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CNN Live At Daybreak

Iraq a Year Later; Ohio Shooting Suspect Caught

Aired March 17, 2004 - 06:33   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: Well, let's see how people here in the United States feel about the war in Iraq one year later. For that, we head live to Princeton, New Jersey, to Gallup Poll editor-in- chief Frank Newport.
Good morning, Frank. What kind of numbers do you have for us?

FRANK NEWPORT, GALLUP POLL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Well, good morning, Carol.

President Bush in some ways is making his re-election campaign a referendum on what happened a year ago -- the war in Iraq.

We can show you right now, he's still holding on to a majority, a bare majority, but still a majority of Americans on this key question that we've been tracking with our CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup Poll: Was it worth going to war over? Notice how it's gone up and down. Last April, things looked good; 73 percent said yes. That fell. In December, back up to 65 percent. That was after the capture of Saddam Hussein. Americans got more positive. Then they fell back in January. And right now, it's inched back up to 55 percent of Americans who say yes, it was worth it for the United States and its allies to go into Iraq.

Boy, this is a partisan issue. One might think that war wouldn't be, but look at this. It's really Bush's war, the Republicans' war. If you're a Republican in America, 90 percent say the war was worth it. Look on the right-hand side. If you're a Democrat out there in America, 72 percent say it was not worth it. And then right there in the middle, the Independents are kind of breakeven, 51 to 46.

So, it's very, very politicized.

One other point: Half of Americans, to the point, 50 percent say that it has made the U.S. safer from terrorism. That's a key Bush administration hypothesis, of course, that this has been part of the war on terrorism. He's holding on to five, zero -- 50 percent of Americans who agree with that premise at this point -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Interesting. One more question for you. What do Americans think is going to happen when U.S. troops finally leave Iraq?

NEWPORT: Well, there's trepidation. We gave them two choices. We said: Will, in fact, a stable democracy in Iraq come about, or will there be chaos? And look at how the public comes down on that. Split right down the middle, like a lot of other things that we're looking at right now, of course. People, 45 percent say stable government, but 48 percent of Americans say they fear that there will be chaos in Iraq if and when the U.S. moves its military presence out of that country -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Fascinating numbers this morning. Frank Newport live from Princeton, New Jersey.

(WEATHER BREAK)

COSTELLO: Coming up on DAYBREAK, the search for the alleged Ohio highway shooter, police have a warning about their suspect. We'll take you live to Ohio.

Plus, a famous front man's latest endeavor into the world of the academe.

And, we'll explain why this man's so nosy, so to speak.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Cut a few calories here, add some exercise there. Every little bit helps if you're trying to lose weight. And our nutrition expert, Lisa Drayer, has the equation to help you shed those pounds.

But first, let's check in with Bill Hemmer and Soledad O'Brien live in New York for a look at what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."

Good morning, guys.

They're not there, but I'm sure they'll be joining us later.

So, let's do your news, money, weather and sports right now, shall we? It is 6:38 Eastern Time. Here are the latest headlines for you.

Israel strikes back after a suicide bombing. Three Palestinians are killed and more than 20 wounded in air and ground attacks in Gaza.

This man, Jamal Zougam, is one of six Moroccans in custody in Spain in connection with last week's train bombings. He was arrested after he was linked to a cell phone found with one of the unexploded bombs from last Thursday's attacks.

Gay marriage is catching on in Oregon. A second county there plans to start issuing same-sex marriage licenses next Wednesday. The state's largest county has issued over 2,400 licenses to gay couples since March 3.

Your money. Fed policymakers are trying to figure out the unemployment puzzle. Chairman Allen Greenspan says they'll hold off on raising interest rates. In a statement, the Fed says though job losses has slowed -- have slowed, rather, new hirings have lagged.

In sports, try, try again. Alaskan Mitch Seavey succeeds on his 11th attempt at the Iditarod trail sled dog race. It's always hard for me to say the Iditarod trail sled dog race. Seavey's winning time in the 1,100-mile race: 9 days, 12 hours and 20 minutes.

In culture, U2 front man and AIDS activist Bono will receive an honorary doctor of law degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Bono will give the commencement address at Penn May 17.

And in weather, snow in the North, a mixture of snow and rain in the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley, and clear skies elsewhere.

Those are the headlines. Your next update is coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING" at the top of the hour.

