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CNN Live At Daybreak

Will 30-Second Commercial Be Enough to Put Bin Laden Away?; Congressional Testimony by Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan

Aired February 16, 2005 - 06:00   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: Will a 30 second commercial be enough to put bin Laden away? The people behind this high stakes ad campaign hope the right people are watching.
The image of an American soldier hanging from a home has neighbors on this street totally split on the war, the past and the freedom of speech.

Philly is on the verge of something big -- going wireless so more families can plug in.

And guess who's posing in the last test swimsuit issue? Hear what one model and her famous husband have to say about the spread.

It is Wednesday, February 16.

You are watching DAYBREAK.

And good morning to you.

From the Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers.

Now in the news, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw is in Kabul this morning. He's talking with Afghan leaders about efforts to curb the country's drug trade. Britain is leading an international group working on anti-drug initiatives in Afghanistan.

Just about six hours ago, an international treaty aimed at fighting global warming went into effect. But the United States is not part of the Kyoto Treaty, even though it's the world's biggest producer of greenhouse gases, along with China. The Bush administration says signing on the pact would hurt the U.S. economy.

Some long awaited testimony from Alan Greenspan. In four hours, the Federal Reserve chair goes before a Senate panel. Investors will watch for any hint of where interest rates might be heading. More on that in a live report out of Washington in two minutes.

And for the first time in more than 30 years, a German short- haired pointer was named best in show at Westminster. And just like a champion, Carlee is expected to retire after winning the title. He's going to stud -- Chad.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes. That surprised me a little, actually. But, those would... COSTELLO: I guess he's been in a lot of tournaments before and now he's won one and it's time to retire.

MYERS: According to some of the wire reports I'm hearing, the crowd went crazy when the handler wasn't touching him and he just stood there and pointed and pointed and pointed. And the longer he pointed, the noisier the crowd got. And I guess the judges loved that part.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: The Social Security tour hits New Hampshire today. President Bush will take to the stage to try to convince us the system is reeling toward bankruptcy yet reassure seniors their benefits will not be cut. In Iowa's "Quad City Times" this morning, the president says: "Benefit cuts is an interesting word. Benefits are scheduled to grow at a certain rate and one of the suggestions, for example, was they grow at a -- they grow at a rate, but not at a rate as fast as projected." And I'm reading an exact quote.

The president goes on to say: "You can call it anything you want. I would call it an adjustment to reality."

The Democrats aren't buying it. Lawmakers are certain to grill Alan Greenspan on the topic today when he testifies before a Senate committee.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JACK REED (D), RHODE ISLAND: We all want to see Social Security protected. We all want to see the savings of America increased. But the president's proposals, I think, are very, very deficient in this regard and I would hope that the chairman would point those out.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Some political advisers say Greenspan could play a vital role in whether Wall Street and a lot of law makers get behind the president's plan. He's definitely qualified to address the president's proposal for private investment accounts.

To CNN Radio's Dick Uliano -- he's in Washington this morning -- for more perspective on today's meetings -- good morning, Dick.

DICK ULIANO, CNN RADIO CORRESPONDENT: A very good morning to you, Carol.

COSTELLO: So what might Alan Greenspan say?

ULIANO: Well, those who are in favor of Social Security private accounts, Republicans, are hoping that Greenspan gives this idea a boost. And Democrats, who are opposed to individual savings accounts, the president's proposal for Social Security, will grill the chairman of the Federal Reserve, hoping that he might point out that it's not cost-effective, there would be a lot of borrowing along the way. Carol, Greenspan headed the 19 -- early 1980s Social Security bipartisan commission, which made the current changes we have in Social Security, for example, raising the retirement age. So everybody is looking to Greenspan today, figuring that he may have something important to say about these proposals floating around to change Social Security.

COSTELLO: Beyond what you've just said, any hint from Greenspan lately as to what he thinks about this plan?

ULIANO: Well, in fact, we do have a hint about the way Chairman Greenspan may be thinking. Senate Republican Lindsey Graham of South Carolina says he thinks a plan would gain support if low wage workers were offered a guaranteed monthly benefit based on current promises. And Graham says that Greenspan made that very suggestion to him during a recent meeting.

COSTELLO: Dick Uliano reporting live from Washington.

Of course, that meeting or that testimony occurs at 11:00 a.m. Eastern. And we will keep you posted.

An outpouring of grief in the streets of Beirut today. Hundreds of thousands of mourners have turned out for the funeral of the former Lebanese prime minister, Rafik Hariri. He was hailed as the father of the nation's post-war reconstruction. Hariri was assassinated in a massive explosion on Monday. He's being buried at a mosque that he built with his own money in the heart of Beirut.

