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Live Earth Kicks Off Around Globe; Deadly Day in Northern Iraq
Aired July 07, 2007 - 16:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Can music really help cure the globe's climate crisis? Tens of thousands of people around the world are banking on it.
Also ahead in the CNN NEWSROOM, a summer heat wave that's more than hot, it's turning deadly.
And in Iraq, an outburst of death. An attack far from the familiar hot zones leaves more than 100 people dead. The very latest next. I'm Fredricka Whitfield and you are in the CNN NEWSROOM.
First this hour, a massive attack in Iraq today in a Shiite outpost far from the major combat zones. The suicide bombing left scores of people dead. It happened 100 miles north of Baghdad, another indication that Sunni insurgents are fleeing the U.S. military push. With the story from Baghdad, CNN's Frederick Plitkin.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
FREDERICK PLITKIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Ambulances rushed the injured to a nearby hospital after a car bomb ripped through a busy market at Amerli Village 100 miles north of Baghdad.
I heard a loud explosion, this resident says, then I saw many people dead and injured. More than 100 were killed and more than 200 wounded in the deadliest attack in Iraq at the end of a week of increased violence.
Only two days ago, a car bomb exploded next to a wedding society in southern Baghdad, killing more than a dozen people. The explosion targeted a photo shop just as the bride and groom were having their picture taken.
U.S. commanders in Iraq say they believe especially Sunni insurgents are stepping up their attacks, not just against civilians, also against coalition forces. Still, one commanding general says he believes the U.S. should maintain its increased troop levels in Iraq, the so-call surge brigades.
MAJ GEN RICK LYNCH, US MILITARY: The enemy only responds to force and we now have that force. We can conduct detailed strikes. We can do cordoned searches. And we can deny the enemy the sanctuaries. If those surge forces go away, that capability goes away and the Iraqi security forces aren't ready yet to do that.
PLITKIN: Most of the victims of the Amerli Village market attack were Shiite Turkoman, in a region that until this week had seen very little of the violence that is engulfing large parts of Iraq.
Frederick Plitkin, CNN, Baghdad.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: And today, the U.S. military announced the deaths of six more American troops. Five were killed Friday in three separate bombings in and around Baghdad. The sixth died of causes not related to combat, which the military says it is investigating. Twelve U.S. troops died in Iraq on Thursday and Friday; 24 have died in July.
Iraqi authorities say they're gathering information to assist the probe in Britain into recent terror plots. In London today, the Iraqi doctor charged in connection with the failed bomb attacks in London and the attack on the Glasgow Airport made his first appearance in court. That story from CNN's Carl Penhaul.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
CARL PENHAUL, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): A bomb plot suspect is ferried to court in central London aboard this police truck. The Iraqi doctor, Bilal Abdullah (ph), seen in this photo moments after his arrest a week ago, spoke only to confirm his name and age. The court ordered him to be held in custody until his next court appearance on July 27th. The Baghdad trained 27-year-old is charged with conspiring to cause explosions in London and Glasgow.
Two car bombs rigged with gasoline, propane and nails failed to explode near a London nightclub on June 29th. Police allege Abdullah is one of two men who rammed this jeep, also packed with fuel, into the Glasgow Airport terminal the following day.
Abdullah worked for Britain's National Health Service. Six other men, all doctors or medical students, and one woman were also arrested, but have not yet been charged.
Almost as Abdullah appeared in court, Prime Minister Gordon Brown joined relatives of victims in a low-key ceremony to mark the anniversary of another terrorist attack, the London subway bombings exactly two years ago. British born Muslim suicide bombers killed 52 people on three trains and a bus.
(on camera): Those bombings two years ago put Britain on notice it was on the front lines of the global terror war. The botched plot last week reminded the country not to drop its guard.
Carl Penhaul, CNN, London.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: Music with a message. It's echoing across the world today. Concerts on every continent all calling for your help to fight climate change. Live Earth is something that former Vice President and current environmentalist Al Gore came up with. It features some of the biggest names in music. Performances were held earlier today in several cities overseas, including Sidney, Tokyo and Shanghai. One of the biggest concerts, with Madonna headlining, at Wembley (ph) Stadium in London.
And in the U.S., one Live Earth concert is going on right now in Washington, D.C. The music marathon wraps up in New Jersey with an all-star lineup in a venue reserved for the NFL's Giants. Here to tell us all about that, CNN's Brooke Anderson, joining us from New Jersey. Brooke?
