good morning. and happy new year! hundreds of thousands of revelers jammed into new york city's time square to say good-bye to the old and ring in the new and we're here to celebrate with them and you, today, sunday, january 1, 2012. captions paid for by nbc-universal television good morning, everybody. welcome to "today" on a sunday morning. i'm lester holt with jenna wolfe and a special treat, amy robak joins us. >> we got the shortened of the

stick, coming in on new year's day. >> we'd rather be home. >> if i am going to be with two other people besides everybody else in my life, you are the two people. >> thank you. >> we're celebrating all of the people in times square. i'm guessing they are sleeping right about now. >> i was in times square, and i'm here. >> nice job, lester. >> thank you for watching. >> the camera looks closely, you will see the toothpicks right here. a lot to get to this new year's morning, including something many of us made about eight hours ago and we hope to keep them. resolutions. >> from exercising, losing weight, to finding lover, resolutions are a new year's staple. why do we make them when we have so much trouble trying to keep them? we'll find out why, coming up. how does this sound? eggnog french toast, baked eggs and short ribs. a perfect remedy for a hangover. delicious, and courtesy of the

scottos. they join us for a delicious new year's day brunch. we can't wait to dig in. >> their party is still going from last night. and jenna and amy, what was the favorite piece we aired on "weekend today" in 2011? >> i loved when the three of us did the surviving piece. >> i loved the story,it, on tap together. we asked you, the viewers, to vote. survivor camp. jenna trains lester and amy building stand by me reunion. >> survival reunion. that was also fun. >> and in-depth look at the zodiac killer. results in. what you voted for, coming up. >> we have a lot to get to on this new year's morning. we want to get a check of the top stories with lynn berry. good morning, happy new year.

>> happy new year to all of you. good morning all of you. happy new year to you. 2012 all over the world and tiabbi with a look at some of the festivities. >> happy new year! >> reporter: for the most part, in sydney, australia, it was fireworks and a full-throated roar of celebration to welcome the new year. in japan, an understandably different notion. mixed hopes for the coming year, with remembrances of the victims of the tsunami last ma. messages of condolences in balloons. over the top, dubai, the world's tallest building and in new york city, the image known worldwide. the famous ball dropping, one year giving way to the clean slate, the fresh start of the new year. nbc news, los angeles. elsewhere, fire trucks are

parked in los angeles neighborhoods and police patrolling the streets after two nights of suspected arson fires. two more car fires saturday night that resembled more than a dozen set before sawn on saturday and two dozen a day earlier, some have spread to apartments and homes. but there have been no injuries. president obama signed a wide-ranging defense bill into law, despite having serious reservations about provisions that regulate the detention, interrogation, and prosecution of suspected terrorists. the administration says it will interpret and implement some parts of the law in a way that gives counterterrorism officials flexibility and upholds the nation's values. a new poll out in iowa, where the republican presidential hopefuls are campaigning down to the wire. ron mott in des moines for us this morning. good morning. happy new year. >> reporter: hey, lynn. happy new year. we're in the stretch run in the gop race to win the iowa

caucuses. new poll out last night by "the des moines register" puts mitt romney in front at 24%. which is significant, considering he didn't campaign a whole lot here. ron paul pulling in second place at 22%. the deepest level of support here in iowa. rick santorum in third, at 15%. a bit deceiving. he is in second at 21% ahead of ron paul. newt gingrich, rick perry, michele bachmann rounding out the field. this will be a photo finish potentially. candidates out today stomping for the last few votes on the first day of the new year. lynn. a check of the national weather forecast. a cold blast moving through the midwest. bringing tumbling temperatures and more than 12 inches of snow to some place biz tomorrow. here's a look at our temperatures around the bay area this morning. interesting spread. you can see in our

wind-protected inlandal vthleys and the south bay, we're in the 30s. 40s and 50s elsewhere. you got some 50s around sun sunnyvale. a dry and mild start to the new year. that is the news, now back to lester. >> thank you very much, lynn. first day of 2012, and the first presidential contest two days away, we thought it might be helpful to give you a preview. presidential election year. chuck todd, chief white house correspondent. good morning, happy new year to up. >> good morning, happy new year. >> all this buildup to iowa, too much buildup? how much does it really count who wins this one? >> iowa is an elimination contest.