We'll have a live report from CNN's Brent Sadler in the Lebanese capital at the bottom of this hour.

Sixteen other people died in the blast that killed Rafik Hariri. The explosion left a portion of Beirut's upscale waterfront area in ruins and many Lebanese are pointing a finger at Syria, saying it carried out the attack because Hariri opposed Syria's involvement in Lebanon.

Washington is reacting by recalling its ambassador to Syria for consultations.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CONDOLEEZZA RICE, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: Our problems with the Syrian government are not new. We would hope that the Syrian government would take the opportunity of this signal from the United States to review where we are in the relationship and to try to put our relations on a better path.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: The Syrian government insists it had no role in the assassination of Rafik Hariri. Syria's ambassador to the United States tells CNN anyone insinuating there was a Syrian role in the attack is lacking logic.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

IMAD MOUSTAPHA, AMBASSADOR OF SYRIA TO U.S.: Syria has nothing to benefit from what has happened. Actually, it's the other way around. Syria is being -- certain factions are trying to damage Syria because of what has happened and this indicates a sinister plot that does not only stop at the murderous act of assassinating Rafik Hariri but also trying to point fingers at Syria.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Mr....

MOUSTAPHA: This is absolutely refusable.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: The Syrian government is calling for an international investigation into Harari's assassination.

To another hot button issue now, Iran's atomic ambitions. The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency tells the "Washington Post" that White House policies on Iran and North Korea are inconsistent. And Mohamed ElBaradei insists the United States needs to step up its diplomatic efforts, saying: "North Korea and Iran are still the two 800-pound gorillas in the room and not much is happening."

ElBaradei also disputes claims that Iran is secretly working on a nuclear bomb, saying, and I quote: "If I look at the big picture, there is no enrichment in Iran and this is quite satisfactory and I hope it keeps this way until we reach an agreement."

In other "Stories Across America" this Wednesday morning, two friends of the man charged with that shooting spree at a New York mall have been arrested on explosives charges. Officials say a videotape of them detonating a pipe bomb was found in Robert Bonnelli, Jr.'s home. But the police chiefs say the two friends are not suspected of being involved in the shooting inside the mall.

A bad repair job on the roof of a tour bus contributed to a crash in Arkansas that killed 15 people last October. Federal transportation officials say the shoddy repair work caused the roof of the bus to corrode and when the bus crashed, the roof was essentially torn off and nearly all the passengers were thrown out.

And get this, California's Department of Motor Vehicles may start to tax drivers for every mile they drive. The proposal would replace the state's $0.18 a gallon gasoline tax. And here's the irony. The state says it needs the funds because more and more people are driving fuel efficient hybrid cars, so they have to raise more tax money. So why not tax drivers for every mile they drive?

And you probably recall the story of David Dingman-Grover. He's the 9-year-old boy who had a brain tumor he nicknamed Frank. That's short for Frankenstein. David gained national attention after his mother created the "Frank Must Die" bumper stickers. They were sold on eBay to help raise money for his surgery.

Well, now David is celebrating the demise of Frank. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DAVID DINGMAN-GROVER, CANCER SURVIVOR: Frank is now dead and gone.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Never to return.

DINGMAN-GROVER: And never to return.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: I wish we could have shown more, Chad, because he had a t-shirt on and it said something like cancer can't beat me.

MYERS: That's great.

COSTELLO: Or cancer is not me.

MYERS: A great success story.

COSTELLO: Yes, that's really cool.

MYERS: Yes.

COSTELLO: Much more to come on DAYBREAK this hour.

Having trouble fighting off those pesky Internet invaders? Well, Microsoft is giving you some free weapons.

Also, can the power of advertising help snare the world's most wanted terrorist? U.S. officials hope so.

Plus, a couple's anti-war protest sparks a really big battle on their front lawn.

And later, this Bud's for you, along with a couple of gulps of nostalgia.

But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Wednesday morning, February 16.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Still to come, could your city go wireless? A new plan to get families in one urban area using wi-fi.

And Diddy didn't do diddle. So says the company suing Sean "Puff Daddy," "P. Diddy" Combs.

And later, guess who's expecting a new edition in Hollywood?

You're watching DAYBREAK.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports. It's 6:15 Eastern.

Here's what's all new this morning.

Rafik Hariri's coffin was carried through the streets of Beirut this morning. The former Lebanese prime minister was assassinated in a Monday bombing. Hundreds of thousands have turned out for his funeral service.

