April 2009 - Posts
Hats off to Kathie Lee and Hoda for donning headgear of shocking proportions this morning to keep with traditions for Saturday's Kentucky Derby. What do you think of this fashion statement?
Video: Kathie Lee and Hoda don hats and chat
Video: More Kentucky Derby fashions
Our very own Ann Curry is truly a jack of all trades. She has filed reports from the South Pole to Mt. Kilimanjaro to Beijing and most recently, Ann returned home from covering the very latest out in Afghanistan.
But was she always so adventurous? We've seen her bungee jump in England, travel under the sea and fence with Olympians. Yet, Ann claims she used to be quite shy ... leading us to wonder, what was Ann really like back in high school.
In this week's "Getting to Know TODAY," we decided to create our very own TODAY high school senior superlatives. We asked the TODAY family: If you found Ann Curry's high school yearbook, what senior superlative do you think she was most likely to receive?
Be sure to post your picks on what title you think Ann would have won back in high school -- Most Energetic? Class Clown? Most Likely to Succeed? Don't forget to add your ideas for future "Getting to Know TODAY" questions as well. Hopefully we'll pick yours.
As always, check the allDAY blog every Tuesday to learn the latest answers to all your burning questions about the TODAY family!
-A.M. in the A.M.
Matt Lauer just finished an exclusive interview with hero
Captain Richard Phillips, who spoke for the first time since he was held hostage by Somali pirates.
The interview will air on Tuesday's TODAY.
Related stories
From TODAY correspondent Jill Rappaport
What can I say about a dog who not only changed my life, but taught me with courage and love that you can really get through anything? Jack learned how to be tough when he was abandoned on the street as a puppy. He found his way to me and I smothered him with the love he so desperately needed. From that day, he had the courage and love to guide him throughout his life. In return he showed me how to live a BETTER life.
When Jack got bone cancer my heart stopped at the thought I could lose my best friend and my "fur angel." But Jack had such an incredible will to live that despite despite having a front leg amputated, undergoing six rounds of chemotherapy and developing a heart condition, he still happily forged ahead with a wagging tail and grateful, loving eyes. He showed me that he could still live a wonderful life minus a limb. There was no stopping Jack from doing everything he did before his surgery, like chasing deer, jumping on the sofa and rolling in the grass. He did it all — just a little slower and more carefully. Jack was never depressed after losing his leg and he never seemed to notice that he looked different from his brothers and sisters who ran wild on all fours. He was just so happy to be hopping along behind them, PAIN FREE. What a lesson that taught me.
When he became the "AmbassaDog of Hope" for animal cancer, I received e-mails from all over the world. He touched so many lives that I realized this beautiful German shepherd could and should be a role model for children. That is why I wrote the book, "Jack and Jill: The Miracle Dog With a Happy Tail to Tell." He showed me that even though life can throw you some curveballs, you can still catch them and stay in the game! These are lessons for life from an incredible dog. And how blessed I was that he was mine...
From TODAY producer Stephanie Becker
Even without a TV outlet in American, those surprisingly wonderful British talent contestants Susan Boyle and schoolboy Shaheen Jafargholi have become, if not household names, at least Internet sensations. You may recall that both Susan and Shaheen appeared on our program.
Among the judges on both the British version and NBC's U.S. version, "America's Got Talent," is Piers Morgan. He flew into Los Angeles on Tuesday night for a round of auditions. I had the impossible task of making him decide − Susan or Shaheen. Alas, he refused to pick a favorite and even suggested that there's a gal coming down the pike who might even be better than both.
I threatened torture to get what I wanted, although it won't lead to any memos from White House lawyers. While it might not have risen to the level of waterboarding, I thought I could force his hand by displaying a little of my own talent: singing. CONTINUED >>
From NBC News correspondent Janet Shamlian
When I first met Elizabeth last year, I was all but speechless. My youngest child, then 5 and in preschool, was still confusing his B’s and P’s, and here was a 17-month-old little girl reading words like “refrigerator” and “elephant” with ease. When I picked up a newsmagazine and pointed to the phrase “profit margin,” Elizabeth could sound out the words − even if she couldn’t possibly know what they meant. Her gift touched our viewers, too, as we read in hundreds of e-mails.
So we were anxious to see how she’d progressed in a year, and her parents − who have a new baby in their home − graciously welcomed us back. To say Elizabeth blew us away would be an understatement. CONTINUED >>
Every week, we have several different cooking segments on the show -- always nice to have something tasty to chow down on! I mean, hey, how could there ever be too many chefs in the kitchen?