"Breakfast with Daybreak" is next. We're going to take a short break. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: We have breaking news to tell you about now. We have news of the alleged Ohio highway shooter. Police had been looking for this man for quite some time; in fact, for several days. He is Charles A. McCoy, Jr. Apparently, Las Vegas police believe they got him in a hotel room there, and he is now in custody.

There have been 24 highway shootings since May around the Columbus, Ohio, area. Of course, McCoy is now charged with murder, because one of the victims who was shot at died. He is now charged with felonious assault, but he is suspected in those shootings.

And, again, Las Vegas police believe that they have this man in custody.

As we get more information about this, of course, we'll pass it along to you.

Some news people with diabetes may not want to hear. You really do need to watch your weight. British researchers say obesity can reduce the life expectancy of diabetics by up to eight years. That's the findings of a study by the University of Surrey. So, watch your weight, your blood sugar numbers and your carb intake.

Time for "Breakfast with Daybreak." Reading food labels and cutting calories is no easy task, but a new government initiative may help.

Joining us from New York to talk about that is registered dietician Lisa Drayer.

Good morning, Lisa.

LISA DRAYER, REGISTERED DIETICIAN: Good morning, Carol.

It's confirmed by the government that calories count. It's part of a new report issued by the Obesity Working Group. The FDA is urging consumers and the food industry to start cutting calories in an effort to halt the growing obesity epidemic.

Now, as part of Calories Count program, the FDA intends to make changes to food labels, and they also plan to encourage restaurants to include nutrition information on menus.

COSTELLO: So, this is important, because, you know, usually you say the fat content in food makes you gain weight, but they are now saying that calories do, too, which should have been common sense.

DRAYER: Exactly.

COSTELLO: But...

DRAYER: Exactly.

COSTELLO: Tell us specifically what we'll see on food labels in the near future.

DRAYER: Right. Well, I believe we have a graphic here of a muffin that has a proposed food label for a change. And here, we can see that there is an increased font size. So we see calories. The 220 calories on the right is larger. Also, a percent daily value for calories based on a 2,000-calorie diet, as we see for other nutrients.

Now, I asked the FDA if we would be seeing percent daily value for other calories levels; for example, Carol, if someone is on a 1,600-calorie weight-loss diet. But an FDA spokesperson in charge of food labeling says right now they're planning to stick to 2,000 calories, but individuals are invited to comment on the proposed rule once it publishes.

COSTELLO: You know, we've talked before. You sent me an e-mail on a can of soda.

DRAYER: Yes.

COSTELLO: And how many calories it lists on that now and what that calorie count...

DRAYER: Right.

COSTELLO: ... how that calorie count would change later.

DRAYER: That's right. Right now, for a 20-ounce bottle of soda, the serving size, Carol, is only 8 ounces, even though an individual might consume that in one sitting. So, you would only see 110 calories per serving.

But now, the FDA is telling food manufacturers, such as soda companies, to include the actual number of calories for the entire bottle. So, in this case, you would see that you're drinking 275 calories...

COSTELLO: Wow!

DRAYER: ... in one 20-ounce bottle of soda.

COSTELLO: That is quite a difference. I know that the government has asked restaurants to list calorie counts as well. Are restaurants being cooperative? DRAYER: They are, Carol. This is really good news. Ruby Tuesday, the popular chain, just announced that they will be including nutrition information right on menus starting in April of this year; that is, the calories, the fats, the carbohydrates and the fiber. They're the first chain restaurant in casual dining to make such a change.

And, in addition, we've heard about McDonald's, how they're eliminating their super sized fries and sodas.

And at the FDA conference on Friday, I heard that Krispy Kreme may be making changes to their donuts. I heard...

COSTELLO: No!

DRAYER: Yes. I heard that they're coming out with a low-sugar donut, although no word yet on when it will be available.

COSTELLO: Interesting.

DRAYER: Yes.

COSTELLO: OK. So, leave us with some tips...

DRAYER: Yes.

COSTELLO: ... for those of us who need to cut back a little.

DRAYER: Definitely. Well, the No. 1 strategy, Carol, is to come up with a realistic calorie goal; that is, a realistic calorie deficit, the amount that you would subtract each day in order to lose weight. So, I say go for 250 calories per day. That will enable you to lose a half a pound a week.

So, for example, if you use an example with ice cream, you could eliminate the ice cream entirely. Let's say at 250 calories per cup, you could burn off the cup -- the half a cup, rather, by running for 32 minutes.