The death toll from Monday's gas explosion at a northern Chinese mine has gone up. At least 209 people are now reported dead. A mine blast in southwestern China yesterday left at least five dead and 17 missing.

In money news, it has the longest range of any commercial airliner -- 9,420 miles. Boeing says its new passenger plane, the 777, 777, can connect just about any two cities in the world without a layover.

In culture, you can soon compete against "Jeopardy" king Ken Jennings. A new trivia game called "Can You Beat Ken?" should hit the store shelves by April. Jennings hit a game show record by earning $2.6 million on "Jeopardy" last year.

In sports, the University of Connecticut needed double overtime to finally get past Providence 94-89. The 18th ranked Huskies had lost their last two games to Providence. U. Conn. improved its record to 16 and 6 -- Chad.

MYERS: Can't wait for March, Carol. My favorite month of the year when it comes to college basketball.

COSTELLO: And the madness.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you this morning.

Target bin Laden -- will these new TV ads do the trick in places where he is most likely hiding out?

And the jury says he's guilty of killing his grandparents. We'll hear from a teenager's sister on how this boy is facing forgiveness.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

CARRIE LEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, everyone.

I'm Carrie Lee at the Nasdaq market site.

Microsoft is stepping up its efforts to combat computer threats. The software giant is giving away a program to fight privacy stealing and PC clogging spy ware and other virtual pests. Microsoft is also unveiling plans to release anti-virus tools for consumers and make a major security upgrade to its Internet Explorer Web browser. The company is trying to restore faith in Windows and other programs which have become the target of hackers and viruses. And it's likely, though, that these new efforts will also be met with opposition from hackers.

Microsoft is now also going to compete directly with existing products from companies like Symantec and McAfee. These are companies which have been profiting for years from Microsoft vulnerabilities.

So that is the latest on Microsoft.

Turning to stocks, right now, it looks like we could see a slightly weaker open for stocks on Wall Street. This as investors await testimony from Fed Chief Alan Greenspan. He's talking about the economy today. Yesterday, gains, though, put the Dow close to a three and a half year high.

That is the latest.

DAYBREAK will be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: A government report says there's a way for the Transportation Security Administration to save billions of dollars, but it could cost a lot of people their jobs. The report suggests moving the machines that detect explosives out of airport lobbies and integrating them into the normal baggage handling systems. That would make thousands of airport baggage screener jobs unnecessary, about 78 percent of them, to be exact.

Airline passengers are still carrying butane lighters on board commercial flights despite a federal law banning them. That law was supposed to go into effect yesterday, but the TSA decided to delay it. It says the ban is currently under review.

And finally, a federal inspector says the nation's ports are still vulnerable to terrorists and it's port security's fault. The Department of Homeland Security says it's awarded more than $560 million to improve maritime security, but recipients have only spent 21 percent of the total and the grant money hasn't always gone to the most worthy projects.

Stay tuned to CNN day and night for the most reliable stories about your security.

It's just a matter of time. A United Nations report just out says al Qaeda will strike again because it still has access to money and to bomb making materials. It also says sanctions against the Taliban and al Qaeda have had little effect.

The report comes as a new push is aimed at finding Osama bin Laden.

David Ensor has more for you.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE) DAVID ENSOR, CNN NATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The 30-second ads airing in Pakistan are an appeal for tips on terrorists, from Osama bin Laden on down.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, TV COMMERCIAL)

ANNOUNCER (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Who are these terrorists and who can stop them? Only you. To bring to justice any perpetrator of any act of global terrorism against U.S. citizens or assets, please call 0-800-23-234. You could be entitled to a reward of up to $25 million for providing useful information in this regard.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ENSOR: Similar ads featuring the 14 most wanted terrorists have been appearing in Pakistani newspapers since January 7. Congressman Mark Kirk, who helped push the money through Congress for the ad campaign and has just returned from Pakistan, says the TV and radio campaign now starting just might help find bin Laden.

REP. MARK KIRK (R), ILLINOIS: Right now the area where we think he's hiding is rural and the communities are largely illiterate. So news about the award program and how to come in and how safely your family will be protected, hasn't really penetrated these communities.

ENSOR: U.S. intelligence officials say they believe bin Laden is in the tribal belt along the Pakistani-Afghan border.

But analyst Peter Bergen is skeptical.

PETER BERGEN, CNN TERRORISM ANALYST: The conventional wisdom that bin Laden is in the remote tribal territories between Afghanistan and Pakistan seems to me to be wrong. Every major al Qaeda figure has been caught in Pakistani cities.

ENSOR: Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, for example, was caught in Rawalpindi; Ramzi Binalshibh in Karachi.

