we're back with the 9:00 hour of fox 5 morning news on this thursday morning. here are just some of the stories that we have to bring you this morning. i don't know if you heard about this or not, allison, maybe you've been around people that spend a lot of time on theiri phone and checking their facebook or tweets. would you believe during the wedding, updating the status. is that like a social no-no? >> ohboy. >> and not only what he did -- >> the groom was doing it? >> we'll talk about what the bride did in response as well. and also it's the holidays. you're doing gift giving and the gift guru will be here to talk about what is hot and electronics are always big and we'll have him in studio with us to run down the best buys. >> i like to call this segment my personal wish list for christmas. >> i know. >> which is what ends up haening. just write it down and here you go. and allison never buys me any of them. >> but i will buy someone this. >> an emergency bra. what emergency could there possibly be that this could come in handy for? well here is one idea. it sounds strange. i'm going to be honest. >> until you need a mask, then you'll be happy. >> really? we're going to find out. you have to get to that point where you make the transition. that could be another sticky siation. >> well this woman has the in venges in the emergency bra. >> hence the title. and this is like september weather, tucker. >> it's beautiful outside. allison said she will put on the sun tan lotion and i can see why. temperatures right now in the upper 50s. and you take the rain and went out of the equation and it's a nice day. we had some heavy rain and it has quickly pushed off to the area of northeast and race ago way from the washington area. a lot of sunshine to start the day. a few more clouds during the course of the afternoon and cooler air lagging off to the west, getting in here later today and tonight. and a lot of sunshine out there. a good looking day for our thursday. right now 57 degrees. humidity still up there. 57%. overnight rains. pressure starting to rise, 29.54 inches. good looking today, mild, wise breezy. winds gusting at 15-25 miles per hour. 36 degrees for an afternoon high here in early december. a lot of changes to the forecast, including the potential for a little bit of wintery weather. i'll have details on that coming right up. allison and steve, back to you. >> tucker, thank you. our top story this morning, now is their chance to shake hands with the political elite, but mikael and tariq salahi said thanks but no thanks to congress. we were invited to testify on capitol hill but the two have turned that invitation down. >> not something they did last week. and the white house refusing to send over a staffer to testify. sarah simmons, would else will be this at 10:00? >> reporter: well we do know the director of the secret service, mark sullivan will be here, talking about their portion of the internal investigation into all of this. but the two main people that everybody wants to hear from, the salah hughes will not be here. they issued a statement yesterday saying they already provided a lot of information to committee members and the secret service and they don't feel they can assist congress any more with this. another no-show today is desire rogers, the white house social secretary. robert gibbs was citing the separation of powers doctrine and saying she didn't have to show because in tradition, a white house staffer has never had to show up and testify before congressthst. now they have all been called to account for what happened at this state dinn last week. tariq and mikaela salahi walked into the president's first state dinner last tuesday after trying for four days to get an invitation. the secret service says they were not on the list but somehow they got through secret service and walked right up to the president. a shock to the man who chairs the homeland security division. >> any time somebody that you don't know can shake hands with the president, that person could be a terrorist and somebody who wants to do harm to the guests and it should not happen. we're concerned about it and our goal at the end of the hearings is to assure the public that it will never happen again. >> reporter: we're told if the salahis do not show up on capitol hill today, the representative had said they will push to try and subpoena the salahis and force them to appear before congress. as for the white house, they say they play an important role in this too. they know they messed up and they are from now con going to change protocol and somebody from the white house social office will be with the secret service any time they have a social gathering to go over the guest list with them. back to you, steve and allison. >> thank you, sarah. we'll find out more what happens there this morning. but what we do know the salahi charity cup is crumbling. land rover, the sponsor and the ritz-carlton and st. regis hotel all now denying they were sponsors of the charity and demanding they remove their logo from the