July 2007 - Posts
What We're Following for Tomorrow's Show:
Positive Signs for the Big Three?
Are times looking up for U.S. automakers? Tomorrow we'll take a look at earnings for the big three American car companies.
Shuffled Back In
We told you last week about a recent study that showed commutes can have a negative impact on your health. That story has been shuffled back in. We'll have it for you tomorrow.
What else is on tomorrow's show:
- Why Do We Mate?
- Plastic Surgery & Reality Shows
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 a look at the plans for tomorrow:
Bill Calls a Truce?
He's negotiated peace deals between countries in the Middle East. Now Former President Clinton can add political campaign peacemaker to his resume. Tomorrow we'll tell you what Clinton said to try to end the spat between his wife and Sen. Barack Obama.
Sold!
It looks as if the Bancroft family has come to terms with selling Dow Jones & Co. to Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. Tomorrow we'll have the details on the deal.
Diet Myths
Are you currently on a diet? Do you think you're doing everything right when it comes to shedding the pounds? Tomorrow, nutritionist Joy Bauer will tell us all about the biggest diet myths.
Check back later to see which stories stick, which move and which get shelved for a later day.
My VCR currently resides underneath my bed. I didn't want to throw it away after I switched over to a DVD player, for fear that I would never be able to watch those beloved (read: embarassing and awkward) home videos. But if these tapes are simply sitting, gathering dust along with the VCR, will the memories really be preserved? I don't really have a record collection to speak of, but for many people that have those recordings they treasure what's the best way to ensure the music doesn't stop? This morning, Today's Technology Expert Paul Hochman offered some tips on how to preserve all those vhs tapes, records, and cassette tapes that might be gathering dust in your attic (or under your bed, as the case may be). WATCH VIDEO
Is there an outmoded form of technology that you can't bear to part with?
What We're Following for Tomorrow's Show:
Latest on the Chief Justice
Tomorrow Pete Williams will have the latest on the health of Chief Justice John Roberts. Roberts fell while at his vacation home in Maine.
Shuffled Back In
We'll bring you the story we told you about last week on end of the month cancellations for airlines.
What else is on tomorrow's show:
- The Myths About Boys
- FDA Keeps Avandia on Shelves Despite Heart Risks
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 Bob Dotson, NBC News National Correspondent)
Growing up I spent my summers in farm country - Kansas - with a grandfather who loved to tell stories. Perhaps that's why I got into the storytelling business. One day when I was 18, Grandpa Bailey told me how he impressed girls at my age. "I would put on my oldest pair of pants," he said. "The ones with pieces of cloth stitched at the knees to cover the wear." Grandpa drove his dates out into the country, pointing at prosperous farms as they passed. "That's my patch!" he exclaimed, tapping his torn pant leg beneath the dash. "That's my patch!"
At 18 my grandfather was all hat and no cattle, a kid with little money and no property. He would have loved today's American Story with Bob Dotson. WATCH VIDEO.
CONTINUED >>
Here's a look at the plans for tomorrow:
Military Arms Deal
As Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Secretary of Defense Robert Gates head out on a trip to the Middle East, the United States announced a military arms deal with certain countries. Tomorrow Jim Miklaszewski will explain the details of the military aid package.
Most Prescribed Drug in US
What is the prescription written most often in the United States? You might be surprised to hear what it is. We'll tell you which drug prescription is filled the most for Americans.
Top Medical Mistakes Parents Make
Raising a child can be an overwhelming process. Times can get even more stressful when injuries or illness hit. As a parent you never want to harm your child, but could you actually hurt your child more then help in a time of sickness? Tomorrow Dr. Nancy Snyderman will tell us the top five medical mistakes parents make.
Check back later to see which stories stick, which move and which get shelved for a later day.
