>> thanks, elizabeth. thanks for watching. cbs 5 early edition. we will see you back here bright and early tomorrow morning. have a wonderful day. gridlock alert just o gridlock alert. just one day after promising to work together meeting with president obama, gop leaders may now put a halt on cooperating with democrats on capitol hill. will washington find itself as a stand still? we'll ask white house press secretary robert gibbs. winter blast. a massive storm spawning tornadoes yesterday is slamming much of the eastern part of the co ing flooding bringing snow. we'll tell you where it's headed. and it is the fight of his life. michael dow las opens up about his grueling cancer treatment, his family and getting stronger by the day. and he's ready to get back to work. that's early this wednesday work. that's early this wednesday morning, december 1st, 2010.

captioning funded by cbs a dark, rainy morning here in new york city. good morning. i'm erica hill. >> i'm harry smith. >> kind of a good day to stay in bed. >> watch the news. that's right. >> plenty to get to this morning. learning more, julian assange, the founder of wikileaks, interpol after him. a warrant out for his arrest. this, though, is not related to that document dump. related to sexual assault charges. first, though, we want to get to the spirit of cooperation between republicans and democrats after yesterday's white house summit seemed to fade quickly. now it appeared to be back to business as usual. cbs news white house correspondent bill plante has the latest. good morning. >> reporter: good morning to you, harry. talks on trying to reach a deal

on the bush tax cuts for everybody, or just for the middle class. depends on which way you want to go. this after the first time the president met with republicans who will be in charge of congress before they take charge. the white house meeting was long on talk of working together but short on actual progress. >> the beginning of a new dialogue. >> we had a very nice meeting today. >> reporter: the president says hi wants tax cuts extended for couples making less than $250,000 a year and for individuals making less than $200,000. but he wants the cut to expire for upper incomes. republicans want them extended for everyone. >> in other words, that we ought to treat all taxpayers the same. >> reporter: and with a deadline looming, the lawmakers also discussed unemployment benefits. >> i've asked that congress act to extend this emergency relief without delay to folk who is are facing tough times by no fault of their own. >> reporter: but that midnight deadline passed this morning

without the senate approving benefits for the long-term unemployed meaning benefits begin to run out today for nearly 2 million americans. republicans want spending cuts to offset the cost. >> it's what the american people want us to create jobs and to cut spending. >> reporter: there are new questions about how sin sheer the spirit of cooperation in washington really is. cbs news has confirmed that senate republicans collected signatures on a letter that pledges to block everything unrelated to tax cuts and spending during the lame duck congress. but publicly at least the watch word is still compromise. >> question is, can we find the common ground the american people expect us to find? >> reporter: maybe the question is, how can they find that common ground? on top of that, it could be all be overshadowed by the debate of the president's deficit commission which is going to be talking about some drastic cuts in things like social security and some favorite programs like

home mortgage deductions. so a lot more fireworks to come, harry. >> bill plante, thanks very much. joining us now is white house press secretary robert gibbs. mr. gibbs, good morning. >> good morning, harry. how are you? >> reading "the washington post" this morning and da that mill bank refers to the summit as the slurpee summit, nothing but empty calories. did anything of any real substance happen there yesterday in the two hours? >> well, harry, the meeting i was in i think we had some agreement on a pathway forward to get things done for the american people and find common ground which incidentally is what they want. the president appointed jack lew our budget director, tim geithner, treasury secretary to sit down beginning today with members of the house and the senate to find again a pathway forward on insuring that middle class americans don't see the taxes go up at the end of the year when a series of tax cuts expire. >> everybody realizes that

the -- there will be -- that the bush tax cuts will be extended for just about everybody and the only thing left to quibble about is does the white house want to tax people with -- who make $250,000 or maybe a million dollars? and are the republicans really ready to deal on that? >> well, let's be clear, harry, that every person in america benefits from those bush-era tax cuts right now up to $250,000 and tax cuts for everybody. the president's position is to make permanent the tax cuts for the middle class because the middle class is battered in the ten years leading up to the recession and i would say this, the president has drawn line we shouldn't make permanent the tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires, this's borrowing from overseas to pay for that so somewhere in the middle of that we'll find a compromise that moves our country forward and strengthens our economic recovery. >> even as the summit was taking

place yesterday, senate republicans have been circulating basically a pledge that says we are not -- we are going to block every piece of legislation that comes our way unless it's related to tax cuts or government spending. so, yesterday, we started to hear a little bit of progress in terms of an s.t.a.r.t. treaty. do you think the s.t.a.r.t. treaty could be done in light of the pledge of the republican senators are signing? can the s.t.a.r.t. treaty get done by christmas? >> harry, the s.t.a.r.t. treaty will be done by christmas. our safety and security is just as important and an s an important responsibility the president has along with creating jobs and reducing the nuclear weapons aimed at us ensuring we have aer have fe case regime to understand what their nuclear arsenal is undergoing is tremendously important for our security and our place in the world.

you have seen as you said yesterday increasing willingness by republicans in the senate to support the president's idea of getting that treaty done this year and i think it's going to happen. >> unemployment benefits due to expire for millions of americans. any chance they're going to get extended? >> harry, i certainly hope so. i know that the president brought this up specifically in the meeting yesterday. you have got millions of people that are out of work because of this great recession that we're going through. now is not the time to take their benefits away. that's money that they use to pay the rent, feed their children. to drive around looking for a job. an and we shouldn't penalize those that have fallen on hard times because like millions of americans they have lost their job. >> robert gibbs, thanks so much for your time this morning. appreciate it, sir. >> harry, thanks for doing it. turning to the fallout from that massive document leak,

julian assange, founder of wikileaks is on interpol's most wanted list. cbs news' elizabeth palmer is in new york this morning with more. >> reporter: good morning, eri a erica. he is on a wanted case for a case of alleged sexual assault in sweden. they want to question him. no charges laid and nothing to do with the thousands of documents leaked by wikileaks over the last few days. this morning, julian assange's laying low. it is believed somewhere in europe. while wikileaks documents made public in the past 24 hours once again are embarrassing to america. they show that u.s. officials aren't convinced pakistan is a reliable ally and that nuclear material from a pakistani reactor may end up in the hands of terrorists. at a conference in kazakstan, the u.s. secretary of state this morning spoke up to reassure international diplomats.