it won't decide who the nominee is, outside chance. but it will give a boost to a candidate, a surprise or two that might come out. but more sort of to put it in bad reality show terms, a game of survivor type of thing, and anybody who is finishing less than fourth, out of the race. >> voting different than the typical primary state. that said, we are talking about front runners. could there be surprises? is this more likely to produce a surprise? >> it could produce a surprise, particularly for a guy like ron paul. you can change the electorate. registered primaries, registered republicans. you can't register people that day in iowa. you can register people that evening when you hold the caucus. a guy like ron paul, whose views aren't a majority of republicans, actual republicans, he can get a bunch of people from outside the party, to say i'm a republican this night and support him. >> we have an incumbent running this year, the biggest change

from 2008. how else will this race be different? >> different in a couple of ways. very volatile electorate. half the country that either identifies with the occupy wall street movement, liberal populous movement or the tea party. conservative populous movement. they both think the system is rigged. they think it's wall street and the financial system rigged against them. on the right, they think government is rigging the system against them. that volatility, it's inevitable, we'll have some sort of third entity in this race, maybe a third or fourth party. >> it's going to be something -- very similar in 1992. same sort of economic anxiety. these are the last two times, the modern era here in the television era, where we've had somebody run. not going to say they will win, but they will have an impact on the race. >> you have piqued my curiosity.

>> we have had some rumors about ron paul. very representative of the conservative, anti populous government. no version of ross perot. the ceos don't have the same charisma that ross perot did. it could be a recovering politician. former republican governor that says i will get rid of my party and try it this way. there certainly is an appetite for it in the public. the question, i think you hit the nail on the head. there's just not the candidates. >> interesting prospect, though. interesting issues coming up during the election year that could have an impact, including the u.s. supreme court will rule on the new health care mandate. a very controversial thing. if the court rules against it, how might that change the dynamic? >> suddenly, the president will have his first year's work.

his first year's accomplishment, health care. he really used up a lot of political capital. the supreme court would wipe it out. it doesn't wipe out the whole law, but the mandate is the heart of the law. so how the president recovers from that, there are some theorys to the case, some of the president's team believe if it's struck down, it allows us to run against the whole system, rally the base. but others say, boy, did you just waste a whole year of your presidency fighting for something that is suddenly not law. >> this could come down four or five months before the election. >> right in june. it will have a huge impact. if mitt romney is the nominee, this is somebody who supported a mandate. nobody is sure how it will play. a huge moment in the campaign. >> starting in a few days in iowa. thank you, chuck. now here is jenna.

this morning on "today's real estate, " predictions for 2012. good news and bad news for the housing market. here to tell us what to expect is today's real estate contributor barbara corcoran. >> good morning, jenna. >> we'll start with bad news with the housing market. we'll see more foreclosures. >> of course we'll see more foreclosures. we have 1.5 million homes in the foreclosure process. another 3.5 million people who are behind in mortgage payments and another 10 million people struggling with their mortgage because they can't refinance their home, and they are underwater. >> home prices also down right now. >> home prices again go down 3% this past year, but there is good news. we'll go on to later. but most important in the home price, when you look at the big numbers out there, it paints a dire picture. right now when you look at the regions of country, home prices are down. but you look at the towns and

cities, one by one across the nation, 1-3 have already hit bottom and are coming back up. >> okay. getting a little glimmer. analysts say it's just as difficult to get a home loan in 2012 already. we know that. >> of course. everybody knows it's hard to get your hands on cheap money out there you need 720 credit rating which you can get easily on line. if you don't have that, jump through the hoops to get your hands on the money. >> banks are more careful. >> i have a different spin on it. i don't think banks are more careful. they are going out of their way trying to not lend the money. what people have to go through to get their hands on money is amazing. >> what about buyers backing out o deals once they committed? >> the culprit there? they aren't able to close on the financing. one in two people commit to a deal who can't close, that simply leaves a lot more homes on the real estate market. >> the flipside? we have a little bit of good news to look forward to in the new year. >> thank god.

