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CNN Live Today

Frances Downgraded, Due in Florida Tomorrow; Frances Batters Bahamas; Young Golfers Pair Up with Pros

Aired September 03, 2004 - 10:30   ET

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

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


DARYN KAGAN, CO-ANCHOR: Let's take a look at the headlines now in the news.
Dozens are dead, some 250 people are wounded in the dramatic siege on a Russian school. Chechen rebels had held dozens of school children and adults there since Wednesday. A reporter for ITV says 100 bodies were seen in the burning ruins of the school gymnasium where hostages were held.

Hurricane Frances has weakened to a Category Three, but weather experts say it could regain its strength before slamming into Florida tomorrow. The projected path of the massive storm now points to central Florida. Hurricane-force winds are expected to extend some 85 miles from the eye of the storm. Two and a half million people are under evacuation orders. That is the largest ever to blanket Florida.

A military court has found a National Guardsman guilty of trying to give terrorists information about the strength and tactics of U.S. troops. A jury has recommended life in prison for Specialist Ryan G. Anderson. He's a tank crewman and a 27-year-old Muslim convert. The men posing as terrorists were actually federal agents.

Well, you're getting a look at two things. A look at how they're trying to keep the lens clean there in the Bahamas. Also, how strong the wind is blowing from Hurricane Frances as it makes its way north and west, getting closer and closer to Florida.

Just exactly where is Frances? And when is it expected to slam into the east coast of Florida? Here's Rob Marciano -- Rob.

(WEATHER REPORT)

KAGAN: Rob, thank you for that.

Well, we were showing you live pictures from the Bahamas. Let's find out exactly what it feels like to be there right now. On the phone with us, a man named Stewart Cove. Stewart Cove owns a dive shop in Nassau, the Bahamas -- Stewart.

STEWART COVE, DIVE SHOP OWNER IN THE BAHAMAS: Hi.

KAGAN: Tell us what it's like where you are right now.

COVE: It's blowing very good. We're in a pretty protected area here, but we have a lot of tree damage. Most of the leaves have blown off. And it's -- right now it's gusting up a lot worse than it has been.

KAGAN: And compared to other hurricanes you've seen since you've been in the Bahamas, how would you compare it?

COVE: I would say that this is about the same as Floyd and Michelle. But not maybe as bad as Andrew when it came through.

KAGAN: A lot -- We've been focusing a lot on what's happening in Florida, where Hurricane Frances is headed and how more than 2.5 million people have been told to evacuate. What do you do when you live in the Bahamas? Is that even an option?

COVE: Well, what the government suggests we do here is evacuate into higher ground inland, obviously to get away from the beaches and the ocean.

And the houses here are built very well. We have a very strong hurricane code. So once you get into a good structure, you're in good shape. And also we have some great centers, some hurricane centers and the -- and shelters in the churches and schools that are very well built. So if people live in old shacks and stuff, they can get into some of the shelters.

KAGAN: And is that where -- where do you intend to ride out the entire storm?

COVE: I have a good house built out of cement stone. And so I'm right here at my house. And we have no structural damage. Just tree damage.

KAGAN: All right. Well, let's hope that is as bad as it gets for you and your family. Thanks for calling in.

COVE: Thank -- Thank you.

KAGAN: Appreciate it. Stewart Cove, he owns a dive shop in the Bahamas in Nassau. And talking about the conditions as Hurricane Frances makes its way over those islands.

We have valuable information for you. It is available on our web site, including a map of Hurricane Frances' projected path and links to emergency information and resources. That's at CNN.com/hurricanes.

We're back in a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BILL HEMMER, CO-ANCHOR: Welcome back here.

We're just north of Melbourne, Florida, awaiting the arrival of Frances. When she arrives is something we're all in anticipation for.

But if you've watched us over the past hour, we're starting to get our first reports from the Bahamas. Also in the Bahamas, as Judy Chavez reported, WPLG (ph) television, she filed this report a short time ago on the conditions that she and her crew are experiencing now. Here's Chavez' report.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JUDY CHAVEZ, WPLG (ph) CORRESPONDENT: I want to show you that the conditions are certainly getting intense out here. This is evidence that the storm is coming a lot closer to us.

The rain and wind have picked up in the last hour, and it's getting worse. We're seeing the ocean wash up against the shore. The visibility extremely poor.

You know, I took a quick walk around the property to get to the shelter to see who was in there and assess the situation on the property. And I can tell you, we see a lot of tree limbs down on the van that we rented.