In the mid-'90s, an ad campaign in Pakistan plus matchbooks offering a reward led to the capture of Mir Amil Kanzi, the man who opened fire outside the CIA, killing several people.

BERGEN: Why didn't we do this earlier is an interesting question. I mean it can't hurt. It doesn't cost that much money. If it doesn't shake something out of the trees, then you move on.

ENSOR (on camera): There may not be many in Pakistan, where Osama bin Laden had a 65 percent approval rating in one poll, who don't already know that he has a price on his head. But it can't hurt to remind them, say U.S. officials. It's worth a try.

David Ensor, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

COSTELLO: Still to come on DAYBREAK, protests on the home front. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Being a veteran, I was deeply offended by that.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: A California couple's yard becomes a field of protest. We'll tell you why the battle lines are being drawn after a break.

You are watching DAYBREAK for a Wednesday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: A neighborhood divided -- a soldier's image and a statement about the president. Now a homeowner is defending himself.

And extreme makeover, cartoon edition. Why is Bugs Bunny getting a new look?

It is Wednesday and you are watching DAYBREAK.

And good morning to you.

From the Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers.

Now in the news, when Alan Greenspan speaks, the markets listen. Three and a half hours from now, the Federal Reserve Board Chair testifies before a Senate banking committee. What Greenspan says could impact the financial markets.

Also on Capitol Hill this morning, CIA Director Porter Goss goes before a Senate intelligence committee. That will happen at 10:00 a.m. Eastern. He'll testify about threats to U.S. interests around the world.

Olympic inspectors are in London this morning. They're weighing the city's bid for the 2012 Games. London faces stiff competition from New York City, Paris, Madrid and Moscow. The inspectors visit New York on Monday.

And in American Samoa, residents are bracing for Cyclone Olaf. It's expected to hit just about 30 minutes from now.

Let's head to the forecast center for more.

The wind gusts are up to what -- Chad.

MYERS: A hundred and forty miles per hour around the outside of the center. Now, they are expecting maximum winds at 170 knots, Carol. But you do the multiplication and that's almost 200 miles per hour. Certainly a category five if it would be in the North American area, in the Atlantic Ocean or the Pacific Ocean here, where we live. It would be called a hurricane. But it's called a cyclone. There is Australia. Here is Samoa, Western Samoa and Pago Pago. The entire area sliding off toward the southeast. You can see -- in fact, if you notice, though, if you notice that American hurricanes -- we showed you so many last fall -- this thing is actually spinning the other way. We are south of the equator here. It will not go to the north. It will not affect Hawaii. There will be big swells in Hawaii. And some of the swells here near Pago Pago almost 60 feet high, they're calling them this morning. So obviously a storm surge, big wave action here as the storm slides on down toward the south.

This is one of the largest storms in that area ever at 140 knots, 170 knots maximum sustained gusts there.

(WEATHER REPORT)

MYERS: But you're not going to be there over the weekend, are you?

COSTELLO: No. I'm going to Vegas.

MYERS: You're not actually going to be here tomorrow.

COSTELLO: I'm going to Vegas.

MYERS: Well, good luck.

COSTELLO: And I'm going to win me some money. And maybe I won't be coming back.

MYERS: OK.

COSTELLO: I'm just kidding.

MYERS: Call me.

COSTELLO: OK.

Thank you, Chad.

MYERS: You're welcome.

COSTELLO: On to the news now.

A young boy who claimed Zoloft made him kill his grandparents is looking at 30 years in prison. It took a Charleston, South Carolina jury just six hours to convict Chris Pittman. The 15-year-old's surviving family members tearfully begged the judge to show mercy.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DANIELLE FINCHUM, CHRISTOPHER PITTMAN'S SISTER: I honestly believe that if there was one person in the world that loved my grandparents more than I did, it was my brother. That's why this whole thing does not make sense to me.

LARRY KING, HOST: What about remorse? Is he showing a lot? When was the last time -- did you speak to him today, Danielle?

FINCHUM: Yes, sir. He has told all of us point blank that he knows God's forgiven him and he knows the family has forgiven him. But he says he doesn't know if he can ever forgive himself. And he says, you know, I don't think I ever can forgive myself.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Danielle Finchum appeared on "LARRY KING LIVE." You heard Larry's voice there asking the question. Pittman's attorneys argued the anti-depressant Zoloft clouded the boy's mind and sent him spinning out of control. With good behavior, Pittman could possibly get out of jail when he's 42 years old.

