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CNN Live Today

Syria Under Pressure; Mourning in Italy; Milk: Does a Baby Good?

Aired March 07, 2005 - 10:59   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.


DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: We are going to start with what's happening "Now in the News."
Bulgaria says a preliminary investigation suggests one of its soldiers in Iraq was killed by friendly fire from U.S. troops. Officials say it involved a confusing confrontation during a Bulgarian patrol that resulted in shots being fired from an area where the U.S. Army has a site. The U.S. military is investigating.

Back here in the U.S., the cost of filling up is going up. The Lundberg Survey says the average retail price of gas jumped to $1.97 a gallon as of Friday. That's up nearly 7 cents in two weeks. Lundberg says skyrocketing crude oil costs could push pump prices even higher.

The Senate is expected to vote today on rival amendments that would raise the minimum wage from its current $5.15 an hour. If such an amendment is approved, it will be tacked on to a Republican bill that would make it harder to declare personal bankruptcy.

And in the duel at Doral, it's the Tiger that tamed the competition. Did you watch this yesterday? Tiger Woods beating out Phil Mickelson by a single shot on Sunday...

RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: Coming back, yes.

KAGAN: ... to win the Ford Championship at Doral. The win put Woods back in the number one slot for the first time since September.

And it is just past 11:00 a.m. on the East Coast, just past 8:00 in the West. From CNN Center in Atlanta, good morning once again. I'm Daryn Kagan.

SANCHEZ: And I'm Rick Sanchez.

Well, under pressure to end the overstayed welcome, Syria announced today that it will indeed pull its troops out of Lebanon. This is going to be in a two-phase withdrawal. If it follows through, Syria's move could help reshape the political and the military landscape in the entire Middle East.

CNN's Brent Sadler traveled to Damascus today for the talks between the Syrian and the Lebanese presidents, and he's joining us now with more on this story which involves more than just these, two, Brent, right? Because it also involves some -- some -- some organizations like Hezbollah. BRENT SADLER, CNN SR. INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Rick. What we've heard today is that there will be a movement of Syrian troops, but inside Lebanon. They'll be moving from northern and central parts of Lebanon to a new line closer to Syria, but still well inside Lebanon. And there's been no guarantee here in Damascus from either of the two presidents that there will be any withdrawal of Syrian troops to Syrian territory any time in the immediate future.

Instead, there will be discussions at the military level in a joint commission between Syria and Lebanon to work out the more detailed specifics of timing and numbers of the second phase. Now, that is unlikely to satisfy what the United States has been asking for recently, a complete and immediate withdrawal of all those troops.

Now add to that, Rick, the addition of Hezbollah. The Islamic resistance group that the United States and Israel labels a terrorist organization has now entered a political fray in Lebanon by calling out a mass protest on the streets of Beirut in support of Syria. This is the beginning of a campaign to show how strong Syria's allies are in Lebanon to counter all those so-called popular street protests we've been seeing from many Lebanese who have been demanding that Syrians get out of their country -- Rick.

SANCHEZ: What kind of following does Hezbollah have there? Because as you mentioned, the United States sees them as terrorists, but are they seen differently there in Lebanon, for example?

SADLER: Well, Hezbollah has two roles in Lebanon, really. One is the resistance, resistance to Israeli occupation.

Hezbollah claims it drove the Israelis out of south Lebanon after a war of attrition that lasted the best part of two decades. There's still sporadic clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces at the foot of the Golan Heights.

Inside Lebanon, the resistance has a powerful voice. It can call on the support of various parties from various religions. More than 30 political groups have supported a protest planned for Tuesday. Hezbollah also has 12 members of the Lebanese parliament and has very strong ties, not only here with Syria, but also with Iran -- Rick.

SANCHEZ: So that could definitely have an effect. Thanks so much, Brent, for clearing that up for us, live from Damascus -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Let's continue the story at the White House. President Bush is pressuring Syria to get out of Lebanon.

Our White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux joins us this morning with the U.S.'s reaction to Syria's announcement.

Suzanne, good morning.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

The White House certainly downplaying the significance of this accord. Many here at the White House as seeing this as very much of the same of what they heard over the weekend.

