then, i negotiate directly with designers... so you get the savings. t.j.maxx. let us make a maxxinista out of you. good morning. breaking news. a possible leak detected in one of the reactors at that damaged nuclear plant in japan after water inside tested 10,000 times more radioactive than normal. and this morning officials are expanding the voluntary evacuation zone. we'll have the latest in a live report. wake-up call. the f.a.a. suspends a veteran tower controller after he fell asleep during his overnight shift at reagan national airport. it could lead to major safety changes nationwide. final wish. elizabeth taylor laid to rest during an emotional private

service and at her request she arrived fashionably late. one last grand entrance for a hollywood legend today, friday sh mar, hollywood legend today, friday sh mar, march 25, 2011. captions paid for by nbc-universal television and good morning. welcome to "today" on a friday morning. i'm mcalistatt lauer. >> i'm ann curry. just a short time ago japan's prime minister delivered an address to his nation issuing an apology to farmers and businesses damaged by the nuclear crisis. he's been thanking the so-called fukushima 50r, the workers who stayed inside the plant trying to cool the reactors. >> the most recent concerns surfaced thursday when three workers waded into water at reactor 3 and were exposed to excess radiation.

two suffered severe skin burns. now crews have to determine if the leak is coming from the reactor core itself. let's get to nbc's chief science correspondent robert bazell in tokyo. bob, what can you tell us? >> reporter: well, good morning, matt. i can tell you that at the very least this is a major setback in the efforts to contain the reactors. at worst, it's the beginning of a release of more radiation into the environment. >> now, about reactor number 3 -- >> reporter: the apparent leak is in reactor 3 which has been the most troubled at the fukushima site. today prime minister kan addressed the nation. >> translator: the government is stepping up monitoring efforts to control the radiation. >> reporter: the problem came to light when three workers got exposed to excess raidradiation. two of them were taken to a radiation hospital. measurements of the water in the plant found it to be 10,000 times normal radiation. today an official was asked about the source.

when you take a look at the water, he said, it appears the source of the radiation is from the reactor. also the government said people living within 18 miles of the site should consider ale voluntary evacuation. earlier they suggested people in the zone stay indoors. the next big questions, how much of the radiation is leaking and how much will remain in the concrete and steel containment facility that surrounds the reactor and how much gets into the environment? reactor number 3 where a hydrogen explosion destroyed the building covering the containment facility is considered the most dangerous. the fuel contains plutonium which is more deadly than the uranium in the other reactors. it's not clear what the next steps are going to be. nuclear engineers say this is uncharted territory but say it will be difficult and dangerous and could go on for weeks or longer.

ann? >> robert bazell, thank you very much. james acton joins us now. good morning. >> good morning. >> what are the risks of a breached reactor core, james? >> ann, i think the first thing i should emphasize is that a breached reactor core is not the only possible explanation. japanese officials are not ruling that out at a possibility. it certainly seems like a possibility now. but it is possible that other less serious eventualities have happened. if there is a breach that creates the risk of larger releases of radioactivity into the environment than we have seen to date. >> much larger releases. a catastrophic release now more likely if this is true? >> when you say catastrophic, really, what immediately springs to everybody's mind is chernobyl. i think a release on that scale is extremely unlikely, even if the core has been breached.

chernobyl involved an explosion in the fuel itself. that hasn't been seen here. there is not the mechanism by which a large amount of radiation can be dissipated the way it was at chernobyl. >> if they are looking at how to handle the situation and they really don't know what the problem is, what does history -- you mentioned chernobyl -- tell us about how to respond to this situation? >> frankly, ann, there is no experience of responding to a reactor core breach of this type. the closest that happened was three mile island. on that occasion the melted fuel sat at the bottom of the reactor vessel that didn't succeed in burning through. if that's happened today, if the fuel has burst through the vessel into the building then there is really very little experience to go on. frankly, this material is going to be so radioactive, short of just leaving it there.

>> so if we have very little experience then what is your reaction to the japanese officials saying that the evacuation zone is still a voluntary evacuation zone expanded now to 18 miles? is that far enough, sir? >> i don't have the information that the japanese officials have in hand. so i can't comment on the details of the evacuation zone. the thing i will point out is japan is still reeling from the triple tragedy -- this earthquake, this tsunami and the nuclear accident. and there is an estimated over half a million people who have been displaced. that factor has to at least feature in the japanese government's calculation. the feeding and watering and looking after of all of these half a million people. it has to affect their calculation about the correct size of the evacuation zone. >> we have to leave it there this morning. james acton, thank you very much for your perspective. >> thank you. >> now here's matt. >> ann, thank you very much. a week into the campaign the

u.s. role in libya is about to change. nato will take over enforcement of the no-fly zone but rebels and pro-gadhafi forces are fighting it out street to street. nbc's richard engel is one of the first journalists to reach ajdabiya where there are battles raging now. good morning. >> reporter: good morning. rebels have taken about half of this city. gadhafi's forces still contain pockets and have tanked positioned around the edges. we have seen street-to-street fighting. we can hear gunfire now. rebels have been taking cover, firing machine guns, trying to find gadhafi's forces and drive them out. this is what the war in libya has become. the western air strikes will take out gadhafi's heavy weapons, tanks, aircraft and allow the rebels to push into cities themselves and fight it out almost hand to hand with gadhafi's forces in several

cities in libya. >> you talk hand to hand. i was struck on thursday by your reporting and how poorly equipped the rebels seemed to be in terms of weapons. are you sai seeing indications that they are being supplied with anything more substantial? >> reporter: no new supplies of weapons. this kind of fighting helps the rebels. they don't have a lot of tactical skill, mortars, anything that can fire long range. once they are in the cities and they are fighting over buildings, in destroyed buildings and moving street to street trying to advance, this is the terrain that doesn't give gadhafi's trained army an advantage. and the rebels feel they have more of an even chance. >> richard engel in libya, thank you very much. be safe. david gregory is moderator of "meet the press." nice to have you in new york. >> good morning. >> we look over the u.s. involvement in libya over the past six, seven days and it

seems like there is a problem. >> what's the end game? whether it's congressional critics or others saying is this an open-ended commitment? do you want gadhafi out? are the rebels the one who will lead the country? these are questions anybody would be asking. >> when are we going to hear an answer? the president seems to say i have been talking and i have made it clear. has he? >> no. i don't think he's made it clear as far as how it relates to the larger whole of middle east strategy. nato will take over the no-fly zone but there is a question about the end game with gadhafi and if there is a stand-off, a divided libya, what is the united states' role under those circumstances? i don't think we know. >> john boehner wrote a letterer to the president asking him to answer several questions. one is what is this going to cost? we're hearing the financial issue being brought up. where is this going? >> i think this is significant.

on the left and right there is a vote coming about whether to shut down the government to raise the debt ceiling, how much cost matters. here's what else is important. the message sent by this operation to the rest of the arab world particularly in persian gulf states where there is repression of the citizens this is a message saying, hey, reform fast. it's not a message being clearly articulated. >> this is different from other debates over financing wars in afghanistan and iraq. one side could say you can't take funding away from troops on the ground and leave them ill equipped. maybe it is time to ask those questions. >> the president has been clear that the united states will not have a lead role. there won't be troops on the grown. that's clear. there will be more of a desire so have him explain how this relates. >> let's talk politics now. we are seeing more people on the gop indicating they might be willing to run for president or interested in 2012.

michelle bachman, rand paul. how do they stack up? >> there is a wide open field here. there are presumed front runners like mitt romney, tim pawlenty, mitch daniels, but there will always be a tea party track in a wide open race. that's where rand paul, mike huckabee may fill the space. the key point is sarah palin, an important voice, seems to be fading and is less likely to run. >> newt gingrich appeared and said he would not have interv e intervened in libya. two weeks ago he told the president to establish a no-fly zone tonight. is he coming across as a guy who just criticizes anything? >> i think he realizes he'll be scrutinized more closely as a candidate than as an analyst. republicans have to decide what foreign policy they want to stand for. if they want to stand for the

george w. bush policy that was unpopular even with republicans. and the president is marking a departure in terms of the u.s. power abroad. >> we would see you in washington on sunday. thank you very much. it's 11 after the hour. an air traffic control supervisor at reagan's airport has admitted he fell asleep while working the midnight shift a lapse that left two commercial airliners to land on their own. nbc's tom costello is at reagan with the latest on this story. good morning. >> reporter: good morning. the pentagon is only about a mile away. over my camera man's shoulder i can see the jefferson memorial, the washington monument, the white house, which is why people find it hard to believe that this control tower will be staffed with just a single controller. >> reporter: we now know the lone controller in the tower at reagan national airport early wednesday morning was indeed asleep as to commercial airliners were coming in for a

landing. >> washington tower, american 1012. >> reporter: for roughly 30 minutes, no response. even when a nearby radar facility telephoned the tower. after an american and united pilot landed on their own, the controller apparently woke up and seemed to blame the silence on radio trouble. >> yeah, somebody had a stuck. >> reporter: by late thursday the ntsb said the 20 year veteran, supervisor, admitted he had fallen asleep on his fourth consecutive overnight shift. the man who runs the f.a.a. isn't happy. >> i'm outraged. i have flown in this air space for 25 years as a pilot. i have never seen anything like this. that's why we are going to investigate and get to the bottom of it. >> reporter: nationwide, 30 airports have lone controllers on duty overnight when there is little or no traffic. reagan national sits within sight of the pentagon, white house and capitol hill.

veteran controllers and the union have long argued at least two controllers should be in duty in any tower for safety reasons. >> it's a non-negotiable issue. the public should be outraged. every senator, congressman should be outraged. it is unacceptable. >> reporter: without radio contact richards believes the pilots never should have landed at reagan since they didn't know if there was ground traffic on the runway or a security problem. but a veteran pilot says they followed proper procedure. was there a danger to the passengers or crew? >> no. i think they were completely safe. >> reporter: the f.a.a. chief randy babbitt ordered investigation not only into the incident but the whole idea of lone controller staffing. just received an e-mail from the ntsb that it is now recommending the faa prohibit air traffic controllers from serving as supervisors while also performing operational duties. back to you.

>> tom costello with breaking news. thanks, tom. >> screen legend elizabeth taylor was laid to rest on thursday. at her request she arrived a fashionable 15 minutes late. nbc's mark potter has the details. mark, good morning to you. >> reporter: good morning, matt. the funeral in glendale was planned as a low-key private family event and that's what it became. but it still drew lots of attention. outside the famed forest lawn cemetery an army of cameras and reporters from around the world reported the somber arrival of five black limousines carrying elizabeth taylor's family. police say only about three dozen relatives attended her hourlong funeral. from the air they could be seen driving up to a big white tent as to officials watched the arrivals. a publicly said taylor left instructions that the service begin at least 15 minutes later than scheduled because, quote, she even wanted to be late for her own funeral. >> i'm amazed at how funny she

is and had a great sense of humor. to me it's not surprising that she would go out with an understated flair. >> reporter: once the funeral began, the service included poetry readings from collin ferrell, two of her children and a grandson. another grandson played amazing grace on the trumpet. glendale police said she'll be interred in a building known it is a great mausoleum where her close friend michael jackson also rests. >> she's not next to michael jackson from what they tell me but near. in the same mausoleum, yes. >> reporter: under jewish tradition burial occurs after death. elizabeth taylor became jewish when she was 27 before her marriage to eddie fisher, her fourth of seven husbands. her final resting place, forest lawn, is where many hollywood stars are also buried including clark gable, jean harlow, w.c.

fields and walt disney. at the end of the service there was no procession and family members departed as quietly as they arrived, silent in their private grief. as for a public memorial service sometime in the future a publicly said said it could be several weeks before those details are confirmed. matt? >> all right. mark potter in glendale, california, this morning. thank you very much. >> seems like it would be like elizabeth taylor even in talking about a funeral that is so sad she would leave us with a smile. arriving fashionably late. natalie is at the news desk for me this morning. >> good morning. across the middle east, tensions remain on the rise in the middle east. rockets from the gaza strip landed deeper in israel than they have in years. israel struck back with air raids. in syria it was declared a day of dignity.

they plan to rally after the deaths of 25 demonstrators. today in yemen, protesters planned the biggest rally yet as the long-time president's power base deteriorates. powerful aftershocks in myanmar continue after 56.3 tremor killed at least 63 people there and rattled buildings as far away as bangkok and vietnam. the quake did not trimmer a tsunami. >> reporter: firefighters are beating back wildfires outside denver that forced thousands of people from their homes. high winds are stoking the mostly contained fire keeping residents on stand-by for more evacuations. now to wall street. mandy drury has a look at what's going on this morning. how are you? >> good. thanks. it has been a really good week for stocks so far. further downgrades of political credit rating could keep the health of the euro zone front and center on investor's minds and tech shares may get a lift from better than expected earnings but r.i.m., research in

motion, the maker of the blackberry could have it tough after their earnings slipped. back to you. >> thank you. the 17-year-old beauty queen stripped of her tiara has had her crown restored by a texas judge. dominique ramirez was said not to fulfill her duties but she judge. dominique ramirez was said not to fulfill her duties but she alleged that the pageant officials revoked the title because they felt the size 2 teen had gained too much weight since her win. ramirez said she hopes to share the crown with the girl who replaced her as miss san antonio during the legal battle. it's 7:19 now. you're up to date. back to ann, matt and al. >> thank you very much. can i make a point? david gregory a second ago, big show on sunday. he has secretary of state hillary clinton and secretary of defense robert gates. >> especially with the stuff happening in libya that's an

important line-up. >> if it's sunday, it's "meet the press." >> if it's friday morning at 7:19 it's all about al roker. >> that's right. out west our friends are being hammered again, unlike our director who does it every morning. we are looking at strong winds, winter storm warnings and a high surf advisory. as we can see more rain coming in. we have mountain snow as well. the sierra may see up to 18 inches of snow. cascades picking up anywhere from 12 to 18 inches of snow. one to two inches of rain causing more flooding possible. yeah, we are still trying to dry out. good morning to you, bay area. we have scattered showers mostly coming down over the east bay right now, but there's improvement on the way. watch out for moderate cells coming through walnut creek and concord. everything is going to get better as we head deeper and deeper into your weekend. our temperatures are going to be kind of cool today in the 50s, but we are going to get a break

from the rain for several hours today. and that trend will continue heading into your weekend. take a look at what's to come. 7 is, 71 degrees and sunshine on thursday. much. coming up, four more women file a sexual harassment lawsuit against the ceo of american apparel. one of them, a model for the company, speaks out in an exclusive live interview. first this is "today" on nbc.

