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Congress Returning to D.C.; Ohio Teen Found; Three Others Missing; Interview with Dominique Wilkins; Medal of Honor to be Awarded to Sal Giunta; Resentment Grows Over Workers with Kids Having More Time Off

Aired November 14, 2010 - 18:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

DON LEMON, CNN ANCHOR: Right now on CNN:

A vacation nightmare. A resort hotel blows up. People are dead. The pictures from the scene are really unbelievable. What caused this catastrophic explosion?

A basketball great opens up about his fight with a deadly disease. It's already killed two members of his family. Now, he wants to make sure it doesn't happen to you or your family.

Are you off this Thanksgiving or Christmas? If you aren't, you could blame your co-workers with kids. Is that fair? It's parents versus the childless on the job.

We're going to begin tonight with a developing story.

A missing Ohio teen has been found -- found and gagged in the basement of her home in suburban Columbus. The girl's mother, brother, and her family friend are still missing. Early this morning, a police SWAT team moved into the residential neighborhood of Mount Vernon, Ohio.

A neighbor describes what he heard. A police officer tells us what they found.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIPS)

JOE CHRISTOPHER, NEIGHBOR: The SWAT team came and then the blast I heard, there was -- a blast at the door and went in and, you know, I heard the guy was sleeping on the couch and they found one of the girls that was missing tied up down in the basement.

SHERIFF DAVID BARBER, KNOX COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT.: We have located and rescued 13-year-old Sara Maynard at approximately 8:00 a.m. this morning.

(END VIDEO CLIPS)

LEMON: Well, the girl was taken to the hospital for evaluation. That man was taken into custody. An entire community has been frantically searching for the missing family and their friend since they went missing on Wednesday. This story, as we said, is still developing. We have a reporter who's on the scene of this bizarre missing persons story. He is gathering some details for us now and he's going to join me very soon here on CNN.

Near Cancun, Mexico, at least seven people, including a child, were killed today by a powerful blast at a Caribbean resort. Another 20 people were hurt, including two Americans. Mexican authorities say the explosion appeared to be caused by a gas leak possibly a stove. The resort is the Grand Riviera Princess on the Yucatan Peninsula.

A British couple is savoring their freedom tonight after more than a year under the control of pirates. Paul and Rachel Chandler landed in Kenya today one year and three weeks after Somali pirates kidnapped them from their yacht. The couple had just left the Seychelles island. The family will not speak about the details of how the Chandlers were freed, but Somali elders tell CNN, a $750,000 ransom was paid. The pirates initially demanded $7 million.

You know, there's no way to really sugarcoat it. It is difficult -- difficult decisions are on the horizon if the U.S. is going to deal with the national debt.

This week, President Obama's bipartisan deficit commission released some draft recommendations for doing it. It is not the final report, but there was something for everyone to disagree with -- a combination of tax hikes and spending cuts.

The battle extended to the Sunday talk shows today with Republican Senator John Cornyn only backing the proposed cuts and commission member, Senator Kent Conrad, warning that won't be enough.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIPS)

SEN. KENT CONRAD (D-ND), DEFICIT COMMISSION: A certain amount of this is shock therapy. You know, there are different options and, of course, what everybody has fashioned -- fastened on are the most extreme of the options. But, look, the important thing for people to know is we are borrowing 40 cents of every dollar we spend. That's utterly unsustainable.

SEN. JOHN CORNYN (R), TEXAS: I don't think it's a question of are the American people taxed enough or should they be taxed more. We ought to be looking at spending cuts. I mean, the problem that most families and businesses have when there's only so much revenue coming in the door, they have to trim their expenditures. That's what the federal government ought to be doing rather than looking for ways to grow the government and grow the tax burden and discourage job creation.

(END VIDEO CLIPS)

LEMON: Well, President Barack Obama gets to spend his first night in the White House in 10 days. He returned home today after a lengthy tour through Asia. Now, in his absence, his predecessor, George W. Bush, released his memoirs. We've been hearing about it. And it's got people talking about the leadership styles of both men.

I want you to check out this exchange between Bill Maher and our very own Jessica Yellin on HBO.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BILL MAHER, HOST, "REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER"): When I look at Obama, he looks like a broken man. I see Bush -- I saw Bush say he didn't apologize for TARP. He said, yes, it was unpopular. It was the right thing to do.

JESSICA YELLIN, CNN NATIONAL POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT: But, you know, as much as it seems on the surface that Bush and Obama are very different, they have in some ways very similar leadership qualities.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LEMON: OK. Very similar leadership qualities.