Ada is back with some advice and answers to our viewers' pressing questions:
Dear Ada,
I absolutely love all of the advice segments that you do!!! Some mornings around my house revolve around different segments or if there is a lot going on I record it. So, I am coming to you for help. Can you please do a segment on dealing with overbearing mother in laws? My mother in law was a dream come true until I had my twins a year ago. Now she just drives me insane with her whiney baby talk to them (and there is 2 of them so it is double annoying), suggestions all the time and always trying to fix something. It is about to the point I will go to all costs to avoid her. My husband swears it isn't to annoy me, but I swear it is. I feel like I need a downer before she comes, but I really don't want to medicate the problem...I just want the old mother in law back!!!
-Today Viewer
We enlisted the help of parenting expert and iVillage contributor Dr. Michele Borba. Check out her strategies to deal with meddling mother-in-laws:
Hello!
I couldn't help but chuckle a bit when reading your email. I could relate to your issue. What is it about overbearing mother-in-laws and their need to offer "advice"? Here are a few tips that I hope will help you.
CONTINUED >>
As a big baseball fan, I am in the middle of a moral quandary. This morning, Matt interviewed Bob Costas to discuss Barry Bonds, and his impending breaking of Hank Aaron's all-time home run record. WATCH VIDEO. Of course, everyone knows that Bonds is under tremendous scrutiny for the allegations that he took performance-enhancing drugs, thereby tainting the record that he will soon hold. In every game, all media attention is on him, as he is only one shot away from tying the record. Bob Costas was fairly emphatic about the fact that if Bonds breaks the record in any city other than his home San Francisco, he will be met with a smattering of boos and silent protest.
So back to my moral dilemma. I love baseball, and have grown up watching professional baseball and following it all my life. And it pains me that the sport has been tainted so badly by various scandals over the past years. It seems that any record that has been broken recently exists under a cloud of suspicion. Bonds is already in the record books for single-season home runs, along with Mark McGwire, both of whom have been questioned about possible steroid use. The game has changed so much, and many argue about whether today's accomplishments belong in the same books as those of Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Roger Marris, and others. As much as I get excited when a new piece of baseball history is about to be made, it's upsetting that there will be a permanent question mark next to this era of play. For all the baseball fans out there, what side of this argument are you on? Is Bonds just a sensational athlete despite the allegations, who belongs in the record books regardless? Or is this time that we're living in a dark period in the history of sports? Will you applaud in the coming days when Bonds rounds the bases for a historic 756th time? And how do you talk to your kids about this, who look up to professional athletes?
Here's What We're Looking at for Tomorrow's Show:
Wall Street's Roller Coaster
After last week's rocky week for the markets, all eyes will be watching Monday's opening. CNBC's Erin Burnett will join us tomorrow with the coming week's financial forecast.
Travel Scams
Vacation is meant to be relaxing, but what do you do if a week of palm trees and pool time is ruined by fraud? We'll tell you tomorrow about some travel scams that can put disastrous waves into your travel plans.
Other Stories Planned for tomorrow:
- British Prime Minister Meets with Bush
- Hillary Clinton Pours Her Heart into Letters from the '60s
- Why Does Queen Elizabeth Want a BBC Documentary Banned?
- Relaxing in the Aisles: Grocery Store Spas
We'll keep you posted if anything changes. Otherwise, we'll see you in the morning.
(Want to know more about what we have coming up Tomorrow on TODAY? Text message TODAY to 46833)
(By Elliott Walker, TODAY Producer)
It seems strange now, but on September 11, 2001, I had barely heard of Harry Potter. Strange both because of how global my favorite skinny boy hero is now (I just noticed an Urdu translation for sale on Amazon); and because I love the transporting literature of fantasy enough to have re-read THE LORD OF THE RINGS at least ten times and even, in a fit of geeky teenage passion, to have taught myself to write in Elvish runes (a separate alphabet J. R. R. Tolkien invented for his trilogy).
I missed Harry Potter's first three years of published life, but after September 11, Harry came to mean a lot to me. Because I lived in downtown Manhattan, on September 11 I was one of the people who saw the first jet hit the North Tower, a few blocks away. Shortly afterwards, back in my apartment phoning in my account of the explosion to the TODAY show, I looked out my bedroom window and saw the second plane hurtling full power across New York harbor, flying low, tilted almost sideways, apparently coming right for me. When it passed over my building to pierce the South Tower, my reaction became a tiny piece of NBC News's coverage of the day.