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don't drink alcohol while taking lyrica. don't drive or use machinery until you know how lyrica affects you. i found answers about fibromyalgia. then i found lyrica. ask your doctor about lyrica today. good morning, everybody. it is7:26. i'm brent cannon. more happy homecomings in northern california this afternoon for americans returning from japan. more families who have been airlifted out of japan will arrive at travis air force base in fairfield. more than 2,000 people have arrived at the base from japan since march 21st. when the families arrive airport representatives help them with travel arrangements and help them find a place to stay. the lawrence berkeley national laboratory wants to have a campus in addition to the one in berkeley.

they are offering four sites including the old pacific pipe and american steel factories in west oakland. other cities bidding include alameda, richmond and walnut creek. right now we'll check the friday and weekend forecast with christina. >> good morning to you. well, the sun will make an appearance for several hours today but here's the thing, we have a few hours of showers to get through first. coming down right now here, we will be a little warmer than yesterday. antioch is getting pretty good rainfall right now. concord, walnut creek, you just got hit. slick conditions along 680. 56 in oakland. 54 in san jose. 55 degrees in gilroy. you want the good news? here it is. the seven-day outlook shows you finally a warm, dryer trend shaping up by monday. 63 degrees. we are up to 71 on thursday. are they going the speed limit this morning? we'll find out from mike. they are doing the antioch drive right now. that's the only place with the

slowdown, christina. great news for the friday commute. just a slow stretch near 80 and loveridge. a little boy area through pay point, but the bay bridge, i have to correct the map because the metering lights, we'll look at the bay bridge toll plaza. no lights on and very little volume approaching the maze. watch for puddles near the toll plaza. chp gives a warning that it will be a tough drive in many spots until everything dries out later in the day. a few showers still. thank you, mike. more local news in a half hour.

♪ 7:30 now on a friday morning the 25th of march, 2011. how pretty is that? a beautiful morning in midtown manhattan. that's the view from the top of the rock a block from us in r k rockefeller center. >> maybe spring has finally sprung. >> it is chilly out there. only 40 degrees out in new york city this weekend. in studio 1a it is warm. i'm matt lauer along with ann curry. ann is filling in for meredith. still ahead a heartbreaking story with a happy ending. >> a little girl kidnapped at

just 4 years old. her name was changed. she couldn't remember much about her parents. now 37 years later she's been e reunited with her parents. we'll talk to her exclusively this morning. >> on a much different note with prince william coming off the market, so to speak, there is a new trend in london called harry hunting. it has women who have a dream of becoming a princess traveling to england to try and meet him. details on that. good luck with that. >> let's begin with something more serious. the ceo of the popular fashion line american apparel facing another sexual harassment lawsuit. we'll talk to one of the women who brought the suit in a moment. first, nbc's peter alexander has details for us this morning. hey, peterer. good morning. >> good morning to you. this is the second sexual harassment lawsuit brought against doug charney. he says the suits amount to

basically extortion. at least one of the women, a 19-year-old model who still appears in a lot of the company's ads say it was sexual assault. with its provocative ads american apparel has long flaunted its place in the fashion industry, courting customers with a mix of skin and sexuality. at the helm the unconventional founder and ceo doug charney once again facing blistering allegations of sexual harassment and assault by four women, including three women still featured on the company's website. among them, kimbra lowe who says months after leaving the company she visited charney's house for what she thought was a job interview. he invited you to his home and what happened? >> when i arrived he was wearing only a towel. he attacked me. he ripped my clothes off of me

and sexually assaulted me. >> reporter: in the lawsuit filed in california wednesday, lowe claims she tried to resist but was afraid of charney. >> i made it very clear his actions were unwanted. but he continued and became more aggressive the more i voiced my opinion. >> reporter: we spoke to charney and his lawyers at length thursday night. declining an on-air interview american apparel released a statement saying the women are trying to shake down the company. they called the claims meritless and said lowe pursued a romantic relationship with mr. charney. to back up his case he showed nbc news dozens of what he called smoking gun photographs of lowe from that day, too explicit for tv. he insists the pictures show lowe is not a victim and undermine her accusations. charney said the same thing two weeks ago about irene morales who filed a $250 million suit

against him. morales spoke to meredith about why she was coming forward. >> i was victimized by doug charney. i won't stand for it anymore. >> reporter: charney said she harassed him, repeatedly e-mailing him photos of hearse. charney has been dogged by sexual harassment lawsuits. in 2006 he gave this taped deposition about the chain that sells clothing and underwear. >> i frequently drop my pants to show people my new product. >> reporter: the company says all of the suits were dismissed or settled out of court. charney said he's an unorthodox executive who's spoken openly about having sexual relationships with workers. this 2010 ad titled "in bed with the boss" shows charney with two employees. >> what do you want to tell other women who work for american apparel? >> beware.

this man is a monster. he's incredibly manipulative. i just hope he stops. >> reporter: we are waiting to hear what the other three women in the case have to say. they are bound right now by a confidentiality agreement they signed with american apparel when they were employees. >> kimber lowe joins us now along with her attorney. we were saying it's unnerving to be here to talk about this, but you are here and you filed this suit alleging that you have been assaulted. why? what is the biggest reason that made you decide to take this step? >> my main priority is to stop what's going on and to expose this man for who he truly is because it's wrong. what happened to me is wrong and what's going on right now is wrong. >> you say what happened to you happened after you had already

left the company as a sales associate. is that right? >> yes. >> you were going to mr. charney's house, you say, to be interviewed as a photographer and model. >> yes. >> what do you want to say that happened that crossed the line? >> when i went to his house, he instantly attacked me. i made it very clear for him to stop. i said "no, please don't touch me." he became more aggressive. >> did you feel that there was a way for you to leave the situation? >> honestly, i didn't feel there was a way for me to leave safely. >> you're saying you were scared? >> i was terrified. >> you probably may have heard the statement that was released by american apparel. we have asked mr. charney for an interview and we have not gotten a "yes" there. but there is -- somebody says it is in possession of love letters that ms. lowe sent to mr.

charney after she left the company. the company has also smoking gun photographs undermining her false accusations of unwelcome harassment. what is your response? >> well, the photos that were taken that day were taken without my consent. >> that day when you were at his house? >> when i was at his house. i was like, please don't take photos of me. like, stop. he continued. everything he was doing i was asking him to stop. please don't touch me. stop. no. he became more and more aggressive every time i resisted. >> what about the statement about love letters? what's your reaction? >> i have not written a love letter to him. >> you deny that. >> i completely deny it. >> he purposely took the photographs of her after she protested to use them later if she would come forward and complain. >> part of the statement released by american apparel talks about you, eric saying the

attorney is aware the client's story is fiction but participated participated to shake down the company and mr. charney. you represent not just ms. lowe but others in this effort. >> kimbra and irene have come forward saying the same thing. they were sexually assaulted and harassed by doug charney. the company is trying to prevent both of them from speaking. we filed legitimate claims in court. the question to ask of the company is why are they trying to protect a known sexual predator and -- >> you call him a known sexual predator. what evidence do you have that he's a known sexual predator? >> previous complaints that were filed in court before these and now a number of women have come forward. there are two that are making

the same claims. >> with all due respect to the women, we have to ask about -- because you mentioned irene morales who was interviewed here last week. she's also suing for $250 million. this morning we can report that nbc news has seen the e-mails we understand were allegedly posted by -- or sent by your client to mr. charney. some of the e-mails indicate that there is -- they seem to dispute the idea that she was a victim. some of the e-mails indicate, well, a reciprocal relationship. what is your response to that? >> irene was 17 years old and a teenager when she was forced to have phone sex with doug charney. what business does the ceo, a 43-year-old ceo, have sending sexually explicit e-mails to

teenage employees? >> are you saying the e-mails are legitimate? >> they are not. >> are they, in fact, real? did they occur? when you say legitimate, did they happen? do they exist as we saw them? >> well, with irene the conversations were usually by phone. there were certain e-mails that she was compelled or forced to send to doug. she was being sexually harassed. under those circumstances had very little choice but to comply. >> you're saying some of the e-mails which seem potentially damning to her case, you're saying because she was so young they can be understood in that context? >> right. the victims of sexual harassment often desensitize themselves to the harassment. they feel there is little they can do to get out of a harmful situation and they often don't

make the right decisions. >> you are not alone in making these accusations against mr. charney. you said your goal is to prevent others from going through what you say you have gone through. how do you aim to do that? what is the end game for you? what is success in this effort? >> to me, success is exposing this man, hopefully getting him removed as ceo from the company and bringing justice to these women, myself included. because, to me, as i see it, injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. that's what this is. this whole company by him supporting him is injustice. >> do you want an apology as well? >> absolutely. >> kimber lowe and eric baum, thank you very much. much more ahead but first a check of the weather from al. >> announcer: today's weatherer is brought to you by thermacare heat wraps. no pills.

no pain. just relief. >> 29 degrees out here. that's pretty formal weather. what's your name? >> hannah van pelt. >> are you any relationship to lucy van pelt? >> maybe. >> she's too young to know the reference. let's take a look and show you what's going on. first a video from california. man, they are getting snow in northern california anywhere from another 8 to 18 inches of snow causing trouble. the interstates there have been shut down. probably going to happen again today out through the mountains. oit'ng g what's going on as far as your temperatures are concerned. i should say the mid it is section of the company, a big storm system working its way through dropping one to three inches from omaha to des moines. some areas with half an inch to an inch of rain. for today, a risk of strong storms in the mid mississippi

river valley. wet weather and snow in the west. beautiful in the northeast, but it will continue chilly. cherry blossom festival starts today in washington. they're going to have snow on sunday. and if your cherry blossoms are gone, they will be back in the next couple of weeks in a dryer, warmer pattern shaping up for the bay area. we have showers streaming onshore. they are light and spotty in nature. the east bay is getting hit the hardest. redwood city, some light rain coming down over you. definitely enough coming down to make the roadways slick. and we have not had an opportunity to dry out from yesterday, so prepare for dangerous driving conditions. 56 degrees today in oakland. your extended forecast is coming up in just minutes. and that's your latest weather. ann? >> thank you, al. up next, we go to london and meet the group called harry hunters hoping to participate in the next royal wedding after this.

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in case you missed the countdown there are 35 days left before the royal wedding. while prince william may be off the market, his brother prince harery is a bachelor. the prospect of marrying a prince has young women flocking to london. michelle kosinski has more on that from buckingham palace. i can only imagine. >> reporter: oh, yes, matt. we caught up with some of the harry hundred trtresses. they know it's unlikely but these americans are serious, methodical, hopelessly romantic. they say, hey, stranger things have happened. it is at least possible here to find a royal man to marry. springtime in london. when a young woman's thoughts turn to -- ♪

♪ someday my prince will come >> reporter: -- bagging a prince. college students taylor and liz are thinking about the royal wedding. not that one. their own one day. in your vision where do you meet this crowned head? >> usually on an estate. maybe one of the castles while touring the gardens and he happens to be lost and he gives me directions. admiring a painting in a grand estate. we both look at it and look away. our eyes meet and sparks fly. i feel regal wearing it. >> reporter: not to be outdone by kate middleton they have done their homework. not that kind. scouring magazines to see where royals might be gathering. >> have you seen harry around? >> have you seen other royalty? >> reporter: even taking tours of country estates. in london there is a name for the stylish young women who hang

around these posh shops on sloan street. they call them sloan rangers. this is a throne ranger. >> it's an anglophile on steroids. they think they can actually do it. >> people think i'm crazy. >> reporter: jeremy wrote the book. >>le royal as cot, polo matches. >> reporter: how do you get in? >> they are not hard to get into. i think americans think you need a special pass but you don't. >> reporter: you wore a big hat? >> a small fas nay tone, yes. it's more than the gowns and jewels. you look at the service all the princesses do and it's inspirational. >> reporter: you had me at gowns and jewels. but jeremy married a man who treated her like a princess. >> royal guys are just as hopeless as normal guys.

>> reporter: though she's never dissuade anyone. >> if you believe in your heart you're worthy of a prince, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. >> you never know until you try. >> you're so nice. you give americans a good name. >> if it's meant to b it will happen. >> yeah. >> reporter: prince harry may be back with his girlfriend but the throne rangers don't care. they're looking for anyone with a title. they say it's different from gold digging because a lot of aristocratic men don't have a lot of money. it's more of the love of the history and romance and pursuing that childhood dream. matt? >> michelle kosinski in london. just ahead, when is it okay to let your daughter wear makeup or how about piercing her ears? the surprising range of answers from a new survey of parents. first, these messages. catamaran sailor. well, i'md i can my own homemade jam, apricot.

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for me, it means an aspirin regimen. before you begin an aspirin regimen. speak to your doctor. with her famil just ahead, a woman kidnapped as a child reunited with her family after 37 years. >> after your local news. ♪ oh. thank you, baby. mmm. [ male announcer ] mcdonald's new mccafé shakes. with a fresh look and delicious new toppings, they're a brand-new way to indulge. new mccafé shakes. the simple joy of love at first sight.

