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Korean Tension: High; Sports Illustrated's 'Turkey of the Year'; CNN's Top 10 Heroes; 84th Macy's Thanksgiving Parade; Last- Minute Turkey Tips; The Gift of Life
Aired November 25, 2010 - 11:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: Good morning, everyone.
Live from Studio 7 at CNN world headquarters, the news and information you need for Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25th.
North Korea threatens to attack South Korea again, while the U.S. assesses what to do next.
A truly thankful Thanksgiving for these organ recipients, meeting their donors for the first time.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You've done a lot for my family and me.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I'm so glad.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: So you're my hero.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HARRIS: And these distinguished faces are CNN's Heroes of the Year, folks who dedicate themselves to improving the lives of others. I will talk with actor extraordinary -- he's also a pretty terrific author as well -- Hill Harper, who was on the panel to pick the best of the best.
Good morning, everyone. I'm Tony Harris.
Those stories and your comments right here, right now in the CNN NEWSROOM.
All right. Let's get started with that still-high tension on the Korean Peninsula, both sides of the DMZ. So far, no additional military action. Plenty of antagonistic talk and posturing in both directions, which is the usual situation between North and South Korea. But make no mistake, what happened the other day brought those two countries closer to a full-on fight than any incident in decades, and it is nowhere near resolved.
Developments, we have some for you. The South Korean defense minister resigned today. Also today, a spokesman for the North places blame squarely on the United States for that artillery barrage Tuesday that killed four South Koreans, two of them civilians. Remember, it was North Korea that fired first during a South Korean training exercise, but the North often accuses the U.S. of being in control of the South.
Look, there are a ton of moving parts to this story. Lots of them we can't see, so let's get the latest now from CNN's Stan Grant. He is just a few miles from where the attack happened two days ago.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
STAN GRANT, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Tony, South Korea's defense minister is now a political casualty of these North Korean attacks. He has resigned amid criticism that South Korea simply did not respond quickly enough or forcefully enough, and that some of the equipment didn't work well enough.
Now, North Korea is ramping up its rhetoric. It's threatening more attacks, more retaliation if South Korea and the United States go ahead with these planned military exercises. North Korea also now pointing the finger at the United States directly, saying the U.S. was to blame for this attack the other day.
I've had a chance to visit the island that was shelled by North Korea, and it is now essentially a ghost town. This is the fishing village of about 1,500 people. The streets are deserted.
I've walked through some of the charred remains, many of the buildings that have been destroyed. You walk through there, and all of the possessions are gone. They're just charred remains, charred ruins.
You can see where some of the shells, in fact, landed. It is, as I say, very much a ghost town.
Speaking to some of the people there who have decided to stay, one man said, "Well, where else would I go? I'm a fisherman. This is where I live. This is where my life is."
One lady described how at the time of the attack, her daughter called her and said that war had begun. And that is the fear. With North Korea threatening more action, with South Korea promising retaliation, the fear is that this could, in fact, escalate -- Tony.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HARRIS: OK. Stan, appreciate it. Thank you.
Thanksgiving Day, 2010, and the very best wishes to you and your family from us here at CNN. Hopefully you're well into your holiday traditions, whatever they are.
President Obama is sticking to Thanksgiving custom in Washington by addressing the nation. Have a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: This is not the hardest Thanksgiving America's ever faced, but as long as many members of our American family are hurting, we've got to look out for one another. As long as many of our sons and daughters and husbands and wives are at war, we've got to support their mission and honor their service. And as long as many of our friends and neighbors are looking for work, we've got to do everything we can to accelerate this recovery and keep our economy moving forward.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(NEWSBREAK)
(WEATHER REPORT)
HARRIS: Our Eatocracy expert -- wow, that was too close to that camera -- Kat Kinsman, is taking your questions on all things food this Thanksgiving Day.
Kat, good to see you. We'll talk in just a couple of minutes, correct?
KAT KINSMAN, EATOCRACY MANAGING EDITOR: Good to see you, too. Absolutely. Do you smell that? Do you smell that turkey?
HARRIS: I do. It's smell-o-vision, and it is wonderful.
KINSMAN: It's pretty good.
HARRIS: We'll talk to Kat in just a couple of minutes.
And let's see some of these live pictures that we have for you.
Do you have them? We don't have them?
Oh, that is Columbus Circle, right? That is New York, Columbus Circle. You can see Central Park there in the background.
It is Thanksgiving Day. The Macy's Day Parade certainly has passed through that area.
Let's get to a break. We're back in a moment.
You're in the CNN NEWSROOM.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SGT. 1STT CLASS RODERICK HOBSON, U.S. ARMY: I'm Sergeant 1st Class Roderick Hobson, Baghdad, Iraq. And I want to say hello to my wife Iris (ph), and our two boys, Junior (ph) and (INAUDIBLE).
