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President Bush Working Home State of Texas; Picking a VP

Aired March 08, 2004 - 11:31   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.


CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Let's talk U.S. politics now. Turning to the race for the White House, President Bush is working his home state of Texas today for more support. Fund-raisers and a rodeo are on the agenda.
For more details, we go to our senior White House correspondent John King.

He's live in Washington this morning. Good morning.

JOHN KING, CNN SR. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Carol.

A bit of fun back home for the president today, a double dose of fund-raising planed in Houston and in Dallas, $3 million is all the president will raise. In addition to padding his huge campaign account, it now stands well above $100 million.

Mr. Bush, as you noted, will also head over to the Houston live stock show and rodeo. The cattle show, as you might expect, a big deal in Texas, and it gives the a chance to make a high-profile appearance with the people of his home state.

A new poll shows Senator John Kerry, the Democrat, leading President Bush by six points in the key state of Florida. Kerry received 49 percent in the survey. Bush 43 percent. An independent Ralph Nader 3 percent. Only 5 percent of Florida voters say they are undecided. That poll was conducted after Kerry virtually clinched the Democratic nomination last Tuesday. Senator John Edwards dropped out of the race.

Senator Kerry is campaigning in Florida today. At a fund-raiser this morning, Kerry said some international leaders have told him privately they are hoping he wins so he can change U.S. policy. He did not name names.

At a voter's forum yesterday in Mississippi, Kerry listened as a black woman told him that most Americans, are, quote, sick and tired of comparisons between the civil rights movement and the current fight over gay rights and gay marriage.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

EMMA C. WHITE MISSISSIPPI RESIDENT: There is no correlation, there is no correlation between gay rights and civil rights in terms of what black Americans have gone through in this country, and I resent it! SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Let me tell you something, when Matthew Shepherd gets crucified on a fence in Wyoming because -- only because he was gay, when Mr. King gets dragged behind a truck down Texas by chains, and his body is mutilated, only because he's gay, I think that's a matter of rights in the United States of America. And that's what I believe.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KING: Kerry may have made his point but he misspoke on some of the facts. James Byrd was the man dragged to death in Texas. He was black. Not gay. John William King was convicted for his murder.

The reverend Al Sharpton is considering trading the political stage for the entertainment spotlight. "The New York Times" says the Democratic presidential candidate is looking into a new career in television, radio, books and movies. Sharpton has often stolen the show at Democratic debates with his keen sense of humor.

Illness is keeping Democratic candidate Dennis Kucinich off of the campaign trail today. The Ohio congressman has an intestinal ailment, and will participate by phone in several events today and tomorrow. He's expected to resume a full campaign schedule later this week.

As the race for the White House shifts into high gear, Senator John McCain said he expects probably, quote, "The nastiest campaign we have ever seen." We will have new numbers on the presidential race this afternoon with our new poll.

Plus, have the Democrats given up on Texas? the state now often called Bush country? We will take a look at the contest in the president's home state when I go "INSIDE POLITICS" at 3:30 p.m. Eastern, but for now, let's go back to Carol in Atlanta.

COSTELLO: Some interesting stories there. John King, many thanks, live from Washington.

Now to the Democrats and the burning question, who will be No. 2 on the ticket? Senator John Kerry is mulling over possible running mates.

CNN's senior political analyst Bill Schneider delves into the process of picking one.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WILLIAM SCHNEIDER, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST (voice-over): There are 10 reasons for picking a running mate. Reason No. 1: pick someone who will help you win. The other nine reasons don't matter.

How can a running help you win? Three ways: geography, demography and message.

So, what are John Kerry's options? Democrats around the country seem to be thrilled at the prospect of a Kerry-Edwards ticket. Since Super Tuesday, Edwards has been sounding very vice presidential.

SEN. JOHN EDWARDS (D-NC), FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: John Kerry has what it takes right here to be president of the United States. And I, for one, intend to do everything in my power to make him the next president of the United States.

