allDAY

Images from the plaza: Welcome everyone!

Wed, 16 May 2012 19:39:15 +0000

Giacinta Pace/NBC News

This happy couple wants the world to know about their love!

Giacinta Pace/NBC News

These ladies came out to help fight cancer!

Giacinta Pace/NBC News

Give us a smile!

TODAY's Life Illustrated: Beautiful sights

Wed, 16 May 2012 19:25:25 +0000

By Victoria Moll-Ramirez, Weekend TODAY

It’s all too easy to get swept up in our busy lives and forget to stop and absorb the beauty that surrounds us. Sometimes, we fail to appreciate a breathtaking skyline or a sunlit, open field. Last week, we asked you to submit images from your hometowns, and this edition of TODAY’s Life Illustrated captures some of the beautiful scenery of our own streets and neighborhoods that we may sometime overlook or take for granted in our everyday hustle and bustle. Take a minute and enjoy these images shared by your fellow TODAY.com users.

Hills of happiness

“Nothing like good old San Francisco! The best city in the world!” - Kandi Mendory, CA

Twin city

“Minneapolis, Minnesota!!!”- Natalie Bushara, MN

Empire state of mind

"View of NYC from New Jersey." -Nicole Johnson, NJ

Hawaiian love

“Beautiful sunset on the Leeward coast of Oahu...lucky we live Hawaii!” - Lynne Cregar Hernandez, HI

Calming river

“Susquehanna River in Williamsport, PA” - Debbie Helm, PA

Submit your own photos to TODAY's Life Illustrated series at this link, and they could appear on TODAY!

More from TODAY's Life Illustrated:

TODAY salutes moms
Lover for pets
Make me laugh
Multiple marvels

Victoria Moll-Ramirez is a news associate at Weekend TODAY who never ceases to have her breath taken away by her beloved Miami skyline.

TODAY's Life Illustrated: Around the world

Wed, 16 May 2012 19:01:04 +0000

Ho / Reuters

Which places around the globe have you visited? Share your photographs with TODAY.

TODAY wants to see your photographs from around the world. This Sunday's edition of TODAY's Life Illustrated will be a trip around the globe, and we'd love your pictures to be a part of it. Whether it's a snapshot of you in front of the Trevi Fountain in Rome or an image of a beautiful sunset in Nepal, send us your photographs and join the journey.

Submit your pictures at this link, and they could appear on TODAY!

More from TODAY's Life Illustrated:

Multiple marvels
There's a first time for everything
Lover for pets
Make me laugh

TODAY studio photos found after more than 50 years

Wed, 16 May 2012 17:14:32 +0000

While looking through his aunt's attic, Soren Larson found a treasure trove. His grandfather, an amateur photographer named Frank Oscar Larson whom Soren describes as the "family shutterbug," had taken a remarkable collection of New York street scene photos in the 1950s -- including a few photos of TODAY's studio.

Frank Larson Photos

The set of NBC's "Today Show" is seen though a reflection of people outside peering into the window in April of 1954.

Frank Oscar Larson Photography / Courtesy of Queens Museum of Art

Slideshow: Timeless New York street scenes, discovered after nearly 50 years

Frank Oscar Larson Photography

Launch slideshow

See the anchors chatting about the photos in the video below.

Kathie Lee and Hoda get video-bombed by guy on the plaza

Julieanne Smolinski — Wed, 16 May 2012 16:13:32 +0000

By Julieanne Smolinski

If you watched the fourth hour Tuesday, you may have seen a man outside the "window to the world" dancing joyously…while Kathie Lee and Hoda spoke with a doctor on the subject of infertility.

The fact that the fans in the plaza can't hear what's going on in the studio sometimes makes for an awkward performance art. Many eagle-eyed viewers noticed the enthusiastic bald gent working it while a serious talk was happening just feet away.

Did you spot him? We're assuming he didn't know he was shaking his moneymaker to spoken-word accompaniment about low sperm count.

Julieanne Smolinski is a TODAY.com contributor. She thinks that guy has a future spinning signs for furniture sales.

More: Adorable baby grooving to Gotye in car goes viral
Cassidy Gifford: Hoda has the musical taste of a teenager
Howie Mandel and Nick Cannon judge fourth hour's drunk talents

Natalie Morales rocks winning 'Fashion Star' design

Rina Raphael — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:46:14 +0000

After competing against 14 talented designers to be named the first-ever "Fashion Star," Kara Laricks shares some of her favorite designs and describes her inspiration.

By Rina Raphael

We here at TODAY are big believers in testing what we preach (see: all the food — including meat — anchors eat during early morning cooking segments). So it was no surprise when Natalie Morales was spotted on TODAY Wednesday wearing a winning “Fashion Star” design during an interview with season 1 winner Kara Laricks.