But let's say, you know, you don't really like running. Well, then maybe you want to try walking. So, you could walk for 32 minutes to burn off a quarter of a cup. You would have to cut down a quarter, because, you know, walking, you don't burn as many calories.

So, then you say, well, why bother if it's only a quarter of a cup? Well, then you might want to try switching to a low-fat ice cream. Maybe it's 125 calories a cup. So, you would still have the same portion size, and then add on the 30 minutes of walking to burn that extra 125 calories.

So, the idea here is that any one of those three scenarios would allow you to lose a half a pound per week, or 26 pounds per year.

COSTELLO: Well, I guess the real secret is just to get moving, huh?

DRAYER: Exactly.

COSTELLO: And don't consume as many calories. Thank you, Lisa Drayer, live from New York this morning.

DRAYER: Thanks.

COSTELLO: And, you know, you don't have to go to a health and fitness club to work out. Oh, no. Friday on DAYBREAK in our "8 Weeks to a Better Body" series, I will show you how to build your own gym at home and how to get a terrific workout, and I mean cardio and muscular workout in just 30 minutes. I'll show you how to better manage your time as well.

But first, let's head back to New York to check in with Bill and Soledad.

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: We think you look great, Carol.

SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: You're going to build somebody's home gym and also -- what was the other thing you're going to do?

HEMMER: She's (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

COSTELLO: Time management. Show them how to manage...

O'BRIEN: And time management.

COSTELLO: I am busy, Soledad.

O'BRIEN: OK. Forget the gym for me, but time management, we definitely need to talk about. I need help on that front.

COSTELLO: Thirty minutes, I can show you a great workout, so you'll have to be watching DAYBREAK tomorrow.

O'BRIEN: Really? All right.

HEMMER: We will do that for sure.

O'BRIEN: Definitely.

HEMMER: Where else would we be, Carol, by the way?

Listen, there's a lot of news breaking. CNN confirming Charles McCoy was picked up in Vegas. We'll get to that story.

Also, this intriguing videotape that Carol has been looking at, along with David Clinch, the surveillance tape late in 2000 possibly of Osama bin Laden at Tarnak Farm just outside of Kandahar in southern Afghanistan.

O'BRIEN: Also this morning, Bush versus Kerry. It continues. And as some people have said, it's only March, and it's getting uglier and uglier each and every day. This morning, we hear from supporters on both sides talking about a new ad from President Bush's side. And also, continuing the flap about whether or not Senator Kerry should come forward with the names of those so-called foreign leaders who he says want the president out.

HEMMER: It hasn't gone away yet, has it?

O'BRIEN: No, and I don't think it will.

HEMMER: It was beautiful yesterday and today in New York City.

O'BRIEN: Yesterday?

HEMMER: The snow coming down on March 16?

O'BRIEN: Two days ago.

HEMMER: No, yesterday with the snow.

O'BRIEN: Oh, yes you like the snow.

HEMMER: Two days ago?

O'BRIEN: I guess if you like the snow, it was fantastic. If you hate the snow, like me, it was (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

HEMMER: Winter's hanging on, Carol. We'll update you on what's happening in the Northeast. Folks digging out, not just here, but also the middle part of the country as well.

We'll see you at the top of the hour, OK?

COSTELLO: All right, only three days until spring. Just keep that in mind. Thanks, Bill and Soledad.

HEMMER: That's right. You keep counting.

COSTELLO: That's right.

Time for a little business buzz now.

Some types of Firestone tires are in the spotlight again. Are they safe?

Carrie Lee reports live from the Nasdaq Marketsite.

Tell us about this -- Carrie.

CARRIE LEE, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS: Well, we could learn more today, Carol. Days after settling a $149 million class-action lawsuit in Texas, Bridgestone-Firestone goes to court today in California to try and stop what could become the nation's largest ever class-action lawsuit, claiming Bridgestone-Firestone allowed lethal defects in its heavy-duty tires.

Now, according to published reports, the new action involves Steeltex tires. These are standard equipment in 71 types of vehicles, and they've been linked to crashes that have killed five people.

Now, the plaintiff attorney says the tires actually have a defect that causes the tread to separate. He wants 40 million tired recalled and consumers reimbursed for at least $1 billion.

Now, last month, the company did recall 490,000 of these tires. They say, though, that this was a precautionary measure; that there hasn't been a specific problem identified.

