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CNN Sunday Morning
Fires in Malibu; Democrats and Florida; Tempers Flare in Phoenix Over Immigration
Aired November 25, 2007 - 07:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
T.J. HOLMES, CNN ANCHOR: Well hello there. Good morning to you all from the CNN Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Sunday, November 25th. Good morning to you all. I'm T.J. Holmes.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Yes, good morning everybody. I'm Betty Nguyen. We want to thank you for starting your day with us. It is 7:00 am here in the east, 4:00 am in Malibu. Where firefighters are facing off once again against a huge blaze right now. We're on the front lines.
HOLMES: Also, we're following a rescue going on this morning. One hundred fifty nine workers trapped on a burning oil platform in the North Sea. We got the details there and we'll bring you video as soon as we get it news here.
NGUYEN: Plus check out this new video into CNN, showing chaos in the street. Police firing tear gas and water cannons at thousands of protesters in Malaysia.
HOLMES: We are going to start in Malibu, California, on fire once again this morning.
NGUYEN: Right now that fire is only partly under control. The fire chief says crews will be getting a better handle on it today. Firefighters had been on the front lines all night. Thousands of evacuated homeowners hoping to go back home today. Some have already done so. The fire has destroyed at least 49 homes and burned more than 4,600 acres.
HOLMES: Take a look at what we have here now, a fire maps to show you. The Santa Ana winds actually pushed the fire down the ridge. Investigators say that the fire they believe was set by a person or persons but still trying to determine if it was set deliberately by that person or persons. Want to head live to our Kara Finnstrom who is Malibu for us. Early morning there but they have been working all night. Hello to you Kara.
KARA FINNSTROM, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Good morning. Well on the ridges behind me you can see some of this fire still burning. We're actually at the top of the canyon and on our way up here this morning we spoke with the sheriff official who tells us that overnight there were some significant flare-ups as the winds did kick up. This fire has charred about 4,500 acres and that means that it is roughly about the same size as the fire that burned here last month. The big difference is that fire burned a total of nine structures. This fire as Betty just mentioned has already burned and destroyed 49 homes, at least 49 homes. They say that tally may go up. Firefighters say they believe they made headway yesterday. That's good news. They said this fire is now about 25 percent contained and the fire chief says that if everything goes as planned today, he hopes that number will double by the end of the day.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHIEF MICHAEL FREEMAN, LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPT: Given the weather conditions, the wind one siding, that's reason for optimism. The amount of fuel that's been consumed in there is reason for optimism. The number of personnel that we have here, plans we have to continue to operate our aircraft through the night as needed and is appropriate, those are all reasons for optimism.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FINNSTROM: Six firefighters have been injured while battling this blaze but the good news is all are believed to be OK. The most serious were some facial burns that one of these firefighters suffered while trying to save a home. A possible arson investigation under way, firefighters don't know but they did have arson investigators at the scene yesterday. They do know that this fire apparently caused by human activity of some sort. They say it could be an accident but they are looking into all possibilities at this point.
T.J.
HOLMES: All right. Kara Finnstrom for us there in Malibu. Kara we appreciate you this morning.
NGUYEN: Well we have gotten some really amazing pictures of this fire from our I-reporters. This one from Francesca Smith, she took this photo of the advancing fire while she was evacuating from her apartment near Pepperdine University. Look at the smoke. This is another picture from a Pepperdine student. It shows huge plumes of smoke billowing over the ridge. Keegan Gibbs lives on the edge of the evacuation zone and Point Dunn. He took this picture of his neighborhood. If you have a photo that you want to share with us just go to CNN.com and upload it.
HOLMES: Well certainly always appreciate our I-reporters and we certainly appreciate this weekend our Bonnie Schneider in the Weather Center keeping an eye on things for us, keeping an eye on those Santa Ana winds. We understand yesterday we expected those winds to kick up for a while yesterday. How about today?
BONNIE SCHNEIDER, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Today I have better news for you in terms of wind. Right now there are no wind advisories for anywhere in California. Look at this yesterday we had yellow along the map as far south as San Diego all of the way to the Mexican border. No advisories now but we do have the threat and I'll get into that in a moment. I just want to show you currently the winds are calm as we look toward Riverside down through Oceanside. Better picture wind wise this morning. We still have a critical fire danger and not because of the fires that are burning, really because of the dry conditions. The offshore flow will continue at least through the afternoon. That's going to classify southern California in a critical aspect in terms of fire danger. The red flag warnings continue until noon today.
But here is the forecast, much different today than yesterday. East-northeasterly winds so the winds are starting to change direction. And notice the intensity, big difference 20 to 25 with gusts only at 30. Yesterday we had winds sustained at 40 miles per hour with gusts as high as 60. This is a big, big difference. As we go through the morning hours we'll see that decrease especially once we hit noon California time. I think we'll see better improvement.
The only danger right now weather wise is the low humidity levels dangerously dry. With readings below 10 percent, that is very dry. Lack of wind but still dry enough that it is a critical situation out there.
I want to show you video that comes to us from Pepperdine University which is in Malibu, California. This was shot by a student there and you can see in the distance the smoke and I believe there's the smoke that is coming in and this incredible video shows how close this smoke came to the campus but the flames were moving away from the campus. Incredible smoke, it was amazing yesterday morning Betty and T.J. to watch how fast the fire spread with those strong winds. It's with happening moment by moment and we were keeping an eye on it here and we are going that today as well from the Weather Center. Back to you.
NGUYEN: All right. Thank you Bonnie.
HOLMES: Well of course today, millions of you are on the move. Sunday after Thanksgiving. Typically one of the busiest travel days of the year. That means a lot of people trying to catch flights and to help out President Bush even opened up military airspace to ease congestion over the holiday. Did it make a difference? CNN's Kathleen Koch is standing by at Reagan National Airport with some of those answers. Good morning. Good going so far Kathleen?
KATHLEEN KOCH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Very good going T.J... As you can see behind me there is some level of traffic here at Reagan National Airport and actually the airlines say that this is indeed the busiest air travel day of the year. Some 2.5 million Americans expected to take to the skies. As you mentioned with these record delays that we've already had this year, the government last week decided to do something unique to try to ensure smoother sailing for Thanksgiving.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KOCH (voice over): President Bush insisted he felt the flying public's pain and wanted to do something about it.
GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE U.S: Business as usual is not good enough for American travelers.
KOCH: So the federal government opened two east coast military air corridors, the blue lines on this map to commercial planes from Wednesday through Sunday. Airlines say they have been running 10 to 15 flights an hour through the military airspace.