Let's bring in CNN's political editor Mark Preston.

Mark, Jessica is not the only person to say that about this comparison between President Bush and President Obama. Some might equate Bush's push to war with Obama's push for health care, Mark.

MARK PRESTON, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL EDITOR: Yes, sure. But, look, when you're the president of the United States, you have to make tough decisions. You have to lead in a way that is not necessarily going to make everybody happy. We saw that during President Bush's tenure, and we're seeing that right now with President Obama.

You know, Don, a lot can be said about his leadership. When I say "his," President Obama's leadership, over the past couple years. One thing you can say about him, he got pretty much everything through that he wanted to get through.

LEMON: Hey, let's move on and talk about Congress, because Congress is going to return tomorrow. You know, we've been talking about it since the midterms. It's going to be a lame-duck session.

What are the priorities here? And might the priorities here be overshadowed by Congressman Rangel?

PRESTON: Sure. Let's start off with Congressman Rangel first. We are going to have the ethics trial. We'll start tomorrow here in Washington, D.C.

And it all centers around 13 violations that are alleged against the congressman from New York, the very powerful congressman from New York, namely on whether he misused his office to raise money for a center that would bear his name at a university or college in New York City. In addition to that, not reporting tax income on a vacation rental property. Interestingly enough, Congressman Rangel headed the main tax committee.

So, that will, of course, be front and center tomorrow. But in addition to that, all of the policy things that need to be taken care of, Congress --

LEMON: Can we stop and talk about the Rangel thing? The interesting thing is Rangel is saying now that he doesn't have the money to afford representation. That's a -- that's a thing that people are concerned about here.

PRESTON: Sure. But also he's going to be representing himself in front of a body of his peers, so to speak.

So, you know, I think Charlie Rangel is bright enough and smart enough and savvy enough to be able to get himself through this trial. He doesn't seem to have the money to pay for a lawyer to be by his side. But you know something, I suspect there will be one with him.

LEMON: All right. I digress and I interrupted you. You were talking about the priorities for next week.

PRESTON: Yes. Just get out your pen and a piece of paper. I mean, it's unbelievable what you have to get done, Don. First of all, you have freshmen who have just won. They're coming in town for their orientation.

You have the leadership elections around the Democratic Caucus and whether Nancy Pelosi will or will not be the leader of the Democratic Party. She will be the leader even though there is some pushback.

But policy-wise, they have to pass a spending bill that will keep the government running. Right now, a temporary measure expires at the beginning of December. So, they need to do that.

The Bush tax cuts -- will they compromise? We saw President Obama --

LEMON: Yes.

PRESTON: -- on his way back talked about the need for compromise anyway from Republicans. Will there be a compromise on that?

And, of course, there's the START treaty. Will there be a way to try to de-escalate a little bit of the nuclear weapons stockpiles between us and Russia?

So, a whole heck of a lot on the table, Don.

LEMON: All right. Mark Preston -- Mark, thank you very much. We appreciate your reporting tonight from Washington.

You know, our top story this hour, the missing persons case turned possible kidnapping. A little girl found bound and gagged in her basement. Her mother, brother, and a family friend haven't been seen since Wednesday. We're getting more answers and a live report coming up. That reporter who I told you that is gathering information is going to join us. The parental divide in the office -- should workers with kids get unspoken special privileges over those without kids? Some say it happens, a lot. We're debating that issue.

And we also want you to be part of this show tonight, be a part of the conversation. Look at your screen. That's how you can get in touch with us. Some of your comments will make it on.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: More of this developing story that we have been telling you about out of Ohio. As a matter of fact, it's our lead story tonight.

A missing teen has been found. She's bound and gagged in the basement of a home in suburban Columbus. A police SWAT team rescued 13-year- old Sara Maynard in an early morning raid. The girl's mother, her brother and a family friend are still missing. Police arrested 30- year-old Matthew Hoffman on kidnapping charges. We're going to find out more on this case.

Joining us now from Howard, Ohio, is reporter Jason Frazier. Jason is with our affiliate there, WBNS.

Jason, what's the latest? There was a raid early this morning. Do we know what brought police to this home?

JASON FRAZIER, WBNS REPORTER: Yes. Police right now are being very tightlipped about what led them to this particular location right now.

They do tell us that the man, Mr. Hoffman, does have a connection with the victim, Sara Maynard. They did tell us that at some point he entered in the Maynard residence, but they're not telling us whether or not he was a boyfriend or he had a relationship with the mother of that teen that was found here.