Actually, a palm tree went ahead and toppled over on top of that. And you're seeing some of this stuff right below our balcony. You see some palm fronds on the ground, as well as some other debris. It's just flying all over the place.

We're certainly not in the center of the storm right now. And as it comes our way, I'm not sure how these palm trees are going to be able to hold up, as we come -- you know, and deal with these 125-mile- per-hour gusts, as well as the Tiki bar. That's -- that's already showing -- the roof is peeling off.

I can tell you also, there's other damage on the property. The wedding gazebo, toppled over. So that was one of the other things. The security arms on the front gate are gone.

And again, there's people around town who have told us some power lines are down. Some phone lines.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: Julie Chavez, WPLG television, now reporting in the Bahamas. The first of many reports that will now -- now start to trickle into us here at CNN as the storm continues to move across the Bahamas.

It was five years ago this month back in 1999 when this massive storm known as Hurricane Floyd, was bearing down on Florida. Well, in the end, Floyd brushed by the East Coast of Florida and really became a huge rainmaker up in North Carolina, almost missing the state entirely.

But before the storm arrived, there was an enormous evacuation effort here in Florida, and the evacuation effort did not go as planned. Since that time, Floridians and officials have tried to make a better plan.

Based on what we can see in the past 24 hours, things seem to have gone pretty well here. It's the largest evacuation to date: 2.5 million people urged to seek inland or to go to the northern part of the state. To this point, it seems like the roads have moved quite well.

On the inside, though, in the shelters, let's check in, and Sean Callebs' on that, West Palm Beach, Florida. He's in a shelter right now.

Sean, good morning there.

SEAN CALLEBS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Bill.

You talked about the breezy conditions in Melbourne and the images coming out of the Bahamas and, of course, the satellite pictures we have all seen for hours and hours.

But for thousands of people here in the state, this is the face of Hurricane Frances.

We are at a shelter here. This is one of 28 in Palm Beach County. Last night they had 1,900 people squeezed into here. They expect to have perhaps twice that number tonight.

And here is how the process goes. Once people come in, they must go to an area to register. They give all the specific information. Palm Beach, of course, a very affluent area, but many of the people coming here, virtually all of them, working class people. This is the last place they expected to be but certainly glad to be here at this hour.

Basically right now, people are just trying to pass the time as best as possible: kids with Game Boys, things of that nature. There's one TV with a grainy image in the background.

Joining us to talk just a bit about the conditions here, Jerome Russ, thanks very much. And Denise Schuyler (ph). You came down from Chicago. Your mother passed away. You're dealing with the estate. What has it been like for you here?

JEROME RUSS, EVACUEE: Around here, it's been -- around here it's been -- they've been doing things really good. And sleeping arrangements has been really good. And the food. And there's been a couple outbursts of people angry at one another.

CALLEBS: Just the tension getting to people.

RUSS: The arrangements, yes.

CALLEBS: And you're a nurse, as well. And you're volunteering your efforts here. I'm sure that has been very welcome.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, I volunteered as soon as I came here. I disagree a little bit; I think the conditions are not so great. I mean, I think it's very uncomfortable. People have been squatting rights and trying to sleep on mats and sleep on blankets. And it's very difficult for most of the people here.

CALLEBS: Well, good luck to you here. I'm sure you'd like to see the storm pass as quickly as possible and get on with your lives. And for many people here, that is basically the story.

Talked a bit about some of the scuffles. There are also police here. There was one incident last night where police had to be involved. Simply the tension, the anxiety of unknown, what's going to happen to their home, why are they here.

And Bill, with that storm simply stalling, moving very slowly off the coast of Florida, many people keep looking at their watches. It's an anxious time for them and an agonizing time, just waiting for Frances to make her appearance here.

Bill, back to you.

HEMMER: Indeed it is. Sean, thanks for that. Sean is down in West Palm.

I want to show you another shot of the traffic we talked about that we really saw yesterday and last evening. Here is one traffic camera along I-95, where it looks like at this point things have pretty much cleared out.

We talked about it moving smoothly yesterday. Yes, granted, they were crowded and they were backed up a little bit, but the traffic was moving. So at this point, anyway, we can say that the efforts put in to make things more smoothly, indeed they have gone that way to date.

Meanwhile, Frances off the shore here about 240 miles southeast. The Bahamas right now feeling the effects of Frances. But where the storm goes and how strong she either gets or lessens is what we all await here now in Florida.

