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CNN Saturday Morning News

Orlando Airport May Fire TSA; Holiday Shopping Advice for Consumers: How to Get the Best Deals; Topless Protesters in Ukraine; Benefits of the Human Touch

Aired November 20, 2010 - 08:00   ET

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

T.J. HOLMES, CNN ANCHOR: Good Saturday morning.

The TSA is making changes. Some people will now be exempt from enhanced pat-downs and those body scanners. The problem is though, there's a good chance you're not going to be one of them. This comes as some airports also are now choosing to opt out of using the TSA altogether.

Also, Sarah Palin, stay in Alaska. Those words from former first lady Barbara Bush. You'll hear what else she tells our Larry King about Sarah Palin, as well as the Tea Party.

Good morning to you all from the CNN Center in Atlanta, Georgia. This is your CNN SATURDAY MORNING, 8:00 a.m. here in Atlanta, 7:00 a.m. in Fayetteville, Arkansas, wherever you are, glad you're right here.

I'm T.J. Holmes. Let me tell you what we have on the rundown for you today.

A look at some of the stories that are making headlines, including in New Zealand, where there has been a mine explosion. This happened yesterday and now families are awaiting word on the fate of 29 trapped miners. There has been a delay in trying to rescue them because they keep checking the gas levels. They're trying to see if the air is OK for rescuers to actually get in there.

The men are trapped about 1.5 miles from the entrance to that mine. You're seeing it there. It's different from the Chilean mine where they were a mile below the surface. This particular mine shaft doesn't go down, it goes horizontal. It goes across, so they do have that working for them. We're keeping a close eye on that.

Also the president, President Obama, he's at the NATO summit going on right now in Lisbon. He's going to be meeting with the Afghan President Hamid Karzai today. On the table for these NATO leaders, this military alliance of course is what it is. They are talking about how to get -- get troops out of Afghanistan by 2014, at least combat troops and try to hand over the security to the Afghans by 2014. So what's happening in Afghanistan is on the table there.

Also to tell you about this morning, a court settlement has been reached for the ground zero workers. They have agreed now to accept $625 million that would be shared by some 10,000 workers who, of course, sued after many of them started to get ill and have issues, health problems caused by that toxic debris, essentially that they were breathing in as the work continued to try to clean up ground zero after 9/11.

Well, just days now before the busiest travel season of the year. The Orlando Sanford international airport says it has had enough with the TSA. They want to get rid of the TSA. Increasing number of critics out there don't like these full-body image scanners, or the more intrusive pat-down searches that are going on right now. These are put in place by the TSA this year. Sanford airport, they don't have these scanners just yet, but they could get them down the road. Orlando would replace the government security workers at TSA with private contractors. They think that those private contractors would do a better job with customer satisfaction. On AC "360" last night, a Florida Congressman John Mica told our Anderson Cooper the TSA is just too inefficient.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REP. JOHN MICA (R), FLORIDA: TSA in my opinion is out of control. I have 3,590 administrative personnel making on average over $105,000 just in Washington, DC. I never intended when I wrote the TSA law to have that kind of bureaucracy or another 8,000 out in the field and 67 -- growing to 67,000 people. It's a massive blow to bureaucracy. It needs to be trimmed and tamed.

REP. SHEILA JACKSON LEE (D) TEXAS: I'd like everybody to be reminded that we might have wanted to have this kind of equipment on 9/11. We saw 3,000 or more Americans lose their lives. This is a different America and a different world. And so we have to confront issues head on.

LARRY DALE, SANFORD AIRPORT AUTHORITY PRESIDENT: What I have a problem with is the pat-down -- standard pat-down procedures that I've seen demonstrated that I can't do as a law enforcement officer unless I have probable cause to put cuffs on you and take you to jail.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HOLMES: Important to note here. Even though Orlando might want to opt out of using the TSA, because there is a program in place for them to use private security, those private security officers would still have to follow the TSA security guidelines. Meaning, they would still have to use the enhanced pat-downs, meaning they would still have to use the body scanners if they are in that airport. But they do believe some -- some airports or at least 16 around the country who use private contractors believe they do provide better customer satisfaction, if you will.

Also, another important note in this story, the TSA has come out and they're making some pilots happy. Some pilots' unions were upset that some of their pilots would have to go through these image scanners. They were concerned about the radiation they would be constantly exposed to.

The TSA has come out now, said they won't have to go through that. The pilots can show proper ID and that's showing that they are working and they can go through without having to use those scanners. So a few changes there, but again, those changes wouldn't necessarily impact you, the passenger, as you go through.