Happy holidays and I love you.
(END VIDEO CLIP) HARRIS: Let's see, is this a live picture from Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport? It is a live picture.
Take a look at this. The USO is providing what's being called a White Glove Thanksgiving Meal for arriving and departing troops.
We're with the chefs today to see some of the pictures of some of those reunions, soldiers being reunited with their families. The one at the Tennessee Titans game is one you'll always remember. That was amazing.
The USO, as you know, is a nonprofit organizations founded in 1941. And there is a really nice celebration that goes on at Hartsfield-Jackson when the troops come up that escalator and they are met by so many people with applause. It is terrific.
I think we're going to get some live pictures of some troops arriving next hour to that heroes' welcome at Atlanta's Hartsfield- Jackson International Airport.
Let's do this -- let's go "Cross Country" right now, stories our affiliates are covering today.
It is being called the largest cache of homemade explosives ever found in one place in the United States. George Jakubec is accused of turning his home in Escondido, California, into a makeshift bomb factory. Investigators say they have found at least two types of explosives in an amount equivalent to a large car bomb.
Firefighters were not able to save this $2 million building at a Boy Scout camp in Lawrence, Indiana. The fire was swept by strong winds, and there was only one hydrant near the property that had to truck water in. Camp Belzer dates back to 1918.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hip-hip --
UNIDENTIFIED GROUP: Hooray!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hip-hip --
UNIDENTIFIED GROUP: Hooray!
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hip-hip --
UNIDENTIFIED GROUP: Hooray!
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HARRIS: How about this? A heroes' welcome Wednesday for servicemen and women coming home for the holiday in Flint, Michigan. It was much appreciated.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You're serving people that really, really do care.
CADET FOURTH CLASS JUDAH HOOPER, AIR FORCE ACADEMY: It just reminds of everything, that no matter, you know, how far away you are from home, or whatever, you know that there's people rooting for you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HARRIS: This week, CNN is celebrating heroes from all over the world. Guess how many nominations we received this year?
We're back in a moment with the answer.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HARRIS: Just this year, 2010, CNN received more than 10,000 hero nominations from 100 countries. I've got to tell you something, this is going to be an amazing show tonight.
Tonight is an extraordinary night for CNN. We honor 10 people whose lives are marked by service and commitment. We call them CNN Heroes.
Actor Hill Harper of "CSI New York" helped select our 10 finalists. He can't be here tonight because he is in Rio, so he is joining us on the phone.
Hill, great to talk to you, again, sir. Are you well? Are you on the phone?
Hill's not on the phone? After that tremendous lead-in and buildup, he's not on the phone with me now?
OK. We're going to get him on the phone. We'd better get him on the phone.
Just another tease for tonight's program, because it is going to be extraordinary. I was there over the weekend, when the program was recorded.
You're going to see some amazing performances. Sugarland is performing, Bon Jovi is performing. An extraordinary performance. It's just a night to remember, 8:00 p.m. Eastern, 5:00 Pacific. John legend, his performance is what you won't forget.
Also, be sure to watch our star-studded "SHOWBIZ TONIGHT" pre- show at 7:00 Eastern, 4:00 Pacific, here on CNN, and our sister network, HLN, straight from the red carpet. And tomorrow night, this hour, you will see my interview with the Hero of the Year.
OK. This year's biggest turkeys in sports take a real grilling. Can you guess who made SI's list?
And foul play on the soccer field when a player takes a bite out of the game.
Rafer is here. You're not on the phone.
RAFER WEIGEL, ANCHOR, "MORNING EXPRESS": I'm no CNN Hero, but I'll do.
HARRIS: Well, you'll play one -- you're going to bail me out, so you're my hero of the moment.
WEIGEL: Then you're in trouble.
HARRIS: We're back in a moment.
You're in the CNN NEWSROOM.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HARRIS: You really don't think Auburn wins that game?
WEIGEL: I do think Auburn wins that game. I think it's going to be the game of the year though.
HARRIS: You do?
WEIGEL: Yes.
HARRIS: Really?
WEIGEL: Conference game of the year. Conference game of the year.
HARRIS: This is Alabama's season, right? I mean, they're going to get a nice bowl (ph), but they're not in the hunt for a national championship.
WEIGEL: They're not Auburn right -- no.
HARRIS: Yes. Yes But can anyone stop --
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HARRIS: It's like everybody feels -- we're talking already in the break, and we're leading into the sports segment now with Rafer Weigel, HLN's "Morning Express" with Robin Meade.
WEIGEL: There you go.
HARRIS: Did you get me that autographed copy of her book yet?