BROOKE ANDERSON, CNN HEADLINE NEWS ANCHOR: The event is well under way. We are five performances into this 16 act lineup. Taking Back Sunday, KT Tunstall (ph) have performed. Ludicrous is on stage now. And a number of celebrities have stopped by, as well, to lend support, including Christian Slater, Kevin Bacon, who also took the stage.
And Kevin Bacon said that he hopes everyone is using the unique power of music to shed light and to spread the truth. Al Gore is leading this effort for the environment, but he does have detractors. A short time ago, a plane flew over the stadium with a banner, don't believe Al Gore, DemandDebate.com.
But despite any criticism, Gore remains optimistic. He took the stage here just a bit ago and stressed the importance of everyone coming together, that awareness is key to this effort and to leading the charge and changing people's perspective about global warming and the climate change.
Then Gore introduced what everybody is talking about now, an amazing -- with Alicia Keys and Keith Urban. They sang a Rolling Stones cover, Give Me Shelter. Fredricka, in just a few minutes, Keith Urban is going to be joining us right now. Back to you.
WHITFIELD: All right, we'll look forward to that. Thanks so much, Brooke.
We'll also take you live to Johanasburg, South Africa for the Live Earth event there. And will these events really have an impact beyond the music?
Plus, sizzling heat out west in this country that could be headed east.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
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(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: And you're watching CNN, the most trusted name in news.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) WHITFIELD: The heat wave out west is a shock to the system of people in states like Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Montana, where triple digit temperatures are not the norm. The extreme heat is a real health threat, disastrous for farmers and overwhelming some power stations. And it's not going away any time soon. Let's check in with Jacqui Jeras in the severe weather center. It's hot now and it's going to be hot for a while.
(WEATHER REPORT)
WHITFIELD: Thank you so much, Jacqui.
Well, this extreme heat can be indeed deadly. Authorities say two toddlers died after they were locked in hot cars for hours. One case involves a two-year-old boy in Iowa. The child's 18-year-old uncle is charged with child endangerment. The other involves a one- year-old boy in Idaho. Details on that case from Annie Bishop of affiliate KXLY.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ANNIE BISHOP, KXLY CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): With his rosy cheeks and contagious smile, 15-month-old Patrick Jerome Jr. was precious.
PATRICK GRABER, FATHER: He was so cute and so full of life. I don't know how you could possibly forget him. He was just a kid you never forgot.
BISHOP: He was already walking and just starting to talk.
GRABER: He would say bottle and he was starting to say I love you too.
BISHOP: Patrick Graber named his first son after him. On Wednesday, Graber experienced what no parent is ever prepared for.
GRABER: My heart drops. I called my wife, I called my mom. They came down there.
BISHOP (on camera): Baby Patrick was inside a SUV parked along this street. It's the main street through Orafino. He was in that SUV for five hours until a co-worker of his dad's walked by, saw him inside the car and called 911.
GRABER: Checked all the doors. All the doors and windows were locked. Just stood there and waited for the police to show up.
BISHOP: When police arrived, they broke out a window. It was too late. Patrick Jr. was already dead. It was 93 degrees on Wednesday, much, much hotter inside the SUV.
Rita Johnston, the baby's step grandmother, was watching him that day. She was visiting a friend inside this house, when she told police she fell asleep. She's now charged with involuntary manslaughter and injury to a child. Graber is still in disbelief and left with so many questions.
GRABER: I don't know how she could possibly forget a kid for five hours, asleep or not. No, can't do that.
BISHOP: He finds strength knowing his little boy may some day save another child's life.
GRABER: It's hurtful that he's gone but I just want to get his name out there so this doesn't happen to anybody else ever again.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: And now Texas is getting a break today from weeks of relentless rain. After the state's worst flooding in 50 years, many people across the Loan Star State can see the sky today. The death toll from the storms has climbed to 15 and rescuers are still searching for a 26-year-old man whose rubber raft capsized yesterday on the Trinity River.
And now all across the world, in 24 hours, concerts taking place everywhere, in major cities and small, all to make us all much more eco friendly and aware of the environment. Brooke Anderson is at Giant's Stadium in New Jersey with a special guest.
ANDERSON: I am, Fredricka. You know, 150 artists total are donating their time and their talent to Live Earth because they're all very, very passionate about this cause. Right now, I am joined by a very special guest and that is Keith Urban, right off the stage, fresh from the stage.
KEITH URBAN, SINGER: I don't know about fresh.
ANDERSON: You look fresh and you told me that you were just performing in Dallas last night. So you got here really late, had to get up for the sound check. You really wanted to be here, didn't you?