SCHNEIDER: What Edwards really adds is message.

KERRY: He is a valiant champion of the values for which our party stands.

SCHNEIDER: Namely, populist economic values, a sharp contrast with George W. Bush.

The most competitive Southern state is Florida, land of the hanging chads, which happens to have two Democratic senators available: former astronaut Bill Nelson and former Intelligence Committee Chairman Bob Graham.

KERRY: And Bob Graham, obviously, beloved, now wrapping up at least this portion of his career.

SCHNEIDER: A portion of his career? Hmmm.

But the geography Kerry is after may not be in the South. It may be in the Midwest, in states Democrats hope to take away from Bush in 2004: Ohio, West Virginia and Missouri.

Missouri's own Dick Gephardt could help with his sharply focused economic message -- jobs, jobs, jobs.

You want demography? Try New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. The first Hispanic on a national ticket might create excitement in the nation's largest ethnic minority. Plus, Richardson, a former ambassador to the United Nations, has international experience.

Any women who might add demographic appeal? Well, there's Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano and Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu, two states that went for Bush in 2000.

But the woman many Democrats fantasize about is this one.

SEN. HILLARY CLINTON (D), NEW YORK: I don't think I would ever be offered; I don't think I would accept.

SCHNEIDER: That doesn't sound definitive. But would putting Senator Hillary Clinton on the ticket help Kerry win? And why not go for broke and name former President Bill Clinton to the ticket? Constitutional experts say it's OK, since you can only be elected to the presidency twice -- nothing about the vice-presidency.

Bill Schneider, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Wouldn't that be interesting? Coming up, Dr. Sanjay Gupta wants to pump you up. To show you how you can build your own home gym, and it won't take a lot of weight out of your wallet. That's in your "Daily Dose" of health news. And when you think spring break, you usually think of college kids, don't you? But more and more grown ups are doing it. Some top destinations at a great price, coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: OK, remember back, remember all the way back to that resolution you made in January to start working out. It's a distant memory now, isn't it? Well, don't despair. A way that you can work it out and stay in shape. Medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta has details in our "Daily Dose" of health news.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It only takes a few simple items -- a stability ball, rubber tubing, a few mats -- and you've got yourself a home gym.

SABRENA NEWTON, PERSONAL TRAINER: You can put together a home gym for less than $100.

GUPTA: Personal trainer Sabrena Newton says resist the urge to buy expensive machines. After a few months they'll probably be collecting dust anyway.

NEWTON: Go about it the most inexpensive way first.

GUPTA: Start off purchasing a stability ball for crunches and lower body work.

NEWTON: Basically for resistance.

GUPTA: Rubber tubing also provides resistance and is good for squats.

NEWTON: It doesn't look like it weighs much, but it does.

GUPTA: Medicine balls work out the upper body.

NEWTON: Stepping basically up and off.

GUPTA: While a step bench works the legs, and a few small hand weights round out your home gym.

NEWTON: Even though these are very small, you can still definitely get a good resistance workout with them.

GUPTA: The price tag for this gym? Around $100. And if your budget is tight, use what you already have. Newton says chairs in the home are great for resistance. Cans of food can replace hand weights, and running up and down the steps can bolster your cardio. Of course, prior to starting any exercise regiment, pay a visit to your physician.

NEWTON: If you can access a quick workout just by grabbing something out of the closet, then of course you're going to be more likely to do it and stick with it.

GUPTA: A home gym may be key to keeping those New Year's resolutions.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: And to get your "Daily Dose" of health news online, log on to our Web site. It's easy. You'll find medical news and breakthrough, a health library and information on diet and fitness. The address cnn.com/health.

Is it that time of year for sun, fun, and getting away from it all. And you don't have to be in college to get on board. Up next, spring break for grown ups.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: And you're looking live at the New York courthouse in lower Manhattan. Martha Stewart is inside. She's meeting her probation officer for the very first time. She's been in there just about an hour.

