safe. sun block, too, right. we'll be back with local news updates every half hour. have a great day. >> enjoy. the beloved star buried just hours after his deat the torch of july. temperatures set to soar into triple digits from memphis to minneapolis today. extreme heat that caused one road to buckle sending an suv flying, while a new round of storms hits the mid-atlantic region still reeling from massive power outages for a fifth great day. new danger, new help. crews knock down a wildfire just north of los angeles overnight as tanker planes grounded following a deadly crash returned to duty to help out some of the worst wildfire in decades out west. this morning officials fear holiday fireworks could spark even more. remembering andy griffith. the beloved star of the andy griffith show and mat lock

buried hours after his death at 86. we'll look back at his career and hear from his tv son ron howard today, tuesday, july 4th, and hear from his tv son ron howard today, tuesday, july 4th, 2012. captions paid for by nbc-universal television >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today," live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. and welcome to "today" on this fourth of july morning. i'm natalie morales. >> i'm willie geist in for matt. happy independence day to all of you. most americans enjoying this holiday off. it will be another day of work for utility crews. >> temperature isn't cooperating with them. high temperatures remain in the 90s, the fourth of july celebration at the capital had to be cut short when storms rolled through. the forecast to help you plan your holiday straight ahead. also this morning new

details on a strange scene that played out in an arizona courtroom. a man and to take something after he was convicted of arson. he then collapsed and later died. this morning we'll hear from that man's attorney and someone who was in the court when it all happened. and later a roll reversal in the workforce. coming up, why more women are rolling up their sleeves to get jobs in construction and auto repair while more men are also becoming nurses and teachers. we do begin right now with that extreme holiday heat and the ongoing fight to get power flowing in parts of the mid-atlantic again. tom costello on the story in washington, d.c. tom, good morning. >> hi, natalie,ood morning. a happy 4th. the latest estimates, we're getting about 850,000 people still without power. that's a significant improvement from a couple of days ago and even from yesterday. but this is the kind of scene we have throughout the metro washington, d.c., virginia, maryland area. massive trees down, cars crushed, power lines down, telephone lines down, cable

lines down. as if that's not enough, last night we had more lightning and more severe weather in washington. >> severe weather is approaching the capital. you are instructed to leave the area. >> reporter: late tuesday night, another proceed from mother nature. at the u.s. capital, a strong thunderstorm forced the evacuation of a dress rehearsal for tonight's capital 4th concert. >> a garage, safe on the other side. >> reporter: one more gut punch for the capital region on its heels buried under downed trees, dodging precarious power lines and swelter in triple digit heat without air conditioning. canadian crews brought in to restore power given a hero's welcome in gentlewoman and maryland. this family has retreated to their basement with their grandkids. >> much cooler.

>> they drove to pennsylvania to buy an affordable generator. with reports of generators stolen, they have their locked up. down the street sandra brown moved to the basement. the thermostat upstairs reaches 89 degrees and she's afraid to open the frig. >> i have not opened them. i was under the theory if you kept them closed for three to four days, your food would save, but i'm not sure. >> reporter: health experience say don't chance it, throw it away. five days after the storm the electric grid is so damaged it could take until the weekend before everyone gets power. >> can you wait until friday 11:00 p.m. for power? >> no, but you have to. >> reporter: even before the storm the biggest power company in washington pepco was under intense scrutiny. this week mayors and governors have demanded change. >> nobody will have their boot further up pepco's back side than i will to make sure we get

there. >> reporter: but pepco insists the disaster was an act of god. >> we are making the effort. >> reporter: extends well beyond, triple digits from plains to atlantic, gulf coast to great lakes. in wisconsin it caused highway 29 to buckle sending this suv flying. extreme temps on this july 4th and the massive cleanup still well under way. amazingly two people were able to walk away from the flying suv although they did have neck and back pain. health experts say check on residents that are sick and elderly, especially vulnerable with heat and no air conditioning. natalie, another hot, sticky day for people across the mid-atlantic. back to you. >> tom costello in washington, d.c. thanks so much. >> just how hot will it get at your barbecue? weather channel stephanie abrams in for al with a first check of the weather.