However, the judge in this case could rule on the issue on Wednesday regarding the class-action status. So, this is certainly a story we'll be following throughout the day, Carol, affecting potentially a lot of people.

COSTELLO: All right, Carrie Lee live from the Nasdaq Marketsite. Many thanks to you.

Chad, are you there? It is time...

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: I am, right in front of the camera.

COSTELLO: It is time to pitch our DAYBREAK question of the day for people to possibly win a DAYBREAK coffee mug.

MYERS: Get ready. Get logged on. Hurry up. Hurry up. Hurry up.

COSTELLO: OK. So here are the questions for this morning: What did Father Paul Carrier say was the most urgent problem facing children in Haiti? And the second question: The FDA is starting a new program soon. What changes could you see on food labels?

E-mail us your answers now, Daybreak@CNN.com. The first one in with the right answer will win that beautiful DAYBREAK mug.

MYERS: That we'll get on Friday.

COSTELLO: Exactly. Thank you, Chad.

MYERS: We don't know if it's beautiful, but we think it is.

COSTELLO: I've seen a picture of it. It is indeed beautiful.

MYERS: Oh, good. OK, excellent.

COSTELLO: You'll love it.

Chad, you're going to join me for "The Lightning Round" coming up, but first here are the latest headlines.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANNOUNCER: This is CNN breaking news.

COSTELLO: And I'd like to update you on the breaking news at this hour.

In Columbus, Ohio, the Franklin County Sheriff's Department confirms to CNN that interstate shooting suspect Charles McCoy -- that man -- is in custody in Las Vegas, Nevada.

McCoy was identified as a suspect in the Interstate-270 shootings two days ago. One person, a woman passenger in a car, was killed in the shootings that began last May.

McCoy's family and police say he has a history of mental illness. Family made a very public plea yesterday, calling for McCoy to turn himself in to authorities.

An FBI agent tells the Associated Press that McCoy was arrested in a Las Vegas hotel. We will keep you posted throughout the day. All right.

Let's talk about something far lighter, our "Lightning Round," so we can leave you on a happy note this Saint Paddy's Day.

Chad, you know, the players are not the only ones who have to stay in shape for baseball season. Remember Guido (ph), the Italian sausage? Remember Guido (ph)?

MYERS: Yes, he got hit by that bat.

COSTELLO: Yes. He was the mascot who got whacked at Miller Park last year. Well, doctors at a Milwaukee hospital checked him out. You see him getting an MRI there.

MYERS: Oh, my gosh! How does he get through there?

COSTELLO: And will he be roasted when he gets done? Well, they checked him out from head to toe, and they gave him and some other mascots the OK to play. I feel better now, don't you?

MYERS: Lots better.

COSTELLO: Look at that. Cute.

MYERS: He's still in there.

COSTELLO: I want to see him go in there and get stuck.

Hey, no odor eaters in this shoe.

MYERS: Oh!

COSTELLO: How would you like that job?

MYERS: No.

COSTELLO: Hmmm.

MYERS: No.

COSTELLO: This could prevent a stinky foot from winning the annual rotten sneaker contest in Vermont. Actually, the kid's shoe is removed. The top part is cut away to get, I guess, better sniffing from that judge. MYERS: Or -- yes, more air.

COSTELLO: This guy is the master sniffer.

MYERS: No thanks.

COSTELLO: In Vermont this takes place every year. First place went to that 10-year-old boy that's attached to that foot there.

MYERS: Do you get a little name tag that says, "Billy, master sniffer?"

COSTELLO: No, but you win 500 bucks.

One of Bill Clinton's childhood homes in Arkansas is up for sale on eBay. Bidding starts at $45,000. It's already way over the $100,000 mark.

MYERS: Yes, the reserve is met now, Carol. I just checked -- $200,100.

COSTELLO: Really?

MYERS: A little over $200,000 right now. It needs a little redecorating, but it comes with a carport.

COSTELLO: Oh.

MYERS: A little shed out back, as you can see, and the owners say that people stop all the time and look at this little plaque and take pictures.

COSTELLO: Well, it makes you wonder. Are the people bidding, are they planning to move in to that home?

MYERS: It's 1,000 square feet under heat and air, and the air conditioner is only three years old.

COSTELLO: Oh, that's...

MYERS: So, you've got that going for you.

COSTELLO: Yes. Thank you, Chad.

MYERS: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

COSTELLO: That does it for us. Happy Saint Patrick's Day. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com.