>> i have certainly raised the issue of the leaks in order to assure our colleagues that it will not in any way interfere with american diplomacy. >> reporter: all along julian assange has been unapologetic about making secret documents public. >> you never know what the outcome is but the truth is always the best place to start. >> reporter: so far, leaking in the name of truth has not got assange charged with any crime anywhere in the world. as for the swedish sexual acase, assange has always said he's ready to answer questions and the police know where to find him. because of that, his lawyer says the interpol arrest warrant is hard to understand. >> never before have i come across in 30 years a prosecutor

who's behaved like this. this is a persecution, not a prosecution. >> reporter: in the meantime, no sign a wikileaks is slowing down. assange said that next up is going to be a big release of documents on some -- some of the world's largest banks. erica? >> a lot of speculation as to which bank that will be. elizabeth palmer live in london this morning, thanks. time for the rest of the news. jeff glor is at the news desk. good morning. >> good morning to you and everyone. the fda getting more muscle. the senate voted to give the agency sweeping new powers. nancy cordes is at capitol hill with more on that. good morning to you. >> reporter: good morning to you, jeff. this would be the most sweeping overhaul of the nation's food safety laws since the 1930s, in fact, giving the fda huge new powers and in an era of gridlock, this is a show of bipartisanship. after recent salmonella outbreaks in eggs, peanut butter and jalapenos that sickened a

combined 4,400 people and killed 11, the senate voted to give if fda more money and more power. $1.4 billion over 5 years to boost inspections of domestic and international food facilities seven fold. from 7,600 inspections a year now to 50,000 by the year 2015. the bill also gives the fda power to recall contaminated foods instead of relying on producers to police themselves. >> more often the problem is that the companies drag out negotiations or aren't willing to immediately recall putting fda in a very awkward position. >> reporter: the bill calls on them to track the ingredients so scientists quickly trace an outbreak to the source. the hajalapeno outbreak was initially blamed on tomatoes. the goal is to prevent what happened to 17-year-old haley bernstein. >> haley nearly died from lettuce supposed to be triple washed and ready to eat.

almost killed her. >> reporter: she has to take seven pills a day after tainted lettuce she ate at 3 left her partially blind, learning impaired with weakness in her right side and diabetes. the house passed its own tougher version last year but because this congressional session is almost over, there's no time to merge the two bills. the house would have to pass this senate version word for word if they want these reforms to become law. jeff? >> all right. nancy cordes on capitol hill this morning, thank you. john skelton, the father of three missing michigan boys is in court today. he was arrested yesterday after being released from the hospital after a mental evaluation. skeleton's three sons last seen on thanksgiving. and police do not have high hopes of finding them alive. >> continue to talk to virtually all parties involved this investigation including mr. skeleton, statements he's made to investigators would indicate it is not a positive outcome.

>> volunteers spent four days looking for the brothers and they resume that search this morning. in wisconsin, heart break for the family of 1578 july hengel. he held his class hostage at gun point monday before shooting himself. national correspondent dean reynolds reports. >> reporter: exactly who motivated 15-year-old samuel hengel may never be clear. >> we hope reasons surface. >> reporter: he died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound on tuesday less than 24 hours after taking 25 students and teacher valerie burd hostage as marinette high school. >> all outward appearances, good kid, good family. no reason to think this was a problem child with flags going off all over and we should be concerned. >> reporter: indeed, the classmates described hengel as friendly and well liked. six of his closest friends were among the hostages. also unclear is the source of his weapons. two handguns, a knife and more

ammunition. hengel seemed to have a plan. attending mrs. burd's western civilization class, visiting the bathroom and returning to class at 1:30 monday when he shot out a film projector and forced everyone to surrender their cell phones. no one outside the class knew what was happening until a parent called. the principal checked and saw them. >> the student threatened me with the gun and told me to step back and leave the classroom. >> reporter: police immediately arrived on the scene and began communicating with mrs. burd. now considered a hero for the calm demeanor in the six and a half hour standoff. >> i think our staff member and our students handled almost as perfectly as could have been handled. we lost a student yesterday, unfortunately. >> reporter: amid the shock and sadness here, considerable relief that they did not lose more. dean reynolds, cbs news,

marinette, wisconsin. there is widespread storm damage in the southeast this morning starting with georgia. hardest -- a neighborhood just east of atlanta. that strong storm with a possible tornado went through yesterday afternoon. at least 56 homes damaged. trees and power lines knocked down and damage reports in other parts of the state but no reports of injuries. and an extensive cleanup after a possible tornado in yazoo city, mississippi. at least 15 people were hurt there in monday's storm. 24 businesses were damaged. in april, a twister there killed 12 people. more devastation in central louisiana after a tornado destroyed several homes there late monday. that debris field for miles and no reports of injuries there. at 15 minutes past the hour, messy weather out there moving up the northeast. >> you know what? keep your hands at your side. that's what weather people do. talk about it. jeff right now, go to the maps. see what's happening. there we go. northeast is what we're looking at. that's what jeff is dealing with

including hometown of buffalo walloped, too. lake-effect snow a possibility. look at the winds. they're whipping up anywhere from 40 to

>> that's a quick look at the weather picture. another note. the southwest today through friday, just gorgeous. get your golf clubs. walk the course. guys? >> snow birds flying down there as we speak. >> you bet cha. michael douglas opens up about his battle against throat cancer. get ready for big changes with your cell phone bill. it could be a good thing, though. stay tuned. we'll tell you why. you're watching "the early show" on cbs. lucy, i missed you.

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we're going to talk a bit more we told you we are talking about michael douglas. he said cancer really show him what love what family. it is interesting these people go through tough life battles, fighting for your life and you realize what truly is important. >> we've seen amazing pictures and there is news his battle of cancer seems to be on the upswing. also coming up this morning, have you heard of tiered billing for your cell phone. >> i'm kind of worried about it. >> yeah, it might be tears of a clown, i don't know. who can understand it? only one person, rebecca jarvis. and she will be along to explain it all to us. >> i need her so, i'm glad. >> she'll be here in the next half hour, so stay tuned. >> announcer: this portion of "the early show" sponsored by kay jewelers. every kiss begins with kay! something special this year. - you went to kay. she'll love it. [chuckles] trust me. i know. - more milk? - thanks, dave, but i got to fly.

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the c-h-p is trying to learn why a man in his thirties was walking on highway . i'm juliette goodrich. chp is trying to learn why a man in his 30s was walking on highway 101 in burlingame overnight. he was in the fast lane near broadway when a car struck and killed him about 1:30 this morning. the investigation shut down most southbound lanes for more than an hour. parents in california may sue schools that do not provide as much physical education as required by state law. and that's the ruling from a state appeals court in sacramento. the chronicle reporting the unanimous decision overturned an earlier ruling in a case from albany. more cutbacks to california state parks starting today. some parks will be completely closed. others will have shorter hours, fewer campgrounds and less maintenance. the parks lost $15 million in the latest state budget on top

of $14 million lost last year. traffic and weather for you coming up in just a minute. we'll be right back. ,, ♪ ♪ ten thousand watts of xmas cheer ♪ ♪ ten thousand watts glow brightly clear ♪ ♪ the colored lights will shine sincere, ho, ho, ho ♪ ♪ ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ho, ♪

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area. serving off to the shoulder now. traffic is backed up for a good quarter mile or so. at the bay bring toll plaza, it is backed up well into the macarthur maze. about a 20 minute wait. it remains stop and go from the incline out to the s curve. san mateo bridge looks great. westbound 92 about a 13-minute drive between hayward and foster city. that's your traffic. here's tracy with your forecast. >> thanks, elizabeth. still got plenty of reports of fog out there. especially inland this morning with temperatures still just near freezing this morning. so, bear in mind, it will be a cold start to the day. patchy dense fog well inland as well as some frost. conditions for the afternoon, here we go. seven-day forecast, upper 50s to the lower 60s today. mix of sun and clouds. temperatures slightly warmer. rain showers moving into the bay area. that will be friday, saturday, sunday, monday and tuesday. the cooler temperatures moving into the weekend. ,,,,,,,, .

december 1st, miserable outside in new york city but we welcome you back to "the early show." coming up most of us have cell phone plans that are, what they call all you can eat, unlimited talk, text, data. >> easier that way. >> you can look at it and say, how many minutes. the top carriers are going to let customers go, what they call ala cart. our financial guru rebecca jarvis will tell us how to get through the cafeteria of choices, as it were. >> i'm a little worried about the smoers board. >> yeah, keep the marshmallows. >> i have a notepad ready. >> we'll help you out.

>> also this morning, you get a wrinkle and say i'm getting old. doctors look at them for different reasons, they tell quite a tale and can tell a lot about what is going on inside your body. we'll find out exactly what that is and perhaps help you look at them differently, as well. dr. jennifer ashton is here to explain all that. before, though, encouraging news about michael douglas. we've seen some pictures of them at disney now opening up about his tough battle with throat cancer. cbs news correspondents betty nguyen has more on the actor's recovery. >> reporter: family vacation pictures tell the story. the 66-year-old oscar winner was having the time of his life with wife catherine zeta-jones and two children on a florida vacation over thanksgiving. michael douglas tells "people" magazine his recovery from stage four throat cancer is going well. >> the fact that michael douglas was able to fly to florida and go to an amusements park with his kids definitely shows that se better, in some ways, you

know, his treatment is over. he seems to be healthier. he looks better. >> reporter: after complaining of a sore throat early last summer, doctors discovered a walnut-sized tumor on the base of douglas's tongu ed. he spoke publicly and courage s courageously the first time in late august on david letterman. >> i've got cancer, found out about it three weeks ago. >> reporter: in september fans cheered the ailing actor as he walked the red carpet but douglas didn't speak and soon dropped out of the public eye. the first four weeks after the treatment were hell said a friend close to the actor that. was the worst part. unable to eat solid foods and in constant pain, douglas lost 20 pounds during a grueling eight-week regimen of radiation and chemo. in rare glimpses, he looked haggard and gaunt but side by side with the recent vacation photos, the change is evident. for now, douglas is taking advantage of the good news and hoping he keeps winning the fight. betty nguyen, cbs news, new

york. >> joining us with more is sharon koltliar. also dr. jennifer ashton. good to have both of you with us. you did this interview. what was your takeaway, how is he doing at this point. >> i think michael's really turned a corner. you can see it. has more energy, his voice is back, that gravelly voice is back. i think he's turned a corner but very consistnant of the fact he has a long way to go. >> realistic, it sounds like. >> right. >> about the battle that lays ahead. next month, jen, he will know whether or not he is cancer free. what are doctors looking for? >> first of all it takes a while after a tumor unable to be removed with surgery, his apparently too large to be removed with surgery treated with chemotherapy and radiation those treatments obviously kill the cancer and do damage to the surrounding tissue and anatomy there. are irritation and inflammation.

as though cancer cells die and shrink, that takes time that's why doctors need to actually wait and need to go back and will be doing that routinely with surveillance and follow-up to see not only how that actual tumor site is doing and a shrinking and dying but, also so, that microscopic tumor cells that may have not been detected originally don't spread and crop up other places. >> it is a good sign, i know you are not his doctor but he was never on a feeding tube and back on solid foods. that sounds very positive. >> the nutrition as sharon said and we can see for the pictures nutrition for any patient battles cancer a huge fact sdomplt obviously radiation is a grueling process, especially when your throat is radiated. obviously you can't swallow, you can't drink well, you can't eat well. so, when he gets that nutrition back, when he gains weight, when his body strength is increased, we're going to see a big difference. >> when we see these pictures of him, he does look so much better. you are talking about how he was. how is the family doing?

i read he said cancer has shown me what family is, it's shown me a love i never knew existed. they look a very happy, really connected family it. >> michael said ever since he married catherine he's grateful for the second chance for building his family but in reality, i think this trial of having to go through cancer has brought them even closer together. i think he appreciates that second chance even more. >> there was some, i'm not sure the correct word it for, but things written about the fact that catherine zeta-jones was away during some of his treatment and there were speculation, was she there for him or not there for him. is there really even a question? >> not at all. michael followed -- michael wanted them to approach this as onward and upward, you know, and catherine followed his lead. her attitude and the welsh in her said, let's just deal with this and that was their attitude throughout. they are very much united. >> a positive attitude, as we know, can have a huge impact, it can be the best medicine there is, especially as you mentioned things they will be looking for when they continue to go back

and check to see the progress. you actually, once you have throat cancer, you have a chance of developing a new cancer. why is that? >> that's the case, erica, with a lot of cancers. there's really two reasons, one, the process that caused the initial cancer, which sometimes we understand, sometimes we

up next, there are big changes coming to your cell phone bill. are they good or bad for your wallet? our financial guru rebecca jarvis is here to explain how you may actually have more options and even more control. this is "the early show" on cbs. there's a big idea happening in medicare

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cell phones that are bringing new services and, of course, new changes to your bill. what's that going to mean for your wallet? c cbs news business and economics correspondent rebecca jarvis joins us with that. good morning. >> hey, hairley. >> how many different wireless providers are there? >> about 160, different wireless providers but the big four, the ones we know and that 91% of this country is using right now are at&t, sprints, verizon and t-mobile. >> right. how much is, say, the average bill? >> the average bill you are going to pay about $48.50 a month but then when it comes to bill shock, there's one in six americans on cell phone plans, about po million americans who say they've experienced bill shock. what that is, harry, when you get your cell phone bill and you get this unexpected charge on your bill and you're shocked because, wow, it went through the roof and you are surprised you you got it. >> your teenager gets the third phone and all of a sudden is texting like mad.

>> yes. >> now when we look at the bill, help us understand what the bill is made up of. >> this is the important thing to consider. when you get a cell phone bill, especially if you have one of these smartphones, what you're paying for really four different things, first you're paying for the talking, also for the texting but then there's the data plan where you get wireless internet access, e-mail access, data specifically for that and then fees. >> okay. what is happening that's changing, that's going to help us understand these charges better? >> the big changes are in that data component. what you will pay for internet, wireless internet, as well as e-mail use on your cell phone. now that the major providers are actually offering these more ala carte as opposed to unlimited wireless access instead what they are saying you can pay for as much internet as you use. just like you pay as much phone minutes as you use. >> like a utility. >> exactly so. instead they are basically saying there's more options for people, that you can choose a less expensive plan if you

choose to use the internet less on your phone. >> and the reason you're here is you are going to help us understand how to be smart about choosing that plan, what are the things we really need to keep in mind? >> what you need to ask yourself, what are you using your phone for? if you are using it for facebook, using it for your e-mails or work e-mails and on top of that to maybe listen to live music streaming off the internet. you probably want to think about accessing one of the unlimited internet plans. if you are using it for less than that and think you will only check your e-mail once in a while, you can go to a less expensive plan. one last point, harry, the important thing here if you use it more than the plan calls for then in the same way you paid over for using too many minutes, you'll pay over for using too much internet. >> you caught me listens to my brahms r. there alternatives if you don't see what you are looking for. >>ple paid phones are a great way to go, about 20% of the market is using them. you you pay for them up front

and no surprises on the back sgleend is the fcc driving these changes? >> the fcc is attempting greater changes, the fcc.gov has a website you can go there through december 27th and make a point about what you've done or experienced because they are trying to put new rules into implementation. if you write what you want, thael try and do it. >> rebecca jarvis thanks so much. up next the holiday season just got a bit brighter here in new york. we'll tell you how and why. this is "the early show" on cbs. okay, i need a better pizza.

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up right there. >> you really know it's christmas. >> you do. >> in years past when we've had relatives come to town like christmastime, we'll do a tour, get one of those little party buses. >> yeah. >> drive around manhattan and look at -- >> i love that idea. you can jump off, go, oh, a christmas tree, click, click, click, go back on. the other great place for christmas decorations in new york city, sixth avenue, with the giant -- >> oh. good point. >> a lot of people talk about going down fifth avenue and looking at the big department store windows every year. sach's has a big one. >> lord & taylor's a good one. >> they have those old-school sort of victorian looking chashts in the windows and bryant park right behind the public library. i got to say, too i was driving to work yesterday -- on the way to work -- on the way to work yesterday, you know what's great in new york city, all of those

sidewalk christmas tree shops upon up. >> great stuff. >> we were having a debate the other day when the music can start like in the household and how long to continue for. we started like early november. >> we did, too. i don't -- >> it's so great, it feels so right. >> i don't want to become a victim of christmas music and burn-out. >> oooh. an important segment we should tackle. >> we will soon, i'm sure. (greenery) hey cheese log. (cheese log) hello centerpiece. (greenery) fruit cake. how are ya? [fruit cake] dry. (greenery) who's the new guy? edible arrangements bouquets, beautiful like flowers, but unforgettably delicious, visit, call, or go to ediblearrangements.com

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it is 7:55 am time for news headlines from cbs 5. i'm sidney kohara. >> activists across the bay area will gather in honor of world a.i.d.s. day. some started last night. placing candles at the national a.i.d.s. memorial grave at golden gate park. a ceremony will be held there today at noon. the i.r.s. owes refund checks to close to 3,000 bay area taxpayers! and i.r.s. spokesman says the checks have gone undelivered if people don't update their address when they move. the average tax refund in california, get this, $1500. and the fight to keep the -- a proposal for a 39,000 feet ballpark located near jack london square. the a's owner has expressed a

desire to move to san jose where the giants have territorial rights. >> traffic and weather in just a moment. stay with us. ,,,,,,,,,,,,

>> good morning. still areas of congestion after some earlier accidents that have now been cleared. southbound 680 pretty jammed. from it looks like 242 all the way down toward stone valley. getting toward the san mateo bridge, backed up from marina all the way down past the 92 interchange. had a series of accidents along

that stretch. if you're heading toward the san mateo bridge itself, clear sailing across the span. in either direction, 18 minute drive time right now between hayward and foster city. and coming eastbound 92 off the high rise, that looks great. only about a 14 minute drive time from foster city. the bay bridge, it is backed up well into the macarthur maze and we're seeing a lot of heavy traffic down the east shore freeway. almost a 45 minute commute from the carquinez bridge to the maze. here's tracy with an update on your forecast. >> thank you, elizabeth. our forecast for this morning, it is wednesday. i'm always thinking about the weekend. just a couple of days away. here we are, central valley down here. our sister station in the sacramento area. they do have fog in the valley this morning. patchy dense fog. keep that in mind this morning as you head out the door. temperatures still pretty chilly out there. no burning of wood or fire, logs, anything manufactured this morning. we do have a spare the air day. and rain showers friday through

tuesday. ,,,, save $523! 16 minutes could save you 16%! come on... isn't it time an auto insurer gave it to you straight? that's why you should talk to state farm. but not yet. first, talk to any one of the 40 million drivers who already have state farm. 40 million. yeah, that's more than geico and progressive combined. by a lot. 40 million drivers. more savings. and discounts up to 40%. where else you gonna get discounts like that? call an agent at 1-800-state-farm

or go online. welcome back to the "early show." no amount of rain can dampen the spirits on the plaza this morning. >> yeah. look at this. lots of red umbrellas. we're very impressed by that. >> for world aids day. >> we'll explain more about that in a little bit. an impressive showing as well. >> indeed it is. extra points when you do this in the rain. >> no question. >> i'm erica hill along with harry smith. a lot to get to. >> coming up, the season for tipping. you know you should tip certain people, what about, well, you don't get anything today. i'm sorry. but you know, like your letter carrier?

you know that's actually illegal. >> can't give them cash. >> it's illegal. >> just like you can't leave flyers in a mailbox. >> we mentioned that the other day. so what about the, like, the guy at the dry cleaner? well -- all kinds of interesting questions. >> baby-sitter. >> lizzie post, the grand-grand it daughter of emily post along with advice for helping us get through the confusing holiday traditions. >> a little stressful. looking forward to that one. also ahead, could pre-mature wrinkles be a sign of poor health? debunking common myths about how you look, how you feel and how, how you look -- what that says about what's actually going on inside. >> i understood that. >> okay. >> the grammy nominations announced tonight. backstage with the superstars like katy perry and host ll cool j as he get ready for the big show. first, jeff glor is at the

newsdesk with another check of the headlines. good morning, jeff. >> harry, so nice to shelter the both of you there. >> isn't he a gentleman? a gentleman at all times. >> really, really sweet. this morning, long-term unemployment benefits run out for 2 million americans. in an effort to extend, the bill failed at midnight when opponents balked. this morning, challenger christmas reports job cuts surged. more than 40,000 lost. highest total in ten months. today white house representatives and a group of lawmakers meet to discuss bush era tax cuts. that dominated the meeting yesterday. the president wants tax breaks for higher income levels to expire, republican dos not. this morning white house press secretary told harry there will be some sort of deal. >> the president has drawn the line that we shouldn't make permanent tax cuts, as you said, for millionaires and billionaires. that's boroughing $700 billion from overseas to pay for that.

somewhere in the middle of that we'll find a compromise that moves our country forward and strengthens our economic recovery. >> on other issues, maybe less cooperation, senate republicans plan to block most democrat-blocked bills and collected signatures to carry out that plan. the founder of wikileaks is a wanted man. julian assange on the internet most wanted list for alleged sex crimes committed in sweden. he denies this and his whereabouts are unknown. secretary of state hillary clinton discussed the wikileaked documents with leaders in kazakhstan this morning saying the revelationless have no adverse effects on international relations and mrs. clinton is pleased iran will meet to discuss its nuclear program next week. and world aids day, a big red ribbon at white house. the world has begun to halt and

reverse the spread of that diseases. in an op-ed for this morning's "washington post" former president george w. bush wrote "the continuing fight against global aids is something for which america will be remembered, and you will never regret the part that you took." katie couric has a preview now of tonight's "cbs evening news." >> good morning. cutting the deaf sificit. should there be a cap on medicare spending a inside a new report and breaks down some of the tough choices we now face. so that and more tonight only on the "cbs evening news." now back to "the early show." and at four minutes past the hour we return to a -- raining red outside dave price. >> you may be confused. you may wonder why in the world am i outside getting rained on right now? are you confused, jeff? >> get the umbrella from harry. >> no. that's not it. >> okay. >> because we have 500 hairdressers here. so i'm getting a wash as we speak, and at 8:30 a free blow dry.

