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CNN Live At Daybreak
British Prime Minister on a Surprise Visit to Iraq's Capital City; Authorities Fear Another Leading Painkiller Could Kill You
Aired December 21, 2004 - 05:00 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: Straight ahead on DAYBREAK, authorities fear another leading painkiller could kill you.
Plus, a new push for peace. But will it move forward? We'll take you live to the Middle East.
And being a gadget geek doesn't mean you can't have style.
It is Tuesday, December 21.
This is DAYBREAK.
And good morning to you.
From the Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers.
We have a developing story out of Baghdad to tell you about right now.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair is on a surprise visit to Iraq's capital city. We just got word of this, oh gosh, just less than a half hour ago.
Let's go live to Baghdad now and Karl Penhaul -- hello, Karl.
KARL PENHAUL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi there, Carol.
At this stage, very little we can tell you about that meeting except that, yes, it has occurred, that British Prime Minister Tony Blair has been here in Iraq and he has met with Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi.
We know very few details about what they talked about or even how long the meeting was. We also don't know whether Prime Minister Blair will now go on and meet troops in Basra, where the main British troop contingent is based.
Tony Blair, though, was here in Iraq on January the 4th, about a year ago now. On that occasion, he didn't come to Baghdad. He stayed strictly in Basra, where he met British troops. Of course, we know that Prime Minister Blair is on a Middle East tour right now. It has come as somewhat of a surprise, though, that he has come to Iraq. This wasn't expected. It is an unannounced visit. And we would guess, as well, the fact that the visit is now being announced and that we should soon expect some wire pictures from that meeting, that that may mean that Mr. Blair has, in fact, now left the country -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Karl Penhaul reporting live from Baghdad.
We'll get back to you when you find out more.
And we understand there might be a news conference that Tony Blair will hold in Iraq at 5:15 Eastern time. If that happens, of course, we'll take you back to Baghdad live.
Also in the news this morning, in Maryland, authorities arrest two more men in a major arson case. Six suspects in all now face charges. A newly built subdivision near Washington was torched this month. At least 10 homes were destroyed.
Still no sign of a 9-year-old northern Pennsylvania boy who is said to have mental disorders. He went missing on Saturday in the bitter cold. Searchers have been looking in storm drains and in sheds. Authorities fear the boy is not wearing a coat.
A big chunk of the eastern U.S. is in a deep freeze. An Arctic blast has sent temperatures plunging to record lows in some spots. Even people in Florida are shivering.
Oh, no -- Chad.
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes, even people in Georgia are shivering. It's like 15 degrees out here this morning.
COSTELLO: You're kidding?
MYERS: Yes. No, temperatures are cold all the way down South.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Do you take Aleve? Another popular painkiller is causing concern among health officials. This time, that drug is available over the counter. The concern is over Naproxen. Naproxen is sold under the brand name Aleve. But don't expect Aleve to be pulled off the shelves any time soon.
CNN medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen explains why.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration had a press conference with reporters where they said that an NIH study found that people who were taking Aleve, where the active ingredient there is naproxen, people who were taking Aleve had a 50 percent increased chance of having a heart attack or a stroke. Now, this was in a study they were doing. They were taking a look at naproxen and they were comparing it with Celebrex and they were also comparing it with placebo.
Now, the government isn't going to take Aleve off the shelves. It isn't at this point even going to say that there has to be a warning on the label. All they're telling people is that they shouldn't take it for more than 10 days, which is what the label says, and they should talk to their doctor if they need help beyond 10 days.
Now, I mentioned that Celebrex was also in this study. It gets a little confusing. This study actually found that Celebrex was fine, that the people taking Celebrex did not have an increased chance of having a heart attack or a stroke. The FDA says they are continuing to review the data.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
COSTELLO: As Elizabeth mentioned, Celebrex is under increased scrutiny, as well. The FDA announced last week that studies showed a 240 percent increase in heart attack risk for Celebrex users. But you see the waters are muddy, as you heard Elizabeth explain. But that news followed the news that Vioxx increased the same risk by 100 percent. The makers of Vioxx pulled their product off the shelves in September.
And finally, there is Bextra. Bextra is another of the popular Cox-2 inhibitors causing concern. That drug showed increased risk of heart attack in cardiac surgery patients.
That makes four, count them, four FDA approved painkillers that can now be considered dangerous. So we want to ask you this morning, what the heck is going on? Do you trust the FDA? What is it doing? Send your answers to us. Daybreak@cnn.com. That's daybreak@cnn.com. And, of course, we'll be eager to read some of your responses later on in our program.
Several government agencies say it did not happen. They're talking about a claim by the FBI commander in Baghdad that President Bush was behind questionable interrogation techniques for Iraqi prisoners. (AUDIO GAP) an e-mail from the FBI official states the president signed an executive order allowing sleep deprivation, hoods and other tactics. The FBI in Washington and officials with the Justice Department and the Pentagon say no such order existed.
