May 2007 - Posts
What we're planning for tomorrow's show:
Inside the Clinton Marriage
They could be the first couple in American politics to each serve as President. Tomorrow, we'll take a look inside the Clinton marriage. We have an exclusive interview with author Carl Bernstein about his new book "The Woman in Charge: The Life of Hillary Rodham Clinton".
Should You Buy Wedding Insurance?
A fire at the reception location.... A hurricane.... Or even cold feet. Each could put an unhappy end to the wedding planning. We'll tell you about wedding insurance tomorrow and if it can protect you from a last minute wedding disaster.
Other Stories on Tomorrow's Show:
- Google Maps: A Little Too Up Close & Personal?
- If Jesus Were Alive, Where Would He Shop?
- Country Superstars Big & Rich
We'll keep you posted if anything changes. Otherwise, see you in the morning.
(Want to know more about what we have coming up Tomorrow on Today? Text message TODAY to 46833)
(From Melissa Dunlop, TODAY Associate Producer)
Behind-the-scenes of behind-the-scenes . . .
I spent Monday and Tuesday in New Hampshire following Senator Obama’s and Governor Romney’s campaigns for our Today on the Trail series. WATCH VIDEO Both days were exciting, sometimes chaotic and overall, exhausting!
A few observations:
CONTINUED >>
Here's the first crack at tomorrow's rundown:
Latest TB Scare
The tuberculosis patient that traveled through Europe and on two trans-continental flights has been identified as 31-year-old Andrew Speaker. This morning he was transported to Denver's National Jewish Medical Research Center for treatment. Peter Alexander will bring us all the details on this story from Denver tomorrow.
The Search for Maddy
It has been almost a month since little Madeleine McCann disappeared from her family's hotel room in Portugal. Madeleine's parents are still holding onto hope while the search for their little girl continues. After meeting with the Pope this week, Kate and Gerry McCann will join us for an exclusive interview tomorrow.
W-I-N-N-E-R
Usprache... a noun meaning "a parent language, especially one reconstructed from the evidence of later languages." That was the winning word for last year's Scripps Howard Spelling Bee Champion. What will the winning word be this year? And who will be the lucky winner? We'll have the results for you tomorrow.
Check back later to see which stories stick, which move and which get shelved for a later day.
(From Amy Robach)
It's a pretty incredible experience co-hosting the 9am hour on TODAY! Hanging out with people like Matt Lauer, Ann Curry, Al Roker, and Tiki Barber is cool in and of itself, but today I was able to meet one of my childhood idols!
The legendary coach of Nadia Comaneci, Bela Karolyi, was at TODAY with his new team of aspiring Olympic gymnasts. WATCH VIDEO I was a competitive gymnast for 7 years of my life and Bela was the ultimate mentor. I competed in the 1980's in both Missouri and Georgia and went to the Atlanta School of Gymnastics for a period of time. When I was 14 I finally came to the realization I wasn't Olympic material; I was too tall, and just not good enough to make it to the next level. But I never regretted my years in the gym.
I talked with Bela today about how fantastic gymnastics can be for young girls. Gymnastics gave me physical and mental discipline at a very early age. I learned the spirit of competition and the importance of teamwork. I learned how to get back up from nasty falls on the beam, stumbles during my floor exercise and a pretty major crash into the vault! It was so great to see a man who has spent the majority of his life helping young women succeed, still at it and inspiring others. My four year old daughter has already fallen in love with gymnastics after taking a few classes, and when I watch her little body learning all it can do, it brings a big smile to my face.
(Photo by Eric Jackson)
This morning, we ran a story on Augusta and Randy Roman, a divorced couple that -- when they were married -- had planned to conceive a child through in-vitro fertilization.
But divorce complicated their plans and brought about a legal and ethical issue -- what should be done with frozen embryos after a couple gets divorced?
Augusta, her lawyer, and Randy's lawyer also joined Meredith for a live interview this morning. WATCH VIDEO
Doctors had retrieved 13 eggs from Augusta's ovaries, and six had been fertilized with Randy's sperm. But just hours before the embryos were to be implanted into Augusta's womb, Randy got cold feet. He canceled the procedure, and the embryos were frozen while the couple underwent counseling.
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What we're planning for tomorrow's show:
Bumpy Summer for Airline Passengers?
