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Kickback Scheme Arrests; Suu Kyi Released; Obama's Asian Trip Ends In Japan; President Has Private Meeting With Russian President
Aired November 13, 2010 - 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: An embarrassing bust at a prominent political couple in Maryland. They are out of jail now without posting bail but Prince Georges County executive Jack Johnson will be required to wear a monitoring device while serving the last few weeks of his expiring term. Johnson and his wife, who was just elected to the county council, were arrested in an FBI corruption sting Friday.
According to the FBI, Leslie Johnson tried to hide nearly $80,000 in kickback money in her bra and underwear as agents knocked on the door. Jack Johnson says they didn't do anything wrong.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
JACK JOHNSON, PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY EXECUTIVE: I'm innocent of these charges. And I just can't wait for the facts to come out, and when they come out, I am absolutely convinced that I'm going to be - we will be vindicated.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: So what's the next legal step in this case? Let's turn to "In Session's" Sonny Hostin from our sister network, TruTV. She joins us now by phone from New York. So Sunny, what does this say that the couple was released on their own reconnaissance, this means that they are not flight risks?
SONNY HOSTIN, "IN SESSION" TRUTV (ON THE PHONE): Well, it doesn't necessarily mean they are not flight risks because my understanding is that Mr. Johnson has to wear a monitoring bracelet. And so I believe this is really a serious matter here, in looking at the FBI affidavit. This was - while the investigation is ongoing, Fredricka, it is clear that there has been quite an investigation resulting in a wiretap. And so a lot of the information that they have on this matter is actually on tape, and that is a very difficult position for Mr. Johnson to be in.
WHITFIELD: In fact, that's a really interesting part of this investigation. Because apparently, there was a listening device that was used during the approach that FBI investigators had on the house. They could actually hear apparently the conversations between Jack and Leslie Johnson. Leslie apparently reportedly called when there was a knock on the door, and these investigators were listening. So give me an idea what the parameters are for the state of Maryland for this county to be able to do this. HOSTIN: Well, you know, the FBI is the federal arm of the government, And so they had to go in front of a judge and a judge determined if there was probable cause that criminal activity was going on and they got the warrant allowing them to tap the phones and allowing wiretaps here. And some of the information from those wiretaps I have to say was pretty damaging. I mean, she does - Johnson does get on the phone, calls her husband. She says, "you know, there are two women at the door, what should I do?" He instructs her to destroy evidence.
He instructs her to go into his room and grab a check from a contractor apparently and about $100,000, and she not only destroys that check, but flushes it down the toilet. And all of that was on tape. He also tells her -
WHITFIELD: That's why also a plumber was brought in. FBI investigators brought in a plumber to try and check the toilets once they had entry into the home.
HOSTIN: That is right. He also told her to, you know, hide about $80,000 on her person and try to walk out. And so all of that evidence is evidence that's going to be used against them and it's very damaging. This is the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This is what they do for a living. And so the fact that they have this type of investigation that is ongoing does not bode well for him.
WHITFIELD: And so this is interesting, too. He's got the monitoring bracelet, meaning Jack Johnson does. He's able to do his job, if he decides to do so, just a few weeks left on his term as county executive, is that unusual to give him the option of returning to his job if he wants to, along with this monitoring device? It just sounds very unusual. Is it?
HOSTIN: Well, you know, it's usually decided on a case by case basis. And so in this case with this judge and this prosecutor's office, they decided that that was appropriate. We saw the same thing with the governor of Illinois when he was being investigated. He did go back to work. And so sometimes that is the decision that is made. But, again, he still is under investigation, an investigation that is ongoing for the FBI. So he's still in a very difficult position trying to carry on the business of the day while under investigation.
WHITFIELD: Sonny Hostin, thank you so much for joining us from New York on the phone. Appreciate your insight on this case. Very interesting stuff.
All right. Meantime, overseas now. After 15 years of house arrest, democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi is freed. She was released without conditions in Myanmar this morning. She plans to hold a major address tomorrow to talk about her future. Suu Kyi has gained international acclaim and a Nobel Prize for her dogged opposition to authoritarian rule. It also led to her house arrest. Myanmar, also known as Burma, is a country ruled by an oftentimes brutal military junta.
Earlier I spoke with one of Suu Kyi's U.S. based attorneys about the importance of this event. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JARED GENSER, INTL' COUNSEL FOR AUNG SAN SUU KYI: At best, her release is the single step forward on the proverbial thousand mile journey.
WHITFIELD: Do you worry about her safety?
