allDAY

The view from death row

2008-05-09T12:40:00Z

Richard Adams, a producer in TODAY's Los Angeles bureau, visited California's San Quentin State Prison as part of this week's Access Granted: TODAY segment. Here, he offers observations from the trip.

It’s a view that people would pay millions for, but for now, it's reserved for those who would rather be almost anywhere else. California’s only Death Row happens to be located in one of the country’s most expensive real estate markets. Tucked into a cove of San Francisco Bay, the San Quentin State Prison offers panoramic views across the water, and of Marin County’s Mt. Tamalpais to the north. WATCH VIDEO

In Larkspur, the next town over, the average two-bedroom home costs more than a million dollars. One can only imagine the frustration and envy that real estate developers have felt over the years, looking over this 432-acre site that houses a prison complex. But there’s little chance this place will change hands anytime soon.

As the site of all the state’s executions, the prison is justly infamous for housing notorious killers and high-profile convicts. The list includes former Crips leader Stanley “Tookie” Williams, Richard Alan Davis (the man convicted of killing Polly Klaas), and serial killer Richard Ramirez, or the notorious “Night Stalker” of Los Angeles.

Scott Peterson is here too, but one gets the impression that people here are tired of talking about him. Contrary to some reports, some of the guards told us that Peterson has adjusted pretty well to prison life, and by this point has become just another guy on Death Row.

But the 654 prisoners on Condemned Row are only a small part of San Quentin’s population. The vast majority of inmates here are not considered the “worst of the worst.” With the exception of Condemned Row, San Quentin is not a maximum-security prison. In practical terms, that means that most inmates aren’t actually behind bars for most of the day. Some guys we met said they’re up and out of their cells by 6:30 in the morning and don’t come back until the 9 p.m. lockup. What do they do all day? Many have full-time jobs, (making furniture, for example). There are art classes to take, bands to play in, a full range of religious services – including a sweat lodge for those followers of the Native American Church – and even yoga.

Still, I must admit feeling a bit nervous at times, especially in the dining hall and in the dormitories where our camera crew is free to roam about and film amongst some 400 inmates. It's not like I expect anyone to hassle us, but there’s a nervous, edgy energy in the room, and it tends to follow the camera around. Also, I know we won’t be able to interview everyone, and I’m sure some people will end up feeling slighted.

In fact, the people we meet are friendly and happy to see us. I’m a little surprised by how many of the inmates we meet turn out to be fans of TODAY. (It probably shouldn’t have surprised me – our viewers really are everywhere.) One gentleman serving an indeterminate life sentence tells me that we’re his favorite morning show – he doesn’t bother with the others. Even if the Nielsen ratings people don’t count San Quentin, it feels good to know that we’re bringing this guy a piece of the outside world. (Like everyone else, he especially likes “Where in the World is Matt Lauer?”!)

Taking It Public

2008-05-07T14:32:00Z

(From Janet Shamlian, NBC News Correspondent)

I'm a writer by training, but I'm no match for these women when it comes to tales from the home front. Call it the new coffee clutch, moms are sharing everything from parenting advice to details of their marriage on the World Wide Web. I sat down with three of them to talk about the trend for a report on Wednesday's Today Show. WATCH VIDEO

What they write about used to be the stuff of diaries or a mid-morning phone call between the best of friends, and maybe that's why they've become so popular.

Being a mom can be isolating, but with a connection to the Internet we can peek behind the curtain of our contemporaries who blog about their lives, whether it be a tense morning moment with a hubby over who's driving carpool to feeling guilty about taking little Tommy to our hair appointment instead of taking him to the park.

I have to admit, there are several blogs I check every morning...if only to validate that that I'm not the only who feels like she's constantly dropping the balls.

Correspondent Janet Shamlian, producer Rachel Burstein,
and bloggers.

In the midst of talking to other moms, these bloggers have discovered big business was listening. Companies like Graco and Johnson & Johnson are reaching out to mom bloggers, hoping to get a mention.

Women value the opinion of other women, and if a blogger writes that she loves the little girls' orange butterfly sandals from the x-y-z shoe store, you can be certain a few other moms will head directly to x-y-z to buy them!

To wit, I just read in Meredith Vieira's blog about her Zoobie. Now, I want one... but I'm not sure how to justify buying it for myself. It is, after all, a toy. The point is, many mom bloggers are making serious cash from their recommendations and ads on their websites.

Behind the scenes! We had lunch on the table during our
interview, but no one wanted to eat for fear of embarrassing
ourselves!