Our 9/11 trifecta was complete when my family - my husband, our one- and two-year-old and their nanny - saw both towers fall from a nearby park and were engulfed in a storm cloud of dust and debris. Just when we thought the world was ending, we were rescued by the private gumption of a New York Waterway ferry, put ashore in New Jersey, and faced with the task of getting on with our lives.
Where does Harry come in? CONTINUED >>
Has Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling joined the House of Slytherin?
CONTINUED >>
Spoiler alert: If you haven't finished "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," you may not want to read any further.
CONTINUED >>
(From Brian Balthazar, TODAY Producer)
Who hasn’t, at least once, been entertained, or traumatized, by a ventriloquist dummy? When I was a small child, I was completely intrigued by them. I wanted one, and I wanted it badly.
CONTINUED >>
Here's what we're planning for this weekend:
Cheney's Battery Change
Last weekend it was President Bush going under for his health. This weekend it's Vice President Cheney. The VP is having a replacement battery put into his pacemaker tomorrow. John Yang will have a report for us in the morning.
Drunk in Space
Today NASA released a report from an independent panel that contained allegations that astronauts drank before missions. Tomorrow we will have more details on NASA's response in a report from Don Teague.
Big Day in Cycling
Sunday brings the end of the 104th Tour de France. Stephanie Gosk will tell us who won the coveted yellow jersey in this year's scandal-ridden tour.
Is Friday the New Saturday?
Could it be true? Is Friday the new Saturday for the work week? Well, we know it's not for the Weekend Today staff! On Sunday, we'll bring you the story about companies who are starting the weekend a little earlier for their employees.
Other Stories Planned for the Weekend:
- Sat: Latest Stock Market News
- Sat: What is Mobile Dating
- Sun: Man Bags: What's in Style?
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)
Spoiler alert: If you haven't finished reading "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" yet, put this post in your "to read later" folder!
CONTINUED >>
As soon as the seniors decided to have Meredith anchor the top of our show from the New York Stock Exchange, everyone started crossing their fingers... because the Stock Exchange is very far down in lower Manhattan, and our studio is in midtown. We wanted her back for the beginning of the 7:30 half-hour from Rockefeller Center, to then intro the next part of her JK Rowling interview. Given Manhattan traffic and live television, this was gamble. All of our overnight notes had contingency plans in case she didn't make it back in time, and our control room was monitoring her car the entire time. Well, as often happens in Manhattan, traffic got in the way and she was still several blocks across town a few seconds before 7:30. So Plan B went into effect. Lester hopped in the chair next to Matt to open the half-hour, and a commercial was moved earlier to give Meredith the commercial break to run into the studio. As soon as we heard Meredith's stage manager say "we're coming through the back door to the studio," everyone relaxed. With a few seconds to spare, she was ready to go for her next segment. Nothing like a game of beat the clock to wind down the week.
What We're Following for Tomorrow's Show:
Sixth Sense Cat
Can a cat predict when death is approaching? Tomorrow we'll have a story about a cat in Rhode Island that seems to be able to predict death for some nursing home patients.
What else is on tomorrow's show:
- Shuffled Back In: Who Are the Real Front Runners in the Race for '08
- Michael Vick Faces Dogfighting Charges
- Mark Anthony Performs on the Plaza
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 a look at the plans for tomorrow:
Wall Street Plunge
It was another tumultuous day on Wall Street today. Tomorrow Meredith will talk to CNBC's Jim Cramer about the stock market roller-coaster.
Danger at the Playground
Could there be a hidden danger at your neighborhood playground your child plays. Tomorrow we'll tell you how kids are getting severe burns from playscapes.
Is Commuting Bad for Your Health?
A new study examines just how your commute could impact your health. Tomorrow we'll tell you which cities are the worst when it comes to motorists' health.
Check back later to see which stories stick, which move and which get shelved for a later day.