GENSER: I absolutely do. In fact, the last time she was imprisoned in May of 2003, it happened after she had been traveling outside the capital Rangoon and speaking to supporters and her convoy was attacked by a group of government sponsored thugs. More than 70 of her supporters were killed and the so-called (INAUDIBLE) massacre. And she herself was injured and barely escaped with her life. So we will have to remain vigilant in the international community to pay close attention to what's happening and see this as a moment in time to not to decrease pressure on the regime, but in fact, increase pressure on it to get it to the negotiating table so that the dialogue that she has often called for can actually finally take place.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: All right. One of Suu Kyi's American based attorneys there. So in a statement President Barack Obama calls Suu Kyi one of his heroes. Also he says the U.S. welcomes the release and following Aung San Suu Kyi's powerful example, he says "we commit ourselves to remaining steadfast advocates of freedom and human rights for the Burmese people and accountability for those who continue to oppress them." That statement from President Obama.
Meantime, President Obama is in Japan this weekend taking part in an economic summit. The key issue is trade. While in Japan, the president will seek to warm relations that had cooled when he visited Tokyo last year. The cause of that friction, a dispute over moving U.S. military bases.
But this year, the Japanese are taking to the streets protesting China's growing naval presence and this could be a game changer on how Japan uses U.S. bases on its soil. The president mentioned this relationship in his speech in Tokyo earlier today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: The commitment of the United States to the defense of Japan is unshakeable. Our alliances, bases and forward presence are essential not only to Japan's security but as prime minister noted, they help us ensure stability and address regional challenges across northeast Asia.
For this reason, the prime minister and I agreed to keep moving forward on our road map on realignment so that we can meet Japan's defense needs and also address the needs of Japanese communities that host our bases. And I'm confident that we can continue to work together to ensure both.
(END VIDEO CLIP) WHITFIELD: This 10-day trade trip took the president to four Asian countries. He returns to Washington tomorrow.
Millionaire business mogul Russell Simmons' path to fame and fortune. It was anything but orthodox. My face-to-face interview with the hip- hop pioneer, fashion designer (INAUDIBLE) and philanthropist after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: He's a true force in the business world here in the U.S. and abroad. Russell Simmons is one of the most recognizable talents whose claim to fame includes making music, clothing and TV shows. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. And guess what? Russell Simmons admits to forging ahead without ever making a business plan.
I talked face to face with the mogul who is modest about his successes but excited to share some of the secret ingredients of his personal and business philosophies.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD (on camera): Did you ever realize that your reach would be global to this degree?
RUSSELL SIMMONS, DEF JAM CO-FOUNDER/ENTREPRENEUR: You just do what's in front of you. Of course, I didn't have a business plan. I've never written a business plan. When I invest in new companies these days, they write them, I don't read them. But I know what they are. The plan is do well and focus every day and give as much as you can.
WHITFIELD: I know you like to be modest. But I wonder if I can ask, do you think there's like a certain ingredient, something about your approach to business that means almost everything you try is going to be a successful one?
SIMMONS: I think -
WHITFIELD: Given your track record.
SIMMONS: You know, I'm more famous than I'm rich. I read how rich I am. But you know, my idea is to just to serve and keep serving. And so what you mean by success is that we do cultural things that matter. Because we love them but I look for what's honestly hot or really needed, a vehicle for expression. DefComedy, these kids and their poetry, the brave new voices show that we just put on HBO, these kids need expression.
When I made rap records, there were no rap records. You know, when I did the Urban Clothing Company, there was none. I like to have a honest passion and pursue it. And when you see the whole, just stay on it, stay on your ground until it's done.
WHITFIELD: Back to all your ventures. You had Def Jam Records.
SIMMONS: Yes. WHITFIELD: Def Jam Productions.
SIMMONS: You mean like movie stuff? Yes.
WHITFIELD: You have Phat Farm. Baby Phat. Where else could I go here?
SIMMONS: My big company is my financial service company and it's going to change the world.
WHITFIELD: And then there's reality TV.
SIMMONS: That's fun.
Smile. Giggle.
WHITFIELD: Jewelry.
SIMMONS: Simmons Jewelry, it's in Kay's jewelry.
WHITFIELD: And I remember you have the Malachite (ph) jewelry.
SIMMONS: I don't have it on today but that's for my school in Africa. Free students their free college. So the money we're raising is going to that school.
WHITFIELD: And books. Did I leave anything out?
SIMMONS: I'm sure you left out a lot but I'm not -
WHITFIELD: You don't keep track?
