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CNN Saturday Morning News
The Best of CNN Weekend Mornings; Somali Man Tries to Break in to Kurt Westergard's Home; Time Warner Cable and Fox Strike Deal; Volleyball Game Blast Kills 88 in Pakistan; Obama Gearing Up for 2010
Aired January 02, 2010 - 06:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
BETTY NGUYEN, CNN ANCHOR: From the CNN Center, this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING. It is January 2. Happy New Year, everybody, and good morning. I'm Betty Nguyen.
RICHARD LUI, CNN ANCHOR: First -- first Saturday of the year, huh?
NGUYEN: The first weekend newscast -- well, the abbreviated one right now -- of the new year, 2010. Welcome, 2010.
LUI: We're going to keep on moving here.
I'm Richard Lui, in for T.J. Holmes on this first Saturday. Thanks for starting your day and year with us.
NGUYEN: Yes, and you know what? You're going to be excited about this, because we do have a special treat for you today. As we begin the year, we wanted to reflect on some of the best interviews and memories of 2009.
And our morning team got a chance to report on some really remarkable stories. And for the next hour, we are going to take a look back.
But first, we want to get you up to date on the morning headlines.
So let's begin right now with this: This morning in Denmark, Danish police shot and wounded a 27-year-old Somali man outside the home of controversial political cartoonist Kurt Westergaard. Police say the man is believed to have had ties to terrorist groups, and they say that he tried to break into Westergaard's home with an ax and a knife.
Westergaard is the artist whose caricature of the Prophet Muhammad wearing a bomb as a turban angered Muslims back in 2006.
LUI: And we're getting compelling pictures from inside a hospital where the victims of a deadly suicide blast are being treated. At least 88 people are now dead, 37 of them are hospitalized, after a car bomb exploded a crowded volleyball game in northwest Pakistan. Most of the victims are teenagers, unfortunately, here. Officials say the blast was felt up to 11 miles away. Several homes nearby collapsed as well from the force of that blast. NGUYEN: Well, Time Warner Cable and Fox Networks have struck a deal -- a last-minute one. And that means programming like "American Idol," "The Simpsons," will not be interrupted.
Fox had threatened to pull its lineup unless it received a dollar per perscriber (ph) each month. Well, the exact details of the deal has not been released. But a Time Warner executive says the terms are -- quote -- "reasonable."
Now, Time Warner cable is not a part of our parent company, Time Warner. It was spun off last year.
LUI: Whew. Man, that was close.
NGUYEN: Had to get that out there.
LUI: That was close.
(LAUGHTER)
LUI: If they didn't get that done, I would have been in a deep bit of trouble by some -- I love those...
NGUYEN: A lot of people were worried about that.
LUI: Yes.
NGUYEN: "American Idol."
LUI: The game happened; everybody's happy now.
NGUYEN: Yes.
LUI: All right. Let's get over to Reynolds Wolf right now and take a look at weather.
If you're in the East, 6 a.m. right now. It's going to be a chilly and not necessarily a good one for you, right, Reynolds?
(WEATHER REPORT)
NGUYEN: All right. So let's take a look at some of our best interviews and memories from 2009. We're going to have more top stories at 6:20 a.m. Eastern.
Stay with us.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
NGUYEN: Well, good morning, and thanks for joining us. I'm Betty Nguyen, with T.J. Holmes and Reynolds Wolf. And this morning, we're doing something a little bit different. We're going to take a look back at the year in review, some of the biggest stories of the year. Also, some of the stories that we enjoyed covering.
T.J. HOLMES, CNN ANCHOR: Some of the biggest -- I guess the biggest, no doubt about it, President Obama, the first black president of the U.S., inaugurated in January. A lot of coverage dedicated to that.
But we covered the big stories, but there were a lot of stories big and small that we just enjoyed. We're going to be sharing those during this hour here as well.
NGUYEN: Yes, because we went across the nation, into different countries this year covering stories.
REYNOLDS WOLF, CNN METEOROLOGIST: Like Mexico.
NGUYEN: Like Mexico, weather-related story.
WOLF: Yes, I mean, it was a really quiet hurricane season, but you had the opportunity to go to Mexico and cover Hurricane Jimena.
And, you know, while you were on assignment there, I was actually in Southern California covering the Station Fire.
NGUYEN: The wildfires.
WOLF: Yes, one of the -- the most damaging fires in Southern California history. I mean, widespread damage. And -- and we're going to take you back to that scene.
NGUYEN: But another big story that we cannot forget about this year, of course, was Michael Jackson, the death of Michael Jackson.
HOLMES: That was certainly another one of the biggest stories in the country. This network, certainly -- all of us in some way, form or fashion were a part of that coverage.
But I got the opportunity to go to Harlem, New York, the Apollo Theatre, this historic place -- that is actually where Michael Jackson got his start. The Jackson 5, just a wee little -- little guy was up there singing on stage when the world first go to see Michael Jackson's talent.
They had a big memorial service there for him, thousands of people lining the streets of Harlem to try to get into that. But two people who were there, they were fans as well as friends of Michael Jackson: Al Sharpton -- the Rev. Al Sharpton, and also Spike Lee, the famous filmmaker.
I caught up with both of those guys. Take a look back at the scene.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
SPIKE LEE, DIRECTOR: Everybody's here to celebrate the life, the brilliance of Michael Jackson.
HOLMES: And -- and this is what -- and, you know, before I move on to another question, what -- what got into you all up there on stage? REV. AL SHARPTON, CIVIL-RIGHTS LEADER: Well, we just -- you know, it's a celebration. We're not here to mourn. We're here to celebrate. We're here to let the world know how Michael made us feel.
And all of us grew up in the same generation with Michael. So we went back to the days when we grew up. They started playing "ABC." Spike and I remember them days.
(CHEERS AND APPLAUSE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES: So guys, that scene was unbelievable.
NGUYEN: Yes.
HOLMES: Literally, thousands of people. It was a hot, hot day in Harlem that day.
NGUYEN: And they lined up for hours.
HOLMES: For hours, down the block, some 10 blocks down the street. But to get inside, just to dance to some Michael Jackson music for -- for just a few minutes, pay their respects, and get on out of there.
NGUYEN: Well, while Michael Jackson was making news, I was actually down in Houston -- Houston, Galveston area covering a look back at Hurricane Ike. You know, so much devastation was caused by that hurricane.
Well, how ironic it was that I was covering that story when I got a call to go cover yet another hurricane that was really brewing at the time. And they said, 'Hey, you want to go to Cabo?' As a journalist...
HOLMES: Sounds great.
NGUYEN: ...you think, 'This is a great -- it's a work vacation.'
Uh, no, not really. It was a Category 5 hurricane in the beginning. It weakened by the time it made landfall. But when I got to Cabo, we realized -- you know what? It's pretty much going to miss making a direct hit on Cabo. You were watching it as well.
So we had to go up to Constitucion, Mexico, where there indeed was some damage once Hurricane Jimena came ashore.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: (INAUDIBLE) because there are some 2,000 people that the government is hoping to evacuate.
I wasn't expecting to spend my birthday in Cabo covering a monster hurricane. But yet here we are, and the rains are really coming down now. (END VIDEO CLIP)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN (voice-over): A lot of people thought this was going to be a Category 4, bordering on a Category 5.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN (voice-over): Hurricane Jimena tour through Constitucion, Mexico, knocking out power and littering the streets with debris.
(on camera): The roof just ripped all the way off.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yes, it's (INAUDIBLE)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WOLF: You know what's ironic about that, is while you were dealing with that hurricane, I was about 1,000 miles north, up in California, covering some of the wildfires.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WOLF: A hundred thousand acres continues to burn. About five percent contained at this time. Lives have already been lost battling this blaze, and it looks like with the weather conditions, with very low humidity and of course, high temperatures, this is going to be a battle that could last for quite some time.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WOLF: But when you're dealing with terrain like this, mountainous conditions in the San Gabriel mountains -- my gosh, man, I mean, how do you fight this thing?