In her first interview since the final chapter of the Harry Potter series went public, J.K. Rowling revealed the secrets she could never previously discuss to TODAY’s Meredith Vieira in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Rowling covered all topics including the rationale behind her plot choices; the character she saved and the ones she decided to kill later in the writing process; what Harry, Hermione and Ron are up to these days; her plans for the future; and the way Harry Potter has saved her own life.
Meredith’s interview with Rowling airs both this morning and Friday on TODAY and in a one-hour Dateline special this Sunday.
But to give you a little taste, allDAY talked to Meredith about the most poignant moments in the hours she spent with Rowling.
allDAY: So, after all you read about Jo going into this interview, what surprised you the most? CONTINUED >>
What We're Following for Tomorrow's Show:
Unstable Housing Market
We saw the Dows reaction to the volatile housing market, but what does it mean for you? Tomorrow real estate guru Barbara Corcoran will tell us what to do if you're in the market to buy, sell or stay put.
America the Beautiful
Tomorrow marks stop three on our America the Beautiful tour. Where will we be tomorrow? You'll have to tune in to see!
Brand vs. Generic- Fashion
It can cost a lot of money to keep up with the trends in fashion. But can you take a short cut and buy style at a discount? In the next installment in our Brand vs. Generic series we'll check out fashion.
What else is on tomorrow's show:
- Dr. Snyderman reports on a new study that says your friends can make you fat
- Jennifer Lopez tell us about her movie El Cantane
- Sharon Osbourne stops by
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 a look at the plans for tomorrow:
Meredith's Interview with JK Rowling
She has captivated the hearts of readers all over the globe, and now JK Rowling has brought her Harry Potter chronicles to a close. Tomorrow we'll bring you Meredith's exclusive television interview with Harry Potter author, JK Rowling.
Sports in Crisis
What is the state of sports these days? With Michael Vick's dog fighting ring, a NBA ref involved in a gambling investigation, dozens of Tour de France cyclists protesting their sport's doping scandals and the controversy surrounding Barry Bonds as he approaches Hank Aaron's homerun record, is there anything pure about professional athletic competition these days? We'll take a look at this tomorrow.
Celeb Rehab
It was reported over night that Lindsay Lohan is back in rehab after being arrested for suspected drunk driving. The 21-year-old star is heading back to a rehab facility two weeks after she got out. Tomorrow we'll take a look at celebrity rehab facilities and how they compare to other drug treatment centers.
Check back later to see which stories stick, which move and which get shelved for a later day.
Would you believe me if I told you that gossip can actually be good for you? According to a new study, there are some benefits to those salacious rumors that we are all tempted to spread from time to time. WATCH VIDEO. The study examined 140 college students, and followed their tendencies to pass along various stories and rumors. Some of the stories that they were told were positive, and others contained negative topics. Perhaps not surprisingly, people were less enthusiastic to pass along "good" gossip unless it was about a close friend. But when it came to drunken behavior, sexual promiscuity, and cheating, they were ready to talk, especially when the gossip involved a same sex rival.
So how can these habits be good for us? Psychology professor Frank McAndrew, who authored the study, believes that our brains are actually hard-wired to gossip. We get a sense of pleasure and fulfillment from doing it. Furthermore, it can actually help us reinforce some connections with others. One of the most common sources of gossip is celebrity scandal, as witnessed first-hand this morning as Lindsay Lohan returned to the headlines. Gossiping about the famous in unflattering lights can make us feel better about ourselves, and reinforce self-confidence.
So by no means is all gossip good, as McAndrew specifies. But when used selectively, it actually can have some benefits. So spread the word.
What We're Following for Tomorrow's Show:
Terrorists Probing Airports?
We are following reports today from the TSA that terrorists "may be" conducting "pre-attack security probes" at airports in the U.S. Tomorrow we'll tell you what confiscated food has prompted the warning and what the department of Homeland Security says about the alert level.
Political Shuffle
We told you this morning to expect a story on who is actually winning in the polls, but that story has changed. Instead, we'll tell you why Hillary Clinton called Barack Obama "irresponsible" and "naive." And why Obama fired back saying Clinton is the naive one for "voting to authorize the Iraq war."