But, who is TODAY's true culinary expert? Of course, Meredith has had her share of trouble in the kitchen while Al loves a good summer BBQ. And did you know that Lester bakes a mean fruit cobbler?
In this week's "Getting to Know TODAY," we decided to create our very own TODAY "Top Chef" competition. We asked the TODAY family: If you were participating in a "Top Chef" cook-off, what would you make and which TODAY anchor would be your biggest competition?
Be sure to post your picks on who'd take home the "Top Chef" title below -- could Meredith surprise us? How would Lester size up against Jenna and Amy? And what would you make? Don't forget to add your ideas for future "Getting to Know TODAY" questions as well. Hopefully we'll pick yours.
As always, check the allDAY blog every Tuesday to learn the latest answers to all your burning questions about the TODAY family!
In the meantime, have a great week and enjoy some delicious food!
-A.M. in the A.M
From TODAY host Meredith Vieira
Have you ever been so tired you think you hear something, but you're not sure? Well, that's what happened to me last night.
I was sitting (make that slumping) on the couch in our family room, trying to convince myself that I wasn't totally exhausted. "30 Rock" was about to begin and I was determined to stay awake just one half hour more before packing it in for the night.
CONTINUED >>
From TODAY's Jill Rappaport
As a person who considers my dogs and horses to be my children, I was beyond horrified, heartbroken, and plain SICK to my stomach, to witness such shocking cruelty! On a 500-acre farm in upstate New York, 177 horses were clinging to life, covered in parasites, emaciated, with clumps of hair falling out, cuts, infections, and hooves in desperate need of care. These Thoroughbreds -- once beautiful thriving animals -- were left for months during one of the worst winters we ever had to fend for themselves.
VIDEO: Horses rescued from horrific conditions
Their owner, considered to be a prominent player in the horseracing world, blames the problem on "poor management," not money. He was arrested and charged with 22 counts of animal cruelty, and all his racing privileges have been revoked. The vet on call assures me that ALL the horses have an excellent prognosis, and should recover completely in four to six months.
And the other wonderful news is that 67 of the horses were turned over to authorities, and are up for adoption! So if you have a big backyard, and a big heart, please consider getting one. I hope by doing this story, and showing the world what can happen to our beautiful animals if left in the wrong hands, that this will never happen again! They count on us for love, care and protection. And in return we get them.What a gift!
If you're interested in adopting or donating, please contact the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA at their Web site, or call them at (518) 828-6044.
From Alicia Ybarbo, TODAY producer and co-author, TODAY's Moms |
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| Lucy, Alicia and Jack |
In the days after my first child, Jack, was born, I thought I was supposed to keep him in the hospital room with me every minute so I could single-handedly change every diaper and soothe every cry. I learned my lesson well because when my second child, Lucy, was born two years later, I had the nurses take care of her for the first few days so I could get my rest and regain my strength before returning home. I promised myself not to feel guilty about getting a lot of sleep in the hospital.
Late one night the nurse brought Lucy to my room at midnight to breastfeed. I fed her and pushed the call button for the nurse to return Lucy to the nursery. No one came, not even after several more attempts with the call button. Finally, with stitches in my stomach from the c-section and an IV and epidural still attached to my arm, I dragged myself out of bed, entered the nursery, and added a very content sleeping Lucy to a parking lot of crying babies. I hesitated from the sight of blaring overhead lights and less than attentive nurses... thinking, ‘hmm…. maybe I should bring Lucy back to the room with me so she’s not disrupted from all this chaos’. But I quickly popped out of my momentary lapse of good judgment, smiled at the nurses and shuffled back to bed. I never slept better.
That’s just one of many of my own personal parenting confessions, but as all you moms out there know, I am not alone.
CONTINUED >>
It's hard to believe we're almost through Obama's first 100 days in office. Seems like it was just yesterday we were in the midst of an exciting campaign filled with all types of catchphrases and slogans.
While "Country First" and "Yes We Can" dominated the campaign trail in '08, presidential slogans are far from new. First came "I Like Ike" and chants of: "All The Way With LBJ" and there was even the catchy "Tippecanoe and Tyler, Too!"
So we thought what would happen if one of our own put their hat in the ring one day -- ready to embark on a journey filled with kissing babies, shaking hands and of course, catchy slogans.
In this week's "Getting to Know TODAY," we ask the TODAY family: If Al Roker were running for president, what would his campaign slogan be and why?
