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CNN Saturday Morning News

Latest Developments in Pope Selection. U.S. Officials Work for the Release of Hostage Ake without Negotiations. Search for Missing Florida Girl Sarah Lunde Focuses on Beer Bottle. New Airspace Security System in Washington, D.C.; Accuser's Mother in Michael Jackson Trial Pleads Fifth on Fraud Charges

Aired April 16, 2005 - 07:00   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.


TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: All eyes are on this chimney as the world counts down to the start of the secret Conclave in the Vatican.
From the CNN Center in Atlanta, this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

It is April 16.

Good to put tax day in the rear view mirror. BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Oh, thank goodness.

HARRIS: Yes.

NGUYEN: I barely got it in -- Wednesday.

HARRIS: Yes, here, too.

NGUYEN: Wednesday.

HARRIS: And good morning, everyone.

I'm Tony Harris.

NGUYEN: And I'm Betty Nguyen.

7:00 a.m. in the East, 4:00 a.m. out West.

We want to thank you for being with us today.

We have a live report from the Vatican in just a moment.

But let's begin with the headlines.

Airport security screening is reportedly no better than it was before the September 11 attacks. Now, that's the findings of two government reports being released soon. One congressman says people will be shocked to see the results after all the money that's been spent on better security.

For the third weekend in a row, tens of thousands of protesters across China are taking to the streets to rally against Japan. The protests have primarily centered on Japan's approval of new history books that the Chinese say downplay its World War 2 aggression. China is also opposed to the prospect of Japan getting a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council.

And protesters are expected at the World Bank and International Monetary Fund meeting in the nation's capital today. The spring meeting is expected to focus on high oil prices, along with debt relief for poor countries.

HARRIS: And ahead this hour on CNN SATURDAY MORNING, how to keep your child from becoming another grim statistic. An expert on protecting children from sexual predators will join us with some important and timely tips for your family.

And will the steroid scandal cast a shadow over the boys of summer? CNN Sports business analyst Rick Horrow will look at the financial stats for the new baseball season.

And later, when "Stars On Ice" take off their skates, we'll take you on the road with some of the world's greatest figure skaters and then take you back stage for a peek at their, Betty, their secret rituals before each performance.

NGUYEN: Ooh.

HARRIS: You don't want to miss it.

NGUYEN: And I heard you put some skates on, too. So I'm very interested in seeing this one, Tony.

HARRIS: It's an ugly rumor, an ugly rumor.

NGUYEN: I don't think it's a rumor. You'll want to stay tuned for that.

But for the first time in 27 years, workers have put a special chimney on the top of the Vatican's Sistine Chapel. It is a prelude to Monday, when cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church begin the business of choosing a new pope.

CNN's Chris Burns joins us now live from Rome with more on this process.

All eyes will be on that chimney starting Monday -- Chris.

CHRIS BURNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Absolutely, Betty.

Over my shoulder that chimney is somewhere. That's where that smoke is going to come out -- black for no decision, white for a decision that there is a pope. And some bells ringing there inside St. Peter's when that does happen.

In the meantime right now, there is the last, the 12th and final general Congregation of the cardinals meeting in these last few days, discussing church issues. And as we speak, they're still going on and there is a press conference, as it goes into overtime, the press conference by Joaquin Navarro-Valls, who is the spokesman for the Vatican, saying a couple of points, insisting that there is a familiarity and togetherness among those cardinals there meeting, that they never talk of names, they never spoke of names.

They will be checking in, the cardinals, into the Sanctae Marthae Hotel. That is the $200 million edifice that was built by Pope John Paul II back in '96 for this very moment.

When the Congregation -- when the Conclave, that is -- begins on Monday, that is the first day that they could possibly vote. They could vote several times a day, as many as four times. And we'll be watching for that.

In the meantime, of course, lots of talk yet about candidates and even though Navarro-Valls is insisting there's familiarity and togetherness, there are reports in the Italian media among some well connected journalists that there is sniping and battling going on over the names.

Now, Joseph Ratzinger, who is the dean of the College of Cardinals, is seen still as the favorite frontrunner. But can he get the magic 77 votes that are needed out of the 115 potential voting cardinals? That is the question. He turns 78 today. He might be too old.

Who is next in line? There could be Cardinal Tettamanzi, the archbishop of Milan, who is seen as more of a moderate, less -- not the arch conservative that Ratzinger is. There's also talk of Cardinal Ruini, who is the vicar of Rome, seen as also one of those -- one of the top kingmakers, at least, even if he doesn't become pope. There's talk of Cardinal Policarpo out of Portugal, of Cardinal Schonborn also in -- from Austria.

So all those names out there. Still no telling yet what goes on.

By the way, they're installing some curtains -- I don't know if we can show you those pictures -- curtains inside some of the quarters where the meeting is going to be going on. They'll be meeting in the Sistine Chapel. Anybody's guess exactly why that's happening. It could have to do with anti-spying techniques to prevent anybody from spying on this meeting.

Back to you -- Betty.

NGUYEN: We'll just have to wait for the smoke to see how it all shakes out there.

BURNS: That's right.

Chris Burns, thank you for that -- Tony.

HARRIS: It is now five days since U.S. businessman Jeffrey Ake was abducted in Iraq. Ake appeared in a video that aired Wednesday surrounded by masked gunmen.

Live now to CNN's Ryan Chilcote in Baghdad with the very latest -- good morning, Ryan.

RYAN CHILCOTE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Tony. Well, Jeffrey Ake, that Indiana businessman, 47 years old, is also the father of four. He was abducted last Monday from a construction site just north of Baghdad, apparently a poorly guarded construction site.

Ever since then, the U.S. Embassy says it has had a 25 person strong team of individuals looking for him, trying to win his release. However, the United States government has a longstanding policy of not negotiating and not paying ransom to hostage takers.

Now, Jeffrey Ake appeared subsequent to when he was captured on video. It was shown on the Al Jazeera television network without audio. But that network reported that in that video, he calls, obviously under duress from the hostage takers holding him, for the U.S. military to pull out its troops as quickly as possible and for the U.S. government to open a dialogue with the insurgents here in Iraq.

Now, this is just the most recent, Jeffrey Ake just the most recent American hostage, one of just 17 over the last two years here in Iraq; one of just 200 foreigners to be taken hostage in this country, and just 5,000 over the last two years in a really deadly, very difficult spate of hostage takings -- Tony.

HARRIS: OK, Ryan Chilcote for us in Baghdad this morning.

Ryan, thank you.

And that brings us to our E-mail Question of the Day. The United States stands firm on its policy not to negotiate with hostage takers. Do you think that is the right approach? Let us know at wam@cnn.com. We'll be reading your e-mail throughout the morning.

NGUYEN: Now for the latest on a missing Florida girl.

The number of volunteers looking for her and the search area, that will expand today. Sarah Michelle Lunde, seen here, disappeared a week ago. Volunteers will begin combing through a 2,400-acre park. The search has so far been focused on the immediate area around the 13-year-old's home.

Searchers are being asked to look for empty beer bottles, of all things, and police say that those bottles may be linked to a convicted sex offender.

A child gone missing is a parent's worst nightmare. What can you do to keep your children safe and how can you find out if danger is lurking in your own neighborhood?

Well, here to help us find out is Nancy McBride.

She is the national safety director with the National Center for Missing and Exploiting Children.

Thanks for being with us this morning.

NANCY MCBRIDE, NATIONAL CENTER MISSING AND EXPLOITED CHILDREN: Thank you very much, Betty.

NGUYEN: Well, first of all, how can people, parents especially, get information on whether a sex offender lives in their area?

MCBRIDE: Well, we want to make it as easy as possible. And what I suggest is that they use the two letter abbreviation for their state -- for example, Fl for Florida -- and then Google or Yahoo! and put in sex offender, and that will take you to your state supported sex offender registry.

NGUYEN: OK, so when you get to that state site -- and we're putting some of this information up right now on the screen -- what kind of information will you find there?

MCBRIDE: Well, you can search by city sometimes, or search by zip code. The states are all different. In Florida, if you put a zip code in, you'll actually get all the sex offenders in that particular area. For example, when I put where I work in, I got nine sex offenders, 33403.

So you're able to identify their photos, the address where they live, the crime they committed. And in Florida, you can actually download that information and distribute it to people.

NGUYEN: So you get photos, their name, where they live and the crime?

MCBRIDE: Yes.

NGUYEN: OK. So you have a lot of background information.

So once you get this information, what should parents do with that then?

MCBRIDE: Well, they need to be aware of who's living in the community and what they're doing. And we really need the public to help us do that. And then parents and guardians can also talk to their children and alert and caution them that the person is in the neighborhood.

NGUYEN: Now, this information -- let's go back to that just briefly because, is it just from a state list or is it from a national registry?

MCBRIDE: No, we are working on a national registry and your viewers can also go to fbi.gov or ice.gov to see all the different lists of states. But right now we don't have a central registry, but that's something that is in the works.

NGUYEN: Now, that has me questioning because if you don't have a national registry and someone moves from state to state, a sex offender, how do you keep track with that person?

MCBRIDE: Right. That's what's difficult, because the sex offenders are transient. And that's why I tell people don't just go in once and look at this, do it multiple times. Do it on a regular basis because things change and shift.

NGUYEN: All right. And so the best piece of advice for parents today?

MCBRIDE: The best piece for parents is to do your due diligence, make sure you know who has access to your children and talk to your children and practice safety skills with your children.

NGUYEN: All right, Nancy McBride, the National Center for Missing and Exploiting Children.

We thank you for your information today.

MCBRIDE: Thank you.

NGUYEN: We'll have a live report from Ruskin, Florida with the very latest on the search for Sarah Lunde. That happens in the next hour of CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

HARRIS: Well, after years of allegations and accusations against Terri Schiavo's husband, the State of Florida weighs in on the way Michael Schiavo treated his wife. We'll tell you what officials had to say.

NGUYEN: The first family ponies up for the tax man just like the rest of us. Well, OK, maybe not exactly like the rest of us. We'll talk about that.

And good morning, St. Louis. Your weather forecast is coming up next.

Look at that arch. What a beautiful morning there.

More than 10,000 felons were put behind bars this week in a nationwide sting. Here's one of the faces you won't see on the streets any time soon. D'Andre Evans is AKA "Lunatic."

HARRIS: And he is suspected in six murders. He was arrested in Atlanta on his birthday. A closer look at Operation Falcon later this hour on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: The mother of Michael Jackson's teenage accuser spent days on the stand this week. She's been accused of acting and even lying. So is she a credible witness? A question for our legal panel live next hour, 8:00 a.m. Eastern, on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Topping our Stories Across America this morning, the postal service has figured out why U.S. military personnel based in Okinawa have not been getting some of their mail. It's been stolen. Authorities this week arrested 13 mail handlers at San Francisco Airport. Officials say they pilfered some $200,000 worth of goods over the past year and a half. Well, in the Terri Schiavo case, Florida officials never found any evidence to support numerous abuse and neglect allegations against husband Michael Schiavo. That is according to records made public yesterday from the state Department of Children and Family Services. Despite numerous public accusations against Michael Schiavo by his in- laws, investigators say the facts showed he was a loving and caring spouse toward his bedridden wife.

HARRIS: Columnist Armstrong Williams getting money from the Bush administration may have been a bad idea, but it wasn't illegal. An internal investigation by the Department of Education has cleared the agency of any wrongdoing in the controversy. But the agency's inspector general said paying Williams $240,000 to promote the no child left behind initiative was a lesson in poor judgment.

And in Hawaii, this exotic creature is, now help me here, as the wolphin? Is that...

NGUYEN: The wolphin? The wolphin?

HARRIS: Wolphin? Is that what it is?

NGUYEN: It's new to me. It sounds like wolphin.

HARRIS: OK. Well, it is a cross between a -- yes, OK, that makes sense -- between a whale and a dolphin, waltzing. All right, the animal belongs to the Sea Life Park in Honolulu. She is the only known whale-dolphin hybrid in the world in December...

NGUYEN: It looks just like a dolphin.

HARRIS: Yes, yes, yes, yes. In December she gave birth to a calf, we understand.

And later this hour, don't miss a rare look behind-the-scenes of one of the country's most popular skating shows. Lots of familiar faces from the Salt Lake City Olympics, as we're sort of looking ahead, Rob, to the 2006 Winter Games in just a couple of months in Italy. That story coming up in just a couple of minutes on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Now, Betty, did you allude to something earlier in this program?

NGUYEN: I sure did, and he is really not trying to talk about it today. But we will talk about it.

HARRIS: What are you talking about, Betty?

NGUYEN: Tony on skates.

MARCIANO: Come on.

NGUYEN: Tony on the ice. Be very, very afraid.

MARCIANO: And do we have video of this? NGUYEN: We have video. But I think we're going to wait on that.

HARRIS: There is no video. I don't know what you're talking about.

MARCIANO: That's tomorrow.

HARRIS: I don't know what you're talking about. There's no video of it, Betty. That's just some ugly rumor.

NGUYEN: There is video. Stay tuned. It's good stuff.

HARRIS: Good to see you, doctor.

MARCIANO: Are you a good skater?

HARRIS: Well, you know...

MARCIANO: No.

HARRIS: ... I, it looks, they look so good.

MARCIANO: Yes.

HARRIS: They're so skilled that you think...

NGUYEN: That's why they're professionals.

HARRIS: ... that you think you can get out and...

