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CNN Saturday Morning News

First Tropical Depression Of 2006; Internet Posting Suggests Insurgents' Resolve Not Weakened By Al-Zarqawi's Death; Remains Of Zarqawi Safe House; Dr. Kevin Ault Discusses New Cervical Cancer Vaccine; Bush Says Violence in Iraq May Escalate After Zarqawi Death; Albert Dotson discusses 100 Black Men Of America; Lauren Argo Discusses Her Art

Aired June 10, 2006 - 10:00   ET

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

TONY HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: If you are just joining us in the west, first of all, good morning to you. Boy, do we have news for you.
This just in. The first tropical depression of the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season is now forming just south of Cuba. CNN is, of course, your hurricane headquarters, and we'll have the latest weather data for you so that you can begin to track this storm.

BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: The season is off to an early start.

Hey, also new this morning, fresh video from the site where a 500-pound, precision-guided bomb pinpointed al Qaeda's Abu Musab al- Zarqawi amid a dense grove of trees. CNN's John Vause takes you there to see it for yourself.

HARRIS: OK, let's get started. Good morning, everyone. I'm Tony Harris, it is Saturday, June 10, 2006.

NGUYEN: And I'm Betty Nguyen. We want to thank you for starting your day with us. Meteorologist Reynolds Wolf joins us in just a few minutes on that tropical depression, but first, here's a quick look at some of the other stories making news right now.

A fragile cease-fire ends in the Middle East. The military wing of Hamas said if fired a barrage of rockets at Israel over the past 24 hours. Here's some new video coming in to CNN, and it has called off a truce.

Now, all is sparked by this incident, the death of seven Palestinians. They were killed yesterday by an Israeli artillery attack while picnicking on a Gaza beach. We'll have more on that.

Now to Iraq. It's still dangerous after the death of insurgent leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Attackers set off two roadside bombs in Baghdad in the past 24 hours, killing at least six people.

And in Mosul, gunmen killed five butchers. Meanwhile the FBI is analyzing al-Zarqawi's remains to confirm that the DNA is a match. Results are expected no later than Monday morning.

HARRIS: Here in the U.S., online privacy. A federal appeals court ruling makes it easier for the government to tap Internet phone calls. The court ruled technologies used by Internet service providers must be able to accommodate police wiretaps. The court sides with the Bush administration in its decision.

And some rowdy clashes in a German city hosting World Cup matches. Supporters clashed of a German far right party clashed with a larger group of counter-demonstrators today. The protestors shouted "Nazis out" and threw tomatoes. In the run-up to the World Cup, a surge in attacks on non-whites has heightened concerns over racism.

NGUYEN: Well, if you're just about to head out the door you might want to just hold off a little bit because 10 minutes from now, one of the researchers who helped develop the new vaccine for cervical cancer is here to take your questions including whether the vaccine is really safe for young girls.

Also, coming up, all eyes on Germany for the World Cup. British fans are pumped as they prepare to face off against Paraguay.

Take a look at this. A little bit later, why is this aspiring actress just getting up? She was actually just sleeping a few minutes ago in a store window. What's she doing there? I'll ask her in 45 minutes.

ANNOUNCER: You're watching CNN, your severe weather headquarters.

HARRIS: 8:55 a.m. Eastern time this morning.

NGUYEN: News has already been made.

HARRIS: How about that? The National Hurricane Center announced the first tropical depression of 2006.

NGUYEN: The first.

HARRIS: Reynolds Wolf upstairs in the CNN Weather Center with all of the numbers and the pictures and the diagrams -- Reynolds.

REYNOLDS WOLF, CNN METEOROLOGIST: And so it begins. The latest we have for you. Tropical depression number one, we've been keeping an eye on it. It was just a cluster of thunderstorms. Now, it's slowly beginning to take that shape that we're so familiar with, really became familiar with last season.

The latest we have on this storm system, the maximum sustained winds right around 35 miles per hour. Once it crosses over to about 39, that's when it becomes a tropical storm. That may occur later on this evening.

The storm is just inching its way to the north, already bringing heavy rainfall to portions of western Cuba, places like the Isle of Youth, Pinar Del Rio, those Cuban provinces, experiencing heavy rainfall, some places up to 10 to 20 inches of rain possible as the system edges its way toward the Gulf of Mexico. Higher elevations could see as much as 30 inches. Now, again, the storm is expected to make its way right through the Yucatan Channel, eventually moving into the Gulf of Mexico by 2:00 a.m. Central time tomorrow. In the Gulf this storm should increase in speed and become a tropical storm, Tropical Storm Alberto, the first named storm of the 2006 Atlantic season.