WEIGEL: I'm working on that.
HARRIS: You are?
WEIGEL: I'm working on that.
HARRIS: I know it's tough to come by. I know it is.
WEIGEL: It is. You're not lying.
HARRIS: Turkeys -- it's Thanksgiving Day, and SI is out -- "Sports Illustrated" -- is out with its lists of turkeys for 2010, right?
WEIGEL: "The Turkey of the Year." They do it every year. I mean, who do you think is going to be at the top of the list?
HARRIS: I know, but --
WEIGEL: Tiger Woods --
HARRIS: Tiger Woods.
WEIGEL: -- the guy where his year went down south a year ago, practically on this day.
HARRIS: Yes. Yes.
WEIGEL: He's lost $35 million in endorsements.
HARRIS: Ouch.
WEIGEL: He has not won a tournament. He's gone through rehab, a divorce, and he lost his number one ranking. So this has been an awful, awful year.
HARRIS: What do you think of the media blitz? "Mike & Mike" in the morning and ESPN Radio, and then there's the piece in -- is it "Newsweek"?
WEIGEL: "Newsweek," yes. He's blogging on "Newsweek," now he's on Twitter. His agent is finally giving interviews. I think it's very smart.
HARRIS: Do you really?
WEIGEL: Well, what else is he going to do?
HARRIS: It feels manufactured.
WEIGEL: It's totally manufactured.
HARRIS: You know what else he can do?
WEIGEL: What's that?
HARRIS: He can win. He can go back to his knitting (ph) and he can win a golf tournament. He can hit the ball farther than anyone else. He could start making some putts.
WEIGEL: If he starts winning, we'll stop talking about him.
HARRIS: And everything else comes back.
WEIGEL: That's right. HARRIS: Because as I was saying to Fred last hour, it's not that we fell in love with Tiger Woods because he was the most amiable personality. He was never that, but it was the smile.
WEIGEL: That was part his image though. Yes, it was part of the image.
HARRIS: It was the smile. He's still got a smile. We think it's painted now --
WEIGEL: Right.
HARRIS: -- because every girl on the planet obviously has seen that smile, so we think it's tainted.
WEIGEL: Allegedly.
HARRIS: Allegedly. OK.
WEIGEL: Anyway --
HARRIS: The other turkey --
WEIGEL: The other turkey --
HARRIS: -- that we haven't talked about is LeBron.
Can we talk about LeBron a little bit?
WEIGEL: Yes.
HARRIS: And this is because of the way he handled his decision to leave Cleveland. Is that principally why he's the Turkey of the Year?
WEIGEL: And that's why he's only number five, because his year is still going on.
HARRIS: Yes. Yes.
WEIGEL: And LeBron -- do you know in one week from today he goes back to Cleveland --
HARRIS: Can you imagine?
WEIGEL: -- and playing at Quicken Loans Arena? That is going to be a crazy night. But you know what? Here's the thing. The Miami Heat have now lost three straight games.
HARRIS: Yes. Yes.
WEIGEL: This is such a big story, even the president is weighing in on this story. And the reason we're so fascinated with it is because, arguably, this is the most talented team in the NBA --
HARRIS: Right. WEIGEL: -- that hasn't figured out how to play together yet as a team.
HARRIS: As a team, yes.
WEIGEL: So it's all about how you complement each other on the court in order to --
HARRIS: So what did the president say?
WEIGEL: The president basically said give it time and they will gel. He didn't say much. Barbara Walters asked him a softball question, and he gave a softball answer.
HARRIS: And then here comes the fiery retort from Van Gundy.
WEIGEL: Well, Van Gundy is friends with head coach Eric Spoelstra of the Miami Heat. He's just sticking up for him. And he did say it kind of tongue-in-cheek, that the president has more important things to worry about, and that you can argue that is true. But that doesn't mean he doesn't have time to check the scores.
HARRIS: The tongue-in-cheek is lost in translation, may I say, sir?
WEIGEL: But here's LeBron going to lay for the Miami Heat. He perceived to have dodged competition in a way, take the easy way out. He's done the exact opposite, because now --
HARRIS: Yes. Everybody's fired up, every night.
WEIGEL: Everybody's -- and anything short of a championship will be considered a failure.
HARRIS: OK. So did you see this play, this Luis Suarez?
WEIGEL: Suarez. Yes. Yes.
HARRIS: Now, here's the thing -- there's a little something going on, on the soccer pitch.
WEIGEL: Right. And look at it right here.
HARRIS: And he said, hey, look, I like you. Look, I'm a little upset right now, but let me give you a little -- oh! What happened here?
WEIGEL: Yes. Do you know what? I don't really know what's going on in this guy's head. You know, it's something right out of a vampire movie.
