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CNN Live Today

Schiavo Ruling; North American Summit; School Daze

Aired March 23, 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: Let's take a look at what's happening "Now in the News."
Terri Schiavo's parents are looking to the Supreme Court after their latest legal setback. Early today, a federal appeals court panel rejected their request to have their daughter's feeding tube reinserted. Just ahead we'll go live to the high court and to Schiavo's Florida hospice.

The FBI is asking that funerals for the victims of the Minnesota shooting rampage be delayed while the investigation continues. Autopsies are being performed on the 10 victims, including the teenage gunman. Authorities are trying to figure out why 16-year-old Jeff Weise opened fire at his school after killing his grandfather and the grandfather's girlfriend.

An extradition hearing is set today for a convicted murderer captured 20 years after he escaped from prison. Norman Porter was at the top of the most wanted list in Massachusetts. He was arrested yesterday in Chicago, where he was living as a poet and an antiwar protester, also a devoted member of his church.

Pope John Paul II made a brief appearance at his Vatican window this morning. He didn't speak, but delivered a blessing to the crowd below. Vatican officials disputed media reports that the pope's health is declining. They say his recovery from a respiratory infection and throat surgery has been slower than expected.

Crews in San Jose, California, are battling a fire at an apartment complex. We're looking at live pictures through all this smoke. A dispatcher says about 100 people have been evacuated from the three-story building. So far, there are no report of any injuries.

Checking the clock. 11:00 a.m. on the East Coast, 8:00 a.m. for those of you waking up in the West. From CNN Center in Atlanta, good morning once again. I'm Daryn Kagan.

Up first this hour, time and legal options are running out in the Terri Schiavo case. Schiavo's parents vow to take their fight now to the U.S. Supreme Court. That move comes after a federal appeals court refused to have their daughter's feeding tube reinserted.

Our Joe Johns is at the Supreme Court. Bob Franken is outside Schiavo's hospice in Pinellas Park, Florida.

Joe, we're going to start with you. Good morning. JOE JOHNS, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

The court is not in session, not hearing oral arguments. But we are told some of the justices were expected to meet behind closed doors to discuss other pending business.

We are told also the family of Terri Schiavo, the parents, did have until 10:00 Eastern Time to file electronically some form of motion or an intent to appeal. It's not clear to us right now whether that has been done. It's not also clear how long it will take before their appeal to the Supreme Court will get here to this building.

Justice Anthony Kennedy is the person who is expected to field that request. He personally does have the ability to file or order an injunction and the feeding tube reinserted. It is not clear, of course, that he'll do that. If he follows past practice, he would probably bump the decision up to the entire court.

So the question is timing. A lot of people of course have said time is of the sense. So we do expect when it happens it could happen very quickly.

Daryn, back to you.

KAGAN: Well, speaking of not timing but time, this family has appealed to the high court three times. And three times the Supreme Court has said they don't want to take the case.

JOHNS: That's exactly right. The last time being the House Government Reform Committee actually coming to the Supreme Court and trying to make their case related to Schiavo.

This court has been very reluctant to move on this case. Of course it's hard to figure out now what they'll do with the new law passed by Congress as part of the discussion -- Daryn.

KAGAN: But you'll be watching it for us. Joe Johns from the Supreme Court. Thank you.

Terri Schiavo's parents say that she "is fading quickly." She has been without her feeding tube since last Friday. Bob Franken is outside her hospice in Pinellas Park, Florida -- Bob.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: And Daryn, there's a feeling among family members that their hopes in the federal judiciary are fading quickly. Of course they're at the last resort now, the U.S. Supreme Court. They are trying to take other steps. They're going to the state legislature, trying to get a bill passed that would accomplish the same thing, which is the reconnection of Terri Schiavo's nutrition tube.

They're also going into local court this morning. The local judge who has been so criticized as being the one who ordered the disconnection of the tube is now hearing a request to open up records of some legal action that occurred when Terri Schiavo was alive which the people who are working so hard against her husband say might show there had been some sort of mistreatment.

Very little more on that. The judge is handling that one in an open hearing at this very moment.