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Aired February 16, 2005 - 06:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Will a 30 second commercial be enough to put bin Laden away? The people behind this high stakes ad campaign hope the right people are watching.
The image of an American soldier hanging from a home has neighbors on this street totally split on the war, the past and the freedom of speech.

Philly is on the verge of something big -- going wireless so more families can plug in.

And guess who's posing in the last test swimsuit issue? Hear what one model and her famous husband have to say about the spread.

It is Wednesday, February 16.

You are watching DAYBREAK.

And good morning to you.

From the Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers.

Now in the news, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw is in Kabul this morning. He's talking with Afghan leaders about efforts to curb the country's drug trade. Britain is leading an international group working on anti-drug initiatives in Afghanistan.

Just about six hours ago, an international treaty aimed at fighting global warming went into effect. But the United States is not part of the Kyoto Treaty, even though it's the world's biggest producer of greenhouse gases, along with China. The Bush administration says signing on the pact would hurt the U.S. economy.

Some long awaited testimony from Alan Greenspan. In four hours, the Federal Reserve chair goes before a Senate panel. Investors will watch for any hint of where interest rates might be heading. More on that in a live report out of Washington in two minutes.

And for the first time in more than 30 years, a German short- haired pointer was named best in show at Westminster. And just like a champion, Carlee is expected to retire after winning the title. He's going to stud -- Chad.

CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes. That surprised me a little, actually. But, those would... COSTELLO: I guess he's been in a lot of tournaments before and now he's won one and it's time to retire.

MYERS: According to some of the wire reports I'm hearing, the crowd went crazy when the handler wasn't touching him and he just stood there and pointed and pointed and pointed. And the longer he pointed, the noisier the crowd got. And I guess the judges loved that part.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: The Social Security tour hits New Hampshire today. President Bush will take to the stage to try to convince us the system is reeling toward bankruptcy yet reassure seniors their benefits will not be cut. In Iowa's "Quad City Times" this morning, the president says: "Benefit cuts is an interesting word. Benefits are scheduled to grow at a certain rate and one of the suggestions, for example, was they grow at a -- they grow at a rate, but not at a rate as fast as projected." And I'm reading an exact quote.

The president goes on to say: "You can call it anything you want. I would call it an adjustment to reality."

The Democrats aren't buying it. Lawmakers are certain to grill Alan Greenspan on the topic today when he testifies before a Senate committee.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. JACK REED (D), RHODE ISLAND: We all want to see Social Security protected. We all want to see the savings of America increased. But the president's proposals, I think, are very, very deficient in this regard and I would hope that the chairman would point those out.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Some political advisers say Greenspan could play a vital role in whether Wall Street and a lot of law makers get behind the president's plan. He's definitely qualified to address the president's proposal for private investment accounts.

To CNN Radio's Dick Uliano -- he's in Washington this morning -- for more perspective on today's meetings -- good morning, Dick.

DICK ULIANO, CNN RADIO CORRESPONDENT: A very good morning to you, Carol.

COSTELLO: So what might Alan Greenspan say?

ULIANO: Well, those who are in favor of Social Security private accounts, Republicans, are hoping that Greenspan gives this idea a boost. And Democrats, who are opposed to individual savings accounts, the president's proposal for Social Security, will grill the chairman of the Federal Reserve, hoping that he might point out that it's not cost-effective, there would be a lot of borrowing along the way. Carol, Greenspan headed the 19 -- early 1980s Social Security bipartisan commission, which made the current changes we have in Social Security, for example, raising the retirement age. So everybody is looking to Greenspan today, figuring that he may have something important to say about these proposals floating around to change Social Security.

COSTELLO: Beyond what you've just said, any hint from Greenspan lately as to what he thinks about this plan?

ULIANO: Well, in fact, we do have a hint about the way Chairman Greenspan may be thinking. Senate Republican Lindsey Graham of South Carolina says he thinks a plan would gain support if low wage workers were offered a guaranteed monthly benefit based on current promises. And Graham says that Greenspan made that very suggestion to him during a recent meeting.

COSTELLO: Dick Uliano reporting live from Washington.

Of course, that meeting or that testimony occurs at 11:00 a.m. Eastern. And we will keep you posted.

An outpouring of grief in the streets of Beirut today. Hundreds of thousands of mourners have turned out for the funeral of the former Lebanese prime minister, Rafik Hariri. He was hailed as the father of the nation's post-war reconstruction. Hariri was assassinated in a massive explosion on Monday. He's being buried at a mosque that he built with his own money in the heart of Beirut.

We'll have a live report from CNN's Brent Sadler in the Lebanese capital at the bottom of this hour.