good morning. >> good morning. unfortunately heat advisories stretching across a big chunk of the country today. we're talking about that heat index above 100 degrees again for some of you. how hot will it get and will we break records? look at chicago, triple digits, our record 102. minneapolis we'll be right near that record if not breaking it as we take you into the northeast. it's going to be hot, not as hot. you will get relief in the thunderstorm of thundershowers. they are pulling through right now. just how long will this last, willie and natalie? i'll have a look at that coming up. >> all right, stephanie, thank you. >> we'll get to the rest of your forecast in a moment. first send it to the news desk, thomas roberts. >> good morning, everybody. new brazen attack on troops in afghanistan, as a man in an afghan army uniform led fire on u.s. nato coalition. this attack took place tuesday

in the eastern wardak province. five soldiers wounded. reopen vital nato areas after strikes last year. the move could mark a major step toward forwarding u.s.-pakistani relations. the jetblue pilot whose made air meltdown forced to make an emergency landing was found not guilty due to insanity. he had to be forcibly restrained in march when he tried to interfere with controls then exited the cockpit and began ranting about al qaeda. the judge sent him to a correctional facility to be examined over the upcoming weeks. several passengers filed suit saying the company should have known he was unfit to fly as a pilot. an attempt to attack the deadly wildfire in the western part of the nation.

seven c-130s grounded when one crashed killing four crew members on board. researchers in switzerland say they have observed the particle consistent with the god particle. scientists have long been seeking this as it holds the key to understanding the size and shape of the universe. an australian member of parm is facing a firestorm of criticism after a fellow panelist on a live tv show collapsed due to a case of the flu, collapsing right on the desk next to her social media lit up saying she did nothing but jerk away and didn't help. her representative said she was too shocked to react at the time but since contacted the panelist to wish him a speedy recovery. a dog celebrating a personal independence day, had police chasing their tails. brought traffic to a standstill. the pooch flying down the

highway. he fakes right, fakes left, down the milling, out of there. when a professional dog rescuer heard the story he caught up with the pup who he found to be dog tired. the mix is treated for dehydration. vets trying to find him a home or the rightful owners of that pup. it is now 7:09. send it back. the poodle who knew they had wheels. that thing was jetting, faking left and right, down the middle. >> bringing him bow to wow. >> you offering, natalie. >> all right. well, stephanie abrams is back with us as you see. got a rest of the look at the forecast. >> i do. good news in the northeast. we are going to see those storms start to wane as we head into the afternoon hours. i know that's a huge concern for many of you. you' better off if you're grilling later in the day. the heat is still going to be a big story from the midwest to northeast and down to the south. look at memphis, 101 degrees. here is our firework forecast as

we head to the evening hours. everything is scattered in >> natalie, over to you. >> thank you, stephanie. now to presidential politics and the general election just four months away, president obama and mitt romney will attend some holiday events today as they gear up for the campaign's homestretch. john harwood is cnbc's chief washington correspondent. john, good morning. >> happy 4th, natalie. >> thanks. to you as well. a relatively quiet week for both

campaigns. looking ahead, what is the state of play right now? >> we've got a race that's remarkably stable, natalie. president obama is a few points ahead of mitt romney. that's been the case for several months despite all of the very large events including a supreme court decision, including the president's new stance on gay marriage, shifts in the economy. we're going to see it brought out in the 10 or 12 battleground states in place for the rest of the general election. >> john, if you're looking for the broad outlines of the attacks right now, for president obama is it all about focusing on romney's time at bain capital. on the other hand for romney is it all about the economy? >> absolutely it is. mitt romney has got stagnant economic conditions working in his favor for attacking the incumbent, blaming them on president obama. but democrats think that just as washington is unpopular, just as people are sour about the state of the economy, they are also unhappy with wall street, with big business. if you can tag a rival candidate

as somebody who has been in favor or has actually participated in cutting jobs, off shoring american jobs, that's something you can really hurt that candidate among swing voters with, that's what democrats did in 2010 against carly fiorina, they think they can do it to mitt romney. >> interesting story, prominent republicans calling for changes to romney's staff if he has a chance to beat president obama. do you think there's something to that in romney is standing by his team. >> i'm not surprised romney standing by his team. rupert murdoch is good at many things but i'm not sure strategy is the thing. they have run a cautious campaign but have a cautious candidate. there's not a lot to complain about. they got him nominated in a party manifestly to his right,