The probation officer will be asking her all sorts of questions so he can prepare a pre-sentence report for her. And of course she is to be sentenced for being convicted of obstruction justice among other charges on June 17.

As I said, we are waiting her to leave courthouse to see if she will say anything to the hoard of waiting reporters. We will keep you posted.

On to something good now. Oh, yes. Check the calendar. Just a dozen days until spring. But spring break is not for college kids anymore. Adults are taking trips, too. The destinations are perhaps more sophisticated because, let's face it, we have more money -- at least we hope so.

Let's talk to Stephanie Oswald, editor in chief for "TravelGirl" magazine. She is here with a few Monday "Getaway" trips for the mature crowd.

STEPHANIE OSWALD, EDITOR IN CHIEF, "TRAVELGIRL": That's right. That's right. Now's a great time to use your frequent flyer miles.

COSTELLO: Why?

OSWALD: Make plans to go to Europe because right now the travel industry is trying to get people traveling again so they are putting more deals out there.

And if you want to be creative, be flexible, and do your homework, you can really find some great trips.

COSTELLO: Well, you know, I pause when I think about going to Europe because I don't think there's a great love for Americans overseas right now. I know a lot of my friends feel the same way.

OSWALD: I think you hear a lot of that. Once you get over there, people are friendly and they want you to spend the money in their country. So they will do what they can.

COSTELLO: That's right, because when they look at us, they just see a big dollar bill.

OSWALD: Well, I wouldn't put it that way.

COSTELLO: I know. They are very nice people over there, too.

Snow locations. They must be a good deal now.

OSWALD: Right now's a great time to go spring skiing. Colorado, Utah, Idaho, they are getting record-breaking snowfall and it's really a great time to go out there. And the excitement on the slopes is being transformed for deals for travelers.

Park City, you trade in your boarding pass on your day of arrival and get a free ski lift ticket. At Sun Valley, Utah they're doing something where you can get a multiple day ticket and if you don't want to ski for three days you can still get the discount of buying a multiple day ticket, and then turn it in for a massage or snow shoeing or ice skating.

So you still get the deal but not locked into just skiing.

COSTELLO: I like that a lot more than skiing, frankly.

Also can you get like great deals for warm destinations? Because it's the travel time to go to warm destinations.

OSWALD: Of course everyone wants to go to the beach. Now of course I recommend Jamaica, Mexico, Hawaii. They are all topics in "TravelGirl" this month. So make sure you pick up a copy.

But if you really want to travel, cruises are a great idea for a deal and excellent destinations. You can go to the Bahamas for about $229 for a weekend. You can do Baja Mexico for about $350. And some excellent ideas if you...

COSTELLO: Bermuda?

OSWALD: Bermuda. Actually there's a really great deal out of Boston, $709 out of Boston, seven nights on Norwegian Cruise Lines.

And if you've got a little more time, you can do Transatlantic.

COSTELLO: I am sorry I have to go.

(LAUGHTER) OSWALD: Ready to pack your bags?

COSTELLO: What if you want to bring your kids? Are there deals out there? The whole family goes?

OSWALD: Yes, definitely. And this time year, a lot of people are using this time, spring break because they have to tie in to their kids school's vacations for the trip to the amusement park.

And one thing we're seeing is more people want a higher quality vacation. They want to not spend as much time online, they want to spend more time with the family. So they take advantage of things like the Fast Pass where that's free at Disneyland and it kind of holds your place in line.

And it gives you a chance to you know, eat dinner, and go see a show, and when you are ready to go on a ride, you don't have to wait as much time in line.

COSTELLO: Really.

OSWALD: Doesn't that make the other people mad when they see you cutting in line?

COSTELLO: Everyone can do it, and it's free.

OSWALD: So it's a really good idea.

COSTELLO: So I am trying to figure how that makes it the line shorter in the end, if everybody does it.

OSWALD: They time it. The time it, so the machine actually keeps track of how many people are in line at a certain time.