SIMMONS: I have lots of smart people around me and they keep track and I keep track with them.
WHITFIELD: Do you ever get to the point where you say, you know what I'm taking on too much? I got to stop right here.
SIMMONS: I'm going to do the best I can and try to stay focused on things I start until they're complete. There's always going to be suffering and poverty and lots of the work that we do and education for Africans in need. These kinds of things are ongoing. You know, it's just fun to do until it's too late. Right, as best as you can aspire, right? Keep doing it.
WHITFIELD: Have you had a failed business?
SIMMONS: Well, you know, you can't fail until you quit.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: And that is one of the lines to remember. More of my "Face to Face with Fredricka" and Russell Simmons next week. The hip- hop mogul talks about his transformation from a drug dealing gang member way back in the day to a philanthropist raising millions for charities. I'll also ask Simmons his opinion of music today and his newest undertakings in fashion and jewelry. That's next weekend right here on CNN, "Face to Face with Fredricka" and this time, Russell Simmons.
All right. The race is on to stop a runaway train carrying explosives. It's a movie starring Denzel Washington out this weekend. Our critics review, next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: Movies, fair game, and unstoppable on the big screen. Should you check them out? We'll find out after looking at the top stories.
Freed democracy advocate Aung San Suu Kyi plans a major address about her future tomorrow. Myanmar's ruling Marxist regime freed the Nobel Peace laureate this morning. She had spent the better part of the past 20 years under house arrest.
Haiti's cholera outbreak continues to spread, with the United Nations now saying that more than 800 people have died from the preventable disease. Unsanitary living conditions and the lack of clean drinking water after the earthquake and last week's hurricane are both factors in the spread. Medical experts say all of Haiti's 10 million people are at risk.
A huge loss for the U.S. Postal Service. The agency was $8.5 billion in the red for the last fiscal year. Part of the loss is blamed on the growth in e-mail and on-line bill paying.
Comedy, suspense, all that in the theaters this weekend. Gitesh Pandya from Box Office Guru.com is joining us from New York right now to see if any of these movies make the grade, the top grade in your view. Good to see you.
GITESH PANDYA, BOXOFFICEGURU.COM: Thanks for having me, Fredricka.
WHITFIELD: So let's begin with Denzel Washington's new movie "Unstoppable." Let's take a quick peek.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What are you doing?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Take off right now, we get back on the main, we can chase it down in reverse.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Well, wait a minute.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The only way to top that kind of power is grab it by the tail. Boom, it's gone on the opposite direction.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (INAUDIBLE) if it goes down, we're going to be a wreck on a wreck.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It doesn't matter. There's a good chance of derailing (INAUDIBLE) UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's called a derailer for Christ's sake. That's what they do.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: A train that size going that fast, it will vaporize anything that gets in its way.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: (INAUDIBLE)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You're wrong. All right. You're wrong. Are you in or are you out?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: I guess Denzel likes those things on tracks. That last movie that we saw was about the New York City subway system. By anyway, Gitesh what did you think, you like this?
PANDYA: I did. This was a terrific film. "Unstoppable" is a great action thriller. It starts a bit slow. It takes some time to get moving, but after that, it's a non-stop thrill ride. Denzel Washington is terrific as always. He's such a great anchor, very charismatic. Here the dynamics is he is the veteran older train operator. Chris Pine from "Star Trek" from last year is the rookie on his first day on the job. And they are basically - it's a story that's based on true events, which has happened many years ago, only about nine years ago.
But it's about a run away train with toxic waste on it, which is basically like a nuclear missile running at 70 miles an hour throughout the state of Pennsylvania.
WHITFIELD: Oh, my gosh. This is like the edge of your seat stuff.
PANDYA: It's part of a doomsday story. It is. I guess to that point after the first act or so. You know, good acting, good direction, as well. Tony Scott has done five movies with Denzel. Overall, it's a great true story about real American heroes. I think people will like it.
WHITFIELD: Great. OK. What is your letter grade on this one?
PANDYA: Well, this one I would give an A minus. In fact, it was number one at the box office last night, with $8.1 million. I think it will do maybe $22, 23 million for the weekend.
WHITFIELD: All right. Denzel is a big draw as is Rosario Dawson. She's in that too.
OK, let's talk about "Morning Glory." You know, usually, Gitesh, I kind of cringe, movies about TV news and how we do it and all that. It was never really right. But what do you think about this "Morning Glory?" You can set up for it, me a little bit and then we'll watch a little clip of it.