“[It’s] a perfect fit,” Morales said of the sleek, white, leather-accented dress ($325), now available at Saks.

TODAY, saksfifthavenue.com

Winning look: TODAY anchor Natalie Morales wears a chic mod design from designer Kara Laricks, the winner of "Fashion Star."

Laricks, 38, a former fourth-grade teacher who now designs chic masculine-meets-feminine clothing, came in first on last night’s NBC reality-TV show finale, having garnered more than $6 million dollars in orders. Throughout the season, 14 designers competed for the coveted prize: to sell one unique collection in three mass retail stores — Macy’s, Saks and H&M.

“It's absolutely unreal,” Laricks told Morales of her win. “I haven’t even had a chance yet to go into each store to go see them today. Today feels like cloud nine.”

TODAY

TODAY's Natalie Morales and "Fashion Star" winner Kara Laricks discuss a winning design from H&M (center).

Check out the rest of Kara Laricks’ collection at Saks, Macy’s and H&M, available online and in stores today. What do you think of the winning looks? Will you be purchasing them? Let us know in the comments section!

Macy's

Several looks from the Kara Laricks for Macy's collection.

This printed dress ($19.95) designed by Kara Laricks is now available at H&M.

More: DIY: Color-blocked summer moccasins
Anchor style: Ann's chic peplum look
Nicole Richie launching fashion collection for Macy's
Style school: Three easy ways to mix bright colors

Want more great style picks? Follow us on Pinterest!

Heard it on TODAY 5/16: Rossen Reports, Bobby Flay recipe, and more

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Find more information about the following stories featured on TODAY:

For recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics on how to ensure safe baby sleep and prevent SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), click here.
Learn more about Rossen Reports, and click here to email with details of scams or issues you would like to see investigated.
Get Bobby Flay's delicious recipe for white fish here.
Click here to view classic photos of the TODAY studio and NYC.
Find the recipes for "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Teresa Giudice's chicken, green beans and tiramisu dishes.
Money 911: Send us your personal finance questions!
Find more details and official rules about the Twitter caption contest.
Show us your city! Submit photos for TODAY's Life Illustrated.
Should you be friends with your boss? Email us!
Do you have a question about nutrition? Email us!
Have a healthy recipe? Enter TODAY's Home Chef Challenge: Joy Fit Edition.

Didn't find what you're looking for? Browse this week's videos here.

Anchor style: Ann's chic peplum look

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:29:07 +0000

Pinterest.com/todayshow

Peplum is everywhere this season, including on TODAY anchor Ann Curry! On Monday, the fearless fashionista wore an effortlessly sophisticated outfit — a bright green top paired with a classic peplum skirt. In honor of her spring style, Caitlin Moran of Style Within Reach rounded up a few affordable buys:

Yellow: $68, Topshop

Mint green: $79.90, Zara

Tangerine: $69.95, Anthropologie

Rose: $23, Very.com

Blue: $100.80, Marc by Marc Jacobs

Want more great style picks? Follow us on Pinterest!

Heard it on TODAY 5/15: NBC Politics App, recipes, and more

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Find more information about the following stories featured on TODAY:

Download and learn more about the NBC Politics App here.
Click here to read an excerpt of "Father's Day"
Diet S.O.S: Send in your nutrition and diet questions!
Get Donatella Arpaia's delicious make and take recipes here.
Find more details and official rules about the Twitter caption contest.
Submit your suggestions for hot topics for TODAY's Professionals panel.
Show us your city! Submit photos for TODAY's Life Illustrated.
Should you be friends with your boss? Email us!
Do you have a question about nutrition? Email us!
Have a healthy recipe? Enter TODAY's Home Chef Challenge: Joy Fit Edition.

Didn't find what you're looking for? Browse this week's videos here.

Howie Mandel, Nick Cannon judge fourth hour's drunk talents

Julieanne Smolinski — Mon, 14 May 2012 16:03:53 +0000

TODAY

By Julieanne Smolinski

"America's Got Talent" celebri-judges Howie Mandel and Nick Cannon stopped by TODAY Monday morning, and the ladies did their best to knock their socks off.

Sara successfully walked on her hands ("She's a dyslexic tap dancer!" quipped Howie), while Hoda spun a basketball on her finger while sipping red wine from a crazy straw. (She was slightly more successful at the drinking part.) Kathie Lee tried and failed to hula-hoop while drinking a glass of Chardonnay. So who made the cut?

TODAY

Howie gave Kathie Lee a 7 out of "?" possible points, and Nick… just drew a picture of a smiley face. Which was charitable.

The judges very kindly said that all three of them were welcome to move on to the next round of competition in Vegas. That is, unless Hoda runs off and joins the Harlem Globetrotters.