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WOLF: But I tell you, the thing that made this fire so incredibly different is just -- just the sheer size.
HOLMES: A -- a lot of heavy stuff, serious stuff we, of course, have to cover in -- in any -- on all those news cycles we deal with.
NGUYEN: Yes. Oh yes.
HOLMES: But of course, on the weekend, you all are -- we're a little family here, and we like to do some lighter stuff. And we have done some lighter stuff.
And -- including, Reynolds, we -- we send you swimming with the fishes sometimes. NGUYEN: Not just the fishes, but the sharks.
WOLF: I know. Face to face.
NGUYEN: We're going to put you in jeopardy on this one.
WOLF: I had a chance to hop in the tank over at the Georgia Aquarium with -- with these creatures that are really unchanged for -- for millions of years, basically swimming with 40-foot-long dinosaurs.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WOLF: That -- that was cool.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES: I got to hop in -- hop in the water with something far less intimidating, Dara Torres. And we see we -- we had our feet in the water by the pool, and we were worried whether or not we were going to be able -- if she was going to be OK doing that. We didn't know how she was going to show up dressed, quite frankly.
Sending her text messages before she got here, 'Hey, what are you wearing?' Sounds kind of crazy to be asking her what she's wearing, but...
NGUYEN: Yes.
(LAUGHTER)
HOLMES: ....she said a miniskirt. And I thought she was joking. Sure enough, she shows up in a miniskirt. So the -- the shoot went just fine.
NGUYEN: And many times when we're covering stories, we can set things up, you know, with your text messages or whatnot, phone calls.
But sometimes, they just happen while we're at work. And -- and that's what happened when Dolly Parton graced us with her presence. She was here at CNN doing some interviews.
We caught wind of it, rushed down to her. And now we have a new theme song for CNN SATURDAY and "SUNDAY" MORNINGS.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
(SINGING)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES (voice-over): You're watching the best of CNN weekend mornings, and there's plenty more to come.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HOLMES: Hello again. Welcome back. Along with my partners here, we're taking a look back at the year, some of the biggest news stories.
Of course, we said here at the top, no doubt, the biggest story of the year was the inauguration of Barack Obama, this country's first black president. CNN -- I mean, we dedicated so many of our -- I'd probably say all of our resources on this.
NGUYEN: We even had holograms dedicated to our coverage...
HOLMES: We had holograms.
NGUYEN: ...of President Barack Obama.
And, you know, it all really culminated in that night of the many inaugural balls. I can't even remember how many there were. There were..
HOLMES: At least 10.
WOLF: I think 10.
HOLMES: At least 10.
NGUYEN: Yes, at least 10. And -- and everyone wanted to know what Michelle Obama was going to be wearing.
And the dress that she unveiled that night was made by a designer called Jason Woo. That is his name.
And actually, I got to catch up with him in New York at Fashion Week. Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: Jason, you know, after dressing Michelle Obama for the inaugural balls, this has been a big year for you.
Did you feel any added pressure for this particular fashion show?
JASON WOO, FASHION DESIGNER: You know, every -- you know, it's nerves and it's a lot of anticipation and a lot of non-stop work for that 10-minute space. I'll work it, you know, for (INAUDIBLE) coming down the runway (INAUDIBLE) and looking exactly the way I dreamed.
So yes, you know, this is good for me. You know, I'm really excited.
NGUYEN: Absolutely. And how chaotic were those last few hours, few days before today's show?
WOO: I was sewing up until the last (INAUDIBLE)
NGUYEN: Are you serious?
WOO: So it was pretty chaotic.
I sculpted each dress. And I -- they sculpt it. And, you know, it was inspired by (INAUDIBLE). And I wanted to -- in the spirit of sculpting, I wanted to create these dresses that looked like sculptures. And, you know, each (INAUDIBLE) has to be individual to the girls that were created them (ph).
NGIUYEN: So during a recession, which we're all in right now, are you catering at all to those who maybe may not have as much change to spend on wonderful designs?
WOO: Well, you know, you can pick one thing to look (INAUDIBLE) -- one thing that you can desire and want to hold on -- have it for a long time. And it's worth it, a long-term investment.
NGUYEN: An investment piece.
WOO: It's quality (INAUDIBLE).
NGUYEN: Got you.
One last thing: After designing for the first lady, where do you go from there? Who else do you want to fit?
WOO: Well, (INAUDIBLE), you know, I -- I keep challenging myself as a designer. I think it's important. And, you know, it's really never enough for me. I always want to do more.
And, you know, that's -- when (INAUDIBLE) comes back, I'm on the road. I'm going to China. I'm going to London. I'm going to Paris and (INAUDIBLE). And it's Jason International (ph) now.
NGUYEN: Taking over the whole world, huh?
WOO: Yes, it's world domination.
(LAUGHTER)
NGUYEN: I love it. So nice meeting you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: Twenty-six years old. But that dress has made such a difference in his career. Now he's one of the hottest designers out there.
HOLMES: And I remember, that was up in New York. A lot was going on when you interviewed him. And you -- she didn't drag you -- she actually dragged me to a fashion show.
NGUYEN: To a fashion show.
(LAUGHTER)
HOLMES: It was my first.
WOLF: Lucky guy. There you go.
NGUYEN: You liked it though, didn't you? You're not complaining.
HOLMES: It was -- it was -- it was fun.
And I dragged you to the U.S. Open.
NGUYEN: U.S. Open, which I love.
HOLMES: Which you loved.
NGUYEN: My first time there.
HOLMES: Yes, that was a good time.
But also, not just their playing, did some work there as well. Got to talk to the widow of Arthur Ashe. He -- I mean, he left an imprint on the game of tennis that is still there to this day.
And his widow, Mrs. Ashe, is still carrying on that legacy.
Take a look to our conversation.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES: Why haven't we since your husband, seen another black man in Wimbledon, the U.S. Open or the Australian Open? Why not?
JEANNE MOUTOUSSAMY-ASHE, WIDOW OF ARTHUR ASHE: Well, you know, I think that it's going to happen. I don't know when.
I think that, you know, maybe because we are such a me-oriented society today that it's all -- always all about yourself or you that you have less deep-down-inside purpose to be able to accomplish these gigantic goals.
But I still think it's coming. It's coming. I mean, Arthur used to say that. It's coming.
He said, 'They're not going to look like me, they're not going to walk like me and they're not going to talk like me, but it's coming.' And he was right.
MOUTOUSSAMY-ASHE: It's really important that kids understand from a grass-roots level, that they're not going to be in the top -- not all of them are going to be in the top 10.
Getting in the top 10 -- you know, that's pretty significant. But what they must understand is that playing a game, having that commitment, learning the lessons, let it be a hook to changing your approach to how you conduct yourself in the public, how you -- how well you perform in school; how you treat your siblings, your friends and your parents. HOLMES: There's a culture now in professional sports, often times with these guys, that we know of -- it's not all of them, but still, it's all about me, self, selfish, narcissistic, egomaniacal, whatever you want to call it.
Does it drive you nuts giving what we saw with your husband and given what you know and still to this day, his legacy of giving back, still exists -- does it drive you crazy to see some of these young knuckleheads just squander what are wonderful opportunities?
MOUTOUSSAMY-ASHE: Well, I -- you know, I -- can't say it that strongly.
But what I can -- but what I can say is that we have a void. And not having Arthur's voice is a tremendous void, not just in sports, but just as, you know, a hero to kids.
I know athletes don't like to hear that. People don't like to have to play the role as -- the role of a role model.
But, you know, it comes with the territory.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES: She didn't mind saying, some of these guys out there, some of these knuckleheads, they could use a talking-to, some of these athletes who are not giving back, who don't have that same sense of -- of selfless behavior like her husband has.
NGUYEN: Yes, she was kind of nudging them as well.
HOLMES: Oh yes. See if -- see if she can -- she might have to nudge a little more with some of that.
NGUYEN: We'll see if it works.