COSTELLO: So this is mathematically mapped out?

OSWALD: Right, exactly, exactly.

COSTELLO: Got it.

Stephanie, great travel trips, travel girl.

OSWALD: Thank you.

COSTELLO: So if you want to know more, travel girl.

All right, thank you very much Stephanie.

(STOCK MARKET UPDATE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: You're taking a live look at lower Manhattan. It is a gray and rainy day. This is the New York courthouse, where Martha Stewart has been meeting more than an hour now with her probation officer. That probation officer will prepare a presentence report to be delivered at Martha Stewart's sentencing, which will happen on June 17th. Marshall (ph) said Stewart will be given restrictions on her activity, and will be told when and where she is to report prior to her sentencing.

Now all weekend long, Martha Stewart was meeting with her attorneys and advisers at her Westport, Connecticut home. They were talking about her company and what -- this is Martha's attorney we're seeing. So Martha Stewart should be coming out any second now. There she is. We'll see if she stops and talks to reporters, which I highly doubt.

As I said, she has been meeting with that probation officer for more than an hour now. This is the first time she has met that probation officer. I wish we knew what that probation officer's name was. But we don't at this point. And as you can see, it's a blustery day in New York, as Martha Stewart getting back into that SUV and takes off without saying a word to the hoards of reporters who have been waiting all afternoon.

Originally, she was scheduled to meet with her probation officer earlier this morning around 8:30 or 9:00. She didn't show up until about 10:47 a.m. Eastern Time. And as I said, she's been in there for more than an hour.

Her meeting with in probation officer is important, because that probation officer will prepare some comments that he will forward to the judge, and that will certainly factor in when Martha Stewart is sentenced on June 17th. Of course, we'll be following this more throughout the afternoon, so stay with CNN.

Let's talk a little fun now. 007 need not apply -- oh, we're going to weather. We'll leave that fun for later shows. Wolf's coming up, so he will provide the fun.

(WEATHER UPDATE)

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Aired March 8, 2004 - 11:31   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Let's talk U.S. politics now. Turning to the race for the White House, President Bush is working his home state of Texas today for more support. Fund-raisers and a rodeo are on the agenda.
For more details, we go to our senior White House correspondent John King.

He's live in Washington this morning. Good morning.

JOHN KING, CNN SR. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Carol.

A bit of fun back home for the president today, a double dose of fund-raising planed in Houston and in Dallas, $3 million is all the president will raise. In addition to padding his huge campaign account, it now stands well above $100 million.

Mr. Bush, as you noted, will also head over to the Houston live stock show and rodeo. The cattle show, as you might expect, a big deal in Texas, and it gives the a chance to make a high-profile appearance with the people of his home state.

A new poll shows Senator John Kerry, the Democrat, leading President Bush by six points in the key state of Florida. Kerry received 49 percent in the survey. Bush 43 percent. An independent Ralph Nader 3 percent. Only 5 percent of Florida voters say they are undecided. That poll was conducted after Kerry virtually clinched the Democratic nomination last Tuesday. Senator John Edwards dropped out of the race.

Senator Kerry is campaigning in Florida today. At a fund-raiser this morning, Kerry said some international leaders have told him privately they are hoping he wins so he can change U.S. policy. He did not name names.

At a voter's forum yesterday in Mississippi, Kerry listened as a black woman told him that most Americans, are, quote, sick and tired of comparisons between the civil rights movement and the current fight over gay rights and gay marriage.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

EMMA C. WHITE MISSISSIPPI RESIDENT: There is no correlation, there is no correlation between gay rights and civil rights in terms of what black Americans have gone through in this country, and I resent it! SEN. JOHN KERRY (D-MA), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Let me tell you something, when Matthew Shepherd gets crucified on a fence in Wyoming because -- only because he was gay, when Mr. King gets dragged behind a truck down Texas by chains, and his body is mutilated, only because he's gay, I think that's a matter of rights in the United States of America. And that's what I believe.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KING: Kerry may have made his point but he misspoke on some of the facts. James Byrd was the man dragged to death in Texas. He was black. Not gay. John William King was convicted for his murder.

