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CNN Saturday Morning News

Airline Travelers in Denver Getting Closer To Final Destination; Defense Secretary Gates Briefing President Bush And Other Top Administration Officials; Conflicting Reports On Death Of Top Taliban Leader; Queen Elizabeth II Available On Podcast

Aired December 23, 2006 - 09:00   ET

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

T.J. HOLMES, CNN ANCHOR: Clearing the way in Denver, the runways at least. A couple of runways have reopened at the airport there but it is still could take a couple of days to clear the backlog of cancelled flights a live report is straight ahead.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: Iran gears up for a showdown with the United Nations. The Security Council votes today on sanctions aimed at punishing Tehran for it's nuclear enrichment program. Iran planning to ignore the sanctions plus it is threatening to change its relationship with the U.N.'s Nuclear Watchdog Agency.

HOLMES: And Miss Nevada gone wild! Scandalous photos of Miss Nevada, Katie Rees, have cost her crown. And Donald Trump is not coming to the rescue on this one. Even he says the photos are posted on the Web site TMZ.com and are pretty bad. You're seeing one of many.

NGUYEN: That's one of the ones we can actually show.

HOLMES: They're going to discuss her dismissal or she is actually going to discuss it herself at a news conference happening at 11:00 a.m.

NGUYEN: Hmm. Well the U2 front man Bono will be named an honorary night of the British Empire. Congratulations. It is for his musical contribution and humanitarian work. No, no, he will not be Sir Bono. That's a different honor.

From the CNN Center in Atlanta, good morning everybody. I'm Betty Nguyen. It is Saturday, the 23rd. Just a couple more days. Get that shopping done.

HOLMES: A couple days. Hello to you, all, I'm T.J. Holmes. Thank you so much for being right here with us.

NGUYEN: Yes you are going to notice that our picture is pushed back a little this morning so that we can show you the constant updates that you're going to need to know this holiday weekend.

HOLMES: The up-to-the-minute details on all the travel delay, weather conditions across the country and we'll keep this information on the screen for you throughout the day.

NGUYEN: So home for the holidays sounds kind of nice. Doesn't it? Well, airline travelers in Denver may be getting a little closer to that final destination. That's the good news, because things are clearing up on the ground and in the air there. Pattie Logan is live at the Denver International Airport this morning.

Lots of patience and hopefully it is paying off today, Pattie.

PATTIE LOGAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: It is starting to pay off. We have a lot of traffic coming in to the airport today. People hopeful they will actually be getting out. A lot of the people that are arriving today, however, do have tickets they've had for weeks and months.

So the stranded people are having to get on those flights in whatever available seats they are on and also trying to go standby. Some people I've recently talked to said they didn't have a flight out until Sunday. They're trying to get out today standby if they can. There are people here just as hopeful as can be.

We do have flights taking off. We have four runways open now. They just recently opened a fourth. That is apparently all the runways that the airlines need to get everybody and all of the flights that they want to get out today. Of course, not all people will be getting on those flights, but that's as many runways as they need to do their business today.

So the cargo runways are also open. Packages are coming in and out of Denver. So that's good news for Christmas, but, still, some people probably won't be getting home until Christmas day, maybe even afterwards. So things starting to get better here but not perfect yet.

NGUYEN: Talk to us about what people are actually going through there at the airport? As you say, some folks even though they're there today, maybe eve were there yesterday, may not be able to get home until Christmas, the day after. What's is like there at the airport?

LOGAN: You know, it's actually pretty optimistic. A lot of the people that I've talked to today are fairly optimistic, but those are the fresh people. There are people still asleep in cots; it's still quite early here in Denver. The sun hasn't even quite come up yet. Those are the people that have been here for several days. A lot of people went off to hotels, got food, got rest. They're a little fresher today.

So there is optimism. There are people that are also being creative and saying I don't care where I go as long as it's close to my destination. If it's even in the same state or in the same region, they are getting on whatever flights they can and they will figure it out from there.

NGUYEN: They could rent a car and try to get there. If those aren't all taken. My goodness. Pattie Logan there at the Denver International Airport, we thank you.

HOLMES: Just get me out of there! NGUYEN: Anywhere, anyhow.

HOLMES: Take me anywhere. Reynolds Wolf keeping an eye on Denver and many other points.

(WEATHER REPORT)

NGUYEN: As always. Thank you.

HOLMES: Just back from Iran, Defense Secretary Robert Gates is at Camp David brainstorming a new course in Iraq. This morning he's been briefing President Bush and other top administration officials. Still, most Americans lack confidence in the president's ability to move the country in the right direction, 59 percent according to an Opinion Research Corporation survey. The White House correspondent Elaine Quijano now joins us live from the White House.