website. and now the indian embassy is severing tieing. and for years the couple had a nonprofit for leukemia and multiple sclerosis but that was not on the books until two weeks ago. charities are required to be registered with the state. the president of the ms chapter has also stopped any association with the couple. >> so do you think the couple should be able to profit from this isn't? the latest rasmussen pole said yes. for the latest on the investigation and plus a slideshow from the dinner at myfoxdc.com. many are backing the president's decision to send more troops to afghan. yesterday hillary clinton told critics that al-qaeda is planning for attacks and taliban is helping them. >> we have seen the taliban becoming more bold and more aggressive. and it is clear that i think to the president and to the rest of us, that we need to do something to change the dynamic, to change the momentum. >> united states, our allies and partners, have an enduring commitment to afghanistan, pakistan and the region. so our resolve in this fight is reflected in the special commitment of troops and in the significant civilian commitment that will continue long after combat forces leave. >> republicans are skeptical of the president's july 2011 deadline to bring the troops home but military leaders are confident it will not encourage the taliban. both sides say it's unlikely that lawmakers will try to block the deployment. and ben bernanke will go before a senate committee to consider his second term. one member ready to block his nomination. bernanke's confirmation could be a slow process, but it is likely to pass. merrill land congresswoman donna edwards is facing a challenge from within her own party. glenn ivey is running for her seat in the 4th district. she's been state's attorney since 2002 and before that chairman of the public service commission. new this morning, some positive news on the neighbor's -- news on the overall jobless numbers. the job picture not so bright for a local newspaper as big layoffs are ahead for the staff of the washington times. the publicker made the announcement in a staff memo saying that the paper plans to cut 40% of its 370 employees. the pink slips will be given out in the next 60 da and says the cuts are needed for the paper to improve it's multi reedia research, outlining goals for digital media. comcast has announced it is sealing the deal with general electric. comcast will pay $13.75 billion for universal and telemundo and bravo and cnbc. this would make comcast the largest entertainment company. and we couldn't get through the morning without talking about the story that seems to grow by the day, tiger woods' trouble. releasing a statement saying that he's sorry for his quote, transgressions. >> this came hours after us weekly after a woman claimed she had an affair. >> hey, um, it's tiger. i need to you do me a huge favor. um, can you please, um, take your fame off your phone. my wife went through my phone and may be calling you. you have to do this for me. huge. quickly, bye. >> jaimee grubbs claims that tiger left her that message two days before thanksgiving. you'll recall his crashed his suv early the next morning. people who know tiger are continuing to react and laura evans is following that part of the story. >> reporter: it all starts with tiger woods' bizarre crash outside of his florida home last friday. the mystery surrounding the accident followed by rumor it's was a domestic spat prompted by woods involvement with other women. ut us weekly magazine has released a voice mail from jaimee grubbs, a l.a. cocktail waitre. she claims to have hundreds of racy text messages to prove his infidelity. tiger said this on his website. i have let my family down and regret those transgressions with all of my heart. i am not without faults and i'm far short of perfect. >> it's almost like the whole house of cards he had built up around him has completely fallen away. >> reporter: and there are reports of affairs with the different women. >> there's never been anything going on with him that made you even speculate that things were not perfect in his life and then suddenly ban, everything hit him at first. >> and now friends are expressing anger overall of this. one golfer did not mince ward. parno vick set up woods with his we've elin who was a nanny to his kids. >> well i thought he was a better guy and i would apologize to her and hope she uses a driver next time than a three iron. >> well that was laura evans there. he did not mince words. he did ask for privacy as his family deals with the matter. the chicago sun times are reporting they have already begun intense councilling and his wife is standing by him. and the city of washington helping out thousands of d.c. area residents and we have some big-named help and we'll talk with those big names and talk about how you can help out as well. and the story of a patient in a waiting room. the patient becomes unconscious but wait what others did instead of getting him help. don't go anywhere. it's 9:11. (announcer) have