We are live in Melbourne. Let's get a break here. Back in a moment. Daryn Kagan has more on the other side of this break. You're watching CNN LIVE TODAY. Back after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK REPORT)

KAGAN: Of course, we have a lot of big developing stories we're following today. We have Hurricane Frances making its way toward Florida. We also have the school siege situation in Russia. We're going to get back to those stories in just a moment.

But first, a little ray of sunshine in all this disturbing news.

Seventy-eight of the nation's most gifted young golfers will get a chance to tear up the links this Labor Day weekend alongside their professional idols. To earn that privilege, these juniors had to qualify in locally held tournaments by the First Tee. That's an organization that promotes golf among youngsters.

The First Tee Open tournament takes place at the fabled links of Pebble Beach and the nearby course at Bayonette. It marks the first time that junior amateurs and professional seniors have ever been paired together in a PGA event. Round one got under way just a few minutes ago.

Joining me this morning from there is the event chairman, Clint Eastwood. There's a familiar face. And a face you're probably going to become very familiar with, 16-year-old golfer Maggie Noel. She is from Houston. She is due to tee off with her senior partner in just a little while.

Good morning to both of you.

MAGGIE NOEL, 16-YEAR-OLD GOLFER: Good morning.

CLINT EASTWOOD, CHAIRMAN, FIRST TEE OPEN: Good morning. How are you doing?

KAGAN: Clint, this is all a big ruse. You're just trying to get some tips on your golf game, aren't you by happening out with these great young golfers?

EASTWOOD: Absolutely. Maggie, of course, is a much better player than I am, but she's a little more flexible throughout the frame.

KAGAN: Maggie, how about...

EASTWOOD: But this is...

KAGAN: Go ahead. Finish your thought.

EASTWOOD: Go ahead. Well, I was just -- this is just a great program. And all these young kids get to play with the senior pros. And somewhere in the middle, us amateurs fit into the act.

KAGAN: Maggie, how about that. Clint Eastwood just said that you are a much better golfer than he is. Is that true?

NOEL: I'm sure he's got a good stroke on himself, as well. I mean, you know, when you get -- I know that he's probably got a great game that he doesn't want to tell anybody about.

EASTWOOD: Yes, exactly.

NOEL: Keep it a secret and show out there on the golf course today.

EASTWOOD: She's absolutely right. Very correct.

KAGAN: How about that, Clint...

EASTWOOD: But anyway we...

KAGAN: She's a great golfer, and she has good manners as well.

EASTWOOD: Yes, she does. And that's the great thing about the First Tee program. Is that it promotes the sport of golf to a lot of people who maybe couldn't afford to join country clubs and become part of that set and -- and teaches them how to compete in a very friendly, honorable fashion. So it's a great way to introduce people to the sport...

KAGAN: Excellent. Tell us...

EASTWOOD: ... that's not available to a lot of people.

KAGAN: I'm sorry to step on you with the satellite there. But tell us some of the senior players, the very familiar names that will be out there with the young people?

EASTWOOD: Well, we have Arnold Palmer, of course. And -- and my pro, that I'm playing with, Don January, and just all the -- all of the top senior players are here because of this event.

And it's just an opportunity for the senior tour to be on Pebble Beach, one of the great courses, and right here at Fort Ord, Bayonette, of course. And these are terrific golf courses. And to play with these young people. I know the pros are very excited about this.

And Wal-Mart, who has been financing -- or sponsoring this thing, is doing a terrific job by -- by helping out.

KAGAN: Excellent. Maggie, real quickly, tell us who you're teeing off with in just a couple of minutes? Who are you playing with?

NOEL: I'm playing with champion tour player Bruce Lietzke. I'm really excited about that.

KAGAN: Great. OK. Well, you know, our time is short because we do have a lot of breaking news today. But -- but go easy on the guys, Maggie, OK?

NOEL: I will. Before we go, I have to thank Wal-Mart, definitely. I have to thank them for giving us the chance to come out here and play with these wonderful players and get to play a wonderful course like this. So I have to say thank you to Wal-Mart.

KAGAN: Consider it done. As I said, a great golfer and good manners as well.

Maggie Noel, good luck out there.

Clint, always a pleasure to have you stop by.

NOEL: Thank you.

EASTWOOD: It's a real pleasure, Daryn.

KAGAN: Thank you so much.

Of course, we'd love to talk to them all day long. But a lot of major stories that we're following this morning, including the hostage taking in Russia. Gunfire, explosions, a bloody, chaotic end to the standoff. We'll take you live to the scene.

