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Matt Makes a Greenlandic Friend

Posted: Tuesday, November 06, 2007 9:36 AM by Dan Fleschner
Filed Under:

One of the beauties of live TV is its unpredictability. In many cases, when things don't go as planned -- or when technical glitches pop up -- everyone has to improvise to make sure that we stay on the air and retain some semblance of coherence.

Other times, unpredictability has hilarious consequences. Take this morning, when Matt was doing a long explanation of what happens in the Greenlandic town of Ilulissat.

While talking about roads, hospitals, restaurants and bars, he made a new friend, an apparent local named Peter.

For a few seconds there, nobody -- especially Matt -- knew exactly what was happening or what was going to happen.

As it turned out, Peter just wanted to stop and say hello.  WATCH VIDEO

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Comments

Matt, you handled yourself very well.  How cute it is to see a professional having to improvise!!!!  Well done.  
Texas

Laura, Texas (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 9:47 AM)

I think Peter and Matt make a great comedy team.  Kinda like Abbot & Costello.  They should be immediately hired for SNL.

geglesiasnepa (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 10:06 AM)

Matt Great Job. Way to improvise..All together you and the rest of the crew did a, GREAT JOB...

James Walker, Daleville, Alabama (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 10:09 AM)

Really?  Did anybody else see a little "setup" there?

Ralph, Houston, TX (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 10:31 AM)

The earth has been warming since the ice age.  How do we know this is not just continuation of that warming?  Are we moving closer to the sun?

londa christie arizona (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 10:33 AM)

Living proof that Matt is such a sweetheart,just like everybody always says!!! If that would have been me I would have ignored poor Peter!!

Jessica Weddle,Lebanon,MO (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 10:49 AM)

Matt,

Keep the beard growing.  It will look great.

Phil Olsen, Tahoe City, CA (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 10:55 AM)

I loved playing in the snow as a child in my birthplace, Fairbanks, Alaska, breaking off icicles from low hanging roof tops, enjoying an ice "popsicle" on the way to school, watching those incredibly lovely snowflakes float in the atmosphere.

I know, Matt, that you may feel in awe of the environment that you are in. and also  hope that you enjoy the spectacular surroundings. Throw a snowball for me and while you're at it, make a snow angel, ride down a hill sitting on a piece of cardboard, and if there's a  parking lot close by, maybe the cars will park on one side so you can ice skate on the other. I smile when I think about the hours I spent in snowy childhood surroundings in joy. I wish the same for you.

 

Carol Catlin (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 11:01 AM)

Matt and Peter were hysterical. Best laugh I've had so far this week. Nothing like live television.  

Deb Wostman, Portland, Oregon (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 11:19 AM)

On the split scene coverage.  Al should be in the middle screen with both arms outstreached.  Matt should be on the right screen with his right arm outstreached.  Ann should be on the left screen with her left arm outstreached.  The excelant NBC tech crew should be able to make it seem as though Matt and Ann are holding hands with Al from the top of the world to the bottom.

Thomas Keane (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 11:21 AM)

MATT,ANN,& AL; YOU ALL DID A WONDERFUL JOB. LIKE TO SEE MORE OF THE WORLD.

JOAN WYPLER, NORWOOD NJ (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 11:31 AM)

That was so funny.  That is what life is about.  Peter had no clue who you were and was just being real. I rewinded that part twice this morning.  It made my day!
Susan
Ohio

Susan Osborn North Ridgeville, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 11:48 AM)

Great way to handle a unexpected guess! It was fun watching you with Peter.

Mariela Leech (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 11:48 AM)

That was so funny.  That is what life is about.  Peter had no clue who you were and was just being real. I rewinded that part twice this morning.  It made my day!
Susan
Ohio

Susan Osborn North Ridgeville, Ohio (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 11:49 AM)

I really like the beard.  Ever thought of keeping it on for the winter in NYC?  I also like how Ann calls you "Mattie!"  

Heather, Boston, MA (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 12:01 PM)

I love waking up with you guys in the morning.
Especially Matt!

Lisa Canning (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 12:04 PM)

This has been one of the greatest shows on saving the planet.  Thank you guys for doing what you do in hopes of getting us to see the importance of global warming. Ann I have my fingers crossed that you will make it to the South Pole.  Matt, loved you with Peter. The beard is also very sexy. Al the info on the toilet was quite interesting to my 14yr old son. Meridith, great info on recycling old tennis shoes.  I am a recycler at heart and never knew about the tennis shoes.  Looking foward to seeing you all again!!!!!!!!

