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CNN Live At Daybreak

Hostage Standoff Unfolding Outside of Athens, Greece; In Ukraine, Political Storm Could be Brewing Again

Aired December 15, 2004 - 05:30   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: Good morning to you. Welcome to the second half hour of DAYBREAK. From the CNN Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Carol Costello.
"Now In The News": Breaking news to tell you about. A hostage standoff is unfolding this minute, outside of Athens, Greece. But there are fewer hostages. This is a live shot you are looking at, right now.

Gunman seized this bus about six hours ago, but within the hour they freed some hostages. You see a woman walking off the bus right now. They've released at least, oh, five to six hostages. We're going to take you live to Greece, shortly, on DAYBREAK, to update you once again.

In Ukraine the political storm could be brewing again. Opposition presidential contender Victor Yushchenko has returned from Vienna where doctors confirmed he had been poisoned.

Some serious shaking in the Caribbean, a magnitude 6.7 earthquake jolted the Cayman Islands. It hit about 20 miles south of the capital, which is Georgetown. Buildings swayed but no reports of major damage or injuries so far.

At the White House President Bush is hosting his Italian counterpart later this morning. He's meeting with Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. The Italian leader earlier met with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

To the Forecast Center and Chad.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: How about that earthquake there, in Grand Caymen, Carol?

COSTELLO: Wacky.

MYERS: I mean, they got whacked by the hurricane, a Category 5 went right over Grand Caymen, just to the south of Caymen, Brack (ph) and Little Brack (ph).

Wow, just another big storm.

COSTELLO: I didn't even know that they had earthquakes there.

MYERS: Well, you know what, they're right on that trench. If you ever go diving in Grand Caymen, you want to dive The Wall. That wall is a subduction (ph) zone. That's why you don't hear about them very often. But when they come, they come big, 6.7 there. Obviously, and many other aftershocks all night long for those folks there. Not getting a lot of sleep.

(WEATHER FORECAST)

COSTELLO: We begin this half hour in our "War Room" and a man known as "Chemical Ali", apparently, apparently, he will get his day in an Iraqi court, and very soon. Our Senior International Editor David Clinch joins us live with details.

Will this really happen?

DAVID CLINCH, CNN SR. INTERNATIONAL EDITOR: Well, that is an excellent question, Carol. What we heard today, from the Iraqi defense minister, is that "Chemical Ali", the man who was responsible or thought to be responsible for the chemical attacks against those people in the Kurdish region, Allaja (ph).

We've all seen those pictures of the people lying dead in that village, years ago. He is the man thought to be responsible for that.

The defense minister saying today that he will face trial within the next week or month, or that his trial will begin. Now, this follows yesterday, the prime minister telling us that these trials were going to begin. When? The prime minister said that yesterday and even today with the defense minister, a lot of people, a lot of experts telling us, what they're saying is one thing.

The fact is that a lot of people think it is going to take a lot longer than that to really get these cases ready, to prepare all the evidence that you need, under international law, at least, to put these people away.

So, he may very well go to court, but it is not at all clear yet whether the cases are ready for court, and if so, when they will be.

COSTELLO: And another question, David, do they have defense attorneys? I understand that was a big problem. Nobody wanted to defend these people.

CLINCH: That is still a question. We do not know whether they will have defense attorneys and if so, whether those defense attorneys might well even turn up in court. We've faced, of course, a security issue for any Iraqi that wants to defend people like this.

The other thing to remember, though, Carol, and this is something we're looking at today, is everything happens within a context. The elections are about to happen in Iraq. Campaigning is starting. Allawi and the defense minister, both are one side of the equation, there. They are both representing the Sunni side of the equation, facing a United Shiite Party, who have all named their candidates for those elections.

Allawi wants to appear tough before those elections. He's making a lot of noises about Iran, which of course is on the Shiite side, being a threat to Iraq. And now he's making a lot of statements about wanting to put Saddam Hussein and his aides on trial. There is, we're told by people in the region, possibility that this is all about him looking tough before the elections.

On the other hand...

COSTELLO: But you know what, David? You know what, David? He has tried to look tough before and he says things that haven't come true before, hasn't he?

CLINCH: That is true.

Now, on the other hand, it may very well be the case that they want to put these people to trial. And it may happen. They're in charge now. The Iraqis are in charge and making a lot of these decisions. So a very interesting story.

