allDAY : Jenna Wolfe

TODAY anchors reveal their role models...

Adam Miller — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:11:00 GMT

It's important to have role models in life. Growing up, I always looked up to my dad. Well, my dad and Kirby Puckett. He was the epitome of a baseball player -- athletic, smart. He was not only a leader in the clubhouse, but in the community as well. The same can be said about my dad. Except for maybe that whole athletic thing (sorry dad). But he served as the perfect example when it came to a work ethic that I still strive to duplicate.

Everyone has these mentors in their life, including our anchors here at TODAY. So, I decided to ask the TODAY family in this week's Getting to Know TODAY: Who's your role model? Some of their answers may surprise you...

Be sure to tell us about your role models below!

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!

Have a great week, and be sure to give a quick thanks to that role model in your life, regardless of their connection to you or...their athletic ability.

-A.M. in the A.M.

TODAY anchors reveal their biggest guilty pleasures...

Adam Miller — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:44:00 GMT

Everyone has ‘those weaknesses” in their lives. For some, it's a bad reality show. For others, maybe it's cheesecake. Whether your guilty pleasure involves eating a loaded baked potato or playing the part of a couch potato, sometimes in life you just have to indulge!

So, I decided to ask the TODAY family in this week's "Getting to Know TODAY": What's your biggest guilty pleasure?

Be sure to post your answers below. What's your guilty pleasure? Do you agree with Lester and just love a good chocolate milkshake? Or maybe you'd bond with Matt over his adoration for pigs in a blanket? 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!

Have a great week ... and be sure to indulge.

-A.M. in the A.M.

Finish the sentence: Al Roker makes me ...

Danielle Brennan — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:30:00 GMT

Al Roker -- what a guy. So many words come to mind when you think of America's favorite weatherman.

He is always ready to offer viewers the most up-to-date weather news -- while offering a little entertainment at the same time. He's covered countless hurricanes and storms, but he has also been seen running around the plaza as the Gingerbread Man, shared a little jig with "Shrek's" Princess Fiona and even performed rhythmic gymnastics in Beijing. All in all, Al certainly brings plenty of joy and laughs to viewers across the country. So, I asked the TODAY family in this week's Getting to Know TODAY: Finish the sentence: Al Roker makes me ...

Be sure to post your answers below. How would you finish the sentence? Do you agree with the majority of the answers? 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!

Have a great week!

-A.M. in the A.M.

Which TODAY anchor would you bring to a deserted island?

Adam Miller — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 16:11:00 GMT

The TODAY anchors have traveled far and wide .... including some remote islands! But no matter who you are or who you are stuck with, life on a deserted island would require some resourcefulness to be sure you make it off the island alive! In this week's "Getting to Know TODAY" we ask the TODAY family: If you were stranded on a deserted island, which TODAY anchor would you take with you to ensure your survival and why?

If you had the decision to make, which TODAY anchor would you decide to bring with you? Would it be Matt, who has traveled all over with "Where in the World is Matt Lauer?" Or would you choose to bring Ann, the woman who has climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro? Maybe you'd opt for some comedic relief and take along Kathie Lee?! 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!

Have a great week!

-A.M. in the A.M. with a big thanks to TODAY intern, Paige Hansen

allDAY update: Paralyzed teen still surfing...and now his dog is, too

Jen Brown — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 22:40:00 GMT

From Jenna Wolfe

What makes a bad day? Is it missing the bus? Spilling coffee on your new shirt? Leaving your wallet at home?

For Patrick Ivison, who has spent nearly his entire life in a wheelchair, there is no such thing as a bad day. Fifteen-year-old Patrick is the quintessential optimist.

Patrick was only a toddler when he wrangled away from is mom in a grocery store parking lot, and in that split second, a car backed up over him. Doctors told Patrick's mom Jennifer that her son was paralyzed from the neck down. It was news that could cripple any parent, but Jennifer considered it a blessing, realizing that her son, who narrowly escaped death, had now been given a second chance.

Patrick and his dog Kona

We first learned about Patrick this past winter, when, as a quadriplegic teenager, he had taken up surfing. My producer, Josh Weiner, and I headed out to California to meet this inspirational teen. Once there, two things immediately blew us away. One, the word "can't" is prohibited in the Ivison household. It has to be. How else can you explain how a quadriplegic can learn to water-ski or play rugby or soccer or basketball… from the confines of a wheelchair? It takes not only all the strength he has, but all the will and courage as well. And two, we were astounded by Patrick's appreciation for every single day. To hold such wisdom at age 15 is an absolutely beautiful quality.

Josh and I spent a day at the beach with Patrick, getting to know him and his love of the water. For years he has only been surfing the waves off the San Diego coast in his mind. He envisioned the rush, the pull and the freedom of riding a board through the surf. And then six years ago, Patrick finally found a way to make that dream a reality. He met Jesse Billauer, a well-known surfer, who also suffered a spinal chord injury. Billauer had started a program called Life Rolls On, a foundation which, among other things, helps kids and young adults with spinal cord injuries surf. Patrick was immediately hooked. At the time, he was using a special home-made surf board, with ridges made of Styrofoam and duct tape to hold him in place.That, and a team of about 10 friends and helpers, would pull him out into the surf and pitch him to shore. Patrick was surfing. He was happy. He was free.