>> mortgage rates all-time low. will that bleed into the new year? >> of course. mortgage rates at a mihm mum will stay low, they might even go lower. you will have a little bit of wiggle room to get your hands on some cheap money. $300,000 home, you are doing 80% conventional financing. you will pay $400 less than you would have paid for the same home three years ago. >> end of 2011, we saw a rise in home sales. that's good news. maybe see that carry into the new year? >> when more people are out buying, have you more home sales and prices eventually go up. we saw a tremendous uptick that none of the specialists out there ever predicted at the end of the year. it seems this activity will translate into more deals. >> talk to me about the bottom line. the bottom line for the coming year. overall, where are we here? >> overall, a little bit better, going to be better in hindsight

when you look and realize that you missed out at the home that you could have gotten a cheaper price, you waited too long. if you are thinking of moving to get your bottom in gear, get out there. going to refinance, fortunately, uncle sam has help out there, where you can refinance your home without an appraisal. sitting on a too high interest rate, are you nuts not to get your home refinanced and get the cheaper rate. >> a specific time of year that you recommend people getting out there? >> the sooner the better. cheap money, availability of homes and a willingness to actually do business from the homeowners. what you don't know what you will get a year from now, you don't know what you will have out there. why not move now when you know it's in your hands. >> barbara corcoran, thank you so much. >> thank you and happy holidays. >> we'll take a break. back right after this. little ow, but his nose was raw and sore. achoo! [ male announcer ] and common tissue made it burn even more.

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the new year is just over eight hours long, and let's face it. most of us have probably already broken them or have come close to it. why are new year's resolutions so hard to keep? a question most of us have, as we dissect the reality of new year's resolutions. >> i do not believe in new year's resolutions until somebody can hold a resolution for longer than say january 5th. >> this is a horrible time to make a new year's resolution. >> if you want to have a goal, that's great. but so much pressure. who needs the pressure? it's cold and football is about to end and you recognize that it's -- >> it's a little bit difficult because you've got all of these expectations attached with it, and you don't make your new year's resolution and don't fulfill your new year's

resolution. you might feel disappointed in yourself. >> one of the reasons that people get angry when you ask about new year's resolutions, perhaps they have gone down that road themselves and didn't adequately prepare and, therefore, failed at it. >> maybe this year i should just resolve to not make any resolutions and i'll be successful. because i think i could really not make any resolutions and be successful at that. >> this year i want to learn fluent spanish and latin. nothing crazy. >> i'm very impatient, but now that i have five kids in my house -- >> here is the story of a lovely lady. >> let things roll off my back a lot more and enjoy the moment. >> i like amy's resolution. it could benefit her and benefit all of the children in her family. >> my new year's resolution, even i'm laughing, is to

actually take all of my vacation. >> well, knowing lester, one of the reasons he hasn't taken two weeks off in quite a while. is he a workaholic. we know him as mr. iron pants. ♪ working on the chain gang >> i would say i do resolve to write another great book. >> to be as fit assi jenna. i want to have the guns jenna has. that's my new year's resolution. >> i want to be invited to at least one holt family function. >> he hasn't invited her? i don't think she's been to the last couple parties. oh! >> um, ah -- i resolve if i have a party, more than 100 people, than she will be on the list.

>> what did you say under your breath? >> are you speaking to me? >> once i learn spanish and latin fluent, that's what i'll be doing. that's where you are at when i call on friday or saturday night? there was an "svu" marathon on. and i totally watched every one. >> they call you iron pants? >> the hardest working man in show business and with his two little -- never mind. >> not us. >> a comment about us. new year's morning. i know you want more, but first, these messages.

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still to come on "today," new year's hangovers, from the hair of the dog to oysters, the best cure for party headaches. plus, what was the best weekend today piece that aired during 2011? votes are in. we'll have the answer. >> but, first, these messages. in get married? . no, i wouldn't use that single miles credit card. nice ring. knock it off. ignore him. with the capital one venture card you earn... double miles on every purchase. [ sharon ] 3d is so real larry. i'm right here larry. if you're not earning double miles... you're settling for half. really? a plaid tie? what, are we in prep school? [ male announcer ] get the venture card at capitalone.com and earn double miles on every purchase every day. what's in your wallet? i was gonna say that. uh huh... ♪

