good morning. triple threat, troubling situations at th > good morning. triple threat. troubling situations at three nuclear facilities in the u.s. los alamos, new mexico evacuated, as a wildfire rages near that city's secretive nuclear lab. in nebraska, floodwaters threaten two more facilities near there. we're live in both states. iowa tea party, sarah palin heads to the hawkeye state the day after michele bachmann kicked off her presidential campaign there. this as the tea party leaders worry bachmann will be

quote, palinized. and grand slam, princess catherine dazzles the crowd in wimbleton and 30 minutes after she shows up, her dress sells out online as the couple prepares to head to north america today, tuesday, june 28th, 2011. from nbc news, this is "today." with matt lauer, and ann curry. live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. welcome, i'm ann curry. >> i'm matt lauer. this morning, firefighters are struggling, trying to hold back the flames near the los alamos national laboratory. officials, though, are insisting the hazardous materials inside that facility are safe. >> that's right. authorities ordered a mandatory evacuation of the city's 12,000 residents. we'll get the latest on the situation there and the flooding fears around nebraska ahead. also ahead, another strange twist in the casey anthony case. her lawyers asked the judge to declare a mistrial.

that happened on monday. this after anthony underwent and passed mental evaluations over the weekend. so we're going to get some details live from the courthouse on that subject. also this morning, an 18-year-old who just graduated from high school nearly beaten to death by a group of fellow teens in south carolina. he was apparently the victim of a random attack. he's going to share his story in a live interview later this morning. >> tough images to look at. also ahead, the kids out of school, 4th of july weekend around the corner. how do you make sure your kids have a good time, but at the same time stay safe. answers in today's whip. >> that's timely. let's begin with three nuclear facilities being threatened by mother nature, wildfires and floods, putting sensitive sites at risk. we have two reports beginning with nbc's janet shamlian in lod

alamos. >> reporter: good morning. the fire threatening the los alamos laboratory is not looking better today. in fact, flames are now within four miles of the center of this town. as a voluntary evacuation turned mandatory to urgent in a matter of hours. >> it kicked in really fast. amazing how fast it got here. >> reporter: by midday monday, fire had crossed the boundary of the los alamos national laboratory. >> the headquarters and

secretive center for u.s. nuclear research. a massive complex with 2,000 buildings spread out over 36 square miles. officials acknowledged the threat, but insisted all hazardous and radioactive materials were protected and the fire had not reached essential buildings. >> i will not say it's not going to go in the lab. we're doing our best to keep it off the laboratory. >> reporter: as word of the mandatory evacuation spread, cars were bumper to bumper trying to get out of town. >> what makes me nervous, only one way out of here. >> reporter: while thousands left, the national guard moved in. with a quantity of supplies that indicated they would be here for a while. los alamos has absolutely cleared out. while it's easy to see the smoke, what you can't see is the ash falling from the sky floating in the air. and yet even amid the threat, a desire to stay and help. at a small diner on the edge of town, they turned out meals like it was thanksgiving. and in a way, it was. >> we're a small business, but we can make a difference. and that's important. >> reporter: and in terms of other help, resources have been

pouring in from all over the country. air tankers and helicopters were grounded yesterday, due to those high winds. that really put firefighters at a disadvantage. we should know within a few hours whether they can get back into the air today. matt, back to you. >> all right, janet shamlian in los alamos this morning. thank you very much. floodwaters in nebraska are the cause for concern around two more nuclear plants. nbc's mike taibbi is at the ft. calhoun plant surrounded by the swollen missouri river. mike, good morning to you. >> reporter: good morning, matt. this is the most serious threat from flooding ever faced by a nuclear power plants in the u.s. and all eyes are on the two reactor facilities here in eastern michigan, the ft. calhoun plant, as you say, which is behind me, and the cooper station unit, about 80 miles down river. authorities who have been inspecting and monitoring both facilities say neither one is in immediate danger.

>> reporter: the ft. calhoun plant is now virtually an island. but even though a so-called aqua berm collapsed and failed sunday morning, sort of a huge water-filled inner tube to shield the facility from the rising missouri, they say that was a secondary safety measure, and other emergency procedures have done their job. >> we were ready for this. we practiced, drilled, trained. and so when the actual event happened, we put in all those things which are working well today. >> reporter: in fact, a tour of some of the plant structures show water tank doors and barriers have held. and extra pumps and sandbagging and emergency generators are all in position, if needed. >> i'm worried. >> reporter: but over at the rustic inn, owner faith stevenson and customers like retired farmer raymond zekeus follow the news and hope. >> it's out of our control. >> reporter: they say in minot, north dakota, where one-fourth of the town remain under water and 4,000 homes have already been swamped.

and even though the river has crested, thousands of other homeowners up and down stream are getting help from the national guard and army corps of engineers in a desperate try to control the water. but the worst, a breach of one of nebraska's two nuclear reactors at ft. calhoun or 80 miles down river at cooper station is not at hand. and, says the federal agency in charge, not likely. >> fundamentally, we don't believe that the plant is posing an immediate threat to public health and safety. >> reporter: by the way, north dakota's governor got a call from the white house yesterday. president obama expressed his concerned for the people living in the flood plain and offered additional federal help as the state and region struggled to recover. back to you matt. >> thank you very much.

it's seven after the hour. here's ann. now to politics. in the 2012 presidential race, iowa holds the first content in the gop nomination battle and it's already getting a lot of attention from big names who have and haven't declared. kelly o'donnell is in pella, iowa this morning. good morning. >> reporter: good morning, ann. well, when the name palin and the state iowa are in the same sentence, it gets people wondering, will she or won't she run? we know sarah palin will be at an opera house tonight for the premier of a movie about her. meanwhile, another presidential campaign is actually debuting in iowa for a woman who is not leaving any mystery about her plans. >> we can win in 2012, and we will win! >> reporter: michele bachmann's campaign kickoff played up every bit of hometown girl appeal. >> i often say that everything i need to know i learned in iowa. >> reporter: that now includes vying for attention with the tea party's other force. sarah palin is here to launch a movie, not a campaign.

a documentary-style, glossy review of her time as alaska governor. with the curious title "undefeated." >> she was the ceo of 25,000 employees. >> of all the 50 governors in the united states, she was sitting at the desk as one of the most powerful. and she wasn't afraid to use those powers. >> reporter: mitt romney focused solely on the president. >> president obama had said if he hadn't turned the economy around, in three years, that it was a one-term proposition. well, he's absolutely right. >> reporter: back in iowa, bachmann ran with that same obama quote. >> if i don't have this done in three years, then there's going to be a one-term proposition. >> reporter: but it's her own words causing more distraction. a comment that came out of left field. bachmann brought up actor john wayne as an example of waterloo's american spirit. >> but that sensibility of how we were grounded here, so important.

for instance, another american that was born in waterloo, iowa, was john wayne. >> reporter: but iowans will tell you john wane was born 150 miles away in winter set. details that fit a pattern of factual errors that hurt bachmann. >> those kind of gaffes will catch up with her, and they're more meaningful and will get more attention because of her status. because she's not just someone running for office, she is the front runner in the iowa caucuses. >> reporter: bachmann did receive a personal apology from fox news host chris wallace for his question -- >> are you a flake? >> well, i think that would be insulting to say something like that, because i'm a serious person. i had not heard from him until supper time today when he called. he did apologize, and i was happy to accept his apology. and we'll move on. >> reporter: and tonight, the film about sarah palin will be screened by an audience invited by the local republican party, by the filmmakers, victory films. sarah and todd palin will be

guests. there will also be a barbecue after the screening. and you've got to think there will be questions about her own political future. matt? >> all right, kelly o'donnell in iowa this morning. thank you very much. congresswoman michele bachmann is with us this morning from manchester, new hampshire. congresswoman bachmann, nice to have you here again. thank you. >> good morning. always a pleasure. thank you for having me on. >> let's talk about the polls, the des moines register poll released over the weekend has you running neck and neck with mitt romney in that state. obviously, the iowa caucuses are important. you get a lot of early attention in the race. they haven't always, though, been the greatest predictor of who eventually gets the nomination. i think only 50% of the time. so are you at all concerned that your socially conservative views that make you very popular in iowa might not play as well down the road? >> well, i'm in new hampshire now. i was in this iowa yesterday, new hampshire today. i'm on my way to south carolina where we'll start a bus tour, and then we'll be back to iowa.

i intend to have a 50-state campaign, because i intend to be the nominee that takes on barack obama and defeats him in 2012. that's why we've had so many people flock to our new website launch at michellebachmann.com and facebook and twitter and recognize we are the candidate going places in this election. we're very excited with all of the response across the country. >> let's talk about some -- obviously, you talked to people around the country. they say jobs. that is the most important issue in the upcoming campaign. so what would you do today, congresswoman, that president obama is not doing to bring down the nation's unemployment rate of 9.1%? >> right. well, probably the first thing that i would do is, i would repeal obama care. that's the worst regulation that's come forward. i've talked to business owners all across the united states, and because of the fear of the uncertainty and the huge fines that employers will be imposed to pay to the federal

government, they aren't hiring. and that's a very difficult proposition. so i would do that. i would also not be looking at spending $1 trillion that we don't have. i would be cutting back on federal spending. i would also bring down the federal corporate tax rate. and i would be looking at the federal regulatory burden, which costs our businesses $1.7 trillion a year. there's a lot we could do to turn this around. >> i remember back in april you were critical of the budget deal that was reached between republicans and democrats. you thought, i think, in some ways the republican leadership caved in. so are you confident now in the debate that's going on over raising the debt ceiling that people like mitch mcconnell and john boehner will not cave in and make you angry again? >> well, we're -- this is the debt ceiling vote. and this would be allowing the federal government to continue borrowing money that we don't have. it's $2.4 trillion. and from what i've seen in my time in washington, is a lack of

a serious attempt at cutting spending. unless there's a serious attempt on cutting back federal spending, i just simply can't vote to raise the debt ceiling. >> no, and republicans have already said they cut that cut back in spending. are you confident there will not be a compromise of the nature that will make you angry again? >> i'm not confident at all. that's why i'm very concerned about what i'm seeing. i'm hopeful. i'm hopeful that politicians in washington will be listening to people on the ground. and there are a lot of good people. a lot of good colleagues that i have. but we have to deliver results for the american people. and turn the economy around so we get it on the right track. there's a lot of people that are suffering right now. i see them. i saw them in iowa yesterday. today i'll be with people in new hampshire. and when they see me in the backyard barbecues and town hall meetings, it's real. this isn't something that's hype. the suffering is real. and unfortunately, president

obama is not paying attention to what people are trying to get his attention and tell him. >> let me read you something. amy kraemer said to nbc's andrea mitchell monday, congresswoman bachmann, that you will be -- and this is her word, not mine, quote, palinized in this campaign. do you understand the verb, and what would your definition of it be? >> well, i know i bring a unique skill set to the race, that of being a former federal tax lawyer, my husband and i started a successful small business. we also started a charter school for at-risk children. >> i'm not trying to interrupt, but i'm asking specifically what this leader is worried about that you will be palinized. her word. what do you understand that to mean? >> well, i think that means that there will be a media onslaught of attack. but that's nothing new. that goes with the territory. it doesn't matter who the

candidate is, whether they're male or female. there will be attacks that come. and that's simply what we have to be prepared to deal with. and i'm prepared. >> all right. michele bachmann just announced her candidacy for the presidency. congratulations congresswoman, and again, thank you for your time this morning. >> thank you. we'll be back again soon. >> all right. we hope so. now let's get a check of the rest of the morning's top stories, natalie morales at the news desk. >> good morning. three u.s. nuclear facilities are under threat of fire and floods today, a new investigation out this morning finds the nuclear industry is now claiming that reactors can last for a century. but during the '60s and '70s, officials claimed reactors were designed to last only 40 years according to the associated press. the revision allows plants to extend their licenses with little on-site inspection and verification. rod blagojevich says he is stunned he was found guilty on 17 of 20 charges in his corruption retrial. he was convicted of all 11

charges involving his attempted sale of president obama's one-time senate seat. texas lawmakers have passed a preliminary anti groping bill that would make an intentionally inappropriate touch during an airport security patdown a crime. this as outrage ignited after a 95-year-old cancer patient says she was forced to remove her adult diaper in order to clear security at a florida airport. the tsa denied the elderly woman was forced to remove the undergarment. and the largest breast cancer study ever showed women who were regularly screened for breast cancer were 30% less likely to die of the disease. the international team of researchers is blasting u.s. guidelines released two years ago that scaled back on mammogram recommendations. greece's labor unions.

