August 2007 - Posts
Here's What We're Planning for the Weekend
Craig Expected to Resign
With pressure from his own party and his hometown newspaper trying to dig up dirt on him, Sen. Larry Craig is expected to resign tomorrow morning. According to the GOP, the Senator will resign at a 10:30MT press conference. We will have complete coverage tomorrow.
Fall Fitness
Its Labor Day weekend and summer is over. But that doesn't mean time to lose your summer shape. Saturday on the show, we'll get your autumn started with some workouts for the season.
Think Before You Drink
College is a time of growth. It is also the time many teens become acquainted with alcohol. Just because there is a new found freedom doesn't mean your new college freshman needs to be the champion of the dorm's beerpong tournament or the last man standing after power hour. On Sunday's show we'll bring you a story about colleges that are offering a course to teach students to drink responsibly.
Other Stories Planned:
- Sat: Bush and the Mortgage Crisis
- Sat: Best Cities for Empty Nesters
- Sun: Today at Work- How to Boost Teamwork
- Sun: The Right Pet Food for Your Pet
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 we covered the memorial for Princess Diana held in London today, remembering her tragic death 10 years ago. WATCH VIDEO
Lewis Whyld / Pool via AP
From left, Prince Charles, Prince Harry and Prince William
greet guests at the Guards' Chapel, London, on Friday.
It's an emotional day for a lot of people in Great Britain and around the world. For us, it's a day to think back and remember where we were when we heard Diana had died. I find it kind of amazing that I remember exactly where I was, even though Diana had basically no impact on my life up until that point (I was in my sweltering college dorm room).
But today's memorial has not been without its share of controversy. Reportedly under pressure from Prince Charles, Camilla Parker-Bowles initially said she would accept an invitation to the event.
CONTINUED >>
When word leaked a couple weeks ago around here that Bruce Springsteen might be coming to TODAY, the news spread through the halls amazingly quickly. Almost immediately, I had people -- who don't even work on the show -- calling to ask me if it was true.
Well, today we can say that it's indeed true. September 28, on the plaza, Bruce and the E Street Band will be here. That's right, not Bruce by himself, not Bruce and the Sessions Band...but Bruce (the Boss, Scooter), Miami Steve, the Great Nils Lofgren, the Tennessee Terror, the Professor, Phantom Danny, Mighty Max, Patti, and of course, the Big Man. WATCH VIDEO
Gives me chills just thinking about it. As I've mentioned in this space before, I'm a big Bruce fan.
CONTINUED >>
Here's What We're Planning for Tomorrow:
Craig Police Tapes
Today authorities released the tapes from Sen. Craig's interview after his arrest. The recording captures the police officer and Sen. Craig discussing the activity in the bathroom. Tomorrow we will have more information on this story.
Remembering Diana
Tomorrow marks the 10 year anniversary of the death of Princess Diana. We will have full coverage of the Princess Diana memorial, as well as, a look at her boys and how they have grown in the last ten years.
Labor Day Resolutions
How often have you found yourself saying, "After Labor Day I'll start that project"? Or "After Labor Day, I'll start my new workout regiment"? Sounds a lot like a New Year's resolution. Tomorrow we'll ask the question, Is Labor Day the new New Years?
Other Stories Planned:
- Labor Day Traffic
- What Goes On Inside 911 Call Centers?
- Chris Brown 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 What We're Planning for Tomorrow:
GOP Lawmakers Call For Senator to Resign
Today members of Sen. Larry Craig's own party called for him to resign. The Senator did agree to step-down from his role on congressional committees. Tomorrow Lisa Myers will have a report with the very latest on this story.
Mental Health of College Students
When most students enter college they are above the age of eighteen. While they are legal adults many students aren't entirely self-sufficient and still rely on their parents. This has brought up a great discussion over the mental health of college students and their personal privacy. Tomorrow we'll talk to Dr. Gail Saltz about this topic.
Dog's Spot in Will
What could you do with $12,000,000 if someone left it to you in their will? A more relevant question might be what could a dog possibly do with $12,000,000? Tomorrow we'll have the story on Leona Helmsley's will. The hotel owner and real estate investor passed away last week leaving $12,000,000 to her dog, Trouble.
Other Stories Planned:
- Dolphin Gets Prosthetic Tail
- Ellen DeGeneres Previews Her 5th Season
- The Next Location on America the Beautiful
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)
This morning we followed the story of a controversial comic strip that was pulled from 25 Sunday newspapers last weekend because it contained "Muslim-related humor" and "sexual innuendo." WATCH VIDEO
"Opus" cartoonist Berkeley Breathed
The Washington Post and several other newspapers opted not to publish "Opus," by Berkeley Breathed, which has touched off a heated debate over political correctness and whether Muslims have become immune from criticism in popular culture. This all comes a week after the same strip poked fun at the late Rev. Jerry Falwell, which stirred no controversy.
CONTINUED >>
Here's What We're Planning for Tomorrow:
Holiday Weekend Travel
Not only does Labor Day weekend signal the end of summer, it also brings some heavy travel delays. Wednesday kicks off the great exodus for the long weekend. Tomorrow we'll take a look at the state of air travel and your forecast for the long weekend.
Senator's Bathroom Scandal
The police report is graphic, but the Senator's denial was firm. Tomorrow Lisa Myers will bring us the latest on the investigation into Senator Craig's alleged improper behavior in an airport bathroom.
Where Are They TODAY?
We've brought you their stories over the years. Tomorrow we'll bring you an update on some of the guests who have touched our hearts, impressed us with their bravery and raised our eyebrows.
Truck Driver Seriously Hurt By Bowling Ball
Whether it was a sick joke or an accident, it could have been tragic. Tomorrow we have an exclusive interview with Ted Maki. Ted was driving his semi-truck along Interstate 90 Sunday when a bowling ball crashed through the windshield and hit him.
Other Stories Planned:
- New Home Sales Go From Bad to Worse
- Back To School Fashions
- TODAY Throws a Wedding: Time To Pick Jessica and Cody's Wedding Rings
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)
This morning, we covered the story of how some public school districts have banned students from having cell phones on their grounds. Ann discussed the issue with Eugene Sanders, CEO of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, where students are prohibited from having phones, and clinical psychologist Dr. Ruth Peters. WATCH VIDEO
I guess I'm old fashioned, but I don't really understand why some parents are so adamant about being able to contact their kids at school at a moment's notice. When I was in school, if my mom needed to get in touch with me (and it would only be in an absolute emergency), she would call the school's office, someone in the office would call my classroom, and that would be that.
To me, teachers have a difficult enough job as it is. They don't need to be dealing with kids having cell phones going off, surreptitiously texting each other, going on the Internet, and taking photos and video (not to mention the possibilities for cheating). There are enough distractions in a classroom without adding cell phones to the mix.