Julieanne Smolinski is a TODAY.com contributor. Her hidden talent is a Howie Mandel impression.

More: What do you do if somebody 'steals' your baby name?
Adorable baby grooving in car to Gotye goes viral

Savannah tells graduates to 'dream big' in commencement speech

Katie Quinn — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:56:37 +0000

Kevin Colton/HWS Colleges

TODAY's Savannah Guthrie gives the commencement speech to Hobart and William Smith Colleges' graduating class of 2012.

By Katie Quinn

Savannah Guthrie urged 2012 graduates to dream big while taking small steps to achieve those goals during her commencement speech at Hobart and William Smith Colleges this weekend.

In a play on the traditional local newscast form, she organized her speech into sections: news, traffic, weather, sports and a word from the sponsors (in this case, the graduates' parents). Savannah then left students with this final message:

"Some people will say these were the best four years of your life. No way," she said. "Those years are coming. And here's a goal for real life, worth setting and then striving for daily: to be thankful, whatever your circumstances, every step of the way."

We caught up with Savannah just before she headed to the campus to find out how she prepared for her speech, if she had the jitters and to recall memories of her own graduation commencement speaker. And read her full address below!

TODAY.com: You asked your Facebook friends for their commencement speech ideas, putting forth the question, “What do you wish someone had told you back then?” Did their comments help you with the speech?

Savannah Guthrie: I loved getting the responses on Facebook. I think there were more than 650 comments — and I read all of them! There were some really thoughtful and wise sentiments, and a few that made me laugh. (“Step away from the keg,” read one.) Reading what the folks on Facebook said gave me confidence that I was striking the right themes for the graduates.

TODAY.com: How long did you work on the speech?

SG: I’ve been writing the speech for a few weeks now. It definitely strikes many of the same themes as the speech I gave to my alma mater last year, but it’s a different speech. The most important thing I've been doing is studying up on Hobart and William Smith Colleges. It’s been great to learn about the campus and the students.

TODAY.com: Who was your college graduation commencement speaker?

Kevin Colton/HWS Colleges

Commencement address by Savannah Guthrie at Hobart and William Smith Colleges 2012

SG: I must confess: I do not remember my commencement speaker at all. This actually gives me comfort. I figure if my speech doesn’t live up to expectations on Sunday, the students hopefully won’t remember it in 10 years anyway!

Read Savannah's full speech below.

Good morning! To President Gearan, Members of the Board of Trustees, distinguished faculty and staff, parents and families, and most of all, to the Class of 2012 — CONGRATULATIONS!

Now, hold on a second while I tweet that. [TYPING] "I am congratulating HWS 2012 graduates." Sorry, but with your generation, if you don’t tweet it or send it to Instagram, it’s like it never ever happened.

You must be going through withdrawals. Are your phones near? Are they under your gowns? Can we get these kids some ice chips and a Foursquare check in?

Where was I? Oh, yes. I was congratulating the class of — sorry. Class-ES of 2012. Plural. I get it! You have two of everything here. Two colleges. Two mascots. Two sections at graduation. But only ONE college president … who plays in a garage band … and does songs by Pink.

That’s what Betty told me.

Actually — in keeping with the dual theme, I have arranged for two commencement speeches today. Coming up next: Your national debate champs Will McConnell and Buzz Klinger will take on one of the most pressing and unresolved issues of our time. Whose pizza really is better: Mark's or Cam's? Or do we just forget pizza, and go to Joe’s Hots for the garbage plate.

Anyway, I am honored to be here with you today. The Colleges have a proud tradition of excellent academics. We've got Fulbright scholars, Marshall scholars among us; athletics (go Statesmen!... And Herons!). You've got a strong emphasis on foreign exchange and public service, and I'm particularly heartened to see, journalism is thriving here. You've got the Herald. But I wanna know more about this student paper called "Martini." It's named after a cocktail and is known for its foul language. People, you are on to something!

As your commencement speaker, my main goal is to congratulate you, celebrate you and, in the grand tradition of commencement speeches, supply you with tiny morsel-ettes of wisdom that you will likely forget the second you throw those weird hats in the air.

When I started thinking about this speech and what I wanted to say, my guiding principle was pretty simple: What do I wish I had known when I was graduating from college? What do I wish I could have told myself way back then?

For starters, scrunchies won't always be in fashion. Don't pose for so many pictures holding a six-pack of beer. You don't really need to take a college level course in aerobics.

They do say you should write what you know. Therefore, I decided to organize my speech in the most efficient and intellectually coherent information delivery system humankind has ever devised: the local newscast.