Patrick, his sister Sam, TODAY producer Josh Weiner and Jenna Wolfe

Josh and I went back to visit Patrick again four months later. Once again, we were surprised. There is no "day off" for Patrick Ivison. He continues to work tirelessly. He has a lot to do, he says, and no guaranteed time to do it in. Between attending school (he'll be high school sophomore in the fall) and rehabbing at Project Walk, he has his very own Web site -- www.helppatrickwalk.org. Through his site he shares his own story, hoping to inspire others. With the help of family and friends, he's also hoping to raise money for his rehabilitation. Through poker tournaments and bake sales, the Ivisons do whatever it takes to raise awareness… and to raise funds.

And then there's Kona, his new service dog. Patrick's going to need some help if he plans on driving. After all, he's only a year away from getting his license. Yes, license, and yes, Patrick says he will drive one day! A specially designed car, a lot support from his mom Jennifer and sister Sam, and his new best friend Kona will hopefully make that happen. Kona is also working now to make Patrick become more independent….helping making his bed, taking off his shoes and soon, accompanying him to school.

Surf's up for Patrick and Kona!

Patrick lives everyday with the understanding that he is lucky to be alive, that the little things aren't worth the hassle, and that the long-term goals, like his ambition of walking across stage at his high school graduation, only makes today that much more important. Tomorrow is not a guarantee, he says, and so, as his favorite song goes, "Live like you were dying."

What would you get Ann for her birthday?

Adam Miller — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:50:00 GMT

OK, so let's just say -- hypothetically speaking -- it's Ann Curry's birthday.

Yes, I know, I know, it's not until November, but who wouldn't welcome a random gift in August? Especially when it's a present for everyone's favorite News Anchor, Ann Curry.

Ann is super daring and always ready to take on new challenges and adventures. So, maybe for her next birthday, we could prepare her with gifts to help her reach the top of Kilimanjaro? Or how about something that would help her bungee jump with all fears cast aside. For this week's Getting to Know TODAY, I decided to ask her friends here at TODAY just that: It's Ann Curry's birthday -- what would be the most perfect gift?

Be sure to post your thoughts below -- what would you buy for Ann on her next birthday? Do you agree with Kathie Lee's choice of a GPS system? Or maybe you'd want to help Meredith and Ann garden? 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!

Have a great week!

-A.M. in the A.M.

Meredith Vieira's dream coffee date ... Groucho Marx?

Adam Miller — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 16:03:00 GMT

Everyone loves a good cup of joe.

But, let's face it -- it's always best to grab your daily dose of java with a good friend. And it's even better if you're with someone who has an interesting story to share!

Our anchors here at TODAY are lucky enough to interview some of the biggest newsmakers in the world, prompting this week's Getting to Know TODAY question: If you could have a cup of coffee with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and why?!

Be sure to post your thoughts below -- who would you choose to grab a cup of coffee with? Would you choose President Obama? Or maybe Kirk Cameron sounds like a good match? 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!

Have a great week!

-A.M. in the A.M.

If Meredith's dog could talk, what would he have to say?!

Adam Miller — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 14:59:00 GMT

Everyone knows how much Meredith loves her dog, Jasper. So, in this week's "Getting to Know TODAY," we ask the TODAY family: If Jasper could talk, what would he have to say?

Be sure to post your thoughts below -- what do you think Jasper would have to say about Meredith? Her cooking can't be that bad, can it? What would your pooch say about you?

As always, check the allDAY blog every Tuesday to learn the latest answers to all your burning questions about the TODAY family!

Have a great week!

-A.M. in the A.M.

Matt Lauer: Camping out for Bruce tickets?

Adam Miller — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 16:59:00 GMT

The Summer Concert Series is in full swing! From No Doubt's exciting reunion to the Black Eyed Peas' performance of their No. 1 hit, "Boom Boom Pow," to Daughtry rockin' our plaza this morning...the 2009 Summer Concert Series has already proven to be a big success.

There's nothing quite like a free concert in the middle of New York City, so it's no wonder fans line the streets for days in advance with hopes of being in the front row. Rain or shine, people will tent up on 48th St. in anticipation of Friday morning's concert. But have any of our TODAY anchors ever camped out for a front row concert seat?

In this week's "Getting to Know TODAY," we ask the TODAY family: Would you ever wait in line for more than a day for a concert?

&nbsp Be sure to post your thoughts below -- have you ever waited in line for more than day? Who would you be willing to camp out for? Do you agree with Jenna's Barry Manilow obsession? 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! Have a great week...rock on! -A.M. in the A.M. </DIV>

As always, check the allDAY blog every Tuesday to learn the latest answers to all your burning questions about the TODAY family!

Have a great week...rock on!

-A.M. in the A.M.

Want to know the 'real story' behind Matt and the deer?

Adam Miller — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 15:09:00 GMT

No one will soon forget Matt's unfortunate run-in with the deer. Not only did he miss some time on TODAY and undergo surgery ... but he faced countless jokes around the office and on the show for quite some time.

Now, I'm not saying he made the whole story up, but was it really a deer? And if it was, he could've come up with a story better than a bike accident! So, I decided to do some sleuth work around the office and show off true "journalistic chops" -- I went ahead and interviewed Matt's co-anchors at TODAY to get the truth behind this little run-in once and for all!

In this week's "Getting to Know TODAY," we ask the TODAY family: What's the true story behind Matt and the deer accident?

Be sure to post your theory of choice below -- was it truly a deer? Maybe you agree with Meredith? Do you think it was just an excuse? 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!

Have a great week ... and stay clear of those deer!

-A.M. in the A.M.