CONTINUED >>
It was a real pleasure this morning to see Tiger Woods in our studio during a summer in which we've covered so many unpleasant sports stories. WATCH VIDEO
From the Michael Vick dogfighting case to the NBA gambling scandal to Barry Bonds breaking one of baseball's hallowed record amid steroid allegations, it's been easy for sports fans to become disillusioned.
Jessica Rinaldi/Reuters
Tiger Woods holds up the Wanamaker Trophy after winning the PGA
Championship earlier this month.
But here's Tiger Woods, the signature American athlete of this generation. We all know that he's achieving things no one has ever done in the sport of golf. He's ahead of Jack Nicklaus's pace in his quest to win the most major championships in history, and by some estimates, he could become the first athlete to earn $1 billion by 2010.
CONTINUED >>
Here's what we're planning for tomorrow:
Did Politics Push Gonzales Out?
Alberto Gonzales is the latest member of the Bush administration to bow out. The President said Gonzales's resignation came after his "good name was dragged through the mud for political reasons." Tomorrow we'll hear from former Bush Press Secretary, Ari Fleischer, and Democratic strategist James Carville.
Go Ahead... Eat that Donut
It sounds too good to be true, but it isn't! Dunkin' Donuts sweet breakfast treats will now be almost sans the fat... trans fat that is. The breakfast chain says they will now serve "nearly" trans fat free donuts. Michelle Kosinski will have more on this story tomorrow.
Should Your Kid Have a Cell Phone at School?
Some parents want their child to have it for safety, but some school officials say it is a distraction in the classroom. Tomorrow we'll discuss whether kids should be able to have cell phones in school.
Tiger Woods
He could be the best athlete in the world... and he's stopping by. Tomorrow we'll talk to Tiger Woods about his latest project.
Miss South Carolina Stumbles
Was it nerves? A misunderstanding? Tomorrow we'll hear from Miss South Carolina in an exclusive interview. She'll tell us just what went wrong during the interview portion of the Miss Teen USA pageant.
What Else We're Working on for Tuesday's Show:
- Wildfires in Greece
- What Happened to Owen Wilson?
- Did Britney Abuse Her Sons?
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)
Every vacation starts off as a dream. You've found the perfect hotel, the perfect beach, the perfect cruise ship. But inevitably, things don't end up going according to plan. The hotel is overbooked, the beach is overrun, and the cruise ship hits choppy waters. And while every vacation may have its hiccups, some dream vacations become nightmares, as evident in the story of the Rudd family this morning. WATCH VIDEO From tire blowouts to noise pollution to torrential downpours, the Rudd family experienced the quintessential vacation from hell.
What was your nightmare vacation?
Here's what we're planning for tomorrow:
Midwest Storm Damage
After last week's storms the Midwest has begun the clean-up, but not without getting another hit from mother nature. Today tornadoes and severe thunderstorms hit Ohio. Thousands of residents in the region are still without power. We will have the very latest on this story tomorrow.
Greece Burning
Greece has had a very hot and dry summer. That is only fueling a batch of wildfires in the country. Already the fires are responsible for the deaths of 58 people. On Sunday the blaze threatened the 2,800-year-old ruins of the birthplace of the ancient Olympics. Ned Colt will report on this tomorrow.
The Hunt for Bin Laden
We're coming up on the sixth anniversary of the September 11th terror attacks. So, why hasn't our intelligence community and anti-terror forces captured the man responsible for the attacks? Tomorrow Richard Engel will have a report on the hunt for Bin Laden and we'll get the latest from Gen. Barry McCaffrey.
What Else We're Working on for Monday's Show:
- Deadly Hot Air Balloon Crash
- Good Samaritan Rescues Girl from Car in Canal
- Nine Things You Need to Know About Health Insurance
- Is Your Partner Making You Fat?
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're Planning for the Weekend:
Summer Weather
There's flooding in the Midwest and heat in the South. As the summer ends the U.S. is facing an array of weather conditions. With Americans wrapping up their summer vacations this weather is causing horrible travel delays. Tomorrow Kevin Tibbles will report on the latest weather and travel news.
Cut Your Grocery Bill
You have to get the milk, the bread and the eggs. But is there a way to cut down on your bill at the checkout counter? We'll give you grocery store shortcuts that will help you save your cash on Saturday.
Getting Ahead At Work By Going Abroad
Is there an easy way to get ahead of the office pecking order? Could doing a jaunt at an international office advance your career? On Sunday's Today at Work segment we'll tell you if a move "across the pond" can help you move up the ladder.
Other Stories Planned:
Sat: Today's Quick Fixes- Five End of the Summer Projects
Sun: Relieving Stress- Chinese Style
Sun: Meerkat Manor Mania
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 week on "The Colbert Report," Stephen Colbert and Brian Williams of NBC Nightly News discussed Colbert's broken left wrist and his WristStrong campaign (think of the LiveStrong bracelets, only for wrist injuries). As Colbert put it, "Hey, Nation! Don't let the severity of wrist injuries go unrecognized!" WATCH VIDEO
Dan Fleschner / NBC News
On the show, Brian promised to give a WristStrong bracelet to Matt Lauer and said he would get Matt to wear it while anchoring the next day's edition of TODAY. But last week, Matt was on vacation and David Gregory was filling in.
So on Wednesday night, Colbert questioned whether Brian had ever given Matt the bracelet -- and asked the musical question, "Where in the world is Matt Lauer's WristStrong bracelet?"
CONTINUED >>
This morning we did a story on the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, one of the nation's largest Southern Baptist seminaries, which is offering a program in homemaking.
The course includes the study of nutrition and meal preparation, textile design and "clothing construction," general homemaking, "the value of a child," and the "biblical model for the home and family."
And here's the catch -- it's only open to women.
CONTINUED >>
(From TODAY producer Jackie Olensky)
Production manager Erin Reynolds and I flew down to meet Al Roker in Miami on August 19. Al had been flying with the Hurricane Hunters in St. Croix. We did the show from the hurricane center Monday morning.
Victor Ruiz / Reuters
Cancun's beaches, shown Wednesday, lost sand due to storm
swells, but the city sustained little damage from Hurricane Dean.
After we were through, we were were trying to figure out whether Dean was headed to Belize or Chetumal, Mexico - because wherever Dean was going we would follow.
Chetumal was the predicted spot for the eye to pass over so we rushed to get some supplies and headed to the airport.
CONTINUED >>
Here's What We're Planning for Tomorrow:
Recovering from the Floods: Homeowners Insurance
We've been reporting on the soggy state of the Midwest the last few days. But as the water level starts to lower and homeowners assess the damage the insurance claim process begins. Tomorrow we'll tell you all the steps you need to do to file your claim correctly.