NGUYEN: And do it.

HARRIS: ... and do it.

MARCIANO: That's kind of the way I felt when I filled in as anchor for you.

NGUYEN: Oh.

MARCIANO: You look so skilled and...

HARRIS: Did I tee that up for you?

MARCIANO: You did. And I floundered through it the whole way.

NGUYEN: And he did just fine.

MARCIANO: Good to have you back.

HARRIS: Yes, good to see you, man.

Good to see you.

(WEATHER REPORT)

MARCIANO: The boat and beach forecast throughout the day today. The golf fairway forecast, allergy forecast coming up in the show.

NGUYEN: Oh, yes, those allergies.

MARCIANO: Very big.

And there's St. Louis.

HARRIS: That arch.

MARCIANO: Isn't that gorgeous? I never get tired -- there's a few things I never get tired of looking at and one is the Gateway Arch.

HARRIS: And the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, another one of those things.

MARCIANO: Yes.

HARRIS: Yes?

MARCIANO: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) in Oregon.

HARRIS: See? There you go.

MARCIANO: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

HARRIS: That is beautiful.

Good to see you, Rob.

MARCIANO: See you guys.

NGUYEN: You two, walking down memory lane here.

All right, we'll let you go on with that.

I'm going to go here.

Here is some food for thought this morning. Losing weight can be as simple as finding out your brain type, of all things. The authors of "Eat Right For Your Brain Type" join us live tomorrow morning. They say that they can help you figure out what foods your mind is craving. It's a unique approach to dieting. That's live on CNN SUNDAY, 9:00 a.m. Eastern.

HARRIS: So, will the steroid scandal trim the baseball bucks this season? The opening numbers suggest just the opposite. And we've got a real pro on the sidelines to follow the money. Our own Rick Horrow -- there he is, ball in hand. He joins us next with a look "Beyond The Game."

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

JOSE CANSECO: Just because you take enhancement producing drugs or steroids in general doesn't mean you don't have to work out hard.

HARRIS (voice-over): Baseball's off season was dominated by the steroid scandal, bringing fears that it would keep the fans away. Fear not. Opening day ticket sales are up. Twenty-eight of the 30 teams filled more seats than last year.

Will that momentum last throughout the year? The topic this morning as we take you "Beyond The Game."

(END VIDEO TAPE)

HARRIS: So, the first test is over and team owners are overjoyed.

To find out what they need to do next, we turn to the man known in the industry as the sports professor.

He is the author of "When the Game Is On the Line," CNN sports analyst Rick Horrow.

Rick joins us, as usual, live this morning from West Palm Beach, Florida -- good morning, doctor.

Good to see you.

RICK HORROW, CNN SPORTS BUSINESS ANALYST: Very alive.

Let me ask you something.

HARRIS: Yes?

HORROW: Can you hit one of these or is it like the way you play golf?

HARRIS: I can. I actually can, up to about 81, 82 miles an hour. When you start to get in the Schilling range, you know, like the pros, I fall by the wayside.

HORROW: Well, we've got other stuff to do, but I can't wait for your skating segment, because I've seen you in golf and I don't think you can do this. But, you know, we'll see.

HARRIS: You know, it's an ugly distorted rumor, but we'll clear it up tomorrow.

HORROW: All right, man.

HARRIS: Well, let's talk about baseball.

Last year the game set that new single season attendance record. And even with all the other revenue streams out there for baseball, it really still does come down to putting fans in the stands, doesn't it?

HORROW: Hey, as it always does, 73 million people last year. It was a record. That's important. And, frankly, nine million, nine teams were over three million in attendance, which was also good for the big markets. But you've got to promote the superstars -- Derek Jeter, A-Rod, Curt Schilling, for example, Roger Clemens, Pulholes (ph). There are others.

Baseball also has to focus on international. Opening day rosters, 30 percent foreign players. We're going to have a series in Europe maybe next year and a World Cup.

Also, women. You know, the demographics between women and men in baseball is split. And that's why the corporate America loves it. The Orioles, by the way, have a deal with Cover Girl. They gave away lip gloss. And, frankly, DHL signed up with major league baseball largely because women now make up the majority of small business starters, which is good for them, as well.

The kids is important. Sporting goods manufacturers, six million kids play softball and baseball. You've got to turn them into hard core baseball fans. That's the future, Tony.

HARRIS: You still need other revenue streams and baseball has a few others.

Are they stable?

HORROW: Yes, and we're in the late innings, for example, of one of them, the TV contract -- a $2.5 billion deal with Fox and a billion with ESPN. It depends on ratings and that depends on two words -- Red and Sox. Last year's 36 percent increase in their meteoric rise to the championship. You've also got corporate America that loves it -- Bank of America, State Farm, Gillette, for example, and others.

Merchandise sales up 36 percent. The Nationals, the new team in Washington, opening at home on Thursday, set merchandising records.

So all of those revenues are also very, very important.

HARRIS: All right, let's talk about your fair ball of the week.

What do you want to start with?

HORROW: Well, let's do the foul ball.

HARRIS: OK.

HORROW: I think we've got the baseball video coming up and that ties into everything.

HARRIS: OK.

HORROW: And frankly it's Gary Sheffield. You know, he was down the right field line at a Yankee game in Fenway Park last Thursday. You got a fan who smacks him in the face intentionally or going for the ball, depending on what you hear.

HARRIS: Right.

HORROW: Gary Sheffield practiced some real remarkable restraint, you can see on the video. But everybody is talking about that incident now over the last couple of days, which is not what a $4.6 billion industry really needs.

HARRIS: Yes, and these two teams, Rick, they just need a break. I know the schedule is going to give them a bit of a break, but they, they really seem to need it.

What's your fair ball for the week?

HORROW: Well, the fair ball is one that you and I love. Why couldn't it be? It's Tiger Woods' chip in on the 16th hole of the final round of the Masters last week.

HARRIS: We love it because we can't do it. That's why we love it so much. And it's great drama on TV.

HORROW: Well, we love it because you can't do it.

HARRIS: Ah!

HORROW: And I wouldn't even try it. But it's a million dollars of exposure for Nike, by the way, even before the 41 percent increase in Masters ratings. And, frankly, that's also the second most TiVoed sports example and sports incident since Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction in the Super Bowl last year.

And the other piece of this is that's why Nike can charge $52 for a box of Platinum One balls.

HARRIS: Oh, my.

HORROW: And we're thinking of the Michael Johnson 66 Golden Shoe...

HARRIS: The golden shoes.

HORROW: ... 1996 Golden Shoe Nike example and the Brandy Chastain bra example, both wonderful for Nike. And it's clearly a fair ball for golf and the industry.

HARRIS: We're flat out of time.

Good to see you, my friend.

See you next week.

HORROW: See you next week.

HARRIS: OK, Rick.

Ten thousand felons are swept off the streets of America in one week. We'll tell you how.

NGUYEN: And why is China so upset with Japan? Find out when we go Global, next on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Tens of thousands of Chinese are taking to the streets to show Japan exactly how they feel. So what's sparking these protests?

Welcome back.

I'm Betty Nguyen.

HARRIS: And I'm Tony Harris.

That story in a minute.

First, a look at the morning headlines now in the news.

Airport security screening is reportedly no better under federal control than it was before the September 11 attacks. Those are the findings of two government reports being released soon. One congressman says people will be shocked to see the results after all the money that's been spent on trying to improve security. The FDA says higher dose pills of ephedra will still be illegally. But lower doses of the herbal pill could soon be back on store shelves. A court says the FDA has failed to prove that low doses of the supplement are unsafe. The herb can speed up people's heart rate and constrict blood vessels. At least 150 deaths have been blamed on ephedra.

In just a few hours, volunteers are expected to flood a local state park in Florida as the search for 13-year-old Sarah Lunde expands. The girl has been missing since last weekend. Among the searchers is Mark Lunsford, whose daughter Jessica was abducted and found dead just last month.

NGUYEN: Well, from a reprimand for Prince Harry to a mom with eight legs, it was the largest in the nation, we will talk about that in just a little bit.

But first, here's another story for you today.

It was also the largest in the nation. We're talking now about federal, state and local police bringing down thousands of bad guys. Now, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales promises more fugitive sweeps.

And CNN's Kelli Arena has details on Operation Falcon.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

KELLI ARENA, CNN JUSTICE DEPT. CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Officials say just about everyone with a badge and a pair of handcuffs was asked to help and did. In just one week, more than 10,000 fugitives across the nation were captured. More than three quarters had prior arrest records.

ALBERTO GONZALES, ATTORNEY GENERAL: We know from history and from the bitter experiences of far too many victims, that a fugitive with a rap sheet is more desperate, more predatory and more likely to commit the crimes that plague citizens and communities. ARENA: The results are significant -- 162 people accused or convicted of murder now in custody, along with 638 wanted for armed robbery and more than 500 wanted for rape or sexual assault. BENIGNO RENYA, U.S. MARSHALS DIRECTOR: While we can quantify arrest numbers and the types of crime, the reduction of criminal activity created when dangerous individuals are behind bars and the pain and suffering of victims that it will prevent is incalculable.

ARENA: In Chicago, Marshal Sharon Metzger led the capture of a fugitive who's been on the run for eight years after escaping from a federal prison. She's part of the Great Lakes Regional Task Force. CNN spent several days with the force back in February.

SHANNON METZGER, U.S. MARSHAL: When you're working multiple cases at one time and running into dead ends, it's easy to throw the folder in your drawer and say, that's enough, let's go on to something else. But the good investigator keeps plotting along and works at it, and feels a real sense of accomplishment when you arrest somebody like that.

ARENA: The nationwide effort was led by the U.S. Marshals to coincide with Victims Protection Week. Officials say it costs $900,000, most spent on overtime for state and local officials who joined in the effort. Marshals across the nation are hoping the strong results bring new attention and more resources to the agency.

Kelli Arena, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

HARRIS: And now to "Security Watch," updating you on the weeks' major developments in the war on terror every Saturday morning.

The Department of Homeland Security is putting up another $142 million in grants to boost security for rail, bus and ferry travel. The grant money will be used for things like explosives detection and prevention of nuclear, biological and chemical attacks. The Department gave only $50 million in grants last year.

New concerns over background checks for people working at the nation's airports. The Department of Homeland Security says it arrested 57 illegal immigrants last month who work at airports and other places that are at risk for attacks. All of the people worked at security sensitive areas, but none appeared to have ties to terrorism.

The government says states have spent only 14 percent of the more than $2 billion they were given for emergency first responders last year. And they have spent only 19 percent of the $882 million they received in 2002 and 2003. A government auditor says that's partly because of confusion over federal guidelines and the fact that some states haven't assessed the risks they face.

Stay tuned to CNN day and night for the most reliable news about your security.

And time now for a check of some of the other stories making news around the world.

NGUYEN: There have been more anti-Japanese protests in China.

We do want to get the latest on that and the rest of the international news roundup.

So let's hand it over to Anand Naidoo at the CNN International Desk -- good morning.

ANAND NAIDOO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, good morning.

Thanks for that.

And you're quite right, more anti-Japan protests in China. Tens of thousands taking to the streets in the capital, Beijing, as well as in the other big city, Shanghai. Protesters threw stones and broke windows at Japan's consulate and Japanese restaurants in Shanghai. The demonstrations erupted despite government concerns -- calls, rather -- for calm. Police stood guard in Beijing's Tiananmen Square to block a planned demonstration in the center of the capital.

Now, these protests are aimed at Japan because Japan, apparently, approved a controversial textbook in its schools that downplays Japan's role in China during the Second World War. And the Chinese are also opposed to Japan becoming a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council.

Now, on to Pakistan. Tensions rising there as security forces storm a plane in Lahore and detain opposition leader Asif Ali Zardari. Earlier, the government blocked rallies by Zardari's Pakistan People's Party. More than 5,000 party members and members of parliament have been arrested. Zardari is the husband of the former Pakistan prime minister, Benazir Bhutto. He was returning from visiting her in Dubai when these rallies, or, rather, these demonstrations erupted.

In Iraq, more insurgent violence. A car bomb explodes in northern Baghdad, missing a U.S. military convoy, but wounding two Iraqi civilians. Two people wounded when gunmen opened fire on a minibus near Baghdad Airport.

And this we just had in just a few hours ago. The U.S. military announcing that a soldier died near Tikrit. That death taking place on Friday. Two U.S. Marines have also been killed in the past 48 hours, one in Ramadi and the other one in the Al Anbar Province.

We'll have more later, but for now let's send it back to Betty and Tony.

HARRIS: Thank you.

NGUYEN: Thanks.

Well, we are asking you this morning should the U.S. negotiate with hostage takers? The current U.S. policy is not to negotiate. Tell us what you think. E-mail us at wam@cnn.com and we will read your supplies throughout the morning. HARRIS: And good morning, St. Louis.

The forecast for you and the rest of the nation is coming up with Rob Marciano, a little later on this hour.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Salacious testimony this week from the mother accusing Michael Jackson of molesting her son. She calls her one time public support of the singer all just an act. But is she a credible witness? That question on the docket in our legal panel, live next hour, 8:00 a.m. Eastern on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

MARCIANO: And cherry blossoms, dogwoods in full bloom across the South and as far north as D.C. You've got pollen falling out of the sky as if it were snow. And in some of the spots, especially across the South, the red areas from Mississippi, Alabama, up through southern parts of Missouri. High reports of pollen through the rest of this week, as well. And it will be dry. Typically the rain will knock down that pollen, but across the Southeast, it will be dry. So if you're suffering, it's not over just yet.

