRAHAM GREEN NOVEL.
(NAT, THE END OF THE AFFAIR)
THE END OF THE AFFAIR. BUT THE BEGINNING OF HOLLYWOOD'S AWARD SEASON. WHAT'S UNIQUE AB OUT THE GOLDEN GLOBES: IT HONORS BOTH THE BIG SCREEN AND THE SMALL.
(NAT, THE SOPRANOS)
AND IN THE TELEVISION CATEGORY, HBO BESTED THE NETWORKS WITH 18 NOMINATIONS, FIVE EACH FOR THE SOPRANOS AND SEX IN THE CITY. SOME OF THE TOP TELEVISION PICKS: JUDGING AMY, ER...
(NAT, ALLY MCBEAL)
...AND THE ODDBALL ALLY MCBEAL. SPEAKING OF ODD, "BEING JOHN MALKOVICH", A MOVIE ABOUT A PUPPETEER WHO FINDS A PORTAL INTO ACTOR MALKOVICH'S MIND GOT FOUR NOMINATIONS INCLUDING BEST COMEDY. ALSO IN THAT CATEGORY, JIM CARREY'S MAN ON THE MOON, ROBERT DENIRO'S ANALYZE THIS, JULIA ROBERTS ROMANTIC COMEDY NOTTING HILL WITH THE ANIMATED BOX OFFICE SMASH TOY STORY TWO.
(NAT)
WHO GETS THE GLOVE OFTEN OBTAINS THE OSCAR, BUT WE'LL HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL JANUARY 23RD TO HEAR THE WINNER.
(SABIH CLOSE)))

---

[E-Xmas-Postmark]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Morn]
[WRITER=ssm]
[TAPE#=99-49 30:51]
[GRAPHIC=Christmas]

Believe it or not, there's one postal employee who has deliberately tried to INCREASE the amount of cards and letters he's handling this Christmas season.
(------------)
[VO-NAT]
[SUPER=03-Appomattox Co.]

Rick Elkins is the postmaster in the tiny Appomattox County village of Evergreen.
The Christmas-y sounding name generates hundreds of extra letters every year.. all seeking Elkins' special Christmas tree cachet (cash-ay) and postmark.
(///// SOT /////)
[SOT 16:46:32]
[IN Q=The middle of]
((RICK ELKINS/EVERGREEN POSTMASTER: THE MIDDLE OF DECEMBER IS RIGHT MUCH OF A RUSH BECAUSE THAT'S THREE STROKES PER ENVELOPE AND IT ADDS UP DURING THE DAY. AND THE CONSTANT INTERRUPTIONS, TAKING CARE OF THE NORMAL DAY TO DAY BUSINESS, YOU HAVE TO WANT TO DO IT FOR IT TO HAPPEN.))
[SUPER=01-Rick Elkins/Evergreen Postmaster]
[RUNS=14]
[OUT Q=for it to happen.]
(------------)
[VO-NAT]

Elkins says he's handled mail from 38 states and nine foreign countries.
He started his job in Evergreen six years ago on.. of course.. Christmas Day.
(------------)

---

[3-Sports]

[ANCHOR=Melanie]
[NEWSCAST=Mornin]
[WRITER=chr]
[TAPE#=sports cut in]
[GRAPHIC=None]

In sports, Denise Allen has notes from U-V-A's media day as they prepare for the Micron-p-c-dot-com bowl.
Good Morning Denise.
(/////SOT/////)
[SOT]
[IN Q=Good morning]
[RUNS=2:02]
[OUT Q=day everyone]


[ANCHOR=Melanie]
(weather toss)

[Local-Recap]
[SUPER=#4059;Local Recap]
[2-Shot=Mel/Kmc]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

Now here's another look at today's top local stories:
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Melanie]

There's no need to panic when the clock strikes midnight in Roanoke.
Acting City Manager Jim Ritchie told city council that all city computers and equipment are Y-2-K-ready.
Just in case there's a problem -- city staffers will work all day and night on New Year's Eve and the city will set up emergency shelters
(----------------)
[VO-NAT]
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]

A Roanoke lawyer wants a judge to declare a ``public safety emergency'' on Interstate 81.
The complaint filed by Richard Lawrence seeks public hearings on how to improve conditions.
It isn't a lawsuit and no monetary damages are being sought but it could force state officials to make both short- and long-term improvements to the interstate.
(----------------)
(-------------)
[ANCHOR=Kimberly]
(Kimberly mic hot)
(///////////////)
(Kimberly ad lib weather)
(-------------)
[Double Boxes=Melanie/Kimberly and Steve]
(toss)
[ANCHOR=Steve]
(live ad lib, tease tomorrow)
(ad lib bye) [Double Boxes=Melanie/Kimberly and Steve]