Goodbye Sagging and Whale Tails
It could be a generational trend, but now one metropolitan area is telling people to pull up their pants. That's right... no more sagging and no more whale tails. Tomorrow we'll tell you where a city council is proposing to ban underwear exposing pants.
What is the Role of a Housewife?
Clothes need to be folded...bellies need to be fed...the dog needs to go to the vet... but does it take a four year degree to get it all done? One Texas college is adding a concentration and a bachelor of arts for young women looking for their M-R-S degree. We'll take a look at this tomorrow.
Other Stories Planned:
- Mother Teresa's Crisis of Faith
- Iraq War Intelligence Report
- America the Beautiful: Where Will Our Next Stop Be?
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)
In watching this morning's show, I was struck by the connection between two stories we did in our 7:30 half hour -- they both dealt, in one way or another, with questions of morality. I'm talking about the labor dispute over the upcoming CBS reality show "Kid Nation" WATCH VIDEO and the latest on the Michael Vick dogfighting situation. WATCH VIDEO
Tom Uhlman/AP File
Let's take a closer look at these stories, because they force us to ask certain basic questions about morality.
First, the "Kid Nation" discussion. CBS is producing a reality show in which 40 kids, ages 8 to 15, were placed in a New Mexico "ghost town" for 40 days to see if they could create a functioning society without adults.
I'm not a particular fan of reality TV shows, but I have to admit that when I saw the promos for this one, I was intrigued. It sounded like an interesting thought experiment, a real-life (in so far as reality TV is "real") Lord of the Flies scenario. But knowing how things worked out in William Golding's book, I got a little queasy at the thought as well.
CONTINUED >>
Here's What We're Planning for Tomorrow:
Midwest Floods
Portions of the Midwest remained under water today. The flooding is responsible for the deaths of more than 20 people. One area particularly hard hit was Findlay, OH. More wet weather is expected in Iowa overnight. We will have correspondents in Ohio and Iowa tomorrow covering this story.
Comparing Iraq and Vietnam
The President today referenced Vietnam in a speech about the Iraq war. What was the political motivation behind this? Tomorrow we'll take a look at this and whether the President got the message across that was intended.
E-Card Scams
They can be a gesture of kindness and most often a message of happiness, but could that e-card you received be a scam. Tomorrow we'll have a report on the threats of e-card viruses.
Other Stories Planned:
- Interview with Miner's Family
- NAACP Supports Michael Vick
- State of the Economy
- The Pressure to Be Thin in Hollywood
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)
Video: AllDay Vlog-o-spondent Dan Barbossa talks to lucky couple Jessica and Cody just minutes after the they learned they won the opportunity to get married live on TODAY.
Click here for full coverage of TODAY's Martha Stewart Wedding
Michelle Borba gets our MVP Award for the morning. She is our parenting expert who came by to discuss how to send your kids off to college, and the emotions that come along with that event for parents. But what you don't know is that as of last night, Michelle was staying in her hotel here in New York thinking that she wasn't going to be on the show this morning. Due to some other news events and bookings coming along, her segment was temporarily bumped to another day. But good thing she decided to stay, because we needed to call her back as the show continued to shuffle around and her segment was put back in. Then we called her again this morning to change the time of her appearance... and then we called her and changed it again. But thankfully, finally, at 9:05 eastern time, she was ready to go. Once again, the joys of live television.
CONTINUED >>
On paper, the coinciding successes of Superbad, the latest Judd Apatow-produced raunch-fest, and High School Musical 2, the sequel to the blockbuster made-for-TV Disney Channel movie, seem unrelated.
Correspondent John Larson examined each film's success this morning on TODAY. WATCH VIDEO
Superbad exceeded expectations by topping last weekend's box office figures, grossing $31 million. High School Musical 2 set a cable TV record with 17 million viewers on Friday.
Superbad is an R-rated movie featuring plenty of sexual humor about awkward high school boys searching for alcohol and girls. High School Musical 2 is the wholesome story of two teenagers finding true love.
On paper, it seems that aside from the ages of the main characters, these films don't have a lot in common. But they are more similar than you might think.
CONTINUED >>
Here's What We're Planning for Tomorrow:
Hurricane Dean
Al is still in Mexico. Tomorrow he will take a look at the aftermath of Hurricane Dean. We'll also hear from one survivor who rode out the storm.
Interview with Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt was in the lower 9th ward of New Orleans today building an eco-friendly home. Ann interviewed the green conscious actor and we'll have that for you tomorrow.
Love is in the Air
Today's throwing a wedding... Did you vote for your favorite couple? Find out tomorrow who our winning couple is as we start to plan the big day.
Other Stories Planned:
- State of the Economy
- Midwest Floods
- Wills & Kate Take a Holiday
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)
It was a somber morning on the show. Most of our first hour was dedicated to the devastating effects of Hurricane Dean hitting land in Mexico, the flooding in the Midwest of the U.S., and possibly the toughest news of all, the latest from Utah on the search for six trapped miners. At the show, we refer to the straight news segments as "hard news," compared with human-interest stories, entertainment segments, or other features. The story of the six trapped miners in Utah unfortunately adds additional meaning to the phrase "hard news."
The situation is somewhat bleak: six miners were trapped two weeks ago in a mine and there has been no sight or sound from them since. Rescue efforts have been dangerous with three rescue workers dying last week. Bob Murray, chief executive of Murray Energy Corp. that co-owns the mine, explained to the families that unless there is an indication that the miners are alive, no additional rescue workers will be sent into the mine.
Families of the miners are faced with a horrific reality as they try to come to terms with the worst-case scenario. Some family members have been speaking out to authorities, expressing their desire to have their loved ones back, dead or alive, so they can be at peace.
How much do the owners of the mine owe to the families of the trapped miners? When do you give up hope for a loved one without the closure of having his body recovered?
Here's What We're Planning for Tomorrow:
Hurricane Dean
Mexico is bracing for a direct hit from Hurricane Dean. Just tonight the National Hurricane Center released a bulletin that said Dean is the most dangerous category 5 storm to hit off the coast of Mexico. Al Roker is in Chetumal, Mexico and will have complete coverage in the morning. The storm is expected to make landfall just around the time we'll go to air.
Wicked Weather
In addition to Hurricane Dean, we have our eye on the South and the Midwest. More than 40 people died from the blistering temps in the South and in the Midwest. Kevin Tibbles will have a full report on the weather across the country tomorrow.
Youth Happiness
What makes a kid happy? You might be surprised to learn that kids between the ages of 13 and 24 say it's their family. Tomorrow we'll have more on this study.