PANDYA: Sure. Well, you know, sometimes it hits a little too close to home for the TV biz. But you know, overall, this was a disappointing film. It's very formulaic. Very cliche. Very predictable. But the story, obviously, if you're in the TV business, is kind of interesting. Rachel McAdams and the rest of the cast did a good job.
It's about a woman who was fired from her local TV job and takes an executive producer role as the head of the worst-rated morning news show in the nation and she has to really turn it around. So here's some clips of that film. You can see what the actors are doing.
WHITFIELD: Let's watch.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I would like to offer you the position of co- host of "Daybreak."
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: After the career that I've had?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WHITFIELD: Harrison Ford there, of course, you know, you've got some great folks in here. What is your letter grade on this?
PANDYA: Well, this one I would really give a C plus too. It's probably not worth spending your top dollar for, something worth getting on DVD later on. However, I have to say that despite the cliched story, Harrison Ford does a terrific job. We see him do action all the time, but we didn't know that he has such great comic timing. He's brilliant. He's sort of the old school of news journalist, forced to do morning news adjunct stories, fluffy, as he calls it. And he is terrific in this film I would love to see more comedy from him.
WHITFIELD: Yes. You know, we see a little flash of comedy from him in a few things where he really is pretty dynamic. All right. Rachel McAdams and Diane Keaton in that as well.
Now let's talk about "Fair Game." This is a depiction of real life, or at least as close to the real-life story of Valerie Plame, Joe Wilson, and this starting Naomi Watts and Sean Penn. We'll take a look while you talk a little bit about it whether you think this was a very believable story. It really underscores the power of the White House, the power of intelligence agencies.
PANDYA: Right, you said it right there. That's pretty much what this film is about. The Valerie Plame story. I liked it. It was a good film, not amazing but certainly a good film if you like political thrillers without being too political. That's truly how I would describe this picture. The acting is terrific. Sean Penn, Naomi Watts, you're not going to get a bad performance out of those two actors. They're both terrific.
This movie had its start in the Cannes Film Festival back in May and now it's finally being released in theaters. It's only playing in select markets around the country. In fact, this weekend it will probably make a $1 million. Not huge but respectable. And you know, it's a good story. They do a good job of having the husband-wife dynamic. She's a spy who gets outed by the government, the Bush administration. He's an ambassador and they're really fighting to protect their names. They're fighting to save their marriage. They're raising children.
So it's, you know, it doesn't go too much into the politics which is what I liked about the film. Many of these movies get way too political and become boring. And this movie is not like that. So if you do like those actors, I think they're commanding enough to gauge your interest throughout the 106 minutes or so that you'll be sitting there for.
WHITFIELD: OK. Sounds like you liked it. What's your letter grade?
PANDYA: This one is a B plus in my grade.
WHITFIELD: Nice. Nice, nice. And we know that this movie, the real- life Valerie Plame and Joe Wilson were very involved in the direction of this movie, and artistic components. They played a pretty serious role on set during the filming of this. Do you think that made an impact, made a difference?
PANDYA: I think so. I mean, hey, if someone made a movie about me, you know I would want to be part of it.
WHITFIELD: Be there, front and center.
PANDYA: Especially if Sean Penn is playing me. I would definitely want some kind of an input on that. So I think that was good. It makes it more realistic. At the end of the day, again, it's a very targeted audience. It's not a main stream film every one will like but certainly if you follow the news, if you follow politics, you'll like it. Again, you do have to really work to find a theater, because it's not playing in every multiplex out there.
WHITFIELD: All right. Gitesh Pandya, thanks so much. Appreciate it. Good to see you.
PANDYA: Thanks, Fredricka.
All right. President Obama is winding down his Asia trip, but he has encountered a few bumps in the road.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: President Barack Obama on the final leg of his four- country Asian tour. He's in Japan this weekend for an economic summit.
CNN's Dan Lothian is traveling with the president and joins us from Yokohama. Dan, the president is winding down his 10-day trip in Asia. The purpose was to strengthen ties in that region, especially when it comes to trade. How successful does the White House feel?
DAN LOTHIAN, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, they feel that the president was able to make that point, pushing the trade agenda, trying to make the case to these world leaders that it is in everyone's best interest to expand trade, about 60 percent of U.S. exports come to this region and the president obviously came shopping here in order to open up more markets for U.S. goods believing that in turn could create more jobs back at home.
That is good for the U.S., but not every one here is happy with that. They see the president, the United States coming here with their hands open, looking for more jobs to take back home and they're wondering what is in it for them?
Well, speaking to some CEOs and other business leaders, President Obama tried to set the record straight.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: I make no apologies for doing whatever I can to bring those jobs and industries to America. But what I've also said throughout this trip is that in the 21st century, there is no need to view trade, commerce or economic growth as zero sum games, where one country always has to prosper at the expense of another. If we work together, and act together, strengthening our economic ties can be a win-win for all of our nations.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LOTHIAN: Now, the administration is touting some deals that they were able to cut in India, $10 billion worth of deals there, including some 10 C17 aircraft through the air force in India. But there were some setbacks back in the headlines, back in the United States, talking about disappointment, what the administration was not able to accomplish not able to make any movement on the currency deals with China. Not able to lock in the South Korea trade deal there, as well. The administration not seeing this as a disappointment, pointing out that these things take time. And that the president really wants to make sure that they get this right, not necessarily get it quickly.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR, CNN NEWSROOM: Meantime, on this last day they are in Japan, he's also talking with leaders of other countries. Tell me about that.
LOTHIAN: That's right. The Russian President Dmitri Medvedev, President Obama having a breakfast one on one with him. They will be touching on a number of issues, including the new START Treaty. They will be talking about Iran and Afghanistan. Then a little cultural outing for the president; he'll go to the Great Buddha statue, that is a place where he went as a young boy, and then hops on Air Force One for the long trip back to Washington, Fred.
WHITFIELD: Dan Lothian, appreciate that as you travel with the president abroad. And welcome home when you get here. You start your embarkment tomorrow.
All right. Meantime, back in this country, heavy snow is expected in the upper Midwest this weekend. Already, in fact, in some places it's already kind of falling down. Jacqui Jeras in the Weather Center. JACQUI JERAS, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Not just kinda.
WHITFIELD: In a big way, like whiteout conditions.
JERAS: Like almost a foot of snow, yes, I mean. It's the first snowfall of the season across parts of Minnesota and boy, they're doing it in a big way. Take a look at these pictures from our affiliate in Minneapolis-St. Paul. As much as 11 inches, that is the highest number we've seen so far.
WHITFIELD: Almost a foot!
JERAS: Yes, this started around midnight last night.
It looks gorgeous, the kids are having fun in it, but it's causing some problems. Thousands are without power, might not get power back until maybe later tomorrow even.
There have been 200 car accidents, and additional 200 cars sliding off the roadways.
WHITFIELD: People are not ready for this.
JERAS: It came down so heavy, so fast and that's been the biggest problem is that when the ground temperatures, for the most part, are still warm enough you would think it would all melt off. But when it comes down at such a heavy rate, you know, an inch to two inchers per hour, that starts to stick. And that is why they are seeing such issues.
The heaviest of snow still moving through the Twin Cities area and northwestern parts of Wisconsin and up there into the Arrow Head, as well. We are going to expect maybe another 2 to 4 inches of snow on top of what you already have before all is said and done. By tomorrow morning we think this thing will wind down; 11 inches in Eden Prairie, that is a suburb of the Twin Cities. Dennison, Iowa, yeah, northern Iowa getting in on this, as well, 10 inches and 9 inches in Maple Grove. And there you can see Minneapolis itself looking at 9 inches of snowfall.
It is a very vigorous storm system we are dealing with here. It's causing a lot of gusty winds. Just moisture of the liquid variety ahead of it. So you don't have to worry about the snow so much, in place like Chicago and extending down to towards Louisiana. We've got delays at O'Hare because those winds are so strong.
And last but not least, from the snow to the tropics, I just want to mention real quick, hurricane season is still going on.
WHITFIELD: This is cruel.
JERAS: I don't mean to tease you, but the Western Caribbean, we have a medium risk here that we could see development in the next couple of days.
WHITFIELD: Oh, my goodness. Just a couple weeks left before the hurricane season is over.
JERAS: That's right.
WHITFIELD: That's what you mean, right. That is the kind system you are talking about, right?
Thanks, Jacqui Jeras.
Washington State voted to ban the sales of caffeinated energy drinks that contain alcohol. They are often called "blackouts in a can." CNN's Kate Bolduan has more on the controversy and the health concern.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KATE BOLDUAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): The name and the effects are hard to forget. And after nine students at Central Washington University were hospitalized after drinking Four Loco, state officials banned the sales of it, and caffeinated malt liquor like it statewide. They're not alone. Michigan officials have also banned the sale of alcoholic energy drinks, and college campuses nationwide are taking a closer look.