For now, I'll stick to telling the stories of others...but I sure admire the women who can share it all with the world!

Want to read more from the women in our report and pictured here? Their blogs are:

www.wouldashoulda.com
www.motherhooduncensored.net
www.svmoms.com

Tiki reflects on twindom

2008-05-07T13:15:00Z

Day three of TODAY's special series on siblings was devoted to discussing twins, and here, Tiki Barber reflects on the nuances of his twinship between him and his brother Ronde.

Ronde and I have always done everything together. Some [things were] intentional, like playing football, and reaching the highest peaks in our respective positions, or collaborating to write five children's books, using our celebrity as athletes and our uniqueness as twins to promote reading and literacy for boys, in particular.

But some things were unintentional – like the fact that we used to gravitate to each other when we slept, or that we both suffered from febrile seizures, and my mom told tells us that we would always seize at the same time. Also, even though Ronde dated blondes for most of his life, he married an Asian women, like me. (Even though technically, Claudia is from the South Pacific. He gets his briefs in a wad about that one … LOL). Also we had our first children, unplanned, one month apart, and our second [kids] six months apart. And two Christmases ago, we both got our wives the same watch without knowing.

Two others: We decided at the same time that UVA was our school choice. And we both switched from PCs to Macs at the same time.

However, even though we are identical, we are also very different. This is the evidence for "nurture" in the debate. After we left school, our interest divided. I got into fashion, he got into golf. He loves hip-hop, I prefer jazz and blues. I have two boys, and he has two girls. WATCH VIDEO

Related links: Slideshow: Celebrity siblings

Another Liebovitz Photo Causes Controversy

2008-04-28T11:53:00Z

Say this for Annie Liebovitz: she knows how to cause a stir. A month ago, we had a lively discussion here on allDAY about the racial implications of Liebovitz's Vogue cover featuring LeBron James and Gisele Bundchen.

Now, she's got the "racy" Miley Cyrus photo in Vanity Fair, which CNBC's Donny Deutsch and humorist/TV commentator Nancy Giles discussed with Meredith this morning. WATCH VIDEO

Photo by Annie Liebovitz, excusively for Vanity Fair

What's your take on the photo? And why do you think Annie Liebovitz's photos tend to court so much controversy?

You can check out more photos and read the Vanity Fair profile of Miley Cyrus HERE.

The $57 Million Football Star and His Mom

2008-04-24T14:21:00Z

With the NFL draft coming up on Saturday here in New York, four of the top prospects and their mothers stopped by the plaza this morning to chat with Meredith and Ann.

Before the segment, I talked to Jake Long and his mother, Denise (they're in the top left in this screenshot).

Jake, who is 6-foot-7 and weighs 315 pounds, was an All-American offensive lineman at the University of Michigan. On Tuesday, he signed a $57 million contract with the Miami Dolphins, who intend to select him with the first overall pick on Saturday.

So what does the mother of a $57 million man want for Mother's Day? Here's our conversation:

DF: Jake, is it a bit anti-climactic that you signed before the draft? Do you wish you had a little of the suspense of draft day or are you glad that you got it out of the way?

Jake Long: I'm happy to have it out of the way. It's nice to know that I won't have to worry about it, and it will still be exciting on Saturday when I walk out on that stage.

DF: Before you found out that the Dolphins were taking you, when someone said the words "Miami Dolphins" to you, what came to your mind?

Jake Long: Storied program. Great people, new coaching staff. Hard working. I'm just honored to be a part of that.

DF: Denise, for the moms out there who are raising young football players, what do you say to them about putting their kids on the path to being the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft?

Denise Long: Just tell them to be good, keep their noses clean. Work very hard, do well in school, keep up their grades. When you're on the field, do what you have to do, and when you come off the field, be the good person that you are.

DF: I'm guessing Jake was always a big kid. Did you have trouble finding him clothes when he was growing up? Was he always hungry?

Denise Long: Yeah, definitely always hungry. But I really don't remember all that. You just had to have the food for everybody. I have two other boys, too, so feeding three boys was something. Clothes, yes. It was always hard finding clothes.

DF: Where did you end up shopping for him?

Denise Long: It's better now. You can go to more stores that have bigger sizes. But we used to have to go to Penney's through the catalog to get their shoes, their jeans. They couldn't just go to the store and buy clothes, which was hard for them, because all their buddies got to buy their clothes at stores, and they have to buy them through a catalog.

DF: Now that he's signed a $57 million contract, and Mother's Day is right around the corner, what are you expecting from him?

Denise Long: Just a hug and a kiss.