And President Bush is standing by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld in the face of growing criticism. Rumsfeld has come under fire recently from Democrats and Republicans who criticize his handling of the war in Iraq. Many members of Congress have also criticized Rumsfeld for being insensitive to soldiers in Iraq and their families.
But his boss disagrees.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I have seen the anguish in his -- or heard the anguish in his voice and seen his eyes when we talk about the danger in Iraq and the fact that youngsters are over there in harm's way. And he is -- he's a good, decent man. He's a caring fellow.
(END VIDEO CLIP) COSTELLO: The latest round of criticism against Rumsfeld came last week after he admitted he didn't personally sign condolence letters sent to the families of troops killed in Iraq. Instead, he used a machine to sign them.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARIA BUECHE, MOTHER OF SOLDIER: When you're the secretary of defense, when you are responsible for these soldiers, the least you can do is find out a little bit about them, you know, where they lived, how old they were and send the family just a little -- it doesn't have to be a long, three page letter, but a couple of lines saying, you know, we're sorry for your loss or god bless you or something to that effect, in your own handwriting, would be very nice.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Public support for Rumsfeld is crumbling. Fifty-two percent of those surveyed in a CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll think the defense secretary should resign.
And Gallup poll Editor-In-Chief Frank Newport will join us live in the next hour with more poll results on Rumsfeld and how you feel about the war in Iraq.
Funeral services will be held today for the Missouri woman whose baby was cut from her womb after she was strangled. Twenty-three- year-old Bobby Jo Stinnett was killed in her home in Skidmore, Missouri last Thursday. Lisa Montgomery of Melvern, Kansas has now been charged with kidnapping resulting in death.
Montgomery's husband made some emotional comments outside the Kansas City, Kansas courthouse.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KEVIN MONTGOMERY, SUSPECT'S HUSBAND: Zeb and Victoria Jo have got a rough road to go. Just, I know you've all got a job, but please respect some of our privacy. It's tough for all of us right now. I know you've all got a job, but it is mighty tough for all of us. I might talk to some more people later, but right now that's all I can do, you know? My heart ain't broke just for me and Lisa and her kids. It's them, too. That was a precious baby. I know.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Authorities say Montgomery, seen here, contacted Stinnett in an Internet chat room and expressed interest in buying one of Stinnett's dogs that she sold over the Internet.
Coming up later this hour, we'll go live to Kansas City, Missouri for more on what lies ahead for both families.
In other news across America this morning, at least one person suffered serious injuries when a car backed into a Seattle department store. The 67-year-old driver said his accelerator stuck, sending the car hurtling backward.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Something must have happened to his accelerator or something happened with the car. That's something we'll take a look at. But at this point, he just went in backwards at a very high rate of speed and didn't manage to stop until he was about 116 feet into the store.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Wow! Six other shoppers were taken to the hospital. But the driver and his wife were not hurt in the least.
There may be baseball in the nation's capital after all. Major league baseball and city leaders reached a compromise agreement that lessens the financial burden on Washington, D.C. taxpayers. The new deal calls for $100 million in private financing for that new stadium. The city council votes on the compromise today.
The Robert Blake trial began with prosecutors telling the jury that Blake was obsessed with killing his wife. Opening statements wind up today before the prosecution begins its case. Blake is accused of killing his wife, Bonny Lee Bakley, more than three and a half years ago. We'll have more on the Blake case coming up in our next hour, when Court TV correspondent Amanda Grove will join us here in our studios.
Pope John Paul II is a little upset. He's cautioning the faithful to be just that, faithful. At 15 minutes past, we'll take you live to Rome, where the pope says people should pay more attention to the spiritual meaning of Christmas.
At 33 minutes after the hour, Clinton, Reagan, Nixon, Eisenhower -- they all had a second honeymoon. But not this president. Our poll meister, Bill Schneider, has that.
But before that, at 23 minutes past, from geek to chic. We'll introduce you to a brand new trend.
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Tuesday, December 21.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: And we just want to remind you once again that Britain's prime minister made a surprise visit to Iraq. You're looking at a podium set up in Baghdad. Apparently Tony Blair is to hold a news conference with the interim prime minister, Ayad Allawi. That will happen, we believe, in about two minutes. When it does happen, of course, we'll take you back live to Baghdad.
Now let's talk about the pope and something else. There is always a lot of talk around this time of year about how materialistic we've become. But this year it seems to be louder. Pope John Paul II spoke out about Jesus has become an afterthought. Not only that, but he's not politically correct.
So let's head live to Rome and our bureau chief there, Alessio Vinci -- good morning, Alessio.