I'm Rob Marciano.

I hope you're feeling well today.

CNN SATURDAY MORNING will be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: When CNN first signed on 25 years ago, electric typewriters were considered state-of-the-art. Now, nearly every aspect of our global operation relies on digital technology and high speed computers. And that's just one example of the profound impact technology has had on our daily lives over the past 25 years.

For a quick preview, here's CNN's Veronica Delacruz of the CNN dot-com desk.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

VERONICA DE LA CRUZ, CNN.COM CORRESPONDENT: Can you imagine life without the remote control? The Internet? How about cell phones? At cnn.com, a look at the look at the top 25 innovations over the past quarter century.

We've come a long way since the '80s, when telephones were stuck to walls and facts were found on your bookshelves. According to a panel of experts, it's the advent of the wireless world that has done the most to revolutionize life as we know it.

This interactive gallery highlights the top ten technological innovations, from digital storage, which gives us the ability to store tons of information in cell phones or digital cameras, to the wireless world and the proliferation of personal digital assistants and wi-fi. How much do you know about technological innovations? You can find out in this interactive quiz. For example, in which decade did the Zenith company develop the first remote control for television? Was it the '40s, '50s, '60s or '70s? You can log on for the answer.

For a complete list of the top 25 innovations, go to cnn.com/cnn25. You can also join CNN's Daniel Sieberg as he counts down the top 25 breakthroughs in technology from the last 25 years. That's this Sunday at 8:00 p.m. Eastern.

From the dot-com news desk in Atlanta, I'm Veronica De La Cruz.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS: Well, did you hear this? The Bushes got a bit of a break on their taxes this year. The White House released the first family's return yesterday. The president reported taxable income of more than $672,000. The income includes his presidential salary and money from investments. The Bushes paid more than $207,000 in federal taxes. But that was down about $20,000 from the previous years. The Bushes contributed more than $77,000 in charitable contributions. That was about a tenth of their adjusted gross income. Not so gross.

NGUYEN: All right, checking some top stories now, two government probes have found that airport screening is no better than before 9/11. The reports from Congressional and Homeland Department investigators are expected to be released soon. Congressman John Mica disclosed those findings to the Associated Press.

Police say they have received dozens of tips about a missing Florida girl, but nothing to prompt a major break in the case. Today, volunteers will expand their search for Sarah Michelle Lunde. They will comb through a 2,400 acre state park.

And the FDA is maintaining a ban on ephedra in higher doses. Now, the weight loss supplement was outlawed last year after being linked to deaths, heart attacks and strokes. But on Thursday, a Utah court ruled the FDA failed to prove low doses of ephedra were a risk.

The stars, they are shining bright on the issue.

And guess who is back on skates this year?

HARRIS: Me?

NGUYEN: Yes, that's who we're talking about.

HARRIS: Oh, oh.

NGUYEN: Tony Harris. You didn't know he was a professional at that, huh?

Well, some big names, as well, and familiar faces when we take a look behind-the-scenes of Smucker's "Stars On Ice." You've got to see this one. That's next on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

HARRIS: Literally on the ice, yes.

But first, a CNN Extra.

Older Americans are digging deeper into their pockets to pay for prescription drugs. Brand name drug prices soared more than double the inflation rate in 2004 while generic drugs remained unchanged. This was the fifth straight year the rise in drug prices outpaced inflation. Most older patients take about three different medications. The price increase would have them pay an extra $155 a year for their drugs.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Torino, Italy will host the Winter Olympics 2006 just 10 months from now. While new Olympic champions are still in the making, one place to see those who grab the gold in figure skating in Salt Lake City is Smucker's "Stars On Ice," the skating tour with seven Olympic champs in the cast.

We got a rare look behind-the-scenes.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

HARRIS (voice-over): Imagine rain, snow and ice, magic, beauty and grace, and some of the biggest stars all in one place. This year, the newcomer to Smucker's "Stars On Ice" is 2002 champ, 19-year-old Sarah Hughes, returning to the ice after two years at Yale.

SARAH HUGHES, 2002 OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST: I've had like so much fun, but it is a lot of work.

HARRIS: Four months on the road -- buses, hotels, ice arenas -- help everyone become a tight family.

HUGHES: I bought Connect Four and now we all play it.

ALEXEI YAGUDIN, 2002 OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST: You're a loser.

Sorry.

HUGHES: I can't believe I take this.

HARRIS: For her, like other stars on the tour, winning Olympic gold was the defining moment of their careers.

HUGHES: To reach the highest point at the most prestigious competition was something so new and different to me that -- oh, this.

YAGUDIN: Yes!

HUGHES: I can't play it.

HARRIS: Alexei Yagudin is on his third year with the tour and with Olympic gold and four world titles, he is still pushing the limit. Named one of the most eligible bachelors by "People" magazine, he knows how to make girls crazy. (on camera): Do you have a leading lady in your life?

YAGUDIN: It's up to the city, you know, where we go.

ELENA BEREZHNAYA, 2002 OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST: We are family and he's a little brother to us.

JAMIE SALE, 2002 OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST: He's a really good guy. He's just, he's the wanderer, still, you know? He wants to play and he wants to have fun.

HARRIS (voice-over): Back stage, the main attraction is a ping- pong table bought by the world champion Todd Eldredge and meticulously put together by one of the show's truck drivers, Wayne Meirs (ph).

WAYNE MEIRS: This, it's so flush there.

DAVID HOFFIS, TOUR DIRECTOR: That's the number one machine that gets the blood flowing out here at the tour, for the guys.

HARRIS: In the locker rooms, everything is ready for the cast -- towels, fresh warm-up shirts, costumes. There is a therapist on staff to relieve any aches.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is Marla, the person who knows every single detail about every single person on this tour.

HARRIS: Before the show starts, skaters go through a set of good luck rituals the audience does not get to see -- air kisses, hair tricks, winks -- a mysterious routine no one else can be a part of. And then it's time for the magic that inspires the audience.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I do want to be an Olympic champion.

QUESTION: And what do you think you need to get there?

UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: Hard work, really hard.

HARRIS: In this multi-million dollar production of Smucker's "Stars On Ice," the central theme is imagination. There is a magic box, magic tricks, and, of course, the magic of skating.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Who is your favorite so far?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Todd Eldredge.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I like them all.

HARRIS: The show was originally created by legendary figure skater Scott Hamilton.

SCOTT HAMILTON, PRODUCER, SMUCKER'S "STARS ON ICE": Next year will be our 20th anniversary year and we're gearing up for that now. And it's pretty exciting to see the show last this long.

HARRIS: Promoters say some 400,000 Americans will see the stars during the tour.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Whenever we get a chance, we come and see a skating show.

HARRIS: Every show benefits the Boys and Girls Club of America. The tour started in Japan, hit 60 U.S. cities and is currently in Canada.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

HARRIS: That's good stuff, isn't it?

NGUYEN: Yes, it's great stuff.

HARRIS: The 28th anniversary tour, as Scott just mentioned, will hit the road next January. And you can find out more at Starsonice.com.

And better late than never...

NGUYEN: Oh, there it is! That's what we wanted to see. Look at that.

HARRIS: You know, I was not warned that that would be -- all right, better late than never, better never than late. I...

NGUYEN: Well, I didn't see you fall, though, and hurt anything. So that's always a good sign.

HARRIS: It sounds like you're -- you know what it sounds like is you're rooting for something like that. You're not...

NGUYEN: That makes it good, Tony.

HARRIS: And they're rolling it again?

NGUYEN: It makes for good TV.

HARRIS: Oh, man.

OK, that's tomorrow. I get on -- there's Jamie and David. They're world class, the world champions.

NGUYEN: And they still couldn't help you out, huh?

HARRIS: And they did the best they could with me. They make it look so easy, I thought I could get out there and do a little something, something. But, as you'll see tomorrow, it was quite -- well, all right.

NGUYEN: Yes, you look a little unsure, a little unstable out there.

HARRIS: You think?

NGUYEN: Just a little. We'll check it out tomorrow, some more about that.

All right, here's a question for you today. What do you do when the gas prices are just simply too high?

HARRIS: Pull out the bike.

NGUYEN: One woman decides to go back in time. Yes, before the bike. We have those details right after this.

HARRIS: And we are also reading some of your e-mails. When we return. Should the U.S. negotiate with hostage takers? That's the question.

MARCIANO: Hi, everybody, I'm Rob Marciano.

(WEATHER REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: All right, if you thought Tony on skates was funny...

HARRIS: Oh, nice.

NGUYEN: ... just check this out.

First up today, here is one way to serve an eviction notice. The unwanted resident was a 10-foot alligator that had moved into a canal in suburban New Orleans. Animal control, well, they knew the big creature was there, but needed to wait for warmer weather for it to emerge from the den. They gave the squatter a free ride to a nearby swamp that has plenty of vacancies.

And in rural Oxford, Georgia, life in the slow lane has gotten even slower. One woman decided gasoline is too expensive to drive her pickup truck into town, so she's taken up hitching up Miss. Belle (ph) instead. That is the name, Miss. Belle. The mule isn't exactly as fast, but she does have excellent gas mileage.

HARRIS: And a little giddy up there. Still a little giddy up.

NGUYEN: Yes.

HARRIS: Let's get you quickly now to Rob Marciano for another check of the nation's weather -- good morning, Rob.

MARCIANO: Hi.

And environmentally speaking, we should point out that that mule does emit greenhouse gases in the form of methane, so...

NGUYEN: Oh, Rob.

MARCIANO: ... not exactly, you know...

NGUYEN: But it's cheaper.

MARCIANO: The you go, guys. Just thought I'd point that out. And I'm serious about that.

(WEATHER REPORT)

MARCIANO: That's the latest from here.

Keep your mules fed and your gas tanks full.

HARRIS: Thanks, Rob.

NGUYEN: And your gas mask on.

All right, thanks, Rob.

We want to talk about some e-mails this morning and get your responses.

Should the U.S. negotiate with hostage takers?

David says: "I am 100 percent behind the current policy to not negotiate with hostage takers. We should not legitimize the groups or their activities by recognizing them in any fashion except to hunt them down and put them out of business."

HARRIS: Yes, and just a reminder that the U.S. policy is not to negotiate with hostage takers.

And this from Barbara. And Barbara, I've got to tell you, your opinion is dramatically in the minority, but we want to share it with everyone: "I think it is inconceivable to me that the government would not set up a special unit for hostage negotiations if the citizens of the United States are in harm's way. It is the government's duty to administer some sort of help."

And that is Barbara's opinion.

Thank you for that opinion, Barbara, and for all the e-mails so far this morning.

Once again, there is the question -- do you think the U.S. should negotiate with hostage takers? Our address, wam@cnn.com.

NGUYEN: The next hour of CNN SATURDAY MORNING begins right now.

HARRIS: And from the CNN Center this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING. It is April 16th, 8:00 a.m. here at CNN Headquarters in Atlanta, 5:00 a.m. on the West Coast, and good morning everyone. I'm Tony Harris.

NGUYEN: And I'm Betty Nguyen. Thanks for being with us.

You don't get what you pay for, says the head of the House Aviation Subcommittee. Florida Congressman John Mikas says airport security screening has not improved since 9/11 despite billions being spent to fix it. And Mikas isn't along in his findings: he says results from two screener studies back him up.

Suddenly high oil prices are the focus as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund meet in Washington this weekend. Experts are concerned that high oil prices can stifle growth, especially in developing countries.

High doses of ephedra are still illegal. Now, this despite a federal court striking down the ban of sales of the weight loss herb ephedra with low doses. The FDA outlawed ephedra a year ago after linking it to deaths, heart attacks and stroke. The maker isn't sure it will put ephedra back on the market.

HARRIS: It has been a week now and there is no word on Sarah Lunde. The search for the missing Florida teenager expands this morning, and we'll take you there, live, in a minute.

And a new security warning for pilots: we'll tell you how they will know when they are flying into a danger zone.

And, our legal eagles bring you up to date on the trials and tribulations of the Michael Jackson case.

NGUYEN: Now to our top story. Police and volunteers are gathering in Florida to look for a missing girl. This morning the search widens for Sara Michelle Lunde and CNN's Sara Dorsey is on the scene, live from Ruskin, Florida, with the latest.

Hi, Sara.

SARA DORSEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi Betty.

More than 200 law enforcement agents are involved in this search at this point and yesterday there were just as many searchers, nearly 200. Today that is expected to expand because it is the weekend. As we speak, those searchers are gathering at a sheriff's substation to go out and begin this tedious search once again today.

Sarah Lunde went missing officially on Monday morning. That's when it was reported, but her brother, who was the last one to see her, said he hadn't seen her since Saturday night. Searchers are being told to look for Bud and Bud Light bottles. To give you an idea -- this is a little confusing, but there is some significance to this. There is a man named David Onstott. He is a convicted sex offender who had an on again, off again relationship with Sarah Lunde's mother.