most public transportation has come to a halt and many businesses have shut down as riots broke out in the streets of athens. let's head to wall street now. mandy, what are you watching there. >> today's we're go cussing on what is happening with home prices. traders are keeping an eye on what is happening over on the other side of the pond with the greek development. it does go to show how globalized our financial systems are. also, today's national average for gasoline is once again lower than this time yesterday. it's now 3: 3 -- $3.55 a gallon according to the aaa. it is nonetheless higher than the $2.75 that we saw for the national average this time last

year. look.over to you. so adorable. the two are doing well despite the chilly australian winter and enjoying mother-baby bonding time. very cute. it's 7:18 right now. let's turn it to ann, matt, and stephanie in for al. >> that's right. al is off today. stephanie abrams is joining us. >> hi, good to see you guys. look at the heat. the jet stream is to the north. the warm air will spread northbound through the plains here. average, look at that, into montana, the highs in the >> we're about 30 minutes away from severe weather. slamming into mill valley, 8:07 it's expected to hit san francisco. 8:20, berkeley, about 8:30, oakland. take a look at this well organized system of low pressure. it will continue to push to the east that will keep this cold front a little to our north,

breaking apart as it moves over the south bay. we're in for heavy weather as we head through the next few hours. probably until about 12:30. 69 in gilroy. tomorrow showers subside early. more than three weeks since an indiana university student disappeared without a trace. now the girl's parents are expressing their frustration over a lack of answers in the case. nbc's peter alexander joins us now with the details. peter, good morning. >> ann, good morning to you. this is a tough one. the mystery keeps deepening. police have interviewed at least ten people close to lauren spear or were with her night she vanished. now her parents believe her daughter's friends have not been totally forthcoming. the agonizing search now in its fourth week and still no sign of 20-year-old lauren spierer. police are perplexed that most of her friends didn't come forward on their own. >> perplexing, perhaps.

curious, perhaps. disturbing. pick your adjective. >> reporter: and lauren's heartbroken parents have become increasingly frustrated. >> perhaps it was a terrible accident that happened, and we can deal with that. we can deal with whatever it is. it's what we can't deal with is what we don't know. >> reporter: this shot of lauren was captured by her apartment building security camera, june 3rd, just hours before had he vanished after a late-night spent partying with friends. while there are no suspects, at least five of lauren's friends considered persons of interest by police have hired lawyers, including her boyfriend jesse wolf and corey rossman who has given detectives dna. >> i hope they find her as soon as possible and i'm praying for her and her family. >> reporter: police say the person who admits having last seen lauren is 21-year-old jason rosenbaum. authorities tell nbc news, rosenbaum told them, he watched lauren from his apartment as she walked home barefoot at 4:30 in

the morning. rosenbaum's lawyers told nbc news in a statement, rosenbaum has fully cooperated with the investigation and passed a polygraph. mr. rosenbaum hopes for nothing less than for lauren to be found and to be safe. after countless searches, hundreds of tips, and still no answer. lauren's parents question whether her friends know more about that night than they're willing to share. >> i think it's frustrating and challenging for investigators to know that several people had contact with her the night she disappeared, may well have information that could help solve her disappearance and have not come forward that everything that law enforcement believes they might know. >> reporter: for now, lauren's parents are left begging for a break that could help bring their daughter home. >> lauren, i miss everything about you. there's not one thing any given day that i'm not missing about you. >> just heartbreaking to hear that mom. bloomington police say all of lauren's friends who have been interviewed have been

cooperative. lauren's parents are not giving up. >> very tough stuff. peter alexander, thank you so much. coming up, what are the cases now that casey anthony will take the stand. we're in court where the fallout happened to declare her incompetent. first, this is "today" on nbc. i have fallen in love with making bird houses.

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like variable valve timing and turbocharging, active front grille shutters that close at high speeds, and friction reducing -- oh, man, that is complicated. how about this -- cruze eco offers 42 miles per gallon. cool? ♪ >> good morning. it's 7:26. i'm marla tellez. los angeles police reviewing video shot hours before giants fan bryan stow was attacked at dodger stadium. you can see a man in a dodgers jersey confronting stow. he seems to be trying to cool things down. the man in the video is not this man, giovanni ramirez, the prime suspect. a law professor says if ramirez is charged this could be a key piece of evidence for the

defense. tuesday brings a lot of rain. a look at the forecast. >> good morning. we are tracking severe weather this morning. take a look at this line of showers and thunderstorms with red, purple, even pinks embedded. look in the left hand corner, whoa, we've got a flash of purple. that is pea-sized hail. this big front slated to arrive in san francisco at 8:11. 8:25 in berkeley. 8:32 in oakland. after that it will slide south into the south bay making for dangerous driving conditions. you want to take it easy this morning. 61 in oakland. 65 in fremont. we're headed toward a substantial warm-up as we get into the weekend. temperatures climbing into mid-90s on saturday. so, you might be wishing for that rain come this weekend, mike. >> hail in the 60s to 90s, that is a big swing for the temperatures. here we have a slowdown. 26 minutes now in through livermore so speeds down in the 20s, where you see the red, all

the way over to el charo, things clear up through 580 and the livermore valley. 680 south, northbound looking fine. approaching the bay bridge, the maze not a problem. the toll plaza is backed up into the maze. and the east shore freeway now in general speeds down below 45 and 50 miles per hour for much of the stretch a. 24-minute drive. >> for the latest come chat with us on face boork at nbc bay area morning news.

7:30 now on a tuesday morning, the 28th of june, 2011. it's a pleasant morning to be up and about early here in rockefeller plaza, although we could get some storms rolling through our area later on. the week looks good, though, for the most part, and we're happy people have gathered here. we'll get outside and say hi in a little while. meanwhile, i'm matt lauer alongside app ann curry. more drama at the casey anthony trial. the defense asked for a mistrial two days after they tried to get their client declared incompetent. we'll get the latest from court

just ahead. also this morning, a brutal beating that has one south carolina city on edge. a group of teens, some as young as 13 years old, are accused of randomly attacking an 18-year-old as he was jogging home and nearly killed him. we'll talk to the victim coming up this morning. and we have a word of warning. if you have paid for one of those extended auto warranties, two years ago in a "today" investigation, we raised concerns about one company that sells them. now its founders are facing criminal charges. we'll have details on that. plus, princess catherine wows at wimbledon, and the dress she was wearing at the tennis stadium actually sold out online in about a half hour. we'll tell you that story, and also the story behind this "newsweek" cover showing kate alongside her late mother-in-law, princess diana. let's begin with the latest twists and turns at the casey anthony murder trial. kerry sanders is covering this

for us. good morning. >> reporter: we fully understand why on saturday without warning testimony halted. casey anthony told her lawyer she was having mental problems. her legal team then asked the judge to declare her incompetent to continue to stand trial. the judge ordered three independent mental health experts to evaluate her. they came back and said she is just fine, that she fully understands what's going on in court, and she fully understands she is accused of murdering her 2-year-old daughter caylee. the many faces of casey anthony, crying, laughing, studious, distracted. signs of a mental break? on saturday, the courtroom camera caught the accused murderer in this beyond the courtroom meeting. the 25-year-old in deep conversation with her attorney and others. a short time later, her lawyers asked the court to declare casey incompetent. >> a legal issue has arisen. >> reporter: we now know, casey anthony underwent two days of mental evaluations by three

experts. their conclusion? >> the court will find that the defendant is competent to continue. >> sometimes when you're under extreme stress, you can have a break like that. >> reporter: psychotherapist fran certifiman did not review casey anthony's mental health, but has conducted similar evaluations. can you draw a conclusion that in the middle of a trial she is asking for this evaluation because she thinks she knows where the jury is heading? >> maybe. but my other thing is, i think, boom, reality struck. i think the denial, which is a great defense mechanism, kind of started to fizzle away, and she said oh, my god, my life is in the balance. and i think she became terribly frightened. >> reporter: in the motion now no longer sealed, casey's lawyers asked mental health experts to consider casey's capacity to appreciate the charges against her, and if she would be able to testify relevantly. >> i have to wonder whether casey anthony wants to take the stand against the advice of her own attorneys which could certainly be an explanation for

why those attorneys wanted a competence hearing for casey anthony. >> reporter: on monday -- >> would not create a decomposition odor found in the car, correct. >> reporter: prosecutors challenged the conclusion that the smell found in casey's car was anything other than the stench of death. >> may i pass this around to the jury, your honor. >> reporter: the trash found in the car was handed to the jurors to decide for themselves. >> doctor, you would agree with me, would you not, there is not sufficient organic material in any of the things we have just looked at to create the level of decomposition odor in this vehicle. wouldn't you agree? >> reporter: the defense attorneys also filed this motion asking judge belvin perry to declare a mistrial, and start all over, beginning with picking a new jury, arguing that the death penalty in florida is unconstitutional, and citing a

recent federal ruling in the southern district of florida, which is nonbinding, that the florida death penalty is unconstitutional because juries recommend the sentence and then the judges can do whatever they want. ann? >> all right, kerry sanders, thanks. andrea lion is a former member of casey anthony's defense team and is now a law professor at due paul university, and also the author of the book "angel of death row." savannah guthrie is "today's" legal correspondent. good morning. nice to have you both here. andrea, you were on once casey anthony's defense team. did she ever at that time make you wonder, worry, about her mental state? >> there's obviously things i can talk about, things i cannot. but, you know, as was evidenced by the opening statement by mr. baez, we are talking about somebody who is very damaged. and the amount of pressure that is on somebody who is facing a trial, especially a trial under the kind of scrutiny and kind of mob atmosphere that this case

has, can push somebody over the edge. >> so you're saying it's really possible this could have been justified. let me ask you, savannah. of given that the bar is so low for mental competency to stand trial, do you think the defense had a serious worry about casey, or do you think this also could be a play? >> i don't think it's a play, because even if they had had her declared incompetent, all it does is pause the proceedings. it doesn't mean she walks free, oh, there's a mistrial. it just means they'll get her to a place where she is competent to stand trial, and then a trial happens. so i don't think it would be a great strategy if that's what it were. i think we should give the defense attorneys the benefit of the doubt. in some kind of conversations they have had with casey anthony, perhaps about whether to testify, they worried whether or not she really was understanding the nature of the proceedings, they wondered whether she was able to assist in her defense, so in an abundance of caution, they asked the judge to look into whether or not she was competent to stand trial. as you point out, ann, it's a low bar and the judge found she

was. >> what about the chances for a mistrial and chances it will be considered? >> i argued the legal basis that is now part of this motion to reconsider, which has to do with the fact that in it florida, a jury does not have to find beyond all reasonable doubt what's called an aggravating factor or plus factor. in other words, before you can ask for the death penalty, you have to have a first degree murder plus, say, the killing of a police officer in the line of duty. something like that. and the supreme court has said in a line of cases, they have to prove that plus factor beyond a reasonable doubt. but the jury does not have to sign any kind of verdict form in their recommendation saying they found any aggravating factor. and so it's unconstitutional. that was our position. for that reason. and the federal court in florida agreed with that. and so if the judge were to reconsider, he would have to start over again with a jury that is not a death-qualified jury, that is a jury from which everyone who against the death

penalty is gone. >> it seems to me, based on what we are seeing from the defense -- i mean, i'm not a lawyer, but it seems there are indications that the defense possible. this is going to increase the chances for casey anthony to need to take the stand. if, in fact, she is not in a good state. now, i may be assuming too much here. what's your answer to that? >> first of all, you have to file such a motion. when there's new law. if you don't, in this florida, they have such strict waiver rules, you've waived it forever. that would just be a requirement, number one. number two, you have to take seriously any doubt you might have about the competency of your client. i've represented people and i've talked to my students at the clinic about this, and where you have any doubt about it, you have got to as an officer of the court ask someone to take a look. and i have unfortunately represented a woman who killed

herself in the middle of the proceedings. >> right. >> you cannot -- you cannot look at this as a ploy. it's really serious. >> all right, andrea lyon thank you so much this morning. and also savannah. we'll now get a check of the weather and in place of al this morning, stephanie abrams. >> "today's" weather is brought to you by the makers of sen trum. >> it's try in new york city, but that's not the case southbound. we have the threat for severe weather, the storms firing up. we have a severe thunderstorm watch area. and as we head throughout the day today, the storms will continue to fire. otherwise we have the heat in the plains and also the rain in >> rain and thunderstorms pushing on to the west coast right now. bay area getting hit pretty hard this morning especially the north bay with moderate even heavy rain coming down now just to the north of novato on the

way to san francisco. 8:11. 8:25 in berkeley. 8:32 in oakland. look at this counterclockwise ro tags. it's going to ride south on the jet stream as we head throughout the day. that means our temps will end up in the upper 60s and rain throughout the day. we'll talk to him. but first, these messages. [ male announcer ] from nutritional science comes centrum. with vitamins and minerals balanced to support your energy... ♪ ...immune function... ♪ ...healthy skin... and help protect your cells from environmental stress. everyday benefits from advanced formulas. the complete benefits of centrum. and if you're over 50, discover the age-adjusted benefits of centrum silver.