The reverend Al Sharpton is considering trading the political stage for the entertainment spotlight. "The New York Times" says the Democratic presidential candidate is looking into a new career in television, radio, books and movies. Sharpton has often stolen the show at Democratic debates with his keen sense of humor.

Illness is keeping Democratic candidate Dennis Kucinich off of the campaign trail today. The Ohio congressman has an intestinal ailment, and will participate by phone in several events today and tomorrow. He's expected to resume a full campaign schedule later this week.

As the race for the White House shifts into high gear, Senator John McCain said he expects probably, quote, "The nastiest campaign we have ever seen." We will have new numbers on the presidential race this afternoon with our new poll.

Plus, have the Democrats given up on Texas? the state now often called Bush country? We will take a look at the contest in the president's home state when I go "INSIDE POLITICS" at 3:30 p.m. Eastern, but for now, let's go back to Carol in Atlanta.

COSTELLO: Some interesting stories there. John King, many thanks, live from Washington.

Now to the Democrats and the burning question, who will be No. 2 on the ticket? Senator John Kerry is mulling over possible running mates.

CNN's senior political analyst Bill Schneider delves into the process of picking one.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

WILLIAM SCHNEIDER, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL ANALYST (voice-over): There are 10 reasons for picking a running mate. Reason No. 1: pick someone who will help you win. The other nine reasons don't matter.

How can a running help you win? Three ways: geography, demography and message.

So, what are John Kerry's options? Democrats around the country seem to be thrilled at the prospect of a Kerry-Edwards ticket. Since Super Tuesday, Edwards has been sounding very vice presidential.

SEN. JOHN EDWARDS (D-NC), FORMER PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: John Kerry has what it takes right here to be president of the United States. And I, for one, intend to do everything in my power to make him the next president of the United States.

SCHNEIDER: What Edwards really adds is message.

KERRY: He is a valiant champion of the values for which our party stands.

SCHNEIDER: Namely, populist economic values, a sharp contrast with George W. Bush.

The most competitive Southern state is Florida, land of the hanging chads, which happens to have two Democratic senators available: former astronaut Bill Nelson and former Intelligence Committee Chairman Bob Graham.

KERRY: And Bob Graham, obviously, beloved, now wrapping up at least this portion of his career.

SCHNEIDER: A portion of his career? Hmmm.

But the geography Kerry is after may not be in the South. It may be in the Midwest, in states Democrats hope to take away from Bush in 2004: Ohio, West Virginia and Missouri.

Missouri's own Dick Gephardt could help with his sharply focused economic message -- jobs, jobs, jobs.

You want demography? Try New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson. The first Hispanic on a national ticket might create excitement in the nation's largest ethnic minority. Plus, Richardson, a former ambassador to the United Nations, has international experience.

Any women who might add demographic appeal? Well, there's Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano and Louisiana Senator Mary Landrieu, two states that went for Bush in 2000.

But the woman many Democrats fantasize about is this one.

SEN. HILLARY CLINTON (D), NEW YORK: I don't think I would ever be offered; I don't think I would accept.

SCHNEIDER: That doesn't sound definitive. But would putting Senator Hillary Clinton on the ticket help Kerry win? And why not go for broke and name former President Bill Clinton to the ticket? Constitutional experts say it's OK, since you can only be elected to the presidency twice -- nothing about the vice-presidency.

Bill Schneider, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: Wouldn't that be interesting? Coming up, Dr. Sanjay Gupta wants to pump you up. To show you how you can build your own home gym, and it won't take a lot of weight out of your wallet. That's in your "Daily Dose" of health news. And when you think spring break, you usually think of college kids, don't you? But more and more grown ups are doing it. Some top destinations at a great price, coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: OK, remember back, remember all the way back to that resolution you made in January to start working out. It's a distant memory now, isn't it? Well, don't despair. A way that you can work it out and stay in shape. Medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta has details in our "Daily Dose" of health news.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It only takes a few simple items -- a stability ball, rubber tubing, a few mats -- and you've got yourself a home gym.