Now, this Saturday night -- Andrew is Sarah's brother. He was there with Sarah and decided to go out with a friend of his. When he left, Sarah was at the house. When he came back, the porch light was off and Sarah was gone. He didn't think a whole lot of it, and went to sleep with the friend he was out with, and was awakened later by that man, David Onstott, the convicted sex offender. David was asking for Andrew and Sarah's mother. She was not in town at the time, and they told him so. He walked inside and picked up a half empty beer bottle and left with it. Andrew, Sarah's brother, had said there wasn't a beer bottle in the home before he left, but when he came home he noticed it, didn't know whose it was. As we said, then David Onstott arrived and took the beer bottle and left.

Authorities are saying they think there could be some significance if they find the beer bottle. Searchers are looking for that. They say there could be some DNA testing done if they find it in the right area. So, that will be the main focus for searchers today. Now, Onstott is already in custody on unrelated charges. The sheriff is not calling him a suspect, or even a person of interest at this point. He's saying, you know, we already have this guy in custody; we know where he is. He's being cooperative with us so far.

They don't want to become too focused on one person. They want to continue searching, they want to continue taking in leads. However at this point only 75 leads have come in which is not a large number for a case that's getting so much attention. Searchers today are going to be back out looking again, but so far up till now there is no sign of Sarah Lunde. We must also tell you that the sheriff has not ruled out the possibility that she ran away. People we're talking to around the church where we are located that know Sarah well say that she would have called by now if she did indeed leave. The sheriff is not ruling that out. But today, as of this morning, the search for the little 13-year-old continues.

NGUYEN: Because she does have a history of running away, at least once before. Sara Dorsey in Florida, thank you for that.

A 14-year-old California girl missing for three weeks has been located in Missouri. Ashley Markly (ph) was last seen March 29 with a 28-year-old friend as they left a relative's house. Police are still looking for the older woman.

HARRIS: In news now about your security: a new system to protect the restricted airspace around the nation's capital starts next month. Jean Meserve looks at how the warning lights will work in this report from CNN's America bureau.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEAN MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Red, red, green, lasers pulsate into the night sky a short distance from the Capitol, warning pilots as far as 20 miles away to stop and turn.

COL. ED DANIEL, N. AMER. AEROSPACE DEF. COMMAND: I mean, there's so many high-value targets in this area. It's the center of our government. We need to do everything we can to protect it.

MESERVE: The large hunk of restricted airspace above and around the capital region is intended to prevent another September 11th-style attack from the air.

About a dozen times a week pilots enter this restricted airspace, usually unintentionally.

During the funeral of President Ronald Reagan, there was a hasty evacuation of the capital when the governor of Kentucky's plane flew inside the zone. In other cases, if a transgressing pilot cannot be raised on the radio, fighter jets are scrambled to drop warning flares. If that doesn't stop them, there is the possibility of a shootdown. The laser warning lights scattered throughout the restricted zone can be directed precisely at any plane, warning pilots they have gone astray.

DANIEL: We use a visual warning system. The aircraft turns around. We leave the fighters on the ground. All the other assets we bring to bear. It could potentially prevent a tragic situation.

MESERVE: Lasers used for different purposes have given pilots problems, even injuries.

PERRY WINDER, DELTA PILOT: Initially, I noticed almost a flash blindness like you would have if you got really close to a flash camera.

MESERVE: But the warning system uses a different kind of laser beam, perfectly safe, according to pilots who have seen it from the air.

MELISSA RUDINGER, AIRCRAFT OWNERS AND PILOTS ASSN.: I can tell that you it definitely doesn't hurt your eyes.

MESERVE: Pilots whose have gotten briefing but not seen the system in operation wonder whether the lasers will be visible in all conditions.

FAYEK ZABANEH, PRIVATE PILOT: If you are flying west in the afternoon and the sun is directly in your eyes, it will be very difficult to see anything else.

MESERVE: But officials say the distinctive pattern and colors stand out, day and night, except in low visibility conditions, providing an easier, cheaper, safer way to warn those in the skies and protect those below.

For CNN's America bureau, Jean Meserve, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS: And we invite you to stay tuned to CNN day and night for the most reliable news about your security.

NGUYEN: The U.S. embassy in Iraq says it has a 25-person teamworking to win the release of Indiana businessman Jeffrey Ake. Ake was abducted from a Baghdad construction site on Monday. A video showing Ake surrounded by masked gunman was released Wednesday. Al- Jazeera television reported Ake asked the U.S. to have a dialogue with insurgents. Now the U.S. has a policy not to negotiate with terrorists, and that brings us to our e-mail question of the day: current U.S. policy is not to negotiate with hostage takers, but do you think that's the right thing to do? Let us know: wam@cnn.com. We will be reading those replies throughout the morning.

HARRIS: What a week in the Jackson case. More courtroom drama in the Michael Jackson case as one of the most anticipated witnesses takes the stand. We'll have the blow by blow, the play by play, in this week's "Legal Briefs."

NGUYEN: But, first, these prisoners, right there, are certainly pretty in pink, aren't they?

HARRIS: Oh, my.

NGUYEN: I don't get this. The story behind this bold fashion move is just ahead.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GERRI WILLIS, HOST "OPEN HOUSE": Shopping for a house on line? Here's what you need to know before you begin. First, determine your price range and get all financial documents ready and organized. Next, create a reasonable wish list by figuring out what amenities your new home must have and which you would like to have. Never buy a house you have seen on line without seeing it person, and be sure to check out both local and national realty websites. I'm Gerri Willis, and that's your "Tip of the Day." For more, watch "OPEN HOUSE" on Saturday morning, 9:30 Eastern on CNN.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Holy smoke. It's not easy communicating by smoke signals but the Vatican has it down to a science. We'll have a look at the chemistry behind this holy tradition coming up in the 9:00 a.m. hour of CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(WEATHER REPORT)

HARRIS: In other news across America now, relatives and friends hold a memorial service for Terri Schiavo at the suburban Philadelphia church she attended as a child. In Florida, meanwhile, the Department of Children and Family says the brain damaged woman was never abused or exploited by her husband. The agency investigated dozens of complaints alleging abuse.

The National Rifle Association annual convention is off and gunning -- OK, running, in Houston. Some 60,000 visitors are expected over the weekend. Protesters have also made their presence known outside.

And a sort of criminal fashion statement in Phoenix, Arizona. More than 2600 inmates -- take a look at the pictures...

NGUYEN: Whoa -- get back to the shorts. Get back to the -- there we go.

HARRIS: Here's the story, Betty. They are being moved into two new facilities this is weekend, and as an extra security measure, all the inmates being transferred by foot have to wear only...

NGUYEN: Holding hands?

HARRIS: Yes,, only pink underwear and pink flip flops. Pink drawers and flip flops.

NGUYEN: Molly Ringwald would be so jealous. They are so pretty in pink out there. All right, Tony, thank you.

Well, hey, the mother of Michael Jackson's accuser takes her turn on the stand. But she is turning out to be, well, is she, though? Is she turning out to be a credible witness, and, in her testimony this week, help the prosecution or the defense? We will talk about it next in "Legal Briefs."

HARRIS: Plus, are all of those beautiful spring flowers making you miserable? Help is just a few minutes away on "House Call" with Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Stick around.

TODD SONES, GOLF INSTRUCTOR: The key to short chips around the green is to use the right lofted golf club. A mistake too many amateurs make is they use their sand wedge or awl (ph) wedge too often around the green. I'm going to start with the seven iron, here. The first thing you do in the set up is stand the club up so it's more on the toe. The next thing do you is move the handle over, in effect, de-locking (ph) the face, slightly. The third thing is stand to the handle. That means the handle of the golf club should come to the center of your body. Once you take your grip, keep your backswing short so you can really accelerate through the ball. Finish low with your weight on your left side. You will contact the ball crisply and you will control your chips.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: It was the accuser's mother who dominated headlines this week in the child molestation trial of singer Michael Jackson. Her testimony was at times salacious, when describing what she says happened at the Neverland ranch. The mother also claims family members were virtual prisoners at the pop star's compound. She also testified she was acting when she praised the singer in a videotape meant to offset negative publicity surrounding a BBC documentary.

But is her testimony credible, the topic this morning in "Legal Briefs." And the fireworks, well, they did explode Friday at the Michael Jackson trial. Very contentious exchanges in court between the mother of his accuser and the singer's lead attorney.

Now, to sort it all out, let's bring in our legal experts. Civil liberty attorney Lida Rodriguez-Taseff, live from Miami, and former prosecutor Nelda Blair in Houston. We appreciate you both being here.

Boy, yesterday, fireworks went off in the courtroom. Let's start with you, Lida: the mother got into many heated exchanges with Thomas Mesereau, which is Michael Jackson's defense attorney. At one point the judge even said if you don't stop it, I'm going to put this trial on hold until you cool down. Is this thing out of control?

LIDA RODRIQUEZ-TASEFF, CIVIL LIBERTY ATTORNEY: Absolutely not out of control, but you know, it did go a little too far. The problem was that the mother kept giving these rambling answers that had nothing to do with the questions that were asked. In fact, the judge repeatedly warned her, keep your answers to the questions that are asked. Please don't ramble on, but she kept doing it and doing it, and it finally got to Mesereau. NGUYEN: Oh, yes, it did. And Nelda, I just want to read a little bit what the mother said. She repeatedly, as Lida just said, addressed the jury. She went on to say, "Now, I know that Neverland is all about booze, pornography, and sex with boys." How damaging is that? Even though it was stricken from the record?

NELDA BLAIR, FORMER PROSECUTOR: Well, "stricken from the record" means it is simply not in writing in the record, but it is certainly in the minds of the jurors. Every lawyer knows that a judge striking something from the record does nothing to strike it from the juror's memory. It is damaging. This lady has obviously waited for a couple of years to tell her story and she is going to do it no matter what Mesereau does in the cross-examination. I think that she is obviously coming off a little strong. But you know what, she's been a boom to the prosecution.

NGUYEN: How credible has she been, Lida?

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: Absolutely not credible at all. Rambling answers. Every time she is asked a question she doesn't really want to answer, she mumbles on about something else. And most importantly, she had to take the fifth on a very, very important issue of committing welfare fraud. She is being investigated right now by the L.A. D.A's office for having committed welfare fraud from 2001 to 2003. ,Now the only bad part about how that testimony came out, is that she didn't even have to tell the jury that she was pleading the fifth. The judge did it for her. So it saved her for now but it's not going to save her in closing.

NGUYEN: Nelda, that's a very good point, because -- by pleading the fifth, does it kind of give the jury the sense maybe she is guilty?

BLAIR: Well, it may give the jury the sense of that, but the reason it doesn't come in at all and the judge is keeping that evidence out is because it is just that, what Lida said, an investigation. It is not a criminal conviction that she has. She is being charged with something that she has not been proven that she's committed. So, certainly it's not something the jury ought to hear. And the judge did tell the jury that she would be taking the fifth amendment as to that matter. And that's all that was said about it. I really don't think it damages her that much.

Yes, she's not the most together witness. And, yes, she does ramble, but all the jury has to do is believe a little bit of what she says, believe a little bit of a few other witnesses and brick by brick that wall's is built.

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: Well, she also said that...

NGUYEN: Go ahead.

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: No, I just think it's absolute hooey Nelda, that you have to be wondering what it is this welfare fraud has to do with the case. The bottom line is, you're talking welfare fraud to get money from the government. You're talking fraud on J.C. Penney to get money from a department store. You are talking shaking down other TV personalities and actors. This is all about money and what Mesereau is building a very good case for the defense, that this is about money.

NGUYEN: OK, but if it is about money she also said she is not planning on seeking a civil suit against Jackson so she doesn't want to get money that way. Is that convincing, because when Mesereau said, all right, well do you know about the deadline to file that suit? She says, I think so.

BLAIR: I don't think that's a big deal. Go ahead, Lida.

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: It absolutely is a big deal. Let's face it. Who did she call before she ever called the police? She called one of the lawyers who represented one of the other kids who ended up getting a multimillion judgment from Jackson. You think this woman is not waiting until this trial is over? She is not being held to any standard. She can say whatever she wants on the stand and then turn around and sue Michael Jackson for millions of dollars which is what she intends to do.

BLAIR: All the jury has to believe is that something happened. That anything that she says or maybe her son or a former accuser or the cook or the bodyguard or the maid, all the jury has to do is believe a little bit of their testimony and he's convicted.

NGUYEN: All right. We're going to have to leave it there. Lida Rodriguez-Taseff, Nelda Blair, boy, fireworks here this morning.

HARRIS: Good stuff, good stuff.

NGUYEN: That was good stuff. Thank you, ladies.

BLAIR: Thank you.

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: Thank you.

HARRIS: Before we get to the half hour I want to check in on some of the e-mail responses to this question: do you think the U.S. should negotiate with hostage takers?

And this from Bob: "Absolutely not. To borrow one of Harrison Ford's lines from 'Air Force One,' 'if you give' -- I think this is also the title of a kid's book -- 'if you give a mouse a cookie, he will want a glass of milk.'"

NGUYEN: Mary in Los Angeles says, "If President Bush's daughters were hostages, I can guarantee that'd make negotiations before they let their daughters die. Yes. Negotiate."

And, again, we must let you know, not many people are siding with folks like Mary who believe the U.S. should negotiate, but we do want to hear what you think about it. Send it in, wam@CNN.com.

From reprimand to -- for Prince Harry to a mother with eight legs. There is news to satisfy every curiosity on CNN.com today. We will get a look at what is most popular in the 9:00 a.m. hour of CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

But first, tips for beating springtime allergies. "House Call" with Dr. Sanjay Gupta and your top stories are straight ahead.