And this guy is like, how am I supposed to explain this? This guy has got a history of basically being insane -- Suarez, I'm talking about. He plays for Ajax. He was also on the Uruguayan national team.
HARRIS: Oh, yes. He's a great player.
WEIGEL: Now he's -- he is a fantastic player.
HARRIS: Yes, but what's this about?
WEIGEL: But he's out of his mind. He's been suspended for seven games for that now, for biting a guy on the neck.
HARRIS: I will -- well, OK.
WEIGEL: Are you going to defend him?
HARRIS: No. I'm going to walk on.
Rafer, good to see you.
WEIGEL: All right, buddy.
HARRIS: There's no defending that.
WEIGEL: All right.
HARRIS: That's all kinds of Tyson-esque isn't it?
WEIGEL: That's what were thinking.
HARRIS: That's what we're thinking.
WEIGEL: You said what we were thinking.
HARRIS: That's it. All right.
Good to see you. Happy Thanksgiving, you and the family.
WEIGEL: You too.
HARRIS: Still to come in the NEWSROOM, we will get a check on weather with Reynolds Wolf. That, and more, when we come back.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HARRIS (voice-over): Pictures, information, insight you won't find anywhere else. CNN NEWSROOM with Tony Harris. Anything can happen.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HARRIS: Again, tonight is a huge night for CNN. We honor 10 people whose lives are marked by service and commitment. We call them CNN Heroes.
Actor Hill Harper of "CSI New York" helped to select our 10 finalists. And he can't be with us in person right now because he's in Rio de Janeiro. So, we don't have him in front of a camera, but we have got him on the phone.
Hill, it is good to talk to you again, sir.
HILL HARPER, ACTOR: Tony, great to speak to you as well.
I'm so proud to have been a part of the blue ribbon panel for CNN Heroes. It's just something that is wonderful, to celebrate people who oftentimes fly under the radar with all the great work that they do.
HARRIS: OK. So, let's do a bit of a deep dive on this.
Muhammad Ali, Sir Richard Branson, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, actress Patricia Heaton, who is fabulous, are on all this panel, and more -- are on this panel with you.
What was that experience like? Were you ever in the room together as one group or parts of the entire group?
HILL: Well, the beautiful thing about technology is that people can be in many different places and still be able to weigh in.
HARRIS: Yes.
HILL: And that's really what was used here, because like you said, just great company to hear names like Muhammad Ali and Sir Richard Branson, and be included in that group, or the same panel is wonderful, and is an honor for me, but we used technology. And we were able to really look at all the different candidates, and the different candidates that were submitted, and to pick -- I think we're all extremely proud of the heroes that were picked.
HARRIS: Right.
HILL: And then the audience. Everyone else gets to decide who is the Hero of the Year.
HARRIS: So, Hill, this is -- you know, I did some of the judging the first year of CNN Heroes, and it was tough. I've got to tell you, it was really tough.
How did -- and you don't have to be real specific about each individual hero, but generally speaking, how did these 10 heroes stand out?
HILL: Well, I can only speak for myself. And it is so difficult, because you're talking about attempting to elevate someone -- they're all doing great things.
HARRIS: Right. Right. Right.
HILL: All the people that came through are doing amazing things. And literally, it's just -- I go off for me how I was moved.
HARRIS: Right. HILL: There were some people, there were some heroes here, that moved me so much to the point of tears, to the point where you realize what they're doing on this earth is a higher calling. They are helping save lives. They are changing people's lives on a daily basis. And these are individuals who are -- they're not making a lot of money doing it.
HARRIS: Right. Right. Right.
HILL: They're not being heralded doing it. These are people that are doing it because of their spirit, their heart, and it's beautiful. And on a day like Thanksgiving, like today, is the time that we should celebrate these individuals.
HARRIS: Man, that's so well said.
And I do want to focus -- look, it's no secret who the CNN Hero of the Year is at this point, because we were all sitting in the auditorium watching the show as it was being recorded. We're tweeting out because it was so moving.
When you heard read Anuradha's story, and the work she's doing to save these young girls from a life as sex slaves, I mean, how moved were you?
HILL: Oh, so moved. And you think about the fact that she is protecting --
HARRIS: Yes.
HILL: -- young women that are living in --
HARRIS: Oh, yes.
HILL: -- you're talking about terror.
HARRIS: Oh, yes.
HILL: You are talking about women who are being terrorized, that are being taken. Their lives, their innocence are being stolen. And this woman is a savior. She is a superhero.
And she's out there fighting a fight that more of us need to be aware of, more -- you know, trafficking and sex trafficking and international sex trade, it's horrendous. And we all need to be aware of it, but, also, we have to celebrate and support individuals on the ground, in these communities that are fighting for these young women.