But -- so, you know, we had a great time in New York covering fashion and sports and...
WOLF: Absolutely.
NGUYEN: ...you got behind a lawnmower.
WOLF: Yes, I did. Got to -- got to use a little bit of elbow grease working at the world's busiest airport, cutting the grass out at Hartsfield-Jackson.
At the same time, got a chance to go to Austin, Texas, and see the world's largest bat colony, and had a chance to meet an amazing American who has an incredible front office.
HOLMES (voice-over): You're watching the best of CNN weekend mornings, and there's plenty more to come.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LUI: OK, here are some of the stories we're following for you overnight.
A standoff at Seattle SeaTac International Airport, it is over. Police saying a man locked himself in a concourse bathroom because he wanted to fly somewhere but couldn't afford the ticket. He gave himself up after two and a half hours. Airport security gates and ticket counters were closed during that incident, but the airport remained open.
NGUYEN: Well, a security concern forces a United Airlines Express flight headed for Chicago to return to St. Louis. A company official says a computer glitch made them check in passengers manually. But when the computer starting working the flight, they realized that a passenger's name matched one on the TSA's restricted list.
Now, after an hour and a half, the plane did take off again. But they were able to determine that the passenger was not the same person on the list.
LUI: And tests show nothing is wrong with Rush Limbaugh's heart. The 58-year-old conservative radio host is out of the hospital in Honolulu. He checked in on Wednesday complaining of chest pains, but an angiogram later showed no trace of heart problems.
He had nothing but praise for the medical staff after.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
RUSH LIMBAUGH, RADIO TALK-SHOW HOST: I feel very, very fortunate. I have -- I have been treated to the best health care the world has to offer, and that is right here in the United States of America.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LUI: Well, doctors have not found whatever caused Limbaugh's pain as of yet.
NGUYEN: Let's get the latest now on the weather outside. Reynolds Wolf has been watching it for us on this second day of the new year.
What's in store, Reynolds?
(WEATHER REPORT)
NGUYEN: Stay with us though, because we have more of our best interviews and memories from 2009 right after this break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) NGUYEN: Good morning, everybody. We're taking a look back at some of the stories that we covered this year, the big stories, including -- I don't know -- politicians, celebrities, newsmakers and then some of the other folks that really had a profound effect on us as we were out there covering the stories, including a guy who's pretty much seen it all.
WOLF: Absolutely.
You're talking about a guy named -- by the name of Sam Holbrook, who has been at Yellowstone National Park for decades. In fact, if you've been there in the last 43 years, chances are, you've met the guy.
He's an amazing guy, and here's his story.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
WOLF (voice-over): It's the reaction you hear nearly every 90 minutes at Yellowstone National Park. And after 43 summers at the Old Faithful geyser, Sam Holbrook still finds it equally inspiring.
As a park ranger, he observes each eruption, takes notes and explains the phenomena to the thousands visiting each and every day.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: How long does the eruption last?
SAM HOLBROOK, YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK RANGER: Each eruption lasts about four minutes generally, but one minute up high at about 130 feet, and then -- it starts down, the last three minutes it's coming back down.
WOLF: And for Sam, there are lots of questions.
HOLBROOK: Seven-oh-five, plus or minus 10 minutes, so you've got about an hour.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: OK. Thank you.
WOLF (on camera): About how many times are you going to get that question each day? How often does it happen?
HOLBROOK: You're out here roving for about two hours at a time, and -- and -- and people stand and watch me answer that question.
WOLF: Right.
HOLBROOK: They say, you should put a sign on your chest, you know? And don't you get tired of that?
No, I never do. I just -- you're talking to people and -and that question comes up and then right after that, two or three more questions. And so ...
WOLF: Let me guess. It's, 'When does the geyser erupt?' The second is...
HOLBROOK: Where's the bathroom?
(LAUGHTER)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: How many gallons of water does it squirt out?
HOLBROOK: How many gallons of water? Eight thousand gallons of boiling water every hour and a half.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Wow.
WOLF (voice-over): Sharing that information is all natural for this former science teacher.
HOLBROOK: Where else can you find a job where you get to be outdoors, talk to people, see the light turn on in their face, give them some information. They're so excited about it
I am thrilled to be here. People say, 'How do you get a job like that?' I'm not going to tell you.
Grab you a seat here, folks, because it's going to fill up.
WOLF: And while he calls it a job, he definitely doesn't think of this as work.
HOLBROOK: And I'm 77 years old, so how much longer have I got to work a 40-hour week?
I don't have to work a 40-hour week, but I love it here. This is not work. I'd probably do this for nothing, but don't tell the Park Service that.
WOLF: Fitting words from a man who's as true to this park as the Old Faithful geyser itself.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
HOLMES: I have to tell you, that was one of my favorite stories of the year...
NGUYEN: Yes.
HOLMES: ...that you did.
WOLF: Amazing guy.
HOLMES: We love that story.
One of my favorite stories -- a lot of people, you all recognize her -- a lot of people will recognize...
NGUYEN: Fantasia.
HOLMES: ...know that face right there. And of course, she made a -- really, her debut on the "American Idol" stage. But now she's taking to a different stage where audiences are checking her out.
I got to talk to her, and that was one of my favorite stories of the year.
NGUYEN: And one of mine was Usher, another person who knows how to sing a little bit. Shall we say, five-time Grammy winner? He pretty much took me to the studio and gave me a lesson in dancing, of all things.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
USHER, SINGER: Do you know how to tap?
NGUYEN: No.
USHER: You don't do that?
NGUYEN: Yes. That's all? That's all?
Yes, I can't hang with that, Usher.
(LAUGHTER)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES (voice-over): You're watching the best of CNN weekend mornings, and there's plenty more to come.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HOLMES: Hello again. And welcome back. We are, of course, our weekend team here, taking a look back at an interesting year, a fun year. Things we're looking back on now, I guess we could call this our Grammy winner block?
NGUYEN: Might as well be.
HOLMES: Our singer block we're about to talk about here?
NGUYEN: Because I got a chance to interview five-time Grammy winner Usher. He was inducted this summer into the Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame. Not only for the tremendous work that he does around the nation, but also for the fact that is where he grew up. He grew up in the Boys & Girls Club of America. That's where he found a home as a young child and it instilled in him, really, a drive that has made him part of who he is today.
Take a look.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
USHER, SINGER: It did motivate me. And that's what I think these clubs are really all about.
NGUYEN (on camera): Inducted into the Boys & Girls Club of America Hall of Fame. What does that mean to someone like you who has come so far?
USHER: I have to attribute a lot of my success to the fact that I was motivated to do something positive, as a child, through the Boys & Girls Club, in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
But to now be recognized for it, you know, I have to thank my mother. One, for you know paying the admission for me to be there. But more than anything, all of the counselors that I worked with, all the people that I met, you know, it teaches you communication skills, everything. It's just such a positive place to be.
But I now -- to be amongst all of the alumni who have been elected to be in the Hall of Fame, it's like something to be proud of.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: Not only is he a great guy, fantastic performer, but really invested in giving back. So it was great to see him inducted into the Boys & Girls Club Hall of Fame.
HOLMES: It's cool to see this side of folks. I said at the beginning, this is the singer block here, because you talk to Usher, also talked to Alicia Keys, we did. Also talked to Fantasia. But on Alicia Keys, you talk about the work usher did and giving back. She's doing the same thing. Helped found an organization called Keep A Child Alive. Dedicated, literally, to trying to save lives in Africa. All those kids.
NGUYEN: She's gone back several times.
HOLMES: She has gone back several times. She's focused on South Africa now. But also wants to expand her work to India, as well. So it's really a treat, so many of these folks we've been fans of in a lot of way, with their music to meet them and to know that they are good folks.
NGUYEN: See them using that celebrity to propel something that is really a plus.
(CROSS TALK)
HOLMES: Using it for a good reason.