URBAN: Well, yes. That's the case with a lot of the artists playing today. So many of us are on tour. It's the middle of summer. So we were in Dallas last night. WE left out at midnight, got here at 3:30 this morning, a sound check at 8:30.
ANDERSON: Well, your performance, you would never know you were lacking sleep. It was fantastic. And Al Gore himself introduced you and Alicia Keys, your duet. That ain't bad.
URBAN: Amazing, isn't it?
ANDERSON: How did you get involved? Did you get a personal invitation from Gore?
URBAN: We were asked by the organization if we would participate, and we didn't think there would be a way for us to do it. We said, well, we'll figure it out. We just got to make our way here. So it was a big honor for us.
ANDERSON: I know a lot of people are honored that you are here and you chose to participate. Talk to me about your own lifestyle; have you made some changes to impact the environment less? Or are you here to learn a little bit more and maybe make more changes going forward, because I've heard a little bit of both from artists?
URBAN: We've got our tour running on biodiesel, which is the first time we've done that. We have 12 trucks out there right now. It's a huge savings for all the emissions. Also, you know, we were touring in Germany about a year and a half ago -- I think it was -- and I went out to the smart car factory out there. I always wanted to get a little smart car. And we were going to bring one in, but they hadn't passed all the standards and stuff yet.
So it was frustrating to me that a year and a half ago I couldn't bring one in. I think they're bringing them in this year.
ANDERSON: Then you can get one.
URBAN: Well, what we've done, we built a trailer that we carry on the back of the bus, so I'll carry one around with me so I can use that to get around on the tour.
ANDERSON: And, you know, they kicked off Live Earth in Sidney, your home turf. Here you are in Jersey. You're touring the U.S. You're home base is Nashville. That just really proves that this whole thing transcends borders, cultures. It transcends everybody.
URBAN: Oh, everything. And, you know, we played a show recently where we mentioned we were going to be playing here and some people booed. And I suddenly realized that they are still convinced that this is a political issue, which is just insanity.
ANDERSON: And Al Gore is saying not a political issue. It's a moral issue.
URBAN: It's just somebody taking the reigns of what needs to be done here. If we live here, we should be participating.
ANDERSON: Keith Urban, thank you for taking time with us. And congratulations, great job today. Fredricka, back to you.
WHITFIELD: All right, Brooke. Thanks so much.
Well, blame it on lady luck. In amusement parks, casinos and courthouses all over the country today, brides and grooms are lining up in hopes their wedding dates might just make a difference.
And D-Day for the new world wonders. We'll give you the latest on the world's new seven wonders extravaganza. You're watching CNN, the most trusted name in news.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: News across America now; the man who last year wrongfully confessed to murdering Jonbenet Ramsey is back in legal trouble. Police in suburban Atlanta arrested 42-year-old John Mark Carr this morning on charges of domestic violence and interfering with a 911 call. Police were called to the house last night about an argument between Carr, his girlfriend and his father.
Americans in Paris tie the knot again. "Desperate Housewives" actress Eva Longoria and pro Basketball Tony Parker completed part deux of their two day wedding plan in a French cathedral today, a more elaborate and religious affair than yesterday's civil ceremony. Tonight, post wedding reception includes Longoria's co-stars, Terry Hatcher, Nickolette Sheridan and Felicity Huffman (ph).
And checking today's presidential campaign trail. Democrats take to the web while flat tax supporters take umbridge with the GOP hopeful Rudy Giuliani. The former New York City mayor drew boos from a town hall meeting this morning in Jacksonville, Florida. Giuliani says he would not favor a flat federal income tax. He says it's not a realistic option for the American economy. But he did say he would lower taxes if elected president.
The top tier of Democratic White House hopefuls participated in a virtual town hall meeting today organized by the activist group MoveOn. One big topic, global warming. Illinois Senator Barack Obama says an auction system, where businesses bid for the right to pollute, would be a viable way to raise money for more research on alternate energy sources.
Coming up, she's the face of freedom. But for six years, the stairs to her crown have been off limits. How much longer until you can get inside her head? We'll take a look.
And 24 hours of music across seven continents. We're traveling to Live Earth in Johanasburg three minutes from now.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: Here is what's happening now in the news; the world's largest musical event ever is now underway. Live Earth, a 24-hour concert which spans seven continents kicked off in Tokyo earlier today. The marathon music event hopes to raise public awareness of climate change and global warming.
And if it's not music you're hearing, maybe it's wedding bells. Today's once-in-a-lifetime date of 07-07-07 has thousands of couples tying the knot. Marriage planners say they're over run with the number of couples trying to make the most of lucky number seven.