LEMON: OK. So, the motivation here, we don't know if -- was the motivation just for the teen, to get this young girl or was it -- did he have some beef with the family? Do we know any of that?

FRAZIER: At this point, no. They're still investigating why she ended up at this location.

LEMON: OK. And what about family members? They're still missing.

Anyone have any idea -- I know you said they're being tightlipped. But to find her and have an entire family missing, one would come to the conclusion -- I don't know for sure, that this man had something to do with the disappearance of this family as well.

FRAZIER: Right. At this point, they are still interviewing him at the local jail. They have not told us whether or not he has given them any information about where the other three people are. At this point, they're not even sure if he actually had anything to do with the other three people. But we're hoping to find out something tomorrow at a news conference at 2:00 p.m.

LEMON: Yes. And there you can see, they have been searching for them.

Jason Frazier, I want thank you -- with our affiliate WBNS in Ohio. Thank you very much.

And again, the story -- we're going to continue to follow it. It is a 13-year-old girl. She went missing, found in the basement of a home this morning. The girl's mother, her brother, and her family -- and a family friend are still missing at this hour. We're going to continue to update this story on CNN. Bring you the very latest information.

Let's move on now. One police officer called the scene devastating, a deadly accident involving more than a dozen motorcyclists. The pictures are unbelievable.

And it's a teacher, a therapist, even a workout partner. It's also a robot. We'll introduce you to your instructor in the classroom of the future right there.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: Every time I -- well, anytime you see the severe weather thing and you see the little snowflakes in there, you know, Jacqui Jeras or Rob -- whoever -- one of our meteorologists is going to talk about snow.

It's pretty to look at, Jacqui, but it is not always good for everyone.

JACQUI JERAS, AMS METEOROLOGIST: I know. There are a lot of people out there suffering right because of the snowstorm in Minnesota yesterday, even though it's winded down today. Let's show you some of the pictures.

The reason they're still suffering, people are without power. Yes. In fact, they just checked Xcel Energy's Web site and there are about 5,000 people in the twin cities metro area that still need to get their power restored. There you can see, at the height of the storm, there are about 60,000 people. So, they've been making a lot of progress, still working on that.

But with temperatures in the 30s, dipping down into the 20s tonight, not a lot of fun for you folks. So, take it easy and try and stay warm and be really careful if you're trying to use generators or anything like that.

Now, the storm system is moving off to the east and there's not a lot of snow left with it. We're looking at a little bit across Northern Wisconsin, into U.P. of Michigan, Chicago, you're just on the cusp of getting some rain showers moving on in. But as temperatures drop down tonight, still think a little moisture in place after midnight, expect to see a little sleet mixed in.

Now, we've got a cold front that's making its way across the eastern U.S. And this front is not doing too much. It's just bringing in some light rain showers, a couple isolated thunderstorms. But on the tail end of this front, we're going to get an area of low pressure developing and that's going to be the big storm system as we head into the workweek ahead, especially for the Southeast and eventually this whole thing is going to ride on up the coast.

We don't think it's going to be a nor'easter right now. The best estimate is that it will be an inland track. So, more of a rain event than anything else, maybe a little snow in the Northeast on the backside of the storm system.

This is actually good news unless you're traveling. You know, it's going to be a headache in Atlanta tomorrow, as well as Nashville, maybe Memphis, up towards Raleigh, into Charlotte.

But we've had some extreme drought conditions across the Southeast. Take a look at the drought monitor. There you can see in the red areas really, really extreme conditions. They need this rain, Don. So, a little good news there for you.

LEMON: Yes. We like good news.

JERAS: Yes.

LEMON: Wrapping a little rainbow on the end. Thank you, Jacqui Jeras. Appreciate it.

Listen, a robot, a teaching robot, could be the next big thing in education. Pay attention to this. It can act as an instructor or even a therapist. Researchers at the University of Southern California are testing a robot that's already being used to help children with autism.

CNN's Rob Marciano is on the "Edge of Discovery."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ROB MARCIANO, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Could this face inspire learning? Researchers at USC think so. Designed with kid-friendly features like big eyes and the ability to blow bubbles, this robot named Bandit is a magnet for children.

PROF. MAJA MATARIC, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: Kids get really excited and get very motivated. We can use it for motivating exercise, for motivating doing homework, for motivating studying, for learning social behavior. We think of robots as social integrators. If you can put a robot on a playground, a lot of kids will flock to it and play with it.

MARCIANO: This tireless three-foot tall robot is guided by artificial intelligence software, like motion tracking and speech recognition. Researchers believe that fully autonomous robots might make ideal teachers one day, especially for subjects that require more memorization like foreign languages.