Also Fantasia. We all know her from "American Idol" fame, but a lot of other audiences are getting to know her because she is on Broadway. She is doing some stage stuff. "The Color Purple" is on Broadway. Got to catch up with her, learned a lot, including a serious health issue that threatened her very livelihood, that singing career. The last thing any singer wants to hear is there is a problem with her throat. Found out about that and a whole lot more.
Take a look back. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
FANTASIA: I have to admit Celie, she's a part of me. I think after my first week I knew, oh, my God. This ain't no joke. It's not. And it's different from the first time I did it in New York for a year. And I think when I was doing before I had so much baggage of my own that it was hard for me. It was like a pull.
HOLMES (on camera): As we say now, you are back. Everybody wondered where'd you go?
FANTASIA: There is a lot going on. I actually had tumors, had to have a surgery. And I was just tired. I didn't understand why I was so tired. I would go from "The Color Purple" and go get IVs because they would say I was dehydrated. But it wasn't that. I had two tumors that was draining everything out of me.
HOLMES (voice over): For Fantasia getting news about tumors was bad enough, but they were in her throat of all places. The worst news given that she's a woman without a high school diploma, whose success has been almost solely based on her ability to sing.
FANTASIA: It is a trying time for me, let's say that. Because after having surgery, I couldn't speak for six weeks. So I'm like -- everything at the time was just going wrong. I can't even speak, or talk, can't work for six weeks. I work to pay -- I have to pay my bills. And I have to take care of my whole family.
HOLMES (On camera): You fully recovered now?
FANTASIA: Fully recovered.
HOLMES: How are the vocal chords?
FANTASIA: Stronger than ever.
The only thing I have to do is I have to get somebody to a work with me because my talking they say, is worse than my singing. Never heard that before.
HOLMES: What does that mean?
FANTASIA: I don't know. Everybody's always, do you really talk like that? I'm like, yeah. But my doctor says my talking is worse than my singing.
HOLMES (voice over): While the speaking voice may need some work, the singing voice, judge for yourself.
(FANTASIA SINGING)
HOLMES: Fantasia's health scare prompted her to get a backup plan, an education.
(On camera): You want to go back and get your diploma?
FANTASIA: Uh-huh.
HOLMES: That is going on now? How is it going?
FANTASIA: It's hard?
HOLMES: Is it really?
FANTASIA: Yeah, it's been a long time. I dropped out of school in the ninth grade. But I'm going it because I have an eight-year-old daughter, and a 16-year-old brother. And I'm so hard on them about school. I'm so hard on them. And I'm like, how about this? Watch your sister go, I'm getting my diploma, and I'm still cool.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES: Really some scary stuff there. Someone who depends on that voice to make a living, to hear that you have an issue, your singing career could be threatened with scary stuff. She, of course, takes it in stride. Huge personality on Fantasia, so it was a treat to get to hang with her a bit.
NGUYEN: Looking forward to what's to come with Fantasia. A lot of those singer, celebrities, people, newsmakers, essentially, come through Atlanta. We saw a lot of that this year.
WOLF: Yeah, if I'm not mistaken, I think a fellow named Kid' N Play actually did do that. I think so.
HOLMES: Was it Kid or was it Play? Which one was he?
NGUYEN: It was Kid.
HOLMES: It was Kid.
NGUYEN: Christopher Reid.
HOLMES: This was funny.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED PERSON: Betty Nguyen, man, man, I better not catch you on payday. Come on, now. Betty Nguyen. I'm trying to win.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
HOLMES: You're watching the best of CNN WEEKEND MORNINGS. And there is plenty more to come.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HOLMES: Welcome back again, everybody. We're taking a look back at the big stories of the year, our favorite stories of the year. Our favorite stories, our favorite interviews. This is our part, this is our team. We don't do this on our own.
NGUYEN: By our selves, no. There's a lot of people that contribute to this. We have our tech guy, Mario Armstrong, our sports guy, Rick Horrow, our housing guy Clyde Anderson. I could go on and on and on. But we would be missed if we didn't mention Josh Levs.
WOLF: Home slice.
NGUYEN: Josh Levs, (INAUDIBLE) look out.
WOLF: Josh, what has been your favorite story of 2009? Is there anything that kind of stands out to you?
JOSH LEVS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: This is a fun exercise. Think about it, right. This is the one we chose I feel really good about this. We did a story called the YouTube symphony. And the reason we loved it so much, that I love it so much, is that in end it was about taking people who had kind of given up on their dreams, and finally out of nowhere helping those dreams come true.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hello, I am Foster (ph), and I play the classical guitar.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I started playing the violin when I was five years old.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Hello, I'm Tito from Romania and I play violin.
LEVS (voice over): They're coming from all over the world to live out a dream.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Coming to Carnegie Hall all the way from Bermuda (ph).
LEVS: 3,000 people submitted audition videos on YouTube.
Music professionals chose 200 finalists, then YouTube users voted. And 96 people from 30 countries will get to fill these seats.
JENNIFER LINDSAY, YOUTUBE SYMPHONY: I'm 28 years old. I work as a systems engineer for a government contractor out in Los Angeles.
There's no other way that someone like me, who is not even a professional musician, would've ever made it to Carnegie Hall.
LEVS: Bass player Kurt Hinterbichler is working on a Ph.D. in physics, he pulled his bass out of the closet.
KURT HINTERBICLER, YOUTUBE SYMPHONY: There was a lot of rust there, but I had practiced many years in college and high school before that. Carnegie Hall is still sort of the unofficial pinnacle of achievement for the classical music world. Once you've made it to Carnegie Hall, you've really made it. LEVS: YouTube's idea mixing classical music with the power of the Internet and a little bit of "American Idol."
ED SANDERS, PRODUCT MARKETING MGR., YOUTUBE: The classical music world was always something that strives for perfection and was probably seen as a something that was traditional, and even outdated and somewhat elitist. But I think this project is going to show that's not actually the case. And we hope this is game changing in a sense that it redefines the audition space that brings people closer together, and lets them collaborate, transcending geographical and linguistic boundaries.
LEVS: Google, which owns YouTube , is covering the cost of travel for the winning musicians to come to New York. Now is their moment to shine. They know they'd better be ready.
LINDSAY: Yes, yeah, for the past few weeks my schedule has been work, eat, practice, and sleep. Pretty much around the clock.
LEVS (On camera): People flying from all over the world, only have a couple of days to become a fantastic orchestra together. Do you think that'll be done?
LINDSAY: Oh, absolutely. Do not underestimate the motivational power of playing at Carnegie Hall.
LEVS (voice over): They also have another incentive, the chance to be led by one of the world's most respected conductors. Michael Tilson Thomas, who had final say on whether they made the cut.
MICHAEL TILSON THOMAS, CONDUCTOR, YOUTUBE SYMPHONY: Get those notes, get those rhythms inside your body. Any minute we'll be together and I know it'll be a really good time.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LEVS: And now that symphony, itself, you can see online. Guys, I took a look today and I see that tens of millions of people are looking at that web site. They're watching the entire symphony. So, these people who were total unknowns, who have gone on to other careers, suddenly having their dreams.
NGUYEN: That's great.
(CROSS TALK)
WOLF: Great tunes, good music. Hey, speaking of tunes, I guess Steve Harvey has people singing a new tune, doesn't he?
NGUYEN: Yes, he does. And it's called "Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man". We got some relationship advice.
HOLMES: You got some relationship advice.
NGUYEN: Why are you pointing the finger at me?
HOLMES: Yes, right here. Stay with us. We'll find out if she learned how to act like a lady, but think like a man.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
HOLMES: Well, welcome back. Once again, we are taking a look back at some of the biggest stories of the year and some of our favorite stories of the year. We've been all over this country in the past year.
NGUYEN: Done all kinds of stories. Especially for a sports fan and we all are, you got to cover really interesting ones this year.
WOLF: Well, it's a story about sports, but at the same time, Betty and T.J., it's a story about second chances. We're talking about the 1993 teams of Easton Pennsylvania High School and also Phillipsburg, New Jersey, that a played a game in 1993. The game ended in a tie, and the same players, same teams, everyone came back and played a rematch all these years later.