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white cranberry, and blueberry juice cocktails. how did you wear this stuff growing up? it's so itchy. thou art not funny. [ fife and drum corps plays ] > we are back now at 7:43. this morning on "today investigators" investigates popular tv ads selling extended warranties for your cars. jess rosin is here with the latest to report. >> a lot have gotten phone calls and letter warning your auto warranty has expired and you need to buy new coverage right now. we investigated this back in 2009.

authorities tell us the biggest company doing it was ripping off customers. state prosecutors were watching our stories and now they have filed criminal charges. >> you can save thousands of dollars on car repairs with an extended warrant from u.s. fidelis. >> reporter: in the national ads it seemed like a great deal. >> this is not the same warranty car dealers offer. it's better. >> it sounded just like what i need. my car breaks down, i can get it fixed, to worries. >> reporter: so she bought a $3,180 extended warning from u.s. fidelis, but whenner with car broke down, she says the warranty didn't cover much. >> it was the biggest scam, biggest scam i ever got involved with. >> reporter: its so big the headquarters, this massive complex outside st. louis. our "today investigation" found it sold over 400,000 service contracts and got over 2,000 complaints and an "f" rating at better business bureau.

>> in my 35 years of experience i have never seen this kind of activity on a company where so many people have told us that this company is using deceptive practices, misleading advertising. >> reporter: investigators say u.s. fidel sichlt duped customers into buying policies by mailing them urgent notices claiming to be from the dealer warranty division. they warned your factory warranty has expired or may be expiring soon. as a loyal owner, you qualify for one of their extended warranties. >> i'm telling customers, oh, we're just like the warranty you bought at the dealer. and i'm like, no, we're not, but that's what we're taught to tell them. >> reporter: these former employees of u.s. fidelis who say they were let go for poor performance say they were trained to deceive customers. >> we were told to give them the impression we were with dodge, ford, chrysler, bmw, honda, all of them. >> reporter: even though you weren't? >> exactly. >> reporter: we interviewed the then-ceo of u.s. fidelis in 2009

who denied accusations. >> u.s. fidelis at all times is committed to treating its customers with honesty and integrity. >> reporter: here's one of the letters your company sends out to people. look at the very top. it says 2003 buick owner notification, dealer warranty division. is that misleading to begin with? it makes it look like you're part of the automaker, part of the manufacturer, when you're not. >> there has never been any intent to mislead our customers. >> reporter: but the company's founder and president, darren atkinson is a convicted felon who did time in his 20s in state and federal prisons for theft, burglary, forgery and counterfitting. back in 2009, we found atkinson building this $26 million mansion in missouri, complete are indoor and outdoor pools and 11-car garage, a bowling alley, even an underground passageway. following our investigation, state authorities say his empire came crashing down. missouri attorney general.

>> the attention brought by the "today" show a couple of years ago to it certainly moved this office into action. >> reporter: just months after our story aired, u.s. fidelis went out of business. now the company's owners, darren atkinson and his brother, cory, have been indicted on more than a dozen felony counts of stealing and unlawful merchandising practices, both accused of using deception, false promises and misrepresentation to sell extended warranties. >> they told customers the policy coverage was much broader than it wale was so people were paying for something they never really got. >> reporter: a classic fraud. >> unquestionably under missouri law we believe customers were defrauded. >> reporter: and there's more. beyond the collapse of their business and facing prison time, the atkinson brothers were sued for stripping over $100 million from company coffers to fuel their lavish lifestyles, buying luxury cars, expensive jewelry and extravagant homes, including this $4 million beach-front

hideaway in the caymen islands. a settlement forced them to auction it all off and while she eventually got her money back, others may not be so lucky. >> now that there's no more money to get out of u.s. fidelis you have customers out there who have lost any opportunity for recovery. >> which means the customers lose again. the brothers have charged not guilty to the charges. if convicted, darren atkinson could get up to life in prison because of his previous record. his brother, cory, could face 15 years behind bars. experts say, matt, before you buy an auto warranty, what you want to do is go online and investigate the company and in u.s. fidelis' case there were more than 2,000 complaints. >> good job in bringing the story to light back in 2009. we appreciate it. coming up neck, the story behind a magazine cover that brings the past and the present of the royal family together.

plus, where did she get that? detilz on princess catherine's dress that had a lot of heads turning at wimbledon right after detaihi details on princess katherine's dress that had a lot of heads turning at wimbledon right after this. [ female announcer ] we asked coffee lovers to come and try coffee-mate's new cafe collection flavors. then we asked them to show us how the taste inspired them. new rich caramel macchiato. one of three new ways to add your flavor. with coffee-mate, from nestle. but also a caring touch. you learn to get a feel for the trouble spots. to know its wants... its needs...its dreams.

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catherine and tried to figure out how they would get along. >> there is a piece where she quotes, don't worry mommy, i will give you back one day when i am king her hrh title she was stripped of at the time of her divorce, and in many ways she has. back after this. my contacts are so annoying. they're itchy, dry and uncomfortable. i can't wait to take 'em out, throw 'em away and never see them again. [ male announcer ] know the feeling? get the contacts you've got to see to believe. acuvue® oasys brand contact lenses

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>> good morning. it is 7:56 now. i'm marla tellez in for laura garcia-cannon. hard to believe but there is rain in june. let's get to christina tracking the system. >> good morning to you. not just rain, heavy rain, hail, even thunder out there this morning. take a look at this really strong, it's a potent summer storm. you see that purple, the flashes of purple that's pea-sized hail over the pacific this morning. this front scheduled to arrive in san mateo, 8:51. san jose as well. santa rosa getting hit hard along 101 between hillsberg and petaluma take it easy. we'll track these storms all morning long. continuing to update you.

69 degrees that's it in san jose. 71 los gatos and 65 in san rafael. after we get through with the severe round of weather our temps will calm to 70. the weather will be calm tomorrow. then our numbers sky rocket. friday to saturday up to 95 degrees. so 68 today, 95 as we finish off the week. those extreme years. >> well, not extreme but an unusual situation here off the san mateo bridge. we're looking at you see the high rise and the flat section. on the east side of the high rise we do have activity, a fire crew and three chp cruisers and a car. they are off the high rise. the shot shows you what we're looking for, this guy. he's swimming in the water off of the san mateo bridge. now, the car doesn't look like it's in bad shape. it's near calbucks. this guy as far as we can tell he's dog paddling around the area and they are watching, the

crews are on the scene. he's pretty far from the bridge. they are zooming way out. this is an issue watching for him. we're not clear if he is trying to get to shore or what is going on. we're tracking this situation. there is minor slowing because of the emergency vehicles. the westbound side is the slower commute direction. the commute from 880 starting to pick up. we'll see slowing in oakland and toward the bay bridge. we're tracking that gentleman off of the -- well off the san mateo bridge. >> in the water. to be clear is it known that he is the driver of the car? >> we don't know if that's his car or not. all we know there is that car and there's the guy. >> we'll keep an eye on him. thank you so much, mike. thanks for being with us. sure, pulling the mold, mildew, and grime from

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8:00 now on a tuesday morning, the 28th day of june, 2011. we stepped outside to say hello to everyone who is spending the morning with us here at rockefeller plaza. we're so happy to have them all stop by and hang out with us. meantime, i'm ann curry along with matt lauer. and such a beautiful morning. so perfect. we've got a very disturbing story we're going to start off with, however, this morning. the victim of an apparently random attack. >> this is a young guy, his name is carter strange, 18 years old, he was jogging home last week, a week ago monday, when he was attacked by a group of other teenagers.

they range in age from 13 to 19. he was nearly beaten to death. the victim, as you can see, will join us to talk about what happened in a little while. >> hopefully we can learn something from that. and also this morning, on a very different note, a lighter note, we'll talk about the summer months bringing out fun for summer, but the question is, how can we protect our children? the little ones from the hazards of summer? coming up, we'll have a summertime survival guide for parents. all right. also one of the hottest young acto actors around will join us, shia labeouf, a nice young man. >> yes, he got a cheer. let's step inside, however, now and find out the rest of the morning's top stories. >> good morning, matt and ann and good morning, everyone. crews in new mexico are battling a fast-moving wildfire near the los alamos national laboratory, the nation's top nuclear research facility. the radioactive materials there are safe, but thousands of local

residents have been forced to flee. meantime, federal and local authorities claim two nuclear power plants in nebraska threatened by floodwaters are safe as well. the gaming industry is praising the supreme court's decision not to restricts the sale of violent video games to minors. nbc's justice correspondent pete williams has more. pete, good morning. >> reporter: natalie, the court said there is no hard evidence that video games actually cause children to become more violent. and it said young people have been exposed to depictions of violence for centuries. the court struck down a law passed by the california legislature in 2005 and signed into law by then governor arnold schwarzenegger that made it a crime to sell or rent video games depicting violence to anyone under 18. >> the game industry called the ruling a victory for free expression. >> it means you'll have access to the great entertainment choices you want, and not just those the state wants to provide or would allow to be provided to you. >> reporter: writing for the majority, justice scalia said

some of the games may be disgusting, but disgust is not a valid basis for restricting expression. besides, he said, children's are books are full of gory violence from hansel and gretel to the classics on high school reading lists. and those california argued the children become more aggressive after playing violent video games, scalia said studies show bugs bunny cartoons produce a similar response. but supporters of the ban say those comparisons miss the point. >> there is is nothing in grimms fairy tales that causes the user to become a violent actor in order to progress in the game. and that's exactly what happens with these ultra violent video games. >> reporter: the legal battle has prodded the police industry itself, putting more prominent labels on packages to guide parents on what's inside. natalie? >> thanks so much, pete. now here's brian williams with a look at what's coming up tonight on "nbc nightly news." >> good morning. coming up on "nbc nightly news"

tonight, a story about small children learning big lessons. we'll take you inside a program that helps young girls take big steps toward a bright future. that and more when we see you for "nightly news" tonight. now back to you. >> thank you, brian. now for a look at what's trending today, what has you talking online. among google top searches today, the combination of rod blagojevich on corruption charges. he'll likely get ten years behind bars. and josh hamilton is a hot topic on twitter. his batting average is worse during the day than night, and he says it's because his blue eyes make it harder to see the ball in sun lights. and twitter users are buzzing about charlie sheen and a new report he signed a deal to star in a new sitcom that could net him more cash than he made on "two and a half men." but he apparently won't have a goddess. his one remaining friend, natalie kenly, has reportedly

left him. it is now 8:04. let's go back outside to stephanie who is in for al for a check of your weather. steph? "today's" weather is brought to you by chevy. we've got them today. this is judy and her two sisters. what does grits stand for? >> girls raised in the south. >> are you loving it in the north, though? >> loving it in the north. we've had a great time. >> you brought up all the heat and humidity. let's see if that heat and humidity is going to make its way into minneapolis. that's our pick city. and itit will. sunny and mild, 78 degrees. ast bu we take you way down south, we're looking at a broad area of low pressure. a small chance for development over the next couple days. we'll continue to monitor that situation. otherwise, in the lower 48, it's the east coast where we will see t r.e wettest of weat now

>>. >> >>. >> weather on the west coast is wet. take a look at the long line of storms. that's heavy rain. pockets of hail, pea-size hail slated to hit san bruno around 9:00 ark m. and it will continue to push into the bay area, producing strong thunderstorms as we head throughout the afternoon. we'll watch it very closely for you. 65 degrees. 70 in los gatos. that's it for today. stephanie, thank you so much. coming up, a story about a recent high school graduate tracked down and brutally beaten at random by a group of teenagers. we will speak to the victim coming up right after this. ll h. ok. [ cellphone rings ] hey. you haven't left yet. no. i'm boarding now... what's up? um...would you mind doing it again? last time. [ engine turns over ] oooohhhh...sweet.