We want you to join us. I don't want you to go anywhere right now, of course. But also we want to make sure you stick around for the 9:00 Eastern half hour. We're going to be doing the whole half hour, a special on this busy travel season. We're going to be talking about this grass roots revolt that's going on right now over the TSA pat-downs.

Also, we're going to debunk a lot of myths out there. There's some misinformation about exactly what it is, why you would be stopped, how many would go through it. We're going to go through the facts about the new rules and procedures.

Also for you travelers, some good information from the editor of "Travel and Leisure" magazine. Taking a look at when maybe you should get your ticket. Are there last-minute deals? Where can you find them, again 9:00 Eastern coming up in just a bit. I want you to stick around for that.

Of course, we're less than a week away from the all-important, the fun day for a lot of folks, black Friday as it's called. A lot of deals are starting to coming out and a lot of people are very strategic about getting those good deals on black Friday, including that woman who has already set up shop a week ahead of black Friday in front of a Best Buy store. Why? We'll give you some of those answers. It's six minutes past the hour.

We do have for you, though -- we do have for you a quiz, a holiday quiz. A new survey out there says electronics will be the most sought after item this holiday season. So if electronics are at the top of the list, what's at the bottom of the list? Would you say it's, A, computer software, B, jewelry or C, gift certificates? I'll have that answer for you after the break.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HOLMES: Now, before the commercial break, we asked what's expected to be the most least sought after -- is that correct, the most least sought - it's just supposed to be the least sought after item this holiday season. We asked, is it computer software, is it jewelry, or C gift certificates?

This was kind of an easy one, maybe, but yes, the answer is, A, computer software. Only 13 percent of those surveyed say they'll be buying software this holiday season. Jewelry though, I'm surprised here, it doesn't do that well on the list either.

Only 14 percent say diamonds are on their Christmas list? Reynolds, what sense does that make? 59 percent say, of course, they will be buying electronics. You've got diamonds on the list of things to buy? REYNOLDS WOLF, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Oh, yes, absolutely. Me, I'm the gift certificate guy. HOLMES: Are you really?

WOLF: I really am. To give someone the idea, the opportunity. It's kind of like the lazy way. It's kind of like, I thought enough about you to give you a gift certificate, now you can do all the hard work so you got to respect that.

HOLMES: And a beautiful shot, what's going on right now in New York as we take a look at lady liberty right now.

WOLF: It's going to be a pretty dry day there. Highs going up in the 40s and 50s, should be pretty nice. Perfect day for Madonna, but then what day isn't?

HOLMES: It's always a good day to be Madonna, a huge fan of Madonna. What's the stuff you got going on?

(WEATHER REPORT)

HOLMES: Got a picture here I want everybody to look at. You've seen these machines. We've all done these at the arcades before. Check this young lady out. We've all done these things before. They look so easy, it's so close, all you've got to do is toss the ball, I'm going to get the tickets. This young lady goes to town. She's a little phenom if you will. But if you keep watching, I don't know if we have the whole tape, but she makes, Reynolds, 128 in a row, doesn't miss a single one.

WOLF: She's a machine. She's amazing. She's a prodigy, look at her. And look at the dude on the right-hand side of the screen taking it easy. I'd be sitting there just mouth agape.

HOLMES: I'll admit here, my sister would beat me every once in a while at these games when I was little, used to drive me crazy. I hate to lose anyway, but I'm losing to my sister. Could you imagine?

WOLF: I could imagine you losing to your sister, absolutely, very easily, absolutely.

HOLMES: Interesting picture now. Now this is what Reynolds was mentioning a second ago, which is by far my favorite story of the day, sports story certainly.

They're playing football at Wrigley Field today, kind of a cool nostalgic thing to do, northwestern Illinois. There it is. They have to put a football field on the baseball field essentially, so some adjustments have to be made here and there. Took them weeks to prepare this field. They had to do some things with the pitcher's mound, but this game has been in works literally for years.

But, Reynolds, the day of the game -- actually the day before the day of the game, they announced the teams are only going to use one end zone. Why? Because one end zone on the west -- is it the east one? It's the east one, I believe. The outfield wall, which is a brick wall at Wrigley is only literally in some places inches or a foot away from the back of the end zone. That is a serious hazard, a safety hazard if you have young men running full speed run into a wall. It's padded, but still it's a brick wall.

WOLF: The big 10 signed off on this months and months and months ago. And now the weekend before, they're going to pull this. If I happen to have seats right on the outfield where there's going to be -- I'd be livid. I'd be out of my mind.

At the same time, when it comes to padding the wall, sure it's dangerous, but years and years ago, there's a player named (INAUDIBLE) who went straight into the wall at Wrigley Field and, you know, people are different now.