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good morning, everybody. there it is, 7:56 right now. i'm brent cannon. the chances of a special election in june are growing slimmer every day. the governor signed a billion worth of cuts yesterday closing a significant chunk of the state's $26 billion deficit. he says a special election and cuts to redevelopment funding is still needed to get the rest of the way. however, it is too late to put tax ex tension measures on the june 7th ballot. it is time for muni riders to switch to the new clipper card. you have two weeks left to make the change. the rechargeable clipper cards are good for rides on ac transit, bart, golden gate, the transit ferry and muni. over half the riders have chead the change buzz customers can still get it from ticket vending

machines. there are many retailers you can get this from. now let's check your forecast this morning with christina. >> good morning. we have a little bit of precip takes precipitation coming down in the east bay. that's the case heading through the next couple of hours. antioch, you can see the yellow indication of a moderate rain shower there. heading throughout the day today, it will improve. we have a nice break from the rain, 54 in los gatos today. 54 in san jose. and 55 degrees in gilroy. your seven-day outlook shows you that break that we have been waiting for from the rain. warmer conditions on the way. we just have to wait longer to get to the 60 degrees on sunday. 63 by monday. and tuesday, finally, our first completely dry day. lots of sunshine. 66 degrees. let's get a check on your traffic with mike inouye. all right, christina. we'll look at the maps here. we see there's a disabled vehicle reported for the upper deck of the bay bridge. the metering lights have been

turned on. no major slowing throughout the maze. good news for your friday light. we have had a rough week, folks. 580 is seeing a slowdown. we expect to see more cars on the roadway. some folks heading out of stockton to this area will take 580. no major issues out of the area toward the sierra, but don't go there. interstate 80 near kingvale has whiteout conditions. there's a car there, but it is closed to through traffic because of whiteout conditions. we are looking at this area near colfax, great skiing but you can't get there right now. more local news in a half hour. the "today" show returns in less than a minute. i never wear the same thing twice. not together, anyway. i'm in t.j.maxx every week. i used to think it was old school, but it's not.

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we're back now at 8:0 we're back now at 8:00 on this friday morning, the 25th day of march, 2011. take a look at the size of the crowd we've got here on our plaza. with the ncaa tournament coming to new jersey, we've got a lot of college students in town, fans here. that's nice. i'm matt lauer along with ann curry and al roker of the springtime in new york, yes. 29 degrees. what's up with that? anyway, coming up in this half hour, we'll meet a woman who

solved her own kidnapping? >> that's right. she was 3 years old when she was kidnapped, raised by her kidnappers. her kidnapper died, leaving her in the dark about her past. she discovered her past, found her family and just in time. >> we look forward to hearing from her. we're all parents. that means we all have decisions to make about milestones in our kids' lives. for example, you have daughters, both of you. >> yes. >> what age is it okay for them to start wearing makeup? at what age should they be allowed to pierce their ears? what about tattoos? >> never, never. never! >> we'll get advice from experts, coming up. on "today's" style, behind the scenes look at hottest spring style going and whether those styles are being taken from the runway to reality.

>> that's beautiful. >> i can see you in that. >> i would love to wear that. should we get a check of the news? >> good idea. natalie is inside for me. >> good morning, everyone. the nuclear crisis continues in japan with high levels of radiation being reported in reactors one and two at the fukushima nuclear plant. the japanese government had already warned of a reactor leak from reactor three and has expanded the evacuation to a three-mile perimeter. yet to delivering a knockout blow to moammar gadhafi, which continue to shell rebel positions. and transfer of command of the operation from the u.s. to nato. allied ground forces are not been deployed in libya, hundreds of troopers practiced thursday

near the air base in italy, playing a major role in the campaign. the hispanic population has surpassed the 50 million mark, according to the new census. kristen welker has the report. >> reporter: this family moved to atlanta, looking for a better life. they are part of the reason why hispanics now make up one in six american the. >> a lot of opportunities here with the construction, technology. >> reporter: according to the latest census figures, hispanics now account for more than half of the total growth in the u.s. population. >> people of hispanic origin now clearly represent the second largest group in the country. >> reporter: most dramatic in the south, more than double in alabama, kentucky, north carolina and tennessee and nearly double in georgia and virginia. asians also grew by double digits but still make up less than 5% of the total u.s. population. the majority of the total growth

in the u.s. occurred in the south and the west. one-fourth of the people in the country now live in california, texas and new york. there are signs of hispanic influence everywhere, on telemundo shall the soap opera, debuted only three weeks ago and beats its english-language network competitors in prime time. new strength in numbers that show an increasingly diverse nation. kristen welker. broadway will dim its lights tonight to honor elizabeth taylor, who died at the age of 79. her funeral service began 15 minute after the scheduled time because taylor left instructions that she wanted to be fashionably late. she had a sense of humor. let's get a check of the weather with al. >> announcer: today's weather is brought to you by the american cancer society, the official sponsor of birthdays.

>> a lot of friends from canada. what school are you from? >> north adamville school. >> let's check your weather. ♪ oh, canada >> paly sunny, mild, 64 de grees. gorgeous today. another big storm is moving into the west,ing brogin mre mountain snow and a lot of heavy rain. we've got a beautiful day here in the northeast. a little on the chilly side. risk of strong storms from the lower mississippi river valley. strong storms in the plains. more snow in the rockies and up through iowa, on into southern illinois, looking at snow as well today. that's what's going good morning to you. i'm happy to report the heavy, steady rain from yesterday has subsided and we're seeing spotty activity pushing onshore. we'll get a little break after the next couple hours, a nice low from the rain. it'll be back as we head through

tonight but won't be that bad today. i think we'll see enough sunshine to get outside at least for a couple hours. 54 degrees in los gatos today. 54 in san jose and your extended forecast shows you it's only going to get warmer and drier in the coming days. >> this sign is very nice. it's very nice. matt? >> all right, al. thank you very much. when we come back, a woman reunited with her real family 37 years after she was kidnapped. we'll have the story right after this. yours truly to talk about the venture card "match my miles" challenge. they're so confident their miles are better, they'll match the miles you've earned on your airline credit card -- up to 100,000 -- on a new venture card. it's unbelievable. believe it. venture card miles are good on any airline, anytime. it's like an upgrade from this... to this. sign up for a venture card at capitalone.com today and get up to 100,000 miles. what's in your wallet? impressive, right?

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back now with the incredible story of a little girl lost and then found. stolen from her parents at just 4 years old, it took her 37 years to discover her true identity. we'll speak to her in a moment. first, here's nbc's keith morrison. all she remembered, try as she might, is the bedroom. >> all pink and white. everything matched. >> reporter: and the attentive mother, always there, always smiling. if only she could bring that face into focus. she was kidnapped from that sweet life at the age of 4 by a woman named shirley who told that frightened little girl that from then on her name would be pepper. shirley had another little girl with her, too, renee. the three hot scratched around the u.s., seedy motels, the back seats of cars, all night truck stops in dozens of towns. >> in texas, new mexico.

>> reporter: food scarce, shelter decidedly iffy, schooling spotty if offered at all and life with shirley, abusive and unpleasant for a girl who understood only that she wasn't where or with whom she was supposed to be. >> i knew everything that was happening to us was wrong. >> reporter: it was different for renee. shirley was, for better or worse, the only mother figure she'd ever known but pepper was determined to know her real identity, see her own parents again. when she was 16, her kidnapper was dying, cancer. pepper begged shirley one last time, reveal the truth. who was she? did you ask who your parents were? >> i asked a lot of questions. >> reporter: never got answers? >> i could never get an answer. >> reporter: pepper was in her 40s with her own daughter when she all but gave up on the idea she'd ever find her parents or learn her real name.

she persuaded a friend to adopt her. at least then perhaps she could get the official identity papers she'd need for a passport. that's when a state bureaucrat, searching through files, found this. a birth certificate for a little girl named rhonda kristy, daughter of robert and barbara christie. >> whoa, they're my parents. >> there you are in your bath. >> oh, those are old, too. >> you were a chubby little baby. >> reporter: the reunion was sweet, thrilling, sad and full of amazing discoveries about herself, about renee, about the woman who took them. now for the first time in her life, rhonda christie knows just who she is. once kidnapped and now she'd rescued herself. >> thank you for the beautiful daughter. >> for pepper smith whose real name is rhonda patricia christie

joins us with her sister and their attorney gloria allred. good morning to you. watching that was emotional for you, of course. what are the emotions? happiness, anger, numbness? >> probably a combination. frustration a lot. anger. i'm trying to get to my anger. anger and happiness, too. >> reporter: anger at -- >> at what happened and why it took so long to get where i am today. >> reporter: at shirley for not telling you the truth? >> and at why did it take so long for anyone to help us? you know, for us to find out how to get through this. once i was old enough to talk i was asking for help. i went to judges, lawyers. i voiced my story as well as i could. and i got no response. >> do you feel you should have been more protected by the system? >> absolutely. it was obvious. i was a withdrawn child.

i didn't speak a lot of the time. something's going on. i couldn't read and i wasn't up to par with school or anything. >> because you were not allowed to go to school. >> we were transient. we weren't in a single place long enough. we would leave in the middle of the night. i don't really know the circumstances. whatever shirley was -- we would get up in the middle of the night and go to the next place. wherever that was. >> you're nodding, renee. how would you describe the memory of that? >> well, for me, i was excited to go because when i was in school i was made fun of. so when i would leave, go to a different school, new people. >> you were made fun of, why? >> well, the color of my skin, the way i looked, the hair. >> you never felt like you had a home? >> no. >> gloria, why weren't they better protected? this feeling, you know, that we

just expressed that someone should have helped them sooner? >> someone should have helped them then. and barbara, the adoptive mother of pepper, said she did go to the police. originally she just let pepper go overnight with shirley, whom she knew, but shirley never brought her back. then came the desperate search for her. where is my baby? where is she? she says the police at that time said they couldn't help her because she knew shirley and had given pepper to her. that was only for one night. it wasn't for the rest of her life. she went on a search across the country herself with bob. >> you're saying she knew who the abductor was and they didn't -- >> she knew her. so they went and got to new orleans. found two little red shoes on the porch, too late to find pepper. she was gone. she never saw her again until pepper found her. >> too late, but there are also

words now that can be said about this -- just in time. >> yeah. my mom is dying of cancer. so just in time. because in the end, shirley did not win. me and my mom got reunited. that's what kept me alive. i felt my mom's love. it went from -- you know, a home with food, a bed to nothing. not knowing where you're going to sleep. not knowing when you're going to eat. not knowing what was going on constantly. she didn't communicate to us. and the lies. i figured out she was lying at a young age. i started paying close attention. >> how long does your mom barbara have now and how do you hope to use this time? >> my mom is -- how long does she have? she's alive by her will, i believe. she wants to stay as long as she can. we just found each other nine

months ago. i'm sorry. what was the other question? >> how do you want to use this time with her? i know it must be -- >> it's pretty overwhelming. and this is all difficult. but it's very validating. i feel like finally, i am validated for what was finally going on. the story is far-fetched. i mean, come on. people either don't believe you or think you're insane. but i was sticking to it. finally talking to my mom that first day, the first thing out of her mouth was shirley stole you. validation took over. it's amazing, but it's been such a challenge to integrate this and, you know, i'm getting through it. one day, one breath, one hour at a time. >> they are so brave. >> despite their transient existence having to move from one motel to the next they have grown up, been law abiding citizens. each with their own daughter and

they created their own family and they are role models for their children. >> obviously assisters you are supporting each other. it will take a long time but you have shown us something about courage and love and about what real family is. thank you so much for being here. we wish you every luck. and you can see more of pepper's story tonight -- i should say rhonda's story tonight on dateline at 9:00/8:00 central time here on nbc. we're back right after this. ♪ stay inside? nah.

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71%. my jaw dropped here. i thought we'd say, like, 17. >> i thought 12 was old to shave your legs. a lot of girls are going through puberty at 10. they're getting dark hair on their legs. i think if they want to shave and they come to you, you need to listen to her and be emp thet tick. >> i was shocked, completely. i thought we were getting close to being an adult. if you start shaving you have to shave for the rest of your life. >> if you don't like it, just let it grow back. >> we were close to the truth. it depends on the individual child. if she's being teased, if the hair is visible, talk about options. >> i'm old school. not that young. >> the next one, piercing. when is it okay to allow ear piercing? look at the numbers the parents came up with. i didn't get this. i see a lot of babies with pierced ears. >> i had my daughter's ears

pierced at 11 months old because we thought it wouldn't hurt. but her ears are sensitive so it didn't work. later is probably safer. >> i think if she's going to get an infection in the ear like at 2, 3 years old isn't a good time. they're touching the ears a lot and the hands aren't clean. i would do it really young or 6 or 7. around 8 we find they can help take care of their own earrings. they can swab it with alcohol and take better care of themselves. >> i agree. >> makeup. do we need to define what we are talking about in makeup here? >> i think so. >> every once in a while my 7-year-old puts a little lipstick on with a party dress. full makeup? >> you can start with a little bit of clear mascara and clear lip gloss. then move to tinted. >> the survey says 63% say at age 14. harriet? >> i think they are wearing it way before then. >> is it okay?

>> i think 12 is more realistic. a little bit. lip gloss. not much. >> as a parent if you say no makeup until age 14 you're making a mistake. you are closing the door to a bigger conversation. ask why she wants to wear it. if she doesn't feel comfortable talking to you about makeup, later she won't talk to you about boys. >> not in my house. finally, let's ruffle featherers with the subject of a tattoo. when is it okay for a child to get a tattoo? this would be boys or girls. 45 -- 53% said age 18. 45% say 21. >> when they can vote, if ever. >> is there a difference? >> if it says, mom, they can get it. >> we want them to get a job. i'm old school. wait until they have tried to get a job before they put something on their face or -- >> how about in a hidden place? >> i don't like them.