(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 April 16, 2005 - 07:00   ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: All eyes are on this chimney as the world counts down to the start of the secret Conclave in the Vatican.
From the CNN Center in Atlanta, this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

It is April 16.

Good to put tax day in the rear view mirror. BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Oh, thank goodness.

HARRIS: Yes.

NGUYEN: I barely got it in -- Wednesday.

HARRIS: Yes, here, too.

NGUYEN: Wednesday.

HARRIS: And good morning, everyone.

I'm Tony Harris.

NGUYEN: And I'm Betty Nguyen.

7:00 a.m. in the East, 4:00 a.m. out West.

We want to thank you for being with us today.

We have a live report from the Vatican in just a moment.

But let's begin with the headlines.

Airport security screening is reportedly no better than it was before the September 11 attacks. Now, that's the findings of two government reports being released soon. One congressman says people will be shocked to see the results after all the money that's been spent on better security.

For the third weekend in a row, tens of thousands of protesters across China are taking to the streets to rally against Japan. The protests have primarily centered on Japan's approval of new history books that the Chinese say downplay its World War 2 aggression. China is also opposed to the prospect of Japan getting a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council.

And protesters are expected at the World Bank and International Monetary Fund meeting in the nation's capital today. The spring meeting is expected to focus on high oil prices, along with debt relief for poor countries.

HARRIS: And ahead this hour on CNN SATURDAY MORNING, how to keep your child from becoming another grim statistic. An expert on protecting children from sexual predators will join us with some important and timely tips for your family.

And will the steroid scandal cast a shadow over the boys of summer? CNN Sports business analyst Rick Horrow will look at the financial stats for the new baseball season.

And later, when "Stars On Ice" take off their skates, we'll take you on the road with some of the world's greatest figure skaters and then take you back stage for a peek at their, Betty, their secret rituals before each performance.

NGUYEN: Ooh.

HARRIS: You don't want to miss it.

NGUYEN: And I heard you put some skates on, too. So I'm very interested in seeing this one, Tony.

HARRIS: It's an ugly rumor, an ugly rumor.

NGUYEN: I don't think it's a rumor. You'll want to stay tuned for that.

But for the first time in 27 years, workers have put a special chimney on the top of the Vatican's Sistine Chapel. It is a prelude to Monday, when cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church begin the business of choosing a new pope.

CNN's Chris Burns joins us now live from Rome with more on this process.

All eyes will be on that chimney starting Monday -- Chris.

CHRIS BURNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Absolutely, Betty.

Over my shoulder that chimney is somewhere. That's where that smoke is going to come out -- black for no decision, white for a decision that there is a pope. And some bells ringing there inside St. Peter's when that does happen.

In the meantime right now, there is the last, the 12th and final general Congregation of the cardinals meeting in these last few days, discussing church issues. And as we speak, they're still going on and there is a press conference, as it goes into overtime, the press conference by Joaquin Navarro-Valls, who is the spokesman for the Vatican, saying a couple of points, insisting that there is a familiarity and togetherness among those cardinals there meeting, that they never talk of names, they never spoke of names.

They will be checking in, the cardinals, into the Sanctae Marthae Hotel. That is the $200 million edifice that was built by Pope John Paul II back in '96 for this very moment.

When the Congregation -- when the Conclave, that is -- begins on Monday, that is the first day that they could possibly vote. They could vote several times a day, as many as four times. And we'll be watching for that.

In the meantime, of course, lots of talk yet about candidates and even though Navarro-Valls is insisting there's familiarity and togetherness, there are reports in the Italian media among some well connected journalists that there is sniping and battling going on over the names.

Now, Joseph Ratzinger, who is the dean of the College of Cardinals, is seen still as the favorite frontrunner. But can he get the magic 77 votes that are needed out of the 115 potential voting cardinals? That is the question. He turns 78 today. He might be too old.

Who is next in line? There could be Cardinal Tettamanzi, the archbishop of Milan, who is seen as more of a moderate, less -- not the arch conservative that Ratzinger is. There's also talk of Cardinal Ruini, who is the vicar of Rome, seen as also one of those -- one of the top kingmakers, at least, even if he doesn't become pope. There's talk of Cardinal Policarpo out of Portugal, of Cardinal Schonborn also in -- from Austria.

So all those names out there. Still no telling yet what goes on.

By the way, they're installing some curtains -- I don't know if we can show you those pictures -- curtains inside some of the quarters where the meeting is going to be going on. They'll be meeting in the Sistine Chapel. Anybody's guess exactly why that's happening. It could have to do with anti-spying techniques to prevent anybody from spying on this meeting.

Back to you -- Betty.

NGUYEN: We'll just have to wait for the smoke to see how it all shakes out there.

BURNS: That's right.

Chris Burns, thank you for that -- Tony.

HARRIS: It is now five days since U.S. businessman Jeffrey Ake was abducted in Iraq. Ake appeared in a video that aired Wednesday surrounded by masked gunmen.

Live now to CNN's Ryan Chilcote in Baghdad with the very latest -- good morning, Ryan.

RYAN CHILCOTE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hello, Tony. Well, Jeffrey Ake, that Indiana businessman, 47 years old, is also the father of four. He was abducted last Monday from a construction site just north of Baghdad, apparently a poorly guarded construction site.

Ever since then, the U.S. Embassy says it has had a 25 person strong team of individuals looking for him, trying to win his release. However, the United States government has a longstanding policy of not negotiating and not paying ransom to hostage takers.

Now, Jeffrey Ake appeared subsequent to when he was captured on video. It was shown on the Al Jazeera television network without audio. But that network reported that in that video, he calls, obviously under duress from the hostage takers holding him, for the U.S. military to pull out its troops as quickly as possible and for the U.S. government to open a dialogue with the insurgents here in Iraq.

Now, this is just the most recent, Jeffrey Ake just the most recent American hostage, one of just 17 over the last two years here in Iraq; one of just 200 foreigners to be taken hostage in this country, and just 5,000 over the last two years in a really deadly, very difficult spate of hostage takings -- Tony.

HARRIS: OK, Ryan Chilcote for us in Baghdad this morning.

Ryan, thank you.

And that brings us to our E-mail Question of the Day. The United States stands firm on its policy not to negotiate with hostage takers. Do you think that is the right approach? Let us know at wam@cnn.com. We'll be reading your e-mail throughout the morning.

NGUYEN: Now for the latest on a missing Florida girl.

The number of volunteers looking for her and the search area, that will expand today. Sarah Michelle Lunde, seen here, disappeared a week ago. Volunteers will begin combing through a 2,400-acre park. The search has so far been focused on the immediate area around the 13-year-old's home.

Searchers are being asked to look for empty beer bottles, of all things, and police say that those bottles may be linked to a convicted sex offender.

A child gone missing is a parent's worst nightmare. What can you do to keep your children safe and how can you find out if danger is lurking in your own neighborhood?

Well, here to help us find out is Nancy McBride.

She is the national safety director with the National Center for Missing and Exploiting Children.

Thanks for being with us this morning.

NANCY MCBRIDE, NATIONAL CENTER MISSING AND EXPLOITED CHILDREN: Thank you very much, Betty.

NGUYEN: Well, first of all, how can people, parents especially, get information on whether a sex offender lives in their area?

MCBRIDE: Well, we want to make it as easy as possible. And what I suggest is that they use the two letter abbreviation for their state -- for example, Fl for Florida -- and then Google or Yahoo! and put in sex offender, and that will take you to your state supported sex offender registry.

NGUYEN: OK, so when you get to that state site -- and we're putting some of this information up right now on the screen -- what kind of information will you find there?

MCBRIDE: Well, you can search by city sometimes, or search by zip code. The states are all different. In Florida, if you put a zip code in, you'll actually get all the sex offenders in that particular area. For example, when I put where I work in, I got nine sex offenders, 33403.

So you're able to identify their photos, the address where they live, the crime they committed. And in Florida, you can actually download that information and distribute it to people.

NGUYEN: So you get photos, their name, where they live and the crime?

MCBRIDE: Yes.

NGUYEN: OK. So you have a lot of background information.

So once you get this information, what should parents do with that then?

MCBRIDE: Well, they need to be aware of who's living in the community and what they're doing. And we really need the public to help us do that. And then parents and guardians can also talk to their children and alert and caution them that the person is in the neighborhood.

NGUYEN: Now, this information -- let's go back to that just briefly because, is it just from a state list or is it from a national registry?

MCBRIDE: No, we are working on a national registry and your viewers can also go to fbi.gov or ice.gov to see all the different lists of states. But right now we don't have a central registry, but that's something that is in the works.

NGUYEN: Now, that has me questioning because if you don't have a national registry and someone moves from state to state, a sex offender, how do you keep track with that person?

MCBRIDE: Right. That's what's difficult, because the sex offenders are transient. And that's why I tell people don't just go in once and look at this, do it multiple times. Do it on a regular basis because things change and shift.

NGUYEN: All right. And so the best piece of advice for parents today?

MCBRIDE: The best piece for parents is to do your due diligence, make sure you know who has access to your children and talk to your children and practice safety skills with your children.

NGUYEN: All right, Nancy McBride, the National Center for Missing and Exploiting Children.

We thank you for your information today.

MCBRIDE: Thank you.

NGUYEN: We'll have a live report from Ruskin, Florida with the very latest on the search for Sarah Lunde. That happens in the next hour of CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

HARRIS: Well, after years of allegations and accusations against Terri Schiavo's husband, the State of Florida weighs in on the way Michael Schiavo treated his wife. We'll tell you what officials had to say.

NGUYEN: The first family ponies up for the tax man just like the rest of us. Well, OK, maybe not exactly like the rest of us. We'll talk about that.

And good morning, St. Louis. Your weather forecast is coming up next.

Look at that arch. What a beautiful morning there.

More than 10,000 felons were put behind bars this week in a nationwide sting. Here's one of the faces you won't see on the streets any time soon. D'Andre Evans is AKA "Lunatic."

HARRIS: And he is suspected in six murders. He was arrested in Atlanta on his birthday. A closer look at Operation Falcon later this hour on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: The mother of Michael Jackson's teenage accuser spent days on the stand this week. She's been accused of acting and even lying. So is she a credible witness? A question for our legal panel live next hour, 8:00 a.m. Eastern, on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Topping our Stories Across America this morning, the postal service has figured out why U.S. military personnel based in Okinawa have not been getting some of their mail. It's been stolen. Authorities this week arrested 13 mail handlers at San Francisco Airport. Officials say they pilfered some $200,000 worth of goods over the past year and a half. Well, in the Terri Schiavo case, Florida officials never found any evidence to support numerous abuse and neglect allegations against husband Michael Schiavo. That is according to records made public yesterday from the state Department of Children and Family Services. Despite numerous public accusations against Michael Schiavo by his in- laws, investigators say the facts showed he was a loving and caring spouse toward his bedridden wife.

HARRIS: Columnist Armstrong Williams getting money from the Bush administration may have been a bad idea, but it wasn't illegal. An internal investigation by the Department of Education has cleared the agency of any wrongdoing in the controversy. But the agency's inspector general said paying Williams $240,000 to promote the no child left behind initiative was a lesson in poor judgment.

And in Hawaii, this exotic creature is, now help me here, as the wolphin? Is that...

NGUYEN: The wolphin? The wolphin?

HARRIS: Wolphin? Is that what it is?

NGUYEN: It's new to me. It sounds like wolphin.

HARRIS: OK. Well, it is a cross between a -- yes, OK, that makes sense -- between a whale and a dolphin, waltzing. All right, the animal belongs to the Sea Life Park in Honolulu. She is the only known whale-dolphin hybrid in the world in December...

NGUYEN: It looks just like a dolphin.

HARRIS: Yes, yes, yes, yes. In December she gave birth to a calf, we understand.

And later this hour, don't miss a rare look behind-the-scenes of one of the country's most popular skating shows. Lots of familiar faces from the Salt Lake City Olympics, as we're sort of looking ahead, Rob, to the 2006 Winter Games in just a couple of months in Italy. That story coming up in just a couple of minutes on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

ROB MARCIANO, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Now, Betty, did you allude to something earlier in this program?

NGUYEN: I sure did, and he is really not trying to talk about it today. But we will talk about it.

HARRIS: What are you talking about, Betty?

NGUYEN: Tony on skates.

MARCIANO: Come on.

NGUYEN: Tony on the ice. Be very, very afraid.

MARCIANO: And do we have video of this? NGUYEN: We have video. But I think we're going to wait on that.

HARRIS: There is no video. I don't know what you're talking about.

MARCIANO: That's tomorrow.

HARRIS: I don't know what you're talking about. There's no video of it, Betty. That's just some ugly rumor.

NGUYEN: There is video. Stay tuned. It's good stuff.

HARRIS: Good to see you, doctor.

MARCIANO: Are you a good skater?

HARRIS: Well, you know...

MARCIANO: No.

HARRIS: ... I, it looks, they look so good.

MARCIANO: Yes.

HARRIS: They're so skilled that you think...

NGUYEN: That's why they're professionals.

HARRIS: ... that you think you can get out and...

NGUYEN: And do it.

HARRIS: ... and do it.

MARCIANO: That's kind of the way I felt when I filled in as anchor for you.

NGUYEN: Oh.

MARCIANO: You look so skilled and...

HARRIS: Did I tee that up for you?

MARCIANO: You did. And I floundered through it the whole way.

NGUYEN: And he did just fine.

MARCIANO: Good to have you back.

HARRIS: Yes, good to see you, man.

Good to see you.

(WEATHER REPORT)

MARCIANO: The boat and beach forecast throughout the day today. The golf fairway forecast, allergy forecast coming up in the show.

NGUYEN: Oh, yes, those allergies.

MARCIANO: Very big.

And there's St. Louis.

HARRIS: That arch.

MARCIANO: Isn't that gorgeous? I never get tired -- there's a few things I never get tired of looking at and one is the Gateway Arch.

HARRIS: And the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, another one of those things.

MARCIANO: Yes.

HARRIS: Yes?

MARCIANO: (UNINTELLIGIBLE) in Oregon.

HARRIS: See? There you go.

MARCIANO: (UNINTELLIGIBLE).

HARRIS: That is beautiful.

Good to see you, Rob.

MARCIANO: See you guys.

NGUYEN: You two, walking down memory lane here.

All right, we'll let you go on with that.

I'm going to go here.

Here is some food for thought this morning. Losing weight can be as simple as finding out your brain type, of all things. The authors of "Eat Right For Your Brain Type" join us live tomorrow morning. They say that they can help you figure out what foods your mind is craving. It's a unique approach to dieting. That's live on CNN SUNDAY, 9:00 a.m. Eastern.

HARRIS: So, will the steroid scandal trim the baseball bucks this season? The opening numbers suggest just the opposite. And we've got a real pro on the sidelines to follow the money. Our own Rick Horrow -- there he is, ball in hand. He joins us next with a look "Beyond The Game."

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

JOSE CANSECO: Just because you take enhancement producing drugs or steroids in general doesn't mean you don't have to work out hard.

HARRIS (voice-over): Baseball's off season was dominated by the steroid scandal, bringing fears that it would keep the fans away. Fear not. Opening day ticket sales are up. Twenty-eight of the 30 teams filled more seats than last year.

Will that momentum last throughout the year? The topic this morning as we take you "Beyond The Game."

(END VIDEO TAPE)

HARRIS: So, the first test is over and team owners are overjoyed.

To find out what they need to do next, we turn to the man known in the industry as the sports professor.

He is the author of "When the Game Is On the Line," CNN sports analyst Rick Horrow.

Rick joins us, as usual, live this morning from West Palm Beach, Florida -- good morning, doctor.

Good to see you.

RICK HORROW, CNN SPORTS BUSINESS ANALYST: Very alive.

Let me ask you something.

HARRIS: Yes?

HORROW: Can you hit one of these or is it like the way you play golf?

HARRIS: I can. I actually can, up to about 81, 82 miles an hour. When you start to get in the Schilling range, you know, like the pros, I fall by the wayside.

HORROW: Well, we've got other stuff to do, but I can't wait for your skating segment, because I've seen you in golf and I don't think you can do this. But, you know, we'll see.

HARRIS: You know, it's an ugly distorted rumor, but we'll clear it up tomorrow.

HORROW: All right, man.

HARRIS: Well, let's talk about baseball.

Last year the game set that new single season attendance record. And even with all the other revenue streams out there for baseball, it really still does come down to putting fans in the stands, doesn't it?

HORROW: Hey, as it always does, 73 million people last year. It was a record. That's important. And, frankly, nine million, nine teams were over three million in attendance, which was also good for the big markets. But you've got to promote the superstars -- Derek Jeter, A-Rod, Curt Schilling, for example, Roger Clemens, Pulholes (ph). There are others.

Baseball also has to focus on international. Opening day rosters, 30 percent foreign players. We're going to have a series in Europe maybe next year and a World Cup.

Also, women. You know, the demographics between women and men in baseball is split. And that's why the corporate America loves it. The Orioles, by the way, have a deal with Cover Girl. They gave away lip gloss. And, frankly, DHL signed up with major league baseball largely because women now make up the majority of small business starters, which is good for them, as well.

The kids is important. Sporting goods manufacturers, six million kids play softball and baseball. You've got to turn them into hard core baseball fans. That's the future, Tony.

HARRIS: You still need other revenue streams and baseball has a few others.

Are they stable?

HORROW: Yes, and we're in the late innings, for example, of one of them, the TV contract -- a $2.5 billion deal with Fox and a billion with ESPN. It depends on ratings and that depends on two words -- Red and Sox. Last year's 36 percent increase in their meteoric rise to the championship. You've also got corporate America that loves it -- Bank of America, State Farm, Gillette, for example, and others.

Merchandise sales up 36 percent. The Nationals, the new team in Washington, opening at home on Thursday, set merchandising records.

So all of those revenues are also very, very important.

HARRIS: All right, let's talk about your fair ball of the week.

What do you want to start with?

HORROW: Well, let's do the foul ball.

HARRIS: OK.

HORROW: I think we've got the baseball video coming up and that ties into everything.

HARRIS: OK.

HORROW: And frankly it's Gary Sheffield. You know, he was down the right field line at a Yankee game in Fenway Park last Thursday. You got a fan who smacks him in the face intentionally or going for the ball, depending on what you hear.

HARRIS: Right.

HORROW: Gary Sheffield practiced some real remarkable restraint, you can see on the video. But everybody is talking about that incident now over the last couple of days, which is not what a $4.6 billion industry really needs.

HARRIS: Yes, and these two teams, Rick, they just need a break. I know the schedule is going to give them a bit of a break, but they, they really seem to need it.

What's your fair ball for the week?

HORROW: Well, the fair ball is one that you and I love. Why couldn't it be? It's Tiger Woods' chip in on the 16th hole of the final round of the Masters last week.

HARRIS: We love it because we can't do it. That's why we love it so much. And it's great drama on TV.

HORROW: Well, we love it because you can't do it.

HARRIS: Ah!

HORROW: And I wouldn't even try it. But it's a million dollars of exposure for Nike, by the way, even before the 41 percent increase in Masters ratings. And, frankly, that's also the second most TiVoed sports example and sports incident since Janet Jackson's wardrobe malfunction in the Super Bowl last year.

And the other piece of this is that's why Nike can charge $52 for a box of Platinum One balls.

HARRIS: Oh, my.

HORROW: And we're thinking of the Michael Johnson 66 Golden Shoe...

HARRIS: The golden shoes.

HORROW: ... 1996 Golden Shoe Nike example and the Brandy Chastain bra example, both wonderful for Nike. And it's clearly a fair ball for golf and the industry.

HARRIS: We're flat out of time.

Good to see you, my friend.

See you next week.

HORROW: See you next week.

HARRIS: OK, Rick.

Ten thousand felons are swept off the streets of America in one week. We'll tell you how.

NGUYEN: And why is China so upset with Japan? Find out when we go Global, next on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Tens of thousands of Chinese are taking to the streets to show Japan exactly how they feel. So what's sparking these protests?

Welcome back.

I'm Betty Nguyen.

HARRIS: And I'm Tony Harris.

That story in a minute.

First, a look at the morning headlines now in the news.

Airport security screening is reportedly no better under federal control than it was before the September 11 attacks. Those are the findings of two government reports being released soon. One congressman says people will be shocked to see the results after all the money that's been spent on trying to improve security. The FDA says higher dose pills of ephedra will still be illegally. But lower doses of the herbal pill could soon be back on store shelves. A court says the FDA has failed to prove that low doses of the supplement are unsafe. The herb can speed up people's heart rate and constrict blood vessels. At least 150 deaths have been blamed on ephedra.

In just a few hours, volunteers are expected to flood a local state park in Florida as the search for 13-year-old Sarah Lunde expands. The girl has been missing since last weekend. Among the searchers is Mark Lunsford, whose daughter Jessica was abducted and found dead just last month.

NGUYEN: Well, from a reprimand for Prince Harry to a mom with eight legs, it was the largest in the nation, we will talk about that in just a little bit.

But first, here's another story for you today.

It was also the largest in the nation. We're talking now about federal, state and local police bringing down thousands of bad guys. Now, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales promises more fugitive sweeps.

And CNN's Kelli Arena has details on Operation Falcon.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

KELLI ARENA, CNN JUSTICE DEPT. CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Officials say just about everyone with a badge and a pair of handcuffs was asked to help and did. In just one week, more than 10,000 fugitives across the nation were captured. More than three quarters had prior arrest records.

ALBERTO GONZALES, ATTORNEY GENERAL: We know from history and from the bitter experiences of far too many victims, that a fugitive with a rap sheet is more desperate, more predatory and more likely to commit the crimes that plague citizens and communities. ARENA: The results are significant -- 162 people accused or convicted of murder now in custody, along with 638 wanted for armed robbery and more than 500 wanted for rape or sexual assault. BENIGNO RENYA, U.S. MARSHALS DIRECTOR: While we can quantify arrest numbers and the types of crime, the reduction of criminal activity created when dangerous individuals are behind bars and the pain and suffering of victims that it will prevent is incalculable.

ARENA: In Chicago, Marshal Sharon Metzger led the capture of a fugitive who's been on the run for eight years after escaping from a federal prison. She's part of the Great Lakes Regional Task Force. CNN spent several days with the force back in February.

SHANNON METZGER, U.S. MARSHAL: When you're working multiple cases at one time and running into dead ends, it's easy to throw the folder in your drawer and say, that's enough, let's go on to something else. But the good investigator keeps plotting along and works at it, and feels a real sense of accomplishment when you arrest somebody like that.

ARENA: The nationwide effort was led by the U.S. Marshals to coincide with Victims Protection Week. Officials say it costs $900,000, most spent on overtime for state and local officials who joined in the effort. Marshals across the nation are hoping the strong results bring new attention and more resources to the agency.

Kelli Arena, CNN, Washington.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

HARRIS: And now to "Security Watch," updating you on the weeks' major developments in the war on terror every Saturday morning.

The Department of Homeland Security is putting up another $142 million in grants to boost security for rail, bus and ferry travel. The grant money will be used for things like explosives detection and prevention of nuclear, biological and chemical attacks. The Department gave only $50 million in grants last year.

New concerns over background checks for people working at the nation's airports. The Department of Homeland Security says it arrested 57 illegal immigrants last month who work at airports and other places that are at risk for attacks. All of the people worked at security sensitive areas, but none appeared to have ties to terrorism.

The government says states have spent only 14 percent of the more than $2 billion they were given for emergency first responders last year. And they have spent only 19 percent of the $882 million they received in 2002 and 2003. A government auditor says that's partly because of confusion over federal guidelines and the fact that some states haven't assessed the risks they face.

Stay tuned to CNN day and night for the most reliable news about your security.

And time now for a check of some of the other stories making news around the world.

NGUYEN: There have been more anti-Japanese protests in China.

We do want to get the latest on that and the rest of the international news roundup.

So let's hand it over to Anand Naidoo at the CNN International Desk -- good morning.

ANAND NAIDOO, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hey, good morning.

Thanks for that.

And you're quite right, more anti-Japan protests in China. Tens of thousands taking to the streets in the capital, Beijing, as well as in the other big city, Shanghai. Protesters threw stones and broke windows at Japan's consulate and Japanese restaurants in Shanghai. The demonstrations erupted despite government concerns -- calls, rather -- for calm. Police stood guard in Beijing's Tiananmen Square to block a planned demonstration in the center of the capital.

Now, these protests are aimed at Japan because Japan, apparently, approved a controversial textbook in its schools that downplays Japan's role in China during the Second World War. And the Chinese are also opposed to Japan becoming a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council.

Now, on to Pakistan. Tensions rising there as security forces storm a plane in Lahore and detain opposition leader Asif Ali Zardari. Earlier, the government blocked rallies by Zardari's Pakistan People's Party. More than 5,000 party members and members of parliament have been arrested. Zardari is the husband of the former Pakistan prime minister, Benazir Bhutto. He was returning from visiting her in Dubai when these rallies, or, rather, these demonstrations erupted.

In Iraq, more insurgent violence. A car bomb explodes in northern Baghdad, missing a U.S. military convoy, but wounding two Iraqi civilians. Two people wounded when gunmen opened fire on a minibus near Baghdad Airport.

And this we just had in just a few hours ago. The U.S. military announcing that a soldier died near Tikrit. That death taking place on Friday. Two U.S. Marines have also been killed in the past 48 hours, one in Ramadi and the other one in the Al Anbar Province.

We'll have more later, but for now let's send it back to Betty and Tony.

HARRIS: Thank you.

NGUYEN: Thanks.

Well, we are asking you this morning should the U.S. negotiate with hostage takers? The current U.S. policy is not to negotiate. Tell us what you think. E-mail us at wam@cnn.com and we will read your supplies throughout the morning. HARRIS: And good morning, St. Louis.

The forecast for you and the rest of the nation is coming up with Rob Marciano, a little later on this hour.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Salacious testimony this week from the mother accusing Michael Jackson of molesting her son. She calls her one time public support of the singer all just an act. But is she a credible witness? That question on the docket in our legal panel, live next hour, 8:00 a.m. Eastern on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

MARCIANO: And cherry blossoms, dogwoods in full bloom across the South and as far north as D.C. You've got pollen falling out of the sky as if it were snow. And in some of the spots, especially across the South, the red areas from Mississippi, Alabama, up through southern parts of Missouri. High reports of pollen through the rest of this week, as well. And it will be dry. Typically the rain will knock down that pollen, but across the Southeast, it will be dry. So if you're suffering, it's not over just yet.

