ABC7 5PM HOUR |
WEATHER IS COMING UP.
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THANKSGIVING SHOWERS!!
BUT THIS WASN'T PRODUCED BY MOTHER NATURE!
A BROKEN WATER LINE CAUSES CHAOS IN A COLLIER COUNTY NEIGHBORHOOD!
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A THANKSGIVING PILE-UP OF TEXAS SIZE PROPORTION!
100-VEHICLES SMASH OUTSIDE OF BEAUMONT!
TWO PEOPLE ARE DEAD AND NEARLY *50* ARE INJURED.
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AND THIS IS A DAY OF GIVING--
AND GIVING THANKS.
THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE IN NEED OF A HOT MEAL ON THANKSGIVING--
SIT DOWN FOR A FEAST.
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CLEAR AND COOL IS THE WORD. IN FACT, IT LOOKS NICE THROUGH THE WEEKEND!
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BUT WE BEGIN WITH THAT BREAKING NEWS OUT OF TEXAS.
TWO PEOPLE ARE DEAD--
AT LEAST 48-PEOPLE ARE INJURED--
IN A 100-CAR PILE-UP!
IT COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN INTERSTATE 10--
ALTHOUGH *EASTBOUND* LANES ARE NOW OPEN.
THE CRASH HAPPENED ABOUT 80-MILES EAST OF HOUSTON.
THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT SAYS THERE WAS VERY THICK FOG IN THE AREA ALL NIGHT--
AND PROBABLY CAUSED THIS CHAIN REACTION CRASH.
NO WORD HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE TO RE-OPEN WESTBOUND TRAFFIC.
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TODAY IS A SPECIAL DAY FOR MANY OF US--
A TIME FOR FAMILY-- FRIENDS AND GIVING THANKS FOR ALL THAT WE HAVE.
BUT SOME HAVE VERY LITTLE--
IF NOTHING AT ALL.
SO TODAY IN IMMOKALEE--
THOSE THAT *HAVE* --
GAVE TO THOSE THAT DON'T.
NBC2's KIM BROWN BEGINS OUR TEAM COVERAGE OF THANKSGIVING IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.
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THERE'S THE TURKEY, AND THE TRIMMINGS.
It's great. It's fantastic. The foods good.
A 13 YEAR TRADITION FOR TERESA SHELTON.
WHO, LIKE MANY HERE, WAITED OUT A LONG LINE, JUST FOR THIS MEAL AT THE IMMOKALEE PUBLIC PARK.
My family is all from Illinois. And when I come here I'm at least with the community and around my friends and somewhere to go for thanksgiving.
IT'S ORGANIZED BY THESE DOZENS OF VOLUNTEERS WITH THE GUADALUPE CENTER.
It's the giving that makes us what we are.
IT'S CALLED THANKSGIVING IN THE PARK.
ORGANIZER KATHRYN SHANNON SAYS IT'S A WAY FOR VOLUNTEERS TO GIVE BACK TO OTHERS.
THEY EXPECT TO FEED AT LEAST TWO THOUSAND PEOPLE.
For a lot of them, this certainly the best meal they'll have today. And for some of them, it may be the best meal they have all week.
VOLUNTEERS SERVE ANYONE WHO COMES FOR A BITE TO EAT.
THE FOOD IS PROVIDED BY DOANTIONS.
SHANNON SAYS THE NEED IS ABOUT THE SAME AS LAST YEAR.
There were a few years when we had many more people than this, but the downturn in the economy has affected these people also; people who worked in construction are no longer here.
BUT FOR THOSE WHO ARE HERE LIKE SHELTON.
SHE'S THANKFUL TO BE HERE WITH THE FRIENDS AT HER TABLE. AND THE ONES SERVING EVERYONE, TOO.
I'll be here every year.
IN IMMOKALEE KIM BROWN ABC7 NEWS.
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THOUSANDS *WENT* TO EAT A SPECAIL TURKEY DINNER--
BUT FOR A MYRIAD OF REASONS--
THOUSANDS MORE COULDN'T GO ANYWHERE.
THAT'S WHERE A SPECIAL PROJECT IN FORT MYERS COMES IN.
AND TODAY--
HUNDREDS OF VOLUNTEERS LOADED UP THEIR CARS--
AND *DELIVERED* THANKSGIVING.
NBC2's DAVE ELIAS CONTINUES OUR TEAM COVERAGE OF THAHKSGIVING IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA.
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10:39:43 Knock on door.Who is it? Yeah? Is this Ms. Jackson? Hello Dorothy?
My name is Misty I'm going to bring you some Thanksgiving dinner. 10:39:55
Misty Dudley was one of the nearly 1 thousand volunteers here in Fort Myers that
spent her holiday knocking on doors and handing out meals prepared here.
10:58:28 We need another scoop here. You got it. 10:35:30
IT'S THE LAMB OF GOD'S 9TH YEAR OF HAND DELIVERING MEALS TO THOSE
IN NEED.
Art Nicoletti // 10:37:08 A lot of our people who volunteer come back every year. 10:37:10
Misty // 10:42:06 Can you? Knock kock! Thanks!
misty Dudley // 10:47:08 It makes me feel good. I'm glad I got to do it. I'm glad I got
to help others. 10:47:12
10:42:06 Can you? Knock.knock.thanks! 10:42:98
EACH DELIVERY BRINING SMILES TO THOSE WHO OTHERWISE MAY NOT GET A MEAL TODAY.
10:42:19 I'm Misty from the church I'm delivering your dinner! Mommie.10:42:22
AND IT'S SCENES LIKE THESE THAT HAS MISTY PROMISING TO RETURN NEXT THANKSGIVING.
misty Dudley // 10:47:27 Yes I will. Definitely In fact I have a whole group doing it again
next year. 10:47:32
10:44:00 God Bless you! Thank you!.door shuts. 10:44:05
IN FORT MYERS, DAVE ELIAS ABC 7.
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FOR A LOT OF FAMILIES--
THANKSGIVING IS FILLED WITH TRADITION.
SOME WITH FAMILY--
OTHERS WITH THE FAMILY THEY WORK WITH.
SUCH WAS THE CASE TODAY AT MILLER'S ALE HOUSE --
WHO CHALLENGED ITS MANAGERS TO GIVE BACK THIS THANKSGIVING.
NBC2's ELIZABETH BILLINGSLEY CONTINUES OUR TEAM COVERAGE.
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TURKEY ON THE TABLE -
23:34:04 it tastes like - it's good! 23:34:07
EVELYN GUZMAN AND HER FAMILY ENJOYED THANKSGIVING DINNER AT MILLER'S ALE HOUSE THIS AFTERNOON.