DAVID CASTLEVETER, AIR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION: It helped. At the end of the day what causes delays is weather and volume. We have volume clearly over Thanksgiving. What we didn't have is weather. If we would have had weather, the highest levels of preparedness would not have reduced delays.
KOCH: The Federal Aviation Administration also suspended unnecessary maintenance projects to further eliminate slow downs, but air traffic controllers and pilots are skeptical about the government's Thanksgiving fixes.
CAPT. TERRY MCVENES, AIRLINE PILOTS ASSOCIATION: These band-aid type approaches offer short-term benefit but what needs to be done is to find long-term solutions for the congestion that we have in our airspace today.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
KOCH: Solutions like more runways, more gate space, more air traffic controllers and then a modern satellite based aviation system. Those items take years but the good news is the weather is holding so far nationwide this Thanksgiving and for instance here at Reagan National I checked a few minutes ago of the 150 flights on the board for the next several hours, there are only three delays. So looking pretty good T.J.
HOLMES: It's early though Kathleen. We appreciate it. That sounds good and dandy but it is early right now. We'll see if that holds.
KOCH: Absolutely.
HOLMES: We'll see you again here soon. Thank you so much.
We want to know how your trip is going out there on the road and in the air. Send us your I-reports, go on to CNN.com and click on I- reports.
NGUYEN: Also new this morning, want to tell you about this. An exile leader on his way back to Pakistan right now but police are not rolling out the welcome mat. Nawaz Sharif the former prime minister is a rival of President Pervez Musharraf, was ousted by President Musharraf in a bloodiest coo eight years ago. Witnesses say police arrested several hundred Sharif supporters ahead of his arrival.
They want equal rights but are getting blasted with water cannons and tear gas instead. Ethnic Indian protesters clash with police today. The protesters blame Britain for their economic problems. Several sought to avoid repetition to the British hike mission but in the meantime public transportation has been stopped to keep other protesters from getting into the capital city.
HOLMES: A rescue operation right now in the North Sea. About 120 miles northeast of the Scottish coast, a team of helicopters fighting strong winds, trying to reach 159 people stranded on a burning oil platform. So far about a quarter of them have been rescued. No injuries to report just yet. We'll keep you updated on this story throughout the morning. We're keeping our eyes on it.
Civil liberties, security and UFOs. CNN viewers submitting their questions for Wednesday's Youtube debate and some of them are quite special.
NGUYEN: Angry protesters a controversial issues the immigration debate that is heating up in one Arizona City.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: Check it out. This is what is still happening in California. In Malibu the fires are burning there. We'll tell you this, 25 percent of those fires have been contained but so far it has burned some 4,650 acres destroying 51 structures, 49 of them were homes. Some 10,000 people have been forced from their homes because of this. But firefighters have been able to get just a bit of handle on it, 25 percent of this is contained. Hopefully we'll get more contained throughout the day. We'll stay on top of this story for you.
HOLMES: Wednesday is the big day. The second CNN-Youtube presidential debate. And this time around it is going to be (INAUDIBLE) going at it.
NGUYEN: And this is a unique chance for you to share your questions and concerns with those candidates.
HOLMES: Yes, if you want to be part of the action, you need to hurry. CNN's Josh Levs here to explain why you need to get on it. Good morning to you sir.
JOSH LEVS, CNN DOT COM DESK: Hey good morning to you guys. This is last day. Tonight is the deadline. What I have gotten to do over the last couple of days is piece through some of the questions we've gotten. We have received so many from all over the world; we're going to give you a taste of what might just be to come.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LEVS (voice over): Republican candidates can run but they cannot hide from your questions in the CNN/Youtube debate which may include some sharp jabs.
(UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE): What are you going to do to return the civil liberties to the American people and stop these outrageous attacks on our security and our privacy?
LEVS: Some offer personal stories like this man who says he is a gay registered Republican.
(UNIDENTIFIED MALE): If I vote for you, it's a vote against my family.
LEVS: A few bring up the wackier topics on earth or beyond.
(UNIDENTIFIED MALE): UFOs and aliens.
LEVS: Maybe he out to ask this Youtuber.
(UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE): I am one of many from another dimension.
LEVS: Around 4,000 questions are viewable online and more than the 3,000 sent in for the Democratic debate in July. All the questions are viewable online and we're not saying which ones may be used but just giving you a taste of what we're getting.
(UNIDENTIFIED MALE): What are you going to do as president to ensure diversity in your administration?
LEVS: There are unique spins on expected subjects like Iraq, taxes and the national debt. Somewhat specifics. There are serious subjects that don't often make the headlines.
(UNIDENTIFIED MALE): What about black crime.
LEVS: And questions all about character.
(UNIDENTIFIED MALE): What is your one greatest strength and your one greatest weakness?
LEVS: Getting candidates to admit weaknesses. Good luck. Maybe he's with this guy who wants to lull the candidates into some form of hypnosis though there are plenty of characters to keep them on their toes.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LEVS: We're getting a lot of fun ones like that and I want to let you know it is really easy, you have until midnight tonight. Here is all you need to do if you would like to submit your own questions. Go to CNN.com click on politics and it will take you to the Webpage. The Webpage explains everything. It takes just a minute to submit a question. It will take you through step by step and it will also give you hints on what kinds of questions we're looking for. Now that we have talked about it here I am expecting about 500 to a 1,000 more by midnight. What do you think?
HOLMES: The last fun was, was that a bald and black Elvis that we just saw?
LEVS: Along the way they stick in a four-second question and then it's a 30-second skit they put on.
HOLMES: Do we have any idea the questions that are going to be on yet? Who is picking these questions?
LEVS: There's a secret group of CNNers that are meeting up in New York. I tried to break in. I put a suction cup against the door and they won't tell me. We don't get to find out until the moment itself. The ones I'm choosing to show you may not actually be there. We're taking a look at everything we get through midnight. Everything that comes in by midnight tonight will be considered and the final decision will be on Wednesday.
NGUYEN: So there's still time. You need to fire up that computer and get those in. Thank you.
HOLMES: Josh we appreciate you.
We have some sad news to tell you here, we are getting today from a 69-year-old India Congresswoman Julia Carson she is a Democrat first elected to the House in 1996. She took a leave of absence in September to be treated for a leg infection. But doctors found something else and today's "Indianapolis Star" Carson reports that her lung cancer that went into remission years ago is back with "a terminal vengeance." So our hearts go out to her as she deals with this. Sad news we wanted to pass along this morning.