I'm Rob Marciano.

I hope you're feeling well today.

CNN SATURDAY MORNING will be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: When CNN first signed on 25 years ago, electric typewriters were considered state-of-the-art. Now, nearly every aspect of our global operation relies on digital technology and high speed computers. And that's just one example of the profound impact technology has had on our daily lives over the past 25 years.

For a quick preview, here's CNN's Veronica Delacruz of the CNN dot-com desk.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

VERONICA DE LA CRUZ, CNN.COM CORRESPONDENT: Can you imagine life without the remote control? The Internet? How about cell phones? At cnn.com, a look at the look at the top 25 innovations over the past quarter century.

We've come a long way since the '80s, when telephones were stuck to walls and facts were found on your bookshelves. According to a panel of experts, it's the advent of the wireless world that has done the most to revolutionize life as we know it.

This interactive gallery highlights the top ten technological innovations, from digital storage, which gives us the ability to store tons of information in cell phones or digital cameras, to the wireless world and the proliferation of personal digital assistants and wi-fi. How much do you know about technological innovations? You can find out in this interactive quiz. For example, in which decade did the Zenith company develop the first remote control for television? Was it the '40s, '50s, '60s or '70s? You can log on for the answer.

For a complete list of the top 25 innovations, go to cnn.com/cnn25. You can also join CNN's Daniel Sieberg as he counts down the top 25 breakthroughs in technology from the last 25 years. That's this Sunday at 8:00 p.m. Eastern.

From the dot-com news desk in Atlanta, I'm Veronica De La Cruz.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS: Well, did you hear this? The Bushes got a bit of a break on their taxes this year. The White House released the first family's return yesterday. The president reported taxable income of more than $672,000. The income includes his presidential salary and money from investments. The Bushes paid more than $207,000 in federal taxes. But that was down about $20,000 from the previous years. The Bushes contributed more than $77,000 in charitable contributions. That was about a tenth of their adjusted gross income. Not so gross.

NGUYEN: All right, checking some top stories now, two government probes have found that airport screening is no better than before 9/11. The reports from Congressional and Homeland Department investigators are expected to be released soon. Congressman John Mica disclosed those findings to the Associated Press.

Police say they have received dozens of tips about a missing Florida girl, but nothing to prompt a major break in the case. Today, volunteers will expand their search for Sarah Michelle Lunde. They will comb through a 2,400 acre state park.

And the FDA is maintaining a ban on ephedra in higher doses. Now, the weight loss supplement was outlawed last year after being linked to deaths, heart attacks and strokes. But on Thursday, a Utah court ruled the FDA failed to prove low doses of ephedra were a risk.

The stars, they are shining bright on the issue.

And guess who is back on skates this year?

HARRIS: Me?

NGUYEN: Yes, that's who we're talking about.

HARRIS: Oh, oh.

NGUYEN: Tony Harris. You didn't know he was a professional at that, huh?

Well, some big names, as well, and familiar faces when we take a look behind-the-scenes of Smucker's "Stars On Ice." You've got to see this one. That's next on CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

HARRIS: Literally on the ice, yes.

But first, a CNN Extra.

Older Americans are digging deeper into their pockets to pay for prescription drugs. Brand name drug prices soared more than double the inflation rate in 2004 while generic drugs remained unchanged. This was the fifth straight year the rise in drug prices outpaced inflation. Most older patients take about three different medications. The price increase would have them pay an extra $155 a year for their drugs.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Torino, Italy will host the Winter Olympics 2006 just 10 months from now. While new Olympic champions are still in the making, one place to see those who grab the gold in figure skating in Salt Lake City is Smucker's "Stars On Ice," the skating tour with seven Olympic champs in the cast.

We got a rare look behind-the-scenes.

(BEGIN VIDEO TAPE)

HARRIS (voice-over): Imagine rain, snow and ice, magic, beauty and grace, and some of the biggest stars all in one place. This year, the newcomer to Smucker's "Stars On Ice" is 2002 champ, 19-year-old Sarah Hughes, returning to the ice after two years at Yale.

SARAH HUGHES, 2002 OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST: I've had like so much fun, but it is a lot of work.

HARRIS: Four months on the road -- buses, hotels, ice arenas -- help everyone become a tight family.

HUGHES: I bought Connect Four and now we all play it.

ALEXEI YAGUDIN, 2002 OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST: You're a loser.

Sorry.

HUGHES: I can't believe I take this.

HARRIS: For her, like other stars on the tour, winning Olympic gold was the defining moment of their careers.

HUGHES: To reach the highest point at the most prestigious competition was something so new and different to me that -- oh, this.

YAGUDIN: Yes!

HUGHES: I can't play it.

HARRIS: Alexei Yagudin is on his third year with the tour and with Olympic gold and four world titles, he is still pushing the limit. Named one of the most eligible bachelors by "People" magazine, he knows how to make girls crazy. (on camera): Do you have a leading lady in your life?

YAGUDIN: It's up to the city, you know, where we go.

ELENA BEREZHNAYA, 2002 OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST: We are family and he's a little brother to us.

JAMIE SALE, 2002 OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST: He's a really good guy. He's just, he's the wanderer, still, you know? He wants to play and he wants to have fun.

HARRIS (voice-over): Back stage, the main attraction is a ping- pong table bought by the world champion Todd Eldredge and meticulously put together by one of the show's truck drivers, Wayne Meirs (ph).

WAYNE MEIRS: This, it's so flush there.

DAVID HOFFIS, TOUR DIRECTOR: That's the number one machine that gets the blood flowing out here at the tour, for the guys.

HARRIS: In the locker rooms, everything is ready for the cast -- towels, fresh warm-up shirts, costumes. There is a therapist on staff to relieve any aches.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: This is Marla, the person who knows every single detail about every single person on this tour.

HARRIS: Before the show starts, skaters go through a set of good luck rituals the audience does not get to see -- air kisses, hair tricks, winks -- a mysterious routine no one else can be a part of. And then it's time for the magic that inspires the audience.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I do want to be an Olympic champion.

QUESTION: And what do you think you need to get there?

UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: Hard work, really hard.

HARRIS: In this multi-million dollar production of Smucker's "Stars On Ice," the central theme is imagination. There is a magic box, magic tricks, and, of course, the magic of skating.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Who is your favorite so far?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Todd Eldredge.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I like them all.

HARRIS: The show was originally created by legendary figure skater Scott Hamilton.

SCOTT HAMILTON, PRODUCER, SMUCKER'S "STARS ON ICE": Next year will be our 20th anniversary year and we're gearing up for that now. And it's pretty exciting to see the show last this long.

HARRIS: Promoters say some 400,000 Americans will see the stars during the tour.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Whenever we get a chance, we come and see a skating show.

HARRIS: Every show benefits the Boys and Girls Club of America. The tour started in Japan, hit 60 U.S. cities and is currently in Canada.

(END VIDEO TAPE)

HARRIS: That's good stuff, isn't it?

NGUYEN: Yes, it's great stuff.

HARRIS: The 28th anniversary tour, as Scott just mentioned, will hit the road next January. And you can find out more at Starsonice.com.

And better late than never...

NGUYEN: Oh, there it is! That's what we wanted to see. Look at that.

HARRIS: You know, I was not warned that that would be -- all right, better late than never, better never than late. I...

NGUYEN: Well, I didn't see you fall, though, and hurt anything. So that's always a good sign.

HARRIS: It sounds like you're -- you know what it sounds like is you're rooting for something like that. You're not...

NGUYEN: That makes it good, Tony.

HARRIS: And they're rolling it again?

NGUYEN: It makes for good TV.

HARRIS: Oh, man.

OK, that's tomorrow. I get on -- there's Jamie and David. They're world class, the world champions.

NGUYEN: And they still couldn't help you out, huh?

HARRIS: And they did the best they could with me. They make it look so easy, I thought I could get out there and do a little something, something. But, as you'll see tomorrow, it was quite -- well, all right.

NGUYEN: Yes, you look a little unsure, a little unstable out there.

HARRIS: You think?

NGUYEN: Just a little. We'll check it out tomorrow, some more about that.

All right, here's a question for you today. What do you do when the gas prices are just simply too high?

HARRIS: Pull out the bike.

NGUYEN: One woman decides to go back in time. Yes, before the bike. We have those details right after this.

HARRIS: And we are also reading some of your e-mails. When we return. Should the U.S. negotiate with hostage takers? That's the question.

MARCIANO: Hi, everybody, I'm Rob Marciano.

(WEATHER REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: All right, if you thought Tony on skates was funny...

HARRIS: Oh, nice.

NGUYEN: ... just check this out.

First up today, here is one way to serve an eviction notice. The unwanted resident was a 10-foot alligator that had moved into a canal in suburban New Orleans. Animal control, well, they knew the big creature was there, but needed to wait for warmer weather for it to emerge from the den. They gave the squatter a free ride to a nearby swamp that has plenty of vacancies.

And in rural Oxford, Georgia, life in the slow lane has gotten even slower. One woman decided gasoline is too expensive to drive her pickup truck into town, so she's taken up hitching up Miss. Belle (ph) instead. That is the name, Miss. Belle. The mule isn't exactly as fast, but she does have excellent gas mileage.

HARRIS: And a little giddy up there. Still a little giddy up.

NGUYEN: Yes.

HARRIS: Let's get you quickly now to Rob Marciano for another check of the nation's weather -- good morning, Rob.

MARCIANO: Hi.

And environmentally speaking, we should point out that that mule does emit greenhouse gases in the form of methane, so...

NGUYEN: Oh, Rob.

MARCIANO: ... not exactly, you know...

NGUYEN: But it's cheaper.

MARCIANO: The you go, guys. Just thought I'd point that out. And I'm serious about that.

(WEATHER REPORT)

MARCIANO: That's the latest from here.

Keep your mules fed and your gas tanks full.

HARRIS: Thanks, Rob.

NGUYEN: And your gas mask on.

All right, thanks, Rob.

We want to talk about some e-mails this morning and get your responses.

Should the U.S. negotiate with hostage takers?

David says: "I am 100 percent behind the current policy to not negotiate with hostage takers. We should not legitimize the groups or their activities by recognizing them in any fashion except to hunt them down and put them out of business."

HARRIS: Yes, and just a reminder that the U.S. policy is not to negotiate with hostage takers.

And this from Barbara. And Barbara, I've got to tell you, your opinion is dramatically in the minority, but we want to share it with everyone: "I think it is inconceivable to me that the government would not set up a special unit for hostage negotiations if the citizens of the United States are in harm's way. It is the government's duty to administer some sort of help."

And that is Barbara's opinion.

Thank you for that opinion, Barbara, and for all the e-mails so far this morning.

Once again, there is the question -- do you think the U.S. should negotiate with hostage takers? Our address, wam@cnn.com.

NGUYEN: The next hour of CNN SATURDAY MORNING begins right now.

HARRIS: And from the CNN Center this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING. It is April 16th, 8:00 a.m. here at CNN Headquarters in Atlanta, 5:00 a.m. on the West Coast, and good morning everyone. I'm Tony Harris.

NGUYEN: And I'm Betty Nguyen. Thanks for being with us.

You don't get what you pay for, says the head of the House Aviation Subcommittee. Florida Congressman John Mikas says airport security screening has not improved since 9/11 despite billions being spent to fix it. And Mikas isn't along in his findings: he says results from two screener studies back him up.

Suddenly high oil prices are the focus as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund meet in Washington this weekend. Experts are concerned that high oil prices can stifle growth, especially in developing countries.

High doses of ephedra are still illegal. Now, this despite a federal court striking down the ban of sales of the weight loss herb ephedra with low doses. The FDA outlawed ephedra a year ago after linking it to deaths, heart attacks and stroke. The maker isn't sure it will put ephedra back on the market.

HARRIS: It has been a week now and there is no word on Sarah Lunde. The search for the missing Florida teenager expands this morning, and we'll take you there, live, in a minute.

And a new security warning for pilots: we'll tell you how they will know when they are flying into a danger zone.

And, our legal eagles bring you up to date on the trials and tribulations of the Michael Jackson case.

NGUYEN: Now to our top story. Police and volunteers are gathering in Florida to look for a missing girl. This morning the search widens for Sara Michelle Lunde and CNN's Sara Dorsey is on the scene, live from Ruskin, Florida, with the latest.

Hi, Sara.

SARA DORSEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi Betty.

More than 200 law enforcement agents are involved in this search at this point and yesterday there were just as many searchers, nearly 200. Today that is expected to expand because it is the weekend. As we speak, those searchers are gathering at a sheriff's substation to go out and begin this tedious search once again today.

Sarah Lunde went missing officially on Monday morning. That's when it was reported, but her brother, who was the last one to see her, said he hadn't seen her since Saturday night. Searchers are being told to look for Bud and Bud Light bottles. To give you an idea -- this is a little confusing, but there is some significance to this. There is a man named David Onstott. He is a convicted sex offender who had an on again, off again relationship with Sarah Lunde's mother.

Now, this Saturday night -- Andrew is Sarah's brother. He was there with Sarah and decided to go out with a friend of his. When he left, Sarah was at the house. When he came back, the porch light was off and Sarah was gone. He didn't think a whole lot of it, and went to sleep with the friend he was out with, and was awakened later by that man, David Onstott, the convicted sex offender. David was asking for Andrew and Sarah's mother. She was not in town at the time, and they told him so. He walked inside and picked up a half empty beer bottle and left with it. Andrew, Sarah's brother, had said there wasn't a beer bottle in the home before he left, but when he came home he noticed it, didn't know whose it was. As we said, then David Onstott arrived and took the beer bottle and left.