23:34:22 i'm thankful for having food 23:34:25
THE FAMILY FROM BONITA FOUND OUT ABOUT THE MEAL THROUGH UNITED WAY
23:23:48 they set up all the reservations for us 23:23:52
IT'S THE FIRST TIME THE RESTAURANT HAS OPENED FOR CHARITY ON THANKSGIVING.
JIMMEY CHICO
300 POUNDS OF TURKEY,
MASHED POTATOES AND GRAVY
CRANBERRY SAUCE AND PUMPKIN PIE - ALL FREE FOR FAMILIES IN NEED.
YOUNG HELPERS VOLUNTEERED TOO -
23:29:11 i'm doing pretty much clean up duty and then i'm going to be helping the crew that i'm with like taking dirty dishes off the tables, putting them up on the rack 23:29:21 and filling up drinks that people order 23:29:24 C.J. DIETZEL, 10
23:27:52 it is really fun so far and it is really my first time volunteering anywhere 23:28:00 ALYSSA WILSON, 7 YEARS OLD
AND HOPEFULLY A NEW TRADITION OF GIVING BACK.
AT THE GULF COAST TOWN CENTER, EB, NBC-2
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SOME PEOPLE SPENT THEIR THANKSGIVING WITHOUT ANY WATER!
TAKE A LOOK AT THIS!
A WATER LINE BROKE AND SENT WATER SHOOTING INTO THE AIR!
THE LINE BROKE AROUND 7:30 THIS MORNING.
THIS IS ON CAMPBELL CIRCLE--
WHICH IS OFF AIRPORT-PULLING.
AS YOU MIGHT IMAGINE--
THIS MESSED UP A LOT OF THANKSGIVING PLANS!
IT TOOK SEVERAL HOURS FOR CREWS TO SHUT IT OFF--
BUT IT TOOK AWHILE BEFORE EVERYONE HAD WATER AGAIN.
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TWO THOUSAND RUNNERS TOOK TO THE ASPHALT EARLY THIS MORNING--
FOR THE 33RD ANNUAL CAPE CORAL TURKEY TROT.
PAUSE FOR 3 SECONDS FOR NATS HORN
THE FORT MYERS TRACK CLUB 5-K RACE STARTED AT CAPE CORAL HOSPITAL ON SOUTHEAST 6TH STREET --
THEN CARRIED THROUGH RESIDENTIAL STREETS AND ENDED AT IN THE HOSPITAL PARKING LOTS.
WE CAUGHT UP WITH THE WINNERS RIGHT AFTER THE RACE.
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"It feels great. It hasn't sunk in yet, yeah it's very surreal."
"I feel pretty good, yah know I feel pretty happy about it. It's a nice confidence booster."
THE MONEY RAISED FROM THE TURKEY TROT WILL GO TO THE CHILDREN'S UNIT AT HEALTH PARK AND CAPE CORAL HOSPITAL.
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THE BARRON COLLIER HIGH SCHOOL BAND SPENT THANKSGIVING IN CHICAGO--
AND ON T-V!
THE STUDENTS PERFORMED AT THE MCDONALDS THANKSGIVING PARADE!
A CROWD OF MORE THAN 400-THOUSAND PEOPLE WERE ON HAND TO WATCH THE PARADE.
THIS IS THE 79TH YEAR CHICAGO'S HAD A THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE.
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THE 86-TH ANNUAL MACY'S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE WAS A BIG SUCCESS.
A DOZEN MARCHING BANDS--
MORE THAN 55 BALLOONS--
16-HUNDRED CHEERLEADERS AND 900 CLOWNS MADE THEIR WAY THROUGH MANHATTAN.
IT WAS A BIG LIFT TO THE CITY--
STILL STRUGGLING TO RECOVER FROM HURRICANE SANDY.
AN ESTIMATED 50-MILLION PEOPLE WATCHED ON T-V.
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FOUR LOCAL SCHOOLS COLLECTED FOOD AND CLOTHES.
NOW IT'S BEING GIVEN OUT TO THE VICTIMS OF HURRICANE SANDY.
LAST WEEK --
WE TOLD YOU ABOUT SEVERAL LEE COUNTY CHARTER SCHOOLS THAT HELD A SUPPLY DRIVE.
THESE ARE PICTURES OF A FEW TEACHERS DELIVERING THE SUPPLIES TO THE SALVATION ARMY IN NEW JERSEY.
THEY DROVE THEM ALL UP IN A TRUCK OVER THE WEEKEND.
THE SCHOOLS ALSO RAISED ONE-THOUSAND DOLLARS FOR THE ORGANIZATION.
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THANKSGIVING SIGNALS THE START OF THE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING SEASON!
THAT'S GREAT NEWS FOR MEGA STORES --
NOT SO GOOD FOR SMALL SHOPS. OR ISLANDS!
TO HELP SPUR SALES--
CAPTIVA IS PREPARING FOR IT'S THIRD ANNUAL "HOLIDAY VILLAGE".
AND AS LAUREN DISPIRITO EXPLAINS--
IT APPEARS TO BE WORKING.
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nats "closer closer"
ON CAPTIVA ISLAND, FAMILIES TRADED IN THE KITCHEN UTENSILS--FOR FULL SERVICE DINING.
sot
Rick, Nelson, Arizona
26:48 we'll be eating for another hour or two I'm sure 26:52
AWAY FROM HOME, AND WITHOUT FAMILY TO COOK FOR, RICK NELSON JOINED FRIENDS AT TWEEN WATERS RESORT.
sot
Rick Nelson, Arizona
26:37 the food is fantastic the seafood the buffet the ice sculpture the turkey the prime rib its all just wonderful 26:44
DINING OUT BREAKS THE NELSON'S USUAL THANKSGIVING TRADITION--
sot
Rick Nelson, Arizona
28:10 every once in a while a change of pace is good 28:14
AND GOOD FOR SOUTHWEST FLORIDA'S TOURISM INDUSTRY--
TWEEN WATERS EXECUTIVE CHEF JASON MILLER SAYS THE RESORT FILLED RESERVATIONS FOR MORE THAN 750 PEOPLE THIS HOLIDAY-- UP 15 PERCENT FROM LAST YEAR--
sot
Jason Miller, Tween Waters Executive Chef
32:36 I think it's due to social media, and a local event making people more familiar with the island, Tween Waters, and other surrounding Southwest Florida areas 32:47
IN THE ISLAND'S DOWNTOWN, INN AND RESTAURANT MANAGERS ALSO REPORT INCREASED SALES, AND BOOKINGS--
--DUE IN PART, PERHAPS, TO THE ANNUAL HOLIDAY VILLAGE-- MORE THAN A MONTH OF CELEBRATIONS LEADING TO CHRISTMAS.
sot
Jason Miller, Executive Chef, Tween Waters
32:15 it's almost the kick off of our season, as fas as tourism, let alone regular business 32:20
MILLER SAYS THE RESORT'S ANNUAL TREE LIGHTING-- FOLLOW WITH MORE HOLIDAY DECORATING EARLY NEXT MONTH, BRING VISITORS BY THE HUNDREDS.
sot
Rick Nelson, Arizona
27:05 it was a year to do something different 27:08
SOMETHING DIFFERENT-- THAT COULD BE THE START OF NEW TRADITIONS-- AND BOOST BUSINESS--
ON CAPTIVA, LAUREN DISPIRITO ABC7 NEWS.