HOLMES: But some safety concerns no doubt. But literally, folks, they are using one end zone and one end zone only. They're going to be kicking off only one way and the teams will start and only face and go -- it'll be TV like you never seen before, nothing we've seen.

WOLF: Do you also know that both teams are going to be sharing the same sideline also?

HOLMES: Oh, yes.

WOLF: That's going to be weird.

WOLF: It's going to be a weird game, musical chairs.

HOLMES: Must-see TV, if you're a football fan or not. The game's at 3:30 Eastern time, I do believe. A quick break here, Reynolds and I are right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HOLMES: Alicia Keys with an assist from Beyonce this morning as we look at beautiful downtown Atlanta, Georgia, starting to get some lights up in Atlanta this morning, the location of our world headquarters here at CNN.

Now, speaking of Beyonce, she has sparked a little controversy. Why? You decide. Look at the TV right now, folks. And you decide whether or not this commercial should spark some controversy.

I wish so desperately I could show the viewers right now a shot of every guy working in the studio right now. They stopped what they were doing and stared at the commercial. They're all blushing now and embarrassed, but this ad is for a new perfume called Heat. And it was apparently too hot for the UK.

The country's advertising watchdog has now banned that from coming on during daytime hours, at least. They say it's too much for kids. You can form your own opinion.

Well, Reynolds has been declared the sexiest man alive. Not that one. Not our Reynolds Wolf.

WOLF: Hey! HOLMES: We're talking about Ryan Reynolds. "People" magazine named the 34-year-old Canadian this year's sexiest man alive. He starred in "The Proposal" with Sandra Bullock. He has a string of movies to his credit. He's also suiting up as the "Green Lantern" for the blockbuster movie based on the comic.

Other sexiest men alive include George Clooney, Johnny Depp, Denzel Washington. And another note about Ryan Reynolds here, he's actually married to the woman who was declared woman of the year by "GQ," Scarlet Johansson. That is an impressive couple.

Also another couple that certainly a lot of people have a lot of hopes for and though they were impressive as well, there they are, Tony Parker and his "Desperate Housewives" actress wife Eva Longoria are actually calling it quits. They are divorcing. He, of course, the NBA superstar. They've been together for several years -- seven years I believe it is. Three of that they were married.

Longoria filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences, but this comes after reports that Longoria told "Extra's" Mario Lopez who is actually a really, really dear friend of hers that she found hundreds of text messages from another woman on Tony Parker's phone. Neither Longoria or Parker are saying much more except than they're deeply saddened about the separation.

Well, $450 billion. That's how much the National Retail Federation expects stores to take in this holiday season. The big kick-off, of course, comes next Friday. If you're among the millions of shoppers lining up on black Friday, you need to hear what Josh Levs has to say to you right now. People have some serious strategies out there for trying to get their hands on these deals.

JOSH LEVS, CNN CORRESPONDENT: They do. By the way, Scarlet Johansson sexiest woman in the world, not woman of the year, sexiest woman in the world. You've got one couple there that, what's "People" magazine? Sexiest man in the world? Good for them.

So let's take a look at this. Black Friday, millions of people are going to be lining up. And what I've been doing over the last couple of days is trying to gather for you some tips and the secrets, the things you need to know. Because every year we're hearing from a lot of you out there saying this is going to be pretty crazy. What do I need to know?

Take a look at this. CNNMoney has put together a list of black Friday secrets and I want to bang you through a few of them right now. First of all, limited supplies. Take a really close look before you go anywhere. A lot of times these door buster deals only have three or four of the actual item that they're using to draw you into the store in the first place. You can call the store in advance and ask them how many they have. Even if you wait on hold for a little while, you're still saving time over waiting in line all night.

Beware of the derivative is another one, really helpful tip. A lot of times you go into one of these stores, you get something you're excited about, but you don't realize you're not getting the standard model. You're actually getting a derivative model that doesn't have some of the features you're expecting. That could be why it was costing less.

A couple more things here. Avoid bad bling they're saying. Here's why, this year because of what's going on with gold and commodities and gold prices, in a lot of cases, stores are advertising gold, but it's really gold plated, gold filled. You got to read the fine print. Watch out for that bad bling.

And finally, don't assume price matching. This is important. A lot of people out there expect stores are going to match the lower prices at other stores, doesn't happen a lot of times. Something else I want you to see here.

Take a look at this video. Not long ago, we talked to you here in this show about the top toys of the year, the hottest toys of 2010. And I talked with an expert. I've taken that video and I've posted it for you again online because we talk about what's age appropriate, what is -- what makes sense for the price, all that.