Earning Bring Dow Down
We're following the up's and down's of Wall Street and today is a down day. The Dow fell 200 points after earnings ratings slumped and concerns grew over the mortgage market. Maria Bartiromo will report on this tomorrow.
What else is on tomorrow's show:
- Bobbie Thomas shows us the latest swimsuit fashions
- Catherine Zeta-Jones stops by to tell us about her new movie No Reservations
- Al's in Miami for TODAY Throws a Martha Stewart Wedding.
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 a look at the plans for tomorrow:
Is Hillary Really Winning?
Recent polls show Hillary Clinton leading the democratic candidates in the race for '08. But are the polls accurate? Tim Russert will be on tomorrow to talk about who is the real front-runner.
Lindsay Lohan Arrested
Fresh out of rehab, Lindsay Lohan was arrested this morning for allegedly drunk driving in Santa Monica. She was taken in for suspicion of driving under the influence and possession of cocaine. Lohan was released after posting a $25,000 bail. We'll have more on Lohan's latest arrest tomorrow.
Brand vs. Generic
Tomorrow we are continuing our series on Brand vs. Generic. We'll take a look at your prescription drugs. We know the generic is generally cheaper, but what is the difference when it comes to the actual drug. We'll tell you tomorrow if there is a difference.
Check back later to see which stories stick, which move and which get shelved for a later day.
What happens when Al Roker gets between dozens of brides-to-be and several racks of wedding dresses? We found out this morning -- and if you haven't seen it, check it out: WATCH VIDEO
Tune in the rest of this week as "TODAY Throws a Martha Stewart Wedding" continues from Miami Beach on Wednesday, Chicago on Thursday and New York City on Friday.
What's in a name? Babies are born everyday, forcing parents to ask that very question. Many people believe that a name can make all the difference when it comes to success and happiness in work, life, and love. You may have heard us teasing a story on baby name consultants this morning. Many parents-to-be are now spending the time and money to hire people to choose baby names for them! CONTINUED >>
What We're Following for Tomorrow's Show:
United Kingdom Under Water
The U.K. continued to get pounded by rain today with the worst floods to hit the country in 60 years. Emergency crews worked all day Monday to rescue those stranded by the waters. We'll have more on the floods tomorrow.
End of the Month Flight Cancellations
Is there one time of the month that's better to fly than another? Could pilot flight time capacity mean your flight is canceled at the end of the month? We'll tell you tomorrow why some airlines have to cancel flights in the latter part of the month.
Brand vs. Generic
Who makes the best potato chips? The national brand or a grocery store's bag? Tomorrow on our brand vs. generic series we'll take a look at food.
What else is on tomorrow's show:
- The father of Madeleine McCann has a meeting with Attorney General Alberto Gonzales in D.C. today
- Drew Carey named new host of "The Price is Right"
- Al's in Las Vegas for TODAY Throws a Wedding
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 a look at the plans for tomorrow:
Hillary Pulling Ahead
The most recent poll for the '08 election shows Hillary Clinton with a strong lead over Barack Obama among voters looking for more "strength and experience." Tomorrow Andrea Mitchell will have a report on Clinton's position in the polls against her Democratic opponents.
Soda Bad for the Heart
It's not just high sugar content and calories you need to be concerned about when you drink that soda. Dr. Nancy Snyderman will tell us about information that shows a link between pop and an increased risk of heart disease.
YouTube Founders
They've changed the way people use the internet. Their webpage is host to millions of users everyday. Who are the guys behind YouTube? Tomorrow we have an exclusive interview with Steve Chen and Chad Hurley, the founders of the site.
Check back later to see which stories stick, which move and which get shelved for a later day.
(From Jen Brown, TODAYShow.com)
I was so engrossed in “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” that I didn’t notice the young woman who had approached me until she pointed to my book and asked if it was the new Harry Potter.
I nodded.
“Ahh, I see you have come to the temple to read it,” she said.