So many of us can't wait to take off for summer vacation, but will our plans be slowed by turbulent airlines? TODAY Travel Editor Peter Greenberg will tell us tomorrow what passengers can expect at the airport.
- Other Stories on Tomorrow's Show:
- Latest on the TB Scare
- American Idol winner Jordin Sparks & Runner-up Blake Lewis
We'll keep you posted if anything changes. Otherwise, see you in the morning.
(Want to know more about what we have coming up Tomorrow on Today? Text message TODAY to 46833)
Here's the first crack at tomorrow's rundown:
Conservatives Calling
Reports today indicated that Law & Order star Fred Thompson is preparing a White House run. An announcement is not expected until July, but insiders say Thompson will form a committee to begin raising money and hiring staff. Tomorrow we'll take a look at how Thompson's possible candidacy will impact the race.
Pen Pal with the Queen
One British boy's desire to find a friend with the help of a helium balloon found him one unexpected recipient. Find out tomorrow how this boy became pen pals with the Queen!
Staging Your Home: The Big Finish
Don't miss real estate guru Barbara Corcoran's final challenge. We'll show you what a difference $5,000 can make.
Check back later to see which stories stick, which move and which get shelved for a later day.
This morning Elisabeth and Andrew Shue came by to talk about their new movie, "Gracie". WATCH VIDEO. I caught up with them in their dressing room to ask a little bit more about making the movie:
Q: How was it working with a sibling on a movie?
Elisabeth: Um, (laughs) I would say that it was - most of the time it was really really fun. There were times we were back at the dinner table (laughs) fighting it out like we did as kids...but we all really fought hard for the parts of the film we really believed in, and I think that's why the movie is as good at it is, because we had people who were all very passionately fighting for what they cared about.
CONTINUED >>
What we're planning for tomorrow's show:
Rare Form of TB
For the first time since 1963 the U.S. government has placed a man in quarantine. A man traveled on two trans-continental flights this month possibly exposing other passengers and crew members to a rare and dangerous form of tuberculosis. Tomorrow we'll tell you where this man traveled and what the CDC is doing to protect the public.
Search for Maddy
The parents of Madeleine McCann arrived in Rome today for a meeting with the Pope more than three weeks after their daughter went missing from their Portuguese hotel room. Tomorrow we'll bring you the latest on this story. We'll also speak to Marc Klaas and Dr. Gail Saltz about what you can do to keep your children safe on vacation.
Other Stories on Tomorrow's Show:
- What if Lindsay Lohan Wasn't a Celebrity?
- Lou Manfredini Tells Us How To Get Greener Lawns
We'll keep you posted if anything changes. Otherwise, see you in the morning.
(Want to know more about what we have coming up Tomorrow on Today? Text message TODAY to 46833)
Here's the first crack at tomorrow's rundown:
Today on the Trail with Mitt Romney
What's a day like on the campaign trail for Mitt Romney? We'll show you tomorrow. Matt is spending the day today with the Republican candidate.
Miss USA Booed at Miss Universe Pageant
Was it in response to the immigration bill that the U.S. Congress recently passed? Or was it a global showing of anti-American sentiment? Tomorrow we'll take a look at why Miss USA was booed during the Miss Universe Pageant.
Pediatrician or Grown-up Doctor
How is a parent to know it's time for a child to move on from his or her pediatrician? Tomorrow on the show, Dr. Nancy Snyderman will explain the different stages of your child's medical care.
Check back later to see which stories stick, which move and which get shelved for a later day.
(From Sarah Clagett, TODAY Producer)
As I was breathing the exhaust fumes inside the Lincoln Tunnel waiting for AAA to come change my flat tire on my way back from a long day shooting an open house, I thought about the all things I go through for my job. For example painting a stranger's home to help viewers learn how to sell theirs. This is where my latest work adventure ended.
Generally speaking, as a professional journalist, I adhere to the ethos that I shall never stage any event, as this goes against the most basic principles of journalism. But my latest project was a bit of an exception, and in fact, everything was completely “staged”, since this concept is best defined as "working to improve one's house to maximize the value ahead of a potential buyer's offer."