DF: That's it?

Denise Long: That's it. Just a hug and a kiss.

DF: Jake, is it strange to you that you're now the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL without having played a down? What do you think about that?

Jake Long: It's still mind-boggling to me, being the No. 1 pick, and the money thing. I've always played football for fun and all that, so having the money is crazy to me. But I'm going to make sure that I go out there and earn it.

DF: Are there a couple things at the top of your list to buy now that you've signed your contract?

Jake Long: I really haven't thought of it yet. I still can't believe it actually happened. Once this weekend's done, I'll probably buy a house down there and maybe get a new car, but I really haven't thought of the specifics yet.

DF: I have to ask you about your former Michigan teammate and linemate, Justin Boren. He made some negative comments about new Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez, and yesterday, news came out that he's transferring to your archrival Ohio State. What's your reaction to the whole situation?

Jake Long: I really don't know what the whole deal was. I didn't talk to Justin, I wasn't around, so I can't speak on behalf of him. But it has changed, and with a whole new coaching staff, it will change. But I think Coach Rodriguez will do good.

It's too bad it had to happen that way. Justin's a great kid, and I wish him well wherever he goes.

DF: Even to Ohio State?

Jake Long: <Smiling> You know...<thinking>...if that's his choice, you know, you gotta live with it. I really like the kid. He is a great person, and I wish the best of luck for him.

DF: Denise, in what ways is Jake like you? How does he take after you?

Denise Long: Well, his good looks <laughing>. No, I'm kidding. I think his kindness. He's caring, his personality.

DF: Do you have any advice for him as he heads off into his professional career?

Denise Long: Just be a good person, work hard, and make us proud.

There's an Alligator in My Kitchen!

2008-04-23T13:36:00Z

What would you do if you heard a noise in your house, went to find out what it was, and discovered that there was an 8-foot alligator walking around in your kitchen?

That's the question recently faced by Sandie Frosti of Oldsmar, Florida. Her response?

She said, "Oh my God," ran the other way and called 911.

She discussed the experience this morning with Meredith. WATCH VIDEO

We've all had animals in and around our homes at some point. When I was 12, we had a rabid raccoon outside our house. Animal control and a policeman came, and after the animal control officer subdued the raccoon, the cop (after jokingly offering his gun to me) shot and killed the raccoon right in front of us.

Needless to say, it was a memorable evening, but not nearly as crazy as finding an alligator in the kitchen.

So what's your craziest animal story? And if you had found an alligator in your kitchen, what would you have done?

Behind the Scenes: The Clinton and Obama Interviews

2008-04-22T10:30:00Z

With the Pennsylvania primary looming on Tuesday, Monday offered a rare opportunity for TODAY to interview Democratic presidential contenders Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama in person on the same day. Ann Curry spoke to both of them, and our piece aired Tuesday morning. WATCH VIDEO

It was a long day that took us from New York to Scranton to Blue Bell (outside Philadelphia) and back to New York, but our one day paled in comparison to the tireless efforts of the candidates and their campaign teams, who have been doing this now for 15 months.

Photo by Noah Oppenheim

I honestly don't know how they do it.

And while this race is serious business (and I believe we treat it as such), when you're following the candidates around the Keystone State, it's also important to note the following (after the jump):

1. Because you never know when you'll have a chance to eat, it's important to have food on hand. A good choice: my mother's homemade macaroons (Noah, the glutton of the group, ate three).

Photo by Ann Curry

2. Speaking of food, if you're not an official member of the traveling Obama press corps, you are not permitted to eat from the catered buffet. Ann learned this the hard way.

3. Some people have way too much time on their hands. (And in the interest of equal time, we looked for, but could not find, similarly-decked out Obama or McCain vehicles.)

Photo by Ann Curry

4. Our driver, Mohamed, is a confident guy. And for good reason -- working on a very tight schedule, he got us around Pennsylvania safely and efficiently.

Photo by Ann Curry

5. We are so addicted to our BlackBerries that one day, these devices will rise up and enslave us. And I, for one, will welcome our new electronic overlords. Or giant mutant ants, depending on which group takes over the planet first.

Photo by Ann Curry

Kathie Lee: At home on TODAY

2008-04-21T21:45:00Z

From Kathie Lee Gifford, TODAY host

Hoda and I started our third week together today and it’s amazing how natural it feels already. I really credit the crew for welcoming me so beautifully and helping me feel so much at home. And Hoda, of course.