Isn't it comforting that no matter where you go, the news is communicated pretty much the same way: News, Traffic, Weather, Sports and a word from our sponsors. That's what we're going to do here today. Everybody ready? Here we go.

First, the NEWS.

I'm here to tell you that no matter how scared you are, how intimidating the job market is, how worrisome the economy, how insecure you feel deep down about whether you really have what it takes — you don't have to settle.

That's the headline: Now is NOT the time to settle.

In fact, I would say, YOUR JOB RIGHT NOW IS TO DREAM BIG, EXTRAVAGANT, *BORDERLINE* UNREALISTIC DREAMS.

I'll tell you how I learned that lesson.

Long before I had my current job, I was working in local television. I was in my hometown of Tucson, Arizona anchoring the weekend news. When I got the opportunity to go to law school at Georgetown. I had applied on a lark, thinking I'd probably never be admitted. Then, when I actually got in, I was truly torn about whether to go. I was afraid, if I left TV, I'd never get back in to the business, and I wasn't sure I was done with trying to make my way in that world. On the other hand, I was afraid, if I turned down Georgetown — no law school would ever accept me again.

The truth was, I had a dream. I wanted to go to law school AND I wanted to be a network TV correspondent. But I didn’t think I could do both.

The best advice I got was from one of my old professors at the University of Arizona. After I hemmed and hawed in his office for a while, he looked at me and said, "Savannah, think big."

Deep, right?

Actually, it was. The problem with all of us sometimes is we convince ourselves of all the reasons we CAN'T do something before we even try. We think SMALL, so that we might succeed at that SMALL dream we set out for ourselves in order to avoid failure.

Think of what you might accomplish if you directed all that compelling, forceful energy toward convincing yourself why you CAN do it.

In a nutshell: Thinking BIG means conjuring up a vision for yourself. It means taking time, being reflective, and daring to visualize what it would look like if you could wave a magic wand and be exactly where you wanted to be in five years — even if it seems a little unrealistic at the moment.

Look, we live in the real world. I'm not suggesting you sit around Opus, over-caffeinating and dreaming big dreams, and refusing any situation or opportunity in the meantime that doesn't live up to that perfect ideal.

What I am saying is: THINK big for yourself. DREAM big. But then, be ready to start SMALL.

In fact, that is exactly how it works. You start SMALL, and you work at the SMALL thing like it IS the big thing. That's how you GET the big thing.

That brings us to the TRAFFIC report. Which is be prepared to SLOW DOWN. The highway of life is long and if you go too fast you could end up hitting a guard rail or get pulled over or maybe you’d need a tow and… OK, you get the idea. I think I’ve taken the traffic thing as far as it can go.

Take your time, do not be in a hurry and do not think you need to achieve everything right here, right now.

I am here to tell you there are no overnight successes. OK... Mark Zuckerberg. And The Situation. But those are the exceptions.

I know, this goes against everything you probably think and feel at this moment — the urgency or pressure you feel to get going with life, take the bull by the horns, start adding to that resume.

I can relate to being in a hurry. When I was just starting out in television, I worked at a small station in a small town. I was a reporter and weekend anchor. And you might not know this when you see it on the news, but the weekend reporters, you have to do it all yourself. And I mean everything. I shot my own video, lugged around a big heavy camera, edited the videotape, wrote all the scripts.

Every day that I would go out and shoot a story I really had just one overarching goal: to get good piece to put on my resume reel to send out to big cities around the country to try to get to a bigger station. We had a name for this: our "escape tape."

But this often didn't go that well for me. Half the time I had to be my own camera person. When it came time to shoot my own standup (that's the part where the reporter is on camera), I would set up the camera on a tripod, run out in front of it, tape my little report and then get back to the station only to find out I'd cut my own head off out of the picture.

Worse: I would look at my own stories, hear my own voice and see my presentation on camera and I KNEW I fell so far short of the network TV correspondent I hoped one day I could be.

I'd be in quiet despair — another day lost in a small town when my dreams were for bigger places.

But what I know now is not a single one of those days was wasted. It was then that I learned this business inside and out. It made me have a wider perspective on this profession so that when I finally got that bigger position, I had done every job and understood how it worked.

I am glad the first time I was chewed out, it was a local politician and not the White House calling.

Making mistakes and being bad at something, this is how you get to be any good at all.

I know this is hard to hear. But it's true: You're not ready for every big job and every opportunity. Not yet. This is the point: It's NOT a good opportunity if you're not ready. Here's the truth. Here's why you should be excited. You WILL be ready. You WILL get there. You've got your degree and you are on your way.

And now over to Savannah with the WEATHER. Thanks Savannah. The forecast, is partly scary. with a chance of rejection.

Look, I know it's popular to say you should have self-esteem and self-confidence — and brightly go forth in the world.