Now, as for actions that are taken, there is already a feeling that the pressure is going to ultimately end up on Governor Jeb Bush to take some sort of executive action. Governor Bush, this morning, after the appeals court had rejected the judicial request, came out saying -- and this is the quote -- "I could not be more disappointed in the decision announced this morning. Terri has been without sustenance for almost five days now. Time is of the essence, and I hope all who have the ability and duty to act in this case will do so with a sense of urgency."

The governor goes on, "Terri Schiavo, like all Americans, deserves our protection and respect. I will continue to call on the Florida legislature to pass legislation to honor patients' decisions about end-of-life care, protect all vulnerable Floridians, and spare Terri's life."

While the political process hasn't worked, the protesters here say that they may slightly ratchet up their tactics. We're told that in about a half-hour, a small group of protesters may try and once again go past the police onto the property of the hospice to deliver water for Terri Schiavo to drink.

In the past several days seven people have been arrested when they've tried to do that, charged with trespassing. The protesters now say that there may be a larger group going or trying to go in. The police are prepared for that and say that the possibility is people will also be arrested for trespassing.

As you can see, it is all set up. It is highly organized. It is something that is expected within the next half-hour. All involved say that this is going to be a peaceful protest -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Bob Franken, live from Pinellas Park, Florida. Thank you.

All along, Michael Schiavo has insisted his wife never wanted to be kept alive artificially. A new CNN-"USA Today"-Gallup poll, 64 percent in this poll of those surveyed say they believe he is telling truth about her wishes. Twenty-five percent disagree.

More than half of the respondents disagree with the way President Bush has handled the Schiavo case. Thirty-one percent say they approve of his action, 17 percent say they were unsure.

President Bush is at his ranch in Crawford, Texas. He did come back to Washington to sign the bill that kicked this back to the courts in Florida. Actually, back to the federal courts.

Today his focus, President Bush hosting leaders of Mexico and Canada. They're doing that at Baylor University this morning. White House correspondent Dana Bash joins me now from the campus in Waco, Texas. Good morning.

DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

And, you know, when you're trying to rebuild some strained relations, it's probably diplomacy 101 to try to focus on what you agree on. And that's exactly what we're going to see here in Waco, Texas, later today.

You know, this three-way meeting comes at a time where there are some tensions between the U.S. and Mexico over immigration issues, between the U.S. and Canada over several issues, like Canada refusing to participate in the missile defense program that the U.S. is involved in, and over trade disputes over beef and lumber. But none of that is on the official agenda here today. And that's about design.

Now, the Canadian foreign minister in an interview with CNN earlier today described it this way...

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PIERRE PETTIGREW, CANADIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: We are friends. We are neighbors. We are partners. We're allies.

We're very mature about differences from time to time. And I do believe very much that it's time to move on.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BASH: Now, when the president came into office, he made it very clear he wanted to focus on his neighbors. He talked about the fact that it's important to get some agreements on trade and on other issues between the U.S. and Canada and the U.S. and Mexico, and other countries in the hemisphere. But, of course, after 9/11 happened his focus changed. And then specifically with Canada and Mexico, those countries very much opposed the Iraq war.

So what the president is doing today White House officials privately admit is not so much about substance but being gracious, even being neighborly, as he starts his second term. They are going to announce what senior officials call an important initiative to try to rebuild or even increase cooperation and coordination on security and economic initiatives today -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Yes. And Dana, we heard from a White House spokesperson, Scott McClellan, yesterday about where the Schiavo case was at that point. Any comment from the White House or from officials out that you're traveling with today?

BASH: Not quite yet, Daryn. You know, the White House has been careful since this process has started to make its way through the federal system to say that that is where their focus on -- focus is, and that at this point they're not necessarily looking at other options that the president can use, even Congress can use. They're going to sort of wait and see how that goes. But I should mention that there is a press conference with the president and the two leaders here. The president will be open for questions. So we'll see if perhaps the Schiavo matter comes up.

KAGAN: I have a feeling it just might. Dana Bash from Waco, Texas. Thank you.

Dana was mentioning that news conference. The president and prime minister holding that 12:25 Eastern today, about an hour and 15 minutes. CNN does plan live coverage ahead in the next hour.

Terri Schiavo's fate hanging in the balance. Is her story being use for political gain? We will go live to Capitol hill. Plus, can stress affect your memory? We go to boot camp to put that question to test in today's "Daily Dose."