that's it. we actually have a great bunch of people here. hairdressers against aids. 500 people coming to new york city, spreading the word. they are doing their part on this world aids day to eradicate this horrific disease, and we thank you for the red

>> announcer: this weather report sponsored byacy' >> ann this weather report, sponsored by macy's. this is alexis, doing my hair. but i think i'm going to leave her, because she's not even using shampoo today. erica, inside to you. in this morning's "healthwatch," the new line on wrinkles. doctors traditionally evaluate whether a patient looks older than his or her age thinking it could be a sign of poor health. we take that widely into question. part of a routine checkup. look at the physical appearance and see does it match the number you have on your chart? >> absolutely. this actually, erica, brought me back to medical school, because in the formal training of

medicine, in the practice of medicine, this is, in fact, one of the first things we are taught in medical school about how to assess and evaluate patient. we usually know the patient's age when we meet him or her but when we actually meet them and see how they look it should be instivgtive. does the person look older than stated age, younger than their stated age or their stated age. just perfect. the thinking is, you mentioned, if someone looks dramatically older than their stated age, maybe not just older on the outside but on the inside. >> one thing that makes people look older are wrinkles. the study took that into question, looked at wrishgales and actually found correlation. >> a little surprising. the study done in canada. they looked at 126 patients, and then asked 50 doctors and residents to assess their age and their appearance, and they actually found someone has to look ten or more years older than their stated age to have the corresponding negative

health implications that go along with that. it might not always be the most accurate, and guess what? if you look younger than your stated age, doesn't mean you're necessarily healthier on the inside that whole thing, could be skinny, doesn't mean your healthy. >> correct. >> what should we do? people are worried about wrinkles. if you see them prematurely you might be a bit worried? >> right. talking about wrinkling, pre-mature aging, it's a different. as we age, the skin like every other part of our body goes through an aging process. the skin loses collagen, elastin, integrity that keeps moisture there. what we see are wrinkles. normal part of aging. happens too early, there be things to do. >> what are ways to cut back on when those wrinkles start to appear? i'm guessing the sun is the biggest factor? >> the biggest we can control.

we can't control genetics. look at your parents or thank them or not in terms of how they look, but sun exposure is huge for wrinkling and the ageing process. the other thing obviously is smoking. a huge environmental assault on our skin that actually affects the blood vessels in our skin. leads to extreme aging. diet is huge. there have been whole books written about the positive impacts on diet and how your skin looks and lastly, moisturize. you want to moisturize from the inside in the term of hydration and water as well as topically with lotions. all of those things can help. >> they all have an important part. consult your doctor. as we do with our doctors. >> you don't look a day over your 20s. >> i didn't even pay are fou that. thanks. are you terrified of tipping? what you should give and perhaps what you should expect this holiday season. this is "the early show" on cbs. should t this holiday season. this is the "early show" on cbs. : "healthwatch," sponsored by campbell's. t's amazing what soup can do. sponsored by campbell's. it's amazing what soup can do.

campbell's healthy request can help. low cholesterol, zero grams trans fat, and a healthy level of sodium. it's amazing what soup can do. wait for me! there it is. ah! hurry up. you're heavy. are you sure these letters will get to santa? yes, of course. hold still. almost there. a little bit higher. i can't hold you up much longer. ah! whoa! [ all giggle ] ♪ hi, fellas. hi, virginia. why are you on the floor? [ female announcer ] bring your letter to santa into macy's and we'll donate to the make-a-wish® foundation. together, we'll collect a million reasons to believe. ♪ ♪ [ male announcer ] some people just know how to build things well. give you and your loved ones

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tipping goes into high gear during the holiday season. most are never shoe how much to give and who exactly should get what, and expert lizzie post, the great-great-granddaughter of emily post is here with tips on tipping. good morning. >> good morning. thank you for having me back. >> what should people most keep in mind when it comes to tipping? >> that this is really holiday thanks. this is the time to say thank you to all the wonderful service providers in your life. >> and if you don't really -- because so many people are stretched as thin as possible. >> yes. >> what should do you? >> the best thing you can do is say, thank you with your words. if you really aren't able to provide the tip or even a small gift like you were last year or a couple years before, it's okay to say, you know, dear bob, thank you so much for the service. i'm sorry that this isn't what we able to do last year, however, i want you to know it's not a reflection of your service. >> wow. you know, that would be very meaningful. >> good. >> let's move on and talk about different categories of people. like people who make us look

good. hairdressers manicurists, people like that. peel you see on a regular basis through the year. >> do about the cost of an entire session and divide it amongst the staff. want to do the division. don't leave it up to a receptionist or someone you leave the gift with. >> sometimes, though, we tip those people every time we go. >> yes. >> should you still tip them on the visit in december? >> it may feel like a lot. you do not have to. when you go for the visit in december, you tip them for the visit, but then you can give a gift of the holiday thank you as opposed to the -- basically paying doubling. >> what about the drin cley cle? >> not someone you traditionally tip. sorry, dry cleaners. >> delivery people? >> delivery people, depends on the delivery. if it's a regular u.p.s. person who come a small gift for them. >> the newspaper? >> $10 to $30 is a great gift. we do chocolate chip cookies in my family.

>> i fwhaet wobet that works. we talked about that earlier. by law you're not supposed to give money to the mail person. >> that's correct, because it's a federal branch, you can't actually give cash. what you can do is something of, less than $20 or buy a consumer gift for the whole branch and live ter to the branch. >> if you're lucky enough to have somebody who comes into your house, once or twice a week and does house cleaning, stuff like that what do you do? >> usually about a week's worth of pay, and/or a gift with that. >> move on to other categories, like a mr. fix-it. >> the mr. fix-it,s 15ds to $40. if this is someone who comes regularly. >> snow removal person? >> snow removal. someone i like to tip at the end ftd season. usually the cost of one snow removal. >> let's talk about so many folks live in an apartment building, and especially true here in new york. what about people in the apartment building, like -- there's a lot. >> yes, there are. a superintendent, the doorman, elevator brat operator.

on average, $15 to $80. give to each, not a whole group, and what you want to remember with them, too, is that you know, these are people who you work with, and live with regularly. you do want to make sure that that note is included. >> now, this really gets important. baby-sitter. especially if you have a consistent baby-sitter, who you use all through the year. what do you do for that person? >> for that person, you want to do one eve's pay along with a small gift from your child. a great time to teach your child about holiday thank yous. >> last, not least. if you're particularly unhappy with the service you're getting? >> this is not the time to voice your complaint with a tip. want to voice your complaint at the time that you realize the service is not pleasing you and hopefully they can correct it. >> lizzie post, thank you very much. >> thank you. >> really appreciate it. up next, it's a huge night for the music world, and our superfan tyler mcgill is backstage with a preview of tonight's big grammy nominations concert. you're watching "the early

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the roads to music's night begins tonight when several music superstars announce the nominees at the grammys nomination concert live. our tyler mckill had the chance to go back stage with ll cool j for a very cool preview. >> katy perry about to hit the stage. it should be incredible.

