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CNN Saturday Morning News
Hurricane John Pounds Baja Peninsula; 14 Arrested In U.K. Sweep; NATO Plane Crashes In Southern Afghanistan
Aired September 02, 2006 - 09:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR, CNN SATURDAY MORNING: This news just in. Moments ago news of a NATO plane crash in Southern Afghanistan. That is according to the Associated Press not receiving any word as of yet of casualties. We are obviously going to be gathering more information on the story and bring it to you as soon as we can. Once again word of a plane crash, a NATO plane crash as you probably know. NATO has been in charge of the southern part of Afghanistan for quite some time now. As we get more details we will be sharing them with you.
RANDI KAYE, CNN CO-ANCHOR, CNN SATURDAY MORNING: Also in the news no power and more flooding that's the fall-out from Ernesto in several east coast state this is morning. Six deaths are blamed on the storm. A live update is just moments away.
SANCHEZ: Mexico's Baja Peninsula capital is lashed with 100 per mile winds, but Hurricane John now downgraded to a category 1 storm appears to have spared popular tourist areas like Cabo San Lucas. Up to 18 inches of rain, however could trigger flooding and some mud slides in areas.
British authorities are saying that two men were arrested and several residents were searched during an anti-terrorism raid in Manchester, 14 other were arrested in a separate sweep in London suspected we're told of "terror training."
About 100 Italian marines are in a Lebanonese (INAUDIBLE). By the end the week at least 800 Italian peace keeping troops are going to be in place. They are there to support the U.N. interim force that's already in Lebanon.
KAYE: U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan has arrived in Tehran with meetings with Iran's leaders. The visit comes two days after Iran ignored a U.N. deadline to halt this uranium enrichment program.
We run down the stories every 15 minutes here on CNN SATURDAY MORNING with in death coverage all morning long. Your next check of the headlines is coming right up at 9:15 Eastern.
SANCHEZ: It is what so many folks have been talking about. Tom Cruise versus Brooke Shields. The war of words over antidepressants coming to an end. You're going to hear what Shields is saying now. We'll have that for you in 20 minutes.
This is the CNN Center in Atlanta. I'm Rick Sanchez and it's Saturday morning. KAYE: And good morning, everyone. I'm Randi Kaye in for Betty Nguyen. Thanks for starting your day with us.
SANCHEZ: Let's get right to it. Ernesto is no longer a tropical depression but it is still a big soggy problem. Rain and lots of it posing a major flood threat from North Carolina to the New York. CNN's Ines Ferre is joining us from Annapolis, Maryland. She is going to be taking us through what effects that have been felt there. Good morning, Ines.
INES FERRE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning, Rick. We still have coastal flood warnings for the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. You can see the water right behind me. Also 45,000 customers in the Annapolis area without electricity. With us we have the harbormaster in the area George Ward.
GEORGE WARD, DEPUTY HARBOR MASTER: Good morning.
FERRE: Good morning, thank you for being with us. How did the city fare last night and this morning?
WARD: We did relatively well last night. As you can see right now we have a flood tide right now. It's supposed to be low tide as far as the tide table goes but we do have a still high tide. Several of our stores down here did get water inside of it, not extremely flooded. We fared much more better than we did with Isabel. The merchants are going to return. The boaters will return and try to keep on going with the rest of our activities for today.
FERRE: Now I see that the wind is blowing in this direction. Bringing more water. Are you concerned about this?
WARD: Yes we are, the wind is pushing the water in and also the severe flooding, Maryland is in a flood warning. And with water pushing down from western Maryland and the water coming in from the bay we have to still keep an eye on what is going on here. We did not lose any vessels as far as damage or anything. We did sustain a little bit of damage on the piers. We're concerned still about the water as high as it is right now. Hopefully it will not go into the buildings over here.
We do have sand bags ready. Annapolis City was ready well before the hurricane even got this far. So we did well. We did really well.
FERRE: OK, George Ward thank you very much. Rick let me tell you this is a navy town. They have the navy football weekend going on tonight. The Navy playing against the Carolina's the first game. The hard-core Navy fans are saying that they are still going to be going to that despite this weather.
Rick.
SANCHEZ: I guess they know a little bit about getting through deep water. Thanks so much. Ines Ferre bringing us the very latest from Annapolis.
Randi over to you.
KAYE: Thank you Rick.
So what is left of Ernesto right now? We want to check in with Reynolds Wolf who has the very latest of the storm.
Reynolds.
REYNOLDS WOLF, CNN METEOROLOGIST: What is left of Ernesto right now is one big headache. We're looking at some showers. A few embedded thunderstorms roll into the north up through Buffalo, Syracuse right along the I-80 corridor. We are looking at a potential of anywhere from one to three inches of rainfall. That may not sound like a whole bunch to you. But I'm telling you in some places that have been soaked with heavy rains over the last couple days this is not what they want to be dealing with. However it is going to be again the forecast for today through the evening and into tomorrow as well. We have flash flood watches in effect for much of New York as well as Pennsylvania.
Meantime we are going to shift our focus way out to the southwest and talk about Hurricane John. As we mentioned during the last update it has weakened considerably. It is now a category 1 storm. Expected to remain right on the Baha then move onshore and once it does it is going to be away from it's primary source of power that warm water and as it is away from the primary source it's going to begin to weaken becoming a tropical storm by the time we get into early Sunday morning 2:00 a.m. Pacific Time.
It is going to rumble through the higher elevations then move deeper into the Pacific. Then when that occurs it's going to interact with a really cold California current. The cold water is really going to knock this thing apart and we're expecting just to move deeper into the Pacific and die out altogether.
Meanwhile a little farther to the north of that spot we are going to be seeing beautiful sunshine through the L.A. base northward into San Francisco. Should be a lovely day there. As you make your way to Seattle the space needle all the way to Queen Anne Hill you are going to have a lot sunshine with high temperatures warming up into the 80s, possibly some 90s when you move way inland.
Also scattered showers and storms possible through portions of the four corners. El Paso a very rainy day for you out by the sun bowl. As you make your way up to Albuquerque and even into places like Santa Fe that rain is going to continue. Mostly sunny to partly cloudy into Chicago, southward into the Gulf Coast with high temperatures for the day in Chicago warming up all the way into the 70s, 84 in Memphis, 86 now in Albuquerque, 81 in Kansas City and 70s for New England.
That's the latest in your forecast. Let's send it right back to you at the news desk.
KAYE: All right Reynolds thanks very much.
We have also been talking about Hurricane John this morning. We want to get right to CNN's Harris Whitbeck who is joining us live from the Mexican resort the Baja Peninsula area. Harris what can you tell us at this point?
HARRIS WHITBECK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: We're still experiencing some winds and rain here in Cabo San Lucas. This is the tail end of Hurricane John as you say; it's been downgraded to a category 1. It actually spared this resort area. Headed east and then hit the city of La Paz a city of 150,000 people, which is the capital of the state.
Concern is the amount of water it might have brought with it. This area is a desert and the earth here is not really prepared to absorb large quanties of water. Authorities fear because of that there might be some landslides and flash flooding.
About 15,000 residences of low-lying areas on the southern tip of the peninsula are in shelters tonight. About 7,000 tourists are in hotels. Some are them were able to leave the ballrooms where they spent most of the day yesterday. Gone back into their hotel rooms. But now the conditions are really bad storm. People are not really want to go to venture out doors.
KAYE: Are tourists able to get out of there if they are looking to?
WHITBECK: Well at this point judging from what the weather is doing now, it's raining and wind is a little bit strong. I would be very surprised if the airports were open in the next several hours. The airport was closed all day yesterday, of course. And on Thursday a lot of people waiting to get out but a lot weren't because the flights were just booked solid.
KAYE: All right. Harris Whitbeck for us in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, this morning.
SANCHEZ: Deadly violence in Iraq is on the rise. A fact the Pentagon now acknowledges as a "setback." More than a dozen people have died in the past 24 hours. Bombs today in Baghdad killed at least two people and wounded more than a dozen.
In another incident 14 Shiite pilgrims were also shot to death yesterday on a highway heading toward Karbala. Also the infamous Abu Ghraib Prison outside Baghdad is back in the hands of Iraqi security forces. You recall it was the site of a prisoner abuse scandal by U.S. soldiers. The prison is now vacant. Iraqi officials say the Abu Ghraib detainees were moved last week to a new facility near the Baghdad airport.
Despite the increased violence the U.S. is stepping back in some of its security responsibilities. Two Iraqi battalions will now be in charge of security in the northern Iraqi province of Tamin. The 101st Airborne Division officially handed over those duties in a ceremony.
To help put all the Iraqi developments in perspective be sure to watch CNN's "This Week at War" hosted by John Roberts beginning tonight at 7 Eastern.
Keeping your calories under control at that Labor Day barbecue. Why it all begins with a good carb load in the morning.
KAYE: Really?
SANCHEZ: That's what it says.
KAYE: All right. Well first here is Gerri Willis with a preview of today's "Open House."
GERRI WILLIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Coming up at 9:30 a.m. Eastern "Open House." It is back to school for kids across America. We'll tell all of you parents out there about all those dangerous new products you need to watch for.
Plus we'll hit the track with a true Nascar dad-racing star Joe Nemechek.
And get rid of those bugs. We have the secrets for bug proofing your house. That's "Open House" 9:30 a.m. Eastern right here on CNN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SANCHEZ: Let's start off with this breaking news story that we've been sharing with you having to do with a military aircraft belonging to NATO that apparently has gone down in Afghanistan. We understand now that it was an aircraft supporting a NATO mission. Went off the radar, crashed in an open area around Kandahar. This according to Major Scott Lundy. Initial information is that it was not engaged. That is to say the aircraft was not shot down although there have been some claims in the area by Taliban.
Once again aircraft down in southern Lebanon, apparently it's a helicopter. More information forthcoming as we get it we are going to be sharing it with you.
Moving on Ernesto weaker now. No longer a tropical depression, but still dangerous. The big concern is flooding. Watches and warnings are in effect from North Carolina to New York. Ernesto is blamed for at least six deaths including two people killed in Virginia when a tree fell on their modular home.
British authorities are saying two men were arrested and several residences were searched during an anti-terrorism raid in Manchester, 14 others were arrested in a separate sweep in London. Police say some of the suspects may have help set up terrorist training camps.
Kofi Annan has arrived in Tehran for meetings with Iran's leader. The visit comes two days after Iran ignored a U.N. deadline to halt its uranium enrichment program. The U.N. security or secretary general I should say also wants to dissuade Iran from rearming in Lebanon.
Pittsburgh Mayor Bob O'Connor died last night. O'Connor learned that he had a rare form of brain cancer only seven months into his term. He was hospitalized in July with four brain tumors. O'Connor was 61 years old.
We run down the top stories every 15 minutes right here on CNN SATURDAY MORNING with in depth coverage of course. As you can expect all morning long your next check of the headlines is coming up at 9:30 Eastern.
KAYE: It is diet deja vu. In comes another holiday. Out goes your diet and exercise regimen but it doesn't have to go down like that. Personal trainer Jerry Anderson joins us from L.A. Is it really true Jerry you can enjoy the cookout without all the guilt?
JERRY ANDERSON, PERSONAL TRAINER: Most definitely Randi. You can learn how to clean your plate and still lose weight. It all starts right here in the mind but you do have to have a plan to make sure you really get the results you want and don't go and pig out. Because this is a great opportunity to go crazy but we want to make sure that doesn't happen.
KAYE: All right. Well I like to pig out. So I'm looking forward to your tips. Let's start with the first one for this Labor Day weekend. The first one is break the fast. What do you mean by that?
ANDERSON: Most definitely break the fast. Most people are going to sleep in on Labor Day. So they don't have to get early and they are probably not going to eat before they go to the barbecue. But you have to break the fast. You're going to be hungry when you get to the barbecue and you know what is going to happen Randi you're going to overeat, take in more calories you shouldn't. So break the fast. Have some oatmeal; some fruit and king of give the system some jump-start for the entire day.
KAYE: A high carb breakfast?
ANDERSON: Definitely. So it will burn a lot faster and slower for you so you don't get really hungry. Want to break the fast it is very important. You know what, 80 percent of the people that don't eat breakfast. When they get a chance to eat they go crazy and overeat.
KAYE: Next tip from you, trim the fat. Explain that one.
ANDERSON: Most definitely trim the fat. Here's a simple thing. All the meat you eat remove the skin, remove all the fat you can see. That will save you about 500 calories. Have to remove the fat. Otherwise you're going to have to burn those calories off. It is amazing how simple and easy it is to do. And a lot of people I say Jerry if I remove the fat that's where the flavor is. Don't use fat for flavor use favor for flavor.
KAYE: You're breaking my heart, Jerry; you're killing me here.
ANDERSON: But I'm keeping your waistline in line. Take your pick.
KAYE: The skin on the chicken take all that off?
ANDERSON: The skin has to come off. You know it, Randi using the fat for flavor. Takes herbs and spices, sprinkle it on the meat. Cook it slowly. That can save you maybe a thousand calories in one day.
KAYE: Wow, OK. That's good advice. How about this, have a cold one you're not talking beer here. ANDERSON: Have a cold one. I'm not talking about beer. Before you eat have a tall glass of cold water. It will stimulate your metabolism, suppress your appetite and keep you hydrated properly. People tell me Jerry if I have a cold one and that is one of the reasons why want to do that, fill the stomach up so it will slow you down, have a cold one before your meal it is great for you.
KAYE: Explain this one, please, size does matter.
ANDERSON: OK. Size does matter. The amazing thing size does matter. Here is the thing instead of getting a platter just putting everything on it that you love to eat. Scale down get yourself a salad plate. Load it with everything you like. Don't double deck it. That will save you 1500 calories. Size does matter especially when you're at the barbecue. Tone it down.
KAYE: OK. Your last tip of the day, get your groove on.
ANDERSON: Yes. Get your groove on.
KAYE: Dancing at a barbecue.
ANDERSON: Exactly. Get up and start moving. Don't just sit there. After you do all the things get moving. Hey, when I'm getting my groove on I'm burning three to 500 calories. I'm on the dance floor for an hour straight. You don't have to be a great dancer but get up there and get to moving. You know what I mean?
KAYE: I know what you mean. What if I am going to a barbecue? What can I do to prepare mentally. I know there's going to be a huge display of food. How can I tell myself to control my appetite?
ANDERSON: You know the main key that you have to plan your work and work your plan. Before you even get to that barbecue you already should know exactly what you're going to do and where you're going and map out your plan. So you have to be wise.
One thing that dawned on me Randi. A lot of people don't realize. If you have one of your family members to fix your plate. They know exactly what you eat all the time, if that plate is unhealthy you have to change your habits not only that day but with your family. They are bringing you the foods you enjoy doing. Plan your work, work your plan, and change your habits in front of your family and friends. The plate you don't want they will bring you the plate you do want. This is a way to clean your plate and still lose weight.
KAYE: All right. Those are some great tips. Jerry Anderson fitness expert and personal trainer. I'm really looking forward to my Labor Day barbecue now.
ANDERSON: You are going to love it. Next week we're going to be fighting fat with fiber.
KAYE: All right. I hear you. Look forward to that segment. Thanks.
ANDERSON: Have a great day.
SANCHEZ: Between his laugh and the energy that he was giving off be I feel like I lost a couple of pounds right
KAYE: It is a work out just interviewing him.
SANCHEZ: Using a body's own immune system to kill cancer cells. We're going to tell you the details behind this doctors experimental treatment it is coming up in the next hour of CNN SATURDAY MORNING.
Then in three minutes the story behind Tom Cruise's apology. A very personal apology to Brooke Shields. We'll be back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
KAYE: Welcome back. We want to show you some pictures from the storm Ernesto that is slowly making its way and fizzling out along the east coast. One short there of New York City where Ernesto is right now.
SANCHEZ: The two top ones look like Central Park and the Statue of Liberty.
KAYE: There is the Statue of Liberty there and that is where Ernesto is getting some drizzle there. Apparently the U.S. Open, which is taking place, is going to be rained out very likely today. Rick, what is on the bottom there?
SANCHEZ: That is Alexandria, Virginia, where Ernesto has already been. Those folks have already experienced a bit of a drenching. There's the live shot right now. We have cameras and crews up and down the coast to bring you up to date throughout the morning on what Ernesto has done or still may be doing. Especially if you're in the area around the Finger Lakes, there could be a little bit of flash flooding in that area. What we're going to do is keep an eye on you.
Also news across America, pieces of a truck used in the 1995 bombing in Oklahoma City is on display. As part after new exhibit at the Memorial Museum. Other items on display, finger prints, tire tread evidence. Handgun taken from McVeigh when he was arrested 90 miles from the bombing site.
In Michigan a 4-month-old fatal accident investigation ends with the arrest of a truck driver. Back in April his tractor-trailer crossed a median and hit a Taylor University van. He's facing five counts of reckless homicide. That accident drew national headlines when two families discovered one of the victims had been misidentified as a survivor.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I was huffing and puffing.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Tell me. He's going over there.
SANCHEZ: That's her story in such animated fashion in Salt Lake City, Utah. Betty Horton is no easy mark. Some guy decided to steal her purse. She took off after him. That's right. Once she cornered him in an alley she demanded her purse back as only she could state, gave him a stern talking to and the last three dollars in her bag. She also told him to beat it before the cops got there. By the way, Betty Horton 75 years young.
BROOKE SHIELDS, ACTRESS: He apologized for bringing me into the whole thing and for everything that happened. Through it all I was so impressed with how heartfelt it was. And I didn't feel at any time that I had to defend myself or did I feel that he was trying to convince me of anything other than the fact that he was deeply sorry.
KAYE: Deeply sorry, huh? As longing a Brook is happy. This whole Brooke Shields/Tom Cruise situation is more than a year old. Back in '05 he publicly chastised her using prescription drugs. Cruise is a staunch believer of scientology and made no bones about being disappointed in Shields for her choice to use the prescribed drugs and publicly admitting it but you heard her. Tom says he is sorry.
SANCHEZ: Ernesto's wet mess is moving up the east coast. We're going to have a check of its path as we mentioned some of the areas that could be affected.
KAYE: In just three minutes bug proofing your home. Gerri Willis in "Open House" shows you how.
SANCHEZ: Then at the top of the hour changing the way the body fights cancer. Why this doctor's work could revolutionize the medical field.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SANCHEZ: NATO is now telling CNN it was a helicopter that went down near Kandahar. And NATO said there was no indication that it was shot down. We're still awaiting word on any possible casualties. The crash coincides with the start of a NATO offensive against Taliban fighters in the Kandahar province.
(WEATHER REPORT)
SANCHEZ: Your next check of the headlines is coming up at the top of the hour. But first OPEN HOUSE with Gerri Willis starts right now.
WILLIS: It's back to school, everyone. We'll show you how to keep the kids safe and experience life on the road through the eyes of a NASCAR star. And learn exactly how to bug proof your home this weekend. Good morning, everyone. I'm Gerri Willis and this is OPEN HOUSE.
Ok, parents everywhere, breathe a sigh of relief. The kids are back at school and life returns to normal. But there are important things you need to know to keep your children safe this school year. Patty Davis is with the Consumer Product Safety Commission in Washington. Patty great to see you.
PATTY DAVIS, CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION: Thanks. WILLIS: All right. Well let's talk about the basics here. What sorts of things should parents be thinking about right now with back- to-school season here.
DAVIS: Well you know lots of parents are out this weekend, they are shopping for back-to-school supplies and clothing. One thing you want to watch out for are upper outer wear, like a sweatshirt a hoodie with draw strings. This kind of thing.
WILLIS: What's wrong with draw strings?
DAVIS: Well we consider that defective. And we will pull that from the market. Manufacturers are not allowed to sell a product like this. The problem is that your child can get these draw strings stuck in play ground equipment. Even a school bus door and strangle.
WILLIS: Wow, boy, that's a fashion trend to avoid. Let's talk about the playground. What do I watch out for on the playground and should I go to the playground and inspect it before I let the kids go?
DAVIS: That is a great idea. In fact, about 200,000 children are injured and have to go to the emergency room every year due to accidents at playgrounds. So you want to make sure first of all do a visual check at the playground. Is there a nice layer of cushioning that your child could fall on to? Those are the majority of injuries, are fall injuries off of equipment. You want your child to bounce not break.
WILLIS: Is that rubber and wood chips or what should that be made out of?
DAVIS: That's right. Wood chips, pea gravel, things like that. You also want to look at exposed hardware. Make sure there is no exposed hardware, that's a catch point both for your child's clothing and for their skin.
WILLIS: Nothing scarier than those rusty bolts on a swing set, that's for sure.
DAVIS: That's right. Also S-hooks, a lot of tire swings are connected by S-hooks. Make sure the S-hooks are closed, that's also a strangulation hazard if your child's clothing gets stuck. And rope ladders. Make sure that they are connected on both ends because a rope ladder just connected on one end is also a strangulation hazard for your child.
WILLIS: Wow! Interesting stuff Patty. What about school supplies? If we're going out, we're buying the crayons and the scissors. What do I need to know?
DAVIS: That's right. Well, when you, make sure you put safety at the top of your shopping list when you're looking for art supplies. I have here some colored pencils that you would buy in any store. You want to look for a marking on there that it conforms to the ASTMD 4236 standard. Now what that means is it has been certified to the latest safety standard. You also want to avoid anything that's flammable or caustic. Obviously you don't want your child to come into contact with that.
WILLIS: Well actually you know, there's nothing like kids who put all this stuff in their mouth, right. They have to make sure that you buy the right thing. Let's talk for a second about soccer goals because I know that there is a big danger on the playground.
DAVIS: Soccer goals are incredibly heavy and you wouldn't realize that unless you go up to one. But you have to be careful, inspect those, make sure that they are anchored to the ground. We see over the past 25 years at least 28 people have died from injuries associated with soccer goals. Make sure those are anchored. Make sure your child is not climbing on the soccer goal or on the netting. There can be some pretty disastrous consequences if they fall.
WILLIS: They can come right down on those kids. That's totally scary. Now I guess there are still some kids out there somewhere who are riding their bikes to school, right? What can you tell us about helmets that can keep them safe?
DAVIS: That's right. If you're putting your child on a bike or on a scooter as they head back to school, you want to get, for instance a bicycle helmet for a bicyclist or a scooter. Inside it should say that it conforms to the CPSC mandatory standard. That is what you want to look for a CPSC sticker in there. Now if you're sending your child to school on a skateboard for instance, there's a different type of helmet, there's also a different sticker that you want to look for inside. We have a great brochure which helmet for which activity. It's free, it's on our website, www.cpsc.gov. It will tell you all the appropriate helmets and what you need to look for inside that helmet to make sure your child is safe.
WILLIS: And your website is fabulous, I've seen it. You mention, though, pocket bikes. What do I need to know about that?
DAVIS: Well those, you never want to ride them in the street. You also have to make sure that you're complying with all your local and state ordinances. And you know they're very difficult for cars to see. So be very carefully if you put your child on one of those. You know you want your child to be in the classroom and not the emergency room when it comes to school.
WILLIS: You bet. You know, Patty, great advice. I just want to remind our viewers it's cpsc.gov. Thank you so much for being with us.
DAVIS: Thank you.
WILLIS: Coming up on OPEN HOUSE, how to bug proof your home this weekend. Plus summer's end is here. We'll tell you how to pack everything up so it's good to go next year.
And it's time to hit the road and see what it's like to live on the road. We'll take you behind the scenes and on to the racetrack with one of NASCAR's big stars. But first, your "tip of the day."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) WILLIS (voice-over): Tired of receiving all those credit card offers in the mail? Optoutprescreen.com is the only site authorized by the four main credit reporting companies to accept and process these requests. Just keep in mind, opting out of credit card offers will also take you off your own credit card company's list. If you want your credit line increased, your rewards program upgraded or your interest rate lowered, you will have to be the one to get in touch. Not comfortable completing this process online, just call 1-888-5-opt- out. And that's your tip of the day.
(END OF VIDEO CLIP)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WILLIS: Falling leaves, cool weather college football, all are signs of fall. But it's not here yet. It's around the corner and now is the time to start preparing your outdoor spaces for the change of the season. Ed Del Grande is here, he's from hgtvpro.com. Ed welcome, good to see you.
ED DEL GRANDE, HOST, HGTVPRO.COM: Thank you Gerri, it's always my pleasure to see you.
WILLIS: Well we've got a lot of ground to cover here, so, probably want to start with outdoor furniture, because so many people have tables, chairs they want to put away. But I want to make sure they are around for the next season. If I have that metal table and chairs what do I do?
DEL GRANDE: Well see there's so many types of furniture, it depends on what kind of furniture you have as to how you have to prepare for the fall. Now if you have metal or the wrought iron, here's a good trick. You know WD-40, the spray lubricant?
WILLIS: Yeah.
DEL GRANDE: Well WD actually stands for water diversion, that's how the WD comes in, it was the 40th formula so that's how you got the name WD-40. Just spray it down and that really protects it for the winter months.
WILLIS: All right, that's a great idea. But I have teak furniture, it's wood and I'm afraid you know it's going to start losing its color. Do I have to bring it inside or can I just put covers on it?
DEL GRANDE: Well guess what, you're in luck. They've used teak on sailboats for years. And if you can protect it around salt water you can protect it for the winter. Go down to a marine supply shop, that's the trick, and get the stuff they use to treat the teak at the marine place and you can put it on your furniture at home. It will work fine and that'll protect it.
WILLIS: Great idea. Ok, there are cushions galore on the chairs, everywhere. I assume those have to go inside, right? DEL GRANDE: Yeah, cushions, not if they are foam rubber, Gerri you can't leave it out because that will just absorb the moisture, it'll get moldy. So, you should try to take every piece of furniture in, but things like teak and wrought iron may be heavy you can't get it in, but the foam has to go in no matter what.
WILLIS: Yeah that's going to be a nasty nightmare next spring if you don't get it in.
DEL GRANDE: Absolutely.
WILLIS: All right let's talk about pools. There's above ground, there's below ground. Let's start with the below ground. What do I do to make sure I don't have any problems?
DEL GRANDE: Well here's what you have to do. You really have to work with the pool guy the first time you move into a house with a pool or you build one. You have to know all the tricks in winterizing your specific pool. And you have to get the water out of those lines so they don't burst and freeze.
WILLIS: Well, ok, but do I completely drain the pool?
DEL GRANDE: No, don't do that because if you drain the pool you now weaken the structure. Think about it, there's earth all around that pool or there are supports. And if you take the water out, you don't have that strength going out and it could collapse. So only go down about a foot, two feet.
WILLIS: Anything else I need to know about, because once that water is down do I cover it over, what else do I do?
DEL GRANDE: Yeah, cover it up. And they sell these big inflatable balls, they're like huge beach balls you can actually put inside the pool. The cover now will sit high so the rain and the snow will go off it. And because it's rubber, if it freezes up it will contract, so you're not going to get the pool splitting apart.
WILLIS: Are the rules for the above ground pool different?
DEL GRANDE: Yeah, they're both the same way. Just like we talked about, just go to the pool supply shop, talk to an expert, they will sell you all the stuff you need. And that's the trick, know how to do it right once and then you can do it for years on end.
WILLIS: Of course with pools you want to make sure that they're covered over, that they're enclosed and that nobody happens to wander in.
DEL GRANDE: Yeah, I mean that's the biggest thing, safety is important. Make sure your fence is completely locked up. And don't just latch the gate and think it's going to be fine for the winter. Get a big chain and a lock and put it on there so no one goes in there that's not supposed to be there.
WILLIS: Absolutely, good advice. Ok, so if I had a second home. We all want to have a second home, right?
DEL GRANDE: I want a first home.
WILLIS: Well if you do have a second home, what do you do to close it down for the winter? Because, let's face it, you know a pipe can break and you can have major damage that you may not even be covered for.
DEL GRANDE: The whole trick is to get the water out of the pipes. If there's no water in the pipes Gerri, it can't freeze up.
WILLIS: So do you close off all the water valves?
DEL GRANDE: The best thing to use, I know what I use is a compressor and most of the pros use it. Just like you blow out your lawn sprinklers, make sure you get some compressed air. They have fittings and adapters so you can hook a hose up to your outside spigot and then it will just blow all the water out. The air pressure will clean the lines and you'll be safe.
WILLIS: Ok. Do I have to do that at every spigot outside the house?
DEL GRANDE: Nope, just tie it onto one spigot and that will charge the whole system with air. And then go to each individual faucet, flush the toilets and when you open it up, just let all the water run out until the air purges out. And then, don't forget about the drain lines Gerri.
WILLIS: Tell me about that? I don't know about that.
DEL GRANDE: The drain lines don't even hold water but they have a trap. And a trap is at the bottom of the fixture and that will hold some water in there. So get some nontoxic antifreeze, pour it down the drain and then the antifreeze displaces the water and it won't freeze up in your trap.
WILLIS: That's a great idea.
DEL GRANDE: Very simple. Any one could do it.
WILLIS: One of the problems I know a lot of people have. They have pipes around their house and this doesn't even apply to people with second homes. You could have this problem in your first home. You have pipes that are sort of exposed to the weather. And you've really got to wrap them up or do something to prevent them from breaking.
DEL GRANDE: Well I brought you a little gift right here.
WILLIS: Oh you're so thoughtful. Thanks Ed.
DEL GRANDE: It's one of a kind. This is a typical set-up of an outside hose bib. Now right over here is where the water comes out. Your wall will be here and look, right over here is where it goes through the sill, which is that plate. It can get very cold and Gerri this is where it usually splits right in here. So --
WILLIS: To prevent that, we don't want that to happen.
DEL GRANDE: You don't want that to happen. So once the cold weather comes in go to your stop and waste valve, this is the valve right here, and turn it off. Now see lefty loosey, so that will be on. And then if you turn it off, now the water is back here and it's no longer charged. But here's the plumber's trick. Look at that. Each one of these stop and waste have a drain plug. If you take that out, now all the water will drain back, it's out of the pipe and you've just protected it.
WILLIS: So, you want to have this open, is that it?
DEL GRANDE: You open it up. And once it drains out you can't put it back on because trust me, you will lose this. But, if you go outside and open this valve up, now if this valve ever leaks, you'll see a dribble come outside and you won't allow it to refill.
WILLIS: Now you brought another gift. We've got to get to this. Tell me about the sleeve.
DEL GRANDE: Well a lot of times you want to keep this on as long as possible, so to prolong the season, where you can use the outside faucet, get this, it's like putting a jacket right over the pipe. See it. They come in long lengths and you just cut it down. And it wraps it --
WILLIS: Whatever length you want.
DEL GRANDE: Yeah. And what I like, look at this, it comes apart so easy. Now watch. It's pre-glued and Gerri I bet you a doughnut you won't be able to pull that apart.
WILLIS: It's like putting a winter coat on your pipe.
DEL GRANDE: Absolutely. So you'll prolong the season and in warmer areas you can even just do this and maybe keep it on all year long, it depends on your climate.
WILLIS: Ed Del Grande, great ideas, thanks so much for your help today.
DEL GRANDE: Thank you, Gerri, my pleasure.
WILLIS: The start of fall also means the race to the end of the NASCAR season. It's time to hit the race track now and get an up close view of the fast family life of one NASCAR star.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WILLIS (voice-over): Meet the Nemecheks, a team on and off the racetrack. With 38 races a year, this NASCAR family is living life in the fast lane.
JOE NEMECHEK, NASCAR DRIVER: Life on the road is there's never a dull moment. We're gone away quite a bit. I'm very fortunate to be able to have my family with me most of the time.
WILLIS: The family, that's Andrea, Blaire, Kennedy and John Hunter. Oh, and the family puppy, of course. And then there's Joe's other family, his crew.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How's your mom doing buddy?
NEMECHEK: When you spend that much time with them, they are, they're just like family. My crew chief Ryan Pemberton and his family, we spend a lot of time together on the road, along with the other crews, the crew members. Everybody is like a family.
WILLIS: It's a close knit community, literally. Motor homes parked side by side become homes away from home. Competitors on race day, neighbors after hours. So just out of curiosity we asked Joe who he would turn to for that proverbial cup of sugar.
NEMECHEK: It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter at all.
WILLIS: We asked Jeff Gordon if he'd help out.
JEFF GORDON, NASCAR DRIVER: Sure, why not. I feel like a pretty giving person. So if somebody needed something I would be willing to help them out.
WILLIS: Willing to help out are the sports chaperons, too, like the MRO making sure that even the smallest members of the race car family enjoy their time on the track.
ANDREA NEMECHEK, NASCAR MOM: We have an area for the kids to play. They serve food. They have a wonderful playground, you know. They make you feel like you're at home. And they make it so you don't have to go off the premises to do anything if you don't want to.
WILLIS: They also hold special events like father's day Olympics.
ANDREA NEMECHEK: They do water balloons, they do fruit roll-up races where they eat them.
JOE NEMECHEK: They do a lot of things to embarrass the dads.
ANDREA NEMECHEK: Yes, exactly.
WILLIS: But it's hard to rattle this NASCAR dad after 30 years of racing. As far as the son's career track, this 9-year-old is following suit. Strategizing with the team, tracking lap times, he's just another member of the crew, only smaller. But the season is long and the family can't always go on the road, which can be tough. But there's one, well three things that keep him going.
JOE NEMECHEK: What gets me through it I guess these little guys right here. You got to look back at what's important in life, family is the number one, the number one thing in life and you got to take care of your kids. You know my goal is I want to run well, I want my family to be healthy. That's the two main things. WILLIS: With two well oiled teams supporting him, Joe Nemechek has no plans to slow down any time soon.
(END OF VIDEOTAPE)
WILLIS: Coming up on OPEN HOUSE, how to protect your pets from bugs.
And don't let all those bugs set up shop in your home. How to bug proof your house in weekend project, next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WILLIS: Is something bugging you in your home? If so, listen up. Mice, ants, termites and other critters can be a threat to your health and to your home. In today's "Weekend Project," we'll show you how to get rid of those unwanted guests.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WILLIS (voice-over): Sleep tight. Don't let the bedbugs bite. If you think it's just an old nursery rhyme, think again. Bedbugs are becoming a nightmare in a growing number of American households. How am I getting them in my house?
BRENDAN GOLDBLATT, LIBERTY PEST CONTROL: A lot of times people, especially if you go shopping at one of the thrift stores. Especially if you go to yard sales, you're going to see a lot of stuff that comes in that will bring in infestations.
WILLIS: Another commonplace to pick them up hotels. When I'm traveling how do I know that there are bed bugs in that hotel room?
GOLDBLATT: The best thing to do is to check especially around the mattress. Pull up the linens and you will actually see some bed bugs if there is an infestation.
WILLIS: Tell me what they look like.
GOLDBLATT: They're a fifth of an inch long, a quarter of an inch. And they're about an eighth of an inch wide. They're brownish in color, so they're very dark. But when they're fed they're actually red.
WILLIS: When we say fed, they are little vampires, they suck your blood, right?
GOLDBLATT: Yes, they actually suck your blood.
WILLIS: And when they do, they leave this behind. Little red bite marks all over your body that will leave you itching for days. Here's what you can do to protect yourself. Bag all linens and clothing that have been infested and wash them at 120 degrees or hotter. Vacuum regularly, discard bags right away to prevent trapped bugs from escaping. And when traveling, keep your clothes in your bag and keep the bag off the floor to avoid bringing home a bedbug as a souvenir. Another common household pest, cockroaches. What are the first telltale signs that I may have a cockroach problem?
GOLDBLATT: Well the best bet is to actually see one. When you see one that means there are hundreds behind the wall.
WILLIS: And they can pose a threat to your health.
GOLDBLATT: We have allergens that are associated with cockroaches and people who have asthma are highly affected by.
WILLIS: The best defense, keep your home clean and food sealed in containers. Use a caulking gun to fill up holes in your home to keep cockroaches from coming in. And keep moisture to a minimum.
GOLDBLATT: Like most pests you know they breed in water and they love water. So you want to make sure that you get rid of the water.
WILLIS: Another thing to get rid of that stack of firewood. It's a breeding ground for termites, so you want to keep it as far away from your home as possible. So if I have termites, obviously I want to take steps right away. But to prevent then from coming in the first place, what should I be doing with my home?
GOLDBLATT: Well the main thing is to make sure that the foundation is secure, that there is a concrete barrier in between.
WILLIS: Termites can also find the way into your home through furniture or contractors. So make sure you inspect every piece of wood thoroughly. Your home is also a favorite nesting place for mice and rats.
GOLDBLATT: The best thing to do is what we call rodent proofing. It's going around basically and making sure that every single hole in the house is filled with something. I recommend copper, because a lot of people use steel to cover things, but that rusts and they can actually eat through that. So you want to use copper, copper plates, copper wool. There is a foam that can be inserted into holes especially behind the stove, especially if you have radiators in your house. You need to make sure that those holes are completely sealed. And that will keep them out. That's the only way to do it. The best way to do it. I'm grossing myself out.
(END OF VIDEOTAPE)
WILLIS: As always, if you have an idea for weekend project, send us an e-mail to openhouse@cnn.com and you can watch past weekend projects on our website cnn.com/openhouse.
Up next from bug proofing your house to bug proofing your pets. Important tips you won't want to miss when OPEN HOUSE comes right back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WILLIS: Flees can infest not only your precious pets but also your home. Here's how to get rid of them. Reach for the vacuum first. That's the best way to get these little critters out of your rugs and carpets. The vibrations from the vacuum cause dormant fleas to hatch and they'll get sucked up along with the mature fleas. But make sure you vacuum at least three to five days a week. Throw the bag away every other week. And remember, even though you may think the buggers have left, you still have to be on your toes. Fleas can remain inactive for 18 months. You might also want to enlist the help of a professional carpet cleaner. If you really have a bad case get help from a professional pest control company. And if you have any questions or tips you want to share with your OPEN HOUSE viewers, send us an e-mail to openhouse@cnn.com. And you'll find more on today's guests and topics on our website cnn.com/openhouse.
As always, we thank you for spending part of your Saturday with us. OPEN HOUSE will be back next week right here on CNN. And you can also catch us on "HEADLINE NEWS", every Saturday and Sunday at 5:30 p.m. eastern time. Don't go any where, your top stories are next on "CNN SATURDAY." Have a great weekend.
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