NGUYEN: Also want to tell you about this, a preacher is altering his message. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(UNIDENTIFIED MALE): Holding your partner's name, amen, I'm happy for you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: Changing his mind about gay rights. That's in today's "Faces of Faith."
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SCHNEIDER: Good morning, everyone. I'm CNN Meteorologist Bonnie Schneider. Many of you will be traveling today and if you're heading to Texas, watch out for snow. More snow for west Texas. That was the story in New Mexico yesterday. We have pictures of snow that fell in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It made for some pretty pictures but for those that have to travel, it's a slowdown on the road. Take it very slowly if your driving, look at that a wreck right there. That will hold true today for Texas and parts of Oklahoma but mostly the system is now moving in warmer air so we'll see more rain with it.
However, early this morning if you're on the road in West Virginia heading into Virginia we're getting a wintry mix. All rain in Richmond and toward Petersburg but we see a little bit of that ice over in bridges and overpasses as we go through the day. Temperatures will be chilly, mainly in the 40s across the country for those of you that are heading out. We are going to have a lot more on your weather forecast plus a check of the Malibu fires coming up.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: Take a look at this new video coming into CNN. Man this fire is burning out of control in Malibu, California. It has covered acreage as well, some 4,600 acres have been destroyed so far, and 49 homes have burned to the ground. It is only 25 percent contained at this hour. I'll tell you this, people have fled their homes. In fact, 10,000 of them have been forced from their homes. We'll continue to follow this story throughout the day as we watch the wildfires burn in California. Hopefully firefighters can get a bit of an upper hand on it throughout the day and we'll be here watching it for you with developments.
HOLMES: Totally different kind of anniversary here than it should have been. This would have been his wedding anniversary today. Instead it's the one-year anniversary of his death in a police shooting.
NGUYEN: An overnight vigil just wrapping up this morning for Sean Bell. The groom to be was killed in barrage of bullets, it happened as he was leaving his bachelor party. Friends and relatives say the vigil is a call for justice.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LES PAULTRE, BELL'S FIANCEE'S FATHER: We're not looking for a great celebration because this is not a celebration. OK. This is a tragedy of a young man that has lost his life that was trying to do the best -- was raised by a beautiful family, the Bells, OK. We're not looking for people. It doesn't matter.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: Three officers face charges in the Bell shooting.
HOLMES: Well her tragic story shed light on the problem of cyber bullying and last night friends and family lit candles in remembrance of Megan Myer, she is a 13 year old Missouri girl who committed suicide after receiving cruel messages online. Those messages according to police reports came from a mother who just lived down the block who posed as a 16-year-old boy to send those messages to Megan.
NGUYEN: The FBI is joining the search for the wife of an Illinois police sergeant, Stacy Peterson; you can see her picture there. She's been missing for almost a month now. Right now police say her husband, Drew, is a suspect. Her disappearance -- since those disappearance authorities have begun questioning the death of Peterson's third wife. Peterson denies involvement in both cases and says Stacy ran off with another man.
HOLMES: Authorities now holding a third suspect in the disappearance of Natalee Holloway. You remember this story; it's been two years that we've been talking about this since she's been missing.
NGUYEN: Well Joran Van Der Sloot was arrested in the Netherlands and flown back to the Dutch Island yesterday. Prosecutors say they have new evidence linking Van Der Sloot and two of his friends to Holloway's 2005 disappearance. Van Der Sloot is scheduled for hearing tomorrow.
HOLMES: Lights, action. Negotiate. Contract talks resume today in the Broadway strike. Stagehands and producers are at odds over labor quotas. Holidays are usually a pretty lucrative time for Broadway. But the strike is starting to eat into those profits right about now.
NGUYEN: And have this sad news to tell you about. The sister of former President John F. Kennedy is hospitalized in Boston. Hospital officials say Eunice Kennedy Shriver is in fair condition but they're not giving out other details. Shriver is well known for her work with children and Special Olympics. A family spokesman says Shriver has suffered a lot of health challenges recently.
HOLMES: Well got another beef recall telling you about this morning. American Foods group in Wisconsin recalling 96,000 pounds of bulk beef. That's repackaged at grocery stores at the meat department. Two people have gotten sick so far from e. Coli bacteria. The bulk beef was sold to distributors in seven states. Some of the meat may be past the sell by date.
NGUYEN: All right. As we head into campaign season, it is really pretty much fired up half way there. How well do you know Senator John McCain? He's our focus in today's close up with the presidential candidates.
HOLMES: Also is Florida in the middle of a family feud. We're live at St. Petersburg, just days away from Wednesday's Republican YouTube debate.
NGUYEN: Also, if you had to evacuate your home, what would you take? See how California residents are tackling that question.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HOLMES: Hey there everybody. Welcome back, I'm T.J. Holmes.
NGUYEN: Yes good morning, I'm Betty Nguyen.
Right now in California firefighters are making some progress on that massive wildfire in Malibu. Here are important numbers that you need to know. At least 49 homes are destroyed, 4,600 acres have burned, and thousands under evacuation orders. Some are now being allowed to go home. CNN's Chris Lawrence has more from Malibu.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHRIS LAWRENCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Families were sound asleep when thick black clouds started blowing into their homes.
CAROL LANG, MALIBU EVACUEE: We smelled smoke; it woke us up about at quarter to 5 this morning.
(UNIDENTIFIED MALE): We could see flames.
LAWRENCE: Carol and Mickey Lang grabbed their dog remembering how they survived a fire here ten years ago.
C. LANG: You panic a little bit, but you just walk around and figure out what really matters to you and take it.
LAWRENCE: In just eight hours the fire scorched well over 2,000 acres. It destroyed 10 homes. Then 20, 30, and more would continue to burn. Winds gusted up to 60 miles per hour and brought a plane, helicopters and thousands of firefighters onto the front lines.
Earlier this year in Malibu, a fire burned at least five homes, including one that belonged to actress Suzanne Somers. In October, a massive blaze burned for days and destroyed another six homes and a church.
LANCE ANDERSON, MALIBU EVACUEE Yes, last month's fire was kind of a wake-up call.
LAWRENCE: Lance and Jean Anderson got caught off guard last time and couldn't grab what they needed. So Lance bought a trailer and identified everything they couldn't afford to lose.
ANDERSON: We had a list, yes. We just went down the list and started grabbing stuff.
LAWRENCE: A few years ago the couple even built a swimming pool just to have a reservoir of water near their home.
JEAN ANDERSON, MALIBU EVACUEE: But that's -- that's what a lot of people do. Down in the canyon we have signs that people have pools.