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SO HERE'S THE BREAKDOWN.
STARTING AT FIVE TOMORROW, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FIREWORKS AND THE TREE LIGHTINING AT 'TWEEN WATERS INN'.
AND SATURDAY --
IT'S THE CHILDREN'S CLASSIC HOLIDAY READING AND TREE LIGHTING AT 'SOUTH SEAS ISLAND RESORT'.
WE HAVE A DETAILED LIST OF EVENTS AT ABC DASH 7 DOT COM.
JUST CLICK SITES ON SEVEN.
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TODAY'S CHILLY TEMPERATURES ARE DOING LITTLE TO KEEP SHOPPERS AWAY FROM WAITING OUTSIDE IN LINE FOR THE DOOR BUSTER DEALS.
TENTS ARE NOW A TEMPORARY HOME TO MORE THAN A DOZEN PEOPLE AT BEST BUY IN PAGE FIELD COMMONS.
THE CAMPERS SPENT THEIR THANKSGIVING *IN LINE*--
TO BE THE FIRST TO GET INTO THE STORE AT MIDNIGHT.
WE'VE FOLLOWED SEVERAL GROUPS OF SHOPPERS--
WHO HAVE BEEN THERE FOR A WEEK!
THEY AGREE IT'S BEEN A LONG ONE--
BUT SAY WITH THEIR MISSION, IT WILL BE WORTH IT.
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"We have some personal things that we want to get. Secondly we have some families that we've adopted with the American Legion, and some of the kids want some stuff that'll be on sale. So we wanted to wait out here to get that for them."
WE DID SOME DIGGING AND FOUND OUT WHAT TOP RETAIL STORES WILL OPEN TONIGHT.
TAKE A LOOK.
BIG LOTS WILL REMAIN OPEN *UNTIL* 9.
WALMART AND TOYS-R-US OPEN AT 8 TONIGHT--
TARGET AT 9.
BOTH AREA OUTLET MALLS WILL OPEN EARLY THIS YEAR AT 10 O'CLOCK TONIGHT.
WE HAVE THE COMPLETE LIST OF RETAIL STORES OPENING TONIGHT AND EARLY TOMORROW MORNING--
ON OUR WEBSITE AT ABC-7.COM.
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NEXT AT 5 OPEN
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IT'S A LANDMARK CASE--
THAT PLAYED OUT ON NATIONAL T-V.
THE "PRICE IS RIGHT" MODEL KICKED OFF THE SHOW FOR HAVING A BABY!
TONIGHT SHE'S SPEAKING OUT ABOUT HER MAJOR COURT VICTORY.
AND IT'S ONE OF THE MORE HISTORIC BUILDINGS IN NAPLES--
AND IT'S GETTING A MAKE-OVER!
WE'VE GOT THE UPDATE.
WEATHER IS COMING UP.
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SCIENTISTS IN NEW ZEALAND ARE WARNING A VOLCANO COULD ERUPT AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING.
MOUNT TONGARIRO SENT A PLUME OF ASH NEARLY TWO-AND-A-HALF MILES INTO THE SKY THIS WEEK.
NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED--
BUT VOLCANOLOGISTS SAY THE RISK OF ANOTHER SUDDEN BLAST WITHIN DAYS IS SIGNIFICANT.
IT BECAME ACTIVE THIS YEAR FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MORE THAN A CENTURY.
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THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE ABC7 WEATHER STAFF.
IT IS NOT A VERBATIM OF WHAT IS BEING SAID, BUT IS THE FORECAST FOR OUR AREA.
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We can be Thankful for the weather today
Thanksgiving Day started off cool across Southwest Florida with temperatures in the lower 50s in most spots. Through the day, there will be lots of sunshine, making for a beautiful blue sky kind of day. As far as temperatures are concerned, we'll stay on the cool side with highs in the low to mid 70s. Winds will come in from the north at 10-15 mph with gusts near 20 mph. That will make it feel cool all day despite all the sunshine. If you are the one in the kitchen doing the cooking today, it may be nice to just open the windows to cool off a bit. Tonight will be a chilly one. As the clear skies continue, temperatures will drop into the upper 40s. Inland cold spots will be in the mid 40s while there could be a few spots right along the coast that stay in the lower 50s. For the next few days, we'll continue with mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the mid 70s. You can enjoy the beautiful weather right on through the weekend.
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A FORMER MODEL ON THE "PRICE IS RIGHT" HAS SCORED A HUGE VICTORY ON A LANDMARK CASE.
BRANDI COCHRAN GOT PREGNANT--
HAD A BABY--
AND LOST HER JOB.
A JURY AWARDED HER MILLIONS IN DAMAGES YESTERDAY.
SHE HOPES HER CASE WILL ENCOURAGE OTHER WOMEN TO SPEAK UP.
HERE'S LESLIE MILLER.
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BRANDI COCHRAN HAD BEEN A FIXTURE ON THE PRICE IS RIGHT FOR SEVEN YEARS -
- BUT SHE SAYS THE PRICE SHE PAID FOR DECIDING TO START A FAMILY WAS TOO
MUCH FOR ANY WOMAN.
AFTER YEARS OF STRUGGLING TO CONCEIVE - BRANDI GOT PREGNANT WITH TWINS -- A
BOY AND A GIRL -- IT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE ONE OF THE HAPPIEST TIMES OF HER
LIFE -- INSTEAD SHE SAYS THE REACTION FROM THE SHOW'S EXECUTIVE PRODUCER WAS
LESS THAN CONGRATULATORY.
AND THEN THERE WAS THE NAME CALLING ON THE SET.
WHEN BRANDI'S PREGNANCY STARTED TO SHOW ON THE AIR -- THE PRODUCERS STOPPED
CALLING HER --
BRANDI SUFFERED POST PARTEM DEPRESSION -- BUT MONTHS LATER -- *AFTER HER
MATERNITY LEAVE IN 2010-- SHE WAS READY TO RETURN TO THE SHOW.