What I am telling you is that it is OK to be afraid. Not only is it OK — a little fear is probably good for you!

And the simple reason is FEAR leads to over-preparation. And when you over-prepare, ACTUAL failure becomes a much more remote possibility.

In fact, having fear, and then, proceeding in spite of it, is where REAL confidence comes from. It's the accumulation of experiences in your life in which you overcome your fear and try something — even if you really do fail at it! — that leads to authentic self-esteem.

The truth is: We've all missed a grade, or been passed over for a promotion, or watched as the job we wanted went to someone else.

But that's the amazing thing about failure. It's part success. It's an essential ingredient. Because you gain courage — and LOSE fear — when you know, based on your own experience, that you can fail, but you can RECOVER.

Thanks Savannah for that weather report. I’ll be sure to bring my umbrella!

Finally: SPORTS!

To get to the goal line, be prepared for pain.

There will come a time in your life, when you have to just go for the goal. You have to take a big, giant, running leap in pursuit of that … homerun… and when you do, you may be tackled… or, placed in the penalty box. Sorry, sports metaphors aren’t my thing. So… go Statesmen!

Anyway, the larger point is that sometimes the right thing to do will make you feel almost sick to your stomach. There may come a time you have to SEEK OUT the uncomfortable situation in pursuit of your goal.

This happened to me not long after I graduated from law school. I had lined up a clerkship with a federal judge in Washington DC. It was a job that law students from good schools all over the country had applied for, but I was lucky and the judge hired me.

But a few months before I was due to start, I had an epiphany. I realized I still was harboring those ambitions to go back to television. I wanted to be a network correspondent. I wanted to tell big stories and be a reporter again. I guess I still had that big, unrealistic dream gnawing at me.

But I hadn't worked in television in years and never national news. I had no real reason to think I could get a job back in journalism again. On the other hand, what I realized was, the only reason I wasn't trying was because I was afraid I wasn't good enough and that no one would give me a chance. I decided, that wasn't a good enough reason not to try.

So I went into the judge's chambers. And I'll never forget what he said. "Do you have a job offer?" I said, no. Well, he said, "Do you have any prospects?" I shook my head. "So why can't you come clerk for me for a year and then go pursue your dreams?" And I said, "Judge, I just know that if I don't do this now, I will never have the courage again."

The next few months were PAINFUL. I had nothing. I mean, I turned down a prestigious job and it left me with … nothing. Less than nothing. Ice cream helped. Ladies, ice cream always helps.

But I held out, and eventually, after what felt like a frightening eternity, I got a position at Court TV. It was perfect. It was my first break in to national news. I got to cover trials around the country - using my law degree while having the chance to be a reporter again.

And around that time, all of you were born.

(SIGH.)

So thank you for joining us for this edition of Savannah Guthrie Commencement Action News. And I think it’s clear what we learned from this report: It’s important that you be unrealistic, slow, terrified and constantly prepared for pain.

I send you off in to the world — my work here is done!

Actually, one last thought, on a more serious note. These are scary times. I know today is a day of exhilaration and relief and pride and perhaps some light drinking. But for many of you, tomorrow is one of worry and wonder and fear of the unknown.

A couple weeks ago, I got an email from a young reporter I've corresponded with from time to time. She is from my hometown and she's working hard to get to the next step in her career. In her email, she asked, "Was it ever hard for you, Savannah?"

That hit me in the gut. YES. It was hard. It's still hard. Anyone standing up here can look like they've got it made. Even when it looks like you've accomplished your dream, sometimes that just means a whole new set of fears and worries and insecurities crop up. I feel very lucky to be standing here before you today. But it took me 19 years to get here.

Along the way, I have cried, and worried, and been passed over, disappointed and sometimes embarrassed. I have been heartbroken.

And I have been overjoyed, and proud, and challenged, and tickled and awestruck. Do you know what I really wish I would have told that girl way back when? Enjoy all of it. It is a blessing to be alive. Some people will say these were the best four years of your life. No way. Those years are coming. And here's a goal for real life, worth setting and then striving for daily: to be thankful, whatever your circumstances, every step of the way.

Finally, A WORD FROM OUR SPONSORS… Mom and Dad.

You are here today, celebrating this wonderful accomplishment, because you set a goal, and cared, and worked to see it through. But also because there are people in your life who love and support and worry over you. Maybe you are fortunate enough to have them here today celebrating with you. If so, let them buy you lunch. And call them once in a while. Not just status updates on Facebook. That doesn't cut it for moms.

And give them a big hug and thank you — because none of us succeeds on our own — and this accomplishment belongs to them as well.

Congratulations to the classes of 2012!