President Bush this weekend really set the stage for what he calls, of course, this plan from Syria, what they feel is not adequate. The president saying that it is a destabilizing element in the region, the Syrian troops in Lebanon. Also, of course, saying it remains support for terrorist organizations, as well as an obstacle to the peace in the larger region.

Now, the White House was very careful in its response to this accord. White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan essentially saying that they want to take a greater look at his, a more detailed look at this accord, but also making it very clear, the White House position, the underlying position.

He says that "Our views are very clear. The remarks made by President Assad over the weekend did not go far enough. The international community is saying clearly to Syria that they need to withdraw completely and immediately from Lebanon territory. That's what the international community expects, that's what was expressed in Resolution 1559."

Now, what can they do, Daryn? That's the big question here.

If there' some sort of accord, does the White House have any kind of strings to pull? At this point, what they're saying is they're going to continue to try to isolate Syria by the international community. They're going to continue to try to work to pressure some of those other countries that are involved in direct talks with Syria. That would be the French, the Saudis and others who also are calling for the withdrawal of those troops -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Suzanne Malveaux at the White House. Thank you.

Also this note from the White House. The king and queen of Norway, Harold and Sonja, they will arrive at the White House late this hour for lunch with President Bush. Live coverage ahead on CNN.

SANCHEZ: Turning to Italy now and this international incident involving a hostage's nightmare on the heels of her release. In harrowing detail now, Italian journalist Giuliana Sgrena is giving her account of her capture and rescue in Iraq, and then talking about how it ended with U.S. troops killing an Italian secret service agent who had been sent there to literally rescue her. Her account is not boding well for U.S. forces or the Bush administration.

CNN Rome bureau chief Alessio Vinci has this report on the ordeal and the reaction that they're getting in Rome.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ALESSIO VINCI, CNN ROME BUREAU CHIEF: Nicola Calipari is considered nothing less than a hero here in Italy. And that is why thousands of people gathered in Rome this morning at a basilica to pay their last respects. Among them, U.S. ambassador to Rome, Mel Sembler, who called Nicola Calipari a friend of the U.S. and an ally. Not present at the funeral was Giuliana Sgrena herself, the freed hostage who is still recovering in a hospital here from wounds to her left shoulder. Nevertheless, this morning I had a chance to speak to Sgrena from her hospital over the phone and she told me basically that, while she did not really believe that the attack on her car was premeditated, it was up to the United States to explain what had happened on that road Friday night outside the international airport in Baghdad.

She says that the car was not driving fast, that there were no signs. And, by the way, she also said there was no checkpoint at all. That the attack came from a tank which was parked on the right hand side of the road.

She also said that she expects that the investigation does not come out with a conclusion, that it was just a tragic accident. She says that someone must take responsibility for this incident.

I asked her about the possibility that the Italian government may have paid a ransom,. Italian media here reporting that several million dollars, up to $6 million, may have been paid. She says she doesn't know anything about that. She says, however, that paying to preserve life of a hostage is not a bad thing.

She agrees that if the paying must be done to release a hostage, that's what has to be done. And therefore, she also hinted that it is known that the Americans, especially in Baghdad, that the Americans in general are opposing this kind of policy of negotiating with kidnappers.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: And now the latest from Iraq, where insurgent attacks have struck several cities in Baquba. We are unraveling two incidents.

This one a car bomb attack on an Iraqi police convoy and an unrelated gun battle. In all, at least 11 people were killed and 20 wounded. Most of those casualties were Iraqi soldiers and police officers.

In eastern Baghdad, insurgents gunned down another high-ranking official this morning. Lieutenant Colonel Jawad Gadim (ph) was head of the Iraqi police crimes unit. And north of Baghdad, Iraqi students are said to make up most of the casualties of a car bombing this morning in Balad. At least five Iraqis were killed and 27 others wounded in the suicide attack. It apparently targeted an Iraqi security officer, but struck students lined up for school across the street.

And now to some new images considered one of the most wanted men in the world. CNN has obtained new pictures of the man thought to be terrorist mastermind Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.

His network in Iraq has been responsible for attacks on Iraq and U.S. targets. Military sources say that these images were found in a video camera during a raid in Iraq weeks ago.