Aired March 17, 2004 - 06:33   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Well, let's see how people here in the United States feel about the war in Iraq one year later. For that, we head live to Princeton, New Jersey, to Gallup Poll editor-in- chief Frank Newport.
Good morning, Frank. What kind of numbers do you have for us?

FRANK NEWPORT, GALLUP POLL EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Well, good morning, Carol.

President Bush in some ways is making his re-election campaign a referendum on what happened a year ago -- the war in Iraq.

We can show you right now, he's still holding on to a majority, a bare majority, but still a majority of Americans on this key question that we've been tracking with our CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup Poll: Was it worth going to war over? Notice how it's gone up and down. Last April, things looked good; 73 percent said yes. That fell. In December, back up to 65 percent. That was after the capture of Saddam Hussein. Americans got more positive. Then they fell back in January. And right now, it's inched back up to 55 percent of Americans who say yes, it was worth it for the United States and its allies to go into Iraq.

Boy, this is a partisan issue. One might think that war wouldn't be, but look at this. It's really Bush's war, the Republicans' war. If you're a Republican in America, 90 percent say the war was worth it. Look on the right-hand side. If you're a Democrat out there in America, 72 percent say it was not worth it. And then right there in the middle, the Independents are kind of breakeven, 51 to 46.

So, it's very, very politicized.

One other point: Half of Americans, to the point, 50 percent say that it has made the U.S. safer from terrorism. That's a key Bush administration hypothesis, of course, that this has been part of the war on terrorism. He's holding on to five, zero -- 50 percent of Americans who agree with that premise at this point -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Interesting. One more question for you. What do Americans think is going to happen when U.S. troops finally leave Iraq?

NEWPORT: Well, there's trepidation. We gave them two choices. We said: Will, in fact, a stable democracy in Iraq come about, or will there be chaos? And look at how the public comes down on that. Split right down the middle, like a lot of other things that we're looking at right now, of course. People, 45 percent say stable government, but 48 percent of Americans say they fear that there will be chaos in Iraq if and when the U.S. moves its military presence out of that country -- Carol.

COSTELLO: Fascinating numbers this morning. Frank Newport live from Princeton, New Jersey.

(WEATHER BREAK)

COSTELLO: Coming up on DAYBREAK, the search for the alleged Ohio highway shooter, police have a warning about their suspect. We'll take you live to Ohio.

Plus, a famous front man's latest endeavor into the world of the academe.

And, we'll explain why this man's so nosy, so to speak.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Cut a few calories here, add some exercise there. Every little bit helps if you're trying to lose weight. And our nutrition expert, Lisa Drayer, has the equation to help you shed those pounds.

But first, let's check in with Bill Hemmer and Soledad O'Brien live in New York for a look at what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."

Good morning, guys.

They're not there, but I'm sure they'll be joining us later.

So, let's do your news, money, weather and sports right now, shall we? It is 6:38 Eastern Time. Here are the latest headlines for you.

Israel strikes back after a suicide bombing. Three Palestinians are killed and more than 20 wounded in air and ground attacks in Gaza.

This man, Jamal Zougam, is one of six Moroccans in custody in Spain in connection with last week's train bombings. He was arrested after he was linked to a cell phone found with one of the unexploded bombs from last Thursday's attacks.

Gay marriage is catching on in Oregon. A second county there plans to start issuing same-sex marriage licenses next Wednesday. The state's largest county has issued over 2,400 licenses to gay couples since March 3.

Your money. Fed policymakers are trying to figure out the unemployment puzzle. Chairman Allen Greenspan says they'll hold off on raising interest rates. In a statement, the Fed says though job losses has slowed -- have slowed, rather, new hirings have lagged.

In sports, try, try again. Alaskan Mitch Seavey succeeds on his 11th attempt at the Iditarod trail sled dog race. It's always hard for me to say the Iditarod trail sled dog race. Seavey's winning time in the 1,100-mile race: 9 days, 12 hours and 20 minutes.

In culture, U2 front man and AIDS activist Bono will receive an honorary doctor of law degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Bono will give the commencement address at Penn May 17.

And in weather, snow in the North, a mixture of snow and rain in the Great Lakes and Ohio Valley, and clear skies elsewhere.

Those are the headlines. Your next update is coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING" at the top of the hour.