>> you have to explain to your daughter or son this is pe permane permanent. you don't even like the jeans you wore last year. this is for life. >> a woman took a piece of silly good morning everybody. it is 8:26. the rain-soaked ground around the bay area is unsettled and still giving way in many places. we have video from fairfax in marin county on whites hill near sir francis drake boulevard. crews were cleaning up the mehserly this morning. you can see how much of the hillside came down. more rain could mean more rock slides and even without the rain we could still see some landslides all across the bay area. we want to check in with christine. it's one of those things we've been talking about all day long. >> certainly still going to be under the gun for the threat of landslides and mud slides as we head through the next 48 hours. we are going to see shower activity continue but it's going to be light and we'll actually

get a little bit of a break today. we're already noticing that trend. we've lost all the yellow. now just light scattered shower activity down over the east bay. that will continue to deteriorate as we head throughout today. then our next system arrives as we head into tonight so we are looking toward some pretty steady shower activity starting about 6:00 p.m. lasting through tomorrow morning. tomorrow afternoon, though, i think you'll be able to get outside on a saturday. 55 degrees for san rafael today. 54 degrees in redwood city. and here it is, your extended outlook showing you the nice warm, dry trend that'll shape up beginning monday. 63 degrees, sun and clouds, and take a look at thursday. you can just hold on to 70s are on the way. let's get your traffic now with mike. >> 70s are actually here in many spots for the traffic. look at the south bay maps. no major issues. 60s and close to 70 in some spots. still slick out there. an accident northbound 880 around the valley fair exit. it's in the middle lane. watch for that, brent. ♪

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trea hea set. and the 100% nural whole ai because eyan help loyour choster 8:30 on a friday morning, the 26th of march, 2011. big spring break crowd out on the plaza from all across the country gathered here in new york to soak up the sun and the 29 degrees temperatures. >> we have friends from canada here. >> we do? >> yes, we do.

>> nice to have them on the plaza. i'm matt lauer along with ann curry filling in for meredith. >> she's back on monday, by the way. >> and natalie morales joining us as well. what's coming up? >> coming up, we have a segment about helping dogs get adopted and showing us how to make them look terrific. couple of twins there. >> also ahead, it's not just that saving money and eating healthy go hand in hand. we have advice coming up where you should splurge and where you should save when it comes to buying organic food at the supermarket. >> okay. >> all right. then we are taking a look at some of the hottest fashions for spring. actually, these looks debuted last fall during fashion week. coming up, we'll take you behien the scenes to show you from how they go from the look on the runway to reality. >> we have glamour magazine here. >> and later on, some of the surprising things that can

improve or chip away at your relationship. >> hmm. >> all right. but first -- >> a check of the weatherer. >> all righty. for the weekend we have a risk of strong storms in the southern mississippi river valley. rain and snow. pacific northwest into northern california. sunny and cold in the plains. windy and cold in the northeast. sunday, a slight risk of storms along the southeastern atlantic coast. more rain in the pacific northwest and the mountains. sunshine and plains to the northeast. a little bit on the chilly side and record-breaking heat texas to the southwest. our neck of the woods, we have to wait a little while but we'll see sunshine today finally. looks like we have clearing already taking shape as you can see from your radar imagery. noticeable difference. all that yellow is now pushing off to the east. our showers are starting to thin out substantially and we'll get a little bit of a break probably in the next couple of hours. we'll see a mostly dry bay area.

55 degrees in free month. now, there is more rain on the way tonight. steady rain overnight and then clearing for early saturday. the ramsey high school concert choir from birminghamm, alabama. >> all right, al. coming up from the runway to reality. the hottest spring fashion trends. first this is "today" on nbc.

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back now at 8:35. this morning on "today's style" from the runway to reality. designers use fall fashion week to roll out the looks that we are just now seeing in stores. glamour magazine's editor in chief took us behind the scenes for a sneak peek.

>> we're here at the spring/summer 2011 fashion shows. here's the catch. they are actually taking place in the fall of 2010. what we're doing today is predicting which of the trends we see come down the runway will end up in stores and on women everywhere. one trend that we are seeing a lot of different shows are '70s shapes. i'm not talking about over-the-top disco. picture wide-legged trousers, blouses with bows, jackets with wonderful fitted shapes. the whole thing has a really great sort of '70s inspired but not too, too retro vibe. there's been a lot of orange. we're talking wonderful watermelon colors and tomato reds. it gives you a bolt of energy, but it's not like wearing neon. secret truth about orange, flatters any skin tone. you can be pale or super dark.

there is an orange shade that will flatter you. here's one thing you will definitely see for spring. choice in hemlines. you want to go super short, there are plenty out there for you and there will be really long lengths, too. a lot of cutting edge designers are showing lengths below the knee or to the floor. whatever works for your body and life, it will be out there. >> glamour's cindy levy is with us now. nice job there. >> thank you. >> we are just now seeing the spring trends that were on the runway hit the stores now. how are those looks translating? you're not going to see that exact outfit at the store. >> right. no designer expects a woman to walk to work wearing the runway look head to toe. runway shows are extreme, they're shows. there is an element of drama just to get people to pay attention. you go to enough shows and you see themes emerge. you can see which of the trends

women will want to wear. >> one of the trends is the '70s look. the '70s are back. let's start with ashley and show you how the runway inspired this look. >> people get scared with '70s. i think for those of us tiring of the skinny jeans. >> over it. >>s >> it's nice to have wider leg options. and bow neck blouses, wooden sandals. the pants ashley is wearing are from top shop. it's a great look. >> and the big hat. >> love the hat. hattings are everywhere, if you dare. >> ashley, you look great. thank you. next spring trend we have seen from the runway to now in stores is the color orange which you wear beautifully. >> i'm representing orange. >> we have anne here. >> anne looks fantastic. we see it from tommy hilfiger to

hori birch. it's a great way to brighten up without wearing inin ining neon. this looks really great with tan and gold accessories. >> there are a lot of shades of orange. pretty much everyone can find the right shade. >> there will be something for you. >> whether it's coral or tomatoey-orange. >> some think this is too bright for work but i think it's great. >> the final spring trend is the longer hemline. this goes back to the '70s look. our final model is here. >> this is a good example of how the eye changes in fashion. four, five years ago you saw women going to work in close to a floor length skirt you would think they're bananas. but this is a nice look. it works well with flats. you're seeing it at all price

points. i like it with the karg jacket which is a trend. >> dressing it down and the spring top, too. >> you can do it with a simple tank and fantastic jewelry, wear it at night and look dressed up maybe for an evening wedding. >> do you think this is a hem line that's here to stay for those of us who are petite? >> i think this will be around for a few years. if you want to experiment you can. >> let's bring the models out for a last look here. ladies, you look fantastic, as always. cindy, great job. >> thank you. have fun shopping. >> there you go. nice to have you here. up next, how to eat healthy and cut your grocery bill at the same time. first this is "today" on nbc.

i never wear the same thing twice. not together, anyway. i'm in t.j.maxx every week. i get this season's designer clothes and i still get to eat. fashion direct from designers. savings direct to you. t.j.maxx. let us make a maxxinista out of you. back now at 8:42. this morning on "eat smart today" supermarket saves and

splurges. when is it worth paying more for healthier food options? madelyn fernstrom joins us with advice. >> people think to eat healthy you have to spend a lot of money. sometimes that's true, but there are ways to save. >> let's see if we can save on vegetables. there are a lot of organic options and for things like berries we know we should buy organic. what about the other vegetables? >> you want to head to the freezer section because you can save money because they are flash frozen. they are just as nutrient dense as fresh. >> they are? >> yes. when you flash freeze things right at the point of harvest they keep the nutrient content. you will save a lot of money. though in a perfect world you could buy local and have things fresh it's not always possible. that's a good way. >> in terms of regular vegetables i buy a lot organic

because i worry and i don't want to always peel carrots. >> right. >> the most nutritious is there. do you need to buy organic? >> you don't. >> it's more expensive. >> it is. flavorwise and nutrient wise stick with the same colors you normally see. right next to them in the aisle there is white eggplant, purple potatoes and yellow beets. visually they are prettier, but don't spend the money. >> and heirloom tomatoes. >> they are sort of original seeds. people think they are more natural or flavorful. it's not true and they are pricey. skip them. >> you can use them maybe in a special way. when meat is on sale i don't want to buy them. what's your advice? i think it may be old. >> look at the label. you want to see expire and use by. if you want to buy them they are safe, but there are options that could be fresher starting with

chicken. people think white meat and chicken breast are very pricey. you can look at thighs. whether boneless or bone in, people shy away thinking, oh, i don't know if i will like it. calories are just about the same. nutrients are the same. you can use them anywhere you use white meat. >> if you don't like them -- >> right. taste is important. that's a cheaper cut. one of my favorites is with fish. fresh fish is expensive. get flash frozen fish in most supermarkets and they are fresh as well. at the boat often they are frozen. so they're fresh, nutrient dense and what's important is when you go to the supermarket and think you're looking at a fresh fish counter it's often previously frozen. >> we have a lot of information to get to. tell us about eggs. >> stick with regular eggs. free range means they have access to the outside. lower cholesterol eggs don't mean zero. regular eggs are very pricey without much extra nutrition.

>> organic milk? >> it's good because there are no hormones or antibiotics. >> especially with daughters, children in the house. >> it's best to go hormone and antibiotic free. >> you say this yogurt is a good splurge. i love it. >> you can use it in place of sour cream, with berries. >> no cholesterol and it tastes rich. for steak? >> grass fed beef is expensive but it's what cows should eat. you will have a healthier cut, lower in fat and more flavorful. so you will eat less. >> there are more grain options these days. what's the rule of thumb? >> buy in bulk. you can stick it in the fridge. they are resealable and you can get a lot for this instead of the small packages. >> freezing bread? they don't lose nutrition? >> if you want to buy them in bulk and freeze them, indulge and splurge in a seven grain bread or something you wouldn't make at home.

>> i like the rice from this company. >> this is arborio rice. it gives pop and good flavor. it's good to use. >> spices can be expensive. before spices you have ketchup and mustard and other ako kou accotrements. >> you can save a lot of money on the store brands. >> oils? >> skip walnut or sesame oil. not necessary for most uses. they spoil, so stick with a nonflavored oil. >> think about highway you use oils. fresh herbs are wonderful. you can grow your own and that's the best way. >> what you want to do is get some color, really good flavor. they are available all year round. one good bottle of olive oil and red wine vinegar and that covers most uses. that's good to splurge on as well. >> spices are expensive.

>> they add so much flavor. it's a good indulgence. >> thank you so much this morning. coming up, we'll turn a new batch of dogs in need from bow to wow. first this is "today" on nbc. never in my lifetime did i think i could walk 60 miles in 3 days. 60 miles in 3 days-- i can do that. 60 miles compared to what a cancer patient goes through

is a walk in the park. from the moment i registered, people started immediately supporting me. we had an outpouring of-- of support. i wanted to do something bigger than myself. the 60 miles-- it makes a statement. i know i'm stronger than i was before, both mentally and physically. i walk with my sister. our relationship has gone to a whole new level because of training together. you meet the most wonderful, inspiring people. i knew that there was something really special about this event. when you accomplish those 60 miles, it's truly life-changing. it was three days of hope. of love. of empowerment. it was three days the way the world should be. here i am, second year in a row, and i'm already signed up for next year's. (man) register today for the... and receive $25 off your registration fee. because everyone deserves a lifetime.

we are back with from bow to wow. a great segment where we take shelter dogs, fix them up and find them new homes. yes, we still have a 100% success rate. our animal advocate is jill rappaport here with a new batch. hi, jill. >> hi, matt. now that spring has allegedly sprung it's the perfect time of year to adopt a dog. we have a great selection for you from mighties to minis guaranteed to melt your heart. it's march madness at animal care and control in new york city. sadly, the cages are filled with wonderful pets all waiting to get adopted. starting with timmy, a gorgeous golden 1-year-old mix. >> this golden boy is tim my. all he wants to do is kiss. >> came in as a stray. he's in good condition. knows basic commands, sit and give paw. someone gave him training and

love. >> he has a lot of energy and he's a year old. will he get bigger? >> i don't think so. he's about 55 pounds. >> can you show tricks? give me a paw. >> good boy. >> up next, lively luke. a tri colored australian shepherd. >> and this lap full of boy is named luke. >> his owners had him for a year and had to give him up because of personal problems. >> look how trusting he is. this is a strange place and he's allowing us to pick him up, hold him. he's in good shape. >> he has a lot of energy. >> now feast your eyes on bear whose heart matches the size. >> this small pony's name is bear. >> 134 pounds of pure love. >> gentle as a lamb. >> he's a rottweiler. >> some people may be apprehensive in adopting him,

worried that he could be aggressive. as you can see, he puts the m in mellow, this guy. >> this dog has been nothing but mild, calm the whole time. >> he's a beautiful dog, 5 years old and the family surrendered him. >> they owned him his whole life. >> not because of temperament. >> no. they had issues in the family and had to give him up which is a heart breaking decision. >> from a mighty mutt to a pair of minis. meet davie and kevin. >> from massive to minute. >> the two doesn't equal the one. >> they're adorable. >> they are terrier mixes. davie is 5. kevin is about 3. we found them together, tied up in a park. they're still bonded. >> these two need to stay together. five beautiful big and bitty canines waiting for a loving home this spring. >> as always, we are joined by richard from animal care of new york city.

welcome. >> thank you, matt. >> let's bring out our first dog. this is timmy who is walking natalie out this morning. remind us about timmy. >> timmy is 1, still in puppy stage. he knows basic commands and is very eager to learn more. very eager to please. a happy, happy dog. >> need a lot of space this dog? >> yeah. he's energetic. he needs to run. >> it's good. he's playing with imaginary playthings also. all right, timmy. natalie, thank you very much. let's bring out luke. luke is an australian shepherd mix. he's with ann this morning. >> when you walk ann he wants to go. >> very playful. >> these are herding dogs. >> needs a lot of running around. >> when he's in your lap at home he's mellow. >> really calms down. once you stop he calms down.