Sonia Dume, Lacey, Washington (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 12:16 PM)

It's such a shame that such a critical and interesting subject along with excellent journalism has to be broadcast at a time when most people have to go to work and school. It's too bad that an evening special could not have been produced for prime-time for all to enjoy.

Robert Scandura, Hartford, CT (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 12:24 PM)

On National Geographics show "War on Waste", a college student said, "Green is for Hippies, those that want to be organic".  By the end of the show he changed his mind.  Hopefully thanks to your efforts many more have now changed their understanding of being "Green".  Thank you maybe our children will have a clean future.

Melba, Union City, CA (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 12:24 PM)

Matt,Ann and Al (and Meredith) Great job very informative.  I am doing everything I can to go green in my personal and professional life...you all just made it even clearer why we all need to do what we can.

Matt...wonderful with Peter hope it wasn't a set up we need a little more of this on TV

elizabeth laguna ca (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 12:28 PM)

The Ends of the Earth segments are just awesome!! I turn on the big HD TV to watch the beautiful pictures from around the world.  THANK YOU Matt, Al, Ann and of course Meredith for giving us everydayers the chance to see this!!
Joyce
California

B. Joyce DeNecochea, Atascadero, CA (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 12:32 PM)

Matt, I loved that whole segment as you walked up the ice covered street and showed us around.  Then you met Peter.  That was so great!  Good job!!!

Linda H - Columbia, MO (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 12:34 PM)

It's nice to remember that we are a visitor in their land and world. Matt did a nice job of remembering that.

Joanne Deutch (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 12:39 PM)

You know the "coolest" thing about the 4-way reporting? The fact that it was from four different world locations at once, all thousands of miles apart, and pretty seamlessly done-especially live...webcams,satellites, and modern tech are wonderful things, indeed.

Esteban, Jackson, Michigan (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 12:41 PM)

love the today show this week finally we can see and learn of these cultures.......hooray for matt....great guy with peter shows matts character.want to see more animals, and travel costfor this area......also anyway of getting rid of roker..............please dirt mouth

karen gohler, three oaks, mi (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 12:50 PM)

Matt - you ROCK!  It made my morning!  I knew that you were in a different country, but I would have at least thought he would have known what a camera was and what you were doing. LOL!!!

Peter needs to be your sidekick!

Carolyn (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 12:51 PM)

Aloha Matt,
I'm an old fan of John Lennon.
Will you be doing anything from the Peace Light?

Gerald Rozmestor, Honolulu, HI (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 12:58 PM)

How sweet Matt was with Peter...further proof that Matt is not only a great host but a good person.  Watched it twice and smiled at his kindness.

Judy K. Hansen, Green Bay, WI (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:01 PM)

Does Greenland belong to the continent of North America, or Europe?

Thank you!

April, San Diego, CA (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:08 PM)

Peter just looked so happy, toothless grin and all.  Matt had a good time and handled it beautifully.

Larry Feezell Ponca City OK (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:11 PM)

We are constantly being bombarded with bad news and it is such a breath of fresh air to watch the Today Show. I appreciate the great job the folk's at Today do and their ability to make us all feel a little better, even if just for a moment. Today is a class act.

Bart O'Sullivan, Murphy, NC (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:22 PM)

Enjoyed watching the Ends of the World =) All of you did a fantastic job and I hope to see more shows like this in the future!

Erika, Boise, ID (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:25 PM)

Matt, as a technical director here in San Francisco I throughly enjoyed how you handled that situation.  I see situations like that happen all the time and it is usually someone acting crazy, just trying to get on tv. You handled it very well.  I pulled it up on the internet to show my husband and he thought it was quite funny, too.  I am enjoying your series at the ends of the earth.  Keep up the fantastic work, NBC!!

Carla E. Duke, San Francisco CA (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:40 PM)

I wake up early just to watch you guys this week, what a great way to promote Going Green, keep up the great work!  Matt you are AWESOME

donna (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:43 PM)

Matt, you are such a kind human being.  Television needs to see more interaction like you and Peter.  You treated him with kindness and dignity and it was fun to watch. It made my morning and I am sure it made Peter's.  Keep up the good work.  Your heart is always showing.  It's nice to watch.

Vicki Wilson, Omaha, Nebraska (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:51 PM)

It's great to start the day with a good laugh.  It was so nice to see Matt and Peter meet live on Today.  Peter was just happy to be there.

Carrie (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 1:53 PM)

The "Peter Incidient" proved once more why the Today show is America's First Family.....It was just precious!!