SABRENA NEWTON, PERSONAL TRAINER: You can put together a home gym for less than $100.

GUPTA: Personal trainer Sabrena Newton says resist the urge to buy expensive machines. After a few months they'll probably be collecting dust anyway.

NEWTON: Go about it the most inexpensive way first.

GUPTA: Start off purchasing a stability ball for crunches and lower body work.

NEWTON: Basically for resistance.

GUPTA: Rubber tubing also provides resistance and is good for squats.

NEWTON: It doesn't look like it weighs much, but it does.

GUPTA: Medicine balls work out the upper body.

NEWTON: Stepping basically up and off.

GUPTA: While a step bench works the legs, and a few small hand weights round out your home gym.

NEWTON: Even though these are very small, you can still definitely get a good resistance workout with them.

GUPTA: The price tag for this gym? Around $100. And if your budget is tight, use what you already have. Newton says chairs in the home are great for resistance. Cans of food can replace hand weights, and running up and down the steps can bolster your cardio. Of course, prior to starting any exercise regiment, pay a visit to your physician.

NEWTON: If you can access a quick workout just by grabbing something out of the closet, then of course you're going to be more likely to do it and stick with it.

GUPTA: A home gym may be key to keeping those New Year's resolutions.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

COSTELLO: And to get your "Daily Dose" of health news online, log on to our Web site. It's easy. You'll find medical news and breakthrough, a health library and information on diet and fitness. The address cnn.com/health.

Is it that time of year for sun, fun, and getting away from it all. And you don't have to be in college to get on board. Up next, spring break for grown ups.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: And you're looking live at the New York courthouse in lower Manhattan. Martha Stewart is inside. She's meeting her probation officer for the very first time. She's been in there just about an hour.

The probation officer will be asking her all sorts of questions so he can prepare a pre-sentence report for her. And of course she is to be sentenced for being convicted of obstruction justice among other charges on June 17.

As I said, we are waiting her to leave courthouse to see if she will say anything to the hoard of waiting reporters. We will keep you posted.

On to something good now. Oh, yes. Check the calendar. Just a dozen days until spring. But spring break is not for college kids anymore. Adults are taking trips, too. The destinations are perhaps more sophisticated because, let's face it, we have more money -- at least we hope so.

Let's talk to Stephanie Oswald, editor in chief for "TravelGirl" magazine. She is here with a few Monday "Getaway" trips for the mature crowd.

STEPHANIE OSWALD, EDITOR IN CHIEF, "TRAVELGIRL": That's right. That's right. Now's a great time to use your frequent flyer miles.

COSTELLO: Why?

OSWALD: Make plans to go to Europe because right now the travel industry is trying to get people traveling again so they are putting more deals out there.

And if you want to be creative, be flexible, and do your homework, you can really find some great trips.

COSTELLO: Well, you know, I pause when I think about going to Europe because I don't think there's a great love for Americans overseas right now. I know a lot of my friends feel the same way.

OSWALD: I think you hear a lot of that. Once you get over there, people are friendly and they want you to spend the money in their country. So they will do what they can.

COSTELLO: That's right, because when they look at us, they just see a big dollar bill.

OSWALD: Well, I wouldn't put it that way.

COSTELLO: I know. They are very nice people over there, too.

Snow locations. They must be a good deal now.

OSWALD: Right now's a great time to go spring skiing. Colorado, Utah, Idaho, they are getting record-breaking snowfall and it's really a great time to go out there. And the excitement on the slopes is being transformed for deals for travelers.

Park City, you trade in your boarding pass on your day of arrival and get a free ski lift ticket. At Sun Valley, Utah they're doing something where you can get a multiple day ticket and if you don't want to ski for three days you can still get the discount of buying a multiple day ticket, and then turn it in for a massage or snow shoeing or ice skating.