after implementing in massachusetts a health care plan like the one president obama implemented nationally. yet they have unified the conservative base, they are close to this president. they have a shot. they know where to fight and they are raising money in a very robust way so they can be competitive all the way through election day. >> let's talk about jobs. on friday the all important june jobs report numbers will come out. forecasters are saying there could be about 100,000 jobs created, although those forecasts have been somewhat overestimated in the past. if that number does stand, is that a win for president obama? is it enough? >> no, it's better than the last couple of months, which have been under 100,000. these numbers are sort of variable and sometimes reestimated later, revised up or down depending on circumstances. but no, 100,000 jobs is not enough to bring the unemployment rate down, which is something romney is going to hammer. the positive news for the president is the economy is growing, the private sector is

adding jobs. the question is going to be what's the balance between voters making a judgment that, yes, we're headed in the right direction versus it's not that great right now. >> cnbc's john harwood again, thanks for working on the 4th. we appreciate it. >> you bet, natalie. >> here is willie. >> what if you needed a potentially lifesaving medicine only to be told it wasn't available. it's become a serious problem for health care providers across the country. now congressional investigators say they found one possible reason, fake pharmacies. nbc's senior investigative correspondent lisa meyers has the story. >> reporter: jake has stage four cancer. last summer as he was about to receive chemotherapy, he was suddenly informed the drug he needed wasn't available. >> my nurse told me the drug wasn't available and i wouldn't be able to do my chemo today, i was shocked. how could this be happening in the united states of america. >> reporter: around the same time records show a pharmacy in

this building in north carolina, ltc was buying the same drug supposedly to fill prescriptions. when north carolina regulators did an inspection, they found on this. no records, no equipment. >> did you find a pharmacist? >> no, did not. >> how can you have a pharmacy with no pharmacist. >> good question. >> congressman and his investigators say it's a fake pharmacy set up to explore the drug shortage. >> this is about greed, simply about greed, people wanting to make a quick buck at the expense of sick american people. >> reporter: records show the pharmacy was buying the drugs and the same day selling them to a wholesaler owned by the same person, international pharmaceuticals, which was then reselling the drugs again at higher prices. >> congressman and investigators called this operation a fake pharmacy. do you agree with that assessment?

>> we didn't see any evidence of them filling any prescriptions. >> there's a for lease sign. when we visited the company's office in durham, nobody was home. >> the place is empty. no one in there. facing the prospect of having its north carolina license revoked, the company surrendered it instead. congressional investigators say what happened here in north carolina isn't an isolated case. they say they found what and to be fake pharmacies around the country buying up medicines in short supply. these pharmacies didn't cause the shortages, but investigators say by diverting drugs into the gray market, they are creating delays and added costs for patients. >> it's definitely making the shortage worse and also driving up the prices. >> reporter: but the lawyer for the owner of the north carolina pharmacy says she's a smart businesswoman, who is actually helping, not hurting, by enabling medical facilities to get the drugs patients need more quickly. jake got his chemo a week lay

but worries those exploiting drug shortages may delay vital treatment for other cancer patients fighting to survive. >> that was nbc's lisa meyers reporting. it is 7:17. once again, here is natalie. >> willie, thank you. tributes are pouring in for beloved actor andy griffith. the 86-year-old was laid to rest just hours after his death on tuesday. mike taibbi has more on the legacy of the man who put mayberry on the map. good morning. >> reporter: good morning, natalie. in a half century long career it was the fictional sheriff that won america's hot, exemplar of common sense in an idealized world that never existed. at its peak, 35 million visitors tuned in every week to visit. he planned to be a preacher or opera singer. as anyone who ever heard that opening theme goes, it was as andy of mayberry that andy

griffith made his indelible mark. >> aunt bee is a sportsman. she's trying to give the fish every chance. >> reporter: he played andy taylor, the wise authority figure everyone respected for his sense of tolerance and fair play. the straight man was bumbling barney played by don knots. >> i've got some thinking to do. >> the thing about andy griffith show, while not autobiographical, it was a real genuine reflection of his sensibility. >> it was a sensibility that turned the show into what hit in the raucous '60s as a comfortable serving of smalltown america where common sense ruled and the distinction between right and wrong is clear. >> i've still got a duty to protected the folks in mayberry. >> still the man on "today" said mayberry had to be invented. >> it had a feeling of the '30s.

it was when we were doing it the time gone by. >> reporter: the show ended in 1968 still on top. griffith had one more hit years later playing "matlock" a southern lawyer with home spun morals. >> i could murder like this. >> his subsequent run, andy, might have been too successful. it was hard of him to break out of that pigeonhole. the show never went away, constantly rerun and much loved. >> reporter: fans visiting the griftity museum in his hometown never needed him to breakaway from mayberry. >> wholesome, i think more than anything else. it was a different time period. you think to embody that more than anybody. >> reporter: an unforgettable character insisting on the rules

with compassion and caring. >> don't you reckon? >> i reckon. >> reporter: can always win the day. >> reporter: makes you smile. he reportedly died in his sleep and he was laid to rest hours later on his beloved farm on roanoke island. that according to the family's wishes. mike taibbi, thank you so much. if only we had a little more of that on television today. how great was that. president obama put out a statement yesterday saying he was a performer of extraordinary talent, andy was beloved by generations of fans and revered by entertainers who followed in his footsteps. >> talk about his influence. jerry seinfeld sent out a tweet everyone was talking about. the reason every seinfeld character greeted with hey was secret tribute to "the andy griffith show". true. that's something he never said publicly before but speaks to

the influence of the generations of the man. >> we could all learn from that strength of character. back in a moment. this is "today" on nbc.

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the revolutionary recharge sleep system... from beautyrest. it's you, fully charged. this is "today in the bay." the time now is 7:26. good morning, everybody. i'm jon kelley. a 3-year-old boy right now fighting for his life, and police are anxious to find four other children that could be in danger. the 3-year-old was rushed to the hospital after a 911 call. investigators say that child had signs of physical abuse. police are arresting his mother, stepfather and the baby-sitter. now they are looking to find four other children associated with the couple, that being 4-year-old paradise mahasin who suffers from epilepsy, 6-year-old antwan johnson and 7-year-old zaniyyah johnson and 16-year-old alyajah johnson. >> we want to make sure that we can verify they're not harmed

and have not suffered any type of physical abuse such as the 3-year-old. >> if you have any information on the whereabouts of any of those children, you are please asked to call the police. convicted felon back behind bars today after san francisco police find dozens of military-grade explosives in his hoe home. 44-year-old jerry lopez facing a long list of felonies including possession of destructive devices. police acting on a tip to raid lopez's home in the mission district just yesterday. when they got inside they found more than 60 explosives including those you see on the screen. neighbors were ordered to stay inside their homes while officers cleared that house. we're happy to report nobody was hurt. we're happy to report today in the fourth of july. happy independence dpa. chris feign na loren says another nice one. >> a birthday we can all celebrate, 236 years here's in america. 56 degrees in san mateo and 58

in sunnyvale and it's hot inland later on today. low pressure comes through tonight and drop your temperatures for thursday and bring in more cloud cover, but not before we get ate perfect view of those fireworks, even bayside tonight. i think marin county, you will see that fog roll in between 9:00 and 11:00, but san francisco should stay nice and clear. highs in the upper 80s in san francisco at 9:00 p.m., 62 degrees and we lovely off for the remainder of the week. jon, back to you. the latest traffic and news updates are on nbc on facebook. see you there.

7:30 this wednesday morning july 4th, 2012. a beautiful shot of the statue of liberty as americans celebrating their 236th birthday. happy birthday. in rockefeller plaza, couple of drizzles, hopefully they will dry out soon, nice to see the fireworks we hope. i'm natalie morales with willie geist in for matt. just ahead a reality show that catches car thieves in the act ends up turning the tables on a police detective. instead we'll show you what that officer apparently forgot to do that got him suspended from the force. also ahead this morning, a

woman who could be darling of gop. media love, running for the first black republican member in commerce. but she says race does not define who ho she is. we'll hear from her. >> later not in the mood for hot dogs and hamburgers? spicing up fourth of july celebration. the latest on a bizarre death that played out in an arizona courtroom last week. thomas roberts with details. >> good morning. leaving a lot of people scratching their heads trying to figure this out. michael marin convicted of arson when he and to swallow something. he collapsed and died a short time later. now his attorney is speaking out. he clearly seemed to have his fist closed. then as he's putting his hands in his face, there's that motion that looks like he's swallowing something. >> last week 54-year-old michael marin found guilty of arson and minutes later pronounced dead. >> i heard a noise and looked