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Actress Debra Messing stopped by the studio this morning to discuss her latest project "The Starter Wife," a television adaptation of the popular book. (WATCH VIDEO) After her segment, she stuck around to answer a few questions about "Will & Grace" and her new project:
Q: How much are you keeping in touch with your "Will & Grace" castmates at this point?
Debra: Well, I've been out of the country for many months, so e-mail has been our main source of communicating. Everyone is traveling all over the place, so that's the way we're able to keep up with each other.
CONTINUED >>
Actors Katherine Heigl and Seth Rogan started their Memorial Day early with us, promoting their new film "Knocked Up." WATCH VIDEO. After the cameras wrapped, they chatted some more with me for the blog.
Q: The movie is getting great reviews... it's being called this summer's "Wedding Crashers" or "40 Year Old Virgin." How does that kind of advanced buzz make you guys feel?
Katherine: It feels pretty good!
Seth: It makes me angry!! [laughs]
Katherine: Well there's a lot of pressure I think. Because you're just always afraid that if it's built up so much, then what if it doesn't do what everyone expects it to do.
Seth: Yeah that's true. I hadn't even thought of that until right now. That sucks. Why'd you say that? I felt no pressure before! [Katherine and Seth laughing]
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Here's what we're looking at for this weekend:
Memorial Day Weekend
The mad dash is on as many Americans plan to take advantage of the long Memorial Day weekend. Tomorrow on the show, we'll look at the state of travel across the county, the record high gas prices and the drought conditions in the southeast as summer unofficially starts!
Rosie Not Returning
After a fiery sparring on Wednesday's show, ABC and Disney announced today that Rosie O'Donnell will not return to "The View." The news comes three weeks before her contract was scheduled to end. Tomorrow on the show, we'll tell you why Rosie couldn't wait until the end.
Wayward Whales
For more than two weeks marine biologists have been trying to coax a mother whale and her baby back to the ocean. The two got lost as they migrated north and traveled 90 miles inland towards the port of Sacramento. We'll have an update on their status this weekend.
Don't Miss This on Weekend TODAY:
- Sat: Drugstore Doctors: Is it good medicine?
- Sat: National Hamburger Month
- Sun: Vice President Cheney Speaks at West Point
- Sun: Prepping Your Pet for Summer
We'll keep you posted if anything changes. Otherwise, see you in the morning.
(Want to know more about what we have coming up Tomorrow on Today? Text message TODAY to 46833)
(From Alicia Ybarbo, TODAY Producer)
My job continues to teach me things I never knew before. As a producer, one moment I'm picking out belts and shoes for a fashion show and the next I'm writing up interviews with major politicians and war experts. What helps me get through the more challenging segments is my ability to "brush up" on the subjects that I really know little to nothing about. (Nothing a quick call to the research library for some current articles on the subject can't fix.)
In the end, I always manage to pull through the more difficult segments, not letting on that I had to take a crash-course in whatever the topic was. That is, until recently, when I got a big wake-up call reminding me how little I know about science... where no amount of articles from the research library (nada, zilch, zippo) were going to help.
I went to interview a group of high school students from Buffalo, NY, who were on their way to the National Science Bowl in Washington D.C. as the first ever all-girl team. The "Fabulous Five," more formally known as Buffalo Prep, are successful, well-rounded sophomores, juniors and seniors. This was their first time to the Science Bowl, which is a national challenge between 60-something high school teams from across the country, who compete in a Jeopardy-style science challenge.
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We always like to say that our show has a little something for everyone, and our 8:30 half-hour this morning was a prime example, at least speaking from a generational perspective. First, our resident gadget guru Paul Hochman was by to talk about some cool gifts for graduates. Throughout the segment, just for fun, we had various facts about the Class of 2007 flashing across the screen, to illustrate the age in which they grew up. Some of those factoids:
-The Class of 2007 has never driven a Datsun
-The Class of 2007 has only known unleaded gas
-The Class of 2007 has always been able to fit computers in their backpacks
Immediately after we finished discussing some highly technological gadgets such as a portable 
satellite TV system and a pair of sunglasses with a built-in MP3 player (awesome!), we brought you a concert by BLONDIE. The first song they performed was "Call Me," which was made famous in the film "American Gigolo." WATCH VIDEO That film was released in 1980, at which point the college graduates of 2007 were still about 5 years away from being conceived. Then 21-year-old new music sensation Lily Allen joined the band for a performance. WATCH VIDEO 33 years after getting together, Blondie is still rocking it. And I'll bet that they could teach the class of 2007 a thing or two about driving a Datsun.