>> luke had a family but they had to move on and couldn't take him. ann, thank you very much. luke, thank you. >> that way! >> clear the path. here comes bear. look. we have kris kardashian walking out with him. how are you doing? she's hosting the 4th hour with kathie lee and hoda. >> he's bigger than i am. >> almost 140 pounds. he walks well on a leash. >> so sweet. >> gentle. >> a really gentle dog. if you have small children you may not want to adopt him. just because he may knock them over accidentally. this is a big body around the house. >> he's truly a gentle giant. >> what a great watchdog, right? someone comes to rob the house they deserve to. >> they will think twice with him. >> he's fantastic. thank you very much. bear, thank you. finally, we have kathie lee with

a great pair. [ laughter ] >> this is kevin and davie. take it away, rich. >> now we have two small little guys, father and son. we'd like to keep them together. they get along well. very affectionate with one another. >> we want to keep them together. >> we'd like to, yeah. >> and they are also very calm and mellow. >> bring all the dogs out. come on out again. kathie lee, thank you very much. >> love you, matt. >> i love you, too. thank you very much. richard, thank you. jill, thank you. let's keep that 100% success rate going on bow to wow. we are back with much more after these messages. and your local news.

good morning, everybody. time now is 8:26. i'm brent cannon. only six shopping days until you have to pay a lot more at the cash register in many bay area cities. sales taxes go up in seven bay area cities effective april 1st. union city and el cerrito will have a 10.25% sales tax.

san leandro will hit a 10% sales tax. the sales tax in concord is going to be 9.75%. in novato and santa rosa it will be 9.5%. the sales tax hikes were approved by voters in november. right now we want to check your friday forecast with christina. >> good morning to you. well, this is a live picture from our san bruno camera and you can see that the rain is starting to subside. the sun is able to come through those clouds. you can really picture that here. on our radar this morning, just a few minutes we'll see partly cloudy to mostly cloudy skies. brent, back to you. >> thanks. more local news in half an hour. the "today" show continues coming up next. ♪ have a good daisy ♪ eat well, live long ♪ have a good daisy, work out, get strong ♪ ♪ when you need a lift, just sing a song ♪ ♪ and have a good daisy ♪ have a good daisy with a natural treat ♪ ♪ have a good daisy, healthy foods to eat ♪ ♪ when you want some joy, dance to the beat ♪ ♪ and have a good daisy [ female announcer ] enjoy the fresh,

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> we're back with more of "today" on a friday morning, the 25th day of march, 2011. 29 degrees in rockefeller center right now under bright blue skies. man, it is just a little brisk. we really want to say thank you to all the people who have been sticking it out with us this morning. very, very nice. out on the plaza i'm matt lauer along with ann curry and al roker. coming up, more on this story. kind of a disturbing story from reagan national airport near the d.c. area where two planes tried to land on wednesday night, early thursday morning and were not able to contact anyone in the control tower. now we find out that the lone

controller on duty admits he was asleep at the time. >> geez. >> more on that and how it might impact safety precautions in airports across the country. >> it was his fourth night working the overnight shift. that's terrible. >> this is the same tower a couple years ago that a controller locked himself out. >> i have locked myself out of the office. >> you lock yourself out and nobody gets hurt. >> we locked you out. >> also, are you in the market for a new home or wondering what yours may be worth? we have our real estate guru barbara corcoran is here to show us what you can get for $300,000 or less. from redding, pennsylvania, to missouri and check out what's on the market. meantime, i don't know if you guys feel this. as news reporters we don't want to admit, but we seem to be living in times that are overwhelming with all the news of the day. what's happening in libya, the tragedies in japan and other places around the world. the question becomes how do we talk to our kids about it?

what's a good way to help calm their worries? i know you have been talking about this, al, in terms of your children. we have advice coming up this morning. >> lots to get to. natalie is at the news desk this morning. good morning again. >> good morning, matt and al. good morning, everyone. we begin with high levels of radiation being reported in reactors 1 and 2 at the fukushima nuclear plant. the japanese government had warned of an apparent leak from reactor 3 and expanded the voluntary evacuation zone to beyond the 18-mile perimeter. u.s. military officials tell nbc news that a nato commander will likely take the helm of enforcing the no-fly zone in libya tomorrow. this move does not immediately mean the end of u.s.-led air strikes in that country. since the start of the operation the u.s. has flown about 70% of the air strikes over libya and it's still uncertain how long a transition of leadership will last. meantime, representatives from moammar gadhafi's government and the leebian

opposition are expected to attend a meeting in ethiopia today. across the middle east, tensions are on the rise. rockets from the gaza strip landed deeper in israel than they have in years. israel struck back with air raids in gaza. in southern syria, protesters have declared this a day of dignity and are gathering to denounce the deaths of 25 demonstrators. in yemen, tens of thousands of protesters are rallying as their long-time president's power base detearierates. powerful aftershocks in myanmar after a 6.3 tremor killed at least 63 people there and rattled buildings as far as bangkok and vietnam. the quake did not trigger a tsunami. state police are investigating a shooting at a middle school in martinsville, indiana. about 30 miles south of indianapolis. they said one student victim was shot twice in the stomach. the suspect is in custody. the warm waters of the gulf

stream welcomed six turtles released thursday by the u.s. coast guard off of north carolina. the turtles had been nursed back to health after being injured by propellers or harsh weather. at the final press conference before his shuttle launch astronaut mark kelly said his wife gabrielle giffords is just starting to come to grips with the january shooting spree that left six other people dead. >> starting to walk, talk more every day. she's starting to process some of the tragedy that we all went through in january. she's going through that as we speak. despite that, she remains in a very good mood. >> kelly said his wife will attend his shuttle launch next month, pending findal medical approval. broadway will dim its lights this evening to honor elizabeth taylor who died at the age of 79. her private funeral service on thursday began 15 minutes after the scheduled time because

taylor had left instructions that she wanted to be fashionably late for her own funeral. it is now five minutes past the hour. you're up to date. right now let's go to al with a check of the weather. good morning, mr. roker. >> good morning. this is a brother and sister. a brother and sister with the same hair cut. >> yeah. >> i like it. where are you guys from? >> ohio. >> what is your name? >> jamie. >> michael. >> you should take this act on the road. >> we should. >> i used to do my hair like that. let's check your weather and see what's happening. i'llho wyou. lot of wet weather working this way, continuous wet weather in the pacific northwest and northern california. got a little bit of to storm system in the middle section of the country and may cause strong storms later today through the lower mississippi river valley and sunny skies here in the east into the great lakes and unseasonably cold. nice and warm down through texas. record setting heat today. that's what's goin

good morning to you. we've got a little bit of rainfall coming down from low pressure that is really going to bring steadier rain this evening into tonight and then we've got another one on the way for sunday before our warm, dry pattern resumes in the bay area. we're talking about 70s toward the end of next week. so once you get through the light, scattered showers really starting to thin out right now you will see a pretty nice day. we'll see a few breaks of sunshine today. nice in comparison to what we had yesterday. temperatures in the 50s and we're looking toward a really nice weekend with temperatures in the upper 60s. >> that is your latest weather. and that's your latest weather, natalie? >> an air traffic controller at reagan airport admitted falling asleep while working the midnight shift leaving two commercial airliners to land on their own. tom costello is live with the latest from reagan. good morning, tom. >> reporter: hi, natalie. anyone who's flown in to reagan knows you can see the white house, the washington monument,

jefferson memorial, pentagon and congress from here. a lot of people are surprised they would have a single controller on duty here even though it is a very light traffic airport at night, a single controller in the midnight hours. >> reporter: we now know the lone controller in the tower early wednesday morning at reagan international airport was, indeed, asleep as two commercial airliners were coming in for a landing. >> washington tower, american 1012. washington tower, american 1012. >> reporter: for 30 minutes, no response. even when a nearby radar facility telephoned the tower. after an american and united pilot landed on their own, the controller apparently woke up and seemed to blame the silence on radio trouble. >> yeah, somebody had a stuck mic. the tower is back in business. so normal ops. >> reporter: the supervisor, a veteran controller, admitted he'd fallen asleep on his fourth consecutive overnight shift.

the man who runs the f.a.a. is not happy. >> i'm outraged that this happened. i have flown in this air space for 25 years as a pilot. i have never seen anything like this. that's why we are going to investigate and get to the bottom of it. >> reporter: nationwide, 30 airports have lone controllers on duty overnight when there is little or no traffic. reagan national sits within sight of the pentagon, white house and capitol hill. veteran controllers and the union have long argued at least two controllers should be on duty in any tower for safety reasons. >> it's nonnegotiable. the public should be outraged. every senator, congressman that you can think of should be outraged. it is unacceptable. >> reporter: without radio contact richards believes the pilots never should have landed since they didn't know if there was ground traffic on the runway or a security problem. but a veteran pilot and airline safety consultant said the

pilots followed proper safety procedures. >> was there a danger to the passengers or the crew? no. i think they were completely safe. >> reporter: the f.a.a. chief has ordered an investigation into this issue. it was five years ago a plane crashed in lexington, kentucky, on takeoff. there was a lone controller on duty that night and investigators later determined he never noticed that the pilot was taking off from the wrong closed runway. back to you. >> tom costello, thanks for your reporting there. now here's al. ♪ she's a brick house this morning on "today's real estate," what you can get for under $300,000. we are touring homes from jackson, mississippi, to redding, pennsylvania with two to six bedrooms. today our brick house barbara corcoran is here to take us through them. >> good morning, al. >> we're going to albany,

georgia, with a house at $259.900. >> that's ray charles' hometown. this is a pretty house with a white picket fence, big shade trees and a comfy front porch. i love the arches. it makes a little house look sophisticated. i love the front of it. there is a double height living room inside with tall windows and a living room painted red that breaks all the rules about what to do with the colors of the walls when selling a house. >> it works. >> it has white trim, plenty of space. i couldn't picture that room any other color. i love it. the dining room has detailed woodwork throughout. shuttered windows. the kitchen has loads of cabinets, mexican tiles and a big sunny dining area adjacent to it which makes it friendly for a family. >> the ceilings are nice and high. >> all of the ceilings are high. it costs more to cool in the summer. remember that detail. >> but they have ceiling fans. >> it makes the house grand. it's not a huge house.

a poolroom upstairs. i love the coffered ceilings. they threw in the pool table with the house. >> very nice. let's jump to a six-bedroom home in pennsylvania on the monopoly board priced at $260,000. that's a lot of house. >> wait until you see the condition of the house. it's big, grand and has tons of things that everybody wants today. by the way, the old redding railroad cars are still parked in reading. you can see them. six mansions and 3400 square feet. there is the living room with three sun-filled window seats and an old brick fireplace. i think because the furniture is dated it takes a lot away from the house. >> what about the color of the wall? >> that yellow is the wrong color. not to live with. i'm sure it's happy to spend time in but the curtains have to go. the curtains throughout the house have to go along with that tablecloth. worst thing you can do is block

the light. you almost can't appreciate how pretty the windows are. this is a formal dining room. it's oversized. with the big bay window there is an eat-in kitchen with custom white cabinets. another yellow but it works in the kitchen. looks like a modern house. not bad. there is one full acre. 20 by 40 in-ground pool with an outdoor cooking area and separate garden house, all for $260,000. >> man, you're not even expecting that. >> it's a big bonus when you walk in the back. >> st. louis, missouri, two bedroom at $269,900. >> one of st. louis's most walkable neighborhoods, a contemporary house not far from the park which is bigger than central park in new york city. it's a corner townhome which sells at a premium because you don't have a neighbor on each

side. it has a sunken front courtyard and three levels of living space including down stairs. this is a shot of the back. there is the living room. it has sunny windows. it's fully carpeted. always a mistake in selling a house. it's outshined by the open living room and dining room with wood floors and light? everybody will migrate to the family room. that will sell the house. the open kitchen has black counters, maple cabinets and wood floors like the rest of the house. great shot of the living room. that looks like the living room and it's just the family room. better than the living room. the taxes on the house, you won't believe me. $63 per year. per year. >> that's crazy. >> that's what it is. it includes a very good public school just down the block. you can't go wrong. >> greenville, south carolina, priced at $274,900. a four-bedroom house.

>> this is between atlanta, georgia and columbia, south carolina. it has a fancy front on the front of the bung low. it's a short walk to cleveland park. >> are those black ceilingings? >> i like it. the walls are white, furniture is white, the rug is black. the floors are beautifully done. it works. on the exterior of the house you don't know what you will get. this is a pleasant surprise. gleaming wood floors, all new. a too crowded dining room but nice light. a kitchen with energy star appliances and a hip tile splashback. the basement comes with the house. i think it looks like somebody will be electrocuted. the ceiling needs to be closed up. that would make a big difference. the backyard has a small lawn and a paved patio out back. that's a pretty house.

>> barbara, always good to see you. we have more after these messages. [ male announcer ] 95% of all americans aren't getting enough whole grain. but actually, it's easier than you think, because general mills big g line of cereals is america's number one source of whole grain at breakfast. there's whole grain in every box... ♪ ...from chex... to cheerios... to lucky charms. so you can get the whole grain you want with the taste you love.

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their lives at home. michelle borba has advice for calming the fears. good morning. >> good morning. >> we were talking about how much news there is. it is a lot for kids to handle. how much should they handle? a lot of times parents model the behavior really determines it. >> how nailed it. the single most important takeaway is if you're calm, so too will your children be. a lot of it will be tough to talk about. you may not have the explanation. it's not what you say. it's often what you do. stay calm. the next thing i want parents to do is monitor that tv. be your own family's news director. there are a couple of reasons for it. little guys, sensitive kids will be offended by the graphic image. but we know that tweens are afraid now of late-breaking news without a parent there to explain it to them. so be there for them. when worse comes to worse, turn

off the tv. >> you say it's important to talk calmly and be sure to offer perspective. >> yes. you're trying to figure out what your child knows. in today's world they are going outside. one of the things upping the jitters are what friends tell them that may not be right. your first comment could be, what are you hearing, or what did your friends say? you're trying to give them an understanding. simple, no more than a sentence is fine. then use the rewind message which is, tell me what you heard so you know where their little brains are going. kids take a while to process tough information. >> let's talk about age groups. there will be younger kids handling things differently from older kids. >> with little ones, keep in mind that young children first of all need reassurance for their own safety. they are egocentric and concerned it will happen to them. be aware when they see the images, turn off the tv and tell

them it's way far away and not coming here. use terms they understand. they're very literal. when you talk about a no-fly zone they may think insects. be careful. they may not have words for feelings. it's okay to use it as a, yes, they are sad. that's how their face looks. talk about it. >> and older kids? do you tell them more? >> you do, but at their level. reassure them of their safety. now they have empathy and they are concerned not only for their safety. they want specific plans for the radiation. is it coming this way? you have to be honest. if you don't know the answers, don't worry. tell them. own up. go ask your science teacher what a fuel rod is. >> an opportunity to extend learning. >> a great opportunity for you and your child to sit down and say, let's figure this out. the right information is going to lower the stress level of a

child. >> quickly, how do you know if your child is really struggling when it's too much? >> when it's continuing in yourle child's life and anxiety goes up. >> nightmares, not sleeping. >> kids need the good news report. did you hear about the grandmother and grandson? nine days and the rescuers didn't give up. give them that optimistic viewpoint. >> great parenting advice, myle which he will -- michelle. thank you so much. >> coming up, surprising ways to make love last. what to do and what not to do after these messages. ts are choosing children's advil. here's one story. my name is michelle. when my kids feel sick, i feel sick. i've been taking advil for myself, so i said if it's that fabulous for me, it should be just as wonderful for my children. i was so certain that i had made the right decision when i switched over to children's advil.