>> superstar katy perry is headlining grammy nominations concert live. and she's also expected to be one of the year's most nominated artists. along with eminem and rhianna, jay 'z and alicia keys and lady gaga. stars on stage and in the audience at this year's grammy nomin nominees are announced. fans can catch brus tin bieber and host ll cool j the biggest stage for a musician, right. >> yes. >> what does it mean when you get one. >> when you get a grammy that is basically the entire world and planet saying you are at the pinnacle of music at that time. >> the grammys that you have now, where are those placed? >> i bought a mercedes and stuck

it on the hood. >> nice. >> that's not too gawdy, people driving down the highway. >> sometimes when i'm driving, i put it on my necklace. >> we don't know who's going to win. it's all up and up but still have a shot. >> you are performing and know you've at least got a shot at it. >> you've got a shot. >> that's a good sign. >> you've got a shot. >> drinks are on the house. >> i know you see inside the envelope and have a sneak peek who has a bit of an edge. >> i know nada, i know nada, i know nada. >> he's holding out on my, guys. i'm like 100 feet away and she's incredible. >> how scary to perform in front of other artists, amazing art sdigss, too. >> can you see them when you're on stage. >> yeah, you can see them. i wish you couldn't. >> -- might give you a nod and beyonce -- >> i hope she does. >> i'm staking out where i want

to be sitting tonight. i notice katy perry sitting by herself. may have to drop a tham right here. seems like a good spot to watch the show. >> he's getting better and better mr. tyler mcgill. >> a good life these days. >> i think he sdinchts i would say all the things i've gotten an opportunity to go to awards show and stuff, grems right up there. >> better than oscars. >> what makes it so much fun. >> so much energy in the room and so much entertainment because it is act after act after act after act and it's so varied. it really is. and the buzz, everybody's all kind of sitting around and hanging out, classical music guys and blues guys and rock guys and hip-hop guys. >> you hear the golden globes are so much fun, they say because of the drinks on the table as opposed to the oscars. >> it helps, definitely helps. >> all right.

second thoughts, golden globes. [ laughter ] >> you can see the grammy nominations concert live here tonight 10:00 p.m., 9:00 ,,,,,,

[ male announcer ] whether you're new to california or you've been grooving here for some time now, you know that value comes in many forms. for some it's a classic car, for others a profession that lets them give back to the next generation. for many californians, it's a medicare plan that gives them more for their money. with anthem blue cross, you can get a medicare advantage ppo plan that offers $0 premiums and prescription drug coverage, you can see any doctor who accepts medicare, even the ones you already know and trust. plus members always talk with a real person when they call, not some computer system. that's what we used to call grooving. if you are eligible for medicare or will be soon, ask about one of the new ppo plans from anthem. you can schedule an in-home visit, learn more at a local seminar, or get answers right over the phone. call 1-877-276-1149. that's 1-877-276-1149.

with anthem blue cross, you're free to enjoy value like never before. the fast lane of highway 101 southbound was struck by a prius . time for head lines. a man walking in the fast lining of highway 101 southbound was struck by a car and killed this morning. it happened around 1:30 in the morning near the broadway exit. several southbound lanes were shut down for about an hour but are now back open. the chp still trying to figure out idea man was on the roadway. don't be alarmed if you see guns on trains when you travel this holiday. amtrak passengers can now carry guns and ammunition on trains with baggage service starting december 15. gun owners must inform amtrak officials 24 hours ahead of departure. the fight to keep the a's in oakland begins today. the city's planning commission will discuss a proposal for a 39,000 feet ballpark. the a's owner has expressed a desire to move to san jose where the giants have

territorial rights. we have your traffic and weather coming up for you in just a minute. [ mom ] my son only wanted one toy this year.

i want a robosan 4000. [ mom ] the one no one could get. toy stores are reporting long lines and empty shelves. a robosan 4000. [ mom ] and i mean no one. so i did most of my holiday shopping on citi specials. with the money i saved, i bid online -and got exactly what he wanted. -a robosan 4000! [ television ] introducing the new robosan 5000. [ mom ] at least for now. [ male announcer ] make your happy holiday stories come true with citi specials. what's your story? citi can help you write it. good morning. let's go out to san jose. we have a traffic alert issued now for southbound 880 approaching stevens creek boulevard. two lanes are blocked. we have an over turned wood chipper. traffic is backed up solidly to 101. it's even a little heavy on northbound highway 17. just that securuous on -- just

the curious onlookers passing itself scene. 280 looks okay. it's jammed up as you approach the 880 interchange but overall pretty good. let's go over to tracy with a check of your forecast. thank you, elizabeth. our forecast for the morning, clear skies out there for much of the bay area, but we do have more clouds rolling in. here's a look at the bay currently. and we do have some reports of frost and also fog. and we also have something else. more clouds expected for the afternoon. here's a look at our seven-day forecast. temperatures in the upper 50s to lower 60s. more clouds expected thursday. and rainfall moving into the bay area friday, saturday, sunday, monday and tuesday.

i love it. >> i would call this a serious crowd here this morning. >> yes. >> welcome back to "the early show," everybody. coming up, we continue our perfect present series with unique gifts that give back, things you can buy that help raise money for worthy causes or contributions you can make to groups that do important work. you won't want to miss these suggestions. >> i love those kind of gifts, best kind. also ahead, if you are looking forward to maybe taking a nice trip this holiday season but dreading the packing and the events dealing with your

suitcases at the airport, you are in luck because this morning, expert packing secrets for families, they are quick, they are painless. and i think you're going to thank our guest for them. >> we'll be watching. >> going away with a whole family for christmas try to do check-in only, all the baby stuff and everything else. >> this segment is for you. that may actually not be the best way to do it. >> really? >> really. >> i will watch, then. also michael scl low with new twists on and old favorite, potato pancakes in time for hanukkah which begins tonight at sunday. we will be making potato pancakes with caviar. >> not just apple sauce and sour cream, huh? >> we'll do everything. >> young dave is here with a check of the weather. hello, dave. >> oh, stop it. stop it. stop it. oh, stop it. stop it. first of all, let's be

[ inaudible ] about this, it is not a potato pancake. it is a latke. am i right? time-out, time-out. time-out time-out >> the man from buffalo wants to speak. what did you just call them? >> latka. >> no, you didn't. >> lat-key. >> a lat-key is what you why to get in your door in my neighborhood, a lot-key. a lot-key, come on, represent better than. nice to see you, everybody. we have got -- [ cheering ] -- if you were looking for a hair appointment today, you're not going to get one because all of these hairdressers doing their part to fight aids, world aids day and there are thousands