Sixteen other people died in the blast that killed Rafik Hariri. The explosion left a portion of Beirut's upscale waterfront area in ruins and many Lebanese are pointing a finger at Syria, saying it carried out the attack because Hariri opposed Syria's involvement in Lebanon.

Washington is reacting by recalling its ambassador to Syria for consultations.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CONDOLEEZZA RICE, NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER: Our problems with the Syrian government are not new. We would hope that the Syrian government would take the opportunity of this signal from the United States to review where we are in the relationship and to try to put our relations on a better path.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: The Syrian government insists it had no role in the assassination of Rafik Hariri. Syria's ambassador to the United States tells CNN anyone insinuating there was a Syrian role in the attack is lacking logic.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

IMAD MOUSTAPHA, AMBASSADOR OF SYRIA TO U.S.: Syria has nothing to benefit from what has happened. Actually, it's the other way around. Syria is being -- certain factions are trying to damage Syria because of what has happened and this indicates a sinister plot that does not only stop at the murderous act of assassinating Rafik Hariri but also trying to point fingers at Syria.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Mr....

MOUSTAPHA: This is absolutely refusable.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: The Syrian government is calling for an international investigation into Harari's assassination.

To another hot button issue now, Iran's atomic ambitions. The head of the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency tells the "Washington Post" that White House policies on Iran and North Korea are inconsistent. And Mohamed ElBaradei insists the United States needs to step up its diplomatic efforts, saying: "North Korea and Iran are still the two 800-pound gorillas in the room and not much is happening."

ElBaradei also disputes claims that Iran is secretly working on a nuclear bomb, saying, and I quote: "If I look at the big picture, there is no enrichment in Iran and this is quite satisfactory and I hope it keeps this way until we reach an agreement."

In other "Stories Across America" this Wednesday morning, two friends of the man charged with that shooting spree at a New York mall have been arrested on explosives charges. Officials say a videotape of them detonating a pipe bomb was found in Robert Bonnelli, Jr.'s home. But the police chiefs say the two friends are not suspected of being involved in the shooting inside the mall.

A bad repair job on the roof of a tour bus contributed to a crash in Arkansas that killed 15 people last October. Federal transportation officials say the shoddy repair work caused the roof of the bus to corrode and when the bus crashed, the roof was essentially torn off and nearly all the passengers were thrown out.

And get this, California's Department of Motor Vehicles may start to tax drivers for every mile they drive. The proposal would replace the state's $0.18 a gallon gasoline tax. And here's the irony. The state says it needs the funds because more and more people are driving fuel efficient hybrid cars, so they have to raise more tax money. So why not tax drivers for every mile they drive?

And you probably recall the story of David Dingman-Grover. He's the 9-year-old boy who had a brain tumor he nicknamed Frank. That's short for Frankenstein. David gained national attention after his mother created the "Frank Must Die" bumper stickers. They were sold on eBay to help raise money for his surgery.

Well, now David is celebrating the demise of Frank. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DAVID DINGMAN-GROVER, CANCER SURVIVOR: Frank is now dead and gone.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Never to return.

DINGMAN-GROVER: And never to return.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: I wish we could have shown more, Chad, because he had a t-shirt on and it said something like cancer can't beat me.

MYERS: That's great.

COSTELLO: Or cancer is not me.

MYERS: A great success story.

COSTELLO: Yes, that's really cool.

MYERS: Yes.

COSTELLO: Much more to come on DAYBREAK this hour.

Having trouble fighting off those pesky Internet invaders? Well, Microsoft is giving you some free weapons.

Also, can the power of advertising help snare the world's most wanted terrorist? U.S. officials hope so.

Plus, a couple's anti-war protest sparks a really big battle on their front lawn.

And later, this Bud's for you, along with a couple of gulps of nostalgia.

But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Wednesday morning, February 16.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Still to come, could your city go wireless? A new plan to get families in one urban area using wi-fi.

And Diddy didn't do diddle. So says the company suing Sean "Puff Daddy," "P. Diddy" Combs.

And later, guess who's expecting a new edition in Hollywood?

You're watching DAYBREAK.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: Your news, money, weather and sports. It's 6:15 Eastern.

Here's what's all new this morning.

Rafik Hariri's coffin was carried through the streets of Beirut this morning. The former Lebanese prime minister was assassinated in a Monday bombing. Hundreds of thousands have turned out for his funeral service.

The death toll from Monday's gas explosion at a northern Chinese mine has gone up. At least 209 people are now reported dead. A mine blast in southwestern China yesterday left at least five dead and 17 missing.