And let's take a look right now, a live shot of the Statue of Liberty. The crown of the famous landmark has been closed to visitors since the September 11th attacks. That could change if one New York congressman has his way.
CNN's Jim Acosta has more on the debate over what's best for Lady Liberty.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JIM ACOSTA, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The Statue of Liberty has something on her mind and it's bugging one New York congressman, who says it's high time tourists are allowed high above this American icon.
REP. ANTHONY WEINER (D), NEW YORK: If visitors, both American and visitors from foreign lands, can't walk up into the crown of Lady Liberty, they're just not getting the whole experience.
ACOSTA: It all started when the government closed the entire statue after September 11th. After millions in security upgrades, the National Park Service began letting tourists up to the statue's pedestal in 2004. But to this day, the 111-foot climb to the crown is off limits.
RENY VARUGHESE, TOURIST: I think it's like the security is good enough. I think we should be able to go up there.
ACOSTA: To some of Lady Liberty's guests, it's down right un- American.
DENISE NALLEY, TOURIST: I think it belongs to Americans. It was given to Americans. We should be able to go up and see what it looks like up there.
ACOSTA (on camera): While the shatter proof glass is as high as it can go, the National Park Service says this is not really about terrorism. As it turns out, Lady Liberty is not quite up to code.
CYNTHIA GARRETT, STATUE OF LIBERTY SUPERINTENDENT: Our primary concern is the health and safety of our visitors.
ACOSTA: Statue of Liberty superintendent Cynthia Garrett says the winding spiral staircase to the top doesn't meet current building requirements, posing a danger to visitors.
GARRETT: On a day like today, it would be 20 degrees warmer in there. Our staff would be responding to numerous medical incidents. The climb up to the crown wasn't always a pleasant one.
ACOSTA: People routinely passed out making the ascent. Just go back in time and ask these visitors as they huffed and puffed their way to the crown in 1987.
RICHARD ROLLEN, STATUE VISITOR, 1987: It just got really tough going up there. Until you hit the top and you touch the metal and metal is red hot up there. It's like an oven.
WIENER: Park Service is exactly right. It's a narrow, cramped space. And frankly that's part of the charm in it.
ACOSTA: Charm or potential harm. Congress is planning to hold hearings on whether this uniquely American view will ever be seen again.
Jim Acosta, CNN, New York.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: And stay with CNN for the latest news on your security. Meantime in Johannesburg, South Africa, and in a slew of other cities across the globe, a music marathon with a message about climate change. Live Earth concerts held today on every continent are calling for a worldwide action to fight global warming. They are the brain child of former Vice President and environmentalist Al Gore.
Reporting on the events in Johannesburg right now, CNN's Isha Sesay, who joins us -- Isha.
ISHA SESAY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It is a great atmosphere here in Johannesburg. The crowds inside the dome have been rocking out for well over three hours now and join a great line-up of artists who have taken to the stage. A real mix of artists here in Johannesburg, a mix of South African stars along with stars from further afield on the African continent and also some international big names.
Angelique Kidjo right now is bringing the house down, let me tell you. Lots of dancing. A great day of festivity in the Coca Cola Dome where this event is being staged. And now we're waiting for Joss Stone along with UB40 to come on stage and perform in the coming hour.
But really, it is a fantastic atmosphere. But while people take in the music and really are embracing the great sounds, they're also embracing the message at the heart of this global event. The message is take a stand against climate change. And people are listening here today. Back to you.
WHITFIELD: And so, Isha, while the entertainment is indeed fabulous and great, I wonder in South Africa where you have got an unemployment rate at 40 percent and where the average median income is $500 a month, is global warming and the environment really a priority for the majority of the people there?
SESAY: I mean, I think that's a very good question and certainly the people we spoke to today said that, you know, in a way they have no choice but to pay attention to the issue of global warming because Africa is being hit hard by -- according to climate experts, you just have to look at the continent and you will see the damage that is being caused by global warming. More droughts, more flash floods. Lake Chad is drying up.
So you know, people on the ground here in South Africa are well aware of those things and do believe that the government of South Africa certainly needs to take a stand on the issue.
Now, the government for its part is proactive, it is engaged on the issue of global warming, of climate change. But what people say, what experts here on the ground are adding is that they have to implement actual practical actions -- Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: All right. Isha Sesay, thanks so much, from Johannesburg.
So it is music with a message. From Live Aid and Live 8 to today's Live Earth concerts. Do these global events really make a difference? Here's Josh Levs with a "Reality Check."