[ cheering ] >> each one of these people was allowed to cut one of harry's hairs as we headed through the show today and look how he turned out. harry, let's send it back inside to you. thanks for being here, everyone. >> okay. it is that time of year ya hoo has compiled its top ten online searches for 2010, joining us now to announce the results exclusively on "the early show," heather cabot. yahoo!'s web life editor. welcome back. >> thank you. thank you for having me. >> a tradition here. we always enjoy. this before the top one, we start at the bottom and kinds of glom together 10 through 6, if you don't mind. britney sparse, kind of no surprise, "american idol," no surprise. justin bieber. >> a kid bracecly created by the web, discovered on youtube. >> i thought he would have been higher for some reason. megahn fox and the iphone. people want to know everything there is no know about their

iphone. >> they wanted to know how to get it, when to get it and wanted the tree bumper after apple offered the free cases after the problem with the antenna. we saw a lot of those virchlts g. number 5, this doesn't surprise me at all because she has so many followers on twitter and everything else. it's lady gaga. >> lady gaga. actually, in the last week, i believe, she's up to a billion views on youtube. so, people are not just interested, though, in her music. they are certainly downloading her songs looking for lyrics but are fascinating by her style. her and her style. in fact one of the most searched items of the year related to lady gaga was her meat dress from the vmas, the outfit she wore made of meat. everyone wanted that for their halloween costume. >> we saw it, too, and smelled it. >> this surprises me she is actually higher than lady gaga, kim kardashian amplts reality star everyone wants to be their best friend or sister.

people feel she's very relatable and are fascinated by her life. >> her loves, obviously her family. and her style, as well. of course, you know, she truly is a brand now. >> a big-time brand. right. >> the number three on the list is miley cyrus who seems to me to be even higher than i ever would have guessed. >> well, i think that's because people are really seeing her growing up in public. she is sort of following in the footsteps of britney, christina aguilera, we all remember her as hannah montana, this young woman who just turned 18 and trying to break out of that ingenue mode and some kids are excited about that and parents aren't so sure. >> number two, world cup, so interesting in a country basically now can support a major league soccer league. >> right. >> everybody in this country was watching the world cup. >> and they were watching it online. one of the things, why it is so high on our list, people were

trying to watch it online. some of the searches or navigational things to find it to watch it. but they were also interested in the buzzing sound. we saw a huge spike in have you have you zell l.a.s, people wanted to know the sound and how to turn it off. also in the players and character also from the tournament. >> number one search on yahoo! this year, bp oil spill some. >> the first time ever a news event has topped our list in the history we have looked at these searches. i really think it speaks to the day we view news today. >> right. but that's not the picture they were looking for. everybody had -- >> the gushing -- from the website. and i was going to say. >> people would keep that on their computers. >> and kept going back, remember when it crashed? >> right. i think this is an example we're not participating in the news, not so much we're reading about it but we want to actually and so outraged by it and to see those pictures live. >> made us crazy. and we went back to watch it and made us more crazy every day.

heather cabot, as always, thank you so much. >> thank you. happy holidays. >> thank you so much. erica. >> you don't need to search anymore for how to pack this morning if you are planning to take a trip with your family this holiday season and dreading the thought of packing, travel expert and mo err this of three heidi mitchell here to promise you can do it painlessly, she has the tips for us. travel at the holidays is hard enough. you throw in the kids, you throw in everything you have to bring, and you really just want to say home. >> no. don't say that. get on the road. go. >> you are an expert. you have three kids and travel constantly. you you traveled before, you travel with. >> yep. >> one of the most important things you say is check a bag. these days, to me, i would think the last thing you wants to doimplsts i know it sounds counterintut tiff. if you check your bag you have to fly with your bag. they will come and find you and if you are worried about the cost, a lot of cards are covering it my amex platinum covers up to $200 for things like that you don't have to worry about the price and you can move right through.

>> makes it easier to move through. you say in terms of moving through two carry-ons, big no, no. >> just one. big rule in my family take one, meets tsa standards. >> you have a family of five. is this one carry-on for the family of five or one per person. >> one if the family of five, big enough i can put my purse it n it and my older ones can have one for his gameboy and things like that. >> a little responsibility. >> we'll figure out what to put in that in a second. first what to put in the checked luggage. help us pack smart. >> first thing we do for our warm weather vacation, first thing you do is lay it all out. seven days, sech outfits for each person, maybe couple less for grown-ups and less t-shirts for kids. i like women to pick a color pallet. >> you can mix and match. >> exactly. we do [ inaudible ] for my family nothing more. we mix it up in the bag. >> so you shouldn't do just one bag for the little guy or one for mom or dad. >> exactly. one goes missing you have enough

clothes to keep you dressed until it turns up. >> i like it. shoes, i think the hardest for any woman. >> you have one color and take a great pair that goes with everything. for men you can shove everything into the sneakers like socks or large-size shampoos. >> i like to roll things, old-fashioned but -- >> my husband swears by it. >> tuck into empty spaces and i pack an extra bag especially around the holidays, a sports sack that opens up to a huge bag and you can throw it into the suitcase and have christmas gifts in it. >> i like it. i like it. >> we've got that down an edited for the checked bags. when it comes to the carry-on, always seems some extra needs to go in and it is too big, where does it go? help us. >> lay it all out, put it on your white bed and easy to figure out. the most important thing you have stuff like your medication and documents, the most important thing. i have a document case, we put

one parent in charge of it, dad or mom and all your passports, boarding cards. >> i was going to say it is not just your boarding documents but everybody's bit of identification. ooh. >> we didn't have a passport in there. >> all your travel documents. >> everything is in there. >> you have toiletries, sort of the emergency part of your bag. >> this is my dopp kit, i keep it always packed so i can throw it into my bag. everything in there is miniature. you can go to cephora, they will give you small sizes for free, they fit tsa. >> tiny bottles to put everything in. >> i keep it fully packed and on an airline you on a long flight you can brush your teeth and -- >> extra bags, i love it. getting through the airport, you have two great tips for kids, gideon, easiest way you can do your own shoes, velcro. >> they come off really fast. he takes them off. i recommend wearing

yoga clothes, that don't go bling. >> if you can bring a stroll move you through and check it at the gate. i love it, one of my favorite and most efficient ways to get through. heidi, thank you. great tips this morning. >> thank you. >> you can find more on our website, sooit site. now, here's harry. we continue our perfect presents series this morning with a different kind of gift, the kind that gives back. after all, what better way to celebrate the true meaning of the holidays, amy goodman senior editor of "all you" magazine is here with some great ideas. you know, the fact is we get to the holidays and sometimes especially if you've been in this a while, you like, what -- somebody doesn't need another fill-in-the-blank. >> no. >> these are better ideas that do more than just make somebody smile, something pleasant under the tree. >> i believe injecting a bit of reason into the season, if you will. >> i like it. >> the idea we're adding

additional meaning, beyond, perhaps a global cause you can feel really, really good about and you would really believe having our dollars do double duty and gifts that give back do just that. starting with a gift for the hostess with the moss tess, from pottery barn, beautiful candles antiquated to make look old. scents really beautiful $29, 50% of the purchase price actually goes to st. jude children's research hospital. a fantastic organization that americans love, because it helps support research for pediatric cancers, among other illnesses. >> amazing. that's pottery barn, about 30 bucks and half proceeds go to? >> to st. jude. >> we like that a lot. >> from macy's, these gorgeous ties for him and benefit the susan g. komen for the cure. the stan-out color for breast cancer research is pink, which we celebrate but for guys having that subtle pink ribbon or very nice gentle pink color is a great way to actually support

the cause. >> all right. what is this? >> this is from keel, teamed up with artist jeff coons for the limited edition best sellers from them. $35 and $45 respectively. the idea is that 100% of the proceeds go to the international center for missing and exploited children. that's really great considering 2,000 children go missing every single day worldwide and this organization really helps to help find those children. >> you buy something that looks like this with the art on the front, 100% of the proceeds go? >> 100%, up to $200,000 will be donated to the center. >> that's great. terrific. all right, what is this? >> this is for the pet lover, from petango store. this is a great little gift bundle for the pet lover, for the large dog, it has the toys, treats, the bones, everything you could possibly need 10% of the proceeds benefit an animal

shelter of your choice. you get to choose from 1500 different shelters hopefully find one local you to and really dedicated to helping homeless pets find adoptive homes. >> very nice. everybody needs a new water bottle because we are tired of doing all the recycling, right? >> this really is for a great cause, for world water dot org. they are an organization that bring clean drinking and safe drinking water initiatives into undeveloped countries. so, for the purchase price of $19 for plastic or stainless steel version for $25, 100% of the proceeds go to this incredible organization. 884 million people across the world don't have access to safe drinking water. >> right. if i go out and get a kindle, what happens? >> world reader dot org an organization that gives ereaders in underserved countries. the idea one kindle can help -- >> like a whole library. >> a whole community if an

immediate electronic library for. five dollars you can give an oeshdz book or $200 an ereader and global giving dot org a great gift for anybody on your list. >> amy, thanks so much. great job. really appreciate it. for more on these products and organizations, all you have to do is go to our website. earlyshow.cbsnews.com. >> hanukkah begins tonight at sundown. the traditional meal includes food fried in oil. award winning restauranteur and chef michael schhow are is here with his favorite latke recipes. i love these, one of my favorite foods. >> it is hanukkah. i don't think there is anything better. >> we'll make a traditional. does it matter what kind of potato? >> idaho pay toes, they have a lot of starch and i don't grate the onion like my mother and granmother, too much water. i mince them flour, potato

starch and that's about it. >> and beaten egg. am i mixing this up. >> i don't have to. this is what it would look like, a bit of water comes out of it, obviously. put a spoonful in, super easy. >> frying this in oil. if people aren't familiar with it. that's the whole reason for the festival of lights. >> the oil lasted eight days until the one as the story goes but i don't fry it in a lot of oil, also. i don't want the cardiologist calling me at hanukkah saying we need the paddles. >> does it matter the kind. >> i use canola oil. if you want put sour cream or apple sauce. those are the traditional ones. >> you have updated the latke for us alternative toppings. >> a traditional hash brown, if you think about it. >> all you aring is enhancing. >> i have warm ones i already made. i'll put smoked salmon to this and golden beets, which i

roasted. if you don't want smoked salmon, you can do trout or something. how are they? >> delicious. >> roasted golden beets. i just have salt. >> beautiful color, too. >> really gorgeous, a super easy dish. one of the things i did took can beet juice with vinegar and shallots and made sauce for it and put greens, actually you can do that. >> i can do that. >> rip off small pieces and throw that there. while you are doing that i'll reach over you for one second. i'll why a ring mold. if you don't have one, you can use. >> a cookie cutter. >> a tuna fish can cut off, what whatever you want to do. i cut the potato latke, this will get tonia tar-tar and creme fraiche. >> getting fancy. >> i serve in my restaurant. >> don't throw these away, these are fantastic snacks. >> they are like potato chips almost. >> exactly. >> take this and we have tonia

tar-tar. >> keep it in the mold the whole time. >> i i put a tiny bit of oil in the mold instid release it very easily. the tuna has shallots and thyme and olive juice and lemon jaws. >> buying raw tuna for the first time for tuna tar-tar, what kind of tuna, sushi grade? >> for sure. you want it nice and fresh and buy it in a really reputable place, obviously and tell them you are serving it raw, make sure they know. and a bit of creme fraiche. how is that? >> hmmm. >> that's a good sign. i'll take it from here and you keep eating all right. >> perfect. >> scallions and caviar on top, if you want to be decadent. if you don't want caviar serve it like this but a nice way to do a warm potato cake and that is such -- >> sorry to ruin your beautiful work but that's not my job. >> that's what they are here for, eat them and enjoy them. a little update on the potato

latke. >> i love them. happy hanukkah. >> for mow, go to our website. happy hanukkah. >> for mow, go to our website. stay,,,,,,

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i like them when they are really, really, really crispy. >> my sister is with you on that one. >> i like them soggy. >> you like soggy. >> i like soggy. same with matzo balls sinkers or swimmers. >> i like them soggy. >> sinkers. >> or swimmers? >> i just like latkas. >> you are so you that then tick. >> he mispronounced it. >> like jack perogi. >> why do we revisit this. >> can we points something out? your dradle tie. >> you like it? >> i love it. >> there it is. >> look at. >> that there it is. >> celebrate.

(singing). >> celebrate. (singing). >> have a very happy,,,,,,,,,,

headlines... . it is 8:55. good morning. presents could be scarce for many families. unemployment benefits starts running out today for an estimated two million americans unless congress changes its mind. google is looking to purchase the website group on. the world's largest search engine may be close to buying the popular online discount service for $6 billion. it offers daily bargains from local businesses and national retailers in dozens of u.s. cities. if san francisco is chosen to host the 2013 america's cup, the board of supervisors will have to decide where in the bay to build. the port commission has just approved two competing proposals for construction on different parts ever the city's shore line. the racing team of oracle won

the internationally known regatta earlier this year. we'll take a look at traffic and weather around the bay area coming up. ,, [ male announcer ] whether you're new to california or you've been grooving here for some time now, you know that value comes in many forms. for some it's a classic car, for others a profession that lets them give back to the next generation. for many californians, it's a medicare plan that gives them more for their money. with anthem blue cross, you can get a medicare advantage ppo plan that offers $0 premiums and prescription drug coverage, you can see any doctor who accepts medicare,

even the ones you already know and trust. plus members always talk with a real person when they call, not some computer system. that's what we used to call grooving. if you are eligible for medicare or will be soon, ask about one of the new ppo plans from anthem. you can schedule an in-home visit, learn more at a local seminar, or get answers right over the phone. call 1-877-276-1149. that's 1-877-276-1149. with anthem blue cross, you're free to enjoy value like never before. good morning. we start off in rich pond. westbound 80 we have an accident blocking the left lane. an ambulance is heading to the scene now. oakland near the coliseum

almost half-hour delays in the northbound lanes as you head up towards downtown oakland. seeing a big improvement in san jose. they just opened all lanes of southbound 880 approaching stevens creek boulevard. we had a truck overturned for a while. they had issued a traffic alert. still backed up pretty solidly but again traffic all lanes remain open now. mass transit is running on time except cal trains. four southbound rains are running up to 25 minutes late because of an earlier medical emergency. that is your traffic. for your forecast, here's tracy. thank you. this morning we've got plenty of sunshine out there but we also have some cold temperatures. that's why we have reports of frost across parts of the bay area. and here's a look out toward ocean beach. what a gorgeous view. today's highs in the upper 50s to the lower 60s. plenty of clouds expected north of the golden gate and temperatures today are slightly warmer. more clouds thursday and rain

showers friday through tuesday. ,,,,,,,,