Also, Hurricane Frances has Florida in its sights. The up-to- the-minute forecast is just ahead as the second hour of CNN LIVE TODAY begins after a short break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com


Aired September 3, 2004 - 10:30   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
DARYN KAGAN, CO-ANCHOR: Let's take a look at the headlines now in the news.
Dozens are dead, some 250 people are wounded in the dramatic siege on a Russian school. Chechen rebels had held dozens of school children and adults there since Wednesday. A reporter for ITV says 100 bodies were seen in the burning ruins of the school gymnasium where hostages were held.

Hurricane Frances has weakened to a Category Three, but weather experts say it could regain its strength before slamming into Florida tomorrow. The projected path of the massive storm now points to central Florida. Hurricane-force winds are expected to extend some 85 miles from the eye of the storm. Two and a half million people are under evacuation orders. That is the largest ever to blanket Florida.

A military court has found a National Guardsman guilty of trying to give terrorists information about the strength and tactics of U.S. troops. A jury has recommended life in prison for Specialist Ryan G. Anderson. He's a tank crewman and a 27-year-old Muslim convert. The men posing as terrorists were actually federal agents.

Well, you're getting a look at two things. A look at how they're trying to keep the lens clean there in the Bahamas. Also, how strong the wind is blowing from Hurricane Frances as it makes its way north and west, getting closer and closer to Florida.

Just exactly where is Frances? And when is it expected to slam into the east coast of Florida? Here's Rob Marciano -- Rob.

(WEATHER REPORT)

KAGAN: Rob, thank you for that.

Well, we were showing you live pictures from the Bahamas. Let's find out exactly what it feels like to be there right now. On the phone with us, a man named Stewart Cove. Stewart Cove owns a dive shop in Nassau, the Bahamas -- Stewart.

STEWART COVE, DIVE SHOP OWNER IN THE BAHAMAS: Hi.

KAGAN: Tell us what it's like where you are right now.

COVE: It's blowing very good. We're in a pretty protected area here, but we have a lot of tree damage. Most of the leaves have blown off. And it's -- right now it's gusting up a lot worse than it has been.

KAGAN: And compared to other hurricanes you've seen since you've been in the Bahamas, how would you compare it?

COVE: I would say that this is about the same as Floyd and Michelle. But not maybe as bad as Andrew when it came through.

KAGAN: A lot -- We've been focusing a lot on what's happening in Florida, where Hurricane Frances is headed and how more than 2.5 million people have been told to evacuate. What do you do when you live in the Bahamas? Is that even an option?

COVE: Well, what the government suggests we do here is evacuate into higher ground inland, obviously to get away from the beaches and the ocean.

And the houses here are built very well. We have a very strong hurricane code. So once you get into a good structure, you're in good shape. And also we have some great centers, some hurricane centers and the -- and shelters in the churches and schools that are very well built. So if people live in old shacks and stuff, they can get into some of the shelters.

KAGAN: And is that where -- where do you intend to ride out the entire storm?

COVE: I have a good house built out of cement stone. And so I'm right here at my house. And we have no structural damage. Just tree damage.

KAGAN: All right. Well, let's hope that is as bad as it gets for you and your family. Thanks for calling in.

COVE: Thank -- Thank you.

KAGAN: Appreciate it. Stewart Cove, he owns a dive shop in the Bahamas in Nassau. And talking about the conditions as Hurricane Frances makes its way over those islands.

We have valuable information for you. It is available on our web site, including a map of Hurricane Frances' projected path and links to emergency information and resources. That's at CNN.com/hurricanes.

We're back in a moment.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BILL HEMMER, CO-ANCHOR: Welcome back here.

We're just north of Melbourne, Florida, awaiting the arrival of Frances. When she arrives is something we're all in anticipation for.

But if you've watched us over the past hour, we're starting to get our first reports from the Bahamas. Also in the Bahamas, as Judy Chavez reported, WPLG (ph) television, she filed this report a short time ago on the conditions that she and her crew are experiencing now. Here's Chavez' report.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JUDY CHAVEZ, WPLG (ph) CORRESPONDENT: I want to show you that the conditions are certainly getting intense out here. This is evidence that the storm is coming a lot closer to us.

The rain and wind have picked up in the last hour, and it's getting worse. We're seeing the ocean wash up against the shore. The visibility extremely poor.

You know, I took a quick walk around the property to get to the shelter to see who was in there and assess the situation on the property. And I can tell you, we see a lot of tree limbs down on the van that we rented.

Actually, a palm tree went ahead and toppled over on top of that. And you're seeing some of this stuff right below our balcony. You see some palm fronds on the ground, as well as some other debris. It's just flying all over the place.