over, thought he was sobbing. starts convulsing, goes down. >> reporter: he was in the courtroom covering the verdict. >> first a gasp, then loud, loud snoring sound that he continued intermittently. i don't think anyone knew what to do. they kept saying he a pulse, he was breathing. we were cleared from the courtroom for a bit and then they wheeled him out and we went back in. maybe 20 minutes later, we got word that he had died. >> reporter: heavily in death with an overdue tax bill and $2.3 million mortgage payment looming, prosecutors a little marin torched his phoenix, arizona mansion. he faced up to 21 years in prison. but his lawyer said he seemed determined to keep fighting. >> mr. marin maintained his innocence from the out set and never wavered from that position. >> reporter: he was the father of four, wall street trader, pilot, author, lawyer with a degree from yale university and

avid climber who had scaled mt. everest. he was most famous to use scuba gear to escape from his burning arizona mansion in 2009. his attorney said there was no indication he was considering suicide. >> my expectation would have been that he would have continued to fight his case on appeal. he was, as i described, kind of a fighter. >> reporter: detectives are hoping toxicology tests will provide an answer to the question of suicide surrounding self-proclaimed adventurer michael marin. >> i do find this bizarre. we're waiting for the medical examiner to determine what the cause of death was, then we can go from there. >> as the sheriff pointed out toxicology results expected next week. it really is odd. when you see that video, it does look like he's trying to put something in his mouth. that's obviously been lending to the mystery. >> something that worked very quickly, obviously. took just minutes, to leave four

children behind. thank you very much. let's turn now and get a check of the weather from stephanie abrams. she's in for al. hey, stef pry. >> we're going to head to the maps and talk about the storms we are seeing throughout portions of the northeast today. they are rolling through, more in the afternoon hours of the good news is they will be waning as we head into the evening hours. otherwise the huge story continues to be the heat gripping the nation from the gulf coast all this is whaegts happening outside our door. a beautiful day shaping up for our nation's birthday. conditions downright perfect for a beach barbecue today. we have elevated fire danger. take it easy and make sure it's completely out before you leave it. 88 degrees in san jose, getting rather warm as we head through the second half of the day inland. we start to level off thursday into the upcoming weekend with temperatures in the mid to upper

80s. >> let's find out where mimi is celebrating 100 years? >> columbia,, south carolina. >> they brought the heat and humidity. blame them for it. if it's your birthday, go to weather.com 24 hours a day for your forecast. natalie. >> thank you, stephanie. there's a reality show on trutv called bait car, which is supposed to catch thieves in the act. during one sting in los angeles, it was a very unlikely figure who ended up having to answer tough questions instead. the story from nbc's kristen dahlgren. >> the team deployed to south l.a. and puts their new weapon into play. >> the formula for the tv show "bait car" usually goes something like this. >> undercover deputies act out a theme and abandon the bait with the keys in it. >> reporter: they wait for a would be car thief who inevitably gets in the vehicle equipped with hidden cameras and drives off. for sheriff's deputies, it's an easy bust. >> making a u-turn southbound

central. >> reporter: 28-year-old keenan took the bait last july when he found this cadillac too good to resist. the tape eventually turned over to the public defender's office shows los angeles county sheriff's detective anthony shapiro making the arrest. but it's what he didn't say. >> you know you're rights, right? you know all that stuff? you watch tv and know your rights? >> yes. >> i'm going to ask you some questions. >> no problem. no problem purchase the detective is never seen or heard reading miranda rights even though he repeatedly assured his fellow officers he had. >> i already mirandaized him. it's cool. when you get there, go to whatever you want. >> beautiful. >> in court and under oath detective shapiro continued to insist he had read the suspect his miranda rights. >> i read it from a card in my wallet, he testified. his attorney had the tape that showed otherwise.