LAWRENCE (on camera): And we've seen those helicopters flying low enough to scoop the water right out of those swimming pools and dump it on the fire nearby.
Chris Lawrence, CNN, Malibu.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HOLMES: And we certainly have been getting a unique perspective of the Malibu fires thanks to the viewers out there sending in those I-Reports. Nancy Jackson says she could see and smell smoke in Pacific Palisades 10 minutes there from Malibu. And yes, you could certainly see it and I imagine you could smell it if you had this perspective.
NGUYEN: No doubt.
Here's a great picture to show you. You can see one of the fire- fighting planes picking up water. More than 20 planes and helicopters have been used so far. And here is that same plane headed to the fire with a full load.
We do appreciate these pictures from our I-Reporters. You'll want to keep them coming, but always, always be safe in doing so.
Meteorologist Bonnie Schneider is in for Reynolds today. She is tracking the weather conditions in southern California.
(WEATHER REPORT)
NGUYEN: All right. So you're still not sure who to back in this presidential race? Well, try this. Go to vajoe.com and click on the candidate calculator. Filling it out should you match up with your ideal candidate.
HOLMES: Yes. Let's say, for example, that you do not support gun background checks, you also do not support the U.S. detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. However, you do favor building a border fence with Mexico, you also support the Iraq war, and you want to see the country adopt the fair tax.
So, according to this calculator, your ideal candidate would be Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
JOHN MCCAIN (R-AZ), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I would very much like to be president of the United States.
HOLMES (voice over): It is John McCain's mission. He's gone from the maverick in the 2000 presidential election to the mainstream for 2008. For those of you just tuning in, here's a brief history.
McCain graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, deployed during the Cuban Missile Crisis, served in Vietnam. Plane shot town. He ejected and spent five and a half years as prisoner of war in the infamous Hanoi Hilton. During a recent debate McCain reminded voters he didn't participate in the Woodstock music and art fair.
MCCAIN: I wasn't there. I'm sure it was a cultural and pharmaceutical event. I was tied up at the time.
HOLMES: After retiring from the Navy in 1981, McCain was elected to the House of Representatives, then to the Senate. On the issues, he opposes abortion rights and the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts, although he then voted to extend those cuts until 2010. McCain supports legal definition of marriage between a man and woman, as well as legal benefits for same-sex partners. He cosponsored the Bush- backed immigration reform and supports the Iraq war.
MCCAIN: I'm not the youngest candidate, but I am the most experienced.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HOLMES: Well, another candidate profile still ahead. Next hour, we're going to take a closer look at Democratic Representative Dennis Kucinich of Ohio.
NGUYEN: I like that we're doing this. It gives you another perspective as people are making their choices out there.
You know, the next round of CNN/YouTube debates is Wednesday in Florida. This time it's the Republicans' turn. The debate promises to be a memorable event as voters like yourself pose questions directly to the candidates by way of YouTube.
As far as we know, Florida -- definitely know this -- has made its mark on presidential politics.
HOLMES: Oh. What do you mean, Betty?
NGUYEN: Can you say hanging chad?
HOLMES: Well, right now, campaigning in the Sunshine State is pretty lopsided. And CNN Deputy Political Director Paul Steinhauser in St. Petersburg to explain what's happening there.
Sir, good morning to you.
PAUL STEINHAUSER, CNN DEP. POLITICAL DIRECTOR: Hey, good morning, T.J.
Well, as you guys remember -- you were just saying that -- in 2000 it all came down to Florida in that election between George W. Bush and Al Gore. And you know, this November coming up, next November 2008, if it happens again, if it comes down to Florida, will the Democrats be at a disadvantage because of a family feud right here in the Sunshine State?
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MITT ROMNEY (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Florida is going to be a critical state.
RUDY GIULIANI (R), PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Whenever I come to Florida, I feel like I'm at home.
STEINHAUSER: The Republican White House hopefuls are crisscrossing Florida, but their Democratic rivals are nowhere to be seen in the Sunshine State. All but one of them even skipped last month's Democratic state party convention. So what's going on?
Florida moved its primary date up to January 29th, and they did it without permission from the national party, which then stripped Florida of all its delegates at the national convention next summer. Most of the candidates, including Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards, agreed to not actively campaign here.
A new poll suggests this inter-party fight could hurt the Democrats in a state they need to win to retake the White House. But a Democratic congressman from Florida says that's not a concern.
REP. ALCEE HASTINGS (D), FLORIDA: One thing about Democrats is we're a lot like families that have disputes. But when the deal goes down, we are together.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
STEINHAUSER: T.J., Democratic strategists tell us that, come November, next November, this is all going to be just a memory. This squabble is going to be all forgotten, and not to worry that Florida is safe.
Now on the Republican side, the Republican national party has also penalized Republicans here in Florida. They say they're not going to see half of their delegates at their convention next summer. But that is not stopping the Republicans from coming here. They're campaigning here, and of course we've got this big debate Wednesday night, right here in St. Petersburg.
HOLMES: And yes, that's why you're there. But Paul, remind folks how this debate is a bit different. Made some history with the first one, we did with the Democrats. So remind people how this thing is going to go.
STEINHAUSER: Oh, it's very different. And you know why? Because the questions, they don't come from you, T.J. They don't come from me. They don't come from the experts. They come from the people. And maybe they are the real experts.
Anybody can ask a question. It's as easy as that. You go to CNN.com, you go to youtube.com, and you submit a question. And it could be picked for the debate. And the candidates, they may have to -- they'll have answer these questions. And Anderson Cooper, he'll keep them honest and make sure they answer those questions.
And maybe sometimes these questions are a little more heartfelt since they're from real people and not from us. We'll see Wednesday night, won't we?
NGUYEN: Yes, we will.
HOLMES: Well, our questions are heartfelt, too.
NGUYEN: Yes, always. What are you talking about, Paul?
(LAUGHTER)
NGUYEN: Just as that was a real laugh, right.
HOLMES: All right.
NGUYEN: Nothing fake about this.
Thanks, Paul.
HOLMES: Paul, we'll see you, buddy. Have a good time there in Florida.
STEINHAUSER: You got it, guys.
NGUYEN: OK. Well, it is time for you to speak your mind. And this reminder about Wednesday's Republican debate. You can get in on the questioning. Just go to CNN.com/youtubedebates and post your questions for the candidates. You have until midnight tonight, so the clock is ticking.
Get them in. Your voice will be heard only on CNN, your home for politics.
HOLMES: All right. Listen to this now. An illegal immigrant does the right thing to help a 9-year-old boy. Now he's being hailed as a hero, but he's also headed back home.