J.K. Rowling actually wrote a big part of “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” on the second floor of this building located in Edinburgh, Scotland, right in the heart of Edinburgh University. Back then it was Nicholson’s Café; it has since been converted into a Chinese restaurant (below).
The ground floor is now occupied by the Black Medicine Coffee Co., frequented by students and tourists. While it is not the exact seat while Rowling sat writing out her novel in long hand with her baby girl sleeping beside her, I certainly enjoyed looking up from the “Deathly Hallows” and knowing Rowling must have been looking at a similar scene where she laid the foundations for this series’ finale over 12 years ago.
For more Harry Potter news, check out our special Harry Potter section. Tune in to TODAY on Thursday, 7/26, and Friday 7/27, and to the special one-hour Dateline on Sunday, 7/29 for the exclusive interview with J.K. Rowling.
NBA veteran Derek Fisher appeared on TODAY this morning to talk about his 1-year-old daughter Tatum, who suffers from retinoblastoma, a rare form of cancer in her left eye. WATCH VIDEO
Fisher asked for -- and was granted -- a release from his $20.6 million contract with the Utah Jazz so that he and his wife could move to a city where they could get better care for Tatum. Last week, he signed a 3-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, the team with which he won three NBA titles in 2000, 2001 and 2002.
I caught up with Fisher after his interview with Matt to talk about the support he has gotten from teammates past and present, and to get his thoughts on the NBA referee-gambling scandal (for more on the gambling story, WATCH VIDEO).
Here are excerpts from that conversation:
Q: We could see from the crowd's reaction to you in the playoffs how the fans responded to you and Tatum's story. But you've played in the league since 1996... you have teammates, past and present, all over the league. Have any of them showed particular support?
CONTINUED >>
This morning, Matt tackled one of the most enigmatic and polarizing figures in American public life -- Vice President Dick Cheney -- with Stephen Hayes, a senior writer for The Weekly Standard. WATCH VIDEO
Hayes is the author of Cheney: The Untold Story of America's Most Powerful and Controversial Vice President, which hits bookstores on Tuesday.
In preparation for the interview, I spoke with Hayes at some length last Friday. Here are excerpts from that conversation:
Q: What are the top 2-3 things that people will get from this book that they didn't previously know about Dick Cheney?
CONTINUED >>
(From Bob Dotson, NBC News National Correspondent)
Viewers ask me, “What’s your favorite American Story?” I always say, “The next one.” It’s too tough to choose from the past. I’ve done about a thousand of these stories. But while working on this morning’s piece, WATCH VIDEO I found a note, yellowed with age, stuck in the back of my drawer. It said “Thu Nga Tran gave birth to a baby girl last night.” Not so unusual really, but when she was a child, her mother sent her searching for freedom in a tiny wooden boat just sixteen-feet long and seven feet wide. It held 324 people. CONTINUED >>
Here's a look at the plans for tomorrow:
Cheney Biography
Some say he is the man behind the scenes pulling the strings in the Bush administration. Tomorrow we'll look at a biography on the life of Vice President Dick Cheney and we'll talk to Stephen Hayes about it.
UK Floods
The United Kingdom is getting soaked with as much as 8 inches of rain falling in parts of the country. There was torrential rain in London and flooding along parts of the M50 motorway. Air travel was halted in airports across England and Wales. We'll tell you more about these storms tomorrow.
Man Attacked by Shark in Hawaii
It was just a day of snorkeling on a family vacation... that was until a shark took a bite out of Harvey Miller's leg. The Ohio man was in waters off the Lanikai beach in Oahu when a reef shark attacked. We'll have all the details on this story tomorrow.
What else is on tomorrow's show:
- Are record oil refinery failures pushing up the price of gas?