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to face the challenges yesterday left behind and the ones tomorrow will bring. prudential. bring your challenges. we're back at 8:09 with a brutal crime that railed a community. an 18-year-old beaten by a fellow group of teenagers. we'll talk to the victim in his parents in a moment. but first thom truong. >> carter strange was hanging out at a friend's house. he started running here to his parents' home hoping to make it in time for his midnight curfew, but never made it. friends chased him down and beat him down. we should warn you, some of the images are graphic. 18-year-old carter strange's face, beaten, blooded and

bruised. his skull fractured. a far cry from the smiling face you see in his high school photo. at a bond hearing last week, 19-year-old tyheme henry broke down in tears while four other teens conspired to rob him. the suspects' ages range from 13 to 19. carter's father says for now, henry can forget about forgiveness. >> find god, pray for forgiveness. he will forgive you. i don't have that in my heart right now. >> reporter: police say surveillance cameras captured the pack just moments before the attack, walking in columbia's five-points area, the popular district known for its bars and shops. authorities say before the teens ambushed carter, they tried to rob four other people that same night. this senselesses beating has ig nighted outrage in the city. >> these eight group of guys that were set out to do someone

in our community harm, and that is exactly what cannot be tolerated. >> reporter: since the assault, carter has undergone surgery to alleviate a blood clot in his brain. he'll likely need more reconstructive surgery on his face. his mother says she'll do whatever it takes to make sure he gets the care and justice he deserves. >> i'm going to fight for him now. and i'm going to fight for him until my last breath. >> reporter: and none of the suspects have made any pleas or comments. and in the wake of this attack, the local city council now is considering a new curfew for kids 17 and under. matt? >> thom truong thank you very much. his parents are with us, vicki and john. good morning to you. >> good morning. >> carter, i'm looking at you. this happened a week ago monday, the 20th. i'm amazed you're sitting upright after this. how are you feeling? >> i'm just as amazed as you

are. i'm actually feeling amazing compared to how i probably should be feeling. >> tell me about the surgeries and treatments you have been through so far to get you to this stage. >> well, the first surgery was an emergency surgery on the part where i'm pretty sure they cracked my skull. and i was hemorrhaging. and then i had a reconstructive surgery done on my nose thursday, i believe. >> yeah. i understand you do not remember anything about the actual beating. i always think that's the body and god's way of protecting people. you do remember waking up in the hospital. that was your first thought, right? >> right. >> john, let me go to you. you were at work when all of this happened. and when carter didn't show up at home at about his curfew time, even though he had called to say he would be a few minutes late, you started to monitor his

cell phone activity online and i understand you monitored until about 12:16 when it went dead and 1:09 when it became active again and you realized someone else had carter's cell phone. >> that's correct. we were already worried because he was missing and it's not like him to miss his curfew. maybe a few minutes, and he had had already talked to vicki and told her that he was, you know, running a few minutes late. but then when he just hadn't shown up and the later it got, we got worried. and then when we started seeing phone calls and text messages to numbers that weren't familiar, we knew were not friends of his, that's when we went into kind of a panic mode. >> vicki, there was a long period of time where you didn't know where he was, and then you found out that possibly he was in the hospital. i know you went there. can you describe what you saw when you walked into that room? >> i -- actually, i was in the hallway waiting to be taken back to where he was. and there was a gurney coming down the hallway with a man on

it. and there was really nothing else to look at. and i saw how bad he looked. i felt really bad for him. my first thought was, that poor guy. and as i looked at him, i realized his hair looked like carter's. and you know, i'm still standing there waiting as they're coming towards us and a lady came out and asked who i was there for and i told her carter's name, and by this it time he had gotten up to me and i couldn't stop looking at the gentleman on the gurney and his hair. and i literally walked up and bent over and looked at him and saw his hands and realized that, you know, that was carter. i didn't recognize him. i just knew him from his hair and his hands. and i was relieved, because i had finally found my son. you know. despite the condition, i had finally found him. >> you know, i'm looking at some of the court transcripts, and it seems to me the defense so far is saying, look, these kids who were between the ages of 13 and 19 are basically good kids who did a bad thing and made bad judgments. i guess vicki and john, do you

feel that way, how do you feel about that idea? >> you know, it -- it sounds like they're trying to make excuses and make light of the situation. this is not like it was a group of kids that went out and, you know, just did some property damage. they almost took someone's life. and i think at least several of them had already been in trouble before and were on probation. so it's not their first time. so to say they're good kids, they've already been in trouble. i just don't understand how they can make excuses. >> and carter quickly, your dad has already said he find it hard to find forgiveness in his heart. what about you? >> i don't know forgiveness. but i mean, i don't really think about it that much. i try not to let them be on my mind too much. because i mean, i don't know why

i would. there's really no reason for me to think about them that much. >> well, we wish you the very best for your recovery, and we appreciate you sharing the story with us this morning. and vicki and john, thank you for being here as well. >> thank you. >> thank you so much. twe'ru.e b> we'reack right after this. b [ male announcer ] imagine facing the day with less chronic low back pain. imagine living your life with less chronic osteoarthritis pain. imagine you, with less pain. cymbalta can help. cymbalta is a non-narcotic treatment that's fda-approved to manage chronic musculoskeletal pain. one pill a day, every day, can help reduce this pain. tell your doctor right away if your mood worsens, you have unusual changes in mood or behavior or thoughts of suicide. antidepressants can increase these in children, teens, and young adults. cymbalta is not approved for children under 18. people taking maois or thioridazine or with uncontrolled glaucoma should not take cymbalta. taking it with nsaid pain relievers, aspirin, or blood thinners may increase bleeding risk. severe liver problems, some fatal, were reported.

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you by mcdonald's. i'm lovin it. and we're back now at 8:20 with a special edition of today's whip. this morning, what every parent needs to know to keep your children safe this summer. >> we have three experts to help out, beginning with pediatrician dr. thornton, good morning. sun blocks to think about. >> you want to use a sun block with an spf of 35, you don't want to go higher because you won't get anymore protection. there are no waterproof sunscreens. so reapply if your child sweats a lot or gets in the water and be sure to keep it on them. if they do get a burn, a burn is really -- a sunburn that is red and swollen is a first degree burn. cool it down and apply some gentle emonthlients or gel. if your child gets blisters, the covering is protective. that's a second degree burn. and any child 1 year of age or under who gets a burn, you need to notify your pediatrician. >> best advice on choosing a bug spray. >> bug spray's contain deet.

the deet up to 30% is the best to use. and the highier the deet, the longer the protection. so 30% will get you four to five hours of protection. if you go lower, less protection. be sure to reapply when you need to. don't put it on their face, wash it off at the end of the day. >> uptick in lyme disease in the summer months and pun intended there. >> deet does protect against lyme disease. be sure to keep it on your kids. and there is products you can put on the clothing, too. >> dr. lisa thornton, thanks so much. now here's matt. between 4 and 5,000 people die from accidental drowning each year. how can you keep your family safe? pj fischer is with the american lifeguard association. good to see you again. >> good morning, matt. >> we want to mention the vast majority of these drownings take place in unguarded waters. that's a major thing to be thinking.

>> it is. what we need to do is always have our children learn how to swim at an early age. proper supervision. we're recommending parents to keep an arm-length supervision with them and have an action plan in case something comes up. have a cell phone, know where you are, get ready just in case something does come up. >> you talk about parents should be or care-gives should be within arms' length and there are other items parents should have in their arms'-length as well. take me through them. >> first off, no matter if you have the swimming pool or beach, know where the safety equipment is. you should have a reaching pole somewhere, a ring buoy. drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death of children under the age of 14. we're recommending the small children have a life jacket on at all times. even with the arm-length supervision. we can prevent drownings, almost every drowning you look at, there is a way to prevent it. boating is also a big concern.

make sure you have the life jackets. >> if you're a parent or a care-giver and you see someone in the water or beach struggling, you first call for help, correct? >> that's right. have someone call the 911 system to get it activated. but the other is to try to reach out to them. i c you can extend the reach with a pole or shirt off your back or throw something out. one thing you don't want to do is go in after an active drowning victim. this can cause a double drowning. a single incident creates a double tragedy. >> bj fischer, good to see you again. thank you very much. let's go over to natalie. all right. thank you, matt. obviously, kids have more free time in the summer and that means less structure which can lead to more trouble. ron shin dell is a former deputy inspector with the new york city police department. good morning. >> good morning. >> kids spending time outdoors. what are the primary safety dangers? >> one of the things we have to realize, during the school year, they spend six hours a day under supervision and professional

care. once the summer comes, now they're free and making their own choices and doing activities they're not used to. one of the biggest things is bicycles, roller blades and all of those types of things. we have to make sure as parents they have all of their safety equipment, especially helmets, roller blades, wrist guards and knee guards. things we didn't do as children ourselves, but now they're standard features. >> what are some other things parents should be safeguarding as well and protecting their kids. >> things people should be thinking of is garden tools, things that are normally not dangerous, but when children get involved with them, they're dangerous. lawn mowers should be put away, any type of power tools, sheds should be looked, things in garages should be put on high shelves, chemicals we use on our lawns and things like that. >> obviously, real quick, internet safety, as well. got to watch -- supervise. >> internet safety is a big thing. we need supervision, supervision, supervision. monitor and cpu should be somewhere where the parents can see at all times. >> ronn shide ll, sha tou yo nks

much. we're back after your local news. good morning, everybody. it's 8:26. at&t is hoping a proposed scaled back version to upgrade its network in san francisco will get city approval. later today the board of supervisors will consider from the company to install more than 704 boxes all over the city. each unit would house house speed technology which at&t says will improve internet and cable and phone service. others say the boxes will get in the way of traffic and property owners. they also say the boxes are an

eye soar. christina is going to have a look at your forecast and mike will check the roads for you right after this.

good morning to you. we are tracking severe weather. take a look at this line of showers, thunderstorms, reds and yellows embedded in here. that is heavy rain in santa rosa on its way to san francisco. 9:08 it will arrive in san mateo and places like san jose at

9:45. wherever you are headed, travel cautiously. bring a jacket, an umbrella. mike is here to help us out on the roadways. mike? >> the 880 traffic is kicking in and in an hour it will be coming through that area as well. remember that guy swimming off the san mateo bridge, there he is. they arrived a few minutes after our last report. they pulled him into the boat. that's all i know. he was taken away from the scene. >> at least he is safe and sound at this point. we'll be back with another news weather update. find us on facebook.

it is 8:30 now on a tuesday morning. the 28th day of june, 2011. we have a loud and boisterous crowd on rockefeller plaza. a lot of these people laughing because natalie just walked in. other people screaming because that man right there, shia labeouf is out on the plaza.

we'll be talking to him in just a little while. meanwhile, i'm matt lauer along with ann curry and natalie morales. what else is coming up? >> a little more eye candy coming up, "american idol" winner from season 7, out with his sophomore album, performing for us live this morning coming up. all right. plus linda hogan, the ex-wife of the hulk of hulk hogan out with a scathing, tell-all book does not hold back when she says what life was like. she is here to fill us in. >> yeah, there's a lot of stuff in this book. there really is. we'll talk to linda about that. first, a check of the weather. al is off today. we have stephanie abrams filling in. take it away. >> that's right. we are here with some people from naples. a little bit better than the city, she says, at your age.

right? let's have a look at our forecast. see if it's beach weather or not. and we are going to see that sunshine in the center of the country. maybe you can go to a lake. they call those beaches, right? tomorrow, unfortunately, on the gulf coast, could see showers. boy, it is getting more and more active as time wears on. take a look at the strong front. the yellows, reds, heavy to moderate rain. san francisco, you're about five to ten minutes away from your first heavy, steady rain, and it will continue for the next few hours. scheduled to arrive in the sunnyvale area. not all that warm. 61 in oakland, 69 in napa, santa rosa. after we get through the 120rst the temperatures warm up. birthday weather for you? >> yes, it's beautiful. >> find out what your birthday weather is like. all you have to do is go to weather.com 24 hours a day. matt, back to you on the other side of the plaza.