>> i reviewed the footage. it showed he was not read his miranda rights. the prosecutor agreed with me and dismissed the case. >> reporter: the show trapped to catch a thief trapped a detective instead. the judge agreed this time the cameras right add wrong. critics worry mixing entertainment with real crime is fraught with problems. >> if a police officer is essentially being paid to be a reality star, then he or she could be incentivized to make great television. that's not what you want your police officers to be doing. you want them to focus on being good police officers, good detectives. >> reporter: while the producers of "bait car" pay for law enforcement's overtime hours, the sheriff's department disagree. >> once they film it, it expands the fact this scenario does, indeed, exist. and then hopefully if people think it does, acts as deterrent. we have no financial incentive

to do this. >> reporter: detective shapiro has no comment but he has been suspended with pay while investigating the incident. kristen dahlgren, nbc news, los angeles. >> up next, a rising star in the political world, the utah mayor who could become a real trail blazer right after this. stay in the moment sanya focus lolo, focus let's do this i am from baltimore south carolina... bloomington, california... austin, texas... we are all here to represent the country we love this is for everyone back home it's go time. across america, we're all committed to team usa.

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just $1,598. back now at 7:41 with a name you may not know yet. a woman creating quite a buzz inside the republican party. nbc's craig melvin has her story. good morning. >> happy 4th to you guys. her name is mia love and a native new yorker has adopted utah as her home. now, a small town mayor, she's making historic run, trying to become the first african-american republican woman in congress. >> quite the hill. >> it gets worse. >> mia love isn't satisfied running, gunning -- >> how is it going?

>> reporter: glad handing mayor of saratoga springs, a town outside of utah. >> you love this place, don't you? >> life is just great how the here. >> in april the 36-year-old became the republican nominee for congress. now the run of her life. if she wins in november, she'll make history, the first black republican woman ever elected to congress. she's not focused on historical significance. >> you don't talk about race a lot. >> i don't. it doesn't define who i am. i'm perfectly comfortable in my skin. i know who i am. it's not lost on me that i'm female and black. those are things that aren't lost on me. i don't shy away from them. >> in a town more than 90% white, her constituents don't seem to care. she won her last election with roughly 60% of the vote. >> i think it's wonderful she brings some culture and

diversity. >> her race is a nonissue to me. >> the mother of three would rather be known for politics, a brand of conservatism rooted in her faith. she became a mormon when she met her husband. >> i support marriage between a man and a woman. >> and her upbringing. her parents are haitian immigrants. >> my dad said to me when i was going through college, that's what made me decide i was going to run. he said, mia, my mother and i have done everything we could to get you here. we have worked hard. you will not be a burden to society. you will give back. >> love said she'd love to shrink programs to cut poverty, shrink spending, overhaul the tax code, overhaul programs like social security. for 12 years congressman jim matheson has represented the most republican district held by a democrat. he's the son of a former governor and a sixth generation utahan. he admits love's story is

compelling but not her politics. >> i don't think utah families counting on social security to be there wants to support somebody that says we should save on social security. i don't think utah families who want a college education want someone who says we should stop doing student loan. >> another worry, the small time mayor might not be ready for prime time. >> my concerns about mayor love, she may be a little bit green or new and she doesn't maybe have as much of a track record as other politicians. >> utah isn't sure how much this will matter. to utah, wants to send a message. >> she's symbolically a stereotype buster. there's a sense by mormon republican voters that electing a black republican woman will demonstrate whatever people say about mormons and history aren't true. >> with outside money pouring in a lot of help for party superstars hungry for different. mitt romney at the top of the

ticket. political experts put love's chances at 50-50 but think will be be tough. mia love enjoys an uphill slog. >> 50-50 shot with 12-year incumbent, i think it's going to be more than a 50/50 shot by november. i think we're going to win it. >> the gop has big plans for mia lover. she'll be a headliner at republican national convention in tampa next month. despite her rookie status, love could become one of the new darlings of the gop. >> you heard tlit. she you heard it there. she's confident. six-time republican incumbent. where does she stand in the poll? >> one poll came out, question about reliable, 12 points. our guys in d.c., political brain trust put her chances better than 50/50. >> we will see. great story. craig, thanks so much. happy 4th again. still ahead from construction to fixing your car, why more women are being drawn to male dominated careers.

first these messages.

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did i ever think i would have heart disease. she just didn't fit the profile of a heart event victim. she's healthy, she eats properly. i was pushing my two kids in a stroller when i had my heart event. i've been on a bayer aspirin regimen ever since. [ male announcer ] aspirin is not appropriate for everyone. so be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen. i know if i take my bayer aspirin i have a better chance of living a healthy life. [ male announcer ] learn how to protect your heart at i am proheart on facebook. back now at 7:48 with a creature that's been around for millions of years now in a fight for survival. here is nbc's ian williams.

