Good morning, Nashville. By now, we’re sure everyone has heard about the massive earthquake that struck Haiti yesterday. Eight Nashvillians were in Haiti doing mission work at the time and survived, notifying church members and friends back home by text message. Congressman Jim Cooper is working closely with the State Department to identify and locate any other Tennesseans who might have been caught in the quake so that US officials can organize some rescue and recovery missions. If you have any information about folks who might be stranded, call Rep. Cooper’s local office at 615-736-5295. For those looking for a quick and easy way to contribute to relief efforts, you can donate $10 to the Red Cross by simply texting “HAITI” to 90999.

• Don’t let the door hit you on your way out. Coach Lane Kiffin officially ditched the University of Tennessee for USC yesterday after only one sort-of-pitiful season with the Vols. Last night, UT students took the streets in protest, climbing statues and burning mattresses on campus. After a season of bending rules, skirting ethics, and coaching some mediocre football, we can’t say we’re too upset to see him go.
• C-J-2-K. Chris Johnson was voted NFL Offensive Player of the Year for 2009–an honor well-earned after becoming the sixth NFL player ever to rush over 2,000 yards.
• Bits & pieces. The TVA wants an entire year to prepare their defense against the many lawsuits that continue to stack up over the Kingston Ash Spill … Here, have this heartwarming story about a UPS man rescuing a puppy from an icy pond in Goodlettsville … Production has started on that Gwyneth Paltrow and Tim McGraw movie that is being filmed here.

Photo by jodestick.