Twitter caption contest: Natalie, Al and Savannah on the couch

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:01:33 +0000

TODAY

Tweet @TODAYshow your best caption to the above photo, and you could win two VIP passes to Pitbull's upcoming Toyota Concert Series performance!

We're looking for funny, clever, entertaining captions. Make us smile and make us laugh. Wow us.

The deadline is Thursday at 7 p.m. ET. Make sure to tag @todayshow and include the hashtag #CaptionTODAY in your tweet so your entry is eligible to win. You must also be a follower of TODAY's Twitter account.

Read the full official rules here, and find more details about Pitbull's performance.

We'll add the winner's message to this post on Monday. In the meantime, follow TODAY on Twitter.

More on TODAY.com:
TODAY Takes On: Anchors become crew 'champions'
Who does weather better: Al or Prince Charles?
Sara on new app: 'This is so easy, Kathie Lee can do it'

Heard it on TODAY 5/14: Gordon Rasmay recipe, TODAY Life's Illustrated and more

Mon, 14 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Find more information about the following stories featured on TODAY:

Did your child's name make the list? See the top baby names of 2011.
Get picks from "Hungry Girl" for low-calorie barbecue eats.
Find more details and official rules about the Twitter caption contest.
Read an excerpt from Ted Williams' new book, "A Golden Voice."
Find Gordon Ramsay's cap steak recipe here.
Read an excerpt from Ambassador Henry Crumpton's new book, "The Art of Intelligence."
Show us your city! Submit photos for TODAY's Life Illustrated.
Should you be friends with your boss? Email us!
Do you have a question about nutrition? Email us!
Have a healthy recipe? Enter TODAY's Home Chef Challenge: Joy Fit Edition.

Didn't find what you're looking for? Browse this week's videos here.

Heard it on TODAY 5/12 and 5/13: Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez, TODAY's Life Illustrated and more

Sat, 12 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Find more information about the following stories featured on TODAY:

Read an excerpt from Martin Sheen and Emilio Estevez’s “Along the Way.”
Show us your city! Submit photos for TODAY's Life Illustrated.
Should you be friends with your boss? Email us!
Do you have a question about nutrition? Email us!
Have a healthy recipe? Enter TODAY's Home Chef Challenge: Joy Fit Edition.

Didn't find what you're looking for? Browse this week's videos here.

TODAY Takes On: Anchors become crew 'champions' ... sort of

Fri, 11 May 2012 19:55:29 +0000

With coaching from the Princeton crew team and some intensive training, Matt, Ann, Al and Natalie take to the water and row their way to "victory."

More from TODAY Takes On:

Anchors fly high in acrobatic show
TODAY hosts try their hand painting the nude
TODAY goes to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show | Part 2
Matt, Al luge | Try synchronized swimming | Perform gymnastics

Who does weather better: Al or Prince Charles?

Julieanne Smolinski — Fri, 11 May 2012 19:47:22 +0000

By Julieanne Smolinski

Waiting around to be king may get a bit boring. So this week Prince Charles decided to show off his natural-born skill as an English person: talking about the weather.

His royal highness played guest meteorologist for BBC — but how does he stand up to reigning weather king, his majesty Al Roker?

"He did a magnificent job," said Al, who coincidentally dressed as Prince Harry for Halloween last year. "He's got it all down."

Savannah argued that for all his technical proficiency, Al may have an edge on style points; it's hard to picture Prince Charles pulling off Al's famous salmon jacket.

Sorry, Great Britain! The colonies win again.

Julieanne Smolinski is a TODAY.com contributor and patriotic member of Team Al.

TODAY bids farewell to senior producer Marc Victor

Fri, 11 May 2012 17:35:28 +0000

TODAY bid a fond farewell Friday to senior producer Marc Victor, who is leaving the broadcast after seven years.

"He is amazing," Al said. "He's been such a great asset to this show."

Marc managed the broadcast's 9 a.m. hour and the team that books TODAY guests, "working 22 hours a day," Savannah joked. He launched popular segments including Money 911, Steals and Deals and TODAY's Professionals.

He's also a wicked softball pitcher and admitted to reading Cosmo magazine regularly.

Marc isn't going far! He'll lead Tomorrow Productions, a new division of NBC News that will work closely with TODAY.

Images from the Plaza: Kids Front & Center!

Fri, 11 May 2012 16:53:11 +0000

We hope that you have been enjoying the pictures from the plaza. In addition to these posts, each month allDAY highlights common themes for these images. This month's theme is KIDS on the plaza!

Giacinta Pace/NBC News

Shout out to Troop 582 of Jay, Maine were able to visit us in New York City because they sold a whopping 4,116 boxes of Girl Scouts cookies this year!

Whether school is in or out of session there are always a ton of young TODAY fans in our audience waiting for their chance to see and be seen. We celebrate and thank all of our young viewers for waking up so early to visit us.