And here's that story.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
WOLF (voice over): It's one of America's most-heated high school rivalries; the Stateliners of Phillipsburg, New Jersey and the Red Rovers of Easton, Pennsylvania. For more than a century the two teams have battled on Thanksgiving Day. In 1993 Bruce Lebitz was one of the tri-captions of the Stateliner team, the underdogs of that year's match-up.
BRUCE LEBITZ, PHILLIPSBURG FOOTBALL PLAYER: I was the defensive player of this game, I a big stop (ph) on the goal line that prevented them from scoring in the first half.
WOLF: The game ended in a 7-7 tie. While it was an unexpected showing from the Phillipsburg team, the players still left the field frustrated without a win.
LEBITZ: I didn't know how to feel after stopping my -- the end of my high school career being on a tie. I didn't want it to end like that.
WOLF: Fast forward 15 years, Gatorade is organizing a replay. Same players, same field, same rivalry; 10,000 tickets sold between these two communities in a matter of 90 minutes.
Now a family man in his early 30s, Bruce weighed 302 pounds and was taking medication for high blood pressure and cholesterol. Not wanting to let his teammates down, Bruce decided to do whatever it took to get ready for this game.
LEBITZ: Basically, I would work out for an hour and a half every morning doing my cardio. And then I would go back, and go back in the afternoon and do my weight training. Just a huge change in my diet, eating short meals throughout the day, very high protein, a lot of fruits, vegetables.
WOLF: In just three months he lost nearly 60 pounds, and no longer needs his medication. It's a common theme among many of the players preparing for this rematch.
JOHN STOFAN, GATORADE SPORTS SCIENCE INSTITUTE: The inspiration is really hearing some of these guys going, you know, what? This has made a difference in my life. You taught what I should to doing from a hydration standpoint. You taught me what I should be doing from a nutrition standpoint. I'm going to apply this. I'm going to change my behavior. This is a lifestyle now.
WOLF: While this is an opportunity to settle the score between these two bitter rivals once and for all, Bruce also sees this as an opportunity for life.
(On camera): Now, is this the decision you're going to try to keep to for the rest of your life?
LEBITZ: Absolutely. Thing is a second chance in a lot of ways.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
WOLF: Now, unfortunately, the game itself was not quite as exciting as everything leading up to it. Phillipsburg did win the game, they did beat Easton in the rematch. But just the amazing idea of having a chance to travel back in time and play that game again, off the charts.
HOLMES: That's tough all of those years later, everybody getting in football shape.
NGUYEN: Bet they're still feeling it today.
HOLMES: More than likely.
We're talking about some of our favorite stories. We love that one. But one you and I had a great time doing.
NGUYEN: Oh, man.
HOLMES: Talking to Steve Harvey, who always had something to say. But he put something out there for women. He had a book out that was telling women to "Act Like A Lady But Think Like A Man". This was that huge book. Just about every woman I know around Atlanta was reading that book at some point.
NGUYEN: Oh, I read it from cover to cover. It was great. His advice, you know, you wouldn't think going to a comedian for relationship advice, right? Well, take a listen to some of the stuff he had to say.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: Steve, in your book you talk about there are five things that women need to know about men. What are those five things?
STEVE HARVEY, COMEDIAN: Well, it's five questions that a woman should ask a man when they meet, because a lot of women have been sold a bad bill of goods. We've created this thing that if you ask us too many questions, if you're too inquisitive that you're encroaching on our privacy. And that we won't have anything to do with you. Well, that's not the truth. You have every right to know what you're getting into.
NGUYEN: So stop messing around and just find out what you need to know to either keep them or let them go.
HARVEY: You know, it is in your best interest. You know what I'm saying? You have got to stop -- women have got to empower themselves. That's what the book is for. So you can empower yourself. You've got to stop being at a man's beck and call. You have every right to know whether he wants to marry you or not. You have every right to know when this marriage is going to occur. This is your future we're talking about. You really need to know if he's into your kids.
HOLMES: A lot of guys, a lot of people follow you. And the fellas might say, why aren't you talking to us? Why are you not giving us some relationship advice?
HARVEY: Well, that'd be great, but they don't buy books. Let's just tell the truth. I really don't care what you think.
No, really, but you know -- the first three chapters in the book, what drives a man, what that man needs, and how a man loves, is absolutely the best part of the book, because it actually helps a man in his relationship. Because a lot of women really don't know, as the title of the book, they don't know how we think.
Our love is different. We don't love the same. You all are great communicator, you are very nurturing, you encompass a lot of things in your love. A man's love is shown three ways. I call it the three Ps. We profess it, we provide, and we protect.
HOLMES: We sit here and we're laughing, we're cracking up, having a good time and what not. But are people going to be disappointed? Maybe you got some reaction already. People pick up the book, they see your face, and they see your name, they expect to open up this book and laugh.
NGUYEN: Right.
HOLMES: This ain't funny.
HARVEY: No, it's not. And I'm sorry. But I've got enough stuff out there on tape that's funny. This book isn't a clinical study. You know, because most women aren't married to Dr. Phil, anyway. You're married to a regular guy. You are dating a guy that's got a job somewhere that you're trying to figure it out.
I took all of my talks with T.J., who is a friend of mine, guys that play ball, guys that are TV stars, guys that drive trucks, guys that I worked in a factory with. And I put all of this and I'm 52 -- I put all of this information together, of how we really think and it's done purely to just empower women.
NGUYEN: So for all of the ladies out there, answer me one question. Why do men cheat?
HARVEY: Well, that's $1 million question, no matter how I answer it, it's going to be a $10 answer. But I will tell you this, number one, I try to teach women to release themselves from blame. You know, as soon as a guy cheats, a woman tries to find out what's wrong with her. It has nothing to do with you, often times. It's just an inadequacy in your man that makes us go outside, because we're constantly trying to feed our ego. Trying to feel better about ourselves
HOLMES: A lot of this in the book can be applied to all men and women. But speaking particularly to black men and women, here, is there a new standard and example for all black men and women, and couples, to follow given what we see in the White House now?
HARVENY: The book is written for everybody. But there is a new mandate here. Obama is the president. We got to do better than this. And that's just the tone that's out there in the country for a lot of people.
There have been other beautiful families in the White House. Nobody's knocking that. I think George Bush, I liked the guy, personally. I thought he was a good family man, a good father, you know. But this is special for a lot of people, especially in the African-American community. And everybody's got to kind of understand that.
NGUYEN: We appreciate your time, Steve. Thank you so much.
HARVEY: Best interview I've ever done.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: What I love about Steve Harvey is he puts it out there plain and simple when it comes to relationship advice. Now, applying it, ladies, may be a little difficult. But it'll work out. Think like a lady, act like a man.
HOLMES: What else does he have to do? He gave you a manual?
NGUYEN: A road map?
WOLF: It is difficult to figure out.
NGUYEN: Yes, right, I don't want to hear it.
HOLMES: It is not that complicated.
NGUYEN: Although, while you are a bit difficult to figure out, you've been great to work with. HOLMES: Well, it has been working with you. We have a blast on the air. Hopefully you all notice we are a team and family quite literally. Hopefully you all know that and it's been great having you stick around with us for the year. Hopefully you'll stick around next year.
NGUYEN: We hope so. Thanks for joining us. There is much more to come right here on CNN.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NGUYEN: So thanks for sticking around as we enter into a new year. From the CNN Center, this is CNN SATURDAY MORNING. It is January 2nd, happy New Year, everybody, and good morning. I'm Betty Nguyen.
LUI: Very good morning to you. I'm Richard Lui in for T.J. Holmes on this weekend. Thanks for starting your day with us.
And we start with the president who is pointing fingers this morning for the failed Christmas Day terror attack on Northwest Flight 253. He says Al Qaeda is responsible. We'll hear more from the president. His web address, straight ahead.
NGUYEN: Plus controversial conservative radio host Rush Limbaugh out of the hospital this morning and talking to reporters. Doctors say they found nothing wrong after he was admitted for chest pains. And Limbaugh held a press conference. We're going to hear what he had to say.
First let's check some of the top stories for you this morning.
First up, in Denmark, Danish police shot and wounded a 27-year- old Somali man outside the home of a controversial political cartoonist, Kurt Westergard. Police say the man is believed to have ties to terrorist groups and say he tried to break into Westergard's home with an axe and a knife.
Westergard is the artist whose caricature of the prophet Mohammad wearing a bomb as a turban angered Muslims back in 2006. Danish authorities have arrested other suspects over the years who allegedly plotted against Westergard life.
LUI: At Seattle SEATAC International Airport, officials there have reopened the security gates and ticket counters that were shut down yesterday because of a stand-off. Police say this man you see here, seen without a shirt, barricaded himself inside a concourse bathroom because he wanted to fly somewhere but did not have money for the ticket. He voluntarily surrendered after 2 1/2 hours. The incident did not cause any flight delays there.
NGUYEN: Well, Time Warner Cable and FOX Networks have struck a last-minute deal. And that means programming like "American Idol," "The Simpsons" will not be interrupted.
I know you can breath a sigh of relief now. Well, FOX had threatened to pull its line up unless it received a $1 per subscriber, each month. The exact details on the deal, well, that's not being released. But a Time Warner Cable executive says the terms are, quote, "reasonable."
We do have to let you know that Time Warner Cable is not a part of our parent company, Time Warner. It was spun off last year.
LUI: And new this morning, the strongest statement yet connecting al Qaeda to the botched attack on Northwest Flight 253 on Christmas Day. In his weekly address, President Obama links the terrorist network to the Nigerian suspect Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: We know that he traveled to Yemen, a country grappling with crushing poverty and deadly insurgencies. It appears that he joined an affiliate of al Qaeda. And this group al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula trained him, equipped him with those explosives, and directed him to attack that plane headed for America.
This is not the first time this group has targeted us. In recent years, they've bombed the Yemeni government facilities and western hotels, restaurants and embassies, including our embassy in 2008, killing one American.
So, as president, I've made it a priority to strengthen our partnership with the Yemeni government, training and equipping their security forces, sharing intelligence, and working with them to strike al Qaeda terrorists.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LUI: President Obama has also ordered a top to bottom investigation in this case. He's calling in his homeland security team for a meeting on Tuesday. Meanwhile, a counterterrorism official tells CNN that Abdulmutallab may have had direct contact with a radical Muslim cleric. Anwar al-Awlaki has been linked to the alleged Fort Hood shooter and two 9/11 hijackers.
And now, embassy alerts must say whether suspicious travelers have visas to get into the United States or not. Abdulmutallab did have one, but that information was not passed on. So, the State Department is changing the rules there.
NGUYEN: Well, we do want to turn now to a deadly blast in northwest Pakistan. It is one of the most violent attacks in the area in a while. At least 88 people are dead after hundreds of pounds of explosives were detonated during a crowded volleyball match.
CNN's Arwa Damon is in Islamabad with the latest.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ARWA DAMON, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: The attack took place in a residential neighborhood in Lakki Marwat, during a volleyball game, said to be the favorite sport in this area. Some 200 people have been gathered for an evening match when a suicide car bomber drove into the middle of the crowd and detonated.
Police are saying they're concerned that the death toll is only going to continue to rise as the attack took place in the evening, it was getting dark and it was becoming difficult to ascertain exactly how many people may have perished.
Local leaders are saying they believe this attack was in retaliation for a military operation that people supported that took place back in October. They're saying that the militants had begun threatening the area because of this operation, because of their support for it.
Now, Pakistan has been fighting its own homegrown terrorist networks for quite some time now. And it has largely been the civilians that have been bearing the brunt of the retaliatory violence. In fact, when you speak to many Pakistanis now, they're quite simply shocked at what has become of their country.
Arwa Damon, CNN, Islamabad.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
LUI: And now to some tests that show nothing is wrong with Rush Limbaugh's heart, the 58-year-old conservative radio host is out of the hospital in Honolulu. He checked in on Wednesday complaining of some chest pains. But angiogram showed no trace of heart problems. He had nothing but praise for the medical staff after.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
LIMBAUGH: Based on what happened to me here, I don't think there's one thing wrong with the American health care system. It is working just fine, just dandy, and I got nothing special. I got no special treatment.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LUI: Now, doctors have not found whatever caused Limbaugh's pain.
NGUYEN: Well, the Washington Wizards aren't exactly having a stellar season and now, reports of their franchise player allegedly brandishing guns inside the locker room. According to the "New York Post," Gilbert Arenas and teammate Javaris Crittenton drew guns on each other during an argument over a gambling debt.
Now, Arenas denies pulling a gun. And D.C. police, well, they are looking into this alleged incident.
The Wizards said that they are cooperating and take this ongoing investigation seriously.
LUI: All right, Betty, half way through a long weekend. NGUYEN: Yes.
LUI: A good start to the New Year, right?
NGUYEN: Yes, half way through. Well, it's only 7:00 in the morning, boy. You're ready to blow through this one, aren't you?
LUI: We started on Friday.
NGUYEN: OK.
LUI: Well, let's go to Reynolds Wolf to see how the weather is if you're going to go outside today.
WOLF: Well -- I mean, it depends where you happen to be. I mean, here in Atlanta, certainly, it's cold. But if you happen to be in International Falls, Minnesota, it feels like the beginning of a new Ice Age. It is 32 degrees below zero right now as we speak.
And coming up, we'll let you know how long this cold suppose is going to last for parts of the Midwest and Northern Plains, and what you can expect for your neighborhood -- coming up in just a few moments.
Let's send it back to you, guys.
NGUYEN: Looking forward to that. Thank you, Reynolds.
Also, take a look at these pictures. President is taking some time out in Hawaii to make a special trip. We have those details.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: All right. It's called the severe weather center. Let's see how severe things are outside on this first weekend of the New Year.
Hopefully, not too severe, Reynolds.
WOLF: Well, if you happen to be tuning in, say, from Miami, Florida, conditions are pretty nice for you. You're expecting high temperatures to warm up to 65 degrees. So, you feel like you're on a different planet, say, from people who happen to be in Maine.
Well, to help you get a perspective, let's show you some video that we have for our friends in Maine this morning, who may have up to a foot of snow before all are said and done. This is just the beginning of it that you see captured on video. Expect this scene to play out up and down parts of I-95.
You see the stuff they're going to be spreading across the roadways up there, especially 95, a major conduit you have in the state. And as we get to the late afternoon, you have the snow coming down and the wind coming in sideways, possibly topping 40 to 50 miles an hour. Whiteout conditions can be expected. Meanwhile, let's show you a live image over in New Hampshire. Things look beautiful there. And here's the live image we have for you.
There it is right there on the right-hand corner of the screen, moving on the screen right now. Yes, it's one of the salt spreader combos with, of course, the snow blade on the front. Sure, they got a pretty -- plenty of work today.
And as we go back a little more to the west, we're going to take you to Detroit, Michigan, from this great shot at WDIV. What's weird about this picture is that this shot, the camera location is actually in Canada, in Windsor, looking northward across the Detroit River into Detroit.
Yes. Believe it or not, parts of the U.S. actually farther north than Canada. You see the Renaissance Center on the right-hand corner, lower left hand corner, the Joe Louis Arena. But spots are very cold today.
But certainly, not has cold as what I'm about to show you on the weather wall. Let's go right over here and let me show you these numbers. Not just weird, they're freakish. Look at this: Fargo, North Dakota, 33 degrees below zero, right along the banks of the Red River of the North. Over in be Bismarck, 22 below. Pierre, South Dakota, 11 below. Sioux Falls, even colder, 24 below. And Minneapolis, at 12.