And helping your kids get into college. We're demystifying the university admissions process, this hour on CNN LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: It is that time of year, March Madness -- no, no, no, not your brackets. It's time for college admissions and rejection letters to hit the mailboxes. A good time for "Princeton Review" to release its College Hopes and Worries Survey.

Robert Franek from Princeton -- from "Princeton Review" joins us from New York this morning.

Good morning.

ROBERT FRANEK, "PRINCETON REVIEW": Good morning. Thanks for having me.

KAGAN: The first question, do you prefer Rob, Bob, Robert?

FRANEK: Yes, Rob is perfect.

KAGAN: Rob. It's you and me, Rob. OK. I was not surprised to see the biggest concern not getting in, paying for this monstrosity of college tuition.

FRANEK: Yes, it's absolutely true, especially during this time, as you had noted at the beginning. Between March 1st and April 1st is when most admission and rejection letters will come in the mail for college-bound students. Between then and May 1st students will then have to decide where they're going to go to school. So financial aid is definitely a huge concern.

KAGAN: Yes.

FRANEK: Right now, 64 percent of our applicant pool said that it's a major concern for them.

KAGAN: Yes. It's one thing getting in. It's another paying for it and what kind of package you're going to get on that. Let's take a few steps backwards and talk about getting in.

FRANEK: Yes.

KAGAN: The toughest part of applying, what do people think? Standardized tests, like S.A.T., that kind of stuff?

FRANEK: Exactly. And actually, in March of 2005, the S.A.T. changed. So there's great anxiety over the next class going to school over what that -- those new changes in the S.A.T. are going to yield.

KAGAN: And it's one thing for a college to pick you, but how do you pick a college? What were people looking at?

FRANEK: Yes, well, lots of different things. I think that students consider, you know, not only the quality of academics but the quality of life that's going to be inherent to that school.

So, you know, what are the faculty members like, what are the dorms like? What is the food like on campus? Is it a socially of engaged campus? Is it in an urban or suburban area?

So those wonderful things kind of roll up to the great quality of life at each university.

KAGAN: That's interesting. Best academics at the bottom of that list, 8 percent. Keeping your priorities straight there.

Had to get this one in, I have a bias on this. Dream colleges, you asked both the students and the parents, "Where would you like to go?" Students' number one choice, NYU, parents, my alma mater, Stanford University.

FRANEK: Stanford University -- both fine schools.

KAGAN: Yes.

FRANEK: But I think it's certainly interesting the difference. And what we've been noticing at "Princeton Review" through students on our Web site, pristonreview.com, and also the survey that we contacted students through, (UNINTELLIGIBLE), we found out that students are looking for great urban experiences.

Now, Stanford, arguably...

KAGAN: Not urban.

FRANEK: Yes.

KAGAN: Palo Alto.

FRANEK: Yes.

KAGAN: I mean, it's not -- they call it the farm. It's not in the middle of nowhere.

FRANEK: That's true. I mean, it certainly has access to wonderful San Francisco, but different from the student experience that a student would be getting at New York University.

KAGAN: That's interesting. So kids are looking for an urban experience?

FRANEK: Yes, and I think for several reasons. One, I think that students right now are focused on the practical outcomes of their degrees, can they get a learning experience or an internship their first or second year as undergraduate? Schools like NYU, other schools in major urban centers, can provide that outlet for students, and I think it's very attractive.

KAGAN: Which brings us to our last question. You were asking kids, "What do you hope to get from college?" There's that. Let's see the number one thing, a well-rounded, maturing life experience.

FRANEK: Yes, isn't that wonderful that students are finally embracing the liberal arts ideal. Fifty-one percent of the students and the parents we reached out to said, yes, they're looking for a good fit, but they're looking for that nurturing experience and that well-round experiences for their undergraduate years.

KAGAN: Interesting. Notice that 8 percent number again, better- paying job after graduation equaling with academics.

Fun to look at the numbers. Good luck to all of the students out there. I know this is such a nerve-wracking time, waiting for the big fat envelope or thin envelope to come in the mail.

Rob, thank you. And thanks to "Princeton Review" for showing us the numbers.

FRANEK: Thanks for having me.

KAGAN: We're making progress every day. We're going to hear from Ann Bancroft. Talk about success. Ann Bancroft and Liv Arnesen, the polar explorers.