Giacinta Pace/NBC News

Maura, Abbey & Emma from St. Louis, Missouri are super excited to be in New York on a fun Mother/Daughter weekend!

Giacinta Pace/NBC News

This young lady found a creative way to add a few inches to her height.

Giacinta Pace/NBC News

These young people have spirit. Go Eagles!

Giacinta Pace/NBC News

Al Roker spends some time with Stephanie Decker, the Mom who lost her legs while protecting her kids from the March 2nd Henryville, Indiana tornado.

Internet's response to Mensa tot's potty 911 on TODAY: #smartbutstill3

Julieanne Smolinski — Fri, 11 May 2012 15:12:50 +0000

TODAY

By Julieanne Smolinski

A brilliant 3-year-old Mensa member named Emmelyn Roettger was called by nature on TODAY this morning, delighting viewers and reminding the world that even a genius toddler is still a toddler, at heart.

TODAY

One Twitter user said it best, launching the hashtag #smartbutstill3.

Emme became the youngest member of the high-IQ society after scoring a 135. Emme is already reading and has an avid interest in bugs and space. On TODAY Friday morning, Emme jabbered with Natalie, waved at the camera and stuck out her tongue when she spotted herself on a monitor. Sick of hanging out on the couch, she began removing her microphone and insisting, adorably, "I have to poop! Take this off of me!" Natalie called for a potty break, noting the toddler may have had too many doughnuts in the green room.

The response was instant.

TODAY

"3 year old girl with an iq of 135 was on the today show. Interview took a break when she started crying, "i have to poop!" #smartbutstill3," tweeted @KristineZeek.

"Lol the cute little girl (3yrs old) with the record breaking IQ on the #Todayshow stopped the interview because she had to 'go poo'," said @MsAvaCakes.

User @FoFacy added, "OMG that 3-year-old 135 IQ Mensa kid on the Today Show. Please tell me Amy Poehler will come back and do a skit on SNL for that."

On TODAY's Facebook page (join the discussion here), commenters went on cute overload.

"Yep, that would be a three-year-old," wrote Susan Woodford Linden, who clearly knows from experience. "And they usually wait until the last minute to tell you they need to go."

"Adorable!!!" said Margo O'Donnell Bodensteiner. "I knew as soon as she said her tummy hurt that was next!!! Thanks for a great start to a wonderful day!!!"

More: In Mensa or not, this tot proves she's still a tot
Meet Mensa's youngest US member: She joined at 2
TIME cover model defends breast-feeding 3-year-old son
Adorable baby grooving to Gotye goes viral
Give this kid an Oscar! Melodramatic toddler goes viral

Julieanne Smolinski is a TODAY.com contributor. She is not smart but still acts 3.

Jenna Wolfe kicks Natalie Morales's butt with a 10-minute workout

Katie Quinn — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:18:12 +0000

TODAY's Natalie Morales and Jenna Wolfe (who is also a personal trainer) hit the gym to try Jenna's "Pyramid workout," which is a ten-minute exercise that works the entire body without needing equipment or weights.

By Katie Quinn

Sure, you’ve seen TODAY’s Jenna Wolfe breaking news stories with Lester Holt on the weekends from Studio 1A, but did you know that she’s also a personal trainer? Passionate about fitness despite her hectic schedule, she often does what's called a "pyramid workout" when she travels for work in order to keep in shape while she is on the road.

The Pyramid Workout does not use any equipment or weights, meaning that she (or you!) can do it at home, in a hotel room, or anywhere else. You just have to be able to count! It is a series of ten moves done for a certain number of reps. The first move (jumping jacks) is a hundred reps, then for each subsequent move the reps are decreased by 10, until the final one (kick-drops), is executed for only 10 reps.

Jenna says that doing this once is the perfect warm-up before you go for a run or, done four times, can be a complete full-body workout for the day.

Her fellow TODAY journalist, Natalie Morales, was up for the challenge of learning Jenna’s workout routine. (Natalie herself is no newbie to workouts -- she’s a marathon runner!) The two go through each of the movements in an easy-to-follow way so that you, too, can learn the workout!

See the video, above, to hop in the gym with these two sporty TODAY anchors.

Jenna Wolfe's pyramid workout:

1. Jumping jacks, 100 reps

2. Butt kickers, 90 reps

3. High knees, 80 reps

4. Kicks, 70 reps

5. Mountain climber, 60 reps

6. Toy soldiers, 50 reps

7. Should side to side, 40 reps

8. Inner heels, 30 reps

9. Basketball jump shots, 20 reps

10. Kick drops, 10 reps

Read more from our Summer Shape Up series:

Can TODAY's Lester Holt handle a training routine designed and run by fitness enthusiast Jenna Wolfe?