MATARIC: They can teach them school material and also get them to do jumping jacks.

MARCIANO: While that may be years away in the U.S., Bandit's special talent for patience and repetition is already helping rehab stroke patients, and providing a resource for children with autism.

MATARIC: There are a lot of people, children, adults who need one-on- one care and attention and there are just not enough other people to provide that care. Robots can step in and provide the care for which we don't have human care.

MARCIANO: Rob Marciano, CNN.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LEMON: Wow.

A high honor for a reluctant recipient. The Medal of Honor being presented this week to a service member who would prefer not to receive it. You'll meet him and hear his reasons why.

And I have a question for you. What disease afflicts 6 million people who don't even though they have it? Talking about diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis or asthma. Which one of those?

The answer and the athlete who is now the spokesman for the cause. It's coming up next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: All right. Here's the answer to what disease afflicts 6 million people who don't even know it -- don't even know they have it. It's diabetes.

Right now, there is serious communication, a communications gap, going on with the disease. And one basketball Hall of Famer is doing what he can to close it. Former Atlanta Hawks forward Dominique Wilkins is trying to help seniors get a jump on diabetes.

At the rate we're going, the disease will hit one in three of us by 2050. And yet most people over 65 don't know that they can get a free screening for diabetes through Medicare.

Wilkins, a type 2 diabetic himself, was just named Georgia's diabetes ambassador.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DOMINIQUE WILKINS, GEORGIA DIABETES AMBASSADOR: Well, I found out when I turned 40 that I was diabetic. It was two years after I retired, actually.

LEMON: So, so you weren't on the court. You didn't have lethargy. You had no symptoms, nothing. You didn't know.

WILKINS: Well, at least I didn't think I did. I mean, because when you're in great shape, diabetes is very hard to detect. And once my life slowed down, I came mortal like everybody else, you find out you have the same problems that everybody else had. LEMON: Yes. People don't -- you know, when you think about it, it's like, oh, cancer or HIV or this. But, I mean, diabetes is serious. Would you say it's almost at a crisis level, especially for minorities in this country?

WILKINS: It isn't almost at a crisis level. It is at a crisis level. I mean, you know the numbers in this country -- the people who are diabetic in this country, their numbers are off the chart. It's an epidemic now. And we have to come together in some form or fashion to really combat this disease.

LEMON: Well, people -- most people don't realize that you can, one, you can survive or whatever, but you don't have to be a victim of diabetes.

WILKINS: Well, you don't. But it comes down to educating yourself. And that's why I've teamed up with the Medicare Diabetes Screening Project to make sure we educate people the right way and may give them options. And the great thing about what Medicare is doing is giving seniors over 65 a chance to get free screening.

And it's really great for us because Atlanta Hawks as well as Novo Nordisk have partnered up to be a part of this project. And I see us making a lot of headway on really educating people on how to manage this chronic disease.

LEMON: When I heard about what you're doing, I was, like, wow, this is huge because my father died from complications of diabetes. Your father --

WILKINS: My father and grandfather.

LEMON: And your grandfather. So, it's personal for you.

WILKINS: It's personal because now out of eight brothers and sisters I'm the only one to get diabetes and I'm in better shape than most of them. But it just goes to show that it doesn't pick and choose the people that it attacks.

Diabetes is hereditary. It runs in my family. So, someone in my family was bound to have it.

LEMON: Yes. Do you worry about members? Do you worry about your kids?

WILKINS: Oh, yes. Absolutely. You know, I constantly tell members of my family to get screened because I think that's the first thing you have to do as far as monitoring your health. Get screened so you can see better how to manage your chronic disease. And also I watch my son and my daughters and make sure that they get checked because, again, it's hereditary and you don't want anything bad to happen.

LEMON: It is -- it is hereditary. But it's also diet, right?

WILKINS: Yes.

LEMON: And exercise.

WILKINS: Type 2 diabetes is mostly diet related. And, you know, the thing that I preach to people is three things to keep you healthy -- diet, exercise, and medication. Those three components working together that keeps you healthy. It's a very manageable disease if you're willing to make a lifestyle change.

LEMON: Manageable, but I'm sure you would rather not spend your days or whenever taking insulin. Tell us what your day -- tell us what your regimen is like.

WILKINS: Well, you know, I take -- put this way. I treat my diabetes very aggressively. I take medication twice a day for my diabetes. But it's -- it's become routine for me now. I don't really think about it.