Be sure to post your slogans below -- would you vote for Al? Don't forget to add your ideas for future "Getting to Know TODAY" questions as well. Hopefully we'll pick yours.
As always, check the allDAY blog every Tuesday to learn the latest answers to all your burning questions about the TODAY family!
In the meantime, have a great week and enjoy the warmer weather that's hopefully reaching your neck of the woods.
-A.M. in the A.M.
From TODAY staffer Adam Miller
Suzy Welch, author of "10-10-10: A Life-Transforming Idea," and Jack Welch, author of "Winning," speaks to TODAYshow.com about this revolutionary decision-making idea and how you can evaluate repercussions in your own life.
Q: When did you most recently use the "10-10-10" approach in your own life?
Suzy: Probably taking our daughter Sophia to the book party. Sophia is in college in Miami and we had to decide, should she fly up to celebrate the book tonight? She’d be missing classes …we went through it with her.
Jack: We explained to her she’d have plenty of time in the coming weeks and years but it made no sense in the next ten minutes for her to be in the middle of all this.
Suzy: And she understood it. It was a very effective deployment.
Jack: If we didn’t have "10-10-10," it would’ve been a long, long process.
CONTINUED >>
Hottie Zac Efron was in the studio, and the TODAY crew got all hot and feisty! There was confrontations, accusations, bickering hosts, finger-wagging and a sweatsuit-clad Kathie Lee in curlers! All while you were eating breakfast.
It started innocently enough, with the “High School Musical” tween-god talking about his latest flick “17 Again,” when the discussion veered towards his “SNL” sketch this weekend, in which he poked fun at KLG’s son Cody. It was all fun and laughs, until Kathie Lee marched onto the set to icily introduce herself and set the Gifford family record straight. CONTINUED >>
For many, Bob Barker is known as a beloved game show icon, with his tanned skin and bright white 'do. But Barker, who hosted " The Price Is Right" for 35 years, had the opportunity to jump at a much seedier career.
"If things had worked out differently, I might be sitting next to a porn star," said Meredith.
Barker shares the story in his memoir, "Priceless Memories." Years ago, Barker was working at a radio station in Palm Beach and modeling on the side. He had plans to move to California, and a friend of his photographer sent him to someone who was interested in giving him work.
When Barker met with the "employer," he realized his buff bod and good looks had gotten him an offer he had to refuse.
"Gradually it dawned on me that he was offering me a job in a pornographic movie," Barker said. "I assured him this was not my thing and I got out of there."
The retired host said that when it happened, he couldn't wait to run home and tell his wife.
She responded without hesitation, "Did you take it?"
We're glad Bob Barker stuck with his day job!
From TODAY producer Robin Sindler
I recently produced a series where the hosts stepped out of their comfort zones to take on a new skill. “TODAY Takes On” brought the gang back to school, art school, to be precise and they stepped into a class like none they’d ever experienced. Theirs was a lesson in painting the traditional nude (the theme was Adam and Eve) and though they are consummate professionals, even these guys couldn’t hide their jitters.
What was it like? Let’s just say when the models disrobed the room became silent. Dead silent. I’ve never seen these four so intent on remaining mature and composed. CONTINUED >>
Little Madeline Spohr, the baby who had a crush on Matt Lauer, died yesterday. Maddie spent much of her life struggling to breathe after being born premature at 28 weeks. She developed a cough on Saturday and was taken to the hospital.
Our sympathies go out to Maddie's parents, Heather and Mike.
To read more about Maddie and to make a donation to the March of Dimes in her name, click here.
From TODAY producer Stephanie Becker
This morning TODAY got the first look at the results of a new survey by the folks at AAA. I know them as the people who tow my car, change my flats and snake those scary jumper cables to the proper terminals. Their annual survey of the cost of driving a car averages it out to about 54 cents a mile. By the way, the first year of the survey was 1950 and the average cost per mile was nine cents.
You can crunch the numbers yourself by checking out the report. It's easy. While I might not know how to change my wipers, I did the math all on my own. It was one of the few times in life I've been significantly below average, not 1950 low, but low. That's why I'm making the case for biking.
Although it certainly doesn't mean that my transportation option doesn't come with its own unexpected costs. Ask Matt Lauer or Lance Armstrong.
CONTINUED >>
We're just a few weeks away from the launch of our exciting "TODAY Takes a Vacation" series when Matt, Meredith, Al and Ann will travel all over the U.S. showcasing some of the most beautiful and affordable hot-spots in America.