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kids to eat a healthy meal. >> plus, the kardashian mom sitting inca fitorhoda for the fourth hour to talk about six over 50 with kathie lee. >> not with kathie lee. after your local news and weather. i wear the pants. and the tops. and the jewels. i grab life by the accessories. some say i've done it all. i say i'm just getting started. ♪ too hot to trot ♪ baby i'm so chico's. let's raise a glass to cookies just out of the oven. to the morning bowl of cereal. and to lactaid® milk. easy to digest and with all the calcium and vitamin d of regular milk. [ female announcer ] lactaid®. the original lactose-free milk. hey, walgreens, i need some allergy relief fast or i could fall off this thing.

[ female announcer ] go to walgreens for prescription strength allegra, now available without a prescription. fast, powerful relief is as close as walgreens. good morning. it's 9:26 now. much better news for people living in the santa cruz mountains this morning. evacuation orders are no longer in effect there. automated calls went out to people in the gold gulch and paradise park and stealthon grove yesterday afternoon. have you to see this video of damage. an underground storm drain failed flooding homes and businesses. one business owner says it all happened in a matter of minutes. he watched the water go up and over the sand bags and flood his place. loec fok yorou forecast and the roads, coming up right after the break. as

good morning to you. well, we will see the sun today. not just yet but coming soon. as you can see, showers significantly thinning out across the bay area. that will continue to be the trend as we head through the next few hours. by this afternoon probably 1:00 p.m. we're looking towards mostly dry conditions. struggling to reach the mid 50s today. 53 in santa rosa. 54 in redwood city and 54 degrees in los gatos under mostly cloudy skies. but we'll see enough sunshine today so you can get outside and get some of that vitamin d you've been lacking. in oakland 56. a little chilly, will turn over to 58 degrees saturday. a few showers early. steady rain anticipated overnight. it isn't going to start until 6:00 p.m. so you have time to get outside before that. 60 degrees on sunday and then 63 degrees by monday kicking off our warm, dry trend that'll last all the way into thursday. 71 degrees, i know i'm looking forward to it. how about you, mike? >> i look forward to it. you dusted off the warm and dry

words. wet all morning. highway 4 still a little slow. concord, brentwood, also very wet. your commute in through the altamont pass is smooth. out toward the altamont pass a little slow. maybe some of the rain lingering for that portion of 580. the maze overall not so bad as you look at the toll plaza. the metering lights are off baufs the lig-- because of the traffic. >> thank you, mike. the "today" show returns in less than a minute. we'll be back at 9:56. we'll see you then.

now you are famously not sober. are you on something right now? >> yeah. >> you are? >> yeah. >> several things? >> i'm just messing around, meredith. i have never taken drugs. >> okay. that's not actually a "today" show flashback. it's a scene from "get him to the greek." he's on a different kind of role now. he's starring as the easter bunny in "hop." sometimes he's hopped up, but we're going to talk to russell brand coming up next week on "today." >> my son cannot wait. >> he's delightful.

>> he is. >> funny. all right. meanwhile, coming up in this half hour, the secrets to long-lalong long-lasting romance. 79% of couples say the dvr improved their relationship and a little spoiling goes a long way. what to do and what not to do. >> okay. if you're a frustrated parent when it comes to getting your kids to eat healthy, who hasn't had bad moments. even you. >> even me. >> from meatloaf cupcakes to strawberry -- [ laughter ] >> our nutrition as well. >> we'll talk about it coming up. >> we'll talk about the weekend. >> first of all, we're doing purple this weekend. >> right. we planned the outfits. coordinated. >> we have a lot of serious stuff. libya, the u.s. coalition campaign. moammar gadhafi showing no signs

of backing down. we'll get the latest from there and the nuclear crisis in japan and troubling new signs that radiation leaking from the crippled power plant may be spreading. we'll get the latest on that. >> plus, we are counting down to the royal wedding from apps to tweets it's a high tech affair. we'll take you inside the modern monarchy preparing for the 21st censer moin. and a classic film "stand by me" turned young actors into stars. 25 years later we talked to the cast and director. it was probably one of the most fun gatherings ever. >> rob reiner, jerry o'connell. just -- everybody -- it was so much fun to see them together, grown men talking about what it was like filming when they were 11. >> such a great movie. >> river phoenix wasn't there, but he was such a pinnacle -- >> we talked about how it was

one of the first times they were together that they really felt his loss that he couldn't share the moment. >> love that movie. anyway, let's talk about weather now. is it going to warm up? >> not net. >> not here. in other places, yes. >> here, no. >> if you're going on vacation it will. >> yes. for saturday, strong storms in the southeast. mild weather through texas on into the soutest. rain in the west coast. chilly in the northeast to the great lakes. then on sunday, look for more cold weather with sunshine here. cherry blossom festival in washington, d.c. snow on sunday. rain in the southeast with a risk of strong storms. >> what? >> pacific northwest -- you were two seconds off on that. and sunny skies. >> it's all about the timing. >> you can't tell it's friday here. good morning to you. i'm not sure what that means. we are seeing some improvement

in our neck of the woods as you can see, shower activity becoming a little more spotty right now and that will continue to be the case by about 1:00 p.m. we are talking about mostly clear and dry conditions when it comes to the heavy rainfall. maybe a little bit of residual moisture but overall it will be much better than what we saw yesterday. 50s today. 54 degrees in redwood city. 55 in fremont. 54 degrees in san jose. warmer and dryer next week. and that's your latest weather. >> thanks, al. >> up next, don't forget to set your dvr. one of the surprising reasons love lasts. coming up after this.so as long - [ carl ] honey, where's the -- top shelf! life can get a bit... routine. that's why i decided to switch things up with cottonelle ultra toilet paper. [ carl ] oh yeeaaah! you see? it's 35% thicker than the northern brand. [ carl ] love it! you might say this one little switch has made all the difference. peanut, get dressed... we're goin' dancing. [ laughs ] [ female announcer ] little switches can make all the difference.

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embrace the pure life. nestle pure life. this morning on "today's relationships" the building blocks of everlasting love. trust and sexual combatability are obvious but you may be surprised what else can make or break a long-term relationship. it's all in the current issue of "cosmopolit "cosmopolitan" magazine. gail saltz is a "today" contributor. kate, in this issue you talk about some of the issues that have shown certain things that can help the relationship. other things that may not help. first is picking up his lingo. what do we mean? it's good to speak in the same tone. >> we do it unconsciously when you're around someone for a while. you start to pick up their lingo. there is a word for it -- language style matching.

it might be words or expressions or fillers like um or right. it may be annoying but the studies show we match language most when we are happy in a relationship. if you say things like "you go, girl" it's a good sign. >> it could be a little ann annoying, too. >> i don't think you have to be like, yeah, dude. and be twins or feel compelled to speak like your mate. retain your individuality. but when your morals and values and essences and important things like religion and so on match you have less to compromise about. you fight less and those relationships have greater longevity. >> the next is spoiling him a little. how much? we better get some back. >> absolutely. better be reciprocal. but we know intuitive ti it's nice to give a partner a neck

rub or pick up their favorite ice cream but we get busy and don't do it. one study found not only is it good in the moment but the gratitude we feel washes over for days. it's a real boster to a relationship. >> gail, you remind us -- >> it's not even spoiling. it's just being kind to a person that you love. it's having empathy. i think that's what needs to run through a relationship. stand in your partner's shoes. would you like it? you would. do it for your partner, too. >> kate, another thing you say is let your freak flag fly. this isn't being true to yourself, right? >> it's a guarantee that how the other person will react. when we are the authentic self it's easier to be intimate. we view the relationship more positively. >> this is about trust. >> but you don't want to scare them off. >> when you feel a person really knows you, not the fake you that

you put forward or the person you have been hiding but really knows and loves you, warts and all, you trust them and you feel much closer. >> it's about being honest. >> about being honest with yourself and your partner. they like you and love you anyway. >> now to the relationship bummers. things not to do necessarily. the first i think is obvious is smothering him with support. that's when you're being overbearing. >> yeah. the idea that we are supposed to be supportive in relationships, we overdo it sometimes, particularly with the type of support. like there is emotional support where you're listening or support where you just have the person's back. but in particular the information kind of support where you're like, oh, here are suggestions on how to do your resumé. those words don't always sit well with guys. >> the information is sort of a way of deflecting how he feels. in other words, saying do this, do this so you don't feel bad

and i don't have to hear about it. when you feel bad you want someone to listen and say, i understand you're having a hard time. i would argue you want to be supportive to your partner. if something terrible happens, be there for them. not necessarily with an instant fix because you want it to go away. but more with, ooh, this is hard. you're having a hard time. i understand. >> right. you want to keep your identity and allow him the same. by smothering him too much it could be overdoing it. >> to tell you the truth, people risk the other end. i don't think many people smother their partner. i think people are stepping back and being like, you take care of it. i have enough. your problem. if something is going on with your partner, treat them the way you would want to be treated. be supportive. >> next is storming out. i'm sure everybody is guilty of this. you get in a fight and you're out the door. kate, not a good move? >> well, sometimes we storm out

or withdraw after a fight or during a fight because we want to cool down. but if you're the person doing it over and over again and it's a pattern it comes across as a lack of investment to your partner. >> fighting is huge. everybody fights in a relationship. if you're not fighting at all there are problems there, too. you have to know how to fight. you have to fight well. >> fight fair. >> or it blows up. don't hit below the belt or dredge up the past. if you need a timeout because you're going to do the wrong thing say, i need a timeout. i'm afraid i will say something i'll regret. let's reconvene in an hour while i walk around the block. you have to be involved in the fighting or you are cutting off your partner emotionally. >> good information for us today. thank you. kate white and gail saltz, as always. up nx next, healthy and fun foods for your kids after these messages. eting with a salty snack and then a 3:15, with my guilt.

[ female announcer ] new special k cracker chips. 27 crispy chips. 110 delicious calories. mmmmmmm...good meeting. same time tomorrow? [ female announcer ] find them in the cracker aisle. i see a bag and think... i could have a chip. yeah right. that's why they're called chips? [ female announcer ] new special k cracker chips. 27 crispy chips. 110 delicious calories. another cracker chip? don't mind if i do! [ female announcer ] find them in the cracker aisle. pancakes! ♪ from dawn 'til sunset, i'll never walk away ♪ ♪ blueberry pancakes are so good ♪ [ male announcer ] bisquick. pancake lovers unite. [ male announcer ] visine-a is clinically proven to relieve all your worst eye allergy symptoms. it goes right where you need it, relieving allergy eyes in minutes. get visine-a. no other allergy eye drop is more complete.

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not alone but with some imagination you can create delicious foods they want to eat. joy bauer has been cooking up kid-friendly recipes. good morning. >> good morning, ann. >> especially when your kids are young if you can come up with some things that you consistently serve it's amazing what kids will start to crave and want. >> absolutely. they're used to it, they acclimate to it and you want to go out of our way to serval ve vegetables with lunch or dinner. it pumps in the nutrition and helps with weight control as well. >> i notice you have vegetables chopped up to add to meatloaf. >> these are meatloaf cupcakes. it's simple. start with lean ground beef. i presauteed red pepper, carrots and onions, then add two egg whites, a quarter cup of ketchup. dump that in and then a taco seasoni ining packet.

get the low sodium if you can. we'll stir it up. >> we'll pretend. >> okay. then scoop it into a coated-with-oil-spray standard muffin tin. pop it in the muffin on 425 for 20-25 minutes and you have little meatloaf cup cakes. >> you think kids will like it because they are small and cute? >> and portion controlled. and then the sweet potato frosting. bake sweet potatoes, discard the skin. mash it with a splash of skim milk and a healthy soft tub spread. let the kids frost them. >> good idea. do your kids like them? >> they love them. i test everything on my three tough customers. then i move on to neighbors, nieces and nephews. look how cute they are. >> they are adorable. another idea you have also talks

about portion control and finger foodle really which is something kids like. >> this is taking the classic peanut butter and jelly to a new level. start with the whole grain lawash bread. spread it with any nut butter. they are all equally healthy. then take some chopped strawberries instead of jam and you will layer them in a tight one-inch row. then you will just roll. you want there to be enough peanut or other nut butter on the side so you can really make the edges adhere. >> you can slice it like sushi, use mango, grapes. and you have another one with vegetables. >> this is hummus and try-colored peppers. this is the rainbow sushi roll. >> this is my favorite idea of all of them this morning. this has to be the most healthy

thing. >> banana ice cream. that's all there is to it. >> it's not banana ice cream but frozen bananas. >> i call it banana ice cream. they are very ripe bananas. stick them in the freezer in a bag anywhere from three to four hours to overnight. >> and what's great is especially because a lot of us waste bananas when they are ripe. you can just freeze them. >> exactly. this is the perfect thing to do. >> that's all that's in there? >> that's it. turn it on. make believe it's all pureed until there are no more chunks. it's smooth and creamy. >> this is what it looks like. >> this is dark chocolate chips. >> i want to grab one. >> this one in the food processor i put a dollop of peanut butter. so this is peanut butter banana. this is dark chocolate chip banana. you can eat it straight out of the food processor like soft

serve or put it in the freezer for more like scoop ice cream. >> if your kids are used to regular tasting ice cream and don't think this is sweet enough you could add honey? >> you can, but i don't think you need it. the ripe bananas are sweet and delicious. >> mm-hmm! >> she likes it. >> ann will try anything. joy bauer, thank you so much. coming up, we have kathie lee and kris jenner joining us. óa

kathie lee has a special guest this morning. you were on the plaza. >> they loved her. >> i also brought good weather. i heard it snowed yesterday. >> yeah. >> it's pouring rain -- at least it was when i left. >> kris and i have been friends for 30 years. we'll talk about sex after 50. >> or at any age.