But if you happen to be in Minneapolis, 12 below zero, don't -- fear not. I mean, you're looking at a balmy day. In fact, high temperatures there going up to a splendid two degrees. Keep break out the suntan oil and Bahamas shorts, huh, or Bermuda shorts.
In Memphis, 32 degrees the Bowl Game; 38 degrees in Atlanta; your high in Tampa is about 58 on the other side of that frontal boundary. Then we get back into the Four Corners. In Salt Lake City southward into Vegas, you're going to see the temperatures go from the 30s, to 60s, 71 in Phoenix, 58 in San Francisco.
Now, in terms of precipitation out for the west coast, it's going to be right along the state line, north of Mount Shasta, you're going to see a lot of precipitation switch over to rainfall. But in the high elevations, in the Sierra Nevada and then back into parts the coastal range, you're going to see snow some snow. Cascades, same story.
And then back into the southeast, pretty dry, but then the northeast, we're going to see the snow coming down for a good part of today, then beginning to fizzle out through tomorrow.
That is a look at your forecast. Of course, as always, get tons to talk about. And we'll have more coming up for you in mere moments right here on CNN SATURDAY MORNING. See you in a few.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK) LUI: President Obama on vacation in his home town Hawaii. He'll be back in Washington on Monday to begin work on and what some people think is a very full agenda.
So, is he trying to do too much? Or take on too much?
Senior White House correspondent Ed Henry talked about it in Hawaii with an old Senate pro.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
ED HENRY, CNN SR. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Betty and Richard, this working vacation has been more work and less vacation, a reminder of the 24/7 nature of the presidency. But one of Mr. Obama's good friends is urging him to slow down in 2010.
(voice-over): As the president rests up for his second year in office, one of his closest allies here in Hawaii is expressing concern about the pace of year one.
SEN. DANIEL INOUYE (D), HAWAII: I think he's done exceedingly well, although, as one who has been there for 50 years now, he is pushing himself too hard.
HENRY: The charge he has too much on his plate usually comes from Republicans. This time, it's Democrat Daniel Inouye, who speaks with authority after serving in the Senate with 10 presidents now.
INOUYE: Five months ago, we're at some very informal gathering, and the president looked at me and says, "Well, Dan, how am I doing?" And I had to tell him, Mr. President, the campaign is over. I've yet to find any presidential candidate who carries out every political promise.
HENRY: In some ways, the first year has resembled the campaign. The president barnstorming the country to sell the largest economic recovery and health care plans in history, all the while scoffing at the notion he's taking on too much after inheriting two wars and a financial crisis.
OBAMA: I'd love if these problems were coming at us one at a time instead of five or six at a time. It's more than most congresses and most presidents have to deal with in a lifetime. But we have been called to govern in extraordinary times.
HENRY: Besides, he promised major change. And after an historic victory and big Democratic majorities, there's something to be said for striking while the iron is hot.
MARK PRESTON, CNN SENIOR POLITICAL EDITOR: He came in with sky high approval ratings and if he was going to get anything done, it was going to happen this year.
HENRY: Those approval ratings have come back down to Earth. And on this Hawaiian vacation, the president has been trying to get some down time. But the Christmas Day terror incident intervened. And now, the president has added an overhaul of the intelligence community to his already full agenda.
OBAMA: It's becoming clear that the system that's in place for years now is not sufficiently up to date.
HENRY: This is why the old pro Daniel Inouye says 2010 will be all about resetting priorities.
INOUYE: The second year will be one where the first year will have to be clarified.
HENRY (on camera): White House aides have said the president will zero in on jobs in 2010. Perhaps a sign that he's heard the concerns of some Democrats who want him to sharpen the focus on the economy while still tackling other challenges -- Betty, Richard.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
NGUYEN: All right. Well, and speaking of the president, what's a Hawaiian vacation without shaved ice, right? Well, especially now, there is one on the menu named after the commander-in-chief.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
OBAMA: Happy New Year.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Happy New Year.
OBAMA: OK. We've got to run.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: The president took his daughters and a whole lot of friends to sample the local delicacy at a shaved ice store. And he normally drops by this one when he goes there on visits.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: What flavor did you get, Mr. President?
OBAMA: Lemon lime, cherry, and passion orange. Passion guava.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That's not the Snowbama.
OBAMA: Well, I think I got the Snowbama.
(LAUGHTER)
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: He was very clear on that, he got the Snowbama. Well, in between mouthfuls, he also teased a friend who rooted for Oregon. As you recall, Oregon Ducks, they lost to Ohio State in the Rose Bowl a little bit earlier in the day. That Snowbama looks pretty good.
LUI: Hometown treats, he's back at home. Must be great to have some of the old things he had when he was growing up. And that shaved ice, you know, when you're hitting 80 degrees, you want that stuff.
NGUYEN: In Hawaii, just think of that weather right about now, you're wearing your parkas outside.
LUI: In some parts of the country, right?
NGUYEN: Yes.
Well, OK. Sparks, they are flying literally as police follow a thief. You've got to check out this story.
LUI: Yes. We're going to tell you about a Coke machine, yes, a Coke machine that's on the run here.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: Top stories for you now.
Danish police shot and wounded a 27-year-old Somali man outside the home of controversial political cartoonist Kurt Westergaard. Police say the man believed to have ties with terrorist groups and they say he tried to break in to Westergaard's home with an ax and a knife. Westergaard is the artist whose caricature of the Prophet Muhammad wearing a bomb as a turban angered Muslims back in 2006.
LUI: And we got some compelling pictures from inside a hospital where victims of a deadly suicide blast are being treated. At least 88 are dead in this incident, 37 hospitalized after a car bomb exploded at a crowded volleyball game in northwest Pakistan. Most of the victims are teenagers. Officials say the blast was felt up to 11 miles away. Several homes nearby are collapsing from the force.
NGUYEN: Well, the Washington Wizards aren't exactly having a stellar season and now this -- reports of their franchise player allegedly brandishing guns inside the locker room. According to the "New York Post," Gilbert Arenas and teammate Javaris Crittenton drew guns on each other during an argument over a gambling debt. Arenas denies pulling a gun. And D.C. police, well, they are looking into this alleged incident.
LUI: All right. Second day of 2010, and are you getting your financial house in order in 2010 as you start the year? Or will your heart be racing when your January credit card bill finally arrives? We all don't want to see that.
Whether you're one flat tire away or one emergency room visit away from financial ruin, we've got our Clyde Anderson who will give you your tips for survival and prospering in this New Year.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
NGUYEN: All right, everybody. It is the first Saturday of the New Year. Happy New Year. And with 2010 comes a whole lot of New Year's resolutions. OK, maybe just one.
But many people are trying to either lose weight, become better parents, be on time, eat healthier -- that's mine -- and the list goes on and on and on. You get, right?
So, here's what some of you had to say when we asked what's your New Year's resolution?
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: My 2010 resolution is to weigh 179 pounds, sell 50 houses, and to improve my relationship with my lovely wife.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I made a resolution this year not to make one.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Always be positive and be happy. Don't let anybody or anything bother you and then step in your way. Just keep going forward and never look back.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: To lose weight, to go on a diet.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: My New Year's resolution is to learn Mandarin Chinese. I'm headed to China to study abroad for four months.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: To eat healthier and be happier. No matter what happens, life's always good.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I want to stop smoking. I've been smoking for 20 years. And to help other people that's in need and unfortunate than I am.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
NGUYEN: That is a really good one there.
OK. So you heard the resolutions. No one mentioned money. So have you ever made a financial resolution? No, I haven't. Maybe that's my problem.
Well, following a year with so many home foreclosures, though, and companies, you know, downsizing, people losing jobs, now is a time to get your finances in order.
Housing expert Clyde Anderson here with 10 tips in making sure that you're managing your money with this New Year.
All right. We have set you up. I'll tell you, before even we even get there.
CLYDE ANDERSON, HOUSING EXPERT: Yes?
NGUYEN: What's your new year's resolution?