In money news, it has the longest range of any commercial airliner -- 9,420 miles. Boeing says its new passenger plane, the 777, 777, can connect just about any two cities in the world without a layover.

In culture, you can soon compete against "Jeopardy" king Ken Jennings. A new trivia game called "Can You Beat Ken?" should hit the store shelves by April. Jennings hit a game show record by earning $2.6 million on "Jeopardy" last year.

In sports, the University of Connecticut needed double overtime to finally get past Providence 94-89. The 18th ranked Huskies had lost their last two games to Providence. U. Conn. improved its record to 16 and 6 -- Chad.

MYERS: Can't wait for March, Carol. My favorite month of the year when it comes to college basketball.

COSTELLO: And the madness.

(WEATHER REPORT)

COSTELLO: Those are the latest headlines for you this morning.

Target bin Laden -- will these new TV ads do the trick in places where he is most likely hiding out?

And the jury says he's guilty of killing his grandparents. We'll hear from a teenager's sister on how this boy is facing forgiveness.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

CARRIE LEE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, everyone.

I'm Carrie Lee at the Nasdaq market site.

Microsoft is stepping up its efforts to combat computer threats. The software giant is giving away a program to fight privacy stealing and PC clogging spy ware and other virtual pests. Microsoft is also unveiling plans to release anti-virus tools for consumers and make a major security upgrade to its Internet Explorer Web browser. The company is trying to restore faith in Windows and other programs which have become the target of hackers and viruses. And it's likely, though, that these new efforts will also be met with opposition from hackers.

Microsoft is now also going to compete directly with existing products from companies like Symantec and McAfee. These are companies which have been profiting for years from Microsoft vulnerabilities.

So that is the latest on Microsoft.

Turning to stocks, right now, it looks like we could see a slightly weaker open for stocks on Wall Street. This as investors await testimony from Fed Chief Alan Greenspan. He's talking about the economy today. Yesterday, gains, though, put the Dow close to a three and a half year high.

That is the latest.

DAYBREAK will be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: A government report says there's a way for the Transportation Security Administration to save billions of dollars, but it could cost a lot of people their jobs. The report suggests moving the machines that detect explosives out of airport lobbies and integrating them into the normal baggage handling systems. That would make thousands of airport baggage screener jobs unnecessary, about 78 percent of them, to be exact.

Airline passengers are still carrying butane lighters on board commercial flights despite a federal law banning them. That law was supposed to go into effect yesterday, but the TSA decided to delay it. It says the ban is currently under review.

And finally, a federal inspector says the nation's ports are still vulnerable to terrorists and it's port security's fault. The Department of Homeland Security says it's awarded more than $560 million to improve maritime security, but recipients have only spent 21 percent of the total and the grant money hasn't always gone to the most worthy projects.

Stay tuned to CNN day and night for the most reliable stories about your security.

It's just a matter of time. A United Nations report just out says al Qaeda will strike again because it still has access to money and to bomb making materials. It also says sanctions against the Taliban and al Qaeda have had little effect.

The report comes as a new push is aimed at finding Osama bin Laden.

David Ensor has more for you.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE) DAVID ENSOR, CNN NATIONAL SECURITY CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The 30-second ads airing in Pakistan are an appeal for tips on terrorists, from Osama bin Laden on down.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, TV COMMERCIAL)

ANNOUNCER (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Who are these terrorists and who can stop them? Only you. To bring to justice any perpetrator of any act of global terrorism against U.S. citizens or assets, please call 0-800-23-234. You could be entitled to a reward of up to $25 million for providing useful information in this regard.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

ENSOR: Similar ads featuring the 14 most wanted terrorists have been appearing in Pakistani newspapers since January 7. Congressman Mark Kirk, who helped push the money through Congress for the ad campaign and has just returned from Pakistan, says the TV and radio campaign now starting just might help find bin Laden.

REP. MARK KIRK (R), ILLINOIS: Right now the area where we think he's hiding is rural and the communities are largely illiterate. So news about the award program and how to come in and how safely your family will be protected, hasn't really penetrated these communities.

ENSOR: U.S. intelligence officials say they believe bin Laden is in the tribal belt along the Pakistani-Afghan border.

But analyst Peter Bergen is skeptical.

PETER BERGEN, CNN TERRORISM ANALYST: The conventional wisdom that bin Laden is in the remote tribal territories between Afghanistan and Pakistan seems to me to be wrong. Every major al Qaeda figure has been caught in Pakistani cities.

ENSOR: Khalid Shaikh Mohammed, for example, was caught in Rawalpindi; Ramzi Binalshibh in Karachi.