ALESSIO VINCI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
Well, you know, there's a lot of talk here at the Vatican, but not just with the Vatican officials, as well as many priests that I happen to talk to these days. They're pointing out that Christmas should not just be the celebration of the birth of Jesus, but also an opportunity to observe religious traditions such as spending time together with the family, as praying, helping the less fortunate. And, indeed, Pope John Paul II this past Sunday, addressing thousands of pilgrims, pointed out that people should pay more attention to the spiritual meaning of Christmas. And in doing so, he used the Christmas tree as a symbol, if you want, of life that is always green if people kept giving. But not just material things, but also giving themselves and helping others in extending forgiveness, for example.
So it is a pope that this year really wanted to draw the attention that Christmas should be a way for people to be together and not just go out there, spend money and buy Christmas presents -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Alessio, it's hard to believe the pope would say that in a country that's largely Italian and largely Catholic.
VINCI: Well, I mean Pope John Paul II, when he speaks out of the Vatican, he does not address only Italians, he addresses millions of pilgrims all around the world. So that when the pope speaks, he doesn't talk only to Italians. But, again, it is, for him, an opportunity to draw attention to the fact that this year appears to be a year, perhaps, that is more materialistic than others. Indeed, one priest even in northern Italy put up a sign at the entrance of his parish saying "open Sundays." In this country, the shops are usually closed on Sunday. But this Christmas period shops are open on Sunday, of course, to help people with their Christmas shopping. And some of the priests here feel that the people are spending more time going out there shopping rather than attending masses.
And so this priest, perhaps as a provocation more than anything else. But really he wanted to draw the attention that the parishes remain open and the pilgrims and the faithful should actually attend masses, as well.
COSTELLO: Something else that interested me, Nativity scenes.
It's no longer politically correct to display them in Italy, either, is it?
VINCI: Well, basically, right. It is a big tradition in this country during the Christmas period to put together Nativity scenes. But this time the baby Jesus is having really a rough time. There are some schools, for example, that are suggesting replacing the traditional Nativity scenes with, for example, more or less religious plays, such as "Little Red Riding Hood," or, for example, some of the Christmas carols. Some schools are suggesting that perhaps the word Jesus should be replaced with the word virtue. All this not to offend non-Catholics, who are largely Muslim students, who are a growing number in the schools in this country.
We also see Nativity scenes with political figures. This year, for example, a hot selling item, especially in Naples, where most of the figurines have been produced for centuries now, we have seen figurines such as Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi wearing a bandana, for example, as he did this past summer welcoming the British prime minister, Tony Blair. Or even Yasser Arafat, the late Palestinian leader, who died just recently.
So all these figures are, you know, showing up in Nativity scenes. Those who are actually producing them point out that they should be kept away, as far away as possible, from the Nativity scenes, because obviously mixing politics with religion is sacrilege -- Carol.
COSTELLO: It all sounds so familiar.
Alessio Vinci live from Rome.
We're going to talk much more about this in our 6:00 hour of DAYBREAK, because, you know, Christian groups here are fighting back. They're filing lawsuits in order to get those Nativity scenes back in school plays, for example, and back on the lawns of municipal buildings. We're going to talk to a woman who's written a book about religion about that very topic.
Your news, money, weather and sports.
It's 5:18 Eastern.
Here's what's all new this morning.
Two more suspects have been arrested in connection with a series of arson fires in a Maryland housing development. A total of six people are now accused in the fires, which caused $10 million in damage.
The FAA may add up to 12,000 new air traffic controllers over the next 10 years. The "Wall Street Journal" reporting that half the new controllers will replace ones who retire.
In money news, shoppers may be waiting until after Christmas to go out and spend, and they're smart. A new study says consumer complaints over store decorations and the lack of must have toys has contributed to lower interest in Christmas shopping.
In culture, J.K. Rawlings has finished her sixth Harry Potter book. Potter fans have been waiting three years for this one, which is titled "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince." A release date will be announced later today.
In sports, a stunning upset for the Miami Dolphins. The Fins scored two late touchdowns to beat the New England Patriots 29-28. It's just the third win of the season for the Dolphins. The second loss for the Pats. Unbelievable -- Chad.
MYERS: Maybe the Patriots thought this was a buy week. I don't know. They just, they didn't show up. Actually, I don't think they wanted to get some of their star players hurt, which obviously has something to do with it. They were kind of exchanging players quite randomly there at the end of the game.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you.
We're still awaiting that news conference between Tony Blair and the interim prime minister of Iraq to begin. When it does, we'll take you there.
We're going to take a short break.
We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Chad, it's time to kick back now.
Are you ready?
MYERS: I am. You know what? And I'm liking that set more and more. I'm going to lobby to see if you can keep that one.
COSTELLO: Well, we have to ask Lou Dobbs. I'm going to write little messages on the tabletop to him. This is Lou Dobbs', for those of you who don't...
MYERS: I'll send him some stock tips. Maybe that'll help.
COSTELLO: I'm sure he'd appreciate that.
MYERS: Yes, mine, right.
COSTELLO: It's time for a little more laughs this morning. We're going to dip into David Letterman, dip into Jay Leno.
MYERS: Oh, good.
COSTELLO: So let's go.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN, COURTESY CBS/WORLDWIDE PANTS)
DAVID LETTERMAN, HOST: It's so cold in Times Square, the hookers are giving out flannel condoms. And it's so cold that Bernard Kerik was glad to be in hot water.
President Bush outlined his second term agenda. Here's what it is. Fridays off and ladies drink free. That's the second term agenda. This one's great. I received a Christmas card from Donald Rumsfeld. It would have been nice if he actually signed it. But, you know, the rubber stamp was a nice touch, I thought. You know, the Republican senators now, they've turned against Rumsfeld. They want Rumsfeld to resign. And so here's what Rumsfeld did. He found out who was behind this movement and he's stripping these senators naked and running them around on a leash. Get out of here!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: He gave you some new weather ideas. It's so cold that people have to wear flannel condoms.
MYERS: Yes. Most of those I can't say on the air, though. Nor would I try.
COSTELLO: Oh, come on, Chad.
MYERS: No.
COSTELLO: Be a little brave. Show some courage.
MYERS: No, I don't want to be fined. I like my money. The FCC has enough of it.
COSTELLO: I think you're more worried about the bosses at CNN.
MYERS: Right.
COSTELLO: But we understand about that.
Hey, do you know what a technosexual is?
MYERS: I have no idea. I heard about this story. No, no clue.
COSTELLO: You're fascinated, though, aren't you?
MYERS: It sounds kinky.
COSTELLO: Actually, it describes you, a gadget geek with style.
MYERS: Really?
COSTELLO: That's what they are.
CNN's Maggie Lake explains it fully.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MAGGIE LAKE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Shopping for men used to be easy -- a nice tie, a good bottle of Scotch, an electric razor, (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Now, before you can cross those male names off your gift list, you need to know, is he a rugged outdoorsman, a metrosexual or does he fit into the newest category, a technosexual?
RICKY MONTALVO, TECHNOSEXUAL.ORG: Technosexual basically means that you are into the latest and greatest of technology that's out there. But you also have bookworm smarts. You dress really well and you kind of have this aesthetic appeal to all things.
LAKE: Being a gadget geek is one thing, but a technosexual?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No. No.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Technosexual?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No, never.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't know if I could consider myself a technosexual though. That would be a tough word for me to use.
LAKE: OK, it may not be widely known yet, but trend watcher Ricky Montalvo, who came up with the term, says technosexuals have actually been around for a long time.
MONTALVO: I guess James Brown would probably have been the original technosexual, if we were to have the label for him back then. But absolutely, it's about all the little things that make your day to day life easier.
LAKE: Whether or not you want your men to be technosexuals, tech items are topping the list of the most sought after gifts. Seventy- six percent of U.S. shoppers will purchase at least one consumer electronics product as a gift this season. And retailers are responding. It is just part of a greater effort to reach out to men.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think men will continue to have a greater interest in shopping, I think, because men have a greater interest in buying their own clothes. Men have a greater interest in taking a role in the way they spend their own income.
LAKE: For many, that interest will turn toward gadgets, as geek is now becoming chic.
Maggie Lake, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
MYERS: It was kind of hard to hear her. That music was so loud.
COSTELLO: I know.
MYERS: Anyway, you know I...
COSTELLO: But you...
MYERS: I'll go back to just taking a bottle of Scotch. That's fine. I don't need more gadgets. I've got enough gadgets.
COSTELLO: Well, come on. You don't have enough gadgets. I bet Sally's bought you plenty of gadgets for Christmas and you'll be happy to receive every one.
MYERS: Carol, I don't know, but my guess is that she probably got me an XM radio. So there you go.
COSTELLO: What's wrong with that?
MYERS: There's more gadgets.
COSTELLO: You know, you can hear DAYBREAK on XM radio.
MYERS: I know you can. People are listening right now.
Good morning, XM.
COSTELLO: Good morning.
Thanks, Chad.
Here's what's all new in the next half hour of DAYBREAK.
If Aleve is your pain reliever of choice, oh, we have a warning you should hear this morning. It joins the growing list of painkillers that could kill.
And that brings us to our E-Mail Question of the Morning. What's going on? Do you trust the FDA? Send us your comments. Daybreak@cnn.com. That's daybreak@cnn.com.
And you are watching DAYBREAK for a Tuesday.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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Aired December 21, 2004 - 05:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Straight ahead on DAYBREAK, authorities fear another leading painkiller could kill you.