Other Stories Planned:
- How to Avoid Nasty Neighbors
- Be the CEO of Your Dating Life- Part 2
- 'High School Musical 2' vs. 'Superbad'
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)
This job takes me out beyond the limits of my settled life. I’ve been to Yellowstone in winter, where it’s so cold, spit bounces. I’ve been to Alaska chasing sled dogs, as they scramble eleven hundred miles along the Iditarod trail. I’ve watched a mountain climber scale Yosemite’s El Capitan—with a broken back. None of that compares to the life Will Steger carved out for himself. He’s the subject of this morning’s American Story with Bob Dotson. WATCH VIDEO
CONTINUED >>
This morning the advertising guru, Donny Deutsch, stopped by to explain how waiting for Mr. Right to come along is the wrong approach to finding Mr. Right. Watch the video here.
Donny says to take business principles and apply them to your everyday life, but should business, and everything related, be left at the office? What do you think? What are your dating experiences like?
This is day one of a three-part series so be sure to check back Tuesday and Wednesday to see if you agree with Donny's other big ideas.
Here's what we have planned for tomorrow:
Complete Hurricane Coverage
Jamaica got a direct hit from Hurricane Dean Sunday. Dean left eight people dead as it gained strength and ripped across the Caribbean. Further west in Texas and Mexico, residents and tourists are making preparations. Tomorrow we will have complete coverage with correspondents in Jamaica, Texas and Mexico. Al Roker will report live from the National Hurricane Center in Miami.
Wall Street's Week Ahead
The turbulent market has investors wondering what this week will bring. Erin Burnett will have a look at the coming week on Wall Street.
Be the CEO of Your Dating Life
You can do dating services, get set up, even dare to meet someone on a blind date, but who's really in charge of your dating life. Tomorrow we'll tell you how you can take control and be the CEO of your dating life.
Other Stories Planned for tomorrow:
- JetBlue's CEO on the State of the Airline Industry
- High School Musical 2 Breaks Records
- How To Raise a Confident Daughter
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)
Here's What We're Planning for the Weekend:
Hurricane Dean
As it rips across the Caribbean, Hurricane Dean is gaining strength. Late Friday, Dean was upgraded to a category 4 storm. Tomorrow we'll have full coverage all weekend with our weather team tracking Dean and reporters in Jamaica and Texas.
Latest on Wall Street
The week was full of ups and downs for Wall Street. Today the Dow had a positive reaction to the Fed cutting interest rates. Saturday CNBC's Maria Bartiromo will have more on the Market roller coaster. And on Sunday, Sharon Epperson will answer your emails about your market fears.
Utah Miners
After three rescue workers were killed overnight in the effort to find six trapped miners, the drive has been suspended indefinitely. This weekend we will keep you posted on any developments in the search for the trapped miners.
Elevator Body Language
You've hit your floor. You take a step back into the elevator. Now what? Sunday on the show we'll give you a lesson in elevator etiquette.
Other Stories Planned:
- Sat: Are You a Happy Empty Nester?
- Sat: Underwater Gadgets
- Sun: Virginia Tech Memorial
- Sun: Dog Training Part 2
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)
Vlog-o-spondent Dan Barbossa chats with Maroon 5 front man Adam Levine backstage at the TODAY concert. WATCH VIDEO
This morning Studio 1A was paid a visit by Justice, “Jimmy Justice.” He’s an average guy from Brooklyn, New York who’s outraged by New York City’s aggressive (his word) ticketing policy. Watch the video here.
“Jimmy Justice” talked to me for a few minutes about why he started trailing traffic enforcement agents with his video camera.
CONTINUED >>
Here's What We're Planning for Tomorrow:
Weather, Weather Everywhere
Tomorrow Al will have all the information on the path of Hurricane Dean. Janet Shamlian is in Texas and will bring us the story from there.
Market Rebound?
After yesterday's fall, today Wall Street pulled out a come back. Tomorrow Maria Bartiromo will be at the NYSE and she'll have a report on the latest there. We'll also hear from Jim Cramer on just what is happening on Wall Street.
Jenna Bush Gets Engaged
The announcement came this afternoon. First Daughter, Jenna Bush, got engaged to her boyfriend, Henry Hager, yesterday while the two were vacationing in Maine. Will it be another White House wedding? The official plans have not been announced. We'll have more on the story tomorrow.
Other Stories Planned:
- Potbellies & Your Heart
- Financial Advice for College Freshman
- Maroon 5 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)
What would compel a couple to tie the knot in front of millions of people? allDAY Vlog-e-spondent Dan Barbossa finds out from the four TODAY show couples competing for a Martha Stewart wedding. WATCH VIDEO
For much more on TODAY Throws a Martha Stewart Wedding, click here.
Today marks the 30th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death (or his disappearance, depending on your point of view). This morning, we looked at the outpouring of emotion this week at Graceland, Elvis's home in Memphis, and Meredith interviewed Joe Moscheo, a friend and former backup singer for The King. ELVIS SLIDE SHOW
For some of us who were born after Elvis's death, his remarkable appeal can be a bit of a mystery. We all know about his iconic 1956 appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show, his most popular songs and of course, we've seen those impersonators.
CONTINUED >>
Here's What We're Planning for Tomorrow:
Tracking TS Erin
Tropical Storm Erin is approaching Texas. The outer bands of the storm are already pounding the state's eastern coast. Tomorrow we'll have the latest on the storm.
State Department is Collecting Child Support
That's right. The State Department is now rejecting new passport applications for parents who owe on their child support. You'll never believe how much money has been collected already this year.
America the Beautiful
We've seen Amber Waves of Grain, the Green Giant at Fenway, the revered Arlington Cemetery, beautiful Charleston, South Carolina* and the magnificent Niagara Falls. Tomorrow we'll make our sixth stop on our America the Beautiful tour.
What is RLS?
You've seen the commercials for it. Maybe you've even experienced the discomfort in your sleep. Tomorrow our Chief Medical Editor Dr. Nancy Snyderman will explain just what is Restless Leg Syndrome.
Shoe Mecca
Let's face it, a new pair can give any lady a boost after a bad day. That right pair can add the special touch to a fabulous outfit. And any woman can tell you just what that special pair can do to her strut. Tomorrow we'll take you to a place where the racks of shoes are so illustrious that it earned its own zip code!
Other Stories Planned:
- The White House Takes on Hillary
- Mary Winkler Free After 67 Days in Jail
- 30th Anniversary of Elvis
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)
*Editor's Note: We actually visited Charleston, SC, not Savannah, but we've heard that's a beautiful city too.
Can you believe Richard Simmons is almost 60 years old? Neither can we! The fitness legend shares his secrets to staying healthy and doles out some advice for allDAY Vlog-e-spondent Dan Barbossa who is training for the New York City marathon. His first tip?...get rid of the "sad" shoes, Barbossa!