Traci Wall, Reedley, CA (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 2:11 PM)

It's obvious from this exchange with Peter that Matt is really as nice and personable a guy as everyone says.  Way to go Matt!!

Suzanne Marcoe, Lansdale PA (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 2:34 PM)

I totally loved the segment with Peter.  It made me smile all the way to work.  When I found this site it brought that smile right back.  Matt, I love how you handled the unexpected interruption.  Try to find out more about Peter (he is hysterical!)

Linda, Greeley, Colorado (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 2:34 PM)

Loved the program! I have been glued to the TV for the last two days. Excellent idea well carried out. Congratulations for your hard work!!!!

Marika Ujvari, Windsor, Colorado (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 2:38 PM)

Hey Matt,
Does NBC and your spouse really know what a work of ART they have in you...Hope so.  You are great keep the beard, keep it neat.  

Kay Hartis, Charlotte, North Carolina (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 2:41 PM)

Peter was a hit.  I liked how you put your arm around him afterward.  Great job Matt.

Greg, Tampa, Florida (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 3:03 PM)

MATT, cOME ON TO Juneau Alaska, the other end of our state from Barrow ALASKA, SEE HOW OUR GLACIER IS HOLDING UP.  IT IS AWESOME, YOU'LL MEET GREAT PEOPLE HERE LIKE PETER AS WELL.  

KONNIE CHITTY, JUNEAU, ALASKA (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 3:09 PM)

WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD!!!!!!!!!!!

Beverly Wehrmann, Bensalem, PA (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 3:31 PM)

Matt;  it was wonderful to see how you can handle yourself with the unexspected with Peter. He looked so surprised to see everyone and to stop with smiles,hello and be on the air live.
The only thing I wished you would have talked about more was the major causes of global warming, Like the mines burning in China, The deforestation in the Amazon, The forest being cut down in this country and the world. Overuse of fossil feuls.
You, Ann, and Al did a Great job of pointing all of us in the right direction to help people start to see this problem as a world problem not a single country problem.  Hope to see more on this in the future.   Thanks to you all

Jack A.Schark Theresa, Wi. (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 3:42 PM)

Matt, I echo the sentiments earlier.  YOU ROCK!!  Your interaction with Peter this morning was terrific, genuine and kind-hearted.  Thanks for the heart-warmer and good laugh to start the day.  You all are doing a great job teaching us how important this issue is.

Maria, Roanoke, VA (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 3:44 PM)

Matt, You and Peter were the best!  and by the way, you are very handsome with the rugged look!

Mary-Menomonie Wisconsin (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 3:46 PM)

Hey guys, your doing a WONDERFUL JOB with this issue.  GREAT to see Matt, Anne and Al and these interesting places - I am learning a LOT. THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH< for doing this, I am sure this was a HUGE EXPENSE for you, but this is one American that is truly appreciating your efforts here!!!  I can't wait to see the clips for the next day from Matt, Al and Anne....  Of course I love the Polar Bears and I want so much to DO SOMETHING to help save them!!!  But more than that, I appreciate the fact your making this easier to understand, and showing everyone how important it is, to "get involved" in this problem.  God BLESS THE ENTIRE STAFF & TEAM for this incredible project, I can't even being to imagine the logistics behind all of this, the planning, the $$ involved and etc.  But IF you can get more of the American public to "See How Important It Is -  To Do Something NOW,"  I think this huge project will be worth all your efforts. GOD BLESS YOU ALL, and Thank You from the bottom of my heart - for sharing this information with us, and explaining things so much better than anyeone else done has before!!!!  WOW< it's so important- and you have made it SO INTERSTING.  YOU GUYS ARE ABSOLUTELY TERRIFFIC !!!!!  :) Hugs to all of you!!!

Respectfully Submitted,
Sharman K. Woll

Sharman Woll - Brazil, Indiana (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 3:47 PM)

Dear,
matt
I can't wait to go home and wacth the today show. imissed that part and everyone it's talking about it.
i'm sure it was wonderful & funny

Ana R, Bloomfield, nj (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 3:50 PM)

I love the ends of the earth, but Al said that he was exactly as far from the center of the earth as the height of mt. everest. I doubt that it is just seven miles to the center of the earth, i think Al meant to say he was that far above sea level, not the center of the earth and it is a big difference. could you please set the record straight tomorrow, i enjoy the piece and i know you guys try hard to get it right. thx,

george (Sent Tuesday, November 06, 2007 3:55 PM)



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