Other sources tell CNN the man in these six photographs is in fact al-Zarqawi, who is top lieutenant -- al-Zawahiri, top lieutenant to Osama bin Laden. It is unclear how recently the photos were taken, but they appear to have been taken at the same time and the same place.

SANCHEZ: Thousands seem to be taking to the streets in Istanbul. They're doing so in protest. And then they turned violent. We're going to tell you why this happened after the break.

KAGAN: And we've got milk and the truth and the myth about that glass of milk.

SANCHEZ: Also, it's going to start rocking here in just a little bit. Why? Because Elvis Costello's going to be here live. That's right. You know you want to stick around for that.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: And we have breaking news. The U.S. and the United Nations -- President Bush has decided on who he'd like to see be the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. This coming to us form a senior adviser to Condoleezza Rice, and that should be a good source because the new ambassador would be John Bolton, currently undersecretary of state for arms control and international security terms of -- international security.

So once again, John Bolton President Bush will soon nominate to become the next U.N. ambassador to -- U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

SANCHEZ: Some often say that happiness has many secrets. And one of them may be its ability to heal. A new study says that happily-married couples actually heal faster than their unhappy counterpart.

The study's findings are reported in "USA Today." It says that happily married couples quickly heel from minor scrapes and major surgery. But it takes bickering couples 40 percent longer to be able to recover from the same wounds. Interesting.

KAGAN: Is it nutritious or is it just a myth? We are talking about milk today. You've always heard that it builds strong bones, strong teeth, you know, on and on. In today's "Daily Dose," though, Dr. Sanjay Gupta gives us some facts and falsehoods about the benefits of milk.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN SR. MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's been ingrained in our minds since childhood. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Milk, it does a body good.

GUPTA: But does it really? The answer based on recent studies might shock you.

NEAL D. BARNARD, PHYSICIAN: We looked at whether milk protects the bones and whether milk builds bone density. The evidence is clear, milk really doesn't help. We've grown up with a myth.

GUPTA: Contrary to what our mothers told us growing up, an analysis of 58 dairy studies conducted by researchers from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found that calcium from milk and other dairy products does not help bone development in children and teens.

BARNARD: That kid who did not want to drink the milk should stop being forced to do so. It's not going to help their bones.

GUPTA: The news shocking to most parents.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Very surprised and very reluctant to believe that.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I've always thought since I was -- you know, I grew up that milk is good for the bones and for the teeth and for just building, you know, strong bodies. So that's what I've always done and I've always stressed to my kids.

GUPTA: But should pediatricians start to tell parents that they don't need to worry about getting their kids to drink milk? The American Academy of Pediatrics stands by its guidelines of 800 to 1,300 milligrams of dietary calcium daily for children over 2 and teens.

DR. MEL HEYMAN, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS: There is no evidence that giving the calcium harms anybody. Milk has other nutrients that are important such as the added Vitamin D. There's protein in milk. I would still encourage the intake of milk for both its calcium and nutrient content.

GUPTA: Instead of dairy, the new analysis emphasizes weight- bearing exercise as a better way to build and maintain strong bones. And sources like green leafy vegetables and fortified orange juice as ways to get the minimal amount of calcium the body does need.

The analysis support a growing number of doctors who question the value of children drinking milk after they've stopped breast-feeding. Others cite cow's milk as a primary culprit behind some children's allergies and says it's unnatural that humans are the only species who drink the milk of other mammals. In spite of the news, many parents are still holding on to their beliefs.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I would definitely push the issue where with milk because it is very good for your teeth and bones. And so we would continue to drink it.

GUPTA: Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Going from milk to your kids' meals, how did the creator of the South Beach Diet get some kids in Florida turn away from fast foods in favor of low-fat lunches? That's on CNN.com/healthforyou. You'll also find the latest medical news and a health library.

SANCHEZ: I was always a chocolate milk guy.

KAGAN: Big on chocolate milk.

SANCHEZ: You too, right?

KAGAN: Yes.

SANCHEZ: Yes.

KAGAN: Nestle's Quik.

SANCHEZ: Yes, have to have something in it. Even a little strawberry or something, but nothing white.

Well, do you have the Monday blues as oftentimes people get? Martha Stewart went back to work to...

KAGAN: I bet she was happy to go back, though.

SANCHEZ: Yes. Her case might be a little bit different.

KAGAN: We're going to have her first day back at work when we come back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Get your mush on. The 33rd Iditarod sled dog race is under way in Alaska. One little slight problem, though, a lack of snow.

It has forced organizers to move the starting point by 30 miles. Six former champs are in the Iditarod this year, trying to make -- to be the first to make it to the end. Controversial race. A lot of dog lovers...

SANCHEZ: They don't really whip them anymore, do they? They just yell "Mush?"

KAGAN: You know, there are people who are ardent supporters who love this event, and there's people who think its cruel to the dogs. Pick your side.

SANCHEZ: Jacqui Jeras, we won't ask you to pick sides. We will ask you to pick a good forecast.

(WEATHER REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: And we're coming up on the half-hour. Good morning once again. I'm Daryn Kagan.

SANCHEZ: And I'm Rick Sanchez. And here's what's happening right "Now in the News."

In Los Angeles, voters are going to be going to the polls tomorrow to choose a mayor. But with 12 candidates, it's likely a runoff is going to be needed in May. James Hahn's closest opponent appears to be former California assembly speaker Bob Hertzberg.

The sister of Michael Jackson's accuser returns to the stand for the third day today. This as we watched Michael Jackson on what appears to be a one-umbrella day. This is him just arriving a little while ago in the courtroom.

The young woman claims, by the way, that Mr. Jackson gave her brother alcohol. But under cross-examination, she admits that she has lied about key details in the molestation case in the past as well.

Boeing CEO Harry Stonecipher quit today after 15 months on the job. The Boeing board demanded Stonecipher's resignation due to what it calls an improper relationship with a female executive in the company. The female was not identified. Stonecipher is married.

We have word that President Bush will nominate Undersecretary of State John Bolton to be the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. If confirmed, he would replace John Danforth.

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


Aired March 7, 2005 - 10:59   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CNN ANCHOR: We are going to start with what's happening "Now in the News."
Bulgaria says a preliminary investigation suggests one of its soldiers in Iraq was killed by friendly fire from U.S. troops. Officials say it involved a confusing confrontation during a Bulgarian patrol that resulted in shots being fired from an area where the U.S. Army has a site. The U.S. military is investigating.

Back here in the U.S., the cost of filling up is going up. The Lundberg Survey says the average retail price of gas jumped to $1.97 a gallon as of Friday. That's up nearly 7 cents in two weeks. Lundberg says skyrocketing crude oil costs could push pump prices even higher.

The Senate is expected to vote today on rival amendments that would raise the minimum wage from its current $5.15 an hour. If such an amendment is approved, it will be tacked on to a Republican bill that would make it harder to declare personal bankruptcy.

And in the duel at Doral, it's the Tiger that tamed the competition. Did you watch this yesterday? Tiger Woods beating out Phil Mickelson by a single shot on Sunday...

RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: Coming back, yes.

KAGAN: ... to win the Ford Championship at Doral. The win put Woods back in the number one slot for the first time since September.

And it is just past 11:00 a.m. on the East Coast, just past 8:00 in the West. From CNN Center in Atlanta, good morning once again. I'm Daryn Kagan.

SANCHEZ: And I'm Rick Sanchez.

Well, under pressure to end the overstayed welcome, Syria announced today that it will indeed pull its troops out of Lebanon. This is going to be in a two-phase withdrawal. If it follows through, Syria's move could help reshape the political and the military landscape in the entire Middle East.

CNN's Brent Sadler traveled to Damascus today for the talks between the Syrian and the Lebanese presidents, and he's joining us now with more on this story which involves more than just these, two, Brent, right? Because it also involves some -- some -- some organizations like Hezbollah. BRENT SADLER, CNN SR. INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: That's right, Rick. What we've heard today is that there will be a movement of Syrian troops, but inside Lebanon. They'll be moving from northern and central parts of Lebanon to a new line closer to Syria, but still well inside Lebanon. And there's been no guarantee here in Damascus from either of the two presidents that there will be any withdrawal of Syrian troops to Syrian territory any time in the immediate future.