AMANDA LONG, UNIV. OF MARYLAND MEDICAL CTR.: The general concern with alcohol and energy drinks is when you mix the two, you're creating an unstable combination in your body. We worry our students are not as informed as they could be about the consequences of mixing these two substances.
BOLDUAN: The University of Maryland hasn't officially banned the drink, but is stepping up outreach to students and the community to warn them of the potential dangers. Dangers, Doctor Daniel Lieberman says aren't new, but now served up in a ready made mix in a can, he says, is marketed to young drinkers.
DOCTOR DANIEL LIEBERMAN, GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIV.: What the caffeine is doing is it's encouraging people to drink far more than they should. It masks the effect of the alcohol, so people don't feel the state of intoxication that would lead them to stop drinking.
BOLDUAN (On camera): This is what the controversy is all about. This one can has as much alcohol as about five beers, and at a fraction of the price. No wonder Four Loco has earned the nickname "a binge drinker's dream" and "a black out in a can."
(Voice over): Four Loco's manufacturer defends its product saying it is, quote, "just as safe as any other alcoholic beverage when consumed responsibly."
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It is a popular drink on this campus. I know a lot of students get full cases of stuff just because it's so inexpensive. I think less than $3 a can.
BOLDUAN: Ben Present (ph) wrote about Four Loco for the student newspaper at the University of Maryland. He says by and large, and despite the headlines, students don't seem to care.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's a cheap means to an end, and a quick means to an end, and students definitely abuse that.
BOLDUAN: So it seems many students are getting mixed messages from this controversial drink. Kate Bolduan, CNN, Washington.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
WHITFIELD: The number of children in this country with ADHD is on the rise, but experts say if treated properly children can be successful in life. Up next, the three things parents can do to make sure that happens.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: Coming up, helping kids diagnosed with ADHD. I'll talk to a medical expert. But first, a look at the top stories.
Investigators in North Carolina say partial remains found earlier this week belong to 10-year-old Zahara Baker. DNA analysis was used to identifying a bone fragment found near Hickory, North Carolina. The little cancer survivor was reported missing about a month ago.
The husband of actress Zsa Zsa Gabor says she's back home now. The 93 year old actress was rushed by ambulance to the hospital yesterday for a swollen leg. Doctors originally suspected a blood clot, but they later determined it was an infection. Gabor has been up able to walk since a car crash in 2002.
A weekend of adjustment for former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's family. He was temporarily moved from a hospital to his home yesterday. Sharon may be eventually transferred there permanently. He's been in a coma since suffering a massive stroke back in 2006.
All right, helping parents understand and successfully manage children with ADHD . One in every 10 kids has Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, according to government health officials. Well, Dr. Edward Hallowell is a psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of ADHD in children.
Good to see you, Doctor Hallowell.
DR. EDWARD HALLOWELL, ADULT & CHILD PSYCHIATRIST: Nice to be with you.
WHITFIELD: You say parents should be not, fearful of ADHD if that diagnosis does indeed come. Why not?
HALLOWELL: Well, absolutely. Untreated, ADHD can cause all kinds of problems, both in children and adults. But with treatment, these kids can thrive, excel, and the same with the adult population. That's why this diagnosis is such good news. If you don't know about it, you can get into big trouble, fail in school and fail in life.
(CROSS TALK)
WHITFIELD: So for one, you say it is good news. So, you almost have to-sorry to interrupt, but you say it is good news. And that is really important that you say that. Because it's almost if you are telling people if they have to change their thinking about ADHD, instead of looking at it as, oh, my gosh, what do I do? This is terrible. You're saying change your perspective completely. How do you do that?
HALLOWELL: Absolutely. Absolutely. Try to use a strength-based context. I tell kids when I diagnose, you're lucky, you have a Ferrari engine for a brain. You're a champion in the making, the problem is you have bicycle brakes. So, I say I'm a brake specialist. I'm going to strengthen those breaks so you can win races. I'm not treating disabilities, I'm promoting growth, I'm promoting strength.
I think when you put it in that strength-based context, you get rid of the fear, you get rid of the sort of the shame, which is the real disability. And you bring in enthusiasm, and hope and energy, and these kids can set the world on fire. They truly can. And the adults with ADHD, you find CEOs and Pulitzer prize winners, and actors, and inventors-with treatment, mind you. Without treatment, it can pose tremendous problems. So, but putting it in a strength-based context, racecar brain, Ferrari engine for a brain, bicycle brakes, we need to strengthen your brakes. Then you are a champion.
WHITFIELD: I think every kid would embrace being compared to a Ferrari. I would like that.
HALLOWELL: Yes, you got it.