We're certainly not in the center of the storm right now. And as it comes our way, I'm not sure how these palm trees are going to be able to hold up, as we come -- you know, and deal with these 125-mile- per-hour gusts, as well as the Tiki bar. That's -- that's already showing -- the roof is peeling off.

I can tell you also, there's other damage on the property. The wedding gazebo, toppled over. So that was one of the other things. The security arms on the front gate are gone.

And again, there's people around town who have told us some power lines are down. Some phone lines.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HEMMER: Julie Chavez, WPLG television, now reporting in the Bahamas. The first of many reports that will now -- now start to trickle into us here at CNN as the storm continues to move across the Bahamas.

It was five years ago this month back in 1999 when this massive storm known as Hurricane Floyd, was bearing down on Florida. Well, in the end, Floyd brushed by the East Coast of Florida and really became a huge rainmaker up in North Carolina, almost missing the state entirely.

But before the storm arrived, there was an enormous evacuation effort here in Florida, and the evacuation effort did not go as planned. Since that time, Floridians and officials have tried to make a better plan.

Based on what we can see in the past 24 hours, things seem to have gone pretty well here. It's the largest evacuation to date: 2.5 million people urged to seek inland or to go to the northern part of the state. To this point, it seems like the roads have moved quite well.

On the inside, though, in the shelters, let's check in, and Sean Callebs' on that, West Palm Beach, Florida. He's in a shelter right now.

Sean, good morning there.

SEAN CALLEBS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, Bill.

You talked about the breezy conditions in Melbourne and the images coming out of the Bahamas and, of course, the satellite pictures we have all seen for hours and hours.

But for thousands of people here in the state, this is the face of Hurricane Frances.

We are at a shelter here. This is one of 28 in Palm Beach County. Last night they had 1,900 people squeezed into here. They expect to have perhaps twice that number tonight.

And here is how the process goes. Once people come in, they must go to an area to register. They give all the specific information. Palm Beach, of course, a very affluent area, but many of the people coming here, virtually all of them, working class people. This is the last place they expected to be but certainly glad to be here at this hour.

Basically right now, people are just trying to pass the time as best as possible: kids with Game Boys, things of that nature. There's one TV with a grainy image in the background.

Joining us to talk just a bit about the conditions here, Jerome Russ, thanks very much. And Denise Schuyler (ph). You came down from Chicago. Your mother passed away. You're dealing with the estate. What has it been like for you here?

JEROME RUSS, EVACUEE: Around here, it's been -- around here it's been -- they've been doing things really good. And sleeping arrangements has been really good. And the food. And there's been a couple outbursts of people angry at one another.

CALLEBS: Just the tension getting to people.

RUSS: The arrangements, yes.

CALLEBS: And you're a nurse, as well. And you're volunteering your efforts here. I'm sure that has been very welcome.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Yes, I volunteered as soon as I came here. I disagree a little bit; I think the conditions are not so great. I mean, I think it's very uncomfortable. People have been squatting rights and trying to sleep on mats and sleep on blankets. And it's very difficult for most of the people here.

CALLEBS: Well, good luck to you here. I'm sure you'd like to see the storm pass as quickly as possible and get on with your lives. And for many people here, that is basically the story.

Talked a bit about some of the scuffles. There are also police here. There was one incident last night where police had to be involved. Simply the tension, the anxiety of unknown, what's going to happen to their home, why are they here.

And Bill, with that storm simply stalling, moving very slowly off the coast of Florida, many people keep looking at their watches. It's an anxious time for them and an agonizing time, just waiting for Frances to make her appearance here.

Bill, back to you.

HEMMER: Indeed it is. Sean, thanks for that. Sean is down in West Palm.

I want to show you another shot of the traffic we talked about that we really saw yesterday and last evening. Here is one traffic camera along I-95, where it looks like at this point things have pretty much cleared out.

We talked about it moving smoothly yesterday. Yes, granted, they were crowded and they were backed up a little bit, but the traffic was moving. So at this point, anyway, we can say that the efforts put in to make things more smoothly, indeed they have gone that way to date.

Meanwhile, Frances off the shore here about 240 miles southeast. The Bahamas right now feeling the effects of Frances. But where the storm goes and how strong she either gets or lessens is what we all await here now in Florida.

We are live in Melbourne. Let's get a break here. Back in a moment. Daryn Kagan has more on the other side of this break. You're watching CNN LIVE TODAY. Back after this.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(STOCK REPORT)

KAGAN: Of course, we have a lot of big developing stories we're following today. We have Hurricane Frances making its way toward Florida. We also have the school siege situation in Russia. We're going to get back to those stories in just a moment.