- Remembering Tammy Faye Messner
- What's in a name? Brand name vs. generic
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)
Last night, I was lucky enough to attend the midnight book release party for "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" in Edinburgh, Scotland, the place where J.K. Rowling "birthed" the famous wizard and his magical word. My official report is here, but I thought I'd share a few more random stories from the event:
Nina Jones, Elizabeth Thacker and Alice Langley got up at 4 a.m. in order to be first in line at the West End Waterstone's book store, but that's not the craziest thing they've done for Harry Potter. For Nina's 17th birthday, Elizabeth and Alice recorded the first sixth books on tape. The endeavor took two full months.
CONTINUED >>
Here's what we're planning for this weekend:
President Hands Over Power to Vice President
But it's just temporarily while the President is under anesthesia. President Bush is scheduled to receive a colonoscopy tomorrow. The procedure is routine. John Yang will have more on this tomorrow.
Lighters Allowed Back On
Get rid of your water, but your lighter that can go on the plane. Starting next month airplane passengers will be allowed to keep their cigarette lighters. Tomorrow we'll tell you why the TSA thinks it safe to have a flame on a plane but not a liquid.
Harry Potter Mania
When we broadcast to you tomorrow morning, the long wait will be over. Harry Potter fans will finally have the book they've been waiting for. We're covering the worldwide buzz.
Applying for a Passport?
The typical amount of time it takes to receive a passport used to be six weeks, now it's 12. Sunday on the show, we'll tell you what is causing the backlog.
Do Water Filters Really Work?
Friday on TODAY we revealed results for the best drinking water in America. Watch Here But if you don't live in Salt Lake City can a water filter help your tap? We'll take a look on Sunday.
Other Stories Planned for the Weekend:
- Sat: Clinton and the Women's Vote- Split Support Among Generations
- Sat: Relationships 101- Using Envy to Your Advantage
- Sun: Old Infrastructure of Cities
- Sun: Man Tries to Hit Every Starbucks in New York City in One Day
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)
The subject of this morning's Today's Travel segment was 'places that are not on your must list but should be.' (WATCH VIDEO) Most of us tend to make a list (mental or otherwise) of destinations that we'd like to visit at some point in our lifetime. But here are Today Travel Editor Peter Greenberg's thoughts on why it might be time to rewrite that list:
CONTINUED >>
Here's a look at the plans for tomorrow:
Iraq Briefing
Members of Congress received a high-level briefing on Iraq today at the Pentagon. Pete Williams will have a report for us on this closed-door session.
Best Tap Water
Cities across the country pride themselves on their water filtering systems and everyone wants to know their drinking good water from the tap. So, what city has the best drinking water? We'll tell you tomorrow.
Exorbitant Tickets
Every city has a budget to maintain. But what does one do when finances start to dwindle. Give the citizens a ticket of course! Tomorrow we'll tell you where towns are issuing large speeding tickets to bulk up the city purse.
What else is on tomorrow's show:
- How to avoid bad breath
- Oprah's beloved dog dies choking on ball
- Performance from the cast of Hairspray
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 Carrie Dann, NBC Political Unit researcher)
If I'd known that six million people were going to see my front yard on the Today Show this morning, I might have mowed my lawn. WATCH VIDEO
In the wee hours Monday morning, lights flickered on in windows up and down my quiet street in Northwest DC as the neighborhood awoke to clattering outside. Two men, armed with baseball bats, were mercilessly hammering at the windows of the Hummer H2 parked on the street, mere yards away from my front door. The quickly growing string of porch lights sent the vandals sprinting away, leaving behind the car's shattered glass, collapsed tires, and a message scratched into the shiny new paint: "FOR THE ENVIRON."
On Tuesday, the wrecked car prompted clucking tongues from passersby, and a few local reporters prowled around with pen and pad in hand. But by Wednesday morning, the words "eco-terrorism" and "extremist" were being bandied about. And, one by one, the cameras descended on Brandywine Street.
CONTINUED >>
This morning, Matt Groening, creator of "The Simpsons," stopped by to talk about the upcoming Simpsons movie and to teach Al -- and the viewers at home -- how to draw Bart. WATCH VIDEO
Plus, the Simpsons team created a special surprise, bestowing upon Matt, Meredith, Al and Ann one of the greatest honors in American pop culture today -- our cast has been Simpsonized!