HARRIS: Well, Hill, let me tell you something. I know you couldn't be there for the taping of the show, but I will tell you and tell everyone at the same time here, some terrific stories.
You guys did a remarkable job at whittling down the list to 10, and these 10 are phenomenal people, and the work they're doing is so needed. But when you see the show tonight, and I hope you're watching from Rio, when you see the program tonight, you're going to see some terrific performances from John Legend, wake-up everybody.
Wow, he's going to blow everybody away. Sugarland and Bon Jovi, so you are going to see an amazing show tonight. I hope you get to see it. Terrific work by you and the panel, because you have 10 extraordinary people as finalists, and --
HARPER: Thank you, Tony.
HARRIS: And the next time you're in Atlanta, let's visit, all right?
HARPER: Absolutely. And let's say this, and, you know, you guys can't say it yourselves, but I'll say it, you know big ups to CNN and celebrating, I want to say thank you to CNN, because you all are doing and putting these people out there on a platform where they deserve to be seen and deserve to be supported. And oftentimes, you know, a lot of the news we see is negative.
HARRIS: Yes.
HARPER: And a lot of times it's stuff that is heartbreaking, in a negative way. This will break your heart in a positive way, so thank you, CNN, for giving this platform.
HARRIS: Well, and the spirit of these people really drive the program. Hill, boy, good talking to you.
HARPER: Happy Thanksgiving.
HARRIS: Yes, happy Thanksgiving.
HARPER: Happy Thanksgiving to everybody out there. God bless you.
HARRIS: Yes, good talking to you, man. And you can watch this entire special event here on CNN, that's tonight, 8:00 Eastern, 5:00 Pacific. Also be sure to watch our star-studded "Showbiz Tonight" pre-show at 7:00 Eastern. This is going to be good. That is 7:00 Eastern, 4:00 Pacific here on CNN and on our sister network HLN, straight from the red carpet. And tomorrow during this hour you will see my interview with the hero of the year.
OK, it is turkey and football day in cities across America. These are live pictures of where the games are going to be played today. In Dallas, the Saints take on the Cowboys. In New York it is the Bengals, the bangles, back to playing like the bungles again, versus the Jets. And in Motown, the Patriots take on the Detroit Lions.
On top of football, some other Thanksgiving staples include giant balloons, and New York City streets. Let's check in with Allan Chernoff at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade.
ALLAN CHERNOFF, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Tony, a lot of people here wishing us happy Thanksgiving, as the last of the giant balloons are making their way down Central Park West. We've had 15 of those huge balloons, a dozen marching bands, and hundreds and hundreds of wonderful clowns, and millions of spectators lining the area here. We've got a few special spectators as well. Isabella, tell me what's your favorite that you've seen today?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Everything.
CHERNOFF: Everything? Wow. What about you?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Everything.
CHERNOFF: Oh, boy, you're very selective here. Who had a favorite balloon? Did you have a favorite balloon? No. Everything! Did anybody have anything that was their favorite?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I do, I do.
CHERNOFF: You did, OK.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Snoopy.
CHERNOFF: Snoopy, I'm with you. I loved Snoopy. Absolutely. Snoopy and Kung Fu Panda, I think those were the two best balloons. Tony, next year you've got to be here in New York to enjoy it live. A great time. Back to you, Tony.
HARRIS: All right, Allan, appreciate it. And for those -- that really looked like fun.
And for those less fortunate, Americans who are living hand to mouth getting fed in a big way on this Thanksgiving Day. These are live pictures. Are these live? No, none of those are live pictures. From here in Atlanta, of the Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless Organization. Boy, this group does a tremendous job every year. This is the 40th year the group has fed Atlanta's homeless and hungry. They are dishing up turkeys with all the fixings.
And our Eatocracy expert Kat Kinsman is taking your questions on all things food this Thanksgiving. Just log on now to eatocracy.CNN.com. Kat, good to see you. What's one question on people's minds today?
KAT KINSMAN, MANAGING EDITOR, EATOCRACY.CNN.COM: Oh, people are getting their feathers ruffled over the turkey. How long to cook it? At what temperature? All that kind of stuff. Again, we will repeat our mantra from yesterday. It's just a meal. You're going to get through this. So, we have taken questions -- we're taking questions via Twitter and via the website.
HARRIS: Good.
KINSMAN: And somebody had asked, so, can they take the turkey out of the oven at 1:45, tent it, wait for the temperature to ride. I can see why they would do that because that's something you would do with maybe some other things.
HARRIS: Don't give the answer. Don't give the answer, don't give the answer, Kat. That's called a tease. We're back in a moment with the answer. You're in the CNN NEWSROOM.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HARRIS: Got to tell you, love working the holidays. I know you don't often hear that, but I really do.