WHITFIELD: So you say here's some examples. Some people might use the word, that you know, this is a very intrusive diagnosis, or this means that the characteristics of a child may be very intrusive, kind of in your face. And you say, instead, look at it as being very eager. Others may say they can't stay on point. You say, this child sees connections that others don't. This is part of that transforming-your approach to ADHD.
HALLOWELL: Exactly. Take every negative and turn it on its head and you get a positive. So distract-ability, turn it on its head, you get curiosity. Impulsivity. What is creativity? But impulsivity, gone right. You can't be creative if you don't have impulsive, intrusive thoughts, if you're not spontaneous and somewhat disinhibited.
WHITFIELD: And you say, quite naturally, are parents going to worry, when they hear this diagnosis. And you say, you have to avoid that. Avoid what you call toxic worry. What is that?
HALLOWELL: The toxic worry paralyzes you, freezes you. You don't want to get help. You don't want to deal with it. You want to pretend it isn't there. You want to sweep it under the rug. That's the road to disaster. That is the road to failure. Instead, embrace it. Say OK, I'll use my worry and turn it into positive action. I'll get the help I need, I'll turn my kid into a champion. I'm not going to deny it, I'm going to embrace it. And I'm going to take this Ferrari engine and get it a good set of brakes.
WHITFIELD: You know this first hand, because you admit that you've been living with ADHD all your life. HALLOWELL: Absolutely. I have both ADHD and dyslexia. All three of my kids inherited by ADHD.
WHITFIELD: So you do inherit this?
HALLOWELL: Yes, oh, it is very genetic. Very much in the American gene pool. Were a country that was really founded and created by people with ADHD. We're nation full of ADHD, which is why we're so exciting and interesting, innovative, and you know-a bunch of Ferrari brains out there.
WHITFIELD: I love that. Once you have that implanted thought, there, I say, the Ferrari, I say, rooma, zoom, zoom. That's all right. Doctor Edward Hallowell, thanks so much for your time. Appreciate that.
HALLOWELL: Thank you, thank you.
We're going to have Josh Levs coming up next. We are going to talk about viral videos, this is the time where we talk about rooma, zoom, zoom. As the doctor was talking about a Ferrari. This is now rooma, zoom, zoom, like what goes viral on the Internet?
JOSH LEVS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I know. I was just thinking about that. It is amazing how fast something becomes huge and then just goes right away.
But, Fred, coming up, listen to what I have for you. I've got an A- list celebrity getting soaked in an awesome way. A new dancing baby, this one I don't think you've seen yet. A video so cute that our viewers will probably be reminding it on TIVO after I show it to you.
WHITFIELD: OK.
LEVS: Plus, we have this: Meet the world's largest pet. Yes, that's a pet. And yes, indoors.
WHITFIELD: Is that like a water buffalo?
LEVS: I'm going to tell you. His story is coming up. "Viral video rewind".
WHITFIELD: Oh, my goodness, no.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
WHITFIELD: A look at our Political Ticker now. Rahm Emanuel has made it official. The former White House chief of staff announced his candidacy for mayor of Chicago just a short time ago. The election to replace Richard Daley is set for February.
Lots of great laughs out there in today's "Viral Video Rewind" world.
(LAUGHTER)
We always need a good chuckle here and there. LEVS: We do. This is my favorite chuckle of the week. Conan's first week on his new show.
WHITFIELD: Lots of chuckles there.
LEVS: He had a lot of stuff go viral this week. There was so much built up. People were talking so much in advance, they wanted to see something. Somehow he had Tom Hanks on, as his major A-list celebrity guest. And somehow they get to talking about whales. Tom Hanks talks about being an expert on whales, this is what happened.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CONAN O'BRIEN, COMEDIAN: Oh, look, the whales are breaching.
TOM HANKS, ACTOR: No, they're not breaching, they're lunging. If they were to breach, 40 percent of them would come out of the water.
(SPLASH OF WATER DROPS ON TOM HANKS)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LEVS: You could actually see the straight stream of water fall on his head.
WHITFIELD: It seems so spontaneous. But something tells me there was a little bit of, you know-a little rehearsal on that. Maybe sans the water.
LEVS: Would you rehearse with water?
WHITFIELD: No, no, forget that. You can only do that once.
LEVS: Don't get any ideas, producers.
WHITFIELD: But it was clever. It was cute.
LEVS: So I got a new baby for you. There are a couple of babies that are out this week. Take a look at this dancing baby. This baby dancing to "The Dog Days Are Over" by Florence and the Machine. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MUSIC PLAYS
WHITFIELD: Oh, music is amazing.