I’m trying to learn to pace myself again, knowing that I need to conserve whatever energy I’ve got for our 10 o’clock hour. The old gray—GREY—mare just ain’t what she used to be!

Congrats to my friend, Steven Paletta, for winning Oprah’s Big Give. If only every one of us could embrace the concept!

I so enjoyed my weekend. It’s funny how you learn to appreciate a weekend when you work Monday to Friday! Spring is bursting everywhere you look and even though I could sleep in I can’t stand missing a minute of it. Each blossom is like a miracle.

I was surprised how moved I was watching the coverage of the Pope throughout the week. He has a face that seems to radiate God’s peace and peace is something we could all use more of. I’m surprised how much coverage there was of his visit. Every channel! That beats O.J. any day.

We finally finished the demo CD of the score for Key Pin It Real, the new junior high school musical I’m writing with my dear friend, David Friedman. We have our first reading of it this Friday in Tampa and I couldn’t be more of a pig in mud. There’s also a first reading of my first preschool production, Party Animals, on Saturday. The people at the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center have such passion for theater and the power it has to inspire and move us.

The best part of the weekend was having dinner with Regis and Joy on Friday night. So great to just pick up where we left off a couple of weeks ago. He could not have been more encouraging and complimentary. His new game show, Password, begins this June on CBS and he seemed excited about it. Joy looks younger every time I see her, and she can’t wait to see her new grandson again.

Life’s good…

Hoda on Tech shootings: 'My heart aches'

2008-04-16T19:16:00Z

From Hoda Kotb, TODAY host

It still hurts. A year has passed and it still hurts. I keep paging through the newspapers and reading bits and pieces, stories of survivors a year later. My heart aches. I am a 1986 Virginia Tech graduate. It may have been 22 years since I graduated, but I feel so close to that campus. It’s my school.

I will never forget one year ago, those images, those frantic kids running across my campus, through my drill field, becoming my memories. I searched for people I knew — some teachers, Tri-Delta sorority sisters. I realized that even though I didn’t personally know the people who were killed, I did know them. They were brothers and sisters, sons and daughters, they wore maroon and orange and cheered for the Hokies. They were family.

Everyone said this experience would define that campus, but I don’t think so. I really don’t. I think people are defined by what they do after a tragedy, and the wonderful people of Virginia Tech rose up.

They held hands, helped each other, and they are getting stronger every day. I’ll be honest with you: I am sitting in my apartment right now, working on the commencement speech for Virginia Tech. They deserve so much. I hope I am worthy of this honor.

The students of Virginia Tech have overcome so much. They are scarred, but they don’t want you to give them “the look.” You know the one. When you ask them where they go to school and they proudly say “Virginia Tech.” You give them the look of pity. We are strong. We are Virginia Tech.

Click here to watch the video of Hoda's recollection.

Michael Johns Finds Attention 'Surreal,' Loves Whynattes

2008-04-15T13:20:00Z

Michael Johns was famously voted off "American Idol," much to the chagrin of, well, everyone, it seems.

The Australian-turned-Atlantan was a fan favorite and seemingly a frontrunner until his untimely demise last Thursday.

He stopped by the plaza today to chat with Matt, Meredith and Natalie. WATCH VIDEO

We'll have a vlog post here on allDAY soon, but in case you can't get enough of Michael Johns, I had a quick chat with him after his appearance on the plaza. He spent about 15 minutes talking to our crowd outside, posing for photos and signing autographs, and as we stepped inside, he said, "This is surreal."

Here's the conversation that followed:

DF: As you walked in from talking to the crowd, you said this is all "surreal"...how are you dealing with all the attention you're getting?

Michael Johns: It's day to day. Everyone's been so positive since I was voted off, and saying I was robbed and that I'm going to have a great career, to think about Chris Daughtry. So that's all so sweet.

DF: What's been the best part of this whole experience?

MJ: "Idol Gives Back," for sure. Amazing all the artists they had there, Annie Lenox doing that song, and being right there with her was a huge, huge honor for me, personally.

DF: I noticed you wore a whynatte shirt on an episode of "Idol" (see above)...what's been your experience with the whynatte?

MJ: We were in Atlanta one night in a bar, and I saw some guy mixing Jagermeister with espresso, and I'm like, "What the hell is that?" He was like, "Man, it's a whynatte!" They have them in about 30 bars in Atlanta. So I heard all about it, when online and read about it.

I ended up meeting one of the owners, Jesse [Kuniansky-Altman], and he told me all about it, what they were trying to achieve and do...what a product!

DF: So you're a whynatte fan.

MJ: Absolutely a fan.