Plus, a new push for peace. But will it move forward? We'll take you live to the Middle East.
And being a gadget geek doesn't mean you can't have style.
It is Tuesday, December 21.
This is DAYBREAK.
And good morning to you.
From the Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers.
We have a developing story out of Baghdad to tell you about right now.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair is on a surprise visit to Iraq's capital city. We just got word of this, oh gosh, just less than a half hour ago.
Let's go live to Baghdad now and Karl Penhaul -- hello, Karl.
KARL PENHAUL, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi there, Carol.
At this stage, very little we can tell you about that meeting except that, yes, it has occurred, that British Prime Minister Tony Blair has been here in Iraq and he has met with Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi.
We know very few details about what they talked about or even how long the meeting was. We also don't know whether Prime Minister Blair will now go on and meet troops in Basra, where the main British troop contingent is based.
Tony Blair, though, was here in Iraq on January the 4th, about a year ago now. On that occasion, he didn't come to Baghdad. He stayed strictly in Basra, where he met British troops. Of course, we know that Prime Minister Blair is on a Middle East tour right now. It has come as somewhat of a surprise, though, that he has come to Iraq. This wasn't expected. It is an unannounced visit. And we would guess, as well, the fact that the visit is now being announced and that we should soon expect some wire pictures from that meeting, that that may mean that Mr. Blair has, in fact, now left the country -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Karl Penhaul reporting live from Baghdad.
We'll get back to you when you find out more.
And we understand there might be a news conference that Tony Blair will hold in Iraq at 5:15 Eastern time. If that happens, of course, we'll take you back to Baghdad live.
Also in the news this morning, in Maryland, authorities arrest two more men in a major arson case. Six suspects in all now face charges. A newly built subdivision near Washington was torched this month. At least 10 homes were destroyed.
Still no sign of a 9-year-old northern Pennsylvania boy who is said to have mental disorders. He went missing on Saturday in the bitter cold. Searchers have been looking in storm drains and in sheds. Authorities fear the boy is not wearing a coat.
A big chunk of the eastern U.S. is in a deep freeze. An Arctic blast has sent temperatures plunging to record lows in some spots. Even people in Florida are shivering.
Oh, no -- Chad.
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes, even people in Georgia are shivering. It's like 15 degrees out here this morning.
COSTELLO: You're kidding?
MYERS: Yes. No, temperatures are cold all the way down South.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Do you take Aleve? Another popular painkiller is causing concern among health officials. This time, that drug is available over the counter. The concern is over Naproxen. Naproxen is sold under the brand name Aleve. But don't expect Aleve to be pulled off the shelves any time soon.
CNN medical correspondent Elizabeth Cohen explains why.
(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)
ELIZABETH COHEN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The National Institutes of Health and the Food and Drug Administration had a press conference with reporters where they said that an NIH study found that people who were taking Aleve, where the active ingredient there is naproxen, people who were taking Aleve had a 50 percent increased chance of having a heart attack or a stroke. Now, this was in a study they were doing. They were taking a look at naproxen and they were comparing it with Celebrex and they were also comparing it with placebo.
Now, the government isn't going to take Aleve off the shelves. It isn't at this point even going to say that there has to be a warning on the label. All they're telling people is that they shouldn't take it for more than 10 days, which is what the label says, and they should talk to their doctor if they need help beyond 10 days.
Now, I mentioned that Celebrex was also in this study. It gets a little confusing. This study actually found that Celebrex was fine, that the people taking Celebrex did not have an increased chance of having a heart attack or a stroke. The FDA says they are continuing to review the data.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
COSTELLO: As Elizabeth mentioned, Celebrex is under increased scrutiny, as well. The FDA announced last week that studies showed a 240 percent increase in heart attack risk for Celebrex users. But you see the waters are muddy, as you heard Elizabeth explain. But that news followed the news that Vioxx increased the same risk by 100 percent. The makers of Vioxx pulled their product off the shelves in September.
And finally, there is Bextra. Bextra is another of the popular Cox-2 inhibitors causing concern. That drug showed increased risk of heart attack in cardiac surgery patients.
That makes four, count them, four FDA approved painkillers that can now be considered dangerous. So we want to ask you this morning, what the heck is going on? Do you trust the FDA? What is it doing? Send your answers to us. Daybreak@cnn.com. That's daybreak@cnn.com. And, of course, we'll be eager to read some of your responses later on in our program.
Several government agencies say it did not happen. They're talking about a claim by the FBI commander in Baghdad that President Bush was behind questionable interrogation techniques for Iraqi prisoners. (AUDIO GAP) an e-mail from the FBI official states the president signed an executive order allowing sleep deprivation, hoods and other tactics. The FBI in Washington and officials with the Justice Department and the Pentagon say no such order existed.