Travel is nothing new to our TODAY family, especially to Matt who has spent the past 9 years trekking the globe during his popular "Where in the World" series. But, maybe next year, he'll leave the suitcase at home and send Meredith instead...where would she like to go?
In this week's "Getting to Know TODAY," we ask the TODAY family: If you were to embark on "Where in the World is Matt Lauer," what would be your first choice for a destination?
Be sure to post your choices below -- maybe you'd like to land in the same city as Al or suggest an exciting American landscape for "TODAY Takes a Vacation!" Don't forget to add your ideas for future "Getting to Know TODAY" questions as well. Hopefully we'll pick yours.
As always, check the allDAY blog every Tuesday to learn the latest answers to all your burning questions about the TODAY family!
-A.M. in the A.M.
From TODAY producer Amy Unell
While I was filming this hugging story at Mikey's Hug Deli in Santa Monica Beach, a little girl about 5 or 6 years old with a slight British accent walked up to me and placed her order with a smile, "I'd like a warm and fuzzy hug, please." I replied that it cost two compliments. She looked me right in the eyes and said, "I like your bracelet, and you have a nice smile."
We hugged it out, and then she grabbed her mom's hand and started to walk away. But suddenly, she turned around. "I'd like to give you another compliment please," she said confidently. "I like you."
A little girl who I'd known for a mere 30 seconds with a heart of gold -- now that's the power of the Hug Deli.
If you're hungry for a hug, check out Mikey's Hug Deli in Santa Monica. E-mail hugdeli@gmail.com for hours of operation.
Have you hugged any strangers lately? Tell us your take on the power of a hug.
It seems like only yesterday America’s favorite chatterbox announced her return to morning news.
"It couldn't be worse timing. I'm eight years older, 10 pounds heavier, and a half inch shorter and just in time for HD television,” Kathie Lee said last April when introduced by the TODAY crew. “It makes no sense."
In just a short span of time, KLG has managed to fluff up her TODAY resume – from sumo wrestling to bird poo facials to even snagging her very own “SNL” parody. CONTINUED >>
The Obamas came by the TODAY set this morning, the first lady dressed in red and wearing pearls, and the president in a sharp suit. They seemed a little reserved though … but that's probably because they were made out of wax.
Matt and Meredith unveiled the wax figure of Michelle Obama, created by Madame Tussauds, which makes lifelike molds of celebrities all over the world. The first lady's figure will be on display in Washington, D.C., alongside the president's figure.
"That looks incredible," Meredith said of the figures' likeness to the first couple, giving them a rating of nine for resemblance.
But the wax doppelgangers looked so realistic that Meredith joked about thinking she was really talking to President Obama.
"I thought he was here, I showed up at 6:30," Meredith said.
"You didn't carry on any kind of conversation with him, did you?" laughed Matt.
"I actually did for a little bit – he ignored me," she giggled.
What other public figures should Madame Toussauds tackle next?
From Mary Ann Zoellner, TODAY producer and co-author, TODAY’S MOMS, Essentials for Surviving Baby’s First YearI’ve been a producer at the TODAY Show since 2000. My colleague Alicia Ybarbo (another producer on the show) and I have just written a booked called
“TODAY’S Moms: Essentials for Surviving Baby’s First Year.” Being a new mother is amazing, but sometimes not knowing the secrets to survival drives you crazy and soaks your energy. TODAY’S MOMS is our fun yet informational take on babies’ first year. We hope this book will help all new mothers feel more confident and relaxed about their first year of motherhood.
TODAY’S MOMS is also chock-full of behind-the-scenes interviews with many of the contributors who you see everyday on the show, like Jean Chatzky, Dr. Gail Saltz, Dr. Ruth Peters, Joy Bauer and Dr. Nancy Snyderman. We also feel so blessed that all the TODAY anchors contributed their funny, practical and touching stories, like:
Matt Lauer on being a first-time father: “The first time I had to take the baby out by myself, I dealt with it as if I were transporting a ticking time bomb. Did I have enough diapers? What would happen if the baby got sick? When would I stop being so intimidated? All these worries whirl through your head, but in the end you’re pretty amazed that you can basically cope with everything.”