WATCH VIDEO.
Here's What We're Planning for Tomorrow:
Parent Alert: Mattel Recalls 9 Million Toys
Anytime there is a toy recall, most parents' first thought is their child safety, as in the case of the latest recalled item which could be lurking in toy chest across the country. We'll have the information you need to know to keep your kids safe.
Hurricane Forecast
We have our eye on two storms. One is Hurricane Flossie off the coast of Hawaii; the other is a tropical depression in the Atlantic. Tomorrow Al will tell you the projected path for each of these storms.
Endeavour's Damaged Tiles
We expect official word from NASA tomorrow on whether or not the gouge on the shuttle's belly will be fixed. Tom Costello will have the latest in the morning.
Other Stories Planned:
- Latest on the Trapped Miners
- Exclusive with Denise Brown- OJ Simpson Book to be Published
- Today Throws a Wedding- Meet the Couples
- The State of Air Travel- Exclusive with Northwest's CEO
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)
We did a story this morning covering the latest developments in the divorce of Britney Spears and Kevin Federline. It’s a sordid mess, and frankly, gives many an icky feeling.
Spears has gone from multi-talented, international superstar to a sad punch line, her life the model of a celebrity implosion. Federline has been a punch line from the start, which makes it doubly alarming that he’s starting to appear the more responsible half of the former couple.
Of course, it’s fair to ask… What makes any of this news? Why should anyone care what happens to these wealthy, foolish people? CONTINUED >>
The year 2007 might as well be dubbed the year of the recall. In the past few months, we've seen recalls of toothpaste, tires, pet food, jewelry, and now toys, all from China. Two weeks ago, Mattel recalled 1.5 million toys worldwide in the Fisher-Price division. The toys featured popular characters like Dora the Explorer, Elmo, and Big Bird. This morning, word of another Mattel recall, involving millions of toys.
(WATCH VIDEO) The timing is unfortunate for toy companies, now heading into production for the critical holiday period. But perhaps even more unfortunate, is the number of children that may become ill as a result of these toys. As these recalls seem to keep on coming, what can we as consumers do to protect ourselves and our families?
Here's What We're Looking at for Tomorrow's Show:
Shuttle Damage
Mission Managers will decide tomorrow or Wednesday if the astronauts will repair a gouge on the belly of space shuttle Endeavour. NASA will need to determine if the damage caused upon take off will impact the re-entry of the shuttle at the completion of the mission. If it is necessary for the tile to be repaired while the crew is in orbit, this will be the first time such repair will be performed in space. Tom Costello will have the latest on the status of Endeavour's mission tomorrow.
Elizabeth Edwards
She's his running mate in life and now Elizabeth Edwards is in the midst of a second presidential campaign with her husband, John. Tomorrow Elizabeth Edwards will tell us about her book "Saving Graces."
Bluetooth Security
They're meant to keep drivers safe when they're driving and talking on the phone. But is there something you don't know about your Bluetooth device that might compromise your security? We'll tell you tomorrow.
Other Stories Planned for Tomorrow:
- Latest on the UT Miners
- Iraq Military Progress
- Is There a Link Between Brains and Money?
- Are Your Beverages Making You Fat?
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)
Have you ever had that awful, sinking feeling when you've hit the "send" button on your computer, and you then realize that the name in the "to" field was incorrect? Maybe sometimes it can be embarrassing, while other times it could be potentially destructive. What if you sent an insulting email about your boss to your boss by accident? Or sent an email mocking a friend or acquaintance without realizing that person is actually on the email list? This morning, we had the authors of the book "Send: The Official Guide to Email for Office and Home" on the show to talk about this very phenomenon. WATCH VIDEO. Unlike the days of snail mail where you potentially had the option to run to your mailbox or post office and retrieve a letter before it left, email does not afford you that luxury. The good thing, and the bad thing, about email is that it's instantaneous. Once you hit send, your fate is sealed.
CONTINUED >>
Today we brought you what appears to be
another Hall of Fame entry in the Annals of Insane Lawsuits. Leroy Greer, a car salesman, called 1-800-flowers.com and sent flowers to his girlfriend. 1-800-flowers.com subsequently sent a receipt to Leroy’s house. The trouble? Leroy shares his house with his wife, who thus discovered Leroy has a girlfriend.
CONTINUED >>
Here's What We're Looking at for Tomorrow's Show:
Latest on the Miners
All weekend, rescue teams continued their effort to reach the six miners in Utah. A camera sent down to the area where the crew was thought to be at the time of the collapse last Monday showed no signs of the six men, however, it did locate equipment. Tomorrow Michele Kosinski will have the latest on this story.
Exclusive: Your Cheatin' Heart
Customer appreciate is great for business. But a thank you card from a florist can be a horrible thing for a marriage... especially if it reveals to your wife that you sent flowers to your girlfriend. Tomorrow we have an exclusive interview with a Texas man who's suing 1-800-Flowers.com.
Exclusive: What Happened at the Playboy Mansion?
Last week reports said there was an alleged sexual assault at the Playboy Mansion. Exact details of the incident are not known and police actually called off their investigation due to a lack of evidence. Tomorrow we'll tell you what Hugh Hefner has to say about it in an exclusive report.
Other Stories Planned for Tomorrow:
- Stock Market's Week Ahead
- Remembering Merv Griffin
- Avoiding E-Mail Disasters
- The Osmonds Reunite to Celebrate Their 50th Anniversary
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)
Here's what we're planning for this weekend:
Trapped Miners
There is some hope in the effort to find six trapped miners in Utah. Early this morning the rescue team successfully drilled two holes in the side of the mountain. These holes will serve as air holes for the trapped crew. Ron Mott will have the latest on the story tomorrow.
Wine 101
The aisles are filled with chardonnay, rose, merlot and shiraz. Navigating a wine store can be a daunting mission. Sunday we'll give you direction between the chewy, oakey and crisp flavors of wine.
Other Stories Planned for the Weekend:
- Sat: Decoding the Real Estate Market
- Sat: Is Preppy Back In?
- Sun: Should the Drinking Age Be Lowered?
- Sun: Cleaning Up Your Online Reputations
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)
Vlog-e-spondent Dan Barbossa celebrates good times with Kool & the Gang.
The gang introduces its newest members, reveals the best part about touring and shares their favorite things about the great state of New Jersey. WATCH VIDEO
Today we tackled
Clarian Health Partners’ controversial plan to fine their employees for unhealthy behaviors. Clarian, an Indiana hospital chain, will dock $5 off worker paychecks for smoking, $10 off for being overweight, and $5 each for high cholesterol, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. The fines could add up to $780 a year for an especially hedonistic, smoking, donut-popping employee.