"Breakfast with Daybreak" is next. We're going to take a short break. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: We have breaking news to tell you about now. We have news of the alleged Ohio highway shooter. Police had been looking for this man for quite some time; in fact, for several days. He is Charles A. McCoy, Jr. Apparently, Las Vegas police believe they got him in a hotel room there, and he is now in custody.

There have been 24 highway shootings since May around the Columbus, Ohio, area. Of course, McCoy is now charged with murder, because one of the victims who was shot at died. He is now charged with felonious assault, but he is suspected in those shootings.

And, again, Las Vegas police believe that they have this man in custody.

As we get more information about this, of course, we'll pass it along to you.

Some news people with diabetes may not want to hear. You really do need to watch your weight. British researchers say obesity can reduce the life expectancy of diabetics by up to eight years. That's the findings of a study by the University of Surrey. So, watch your weight, your blood sugar numbers and your carb intake.

Time for "Breakfast with Daybreak." Reading food labels and cutting calories is no easy task, but a new government initiative may help.

Joining us from New York to talk about that is registered dietician Lisa Drayer.

Good morning, Lisa.

LISA DRAYER, REGISTERED DIETICIAN: Good morning, Carol.

It's confirmed by the government that calories count. It's part of a new report issued by the Obesity Working Group. The FDA is urging consumers and the food industry to start cutting calories in an effort to halt the growing obesity epidemic.

Now, as part of Calories Count program, the FDA intends to make changes to food labels, and they also plan to encourage restaurants to include nutrition information on menus.

COSTELLO: So, this is important, because, you know, usually you say the fat content in food makes you gain weight, but they are now saying that calories do, too, which should have been common sense.

DRAYER: Exactly.

COSTELLO: But...

DRAYER: Exactly.

COSTELLO: Tell us specifically what we'll see on food labels in the near future.

DRAYER: Right. Well, I believe we have a graphic here of a muffin that has a proposed food label for a change. And here, we can see that there is an increased font size. So we see calories. The 220 calories on the right is larger. Also, a percent daily value for calories based on a 2,000-calorie diet, as we see for other nutrients.

Now, I asked the FDA if we would be seeing percent daily value for other calories levels; for example, Carol, if someone is on a 1,600-calorie weight-loss diet. But an FDA spokesperson in charge of food labeling says right now they're planning to stick to 2,000 calories, but individuals are invited to comment on the proposed rule once it publishes.

COSTELLO: You know, we've talked before. You sent me an e-mail on a can of soda.

DRAYER: Yes.

COSTELLO: And how many calories it lists on that now and what that calorie count...

DRAYER: Right.

COSTELLO: ... how that calorie count would change later.

DRAYER: That's right. Right now, for a 20-ounce bottle of soda, the serving size, Carol, is only 8 ounces, even though an individual might consume that in one sitting. So, you would only see 110 calories per serving.

But now, the FDA is telling food manufacturers, such as soda companies, to include the actual number of calories for the entire bottle. So, in this case, you would see that you're drinking 275 calories...

COSTELLO: Wow!

DRAYER: ... in one 20-ounce bottle of soda.

COSTELLO: That is quite a difference. I know that the government has asked restaurants to list calorie counts as well. Are restaurants being cooperative? DRAYER: They are, Carol. This is really good news. Ruby Tuesday, the popular chain, just announced that they will be including nutrition information right on menus starting in April of this year; that is, the calories, the fats, the carbohydrates and the fiber. They're the first chain restaurant in casual dining to make such a change.

And, in addition, we've heard about McDonald's, how they're eliminating their super sized fries and sodas.

And at the FDA conference on Friday, I heard that Krispy Kreme may be making changes to their donuts. I heard...

COSTELLO: No!

DRAYER: Yes. I heard that they're coming out with a low-sugar donut, although no word yet on when it will be available.

COSTELLO: Interesting.

DRAYER: Yes.

COSTELLO: OK. So, leave us with some tips...

DRAYER: Yes.

COSTELLO: ... for those of us who need to cut back a little.

DRAYER: Definitely. Well, the No. 1 strategy, Carol, is to come up with a realistic calorie goal; that is, a realistic calorie deficit, the amount that you would subtract each day in order to lose weight. So, I say go for 250 calories per day. That will enable you to lose a half a pound a week.

So, for example, if you use an example with ice cream, you could eliminate the ice cream entirely. Let's say at 250 calories per cup, you could burn off the cup -- the half a cup, rather, by running for 32 minutes.