REYNOLDS WOLF, CNN METEOROLOGIST: It's a good time.
HARRIS: The great notes you get. Just got a great note from John King, Dana Bash, traveling for the holidays and, you know, the bosses aren't around. Good times.
WOLF: It can be a lot of fun. It can also be dangerous at times, danger and fun.
HARRIS: Be careful, folks traveling, right?
WOLF: Very much so. And you know, one of the things you really need to be careful about is some of the things you might be exposed to outside. For example, Montana. You like Montana?
HARRIS: I do.
WOLF: Great state, good people. Take a look at some of these temperatures we had just yesterday. You see the cities, this is interesting. You see this one, Gold Butte. You know Tony, if you were to change just one letter right here and make this more of a "C."
HARRIS: There you go.
WOLF: Maybe that would be more of a better description of what you had there, 23 degrees below zero is what we had yesterday morning. Dillon, Montana, Great Falls, Bozeman, all freezing, and it looks like that cold air is going to be on the move. It's not going to stay long in parts of the northern tier states. It is going to drive eastward. And as it does move eastward, what it's going to do is it's going to cause all kinds of a rift especially in parts of the Midwest and the Great Lakes.
That cold air is going to contrast with a lot of that moist, warm air that's coming in from the south. And where you have that battle lines is where you have a frontal boundary, 45 on one side in Chicago, 13 in Minneapolis, 53 the other side in Washington and 43 in New York.
And that dividing line, that frontal boundary, really will be the focus of rough weather, and that's where you're going to have some delays, too. Philadelphia, over an hour wait. Atlanta and Charlotte, you might have over an hour wait. Thirty minutes to an hour in Pittsburgh, Chicago, also over towards to Seattle.
Here's your frontal boundary. Pretty easy to see from parts of the Great Lakes clear down to the Gulf Coast. If this thing will -- there we go. You can see it right there, the showers and the storms and the snow out ahead of it. Tony, some people in parts of New York, especially back towards Buffalo may have a foot of snow on the ground by the time we get towards the end of the weekend. HARRIS: Bundle up.
WOLF: Everyone else, just some heavy rain, might see some icing in parts of the Northeast and some of the trees, could have some power outages there. Perhaps some in the Tennessee Valley also, Tony.
HARRIS: And it will be tough flying back into the Northeast on Sunday, right? Saturday, Sunday, it could be a little rough?
WOLF: It could be. I'd say it's going to be rough maybe on early Saturday.
HARRIS: Got you.
WOLF: But a lot of this will be moving out.
HARRIS: Terrific.
WOLF: And better conditions as we move into Sunday and then Monday.
HARRIS: OK, happy Thanksgiving. Right, you're going to jet.
WOLF: Yes.
HARRIS: Turkey at T.J.'s.
WOLF: Good deal.
HARRIS: About two hours away.
WOLF: You lucky devil.
HARRIS: Now a little something you must see and give a listen to.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CROWD: (SINGING)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HARRIS: So watch as unsuspecting shoppers get a big surprise while eating at the food court. They're about to get hit by a wave, a Christmas carol wave. Have a listen.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CROWD: (SINGING)
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HARRIS: A few news stories moving this Thanksgiving Day, some new pictures here of the burned and damaged homes and villages on that small South Korean island shelled by North Korean artillery. Almost everyone who lived there is evacuating, either because their homes are unlivable or fear of what could happen in the coming days. The U.S. and South Korea militaries say they'll continue some planned war games despite the cross-border incident that killed four people on Tuesday.
Other side of the world now, and new distressing health figures from the suffering island nation of Haiti. Sixty thousand people, that's how many are now sick from cholera, and there's an even bigger push to keep the outbreak from exploding into an all-out epidemic. Lots of obstacles in the way, infrastructure, communications and general sanitation are still below par since January's massive earthquake in Haiti. More than 1,400 people there have died from cholera.
And welcome to Abu Dhabi, Queen Elizabeth. The British monarch and husband Prince Philip are in the United Arab Emirates today. It is kind of a big deal. The UAE enjoyed British protection for 100 years and the queen herself hasn't been back there in more than 30 years. The international media took notice when the queen respectfully took her shoes off earlier today and toured the country's grand mosque in her stocking feet.
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HARRIS: You know, I'm trying to live tweet in the breaks of the show. It's not going so well. It really isn't. This multitasking thing, it's a myth.
Not to get you panicked, but as far as meals go, Thanksgiving dinner is like really the meal of the year. We figured at this point in the game maybe the pressure is starting to get to some of you? So, we're bringing in a pro to help with any last-minute issues you might be experiencing. Kat Kinsman, the manager editor of Eatocracy@CNN.com. Kat, I just got a picture a couple of minutes ago, I've got to tell you, from T.J. Holmes who is preparing the Thanksgiving --
KINSMAN: I'm dying to know what T.J. is eating.