Let me show you my page here. It's all up today. What I just showed you black Friday secrets plus the hottest toys, are on my Facebook and Twitter Josh Levs CNN and our blog, which is cnn.com/josh.

Two more things I want to point out to you on the web behind me. We also talk to you about websites out there that are giving deals this year. We hook you up with them and something you should know.

Next Saturday, a week from today, there's something called small business Saturday, especially in this economy. A lot of small businesses are looking for business. So a lot of people out there are saying they're going to hold off Friday, go shopping the next day at small businesses around them and the two days after that will be cyber Monday. We'll talk to you about that next weekend.

So T.J., hopefully all these tools, all these tips online will help some people save some money and some time so they're not spending 12, 24, 36 hours in line waiting for those black Friday deals there.

HOLMES: All right, Josh, thank you.

Coming up, we're talking about the former first lady, Barbara Bush. You'll hear what she is saying about members of her own party, that being the Republican Party, in particular, Sarah Palin. We'll tell you what George and Barbara Bush told CNN's Larry King about the former Alaskan governor as well as the Tea Party.

Also a threatening letter? It's "Dancing With the Stars." We'll tell you what's inside the letter that had law enforcement so concerned and why it may have been sent. It's 22 minutes past the hour. Stay with us.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK) HOLMES: I like a little Bob Marley in the morning to get you going, 25 minutes past the hour. Take a look at some business news right you.

You see me with this coffee mug here. I'm never drinking coffee, but a lot of people do, especially some Starbucks coffee. It sells all over the world; it's selling in China, now it's going to start growing in China. Starbucks is going to start growing coffee there.

The CEO says Starbucks will grow coffee in (INAUDIBLE) province and sell it worldwide. Starbucks has some 800 stores in China. I think they have 800 just on Peachtree in Atlanta it seems.

Well, General Motors, they help drive the market this week. The auto maker put out the largest initial public offering in history. Strong investor demand prompted GM to increase the number of shares and the price of those shares. GM's shares on the New York Stock Exchange closed yesterday at $34.17, a dollar over the offering price.

Also, the House of Representatives had failed to pass a bill that would've extended long-term help for out of work Americans. The measure would've kept some four million people from falling off the benefits roll at the end of this month.

I want to bring in now our Mario Armstrong. What are we calling you now these days, the digital lifestyle expert.

MARIO ARMSTRONG, CNN DIGITAL LIFESTYLE EXPERT: Digital lifestyle expert.

HOLMES: I should know that by now. It changes a little bit.

ARMSTRONG: Good morning, master anchor T.J..

HOLMES: Digital lifestyle expert, good morning. Good to see you as always buddy. You're the guy we need to talk about this black Friday, a lot of these deals. People have strategies about how they're going to go out this.

So tell us first of all, we don't know when to buy. It'll drive you crazy to buy it next Friday then two weeks later it goes on sale for $200 less. When should we be shopping for some of these items?

ARMSTRONG: Well T.J., you're exactly right. This year black Friday deals have actually started sooner than anticipated. So they're trying to really get people to the store a lot faster. So you can actually find great deals even pre-black Friday and certainly throughout the remaining holiday season.

But, throughout black Friday specifically, you're going to look at the big box locations, your CostCos, Targets, Best Buys, Wal-Marts. They're going have those door buster type of deals. If you're not that type of person, you don't want to sit out late or you don't want to bust through the doors.

And you want to do some online shopping, there are going to be plenty of places where you can find deals in categories from digital cameras to the big category of television sets and even netbook computers and e-readers.

HOLMES: But when, when, now, later, close to the holiday? When should I get stuff?

ARMSTRONG: Now. I would suggest now. Really you're going to find some of the best deals for black Friday specials for the holiday in general. If you wait until Christmas, you may see a few different packages and a few different deals, but I think you're going to find the best deals right now during black Friday.

HOLMES: Let me move to something. Everybody says the next phase -- everybody got into HD, but then 3D is going to be coming. Is that going to be big over this holiday season? Are we ready for 3D yet?

ARMSTRONG: Yes, so I'm holding a pair of the 3D glasses. And 3D is something that wasn't ready for the consumers' pocket. I think they thought that consumer demand would be much higher than it is now.

So here's the deal. We have a lot of manufacturers and retailers are telling me that, look, we have all this overloaded inventory of these television sets. So they're going to be really bundling packages. In other words, you're going to see movies, glasses, which usually cost for additional glasses with these sets. And Blu-Ray DVD players, 3D players, all being packaged into the bundling of the price of a 3D television.