But first, a little ray of sunshine in all this disturbing news.

Seventy-eight of the nation's most gifted young golfers will get a chance to tear up the links this Labor Day weekend alongside their professional idols. To earn that privilege, these juniors had to qualify in locally held tournaments by the First Tee. That's an organization that promotes golf among youngsters.

The First Tee Open tournament takes place at the fabled links of Pebble Beach and the nearby course at Bayonette. It marks the first time that junior amateurs and professional seniors have ever been paired together in a PGA event. Round one got under way just a few minutes ago.

Joining me this morning from there is the event chairman, Clint Eastwood. There's a familiar face. And a face you're probably going to become very familiar with, 16-year-old golfer Maggie Noel. She is from Houston. She is due to tee off with her senior partner in just a little while.

Good morning to both of you.

MAGGIE NOEL, 16-YEAR-OLD GOLFER: Good morning.

CLINT EASTWOOD, CHAIRMAN, FIRST TEE OPEN: Good morning. How are you doing?

KAGAN: Clint, this is all a big ruse. You're just trying to get some tips on your golf game, aren't you by happening out with these great young golfers?

EASTWOOD: Absolutely. Maggie, of course, is a much better player than I am, but she's a little more flexible throughout the frame.

KAGAN: Maggie, how about...

EASTWOOD: But this is...

KAGAN: Go ahead. Finish your thought.

EASTWOOD: Go ahead. Well, I was just -- this is just a great program. And all these young kids get to play with the senior pros. And somewhere in the middle, us amateurs fit into the act.

KAGAN: Maggie, how about that. Clint Eastwood just said that you are a much better golfer than he is. Is that true?

NOEL: I'm sure he's got a good stroke on himself, as well. I mean, you know, when you get -- I know that he's probably got a great game that he doesn't want to tell anybody about.

EASTWOOD: Yes, exactly.

NOEL: Keep it a secret and show out there on the golf course today.

EASTWOOD: She's absolutely right. Very correct.

KAGAN: How about that, Clint...

EASTWOOD: But anyway we...

KAGAN: She's a great golfer, and she has good manners as well.

EASTWOOD: Yes, she does. And that's the great thing about the First Tee program. Is that it promotes the sport of golf to a lot of people who maybe couldn't afford to join country clubs and become part of that set and -- and teaches them how to compete in a very friendly, honorable fashion. So it's a great way to introduce people to the sport...

KAGAN: Excellent. Tell us...

EASTWOOD: ... that's not available to a lot of people.

KAGAN: I'm sorry to step on you with the satellite there. But tell us some of the senior players, the very familiar names that will be out there with the young people?

EASTWOOD: Well, we have Arnold Palmer, of course. And -- and my pro, that I'm playing with, Don January, and just all the -- all of the top senior players are here because of this event.

And it's just an opportunity for the senior tour to be on Pebble Beach, one of the great courses, and right here at Fort Ord, Bayonette, of course. And these are terrific golf courses. And to play with these young people. I know the pros are very excited about this.

And Wal-Mart, who has been financing -- or sponsoring this thing, is doing a terrific job by -- by helping out.

KAGAN: Excellent. Maggie, real quickly, tell us who you're teeing off with in just a couple of minutes? Who are you playing with?

NOEL: I'm playing with champion tour player Bruce Lietzke. I'm really excited about that.

KAGAN: Great. OK. Well, you know, our time is short because we do have a lot of breaking news today. But -- but go easy on the guys, Maggie, OK?

NOEL: I will. Before we go, I have to thank Wal-Mart, definitely. I have to thank them for giving us the chance to come out here and play with these wonderful players and get to play a wonderful course like this. So I have to say thank you to Wal-Mart.

KAGAN: Consider it done. As I said, a great golfer and good manners as well.

Maggie Noel, good luck out there.

Clint, always a pleasure to have you stop by.

NOEL: Thank you.

EASTWOOD: It's a real pleasure, Daryn.

KAGAN: Thank you so much.

Of course, we'd love to talk to them all day long. But a lot of major stories that we're following this morning, including the hostage taking in Russia. Gunfire, explosions, a bloody, chaotic end to the standoff. We'll take you live to the scene.

Also, Hurricane Frances has Florida in its sights. The up-to- the-minute forecast is just ahead as the second hour of CNN LIVE TODAY begins after a short break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com