HARRIS: The dude can cook, all right? And the turkey looks --
KINSMAN: That doesn't surprise me.
HARRIS: The turkey looks great. I'm about less than two hours away from strapping on a feed bag. But, Kat, I know you're getting a lot of questions about the turkey. What's the greatest concern to folks out there right now?
KINSMAN: Oh, golly, people are just getting their knickers in a knot, how long do you cook it, what temperature, all of that. So of course we got into Twitter, she was wondering about temperature, she asked can I pull it out at 145 degrees and tent it and let it get up to 165 degrees. No. It's not going to kill you if the temperature goes over 165 degrees, but you're putting yourself in jeopardy if it is under that. So, cook it up to 165 degrees.
HARRIS: Yes.
KINSMAN: And you want the internal temperature to be that thickest part of the meat or in the center of the stuffing if you're a person who stuffs the bird. I personally am.
HARRIS: Yes.
KINSMAN: And then most crucially, you let it rest for 20 minutes until the juices redistribute and you got a juicy, juicy turkey there.
HARRIS: Can I ask you a question? Because the turkey cooks unevenly, correct? So the white meat, breasts and everything else, is it true that they tend to cook a little faster than, say, the drumsticks, or is it the other way around? So, how would you recommend cooking it evenly?
KINSMAN: You know, I would tent the bits that are -- seem like they're starting to burn maybe a little bit, you know, the parts that are up top and are prone to that kind of thing.
HARRIS: Right.
KINSMAN: You can also, depending upon how you feel about presentation, cut it up and serve parts, really, you know. If you're more concerned with flavor than appearance, I would take it and cook the parts separately. But you can --
HARRIS: So you would take the drumsticks off? You might consider it?
KINSMAN: I would certainly consider that. But also just see where it's burning and tent with little scraps of foil.
HARRIS: Right.
KINSMAN: It might not be the prettiest thing in the world but no one wants dry turkey.
HARRIS: No, you're right. What are vegans supposed to do on a day and evening like this?
KINSMAN: To keep calm and carry on. Vegans and vegetarians, oh, they have a rough time on Thanksgiving. People don't understand them. They get picked on.
So, a woman wrote in, and said how do I do this and not come off like -- she didn't use the word jerk, people who get a really hard time.
First of all, you warn your hosts about any dietary needs that you have. You just warn them ahead of time so they're not scrambling to try to accommodate you. You are not -- this is not necessarily the most ideal time to get any sort of agenda you have across.
People are going to remember it if you stand up and are all -- and are militant and things. They're going to be much happier with you if -- if you are calm and just smile. If anybody gives you a hard time, oh, try this or it's impolite not to try this, smile and pass the dish on. You can always feign some of crisis, go home, watch "Law & Order" and eat your tofutti at home. But just maintain a sense of decorum and bring something you know you can eat.
HARRIS: You are a hoot! I think you mentioned this a moment ago. What do you do with the stuffing? Do you cook your stuffing in the turkey or separately?
KINSMAN: I personally like it nice and juicy inside.
HARRIS: Yes.
KINSMAN: There are going to be all sorts of health experts that are all upset with me about that. Someone had written in and specifically wanted to know how long you cook a stuffed turkey in a convection oven. We are estimating about 11 minutes a pound. Thought people get really hung up on time. What you want to go for is temperature. It's crucial on a stuffed turkey that the inside of the stuffing gets to 165 degrees.
Just don't pack it too tightly so, you know, juices have area to flow. And just heat can get in there and you'll have an absolutely delicious bird. This is another case in which you'll want to tent any areas that seem like they might be burning.
HARRIS: What fun you are. Kat, good to see you. Happy Thanksgiving. You are a hoot!
KINSMAN: Good to see you. Give T.J. my love.
HARRIS: Yes, we're going to show that. Can you get a shot of the bird? Do you got it? Jack's got a shot of the bird. Hey, Kat, there it is. There's T.J.'s bird.
KINSMAN: If I weren't into the most amazing dinner ever, I would be so jealous right now.
HARRIS: And you can find more Kat's Thanksgiving musings and advice by heading right now to Eatocracy@CNN.com.
All right, the food, of course, is important, but take a listen to what else this day means for people across the country.
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UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I don't think I would know what year it was.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Pilgrims and the Indians, I guess, you know?
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: They survived the year or something like that.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I's in the eyes -- 1500s.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Nineteen -- no 1842? Three, five?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I want to say Virginia, I think. I might be wrong.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Virginia? No?