Isn't that amazing? As soon as the beat starts going. You know, I have kids, I've seen the same thing. My baby does the same thing. As soon as the beat picks up, they just automatically start dancing.
WHITFIELD: Oh, that is so sweet.
LEVS: This little boy is-and as soon as the music slows down - he gets all upset. WHITFIELD: Oh, he's upset.
LEVS: Skip to the next section, because that then the music picks up again.
WHITFIELD: Replay.
LEVS: Watch what happens when it picks up again. He's going at it again. Love this guy.
WHITFIELD: Oh, my gosh.
LEVS: Time now for what I showed you before the break, the world's largest pet.
WHITFIELD: Yeah.
LEVS: This is freaky.
WHITFIELD: A water buffalo?
LEVS: Uh-huh, it's a buffalo. Let's show the video. We got this from iReport. This was sent to us from iReporter Percy Von Lipinski, which is in the home of Jim and Linda Saltner (ph). They keep a buffalo in their home, in their home, in Alberta, Canada. His name is Bailey Bison Jr.
WHITFIELD: Who gets cleanup duty?
LEVS: I know. They were talking about that. They're trying to train him to, you know?
WHITFIELD: Train him to go outside?
LEVS: Uh-huh.
WHITFIELD: OK?
LEVS: Yeah, even near the china cabinet. He goes on car rides with them. They said this isn't some kitschy joke, they take this really seriously, that this is their pet.
WHITFIELD: This is hilarious.
LEVS: When he's fully grown, he will weigh 2,200 pounds.
WHITFIELD: Oh, my goodness. That is not the car. It's got to be a pickup or something.
LEVS: Yeah, I think it's a different car.
And RV or something.
LEVS: He doesn't go in the back seat.
Now, let's go to an animal that someone actually might have as a pet, all right?
WHITFIELD: OK.
LEVS: Cuteness overload this week. I'm about to have a lay on the cute. Take a look at this. Wimp.com points to this video. Bunny that fits in your hand.
WHITFIELD: That is so cute. So sweet.
LEVS: That is so cute. Tiny little bunny.
WHITFIELD: That is cute.
LEVS: I know. Wimp.com seems to go from a YouTube address, Rblackboro666?
WHITFIELD: Please don't drop the bunny.
LEVS: No, they don't. It just sits there.
And actually, this is good. Let's skip the next video and right into Fred's relaxation video.
WHITFIELD: Oh look, he's nodding off.
LEVS: I know it is so cute. But it is a natural leading into something our viewer sent for you. And we agreed to deliver a relaxation video.
WHITFIELD: Boy, am I needing this one today.
LEVS: Beautiful clouds.
(MUSIC PLAYS)
LEVS: We can do this all the time. We can just synchronize our sighs. We can just synchronize our exhale.
There you go, folks. We always try to give you own version of a moment of Zen. As always, all the videos, go to my facebook page. Facebook.com/JoshLevsCNN. Check it out there and check it on Twitter and some of your favorite videos. We'll have those.
WHITFIELD: Keep those Zen moments coming.
LEVS: Shall we do it?
WHITFIELD: I like that, yeah.
LEVS: All right.
WHITFIELD: Relax man.
LEVS: Relaxed.
WHITFIELD: Thanks, Josh. See you again tomorrow. LEVS: OK.
WHITFIELD: "Viral Video Rewind"
LEVS: "Viral Video Rewind"
WHITFIELD: Bye-bye.
All right. Now it's time to get loud, because something new to tell you about tomorrow. Comedian George Wallace, he will be joining us every Sunday for George's take on the news. We had him a couple of weeks ago and it was oh, so much fun. He's going to be a regular with us on Sundays, dropping in 5:00 o'clock Eastern Time every Sunday. It will be his take on the biggest stories of the week. He just has that knack for making things oh, so funny.
You know, he has a new show out in Las Vegas. So he's been called kind of the new Mr. Las Vegas. He's funny and he's frank and he's now with us on Sundays, 5:00 Eastern Time every hour. Don't miss it, George Wallace and me on the set, here in the NEWSROOM.
That's going to do it for us this afternoon. I'm Fredricka Whitfield. Coming up, Don Lemon talks live to rock star activist Bono. He's over there waving, he's getting ready. Bono had some very strong words in support of advocate Aung San Suu Kyi in Myanmar. She has been release today. And so Bono has some strong statements about her release. He's going to be joining Don Lemon up next, NEWSROOM
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