NGUYEN: The immigration debate heats up in Arizona. It is a war of words that is tearing one town apart.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(NEWSBREAK)
NGUYEN: All right. Without a doubt, illegal immigration is one of the hot-button issues of this presidential election.
HOLMES: Yes. And one flash point of the debate is outside a furniture store in Phoenix, with tempers flaring on both sides.
Rebecca Taylor with affiliate KTVK was there.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
REBECCA TAYLOR, REPORTER, KTVK (voice over): American flags waving, anti-illegal immigration protesters line the streets outside Pruitt's furniture store.
CLYDE O'BRIANT, MINUTEMEN MEMBER: I have no sympathy for people that come here illegally.
TAYLOR: Clyde O'Briant belongs to a group called the Minutemen. He's here to protest administration advocates who picket outside the business weekly deterring shoppers. Those advocates are angry that Pruitt's owner enlisted the help of sheriff's deputies to shoo away day laborers.
Bob Wright calls their efforts economic terrorism.
BOB WRIGHT, PATRIOTS BORDER ALLIANCE: And they are trying to punish this man economically because he wants his government to work the way government is supposed to work.
TAYLOR: This was the scene yesterday as human rights activities demonstrated on Black Friday. Pruitt's owner Roger Sensing told our Mike Watkis (ph) as a result he stands to lose $600,000 in profits this holiday season.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Why are they angry at you?
ROGER SENSING, PRUITT'S FURNITURE STORE OWNER: Because we don't let them use our property to solicit work.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: It's intimidating for females to come into the area and it's just -- just kind of not functional for a business to operate in.
TAYLOR: To make sure their anti-illegal immigration message gets across, Minutemen spread across two blocks from Pruitt's to Wal-Mart hoping to scare away day laborers. For some passersby, emotions ran high.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, I'm Spanish, bilingual. Because, you know what? I'm proud of it. Bilingual (INAUDIBLE). You are racist, my man. Believe in God.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You're the one who came up and said "Chicano power," aren't you?
TAYLOR: It's a debate that is far from finished.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NGUYEN: Yes, to say the least.
HOLMES: Yes, a long way.
NGUYEN: And you know Lou Dobbs will be taking up this issue as well.
(NEWSBREAK)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HOLMES: In our "Faces of Faith" today, a minister's conversion from condemning gays and lesbians to embracing them.
NGUYEN: All right. So what's the reason for this new message of tolerance? And how has the congregation responded to it?
We have that story now from CNN's Dan Lothian.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
DAN LOTHIAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): When Reverend Dennis Meredith steps onto the pulpit, it's hard for people in the pews to fall asleep.
REV. DENNIS MEREDITH, TABERNACLE BAPTIST CHURCH: Help me somebody. Can I get real real in here?
LOTHIAN: Nothing is subtle at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Atlanta. Not the music and definitely not the message.
If you can come down here holding your partner's hand and join church (ph), amen. I'm happy for you.
And I think that Jesus says whosoever will, let him come.
LOTHIAN (on camera): What's the makeup of your congregation?
MEREDITH: Currently, I would say it's probably 85 percent gay/lesbian.
LOTHIAN (voice over): Tolerance and the acceptance of gays end up in his sermons like a broken record.
(on camera): You were hitting it all the time.
MEREDITH: Oh, yes. I mean, I think -- I believe people learn by repetition.
LOTHIAN: It wasn't always that way at Tabernacle Baptist Church. In fact, Reverend Meredith used to condemn homosexuality from that pulpit.
(voice over): His old message?
MEREDITH: That homosexuality was wrong and that it was a sin, and that you need to change your lifestyle.
LOTHIAN: And that was just fine with his then mostly heterosexual congregation.
DEMARCUS HILL, FMR. PARISHIONER: You don't accept a person just as they are and allow them to remain the same.
LOTHIAN: Or do you? A few gays in the pews thought so when they protested to the preacher in private.
MEREDITH: I was put in touch with the feelings of the pew. You know, what a person felt like when you say that.
Amen.
LOTHIAN: The fiery minister who had never backed down was about to change his anti-gay rhetoric. The tipping point was a personal secret.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HOLMES: So exactly what was that secret? Part two of Dan Lothian's report next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: A minister's new message preaching tolerance of gays and lesbians, well, it started with, get this, a family secret.
HOLMES: And here now, part two of Dan Lothian's report in today's "Faces of Faith."
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
MEREDITH: Who I'm not happy for is those of you who are still hiding in the closet and your friend is on the other side of the church and you know it.
LOTHIAN (voice over): Reverend Dennis Meredith hasn't always been this outspoken about the acceptance of gays and lesbians.
MEREDITH: If the lord has set you free, you ought to be free indeed.
LOTHIAN: He used to call it a sin. What he didn't know was how much those words were hurting someone he loved.
Michael Meredith, the minister's son, was living with a secret.
MICHAEL MEREDITH, TABERNACLE BAPTIST CHURCH: Well, I was aware as long as I can remember that I had an attraction towards men.
LOTHIAN: But he kept his secret locked in the closet until his 21st birthday.
D. MEREDITH: He called us into his bedroom and said, "Dad and Mom, I just want to tell you all that I'm gay."
LOTHIAN (on camera): How did it make you feel after you were able to come out to your father?
M. MEREDITH: You know what? I felt like a new person. I felt like I had been hiding who I was.
LOTHIAN (voice over): It was disturbing news to his mother, but his father had a change of heart. He says he gave his son a warm embrace and began riding in a new direction.
Just as daring off the pulpit, on his bright yellow Harley, Reverend Meredith put his new message of tolerance and acceptance into overdrive. Some church leaders tried to put on the brakes. To make matters worse, many members like Demarcus Hill began to leave.
HILL: I did not want to follow in the way of a man that I felt may lead into destruction.
D. MEREDITH: There was pressure because money was walking out of here. And you have got to have money to run this thing.
LOTHIAN: His outside speaking engagements dried up, too.
(on camera): You become toxic?
D. MEREDITH: I used to preach all over the country. But I don't get those invitations no more.
LOTHIAN (voice over): After struggling for a few years to keep his church afloat, new faces started filling the pews. Many of them gays and lesbians.
Michael is now the music director. Another son, Taylor, who is not gay, is also involved in the ministry.
TAYLOR MEREDITH, TABERNACLE BAPTIST CHURCH: It's ultimately about diversity and appreciating God's diversity and what -- you know, every -- all of the differences in the world.