Now you're going to want to see the latest computer models that show where the system is expected to go. And we're going to show you that coming up in just a few moments Back to you.

NGUYEN: Well, you know, a lot of people are wondering is it headed to Florida? You're going to keep us waiting on that one.

HARRIS: Yes. OK, Reynolds.

WOLF: Yes, you bet.

NGUYEN: All right, Reynolds. We'll be watching. Thank you.

HARRIS: New developments in the death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Iraqi insurgents are posting warnings to Sunnis on the Internet. Do not cooperate with the Iraqi government. The posting suggests insurgents want to show that al-Zarqawi's death has not weakened their resolve.

Intelligence gathered immediately after the airstrike on al- Zarqawi has spawned dozens of raids across Iraq. Numerous suspected insurgents have been taken into custody or killed.

In this country, the FBI is going over al-Zarqawi's DNA samples. A spokesman tell the Associated Press the test may show where the terrorist has been and who he's been with.

CNN's John Vause went to the site where al-Zarqawi was killed and filed this report.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

JOHN VAUSE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: This is all that's left of Zarqawi's safe house, a house made of concrete and steel. All of this destruction caused by two 500-pound bombs.

The impact from the blast was so powerful, we're told by the U.S. military, that initially this hole in the ground, about 35, maybe 40 feet deep.

Now, the day after the air strike, the rubble around the area was mostly cleared and bulldozed into that crater. It's still more than 10 feet deep, as well.

It was an incredibly powerful blast. Rubble is strewn around this area, 600 feet, maybe even 1,000 feet away.

And signs of the people who once lived in this house. Over here is a towel left behind, thrown clear as part of the debris. Just over here, as well, we can see a pillow and just next to it a blanket, as well.

They say this was a safe house in an isolated area and, indeed, it was very isolated. Take a look at the trees, the palm trees and the date trees which surround this area.

At the time of the air strike, a top level al Qaeda meeting was underway. Zarqawi and five others, including his spiritual adviser, the man who was traced to this house and ultimately led to Zarqawi's downfall. And after this powerful blast, we are told somehow Zarqawi managed to survive, if only for a few moments.

John Vause, CNN, near the City of Baquba.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS: And ahead on CNN, White House correspondent Elaine Quijano's coverage of President Bush's radio address to the nation.

And be sure to tune in to CNN tonight at 7:00 Eastern as Wolf Blitzer hosts "IRAQ: A WEEK AT WAR." CNN's team of correspondents around the world bring you an in-depth look at major events in the war on terror, including the strike on al-Zarqawi, the newly-released al- Zawahiri tape, and the foiled terror plot in Canada. Again, that's tonight at 7:00 Eastern right here on CNN.

NGUYEN: Well, guilty of a hate crime -- that is the verdict for a New York man who beat a black man with a baseball bat while using a racial slur. A jury found Nicholas Minucci guilty of assault and robbery as hate crimes. He could face up to 25 years in prison. Prosecutors say Minucci used the N-word during that attack.

The defense argued though that the word is commonly used by young people and that it no longer has a strictly racist meaning. That argument was one of the forces behind the Web site abolishthenword.com. We featured a segment on the trial and the Web site last month.

It is being hailed as the biggest breakthrough in cancer research. Next, right here on CNN SATURDAY MORNING, a doctor involved in that research answers your questions about a revolutionary vaccine for cervical cancer.

HARRIS: Plus this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I really thought he should have a male role model because the two of us were together.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: The search for male role molds can start and end with the 100 Black Men of America. The group's chairman of the board joins us live. Let's get you back now to Reynolds Wolf -- Reynolds.

(WEATHER REPORT) VERONICA DE LA CRUZ, CNN ANCHOR: All right, thanks, Reynolds.

I'm sure you always wanted to be a pipeline VIP. Well, we'll have ways for you to get your hands on a free year-long subscription to our new, fast-paced broadband service, but you have to pay close attention. The .com countdown starts in less than 60 seconds. Stay close.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

DE LA CRUZ: Hey there. Good morning. What are people clicking on at CNN.com? We kick off our .com countdown with number 10 and a question. Who will pay for tomorrow's Internet? Well, before you know it, more users will be streaming data-rich video into their homes, using their computers to see their doctors, and videoconferencing their parents halfway around the world. The Internet will be congested to say the least, so who will pay for the upgrades? A few ideas in this commentary.

Number nine, New Zealand has deported a Yemeni man who they claim is directly associated to one of the hijackers responsible for the attacks on September 11.

Number eight, will Iran stop enriching uranium? New reports say that the country is pondering the package of incentives presented to them last week by world powers. That package also contains penalties if Iran fails to comply.

And number seven, the coalition command in Kabul says that a few dozen insurgents have been killed by troops fighting in Afghanistan.

And we will have numbers six, five and four when CNN SATURDAY MORNING returns. I'm Veronica de la Cruz for the .com desk.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: Our top stories this morning, the first tropical depression of the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season has formed in the northwest Caribbean. It's about 50 miles off the western tip of Cuba, you can see here in the radar image, and expected to become -- well, if it does become the first named tropical storm, it will be named Alberto. Stay with CNN, your hurricane headquarters, for frequent updates.

The FBI is testing DNA samples from Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. It's extra precaution to ensure Iraq's al Qaeda's leader was killed in Thursday's airstrikes. Test results are expected by Monday morning.

Israel and Hamas trade rocket barrages once again. The Palestinian military wing today launched rockets toward Israel from Gaza. This follows yesterday's Israeli military strike in Gaza. An artillery shell hit picnickers on the beach, killing seven Palestinians.

NGUYEN: Well, get a shot, avoid getting cervical cancer -- it could soon be almost that simple. The FDA has approved the first vaccine to protect against the disease. It prevents infection by HPV, which is a virus that causes most serve cervical cancers. HPV is a sexually transmitted disease.

Now, the vaccine is recommended for girls as young as nine before they become sexually active. Some conservative groups say that sends the wrong message to young people that it's OK to have sex before marriage.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

PETER SPRIGG, FAMILY RESEARCH COUNCIL: This can reduce your risk for HPV. It will not eliminate that risk. It does not eliminate -- it does not reduce your risk for HIV or any of a number of other sexually transmitted diseases. Abstinence until marriage and fidelity within marriage is the best formula for sexual health.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: So, there you have it. There is controversy, but the vaccine is also seen as a breakthrough and a major advance in women's health.

Joining us now to talk about all of this is Dr. Kevin Ault. He's a gynecologist and researcher with Emory University who worked on the HPV vaccine.

Thanks for coming in today, appreciate it.

DR. KEVIN AULT, GYNECOLOGIST/RESEARCHER: Thank you.

NGUYEN: So tell us exactly what role did you play in researching and ultimately coming up with this vaccine?

AULT: Well, I first heard about this vaccine about 10 years ago, and it was just beginning to be given to human beings. So human trials were just beginning, and I had the privilege of working on three of the trials that were submitted to the FDA as part the data set.

NGUYEN: So you played a major role in it. OK, so you are the man to ask. Exactly how does this work and what's the link to STDs?

AULT: Well, the vaccine works because it's a protein on the surface of the HPV virus, and this particular vaccine has four types in it. It's a series of three shots over a six-month period.

NGUYEN: OK.

AULT: It is a sexually transmitted infection, as you said previously. However, it's an incredibly common sexually transmitted infection. Nearly all sexually active people are going to get exposed to the virus some time during their lives.

NGUYEN: So you stop the infection and then you prevent cancer is basically how it works, right?

AULT: Yes.

NGUYEN: OK, so herein lies the problem because a lot of parents say, you know, you're recommending that this be given to young girls as early as 9 years old. What kind of message is that sending and what's important here? Is it the message or is it saving them from cancer?

AULT: Well, I guess we can talk about both those things. The reason to give it to young girls in that age group is that there are other vaccines given in the age group. There's a vaccine against meningitis, there's a vaccine against whooping cough that's going to be given in that age group. Young women, young children make very good immune responses to this vaccine at that young age, so that will enhance their protection.

There was some data presented by researchers from the CDC at a recent meeting where they talked about why teenagers don't have sex is basically the message. And the reason they don't have sex is because it's against their moral value. Sexually transmitted infections are pretty far down on the list of reasons not to have sex.

NGUYEN: Well, let's get right to some viewer questions because really, this is caused by men giving it to women, the HPV, right? So our first viewer, Mohammed (ph), says "Can circumcision prevent or reduce HPV?"

AULT: There is some data along that line. Actually, one of the researchers involved in this vaccine research has published some data that on average, circumcised men have less HPV than uncircumcised men, so -- and there are two or three studies that say that. So that's correct.

NGUYEN: All right. And Jane wants to know, "Does the new cervical cancer vaccine help a woman who has had a cervical cancer and is about to have a biopsy for a possible reoccurrence?"

AULT: Unfortunately, no. This vaccine is supposed to work the way most other vaccines work in preventing disease ...

NGUYEN: Before it ever happens in the first place.

AULT: ... not treating disease. I guess I would tell this patient, since I worked at Emory University in an academic medical center, there might be research going on about a therapeutic vaccine, but they certainly have not been approved by the FDA.

NGUYEN: Well, so what -- OK, we know preteens should get this. What about those who are a little bit older? Do you recommend it for them? At what age do you recommend it? Is it for all women?

AULT: The FDA was quite liberal, I though, in their recommendation, and they went from 9 to 26. So -- and I like that recommendation because it gives a chance for pediatricians, family doctors, gynecologists, internists all really to be involved in this important problem. NGUYEN: And Mernali (ph) says, "Why give a vaccine only to girls and not also to boys who would be exposing the girls to this devastating virus?"

AULT: Well, that's a great question, and I think the bottom line is those studies are going and we don't know that the vaccine is effective in men. There are some male diseases -- they're not as common as cervical cancer, but there are some equivalent diseases in men, and within a year or two, we ought to know the results of those other studies.

NGUYEN: Well, I know this is so new, but I got to ask you, are there any side effects and how long does this vaccine last?

AULT: There are side effects and you might be able to predict them. Sore arms. It's typically very ...

NGUYEN: That's about it, from getting the shots.

AULT: And headaches. Serious side effects are much less common. This is a healthy group to be giving vaccines to. The longest data we have from those studies I mentioned previously is about five or six years.

NGUYEN: On the effectiveness of it.

AULT: On the effectiveness. And it looks good for that length of time, but I think you're going to have to stay tuned.

NGUYEN: So are they going to have to continue to get those shots?

AULT: It's hard to know.

NGUYEN: Because they might fall out of that age range, then.

AULT: Sure. It's hard to know whether you're going to need a booster is really what you're asking.

NGUYEN: Right, yes.

AULT: Yes, and we never know that when we get started on the vaccine because it's a relatively new ...

NGUYEN: Well, and some parents are concerned, too, because OK, I should give it to my 9-year-old, but this is so new. I want to see if it's going work, if there aren't major problems with it. So for those who are a little worried, a little cautious, what do you say?

AULT: Well, I believe there are about 26,000 people who got the vaccine in the data that the FDA reviewed, and the FDA's job is to say that things are safe and effective. And we talked a little bit about the effectiveness, but it also appears to be safe, so I'm going to reassure those parents.

NGUYEN: And no doubt this is revolutionary when it comes to cancer prevention.

AULT: Well, certainly it's the first vaccine designed specifically to prevent cancer.

NGUYEN: Oh, you're being modest. This is a big deal. This is a big deal, Doctor, and we appreciate your time. Dr. Ault, thank you so much.

AULT: Thank you.

NGUYEN: And we have a lot more coming up on this cancer vaccine. Dr. Bill Lloyd with the University of California Davis Medical Center is going to be talking to Fredericka Whitfield a little bit later today at 4:00 Eastern.

HARRIS: And turning to weather right now, things are really starting to heat up, blow up in the Caribbean. We're talking about the weather. Stay right here for the latest on what could become Tropical Storm Alberto.

And we will go live to Germany where things -- well, got a little nasty today, but we're not talking about the soccer game. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: And, Reynolds, as we bring in here to talk about the first tropical depression of the 2006 Atlantic hurricane season, I have to remind everyone, 28 named storms last year, 15 hurricanes, what? Seven of those intense?

(WEATHER REPORT)

HARRIS: OK, and thanks for your work on this.

Here we go, 8:55 a.m. Eastern time, the National Hurricane Center issued this warning, the National Weather Service together with the Hurricane Center. And here we go, 2006 Atlantic hurricane season.

NGUYEN: It's in motion folks. Yes. They said it was going to start June, June 1st. We're, you know, 10 days into it and there you have it, the very first one. We'll stay on top of it.

HARRIS: Still ahead -- much more ahead on CNN SATURDAY MORNING coming up. The death of al Qaeda's leader in Iraq has given the White House a bit of a boost. A live report from the White House is just ahead.

Also coming up just a little bit later, she thinks outside the box, but actually living inside of it. Yes, I'm going talk with actress Lauren Argo about her very strange week as the daily special at the Louisville restaurant that you see right there.

Also ahead.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I really thought he should have a male role model because it's the two of us, we're together.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HARRIS: We will shine a spotlight on an aspect of African- American culture that is often overshadowed by negative stereotypes. A leader of the group 100 Black Men in America will be our guest. We'll talk about the crucial role of mentoring to today's African- American youth. We'll be right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HARRIS: More than 50 raids against suspected insurgents and a treasure trove of information. U.S. forces in Iraq say it's all the result of the air strike that killed terrorist lead are Abu Musab al- Zarqawi. President Bush says this has been a good week for freedom. White House correspondent Elaine Quijano joins us now with the latest. Elaine, good morning.

ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to Tony. That's right. President Bush is highlighting not only the death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, but also the finalization of a new Iraqi cabinet. The president is spending the next few days at the presidential retreat at Camp David where yesterday he hosted Denmark's prime minister. In his weekly radio address this morning, the president called the death of al-Zarqawi an important victory in the war on terror, but he also cautioned that this would not put an end to the fighting.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: In the weeks ahead, violence in Iraq may escalate. The terrorists and the insurgents will seek to prove that they can carry on without Zarqawi and coalition and Iraqi forces are seizing this moment to strike the enemies of freedom in Iraq at this time of uncertainty for their cause. The work ahead will require more sacrifice and the continued patience of the American people.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

QUIJANO: Now, what that means for U.S. forces is not quite clear. Senior Bush aide says the issue of how U.S. troops are configured in Iraq is expected to be on the agenda next week. On Monday at Camp David, the president will meet with his national security team as well as key members of his cabinet. Then on Tuesday, they'll be joined via videoconference by their Iraqi counterparts.

The president says that the focus will be on the way forward in Iraq and how best to deploy America's resources there. One senior administration official says that it is not expected that they'll discuss U.S. troop draw downs during those discussions -- Tony.

HARRIS: White House correspondent Elaine Quijano with us, Elaine, thank you. Be sure to tune in to CNN tonight at 7:00 Eastern as Wolf Blitzer hosts "Iraq: A Week at War." CNN correspondents around the war bring you an in depth look at major events in the war on terror, the strike on al-Zarqawi, the new al Zawahiri tape, the foiled terror plot in Canada. That's tonight 7 Eastern only here at CNN.

BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR, CNN SATURDAY MORNING: Well, violence does erupt in a World Cup host city today, but not on the field of play. Take a look at this. The extreme right National Democratic Party staged a rally, but a larger group of counter demonstrators shouted Nazis out and threw rocks, bottles, even tomatoes at the protestors. That triggered clashes with police.

OK, now on the field today, first round matches continue with England playing Paraguay in Frankfurt as we speak right now. CNN's Berlin bureau chief, Chris Burns has been talking to cup-crazy fans. I think that's putting it mildly. Chris, are you surviving all the madness out there?

CHRIS BURNS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Oh, Betty, it is crazy and it was a bit crazy there in Gelsenkirchen where you saw that far right National Democratic Party marching today. Only about 200 of them taking to the streets and 5,000 as you saw counter demonstrators.

That's about typical as what we see just about every month here in Germany, these very small, far right demonstrations overwhelmed by anti far right demonstrators. There also are concerns about what might happen in Frankfurt in the last couple of days with England playing there. So far, it's been pretty quiet, though and here are some reasons why.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BURNS (voice-over): German riot police in Frankfurt's old town watch beer-swilling English fans whooping it up, singing the provocative World War II song, "10 German Bombers" as the German fans celebrate their first World Cup match victory. No major incidents as the cup kicks off though authorities aren't ruling out trouble.

UNIDENTIFIED POLICEMAN: I'm very happy so far, very good. The fans are having a good time. Everybody's having a great time so hopefully it will continue.

BURNS: British police have deployed a uniform like a dozen other participating countries to keep their country folk in line.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: People are well behaved. We've met a lot of people so far and got along well with everyone. I think that's going to be it. Everyone's going to get on.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Good humor, good fun and just enjoy it.

BURNS: British authorities back home have grounded more than 3,000 hooligans by confiscating their passports. And there's something else working in law enforcement's favor, the changing face of English football and its fans. Just have a look at who's on the cover of the swanky British magazines, rich, gentleman football stars. Sports observers say sure, there are a few bad boy or working class personalities, but they don't fit the image makeover, they say.

LUKE HARDING, THE GUARDIAN: The stereotype of the English fan is someone with a big beer belly, a bloke, probably shaven heads, maybe sort of union jack kind of flag on his head. That's still true to a certain extent, but I think the fan profile has changed considerably over the last few years. You're seeing more women. You're seeing more families. You're seeing more kids. And really, if you like the games just become a bit more middle class and so are the fans.

BURNS: Authorities hope a few rallies won't spoil the month-long party or the changing face of English football, but they're not taking anything chances.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BURNS: A few minutes left in this match. England is leading Paraguay 1-0 so perhaps those coming out of that game will be in a very good mood. No troubles to be expected, but officials aren't taking any chances here in Berlin either. In fact, just steps away from where I'm standing from Brandenburg Gate, there are four police vans very conspicuously in the middle of the square not take anything chances at all here.

NGUYEN: No doubt. Those fans can get downright rowdy. OK, Chris, thanks so much, have a little fun later, OK.

HARRIS: Just add alcohol.

NGUYEN: Don't do that.

BURNS: That's right. No, not me. Thanks.

HARRIS: Well, ask one of the leaders of 100 Black Men of America about the need for a national mentoring program and they point to the numbers. The Department of Justice says almost a third of African- American men born in America will serve time in prison. Black men are five times more likely to be jailed than whites. The numbers were just as disturbing 20 years ago and when the 100 Black Men of America was formed.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KIM CREWS, SINGLE MOTHER: I really thought he should have a male role model because if the two of us were together a lot and he just need to have a male that was around him, a positive role model.

HARRIS: Single mom Kim Crews son Paul was 11 years old when she entered him into the 100 Black Men of America mentoring program. That was seven years ago.

PAUL FOX, 100 BLACK MEN OF AMERICA: When I was 16 years old I was able to open my first checking account and I also opened a Roth IRA account because when I was younger in the part of the program, we had a financial clinic about those kinds of things. CREWS: With 100 black men, he's had to attend events where he's had to wear a suit and tie. He's had to look people directly in the eyes. He's had to shake their hand firmly and that professional manner has carried over into everything he does.

HARRIS: Theirs is one of thousands of success stories since the organization was launched 20 years ago. The group's daunting task, fight the devastating trend of black men landing in prisons instead of college. The focus then and now, says one of the founding fathers is providing positive role models for young black males. One of the group's mottoes, what they see is what they will be.

THOMAS DORTCH, 100 BLACK MEN OF AMERICA: We've made a difference, one with the lives with a personal touch, with building images and more and more organizations are mentoring now, but also showing America that young black boys and young black girls when given a support system, when given caring adults to get involved in their lives, they can and will succeed.

HARRIS: When the organization started, nine cities already had separate 100 Black Men operations, the first formed in 1963 in New York. Then in 1986 they consolidated and launched the national operation. Since then, says the group's chairman, the battle to keep black men out of prison has gotten tougher.

ALBERT DOTSON, JR., 100 BLACK MEN OF AMERICA: The issue has not changed. In fact, it is more relevant today than it was 20 years ago that we, as an organization, really focus on providing one to one mentoring relationship, providing men and the communities that are showing our young people positive role models that they could emulate.

HARRIS: Role models single mom Kim Crews can appreciate.

CREWS: They've always been there for him when he's needed guidance or anything. If he's had a special event at the school or even when Paul obtained the rank of Eagle Scout, that the chapter came out to his ceremony. They participated in his ceremony so they've just always been a part of this life.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

HARRIS: 100 Black Men of America is holding its 20th anniversary convention here in Atlanta this week and joining us now is the group's chairman of the board Albert Dotson, Jr. Good to see you.

DOTSON: Great to see you too Tony. Good to be here.

HARRIS: Twenty years. What are you the proudest of?

DOTSON: You know, as an organization having started 20 years ago, we're back here in Atlanta celebrating those 20 years the same place we began and as an organization, we focused on youth mentoring now then as we are now. The most proudest moment we have as an organization is to watch the young people that we mentor succeed, but most importantly understand the importance of themselves coming back and mentoring. So in 20 years, we now have come seen young people come through our programs, go on to college, become productive members of society and come back and mentor themselves. So creating a cycle of mentoring is what we're all about.

HARRIS: Did you always know that the organization always had a sense that mentoring, if not the key would be one of the important keys?

DOTSON: Well, Tony, we've had members like myself, who have been mentored by a barber, by a coach, by a pastor and by a friend. And we know that those positive mentoring relationships made a difference in our lives. So we as men recognize how it has affected us and therefore it is up to us to give that back to the young people that we serve.

HARRIS: So al, the theme or overall message, over arching message of this year's convention, what would it be?

DOTSON: The theme for this year is legends, leaders and legacies. We have a lot of legends in our organization and they are leaders in their society, but you can't be those two groups of people unless you're prepared to leave a legacy. And all of our work shops, all of our speeches, all of our programs are focused toward making sure that we as a people, we as an organization leave a brighter legacy for the young people that participate.

HARRIS: The Justice Department - those statistics, almost a third of African America men born in America will serve time in prison. You mentioned in the piece, it is as tough now as it's always been to keep African American men out of prison. Why is that still so?

DOTSON: Well, first, if you're going to cite statistics, it's important to understand what makes up those statistics and we can go back and challenge whether or not there are external influences that provide those statistics or make the statistics what they are. But as an organization, our focus is to make sure that we provide positive images for young people that in your opening set you had Paul Fox who said to you and said to the world that when I'm provided with a positive opportunity and you expose me to what is out there, that I can make the right choices.

We interact with young people all the time and we know that once they have an opportunity to see and realize their potential, when they have an opportunity to do it here with someone who cares, then they will make the right choices. So that's our goal as an organization.

HARRIS: A great place to end it. Albert, good to see you.

DOTSON: Good to see you, too.

HARRIS: Have a great convention.

DOTSON: We will. Thank you very much.

NGUYEN: Tony, you can find just about anything on the Internet. So coming up, a Web site that may have you asking what is this woman doing and why? The answer in about five minutes.

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DE LA CRUZ: Good morning. I'm Veronica de la Cruz at the .com desk. We continue now with our count down of the most popular stories on CNN.com. We head to the Middle East for number six. The military wing of Hamas says it fired rockets at Israel. That's after seven Palestinians were killed in an Israeli rocket attack yesterday on a Gaza beach. Israel has reportedly apologized for the killings.

Number five, in Rhode Island, the message for pet owners, spay it or pay it. The governor has signed a bill making it illegal to skip spaying or neutering your kitty. The fine, $75. Rhode Island will be the first state to enforce the spay it or pay it law. And that was number five.

Here's number four. Britney and her baby making headlines again, this time with their new nanny or should we call him a manny? When this 28-year-old had aspirations of becoming a Navy seal, he was known as Perry Taylor. As the new caretaker of Britney's baby, he will be known as Perry Poppins. You can get the details online at CNN.com/most popular. We'll have the top three stories on our countdown when CNN SATURDAY MORNING returns.

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HARRIS: Good morning. Good morning again, everyone. The search is on for a stolen laptop computer in Maryland. On it, personal information linked to millions registered with the U.S. military. In our 7:00 a.m. Eastern hour, we spoke with Todd Davis, CEO of Lifelock. He has promised free, that's right, free fraud protection for the next 90 days to all veterans and military personnel affected by this theft. How about that?

NGUYEN: That's great.

HARRIS: Here's the Web site, www.lifelock.com. Get more information there. Again this is for military personnel and veterans worried about the theft of their personal information. Pretty good deal.

NGUYEN: He also said he'd offer it to the spouses as well so that's good news.

All right, with PDA this week in downtown Louisville, Kentucky, no, no, not public display of affection, but rather, public display of art. Inside the front window of a new trendy restaurant you may have seen this. There's a live look right now. Lauren Argo, going about her every day life as you can see in full view of the public, everything from eating to brushing her teeth to right now having a sip of coffee.

In the midst of all she's, creating a collage of this entire experience, but Lauren is much more than just a young woman in the window. Oh, yes, she also wrote an award-winning play, "The Noise in the Room," the real life story of one woman's fight for voting rights. But right now, Lauren is still held captive right there in that display window. Good morning to you, Lauren.

LAUREN ARGO, ACTRESS, PLAYWRIGHT, ARTIST: Good morning.

NGUYEN: I have to ask you, what in the world made you want to do this, to live your life in a display window? You're not a mannequin. What are you doing?

ARGO: Well, you know, it's interesting. I have -- lately, as an actor, I have been a little bit perturbed about all of the reality television.

NGUYEN: So you created your own reality television.

ARGO: Because for me, I feel like those real people are taking the jobs that us as actors have to entertain and to bring another kind of performance to the world.

NGUYEN: I've got you, but as you talk about entertaining, is everything on display? I mean, what about going to the bathroom, showering and stuff like that?

ARGO: Well, there ever a few restrictions here for me because my box is built in a restaurant. So we had discussed finding a way for me to use the bathroom in the space and it's just not possible.

NGUYEN: In the space? OK. That's a good thing. I'm glad that you were able to work that out. While you're living your life out there for all those to see, you're actually creating art at the same time. Tell me about this collage.

ARGO: To be honest, this experience has -- it has changed in more ways than I can ever imagine. The first night that I was on, we had 24 people and we were high fiving like yes, someone is actually on and I'm actually watching, which is what it's all about. Yesterday, I think we had 24,000.

NGUYEN: Wow! That is amazing, but I got to ask you, too, because it's not like you can just pick up and go see a movie. You got to get bored sometime. You can't just keep -- art all day long. What do you do?

ARGO: It's interesting. I haven't been bored, when I started and actually this is becoming part of my art work. When I first started I had a lot of people coming to the window and my way of communicating then, I had a lot of paper plates at my house before I left to come to do the project and so actually that is -- this is it. This is my script with the world on the other side of the window.

NGUYEN: This is your life for the next few days. Quickly, very quickly. The first thing you're going to do when you finally get out of the display window?

ARGO: I am going to lay in a field. I miss nature. I love nature.

NGUYEN: Look at you. ARGO: And I'm going run as fast as I can until I pass out.

NGUYEN: Wonderful. What is that you're putting up there? What does that say? Uh-oh, we've lost our connection. Hey, it's hard getting a signal from a display window. Lauren, I don't know if you can hear us, we can't hear you. Best of luck to you. It's really quite an interesting thing to see. You can catch her online as well.

HARRIS: How long much longer is she in that window?

NGUYEN: She's there for six days. It's not that long, but who's going to dedicate their life to a display window? Well, Lauren will. And if you want to watch it, you can. All you have to do is go online.

HARRIS: It's for her art.

NGUYEN: Life is life, she says.

HARRIS: Still ahead, have you plugged into CNN pipeline yet? If not, you need to get hooked up ASAP.

NGUYEN: This is one of the premiere video on demand services anywhere on the web and it will change how you get your news.

HARRIS: Wait just a moment here, there's more. You could get - Betty, are you listening?

NGUYEN: I'm listening.

HARRIS: You could get pipeline free for a year.

NGUYEN: That's my favorite word. Veronica de la Cruz will explain after the break.

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NGUYEN: Things are happening out there and Reynolds Wolf is on top of all of it. We're at the beginning of hurricane season and not a hurricane just yet, but definite activity.

(WEATHER REPORT)

DE LA CRUZ: All right. Like we promised you, our .com countdown continues with the top three stories at CNN.com. For number three, think about this one for a second. You are the senior class president, honor roll student, basketball and football team captain and you are not allowed to go to your own graduation. Pennsylvania high school banned Tyrone Lewis from his ceremony. His sister testified in a street gang murder case and the school was afraid of a retaliatory attack. So Lewis gave his speech from an undisclosed, secure location.

Number two, more post-hurricane Katrina allegations floating to the surface. Before resigning, former FEMA Director Mike Brown claims a high-level White House official sent him an e-mail which he shared with CNN yesterday. The e-mail said President Bush told aides he was relieved storm response criticism was being leveled at Brown, not him or Homeland Security Director Michael Chertoff. A White House spokeswoman calls the e-mail an old rumor.

And number one, drum roll, please. They say the Honda Accord is a great choice when it comes to used cars. The Civic has good crash test results and the Mazda Protege is one of their top choices for small sedans. "Consumer Reports" has released their finding on the best cars, best suited for your teenager.

Of course, you can find all those stories online at CNN.com/most popular. Now like we promised, we're going make a few of you out there pipeline VIPs with a year long subscription to pipeline. I hope you paid close attention to the dot com countdown this morning, because the question is, what was the fifth most popular story in the countdown today?

NGUYEN: I know, it, I know it.

DE LA CRUZ: Do you know it, Betty, Tony?

NGUYEN: I can't play.

HARRIS: We're not allowed to play, are we? That is the most popular story, as in story number five. You can e-mail us at weekends@CNN.com and we will be announcing the winners in the next hour. Sorry, can't play, especially you Tony.

NGUYEN: Especially Tony. He's not allowed. We got a lot more to tell you about but thank you Veronica. That is going to do it for this hour. But don't go anywhere because our next hour is jam-packed.

HARRIS: We are tracking this tropical depression. In the next hour, how this storm is develop and the latest information on where it's heading and how strong it's getting. You're watching CNN, the most trusted name in news.

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