Authorities are saying they think there could be some significance if they find the beer bottle. Searchers are looking for that. They say there could be some DNA testing done if they find it in the right area. So, that will be the main focus for searchers today. Now, Onstott is already in custody on unrelated charges. The sheriff is not calling him a suspect, or even a person of interest at this point. He's saying, you know, we already have this guy in custody; we know where he is. He's being cooperative with us so far.

They don't want to become too focused on one person. They want to continue searching, they want to continue taking in leads. However at this point only 75 leads have come in which is not a large number for a case that's getting so much attention. Searchers today are going to be back out looking again, but so far up till now there is no sign of Sarah Lunde. We must also tell you that the sheriff has not ruled out the possibility that she ran away. People we're talking to around the church where we are located that know Sarah well say that she would have called by now if she did indeed leave. The sheriff is not ruling that out. But today, as of this morning, the search for the little 13-year-old continues.

NGUYEN: Because she does have a history of running away, at least once before. Sara Dorsey in Florida, thank you for that.

A 14-year-old California girl missing for three weeks has been located in Missouri. Ashley Markly (ph) was last seen March 29 with a 28-year-old friend as they left a relative's house. Police are still looking for the older woman.

HARRIS: In news now about your security: a new system to protect the restricted airspace around the nation's capital starts next month. Jean Meserve looks at how the warning lights will work in this report from CNN's America bureau.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JEAN MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Red, red, green, lasers pulsate into the night sky a short distance from the Capitol, warning pilots as far as 20 miles away to stop and turn.

COL. ED DANIEL, N. AMER. AEROSPACE DEF. COMMAND: I mean, there's so many high-value targets in this area. It's the center of our government. We need to do everything we can to protect it.

MESERVE: The large hunk of restricted airspace above and around the capital region is intended to prevent another September 11th-style attack from the air.

About a dozen times a week pilots enter this restricted airspace, usually unintentionally.

During the funeral of President Ronald Reagan, there was a hasty evacuation of the capital when the governor of Kentucky's plane flew inside the zone. In other cases, if a transgressing pilot cannot be raised on the radio, fighter jets are scrambled to drop warning flares. If that doesn't stop them, there is the possibility of a shootdown. The laser warning lights scattered throughout the restricted zone can be directed precisely at any plane, warning pilots they have gone astray.

DANIEL: We use a visual warning system. The aircraft turns around. We leave the fighters on the ground. All the other assets we bring to bear. It could potentially prevent a tragic situation.

MESERVE: Lasers used for different purposes have given pilots problems, even injuries.

PERRY WINDER, DELTA PILOT: Initially, I noticed almost a flash blindness like you would have if you got really close to a flash camera.

MESERVE: But the warning system uses a different kind of laser beam, perfectly safe, according to pilots who have seen it from the air.

MELISSA RUDINGER, AIRCRAFT OWNERS AND PILOTS ASSN.: I can tell that you it definitely doesn't hurt your eyes.

MESERVE: Pilots whose have gotten briefing but not seen the system in operation wonder whether the lasers will be visible in all conditions.

FAYEK ZABANEH, PRIVATE PILOT: If you are flying west in the afternoon and the sun is directly in your eyes, it will be very difficult to see anything else.

MESERVE: But officials say the distinctive pattern and colors stand out, day and night, except in low visibility conditions, providing an easier, cheaper, safer way to warn those in the skies and protect those below.

For CNN's America bureau, Jean Meserve, Washington.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS: And we invite you to stay tuned to CNN day and night for the most reliable news about your security.

NGUYEN: The U.S. embassy in Iraq says it has a 25-person teamworking to win the release of Indiana businessman Jeffrey Ake. Ake was abducted from a Baghdad construction site on Monday. A video showing Ake surrounded by masked gunman was released Wednesday. Al- Jazeera television reported Ake asked the U.S. to have a dialogue with insurgents. Now the U.S. has a policy not to negotiate with terrorists, and that brings us to our e-mail question of the day: current U.S. policy is not to negotiate with hostage takers, but do you think that's the right thing to do? Let us know: wam@cnn.com. We will be reading those replies throughout the morning.

HARRIS: What a week in the Jackson case. More courtroom drama in the Michael Jackson case as one of the most anticipated witnesses takes the stand. We'll have the blow by blow, the play by play, in this week's "Legal Briefs."

NGUYEN: But, first, these prisoners, right there, are certainly pretty in pink, aren't they?

HARRIS: Oh, my.

NGUYEN: I don't get this. The story behind this bold fashion move is just ahead.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

GERRI WILLIS, HOST "OPEN HOUSE": Shopping for a house on line? Here's what you need to know before you begin. First, determine your price range and get all financial documents ready and organized. Next, create a reasonable wish list by figuring out what amenities your new home must have and which you would like to have. Never buy a house you have seen on line without seeing it person, and be sure to check out both local and national realty websites. I'm Gerri Willis, and that's your "Tip of the Day." For more, watch "OPEN HOUSE" on Saturday morning, 9:30 Eastern on CNN.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Holy smoke. It's not easy communicating by smoke signals but the Vatican has it down to a science. We'll have a look at the chemistry behind this holy tradition coming up in the 9:00 a.m. hour of CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

(WEATHER REPORT)

HARRIS: In other news across America now, relatives and friends hold a memorial service for Terri Schiavo at the suburban Philadelphia church she attended as a child. In Florida, meanwhile, the Department of Children and Family says the brain damaged woman was never abused or exploited by her husband. The agency investigated dozens of complaints alleging abuse.

The National Rifle Association annual convention is off and gunning -- OK, running, in Houston. Some 60,000 visitors are expected over the weekend. Protesters have also made their presence known outside.

And a sort of criminal fashion statement in Phoenix, Arizona. More than 2600 inmates -- take a look at the pictures...

NGUYEN: Whoa -- get back to the shorts. Get back to the -- there we go.

HARRIS: Here's the story, Betty. They are being moved into two new facilities this is weekend, and as an extra security measure, all the inmates being transferred by foot have to wear only...

NGUYEN: Holding hands?

HARRIS: Yes,, only pink underwear and pink flip flops. Pink drawers and flip flops.

NGUYEN: Molly Ringwald would be so jealous. They are so pretty in pink out there. All right, Tony, thank you.

Well, hey, the mother of Michael Jackson's accuser takes her turn on the stand. But she is turning out to be, well, is she, though? Is she turning out to be a credible witness, and, in her testimony this week, help the prosecution or the defense? We will talk about it next in "Legal Briefs."

HARRIS: Plus, are all of those beautiful spring flowers making you miserable? Help is just a few minutes away on "House Call" with Dr. Sanjay Gupta. Stick around.

TODD SONES, GOLF INSTRUCTOR: The key to short chips around the green is to use the right lofted golf club. A mistake too many amateurs make is they use their sand wedge or awl (ph) wedge too often around the green. I'm going to start with the seven iron, here. The first thing you do in the set up is stand the club up so it's more on the toe. The next thing do you is move the handle over, in effect, de-locking (ph) the face, slightly. The third thing is stand to the handle. That means the handle of the golf club should come to the center of your body. Once you take your grip, keep your backswing short so you can really accelerate through the ball. Finish low with your weight on your left side. You will contact the ball crisply and you will control your chips.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: It was the accuser's mother who dominated headlines this week in the child molestation trial of singer Michael Jackson. Her testimony was at times salacious, when describing what she says happened at the Neverland ranch. The mother also claims family members were virtual prisoners at the pop star's compound. She also testified she was acting when she praised the singer in a videotape meant to offset negative publicity surrounding a BBC documentary.

But is her testimony credible, the topic this morning in "Legal Briefs." And the fireworks, well, they did explode Friday at the Michael Jackson trial. Very contentious exchanges in court between the mother of his accuser and the singer's lead attorney.

Now, to sort it all out, let's bring in our legal experts. Civil liberty attorney Lida Rodriguez-Taseff, live from Miami, and former prosecutor Nelda Blair in Houston. We appreciate you both being here.

Boy, yesterday, fireworks went off in the courtroom. Let's start with you, Lida: the mother got into many heated exchanges with Thomas Mesereau, which is Michael Jackson's defense attorney. At one point the judge even said if you don't stop it, I'm going to put this trial on hold until you cool down. Is this thing out of control?

LIDA RODRIQUEZ-TASEFF, CIVIL LIBERTY ATTORNEY: Absolutely not out of control, but you know, it did go a little too far. The problem was that the mother kept giving these rambling answers that had nothing to do with the questions that were asked. In fact, the judge repeatedly warned her, keep your answers to the questions that are asked. Please don't ramble on, but she kept doing it and doing it, and it finally got to Mesereau. NGUYEN: Oh, yes, it did. And Nelda, I just want to read a little bit what the mother said. She repeatedly, as Lida just said, addressed the jury. She went on to say, "Now, I know that Neverland is all about booze, pornography, and sex with boys." How damaging is that? Even though it was stricken from the record?

NELDA BLAIR, FORMER PROSECUTOR: Well, "stricken from the record" means it is simply not in writing in the record, but it is certainly in the minds of the jurors. Every lawyer knows that a judge striking something from the record does nothing to strike it from the juror's memory. It is damaging. This lady has obviously waited for a couple of years to tell her story and she is going to do it no matter what Mesereau does in the cross-examination. I think that she is obviously coming off a little strong. But you know what, she's been a boom to the prosecution.

NGUYEN: How credible has she been, Lida?

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: Absolutely not credible at all. Rambling answers. Every time she is asked a question she doesn't really want to answer, she mumbles on about something else. And most importantly, she had to take the fifth on a very, very important issue of committing welfare fraud. She is being investigated right now by the L.A. D.A's office for having committed welfare fraud from 2001 to 2003. ,Now the only bad part about how that testimony came out, is that she didn't even have to tell the jury that she was pleading the fifth. The judge did it for her. So it saved her for now but it's not going to save her in closing.

NGUYEN: Nelda, that's a very good point, because -- by pleading the fifth, does it kind of give the jury the sense maybe she is guilty?

BLAIR: Well, it may give the jury the sense of that, but the reason it doesn't come in at all and the judge is keeping that evidence out is because it is just that, what Lida said, an investigation. It is not a criminal conviction that she has. She is being charged with something that she has not been proven that she's committed. So, certainly it's not something the jury ought to hear. And the judge did tell the jury that she would be taking the fifth amendment as to that matter. And that's all that was said about it. I really don't think it damages her that much.

Yes, she's not the most together witness. And, yes, she does ramble, but all the jury has to do is believe a little bit of what she says, believe a little bit of a few other witnesses and brick by brick that wall's is built.

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: Well, she also said that...

NGUYEN: Go ahead.

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: No, I just think it's absolute hooey Nelda, that you have to be wondering what it is this welfare fraud has to do with the case. The bottom line is, you're talking welfare fraud to get money from the government. You're talking fraud on J.C. Penney to get money from a department store. You are talking shaking down other TV personalities and actors. This is all about money and what Mesereau is building a very good case for the defense, that this is about money.

NGUYEN: OK, but if it is about money she also said she is not planning on seeking a civil suit against Jackson so she doesn't want to get money that way. Is that convincing, because when Mesereau said, all right, well do you know about the deadline to file that suit? She says, I think so.

BLAIR: I don't think that's a big deal. Go ahead, Lida.

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: It absolutely is a big deal. Let's face it. Who did she call before she ever called the police? She called one of the lawyers who represented one of the other kids who ended up getting a multimillion judgment from Jackson. You think this woman is not waiting until this trial is over? She is not being held to any standard. She can say whatever she wants on the stand and then turn around and sue Michael Jackson for millions of dollars which is what she intends to do.

BLAIR: All the jury has to believe is that something happened. That anything that she says or maybe her son or a former accuser or the cook or the bodyguard or the maid, all the jury has to do is believe a little bit of their testimony and he's convicted.

NGUYEN: All right. We're going to have to leave it there. Lida Rodriguez-Taseff, Nelda Blair, boy, fireworks here this morning.

HARRIS: Good stuff, good stuff.

NGUYEN: That was good stuff. Thank you, ladies.

BLAIR: Thank you.

RODRIGUEZ-TASEFF: Thank you.

HARRIS: Before we get to the half hour I want to check in on some of the e-mail responses to this question: do you think the U.S. should negotiate with hostage takers?

And this from Bob: "Absolutely not. To borrow one of Harrison Ford's lines from 'Air Force One,' 'if you give' -- I think this is also the title of a kid's book -- 'if you give a mouse a cookie, he will want a glass of milk.'"

NGUYEN: Mary in Los Angeles says, "If President Bush's daughters were hostages, I can guarantee that'd make negotiations before they let their daughters die. Yes. Negotiate."

And, again, we must let you know, not many people are siding with folks like Mary who believe the U.S. should negotiate, but we do want to hear what you think about it. Send it in, wam@CNN.com.

From reprimand to -- for Prince Harry to a mother with eight legs. There is news to satisfy every curiosity on CNN.com today. We will get a look at what is most popular in the 9:00 a.m. hour of CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

But first, tips for beating springtime allergies. "House Call" with Dr. Sanjay Gupta and your top stories are straight ahead.

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