So I do think consumers are ready. You can find a 3D television set around the 42 to 50-inch range for around $2,000 and $2,500. Some places are even less expensive than that depending on the brand that you go for. I do think we're starting to get more 3D content. But I think we're not going to really see that until 2012 or 2013.

Here's the bottom line T.J.. I think if you're buying a television for the family and it's an investment that you intend to have over the next eight or ten years, future proof yourself and buy a 3D ready television.

HOLMES: Oh, wow, that is a good tip.

ARMSTRONG: Thank you.

HOLMES: Because that is coming down the line. So you might as well be ready for it so you don't have to upgrade later.

ARMSTRONG: That's right.

HOLMES: All right and everybody's so confused -- I guess that would be your tip of the morning, but still people are still confused about what do I get? The LED, the plasmas, the really thin, which one should I get? And how much should I be paying?

ARMSTRONG: The big door busters are going to be on LCD technology and plasma. Nothing wrong with these technologies, folks. Plasma still looks great. You're going to find television specials during Black Friday season for about $300 to $400 for 42-inch size screen TVs.

So this is a perfect time to buy that additional set. If you're really buying that -- that major set that's the multi-media room, the basement, the one you watch often, then you're going to want to spend a little bit more and you're going to want to look at LED or these 3D- ready.

I think the biggest misconception, T.J. too, real quick. One is when you buy 3D, a lot of people think they have to wear these glasses all the time.

HOLMES: No.

ARMSTRONG: You can watch -- you can watch regular 2D programming and then when there's a 3D show or movie, then you put these on. So that's one misconception. And two, look at your local independent AV dealers, not just the big box stores because the professionals there really know the business well. And you'll be shocked that they offer television sets at -- go at the same prices as they do at the big box stores.

HOLMES: Very good information. We just went HD here at CNN, I can't wait --

ARMSTRONG: It's good.

HOLMES: -- to get T.J. in 3D. I'm sorry. Mario, good to see you as always, buddy. And he joins us every Saturday at this time. Mario Armstrong giving you the technologies --

ARMSTRONG: You've got to drive the ladies crazy man. You're going to drive the ladies crazy.

HOLMES: -- you can use. Stop there old hot shot. Bye.

Thirty-one minutes past the hour, folks. We're right back.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HOLMES: And welcome back at 33 past the hour on this CNN SATURDAY MORNING.

Coming up next week, former GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, she is hitting the road to promote another new book "America by Heart". This book tour is going to be making a few early stops in a few primary states; just a coincidence here. Listen now to what she told Barbara Walters about a possible presidential run.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SARAH PALIN (R), FORMER VICE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I'm looking at the lay of the land now and -- and trying to figure that out now if it's a good thing for the country, for the discourse, for my family. If it's a good thing --

BARBARA WALTERS, ABC NEWS: If you ran for president, could you beat Barack Obama?

PALIN: I believe so.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HOLMES: Well, our deputy political director Paul Steinhauser, a friend of our show here on CNN Saturday and Sunday morning joining me now live in Washington. Good morning to you, Paul. She says she believes so. A lot of people don't agree with that. I think she could get the Republican nomination, but I think she might have a tough time winning a general election.

What is it with this Palin factor? And she is a factor.

PAUL STEINHAUSER, CNN DEPUTY POLITICAL DIRECTOR: Oh she keeps us busy, T.J., no doubt about that, 24/7.

But take a look at this. You just asked about what do Americans think? Could Sarah Palin beat Barack Obama? Well, we asked just that CNN Opinion Research Corporation earlier this month. This is a national survey, all Americans, and look at that, Barack Obama 52 percent, Sarah Palin, 44 percent in a hypothetical -- hypothetical head-to-head way down the road from now.

And here's one of the reasons why he may be ahead of her. Take a look at this next number. We ask do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of the former Alaska governor? And of course she was John McCain's running mate last time, 4 in 10 say they have a favorable opinion of her, but that's a pretty high unfavorable right now; 49 percent and one in 10 are unsure.

And T.J., as I always say with these polls, remember this is a snapshot of how Americans feel right now; 2012, a long way away. And you mentioned Sarah Palin, her book tour yes, starts on Tuesday in Arizona. We're going to have Shannon Travis, our political producer out there to cover all of that -- T.J.

HOLMES: All right. Another possible and at this point, they're all possible. They're speculative presidential contenders at this point. But there's another one on the Republican side that's turning some heads this weekend.

STEINHAUSER: Yes. He sure is. Mike Huckabee, the former governor of Alaska. You remember -- Arkansas, not Alaska, that was Palin, I'm sorry. Remember, he ran last time and he did pretty well. He didn't go all the way but he did pretty well. He won the Iowa caucuses.