And President Bush is standing by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld in the face of growing criticism. Rumsfeld has come under fire recently from Democrats and Republicans who criticize his handling of the war in Iraq. Many members of Congress have also criticized Rumsfeld for being insensitive to soldiers in Iraq and their families.
But his boss disagrees.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I have seen the anguish in his -- or heard the anguish in his voice and seen his eyes when we talk about the danger in Iraq and the fact that youngsters are over there in harm's way. And he is -- he's a good, decent man. He's a caring fellow.
(END VIDEO CLIP) COSTELLO: The latest round of criticism against Rumsfeld came last week after he admitted he didn't personally sign condolence letters sent to the families of troops killed in Iraq. Instead, he used a machine to sign them.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MARIA BUECHE, MOTHER OF SOLDIER: When you're the secretary of defense, when you are responsible for these soldiers, the least you can do is find out a little bit about them, you know, where they lived, how old they were and send the family just a little -- it doesn't have to be a long, three page letter, but a couple of lines saying, you know, we're sorry for your loss or god bless you or something to that effect, in your own handwriting, would be very nice.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Public support for Rumsfeld is crumbling. Fifty-two percent of those surveyed in a CNN/"USA Today"/Gallup poll think the defense secretary should resign.
And Gallup poll Editor-In-Chief Frank Newport will join us live in the next hour with more poll results on Rumsfeld and how you feel about the war in Iraq.
Funeral services will be held today for the Missouri woman whose baby was cut from her womb after she was strangled. Twenty-three- year-old Bobby Jo Stinnett was killed in her home in Skidmore, Missouri last Thursday. Lisa Montgomery of Melvern, Kansas has now been charged with kidnapping resulting in death.
Montgomery's husband made some emotional comments outside the Kansas City, Kansas courthouse.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KEVIN MONTGOMERY, SUSPECT'S HUSBAND: Zeb and Victoria Jo have got a rough road to go. Just, I know you've all got a job, but please respect some of our privacy. It's tough for all of us right now. I know you've all got a job, but it is mighty tough for all of us. I might talk to some more people later, but right now that's all I can do, you know? My heart ain't broke just for me and Lisa and her kids. It's them, too. That was a precious baby. I know.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Authorities say Montgomery, seen here, contacted Stinnett in an Internet chat room and expressed interest in buying one of Stinnett's dogs that she sold over the Internet.
Coming up later this hour, we'll go live to Kansas City, Missouri for more on what lies ahead for both families.
In other news across America this morning, at least one person suffered serious injuries when a car backed into a Seattle department store. The 67-year-old driver said his accelerator stuck, sending the car hurtling backward.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Something must have happened to his accelerator or something happened with the car. That's something we'll take a look at. But at this point, he just went in backwards at a very high rate of speed and didn't manage to stop until he was about 116 feet into the store.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: Wow! Six other shoppers were taken to the hospital. But the driver and his wife were not hurt in the least.
There may be baseball in the nation's capital after all. Major league baseball and city leaders reached a compromise agreement that lessens the financial burden on Washington, D.C. taxpayers. The new deal calls for $100 million in private financing for that new stadium. The city council votes on the compromise today.
The Robert Blake trial began with prosecutors telling the jury that Blake was obsessed with killing his wife. Opening statements wind up today before the prosecution begins its case. Blake is accused of killing his wife, Bonny Lee Bakley, more than three and a half years ago. We'll have more on the Blake case coming up in our next hour, when Court TV correspondent Amanda Grove will join us here in our studios.
Pope John Paul II is a little upset. He's cautioning the faithful to be just that, faithful. At 15 minutes past, we'll take you live to Rome, where the pope says people should pay more attention to the spiritual meaning of Christmas.
At 33 minutes after the hour, Clinton, Reagan, Nixon, Eisenhower -- they all had a second honeymoon. But not this president. Our poll meister, Bill Schneider, has that.
But before that, at 23 minutes past, from geek to chic. We'll introduce you to a brand new trend.
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Tuesday, December 21.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: And we just want to remind you once again that Britain's prime minister made a surprise visit to Iraq. You're looking at a podium set up in Baghdad. Apparently Tony Blair is to hold a news conference with the interim prime minister, Ayad Allawi. That will happen, we believe, in about two minutes. When it does happen, of course, we'll take you back live to Baghdad.
Now let's talk about the pope and something else. There is always a lot of talk around this time of year about how materialistic we've become. But this year it seems to be louder. Pope John Paul II spoke out about Jesus has become an afterthought. Not only that, but he's not politically correct.
So let's head live to Rome and our bureau chief there, Alessio Vinci -- good morning, Alessio.
ALESSIO VINCI, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Carol.