>> thank you very much. when we come back, we catch up with the star of the "transformers" film. shia l these sweet honey clustery things have fiber? fiber one. almost tastes like one of jack's cereals.

uh, forgot jack's cereal. [ jack ] what's for breakfast? uh, try the number one! i've never heard of that. [ wife ] it's great. it's a sweet honey cereal, you'll love it. yeah, this is pretty good. are you guys alright? yeah. [ male announcer ] half a days worth of fiber. not that anyone has to know. fiber beyond recognition. fiber one.

back now at 8:35, it is not summer without a blockbuster action adventure movie, and "transformers dark of the moon" fits the bill. shia labeouf returns in the third film of the franchise to once again fight the humans -- fight for humans and autobottoms. take a look. >> i have an idea. how about we get back to the important topics like the fact i almost had my face cut off. i would like to lodge a complaint, as a matter of fact. >> we cannot entrust national security to teenagers. if you breathe a word of what you have seen here, you do time for treason. do you understand me? >> i'll take my orders from the

autobots. i know them. i don't know you. >> you will. >> hmmm, shia labeouf, gurood morning. francis mcdor monday, no small change. that belies the truth, which is this the most intense action film i think i have ever seen. i mean, in addition to the fact that it's 3-d, so with those glasses on, you're going 100 miles a minute. and this movie seems to be made for 3-d, it seems. it's also got this fast-paced story line, and so much intensity. i mean with all of the running and the falling and the crashing, the flying. i mean, this looked like it hurt. did it hurt? did you get bruises from doing this movie? >> always. you always feel it at the end. >> and amid this story line, you also gets to work with some pretty amazing people. you've got -- let's see, let me think, walter cronkite, bill o'reilly, i'm not going to give it all away, but richard nixon and kim jong of "hangover"

legacy. do you want to explain or let that lie? >> i don't think walter cronkite showed up. but we had a great cast. it was really like a family. >> and you were the emotional glue in all of this, because there was this intense clash of metal, incredible story that continues, but your character, sam wiki, he's just finished college, and can't get a job. but he can get a smashing girlfriend. >> how about that? >> oh, my gosh, lucky, lucky shia. you want to tell us about her? >> she is incredible. rosy is a tough spot to jump into, and she was poised and like a cheerleader for us. she is beautiful, and also really smart and good at her gig and really good in the movie. >> you must have been very happy when you saw her cast, i would guess, as a guy, a young man -- >> sure, yeah, for all those reasons, of course. >> of course, for all those reasons. and i saw the movie and she did a good job. is this her first acting gig?

>> first ever. >> we saw megan fox. and with all of the stuff aside about why that was, did you miss her? >> yeah, she was a friend of mine. i love megan. and we spent four years together and these are hard-fought movie to say make. you really get battle-tested. but it was beneficial to the story line. what happened in the movie, the characters became cinnamon news. there is no one to be heroic for. so bringing a new fresh set of eyes actually selfishly benefited my character. >> meantime, there's a wonderful i think honest article about you in "details" magazine. maybe you might think a little too honest. you talk about having a dad who wasn't always there. but you also tell this really lovely story about your dad and your mom and you, you know, being raised poor, trying to make money, dressing up as clowns to sell, what, shaved ice? >> snow cones, my dad had an

industrial freezer and made these bricks of ice, and put syrup on it. dance around, juggle, smile. nobody wants to buy anything from fighting clowns. so everybody was very -- my family was very happy and at that young age, you don't know the difference between performance and reality. >> how old were you? >> 3, 4. >> really? so you've been performing a long time. how does that intensity inform your work? because there is something so incredibly honest about you when you're on the screen. >> thank you. >> well, i think i'm saying what -- the reason why you're continuing to be cast in all of these great movies. there is something quite honest. is that, you think, connected to this background, this past? >> probably, yeah. maybe a lack of fear also. and i understand the benefits of the honesty, as well. and people do capitalize on it. and myself as well. yeah, i understand. and usually i get anchored. i'm being hired to anchor these films, these fantasy films and i'm usually the human element.

yeah, so my job really is to make it as natural as possible and as real as possible and that's what i try to do. >> you also have made a turn into directing? at 25? a kid -- no, that's pretty -- no, a kid cutie video. you directed it. >> yeah. >> so is this the new you? is. >> no. >> what is the you? the thing about it, you really made the splash with these sort of great movies for teenagers and also done some indy movies, but you're 25 years old. what are you going to be at 75? >> walter cronkite. that's what i'm aiming for. deductible definitely the hair-do. this is a chance for me to follow my heroes around. never wanted to, you know -- it takes an attention span to be a director and i have an actor's attention span which is a windows of three months. mike has been working on "transformers" for three years.

>> well, the attention span increases with age. give it some time. >> i hope. so. >> "transformers 3" dark side of the moon opens in i max today. linda hogan opening up about her marriage to wrestler

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denny's new tour of america menu. 50 star cuisine. the new tour of america menu. starting at $4.99. only at denny's. america's diner is always open. hulk hogan became the face of professional wrestling in the early 1980s and the world got a chance to meet his wife linda and their children on the show "hogan knows best." at the end of the show in 2007, it would also mark the end of the hogans' marriage with a public and bitter divorce. now linda is telling all in her new book, "wrestling the hulk, my life against the ropes." >> how are you? >> during the time of the divorce, you said i knew i had access to the press back then, i

could have told my side of the story, i chose not to, but i also knew the time would come to talk. why is now the right time? >> now is the time because, you know, a lot of it is behind me. at the time there was just enough going on that i just felt, you know, anymore would just put fuel in the fire. i didn't want to embarrass my kids. >> but there will be fuel on the fire now based on a lot of thins you write in the book. >> probably so. but, you know, one of the reasons i think is that there are a lot of women out there in the world that are going through the same thing i went through. you know, if they can learn something by what i wrote, i hope i can help other people. >> i want people to understand -- first of all, we reached out to your former husband and asked him for comment on this, his only comment was no comment. i want people to keep that in mind. you write about good times, you traveled a lot, saw the world. what was the turning point? when did things go bad? >> the turning point for me was when i found out he had an

affair back, you know, ten years into the marriage. it shocked me. that was the bitter point for me. it was hard trying to rebuild after that. but i did. >> you write about hulk hogan in drug abuse. in general, you discuss drug abuse and professional wrestling. you say from life on the road to the physical brutality of the business to the schedule and traveling, not to mention being bored and lonely on the road, it seemed like wrestlers had a reason to do every kind of drug and narcotic that was around. it also helped numb them from the pain of being injured. how much drug use did you especially witness? >> drugs were always around, prescribed. they always got injuries. there was constant flow of pain pills and anti-inflammatories and steroids. a lot of them did take steroids. you know, combined, you know, it makes somebody -- you don't know what you're dealing with. >> did you get to a point you knew it was a problem and did you try and get him help?

>> that's not something that was my position to do. >> you're his wife, though. >> i didn't care if he took them, but he did change. it changed him. >> you talk about arguments between the two of you and you wrote, quote, he tore my shirt, he threw lamps, held me down on the bed with his hands around my throat during arguments, slamming doors, poundsing walls. i was always afraid he would kill me during his rages. did the rage decrease significantly, did he feel remorse, did he apologize? >> he did not feel remorse and to this day he has never apologized for his actions. that is something that scared me. i did not want to be a static like nicole simpson. >> did you contact authorities? >> that's one of the things i talk about in my book. i was quiet. i was afraid to say anything. had i said something, the carpet would have been pulled up underneath his career. my kids were little.

it's a very scary position. you don't know how far they're going to go. one fight can escalate and turn into something you don't want. >> and, again, i just want to mention, we reached out to hulk hogan, he had no comment. back when you did the reality show in 2005, that's a kiss of death for a lot of couples and yet you write about it in pretty positive terms. don't you think it -- your marriage ended just as the show was ending. didn't it contribute in some ways? >> in my opinion, it did not contribute. in fact, you know, when we were having marital problems, i noticed that, you know, our marriage was not so good. we were having some rough times. but, you know, when we get makeup on and go down stairs and start filming, the kids would be in there, and it was like everybody put on a happy face. and just going through one of the scenes that we were filming kind of brought us out of it, and brought us together. and, you know, so we would laugh and do the scene and stuff. but, you know, it -- you fake it til you make it. but, you know, clearly there were definite problems. >> one of the side effects of

the show was back in 2007, your son nick, i think he was 17 at the time, was involved in a car accident. he was intoxicated. his passenger severely injured. i think still requires care. the judge sentenced your son to nine months in jail. he received five months. he actually served five. and you think the judge treated him unfairly in part because of the wild child image that was created during that reality show. some would say five months in jail is not a lot for what he did. >> well, you know, there's a lot of -- everybody is going to have their opinions. nick is a really good boy. he was not trying to hurt his friend john. john was like a son to us. it was a horrific accident. that's something that we live with every day. i don't really know what the proper, you know -- >> punishment? >> -- punishment would be. but i do know that nick has learned a serious lesson. we all have. and it's a difficult thing. it's the phone call that no

parent ever wants to get. >> well, you write about a lot of things in this book. and i think a lot of things will turn heads, there's no question about it. linda, good to have you here. >> thank you, matt. >> appreciate it. again, the book is called "wrestling the hulk". up next, a live performance from "american idol" winner david cook. but first, this is "today" on c.

the toyota concert series on "today," brought to you by toyota. ♪ david cook's first album went platinum, now the winner of "american idol" season self sen ready to take it up a notch with his sophomore cd called "this loud morning." good morning. >> good morning. >> since you won three years ago, you've been through a lot of ups and downs, ups, selling 1 million records with your first one. but some serious downs, losing your brother to brain cancer. how much has music been your cushion? >> it's everything. this new record especially was more of a therapeutic outlet than i think i envisioned when we were going into the process. so this record was great. definitely saved me some money on some psychiatrist bills. >> faster to write because you had so much to put into it, is that what you mean? >> the last three years have been so crazy and i certainly had a lot of amazing experiences and a lot of awful experiences and just really to be able to take the time with this record. we spent a year-and-a-half on it, and to really, you know,

delve into some things and write about them and get them on this record. and so now, you know, it's out today. and we decided to play it for everybody. >> a lot of us who were watching the oscars, you were pretty impressed with this young class of of what, ps-22? in fact, so much you called them up and went to hang out with them? >> yeah, i sent them a message asking if they would hang out with me and they were awesome and obliging to do so. and we went to staten island and had a lot of fun. i think we played four or five songs. >> you connected with the idea they're new and fresh and here you are, you had this chance, so there was a connection. >> i think sometimes actually now it's easy to get caught up in the business aspect of everything. a show like inherently excited about music. >> what are you playing? >> are we're playing the new single, "last goodbye." >> david cook, ladies and gentlemen. ♪ hear this on the radio and we've already said our last

goodbye ♪ ♪ i won't be there when you get home but now there's someone else that hears you cry ♪ ♪ ♪ i wonder if he holds you like i do i hope you feel better ♪ ♪ because we hear everything that's right and wrong inside ♪ ♪ i didn't want to lose you leave you with a broken heart wherever we are miles apart i know we tried but this is the last goodbye ♪ ♪ ♪ i didn't want to let you go wherever we are miles apart i know we tried but this is the last goodbye ♪ ♪ ♪ it really is beautiful

a broken place put on display ♪ ♪ nearly but impossible another perfect moment thrown away ♪ ♪ i know somebody out there with love you they'll be there forever we never were ♪ ♪ ♪ i didn't want to lose you leave you with a broken heart ♪ ♪ wherever we are miles apart i know we tried but this is the last goodbye ♪ ♪ ♪ i didn't want to let you go wherever we are miles apart i know we tried but this is the last goodbye ♪ ♪ ♪ no no no