pillsbury savorings at your next get together. so warm, flaky; it might be the last time chips and dip are invited back. savorings. in the freezer case. from pillsbury. but i've got a warm, fresh baked strawberry toaster strudel. see the fference? mmmm. i do. (announcer) pillsbury toaster strudel. the one kids want to eat. it's the season of giving and the city is doing just that to help thousands of d.c. area residents. the mayor has partnered with the nba player association and feed the children to give away 10,000 meals. they're also handing out toys, coats and personal care items. event is going on today and will be dedicated to the memory of wizards owner abe pollin. joining us to talk more about this special project is bill shan ear who did play for the bullets and also is now an and list with the washington wizards. it's nice to see you. good morning. >> good morning, allison. how are you doing? >> doing okay, thank you. and what you're doing is a wonderful thing in the memory of abe pollin. tell us about today's event. >> well obviously there are a lot of families going to be fed and other gift giveaways. 10,000 families, from what i understand. the nba player association involved in that. so it's a big project. a lot of people will be helped out in these tough times. so i'm happy to be a part of that. of course i was just reminded that today is mr. pollin's birthday and over the years we've had a couple of arenas open on this day. so again, he'll be very sorely missed. but his legacy continues. >> it certainly does. and we're looking at live pictures behind you of the d.c. armory and people there milling about. and we should just say that the people will who will benefit from this, they know who they are and they were contacted through the agencies here. and tell us about the families a little bit. >> well like you said, they've been targeted and picked out already. but they'll be -- i want to say 60-pound giveaways don't include the turkey. so you're going to be helping a lot of families with kids and just this time of the year you think about how fortunate you are and of course over the last couple of years with the economy being the way it is, there's been so much -- so many changes in lives. so the nba players association and the d.c. government, feed the children, all of this is just trying to be a part of helping and providing a very festive and helpful occasion. >> and we see behind you the hundreds of volunteers also giving their time today to help get 10,000 baskets. that's a lot to move. you have all day to do it, but still you need the help of the volunteers. >> well i have a bad back so i'll be handing out the light stuff. but yeah, it's give to be a part of it. i know some of the wizards are coming over. i believe some of the toronto raptors, so it's a league-wide players association that are getting involved in this and helping out and it couldn't be a better cause than this. >> and we were trying to figure out. if you are watching and maybe you want to come down and sneak a peek, you can come if you're not benefiting from the food giveaway or is it a closed event there today? >> i'm not sure about that. i know they have a lot of security people so they will guide you in the right direction. so certainly just to be a part of this, they're going to see some of their players, i know some other celebrities, the mayor has been a part of this. so it's a whole city-wide and national kind of giveaway. >> and i can't letyou go without asking you, you do the comment ating for the wizards. >> yes. >> and i want to know if the team stays healthy, we're looking pretty good this year. we had a win last night. >> we won four out of five but they won a close one last night and bev toronto coming in here on friday. so again, let's hope things are moving up. we have some good play from gilbert brendan and little earl boyd. so let's keep our fingers crossed that things are going in the right direction. >> i have them crossed for you. bill shenier and good luck today, it's a great thing you're doing. >> thank you, allison. you take care. some shoppers at tysons will not have a way to gage traffic before leaving for traffic. v-dot installed screens to track how the traffic is flowing how crews work on the beltway hot lane. so you know if you want to stay in the mall and do more shopping. there are five 50-inch screens throughout tysons corner and it's to help drivers get around during the holiday. a fare hike on the table to curb serious money trouble with metro. they're predicted a budget shortfall. one plan includes raising bus fare. and a 25-cent boarding hike rise for bus riders and a higher rate during pique hours. we'll find out more later on. the changes wouldn't take affect until july. 9:20 right now. some people update their status in usual cases, but one guy takes the cake, the wedding cake. we'll explain that next. but first holly is getting a preview of tonight on the capitol. >> reporter: it is gorgeous down here. the rehearsal is going off without a hitch. we've seen sheryl crow and gordon sparks and now i'm trying to see all 56-degree and the big one itself. coming up live, we'll give you in everything you need to know to see the christmas lighting tonight and for the pageant of peace which goes all month long. and we want to see today's trivia question. seinfeld fans this is for you. what character asked for extra msg at a chinese restaurant. so was it elaine, jerry, george or kramer? >> i think i know the answer. >> why not take a guess on our facebook page. we'll give you a shout out if pitch people guessed it correct. >> see if you can get the right answer first. >> we'll be right back. ♪ this friday and saturday only get our lowest prices ever at toys "r" us! huge doorbuster deals! late friday 3pm to midnight! and early saturday, 6am to 1. hurry in to get everything on your kids' ultimate wish list because we've got more of the hottest toys! plus, buy one get one half off all lego sets! 2 days of super savings you can't miss... this is from the sadly yet these people do exist in this world. philadelphia police say 63-year- old joaquin rivera went to the emergency room with chest pains and waiting to be seen by the doctor and police claims that when three people realized he was unconscious and instead of helping him in the waiting room, one witness couldn't believe what he saw. >> he slid down in his chair like this, and i'm like the man is dead. and they said relax i'll get somebody to help. and he walked over. >> and robbed him. police arrested one man and are still looking for the other two. your new kiss as a newlywed are supposed to be remembered. so why not share that moment with your friends on the -- facebook and twitter. and they first pulled out their mobile devises to tell their friends what was happening. they said it was a joke. wedding guests could be heard laughing on the video. >> everybody wants to do something different. >> but like in 25 years when that's completely out, it will be like me saying, i got it on my cassette player. >> didn't you? >> i wrote it down on a note pad. 9:26 right now. one woman was going for punctuality with a full-purpose bra. we'll explain coming up next. and gadgets are hot for the holidays this year. they are every year. but we have a guide. we have got a gadget guru to show us the best deals of the holiday season. re ahead this morning. don't go anywhere. ladies, if you are worried about an event where you need a face mask. a woman in chicago has made a bra that can double as a face mask. >> this is a doctor. she said the nuclear accident inspired her to make the bra mask and if used properly a person can have the mask on in a matter of seconds. first of all -- >> you have two masks there. >> i'm going to fer to you, allison. >> look at how the strap makes the elastic behind the head. but i want to make sure that it's -- >> that it's going to protect you. >> because if i went and buy one of these and i want to sure it wears. >> and i'm not going to wear it, it won't help me. >> women will once rule the world. >> and if churn oble is going to happen, that's the least of your worries. >> i feel likes that genius. >> of course you do. >> don't you think claim fresh seinfeld would have invented that. >> and there are other under garments that could be included. >> i will not need that if there ia nuclear attack. >> somebody will buy it though. somebody will buy it. >> it's a great stocking stuffer, for grandma. it's very mild out there. 59 degrees, currently at reagan national, it feels like fall. we'll go back to holly and she'll show you how nice and warm it is outside. what a beautiful looking day. 55 in gaithersburg. 57 in manassas. frederick degrees. temperatures are above where they should be this time of year and with the winds cooperating, it will be a very nice fall afternoon. hard to believe it's december. satellite radar, rain showers have pushed off to the north and east, racing away from us during the overnight hours. off to the west, cloudiness building across western portions of maryland. that's the frontal system that will bring us the cooler and drier air but it won't get a chance to filter into here until late today and tonight. so the cold stuff will get in here tonight as our temperatures fall back into the 30s. so good looking forecast today. not a great looking forecast if you don't love snow, as we get into the weekend, i want to show you we'll have an if area of low pressure develop down across the gulf of mexico again and let's talk about this weekend as there is the potential for yet another coastal storm. now i've been talking about it a lot this morning. this is computer generat, on our computer model. it hasn't actually descovered it self-yet in the atmosphere. we'll have to see if it does become organized. but the potential is there that as we get into saturday, we could have a coastal storm. and this is a storm system that has certainly the potential to give us some wintery weather. it will have some cold air that it can tap into and if there is enough moisture back on us, we could pick up some snow here saturday afternoon and saturday evening. we'll have to see exactly where the rain-snow line develops as is typical this time of year. so still a lot to be decided. still have to fine tune the forecast but look out for late saturday and saturday night for winter weather here in washington. mild, breezy. 63 for an noon high. winds out of the west at 15-20 miles per hour. we'll see what happens on saturday. the timing will be right. high temperature on saturday only 39 degrees. redskin game on sunday should be fine, sunshinand temperature in the middle 40s by sunday afternoon. that will do it for the forecast. let's get to steve over in studio b. tucker, this is for you and i that are looking for holiday gadgets and if you're wondering what should i get this time of year. prices are coming down on popular items for gadgets and there are things on a lot of people's wish lists. and they are gathering to see what we have. >> and i think we should have a gift for the family. and they said the computer will become the hub of the computer exchange. this is from gateway. do you remember the movie minardi with tom cruise and it's like that. and you don't need the mouse because all of the manipulation is right on the screen. watch what i'm doing with the pictures. you can do the editing with the picres and movies with your finger. and this is just over $700. the dvd burner is in here, the video camera. s the entire computer right here. that's the whole thing. >> so as far as computers go, won't break the bank with something like that with the new technology. are we going to see moreof these down the road? >> this is the trend. touchscreen and you can lift this and find another plug and as i said, it will be the communication and entertainment hub. the second television. >> stay ahead of the curve on this one. and the ipod, what is biggest about this. >> i home introduces the first dual docking for two i-phones and sends the information to set the calendar function and the clock, three alarms, you can wake to radio and an eight chamber speaker so it does sound excellent. it will act as a stereo in the room its placed in. >> functionality and it sounds good. and you don't endorse any of the products that you see here because we're moving on to another iphone related product. >> and this is more about satellite radio and we remain objective and unbiased as 100% here. moving on to satellite radio, xm sky dot and take any satellite radar and you can listen to a tune from the thousands of different stations and you push the button and it will store the tune title when you hook it up to your computer, you can buy the tune directly. and it's very easy to hook up. iplugs in and that's what it looks like. it plugs into your car lighter and flexible. and if you can put your ipod in, tough will fit. >> and what does that cost? >> $119. >> not bad. >> gps, there are differences. the software that tells the mapping how to work, tom-tom the most popular based on sales and what is cool about the 140 s tells you when to turn so you don't look at it and it takes that safety factor into account. it gives you the routing based on the fastest traveling time so it will avoid areas during the day that causes more time. >> time. and that's $150. and another application for your iphone and you have the option of getting this docking station to turn your iphone into a gps. >> and moving on. >> i love these but the s 730 wireless picture frame because it's cord-free. and it also has a calendar, it has work as a clock radio, had has speaks and will play video and has an internal memory that holds 8,000 pictures. >> wow. very nice. and you can hang that on the wall or set it on the desk. >> that's what the holes are there and you can hang something on the wall without the cord dangling >> and david, a pleasure. and allison, how well do you know me? which one do you want me to buy you for christmas? >> the digital frame. >> the correct answer is the digital photo frame. >> the winner. i get to give you that. >> thank you very much. i appreciate that. she's a daytime favorite and this morning she's talking to us live. i get the pleasure to talk with susan lucci about a holiday special. and an american idol alum, carry underwood is putting one gether of her own. we're talking about a special here. it's a star-studded event. when and where you can see this coming up next. 'syo dd p] for the first time in 80 years, the hollywood christmas parade will air nationally as a two-hour television prime time event on my network tv. they include elaborate floats, bands and equestrians and celebrities. an one of those celebrities is the grand marshall. we are talking about the beautiful susan lucci and she joins us live from new york this morning. it's a pleasure to talk to you. good morning. >> good morning, allison. >> we're looking so forward to seeing this parade now televised and you must be tickled pink to be the grand marshall and you certainly deserve this honor. >> oh, thank you so much. i really did el like it was a very big honor. i was very flattered to be invited. the being the grand marshall of the hollywood christmas parade is everything you think it would be. red carpet downollywood boulevard, lots of lights, big balloons, beautiful floats and great entertainment. it should be a lot of fun to watch. i'm so glad they're televising it so everybody can see what i saw. >> and it's second only to the macy's parade and we're talking about 125 celebrities with a stage screen, 14 bands, all award winning bands, floats and the huge balloons and of course the man himself, santa claus. you're missing nothing here. >> exactly. missing nothing and 2 million people lining the streets, shouting merry christmas. it was a very, very fun and beautiful event. >> and some of the performers too, too many to name here of course, but ace young who we love here at fox, money american idol alum and brian mcknight and the magic of cirque du soleil. so a different feel from what you might see at the macy's parade. this one stands alone. >> exactly. which is wonderful because now we have something extra to watch that helps us celebrate the holidays. and it will be on next thursday on december 10th from -- well eastern time from 8:00 to 10:00 and again on christmas eve from 8:00 to 10:00 on prime time on my network. >> and here that is my 20. and there is nothing like watching that parade to get you inhe mood there. and we have to talk about this little bit too. this was in hollywood and you're about to make a big move yourself with the iconic character erica cain from all my children and the show moving out to l.a. so what do you think about that? it's kind of a big move. >> it's a big, big move. all my children is going to be starting production in l.a. on january 4th. and i'm going to be commuting. new york is my home. i'll work in l.a. and everybody will work it out a different way but it is a huge move. and i think it was a very gracious, a gesture of welcome from the hollywood christmas parade to invite me from new york to be their grand marshall and welcome all my children to hollywood. and we look forward to some new experiences. although we're all basically new yorkers and we're going to miss home, but we look forward to some new experiences in l.a., and also can't let you go without letting the folks know, you're a very busy lady of course and one thing we always say is, you just look so gorgeous and a big part of that is fitness and you're launching a new fitness line that i'm sure people are going to be tuning in to see and to buy. >> oh, thank you so much. yes, i have the malibu pilates chair and tones and strengthens the core and got me ready for dancing with the stars. and this is a big launch of the athletic apparel that i wear and i partnered with filla, the italian company and we're going to premier this on hsn on december 9th and 10th and you'll get to see this great new athletic wear and it feels good on and it stretches the right way and it feels so good to the touch, that you could wear it around doing your errands on a regular basis and very figure flatting. >> i'll do the pill ats first and then try to wear those out to the grocery store. is that okay. [ laughter ] >> absolutely. >> just to ma sure. >> it has a very cute jacket cover-up too. >> susan lucci, thank you so much for taking time to talk with us today and we look forward twatching the parade when it airs on my 20. thank you so much. >> thank you. >> and again you can catch the 2009 hollywood christmas parade on my 20 next thursday, december 10th at 8:00 p.m. our time. you can also catch an encore presentation on christmas eve at 8:00 p.m. and carrie underwood is ready for the holidays with her two-hour holiday special. the season four winner just wrapped up filming carrie underwood, an all-star special. she worked dolly parton, brad paisley and you can catch carrie monday december 7th, next monday right here on fox 5. >> dreams really do come true, don't they? the hollywood spirit is spreading countrywide. up next we'll head to new york to check out the rockefeller christmas trees. that's okay, the one they have in new york. this is the one we're talking about here in washington. and they're getting ready for the national christmas tree. holly is live there next and we're back in a moment. don't go anywhere. still tired of morning coming in the middle of the night? rooster crow. still tired the next day too? when you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, remember 2-layer ambien cr. the first layer helps you fall asleep quickly. and unlike other sleep aids, a second helps you stay asleep. when taking ambien cr, don't drive or operate machinery. sleepwalking, and eating or driving while not fully awake with memory loss for the event as well as abnormal behaviors such as being more outgoing or aggressive than normal, confusion, agitation and halluciations may occur. don't take it with alcohol as it may increase these behaviors. allergic reactions such as shortness of breath, swelling of your tongue or throat may occur and in rare cases may be fatal. side effects may include next-day drowsiness, dizziness, and headache. in patients with depression, worsening of depression, including risk of suicide may occur. if you experience any of these behaviors or reactions contact your doctor immediately. wake up ready for your day. ask your healthcare provider for 2-layer ambien cr. ( children giggling ) sometimes, if you wish hard enough, you get exactly what you want for christmas. welcome to christmas town -- a busch gardens celebration. tickets available now at christmastown.com jordan sparks, sheryl crow and hip-hop artist common are among the acts you'll see tonight. >> and you're for getting somebody. holly morris. she's already there. >> good morning. >> reporter: good morning. and i tell you, the easter egg roll is going to be great today. that's what i feel like. i feel like its springtime and we should be covering that event instead of the christmas tree lighting. and came over here and searched out puerto rico's tree because the sun is shining bright and the rehearsals are going off without a hitch. and this is going to be a part of something memorable. bill line has been a part of this for a long time. you've seen a lot of christmas tree lighting ceremonies. how do you think today is going so far? >> perfectly. from a weather standpoint, we're used to having rain and sleet and freezing snow and usually about 35-degrees cooler than what it is this morning so you couldn't do any better weather wise. >> mother nature clearly a big fan of the tree lighting ceremony. >> absolutely. and my complements to sue palka. >> reporter: and she'll probably be down here tonight. and this is really just the kickoff of a month--long celebration. >> and tonight is the way that washington ushers in the holiday season. this is the big bang to get it going, but every single night except for december 24th and 25th, there are choirs, boy scout, girl scout, church choirs that will come and sing on the stage here. and it's a win, which anybody that can't make it today, can come on down and listen and get in the holiday spirit. and we'll have some hot chocolate for people in the evening. >> we're going to have pretty drinks with umbrellas today is what you need. and this is the 16th year for the trains as well that people can come and see. >> absolutely. the trains are part of the lighting of the national christmas tree. what is especially my feeling is the best about them, you see a 3 or 4-ear-old kid coming and wanting to get in there and wanting to reach and grab and the excitement, the smile and the expression on their faces is just magical and that adds to the atmosphere. >> reporter: and one thing i've done every year is searching from your tree. i'm from ohio so i search for the ohio tree and my husband is from texas so we search for that tree. there is 56 trees here in all. how does that work. how do you make all of this happen? >> ll there is a tree farm in north carolina that is kind enough to donate the 56 smaller trees, one for each of the 50 states and one for the district of columbia and one for the five tres territories and the globes are created by a adult education group or girl or boy scout troop in each of the respective states. there is much coordination that goes on throughout the whole rest of the year so you're contacting people in each of the 56 of the states and so that these ornaments are made and shipped in on time and on the trees on time. they have to be put in the globes so they aren't destroyed by the weather. >> reporter: the harsh weather that we're having. are these new signs. >> these are new signs e. i thought they looked new. it makes it easier to find. and then lastly, i wanted to ask about the tree because you have to care for this tree and this tree has been here since 1978. >> correct. >> reporter: so what does it take to make sure the tree is here next year and even bigger and better? >> we have train horticulturists who have masters degrees and a person with a ph.d. in tree science. and noonly this tree but trees such as the cherry blossoms on the tidal basin, they take care of the trees. they are looking for any sort of insect infestation, any sort of fungus growth, if they find it to treat that and to extend the longevity of the tree. we believe the tree will be here for a number of years, we're specially ground of the fact that it's an in ground living tree and it's always here. and the other thing from a green standpoint, this is the first year where all of the lights on the tree are led light low emitting diodes. the bottom line is compared with just two years ago, the amount of electricity used is now 90% less electricity this year than what it was just two years ago. >> reporter: thank you, bill. you're always a part of my holiday. have a wonderful christmas. if year not careful, we might see a cherry blossom here it's so warm. come on out and see it and tonight we'll have the tree lighting ceremony with sue palka. we'll have more here on fox 5 morning news when we come back. stay with us. 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