THE 41 YEAR OLD GAME SHOW MODEL SUED FREMANTLE MEDIA NORTH AMERICA AND THE
PRICE IS RIGHT PRODUCTIONS -- CLAIMING PREGNANCY DISCRIMINATION AND WRONGFUL
TERMINATION. SHE WON -- A JURY TODAY AWARDING HER MORE THAN 7.7 MILLION
DOLLARS IN PUNITIVE DAMAGES.
FREEMANTLE MEDIA IS PLANNING TO APPEAL --AND ISSUED THIS STATEMENT -- QUOTE
: WE BELIEVE THE VERDICT IN THIS CASE WAS THE RESULT OF A FLAWED PROCESS IN
WHICH THE COURT AMONG OTHER THINGS REFUSED TO ALLOW THE JURY TO HEAR AND
CONSIDER THAT 40 PERCENT OF OUR MODELS HAVE BEEN PREGNANT AND OTHER
IMPORTANT EVIDENCE TO OUR DEFENSE. WE EXPECT TO BE FULLY VINDICATED AFTER
THE MATTER HAS BEEN REVIEWED."
FOR BRANDI THE VERDICT IS BITTERSWEET - SHE KNOWS SHE'LL HAVE A HARD TIME
GETTING BACK INTO THE BUSINESS AFTER FILING SUIT AGAINST AN EMPLOYER. BUT
SHE'S LOOKING AHEAD TO THE EXAMPLE SHE HAS SET FOR HER -- NOW 3 AND A HALF
YEAR OLD DAUGHTER.
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LESLIE MILLER REPORTING..
PRODUCERS FOR THE "PRICE IS RIGHT" PLAN TO FILE AN APPEAL.
THAT'S EXPECTED SOMETIME NEXT YEAR.
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IN NAPLES --
WORK'S UNDERWAY TO RENOVATE THE OLD DAIRY QUEEN ON U-S 41.
ACCORDING TO OUR NEWS PARTNERS AT THE NAPLES DAILY NEWS --
THE CITY APPROVED BUILDING PERMITS FOR A NEW RESTAURANT TO GO INTO THE OLD ICE CREAM SHOP.
THE BUILDING'S UNIQUE A-FRAME SHAPE WILL LIVE-ON.
IT'S BEEN A STAPLE IN THE COMMUNITY SINCE THE 1950's
THE DAIRY QUEEN CLOSED IN AUGUST AND MOVED TO A DIFFERENT BUILDING A COUPLE BLOCKS DOWN THE STREET.
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NEXT AT 5 OPEN
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IF YOU'RE LIKE MOST--
YOU'RE GOING TO DO A LITTLE SHOPPING THIS WEEKEND!
BUT SOME PEOPLE ARE OUT TO SPOIL YOUR DAY--
BY STEALING YOUR STUFF!
ABC 7 HAS SOME THINGS YOU NEED TO DO--
TO PROTECT ALL THOSE GIFTS YOU'RE GOING TO BUY.
AND HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT THE "PSYCHOLOGY" OF SHOPPING ON BLACK FRIDAY?
WHY DO SO MANY PEOPLE CAMP OUT--
ON THAKSGIVING--
FOR A T-V!
SOME INTERESTING ASWERS--
COMING UP.
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BUMP IN W/ ANCHOR MICS
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WHILE YOU'RE OUT HUNTING FOR BARGAINS THIS HOLIDAY WEEKEND-
CRIMINALS ARE ALSO LOOKING FOR WAYS TO STEAL.
ABC 7 SMART SHOPPER NINA MOINI HAS THREE WAYS TO PROTECT YOURSELF -- STRAIGHT FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT.
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08:18:22 6
"Criminals are going to be out there too and as we look for best bargain they look for best place to break into."
LEE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICES CRIME PREVENTION SPECIALIST STACEY PAYNE GIVES US SIMPLE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO PROTECT YOURSELF WHILE SHOPPING FOR BLACK FRIDAY DEALS AND THROUGHOUT THE HOLIDAYS.
FIRST - SHE SAYS KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR PEOPLE WATCHING YOU IN THE PARKING LOT AS YOU DROP OFF SHOPPING BAGS.
THEY COULD BE WAITING FOR YOU TO WALK AWAY TO BREAK INTO YOUR CAR.
PAYNE'S RECOMMENDATION-
08:19:04 8
"Move car to another location it may be hard to find parking but harder to find your car's been broken into because you didn't take that step."
WHEN YOU'RE INSIDE STORES - PAYNE SAYS CARRY AS LITTLE WITH YOU AS POSSIBLE.
BUSY CROWDS MAKE IT EASIER TO SNATCH PURSES.
08:21:14 8
"Safest of course leave it at home grab id and credit card put in front pocket."
PAYNE SAYS THE HOLIDAYS ALSO BRING OUT MORE EMAIL SCAMS - SO ALWAYS INVESTIGATE THE WEBSITES YOU USE TO SHOP.
"You can protect yourself from thieves too - look for signs the website you're surfing is legitimate like this padlock or https in the web address - the s stands for security."
08:22:33 8
"Because someone emails me and says hey I have a great deal , if I don't do business with them why are they emailing me?"
THREE WAYS TO SHOP SMART AND SAFE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.
NINA MOINI ABC7.
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IF YOU'RE FILLING UP YOUR CAR THIS THANKSGIVING WEEKEND--
HERE ARE SOME IDEAS FOR SAVING AT THE PUMP.
LEAVE BEHIND WHAT YOU DON'T NEED.
ACCORDING TO THE ENERGY DEPARTMENT--
AN EXTRA 100 POUNDS REDUCES FUEL ECONOMY BY UP TO TWO PERCENT.
DON'T LEAVE YOUR CAR IDLING.
IDLING CAN USE UP TO A HALF GALLON OF FUEL EVERY HOUR.
AND SLOW DOWN!
YOUR FUEL ECONOMY GETS WORSE AT SPEEDS FASTER THAN 50 MILES AN HOUR.
*AND* EACH FIVE MILES AN HOUR OVER 50--
IS LIKE PAYING AN EXTRA 24 CENTS A GALLON.
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ONLY A FEW MORE HOURS LEFT THIS THANKSGIVING.
FROM COAST TO COAST--
AMERICA GAVE THANKS FOR ALL OF ITS MANY BLESSINGS--
INCLUDING THE FIRST FAMILY.
WE'LL SHOW YOU HOW SOME PEOPLE EXPRESSED THEIR GRATITUDE.
AND ONE SOLIDER SERVING IN AFGHANISTAN HAD ONE VERY SPECIAL MISSION THIS THANKSGIVING--
TO MAKE IT HOME AND WITNESS THE BIRTH OF HIS SON!
HIS AMAZING STORY IS CAUGHT ON CAMERA--
AND WE'VE GOT IT-- NEXT.