♪ ♪ if you hear this on the radio we've already said our last goodbye ♪ ♪ our last goodbye ♪ i didn't want to lose you leave you with a broken heart wherever we are miles apart i know we tried but this is the last goodbye ♪ ♪ ♪ the last goodbye ♪ i know we tried but this is the last goodbye ♪ >> the soulful sounds of david cook. thank you so much, david. again, the new album is called "this loud morning." we're back after your local news.

good morning. it's 8:56. two suspects are in jail this morning in connection with an overnight stabbing. this happened in walnut creek. witnesses say a large group was fighting in the parking lot of a walnut creek car wash on north main street about 9:00 last

night. when police arrived, two people were found on the ground with stab wounds. they are in the hospital this morning. said to be in stable condition. both suspects are from walnut creek. christina is going to have a look at your very rainy forecast right after the break.

good morning to you. take a look at this. lightning associated with the very unstable front pushing into the northern most portion of the viewing areas. north bay is getting slammed. get ready, san francisco. heavy rain is headed your way in five to ten minutes. highs today ranging from the mid-to upper 60s. low 70s in livermore. 69 in gilroy.

69 in santa rosa. we will be fair game for strong thunderstorms throughout the afternoon. anything happens, we'll break into coverage and let you know. back to you, marla. >> you're a busy lady. for the latest news updates, check us out on facebook. beaches will start closing. i'm suzanne shaw cht editorial director. from the salt and sea in the south to six redwood parks in the north a. quarter of parks could be off limits next year. what can we do? take your family, hike, fish, swim, visit them while you can. moss landing, they are among 70 parks closing we urge you to

protect your parks. sb 580 and ab 42. cities and counties joining with nonprofits to keep nonprofits opened. find out how you can lp. go online to nbceditorials.com. we're back now with more of "today" on a tuesday morning. it's the 28th day of june, 2011. sun is coming out here. getting a little muggy. and savannah guthrie tells me that means it's going to rain a little later today. >> right. >> she, of course, handling the weather chores while al -- actually, stephanie abrams. we'll get to her in just a couple of minutes. out on the plaza, i'm matt lauer along with ann curry and savannah guthrie. a question a lot of people are asking now, as the casey anthony murder trial begins to wrap-up, people want to know, is it possible that casey will be put

on the witness stand? it was a rather bizarre last couple of days. first the defense claimed she was not competent to continue in this trial. court experts disagreewith that. then the defense asked the judge to declare a mistrial. that's probably not going to happen. we're going to catch you up on what's going on in a couple of minutes. on a lighter note, talking about health questions, joy bauer is here to answer your questions. one, when you cook olive oil, which is supposed to be good for you, is it not good for you? we'll deal with that question. another question is, what is the great low-calorie desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth? we'll get to that. >> so are you saying if you cook olive oil, it's no longer good for you? >> that's the question. >> because of the nutrients. >> i love olive oil. >> exactly right. >> i love olive oil. >> we'll find out the answer just for you, matt. >> okay, good. and you mentioned sweets. we're going to have some sweet bargains. jill martin is here with another

installment of today's "deals and steals." or "steals and deals," however you put it. 35% off designer purses and jewelry. >> apparently so. >> just for "today" viewers. >> looks like it will be good. >> but let's go inside. natalie standing by at the news desk with the headlines. >> good morning, matt and savannah, good morning, everyone. thousands of new mexico residents on the run this morning, forced to evacuate because of a fast-moving wildfire. it's burning near the nation's top nuclear research facility, the los alamos laboratory. but officials say the material stored there is not being threatened. floodwaters in the missouri river surrounded one nuclear power plant in nebraska and moving closer to another. but officials claim there's no chance of a meltdown. former illinois governor rod blagojevich says he is stunned that he was found guilty on 17 of 20 charges in his corruption retrial. he was convicted of all 11 charges involving his attempted sale of president obama's old u.s. senate seat. greece's labor unions began their 48-hour strike this morning to protest government

austerity measures aimed at preventing the country from defaulting. most public transportation has come to a halt, and many businesses have shut down, as riots broke out in the streets of athens. in florida, yet another twist in the casey anthony murder trial. testimony is back under way today, this after her lawyers tried and failed to bring her trial to a halt. nbc's kerry sanders is outside the courthouse again for us this morning. kerry, good morning. >> well, good morning, natalie. we now fully understand why saturday's testimony, without warning, was abruptly canceled. casey anthony told her lawyers she was having mental problems. her lawyers then asked the judge to have her declared incompetent to continue to stand trial. the judge ordered that she be evaluated by three mental health professionals, and they concluded she is just fine. she understands what's going on in the courtroom, and fully understands she is accused of murdering her 2-year-old daughter caylee. the many faces of casey anthony. crying, laughing, studious,

distracted. signs of a mental break? on saturday, the courtroom camera caught the accused murderer in this beyond the courtroom meeting. the 25-year-old in deep conversation with her attorney and others. a short time later, her lawyers asked the court to declare casey incompetent. >> a legal issue has arisen. >> we now know casey anthony underwent two days of mental evaluation by three experts. their conclusion? >> the court will find that the defendant is competent to continue. >> sometimes when you're under extreme stress, you can have a break like that. >> reporter: psychotherapist fran sherman did not review casey anthony's mental health, but she has conducted similar evaluations. can you draw a conclusion that in the middle of the trial she is asking for this evaluation because she thinks she knows where the jury is heading? >> maybe. but my other thing is, i think boom, reality struck.

i think the denial, which is a great defense mechanism, kind of started to fizzle away, and she said, oh, my god, my life is in the balance. and i think she became terribly frightened. >> reporter: in the motion now no longer sealed, casey's lawyers asked mental health experts to consider casey's capacity to appreciate the charges against her, and if she would be able to testify relevantly. >> i have to wonder whether casey anthony wants to take the stand against the advice of her own attorneys, which could be an explanation for why those attorneys wanted a competency hearing for casey anthony. >> reporter: on monday -- >> would not create a decomposition odor such as found in the car, correct? >> reporter: the prosecution challenged the defense's conclusion that the smell found in casey's car was anything other than the stench of death. >> may i pass this around to the jury, your honor? >> reporter: the trash in the car was handed to the jurors to decide for themselves. >> doctor, you would agree with me, would you not, there is not sufficient organic

material in any of the things that we have just looked at to create the level of decomposition odor in this vehicle. wouldn't you agree? >> reporter: the defense also filed this motion, asking judge belvin perry to declare a mistrial, and start all over again, beginning with picking a new jury, arguing that florida's death penalty is unconstitutional. there was a nonbinding decision by a judge in the southern district, a federal judge in the southern district of florida that declared florida's death penalty unconstitutional, because when juries recommend the death penalty, they don't have to give a reason for that recommendation. natalie? >> all right. kerry sanders in orlando, watching the trial again for us today. thanks, kerry. and some space-age fun in the water down in florida. take a look. adventurous travelers are taking

flight with water-powered jet packs. the gadget that looks like something out of a james bond movie uses sea water to propel users out of the wave. that looks wild. i would love to do that. let's go back outside to matt and ann. you guys would be up for that, right? >> yes! let's do it. so james bond. >> all right, natalie, thank you very much. stephanie abrams in for al this morning, way down there. >> yeah, over here, guys. count me in on that. what are you teaming up for? >> well, we're the nation's largest hunger relief domestic hunger relief organization, and we're really excited about partnering with dole because they're providing 250 fruit bowls -- 250,000, i'm sorry, fruit bowls filled with fruit, 100% fruit juice. and we're sampling all over the country. >> where can people find more information? >> facebook.com. and you can like the dole facebook page and then click it and then you're helping provide food. >> karen, thank you so much for that. let's provide you some weather you're in need of as you walk out the door and show you we are going to feel that heat all the

way throughout portions of the boy, we still have that active weather coming down this morning. mostly north of the golden gate bridge. you can see what's associated with the very strong front. a lot of instability. enough to see the lightning firing off over the sierra-nevada. we could see lightning in our neck of the woods throughout the morning hours. the reds and oranges are starting to fall apart. we have rain moving into san francisco. pretty steady rain for the next 30 minutes at least. highs today only in the 60s and low 70s. 71 in los gatos. sa van a i have no idea why i'm wearing this, it has something to do with nickelodeon, and the cool kids are wearing it in the crowd. >> stephanie, looks great. this morning on joy's diet s.o.s., answers to your diet clems. nutritionist joy bauer has advice on everything from cooking with olive oil to the sugar in granola.

good morning. >> good morning. >> our first question comes from skype, wanda in had washington. we're all confused about this olive oil thing. go ahead. >> hi. i'm really trying to eat healthier, but i'm confused about the olive oils. i was told you can't eat extra virnlin olive oil so do i need regular for cooking and baking and extra virgin olive oil for dressings, can you set me straight? >> it's a great question. it's perfectly fine to heat extra virgin olive oil from health perspective. but it's pretty much a total waste of money, because when you heat a high-quality olive oil, what happens, you're destroying the delicate aromatic compounds and oxidants. i would tell you to pick up two different oils for your kitchen. first pick up an inexpensive, cheap bottle of regular old olive oil and still get the heart healthy mono and saturated

fats. and that's what you use for cooking, grilling, sauteing, baking if you use it for that, roasting. then you're going toin veflt in a high-quality extra virgin olive oil you'll reserve for cold preparations like salad dressings and dips. and that way you can enjoy the yummy, olivy taste. >> good solution. wanda, thank you. >> thanks, wanda. >> let's move to the phone lines and get ashley from warwick, new york. what's your question? >> hi. i know granola can be really fattening, but i just love it. and i was wondering if there are better brands than others and how do i know what to look for in a brand? >> granola is delicious, but you're right, unfortunately, it is fattening. and that's because the base ingredients, rolled oats, dried fruit, sometimes nuts and seeds, they're super healthy, but also rich in calories. and then, of course, there's the added insult to injury, a lot of companies pump in loads of sugar, which drives up the calories even more.

so if you're looking for a lower sugar brand, and there are some out there, ideally, you want on the label for it to say less than 10 grams of sugar per serving. but even with those lower sugar granola brands, the calories are still high, because of the base ingredients. my advice is to pick the granola you like the taste of, and then just minimize the portion. so any brand goes. any type of granola goes, but only 2 to 4 tablespoons. so if you enjoy a bowl of granola in the morning, mix it in with another flakey, lighter, low-calorie cereal. or take 2 to 4 tablespoons and just top it on top of nonfat yogurt or cottage cheese. >> good advice there. ashley, thank you. i do the big cereal bowl with granola. >> i know, like 1,000 calories. but delicious. this is from marlee in louisville, kentucky who writes i'm trying to lose weight but have intense sweet cravings and splurge on dessert a few times

each week. if i'm going to splurge, really splurge, what are some delicious options that won't derail my efforts? please don't say frozen yogurt. i hear you, marlee. >> i'm not going to say frozen yogurt or fresh berries, i promise. in the frozen yogurt category, you can have a soft-serve full-fat ice cream cone for only about 115 calories and that's because thanks to the air incorporated in, soft serve, full-fat ice cream is less calories than full fat hard scoop ice cream. if you want sprinkles, get it, 300 calories perricone. but stick with a wafer versus sugar cone. you can also get blueberry or apple pie. just cut off the end of the crust. >> that's the good part. >> but you save yourself 100 calories. >> what's another idea? >> you can also take advantage of some of the mini decadent desser desserts, applebies, olive garden. but if they don't have a mini dessert, get whatever you want

and eat half. >> all right. good idea. >> brownie sundae, just half. >> all right, thank you. coming up next, exclusive discounts on everything from designer leather purses to hair products that have the celebrities raving. that's in jill's steals and deals. and later, how your furry friends can beat the summer heat. look at him. we'll have tips to keep them heal butthsa . but first, these messages. at pizza hut, we know your tuesdays are busy. [ male announcer ] on tuscani tuesdays, any family-size tuscani pasta is just ten bucks.

dinner made easy? check. [ male announcer ] feed everyone with a family-size tuscani pasta, plus five breadsticks for just ten dollars. only on tuesdays. only at your pizza hut. soft! hard! [ male announcer ] how do you decide between crunchy and soft tacos? why don't we have both? [ male announcer ] old el paso. hard and soft tacos. ♪ feed your fiesta. introducing honey bunches of oats, raisin medley. there's nothing like it! the only cereal with 1, 2, 3 kinds of raisins and crunchy multigrain flakes. you gotta try new honey bunches of oats raisin medley. we get double miles on every purchase, so me and the boys earned a trip to dc twice as fast! oh hi! we get double miles every time we use our card. and since double miles add up fast... one more chariot please. ...we can bring the whole gang! i cannot tell a lie. he did it. right... it's hard to beat double miles! read my lips -- no new axes!