CONTINUED >>
From TODAY producer Stephanie Becker
This morning we reported on the rise in unemployment numbers. Luckily, I have my job still. But I’ve declared unwaged war. I’ve launched my own personal shock-and-awe campaign to find jobs for my unemployed friends. I’d like to think I’m too small to fail, that little ole me can make a difference. What I lack in professional skills I make up for with relentlessness. I’m making phone calls, attaching resumes, querying business associates, friends and strangers through work, on Facebook, in lunch lines, crosswalks and once in the ladies’ room at the movies. It was "The Wrestler." If only they’d been playing "Kismet" or "Slumdog." It’s a bit of a thankless occupation right now. I’m just thankful I can do it from the haven of my office with my direct-deposit check and dental benefits.
My FWOJs (friend without jobs) are so grateful. But before giving me a gold star, I’ve got to confess I’m a lot less altruistic than you’d think. Much of my motivation is more like a karmic intervention. I’ve got a combo platter of paranoia and superstition. So I figure if I help them out, maybe I will have appeased the gods of unemployment (anthropomorphized as couch potatoes). At the very least, I’m hoping to ward off the bad juju of having a pink slip ax me from my labors.
CONTINUED >>
From Meredith Vieira This morning we did a segment on
planning your own funeral, which was inspired by a new book
"Grave Expectations." It was written by two ladies who, after attending one too many funerals that lacked any personal warmth, decided (over one too many glasses of champagne) that people need to change the way they feel about death.
Who better to handle funeral arrangements than the dearly departed...before they go? I know this sounds morbid, but I've decided it makes a lot of sense. And it takes the burden off loved ones left behind, allowing them the chance to grieve and celebrate the person who has died without worrying about the funeral arrangements.
In preparing for the segment, I've done a lot of thinking about my own farewell. I know I would prefer a party atmosphere with 60’s music (heavy on the Beatles) and lots of Toasted Head Chardonnay. I would want my family and friends to share funny stories along with some sentimental ones. For example, it's fine to bring up the time I walked half a block with my skirt tucked inside my panty hose after using a public bathroom...but counter it with the time I saved a man who was choking on a chicken bone (ok...maybe that didn't really happen, but it's my funeral so I'm allowed to take a few liberties).
CONTINUED >>
From TODAY contributor Jill Rappaport
My friends joke with me that my life has gone to the dogs! And I couldn't be happier about that. One of the true blessings of my job is being able to do stories that can not only help animals, but as in this case, save their lives.
As the owner of four wonderful dogs, all rescues, two from the city pound, I know firsthand how grateful and devoted my "fur angels" are because they know I saved them just in the nick of time. So that is why I wanted to do a special segment called "From Bow to Wow."
For the segment, I went to one of the busiest city pounds in the country, and roamed the halls, which for an animal lover is truly devastating. Many of these animals were trembling, emaciated and some were covered in feces. But as heartsick as I was, I knew I had a mission: To see some of these wonderful creatures step out of their horrible cages, accompany them to a groomer, see them get medical attention, and lastly, come on our show and hopefully find a lifelong home.
We picked four out of the thousands that are in this situation. They are all beautiful, loving dogs, all breeds, all ages. I wanted to take two older, bigger dogs because those are the hardest to get adopted. If I could, I would have taken them all, but that is where YOU come in. If you are thinking about getting a pet, PLEASE adopt. I think that the love you get back has the potential to change your life forever.
Dear viewers: If you're interested in finding information on how to adopt the dogs seen on TODAY, please visit the Animal Care & Control of New York City's site at nycacc.org.
UPDATE: Do the "dark patches" make YOU uncomfortable? (Video: See the anchors debate it here.) Because of
your comments and some internal debate, we are now putting this to a
vote. A lot of you seem to think the censor tape is silly, so we are
asking: Should TODAY take it off? We'll reveal the answer on the show
this Friday. VOTE NOW
Original post: As we auction the original nude paintings created by our anchors for the series "Today Takes On," some of you have asked why we chose to cover the private parts of the paintings with tape when we show them on air. (Meredith and Ann had fun trying to take the tape off and expose their art.)
I asked the producer of the segment, Robin Sindler, how we made the decision to cover the paintings. I thought it might have been a decision made by a legal department still fearing the kind of controversy when Justin Timberlake exposed Janet Jackson at the Super Bowl in 2004...
But to my surprise, Robin said the decision to put tape over the paintings was made by our senior broadcast producer, Don Nash. While I wish there was some in-depth reason why, Don jokingly told me, "Some of the dark patches made me uncomfortable."
So to all of you who asked, there is your explanation.
And don't forget to place your bid. All money goes to charity, and the auction ends Friday at 8:30 a.m. ET.