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BUMP OUT W/ MUSIC
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THANKSGIVING MEANS A LOT OF THINGS TO A LOT OF PEOPLE.
TRADITIONS--
FAMILY--
SHARING.
AND WHEREVER YOU GO ACROSS THIS COUNTRY--
THE ONE FAMILIAR THEME IS GIVING THANKS.
DANIELLE LEIGH WITH THANKSGIVING EVENTS--
FROM COAST TO COAST-- AND OVERSEAS.
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FOR MILLIONS OF AMERICANS THANKSGIVING STARTED WITH THE ICONIC MACY'S DAY PARADE-
NAT
SPARKLING FLOATS AND MUSICAL PERFORMANCES. GAVE FAMILIES STILL SUFFERING FROM HURRICANE SANDY A REASON TO SMILE.
IN MILFORD- JAMES SECONDI HAS SPECIAL REASON FOR THANKS- TONIGHT WILL BE HIS FAMILY'S FIRST BACK IN THEIR HOME SINCE SANDY.
JAMES SECONDI-QUICK BITE
"we're looking forward to that."
IN HACKENSACK NEW JERSEY- DOZENS OF VOLUNTEERS PILED PLATES HIGH-
WITH SAUSAGE, EGGS AND FLAP-JACKS-
THROUGHOUT THE NORTHEAST-
-nats box meal from salvation army
VOLUNTEERS PROVIDED BOXES OF FOOD TO THOUSANDS LESS FORTUNATE AND MANY WITH HOMES STILL TOO DAMAGED TO ENTER.
"people are in need and when they come here they forget the stress, the problems."
THESE SCENES OF KINDNESS:
ONE OF THE MANY REASONS PRESIDENT OBAMA IS GIVING THANKS TODAY.
"Here in America, we rise or fall together, as one nation and one people.
That's something to be grateful for - today and every day."
THOUSANDS OF MILES AWAY- IN KABUL AFGHANISTAN.
"Thank you very much"
A THANKSGIVING STAPLE- IS OFFERING SOLIDERS- A FAMILIAR TASTE FROM HOME.
DOZENS OF SERVICE MEMBERS- WORKING TO PROTECT THE VERY FREEDOMS MANY AMERICANS ARE THANKFUL FOR- TOOK A BREAK TO ENJOY A FEW TURKEY DAY TRADITIONS.
nats "Happy Thanksgiving"
AND NOT JUST AT THE TABLE--- YOU GUESSED IT, OUTSIDE WITH A FOOTBALL.
"This is the first Thanksgiving game that we've done, so we're really excited about it."
AROUND THE WORLD MILLIONS GIVING THANKS IN THEIR OWN SPECIAL WAY.
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THAT WAS DANIELLE LEIGH.
OF COURSE MANY PEOPLE ARE WRAPPING UP THE TURKEY DINNER EARLY--
AND HEADING OUT FOR SOME EARLY BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING.
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GOVERNOR SCOTT WAS IN COLLIER COUNTY THIS MORNING.
HE WAS ONE OF MANY PREPARING FOOD FOR HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE AT SAINT MATTHEWS HOUSE.
THE GOVERNOR SAYS HE APPRECIATES THE WORK OF CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS LIKE SAINT MATTHEWS--
AND WANTED TO DO HIS PART.
GOVERNOR SCOTT IS FROM COLLIER COUNTY AND SPENDS MOST OF HIS HOLIDAY'S IN THE AREA.
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BELIEVE IT OR NOT--
FOR SOME--
THANKSGIVING MEANS *SHOPPING*!
IT USED TO BE A BLACK FRIDAY THING--
BUT NOW RETAILERS ARE PULLING OUT ALL THE STOPS--
TO GET YOUR MONEY *TODAY*!
AND THERE WAS NO SHORTAGE OF PEOPLE READY TO SPEND *TODAY*!
HERE'S ABC'S MARK GREENBLATT.
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IN HOUSTON.
THE VELEZQUEZ FAMILY HAS CAMPED OUT SINCE SUNDAY AT BEST BUY.
SOT
"Am i stepping on your bed right now? i'm sorry haha."
THAT'S WHAT IT TOOK TO GET THE FIRST SPOT IN LINE, FOR DEALS THAT BEGIN AT
MIDNIGHT.
SOT - Thomas Velezquez/First in line
"It's going to be christmas gifts. i'll be saving about 13 hundred dollars
on everything."
IN ORLANDO. BARGAIN HUNTERS LINED UP FOR AN EARLY START TO SHOPPING AT
KMART. WHICH OPENED ITS DOORS AT 6 A.M. ACROSS THE NATION.
THEY OFFERED MORNING DEALS LIKE A 32 INCH PLASMA TV FOR LESS THAN 200
DOLLARS.
AND MORE.
SOT
"I went to Sams and I got my son a basketball hoop for 246 and today I found
it here for 178."
SPORTS AUTHORITY WAS OPEN AT 8 A.M.
AND MANY WILLING TO TRADE THANKSGIVING TURKEY, FOR A CHANCE AT THOSE
LIMITED DOORBUSTER DEALS. WALKED AWAY WITH BRAGGING RIGHTS.
SOT - Patty Medell/shopper
"Sometimes they only have one of an item. Like the 9 inch lcd. I got it."
TOYS R US, WAL-MART AND SEARS all open tonight at 8pm -- TARGET AN HOUR
LATER AT 9.
AND THIS YEAR. THE COMPETITION FOR LIMITED OFFERS IS EXPECTED TO BE JUST
AS FIERCE ONLINE, AS IN LINE.
BEST BUY ONLINE GUY:
"As soon as deals come on.hot deals.they get Tweeted around or it hits
the blogs. And the traffic just floods, so you get peaks within minutes."
ON CAMERA STANDUP CLOSE:
But shoppers in thanksgiving seemed to leave the holiday spirit at home, in
indianapolis. Police had to be called in to break up scuffles that erupted
at two Indianapolis Kmart stores early this morning. as shoppers battled
for plasma tvs.
mark greenblatt abc news ny.
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"BLACK FRIDAY" MAY BE A THING OF THE PAST.
THAT'S BECAUSE MANY RETAILERS ARE FIGHTING FOR YOUR FIRST DOLLAR THIS HOLIDAY SEASON *EARLY*--
AND MANY SOUTHWEST FLORIDIANS AREN'T PUTTING UP A FIGHT.
TODAY WE FOUND SHOPPERS AT OLD TIME POTTERY AND BASS PRO SHOPS--
TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE PRE-BACK FRIDAY SALES.
THEY HIT THE STORES TODAY, TO AVOID TOMORROW'S LINES.
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"I just wanted to try to beat the crowd and get here before everybody else.I got a trolling motor and wanted to be the first one to get one today."