to get some would be good. >> welcome to the new fourth hour. hoda, wherever you are, enjoy the day off. it will be crazy. ambush makeovers and dream vacations. >> all of that coming up after your local news and weather.

good morning. it's 9:56 now. wild weather over much of the bay area including in sonoma county. this man went outside his home just in time to see this big

tree crash onto the roof. this happened last night. also in sonoma county a tree took out an entire neighborhood's power supply when it landed on lines. just a quick note. san jose's alam rock park has been reopened today. the city closed it yesterday after the storm created hazardous conditions there. well, that crazy weather finally a break there. christina loren joins us now with a look at your forecast. good morning. >> good morning. yeah, most of the bay area is getting a break except for oakland. for some reason oakland is just getting hammered right now. we see this situated right over the east bay. take a look behind. you see just spotty activity. this is what we're expecting to push onshore as we head throughout the next couple of hours. the sun will shine once again over the bay area for a few hours today and then another weather maker moves in bringing about steady rain tonight starting at 6:00 p.m., lasting throughout the overnight hours. 54 degrees in los gatos is not so bad when the rain isn't

coming down heavily on you. 55 in gilroy today. and your extended outlook shows even better news. a sunny disposition monday through thursday, warmer and drier. 71 at the end of the week. let's talk to mike about your drive right now. >> the freeways look all right but still the mud slides on highway 84, other areas because of the soggy conditions over here. look at the live shot coming across the area. live shot outside maybe oakland or san mateo. there you go. oakland very tough. christine talked about the rain coming down right now past the coliseum. lighter volume for friday is better. san mateo bridge a stall reported as you come toward us but looks like one on the westbound direction is coming off the shoulder as well. luckily they're all wide shoulders and no major issues for the san mateo bridge but visibility might be a factor along the peninsula. you can't see the road period because of all the snow. this is interstate 80 around boreal. you cannot access from the bay area because of the closure of interstate 80. back to you. >> thank you. more local news in 30 minutes. we'll see you again at 10:26. the "today" show returns in about a minute.

"today" with kathie lee gifford and hoda kotb, live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. >> hello, everybody. it is dry-day friday, march 25, and you can see this woman, as gorgeous as she is, is not my hoda woman. we have been friends for about -- >> 135 years. >> that's right. we met in california and we are going to have old times with wine and -- >> where is my wine?

i know i'm a guest, but at least treat me nice. i don't have any wine, the music went off. >> jerry is going to bring you some wine because that's one thing i don't share. >> i tried. i tried to have one sip of her wine, i got shot down, the wine went flying. >> there is your glass. >> thank you. >> god bless you, jerry. >> you know you owe absolutely everything to me, all this great success you guys are having. >> the first time i met you, your name was kathie lee johnson. that's how far back we go. >> we both had marriages we won't discuss today. >> why not? they haven't heard the stories. we could tell them. how much time do we have? oh, not enough. >> we're going to comment on the present today because there is a lot going on in the ckardashian

family. you're in your fifth season? >> she was the one who said, you need to do a reality show. then, of course, we go out, we get a reality show, and she says, why are you doing a reality show? so i can't win with her. i'm just doing everything you taught me. >> i'm glad you're doing the reality show. i'm glad you're successful at it, but you guys are out there on a limb half the time. >> oh, we are on a limb, honey. we are on a limb. >> at first i was concerned because i am the godmother to your two littlest girls. >> you became godmother to kendall and kylie, and then everybody else got jealous. she's my godmother. no, she's my godmother. >> we keep each other's secrets. sdp >> and i'm writing a book soon, so you better be nice to me, missie. >> she doesn't forget a gosh darn thing, either.

nothing. >> nothing. >> you're an incredibly savvy businesswoman. when you and -- >> bruce? >> no. that's a fun story. i was up in hyannisport for a golf tournament, and there was bruce jenner who had been our friend and colleague when we were at another morning television show. i said, hello, bruce, it's so good to see you. are you happy now? because bruce has been married as many times as elizabeth taylor, pretty much. he said, i'm dating the most unbelievable woman. i am so in love. i am gone. i said, is it somebody i know? he goes, no, you wouldn't know her. she's not in the business. he was just gonzo. i said, well, i might, i lived out there a long time. he goes, her name is chris kardashian. i went, chris kardashian?

we met when she was pregnant and you threw her the most incredible bridal shower. >> her and i still talk about this bridal shower and it's 30 years later. >> when you put on a party, nobody puts on a party like you. >> exactly. i try to tell my kids that every time they want to get married. i say, i can put on the party, let's go. >> but you throw on the guacamole and it's a party. it's the way you put things together. i said, oh, my gosh, i love chris. tell her hello. >> we connected and the rest is history. i used to go to work with you at your other job. early in the morning you used to drag me and i would stay with you, and here i am working alongside you. >> you don't need me anymore, miss s missie. >> yes, i do. >> i saw an article in the

hollywood reporter. it's inside kardashian, inc. right? this one runs the whole thing. >> it's hard work and i wear a lot of hats, but i think the favorite hat is still mom. >> who is your problem child? let's be honest. >> problem child? every day i have a favorite. i forgot to tell you this. honest to goodness, robert leha his appendix out the other day. hi, honey. i hope you're feeling okay. bruce picked him up this morning early, drove him home where he's going to recuperate, and kim came over and said, robert has a stomachache. i said, he'll get over it. hours later -- >> he will get over it. >> right. after the operation, he'll get over it. >> he graduated from usc.

>> he graduated from usc. frank wrote him the recommendation letter. >> is there a theme here? >> you should get 10%. >> i brought out the cleavage today. >> you look like a little spring flower, doesn't she? you always look so beautiful. >> we have great people here who sort of put us together. >> your dogs were humping. i'm sorry. am i allowed to say that? >> the animal kingdom comes near me, they just start to hump. >> they were going to town, those two dogs. nobody, i think, saw that. >> i wouldn't have minded except they were father examiand son. it's a little creepy. there they are. there are the perpetrators. and i walked out and met -- they said, here comes kathie with a great pair.

>> they weren't talking about your boobs, honey. >> i was in seattle and i go to the airport and you take your boots off and put them down in the bins and look what looks up at me in the bin. i go, oh, my gosh. >> i am not going to give you 10%. >> i don't deserve it. >> kathie opened it up this morning and goes, airbrush. i said, kathie, i look like this when i wake up in the morning. that's a fantasy, to look like that when i wake up in the morning. >> lamar and chloe? >> lamar and chloe are doing great. their show starts on april 10 on e. you'll see a new side of lamar that you've never seen before. >> you told me from day one you are in love with him. >> i am in love with him. he is the most delicious person i've ever met. he is so in love with chloe, she is so in love with him. who knew when you met for nine

days that it would work out? it's been over a year. it's lasted longer than your marriages. >> my marriages! come on. and my darling kendall is modelling like crazy. >> she came here to do a big fashion shoot in new york with kim, so they're having fun. chloe is doing her show. kim has been really sort of mentoring kendall and just sort of taking her under her wing and she's introduced her to great designers like zac posen and vera wang, people like that that kendall can really learn something from. >> this will keep your phone ringing into the next generation. >> what about kylie? >> kylie is doing really well in school. she's so into her grades in school. >> she was a problem child for a while, let's be honest. i remember a tantrum she threw

at disneyland that was not pretty. you handled it well, but she was out of control. >> she's coming around. she's going to be 14 years old. look at all these people waving at you. >> you know what we need to show you? you are not up on this. the latest thing is something called the second brow trend. it's been seen in paris. you really can't tell from there. brittany -- apparently there is an extra brow above a brow, as if we don't have enough trouble with our eyebrows now. >> wait a minute, that's actually a good idea, because as you get older, you lose your brow brows. this way you have a couple, maybe four, and if you lose them you still have these. >> i can't tell. bobbie, come over here. >> on the runway they'll either mute out the natural brow and add the second one to lift the

face or change the shape. >> instead of a brow lift. >> bigger brows are back in general, so don't pluck. it's better to have your natural brow like brooke shields. >> what about the stuff in between? >> you can pluck, but don't overpluck. >> they won't grow back. then you're stuck drawing a line. >> thank you. i'm hoping this is not going to be a trend -- brittany wants to wipe that off. >> she looks beautiful, but -- >> she's about ten years old, of course she does. bobbie, what is that on your chest? >> this is what i'm talking about today, body art. >> my lower back i had kendall and kylie. >> not bruce, but kendall and kylie. >> they're going to be with me forever. i don't know about bruce.

>> almost 40% have tattoos today. >> most of them were under 40, right? >> it's a big trend on the runway. beyonce teamed up with temptu, and that's what i use. it's a temporary tattoo. you can figure out any design or anything and print it out. make your own. there is nylons that blend into your skin that look like you have a tattoo, or there are these great pads called wundercover. >> i wonder if that's the kind of thing they use with angelina jolie. she plays a character that would not have a tattoo. >> because makeup doesn't work, you might want to try one of these pads. that's a good idea for a guy who

wants to put his girlfriend's name. just do a fake one and you're not committing to anything on your body. >> i agree, i agree. thanks, bobbie. love you, baby! up next, find out what you may not know about sex after a certain age. we're put to the test. next we're going to sara who is with a lot of crazy fans. a question for you, chris jenner.

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andie mcdowell is going to be with us in a few minutes, but the birds and the bees do it. do kathie lee and chris still do it? >> of course, i do. i can't speak for you. >> we're about to be put to the test. find out and fill us in with what we along with other women over the age of 40 should know about sex. it's so nice to see you. >> it's nice to be here. let's talk about sex. you have your cocktails? >> we're ready. that and a cigarette and we're fine. >> maybe after. here we go. among people age 45 to 65, who claims they know all there is to know about sex, men or women? >> women. >> of course! >> let her get the question out first. >> men think they know everything about everything else. sports, football. what is a top sexual fantasy for

women over 40? kathie lee? >> oh, choices. >> role playing, having sex with a stranger, having sex in a public place. >> i'll go with public place just for fun. >> stranger. >> sex with a stranger, i love it! >> sex with a stranger. >> he wasn't a stranger long, if you know what i mean. >> of the following decades of life, when is a woman having the most sex? 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59. >> 40 to 49. >> 50 to 59. >> no! >> 21. >> 30 to 39. on average she's having sex 86 times a year. >> amateurs. those women are amateurs. that's how many times you do it in a week, honey.

>> that's a long weekend at the kardashians. >> what type of diet booster libi libido, gluten free, low-carb, mediterranean. >> mediterranean. >> yeah. >> that's why we go to greece a lot. >> the reason all that fish and olive oil. >> what percentage of married women say they haven't had sex in the past year? wait. 3%, 25%, 70%. >> 70. >> kathie lee? >> 25. >> no. 70. >> 3? >> 3% say they haven't had sex in the past year. but 7% of married women say they do it more than four times a

week. i'm just saying! >> more than four times? do they have a job and children and a bad neck? >> they seem to work it in. last question. >> are they hookers and they get paid for it? >> different segment. big national study recently done. who makes a better lover -- wait -- a professional football player or olympics athletes? >> olympic athletes. >> who won? >> you won. >> chris won. >> oh. >> a vibrator? i'm kidding. >> candles and champagne and it's for two. >> oh, my goodness. >> it gets better. >> it gets better as we get older. up next, we're going to hopefully answer some easier ones from some fans at the nbc

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you are so sweet to me. bee happy. bee healthy. 3-2-1 live with sara haines. this is where we pick people out of the crowd. this time we're at the experience store. >> live? you couldn't invite me on a monday? dry day fry.