COSTELLO: David Clinch, live in Atlanta. Thank you.

The streets of the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, are tinted with orange. That is the color of the opposition movement, lead by Victor Yushchenko. He's back in the country now with news of his poisoning fresh on his supporters minds. Moscow Bureau Chief Jill Dougherty has more on their story from the streets of Kiev.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JILL DOUGHERTY, CNN MOSCOW BUREAU CHIEF (voice over): Lunch time for supporters of opposition candidate Victor Yushchenko. They've been camping out on the capitol's main street since the protest against fraudulent elections began more than three weeks ago.

Nadia, a construction worker, is grim when I ask her about the news that Victor Yushchenko was poisoned with Dioxin.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): It's not up to me to decide. There are smart people looking into it.

DOUGHERTY (on camera): Here in the tent city, news of Yushchenko's poisoning doesn't seem to surprise anyone. That's what they thought happened all along. If anything, it just seems to reinforce their belief that the entire system in Ukraine needs changing.

(Voice over): Inside a tent, where protesters sleep in four to six hour shifts, people say they're angry that someone would try to murder the man they voted for. But Andre (ph), an unemployed forestry ranger tells me with Ukraine's history of unsolved political violence no one will ever find out who did it.

DOUGHERTY (on camera): But who would do that?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Who would do that? That is a quite difficult question. I think this never -- nobody can find out.

DOUGHERTY: Ever? UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In this country, no.

DOUGHERTY (voice over): Down the street, passerby laugh at political cartoons. But talk about the poisoning and faces turn serious.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): As part of the Yushchenko PR campaign they first hushed up. And later they said it did happen. That was probably smart, because if they first publicized it then their opponents would say, he's a sick man and you shouldn't trust him.

DOUGHERTY: By now, minds are firmly made up. Sasha says the news won't stop him from voting for Yushchenko.

"I don't think so", he says, "the most important thing is he's psychologically healthy. The physical part, that can be cured."

The tent city is here to stay at least until the repeat election December 26. There is even an orange Christmas tree; color of the "Orange Revolution". But many people here say they'll be voting not only for Victor Yushchenko to change the system.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

DOUGHERTY (via telephone): And, Carol, we're down, still right next to that tent city, in fact, we were just going through it. Victor Yushchenko back on the streets, actually his first mini- campaign event.

He went down into that tent city and shook hands, signed some autographs, et cetera. Today, his biggest event will be a meeting with the regional leaders of his campaign. He's back. He's ready to join the campaign trail with just about 11 days to go before that election, Carol.

COSTELLO: Jill, I don't know how close you are able to get to him. But could you see what he looked like?

DOUGHERTY: He's exactly the way we saw him the other day, you know, physically he looks strong and he's walking normally, nothing like that. But of course his face, is very discolored and pockmarked. In fact, he does wear some makeup, in fact, to cover that up. Because it is really darkened from the Dioxin poisoning and that is the one thing that the doctors say could last for a long time.

COSTELLO: Jill Dougherty reporting live from Kiev this morning. Thank you.

Still to come on DAYBREAK, an instant inferno. Oh, and it's caught on tape. Look at that! A stop at the gas pump turns into a brush with death. We'll show you more ahead.

And a disease that leaves people gasping for breath. News of a vaccine that may prevent asthma in children.

And our e-mail question of the day: What kind of "wife" lives in your house?

(LAUGHTER)

Oh, we're trying to have some fun on this Wednesday morning. Daybreak@cnn.com, that's Daybreak@cnn.com. But first here's a look at what else is making news this Wednesday morning.

(GRAPHIC WITH HEADLINES)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports it is 5:44 Eastern. Here's what is all new this morning.

New pictures into CNN this morning. Gunmen seize this bus. They seized it more than six hours ago, near Athens, Greece. You're looking at the other side in a live picture. Thos are police vehicles surrounding the bus. Hostage takers on board; they are holding about 20 people hostage. They've now released about five. We'll give you an update shortly.

In Iraq, taking to the air to help troops on the ground, the U.S. Air Force is stepping up airlifts of supplies that will let the army cut back on ground convoys on dangerous roads.

In money news, did you return those movies yet? Well, get this. Video giant Blockbuster says its abolishing late fees as of January 1. But don't get too giddy. If you keep a game or a movie too long, Blockbuster could make you buy it.

In culture, Wyclef Jean isn't looking for fans with his latest video, he's looking for awareness. The video features relief efforts in his native Haiti, where floods have killed hundreds.

In sports, a reported comeback for Rick Majeros. ESPN says the former Utah coach is coming out of retirement to take over the University of Southern California's basketball program.

To the Forecast Center and Chad.

(WEATHER FORECAST)

COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you this morning. Coming up on DAYBREAK, a new take on the classic striptease. Just don't forget the peanuts. The elephants make sense -- really.

And for all you history buffs out there. Here's your history question of the morning: What became law today, in 1791? We'll have the answer for you, when DAYBREAK continues.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: All right. Here's the answer to our history question of the morning. If you got this, I'm impressed. What became law in the year 1791? The Bill of Rights, the first 10 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Known collectively as the Bill of Rights. Became the law of the land on this day in 1791.

In "Health Headlines" for you this morning, we could soon see a vaccine to stop one of the most common childhood afflictions. Researchers are one step closer to a vaccine for asthma. And experimental drug is being tested at the University of California. The drug contains synthetic pieces of bacterial DNA.

A Cleveland, Ohio hospital wants Ronald McDonald to leave the premises. The Cleveland clinic wants the fast-food restaurant out of the main hospital facility. The hospital's CEO has been critical of the chain's menu. McDonald's says its food is a healthy as the food served by other hospital tenants, including Subway and Starbucks.

What your mom told you still holds true: Eat your vegetables. But a new study says vegetables and fruit have fewer amounts of some key nutrients than 50 years ago. The author of the study says we should all eat more fruits and veggies as a result.

For more on this or any other health story, head to our web site, the address, CNN.com/health.

Here's what's all new in the next hour of DAYBREAK: It is the season for holiday parties. We'll tell you how to be a healthy hostess with the mostest.

Plus, just 10 days until Christmas morning. What will your kids be happy to find under that tree? Stay tuned, we'll tell you the 10 most popular toys.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: We're talking desperate housewives this morning and women's feelings about their role in the home. And ad agency study found four main home mindsets. They did a survey.

There are house proud women, whose home is a source of personal pride. Think Martha Stewart. There are treading water women, whose home is just another burden in an overstuffed life. Think Rose Ann Barr. There is the keeping up with the Joneses-type women, whose home is a status symbol. Think of Annette Benning's character in "American Beauty". And then there are the keep it simple women, whose home is run by realistic practical standards. Think of Deborah Baroni (ph) on "Everybody Loves Raymond".

So, we're asking you this question. What type of wife are you? And we've got some interesting responses, believe it or not.

This one says, "I'm a domestic dragon." So, she's created her very own category. And I kind of like that one best.

Chad, what kind of wife is Sally?

MYERS: You know, she is, she's take care of business, kind of a wife. Everything's got to be done -- everything -- even though it may not be done perfectly or everything might not be clean, we've got to get all of the little things done. So, she's a -- I guess another new category, a tedious, kind of house proud. Not Martha Stewart, we're not making things. We make some curtains and stuff, pretty good.

I have one here from Joseph in California. "My wife fits none of the four categories. She's an angel, 26 years, a career woman, a nurse, cook, a housekeeper, a lover and my best friend. No one in America has it so good.

COSTELLO: I want to marry her.

This is from ...

MYERS: What?

COSTELLO: I want to marry her.

MYERS: Don't put that in my mind, Carol.

COSTELLO: Such a good wife. OK, sorry.

This is from Micheal. He says, "My wife is the best. She can fly fish, bird hunt, clean game, shoot sporting clays, keep the house in order, do the checkbook, cook for all of us, take care of our pets, works for a living and can set up a camp with a meal cooking in about an hour and a half. Now that's a woman."

MYERS: From Klamath Falls, Oregon, that one came from. I picked out the same one actually, that's very funny.

And from El Paso, "My wife is really in a sick place right now. She's three months pregnant with our first." And oh, I feel his pain. He has to do everything for her, because obviously that morning sickness is really getting on her.

COSTELLO: Aaahh!

MYERS: Good luck to you guys.

COSTELLO: Well, I hope she feels better.

MYERS: She will, eventually.

COSTELLO: Thanks for e-mailing us this morning. It was fun.

Some of the world's top designers recently took on an unusual new challenge. Fashion designing for subjects not used to wearing high fashion -- or any fashion for that matter. Our Jeanne Moos takes a look this latest in plus sizes. And we mean plus sizes.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): These aren't Christmas balls, they're earrings for an elephant, Chanel earrings. Anyone who has tried to dress up a dog will tip their hat to elephants dressed head to toe in Chanel, or Isaac Mizrahi or Ballenciaga (ph), some of the world's top designers.

(on camera): This is sort of like chain mail.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: These are chain -- mail -- oh, yeah.

MOOS (voice over): Plus size has never been this plus.

(On camera): And the elephants didn't mind?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, they had the best time.

MOOS (voice over): It was a shoot for a layout called Trunk Show in "W" magazine. Photographer and elephant lover Bruce Webber dreamed up the idea.

All the designers got was a set of measurements to work from.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Which was basically the circumference all around the elephant.

MOOS: Dixie here, ended up squeezing into a Dulce (ph) and Gibanna (ph) corset. Women all know how those pesky straps slide off. But the Chanel hat stayed on even if Rosie dropped her parasol. Their behinds may not have the same appeal as say J Lo's, but Ti, here, knows how to shake it.

(on camera): None of the clothes were eaten?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: None of the clothes were eaten.

MOOS (voice over): Actually, Ti tried but ended up spitting out her Ballenciaga (ph) chains, opting instead to swing them.

Not since Dumbo donned hat and collar, have elephants looked so fashionable. Even their feet shod in Monolo Blanics (ph).

"W" created director called the shoot a nice break from humans.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Because there's -- no one talked.

MOOS: Mark Jacobs even took the same dress a model wore for his spring collection and expanded it. For a sportier look there was Ralph Lauren.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This was the wet T-shirt shot.

MOOS: A T-shirt featuring the couture clad elephants is for sale at elephantfamily.org. to raise money for elephant conservation, but one thing what wasn't conserved was this pink corset.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And when she took it off, it was a sort of strip tease.

MOOS: More strip, less tease -- Jeanne Moos, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE) COSTELLO: Oh, the next hour of DAYBREAK begins right after this break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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 December 15, 2004 - 05:30   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning to you. Welcome to the second half hour of DAYBREAK. From the CNN Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Carol Costello.
"Now In The News": Breaking news to tell you about. A hostage standoff is unfolding this minute, outside of Athens, Greece. But there are fewer hostages. This is a live shot you are looking at, right now.

Gunman seized this bus about six hours ago, but within the hour they freed some hostages. You see a woman walking off the bus right now. They've released at least, oh, five to six hostages. We're going to take you live to Greece, shortly, on DAYBREAK, to update you once again.

In Ukraine the political storm could be brewing again. Opposition presidential contender Victor Yushchenko has returned from Vienna where doctors confirmed he had been poisoned.

Some serious shaking in the Caribbean, a magnitude 6.7 earthquake jolted the Cayman Islands. It hit about 20 miles south of the capital, which is Georgetown. Buildings swayed but no reports of major damage or injuries so far.

At the White House President Bush is hosting his Italian counterpart later this morning. He's meeting with Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. The Italian leader earlier met with British Prime Minister Tony Blair.

To the Forecast Center and Chad.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: How about that earthquake there, in Grand Caymen, Carol?

COSTELLO: Wacky.

MYERS: I mean, they got whacked by the hurricane, a Category 5 went right over Grand Caymen, just to the south of Caymen, Brack (ph) and Little Brack (ph).

Wow, just another big storm.

COSTELLO: I didn't even know that they had earthquakes there.

MYERS: Well, you know what, they're right on that trench. If you ever go diving in Grand Caymen, you want to dive The Wall. That wall is a subduction (ph) zone. That's why you don't hear about them very often. But when they come, they come big, 6.7 there. Obviously, and many other aftershocks all night long for those folks there. Not getting a lot of sleep.

(WEATHER FORECAST)

COSTELLO: We begin this half hour in our "War Room" and a man known as "Chemical Ali", apparently, apparently, he will get his day in an Iraqi court, and very soon. Our Senior International Editor David Clinch joins us live with details.

Will this really happen?

DAVID CLINCH, CNN SR. INTERNATIONAL EDITOR: Well, that is an excellent question, Carol. What we heard today, from the Iraqi defense minister, is that "Chemical Ali", the man who was responsible or thought to be responsible for the chemical attacks against those people in the Kurdish region, Allaja (ph).

We've all seen those pictures of the people lying dead in that village, years ago. He is the man thought to be responsible for that.

The defense minister saying today that he will face trial within the next week or month, or that his trial will begin. Now, this follows yesterday, the prime minister telling us that these trials were going to begin. When? The prime minister said that yesterday and even today with the defense minister, a lot of people, a lot of experts telling us, what they're saying is one thing.

The fact is that a lot of people think it is going to take a lot longer than that to really get these cases ready, to prepare all the evidence that you need, under international law, at least, to put these people away.

So, he may very well go to court, but it is not at all clear yet whether the cases are ready for court, and if so, when they will be.

COSTELLO: And another question, David, do they have defense attorneys? I understand that was a big problem. Nobody wanted to defend these people.

CLINCH: That is still a question. We do not know whether they will have defense attorneys and if so, whether those defense attorneys might well even turn up in court. We've faced, of course, a security issue for any Iraqi that wants to defend people like this.

The other thing to remember, though, Carol, and this is something we're looking at today, is everything happens within a context. The elections are about to happen in Iraq. Campaigning is starting. Allawi and the defense minister, both are one side of the equation, there. They are both representing the Sunni side of the equation, facing a United Shiite Party, who have all named their candidates for those elections.

Allawi wants to appear tough before those elections. He's making a lot of noises about Iran, which of course is on the Shiite side, being a threat to Iraq. And now he's making a lot of statements about wanting to put Saddam Hussein and his aides on trial. There is, we're told by people in the region, possibility that this is all about him looking tough before the elections.

On the other hand...

COSTELLO: But you know what, David? You know what, David? He has tried to look tough before and he says things that haven't come true before, hasn't he?

CLINCH: That is true.

Now, on the other hand, it may very well be the case that they want to put these people to trial. And it may happen. They're in charge now. The Iraqis are in charge and making a lot of these decisions. So a very interesting story.

COSTELLO: David Clinch, live in Atlanta. Thank you.

The streets of the Ukrainian capital, Kiev, are tinted with orange. That is the color of the opposition movement, lead by Victor Yushchenko. He's back in the country now with news of his poisoning fresh on his supporters minds. Moscow Bureau Chief Jill Dougherty has more on their story from the streets of Kiev.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JILL DOUGHERTY, CNN MOSCOW BUREAU CHIEF (voice over): Lunch time for supporters of opposition candidate Victor Yushchenko. They've been camping out on the capitol's main street since the protest against fraudulent elections began more than three weeks ago.

Nadia, a construction worker, is grim when I ask her about the news that Victor Yushchenko was poisoned with Dioxin.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE (through translator): It's not up to me to decide. There are smart people looking into it.

DOUGHERTY (on camera): Here in the tent city, news of Yushchenko's poisoning doesn't seem to surprise anyone. That's what they thought happened all along. If anything, it just seems to reinforce their belief that the entire system in Ukraine needs changing.

(Voice over): Inside a tent, where protesters sleep in four to six hour shifts, people say they're angry that someone would try to murder the man they voted for. But Andre (ph), an unemployed forestry ranger tells me with Ukraine's history of unsolved political violence no one will ever find out who did it.

DOUGHERTY (on camera): But who would do that?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Who would do that? That is a quite difficult question. I think this never -- nobody can find out.

DOUGHERTY: Ever? UNIDENTIFIED MALE: In this country, no.

DOUGHERTY (voice over): Down the street, passerby laugh at political cartoons. But talk about the poisoning and faces turn serious.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): As part of the Yushchenko PR campaign they first hushed up. And later they said it did happen. That was probably smart, because if they first publicized it then their opponents would say, he's a sick man and you shouldn't trust him.

DOUGHERTY: By now, minds are firmly made up. Sasha says the news won't stop him from voting for Yushchenko.

"I don't think so", he says, "the most important thing is he's psychologically healthy. The physical part, that can be cured."

The tent city is here to stay at least until the repeat election December 26. There is even an orange Christmas tree; color of the "Orange Revolution". But many people here say they'll be voting not only for Victor Yushchenko to change the system.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

DOUGHERTY (via telephone): And, Carol, we're down, still right next to that tent city, in fact, we were just going through it. Victor Yushchenko back on the streets, actually his first mini- campaign event.

He went down into that tent city and shook hands, signed some autographs, et cetera. Today, his biggest event will be a meeting with the regional leaders of his campaign. He's back. He's ready to join the campaign trail with just about 11 days to go before that election, Carol.

COSTELLO: Jill, I don't know how close you are able to get to him. But could you see what he looked like?

DOUGHERTY: He's exactly the way we saw him the other day, you know, physically he looks strong and he's walking normally, nothing like that. But of course his face, is very discolored and pockmarked. In fact, he does wear some makeup, in fact, to cover that up. Because it is really darkened from the Dioxin poisoning and that is the one thing that the doctors say could last for a long time.

COSTELLO: Jill Dougherty reporting live from Kiev this morning. Thank you.

Still to come on DAYBREAK, an instant inferno. Oh, and it's caught on tape. Look at that! A stop at the gas pump turns into a brush with death. We'll show you more ahead.

And a disease that leaves people gasping for breath. News of a vaccine that may prevent asthma in children.

And our e-mail question of the day: What kind of "wife" lives in your house?

(LAUGHTER)

Oh, we're trying to have some fun on this Wednesday morning. Daybreak@cnn.com, that's Daybreak@cnn.com. But first here's a look at what else is making news this Wednesday morning.

(GRAPHIC WITH HEADLINES)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports it is 5:44 Eastern. Here's what is all new this morning.

New pictures into CNN this morning. Gunmen seize this bus. They seized it more than six hours ago, near Athens, Greece. You're looking at the other side in a live picture. Thos are police vehicles surrounding the bus. Hostage takers on board; they are holding about 20 people hostage. They've now released about five. We'll give you an update shortly.

In Iraq, taking to the air to help troops on the ground, the U.S. Air Force is stepping up airlifts of supplies that will let the army cut back on ground convoys on dangerous roads.

In money news, did you return those movies yet? Well, get this. Video giant Blockbuster says its abolishing late fees as of January 1. But don't get too giddy. If you keep a game or a movie too long, Blockbuster could make you buy it.

In culture, Wyclef Jean isn't looking for fans with his latest video, he's looking for awareness. The video features relief efforts in his native Haiti, where floods have killed hundreds.

In sports, a reported comeback for Rick Majeros. ESPN says the former Utah coach is coming out of retirement to take over the University of Southern California's basketball program.

To the Forecast Center and Chad.

(WEATHER FORECAST)

COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you this morning. Coming up on DAYBREAK, a new take on the classic striptease. Just don't forget the peanuts. The elephants make sense -- really.

And for all you history buffs out there. Here's your history question of the morning: What became law today, in 1791? We'll have the answer for you, when DAYBREAK continues.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: All right. Here's the answer to our history question of the morning. If you got this, I'm impressed. What became law in the year 1791? The Bill of Rights, the first 10 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution. Known collectively as the Bill of Rights. Became the law of the land on this day in 1791.

In "Health Headlines" for you this morning, we could soon see a vaccine to stop one of the most common childhood afflictions. Researchers are one step closer to a vaccine for asthma. And experimental drug is being tested at the University of California. The drug contains synthetic pieces of bacterial DNA.

A Cleveland, Ohio hospital wants Ronald McDonald to leave the premises. The Cleveland clinic wants the fast-food restaurant out of the main hospital facility. The hospital's CEO has been critical of the chain's menu. McDonald's says its food is a healthy as the food served by other hospital tenants, including Subway and Starbucks.

What your mom told you still holds true: Eat your vegetables. But a new study says vegetables and fruit have fewer amounts of some key nutrients than 50 years ago. The author of the study says we should all eat more fruits and veggies as a result.

For more on this or any other health story, head to our web site, the address, CNN.com/health.

Here's what's all new in the next hour of DAYBREAK: It is the season for holiday parties. We'll tell you how to be a healthy hostess with the mostest.

Plus, just 10 days until Christmas morning. What will your kids be happy to find under that tree? Stay tuned, we'll tell you the 10 most popular toys.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: We're talking desperate housewives this morning and women's feelings about their role in the home. And ad agency study found four main home mindsets. They did a survey.