LOTHIAN: But Tabernacle Baptist Church is fighting tradition and a deep belief by some that this warm embrace of homosexuality is wrong.
Dan Lothian, CNN, Atlanta.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NGUYEN: From the CNN Center, this is CNN. It's Sunday morning. It is November 25th.
Good morning, everybody. Thanks for joining us.
I'm Betty Nguyen.
HOLMES: And I'm T.J. Holmes.
Thank you so much for being here.
We will start in southern California. My goodness. Thousands of people there forced to evacuate from their homes. Unfortunately, some won't have a home left when they return.
We are live on the front lines of yet another wildfire in southern California.
NGUYEN: We watched many of those homes burn to the ground yesterday.
We're also following this -- a rescue this morning, 159 workers trapped on a burning oil platform in the North Sea. We've got the details and we're going to bring you that video just as soon as we get it.
But first, we are watching those wildfires. An emergency in Malibu, California, right now.
HOLMES: Yes. The governor there, Schwarzenegger, has put a state of emergency back into effect. It was first put in place during the wildfires last month.
We've got a map here that shows you just what happened in Malibu. The fire started up in the mountains and was quickly whipped downhill by those Santa Ana winds. But how it started is still in question.
NGUYEN: Let's take you live now to our Kara Finnstrom in Malibu. She's been following these fires ever since they started yesterday. What's the situation with containment? We had heard earlier about 25 percent. Do you think they will get a handle on more of it today?
FINNSTROM: That's certainly the hope Betty and fire investigators yesterday said that they really felt they made significant headway. You can see though just behind on the ridges and these canyons, this fire is continuing to burn this morning and as we headed out here and up the canyon this morning, sheriff's officials told us that some of the winds have picked up overnight and did cause some significant flare-ups.
Now in addition to battling these flames, the investigation as to the cause of this fire is now underway. And late yesterday CNN was able to get some exclusive videotape of fire investigators converging on the scene where they say this fire started at the top of a dirt road. They went in and have begun their fire investigation. We know they believe this was caused by some type of human activity, but they say it's just not clear at this point whether it was accidental or intentional.
Now 4500 acres have been charred at this point. That makes us about the same size as the fire that burned in the Malibu area just last month. Fire investigators as you mentioned Betty say that they have 25 percent containment, but the fire chief is now saying that he hopes if these conditions persist with the winds at the level they are, they could double that number by later today.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
CHIEF MICHAEL FREEMAN, LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE DEPT: Given the weather conditions and the winds subsiding, that's reason for optimism and the amount of fuel that has been consumed, that's reason for optimism. The number of personnel we have here and the plans we have to continue to operate our aircraft through the night as needed and is appropriate, those are all reasons for optimism.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
FINNSTROM: One of the other big differences with this fire over last month's fire is this is the only big fire burning right now. Last month we had several fires burping across the state at the same time. So just a ton of resources have been brought in to really try and get this blaze under control. Betty.
NGUYEN: The good news is no one has been seriously injured in these fires. As we remember, the last one a month ago killed 14 people. So best of luck to them today, we will be watching it. Thank you Kara.
HOLMES: Well you out there are helping us tell this story with your I report. Check them out. You can see the fire rising up in the distance there. A heck of a shot. They give unique perspectives. Pictures were actually taken from a balcony about 40 miles away from Malibu, shot over the Santa Monica Bay. If you have a video you want to share with us, go to CNN.com and click on I report. We do appreciate it.
NGUYEN: Well we do want to get the latest on the weather conditions in southern California. And for that we go to meteorologist Bonnie Schneider, she is filling in for Reynolds today. And Bonnie really the eye is on those winds and how those Santa Ana winds are going to be hopefully be slowing down sometime today.
SCHNEIDER: Right now we don't have any wind advisories, but we have seen some fluctuations in the winds. For example in Malibu Hills I just saw a wind gust climb to 20 miles per hour. A lot less than yesterday, but it's interesting because the winds were only gusting to 13 just an hour ago. We are looking at the potential for the winds to pick up a slight bit. Not like yesterday, but they are still coming from the northeast or the east in this case. About 10 to 15 miles per hour with gusts slightly higher and down towards San Diego, the winds are picking up a little bit. It's a better picture than what we have seen yesterday.
Taking a look at the satellite and radar, we only have rain in northern California. No rain down to the south. As we take a look at what has been going on. We watched high pressure build in early on Friday and into Saturday with the offshore flow. The current forecast for fire danger is more limited then it was yesterday. Yesterday extended into the Arizona border. We are still looking at it for southern California but notice the gusts on the high side will only climb to 30 miles an hour. Relative humidity is the reason why we have red flag warnings in effect. Some of them will continue as late as 6:00 p.m. tonight Pacific Standard Time.
We will be looking for the winds to die down towards the afternoon hours and conditions will stay dry. That's why we have that red flag warning in effect. Looking ahead to the Los Angeles forecast, you can see the winds start to become more southerly and more easterly. That's later today and temperatures actually cool down later in the week. Another thing to note is around October, the temperatures climbed to 90. Today the high will be 70. Not as hot at all.
NGUYEN: That is good news. Thank you. We do appreciate it Bonnie.
Well millions of you are on the move this morning. The Sunday after Thanksgiving, at least one of the busiest travel days of the year.
HOLMES: And about 2.5 million people expected to pass through the nation's airports today. Our Kathleen Koch, did I hear a baby in the background?
NGUYEN: That is what I heard.
HOLMES: Did I hear a baby crying in the background there Kathleen?
KOCH: Well there a good number of travelers, but I'm not sure where the baby is coming from. We have seen the steady stream flowing through the airport here, but no lines at the ticket counters. Starting to grow a little bit as you go through security and at this point relatively few lines in the skies of the 150 flights on the board here at Reagan National. There only three delays.
The federal government took an unusual step last week to really help ensure that we wouldn't have serious delays over the holidays. What they did was they opened up a couple of military air quarters over the east coast just for the holidays. Airlines say they have been running about 10 to 15 flights an hour through the corridors. Also the FAA eliminated all nonessential maintenance to further avoid any slow downs. The question is, is it that that made a difference? With us today is someone who might know the answer that. Paul Rinaldi is an executive vice president of the National Air Traffic Controller's Association. Paul from an air traffic controller's point of view, what made the difference?
PAUL RINALDI, NATL AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS ASSOC: With opening up the military airspace is putting a band-aid on a system that has problems. So it really didn't make a big difference.
KOCH: Well it has made a difference because again we haven't seen massive delays as we have in past years and certainly last Christmas.