Remember, we're tracking them as they make it across the Arctic Ocean. I'm going to talk to them live. Yes, they are calling in live, and they're having a little bit of a problem. Somebody who was not invited to come on the trip apparently has invited him or herself. We're going to tell you about that coming up.

Also, the mysteries of the brain, how stress affects your memory, ahead this hour on CNN LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: Let's check in on one of our favorite ongoing stories here at CNN LIVE TODAY. Two women explorers who made history by crossing Antarctica are off on the latest quest. They've embarked on 1,240-mile trek across the Arctic Ocean. Ann Bancroft and Liv Arnesen set off from remote area of Russia earlier this month.

Joining me now on the phone with an update on their arctic ocean journey. I think we have Ann Bancroft on the phone.

Ann? Ann, can you hear me? It's Daryn Kagan at CNN.

We'll try one more time. We are calling close to the North Pole.

Ann Bancroft, are you there?

ANN BANCROFT, POLAR EXPLORER: I am. Hi, Daryn.

KAGAN: There you are. It's worth three tries when you're calling close to the North Pole. How goes it at 31 degrees below -- below zero?

BANCROFT: Well, it's chilly. It's -- we're pretty cold here.

KAGAN: How goes the expedition so far? How far have you made it?

BANCROFT: Well, we've been out for 12 days, we've had -- the first week was chockful of excitement. A lot of polar bear action.

We've had open water. We've actually fell in up to our mid thigh. And we've had whiteout. So we've had just about every little thing we could possibly get in about a week's time.

KAGAN: For anybody else, that would spell disaster. For you and Liv that's just a day at the office. Tell us about these polar bears. And had you anticipated running into any? And what kind of problems are they causing?

BANCROFT: Well, we came prepared for polar bears, but we -- you know, I think in actuality I didn't think we'd see them certainly this frequently. We've probably seen them four or five times. We had one young bear follow us for two days, and we spent a lot of time trying to scare it away with flares. And it finally worked.

KAGAN: And if not, I understand you are equipped in case things get a little too dangerous with the bears?

BANCROFT: Yes, we have a magnum .44 just in the event that they're not afraid of the flares. We've spent a lot of time with the flares. But at the same time, we're pointing the gun at them as well until -- until they go away.

We had one that was about 15 paces from us just looking at us. It was both magnificent and terrifying at the same time.

KAGAN: I can only imagine. And they probably had similar feelings. They're not used to people stopping by their neighborhood.

You can't see what we have on the air, but if I could talk to my producers, if we could put the picture back up, it might be Liv up to her waist in the ice flow. BANCROFT: Yes.

KAGAN: And Ann, tell us what that -- you guys are swimming part of the way.

BANCROFT: We are. You know, we crossed probably a half a dozen open expanses today alone. In the case of today, we were able to find our way across. But we will get in these orange suits and swim across when there's no other way across.

We're hoping that that doesn't happen until the sun's a little higher in the sky. But we're ready to keep on moving, at all possible.

KAGAN: Understandable. I know you have kids all around the world -- because you're both former school teaches -- kids and especially Girl Scouts here in the U.S. following your journey. Any message for them today?

BANCROFT: Oh, it's -- you know, I think the message is really maybe perseverance today. It's just putting one step in front of the other, and you can achieve the thing things that you want to do.

We're bit by bit moving along. And it's extraordinary to be up in this part of the world and see all that we're seeing and yet work so hard.

KAGAN: I know you try to keep a high-calorie diet to keep the fat on. Did you guys pack any Girl Scout cookies?

BANCROFT: We've got a few cookies and a lot of potato chips and a lot of chocolate.

KAGAN: Ah, good. That's my kind of expedition. The cold part you can have.

Hey, send our best on to Liv as well. Please stay safe. And we will continue to check in with you as you make your way across the Arctic Ocean.

BANCROFT: Thanks so much.

KAGAN: Polar explorers Ann Bancroft and Liv Arnesen.

Well, let's check in weather a little bit closer here to home.

(WEATHER REPORT)

KAGAN: We are continuing to follow the latest developments in the Terri Schiavo case. Her parents continue to push for reinserting her feeding tube. What affect is it having and what is it doing to her body? Dr. Sanjay Gupta joins me when we return.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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Aired March 23, 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: Let's take a look at what's happening "Now in the News."
Terri Schiavo's parents are looking to the Supreme Court after their latest legal setback. Early today, a federal appeals court panel rejected their request to have their daughter's feeding tube reinserted. Just ahead we'll go live to the high court and to Schiavo's Florida hospice.

The FBI is asking that funerals for the victims of the Minnesota shooting rampage be delayed while the investigation continues. Autopsies are being performed on the 10 victims, including the teenage gunman. Authorities are trying to figure out why 16-year-old Jeff Weise opened fire at his school after killing his grandfather and the grandfather's girlfriend.

An extradition hearing is set today for a convicted murderer captured 20 years after he escaped from prison. Norman Porter was at the top of the most wanted list in Massachusetts. He was arrested yesterday in Chicago, where he was living as a poet and an antiwar protester, also a devoted member of his church.

Pope John Paul II made a brief appearance at his Vatican window this morning. He didn't speak, but delivered a blessing to the crowd below. Vatican officials disputed media reports that the pope's health is declining. They say his recovery from a respiratory infection and throat surgery has been slower than expected.

Crews in San Jose, California, are battling a fire at an apartment complex. We're looking at live pictures through all this smoke. A dispatcher says about 100 people have been evacuated from the three-story building. So far, there are no report of any injuries.

Checking the clock. 11:00 a.m. on the East Coast, 8:00 a.m. for those of you waking up in the West. From CNN Center in Atlanta, good morning once again. I'm Daryn Kagan.

Up first this hour, time and legal options are running out in the Terri Schiavo case. Schiavo's parents vow to take their fight now to the U.S. Supreme Court. That move comes after a federal appeals court refused to have their daughter's feeding tube reinserted.

Our Joe Johns is at the Supreme Court. Bob Franken is outside Schiavo's hospice in Pinellas Park, Florida.

Joe, we're going to start with you. Good morning. JOE JOHNS, CNN CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

The court is not in session, not hearing oral arguments. But we are told some of the justices were expected to meet behind closed doors to discuss other pending business.

We are told also the family of Terri Schiavo, the parents, did have until 10:00 Eastern Time to file electronically some form of motion or an intent to appeal. It's not clear to us right now whether that has been done. It's not also clear how long it will take before their appeal to the Supreme Court will get here to this building.

Justice Anthony Kennedy is the person who is expected to field that request. He personally does have the ability to file or order an injunction and the feeding tube reinserted. It is not clear, of course, that he'll do that. If he follows past practice, he would probably bump the decision up to the entire court.

So the question is timing. A lot of people of course have said time is of the sense. So we do expect when it happens it could happen very quickly.

Daryn, back to you.

KAGAN: Well, speaking of not timing but time, this family has appealed to the high court three times. And three times the Supreme Court has said they don't want to take the case.

JOHNS: That's exactly right. The last time being the House Government Reform Committee actually coming to the Supreme Court and trying to make their case related to Schiavo.

This court has been very reluctant to move on this case. Of course it's hard to figure out now what they'll do with the new law passed by Congress as part of the discussion -- Daryn.

KAGAN: But you'll be watching it for us. Joe Johns from the Supreme Court. Thank you.

Terri Schiavo's parents say that she "is fading quickly." She has been without her feeding tube since last Friday. Bob Franken is outside her hospice in Pinellas Park, Florida -- Bob.

BOB FRANKEN, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: And Daryn, there's a feeling among family members that their hopes in the federal judiciary are fading quickly. Of course they're at the last resort now, the U.S. Supreme Court. They are trying to take other steps. They're going to the state legislature, trying to get a bill passed that would accomplish the same thing, which is the reconnection of Terri Schiavo's nutrition tube.

They're also going into local court this morning. The local judge who has been so criticized as being the one who ordered the disconnection of the tube is now hearing a request to open up records of some legal action that occurred when Terri Schiavo was alive which the people who are working so hard against her husband say might show there had been some sort of mistreatment.

Very little more on that. The judge is handling that one in an open hearing at this very moment.

Now, as for actions that are taken, there is already a feeling that the pressure is going to ultimately end up on Governor Jeb Bush to take some sort of executive action. Governor Bush, this morning, after the appeals court had rejected the judicial request, came out saying -- and this is the quote -- "I could not be more disappointed in the decision announced this morning. Terri has been without sustenance for almost five days now. Time is of the essence, and I hope all who have the ability and duty to act in this case will do so with a sense of urgency."