Instead, there will be discussions at the military level in a joint commission between Syria and Lebanon to work out the more detailed specifics of timing and numbers of the second phase. Now, that is unlikely to satisfy what the United States has been asking for recently, a complete and immediate withdrawal of all those troops.

Now add to that, Rick, the addition of Hezbollah. The Islamic resistance group that the United States and Israel labels a terrorist organization has now entered a political fray in Lebanon by calling out a mass protest on the streets of Beirut in support of Syria. This is the beginning of a campaign to show how strong Syria's allies are in Lebanon to counter all those so-called popular street protests we've been seeing from many Lebanese who have been demanding that Syrians get out of their country -- Rick.

SANCHEZ: What kind of following does Hezbollah have there? Because as you mentioned, the United States sees them as terrorists, but are they seen differently there in Lebanon, for example?

SADLER: Well, Hezbollah has two roles in Lebanon, really. One is the resistance, resistance to Israeli occupation.

Hezbollah claims it drove the Israelis out of south Lebanon after a war of attrition that lasted the best part of two decades. There's still sporadic clashes between Hezbollah and Israeli forces at the foot of the Golan Heights.

Inside Lebanon, the resistance has a powerful voice. It can call on the support of various parties from various religions. More than 30 political groups have supported a protest planned for Tuesday. Hezbollah also has 12 members of the Lebanese parliament and has very strong ties, not only here with Syria, but also with Iran -- Rick.

SANCHEZ: So that could definitely have an effect. Thanks so much, Brent, for clearing that up for us, live from Damascus -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Let's continue the story at the White House. President Bush is pressuring Syria to get out of Lebanon.

Our White House correspondent Suzanne Malveaux joins us this morning with the U.S.'s reaction to Syria's announcement.

Suzanne, good morning.

SUZANNE MALVEAUX, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

The White House certainly downplaying the significance of this accord. Many here at the White House as seeing this as very much of the same of what they heard over the weekend.

President Bush this weekend really set the stage for what he calls, of course, this plan from Syria, what they feel is not adequate. The president saying that it is a destabilizing element in the region, the Syrian troops in Lebanon. Also, of course, saying it remains support for terrorist organizations, as well as an obstacle to the peace in the larger region.

Now, the White House was very careful in its response to this accord. White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan essentially saying that they want to take a greater look at his, a more detailed look at this accord, but also making it very clear, the White House position, the underlying position.

He says that "Our views are very clear. The remarks made by President Assad over the weekend did not go far enough. The international community is saying clearly to Syria that they need to withdraw completely and immediately from Lebanon territory. That's what the international community expects, that's what was expressed in Resolution 1559."

Now, what can they do, Daryn? That's the big question here.

If there' some sort of accord, does the White House have any kind of strings to pull? At this point, what they're saying is they're going to continue to try to isolate Syria by the international community. They're going to continue to try to work to pressure some of those other countries that are involved in direct talks with Syria. That would be the French, the Saudis and others who also are calling for the withdrawal of those troops -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Suzanne Malveaux at the White House. Thank you.

Also this note from the White House. The king and queen of Norway, Harold and Sonja, they will arrive at the White House late this hour for lunch with President Bush. Live coverage ahead on CNN.

SANCHEZ: Turning to Italy now and this international incident involving a hostage's nightmare on the heels of her release. In harrowing detail now, Italian journalist Giuliana Sgrena is giving her account of her capture and rescue in Iraq, and then talking about how it ended with U.S. troops killing an Italian secret service agent who had been sent there to literally rescue her. Her account is not boding well for U.S. forces or the Bush administration.

CNN Rome bureau chief Alessio Vinci has this report on the ordeal and the reaction that they're getting in Rome.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ALESSIO VINCI, CNN ROME BUREAU CHIEF: Nicola Calipari is considered nothing less than a hero here in Italy. And that is why thousands of people gathered in Rome this morning at a basilica to pay their last respects. Among them, U.S. ambassador to Rome, Mel Sembler, who called Nicola Calipari a friend of the U.S. and an ally. Not present at the funeral was Giuliana Sgrena herself, the freed hostage who is still recovering in a hospital here from wounds to her left shoulder. Nevertheless, this morning I had a chance to speak to Sgrena from her hospital over the phone and she told me basically that, while she did not really believe that the attack on her car was premeditated, it was up to the United States to explain what had happened on that road Friday night outside the international airport in Baghdad.

She says that the car was not driving fast, that there were no signs. And, by the way, she also said there was no checkpoint at all. That the attack came from a tank which was parked on the right hand side of the road.

She also said that she expects that the investigation does not come out with a conclusion, that it was just a tragic accident. She says that someone must take responsibility for this incident.

I asked her about the possibility that the Italian government may have paid a ransom,. Italian media here reporting that several million dollars, up to $6 million, may have been paid. She says she doesn't know anything about that. She says, however, that paying to preserve life of a hostage is not a bad thing.

She agrees that if the paying must be done to release a hostage, that's what has to be done. And therefore, she also hinted that it is known that the Americans, especially in Baghdad, that the Americans in general are opposing this kind of policy of negotiating with kidnappers.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: And now the latest from Iraq, where insurgent attacks have struck several cities in Baquba. We are unraveling two incidents.

This one a car bomb attack on an Iraqi police convoy and an unrelated gun battle. In all, at least 11 people were killed and 20 wounded. Most of those casualties were Iraqi soldiers and police officers.

In eastern Baghdad, insurgents gunned down another high-ranking official this morning. Lieutenant Colonel Jawad Gadim (ph) was head of the Iraqi police crimes unit. And north of Baghdad, Iraqi students are said to make up most of the casualties of a car bombing this morning in Balad. At least five Iraqis were killed and 27 others wounded in the suicide attack. It apparently targeted an Iraqi security officer, but struck students lined up for school across the street.

And now to some new images considered one of the most wanted men in the world. CNN has obtained new pictures of the man thought to be terrorist mastermind Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.

His network in Iraq has been responsible for attacks on Iraq and U.S. targets. Military sources say that these images were found in a video camera during a raid in Iraq weeks ago.

Other sources tell CNN the man in these six photographs is in fact al-Zarqawi, who is top lieutenant -- al-Zawahiri, top lieutenant to Osama bin Laden. It is unclear how recently the photos were taken, but they appear to have been taken at the same time and the same place.

SANCHEZ: Thousands seem to be taking to the streets in Istanbul. They're doing so in protest. And then they turned violent. We're going to tell you why this happened after the break.

KAGAN: And we've got milk and the truth and the myth about that glass of milk.

SANCHEZ: Also, it's going to start rocking here in just a little bit. Why? Because Elvis Costello's going to be here live. That's right. You know you want to stick around for that.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: And we have breaking news. The U.S. and the United Nations -- President Bush has decided on who he'd like to see be the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. This coming to us form a senior adviser to Condoleezza Rice, and that should be a good source because the new ambassador would be John Bolton, currently undersecretary of state for arms control and international security terms of -- international security.

So once again, John Bolton President Bush will soon nominate to become the next U.N. ambassador to -- U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

SANCHEZ: Some often say that happiness has many secrets. And one of them may be its ability to heal. A new study says that happily-married couples actually heal faster than their unhappy counterpart.

The study's findings are reported in "USA Today." It says that happily married couples quickly heel from minor scrapes and major surgery. But it takes bickering couples 40 percent longer to be able to recover from the same wounds. Interesting.

KAGAN: Is it nutritious or is it just a myth? We are talking about milk today. You've always heard that it builds strong bones, strong teeth, you know, on and on. In today's "Daily Dose," though, Dr. Sanjay Gupta gives us some facts and falsehoods about the benefits of milk.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN SR. MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's been ingrained in our minds since childhood. UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Milk, it does a body good.

GUPTA: But does it really? The answer based on recent studies might shock you.

NEAL D. BARNARD, PHYSICIAN: We looked at whether milk protects the bones and whether milk builds bone density. The evidence is clear, milk really doesn't help. We've grown up with a myth.

GUPTA: Contrary to what our mothers told us growing up, an analysis of 58 dairy studies conducted by researchers from the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine found that calcium from milk and other dairy products does not help bone development in children and teens.

BARNARD: That kid who did not want to drink the milk should stop being forced to do so. It's not going to help their bones.

GUPTA: The news shocking to most parents.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Very surprised and very reluctant to believe that.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I've always thought since I was -- you know, I grew up that milk is good for the bones and for the teeth and for just building, you know, strong bodies. So that's what I've always done and I've always stressed to my kids.

GUPTA: But should pediatricians start to tell parents that they don't need to worry about getting their kids to drink milk? The American Academy of Pediatrics stands by its guidelines of 800 to 1,300 milligrams of dietary calcium daily for children over 2 and teens.

DR. MEL HEYMAN, AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS: There is no evidence that giving the calcium harms anybody. Milk has other nutrients that are important such as the added Vitamin D. There's protein in milk. I would still encourage the intake of milk for both its calcium and nutrient content.

GUPTA: Instead of dairy, the new analysis emphasizes weight- bearing exercise as a better way to build and maintain strong bones. And sources like green leafy vegetables and fortified orange juice as ways to get the minimal amount of calcium the body does need.

The analysis support a growing number of doctors who question the value of children drinking milk after they've stopped breast-feeding. Others cite cow's milk as a primary culprit behind some children's allergies and says it's unnatural that humans are the only species who drink the milk of other mammals. In spite of the news, many parents are still holding on to their beliefs.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I would definitely push the issue where with milk because it is very good for your teeth and bones. And so we would continue to drink it.

GUPTA: Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN, Atlanta.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

KAGAN: Going from milk to your kids' meals, how did the creator of the South Beach Diet get some kids in Florida turn away from fast foods in favor of low-fat lunches? That's on CNN.com/healthforyou. You'll also find the latest medical news and a health library.

SANCHEZ: I was always a chocolate milk guy.

KAGAN: Big on chocolate milk.

SANCHEZ: You too, right?

KAGAN: Yes.

SANCHEZ: Yes.

KAGAN: Nestle's Quik.

SANCHEZ: Yes, have to have something in it. Even a little strawberry or something, but nothing white.

Well, do you have the Monday blues as oftentimes people get? Martha Stewart went back to work to...

KAGAN: I bet she was happy to go back, though.

SANCHEZ: Yes. Her case might be a little bit different.

KAGAN: We're going to have her first day back at work when we come back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Get your mush on. The 33rd Iditarod sled dog race is under way in Alaska. One little slight problem, though, a lack of snow.

It has forced organizers to move the starting point by 30 miles. Six former champs are in the Iditarod this year, trying to make -- to be the first to make it to the end. Controversial race. A lot of dog lovers...

SANCHEZ: They don't really whip them anymore, do they? They just yell "Mush?"

KAGAN: You know, there are people who are ardent supporters who love this event, and there's people who think its cruel to the dogs. Pick your side.

SANCHEZ: Jacqui Jeras, we won't ask you to pick sides. We will ask you to pick a good forecast.

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KAGAN: And we're coming up on the half-hour. Good morning once again. I'm Daryn Kagan.

SANCHEZ: And I'm Rick Sanchez. And here's what's happening right "Now in the News."

In Los Angeles, voters are going to be going to the polls tomorrow to choose a mayor. But with 12 candidates, it's likely a runoff is going to be needed in May. James Hahn's closest opponent appears to be former California assembly speaker Bob Hertzberg.

The sister of Michael Jackson's accuser returns to the stand for the third day today. This as we watched Michael Jackson on what appears to be a one-umbrella day. This is him just arriving a little while ago in the courtroom.

The young woman claims, by the way, that Mr. Jackson gave her brother alcohol. But under cross-examination, she admits that she has lied about key details in the molestation case in the past as well.

Boeing CEO Harry Stonecipher quit today after 15 months on the job. The Boeing board demanded Stonecipher's resignation due to what it calls an improper relationship with a female executive in the company. The female was not identified. Stonecipher is married.

We have word that President Bush will nominate Undersecretary of State John Bolton to be the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. If confirmed, he would replace John Danforth.

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