There are house proud women, whose home is a source of personal pride. Think Martha Stewart. There are treading water women, whose home is just another burden in an overstuffed life. Think Rose Ann Barr. There is the keeping up with the Joneses-type women, whose home is a status symbol. Think of Annette Benning's character in "American Beauty". And then there are the keep it simple women, whose home is run by realistic practical standards. Think of Deborah Baroni (ph) on "Everybody Loves Raymond".

So, we're asking you this question. What type of wife are you? And we've got some interesting responses, believe it or not.

This one says, "I'm a domestic dragon." So, she's created her very own category. And I kind of like that one best.

Chad, what kind of wife is Sally?

MYERS: You know, she is, she's take care of business, kind of a wife. Everything's got to be done -- everything -- even though it may not be done perfectly or everything might not be clean, we've got to get all of the little things done. So, she's a -- I guess another new category, a tedious, kind of house proud. Not Martha Stewart, we're not making things. We make some curtains and stuff, pretty good.

I have one here from Joseph in California. "My wife fits none of the four categories. She's an angel, 26 years, a career woman, a nurse, cook, a housekeeper, a lover and my best friend. No one in America has it so good.

COSTELLO: I want to marry her.

This is from ...

MYERS: What?

COSTELLO: I want to marry her.

MYERS: Don't put that in my mind, Carol.

COSTELLO: Such a good wife. OK, sorry.

This is from Micheal. He says, "My wife is the best. She can fly fish, bird hunt, clean game, shoot sporting clays, keep the house in order, do the checkbook, cook for all of us, take care of our pets, works for a living and can set up a camp with a meal cooking in about an hour and a half. Now that's a woman."

MYERS: From Klamath Falls, Oregon, that one came from. I picked out the same one actually, that's very funny.

And from El Paso, "My wife is really in a sick place right now. She's three months pregnant with our first." And oh, I feel his pain. He has to do everything for her, because obviously that morning sickness is really getting on her.

COSTELLO: Aaahh!

MYERS: Good luck to you guys.

COSTELLO: Well, I hope she feels better.

MYERS: She will, eventually.

COSTELLO: Thanks for e-mailing us this morning. It was fun.

Some of the world's top designers recently took on an unusual new challenge. Fashion designing for subjects not used to wearing high fashion -- or any fashion for that matter. Our Jeanne Moos takes a look this latest in plus sizes. And we mean plus sizes.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): These aren't Christmas balls, they're earrings for an elephant, Chanel earrings. Anyone who has tried to dress up a dog will tip their hat to elephants dressed head to toe in Chanel, or Isaac Mizrahi or Ballenciaga (ph), some of the world's top designers.

(on camera): This is sort of like chain mail.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: These are chain -- mail -- oh, yeah.

MOOS (voice over): Plus size has never been this plus.

(On camera): And the elephants didn't mind?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No, they had the best time.

MOOS (voice over): It was a shoot for a layout called Trunk Show in "W" magazine. Photographer and elephant lover Bruce Webber dreamed up the idea.

All the designers got was a set of measurements to work from.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Which was basically the circumference all around the elephant.

MOOS: Dixie here, ended up squeezing into a Dulce (ph) and Gibanna (ph) corset. Women all know how those pesky straps slide off. But the Chanel hat stayed on even if Rosie dropped her parasol. Their behinds may not have the same appeal as say J Lo's, but Ti, here, knows how to shake it.

(on camera): None of the clothes were eaten?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: None of the clothes were eaten.

MOOS (voice over): Actually, Ti tried but ended up spitting out her Ballenciaga (ph) chains, opting instead to swing them.

Not since Dumbo donned hat and collar, have elephants looked so fashionable. Even their feet shod in Monolo Blanics (ph).

"W" created director called the shoot a nice break from humans.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Because there's -- no one talked.

MOOS: Mark Jacobs even took the same dress a model wore for his spring collection and expanded it. For a sportier look there was Ralph Lauren.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This was the wet T-shirt shot.

MOOS: A T-shirt featuring the couture clad elephants is for sale at elephantfamily.org. to raise money for elephant conservation, but one thing what wasn't conserved was this pink corset.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: And when she took it off, it was a sort of strip tease.

MOOS: More strip, less tease -- Jeanne Moos, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE) COSTELLO: Oh, the next hour of DAYBREAK begins right after this break.

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