WANT TO LAY OUT YOUR BLACK FRIDAY PLAN OF ATTACK?
WE HAVE A LIST OF OPENING AND CLOSING TIMES FOR ALL MAJOR RETAILORS ON OUR WEBSITE AT ABC-7.COM
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MAYBE YOU'VE LINED UP FOR A DOORBUSTER.
MAYBE YOU'VE GOTTEN UP BEFORE DAWN TO HIT THE BLACK FRIDAY SALES.
MAYBE YOU JUST SHOP ONLINE IN THE COMFORT OF YOUR OWN HOME.
NO MATTER *HOW* YOU DO YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING--
FOR MANY, IT CAN BE A SOURCE OF EXHILARATION *AND* ANXIETY.
EXPERTS SAY UNDERSTANDING *WHY WE BUY*--
CAN HELP MAKE THE PROCESS A LOT LESS STRESSFUL.
DOCTOR FRANK MCGEORGE EXPLAINS HOW THE SEARCH FOR A BARGAIN ACTUALLY BEGINS IN THE *BRAIN*.
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"I think people like the crowds. I think a lot of people say they don't but really like the excitement in the air."
LOVE IT OR HATE IT. HOLIDAY SHOPPING IS ABOUT TO KICK INTO HIGH GEAR.
"There's great deals so if I know that I need something, I wait until black friday. So I get a lot of stuff on black friday crazy cheap."
BUT FOR SOME, THOSE BLACK FRIDAY BARGAINS MAY BE A *BAD DEAL* WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR BUDGET.
"Crowds give us a sense of competition. Competition to get the best deal."
DOCTOR BARBARA HERZIG IS A PSYCHIATRIST.
SHE SAYS IT'S EASY FOR SHOPPERS TO GET CAUGHT UP IN THE EXPERIENCE.
"Black Friday is for women what hunting is for men and sometimes the chase is as important as the target and after it's over, swapping stories about the finds that you make is also an enjoyable experience."
BUT IN THIS CASE.
"We want our buck to go as far as possible."
AND RETAILERS KNOW JUST HOW TO PUSH OUR PANIC BUTTONS.
"I think that if it's on sale, that maybe I should buy it."
"Limited time offer, short supply, hot deals, and it forces consumers to make impulsive decisions. they get an adrenaline rush. However, the adrenaline rush can sometimes be a dangerous thing."
RESEARCH FINDS WE'RE DRAWN TO SALES BECAUSE THEY MAKE US FEEL LIKE SAVVY SHOPPERS. SINCE WE TEND TO FOCUS ON HOW MUCH WE *SAVED* INSTEAD OF HOW MUCH WE SPENT.
FEAR OF NOT BEING ABLE TO GET AN ITEM LATER CAN ALSO PUSH US TO MAKE PURCHASES.
AND THE EMOTION OF THE HOLIDAYS CAN INTENSIFY THE PRESSURE TO FIND THE PERFECT PRESENT.
"I have a lot of nieces and nephews that i buy for, and it's a lot. I like to look for the perfect gift and it's hard."
SO HOW DO YOU *AVOID* BUSTING YOUR BUDGET?
EXPERTS SAY: THINK LIKE SANTA. MAKE YOUR LIST AND CHECK IT TWICE.
"You don't want to have any fuzzy shopping goals. You want to make a list, and a budget for each individual person and you want to stick with it."
DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT A STRATEGY FOR WHERE YOU WANT TO GO AND WHAT YOU *NEED* TO GET.
"My husband is a little bit cheap, so I know already I can't get a whole lot anyways. So I just go for specific things."
IF YOU CAN'T RESIST SOME *IMPULSE* BUYS. SET ASIDE A SPECIFIC AMOUNT OF "MAD MONEY". AND WHEN IT'S GONE. HEAD FOR HOME.
"It is only once a year, so it does create that excitement."
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THAT WAS FRANK McGEORGE REPORTING.
PREPLANNING IS REALLY KEY.
IF YOU DON'T HAVE A BUDGET AND A LIST--
IT'S VERY EASY TO GET CAUGHT UP IN THE EXCITEMENT AND SPEND MORE THAN YOU NORMALLY WOULD.
AND THAT CAN LEAD TO GUILT AND REGRET WHEN THOSE HOLIDAY BILLS START COMING IN.
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U-S SOLDIERS IN AFGHANISTAN'S CELEBRATED THANKSGIVING WITH FOOD AND FOOTBALL.
AS FRIENDS AND FAMILIES BACK HOME WERE WAKING UP --
SOLDIERS IN KABUL WERE SITTING DOWN FOR A TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING MEAL.
AFTER DINNER, THEY JOINED IN ON A GAME OF FOOTBALL.
SOME TOOK TIME OUT TO TALK TO JOURNALISTS AND SEND WELL WISHES TO THEIR FAMILIES BACK HOME.
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"This is the first Thanksgiving game that we've done, so we're really excited about it. We've got a lot of participation from folks who normally don't play so, yeah, it's a great time."
"We got everybody to gather here to come play on Thanksgiving, it is a great opportunity to take a break from the work and have some fun, get some exercise to enjoy this day."
"Mom, Dad, Francisco I love you guys a lot I wish I can be with you but I am their inspired for sure love you guy, happy thanksgiving."
"We actually really are loved over here. The nationals do care about us, they do want us here to help them. You know, we are not here uninvited and that's a large misconception that I hear a lot when I am back home. They do want us here, they want us to help them."
ONE GROUP OF SOLDIERS EVEN POSED FOR A PICTURE AND GAVE A SHOUT OUT TO THE JETS.
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ONE SOLDIER COULDN'T BE WITH HIS BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN ARMS IN AFGHANISTAN.
HE HAD A MUCH BIGGER MISSION THIS THANKSGIVING--
MAKING IT HOME IN TIME TO SEE THE BIRTH OF HIS FIRST CHILD--
A SON.
REPORTER NATALIE SWABY HAS THE EMOTIONAL REUNION.
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Sometimes down hospital hallways you come across hardships.
"He wanted to be here as much as I wanted him here."
THE STORIES FILLED WITH HURT.
"I set myself up to just do it on my own."
AMANDA AREHART -- ARRIVED AT TACOMA GENERAL TUESDAY TO GIVE BIRTH ON HER OWN WITHOUT HER HUSBAND MATT.
HE WAS THE ONLY PERSON I WANTED TO HAND OUR HEALTHY SON TOO.
MATT WAS OUT OF REACH -- ON HIS THIRD TOUR OF DUTY IN AFGHANISTAN.
SO WHEN THE TIME CAME. SHE WAS WHEELED INTO THE OPERATING ROOM ALONE.