RINALDI: Well the weather does play a big role with delays and the FAA brought in mandatory overtime for the senior controllers to make sure all positions were open. They did that for one day. We are at a 15-year low of fully trained controllers. It's only getting worse with about three controllers retiring per day.
KOCH: So when they talk about adding two additional highways in the skies basically to the 12 that already run north and south on the east coast, this will make a difference. You say that it really doesn't help?
RINALDI: Well giving, we are at 33 percent less controllers in the New York are right now, certified controllers making us work more airspace and more airplanes on a system that is stretched so thin is not a good plan.
KOCH: We are hearing from the pilots too is that you know also need even if you get the planes quickly from point a to point b, they have to land we don't have enough run ways, we don't have enough gates.
RINALDI: That is right. You have to realize where the delay is coming from, is the delay coming from the congestion in the airspace or is it coming from the congestion at the airport? The congestion at the airport, all you are doing is now taking your ground delay as an airborne delay when fuel is about $100 a barrel.
KOCH: Paul Rinaldi, National Air Traffic Controllers Association. Thanks for joining us. We will be at the airport all day T.J. keeping an eye on the delays. I would expect as the day goes on will certainly grow.
Back to you.
HOLMES: We are expecting that. Did you hear the baby back there? We don't know where the child is.
NGUYEN: Hopefully not around here. Babies on the loose.
HOLMES: Kathleen we appreciate it.
A sad story here now. This should have been a guy to celebrating his wedding anniversary. It is the one year anniversary of another kind. They are celebrating his death in the police shooting.
NGUYEN: An overnight vigil just wrapping up this morning for Shawn Bell. The groom to be was killed in barrage of gunfire it happened as he was leaving his bachelor party. Friends and relatives say the vigil is a call for justice.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LES PAULTRE, BELL'S FIANCEE'S FATHER: We are not looking for a great celebration. This is not a celebration. This is a tragedy. It's a young man who lost his life that was trying to do the best; he was raised by a beautiful family, the Bell's. They were not looking for a ton of people. It doesn't matter.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: Three officers face charges in the Bell shooting.
Well a rescue operation is underway in the middle of the North Sea which is about 120 miles northeast of the Scottish coast. A team of helicopters are fighting strong winds trying to reach 159 people stranded on a burning oil platform. So far the Associated Press is reporting more than half of them have been picked up and dropped on other oil platforms in the area. No injuries are reported, but we will keep you updated throughout the morning.
HOLMES: Your mind is still on turkey and those leftovers you will be eating for awhile, but when it comes time to revert back to beef, there is another recall we need to you about. The American Food Group recalling 96,000 pounds of bulk beef, bulk beef is repackaged at the grocery store into the shrink wrap packs you see in the meat department. Two people have gotten sick so far possibly from e coli bacteria. The bulk beef was sold to stores and distributors in seven states and some of the meat may already be past the sell by date.
NGUYEN: Well here is something that is difficult, trying to keep track of everybody who is running for president. There so many in the field. Not easy. Today we are going to get to know Dennis Kucinich in our close up.
HOLMES: Also, we are talking about tricked out trucks that are good for the environment.
NGUYEN: My hybrid.
HOLMES: Yes Betty we will talk about pimping a hybrid these days. Stay here.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
HOLMES: Well if you are confused about who to pick in the presidential race, we have a way to figure this thing out. VA joe.com and click on the candidate calculator and they should match you up with your ideal candidate.
NGUYEN: Yes, here is how it works. For example say you want to use or you want the U.S. to sign the Kyoto Treaty to reduce green house gasses but you are opposed to a border fence with Mexico, yet you approve of same-sex marriage and privatizing Social Security, but against the fair tax. This is where you stand. HOLMES: According to the calculator, your guy is Democratic Congressman Dennis Kucinich.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DENNIS KUCINICH, (D) PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: You know what CNN did; they didn't put anybody to the left of me.
(UNIDENTIFIED MALE): It's impossible to find anybody.
KUCINICH: You know what --
HOLMES (voice over): You can call Kucinich the Don Quixote of American politics and clashing with the White House over the war in Iraq, the calling for the impeachment of Vice President Cheney. The Ohio representative has never shied away.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KUCINICH: It is time that the Democrats stood up to this president and told him not another dime for this war. Stand up. Where are you Democrats? Stand up to this president.
HOLMES: Kucinich opposed the war in Iraq from the start, voting against the use of military force in 2002 and he ran an anti war campaign for president in 2004 that garnered grass roots support even placing him second in his primary. The Ohio representative was born and raised in Cleveland where Kucinich's family struggled to make ends meet in 1977; he was elected mayor but served only one term after a bitter battle to privatize the city-owned electric company. Years later in 1996, Kucinich went to Washington as a congressman. Domestically he supports abortion rights and gay marriage and he is also in favor of granting legal status to illegal immigrants with long standing ties to the U.S.
T.J. Holmes, CNN, Atlanta.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: Thanks, T.J.
HOLMES: Next hour, CNN senior political analyst Bill Schneider will joins fro St. Petersburg with a pre-game look at Wednesday's night Republican debate.
NGUYEN: And you have until midnight tonight to get your questions in. All you have to do is go to CNN.com/you tube debates and post your questions for the Republican presidential candidates.
HOLMES: And be sure to stay tuned Wednesday, November 28, when your voice will be heard on CNN. We are your home for politics.
NGUYEN: Well politicians on a mission to Iraq. Arizona Senator and Republican presidential candidate John McCain visiting U.S. and Iraqi military leaders in Kirkuk. The visit was part of a fact-finding mission by U.S. delegation, now you can see Senator McCain here in the dark helmet.
HOLMES: The delegation toured the Kirkuk police academy and got a briefing on Iraqi police training. McCain and the other Senators also visited Baghdad as well as Anbar Province.
NGUYEN: Let's take it over to Josh Levs; he is here with a look at what CNN viewers are clicking on. This is going to be a good one. Good morning Josh.
LEVS: Good morning to you guys. You know what there are new twists in the case of a Saudi rape victim who has been sentenced to some jail time and also to 200 lashes. That is firing up dot-com today. Also people are taking a look at our story about why official reaction in the U.S. and Britain has been so muted. I will tell you all about that. Just a few minutes away. T.J.
NGUYEN: Told you it was good topics.