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
UNIDENTIFIED PEOPLE (singing): We are the world, we are the children ...
JOSH LEVS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): First, it was the single. And then ...
UNIDENTIFIED PEOPLE (singing): We are the world, we are the children ...
LEVS: The Live Aid concerts in 1985 drew millions of people and raised more than $200 million meant to help end Ethiopia's famine. Some of the food made it, and helped. But critics say much of the aid never made it to those in need.
NILE RODGERS, LIVE AID PERFORMER: We didn't understand the business and the politics of those -- that particular country and that war. We didn't understand the infrastructure.
LEVS: Twenty years after Live Aid, Bob Geldof, the man who organized it, took a new tactic. The Live 8 concerts of 2005 were designed to draw attention to global poverty, not to raise money.
BONO, MUSICIAN/ACTIVIST: This is not about charity. This is about justice.
BOB GELDOF, MUSICIAN/ACTIVIST: We cannot build...
LEVS: World leaders appeared with Live 8 leaders. The G-8 and other world powers increased aid and alleviated Africa's debt, though we'll never know how much credit goes to Live 8.
Now, Live Earth is taking on climate change. Organizers hope the concert will have lasting affects by educating people about the environment. But, back in 1985, many people credited Live Aid with educating the world about famine in Africa. And in the following years, the region faced more famine. Its population remains one of the most undernourished in the world. There's no evidence Live Aid made a long-term difference.
Still, organizers of Live Earth say this event will lead to change by inspiring people to make some environmentally-friendly changes in their own lives.
AL GORE, FORMER VICE PRESIDENT: If we can get a small fraction of the people watching this concert to sign up to those measures, then you're going to see the beginnings of major change.
LEVS (on camera): But can they get that, and will it last? If Live Earth can get people to make concrete, lasting changes, it would be one of the most influential events in all of music history.
Josh Levs, CNN, Atlanta.
(END VIDEOTAPE) WHITFIELD: All right. Sports fans, you will be green with envy. Mia Kelly played golf this week. No real news in that except that her partner was Tiger Woods. The world's number one golfer placed Kelly in his group on pro-am Wednesday at the AT&T National in Bethesda, Maryland. And as it happens, Woods is the host of the first-year event. And Kelly, like Tiger's late father, is a member of the armed forces. In fact, she's Sergeant Major Kelly and she joins us now live from Washington.
Good to see you.
SGT. MAJ. MIA KELLY, U.S. ARMY: Good to see you too.
WHITFIELD: Well, what an incredible honor, right, to not only play with Tiger Woods, but the fact that you just picked up golf in 2004 and you're already playing on this level is quite phenomenal.
KELLY: Well, I can't say that I'm playing at any incredible level.
WHITFIELD: You're in the pro-am.
(LAUGHTER)
KELLY: Well, that's true.
WHITFIELD: That's incredible.
(LAUGHTER)
WHITFIELD: So tell me what was it like playing with Tiger Woods?
KELLY: It was one of the most amazing experiences in my life. It was kind of scary because you had all of those people there that were there to watch Tiger but because you were playing with him, they were also watching you. But he was one of the most nicest guys and he basically made all of us that were playing with him in that pro-am feel like we were just out there on a Sunday afternoon playing a round of golf.
WHITFIELD: Really? So did you get tips as well from him, you think?
KELLY: Well, he gave us reads on a couple of the putts. But as any courteous golfer, you don't give unsolicited advice.
WHITFIELD: Oh, I see, oh, bad golf etiquette.
KELLY: That's right.
WHITFIELD: All right. Well, you know, it was interesting to hear Tiger Woods say what an honor it was for him to play with you and other war vets given that this was his way of saying thanks. That's pretty gracious.
KELLY: Oh, absolutely. And I tell you what, all the men and women in uniform right now are very grateful to Tiger for everything that he's done for the men and women of the armed services.
WHITFIELD: Wow. So what now? I'm just trying to figure out how in the world you have time to play golf and practice given that you really do travel the globe. You've been to Afghanistan, you've done a couple tours of duty in Iraq. And in between all of that, you get a lot of face time with a lot of other military servicemen and -women around the continental U.S. How do you fit it all in?
KELLY: Well, golf is more than a hobby for me. It's basically an obsession. So whenever I have free time, that is what i do, so.
WHITFIELD: And so has it become a real passion for you, golfing, that you're hoping to take it to the next level?
KELLY: Well, once I retire from the military, hopefully I'll be able to dedicate a little bit more time to the practice. So maybe some day.