CONTINUED >>
What We're Following for Tomorrow's Show:
Wild Weather
More extreme weather is expected across the country tomorrow. We'll tell you where the drenching rain and sizzling heat will hit.
The Price of Kids
Most parents say their children are a blessing. Every parent says their children are costly. Tomorrow Jean Chatzky will break down what kids mean to parent's bank accounts.
What else is planned:
- Shape Up or Pay Up: Companies Encourage Employees to Get Healthy or Pay the Price
- Update: What Happened After We Aired Our Report on "Fire in the Hole" Drive Thru Pranks?
- Elmo Visits Us in the Studio
- Kool & the Gang 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:
Dow Down
387... that's how many points the Dow fell today. CNBC's Erin Burnett will report on the rocky state of the markets tomorrow.
President's News Conference
The President held a news conference today before heading up to Kennebunkport, Maine for a long weekend. In wake of the Minneapolis bridge collapse, President Bush made clear that there would not be an increase in the national gas tax. Kelly O'Donnell will have a report for us tomorrow.
Hope for Miners
The CEO of Murray Energy Corp., the parent company of Crandall Canyon Mine, said today the rescue crews may reach the six stranded miners with a 2 1/2 inch drill hole. The hole would allow the rescuers to get the miners food, water and air. Ron Mott will have more tomorrow.
Check back later to see which stories stick, which move and which get shelved for a later day.
Every so often we ask some of our extended family members to blog about their experiences here at TODAY. This morning we had chef Kathleen Daelemans on the show talking tomatoes. WATCH VIDEO She is the author of the New York Times Best Seller, Cooking Thin with Chef Kathleen: 200 Easy Recipes for Healthy Weight Loss and the host of Getting Thin and Loving Food with Kathleen Daelemans on PBS. Her newest book Getting Thin and Loving Food is in book stores now.
(From Kathleen Daelemans)
When I received a call from my producer inviting me to do another Kitchen segment on the Today show I did what I always do when she calls. I acted normal. And took copious notes as she outlined her ideas for the segment from beginning to end discussing at length what she’d like the viewer to walk away with. I scribbled down the types and varieties of recipes she wanted demonstrated and displayed and the number of how-to culinary tips and newsy nutritional sound bytes she wanted built into the segment.
I asked what I hoped were intelligent questions. And did my best to sound professional and like it was no big deal the Today Show’s phone number was on my caller ID! I hung up the phone and did the happy dance with my cat Fujin (God of Wind. Long story) and screamed OHMYGAWDI’VEBEENINVITEDBACKTOTHETODAYSHOW!
CONTINUED >>
This morning we
interviewed Matt Murphy, the young man who caught Barry Bonds' historic homerun ball. For Murphy, being in that stadium, on that night, to catch that ball, was the definition of blind luck. For us, finding Murphy was similarly fortuitous…
From the moment Murphy was escorted from AT&T Park in San Francisco, every talk show in America launched a hunt to track him down. When we’re pursuing a guest like Murphy, one of our go-to sleuths is Matt Zimmerman. If Zimmerman worked in government, we’d have located Bin Laden on Sept. 12th. He’s relentless.
CONTINUED >>
On Wednesday evening, Queens native Matt Murphy decided to pay a visit to AT&T Park prior to leaving for a flight to Australia. That decision could prove to be one of the smartest of Murphy's life. When Barry Bonds hit that 756th home run to right center field, Murphy fought the crowds and emerged victorious with the historic baseball.
This morning, Murphy appeared on the show to talk about his amazing catch and what he plans to do with the famous baseball.
The baseballs from previous record setting home runs have garnered a decent amount of money, to say the least. Estimates on the Bonds 756 baseball are running as high as a half million dollars. But in light of the controversy over the legitimacy of Barry Bonds's as the record holder, does that change the value of the baseball? Will a "tainted baseball" be prized in the same way as previous baseball memorabilia? What do you think?
Here's a look at the plans for tomorrow:
Hot, Hot, Hot!
We told you this morning about the heat wave sweeping the country. Temps are expected to continue to rise and wild weather is in the forecast. We'll have this story tomorrow.
Sen. John McCain
His hat is in the ring. His campaign has hit a few bumps and we're not even through the primaries. Tomorrow we will have an exclusive interview with Sen. John McCain.
Trapped Miners
Crews are working continuously to rescue the six miners trapped in Utah. Holes are being drilled in the mountain side in the hope that it will bring air to the men. Ron Mott is in Huntington. He'll have the very latest in the morning.
America the Beautiful
We're making our next stop on our America the Beautiful tour. Just where will we be tomorrow? You'll have to tune in.
What else we'll have on tomorrow's show:
- Drive-Thru Pranks
- Coffee: Fact or Fiction
- What Grocery Store is Giving Free Rx?
- Is There a Link Between Breast Implants & Suicide?
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)
Several Olympians and Olympic hopefuls joined us on the show this morning to celebrate the countdown to the Beijing Games – just 365 days to go!
Swimmer Natalie Coughlin, who won five medals at the Athens Games (two gold), and Olympic hopeful Kate Zeigler jumped in the first-ever pool on the plaza to give a few swimming tips to our own Natalie Morales, while swimming legend Janet Evans shared some summer swimming safety tips.
Photo: Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin (left) and Olympic hopeful Kate Zeigler (right) give a few swimming tips to TODAY's Natalie Morales.
I caught up with Natalie Morales after she dried off to get the scoop on the first pool interview of her career.
CONTINUED >>
We hosted a debate this morning between the founder of Baby Einstein and the author of a study which contends the popular educational DVDs actually impair children’s intellectual growth.
Even before this study, I was amazed that parents would spend money on such products. Not because I suspected they were harmful. But because they strike me as a sick reflection of our constant social emphasis on success and achievement. CONTINUED >>
This morning we reported a study on the staggering power of advertising. Children, ages 3 and 5, were presented with an assortment of identical foods, half in McDonald’s packaging, half in unmarked packaging. The kids were then asked which tasted better. An overwhelming majority said the foods labeled “McDonald's” tasted best. CONTINUED >>
What We're Following for Tomorrow's Show:
August Heat Wave
We're in the dog days of August and the thermometer is heating up. Tomorrow we'll tell you what parts of the country are sweating.
Endeavor Set for Launch
NASA is in its final countdown for liftoff of the space shuttle Endeavor. The mission is special for Barbara Morgan, a schoolteacher who was the back up to Christa McAuliffe 21 years ago on Challenger. Tom Costello is in Houston covering the launch.
Other Stories in Tomorrow's Show:
- Tony Snow's Battle with Cancer
- Virgin Atlantic Airlines Takes Off
- Countdown to Beijing
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:
Latest on the Miners
Rescue crews moved in a seismic listening device to try to detect any movement or noises in the mine where six miners are trapped. Jennifer London is in Huntington, Utah. She'll have the latest on this story tomorrow.