So you still get the deal but not locked into just skiing.

COSTELLO: I like that a lot more than skiing, frankly.

Also can you get like great deals for warm destinations? Because it's the travel time to go to warm destinations.

OSWALD: Of course everyone wants to go to the beach. Now of course I recommend Jamaica, Mexico, Hawaii. They are all topics in "TravelGirl" this month. So make sure you pick up a copy.

But if you really want to travel, cruises are a great idea for a deal and excellent destinations. You can go to the Bahamas for about $229 for a weekend. You can do Baja Mexico for about $350. And some excellent ideas if you...

COSTELLO: Bermuda?

OSWALD: Bermuda. Actually there's a really great deal out of Boston, $709 out of Boston, seven nights on Norwegian Cruise Lines.

And if you've got a little more time, you can do Transatlantic.

COSTELLO: I am sorry I have to go.

(LAUGHTER) OSWALD: Ready to pack your bags?

COSTELLO: What if you want to bring your kids? Are there deals out there? The whole family goes?

OSWALD: Yes, definitely. And this time year, a lot of people are using this time, spring break because they have to tie in to their kids school's vacations for the trip to the amusement park.

And one thing we're seeing is more people want a higher quality vacation. They want to not spend as much time online, they want to spend more time with the family. So they take advantage of things like the Fast Pass where that's free at Disneyland and it kind of holds your place in line.

And it gives you a chance to you know, eat dinner, and go see a show, and when you are ready to go on a ride, you don't have to wait as much time in line.

COSTELLO: Really.

OSWALD: Doesn't that make the other people mad when they see you cutting in line?

COSTELLO: Everyone can do it, and it's free.

OSWALD: So it's a really good idea.

COSTELLO: So I am trying to figure how that makes it the line shorter in the end, if everybody does it.

OSWALD: They time it. The time it, so the machine actually keeps track of how many people are in line at a certain time.

COSTELLO: So this is mathematically mapped out?

OSWALD: Right, exactly, exactly.

COSTELLO: Got it.

Stephanie, great travel trips, travel girl.

OSWALD: Thank you.

COSTELLO: So if you want to know more, travel girl.

All right, thank you very much Stephanie.

(STOCK MARKET UPDATE)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: You're taking a live look at lower Manhattan. It is a gray and rainy day. This is the New York courthouse, where Martha Stewart has been meeting more than an hour now with her probation officer. That probation officer will prepare a presentence report to be delivered at Martha Stewart's sentencing, which will happen on June 17th. Marshall (ph) said Stewart will be given restrictions on her activity, and will be told when and where she is to report prior to her sentencing.

Now all weekend long, Martha Stewart was meeting with her attorneys and advisers at her Westport, Connecticut home. They were talking about her company and what -- this is Martha's attorney we're seeing. So Martha Stewart should be coming out any second now. There she is. We'll see if she stops and talks to reporters, which I highly doubt.

As I said, she has been meeting with that probation officer for more than an hour now. This is the first time she has met that probation officer. I wish we knew what that probation officer's name was. But we don't at this point. And as you can see, it's a blustery day in New York, as Martha Stewart getting back into that SUV and takes off without saying a word to the hoards of reporters who have been waiting all afternoon.

Originally, she was scheduled to meet with her probation officer earlier this morning around 8:30 or 9:00. She didn't show up until about 10:47 a.m. Eastern Time. And as I said, she's been in there for more than an hour.

Her meeting with in probation officer is important, because that probation officer will prepare some comments that he will forward to the judge, and that will certainly factor in when Martha Stewart is sentenced on June 17th. Of course, we'll be following this more throughout the afternoon, so stay with CNN.

Let's talk a little fun now. 007 need not apply -- oh, we're going to weather. We'll leave that fun for later shows. Wolf's coming up, so he will provide the fun.

(WEATHER UPDATE)

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