You know, when you're doing something to better your life and to really save your life, you don't really think about it. It's like anything else you do in life. If you have time to get up and brush your teeth, wash your car, or eat breakfast, you can take time to take medication, to take care of yourself. But on top of that, make sure you change your diet, you eat right and do some type of physical activity. You have to have physical activity on your life.

LEMON: You know, we miss you on the court. We wonder if you miss it.

WILKINS: Always miss it but your body just won't allow it, you know? But, yes. I still play a little bit with my son. We play a lot. And yes, I never let him win.

LEMON: Having had so many people affected by it and die from it, what's your -- give me a final message to people watching.

WILKINS: Get screened. That's the first thing. Take advantage of the Medicare Diabetes Screening Project. That's the first step in really monitoring your health.

If you're one -- if you're having symptoms, you're having problems, you have to make regular doctors' visits and build better relationships with your physician. I think that's the biggest message I can give you.

LEMON: All right. We're going to freak everybody up, on this camera. Stand up. I want everybody to see that you're still the big man. Look at that.

WILKINS: How come you're taller when we sit down?

(LAUGHTER)

LEMON: Thank you, sir.

WILKINS: Thank you, man. My pleasure.

LEMON: I appreciate. I really appreciate.

WILKINS: Absolutely.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

LEMON: And he's actually much taller. I had on cowboy boots, which gave me probably, you know, a little bit of added height there. My thanks to Dominique Wilkins.

And for information on this, go to ScreenForDiabetes.org -- ScreenForDiabetes.org.

History will be made at the White House this week. For the first time since the Vietnam War, a living serviceman is set to receive the Medal of Honor. Tuesday, Sal Giunta will be cited by President Obama for bravery in Afghanistan. It is a huge distinction but one that also comes with added emotional burden.

Here's what General David Petraeus, leader of the U.S. forces in Afghanistan, said about it in this exclusive interview with CNN's Barbara Starr.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEN. DAVID PETRAEUS, U.S. COMMANDER IN AFGHANISTAN: He has written a chapter, a very, very extraordinary chapter in American history. And, again, he is -- he's going to have that with him the rest of his life. My sense is that he is exactly the kind of individual who can carry this in a sense burden because that's what it is, again, the hopes and dreams of a generation are now entrusted to him.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LEMON: CNN's Pentagon correspondent, Barbara Starr, has a special report about Staff Sergeant Giunta next hour on CNN. She joins me live from Washington.

Listen, I ran into some service members today who are doing a march here, Barbara, and it is amazing to see those guys. And it's great. I'm so glad we're getting the chance to honor them here and that Sergeant Giunta is getting an honor, as well.

BARBARA STARR, CNN PENTAGON CORRESPONDENT: Look at what General Petraeus had to say, Don. He is talking about a young man who is just now 25 years old. Three years ago, in a terrible ambush firefight in Afghanistan at the age of 22. On Tuesday, he will step into this nation's history, receiving this honor, the first living service member, as you said, since Vietnam.

I want you to listen just for a moment to Staff Sergeant Sal Giunta.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SGT. SAL GIUNTA, MEDAL OF HONOR WINNER: It's very bittersweet. I mean, it's such a huge honor. It's a great thing. But it is a great thing that has come out of personal loss to myself and so many other families.

STARR: And that is what you want people to know.

GIUNTA: Absolutely.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

STARR: We sat down with him in Italy to talk about all of this. We then went on to Afghanistan to find the men that he served and fought with, who were still there on duty. And at 7:00, we're going to bring you the story about this courage, valor, and loss for Sal Giunta and the men he served with -- Don?

LEMON: Barbara, looking forward to it. I can't wait to join you.

Thank you so much. See you then.

Again, as Barbara said, she'll introduce us to the nation's newest recipient of the highest award. It's called "Honor in the Valley of Death" coming up at 7:00 p.m. Eastern on CNN.

You know, the holidays are approaching. And in many offices, there is sometimes an unspoken anger over who should get off time -- get time off with their kids and who will get it, who doesn't have kids. We're debating that issue. Is it fair? Many times, people with kids get off and people without them won't.

And how would you like to meet up with this beast? Check it out. A record-breaking gator caught. Wait until you hear how big this guy was and how long it took to round him up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: The holidays are upon us. As a matter of fact, Thanksgiving, in a week or so. And that means that unspoken tension in the building, this building, I should say, and in this building, as well, that pits workers with kids against those without. You should get priority, time off, should you, because you have kids? The conflict between parents against nonparents was fodder for one of "The Simpson" episodes. I want you to take a look at this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CARTOON CHARACTER: Good evening. Good evening. I'm Lindsey Nagle, and I'm the founder of SSCCATAGAPP, Single, Seniors, Childless Couples and Teens and Gays Against Parasitic Parents.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

(LAUGHTER0

LEMON: That is funny stuff but it's a serious matter for many employers, as Katherine Reynolds Lewis find out. She just wrote about workplace wars for "The Fiscal Times." And also joining us is Richard Levy, a research director who has no kids himself.