In the mid-'90s, an ad campaign in Pakistan plus matchbooks offering a reward led to the capture of Mir Amil Kanzi, the man who opened fire outside the CIA, killing several people.

BERGEN: Why didn't we do this earlier is an interesting question. I mean it can't hurt. It doesn't cost that much money. If it doesn't shake something out of the trees, then you move on.

ENSOR (on camera): There may not be many in Pakistan, where Osama bin Laden had a 65 percent approval rating in one poll, who don't already know that he has a price on his head. But it can't hurt to remind them, say U.S. officials. It's worth a try.

David Ensor, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

COSTELLO: Still to come on DAYBREAK, protests on the home front. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Being a veteran, I was deeply offended by that.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: A California couple's yard becomes a field of protest. We'll tell you why the battle lines are being drawn after a break.

You are watching DAYBREAK for a Wednesday.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

COSTELLO: A neighborhood divided -- a soldier's image and a statement about the president. Now a homeowner is defending himself.

And extreme makeover, cartoon edition. Why is Bugs Bunny getting a new look?

It is Wednesday and you are watching DAYBREAK.

And good morning to you.

From the Time Warner Center in New York, I'm Carol Costello, along with Chad Myers.

Now in the news, when Alan Greenspan speaks, the markets listen. Three and a half hours from now, the Federal Reserve Board Chair testifies before a Senate banking committee. What Greenspan says could impact the financial markets.

Also on Capitol Hill this morning, CIA Director Porter Goss goes before a Senate intelligence committee. That will happen at 10:00 a.m. Eastern. He'll testify about threats to U.S. interests around the world.

Olympic inspectors are in London this morning. They're weighing the city's bid for the 2012 Games. London faces stiff competition from New York City, Paris, Madrid and Moscow. The inspectors visit New York on Monday.

And in American Samoa, residents are bracing for Cyclone Olaf. It's expected to hit just about 30 minutes from now.

Let's head to the forecast center for more.

The wind gusts are up to what -- Chad.

MYERS: A hundred and forty miles per hour around the outside of the center. Now, they are expecting maximum winds at 170 knots, Carol. But you do the multiplication and that's almost 200 miles per hour. Certainly a category five if it would be in the North American area, in the Atlantic Ocean or the Pacific Ocean here, where we live. It would be called a hurricane. But it's called a cyclone. There is Australia. Here is Samoa, Western Samoa and Pago Pago. The entire area sliding off toward the southeast. You can see -- in fact, if you notice, though, if you notice that American hurricanes -- we showed you so many last fall -- this thing is actually spinning the other way. We are south of the equator here. It will not go to the north. It will not affect Hawaii. There will be big swells in Hawaii. And some of the swells here near Pago Pago almost 60 feet high, they're calling them this morning. So obviously a storm surge, big wave action here as the storm slides on down toward the south.

This is one of the largest storms in that area ever at 140 knots, 170 knots maximum sustained gusts there.

(WEATHER REPORT)

MYERS: But you're not going to be there over the weekend, are you?

COSTELLO: No. I'm going to Vegas.

MYERS: You're not actually going to be here tomorrow.

COSTELLO: I'm going to Vegas.

MYERS: Well, good luck.

COSTELLO: And I'm going to win me some money. And maybe I won't be coming back.

MYERS: OK.

COSTELLO: I'm just kidding.

MYERS: Call me.

COSTELLO: OK.

Thank you, Chad.

MYERS: You're welcome.

COSTELLO: On to the news now.

A young boy who claimed Zoloft made him kill his grandparents is looking at 30 years in prison. It took a Charleston, South Carolina jury just six hours to convict Chris Pittman. The 15-year-old's surviving family members tearfully begged the judge to show mercy.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DANIELLE FINCHUM, CHRISTOPHER PITTMAN'S SISTER: I honestly believe that if there was one person in the world that loved my grandparents more than I did, it was my brother. That's why this whole thing does not make sense to me.

LARRY KING, HOST: What about remorse? Is he showing a lot? When was the last time -- did you speak to him today, Danielle?

FINCHUM: Yes, sir. He has told all of us point blank that he knows God's forgiven him and he knows the family has forgiven him. But he says he doesn't know if he can ever forgive himself. And he says, you know, I don't think I ever can forgive myself.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COSTELLO: Danielle Finchum appeared on "LARRY KING LIVE." You heard Larry's voice there asking the question. Pittman's attorneys argued the anti-depressant Zoloft clouded the boy's mind and sent him spinning out of control. With good behavior, Pittman could possibly get out of jail when he's 42 years old.

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