McDonalds has a Hold on Kids' Taste Buds
The Golden Arches... They're the marketing gold standard. Tomorrow we'll tell you about a recent study that shows just how much of a hold Mickey D's has on your kids.
Baby Einstein Bad for Baby?
We know they can be mommy's best friend, but are educational DVD's doing harm to your child? We'll have all the details on research that shows Baby Einstein may be no good.
Check back later to see which stories stick, which move and which get shelved for a later day.
Much has now been made of Jim Cramer’s so-called “rant” on CNBC last Friday. If you haven’t already, watch it now. This is what’s known in the business as “good TV.”
Since the clip has made the rounds online, many critics have questioned whether someone with Cramer’s influence should be making such statements in such an emotive fashion. They’ve also questioned his sanity. CONTINUED >>
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(From John Bailey, NBC News intern, China bureau)
As always in television, lots of work goes on behind the scenes that you don’t see on TV. Sometimes, whole stories don’t ever make it to the air. During our preview of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, one of those stories was a unique collector’s item that has accumulated quite a large following in next year’s host city: sidecar motorcycles.
For Americans, enthusiast clubs built around motorcycles, choppers, or muscle cars are commonplace. But in Beijing there aren’t choppers, Harley’s, or vintage automobiles; there are sidecar motorcycles.
CONTINUED >>
25-year-old Sara Bareilles stopped by the studio to chat with Ann and sing her newest song, “Love Song.” Afterwards, Sara spoke with me about touring and what she’s listening to on her ipod.
allDAY: How did you get started in music?
Sara Bareilles: I’ve been singing since I was little. There was a piano in the house. I gravitated towards playing the piano and singing. I was in a musical environment.
CONTINUED >>
Today, after months of hard investigative work, we brought you the truth about cupcakes.
In New York and Los Angeles, cupcakes are the hottest yuppie culinary craze since the sushi boom of the 1980s. Not only are city-dwellers consuming cupcakes like everyday is a 2nd grade birthday party, a record number of hard-charging careerists are abandoning their cubicles to become cupcake bakers.<
CONTINUED >>
This morning we took a look at CyberChondriacs. And, yes, that is a completely invented term. And, no, I have no idea how to spell it. (One of the perks of working in the media is promoting the deterioration of the English language.)
That all said, it is a very real phenomenon – people searching for medical information online and whipping themselves into a paranoid frenzy. I know the pitfalls well.
CONTINUED >>
Here's a look at the plans for tomorrow:
Six Trapped Miners
This morning six coal miners were trapped after an earthquake hit Utah. Rescuers were working all day today to find the miners who are believed to be 1,500 feet below ground. Jennifer London is traveling to Utah now. She'll have the latest on this story in the morning.
Hunt for Bin Laden
It's been almost six years since the Twin Towers were hit and still there is no information on the whereabouts of the mastermind behind the attack. With Afghanistan's President Zarzai meeting with President Bush today, the question remains where do we stand on the hunt for Bin Laden? David Gregory will have a report tomorrow.
Where is Madeleine?
Conflicting reports out of Portugal today indicate that traces of blood have been found in the hotel room where little Madeleine McCann went missing. This comes after a witness said she saw the British toddler in Belgium. We will have more on this story tomorrow.
Cyberchondriacs
There is no doubt the web can be an amazing resource, but what about when it comes to your health? With the recent rise in health and medical websites, many patients are turning to the web for diagnosis. Tomorrow we'll talk to Dr. Nancy Snyderman about "cyberchondriacs."
What else we'll have on tomorrow's show:
- Newt Gingrich on the Politics of the Day
- The Curse of the Mama's Boy
- Dress for Your Age
- Countdown to Beijing
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)
Much of the controversy surrounding Skinny Bitch is connected to its promotion of a vegan lifestyle. Vegans are not only vegetarians, they also avoid all animal byproducts like milk, cheese, and eggs. It’s not easy, it may sound a bit extreme, and I’m not sure if it’ll help you lose weight, but it’s a choice for which I have enormous respect. CONTINUED >>
(From Producer Gil Reisfield)
Remember when you were young and got an allowance from your parents? How did they pay you? If you're like me, you pocketed cash from your folks. But a growing number of kids these days are getting funds transferred into an account, which they spend with a debit card.
According to a Spring 2007 study by Teenage Research Unlimited, 20% of teens ages 12 to 19 report having debit cards in their own name. We met one of those teens on the show this morning. Becca Kreitman is an ambitious young teenager with a passion for acting on stage. She's only entering into her senior year in high school, but already she's well versed in the ways of plastic. Becca has a new debit card from PayJr. which she personalized with a photo of her dog Sophie.
"It's really taught me how to budget my money, because I know that's something important that I'm going to need to know for the rest of my life," says Becca. "And I can see where my money is spent. I can keep an eye on it."
CONTINUED >>
This morning we took a look at Skinny B*tch, a diet book that rocketed to the top of the bestseller lists after Victoria Beckham, aka “Posh Spice,” was photographed carrying a copy. It’s a craze I find ridiculous from top to bottom.
First, Beckham has since issued a statement saying she was only holding the book because she found the title amusing. She didn’t buy it, and, in a statement, her publicist has implied it amounts to a “fad diet.” CONTINUED >>
Here's What We're Looking at for Tomorrow's Show:
Latest on the Bridge Collapse
Eight families are still waiting for any news on their missing loved ones. Today a prayer service was held for the victims of Wednesday's collapse. The death toll remains at five and more than a hundred injured. Lee Cowan will have a full report on the latest news.
Skateboarder's Huge Wipe Out
We showed you the video on Friday of a killer fall one skateboarder took at the X-Games. Watch Video Tomorrow we will have an exclusive interview with Jake Brown, the skateboarder that actually walked away from the wipe out.
Baby Makes 17!
Tomorrow we'll introduce you to the Duggar family. Yes, it is true they just welcomed their 17th child into the world... and they're not planning on stopping yet. We have an exclusive interview with mom, dad and all the kids.
Other Stories Planned for tomorrow:
- A Look at the Race for '08 with Tim Russert
- Maria Bartiromo Previews Wall Street's Week Ahead
- Exercise: Myth or Reality
- What is the Craze Over the "Skinny B*tch" Book?
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)
Here's What We're Looking at for The Weekend:
Latest Minneapolis Bridge Collapse
We will have the very latest news on the bridge collapse that occurred Wednesday. Today the NTSB was in Minneapolis conducting their investigation into what caused the collapse. It appears that the bridge shifted 50 feet to the east. Mrs. Bush was in Minneapolis today meeting with survivors and families of the victims. Tomorrow the President will join her. Natalie Morales and Lee Cowan are in Minneapolis and will cover this story for us over the weekend. We will share stories of the survivors as well as those of families with loved ones missing.
Madeleine Sighting?
The parents of Madeleine McCann have been looking for their daughter since she went missing from their hotel room in Portugal. New reports indicate there have been sightings of the young British girl in Belgium. Tomorrow Janet Shamlian will have all the details on these new reports.
Green Hotels
It's the latest social trend... Going GREEN. We've seen it in cars, clothes even make-up. But now will you go Green the next time you travel? Sunday we'll tell you about hotels that are becoming eco-friendly.
Other Stories Planned for the Weekend:
- Sat: Is Barack Obama the Howard Dean of '08?
- Sat: Do Twenty-Something Women Make More Dough than Twenty-Something Men?
- Sun: Workaholics Anonymous
- Sun: Vanishing America: Kiddie Rides
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)
Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker dropped by the Studio today to talk with Matt, Meredith, Al and Ann about their newest non-stop action and comedy film, Rush Hour 3. I was able to nab of few minutes of Chris Tucker’s time for a quick Q&A.
CONTINUED >>
Today Meredith played tennis with a 5-year-old "prodigy". Shortly afterwards, the little tyke vowed never to pick up a racket again.
CONTINUED >>
As any standup comedian or dinner party blowhard will eagerly tell you, air travel is an exceptionally unpleasant experience.
So, this morning we interviewed the CEO of SouthWest airlines. We’re going to be interviewing airline CEOs throughout the month of August, all part of an ongoing effort to seek out answers, “speak truth to power,” and generally vent our collective frustrations. CONTINUED >>
I'm calling this the Video of the Week, but it's a strong early frontrunner for Video of the Year. The ingredients? A man, a skateboard, a ramp, and a little something called gravity. Enjoy -- and pay close attention to this guy's shoes...
CONTINUED >>
This morning marks our second day covering the heart-breaking tragedy in Minnesota. Beyond the scope of the human tragedy, most striking is the revelation that the government knew this bridge was “structurally deficient.” Which suggests one of two possibilities… either the term doesn’t mean what it sounds like it means, or someone was criminally negligent.
No surprise then that public officials are opting for the former, semantic explanation. Indeed, at a press conference yesterday afternoon Tom Everett of the National Bridge Inspection Program said the term “structurally deficient” is a “programmatic classification” that is not an indication a bridge is dangerous. Fair enough. But neither is it an affirmation that the bridge is especially safe. CONTINUED >>
What We're Following for Tomorrow's Show:
Latest on the Minneapolis Bridge
The death toll from the bridge collapse over the Mississippi river remains at four this evening, but officials warn that number is expected to rise. A reported 30 people remain missing as the search was temporarily halted due to strong current and low visibility. We will have more on the story tomorrow.
What Else We're Planning For Tomorrow:
- Live Performance from Vince Gill and Amy Grant
- Why the Craze for Chopped Salads?
- A 5-Year-Old Tennis Prodigy
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:
MN Bridge
We are continuing to follow the developments in the Minneapolis bridge collapse. Recovery efforts are going on today. We are watching all the press conferences and we will have the latest tomorrow.
Check back later to see which stories stick, which move and which get shelved for a later day.
If you have a tween in the home I’m sure you’ve seen the show, “Drake & Josh” on Nickelodeon. It’s an energetic show about singer-musician Drake who constantly drags his step-brother, Josh, into all sorts of shenanigans. And let’s not forget about the little sister, Megan, who may be both smarter and cooler than her two older brothers. Today the cast, Drake Bell, Josh Parker and Miranda Cosgrove, arrived on our set and talked with Al about their upcoming TV movie.
CONTINUED >>
The late-breaking news of the Minnesota bridge collapse resulted in the shelving of several stories that had been scheduled to air this morning. One was an account of this missive, recently fired off by publisher Nan Talese: “I really, really am bothered by the sanctimoniousness of Oprah Winfrey.”
The background: One of the greatest television moments of the last couple years was when Oprah Winfrey publicly crucified author James Frey. Frey had fabricated parts of his memoir, which Oprah recommended for her book club. When the deception was uncovered, she invited him on her show and staged a public shaming that made the Puritans seem forgiving.
CONTINUED >>
We interviewed Matt Damon today (video). He was charming and entertaining, but to be honest, expectations for this one were modest. Damon has a reputation for being a “bad” celebrity interview. He doesn’t bring the requisite couch-jumping, finger-pointing, boiling-over-insanity that makes for good TV.
For those reasons, I’ve always liked Damon. He defies what we’ve come to expect of our movie stars. He appears to be sober, he doesn’t shill for a cult, and one gets the sense he could hold his own in a 6th grade spelling bee. He openly rejects the notion that everything he says is inherently interesting, because he happens to be a famous actor. And he refuses, as he puts it, to “pimp” his private life to sell movie tickets.
CONTINUED >>
Greetings allDAY readers. I'm Noah Oppenheim and I'm a Senior Producer of the Today Show. My day job is overseeing the 7a hour of the show, and today I'm launching an experiment in daily blogging. CONTINUED >>
What We're Following for Tomorrow's Show:
MN Bridge Collapse
The early pictures out of Minneapolis show a devastating scene where a bridge collapsed over the Mississippi River. It is too soon to say what the extent of injury or even possible fatalities at this point. We are moving crews to the scene. We will have the latest in the morning.
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:
Rumsfeld Testifies in Tillman Case
Was there a military cover-up in the death Pat Tillman? Tomorrow we'll tell you what former Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld had to say in his testimony before a House committee today.
Desperate to Date
With online dating, match making services and of course your own mother all pushing you to get out there and date, it can be a lot of pressure to find a steady. Tomorrow we'll look at the lengths people are going to just to snag the right mate.
America the Beautiful
We're continuing our America the Beautiful series tomorrow with our fourth location.
Check back later to see which stories stick, which move and which get shelved for a later day.
What is the highest-grossing film of all time in nominal dollars? Who was the only person to be nominated for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, a Grammy, and a Nobel Peace Prize? Who ranked #1 and #2 on the Forbes Richest Americans List for 2006? Matt, Meredith, and Ann answered all those questions and more in this morning's CNBC's Fast Money MBA Challenge. WATCH VIDEO
Some of the questions that didn't make it?
-Spuds MacKenzie was the mascot for what brand of beer?
-Although he is best known for his Star Wars series, George Lucas wrote and executive produced another blockbuster series that won 8 Academy Awards. Name that series.
-Which U.S. president is famous for saying "Read my lips, no new taxes?"
-Which Wendy's founder named the chain after his daughter?
Do you know the answers?