The governor goes on, "Terri Schiavo, like all Americans, deserves our protection and respect. I will continue to call on the Florida legislature to pass legislation to honor patients' decisions about end-of-life care, protect all vulnerable Floridians, and spare Terri's life."

While the political process hasn't worked, the protesters here say that they may slightly ratchet up their tactics. We're told that in about a half-hour, a small group of protesters may try and once again go past the police onto the property of the hospice to deliver water for Terri Schiavo to drink.

In the past several days seven people have been arrested when they've tried to do that, charged with trespassing. The protesters now say that there may be a larger group going or trying to go in. The police are prepared for that and say that the possibility is people will also be arrested for trespassing.

As you can see, it is all set up. It is highly organized. It is something that is expected within the next half-hour. All involved say that this is going to be a peaceful protest -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Bob Franken, live from Pinellas Park, Florida. Thank you.

All along, Michael Schiavo has insisted his wife never wanted to be kept alive artificially. A new CNN-"USA Today"-Gallup poll, 64 percent in this poll of those surveyed say they believe he is telling truth about her wishes. Twenty-five percent disagree.

More than half of the respondents disagree with the way President Bush has handled the Schiavo case. Thirty-one percent say they approve of his action, 17 percent say they were unsure.

President Bush is at his ranch in Crawford, Texas. He did come back to Washington to sign the bill that kicked this back to the courts in Florida. Actually, back to the federal courts.

Today his focus, President Bush hosting leaders of Mexico and Canada. They're doing that at Baylor University this morning. White House correspondent Dana Bash joins me now from the campus in Waco, Texas. Good morning.

DANA BASH, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Daryn.

And, you know, when you're trying to rebuild some strained relations, it's probably diplomacy 101 to try to focus on what you agree on. And that's exactly what we're going to see here in Waco, Texas, later today.

You know, this three-way meeting comes at a time where there are some tensions between the U.S. and Mexico over immigration issues, between the U.S. and Canada over several issues, like Canada refusing to participate in the missile defense program that the U.S. is involved in, and over trade disputes over beef and lumber. But none of that is on the official agenda here today. And that's about design.

Now, the Canadian foreign minister in an interview with CNN earlier today described it this way...

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PIERRE PETTIGREW, CANADIAN FOREIGN MINISTER: We are friends. We are neighbors. We are partners. We're allies.

We're very mature about differences from time to time. And I do believe very much that it's time to move on.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BASH: Now, when the president came into office, he made it very clear he wanted to focus on his neighbors. He talked about the fact that it's important to get some agreements on trade and on other issues between the U.S. and Canada and the U.S. and Mexico, and other countries in the hemisphere. But, of course, after 9/11 happened his focus changed. And then specifically with Canada and Mexico, those countries very much opposed the Iraq war.

So what the president is doing today White House officials privately admit is not so much about substance but being gracious, even being neighborly, as he starts his second term. They are going to announce what senior officials call an important initiative to try to rebuild or even increase cooperation and coordination on security and economic initiatives today -- Daryn.

KAGAN: Yes. And Dana, we heard from a White House spokesperson, Scott McClellan, yesterday about where the Schiavo case was at that point. Any comment from the White House or from officials out that you're traveling with today?

BASH: Not quite yet, Daryn. You know, the White House has been careful since this process has started to make its way through the federal system to say that that is where their focus on -- focus is, and that at this point they're not necessarily looking at other options that the president can use, even Congress can use. They're going to sort of wait and see how that goes. But I should mention that there is a press conference with the president and the two leaders here. The president will be open for questions. So we'll see if perhaps the Schiavo matter comes up.

KAGAN: I have a feeling it just might. Dana Bash from Waco, Texas. Thank you.

Dana was mentioning that news conference. The president and prime minister holding that 12:25 Eastern today, about an hour and 15 minutes. CNN does plan live coverage ahead in the next hour.

Terri Schiavo's fate hanging in the balance. Is her story being use for political gain? We will go live to Capitol hill. Plus, can stress affect your memory? We go to boot camp to put that question to test in today's "Daily Dose."