>> this is maggie from dayton, ohio with a question about your show, chris. >> hi. i was wondering what it's like to always have the cameras following you. >> they're actually here right now. >> can we get a shot of them, guys? >> after about five minutes of being on camera for the very first time, you kind of forget they're there. unless you have to use the restroom or sgromething, you fe like it's not really an intrusion. >> they become part of the family because they're always at your house. >> we've used the same crew. it's been five years and we have all the same people with us, so they're part of the family at this point. >> next up we have dan from pittsburgh, pa, and he has a question for kathie lee about hoed hoda. >> kathie, since hoda isn't here, it's a perfect time for you to tell us how you really feel. >> i love her character, i love

her heart. she has a great sense of who she really is. she has abundant love for everybody. if you asked anybody in this crew if they love hoda, they would say, hoda. she's the real deal. >> next up we've got emily from illinois with a question for chris. clearly she came with friends. this is a question about the kardashians. >> hi. did you ever think you'd have such a large family and so many kids, and do you wish you'd have more or want more? >> you know what, when i was in high school -- stop it. when i was in high school, my dream was to have six kids. so that was always something i knew i was going to do, and i find it the biggest blessing in my life. if i could find one hat i could choose to wear, it's the hat of being a mom. it's my greatest joy and i'm so blessed that way. had i known back in the day i would be getting 10%, i would have had like five more kids. i'm kidding. >> that's the truth.

that's the truth. >> i'm with caylee from new york and she has a question about some wedding advice. >> i'm getting married in 36 days, on april 30, and my date was chosen before the royal wedding, i must say. so kathie lee, i'm just wondering, what's some advice for the day? >> make it your day, sweetheart. don't you think, chris? >> chloe got married in nine days and it became stressful. enjoy the moment. stop and take mental snapshots. >> don't feel like you're going to live happily ever after. hopefully you will, but love, like life, has stages. hang in for the long haul, baby. god bless you in your marriage. >> thank you. with cottonelle ultra toilet paper. [ carl ] oh yeeaaah! you see? it's 35% thicker than the northern brand. [ carl ] love it! you might say this one little switch

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good morning. it's 10:26. on day four of the barry bonds trial the jury got a science lesson on the side effects of steroids. that testimony came from larry bowers, the chief scientist for the u.s. doping agency. he also outlined the history of performance enhancing drugs and the role played by balco. prosecutors say balco and burlingame provided the steroids dispensed by bonds' personal trainer. there is no court session today. the trial resumes on monday. the giants will be without cody ross for the season opener. he's headed for the disabled list after an mri showed a slight tear in his right calf.

he could miss up to three weeks which includes the first two weeks of the regular season. just about 10:27 now. weather and traffic right after this.

good friday morning to you. finally a friday and finally i have some good news to bring to the table. we actually are seeing a little bit of clearing right now especially along the peninsula, san francisco, san bruno getting a chance to dry out. danville some pretty good shower activity headed toward you if it's not already raining over your house. count on that in the next five

to ten minutes. as you head throughout the afternoon, showers will continue to decrease. we'll see pretty much a couple hours where we get breaks of sunshine throughout the bay area and then the rain returns tonight, becoming more steady overnight. the rest of the weekend, sunday through thursday a brief warmup. it's going to be about 71 degrees by thursday. so, mike, let's find out how the showers are impacting your drive. maybe people have to leave for work right now. how does it look? >> a lot of folks reacting, waiting for the break in the rain. they finally got the break in the rain like you just showed and in the traffic. just about 50 miles per hour. not bad in that particular spot. maybe over toward willow path might be an issue. 680 through danville might be getting the rain. closer to the maze. an easy drive. the toll plaza metering lights were off and on through the morning but going for a few minutes at a time and a light backup right now. light look at oakland shows an earlier problem with the rain and a half hour late-hour nice it looks. light volume through the nimitz freeway down to the san mateo

bridge. a smooth drive so far. after this rough week it's much better. >> okay. smooth is good. thank you, mike. thank you for joining us this morning. the "today" show continues next. we're back on this dry day with the ambush makeovers. no, this is not hoda with me. this is chris jenner. >> i'm happy to be here, and to introduce stylist to the stars -- >> and we sing this. louis licari, la la la la la. >> what happened? >> wild day. first of all, it's freezing cold again, right? >> it sure was. >> i don't know what's going on

with this weather, but we had more ladies with more signs. it was a difficult pick because there were so many great candidates. >> we're going to bring them out now. the first lady is patty borscht. she is 54 years old from philadelphia. after suffering a personal tragedy a few years ago, she is finally ready for a fresh start. let's lyisten to her story. >> we got a hint that she wanted a makeover from these signs. very creative and we love them. tell us why. >> my sister patty lost her husband jim a few months ago. she's been dealing with a lot and it's been very hard, so we want her to have a special day. >> aww, your sister wants you to have a special day. are you ready to be pampered? >> yes, i am. i can't wait. >> we want to make her happy. she's here with her sisters joanie and mary. let's take one last look at sister patty. keep those blindfolds on,

because outcomes brand new patty borscht. sisters, take them off. >> oh, my gosh scl! ready, patty? turn around, take a look. >> oh, my god! >> you look so beautiful. >> she can't tear herself away from herself. >> patty, got a minute? let's turn around. >> doesn't her hair look great? >> what do you think, ladies? have you ever seen her with red hair? >> no. no. >> louis loves his red. louis, what did you do? >> this is a very soft, very natural red. what i wanted to do is she had her girlfriend color her hair, and her hair is fun, and she overcolored it. she colored it over and over and over to the bottom. you should only redo the roots.

>> patty. >> what we did was make her hair richer and i gave her this great haircut. >> can you look right in the camera. >> it went from ordinary to edgy and sexy. >> i told the people at work i might come back as a redhead. i didn't expect this. >> she was wearing baggy clothing and she took it off. i said, look at this body. this is all about color blacking. people think red and below don't go, but they do, and that's huge for spring and summer. the dress is from macy's, the dress from black market. >> we'll bring out our second lady. who is she, chris? >> our next lady is debbie kelly. she's going to be 60 tomorrow. she came here to celebrate her birthday, and she hasn't had her hair cut in months in the hopes of being ambushed today. she even had a sign. let's take a look at her story. >> now it's time for a giant

sign because it's all about turning 60 tomorrow, lost 60 pounds -- that's unbelievable -- and i know you want this for your sister. >> when she got closer to her weight goal, she talked about doing this. she said, it's on a friday, we can all go together and will you come with me? so we've been kind of planning this for a while. >> so here you are. tell me we can do whatever we want with you. >> you can do whatever. whatever. >> are you ready for a whole new debbie, mom? >> oh, yes. >> debbie sheis here with her m betty and sister gloria, who is now blindfolded, so don't take them off. >> i think they're crying, too. let's bring them out of their misery. >> let's see debbie. come on out. >> oh, so pretty. >> take off the blindfolds. >> oh, my gosh! >> look at the difference. you look beautiful. what do you guys think?

well? they're speechless. >> debbie hasn't seen herself. turn around, hon. >> you look so pretty. are you surprised? >> i hope she's happy. i hope those are tears of joy. >> does it feel good? >> oh, my gosh. >> patty? >> that's a perfect color. >> patty! >> debbie. >> oh, it's debbie, forgive me. no wonder she's not listening to me, i have the wrong name. >> first of all, you look 60, you look 50, you might even look a few years younger. her hair color is worth it. it can be a pain because you have to do it once a month, but it takes less than an hour, and wow, look at you, you look great. and again, that was short hair

that had no shape and then we added a little bit of shadow to define her face. >> and real quickly, jill, her outfit. >> she lost 60 pounds, needed a great pair of jeans which everyone should have. this entire outfit is from talbott's. >> ladies, come on out. one more time for our audience. amazing.pe aptite >> an appetite for a deal, right after this. [ male announcer ] from advances in medical imaging that help doctors detect diseases earlier. to innovations in renewable power that bring america closer to energy independence. to investments that help businesses grow and create jobs. ♪ at ge, we're using imagination at work... ecomagination... healthymagination... and capital...

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>> five different deals with five different ventures is nina, editor in chief of budget magazine. >> where are we going first? >> we're going on dream trips, but we believe in making dreams doable. the first place we're going is marakesh. the number one thing you want to do when you go to a place like this is go to a hotel that really connects you to local culture. >> you don't want to stay at an american hotel in marakesh. >> there is a place right in the heart of meradino, five rooms run by a guy who used to be a professor of islamic architecture. it's $98 a night. >> wow. >> plunge pool, tranquil setting, totally removed but right in the heart of the city. >> i want to go there. >> next stop. this is a skip and a jump to russia. >> we all rush, rush, rush in our travels. this is an epic train journey.

>> trains in europe are so much better than the trains in america. >> well, here's the thing about this trip. it's super long. we actually recommend you go in the second-class cabin because you're going to meet all the local people and they're going to offer you vodka along the way. >> we're there. sign me up. >> no, you can't go for the vodka. are you out of your mind? is that affordable? >> it's about $600 to get to moscow right now, which is an incredible, incredible price. >> so the recession is everywhere. why settle for an island in the caribbe caribbean. >> there is a company called barefoot yaucht. it's about $200 per day. >> how many people can you get on there? >> you can fit about three

people on there. you can jump out, bring your own snorkel gear and you're good to go. >> that is my idea of a vacation. it is so gorgeous down there. i love the caribbean, i want to be in the water. my snow days are over, nina. lastly, we have my home town. paris. >> paris. the most amazing thing about paris is just to follow your stomach, eat your way through the city, and we recommend a pastry tour of paris. >> if you want to gain a hundred pounds! >> no, you're going to walk between them. our favorite one at budget travel is in the moray. it's this guy who used to make pastries for the rich and now he makes them for you and me. today we actually have pastries to try. >> gee, that's too bad. >> these here are from payar. they're from our favorite pastry shop in new york. >> i get that one. >> you got it, sweetheart.

>> if you can't remember anything, you can find it on budgettravel.com today, and we are going to dive into these. up next, a beautiful actress, a lovely lady. andie mcdowell is going toar st in a true story. she actually came with her mom. a liquid makeup can glob up in lines and wrinkles and make you look older. simply ageless stays suspended over lines and makes you look amazing. simply ageless from olay. and easy, breezy, beautiful... covergirl. ♪ and to look really amazing, start with my serum primer. ♪ don't suffer waiting for your pills to kick in. add alaway. for fast eye itch relief that works in minutes and lasts up to 12 hours. only alaway comes from bausch & lomb.

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and see for yourself. . every parent's nightmare, losing your teenager in a senseless car accident. andie mcdowell plays a real-life mom who knows that tragedy all too well. >> maryann's car lost control a day before his 16th birthday. his life inspired so many others and led his brother to lead their college football team to new heights. >> well, this is a hard one for all of us to get through.

i watched the film this morning and literally had to have my makeup completely redone because it just gets to the core of every parent, how every time you say goodbye to your child, it may be the last time you see them. and that was a real -- i should talk to andie first, but i'm looking right at mariannyo mayo marian. you would never leave the family without saying i love you. how did you feel when you knew she would be playing you? >> i was honored. i always thought andie mcdowell was a very talented actress. and when i got to know her, i always thought she was a very tender person. she was perfect for the role and i appreciate that. she was so sensitive to me and often asked me, how did you feel here? >> so you were on set, actually, during this? >> a lot of the time, yeah. >> what was that like for you,

andie, to not only play this incredible woman of faith but also have her watching you? >> it was a little intimidating at times, but the subject matter, i think all of us fell in love with the family as a whole, and we could see the relationship. it was really very apparent that it was very raw, and they were a unique family and how tight-knit they are and how much they love each other. so there was a lot of responsibility there to get each moment right, because it was so fresh. >> it's only been what, six years? >> five years. >> but at the time we shot it, it was almost two years at the time we shot it. and we shared a lot of time together. not only were they on the set, but we wen to dinner together and talked about -- we were able to get the whole story -- >> and as an actress, that's so helpful. >> aidan quinn plays your husband. he is so heartbreaking in this

as the father. you really went through this not just as a mother but as a couple. >> right. >> did you go through a crisis of faith when you lost your son? this is such a senseless accident. your son never should have been in that car. he knew it, too, he tried not to go with the kid. it happened that he did. were you angry at god, maryann? >> yes. of course i was. i don't know any mother that doesn't pray for the safety of yo their children, and i thought, where were you when this happened? luke was the only one to die in this car accident, and please hear my heart on this, i never would have wished for any of these kids to die, i just wanted mine to live as well. as the mom, she has to go through the mourning herself. >> that was part of my job, because when she spoke at his funeral, maryann did not show her emotions. so i had to portray maryann at that moment, because she, at

that moment, was holding everybody together because the father lost it. so maryann took the position that she had to hold it together. but one of the stories i want to be sure that people -- i don't know how long we're going to be here -- i want to be sure we tell the story of the football game. can i tell that, please? >> we have about two seconds. >> the story is about they won in the fifth quarter, wade forest won in the fifth quarter when we shot the actual game in the movie because it's very low budget. we went into overtime and won in the fifth quarter. it was very inspirational. >> they went like this. >> we should say so many lives were saved because of the gift of the donor which was your son's great wish. >> he saved five lives. >> five lives. that's amazing. >> and we bless the heartbeat of the person who got his heart. >> it's just a beautiful, beautiful story of faith. it's a beautiful movie. it's called "the fifth quarter." it opens today at select theaters. >> there are some happy moments, too. >> there are.

>> an amazing story. we'll be right back. >> but first there's more of "today" on nbc.

from many parts of the country, the weather is telling us things very dirch. >> so if you're stuck with a kid who has cabin fever, we have games your kid will really love. >> she was just here for a toy fair. >> games that are good for kids and grown-ups. let's start with headbands. you don't know who you are, you ask questions, so i may say, do i have fur? do i have fleas? hmm, i must be a puppy. >> adorable. >> it's really cute. >> i can ride you. >> never mind! not for children! >> this is a great game. it's got these picture cards and

everyone gets caption cards. you want to make the judge laugh the hardest. i might use this one and say, this vacation stinks. >> oh, that's cute. >> this is a new puzzle. you actually take an image, you upload it into the computer, you get a map that you follow, then you build your puzzle, flip it over and you get your puzzle image. we have kathie lee and hoda. >> they didn't know chris was going to be here. >> there you go. this is really great. the kids with play but moms will love it because it is a clean-up solution. we put our toys away, not on the carpet and everything. you fold it up. >> you need this. >> i need this for bruce. >> the kids have to take a card, they have to find one item on their card, ring the bell. >> i love that! >> everyone loves i spy. it's great. >> i spy eagle eye.

>> this is chinese revolution. same game play but a twist. we can actually move the center of this game so it really mixes it up. sometimes it gets you closer to the other end, sometimes it doesn't. >> okay. >> magical moments. this is a dvd board game, trivia questions, challenges. something toy story to cinderella. >> you've seen all these movies. >> this is classic twister. we love classic games. we're getting twisted. the last one who is balanced is the winner. i've never been the balanced one at the end of this. >> we've got a few seconds left. >> this is xbox knect. it's amazing. you are part of the game. we can dance. this is dance paradise. want to join us? come on.

>> the kids are the remote control. >> i want to thank my good friend chris jenner. ♪ have a good daisy ♪ eat well, live long

♪ have a good daisy, work out, get strong ♪ ♪ when you need a lift, just sing a song ♪ ♪ and have a good daisy ♪ have a good daisy with a natural treat ♪ ♪ have a good daisy, healthy foods to eat ♪ ♪ when you want some joy, dance to the beat ♪ ♪ and have a good daisy [ female announcer ] enjoy the fresh, 100% natural choice in cottage cheese. ♪ have a good daisy ♪ have a good daisy