HOLMES: Josh appreciate it. And "House Call" with Dr. Sanjay Gupta begins in about 10 minutes. This week Dr. Gupta has a story of a man predicting his health by mapping his DNA and also has tips for beating stress. This is going to be the most watched "House Call" ever. We can all use that. That's at 8:30 Eastern.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
SCHNEIDER: Good morning, everyone. I'm CNN meteorologist Bonnie Schneider. It will be a busy travel day. There is one airport delay and that is in Atlanta, Georgia. We are looking at the flight explorer now and it shows you that most of the congestion is happening in the eastern half of the country. These are the planes that are in the sky right now. The west coast is starting to wake up. You will see more planes on the west coast half of the county as we go through. Let's look at the switcher and you can see that we've got one airport delay and a ground stop until 9:30 for Atlanta, Georgia, that is the only delay right now but it's still early. We are likely to get a lot more as we go through the afternoon and we will keep you up to date here on CNN. We will have more of CNN SUNDAY MORNING right after this.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: Some quick hits this morning, the FBI is joining the search for the wife of an Illinois police sergeant. Stacy Peterson has been missing for almost a month.
HOLMES: And right now police say her husband Drew is a suspect since her disappearance authorities have begun questioning the death of Peterson's third wife. He denies involvement in either of those cases; he said Stacey his current wife ran off with another man.
NGUYEN: The sister of former President John F. Kennedy is hospitalized in Boston. Hospital officials say Eunice Kennedy-Shriver is in fair condition. But they are not giving any other details. Shriver is well-known for her work with children and the Special Olympics. A family spokesperson said Shriver has suffered a lot of health challenges recently. HOLMES: And Malaysia leaves at least 10,000 ethnic Indians take to the streets to complain of discrimination by the Muslim-dominated government. The police hit back with water cannons and tear gas, so far no reports of injuries. This is the largest demonstration the Indians have staged in more than a decade.
NGUYEN: Well CNN.com is hoping as usual this morning that you will be clicking on the Web site. A lot of people have been.
HOLMES: Of course, even this early in the morning. Josh Levs clicking on CNN.com as well. Good morning to you, sir. What are people into this morning?
LEVS: Good morning to you guys. They are already there, we are getting big numbers this morning and one of the most popular stories, the number one most popular is the latest twist in the case of the Saudi rape victim. I will remind you of the basics here. She and a man she knew were together victims of a gang rape. She and he have been sentenced to time in prison and she has gotten 200 lashes for apparently challenging and having a lawyer speak to the media.
The government has come forward with more of its side of the story and we trace you through some of that and show you the questions about what they are saying.
We have a video story that people are taking a look at and which we show how official reaction in the United States and Britain has been muted. While you are hearing Democratic candidates and opposition figures in Britain talk about this a lot, leaders not so much.
Also it's Sunday morning and I want to give you something lighter. I'm going to show now the number one video on dot-com this morning which is a ring tone and you have to hear what it says.
If you can hear that, it's the number one ring tone in Spain. That is the king telling Hugo Chavez to shut up. It's being set to music and they are saying that it's the most popular ring tone they have seen in years. The entire country, people are getting it here too guys.
HOLMES: Wow.
LEVS: You can get it if you want it.
NGUYEN: Yes, I mean or you can just pick up the phone and say it yourself. That's what I do when you call.
LEVS: Yes, I was just thinking that though.
NGUYEN: Thanks Josh. We do appreciate you each and every weekend.
HOLMES: An awesome ride that's environmentally friendly. Is this possible? A lot of the hybrids and environmentally friendly car are known as being sweet-looking rides. We have a tricked out right to show you. NGUYEN: And if you have money to burn which neither of us do, but if you do perhaps a Mercedes covered in diamonds is your speed.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: All right. We are talking tricked out hybrids today.
HOLMES: That doesn't sound right. Turning a gas guzzler into a fuel saver and riding off in style. CNN Sean Callebs has the story.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SEAN CALLEBS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Automotive whiz kid Jonathan Goodwin is out to prove muscle cars can do this and also dramatically improve their miles per gallon and ratchet back toxic emissions.
JONATHAN GOODWIN, BIODIESEL MECHANIC: What's wrong with having a cool, efficient vehicle? You don't have to trade something off is the whole concept here.
CALLEBS: This truly is a gear head going green. From his shop in Wichita, Kansas, it's about engine conversion. Paverts escalates really any big vehicle. The first thing that goes is the gasoline- guzzling engine.
GOODWIN: It's the transformation of what I call old technology to new technology. That's where you are getting your gain.
CALLEBS: In goes a diesel engine that is much more powerful. It runs on clean bio-diesel that comes from vegetable oil, not petroleum. It takes this Escalade from 400 horse power to 1,000 horse power and doubles the fuel mileage to about 25 miles per gallon.
GOODWIN: The big problem with a performance diesel motor is when people step on the gas; it has a black smoke train. With biodiesel, that's gone.
CALLEBS: What is the downside? Why doesn't everyone do this?
GOODWIN: its high end and not cost-effective for someone to run out and spend $4,000 to double the fuel economy, but I have no shortage of customers.
CALLEBS: California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is converting his Wagoner and this rock icon Neil Young is having his 1959 Lincoln Continental totally over hauled. It will be tricked out as an electric car with a diesel generator. He took me for a ride around Wichita for a last spin before having the engine removed.
NEIL YOUNG, MUSICIAN: A 19 foot long car, the longest ever made at its time. It will get 100 miles to the gallon instead of 10 miles to the gallon.
CALLEBS: As for Goodwin he is not looking to put car manufacturers out of business. He wants to open people's eyes to the power of green technology.
Sean Callebs, CNN, Wichita, Kansas.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: That's cool. I wish it was cost-effective. The downside to that.
Hey speaking of not being cost-effective, ever thought about a super luxury ride? Check this thing out. Covered in diamonds, ladies. It is presumably immune to scratches. Put it in a ring somewhere. How much is this?
HOLMES: You probably can't afford it, it is not for you. Of course you know Mercedes is pricy anyway. You throw diamonds on it and you can't touch it. It's a rolls there too. It's a featured item that millionaire's fair last week. We did not get our invitation.
NGUYEN: I didn't know it was such a thing as a millionaire's fair.
HOLMES: It's not for us to know. The only people there are those with very deep pockets who can afford something such as a Mercedes that is diamond-crusted.
NGUYEN: Maybe they could have just covered, I mean they could of at least extended an invitation.
HOLMES: You have to be a millionaire to cover the story.
NGUYEN: We won't be there any time soon. Here's something we can afford. A toy sure to drive every parent crazy. It's called what?
HOLMES: Puti-puti.
NGUYEN: We like to call it bubble wrap. The Japanese company that makes bubble wrap in fact came up with the idea because we all know how a lot of you love to pop those bubbles.
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