But let's say, you know, you don't really like running. Well, then maybe you want to try walking. So, you could walk for 32 minutes to burn off a quarter of a cup. You would have to cut down a quarter, because, you know, walking, you don't burn as many calories.

So, then you say, well, why bother if it's only a quarter of a cup? Well, then you might want to try switching to a low-fat ice cream. Maybe it's 125 calories a cup. So, you would still have the same portion size, and then add on the 30 minutes of walking to burn that extra 125 calories.

So, the idea here is that any one of those three scenarios would allow you to lose a half a pound per week, or 26 pounds per year.

COSTELLO: Well, I guess the real secret is just to get moving, huh?

DRAYER: Exactly.

COSTELLO: And don't consume as many calories. Thank you, Lisa Drayer, live from New York this morning.

DRAYER: Thanks.

COSTELLO: And, you know, you don't have to go to a health and fitness club to work out. Oh, no. Friday on DAYBREAK in our "8 Weeks to a Better Body" series, I will show you how to build your own gym at home and how to get a terrific workout, and I mean cardio and muscular workout in just 30 minutes. I'll show you how to better manage your time as well.

But first, let's head back to New York to check in with Bill and Soledad.

BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: We think you look great, Carol.

SOLEDAD O'BRIEN, CNN ANCHOR: You're going to build somebody's home gym and also -- what was the other thing you're going to do?

HEMMER: She's (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

COSTELLO: Time management. Show them how to manage...

O'BRIEN: And time management.

COSTELLO: I am busy, Soledad.

O'BRIEN: OK. Forget the gym for me, but time management, we definitely need to talk about. I need help on that front.

COSTELLO: Thirty minutes, I can show you a great workout, so you'll have to be watching DAYBREAK tomorrow.

O'BRIEN: Really? All right.

HEMMER: We will do that for sure.

O'BRIEN: Definitely.

HEMMER: Where else would we be, Carol, by the way?

Listen, there's a lot of news breaking. CNN confirming Charles McCoy was picked up in Vegas. We'll get to that story.

Also, this intriguing videotape that Carol has been looking at, along with David Clinch, the surveillance tape late in 2000 possibly of Osama bin Laden at Tarnak Farm just outside of Kandahar in southern Afghanistan.

O'BRIEN: Also this morning, Bush versus Kerry. It continues. And as some people have said, it's only March, and it's getting uglier and uglier each and every day. This morning, we hear from supporters on both sides talking about a new ad from President Bush's side. And also, continuing the flap about whether or not Senator Kerry should come forward with the names of those so-called foreign leaders who he says want the president out.

HEMMER: It hasn't gone away yet, has it?

O'BRIEN: No, and I don't think it will.

HEMMER: It was beautiful yesterday and today in New York City.

O'BRIEN: Yesterday?

HEMMER: The snow coming down on March 16?

O'BRIEN: Two days ago.

HEMMER: No, yesterday with the snow.

O'BRIEN: Oh, yes you like the snow.

HEMMER: Two days ago?

O'BRIEN: I guess if you like the snow, it was fantastic. If you hate the snow, like me, it was (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

HEMMER: Winter's hanging on, Carol. We'll update you on what's happening in the Northeast. Folks digging out, not just here, but also the middle part of the country as well.

We'll see you at the top of the hour, OK?

COSTELLO: All right, only three days until spring. Just keep that in mind. Thanks, Bill and Soledad.

HEMMER: That's right. You keep counting.

COSTELLO: That's right.

Time for a little business buzz now.

Some types of Firestone tires are in the spotlight again. Are they safe?

Carrie Lee reports live from the Nasdaq Marketsite.

Tell us about this -- Carrie.

CARRIE LEE, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS: Well, we could learn more today, Carol. Days after settling a $149 million class-action lawsuit in Texas, Bridgestone-Firestone goes to court today in California to try and stop what could become the nation's largest ever class-action lawsuit, claiming Bridgestone-Firestone allowed lethal defects in its heavy-duty tires.

Now, according to published reports, the new action involves Steeltex tires. These are standard equipment in 71 types of vehicles, and they've been linked to crashes that have killed five people.

Now, the plaintiff attorney says the tires actually have a defect that causes the tread to separate. He wants 40 million tired recalled and consumers reimbursed for at least $1 billion.

Now, last month, the company did recall 490,000 of these tires. They say, though, that this was a precautionary measure; that there hasn't been a specific problem identified.