ANDERSON: My New Year's resolution is to be more focused and save more money.
NGUYEN: I was wondering if you had money in there. There you go. That's why you're the expert.
All right. Let's get right down to it.
ANDERSON: All right.
NGUYEN: One of the tips, determine what you're worth, right?
ANDERSON: Yes. And that's something that a lot of people miss. We've got to know our net worth. What are we working with? So, you've got to look at your assets minus your debt. And you've got to understand what a true asset is.
NGUYEN: Yes. Make sure you got an asset after those debts.
ANDERSON: That's key. That's key.
NGUYEN: And you say let your budget be your guide?
ANDERSON: Yes. You have to. You've got to start a budget. And smart people at the beginning of the year start a budget and a true budget, really, look at your paycheck.
NGUYEN: How does that work, though? What's a true budget?
ANDERSON: True budget is, looking at your paycheck.
NGUYEN: OK.
ANDERSON: Seeing what the net income is, what you're truly bringing home...
NGUYEN: OK.
ANDERSON: And then take that and really look at all of your expenses. I mean -- and don't forget things like food, gas, you know, fast food even. If you know you're going to eat out for lunch, you've got to put those details in the budget.
NGUYEN: And you have to, I guess, leave some money there for the things that just kind of happen along the way, right?
ANDERSON: Miscellaneous, rainy days.
NGUYEN: What had happened was.
ANDERSON: What had happened was.
NGUYEN: The name of your last book.
(LAUGHTER)
ANDERSON: You've got to have those in there because they always happen.
NGUYEN: Right.
ANDERSON: You know? So, be prepared for it. Most people don't have enough money to cover their monthly expenses. NGUYEN: Right. And then you have those miscellaneous charges and then boom, you're in debt again.
ANDERSON: Exactly.
NGUYEN: And there goes the asset. We got you.
ANDERSON: That's it. We call it the rainy day money.
NGUYEN: OK. So, I guess all of this leads up to, you really need to change your mind set when it comes to money, right?
ANDERSON: You do. You have to understand that money is real. You have to manage...
NGUYEN: Oh, I know that.
ANDERSON: You know that. It's real. We've got to manage it. We have to tell it what to do. We name the dollars. We say this money is going to bills. This money is going to miscellaneous spending. But you've got to be in control.
NGUYEN: OK. And how much control do you have when it comes to your credit score? Because knowing your credit score is probably half the battle, right?
ANDERSON: It is. It is. And most people don't know their credit score. And so, it's key to pull your credit report, I like to say two times a year.
NGUYEN: OK.
ANDERSON: You've got to pull it two times a year. AnnualReport.com is a free service. They'll let you do one a year. But definitely, go to Equifax. Go to TransUnion. Go to Experian. Know what's being reported about you. I mean, that's, you know, what represents you.
NGUYEN: Right. And that'll determine your interest rates and how much of a loan you can get and all of that other stuff, right?
ANDERSON: Exactly. And a lot of times, you have erroneous information on your credit report and won't know it.
NGUYEN: Oh. And you're going to appeal that, you can fight that?
ANDERSON: You can fight that. But the only way to know is to pull the credit report.
NGUYEN: Yes. How do you -- how do you fight if you don't know it's there. And, of course, the big one is savings.
ANDERSON: That big one. That's it. And it's so huge.
NGUYEN: It can be so difficult for some people. ANDERSON: It can be. And it can really be simple if you really look at it because just start with something, whether that's $5 a week, $100 a week. Look at your budget and that's going to go back to that budget.
NGUYEN: Right.
ANDERSON: Once you see that budget, you know what you have. Put in their savings, name that dollar...
NGUYEN: Ideally, how much would you save when it comes to your income?
ANDERSON: Well, you know, I like to save somewhere around 50 percent or 40 percent if you can.
NGUYEN: Really? OK.
ANDERSON: If you can. I mean, a lot of people say 30 percent. But I like to have a nice chunk. I mean, really, if you know what you're working with, you can do it.
NGUYEN: All right. And we said we were going to give folks 10 tips.
ANDERSON: Yes.
NGUYEN: We gave you the top five. I think we gave you the best of the best, but the rest of them are on your Web site. It is www.financiallifeconnection.com.
ANDERSON: That's it.
NGUYEN: Clyde Anderson...
ANDERSON: That's it.
NGUYEN: Happy New Year to you.
ANDERSON: Happy New Year to you, Betty.
NGUYEN: Thanks for helping us get our financial house in order for 2010.
ANDERSON: Always a pleasure.
NGUYEN: All right. Take care.
ANDERSON: All right.
LUI: Fifty percent?
NGUYEN: I know, that's a lot, right? You better get to work.
LUI: I'm working on 10.
(LAUGHTER)
LUI: All right.
NGUYEN: I'll give you a loan.
LUI: All right. Thank you. Appreciate that.
Texting at gunpoint. A Texas man sends a daring text message while allegedly being held hostage in the trunk of his own car.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
LUI: Texting while allegedly kidnapping in the trunk of his car? A Texas man says he's abducted by gunmen and forced to take a ride to his bank in the trunk of his own car. Now, while in the trunk, the man says he pulled out his cell phone and sent a text message to his friends saying, "Robbed, call police."
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The only thing I think -- maybe send a text message to my friend and then because my friend had most of my information. If 911 needs, he can explain to them.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
LUI: Police met the group at the bank. Two teenage males were arrested in that. The power of the text message right there.
NGUYEN: Yes, that's smart thinking, too.
OK. Well, here's one of those things that you just have to see to believe. Thankfully, we have the tape to show it to you. So roll that beautiful footage.
Check that out. What the heck is that? Well, it is a stolen soda machine. Yes, some guy hooked this thing up to his truck. Like no one's going to realize what you've done here, buddy.
Police say he stole the machine from a store in Tennessee. And he took off down the highway, leading police on a high-speed chase before they caught and arrested him. Really, did he think he's not going to get caught?
LUI: Oh, nobody's going to notice that.
NGUYEN: At all. Sparks flying and everything.
LUI: Red, sparks, you know, down the road.
NGUYEN: Craziness.
All right. Well, there's a lot going on this weekend. And we are into a New Year. And Reynolds Wolf joins us now with one of those weekend whacky events. And before we get to those really quickly, I've just got to call you out here. You know, celebrating the New Year, a lot of us do it big. Reynolds sets his alarm 10 minutes before midnight to make sure he can wake up.
WOLF: I'm crazy like that. I'm just insane.
NGUYEN: You are wild and crazy.
WOLF: It is wild times in the Wolf house. Let me tell you, setting the alarm at 11:50, getting up, pouring some bubbly and then...
LUI: You've got to get up early the next day, though, right?
WOLF: Yes, pretty much. But, you know, if I were young and spry like you guys, it wouldn't make a difference.
(CROSSTALK)
NGUYEN: We are entering into a new decade, or at least we have.
WOLF: Yes.
NGUYEN: So, you know, you've got to do it big.
All right. Speaking of doing it big, we've got a lot of Bowl Games.
WOLF: Yes, we do. That's really he big weekend event we have. Bowl Games out there. A lot of people are tailgating.
Let's get started in Texas. In Arlington, Texas, it's the AT&T Cotton Bowl. It is going to be Oklahoma State Cowboys and the Ole Miss Rebels. It should be a great game.
In Memphis, the Autozone Liberty Bowl with the East Carolina Pirates and the Arkansas Razorbacks. Have me a feeling that T.J. Holmes might be there enjoying himself.
NGUYEN: Yes.
WOLF: And in Birmingham, Alabama, we got the Papajohns.com Bowl. Connecticut versus South Carolina.
And then in San Antonio, Texas, it is the Valero Alamo Bowl, Texas Tech and Michigan State. It's very interesting because Texas Tech has the interim coach because Mike Leach is gone. It's very interesting.
NGUYEN: Right. Good games this week and looking forward to that. And, hopefully, you're looking forward to this because "HOUSE CALL" with Sanjay Gupta comes up right now.