[ male announcer ] get the venture card from capital one, and earn double miles on every purchase, every day. go to capitalone.com. what's in your wallet? so, you're a democrat right? the chevy cruze eco offers an epa estimated 42 miles per gallon on the highway. how does it do that? well, to get there, a lot of complicated engineering goes into every one. like variable valve timing and turbocharging, active front grille shutters that close at high speeds, and friction reducing -- oh, man, that is complicated.

how about this -- cruze eco offers 42 miles per gallon. cool? ♪ to your kids' wet skin. new neutrogena® wet skin kids. ordinary sunblock drips and whitens. neutrogena® wet skin cuts through water. forms a broad spectrum barrier for full strength sun protection. wet skin. neutrogena®. ♪ we are back with jill's steals and deals and it's all about the ladies today. with sa wrongs, bags and jewelry. jill martin has the deeply skoublted prices exclusively for you. our "today" show viewers.

jill, good morning. >> good morning. >> letadies, get your fingers ready. we have good stuff. >> everyone has their fingers ready. >> all right. so, again, how this works. >> okay. retailers bring us these deals, and we bring them to you. i think everyone knows by now. get your fingers ready at the computer, because log on to "today".com, and then you'll get the code to these retailers' web sooit sites and you'll be able to get the deals up to 85% off. it only lasts for 24 hours and limited amounts. >> a lot of great stuff. sometimes getting through can be hard. let's start off with the sarongs. 100% silk available in six different styles as you see here. and you can wear them in so many different ways, right? >> all right. the retail is $196. 100% silk. six styles. they say you can wear them six different ways. you just have to be creative. and the company's website will clearly show you how to do it. 44 inches by 72 inches. here you see a little chart

here. i'll explain on the website. hand-printed, $196, the deal $42. that's 79% off. and this is great for traveling. because you can wear it over your bathing suit and then as a dress if you're going from the beach to a barbecue. you don't miss a beat. chbs or as a tank top, a dress, you name it. perfect. let's move over here. we have great jewelry. astro logical earrings. tell us about these. >> the retailer, $125, and these are interesting. also makes a great gift. they're 18-carat yellow gold. there we go. you're a gemini. so if you look closely, they have each of the astro logical signs. saya is an ancient word for time, and the designer says it focuses on the soul. and it's offered in gold and stainless steel, as you see here, comes in a beautiful box. so, again, makes a great gift.

the retail, $125. the deal, $25. that's 80% off. and they're really light. >> people are really into astro logical signs for jewelry. that's great. >> and great for birthdays. okay, now, hair products and these are huge with celebrities. master colorist to the stores, kim vo. and we have a package bundle deal. >> right. katherine heigl, britney spears, kate hudson, all fans of the product. the designer has been a colorist for loreal, boasts botanical ingredients sold at barneys. offered in the volumizing collection and moisturizing collection. sold in shampoo, conditioner, hair mask and it's $29. 75% off. that's a great deal. all right. and smells good too, right? so i'm told. >> oh, and i've used it.

great products. >> over here for the athlete or every woman needs this, a good sports bra. >> right. the retail of these, three different colors. the retail is $37.99. and it's one of the company's newest styles and best colors. also has the push-up feature, three colors, black, blue and pink. celeb fans include kirstie alley, pam anderson. retail $37.99. the deal is $8. >> you never want to stand behind one of these. >> that's what i almost did. so again, $37.99, $8, 79% off. >> that's great. 8 bucks. fabulous. now this, okay -- ladies, i know you're drooling. >> okay. we once did the wallets and they flew. and everyone was such a big fan, i got tons of response. so here are the bags. >> maxine couture. >> $395. >> 100% leather.

>> 14 carat gold hardware. cushion strapped for extra comfort in eight colors. you see all of the colors. >> retail is $395. >> the deal is $65. that's 84% off. what i love, there's enough room you can hold it like this or just if you see here, you could put it over your shoulder. very comfortable. and then the zipper in the front. >> i love it. it looks like that python. really in right now. >> this is a great bag and will take you throughout the year. >> great different styles and colors. so you can get one of each. >> right. >> if you go log on right now. >> erica downstairs -- >> you're outing her right now. all right, jill martin, again, thank you so much. and let's take a look and remind you. sarongs, the stud earrings by saya. hair products by kim vo. the sports bras by breeze comfort. and leather purses by maxine couture. head to our website at "today".com offering exclusive

bargains. if you go to our website, as well, there's a link to jill's twitter account. if you have a question, she'll answer questions? >> for the next 24 hours, i'll be answering questions. >> and that's it. don't abuse the privileges. thanks. meanwhile, coming up, the nickelodeon star who doesn't want to grow up, drake bell is here. from "drake and josh". we'll talk to him about his mo e,vimo ae, a fairly odd project. first these messages. very well . i like to eat a lot of fruits. love them all. the seal i get with the super poligrip free keeps the seeds from getting up underneath. even well-fitting dentures let in food particles. super poligrip is zinc free. with just a few dabs, it's clinically proven to seal out more food particles so you're more comfortable and confident while you eat. a lot of things going on in my life and the last thing i want to be thinking about is my dentures. [ charlie ] try zinc free super poligrip. but sometimes i wonder...

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i didn't understand it. i found out that connected to our muscles are nerves that send messages through the body. my doctor diagnosed it as fibromyalgia -- thought to be the result of overactive nerves that cause chronic, widespread pain. lyrica is believed to calm these nerves. i learned lyrica can provide significant relief from fibromyalgia pain. and less pain means, i can feel better and do more of what matters. [ female announcer ] lyrica is not for everyone. lyrica may cause serious allergic reactions or suicidal thoughts or actions. tell your doctor right away if you have these, new or worsening depression, or unusual changes in mood or behavior, or any swelling or affected breathing or skin, or changes in eyesight, including blurry vision, or muscle pain with fever or tired feeling. common side effects are dizziness, sleepiness, weight gain and swelling of hands, legs and feet. 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.

coming up, protecting your children in the dog days of summer. and a summer stroll on ar bolkarwad . but first your local news and weather. they're smart. they can outsmart their humans. and their canines. that's why they deserve the smartest choice in litter. so we make fresh step scoopable litter with carbon, which is more effective at absorbing odors than baking soda. fresh step. your cat deserves the best. and for the strongest odors, look for fresh step extreme odor control litter. and for the strongest odors, lose those lines for up to a year! juvéderm® xc is the gel filler

your doctor uses to instantly smooth out lines right here. temporary side effects include redness, pain, firmness, swelling, bumps, or risk of infection. ask your doctor about juvéderm® xc. good morning. it's 9:26 and i'm marla. new video shot just hours before giants' fan brian stow was attacked. tmz released this video. you can see a man in a dodgers fan confronting stow. the man in the video, though, is not this man. that is the prime suspect in the stow beating. a u.s. law professor says that if ramirez is charged, this

could be key evidence for the defense. the giants series run will be put to good use. they will show case hundreds of t-shirts and hats seized during last year's playoffs. the items will be donated to world vision and that group will distribute them to kids and families around the world. merchandise is worth more than $150,000. people talking abo the ny weather today. we'll check in with christina and mike after the break.

welcome back. we are watching this very strong front push into the bay area. the good news is, it's losing that subtropical moisture tap. so it's getting cut off from moisture, which is a good thing. we've had rain steadily coming down since 5:00 a.m. this morning. san francisco is getting those showers pushing into places like san bruno and san jose. get ready for your action.

it will be light at first. that's headed your way in 15, 20 minutes. the front will continue to pass through and then we watch out for pop-up thunderstorms. we'll let you know if anything happens. we'll check your drive with mike. >> something that just happened and then cleared, the commute over the high-rise portion of the san mateo bridge. all lanes are now cleared. spots are below 40. slow on the peninsula side and all of the traffic bursting through the area, keeping 92 slow as well. we'll look on the other side of the san mateo bridge. starting to look clear for the last half hour. that might be better as the rain moves in. >> for the latest traffic and news updates, find us on facebook, nbc bay area morning news. we'll see you again at 9:56.

i'm just drowning out the gps. see, it never stops. >> no wonder. that's a map genie. >> that is tom hanks reuniting with jewulia julia roberts abou coping with a lawoff and a new beginning. he stars and wrote and directed the movie, as ll. guess what? he's going to be here with us tomorrow to tell us all about it tomorrow on "today." it's going to be a big show tomorrow. >> easy to be excited about that. >> absolutely.

coming up in this half hour, another multitalented actor. i know your kids grew up with him. you may call "drake and josh" on nickelodeon, super popular show. now he has grown up co starring with jason alexander in "the fairly odd parents" and has also music coming out. we'll catch up in a few minutes. >> earlier this morning we showed you how to keep your kids safe this summer, but what about your pet? he looks exhausted. from the foods that could make him sick at the family barbecue to keeping him hydrated in the summer heat, we'll have some important advice. and then in today's kitchen, boardwalk munchies. i don't know if you like salty or sweet, but -- gosh, that looks good. sandra bullock's sister, multitalented in her own right has delicious recipes. save some for us. we'll be up there. >> not just for dogs anymore.

>> forget about it. >> all right. let's get a check of the weather. >> good cooking weather or not, maybe open up those windows, let the smell waft over to your neighbors. not so much in the south. but throughout portions of the center of the country, good morning to you. we're still watching this strong front push through the bay area. but we're getting a bit of a break. take a look at that. it's getting cut off of its moisture source. as a result, we're losing a lot of that yellow and orange and there is still some on the way to san bruno in 15 minutes. get ready for that. slick conditions through the north bay. it's been raining relentlessly. highs in the upper 60s and low 70s. hope you have a great day. not a great hair day in the south with all of the humidity. i was wearing that wig earlier --

>> that's a keeper, ms. stephanie. coming up next, nickelodeon star drake bell. and protecting your pet in summer. but first, these messages. twizzlers. the twist you can't resist.