However, the judge in this case could rule on the issue on Wednesday regarding the class-action status. So, this is certainly a story we'll be following throughout the day, Carol, affecting potentially a lot of people.

COSTELLO: All right, Carrie Lee live from the Nasdaq Marketsite. Many thanks to you.

Chad, are you there? It is time...

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: I am, right in front of the camera.

COSTELLO: It is time to pitch our DAYBREAK question of the day for people to possibly win a DAYBREAK coffee mug.

MYERS: Get ready. Get logged on. Hurry up. Hurry up. Hurry up.

COSTELLO: OK. So here are the questions for this morning: What did Father Paul Carrier say was the most urgent problem facing children in Haiti? And the second question: The FDA is starting a new program soon. What changes could you see on food labels?

E-mail us your answers now, Daybreak@CNN.com. The first one in with the right answer will win that beautiful DAYBREAK mug.

MYERS: That we'll get on Friday.

COSTELLO: Exactly. Thank you, Chad.

MYERS: We don't know if it's beautiful, but we think it is.

COSTELLO: I've seen a picture of it. It is indeed beautiful.

MYERS: Oh, good. OK, excellent.

COSTELLO: You'll love it.

Chad, you're going to join me for "The Lightning Round" coming up, but first here are the latest headlines.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

ANNOUNCER: This is CNN breaking news.

COSTELLO: And I'd like to update you on the breaking news at this hour.

In Columbus, Ohio, the Franklin County Sheriff's Department confirms to CNN that interstate shooting suspect Charles McCoy -- that man -- is in custody in Las Vegas, Nevada.

McCoy was identified as a suspect in the Interstate-270 shootings two days ago. One person, a woman passenger in a car, was killed in the shootings that began last May.

McCoy's family and police say he has a history of mental illness. Family made a very public plea yesterday, calling for McCoy to turn himself in to authorities.

An FBI agent tells the Associated Press that McCoy was arrested in a Las Vegas hotel. We will keep you posted throughout the day. All right.

Let's talk about something far lighter, our "Lightning Round," so we can leave you on a happy note this Saint Paddy's Day.

Chad, you know, the players are not the only ones who have to stay in shape for baseball season. Remember Guido (ph), the Italian sausage? Remember Guido (ph)?

MYERS: Yes, he got hit by that bat.

COSTELLO: Yes. He was the mascot who got whacked at Miller Park last year. Well, doctors at a Milwaukee hospital checked him out. You see him getting an MRI there.

MYERS: Oh, my gosh! How does he get through there?

COSTELLO: And will he be roasted when he gets done? Well, they checked him out from head to toe, and they gave him and some other mascots the OK to play. I feel better now, don't you?

MYERS: Lots better.

COSTELLO: Look at that. Cute.

MYERS: He's still in there.

COSTELLO: I want to see him go in there and get stuck.

Hey, no odor eaters in this shoe.

MYERS: Oh!

COSTELLO: How would you like that job?

MYERS: No.

COSTELLO: Hmmm.

MYERS: No.

COSTELLO: This could prevent a stinky foot from winning the annual rotten sneaker contest in Vermont. Actually, the kid's shoe is removed. The top part is cut away to get, I guess, better sniffing from that judge. MYERS: Or -- yes, more air.

COSTELLO: This guy is the master sniffer.

MYERS: No thanks.

COSTELLO: In Vermont this takes place every year. First place went to that 10-year-old boy that's attached to that foot there.

MYERS: Do you get a little name tag that says, "Billy, master sniffer?"

COSTELLO: No, but you win 500 bucks.

One of Bill Clinton's childhood homes in Arkansas is up for sale on eBay. Bidding starts at $45,000. It's already way over the $100,000 mark.

MYERS: Yes, the reserve is met now, Carol. I just checked -- $200,100.

COSTELLO: Really?

MYERS: A little over $200,000 right now. It needs a little redecorating, but it comes with a carport.

COSTELLO: Oh.

MYERS: A little shed out back, as you can see, and the owners say that people stop all the time and look at this little plaque and take pictures.

COSTELLO: Well, it makes you wonder. Are the people bidding, are they planning to move in to that home?

MYERS: It's 1,000 square feet under heat and air, and the air conditioner is only three years old.

COSTELLO: Oh, that's...

MYERS: So, you've got that going for you.

COSTELLO: Yes. Thank you, Chad.

MYERS: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

COSTELLO: That does it for us. Happy Saint Patrick's Day. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.

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