Thanks to both of you.

Listen, Katherine, what did you find? Is there a lot of resentment from workers without kids?

KATHERINE REYNOLDS LEWIS, CONTRIBUTOR, THE FISCAL TIMES: I wouldn't say resentment is widespread, but for the people who are angry, are an extremely vocal minority. and they talk about not being asked but expected to work the holidays, being asked or expected to stay late without any compensation or return favor, and sometimes not even being thanked.

LEMON: So, Rich, listen, I understand your experience has been much more subtle. If you need to leave early, you don't want to give a reason why you need to leave, but people who have kids can leave and that's always a valid excuse. That makes it OK, as they say.

RICHARD LEVY, RESEARCH DIRECTOR & EMPLOYEE WITH NO KIDS: Well, I find that parents tend to be more vocal about why they might be leaving, that they might say, you know, I have someone to pick up at school or so on, a child to pick up at school. Whereas, if I have something going on in the evening, let's say, yoga a piano lesson, that I would probably not state it as openly, because I guess there's a sense that, if you're raising a child that you're doing it for somebody else, and also that somehow child rearing is sacrosanct, whereas outside interests otherwise are not considered as important.

LEMON: Mm-hmm.

And so, Katherine, the article is titled -- it's pretty severe. It says, "Parental Guidance: Why Your Co-workers May Hate You." That's the title of your article. But I do have to ask you this. Some employers hire people who are single, who don't have children because they can work the holidays and may they may not cost as much and definitely with health insurance as well.

LEWIS: Absolutely. It's a widespread American phenomenon, exploiting the young. And while there may always be some of that, I think that workers also need to stand up for themselves. And if they have other interests outside of work, they could ask for the same flexibilities that parents receive. If you don't ask for it, nobody's going to know. And people who are not parents, have parents themselves. They may have eldercare responsibilities. They may have volunteer obligations. They may have pets that they have to get to at the end of the day. And just because your employer doesn't ask you what you need time off for, doesn't mean that you can't ask for the same kind of flexibility.

LEMON: And Katherine, listen, I'm going to get Rich to respond to this, but first, Katherine. Employers need to address this because it's definitely not going to go away. There's a new study about how more women are not becoming mothers these days.

LEWIS: Absolutely. The Pew Research Center found that the number of women who will never bear children is almost double what it was in the '70s. And the other big phenomenon is that the millennial generation is delaying marriage and delaying childbearing. So whether or not they may eventually have children, they're going to be in the workplace longer, and so there's going to always be a mix of parents and nonparents. And employers need to understand they can't preferentially offer flexibility just to the parents and they need to provide it -- if it is a benefit, they need to provide it to everyone.

LEMON: Rich, I'll give you the last word here. Do you have Thanksgiving off? Are you going to get the holidays off? And what's your message to employers about, you know, parents and nonparents?

LEVY: Yes. Well, thankfully I expect to have the holidays off. You know, I guess I've been lucky in my career that I've worked for good employers where they treat those with children, by and large, the same as those without children.

I think that we just need to have a more open conversation about the sorts of benefits that are available to parents and to nonparents. That -- I just actually started a new job at the Census Bureau. I actually went back to my former employer, and they were very vocal about -- during the orientation, about benefits that would be available to parents with children but they did not really mention that specifically what benefits, other than benefits that are available to everybody, might be available to people who may be single or have same-sex partners or so on.

LEMON: All right.

So, listen, I'm going to tell you guys this -- we have to go -- but I just got an e-mail as we were -- and it's from a friend. It says, "Great segment, Don. As a single person, I feel that I always get" -- this is her language -- "screwed. Where I work, all the mothers have Monday through Friday, 9:00 to 5:00, 8:00 to 4:00 shifts, and all the people who don't, work nights and weekends."

There you go. It's real. People feel it.

Thank you, Rich.

Thank you, Katherine.

LEWIS: Thank you.

LEVY: Thank you.

LEMON: Let's talk about politics. The newbies go to Washington. And the reunion of a famous movie cast. Those stories among many making news this coming week and we're going to preview it for you.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

LEMON: We'll take a look at what the week ahead will bring from politics to business to Hollywood. These are the stories that will grab the headlines this coming week. We begin tonight with what's on the horizon for the president.