Well, you know, there's a lot of talk here at the Vatican, but not just with the Vatican officials, as well as many priests that I happen to talk to these days. They're pointing out that Christmas should not just be the celebration of the birth of Jesus, but also an opportunity to observe religious traditions such as spending time together with the family, as praying, helping the less fortunate. And, indeed, Pope John Paul II this past Sunday, addressing thousands of pilgrims, pointed out that people should pay more attention to the spiritual meaning of Christmas. And in doing so, he used the Christmas tree as a symbol, if you want, of life that is always green if people kept giving. But not just material things, but also giving themselves and helping others in extending forgiveness, for example.
So it is a pope that this year really wanted to draw the attention that Christmas should be a way for people to be together and not just go out there, spend money and buy Christmas presents -- Carol.
COSTELLO: Alessio, it's hard to believe the pope would say that in a country that's largely Italian and largely Catholic.
VINCI: Well, I mean Pope John Paul II, when he speaks out of the Vatican, he does not address only Italians, he addresses millions of pilgrims all around the world. So that when the pope speaks, he doesn't talk only to Italians. But, again, it is, for him, an opportunity to draw attention to the fact that this year appears to be a year, perhaps, that is more materialistic than others. Indeed, one priest even in northern Italy put up a sign at the entrance of his parish saying "open Sundays." In this country, the shops are usually closed on Sunday. But this Christmas period shops are open on Sunday, of course, to help people with their Christmas shopping. And some of the priests here feel that the people are spending more time going out there shopping rather than attending masses.
And so this priest, perhaps as a provocation more than anything else. But really he wanted to draw the attention that the parishes remain open and the pilgrims and the faithful should actually attend masses, as well.
COSTELLO: Something else that interested me, Nativity scenes.
It's no longer politically correct to display them in Italy, either, is it?
VINCI: Well, basically, right. It is a big tradition in this country during the Christmas period to put together Nativity scenes. But this time the baby Jesus is having really a rough time. There are some schools, for example, that are suggesting replacing the traditional Nativity scenes with, for example, more or less religious plays, such as "Little Red Riding Hood," or, for example, some of the Christmas carols. Some schools are suggesting that perhaps the word Jesus should be replaced with the word virtue. All this not to offend non-Catholics, who are largely Muslim students, who are a growing number in the schools in this country.
We also see Nativity scenes with political figures. This year, for example, a hot selling item, especially in Naples, where most of the figurines have been produced for centuries now, we have seen figurines such as Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi wearing a bandana, for example, as he did this past summer welcoming the British prime minister, Tony Blair. Or even Yasser Arafat, the late Palestinian leader, who died just recently.
So all these figures are, you know, showing up in Nativity scenes. Those who are actually producing them point out that they should be kept away, as far away as possible, from the Nativity scenes, because obviously mixing politics with religion is sacrilege -- Carol.
COSTELLO: It all sounds so familiar.
Alessio Vinci live from Rome.
We're going to talk much more about this in our 6:00 hour of DAYBREAK, because, you know, Christian groups here are fighting back. They're filing lawsuits in order to get those Nativity scenes back in school plays, for example, and back on the lawns of municipal buildings. We're going to talk to a woman who's written a book about religion about that very topic.
Your news, money, weather and sports.
It's 5:18 Eastern.
Here's what's all new this morning.
Two more suspects have been arrested in connection with a series of arson fires in a Maryland housing development. A total of six people are now accused in the fires, which caused $10 million in damage.
The FAA may add up to 12,000 new air traffic controllers over the next 10 years. The "Wall Street Journal" reporting that half the new controllers will replace ones who retire.
In money news, shoppers may be waiting until after Christmas to go out and spend, and they're smart. A new study says consumer complaints over store decorations and the lack of must have toys has contributed to lower interest in Christmas shopping.
In culture, J.K. Rawlings has finished her sixth Harry Potter book. Potter fans have been waiting three years for this one, which is titled "Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince." A release date will be announced later today.
In sports, a stunning upset for the Miami Dolphins. The Fins scored two late touchdowns to beat the New England Patriots 29-28. It's just the third win of the season for the Dolphins. The second loss for the Pats. Unbelievable -- Chad.
MYERS: Maybe the Patriots thought this was a buy week. I don't know. They just, they didn't show up. Actually, I don't think they wanted to get some of their star players hurt, which obviously has something to do with it. They were kind of exchanging players quite randomly there at the end of the game.
(WEATHER REPORT)
COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you.
We're still awaiting that news conference between Tony Blair and the interim prime minister of Iraq to begin. When it does, we'll take you there.
We're going to take a short break.
We'll be right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
COSTELLO: Chad, it's time to kick back now.
Are you ready?
MYERS: I am. You know what? And I'm liking that set more and more. I'm going to lobby to see if you can keep that one.
COSTELLO: Well, we have to ask Lou Dobbs. I'm going to write little messages on the tabletop to him. This is Lou Dobbs', for those of you who don't...