And helping your kids get into college. We're demystifying the university admissions process, this hour on CNN LIVE TODAY.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KAGAN: It is that time of year, March Madness -- no, no, no, not your brackets. It's time for college admissions and rejection letters to hit the mailboxes. A good time for "Princeton Review" to release its College Hopes and Worries Survey.

Robert Franek from Princeton -- from "Princeton Review" joins us from New York this morning.

Good morning.

ROBERT FRANEK, "PRINCETON REVIEW": Good morning. Thanks for having me.

KAGAN: The first question, do you prefer Rob, Bob, Robert?

FRANEK: Yes, Rob is perfect.

KAGAN: Rob. It's you and me, Rob. OK. I was not surprised to see the biggest concern not getting in, paying for this monstrosity of college tuition.

FRANEK: Yes, it's absolutely true, especially during this time, as you had noted at the beginning. Between March 1st and April 1st is when most admission and rejection letters will come in the mail for college-bound students. Between then and May 1st students will then have to decide where they're going to go to school. So financial aid is definitely a huge concern.

KAGAN: Yes.

FRANEK: Right now, 64 percent of our applicant pool said that it's a major concern for them.

KAGAN: Yes. It's one thing getting in. It's another paying for it and what kind of package you're going to get on that. Let's take a few steps backwards and talk about getting in.

FRANEK: Yes.

KAGAN: The toughest part of applying, what do people think? Standardized tests, like S.A.T., that kind of stuff?

FRANEK: Exactly. And actually, in March of 2005, the S.A.T. changed. So there's great anxiety over the next class going to school over what that -- those new changes in the S.A.T. are going to yield.

KAGAN: And it's one thing for a college to pick you, but how do you pick a college? What were people looking at?

FRANEK: Yes, well, lots of different things. I think that students consider, you know, not only the quality of academics but the quality of life that's going to be inherent to that school.

So, you know, what are the faculty members like, what are the dorms like? What is the food like on campus? Is it a socially of engaged campus? Is it in an urban or suburban area?

So those wonderful things kind of roll up to the great quality of life at each university.

KAGAN: That's interesting. Best academics at the bottom of that list, 8 percent. Keeping your priorities straight there.

Had to get this one in, I have a bias on this. Dream colleges, you asked both the students and the parents, "Where would you like to go?" Students' number one choice, NYU, parents, my alma mater, Stanford University.

FRANEK: Stanford University -- both fine schools.

KAGAN: Yes.

FRANEK: But I think it's certainly interesting the difference. And what we've been noticing at "Princeton Review" through students on our Web site, pristonreview.com, and also the survey that we contacted students through, (UNINTELLIGIBLE), we found out that students are looking for great urban experiences.

Now, Stanford, arguably...

KAGAN: Not urban.

FRANEK: Yes.

KAGAN: Palo Alto.

FRANEK: Yes.

KAGAN: I mean, it's not -- they call it the farm. It's not in the middle of nowhere.

FRANEK: That's true. I mean, it certainly has access to wonderful San Francisco, but different from the student experience that a student would be getting at New York University.

KAGAN: That's interesting. So kids are looking for an urban experience?

FRANEK: Yes, and I think for several reasons. One, I think that students right now are focused on the practical outcomes of their degrees, can they get a learning experience or an internship their first or second year as undergraduate? Schools like NYU, other schools in major urban centers, can provide that outlet for students, and I think it's very attractive.

KAGAN: Which brings us to our last question. You were asking kids, "What do you hope to get from college?" There's that. Let's see the number one thing, a well-rounded, maturing life experience.

FRANEK: Yes, isn't that wonderful that students are finally embracing the liberal arts ideal. Fifty-one percent of the students and the parents we reached out to said, yes, they're looking for a good fit, but they're looking for that nurturing experience and that well-round experiences for their undergraduate years.

KAGAN: Interesting. Notice that 8 percent number again, better- paying job after graduation equaling with academics.

Fun to look at the numbers. Good luck to all of the students out there. I know this is such a nerve-wracking time, waiting for the big fat envelope or thin envelope to come in the mail.

Rob, thank you. And thanks to "Princeton Review" for showing us the numbers.

FRANEK: Thanks for having me.

KAGAN: We're making progress every day. We're going to hear from Ann Bancroft. Talk about success. Ann Bancroft and Liv Arnesen, the polar explorers.