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Massachusetts.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Massachusetts? That's what I said.
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HARRIS: OK. If you were clicking on it and posting about it, Sandra Endo is tracking it for us, and she is here now with what is trending online. Happy Thanksgiving to you, Sandy. Hey, are you getting any of my tweets?
SANDRA ENDO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Oh, yes, absolutely and T.J.'s tweets, too.
HARRIS: Are you really?
ENDO: Yes.
HARRIS: Terrific. All right, so what is trending? Let me get one going right now.
ENDO: What is trending today is what else, Thanksgiving! And that is all what people are talking about online, talking about what they are thankful for, but also, look at that, gearing up for that big turkey. That looks good.
And I'm so jealous that you are going to T.J.'s because we are having a newsroom turkey delivered here in just about 10 minutes, so I will be chowing down on that. But one article that is trending on CNN.com explains why the heck it feels so good to eat so much.
Well, experts say your brain releases pleasure chemicals much like drugs or alcohol when you are full, and instinctually it is a reward system to ensure survival. And it's all meant to comfort and satisfy. And nutritional studies show as well that high fat and sugary foods affect the brain much like cocaine and heroin.
So here are some tips not to overeat. Only eat when you are semi-hungry, not starving, and stop when you are pleasantly full, not when your buttons are popping off, Tony, OK? So the bottom line, don't eat like it is the last meal, unless you are at T.J.'s house, of course.
HARRIS: Time to strap on the feed. OK. All right, are you following anything else?
ENDO: All right, so the big shopping rush has already started. Even though Black Friday is tomorrow, there are online deals to be had today, so people can be chilling out, avoiding the crowds, being in their PJs and clicking the button on stuff that they can find online. The most popular gadgets are technology stuff, so prices are slashed and there's sales to be had.
HARRIS: Everybody tweet a happy Thanksgiving to Sandy Endo. Happy Thanksgiving lady, and see you next hour.
ENDO: Happy Thanksgiving to you, all right.
HARRIS: All right, this season many people are giving thanks for their organ donors. Can you guess how many people are waiting for a new kidney? The answer in a moment.
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HARRIS: Imagine being the mayor of a North Dakota town with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation. That is a good thing, right? Well, our Kate Bolduan shows us that being downside of being boomtown USA in the next hour of CNN NEWSROOM.
Plus, cashing in on Kim Kardashian. She is teaming up with one company that is giving this queen wannabe a new throne.
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HARRIS: So, before the break we asked you about people needing a kidney transplant. And 92,970 people are currently on the U.S. waiting list.
So, how do you thank someone who has given you a gift that you can't put a dollar value on, because it is priceless? Here's what happened when five people who received kidneys as part of a transplant chain got to meet each other for the very first time.
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NICHOLLE HAYES, KIDNEY DONOR: Thank you so much. Thank you.
SHANNON PETERSON, KIDNEY RECIPIENT: I appreciate it so much. You have given me so much.
HAYES: I am so happy.
RENEE TESSMAN, KARE REPORTER: When a living organ donor and recipient meet for the first time --
PETERSON: You have done a lot for my family and me. You are my hero.
HAYES: I'm so glad.
TESSMAN: What joy. Now multiply that times five. Five kidney recipients and their donors saw each other's faces for the first time at Abbott Northwestern, all part of a chain donation that happened in July.
PETERSON: I am grateful to be alive because of her.
TESSMAN: It began with Nicholle Hayes, who knew of no one needing a kidney, but still chose to donate.
HAYES: When I got that call that it happened and they worked it out and there were so many people on the chain, that's just -- there's no words. I did one thing and this can happen. It is the best. This is as good as it gets right there.
TESSMAN: Her recipient Shannon Peterson, well his sister then donated to someone else, whose friend Ann Agrimson then donated to Pricilla Deshayes.
PRICILLA DESHAYES, KIDNEY RECIPIENT: I take a piece of you everywhere I go now.
TESSMAN: She wasn't sure if she'd ever find a donor.
DESHAYES: They said you're going to be hard to match, really hard, because I had quite a few antibodies.
TESSMAN: But Ann was Pricilla's exact match, as close as an identical twin.
ANN AGRIMSON, KIDNEY DONOR: To find out that I had a six marker match. It was like, that's why I was meant to do this.
DESHAYES: They said it's like winning the lottery.
TESSMAN: Then Pricilla's loved one, John Tracy, gave to Robert Howden, whose loved one Heather Reinke then donated to Matthew Kleve. Five times the joy was almost overwhelming.
DESHAYES: I'm kind of going to put her on the list for further parts if I need them.
TESSMAN: Boy, did it feel really, really good.
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HARRIS: That was Renee Tessman of CNN affiliate KARE in Minneapolis.