WHITFIELD: All right. Well, you seem to be on the fast track given that it was just 2004 that you started taking the swing. That's a lot of progress in a little bit of time. How did you do that?
KELLY: It was a lot of practicing. If I wasn't playing on the weekends, I would at least go at lunchtime or after work and spend about an hour, hour-an-a-half on the driving range and the putting green, so.
WHITFIELD: All right. Well, Mia Kelly, congratulations on a little face time and play time with Tiger Woods. And what an incredible venue too, at this very first Bethesda, Maryland, AT&T Tournament with him.
KELLY: Absolutely. Thank you so much.
WHITFIELD: All right. Thanks a lot.
WHITFIELD: Also, straight ahead in the CNN NEWSROOM, wedding makers hit the jackpot with the lucky number seven as thousands of couples say "I do" today.
And the New Seven Wonders of the World will soon be revealed. A look at the contenders straight ahead in the NEWSROOM.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: Well, the date that just comes once in a lifetime, 7/7/07. Thousands of couples are hoping the lucky digits will make them lucky in love. You are looking at Cape May, New Jersey, where many couples are tying the knot there today. Wedding planners say they've been working overtime to get ready for this big day.
And Las Vegas, well, they're cashing in too on the triple seven jackpot. Some casinos are holding mass weddings. Others are playing the odds with back-to-back ceremonies.
(CROSSTALK) RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: You're from Miami too, right?
WHITFIELD: Yes.
SANCHEZ: Maybe you could do this in Cape May. But wearing a suit or a tux on the beach?
WHITFIELD: Well, swimsuit.
SANCHEZ: No. They are wearing...
(CROSSTALK)
SANCHEZ: ... suits, did you see these people?
(CROSSTALK)
WHITFIELD: ... you know, in Miami Beach. I know.
SANCHEZ: They've got to be sweating like crazy.
WHITFIELD: They are. But they're having a good time.
SANCHEZ: You know, these outdoor weddings are crazy. Unless you've got to be in the right place, like Maine, maybe. A summer -- a June wedding.
WHITFIELD: That will work.
SANCHEZ: All right. You want to know what we have got tonight? Speaking of weather, climate change. You know, the big Al Gore spectacle is going on. So we got to thinking while we were having our meeting, planning our show yesterday, there are a lot of people that you run into today who will literally tell you it's all hooey, it's made up by you guys in the media, Al Gore is full of it, it's not really happening. There is no such thing as global warming.
So we're going to have somebody who that believes it's all exaggerated and maybe huey (ph) -- or hooey.
WHITFIELD: Yes. And talk to the polar bears.
SANCHEZ: Right. And then we're going to talk to somebody who says, no, this is real and if we don't get off our tails and get something done, this is going to be a big problem. So it's going to be a debate.
WHITFIELD: Right. It is a heated debate.
SANCHEZ: It is. And there are a lot of people who say there should be no debate...
WHITFIELD: Pardon the pun.
SANCHEZ: ... it's done. And there are people who say, no, it's not. There is a lot to talk about. So we're going to let both sides talk about it.
WHITFIELD: OK. We're looking forward to that.
SANCHEZ: And then tonight at 10:00, I'm interviewing somebody who is a fighter pilot from the war who is just very different from anyone you'd ever meet. Take a look at her. I had a chance to talk to her.
WHITFIELD: OK. Go girl.
SANCHEZ: She's fabulous. She's smart. Graduated at the top of her class. And actually shares with us what her assignments were like on some of the missions where she had to target some enemies and take them out. And then runs into a guy whose life she saved and the guy starts describing, I was there one day when suddenly these fighter pilots came in and took out the enemy and saved my life. She says, I was that fighter pilot.
WHITFIELD: That was me.
SANCHEZ: That was me.
WHITFIELD: I love any female pilot, period.
SANCHEZ: Good for her.
WHITFIELD: I love the whole, you know, woman hot dog thing.
SANCHEZ: There you go. There you go.
WHITFIELD: All right. We look forward to that.
SANCHEZ: And welcome back, by the way. Always good to see you.
WHITFIELD: Oh, thanks so much. And always great to be back.
SANCHEZ: All right, Fred.
WHITFIELD: Thanks. All right, well, it's a poll that's getting global attention. In the next hour, we'll get the results of the voting on the New Seven Wonders of the World. Among the contenders, the Great Wall of China, Peru's Machu Picchu, Paris's Eiffel Tower, and Easter Island. Our Veronica De La Cruz is at the dot-com desk with more on the overwhelming response.
VERONICA DE LA CRUZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes. The bad news is that the virtual polls are closed. So unfortunately there is no more voting. But the good news is that soon enough, we will know the New Seven Wonders of the World.
All right. I wanted to tell you, so many people logged on to vote for their pick that it crashed the Web site several times yesterday. More than 90 million votes came in from both kids and adults, all wanting to choose from their 21 picks for these world famous landmarks. A gallery at cnn.com actually has all of the photographs. You can check them all out. Organizers did make a point of making sure that the kids could vote, because they said that kids vote with passion and not nationality. Let me take you now to the Web site to show you where all of this is taking place. It's called newsevenwonders.com. Soon enough they will unveil the top seven in a live Webcast from Lisbon, Portugal.
Now the bad news is that if you didn't vote last night, you cannot watch the Webcast. I know, but soon enough we'll go ahead and tell you who the winners are. Let's go ahead and show you who some of the favorites were. This Machu Picchu in Peru. That's to the top of the screen. India's Taj Mahal, that's to the bottom left. And if you move over now, you will see the Coliseum in Rome, that's the prototype, of course, for today's modern sports arenas.
These are just some of the top favorites. Now one of the oldest candidates, Stonehenge. So once again, tonight, 5:30 p.m., that is the announcement. They will be announcing the Seven New Wonders of the World. And just in case you have visited any of these landmarks, send us an I-Report. Send us your pictures or your video.
We got this one in from Brooklyn Bertholds (ph) from Edwardsville, Illinois. She took this picture of the Coliseum on her family vacation. And she says that she thinks it should be one of the Seven Wonders because it's so well preserved and also it's just absolutely stunning at night, as you can see by this picture. So send us your pictures and video to cnn.com/ireport. For the dot-com desk, I'm Veronica De La Cruz.
WHITFIELD: Explosions at the Red Mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan. Holed up extremists versus the military. The latest on that straight ahead. And don't try this at home. In fact, don't even try this in Spain. But a lot of people do. Running with the bulls still ahead in the NEWSROOM. You're watching CNN, the most trusted name in news.
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WHITFIELD: All right. Time now to go global with headlines from around the world. Graphic video out of Islamabad, Pakistan. That is a fuel tank that you just saw exploding after being hit by weapons fire as Pakistani security forces square off with radical Islamic students. The students are holed up in a Mosque as the five-day-old standoff ensues. Twenty-six people have been killed so far.
New details in the case of a 3-year-old British girl kidnapped in Nigeria. The of little Margaret Hill says the kidnappers are now demanding a ransom. Hill was snatched by gunman while heading to school on Thursday. Nigeria's president says he has ordered his security forces to work for the child's safe release.
And take a look at this. You're looking at China, if you can see it. A massive sandstorm blinded drivers in the Gansu province. The storm lasted for 90 minutes, fuelled by strong winds. There was eventually some relief in the form of heavy rain, which helped clear the sky. And today marks the start of the annual running of the bulls in Spain. But before the hooves hit the streets, animal rights activists stripped off their clothes to protest the annual event.
Our Al Goodman has details.
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AL GOODMAN, CNN MADRID BUREAU CHIEF (voice-over): They nearly bared all trying to save the bulls. A protest just before the annual running of the bulls in Pamplona, especially against the bullfights where the bulls fight and die.
FLEUR D'LSNEY, BRITISH PROTESTER: People's minds are changing already, and they are beginning to realize how barbaric and old fashioned this sport is. It's not a sport. It's vile. Vile. People are beginning to realize that.
GOODMAN: But several thousand runners test their luck every year against the half ton bulls, running through Old Town Pamplona to the bull ring. A centuries-old ritual made famous worldwide by author Ernest Hemingway. But he didn't write about this. Semi-nude protests for the bulls? Or topless for bulls? Even a bull love fest.
JULIA HARSMANN, AUSTRIAN PROTESTER: We're coming from Austria, because we want to demonstrate against bullfighting and that's a very good way to do it, because the people are more impressed of the nudes than of the bulls. And we try to make it as a yearly event here in Pamplona.
GOODMAN: Demonstrators from far and wide.
MICHAEL BRAZELM, ANIMAL RIGHTS ACTIVIST: We are showing people that this is definitely an alternative to animal cruelty. This is much more entertaining and we're hoping that people will change their minds and open their hearts.
GOODMAN: But Pamplona residents have seen this before. But year after year, it hasn't affected the actual running of the bulls, which will start on schedule this Saturday.
Al Goodman, CNN, Madrid.
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WHITFIELD: Well, despite the protests, half a dozen massive bulls did charge down the slippery streets of Pamplona today. At least seven people suffered injuries. All are said to be minor. Organizers expect the number of people running with the bulls this year to exceed last year's when more than 200,000 people dared to test their courage against the half ton beasts.
Well, concerts are going on all around the world right now. It's called Live Earth and one of the many big-time names taking part, music mogul Ludacris. I talked to him earlier today and found out how he's going green. That's just minutes away right here in the NEWSROOM.
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WHITFIELD: Eleven Live Earth concerts, count 'em, 24 hours of music, 150 big-name artists, but only one Ludacris. He's performing at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Well, before he took to the stage, I spoke with him.
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LUDACRIS, LIVE EARTH PERFORMER: I was at a house party, believe it or not, in Hollywood during the Oscars, and all of a sudden I see Al Gore, you know, in the middle of the party. I walk up to him and we started a conversation. And basically he starts talking about, you know, his documentary, which he definitely won an Oscar, and about this concert that he was doing and how he wanted me to be involved.
And I was like, man, you know, anything to save the planet. I'm definitely down to lend my celebrity to. And there you have it, and I'm here.
WHITFIELD: All right.
LUDACRIS: So, yes, it is funny way. But you know, sometimes you have got to go to parties in order to make big things happen.
WHITFIELD: That's right. A little networking at the party. It's not all about just fun...
LUDACRIS: Exactly.
WHITFIELD: But about business as well. So now that you're involved in this Live Earth, you've had this personal dialogue with the former vice president about, you know, going green. So in what way have you changed your lifestyle or are you going to to be more green?
LUDACRIS: I definitely am. I'm beginning to do a lot of things. And there were so many things that I didn't even know about, like changing to fluorescent light bulbs, and of course, conserving energy in any way that you can. Turning off the computers at night instead of keeping it on sleep mode.
Of course, you know, I'm trying to think about getting solar panels for my house in Atlanta, Georgia. There are a lot of things that I'm trying to do. You know, it's just taking one step at a time.
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WHITFIELD: All right. Ludacris performing at Live Earth right now in New Jersey.
Well, it's a moving competition at Atlanta's Georgia Tech campus today. Robots of all sizes are testing their mettle against rivals from around the world. Our Bonnie Schneider is at the Robo Cup. And she says there are some serious applications behind all the robotic fun.
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BONNIE SCHNEIDER, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Bonnie Schneider at Georgia Tech for the Robo Cup World Competition where robots are performing things that you probably can't even imagine, like search and rescue missions. Through the maze behind me, robots are actually looking for, let's say, victims of an accident. Joining me now is Tucker Balch.
Tucker, how does this work? How do the robots know where to find victims of an accident?
TUCKER BALCH, GEORGIA TECH: If there's a disaster, a building sort of fallen down, it's dangerous for people to go in. So the idea is that we send in robots in to find the people -- the injured people. And when we know where they are, the rescuers can go in and get them quickly.
This robot has many, many sensors. This robot is from the Japan United Team. It has got cameras, laser sensors.
SCHNEIDER: Most of the robots we have been seeing here have been playing soccer. How does soccer relate to the advances in robotics in general?
BALCH: Suppose we had a humanoid robot that could play soccer with a human. That -- you know, people might say that's frivolous or whatever, but if a robot can do that, it can do so many, many other things in our world.
SCHNEIDER: It's amazing the technology that is being developed that will actually help people in their everyday lives and also help businesses.
STUART SHEPHERD, KUKA ROBOTICS: Robots set up to do a replication of what people do. So you could actually use this robot to be trained to simply do an easy task and then they'll do that task over and over and over again without having to do anything with programming.
But we sponsored the Robo Cup competition because it's an excellent venue for us to see new technologies being brought to life by young students.
SCHNEIDER: The goal here is by the year 2050, robots will actually be able to compete with humans in the World Cup soccer tournament. I guess we'll have to wait for that.
Bonnie Schneider, CNN, Atlanta.
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WHITFIELD: And the CNN Center in Atlanta, I'm Fredricka Whitfield. The next hour of the NEWSROOM with Rick Sanchez begins right now. RICK SANCHEZ, CNN ANCHOR: Up next, where we're bringing it to you, from the NEWSROOM and from B Control, Live Earth concerts for the Earth, all over the Earth. Music for 24 hours in 11 cities on seven continents all to raise global awareness about global warming. Is there really such a thing as global warming? We're going to debate it. Also, will it make a difference?
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UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I don't know how she could possibly forget a kid for five hours, asleep or not. That -- can't do that.
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SANCHEZ: What can't he do?
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