ED HENRY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Ed Henry in Yokohama, Japan, where President Obama is wrapping up a nine-day tour of Asia. Once he returns to Washington, it's right back to domestic politics. He's hosting a meeting with Democratic and Republican congressional leaders at the White House to try and work out thorny issues, such as whether to extend all of the Bush tax cuts. Then he heads back overseas to Lisbon, where he's going to a NATO summit where Afghanistan is front and center.

DANA BASH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm Dana Bash on Capitol Hill, where Congress returns this week for its lame-duck session. And there is a lot they're going to try to squeeze in on their agenda, everything from keeping the government running to food safety legislation to how to deal with that thorny issue of extending Bush-era tax cuts. Now, on Monday, two new Democratic Senators who won special elections will actually be sworn in. On the House side, about 100 newly elected members of the House are going to be descending on the capitol for orientation, and get a glimpse of what life will be like as a member of Congress.

PAUL STEINHAUSER, CNN DEPUTY POLITICAL DIRECTOR: I'm Paul Steinhauser at the CNN political desk. The counting of those write-in ballots in Alaska goes into overtime this week in the battle between Senator Lisa Murkowski and Republican Senate-nominee Joe Miller. Also this week, a possible Republican presidential hopeful heads to Iowa as former House speaker, Newt Gingrich, goes to the state as part of a tour for his new book. And Republican governors and governor-elects will be in the political spotlight when they team up in San Diego at an annual conference.

POPPY HARLOW, HOST, CNN MONEY: I'm Poppy Harlow in New York. Wall Street is gearing up for a pretty big week. Starting on Monday, we'll get the latest retail sales, followed by earnings from Wal-Mart and Home Depot on Tuesday. Also on Tuesday, the Senate Banking Committee will hold a hearing on foreclosures. That will be a major focus for the big banks. And on Wednesday, the latest housing starts and building permits report is released. We'll look for any signs of a rebound in the sector. And then, this week wraps up with earnings from Target, Dell, and Gap. We'll track it all for you on "CNN Money."

A.J. HAMMER, HOST, SHOWBIZ TONIGHT: I'm "Showbiz Tonight's" A.J. Hammer. Here's what we're watching this week. The stars of "The Color Purple" reuniting on Oprah 25 years after the movie came out. That should be pretty cool. Also Barbra Streisand gives a rare sit- down interview. And Halle Berry tells all to Ellen. "Showbiz Tonight" is live at 5:00 p.m. Eastern on HLN. And we are TV's most provocative entertainment news show, seven days a week, at 11:00 a.m. Eastern and Pacific.

LEMON: Guys, thanks very much.

Azadeh Ansari is here, International desk editor.

Azadeh, you have some interesting stories. The pictures from the Hajj are always amazing.

AZADEH ANSARI, CNN INTERNATIONAL DESK EDITOR: Breathtaking, Don. Nearly 2.5 million Muslims have gathered in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, Islam's holiest city, to partake in the largest pilgrimage, being the Hajj. We know the Hajj is Islam's fifth pillar. Over the course of this week, they'll follow in the footsteps believed to have been taken by the prophet, Mohammad.

LEMON: We have some pictures there.

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LEMON: They've already gathers -- they've already gathered, right? How many Muslims in the world?

ANSARI: 1.8 billion and growing.

LEMON: Wow. OK. Let's move on and auk about this incredible jewel, to say the least, and expensive and probably giant.

ANSARI: Huge. So one of -- it's one of the most -- it's the rarest gemstone ever to be auctioned off. It's going to happen on Tuesday in Geneva, Switzerland. It's not just any kind of diamond, Don. It's 24.78 carat diamond.

LEMON: What?

ANSARI: Called the fancy pink diamond, as we can see right here. How much do you think it's going for or they're thinking it will?

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LEMON: Way more than I'm sure you or I could afford. How much?

ANSARI: Between $27 million and $38 million.

LEMON: Wow.

ANSARI: Pocket change, right?

LEMON: Wow. That's giant. Is that the actual ring right there?

ANSARI: That's it, right there.

LEMON: When you talk about carats, I'm thinking it would be as big as an iPhone or Blackberry or something. Who would wear that around? Would you?

ANSARI: If I had the money, maybe.

LEMON: Don't wear that on the subway.

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LEMON: Thank you, Azadeh Ansari. Have a great week.

ANSARI: You too.

LEMON: Appreciate it.