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"a fairly odd movie grown up" who features a 23-year-old who, you guessed it, doesn't want to grow up. take a look. >> help birthday, timmy turner! >> whoa. thanks, guys. >> go ahead, give it to him. >> thanks, poof! but you know what i'd really love is to get those first words out. come on, buddy, let's hear them. what are they, poof, come on. >> i think he's going to do it! [ growling ] >> maybe next time. >> drake bell, good morning. that looks like fun. >> it was a lot of fun. >> a lot of people know you from the drake and josh show on nickelodeon, hugely popular. and many say you grew up on nickelodeon, really, so it's interesting now you play this 23-year-old who refuses to grow up. tell me about timmy turner. >> it's so great. i grew up on "fairly odd parents" i was a big fan.

so when nickelodeon asked if i would like to play timmy, i jumped at the opportunity. it was so cool. and now timmy turner on the television show is 10 years old, now grown up, 23 years old. >> still in fifth grade, right? >> if he grows up, he loses his god parents so he makes sure he stays in the fifth grade, rides his bike to school, everything he can do to stay young and not lose his fairy god parents. >> when you say this is a live action g-animated film, this is a cartoon come to life, so what does it mean for the acting? bigger and bolder, right? >> absolutely. the characters in the movie, i mean, they are so incredible. like, right here. jo jorgan von strangle, and crocker the teacher. these guys are amazing. they play the characters so well, you know? >> and the fairy god parents, by the way, were jason alexander and cheryl hines as they come to

life later, right? >> later they do. they turn into humans, because that's how they can communicate with us in a certain scene. and jason alexander and hines. i did a "seinfeld" when i was 10 or 11 years old, fourth to the last episode, so it was cool to see jason again. i'm a huge fan, so working with cheryl was great. >> you're multitalented, because you're also a very talented musician. i understand you sell out when you perform to crowds, and you're actually going on tour pretty soon, guitar player as well as the ukulele. >> that's funny, yeah. we're playing the grammarcy friday night. and then we go back to los angeles, the rose bowl 4th of july, a lot of fun in pasadena. and then july 13th we start our latin america tour, which will be a lot of fun, mexico, argentina, chile. >> are you well-known? >> i released the single, number

one on the rock charts in mexico. >> is that a reminder? out today. >> yeah, today, actually, yep. >> very good. well, what else do you have coming up acting wise? >> just finished a movie, actually, in canada. with nickelodeon called "rags" which is a hip-hop fairy tale version of cinderella from a boy's point of view. kiki palmer is in it, a lot other nickelodeon guys. >> we always love catching up with you, drake bell. great to have you come by. a lot of young ones definitely want pictures, as well. "a fairly odd movie" airs july 9th on nickelodeon. next, how to keep summer fun and from turning dangerous for your pets. health and safety t after is job as a diabetes educator is teaching my patients how to start taking insulin. and i've learned a lot from patients who use levemir flexpen. flexpen comes pre-filled with my long-acting insulin,

and i dial the exact dose of insulin i need. my flexpen is discreet and doesn't need to be refrigerated. and flexpen goes wherever i go. levemir is a long-acting insulin used to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes. do not take if your blood sugar is too low. tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you take and all of your medical conditions, including if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. the most common side effect is low blood sugar. other possible side effects include reactions at the injection site. get medical help right away if you experience serious allergic reactions, such as body rash, trouble with breathing, fast heartbeat or sweating. ask your healthcare provider about levemir flexpen today. learn more about the different insulins available in flexpen at myflexpen.com. flexpen, insulin delivery that goes with you. carol. fiber makes me sad. oh common. and how can you talk to me about fiber while you are eating a candy bar? you enjoy that. i am.

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this morning on "today's" pets, summer held and get safety. while you're having outdoor fun, it's important to protect your pet from the sounds and swellter of summer. pet lifestyle expert and editor of animal fair.com ann diamond and her dog lucky are here with tips. >> good morning. >> the first thing, when it's summer, fleas and ticks are out. >> more than ever. it's so important. actually, we can get fleas and ticks from our dogs and cats. >> okay. >> what's out right now, really important, pet armor. and it actually shields -- has fabrinol, the active ingredient in all of the other leading flea and tick medicine. and it's half the cost. and this just came out. >> how do you apply? >> what happens is, first you put it right in the back. >> one place. >> one place, once a month, protects you from flaeas and ticks. also, there's flea and tick

shampoo. and wash once a month. they need the oil on their skin. >> summer is here, you may need a bash be can you, your dog wants to be part of it, too. but they can't eat everything humans can eat. >> first of all, no bread, not good for them. they also love carrots, and they're actually really good for dogs. >> okay. i thought dogs couldn't eat vegetables. >> no, absolutely. they're healthy. they love them. also a little bit of meat. but i always say to people do not feed your dog any kind of food, because at the end of the day, dog food was created for your dog's digestive system. >> really spicy foods. >> oh, my gosh, if you're going to give your dog barbecue, avoid barbecue sauce, anything. >> if the dog can't eat at the barbecue, you might want to entertain this little dog. >> during 4th of july, it's crazy. they hate the noise, really effects them. so it's important to put them in a safe spot in the house. don't ever chain them up. if you chain them up, they freak out, run away. you'll have a problem. >> okay. so some toys are?

>> some really important toys i always say to keep your dog active and playing, get one of these -- put dog food in there, they'll play for hours during the craziness during 4th of july. >> you said you could put peanut butter. >> yeah, and it takes them hours to do this. also, swimming with pets. not every dog can swim. so it's important to find out what breed you have, and which dog. and there's also amazing life jackets now at petco you can buy, to protect your dog from drowning. >> okay, great. and then obviously, it's hot in the summer. and dogs are basically wearing a fur coat. >> right. >> so as hot as we are, double it for the dogs. >> the way you see a dog sweating is when they're panting, right? and what's really important, when they're dehydrated, lethargic, they also could vomit and also check out their gums. what's really important is dehydration, of course. when you're walking your dog, walk in the morning or late at night. during hot weather, it's bad during the days. >> who is making that noise? i thought it was you, wendy.

>> it's so important to give your dog water. it's amazing now, travel bowls. you see and put it in here and it works as a bowl. put it in the water bottle and then put this in and it goes together. and also when you're running or whatever with your dog, great product. >> and back to 4th of july. the dogs hate the sound of the fireworks. freaks them out. what should you do so they don't get scared? >> i always say, they don't like fireworks. they're not into it. put them up in a room, safe spot, quiet. they don't need to be outside during the fireworks. >> don't chain them. >> never chain them, not at all. >> and lastly, sunscreen for dogs, right? >> well, dogs actually do get sunburned. you actually have to protect them. and there is sprays you can get, all-natural sprays you put on. but also -- it let's so hot. never put them in a car for more than one minute. they could actually have heatstroke. >> okay. so is there a particular sunscreen you should use? is. >> there's different all-natural ones, petco, petsmart.

this a great harness. where you can actually see, it shows you on the harness -- >> hi there. >> oh! >> sorry to disturb. >> oh! >> it shows you how hot the dog is, so you know when you're walking the dog. >> okay. >> and the heat of the dog. so you know to take your dog out of the sun and walking if it gets too hot. also, some things you can get. i always say to people, dogs are not really into putting shoes on. and if the shoe doesn't fit -- it actually gets really hot, especially in urban environments on the streets. there's these cute disposable rubber to protect. and also, which is the greatest thing, this chili bone. they love water, right? so what happens -- yeah, so it's actually a cold toy, so when it's really hot outside or hot inside, hopefully you have air conditioning, this is a great toy to give. >> okay, wendy diamond, and all -- >> all up for adoption from the humane society of new york. >> wendy diamond, thank you so much. >> thank you. coming up next, some of your

favorite boardwalk bites from "today's" kitchen. but first, this is "today"

"today's" kitchen is brought to you by newtons thins, one unique cookie. this morning in "today's" kitchen, step by step easy boardwalk treats. we'll whip up some carnival creations, the author of "sugar baby". good morning. >> good morning. thank you for having me. >> great to have you back. and i know that you and your sister, sandra bullock have a special recipe you love to make together, called the bullock sisters spicy brew. >> yep. >> i know there's a secret kick, right? >> there's cayenne in here, because we like it spicy. so it's salty, crunchy, sweet and wonderful. >> kind of like the sisters, right? >> exactly. a little kick. >> okay. so you got started here.

what did you boil down? sugar? >> this is sugar, corn syrup and butter, salt and cayenne pepper. and then we get it up to 300 degrees. >> so you definitely need a candy thermometer first. always good to have anyway. >> always good. and always stay on top, because sugar likes to do things that you don't like, you know, when you stepped away. it will start burning. and what we do now, sprinkle baking soda and it's going to bubble up vigorously, and that gives it aeration so you get that lovely crunchy without taking yourself to the dentist every time you get a piece of brittle. this is the dentist's best friend and breakfast of champions. >> exactly. we'll take it. >> and then we add the peanuts. but you can add almonds -- pumpkin seeds. i am not there to tell you what to do. i will never know if you do something differently. >> we would like you to do it for us. >> no, no, your house, your rules. add whatever you like. >> it's really quick and easy. >> it is so easy. just make sure you -- you know,

you don't wear -- don't pick up something with your hands from the oven so always be sure this is -- >> use the wooden be spoon here. >> wooden spoon is fine. and then we would dump that out here and spread it. >> spread it. >> and this is through the magic of television. >> it's gorgeous. >> done. >> and then you just break it apart. >> i love that. that's the fun part. >> and such a nice thing to give as a gift. package it up. >> oh, my gosh, so good. >> one for the bag, one for the mouth. >> the cayenne pepper u can't taste it that much. >> you can leave it out. you can -- again, i'm not at your house, i'm not spying on you as you make your stuff. >> i taste the cayenne just a little bit. now you're making rocket pops inspired by something you used to love to invade other people's kitchens when you were a babysitter? >> right. when i baby-sat, it wasn't for money, it was for food, because our mother was a health food nut so i would force the kids into bed really early.

>> you were the kind of babysitter we did not like. >> i would take every pudding pop out of their freezer they had, and i really didn't care. i would do it again today. i didn't feel guilty. >> eat them all. >> i was so sugar deprived. >> a pudding pop flavor. >> yes, but instead of sugar -- i'm older now, so trying to be better. i add agave syrup, which is a lower glycemic index, better than sugar. so it is a half cup of cocoa powder, salt, a half a cup of agave and a cup of cream in here. and then we let that get nice and warm. and over here, a cup of coffee. hello. >> another big hit. >> a cup of coffee. >> coffee, all right. >> and boosts the flavor of chocolate. if you do not like coffee -- i'm sure everybody likes coffee. >> but if you couldn't stand coffee -- >> you could easily use a cup of water instead. and if it's really hot coffee, you want to be whisking this and add three egg yolks.

>> we have to move it along, i want to show people what it looks like once you have it set like this. it becomes this. >> you can eat it as a pudding. >> and then it makes for delicious rocket pops. >> or sugar baby. you can make them. >> recipe is on our website, too. thank you so much. we'll be right back.

good morning. it's 9:56.

an east bay teen buried under six feet of sand is in critical condition. he is unconscious but his brain is reacting to his family's voices. that has lifted the spirit of his friends who gathered at the creek side family church in alamo for a prayer service last night. they were having fun at sunset state beach near santa cruz on saturday. now, he and another teen were digging a six foot tunnel when it collapsed. strangers ran over to dig the teens out. >> it's something that you never want to see. a young boy buried headfirst in a six foot hole. >> the creek side community church says it's going to hold a prayer service every night until buchanan comes home. that good samaritan has something to say about the frantic rescue. logon to nbc bay area and click

on the home page. north bay getting hammered by the wet weather. credi christina has a look. >> strong line of storms pushing onshore in san francisco. you can see the yellows here. that's moderate rain coming down. get ready for very dangerous driving conditions within the city of san francisco. take a look at what is left. lightning fire, an unstable front that pushes through the bay area in the next four to five hours. and then we'll see possibly strong thunderstorms throughout the day. let's check your drive with mike. >> things improved so much that they turned off metering lights. take a look at the golden gate bridge. look at the rain smacking the bridge and causinging some slow downs. slowing at the toll plaza there. by contrast, sunol and further east, it's a coming, folks. >> microclimates. thanks, mike. for the latest traffic and news

updates, check us out on facebook. we'll see you again at 10:26. y. do something for it. show it some love. chevron with techron. care for your car. [ whistle blows ] all right, layups, guys. let's go. in sioux falls, i locked in a rate. coach, you get that house yet? working on it. [ coach ] the appraisal? ...springfield. wherever i was, my citi mortgage consultant had me covered. [ crowd cheering ]