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god -- good morning. happy new year. we are looking live at the golden gate bridge. traffic moving slowly. it is good to have you with us this morning. i'm kris sanchez along with meteorologist rob mayeda, and a craft that looks the same as last year. >> we just kind of copied it over. interesting when you look at the temperatures. quite a spread. we have 50s in places. seeing some breezy conditions. where you don't have wind, a 15 degree difference. all because of these offshore winds we have this morning, which will also mean nice

weather for the raiders/chargers game. of course, this is almost like a playoff game. raiders have to win. broncos have to lose. we'll see 60s there. we'll also see a few high clouds for the afternoon. take a look at our temperatures around the bay area. 60s around san jose. in fact, down towards gilroy today, may get close to 70. mid 60s, san jose. cooler around fairfield and concord where the east winds will bring in fog for the morning. dry weather. mild temperatures to kick off the week. >> all right. thank you very much, rob. new this morning, at least four people are out of their home forced out by a three-alarm fire that destroyed their victorian-style house in san jose. that home erupted in flames just before 1:00 this morning in the 400 block of north 5th street. that's east of highway 87, north of julian street. firefighters fought the blaze

for about an hour and a half before they finally put it out without any damage to any other buildings and without anyone being hurt. now investigators are trying to pinpoint the cause of the fire. damage is estimated at up to $750,000. banana sam, the monkey nabbed from the san francisco zoo a few days ago, is finally back home. someone stole the 17-year-old squirrel monkey from his exhibit thursday night or friday morning. last nigh, police got a call about a monkey in stern grove at golden gate park, not far from the zoo. the caller told officers that when he spotted banana sam, he recognized him from news reports. zoo keepers say sam was thirsty, hungry, and shivering but otherwise okay. a $5,000 reward had been offered for his safe return. 2011 was a busy year for the san jose police department in the homicide department. last year it investigated 39 murders, the highest number in 14 years.

again, last night they were investigating a homicide. police arrested a 40-year-old woman from san jose. allegedly, she attacked the victim with a ma shetty-type weapon. when police arrived at the scene, they found the victim dead when the suspect was injured with a non-life threatening injury. she was later booked in the santa clara county jail. police are not releasing information on the relationship between the suspect and victim. we have those stories and more coming up. and a look at new year's celebrations around the world in just 30 minutes.

we're back on this sunday morning. it's the 1st day of 2012. happy new year to all of you. you are looking at the new year's fireworks in sydney, australia. that's how folks down under celebrated the new year. it's another year behind us and another year to look forward to. we hope you enjoy it. i'm lester holt along with jenna wolf and amy robach. nice to have you here. >> thank you. happy new year. >> it took 11 months for 2011 to roll off the tongue. now 2012 is a little easier. >> yeah. >> the year has that going for it. >> what people don't know is we had this tension here all year long because i've been forcing the 2011. >> i have been sticking to 2011.

>> i have been getting emails in support and against. >> an important topic. >> if you think 2011 it's not a number, it's a year. >> amy is right. let's not fight anymore. >> are we going with 2012? >> absolutely. >> all right. since we're the first broadcast of the new year, we can declare it. >> done. consider it declared. >> just write the memo and let them know that's what we're doing. >> coming up on this 2012 the post-party hangover. if you are still reeling from last night's celebration, first of all, turn the tv down. we're way too loud. i'll talk quieter. we've got the remedies for you that will make the headache go away. we'll tell you how to cure it coming up. >> then what's new year's day without a new year's feast? we have one this morning courtesy of the scottos, and they'll help us ring in the new year with a delicious brunch coming up. >> we've asked you, the viewer, to vote on the weekend today piece we air during 2011. one more time. from west side story and lester

hitting the gym with jenna to bounty hunting and the cast of willie wonka, the results are now in. we are going to reveal your favorite coming up. >> lots to get to this new year's morning, but, first, more of the headlines from lynn barry at the news desk. >> happy new year to you. the world came together new year's eve to say good-bye to 2011 and hello to 2012. the biggest party was in times square where more than a million revellers were entertained by lady gaga and other big name celebrities. in iraq the prime minister declared september 21st a national holiday to celebrate the withdrawal of u.s. combat troops in december. prince philip joined the rest of the royal family today for a new year's church service in north london. this is the first time he has been seen in public since undergoing surgery for a blocked artery over christmas. pope benedict is marking new year's day by celebrating mass at st. peter's basilica on a day the vat cat dedicates to world

piece. he says the world's youth will become builders of peace if they are properly educated by fundamental values and virtues. elsewhere iran's navy says it test fired a medium range surface to air missile today. it was during a drill near the strait of hormuth. it's the pathway of more than one-sixth of the world's oil supply. holiday fears in the northern rockies. wind gusts over 120 miles per hour delayed the opening at breckenridge, vail, and copper mountain. quick check of the weather for you. parts of the great lakes region could get more than a foot of snow by tomorrow