Good Saturday morning to you, Elaine.

ELAINE QUIJANO, CNN WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Good morning to you, T.J.

That is right. A senior Bush aide says that this meeting taking place now between President Bush and his new defense secretary Robert Gates is really the first opportunity the two have had to talk since Secretary Gates visited Iraq earlier this week.

Of course, as you know, the secretary spent about three days in Iraq, and he listened to a variety of opinions from both troops themselves as well as top commanders about whether or not they believe that more U.S. forces would actually help or hurt perhaps the situation in Iraq.

Now, one of the options, of course, that President Bush is considering as he looks to possibly change his Iraq policy is the idea of a temporary short-term surge of possibly tens of thousands of U.S. forces, particularly to help stabilize the situation in Baghdad.

Now, the president who is spending the holiday weekend at Camp David is being briefed by Secretary Gates this morning. Also attending top Bush aides including the president's National Security Adviser Stephen Hadley and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Yesterday it was an emotional time for President Bush and the First Lady, as they carried out what's really become a powerful holiday tradition for them. Visiting wounded troops. They were at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington. He and the first lady met with about 38 service members and the president gave out 16 purple hearts. Afterwards, the president called his visit remarkable, and he said the country should be thankful for the sacrifices of those in uniform.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GEORGE W. BUSH, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: It's also remarkable to meet these men and women who have volunteered to serve our country, who have received terrible wounds, but whose spirits are, are strong, resolve is strong and their dedication to our country remain strong.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

QUIJANO: And senior administration officials continue to insist that as these deliberations are continuing, no final decisions have been made when it comes to the president's Iraq policy. Now, after Christmas, the president will be heading down to his ranch in Crawford, Texas, but the work will continue. His national security council will be meet there on Thursday.

And senior Bush aides say really this will not be a meeting in which major decisions are made, but rather they say this is part of the ongoing consultation process that's been taking place. Of course, as you know, T.J., the president is expected to make some sort of major policy address on Iraq sometime early in the New Year -- T.J.

HOLMES: Elaine, of course brainstorming a lot of brainstorming going on about Iraq, but the administration is still thinking about Cuba. A little brainstorming going on there as well. Tell us what happened with the meeting this week.

QUIJANO: Absolutely. On Thursday the president didn't have any public events on his schedule. It turns out he was quite busy in private. Top aides quite busy, in fact, talking about what might happen in the event that Fidel Castro, who, of course, we've heard reports has been ill for some time now, if he should die. One of the things that is greatly concerning the Bush administration is that there might be an influx of Cuban refugees, if and when that should happen, if Fidel Castro dies.

We know that there was a 90-minute meeting, a private meeting on Thursday; the president's national security adviser Steven Hadley chaired that. Also attending were Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Harriet Myers the White House counsel and interestingly the president's top political adviser, Karl Rove was in attendance as well as you know that Miami area has a huge Cuban population and it's really a bastion for Republican support.

So there is a great deal of concern of what should be done when, in fact, Fidel Castro, if and when he should die. So that is on their agenda as well. Certainly a lot to deal with in the new year ahead -- T.J.

HOLMES: Yes. Elaine Quijano going to be on it all for us from the White House. Thank you so much, Elaine.

NGUYEN: From Afghanistan, conflicting reports on the death of a top Taliban leader. The U.S. military says one of most wanted Taliban leaders has been killed in an air strike. But Taliban sources quoted by some wire services say Mullah Akhter Mohammed Osmani is still alive.

Now according to U.S. military sources, Osmani was the Taliban's chief military commander in southern Afghanistan playing a key role in suicide attacks, roadside bombs and kidnapping. Osmani was one of the most wanted Taliban leaders with close ties to al Qaeda's Osama Bin Laden. Coalitions spokesman says they are certain that he is dead.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

COL. TOM COLLINS: This happened down in Southern Helmand Province just north of the border with Pakistan. We have been tracking him for some time following his locations. When we got the opportunity when he was away from any Afghan populists, we chose that time to strike him, hit the vehicle. Two other people who were unidentified were also killed in the attack.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

NGUYEN: You want to stay tuned to CNN both day and night for the most reliable news about your security.

HOLMES: Well here's a security issue for you. Do you use your debit card at the gas pump? Up next, a story that may have you thinking twice before your next purchase.

NGUYEN: And she may not have a MySpace account, but the Queen of England is getting in to the age of the Internet. We'll show you how, in five minutes.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HOLMES: Across America now, rape charges dropped against three former Duke lacrosse players. The district attorney saying there's a lack of evidence, because the accuser in the case is now unsure what object was used in the alleged sexual assault. Kidnapping and other sexual offense charges still stand in this case.

Holiday travelers beware. A high-tech scam has claimed at least 300 victims in Florida. It's believed a device called a skimmer was placed over the card reader at an automated gas pump. It records the card information and pin numbers from debit cards. The Secret Service now on the case.

A veteran tiger handler at the San Francisco Zoo is in the hospital this morning after being attacked by one of the animals. Meanwhile, that 350-pound Siberian tiger that attacked her could be back on display today. This happened during the daily feeding with about 50 people standing by in the lion house exhibit.

GERRI WILLIS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Are you pay are for high-speed Internet and a home phone?

NGUYEN: Well, find out how that move could be costing you hundreds of dollar a year and you don't have to spend that much. We're going to ask you to get your pen and paper ready. You will want to stay tune for today's "Open House" that is in 15 minutes.

In the meantime, the Queen of England is getting hip. Seriously, she is. The queen is using the latest tech known fad to get down with those young Brits. CNN's Carol Costello has details in this morning's "Tech Affect."

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

CAROL COSTELLO, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Nelly has one. I'm bringing sexy back. So does Mr. Sexy back himself and now well she is putting the queen in the queen of hip.

QUEEN ELIZABETH II, ENGLAND: The wisdom and experience of the great religions point to the need to nurture and guide the young and to encourage respect for the elderly.

COSTELLO: Don't let her tone fool you. She's hip to the net now offering her Christmas message in a podcast. If an attempt to draw in the youth culture, much like the very popular podcast, ask a ninja. I am ninja we are ninja.

In case you didn't know, the ninja is the Ann Landers of the podcast set. Ask him anything and he knows the answer, which is how some feel about the queen.

QUEEN ELIZABETH II: The older generation is able to give a sense of context.

COSTELLO: Her majesty taped her podcast at the cathedral in front of the cast of children who listened raptly as she tells them to respect their elders. And while her Christmas message may not be as exciting as downloading a podcast of Fergie and the black-eyed peas it is an attempt to talk to young people how they like to listen. If you would like to hear the rest of the queen's message, go to her Web site on Christmas Day and download it for yourself.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

NGUYEN: Hmm. You know what? I think maybe they should add some music to the back of that. That would liven it up.

HOLMES: It's going to be...

NGUYEN: Rap a few of the words to what she's saying.

HOLMES: The queen is not going to rap. I'm fairly sure.

NGUYEN: Do something.

All right. Nine more days to enjoy those holiday treats and sweets.

HOLMES: And then, yes. It's time to hit the gym, and if you're thinking about using a personal trainer to have a little more punch in your workout in the new year --

NGUYEN: Well don't sign that contract before you hear from our fitness guru.

HOLMES: Goodness.

NGUYEN: Yes. Jerry Anderson gives us his tips on searching for that perfect workout outfit. As well as the workout coach.

HOLMES: Oh, my goodness sakes! Come on.

NGUYEN: That is just vulgar, Jerry. Vulgar.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

NGUYEN: Good music there for T.J.'s enjoyment. Hey, enjoy the holidays and know this when all the feasting's over, Jerry Anderson is here to help you jump-start your fitness plan. Maybe there's a personal trainer in your new year? Well before you hire that person, listen up. Jerry, you kind of look like Santa's bodyguard. What's up with that?

JERRY ANDERSON, FITNESS GURU: Ho, ho, ho!

NGUYEN: Depending on what Santa gives out he may need a body guard this year.

ANDERSON: Exactly.

NGUYEN: Santa, in fact, needs a trainer. He's kind of big around the waist here. So if he's looking for one or folks watching looking for one.

ANDERSON: Right, uh-huh.

NGUYEN: Looks can be deceiving, but they should at least look the part.

ANDERSON: Most definitely, Betty. The trainer should look the part. I mean, your trainer shouldn't look like the Pillsbury dough man. What the thing is, Betty, the higher the trainer moves up the fitness ladder, and the easier it is to pull you up. The easier to get you to your goal, very important.

A lot of people say trainers don't look the part but your trainer should look the part. It is very important. In all the years I've been in the business, the trainers have looked the part really produced the results. Make sure the first criteria are make sure your trainer looks the part.

NGUYEN: Say your trainer looks the part. But how do you know that this person is certified? He's done what he says he's done and he can take care of you, or she?

ANDERSON: Right. Your trainer should be certified by showing some paperwork or have a fitness-related degree. It's important. If your trainer's not certified, they might injure you. If they're not certified is probably more myth than science. They need to be certified.

NGUYEN: What do you mean by that? What should we be looking for in a certification?

ANDERSON: They should have a national certification from ACS or National Academy of Sports Medicine, but the trainer has to be certified because you don't know how to use your tools. They also need experience, too, Betty. If your trainer doesn't have five years experience, they're probably going to hurt you. It they don't have experience, get yourself a referral, or check out the client.

A client told me I watched my trainer four months before I hired her. That's the thing to do. Betty, a lot of trainers, it's amazing to me, they are a little too hands on. I understand spotting, but your hands shouldn't be on the and the -- and the -- that's an uh-uh. Your hands shouldn't be on the ha and the ha and the ha-ha-ha.

NGUYEN: I'm sorry. You have to translate. I really didn't grab that one! So they shouldn't be hands-on, they shouldn't be touching you?

ANDERSON: Right. They shouldn't have their hands all over your private parts, on the ha and the ha and the hu-ha, ha.

NGUYEN: Not a good sign.

ANDERSON: And the ha-ha.

NGUYEN: So watch that watch those hands. Would you? As far as training goes, there are a lot of other things that people should look for. Give us some other things.

ANDERSON: Right. One of the big things is, you should make sure they have a plan, because a trainer doesn't have a plan how are they going to get to your goal? The first question a trainer should ask, what are your goals? Once the trainer finds out your goals, here you are, here's your goals. They should have a plan to get you there.

The plan should be, for instance, cardio, 45 minutes, five day as week, make sure you eat enough food so your body's is always burning fat you have a way of measuring their results. Each week you should be measuring your body fat percentage or check your weight. Very important. You have to a plan.

NGUYEN: I have to ask you about this. So many time us get there and they want to motivate you but can be mean, Jerry just down right mean.

ANDERSON: Yes. A trainer should be a positive motivator s.

NGUYEN: That the right thing to do?

ANDERSON: That's the wrong thing to do. The trainer is there to motivate, educate and inspire you to your goal. That's very important.

NGUYEN: Not shame new to working out.

ANDERSON: No way. That's out in how you do it. The key is the trainer should turn it on when you don't have it on. If you already have the fuel I'm not going to -- when yours stops, that's when I kick in and drive forward. Because I've seen trainers do that to clients and run them right out of the gym. It is unbelievable, Betty. That's not what you want to do.

Make sure you stay focused. Trainers, don't workout. If you have a trainer that works out with you, that's not the thing to do. That is unprofessional. That is like going to the doctor, you get ready to get a physical, take off your clothes off, the doctor takes off his clothes too. You can't do that.

NGUYEN: Enough, already. You have gone way too far today.

ANDERSON: Betty, the bottom-line, I want everybody, get a trainer, for the first 12 week, it's worth it. The value, maximum results, minimum effort. The trainer will get you there. So make sure they look the part, certified have a plan, and self-motivated, you'll get there. Don't touch the ha and ha and ha-ha.

NGUYEN: What is your favorite Christmas song? The spirit of the holidays. What is it?

ANDERSON: "Frosty the Snowman" is my favorite song.

NGUYEN: Oh. That's nice. You are Santa's bodyguard this year. I guess it is appropriate. And on that note, Jerry, happy holidays to you.

ANDERSON: All right. Merry Christmas, ho, ho, ho. It's time to grow, grow, grow!

NGUYEN: All right, then. What's your problem? Jerry's got lots of problems, apparently. But whether you have an exercise or nutritional nightmare we want to hear from you. E-mail us at WEEKENDS@CNN.com and Jerry will answer your questions next week, at 9:00 Eastern right here on CNN. Did you get all that T.J.?

HOLMES: Yes. I don't even know what to say about Jerry.

NGUYEN: Me, too. Really.

HOLMES: This morning's ha, ha and ha-ha, ha is coming your way in about three minutes. Actually and then after that we'll tell you about actually your toilet and a washing machine at your house that may cause you unnecessary cash at the house. Yes. "Open House" is going to show you some unexpected ways to save hundreds of dollars in 2007.

And they can't even walk yet, but can we predict what type of drivers they're going to be? Coming up at 10:00 Eastern, the karma connecting between birth dates and getting behind the wheel.

Whew! And the spending your time with your family makes you want to run through the streets half naked screaming? Coming up at 11:00 Eastern, tips on how not to take the holidays too seriously.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

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