Heard it on TODAY 5/11: Mother's Day recipes, book excerpts, and more

Fri, 11 May 2012 11:32:22 +0000

Find more information about the following stories featured on TODAY:

Read an excerpt from Mike Lupica's book, "Game Changers".
Watch Jenna Wolfe train Natalie Morales in a simple workout.
Make a delicious Mother's Day dinner with these recipes from the Scottos.
Do you have a question about nutrition? Email us!
Show us your city! Submit photos for TODAY's Life Illustrated.
Read an excerpt from "Choose Joy" by Kay Warren.
Should you be friends with your boss? Email us!
Send us photos of your pets getting wet!
Have a healthy recipe? Enter TODAY's Home Chef Challenge: Joy Fit Edition.
First time home buyer? Ask Barbara Corcoran your questions!

Didn't find what you're looking for? Browse this week's videos here.

TODAY's Life Illustrated: Show us your city

Thu, 10 May 2012 19:43:42 +0000

By Victoria Moll-Ramirez, Weekend TODAY

This week, we'd like to see some original photographs of your hometown. Whether you live in a bustling, big city with a dramatic skyline or in a small, rural town beneath a scenic mountain range, send pictures of your little corner of the world to TODAY's Life Illustrated and we'll post some of them right here.

Modest Midwest

“My kinda town…Chicago!” -Frank Angileri, IL

Submit your own photos to TODAY's Life Illustrated series at this link, and they could appear on TODAY!

More from TODAY's Life Illustrated:

Lover for pets
Cute and messy
Soaking up the sun
Make me laugh

Pic of the day: Howard Stern kisses Matt

Thu, 10 May 2012 12:17:23 +0000

TODAY

Why use two chairs when one will do the trick?

Howard Stern, the new "America's Got Talent" judge and Matt's longtime friend, ended his interview this morning by snuggling up close to the TODAY anchor and planting a few wet ones on his head.

Read more about the interview here.

Heard it on TODAY 5/10: Professionals panel, recipes, and more

Thu, 10 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Find more information about the following stories featured on TODAY:

Get Ellie Krieger's delicious, healthy recipe for buffalo chicken salad here.
Get lower-calorie grilling recipes from Men's Health.
Read an excerpt from "The Thriving Child" by Erica Reid.
Submit your suggestions for hot topics for TODAY's Professionals panel.
Read an excerpt from blogger Stephanie Nielson's new memoir, "Heaven is Here."
Send us photos of your pets getting wet!
Do you have a question about nutrition? Email us!
Have a healthy recipe? Enter TODAY's Home Chef Challenge: Joy Fit Edition.
First time home buyer? Ask Barbara Corcoran your questions!
Should you be friends with your boss? Email us!
Send us your Kentucky Derby photographs for TODAY’s Life Illustrated.

Didn't find what you're looking for? Browse this week's videos here.

Jenna Wolfe: What's on my workout playlist

Jenna Wolfe — Thu, 10 May 2012 07:00:00 +0000

Courtesy of Jenna Wolfe

On top of her gig as a TODAY anchor and reporter, Jenna Wolfe is also a personal trainer -- not to mention, a regular TODAY Health blogger!

By Jenna Wolfe

Have your healthiest summer yet! Ease into the dreaded "swimsuit season" with healthy tips from TODAY experts. All throughout May, we'll offer smart do-it-yourself ways to look, eat and feel better. So stop stressing about that swimsuit, and read on.

My favorite workout partner is not my best friend, or my yoga instructor or my spin teacher. My favorite workout partner is music.

Music meets me at the gym everyday (and is never late). Music gives me energy when I'm lagging. Music motivates me, inspires me, pushes me and stimulates me. A customized, unpredictable workout mix, with a good balance of high energy music, along with steady, sometimes slower-paced rhythms can turn a sluggish 30-minute routine into a 60-minute experience. In fact, a growing body of research lends scientific credence to music's motivational powers.

I have 12 different workout mixes that I change every month to keep everything fresh. I use certain mixes for strength training, others for cardio, and others still for yoga and meditative exercises. Whatever music you respond to, just make sure it's customized before you get to the gym so as to avoid constantly switching songs and distracting you from your workout.

My favorite workout songs change all the time. This week's picks will undoubtedly be different than next week's, but I'll share mine with you if you share yours with me.

1) "Wild Ones" by Flo Rida, featuring Sia

2) "Ageless Beauty" by Stars

3) "Tonight is the Night," by Outasight

What are your current favorite workout tunes? Join the conversation and get inspired by other TODAY Health fans on Facebook.

More stories by Jenna Wolfe:

More from TODAY Health's Summer Shape Up series: