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CNN Live At Daybreak
Videotape of Bosnia Massacre Surfaces; Super Speller
Aired June 03, 2005 - 06:31 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.
ANNOUNCER: From the Time Warner center in New York, this is DAYBREAK, with Carol Costello and Chad Myers.
VALERIE MORRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, everyone. Thanks for waking up with us. I'm Valerie Morris, in this morning for Carol Costello.
Coming up this half-hour, atrocities of war 10 years later. Videotape from a war zone brings the pain of the past back to the forefront.
But first, "Now in the News."
A teenager who police say stole a bulldozer and led police on a 15-mile chase is in critical condition after police fired on the boy. The 14-year-old allegedly turned the bulldozer toward officers after he ignored repeated efforts to get him to stop.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice releases the annual State Department trafficking in persons report today. The U.S. will cite Saudi Arabia as one of the world's worst offenders in forcing the most people into servitude or the sex trade every year.
The jury in the Michael Jackson trial gets the case today. That's after hearing once again from the defense, the prosecution and the judge. Jurors could be deliberating Jackson's fate by this afternoon.
And as for our fate with the weather, a forecast for you.
(WEATHER REPORT)
MORRIS: Materials that could be used to make biological weapons and banned long-range missiles are reportedly missing in Iraq. The Associated Press reports U.N. weapons experts say satellite photos indicate the material has been removed from 109 sites. A report to the U.N. Security Council draws no conclusion about who removed the items or where they went.
The U.S. Army has a month to turn over videos and photographs relating to the Abu Ghraib prison scandal. A federal judge ordered the release. The ACLU says the pictures should fall within the Freedom of Information Act.
It was called Europe's worst massacre since the Holocaust. More than 7,000 men were murdered in the fields in Srebrenica, Bosnia. Now, a tape of the atrocities has surfaced nearly 10 years later. ITV's Romilly Weeks has the details. But we warn you, some of these images are disturbing.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ROMILLY WEEKS, ITV REPORTER (voice over): It was the massacre that the U.N. failed to prevent, the worst atrocity of the Bosnian war. But until now, no footage of Srebrenica had ever seen the light of day.
The video shows young men handcuffed and bloodied in the hands of a notorious Serb paramilitary unit. The Serbs shout insults, and it seems the Muslims are about to be shot.
Instead, as the soldiers laugh and pose, a shot is fired over their victims' heads. Psychological torture, and as it turns out, only a brief reprieve as the men are led away to a clearing, where they have to stand in a line and step forward to be gunned down one by one.
We won't show the moment the men are killed, but each was made to watch as his friends were shot, 6 out of the 7,000 who were murdered by the Serbs at Srebrenica.
Afterwards, two of the men are made to carry the bodies of their dead comrades before they, too, are brutally tortured and shot.
The footage was filmed by one of the paramilitaries. Today, each of those who appear in this film were arrested in Belgrade.
The video was shown as evidence in the trial of Slobodan Milosevic. A recent poll showed that half the Serbian population still don't believe there was any massacre at Srebrenica. They might have to change their minds now.
Romilly Weeks, ITV News.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
MORRIS: It's the case of the predator versus the con artist if you quote some of the phrases used in the closing arguments in the Michael Jackson trial.
Let's check in now with CNN's Bill Hemmer for a look at what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."
Hi -- Bill.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Hi, Valerie. Good morning to you.
They could get this case later today, the jurors could, in Michael Jackson's case. Jeff Toobin was in the courtroom back in Santa Maria, California, for closing arguments yesterday. Toobin says both sides did a great job. But we want to know whether or not one side grabbed an edge over the other. We'll talk to Jeff live this morning in California. Also, here is some high drama. The National Spelling Bee, it's over, and a very emotional win for Anurag Kashyap. Yesterday, that was the winner; 47th place last year for the 13-year-old. He is number one this year, and he's live in our studio this morning. We'll talk to him about the drama and the intensity, because that is a great, great competition every single year.
MORRIS: Oh, absolutely.
HEMMER: Yes.
MORRIS: Did you try spelling some of those words?
HEMMER: Sorry, say that again.
MORRIS: I said, did you try spelling some of those words? I did.
HEMMER: Yes. How did you do?
MORRIS: I needed a double P and a double G on that winning word.
HEMMER: That doesn't win.
MORRIS: I was in the right neighborhood.
HEMMER: Right on.
MORRIS: But being nearly right isn't good enough. Thanks, Bill.
HEMMER: See you in 22 minutes.
MORRIS: OK.
Still to come on DAYBREAK, do you use an iPod? Then you may have some money coming to you. We'll explain.
And later, most adults couldn't even pronounce some of these words, let alone spell them. But the kids that Bill Hemmer was just talking about, they churn them out with ease at the National Spelling Bee. CNN "AMERICAN MORNING" has number one. But you're going to meet right here one of the youngest and brightest spellers ever, just a little later.
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Friday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
MORRIS: Despite the tremendous popularity of Apple's iPods, some iPod owners aren't too happy.
Carrie Lee is here to explain the problem and tell us what Apple is going to do to fix it.
CARRIE LEE, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS CORRESPONDENT: Well, you may have heard anecdotally about this. But some people have had battery problems with their iPods. People who bough the early iPods often experience trouble with the battery.
Well, now Apple has reached a proposed settlement in a class- action suit, alleging that the battery didn't last as long as advertised. Now, you, dear viewer, are part of the class-action suit if you bought a first, second or third generation iPod on or before May 31, 2004 and experienced battery trouble.
The benefits vary. Some people will receive a $50 store credit or a $25 cash payment or perhaps an extension of the warranty. And owners of the third generation iPod may even get a brand, new device. In some cases, you'll have the choice of what you want.
In order to be eligible, you have to submit a claim before September 30 of this year or within two years of when you bought the iPod, whichever comes later. But two million iPod owners may be part of the settlement. The cost to Apple is pretty much unknown at this point, though, depending on many of those people actually had battery problems.
MORRIS: So, we're talking to the stock. That can give us some suggestions.
LEE: Well, we'll see what it does today, but, you know, the stock has been a very high flyer lately.
MORRIS: Yes.
LEE: It started at about $15 this year. Now it trades at 40. So, more than doubling this year alone, and -- oh, I'm sorry. It started at 33 this year. It's 40 now. Over the past year it's more than doubled from $15.
So, we'll see if it affects the stock. But too many people, $50, a million dollars payout, they can afford it.
MORRIS: Another big story, though, of course, the jobs report out today.
LEE: Yes. And a lot of people are waiting for this. It's coming out an hour before the session gets under way. Right now, futures are looking mixed. But we're expected to have added about 180,000 jobs during the month. Not bad, but remember we had 274,000 new jobs in the prior month. So, it will be interesting to see if we keep the momentum going.
MORRIS: It sounds good. How are futures looking?
LEE: Yes. Futures are looking mixed, as I said. Yesterday, not too much action. The Dow up a couple of points. The Nasdaq up 10 points. I think everyone has been waiting on the jobs coming out in about two hours.
MORRIS: OK. People always look to those futures, up or down, how the market is going to go. LEE: Oh, yes.
MORRIS: Thanks, Carrie.
LEE: OK.
MORRIS: Appreciate it.
It's time now, your news, money, weather and sports. And the time is 6:44. And here is what's all new this morning.
The 2006 budget proposed by President Bush would cut $125 million allocated to victims of the 9/11 tragedy. New York lawmakers are demanding the money not be repelled.
In money, President Bush chose California Congressman Christopher Cox to run the Securities and Exchange Commission. If approved by the Senate, Cox is expected to be a pro-business conservative.
In culture, the man who built Black Entertainment Television, or BET, is retiring from the network. Johnson became the first African- American who is a billionaire. He became a billionaire when he sold BET to Viacom for $3 billion in 2000.
In sports, members of the original basketball Dream Team will help choose the next one. Former NBA stars Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson will join other Hall of Famers to choose the next lineup for the 2006 world championships and the '08 Olympics.
(WEATHER REPORT)
MORRIS: When we come back, we're going to put your spelling skills to the test with one of the final contestants in the National Spelling Bee.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANURAG KASHYAP, 2005 NATIONAL SPELLING BEE CHAMP: Appoggiatura, A-P-P-O-G-G-I-A-T-U-R-A.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MORRIS: There you go. That word means melodic tone. It brings success to a California eighth grader. Anurag Kashyap wins the 2005 National Spelling Bee. And congratulations. Not only congratulations, he gets 30,000 in cash, scholarships and books.
Now, Anurag, the 272 other competitors in this annual contest, this is a tough contest, and one that our next guest knows all too well.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Entrecote. SAMIR PATEL, SECOND PLACE SPELLER: Yes. Again. Again. Entrecote, definition please?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Entrecote is a steak cut from between the ribs...
PATEL: And it's French again?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Latin to French.
PATEL: Yes, I do get all of the French words.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MORRIS: Samir Patel was the runner-up in this year's spelling bee. He joins us this morning from Washington.
Hi, Samir.
PATEL: Hi.
MORRIS: I understand (INAUDIBLE). I understand that this was not the first time that you were in a spelling bee. What keeps bringing you back?
PATEL: Well, it's just something once you start it, you just have to finish it. So, like I'm third in 2003. I couldn't settle with that. I had to take first. So, I tried again last year. I came in 27th. I couldn't settle with that. I had to try again. And I came this year. I came in second.
MORRIS: Well, you know what? You really are a crowd pleasure. You got plenty of crowd reaction. It seems to me that you find humor helps in this contest. Is that true?
PATEL: Well, I mean, not really. It's just that I'm so happy and relieved when I get a word that I know, you know? It's just kind of good. And so...
MORRIS: Well, I understand there was one word -- now, you'll have to pardon me, because I may not even be pronouncing this properly. So, tell me...
PATEL: OK, that's OK.
MORRIS: ... filiciform, was that a word you had to spell?
PATEL: Yes.
MORRIS: Can you spell it for us?
PATEL: F-I-L-I-C-I-F-O-R-M, filiciform.
MORRIS: Do you know why I can tell you that's correct? Because I'm reading it, not because I knew. I understand after this word you yelled out, "Thanks, mom." Why? PATEL: Well, because my mom was going over some of the words that I had. She tested me on some words. And she went over some words a few days ago, and that was one of the words she went over.
MORRIS: That's great.
PATEL: Yes.
MORRIS: So, I know that the winner got a big chunk, $30,000, towards an education.
PATEL: Yes, that much, yes.
MORRIS: What about you?
PATEL: Well, let's see, 5,000, I think, somewhere around there.
MORRIS: Yes, that's very good. You're going to put that away for college?
PATEL: Well, I'm going to put away a lot of it for college, but I've been saving all my life, and I'm going to spend some of it this time. I'm going to buy some video games, some Legos, go buy my mom something.
MORRIS: You know what? I think that's a very good idea. I do financial news a lot, and sometimes they say when you get a big windfall, the best way to use it is put some of it away, but make sure you treat yourself to something as well. Do you plan on entering spelling bees again?
PATEL: Yes, until I come in first.
MORRIS: It's just your favorite thing? Oh, so until you win the main prize, we're going to be seeing you over and over?
PATEL: Yes.
MORRIS: But you know what? I have a sense that maybe you just may be getting that first place spot sooner than we think. How long and how often do you study?
PATEL: Well, I study every day for as much time as possible, because I need to have different activities like I do judo, I take swimming, and also just stuff like that. So, some days I can only do an hour or so. Other days, like weekends when I don't have to do regular school studies as well, I can study most of the day.
MORRIS: Well, Samir, you are a C-H-A-M-P-I-O-N, definitely.
PATEL: Thank you.
MORRIS: Thank you so much for joining us, and congratulations.
PATEL: Oh, you're welcome.
MORRIS: You have a good day.
PATEL: Thank you.
MORRIS: All right.
From this young man to the story now of the runaway bride. She has admitted that she faked her own abduction. What happens to her now?
CNN's Carol Costello -- hi, Carol -- is joining us now for a look at what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Oh, hello, Valerie.
You're right. We're going to talk about the runaway bride, Jennifer Wilbanks. She pled no contest to a felony charge, sentenced to probation and community service, a misdemeanor charge apparently dropped. So, was she happy with the deal? And what was up with her anyway? We'll talk to Wilbanks' attorney.
Also, Tom Cruise raising a few eyebrows after he criticizes Brook Shields' use of anti-depressants for her post-partum depression. He said she should have just taken vitamins and exercised instead. This morning, we'll talk to a doctor about Cruise's statements and what really works for new moms.
That's all ahead on "AMERICAN MORNING."
And by the way, Valerie, we're also going to interview the winner of the spelling bee, as Bill told you a little earlier.
MORRIS: Yes. I think that's good. You know, but I really like the fact that we had a chance to talk to second place, because sometimes the runner up gets lost in the shuffle.
COSTELLO: He is a pistol.
MORRIS: Isn't he cute? Thanks, Carol.
It's time now to give away that DAYBREAK coffee mug. OK. Let's talk about the answers to the Thursday coffee quiz, Chad.
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes. Good morning, Valerie.
We had a couple of good questions for you. You actually had to pay attention during the news for a change. What city is now shaming homeowners into cleaning up its property? That would be Dayton, Ohio. And who just resigned from a post at the SEC? And that was William Donaldson.
And the person that was paying attention, well, there were many, but Amanda Thomas from Malvern, Pennsylvania. You are now the proud winner and the proud owner of a CNN DAYBREAK coffee mug.
Now the questions for today. And, Valerie, this is close to you, because you did the interview. Archaeologists from what three countries are working to bring King Tut's tomb back to America to four cities in America so far? And give the definition of appoggiatura, the final word in the 2005 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee.
CNN.com/daybreak to your answers, please. You don't have to use it in a sentence, but if you want special credit, you can use the word in a sentence, too.
MORRIS: OK, Chad. Thanks so much.
MYERS: All right.
MORRIS: We're taking a short break. We'll be back in just a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
MORRIS: "Now in the News."
Israeli security sources tell CNN that Syria test-fired three Scud missiles last week. Sources say the Israeli government monitored the test-firings of one Scud-B and two Scud-D missiles.
The FAA and air traffic controllers dispute whether passengers flying in and out of New York are at risk. Senator Hillary Clinton wants both sides to put down varying reports and sit down face to face to discuss passenger security and safety.
Chad has an update for all of you business travelers.
(WEATHER REPORT)
MORRIS: From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Valerie Morris. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.
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 June 3, 2005 - 06:31 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
ANNOUNCER: From the Time Warner center in New York, this is DAYBREAK, with Carol Costello and Chad Myers.
VALERIE MORRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, everyone. Thanks for waking up with us. I'm Valerie Morris, in this morning for Carol Costello.
Coming up this half-hour, atrocities of war 10 years later. Videotape from a war zone brings the pain of the past back to the forefront.
But first, "Now in the News."
A teenager who police say stole a bulldozer and led police on a 15-mile chase is in critical condition after police fired on the boy. The 14-year-old allegedly turned the bulldozer toward officers after he ignored repeated efforts to get him to stop.
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice releases the annual State Department trafficking in persons report today. The U.S. will cite Saudi Arabia as one of the world's worst offenders in forcing the most people into servitude or the sex trade every year.
The jury in the Michael Jackson trial gets the case today. That's after hearing once again from the defense, the prosecution and the judge. Jurors could be deliberating Jackson's fate by this afternoon.
And as for our fate with the weather, a forecast for you.
(WEATHER REPORT)
MORRIS: Materials that could be used to make biological weapons and banned long-range missiles are reportedly missing in Iraq. The Associated Press reports U.N. weapons experts say satellite photos indicate the material has been removed from 109 sites. A report to the U.N. Security Council draws no conclusion about who removed the items or where they went.
The U.S. Army has a month to turn over videos and photographs relating to the Abu Ghraib prison scandal. A federal judge ordered the release. The ACLU says the pictures should fall within the Freedom of Information Act.
It was called Europe's worst massacre since the Holocaust. More than 7,000 men were murdered in the fields in Srebrenica, Bosnia. Now, a tape of the atrocities has surfaced nearly 10 years later. ITV's Romilly Weeks has the details. But we warn you, some of these images are disturbing.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ROMILLY WEEKS, ITV REPORTER (voice over): It was the massacre that the U.N. failed to prevent, the worst atrocity of the Bosnian war. But until now, no footage of Srebrenica had ever seen the light of day.
The video shows young men handcuffed and bloodied in the hands of a notorious Serb paramilitary unit. The Serbs shout insults, and it seems the Muslims are about to be shot.
Instead, as the soldiers laugh and pose, a shot is fired over their victims' heads. Psychological torture, and as it turns out, only a brief reprieve as the men are led away to a clearing, where they have to stand in a line and step forward to be gunned down one by one.
We won't show the moment the men are killed, but each was made to watch as his friends were shot, 6 out of the 7,000 who were murdered by the Serbs at Srebrenica.
Afterwards, two of the men are made to carry the bodies of their dead comrades before they, too, are brutally tortured and shot.
The footage was filmed by one of the paramilitaries. Today, each of those who appear in this film were arrested in Belgrade.
The video was shown as evidence in the trial of Slobodan Milosevic. A recent poll showed that half the Serbian population still don't believe there was any massacre at Srebrenica. They might have to change their minds now.
Romilly Weeks, ITV News.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
MORRIS: It's the case of the predator versus the con artist if you quote some of the phrases used in the closing arguments in the Michael Jackson trial.
Let's check in now with CNN's Bill Hemmer for a look at what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."
Hi -- Bill.
BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Hi, Valerie. Good morning to you.
They could get this case later today, the jurors could, in Michael Jackson's case. Jeff Toobin was in the courtroom back in Santa Maria, California, for closing arguments yesterday. Toobin says both sides did a great job. But we want to know whether or not one side grabbed an edge over the other. We'll talk to Jeff live this morning in California. Also, here is some high drama. The National Spelling Bee, it's over, and a very emotional win for Anurag Kashyap. Yesterday, that was the winner; 47th place last year for the 13-year-old. He is number one this year, and he's live in our studio this morning. We'll talk to him about the drama and the intensity, because that is a great, great competition every single year.
MORRIS: Oh, absolutely.
HEMMER: Yes.
MORRIS: Did you try spelling some of those words?
HEMMER: Sorry, say that again.
MORRIS: I said, did you try spelling some of those words? I did.
HEMMER: Yes. How did you do?
MORRIS: I needed a double P and a double G on that winning word.
HEMMER: That doesn't win.
MORRIS: I was in the right neighborhood.
HEMMER: Right on.
MORRIS: But being nearly right isn't good enough. Thanks, Bill.
HEMMER: See you in 22 minutes.
MORRIS: OK.
Still to come on DAYBREAK, do you use an iPod? Then you may have some money coming to you. We'll explain.
And later, most adults couldn't even pronounce some of these words, let alone spell them. But the kids that Bill Hemmer was just talking about, they churn them out with ease at the National Spelling Bee. CNN "AMERICAN MORNING" has number one. But you're going to meet right here one of the youngest and brightest spellers ever, just a little later.
But first, here's a look at what else is making news this Friday morning.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
MORRIS: Despite the tremendous popularity of Apple's iPods, some iPod owners aren't too happy.
Carrie Lee is here to explain the problem and tell us what Apple is going to do to fix it.
CARRIE LEE, CNN FINANCIAL NEWS CORRESPONDENT: Well, you may have heard anecdotally about this. But some people have had battery problems with their iPods. People who bough the early iPods often experience trouble with the battery.
Well, now Apple has reached a proposed settlement in a class- action suit, alleging that the battery didn't last as long as advertised. Now, you, dear viewer, are part of the class-action suit if you bought a first, second or third generation iPod on or before May 31, 2004 and experienced battery trouble.
The benefits vary. Some people will receive a $50 store credit or a $25 cash payment or perhaps an extension of the warranty. And owners of the third generation iPod may even get a brand, new device. In some cases, you'll have the choice of what you want.
In order to be eligible, you have to submit a claim before September 30 of this year or within two years of when you bought the iPod, whichever comes later. But two million iPod owners may be part of the settlement. The cost to Apple is pretty much unknown at this point, though, depending on many of those people actually had battery problems.
MORRIS: So, we're talking to the stock. That can give us some suggestions.
LEE: Well, we'll see what it does today, but, you know, the stock has been a very high flyer lately.
MORRIS: Yes.
LEE: It started at about $15 this year. Now it trades at 40. So, more than doubling this year alone, and -- oh, I'm sorry. It started at 33 this year. It's 40 now. Over the past year it's more than doubled from $15.
So, we'll see if it affects the stock. But too many people, $50, a million dollars payout, they can afford it.
MORRIS: Another big story, though, of course, the jobs report out today.
LEE: Yes. And a lot of people are waiting for this. It's coming out an hour before the session gets under way. Right now, futures are looking mixed. But we're expected to have added about 180,000 jobs during the month. Not bad, but remember we had 274,000 new jobs in the prior month. So, it will be interesting to see if we keep the momentum going.
MORRIS: It sounds good. How are futures looking?
LEE: Yes. Futures are looking mixed, as I said. Yesterday, not too much action. The Dow up a couple of points. The Nasdaq up 10 points. I think everyone has been waiting on the jobs coming out in about two hours.
MORRIS: OK. People always look to those futures, up or down, how the market is going to go. LEE: Oh, yes.
MORRIS: Thanks, Carrie.
LEE: OK.
MORRIS: Appreciate it.
It's time now, your news, money, weather and sports. And the time is 6:44. And here is what's all new this morning.
The 2006 budget proposed by President Bush would cut $125 million allocated to victims of the 9/11 tragedy. New York lawmakers are demanding the money not be repelled.
In money, President Bush chose California Congressman Christopher Cox to run the Securities and Exchange Commission. If approved by the Senate, Cox is expected to be a pro-business conservative.
In culture, the man who built Black Entertainment Television, or BET, is retiring from the network. Johnson became the first African- American who is a billionaire. He became a billionaire when he sold BET to Viacom for $3 billion in 2000.
In sports, members of the original basketball Dream Team will help choose the next one. Former NBA stars Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson will join other Hall of Famers to choose the next lineup for the 2006 world championships and the '08 Olympics.
(WEATHER REPORT)
MORRIS: When we come back, we're going to put your spelling skills to the test with one of the final contestants in the National Spelling Bee.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
ANURAG KASHYAP, 2005 NATIONAL SPELLING BEE CHAMP: Appoggiatura, A-P-P-O-G-G-I-A-T-U-R-A.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MORRIS: There you go. That word means melodic tone. It brings success to a California eighth grader. Anurag Kashyap wins the 2005 National Spelling Bee. And congratulations. Not only congratulations, he gets 30,000 in cash, scholarships and books.
Now, Anurag, the 272 other competitors in this annual contest, this is a tough contest, and one that our next guest knows all too well.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Entrecote. SAMIR PATEL, SECOND PLACE SPELLER: Yes. Again. Again. Entrecote, definition please?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Entrecote is a steak cut from between the ribs...
PATEL: And it's French again?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Latin to French.
PATEL: Yes, I do get all of the French words.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
MORRIS: Samir Patel was the runner-up in this year's spelling bee. He joins us this morning from Washington.
Hi, Samir.
PATEL: Hi.
MORRIS: I understand (INAUDIBLE). I understand that this was not the first time that you were in a spelling bee. What keeps bringing you back?
PATEL: Well, it's just something once you start it, you just have to finish it. So, like I'm third in 2003. I couldn't settle with that. I had to take first. So, I tried again last year. I came in 27th. I couldn't settle with that. I had to try again. And I came this year. I came in second.
MORRIS: Well, you know what? You really are a crowd pleasure. You got plenty of crowd reaction. It seems to me that you find humor helps in this contest. Is that true?
PATEL: Well, I mean, not really. It's just that I'm so happy and relieved when I get a word that I know, you know? It's just kind of good. And so...
MORRIS: Well, I understand there was one word -- now, you'll have to pardon me, because I may not even be pronouncing this properly. So, tell me...
PATEL: OK, that's OK.
MORRIS: ... filiciform, was that a word you had to spell?
PATEL: Yes.
MORRIS: Can you spell it for us?
PATEL: F-I-L-I-C-I-F-O-R-M, filiciform.
MORRIS: Do you know why I can tell you that's correct? Because I'm reading it, not because I knew. I understand after this word you yelled out, "Thanks, mom." Why? PATEL: Well, because my mom was going over some of the words that I had. She tested me on some words. And she went over some words a few days ago, and that was one of the words she went over.
MORRIS: That's great.
PATEL: Yes.
MORRIS: So, I know that the winner got a big chunk, $30,000, towards an education.
PATEL: Yes, that much, yes.
MORRIS: What about you?
PATEL: Well, let's see, 5,000, I think, somewhere around there.
MORRIS: Yes, that's very good. You're going to put that away for college?
PATEL: Well, I'm going to put away a lot of it for college, but I've been saving all my life, and I'm going to spend some of it this time. I'm going to buy some video games, some Legos, go buy my mom something.
MORRIS: You know what? I think that's a very good idea. I do financial news a lot, and sometimes they say when you get a big windfall, the best way to use it is put some of it away, but make sure you treat yourself to something as well. Do you plan on entering spelling bees again?
PATEL: Yes, until I come in first.
MORRIS: It's just your favorite thing? Oh, so until you win the main prize, we're going to be seeing you over and over?
PATEL: Yes.
MORRIS: But you know what? I have a sense that maybe you just may be getting that first place spot sooner than we think. How long and how often do you study?
PATEL: Well, I study every day for as much time as possible, because I need to have different activities like I do judo, I take swimming, and also just stuff like that. So, some days I can only do an hour or so. Other days, like weekends when I don't have to do regular school studies as well, I can study most of the day.
MORRIS: Well, Samir, you are a C-H-A-M-P-I-O-N, definitely.
PATEL: Thank you.
MORRIS: Thank you so much for joining us, and congratulations.
PATEL: Oh, you're welcome.
MORRIS: You have a good day.
PATEL: Thank you.
MORRIS: All right.
From this young man to the story now of the runaway bride. She has admitted that she faked her own abduction. What happens to her now?
CNN's Carol Costello -- hi, Carol -- is joining us now for a look at what's coming up on "AMERICAN MORNING."
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Oh, hello, Valerie.
You're right. We're going to talk about the runaway bride, Jennifer Wilbanks. She pled no contest to a felony charge, sentenced to probation and community service, a misdemeanor charge apparently dropped. So, was she happy with the deal? And what was up with her anyway? We'll talk to Wilbanks' attorney.
Also, Tom Cruise raising a few eyebrows after he criticizes Brook Shields' use of anti-depressants for her post-partum depression. He said she should have just taken vitamins and exercised instead. This morning, we'll talk to a doctor about Cruise's statements and what really works for new moms.
That's all ahead on "AMERICAN MORNING."
And by the way, Valerie, we're also going to interview the winner of the spelling bee, as Bill told you a little earlier.
MORRIS: Yes. I think that's good. You know, but I really like the fact that we had a chance to talk to second place, because sometimes the runner up gets lost in the shuffle.
COSTELLO: He is a pistol.
MORRIS: Isn't he cute? Thanks, Carol.
It's time now to give away that DAYBREAK coffee mug. OK. Let's talk about the answers to the Thursday coffee quiz, Chad.
CHAD MYERS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Yes. Good morning, Valerie.
We had a couple of good questions for you. You actually had to pay attention during the news for a change. What city is now shaming homeowners into cleaning up its property? That would be Dayton, Ohio. And who just resigned from a post at the SEC? And that was William Donaldson.
And the person that was paying attention, well, there were many, but Amanda Thomas from Malvern, Pennsylvania. You are now the proud winner and the proud owner of a CNN DAYBREAK coffee mug.
Now the questions for today. And, Valerie, this is close to you, because you did the interview. Archaeologists from what three countries are working to bring King Tut's tomb back to America to four cities in America so far? And give the definition of appoggiatura, the final word in the 2005 Scripps Howard National Spelling Bee.
CNN.com/daybreak to your answers, please. You don't have to use it in a sentence, but if you want special credit, you can use the word in a sentence, too.
MORRIS: OK, Chad. Thanks so much.
MYERS: All right.
MORRIS: We're taking a short break. We'll be back in just a moment.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
MORRIS: "Now in the News."
Israeli security sources tell CNN that Syria test-fired three Scud missiles last week. Sources say the Israeli government monitored the test-firings of one Scud-B and two Scud-D missiles.
The FAA and air traffic controllers dispute whether passengers flying in and out of New York are at risk. Senator Hillary Clinton wants both sides to put down varying reports and sit down face to face to discuss passenger security and safety.
Chad has an update for all of you business travelers.
(WEATHER REPORT)
MORRIS: From the Time Warner center in New York, I'm Valerie Morris. "AMERICAN MORNING" starts right now.
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