Remember, we're tracking them as they make it across the Arctic Ocean. I'm going to talk to them live. Yes, they are calling in live, and they're having a little bit of a problem. Somebody who was not invited to come on the trip apparently has invited him or herself. We're going to tell you about that coming up.

Also, the mysteries of the brain, how stress affects your memory, ahead this hour on CNN LIVE TODAY.

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KAGAN: Let's check in on one of our favorite ongoing stories here at CNN LIVE TODAY. Two women explorers who made history by crossing Antarctica are off on the latest quest. They've embarked on 1,240-mile trek across the Arctic Ocean. Ann Bancroft and Liv Arnesen set off from remote area of Russia earlier this month.

Joining me now on the phone with an update on their arctic ocean journey. I think we have Ann Bancroft on the phone.

Ann? Ann, can you hear me? It's Daryn Kagan at CNN.

We'll try one more time. We are calling close to the North Pole.

Ann Bancroft, are you there?

ANN BANCROFT, POLAR EXPLORER: I am. Hi, Daryn.

KAGAN: There you are. It's worth three tries when you're calling close to the North Pole. How goes it at 31 degrees below -- below zero?

BANCROFT: Well, it's chilly. It's -- we're pretty cold here.

KAGAN: How goes the expedition so far? How far have you made it?

BANCROFT: Well, we've been out for 12 days, we've had -- the first week was chockful of excitement. A lot of polar bear action.

We've had open water. We've actually fell in up to our mid thigh. And we've had whiteout. So we've had just about every little thing we could possibly get in about a week's time.

KAGAN: For anybody else, that would spell disaster. For you and Liv that's just a day at the office. Tell us about these polar bears. And had you anticipated running into any? And what kind of problems are they causing?

BANCROFT: Well, we came prepared for polar bears, but we -- you know, I think in actuality I didn't think we'd see them certainly this frequently. We've probably seen them four or five times. We had one young bear follow us for two days, and we spent a lot of time trying to scare it away with flares. And it finally worked.

KAGAN: And if not, I understand you are equipped in case things get a little too dangerous with the bears?

BANCROFT: Yes, we have a magnum .44 just in the event that they're not afraid of the flares. We've spent a lot of time with the flares. But at the same time, we're pointing the gun at them as well until -- until they go away.

We had one that was about 15 paces from us just looking at us. It was both magnificent and terrifying at the same time.

KAGAN: I can only imagine. And they probably had similar feelings. They're not used to people stopping by their neighborhood.

You can't see what we have on the air, but if I could talk to my producers, if we could put the picture back up, it might be Liv up to her waist in the ice flow. BANCROFT: Yes.

KAGAN: And Ann, tell us what that -- you guys are swimming part of the way.

BANCROFT: We are. You know, we crossed probably a half a dozen open expanses today alone. In the case of today, we were able to find our way across. But we will get in these orange suits and swim across when there's no other way across.

We're hoping that that doesn't happen until the sun's a little higher in the sky. But we're ready to keep on moving, at all possible.

KAGAN: Understandable. I know you have kids all around the world -- because you're both former school teaches -- kids and especially Girl Scouts here in the U.S. following your journey. Any message for them today?

BANCROFT: Oh, it's -- you know, I think the message is really maybe perseverance today. It's just putting one step in front of the other, and you can achieve the thing things that you want to do.

We're bit by bit moving along. And it's extraordinary to be up in this part of the world and see all that we're seeing and yet work so hard.

KAGAN: I know you try to keep a high-calorie diet to keep the fat on. Did you guys pack any Girl Scout cookies?

BANCROFT: We've got a few cookies and a lot of potato chips and a lot of chocolate.

KAGAN: Ah, good. That's my kind of expedition. The cold part you can have.

Hey, send our best on to Liv as well. Please stay safe. And we will continue to check in with you as you make your way across the Arctic Ocean.

BANCROFT: Thanks so much.

KAGAN: Polar explorers Ann Bancroft and Liv Arnesen.

Well, let's check in weather a little bit closer here to home.

(WEATHER REPORT)

KAGAN: We are continuing to follow the latest developments in the Terri Schiavo case. Her parents continue to push for reinserting her feeding tube. What affect is it having and what is it doing to her body? Dr. Sanjay Gupta joins me when we return.

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