Check out the individual shots:
CONTINUED >>
This morning, Matt opened the show with correspondent Ron Allen about two blocks away from the site of the steam pipe explosion that shook up the East Side of midtown Manhattan on Wednesday evening. WATCH VIDEO
Matt interviewed three witnesses WATCH VIDEO, and I was surprised to hear that two of them did not immediately think of terrorism when the explosion occurred -- because that's what I, and everyone around me, thought when we streamed outside to see what had happened.
I was in my apartment, about four blocks from the site, when I heard a loud rumbling like thunder -- but the thunder didn't stop. I went to my window and looked out onto Lexington Avenue, where people were running away from something, but I couldn't see what.
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What We're Following for Tomorrow's Show:
Where Does Campaign Money Go?
We've seen the fundraising reports. We've heard about the cost of haircuts on the trail. Tomorrow we'll tell you where all the money goes on a political campaigns.
Whole Foods Executive Posting Probed
The SEC is investigating internet postings linked to the chairman and CEO of Whole Food Markets. John Mackey has admitted to writing anonymous posts on a financial chat board promoting his company and criticizing his competitors. We'll have this story for you tomorrow.
What else is on tomorrow's show:
- Northeast Weather Snags Travel
- Fashion Show: White is the New Black
- Christopher Walken from Hairspray
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 a look at the plans for tomorrow:
Companies Pull Kids Food Ads
In an attempt to avoid regulation by the government, 11 food companies have decided to stop advertising to kids. Tomorrow we'll tell you which companies have enacted this self-imposed ban.
Catholic Town Finished
The first town in America built on the basis of Catholic principals has been completed, but not without controversy. Tomorrow we will show you around Ave Maria, Florida and we'll talk to the town's founder, Tom Monaghan.
America The Beautiful
Last week we took you to Niagara Falls in our America the Beautiful series. Now tomorrow we'll take you to our second location. Don't miss our next stop on our tour around America.
Check back later to see which stories stick, which move and which get shelved for a later day.
(From Eric Jackson, TODAY Associate Producer)
This morning, we did a segment on kids who are bullied because of their weight. I produced the tape portion of that segment, and to do so, I traveled to New York's Camp Shane. As we said in the spot, it's a camp with a special mission -- to help kids lose weight, all while having the same type of fun that you can find at any other camp. If you missed the segment, here it is -- WATCH VIDEO
Being a kid isn't always easy. You probably remember those awkward years. The ones where, when you look back at those old school pictures, you cringe. Yeah, those were the ones. Well, lucky for most of us, all our friends were going through that period together, so we really didn't seem or look different to the other kids around us. But how would you have felt if, on top of all the other things that there are to worry about at school, you looked different because you were overweight -- and people pointed that out to you? How would you have handled it?
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What We're Following for Tomorrow's Show:
Obese Kids & Bullying
It is difficult being a kid these days. And life can be made even more difficult if you are teased for being obese. Tomorrow we'll talk to Joy Bauer and Ruth Peters about obesity and bullying.
Mean Drivers
Some cities are known for the horrendous traffic. Others are known for terrible potholes. But which city takes the cake for the meanest drivers? We'll tell you tomorrow which one is the worst when it comes to road rage.
- What else is on tomorrow's show:
- Pro-Wrestler's Autopsy Results Released
- Amanda Bynes, Zach Efron, Nikki Blonsky & James Marsden from Hairspray
- Paula Abdul
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 Curtis Vogel, TODAY producer)
As a producer on the Today Show, you get to meet a lot of people who leave a lasting impression on you long after your story is shot, edited and aired on the show. Such is the case with 11 girls I followed for six straight days at the Girls Rock Camp in Portland, Oregon. WATCH VIDEO
The Girls Rock Camp is a week-long music camp during which girls aged 8 to 18 learn a new instrument, form a band, write an original song, then perform that song in front of 900 people at the end of the week. In a camp that tries to break all the rules where girls are concerned, there are two main directives – no boys allowed and be as loud as you can be.
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