WHAT SHE DIDN'T KNOW WAS A SECRET MISSION WAS HAPPENING STEPS AWAY.
"I knew it meant a lot for her."
WITH A CAMCORDER ROLLING. MATT DELIVERED A BIG SURPRISE.
AND A SECOND DELIVERY ARRIVED JUST 15 MINUTES LATER -- BABY GUNNER.
"I tried to keep it a surprise because I got her hopes up a couple times but it didn't happen."
IT TOOK A MONTH OF ASKING BEFORE HE RECEIVED THE PERMISSION. IT TOOK MORE THAN A DOZEN HOURS OF TRAVELING BEFORE HE WAS HOME.
"We got here just in time."
THE BEST MISSION EVER THAT BROUGHT MOM, DAD, AND GUNNER TOGETHER
"He's just perfect."
"It's just really nice he did not have to miss out on his healthy son being born; it really means a lot."
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NEXT AT 5 OPEN
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THE AIRLINE INDUSTRY IS ABOUT TO GET A MAJOR MAKE-OVER!
IT'S CALLED THE 7-*87*.
AND IT IS ONE AMAZING PLANE!
WE'LL TAKE YOU ON A TOUR.
AND AFTER DAYS OF HEAVY RAIN--
THE FLOOD WATERS OUT WEST ARE FINALLY STARTING TO RECEDE.
WE'LL SHOW YOU SOME OF THE DAMAGE.
WEATHER IS COMING UP.
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THE FLOODWATERS ARE STARTING TO RECEDE IN OREGON.
THE FALL COASTAL STORM FLOODED FIELDS AND TURNED ROADS INTO RIVERS WHEN IT HIT MONDAY NIGHT.
FORECASTERS SAY IT MAY GET WORSE BEFORE IT GETS BETTER.
THE AREA REMAINS UNDER A FLOOD WATCH UNTIL FRIDAY.
MAKING MATTERS WORSE FOR ONE RANCHER--
SOMEONE SET FREE HIS HERD OF BUFFALO!
THE ROUNDUP DIDN'T END AS WELL.
THEY HAD *NO CHOICE BUT TO SHOOT AND BUTCHER THE BUFFALO.
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AD-LIB WEATHER CHAT
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THIS WEATHERCAST HAS BEEN PREPARED BY THE ABC7 WEATHER STAFF.
IT IS NOT A VERBATIM OF WHAT IS BEING SAID, BUT IS THE FORECAST FOR OUR AREA.
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We can be Thankful for the weather today
Thanksgiving Day started off cool across Southwest Florida with temperatures in the lower 50s in most spots. Through the day, there will be lots of sunshine, making for a beautiful blue sky kind of day. As far as temperatures are concerned, we'll stay on the cool side with highs in the low to mid 70s. Winds will come in from the north at 10-15 mph with gusts near 20 mph. That will make it feel cool all day despite all the sunshine. If you are the one in the kitchen doing the cooking today, it may be nice to just open the windows to cool off a bit. Tonight will be a chilly one. As the clear skies continue, temperatures will drop into the upper 40s. Inland cold spots will be in the mid 40s while there could be a few spots right along the coast that stay in the lower 50s. For the next few days, we'll continue with mostly sunny skies and temperatures in the mid 70s. You can enjoy the beautiful weather right on through the weekend.
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IF YOU'RE FLYING THIS THANKSGIVING--
YOU COULD BE IN FOR SOME TRAVEL HEADACHES.
BUT THERE'S A NEW PLANE ON THE HORIZON THAT COULD MAKE YOUR NEXT FLIGHT A LOT SMOOTHER.
THE BOEING 787 OFFERS BETTER AIR--
EVEN MOOD LIGHTING!
A-B-C'S JIM AVILA HAS DETAILS ON THE FLIGHT OF THE FUTURE
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The swoop-winged plastic plane that is changing aviation has finally reached
domestic routes this holiday season.
SOT Captain Jim Starley, United Airlines "IT'S A GENERATIONAL PROGRESS IN
AVIATION.
The 787 Dreamliner is a hot seller. its carbon fiber, rather than metal
fuselage gives it lighter weight, allowing it to fly farther, on less fuel.
. 800 have been sold around the world, but United is the first domestic
carrier.
SOT Jeff Smisek, CEO, United Airlines "IT'S SMOOTH ITS QUIET IT'S GOT
GREAT LIGHTING
So what's the fuss. Good Morning America visited the Boeing assembly
plant outside Seattle.
SOT NAT SOUND/ NO MATTE 183503 "SO YOU SEE THE LANDING GEAR NOW"
Took the controls in a flight simulator. in Houston. where United pilots
trained to fly the 787.
SOT Captain Niels Olufsen - United Airlines 1122228 "PERFECT, HOLD. ITS
RIGHT THERE, BEAUTIFUL,/ AVILA: THAT WAS A FIRM LANDINGTHAT WAS GOOD/
CORRECT RUNWAY IN THE CORRECT CITY, SO WERE GOOD.
and joined a test flight over the midwest. to see for ourselves.
SOT BRIDGE JIM AVILA, SENIOR NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT "THE AIRLINES ARE
BUYING THESE BECAUSE THEY'RE CHEAPER TO FLY, MORE EFFICIENT, BUT THEY'RE
GOING TO SELL YOU ON FEATURE COMFORTS LIKE THE AIR ITSELF. THERE'S MORE
OXYGEN ON THIS PLANE. ITS CLEANER AND LESS DRY. AND THEY HAVE THESE HUGE
STORAGE BINS TOO. YOU COULD FIT FOUR SUITCASES IN HERE."
GFX -- The plastic fuselage is stronger than metal, so the air pressure
inside can be kept at the equivalent of 6 thousand feet. instead of the 8
or 9 thousand in most jets. That translates to higher humidity in the cabin
, more comfort, less jet lag and dry skin.
The windows are larger, can be dimmed at the touch of a finger, the entrance
has more space. and indirect multi-colored lighting makes for a calmer
feeling on board.
SOT Blake Emery, Boeing IT HELPS CREATE A SENSE OF SPACIOUS-NESS ABOVE
A new generation of plane designed to fly longer, cheaper and with style.
for Good Morning America, jim avila abc news seattle.
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WE FOUND OUT TODAY --
40-PERCENT OF AMERICANS TAKE SUPPLEMENTS THAT WERE *NOT* A VITAMIN OR A MINERAL.
THOSE SUPPLEMENTS INCLUDE FISH OIL, ECHINACEA AND GINSENG.
MOST PEOPLE TOOK THE SUPPLEMENTS BECAUSE THEY THOUGHT THEY WOULD MAKE THEM FEEL BETTER--
BOOST THEIR ENERGY LEVELS OR THEIR IMMUNE SYSTEM.