What we're planning for tomorrow's show:
New Home Sales Up
Numbers were released this morning showing sales of new homes surged in April. Tomorrow we'll tell you what impact this will have on the economy.
No Toothpaste from China
Where does your toothpaste come from? If it comes from China beware. We'll tell you tomorrow why the FDA is halting toothpaste imports from China.
Don't Miss This Tomorrow:
- Fast Food Solution to Fueling Cars
- Doggie DNA: How do you know your dog's breed?
We'll keep you posted if anything changes. Otherwise, see you in the morning.
(Want to know more about what we have coming up Tomorrow on Today? Text message TODAY to 46833)
Here's the first crack at tomorrow's rundown:
Iraq Funding Bill
This morning, the President held a news conference where he said he supports the $120 billion war bill compromise. President Bush also said this summer will be a "critical" time in Iraq. Tomorrow we'll tell you about this new bill and what it means for the War in Iraq.
On The Move
Are you heading out for the holiday weekend? You've got to watch this segment. We'll tell you what you can expect on the road, in the air and on the rails.
Check back later to see which stories stick, which move and which get shelved for a later day.
In case you missed any of our Locks of Love extravaganza today, you can catch up with these videos:
Meredith and Ann with Alisa, Olivia and Hannah Sobchak. WATCH VIDEO
Matt with Darwin Hurst and Adam Groff. WATCH VIDEO
Al with Donna Lutz. WATCH VIDEO
Here's a look at some before and after photos:
Meredith and Ann visiting with Alisa, Olivia and Hannah Sobchak "before"...
CONTINUED >>
This morning, Meredith spoke with Frieda Birnbaum, the 60-year-old New Jersey woman who gave birth to twins boys on Tuesday. WATCH VIDEO
Birnbaum now has five children with her husband, Ken. In addition to the twins, they have a 33-year-old son, a 28-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son. The three youngest children were all conceived by in-vitro fertilization.
Birnbaum told Meredith that she hopes to be a role model for other middle-aged women, showing them that they have more choices than commonly believed.
CONTINUED >>
(From Samantha Vallejera)
Samantha Vallejera joined us this morning to share her experience of living with alopecia areata, an autoimmune skin disease resulting in the loss of hair, and how Locks of Love has changed her life. Here, Samantha, 15, speaks in her own words...
When I first lost my hair 6 years ago, other kids would tease or bully me because I was different and it really hurt me. I think that when we were little, kids judged people by their appearances. We don't realize that even though my appearance is different, I was still the same person I always was. I lost my confidence and self esteem. When I got my hair prosthesis from Locks of Love, it really changed my feelings and I was able to regain my confidence and self esteem. Now that I am in high school, I don't want what happened to me in the elementary school. I am older now and know that I'm the same person. I would like to be judged for who I am. I am very grateful and thankful to Locks of Love for their awesome services rendered to teenagers like me.
When we first got the call from Madonna, the president of Locks of Love, for me to be on The Today Show, I was really excited. I was just thinking "Oh my god! I'm going to be on TV!" My experience at the NBC studio was a once in a lifetime, memorable experience. In the beginning I really didn't know what to expect. I was just so excited and anxious about what I was going to say and do. But once we started taping, I relaxed and I felt more confident. And now I really can't wait for Thursday, when I'll be on live television. That's another experience I'm really looking forward to. I just want to go through with it. I think it's a once in a lifetime opportunity that I'll never be able to have again, a chance to show people who I am and gain confidence despite my condition.
What we're planning for tomorrow's show:
The Latest "View" Feud
Did you catch the fight between Rosie and Elizabeth on The View this morning? What was it that set these two co-hosts off? Tune in tomorrow. We'll tell you what did it.
Don't Miss This Tomorrow:
- Part 2 of Ann's Interview with Angelina Jolie
- Locks of Love Plaza Blowout
- Sporty Fashion with Bobbie Thomas
We'll keep you posted if anything changes. Otherwise, see you in the morning.
(Want to know more about what we have coming up Tomorrow on Today? Text message TODAY to 46833)
(From Jay Blackman, NBC News Producer)
In a small Connecticut town, tucked away in the dowtown area, we found a Different kind of beauty salon with two very special stylists who to try to live up to the name of their salon Miracles and Beyond and many of their special customers would say they do. WATCH VIDEO
In a small private setting in the back of the salon, away from the normal cut and color services all salons offer, Sisters Lisa Dlugos (a cancer survivor herself) and Joyce Peterson cater their hair care services to women who are fighting cancer, trying to give them back some of the femininity that the disease takes away. Whether it is helping them choose the right wig or tips on using makeup to camouflage chemotherapy's awful effects, the sisters are there, with their bright smiles and comforting hugs. CONTINUED >>
(From Eric Hill, TODAY Production Associate)
I came to NBC and TODAY as a child of television and trivia. It started with
such useful facts as the name of the dog on “Petticoat Junction” (it’s “Dog”, really!).
That curiosity expanded to current events, politics and issues that touch our daily lives.
This show brings an incredible array of stories and information on a vast number of topics on a daily basis. While working at our various posts during air it is sometimes difficult to pick up on all the information our guests have to offer. I have taken the opportunity after the show to read some of the research and notes prepared for individual segments. In doing so I have picked up nuggets of information that have expanded my knowledge, ever so slightly, in a variety of subjects. The practical use of this was never more important to me than on a day last September.
CONTINUED >>
Here's the first crack at tomorrow's rundown:
Declassified Information on Bin Laden
This morning in a speech to the U.S. Coast Guard graduating class President Bush asserted that "Osama Bin Laden calls the struggle in Iraq a 'war of destiny.' Tuesday the White House declassified intelligence that showed Bin Laden ordered al Qaeda operatives to establish cells in Iraq to carry out attacks in the United States. We'll have this full story for you tomorrow.
Memorial Day Travel
Drivers can already expect high gas prices this weekend as they head out for the long weekend. But how do the airways, byways and highways look for the weekend travel? We'll have a traffic outlook for the Memorial Day weekend.
How Old Is Too Old to Give Birth?
Is 60 too old? Not for one New Jersey woman who gave birth to not only one, but two baby boys yesterday. But what do her 33-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter think? We'll tell you tomorrow.
Check back later to see which stories stick, which move and which get shelved for a later day.
Zoey Beda answers that question with "seven inches". Today seven-year-old Zoey showed up with her very excited family to our greenroom for a quick spot on her special skill: rollerskating limbo. WATCH VIDEO.
Needless to say, the control room was buzzing, cameras were flashing and stage managers were laughing at the amazing spectacle. Zoey's parents were pacing around before the segment began, making sure she stayed warm before her performance and handing out her business cards (yes, business cards). I have to mention Zoey's brother Jacob too, because he should be in the running for brother of the year; he was under the weather this morning but posed for a family photo and joined the crowd on the plaza to cheer his little sister on.
I also heard from Matt Zimmerman, a member of our booking team, that this was a competitive booking - we managed to call Zoey first and snag her for our show before other shows had a chance! With all of the attention and excitement, I was able to catch Zoey in the greenroom to ask about her life as a seven-year-old Roller Limbo Princess:
CONTINUED >>
What we're planning for tomorrow's show:
No Period Pills
No bloating. No cramps. No migraines. No period. Sounds nice. But is it safe? Tomorrow Dr. Nancy Snyderman will tell us about the first birth control pill approved by the FDA that would end periods for women.
What Else in on Deck for Tomorrow:
- Interview with John Edwards
- Soaring Gas Prices
- Martha Stewart Gets Us Ready for Memorial Day BBQ's
We had a shuffle
Our political spot on candidates' spouses will not air tomorrow. Instead we'll look at the agreement reached on the Iraq funding bill.
We'll keep you posted if anything changes. Otherwise, see you in the morning.
(Want to know more about what we have coming up Tomorrow on Today? Text message TODAY to 46833)
Here's the first crack at tomorrow's rundown:
'08 Spouses
A former president, a cancer survivor and a former nurse ready to advise on healthcare issues. These are the shining stars of the '08 race. And they're not even running. Tomorrow we'll take a look at the spouses of the 2008 candidates.
Ann's Interview with Angelina and Brad
Are there any bigger movie stars? Tomorrow we'll bring you Ann's exclusive interview with Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt.
Plane Etiquette
Should you say something about the crying baby? Or ask the person to throw out their nauseating smelly food? Or how about sharing an armrest? Tomorrow Peter Greenberg will lay out the rules of airline etiquette for us.
Check back later to see which stories stick, which move and which get shelved for a later day.
(From Bob Dotson, NBC News National Correspondent)
History is a sly dog most of the time. It manufactures its most interesting moments in strange, secret places. Take This week's American Story with Bob Dotson. We found a man who might today be the Emperor of Russia, it's Czar, if the Communists hadn't taken over in 1918. He lives not in a castle, but in small coastal town in northern California. WATCH VIDEO Andrew Romanoff, now 84, came to this country with eight hundred dollars in his pocket. Earned a living as an artist. No, not creating Faberge' Eggs. Shrinky Dinks. That's right. Those plastic squares on which kids love to paint. He's quite good.
Art replaced Romanoff's dreams of a kingdom, long ago.
CONTINUED >>
We continued our discussion of "helicopter parents" today looking at parents involved in their child's career. WATCH VIDEO. It was intriguing to me because I am part of Gen Y and see a range of parenting in my group of friends alone. How much is too much in terms of parental involvement? I know I found the transition out of college to be more challenging and rewarding than the transition into college from high school. A lot of the challenge was facing decisions about "real life" outside of the college bubble. What is a 401k, what benefits package do I want, how do I negotiate a salary? It is a lot of responsibility compared to choosing which lab science can help fulfill a graduation requirement.
Michele Borba presented a guideline for parents of kids entering the workforce for the first time: "Never do for your child what your child can do for himself." It can definitely be frustrating when something happens in the workplace and I just want an easy answer, but it has been valuable to struggle through some of the questions I've had without the quick fix of my parents.
Al mentioned that he occasionally finds himself to be a helicopter parent, so I caught up with him to ask a few follow-up questions after the segment:
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What we're planning for tomorrow's show:
GOP & Social Issues
What role will social issues play in the 2008 election for the Republicans? We'll take a look tomorrow and we'll have Tim Russert break it all down.
The Latest in Undergarments
Whether they're for slimming, tucking or just pure fun, all ladies think about their undergarments before they put on their clothes. Stacy London will be here tomorrow to tell us the latest fashions and tricks in undies!
Other Stories We're Working on for Tomorrow:
- Fast Food Solution to Fueling Cars
Shuffled Back In
A couple weeks ago we shuffled out a story about how foods may help your eyesight. That story has found its way back into tomorrow's rundown. Tune in to see if carrots really do the trick!
We'll keep you posted if anything changes. Otherwise, see you in the morning.
During his visit to "The Little House on the Prairie," Lester Holt got a chance to ask cast members questions submitted by viewers.
Will there be a "Little House" reunion? What did the actors take from the set and what did they leave behind?
Watch and find out.
Here's the first crack at tomorrow's rundown:
Conflict in Lebanon
This morning, mortar attacks continued in Tripoli, Lebanon as the Lebanese army attacked a Palestinian refugee camp linked to al Qaeda. On Sunday, at least 50 people were killed in the camp. Tomorrow we'll tell you what caused this conflict.
Today at the Pump
Memorial Day is almost here and many families have plans to hit the road to get away for the long weekend. In the last two weeks we've seen an 18 cent increase in the price of gas. What can motorists expect to see this weekend? We'll tell you tomorrow.
Hotel Goodies
Can you take shampoo from a hotel? Sure. How about the sewing kit? Why not. But the writing desk? Maybe not. Tomorrow Peter Greenberg will give us the 411 on what you can take from your hotel room. And yes, people really have tried to take the furniture.
Check back later to see which stories stick, which move and which get shelved for a later day.
Boxer, grill-guru, and spiritual preacher George Foreman stopped by this morning to talk about his new book. WATCH VIDEO. This book is very different from his previous autobiography. This one focuses on his spiritual life and work as a preacher. He gave me a few minutes in the green room before he went into the studio to chat.
Q: Why did you come out with this book now? It's so different from your last one.
Foreman: You know I travel. I can be heavyweight champion of the world. I did an autobiography, and all kinds of books. And people are still meeting me in the market when I do signings and saying "I didn't know you were a preacher." I say "you didn't know that?" They know I recaptured the title, and I'm famous for the grill. But I had to make certain that people knew about my evangelistic work. And this book was to express my journey, my spiritual journey, so that once and for all people understand what I do.
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Chris "Ludacris" Bridges was on our show this morning to talk about his guest-starring role on tomorrow night's episode of "Law & Order: SVU." WATCH VIDEO. After his interview, he hung around in his dressing room for a quick Q&A for the web.
Q: You've broken into film and television. You've been in critically-acclaimed films and now a critically-acclaimed TV show. How does that feel? How do you like acting?
Bridges: Man it feels great to know that if one of the things I'm doing I get tired of, I'll have something else to fall back on. It just feels good to be so multi-faceted and just knowing that I'm gifted in a different area that I had no idea I was gifted in... until I tried it out and people liked it.
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(From Lynn Berry, TODAY Producer)
Many of us here at TODAY have a "beat". Whether it's hard news, fashion, politics, or cooking demos, we become mini "experts" on the topics. So much research goes into producing, and in the end you learn a tremendous amount about each story. My beat is security. I've done a lot of segments on scams, safety and security concerns. Basically, it's made me paranoid. Even my editors say they've gotten paper shredders or secure wireless devices because of the segments we've worked on, and I've done the same. Whether it's how to negotiate the price on a new car or how to protect myself when walking alone at night, I've learned a lot and hope people at home have gotten something out of it as well.
This week we're working on Airport Crimes. Today’s segment is about a scam many people have never given much thought to. When you check-in your luggage, how do you know if someone's taken items from the bag during transport, and do you check when it arrives on the other end? I never open my bag at the airport...I wait until I get home to unpack. What power do I have if I'm not at the airport to report the crime?
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(From David Gelles, TODAY Producer)
When Jerry Falwell died suddenly on Tuesday, I realized I had produced NBC’s last interview with him.
Two months ago, Andrea Mitchell and I started working on a story about the role of evangelicals in the 2008 presidential race.
I made some calls and set up some interviews. One of the first to call me back was Jerry Falwell.
On the morning of March 16th, Andrea interviewed him from a satellite uplink studio in Lynchberg, VA on the Liberty University campus. Andrea was in her office in Washington asking the questions over the phone.
Unfortunately, the interview never aired. In the weeks that followed, other stories: Iraq, Imus, Virginia Tech took our attention away.
The wide ranging conversation lasted only about 15 minutes, but Falwell offered his typical no holds barred opinions on the current Republican field.
“I have my finger on the evangelical pulse as well as anyone - there is no head-and-shoulders-above fella at all.” he said.
Falwell said that the faith of former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, who is a Mormon, should not be a concern for voters.
“We are not electing a Sunday school teacher but a president,” Falwell said. “And all of our past presidents - very few of them were Baptists - Bill Clinton was and he wasn't a very good one.”
Falwell predicted that Rudy Giulaini would have a tough time winning over religious conservatives calling Giuliani’s personal life “terrific baggage”
Though it was still early in the campaign, Falwell worried that the Republican party was suffering from a “malaise.” Still he knew there was one candidate in the race he’d never vote for.
“I have an ABC position,” he said. “Anybody But Clinton."
Falwell was a master of the television sound bite. Whether you loved him or hated him, his words always found a way into the political debate. On Tuesday, he managed to have the final word.
Portions of Falwell’s interview aired in Kevin Corke’s TODAY report on Wednesday morning and Bob Faw’s Nightly News report.
(From Sandy Rivera, TODAY Booking Producer)
Hello, my name is Sandy Rivera, and I am a Booking Producer for NBC's Today Show. Whenever you see a guest on our show do you wonder how he or she was chosen to appear or how we got them to sit down and tell us their story? It's not as simple as it may look. I can tell you first hand it's very challenging, exciting, and competitive. The Networks are always competing for that first BIG EXCLUSIVE interview with whoever is making news at the moment. Sometimes we work on stories for months or even years and sometimes a story breaks, and within hours we have booked a guest live for the next morning.
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Here's what we're looking at for Monday on TODAY:
Decision '08: Interview with Hillary
Her every move is carefully watched. She is cautiously serving her term in the senate. The role of her husband is considered a secret weapon. Does Hillary Clinton have what it takes to be our nation's first female president? We'll have a LIVE interview with the senator in the morning.
President Carter vs. Bush Administration
The White House today responded to President Jimmy Carter calling the Bush administration "the worst in history" saying that the former President is becoming "increasingly irrelevant." Tomorrow we'll talk to President Carter LIVE and we'll get the latest on this political firestorm. We'll also hear about President Carter's annual project with Habitat for Humanity as they raise the walls on the 1,001th Habitat home built in the Gulf Coast since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit.
Search Continues for Missing Soldiers
The U.S. and Iraqi armies continued to search for three U.S. soldiers that went missing more than 8 days ago. Reports out this weekend said that the army believes that 2 of the 3 may still be alive. We'll have the very latest on this story in the morning.
What Else We're Working on for Tomorrow:
- Travel Detective: Time Share Scams
- Madelyn Fernstrom tells us about Food Addictions
We'll keep you posted if anything changes. Otherwise, see you in the morning.
(Want to know more about what we have coming up Tomorrow on Today? Text message TODAY to 46833)
Here's what we have coming on Weekend Today:
Immigration Bill
Controversy erupted on both sides of the debate as word spread about the new immigration bill passed by U.S. congress. Tomorrow on Weekend TODAY, we'll explain all the components of the proposal.
How Are Those Whales?
For the last couple of days we've had our eye on two wayward whales in the Port of Sacramento. Marine Biologists failed to lure the mother and baby whale into deeper waters today using special sonar devices. Tomorrow, we'll have an update for you.
Going Back to The Prairie
Laura... Ma & Pa...Nellie... what has happened to the cast of Little House on the Prairie? Lester Holt visited with the cast more than 20 years after the show's final season. We'll have this story on Sunday.
Don't Miss This on Weekend TODAY:
- Sat: Gearing up for the Preakness
- Sun: Today at Work- Your Wardrobe
We'll keep you posted if anything changes. Otherwise, see you in the morning.
(Want to know more about what we have coming up Tomorrow on Today? Text message TODAY to 46833)
Today on the plaza, we had a special guest -- Christopher Agostino, a New York-based artist specializing in face painting. He is the author of Transformations! and has been painting faces for the past 30 years.
He says, "A face is a living canvas," and he proved that this morning. Here are a few examples (photos by Kate Billman):
Christopher Agostino at work.
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Who's the biggest reject in the band? What's it like to meet Al Roker? And what about the danger of foot rot on tour?
The All-American Rejects tell all in this Web-exclusive interview. WATCH VIDEO
(From Lester Holt, TODAY Anchor)
The little house is gone. As is the church that doubled as a schoolhouse, and Oleson's Mercantile. And who knew the creek that "half-pint" occasionally fished in never existed at all but was rather a piece of Hollywood magic? Yet the ride up a dusty trail past the Oak tree dotted hill where little Carry Ingalls takes a tumble in the show's open left no doubt I had arrived in Walnut Grove, the home of "Little House on the Prairie."
This weekend on TODAY we're beginning a series asking "Whatever happened to?" and so this occasion was a chance to catch up with many of the cast members from the long-running series "Little House on the Prairie" -- one of the last true family-oriented primetime TV shows. Its 9-year run on NBC, based on the stories of Laura Ingalls Wilder, told the story of a frontier family as they endured the hardships of living on the Minnesota prairie. For television the prairie was actually a movie and TV ranch about 30 miles north of Los Angeles, which is where I met up with 8 of the cast members.
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(From Anthony Galloway, Burbank Bureau Producer)
I've just returned from the set of "Little House on the Prairie." I know what you're thinking - the television show went off the air more than 20 years ago (and in the final episode the people of Walnut Grove blew up the entire town.) Granted, the buildings are gone, but the prairie is still there.
Today, many of the show's cast members were there, too. They traveled back to the prairie from cities far and close for an interview with Lester Holt. Many of them hadn't seen each other or been back to the prairie since the show ended. As the interview went on, I could see in their eyes how much the prairie meant to them. It wasn't just a piece of land or a temporary set built for television. To them, this was Walnut Grove - a place where some of them grew up and others grew older.
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