You know, also coming up, at the White House this week, President Barack Obama on Tuesday presents the nation's highest military honor to a soldier who served above and beyond the call of duty in Afghanistan. Our Barbara Starr is going to join us at the top of the hour with her special. It's called "Honor in the Valley of Death." Just ahead on CNN, a farmer from Scotland is feeding over 400,000 children and he's doing it every single day. Singer Ricky Martin introduces us to this inspiring top-ten "CNN Hero." And we're going to meet him.

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LEMON: Our all-star tribute to "CNN Heroes" is coming up Thanksgiving night and we have been calling on friends of "CNN Heroes" to tell us more about this year's top-ten nominees. All ten will be honored at the celebrity-studded gala. Today, the award-winning recording artist, Ricky Martin, introduces us to Magnus McFarland-Barrow, a one- time farmer, turned humanitarian, who has dedicated his life to feeding nearly half a million hungry children every single day.

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RICKY MARTIN, RECORDING ARTIST: Hello, I am Ricky Martin. As one of "CNN Heroes" blue ribbon panelists, I have the honor of helping choose this year's top ten. As the founder of the Ricky Martin Foundation, I am committed to being an advocate for the well-being of children around the world. And now, I am thrilled to help CNN introduce one of this year's top ten honorees. Now more than ever the world needs heroes.

MAGNUS MCFARLAND-BARROW, CNN HERO: I never expected my life to change in this way. My brother and I were having a pint in our local pub. We had seen a news report about Bosnia and began saying, wouldn't it be wonderful if we could do one small thing to help.

MCFARLAND-BARROW: I gave up my job and sold my house to try and help the people in Bosnia. Out of that has grown the organization that feeds around 412,000 children every day in 15 different countries.

We buy the food locally, and then ask the community to take responsibility for the cooking and serving of the food.

(SINGING)

MCFARLAND-BARROW: We began working in Haiti in 2006. In addition to feeding children, we've been feeding the elderly. Since the earthquake, we've been involved in providing health care, helping with rebuilding of the schools.

I've learned every small act of kindness helps make a difference.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

LEMON: So, you've heard his incredible story. You might as well meet the man himself. His name is Magnus McFarland-Barrow. He joins me now from Argyle, Scotland.

Thanks for being here with us, Magnus. and congratulations on your great work. What was your reaction when you found out you were in the top ten "CNN Heroes"?

MCFARLAND-BARROW: I was absolutely amazed. I never expected it for a minute, so it's incredible to get that news.

LEMON: Has the news of becoming a "CNN Hero" affected your work at all? Has it helped?

MCFARLAND-BARROW: It certainly has in a very, very positive way. Lots of new support from all over the world, and just the film clip you just showed, we talked about feeding 412,000 children around the world at that point. Today, we're feeding about 460,000 children, so nearly an increase of 50,000. So it's been an amazing few months.

LEMON: Magnus, talk to me about Haiti, because we know they have the devastating earthquake, then cholera now. Tell us about your project in Haiti?

MCFARLAND-BARROW: We've been working there about four years now so we've been there some time before the earthquake. Prior to the earthquake, I always described Haiti as the worst poverty I had ever seen. And we're working in some of the slums in Port-au-Prince, places like City Salay (ph). and we're just doing mainly what we do all around the world, which is simply feeding children in schools, so that we're doing two things, we're meeting the immediate need of the hungry child by providing food, but at the same time, we're tackling the underlying causes of poverty by throwing them into the classroom. So that was the work we were doing in Haiti prior to earthquake.

Since then, because the schools were destroyed and whole communities were devastated, we've been involved in some emergency relief work as well.

LEMON: Magnus McFarland-Barrow, best of luck to you. And we look forward to seeing more of your work and having you on CNN again, OK?

MCFARLAND-BARROW: Thank you very much.

LEMON: I want to tell our audience, you people watching, to meet all of the top-ten "CNN Heroes" and to vote for the one that inspires you the most, go to CNNheroes.com. All ten will be honored at "CNN Heroes, an All-Star Tribute." It's on Thanksgiving night, hosted by our own Anderson Cooper.

The world's largest emerald is now in the hands of a California sheriff. Why this 840-wonder -- 840 pounds -- is at the heart of a court case.

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LEMON: Every weekend, we like to bring you interesting news items that you might have missed during the week.

Try slipping this on your ring finger. It's a Bahia (ph) gem. It is said to be the largest emerald in the world, at 840 pounds. And right now, it is in the hands of the Los Angeles sheriff because there's a court case over who owns this emerald. An expert testified the emerald is worth $800 million. The presumed owner said he paid $400,000 for it back in 2001, but he lost the bill of sale, proving that it is his.