ABOUT A THIRD DID *NOT* TELL THEIR DOCTORS THEY WERE TAKING SUPPLEMENTS--
EVEN THOUGH THE PILLS COULD INTERACT WITH THEIR MEDICATION.
ONE IN FOUR SAID THEY WOULD KEEP TAKING SUPPLEMENTS--
EVEN IF A GOVERNMENT STUDY PROVED THEIR HEALTH CLAIMS WERE NOT TRUE.
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ONE IN FOURTEEN PATIENTS WHO UNDERGO SURGERY--
WILL EXPERIENCE A COMPLICATION AFTER THEY ARE DISCHARGED.
A STUDY FINDS NEARLY ONE IN FIVE EXPERIENCED A COMPLICATION--
FORTY PERCENT OF THOSE COMPLICATIONS OCCURED *AFTER* THEY HAD LEFT THE HOSPITAL.
THESE PATIENTS WERE MORE LIKELY TO NEED ANOTHER OPERATION.
THEY ALSO HAD A HIGHER RISK OF DEATH.
RESEARCHERS SAY THIS STUDY HIGHLIGHTS THE NEED TO IMPROVE POST-SURGERY PROCEDURES.
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A PARK IN SOUTH KOREA IS LIFTING THE LID ON THE HISTORY OF RESTROOMS.
IT'S SAID TO BE THE WORLD'S FIRST "TOILET CULTURE PARK."
LOCATED SOUTH OF SEOUL--
THE PARK INCLUDES A SCULPTURE GARDEN AND MUSEUM--
WITH DISPLAYS SHOWING CHANGES TO TOILETS THROUGHOUT HISTORY.
THE IS ATTRACTING LARGE CROWDS.
IT WAS THE PREVIOUS HOME OF THE FORMER MAYOR OF SUWON--
WHO WORKED TO IMPROVE PUBLIC RESTROOMS.
THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT PLANS TO EXPAND THE EXISTING PARK OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
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YOU HEAR ABOUT A LOT OF PEOPLE WITH GIVING HEARTS THIS TIME OF YEAR.
ONE LITTLE GIRL NEAR MIAMI IS ONE OF THEM--
AND THERE ARE SOLDIERS ALL AROUND THE WORLD AWE STRUCK BY HER GIVING HEART.
YOU'LL MEET HER-- NEXT.
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AS MANY FAMILIES ARE GIVING THANKS THIS HOLIDAY WEEKEND--
SOME SOLDIERS SERVING IN AFGHANISTAN ARE GRATEFUL FOR ONE LITTLE GIRL IN WESTON, FLORIDA.
THE REASON IS SIMPLE--
WHAT SHE'S DOING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THEIR LIVES.
HERE'S KERRY SANDERS.
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nats savannah on stage.
savannah: at this time would you please bring up the letters that you have written.
ELEVEN YEAR OLD SAVANNAH MADDISON OGDEN HAS SENT THOUSANDS OF LETTERS TO THE MILITARY SERVING IN AFGHANISTAN.
nats
savannah: and thanks to schools like you guys we can do this amazing thing to support our soldiers and military.
IT ALL BEGAN A YEAR AGO WHEN SAVANNAH'S BEST FRIEND WILSON SCHAPER TOLD SAVANNAH HER DAD WAS BEING DEPLOYED TO AFGHANISTAN.
savannah: i was kind of like wow what?! because i didn't think for an entire year i couldn't imagine my parents going away for that long, that would just crush me.
nats savannah singing.
SO SAVANNAH WROTE A SONG FOR HER BEST FRIEND.
savannah: I started realizing what these soldiers were doing and we sat and thought about it / and i said wilson we need to do something more than this is there anything we can do and we came up with savannah's soldiers.
SAVANNAH STARTED A LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN FOR SOLDIERS BEING DEPLOYED WITH WILSON'S DAD.
Monique: / i thought oh how are we going to send 700 letters to afghanistan / so she would get kids over and they would start writing letters and it would be maybe 30-40 letters they would come up with in a week maybe. and i thought we got a long way to go
nats savannah with students presenting letters
BUT SAVANNAH WAS DETERMINED AND STARTED SPEAKING AT SCHOOLS, EVEN GOING TO MIAMI MARLINS GAMES, TO GET MORE KIDS TO WRITE LETTERS.
savannah: / they say all kinds of sweet things the little kids write the cutest letters cause they're not the best spellers. they'll say crunchy instead of country / the kids really put their hearts into these letters.
nats pouring letters on table
SAVANNAH And her FAMILY WILL SORT THROUGH THE LETTERS, THEN MAIL THEM TO BATTALIONS STATIONED HALF A WORLD AWAY.
capt. durham: /anything from home makes you feel good but when you get a letter from a little kid that is telling you good job and thank you you can't explain it.
janette: / it helps with the morale it helps them just get through the day the tough situations that they're dealing with in afghanistan.
Some SOLDIERS even TAKE PHOTOS WITH SAVANNAH'S LETTERS AND THEN SHOW THEIR GRATITUDE ON SAVANNAH'S FACEBOOK PAGE.
savannah: / the best is they're always smiling / they're always holding up the letters with a smile on their face, it's really amazing to see we're doing a great thing it's working.
NOW SAVANNAH HOPES KIDS IN SCHOOLS IN ALL 50 STATES WILL JOIN HER LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN.
dad: she does a really good job at speaking and communicating with the kids / I am extremely proud of her.
mom: she's just passionate about it and she loves what she's doing.
FOR THE SOLDIERS, THE LETTERS ARE A TOUCHING TRIBUTE FROM A LITTLE GIRL WITH A BIG HEART.
janette: savannah maddison is my hero. / she's made a difference in my life and i appreciate her
capt durham: you have really blessed me you have blessed the soldiers that are still over there / you're awesome thank you so much.
FOR TODAY, KERRY SANDERS, NBC NEWS, MIAMI.
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STILL AHEAD TONIGHT AT SIX --
THANKSGIVING TRAVEL NIGHTMARE.
THE LATEST ON A 100-CAR PILEUP IN TEXAS.
CREWS ARE STILL TRYING TO PRY APART ALL THE DESTRUCTION.
AND ALL NEW,
SOME ORANGE COUNTY RESIDENTS HAD TO DROP ALL OF THEIR HOLIDAY PLANS TO EVACUATE.
FIREFIGHTERS ARE WORKING TO CONTAIN A FIRE THAT THREATENS DOZENS OF HOMES.
AND,
HOW ONE OF THE STATE'S BIGGEST HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BANDS IS MAKING A NAME FOR ITSELF ON THE NATIONAL STATE.
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AD LIB GOODBYE
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