MYERS: I'll send him some stock tips. Maybe that'll help.
COSTELLO: I'm sure he'd appreciate that.
MYERS: Yes, mine, right.
COSTELLO: It's time for a little more laughs this morning. We're going to dip into David Letterman, dip into Jay Leno.
MYERS: Oh, good.
COSTELLO: So let's go.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM "THE LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN, COURTESY CBS/WORLDWIDE PANTS)
DAVID LETTERMAN, HOST: It's so cold in Times Square, the hookers are giving out flannel condoms. And it's so cold that Bernard Kerik was glad to be in hot water.
President Bush outlined his second term agenda. Here's what it is. Fridays off and ladies drink free. That's the second term agenda. This one's great. I received a Christmas card from Donald Rumsfeld. It would have been nice if he actually signed it. But, you know, the rubber stamp was a nice touch, I thought. You know, the Republican senators now, they've turned against Rumsfeld. They want Rumsfeld to resign. And so here's what Rumsfeld did. He found out who was behind this movement and he's stripping these senators naked and running them around on a leash. Get out of here!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
COSTELLO: He gave you some new weather ideas. It's so cold that people have to wear flannel condoms.
MYERS: Yes. Most of those I can't say on the air, though. Nor would I try.
COSTELLO: Oh, come on, Chad.
MYERS: No.
COSTELLO: Be a little brave. Show some courage.
MYERS: No, I don't want to be fined. I like my money. The FCC has enough of it.
COSTELLO: I think you're more worried about the bosses at CNN.
MYERS: Right.
COSTELLO: But we understand about that.
Hey, do you know what a technosexual is?
MYERS: I have no idea. I heard about this story. No, no clue.
COSTELLO: You're fascinated, though, aren't you?
MYERS: It sounds kinky.
COSTELLO: Actually, it describes you, a gadget geek with style.
MYERS: Really?
COSTELLO: That's what they are.
CNN's Maggie Lake explains it fully.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MAGGIE LAKE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Shopping for men used to be easy -- a nice tie, a good bottle of Scotch, an electric razor, (UNINTELLIGIBLE). Now, before you can cross those male names off your gift list, you need to know, is he a rugged outdoorsman, a metrosexual or does he fit into the newest category, a technosexual?
RICKY MONTALVO, TECHNOSEXUAL.ORG: Technosexual basically means that you are into the latest and greatest of technology that's out there. But you also have bookworm smarts. You dress really well and you kind of have this aesthetic appeal to all things.
LAKE: Being a gadget geek is one thing, but a technosexual?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No. No.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Technosexual?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: No, never.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: No.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't know if I could consider myself a technosexual though. That would be a tough word for me to use.
LAKE: OK, it may not be widely known yet, but trend watcher Ricky Montalvo, who came up with the term, says technosexuals have actually been around for a long time.
MONTALVO: I guess James Brown would probably have been the original technosexual, if we were to have the label for him back then. But absolutely, it's about all the little things that make your day to day life easier.
LAKE: Whether or not you want your men to be technosexuals, tech items are topping the list of the most sought after gifts. Seventy- six percent of U.S. shoppers will purchase at least one consumer electronics product as a gift this season. And retailers are responding. It is just part of a greater effort to reach out to men.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I think men will continue to have a greater interest in shopping, I think, because men have a greater interest in buying their own clothes. Men have a greater interest in taking a role in the way they spend their own income.
LAKE: For many, that interest will turn toward gadgets, as geek is now becoming chic.
Maggie Lake, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEO TAPE)
MYERS: It was kind of hard to hear her. That music was so loud.
COSTELLO: I know.
MYERS: Anyway, you know I...
COSTELLO: But you...
MYERS: I'll go back to just taking a bottle of Scotch. That's fine. I don't need more gadgets. I've got enough gadgets.
COSTELLO: Well, come on. You don't have enough gadgets. I bet Sally's bought you plenty of gadgets for Christmas and you'll be happy to receive every one.
MYERS: Carol, I don't know, but my guess is that she probably got me an XM radio. So there you go.
COSTELLO: What's wrong with that?
MYERS: There's more gadgets.
COSTELLO: You know, you can hear DAYBREAK on XM radio.
MYERS: I know you can. People are listening right now.
Good morning, XM.
COSTELLO: Good morning.
Thanks, Chad.
Here's what's all new in the next half hour of DAYBREAK.
If Aleve is your pain reliever of choice, oh, we have a warning you should hear this morning. It joins the growing list of painkillers that could kill.
And that brings us to our E-Mail Question of the Morning. What's going on? Do you trust the FDA? Send us your comments. Daybreak@cnn.com. That's daybreak@cnn.com.
And you are watching DAYBREAK for a Tuesday.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
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