that's the news. now back to lester. >> okay, lynn. thanks very much. the parties are over, but for many the hangover from new year's eve is still going strong. how can you cure it? ray is here to tell us how. he is the executive wine editor for "food & wine magazine." i'm chuckling because i feel like i was about to say and drinking expert. >> unfortunately, that may be true to some degree. it's -- yeah, you know, the problem with hangovers, there's actually no cure. you know, unfortunately, the cure is not to drink the night before. that doesn't really work. you can kind of mellow out some of the miserable affects of a hangover. >> you're not a doctor, to start out. the reason i point that out is because a lot of people are going to turn to painkillers. what's the word on those? >> a lot of people are going to turn to painkillers. there's a problem with this.

aseat minimum finish and liver and alcohol is not a good combination generally speaking. >> it can be dangerous. >> especially if you drink a lot. all of them are rough on your stomach, so they can be tough the morning after if your stomach is not feeling well to begin with, and additionally, you know, there's a temptation, if you have a bad headache to overdose. you should always follow the directions and not, like, do too many. >> got you. one of the common myths or maybe it's a strategy. i have one colleague who thinks this is a perfect cure. it's called hair of the dog. which colleague would that be? >> which colleague would that be? >> you're feeling miserable and you have a drink and it will kill the pain. it will make you feel a little bit -- because you'll be a little bit buzzed and it will be less painful for a while. what happens when you metabolize alcohol, you produce a compound that is basically a poison, the same as what we use to embalm people. >> what a kill joy.

did i just say that? >> what this does is it just prolongs your hangover, and it makes it last longer because you are adding more alcohol to the system. >> i'm let my colleague, amy, know about that. >> and then there's the classic prairie oyster, and, you know, i don't know what to say about this. >> what is that? >> raw egg, to be tobasco, worcestershire. >> that would make me stop drinking. >> there's no reason to do that to yourself. >> vitamin type things? >> there are all these over-the-counter remedies, and some make some sense. like emergence-c. vitamin c actually works to help metabolize that poison. blow fish is a popular one right now. it's aspirin and caffeine with a little bit of fizz and lemon flavor. not that much different than a cup of coffee and an aspirin. >> some people decide to go for a greasy egg sandwich and the crown. >> the crown kind of pirchlgz

your temples and turns you numb. >> usually popular at "food & wine" unsurprisingly, and there's truth to it that eggs have sistine in them, and that helps with that poisoning that you have got. additionally, you know, there's a lot of psychological aspects to hangover cures. if you are craving bacon, eggs, and cheese in the morning because you feel, you know, like you've been run over by a truck, have some bacon, eggs, and cheese. it will make you feel better. make you happier. >> thanks very much, and happy new year. >> happy new year to you. >> how is that for an appetizing lead-in. the scottos celebrate the new year italian-style. that's after these messages. yer i willli itaan italian style. that, after these messages. and be invisible!m [ child 2 ] i call first player. no. i already called it. [ dad ] nobody's playing anything until after we get our homework done. thank you. hello? test drive's not over yet. [ male announcer ] it's practically yours. [ louder ] hello?

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this morning on cooking with the scotto family, we are

ringing in the new year with a fabulous return. >> macaroni pie, short ribs and french toast, we're getting ready to eat. >> we have marianne, anthony, and elena, good morning. happy new year. >> happy new year. >> we'll start here. >> i'll start right over here. macaroni pie. i got excited. >> this is my assistant, bianca. >> thank you for assisting. >> what are we making? >> macaroni pie. >> how is this different from macaroni and cheese. >> the macaroni is much foster. this is very crusty and made like a cake. >> people love it for brunch. >> what goes on here? >> we'll start with the pasta. of course, al dente. you cook it again. and we sauteed and chopped it. >> nice. >> and here we have. >> oh, here is some of the difference. >> sausage. genoa salami.

mozzarella. you want to serve this for me? >> sounds better with the accent. sounds like it tastes better the way you say it. >> mix together. >> mix together with eggs. wait a second. i forgot the regatta. >> not as fancy without the regatta. >> and the parmesan cheese. mix it all together, and you put it in a spring pan that's bu buttered. cook one hour at 350. >> served at room temperature or hot? >> i like to serve at room temperature, but look how gooey and wonderful. >> that is gorgeous. >> you could even pick it up with your hands. >> it's set, but not so set it's hard. >> it's wonderful. >> what would you pair with this? what sort of beverage? >> that's a red sparkling wine. it's dry. and also from my family to yours, out there, happy new

year. >> happy new year. happy holidays, everybody. >> and that's amore! >> there you go. >> and i'm here with anthony jr. and who is this? >> gabriella. >> a variation steak and eggs. >> up all night partying, wake up. >> really? >> yeah. >> at 12. >> dad. >> you want to make something quick,s easy, italian. i see short ribs and eggs. and i woke up dad and said you have to make this. >> the idea, this could all be done the day ahead of time. the short ribs should be done ahead of time. and this is a quick polenta with a little mascarpone and cream. we whip it up. takes five minutes to do. you put it in a baking dish. we spoon and shred some of our short ribs in the refrigerator,

right, simple. no problems. we're going to take, you can start with the eggs. >> um-hum. >> we're going to crack three eggs, and put it in the center. the idea about this, the short ribs are cooked, polenta done. pretty much warm. we'll take eggs, place it right on top. put this oven on broil. the idea about this in the old times this would have been done in a wood-burning oven. it would have been cast the entire dish. >> the show stopper for me is the polenta. is it difficult to prepare? >> no. quick polenta, done about five minutes. >> oh. >> the idea, mascarpone cheese we use on the polenta. goes in the oven, 350, for ten minutes. unbelievable, one dish, delicious. >> great. >> and iitalian champagne. terrific. >> when are you a little older. >> how much time did you leave us? elena, a great, great, great

french toast recipe with your daughter. >> yes. this is julia. >> hello, julia. >> what kind of french toast are we making? >> nutmeg french toast. >> and eggnog too. start with the eggnog, add eggs, whisk this together, and what do i have here? >> nutmeg and some cinnamon. >> that's right. and now what do we call this? >> the secret weapon. >> vanilla. works every time. use it in pancakes, french toast, so we whip this all together. >> and you say to soak the bread six hours to make it really great? >> we like soaking it. and we could just bake this, just like this. and to add a little crunch, we start with our brioche bread, very important. we add corn flakes, very important. and bake ten to 15 minutes. >> the other secret is the sauce. >> it's to die for. chestnut honey, sugar, butter

and a little captain morgan, rum, and heavy cream. >> low fat. >> and this -- this could go with anything, once again, pancakes, waffles, french toast, of course. pour it on top. >> wow. >> what a great way to indulge on new year's day. >> and paired it with a dessert wine as well. >> a sweet red wine. it's a sparkling red wine. and give it a little whirl. >> happy new year. >> happy new year. >> yum. >> i don't have a glass. >> here, here. here we go. >> happy new year. happy new year, you guys. always a pleasure to have you here. have a terrific, terrific new year. and find all of the recipes from this morning on our website, today.com. and we're back after this. cheers. >> happy new year! e twinkle little pie, you squashed my willpower like a fly.

you looked so innocent and so sweet. convinced my lips that we should meet. you were a relentless flirt. oh no we had indecent dessert. twinkle twinkle hope appears. a stevia leaf erased my fears. it made my willpower a super hero. as for calories, it has zero. twinkle twinkle truvia® star, natural sweetness, i love just what you are. truvia®. honestly sweet. mom, we're dying. no you're not, you're just hungry. make some totino's pizza rolls. we don't have any! front... left, totino's. [ male announcer ] well done mom! less drama, more fun! totino's pizza rolls.

guys... [ female announcer ] pillsbury cinnamon rolls with cinnabon cinnamon are an irresistible sunday morning idea. nothing calls them to the table faster. sunday morning ideas made easy. [ younger brother ] oh, do you want it? yeah. ok, we'll split it. [ female announcer ] made fresh, so light... ...buttery and flaky... this is half. that is not half. guys i have more. [ female announcer ] do you have enough crescents?

this morning, on "today on the rink." we are taking the ice along some of the best gymnasts on the ice. >> thank you for having me. >> this show is not just skating, is it? >> no, it's skating and gymnastics with live artists and we get to meet some great athletes, very distracting, when are you skating, looking at them doing the beams, and you have to be centered on what you do. but it's motivated for us to be part of a great show. >> i know peggy fleming involved, nada comaneci, some

other names we may see? >> karen kennedy, elvis, and the gymnastics, lutkin, i was a little starstruck when i met her. it mixes figure skating and nasaics. >> what are we watching you today? >> we are doing a short program called show me how you burlesque. >> unfortunately, you have to take your sweatshirt off to do it. ith chilly out here. >> thank you. >> joanie rochette. ♪ ♪

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>> joanie rochette. the progressive skating and gymnagym gymnastics spectacular airs next sunday, january 8th, right here on nbc. we're back right after this. it has a crew. in . it gets invited to parties with paparazzi. it hangs out poolside. it has millions of drooling fans. it knows the recipe for success. there's nothing like it. the big mac. it doesn't do interviews. and don't miss the mac snack wrap while it's in the house. the simple joy of famous flavor. ♪ ♪ [ laughs ] ♪ ♪

here's a better idea... pillsbury grands! flaky layers biscuits. in just 15 minutes, the light delicate layers add a layer of warmth to your next dinner. pillsbury grands! dinner ideas made easy.

mmm... pillsbury crescent wrapped brie just unroll, wrap the brie and bake. it's so easy. now this might even impress aunt martha. pillsbury crescent wrapped brie. holiday ideas made easy. here's a better idea... pillsbury grands! flaky layers biscuits. in just 15 minutes, the light delicate layers add a layer of warmth to your next dinner. pillsbury grands! dinner ideas made easy. this morning, as we celebrate the new year, it gave us a chance to look back on "weekend today." >> the three of us, we fronted almost 60 pieces for "weekend today." 60! lester did 59 of them. >> and we split the last one. it was amazing. we asked you, the viewer, which

piece you thought was the best. >> from survival camp and surfing the mavericks to a willy wonka reunion. this story you voted on as the best of 2011. take a look. >> come on, hold tight. hold it. >> this had to be some kind of nightmare. >> one, two, one more lester. >> actually, a dream come true for me. >> i can't believe i actually asked for this. >> i can't believe he actually asked for this. >> so how did we get here? >> i work a lot of days and a lot of hours, and one of the things that keeps me centered and energetic is to get to the gym. but the exercise routine is getting a little stale and not getting improvement i'm used to seeing. ♪ come on, >> what i do in my spare time, a passion for me, working out. i have sort of taken to the next level and started working with people, training them. nice, come on.

find the balance. it brings me an incredible feeling, passion, and it has turned into a second job almost. >> this is right before the show, starts telling me about various exercises. >> talking about how he was going to take a spin class. i'm tired of hearing it. you know what, lester? do this. in your blank, come plank and c you're going to be on a splat surfa surface. >> there i am on the belly. >> the guy gets down on the floor on the set and says this is kind of hard, i'm going to try it this week. i decided maybe i would train lester. >> she claims she can move me to the next level, and take the things i'm doing now, which i think are pretty hard and make them even harder. >> trust me, he can school me in politics, i can school him in the gym. >> i can't believe we're doing this. >> the way i work out, give me

your chest for an hour, correct? >> okay. sunday, i'm back in charge. >> as always. come on! seven, eight. >> ever thought about working for "the biggest loser?" and i'm left hanging. and you finish off the set. >> i feel like those >> once you are in that position, so easy. ♪ walk this way >> keep going. right there. and, yeah, lester, keep going. your fans are loose, and your feet are pushing you. run it, run it. back down, let's get ready, down. nine. >> wow. >> how do you feel? >> i'm challenged.

>> yeah? you should work out one day a week like this. >> are you kidding me? >> two, come on. nice job. and, oh, my gosh. am i not allowed to do this on sundays? >> no. >> you are my best friend now. >> don't let it hit the ground. go. four, straighten up. straight. >> okay. first two stories sunday. >> can i do nightly? >> okay. thanksgiving, you can do nightly. >> all empty promises. >> did you it thanksgiving, didn't you? >> no, i was home on thanksgiving. >> the viewers voted. the favorite story, getting you completely schooled. >> all joking aside, that was horrible. it really wasn't. survival school. >> that was fun. >> it's been a good year. a really good year.

>> lester. >> to a healthy -- this will be corny. healthy, wonderful