And where's Huckabee going to be tomorrow, T.J.? Iowa. He's going to give a major speech, he's the headliner at a social conservative gathering and it's pretty important.

Check this out, Obama versus Huckabee in a hypothetical 2012 match-up. And look at our poll suggests that Huckabee actually at this early point would maybe be ahead of the president, he would have an eight-point advantage over the president. And look at his favorable and unfavorable; there's a very different story than Sarah Palin, 42 percent say they have a positive view of Mike Huckabee, only about one in four unfavorable and about three in 10, well, they're not sure -- T.J.

HOLMES: All right, yes, the former Arkansas governor there.

STEINHAUSER: Arkansas.

HOLMES: I know you know that. Paul, good to see you this morning.

STEINHAUSER: Arkansas's a nice state. You like Arkansas.

HOLMES: It's my home state. And I spent three years chasing Huckabee around. He was governor there, the state of Arkansas, covering him, so yes. Paul, good to see you as always.

STEINHAUSER: Yes.

HOLMES: We're going to talk to you again this morning.

STEINHAUSER: Thanks.

HOLMES: Meanwhile, the former President George H.W. Bush, he's back on the scene, as well. He's appearing with the former first lady, Barbara Bush on "LARRY KING LIVE" on Monday. Among the topics, the sudden rise of the Tea Party and of course, Alaska's former governor.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

LARRY KING, HOST, "LARRY KING LIVE": How do you feel about the Tea Party?

GEORGE H.W. BUSH, FORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: Well, I don't know what it really is, Larry. I don't really -- I mean some of the ideas are making a lot of sense. But how it fits in, I know it's in the paper today they were talking about whether -- what the Tea Party would do to get the Republicans in Congress to do something.

Well, I don't -- these people have all been elected whether they're tea partiers or not. So I'm -- I'm confused by it frankly. And I don't know -- nobody has ever been to say we represent the Tea Party. But I don't -- I think it's -- I think it's all right.

KING: What do you read -- what's your read about Sarah Palin?

BARBARA BUSH, FORMER FIRST LADY OF THE UNITED STATES: Well, I sat next to her once. I thought she was beautiful. And I think she's very happy in Alaska. And I hope she'll stay there.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HOLMES: Yes, the former First Lady went there. Larry is going to be spending the entire hour with the former first couple. You can watch "LARRY KING LIVE" Monday 9:00 Eastern right here on CNN. Well, a lot of people have been talking about the popular show "Dancing with the Stars" this week. A lot of people were upset that Brandy was eliminated and Bristol Palin went on. Well, was somebody so upset that they sent a suspicious package that caused a bit of a security scare there at "Dancing with the Stars". We'll tell you exactly what happened.

And then at 9:00 Eastern, we want you to stick around for this. Just about 22 minutes from now, we're taking an in-depth look at those enhanced pat-downs and full body scanners that the TSA has been using and really caused has caused a stir. It seems like everybody's talking about it this week and certainly when we're coming up on the busy holiday travel season.

We're going to be getting into all that and helping you with some of your travel decision. Stick around.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

HOLMES: You're listening to Jay-Z. A very popular line from that song you heard there. He says "I'm not a businessman, I'm a business man." And he is a -- a Brooklyn native went from a literally a crack dealer to a business mogul. He got a new book out called "Decoded". He talked to our Poppy Harlow about it and says there's more to rap than just making money for him. Take a listen.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

POPPY HARLOW, CNNMONEY.COM: Famously called hip hop the CNN of the ghetto. Does hip hop and rap have a responsibility to report and not just entertain? To take it one step further?

JAY-Z, AUTHOR, "DECODED": Yes, of course. You know, you can entertain -- it's everything. It's -- rap is you know, it's entertaining, it's informative, it's provocative, it's funny, it's silly. You know, it's all of these things. So absolutely.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

HOLMES: Now, you can catch that full interview on our Web site, CNNMoney.com.

Also, for you fans of "Dancing with the Stars". A lot of people were upset. A lot of people were talking, some just plain out mad because Brandy was eliminated and Bristol Palin moved on. Now the show critics -- a lot of people who are watching thought that Brandy and actress Jennifer Grey would be eventual finalists.

Now, somebody out there may be really not happy about what happened with that vote. Actually, they had a suspicious package. Law enforcement had to be called in to check out a powdery substance that was discovered by a member of the dancing staff. It was delivered to the "Dancing with the Stars" production office late yesterday. A section of the studio had to be evacuated. It was checked out and police say it was talcum powder.

A quick break; we're right back.

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HOLMES: We'll bring in Nadia Bilchik sitting here with me always bringing us great stories from around the world. Maybe we didn't have our eyes on necessarily, but this is turning a lot of heads. This is an interesting protest. Do I have it right? A topless protest.

NADIA BILCHIK, CNN EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Yes, in the Ukraine, in Kiev.

HOLMES: Yes.

BILCHIK: A group of women who called themselves "Femen" have got together and said an excellent way to protest and draw attention to some of their causes like anti-prostitution and women's rights and wanting democracy is to go topless.

HOLMES: Now, have they done this? I guess, what is the current issue? Do they do it for different issues?

BILCHIK: Well, recently Vladimir Putin was there.

HOLMES: OK.

BILCHIK: And they went topless which caused a great deal of controversy and said to Putin, don't interfere with Ukraine, we are not Yelena, and Yelena referring to Kabayeva (ph) who is the athlete that he supposedly that he had some romantic association with.

HOLMES: Now, do they get in trouble for this? Are there some laws about this?

BILCHIK: In the beginning they weren't taken very seriously.

HOLMES: Yes.

BILCHIK: And nudity is not allowed in the Ukraine. It's banned as hooliganism but toplessness was OK. But now they're causing quite a stir and particularly when the now Ukrainian president Victor Yanukovych was casting his ballots in the elections and they protested topless, some of them were arrested, yes.

Let me tell you what they say, the reason that they're doing this. They say this is a woman's body, we are young girls, and don't have big money, we just have big (EXPLETIVE DELETED).

HOLMES: Nadia.

BILCHIK: We don't have people who can help us in life but everything we have is in our mind and body. So we use it in protest. And they're saying, look at Beyonce selling perfume with her body. They're saying sex sells perfume and cars, why not political rights?

HOLMES: Interesting story. We need to make sure we get that one up so people can read more about this one in Ukraine. Nadia Bilchik, we appreciate you as always; always something interesting to put on our radar in the mornings.

So coming up here in just a moment, stick around, we're talking about the TSA. As you know, they're getting all up in your business here lately.

Be sure, you could join us in about 15 minutes. We don't want you to go anywhere. But certainly at the top of the hour, spending a special half hour talking about this holiday season, including what's going on with the TSA. There's a grass roots revolt going on out there.

We're going to debunk some myths and also tell you exactly what you need to know about the new rules and procedures. Also going to be hearing from travel and leisure magazine editor who's going to be telling you about last-minute deals.

There's some really helpful stuff coming up, top of the hour. Don't go anywhere.

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HOLMES: All right. Forty-eight past the hour. It's that time now for the guy you know and love. Rick Horrow our business sports analyst; five sports topics, 30 seconds each. Let's start. Well, good morning first.

But let's start with Michael Vick. Michael Vick seems to be back.

RICK HORROW, CNN BUSINESS SPORTS ANALYST: Yes, my friend, he is back. A few touchdowns, you forget some of the past indiscretions, but he allowed ESPN to carry Monday night with that brilliant record- setting performance. The Hall of Fame has asked for his jersey. He's the offensive player of the week.

For the second week in a row, people are watching Michael Vick, but not necessarily buying his jerseys. 2009, he was fourth in jersey sales, my friend. He hadn't cracked the top 25 yet this year, just a matter of time if he continues to win.

HOLMES: All right.

Let's go to the next. LeBron James, the guy everybody loves to hate it seems these day. He could be "Time's" person of the year?

HORROW: Really, he was nominated because of that earth- shattering NBA move from Cleveland to Miami and failing to go to six markets at the same time. Interesting company: Barack Obama, Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Lady Gaga, Sarah Palin -- what a basketball team that is. The bottom line, with LeBron James, he is still in the running to be the person of the year even if the heat isn't living up to expectation short-term anyway.

HOLMES: Well, let's turn now to the next controversial figure. Tiger Woods now, he has a Twitter account.

HORROW: What a combination. He is now in touch with his social conscience, coincidentally, a year almost to the day after that fire hydrant incident around Thanksgiving exposed what became the biggest fall from grace in the history of athlete endorsers. He wants to get in touch with the fans before next year. Interesting, middle of January we'll come out with a power 100 top rankings from 2010. We expect to see both LeBron and Tiger to take some interesting dips. We'll cover that story, as well, my friend.

HOLMES: And a story that just breaks my heart. Former number one overall draft pick into the NBA Greg Oden he is once again out for the year.

HORROW: Eighty-two games, that's 770 points. That's $25,000 a point. Those are T.J. Holmes' NBA numbers if you were playing, prolific numbers, by the way. Unlike the NBA and NFL, the difference is that the NFL contracts, even if you're injured, you pay the entire guarantee. Here Oden only about $19 million over three years. Let's hope he gets better.

HOLMES: One more to you here. Cal, accused of faking injuries, but they're not the only team accused of faking injuries to try to slow down the number one Oregon Doves.

HORROW: Yes, the Golden Bear insiders have admitted the University of California that it's possible that they faked injuries to slow down that prolific offense. Referees have to blow a whistle, get the limping guy off the field and start it again. Oregon upset, they did win 15-13. Bottom line is if they continue to win out, they'll play in the BCS national championship.

Here's my question to you. When you had a class you didn't want to go to or didn't do your homework, didn't you ever fake a sore throat?

HOLMES: Never. I don't know how you rode when you were in school, but that's not how I got down.

Reynolds, you've got the rundown for us on the temperature today on some of these games.

REYNOLDS WOLF, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Dude, I'm still -- he's comparing you to Greg Oden.

HOLMES: I've been mistaken, haven't gotten that one a lot.

WOLF: No. No.

All right guys. Let's talk about football and your weather very quickly. OK. We've got Number 5 LSU and Mississippi, they're playing in Baton Rouge. Mostly sunny skies, 75 degrees, pretty good there.

In Stanford against let's see they're playing California Golden Bears, that's going to be in Berkeley and that's a 3:30 Eastern time start, 54 degrees, heavy rain there expected. Wisconsin and Michigan, could this be the last game for Rich Rodriguez? That could be interesting; 43 degrees the expected high temperature.

And then a game that at one point was a game many thought might decide the big ten, number nine Ohio State against number 20 Iowa. They're playing in Iowa City; 42 degrees, maybe some rainfall before the day is out.

And then number 13, the Razorbacks against Mississippi State, that is a 7:00 p.m. start in Starkville; 56 with hazy skies.

Last but not least, Northwestern, in the fighting line at play today at Wrigley Field, temperatures mainly mid to low 40s, cloudy skies; should be interesting.

HOLMES: Yes, but they have other concerns in that game.

Reynolds, thank you. Rick, thank you, as well.

And from all of us to you as well, we appreciate you being here. We know you had a loss, a death in your family this week. But we just want to give you our -- let you know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family right now.

It's always good to see you. Appreciate you being here, all right.

HORROW: Thank you, man. See you tomorrow.

HOLMES: All right. Fifty-two past the hour. Quick break. We're right back.

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HOLMES: Well, he went from physician to patient in a heartbeat, and learned the benefits of the human touch in his darkest moments. CNN chief medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta has this week's "Human Factor".

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DR. SANJAY GUPTA, CNN CHIEF MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT: Medicine has always been Dr. Brad Berk's passion. A cardiologist and CEO of the University of Rochester Medical Center. Berk was known as a real go- getter, but that changed in May of 2009 when Berk had a bicycle accident. He knew immediately it wasn't a simple fall.

DR. BRAD BERK, CEO, UNIV. OF ROCHESTER MEDICAL CENTER: I quickly noticed that I couldn't feel my legs, couldn't feel my left arm, and I moved my right arm and then suddenly it couldn't move.

GUPTA: Berk had broken his spine and was paralyzed from the neck down. As paramedics loaded him into the ambulance, he turned to his wife Mary and apologized.

MARY BERK, DR. BERK'S WIFE: I knew when he said I'm so sorry that he had a pretty good sense of how our lives were going to change.

GUPTA: Berk spent 12 days in the ICU of his own hospital. And there he began to see the importance of compassion in patient care.

On a ventilator, unable to communicate, he knew the technology was keeping him alive, but it was his family and the staff that made his life worth living. Something as simple as a friendly nurse washing his hair brought him tremendous joy.

B. BERK: I call it the healing power of touch because I felt so good after that. And what she didn't know was the only part of my body that could feel sensation normally was my head.

GUPTA: In less than a year, he was able to return to the hospital he loved as CEO. But he was different.

B. BERK: I really came to realize how critically important what I call compassion and attentiveness are, both for provider satisfaction, patient satisfaction, and driving quality and safety.

GUPTA: Berk instituted the Patient and Family Center Care Initiative, designed to improve patient care and the employee work environment.

B. BERK: And it's about valuing and respecting everyone.

GUPTA: And today, Berk works with a therapist to help him walk even though he can't feel his steps. He has promised himself to live as normal a life as possible.

B. BERK: Courage is not the roar that you make when you go into battle, but it's the quiet voice that helps you get up every day and try again.

GUPTA: Dr. Sanjay Gupta, CNN, reporting.

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