>> it was like a journey back in time to a lost world, a world that's become second home to them. >> my life is here. >> we joined the conservationist studying one of the rarest reptiles, the komodo dragon, dinosaur-like lizards that can grow up to 10-feet long. >> the teeth on these are very, very -- >> very sharp, like a blade. >> reporter: he's grown to respect the dragons, tracking them across the park, one of the only places on earth they are found. trapping komodos requires the skills of a professional wrestler. subduing the giants and measuring them. >> 37 kilograms. >> reporter: keeping track of the population. >> it's an indication this animal have -- >> reporter: this island has the highest density of dragons, about 1300 by the last count.

here at least the population is stable. the dragon is classified as vulnerable, just 5,000 left in the wild, threatened by declining prey and habitat loss. and from wildlife smugglers. three babies were stolen in the last year from the world's most successful breeding facility at the zoo. they are worth thousands of dollars on the black mark. the campaign for a natural wonder listing has captured the imagination of visitors in the national park. >> these are kind of living fossil, and that's very special about them, i think. >> if more attention to the komodo national park and then komodo dragon will be fine. >> reporter: for centuries the prehistoric looking dragons have been the stuff of myth and fairy tale but it's the next few years that will be critical for its

survival. for today, nbc news in the komodo islands, indonesia. >> they are such fascinating creatures, so prehistoric. >> dinosaurs living among us. >> absolutely. got to keep them alive, though, as ian williams talked about. still ahead on a different note, we'll take you along the tour on jenna bush's america the beautiful tour. this is a fantastic spot in georgia. there's a fascinating history there. >> she's been having fun out there. >> she has. >> can't wait to see this one. >> first local news and weather. twinkle 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.

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this is "today in the bay." it is 7:56. good morning, everybody. i'm jon kelley. if you're looking to light up your life with with a fireworks show for the fourth of july, we can tell you there's only a few places to do it without breaking the law. the so-called safe and sane fireworks are on sale in 15 cities throughout the bay area and santa cruz county. safe and sane fireworks don't fly or explode. you think sparklers, fountains and those smoke bombs. gilroy is the only city in santa clara county to allow them. >> the booth vendor sells the fireworks here. they pay a fee for the city to put an extra fire engine company on duty as well as 12 extra police officers, and the purpose is to patrol the streets for illegal fireworks. >> for the record safe and sane fireworks can only be used in the city bought and in designated areas.

nathere's a long list of wa to enjoy fireworks today. the giants putting on an extravaganza after the game tonight. in redwood city it kicks off at 10:00 this morning with a parade. fireworks start there at 9:15 tonight. don't forget the fireworks over the bay in san francisco. all the fun starting there at 9:30 at pier 39. christina loren said she bayed a pie for the fourth of july, apple, cherry, coconut cream? >> last year was three, two, one. we have another warm day on top for you with temperatures rising into the mid to upper 80s, even in redwood city and los gatos and 88 in san jose and a couple 90s on the temperature map in fairfield, gilroy. overall, running 5 to 10 degrees warmer than yesterday in some bay area cities. the good news is tonight at 8:00 you hold onto 70 degrees in livermore for the fireworks

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♪ 8:00 now on this wednesday morning july 4th, 2012. we're celebrating independence

day with the help from the united states air force ceremonial brass. great job. wonderful there, under the direction of their new commander, conductor, colonel lang. great way to kick off the holiday. you know, willie, this is their fourth year doing this with us. they have become a fourth of july tradition for the "today" show. >> wouldn't be the fourth of july without them. great guys. thank you so much. a busy day getting down to washington to play. thank you so much. >> applause. they deserve it. we'll hear more from them throughout the morning. >> meanwhile a lot going on. women's work takes on a whole new meaning. if your car needs repair, your frig, don't be surprised if women show up for the job. why women are flocking to male dominated trades. >> jenna bush wrapping up her series, america the beautiful, taking us to a large barrier island, a place steeped in history, beautiful views.

beautiful beaches, wow. >> look forward to that. first back inside with thomas roberts at the news desk with a look at today's stories. >> good morning, everybody. happy fourth of july, where high heat blanketing much of the country on this holiday. some people marking this holiday like it's 1776 without electricity or air conditioning. about 1 million utility customers from the midwest to the mid-atlantic still have no power after friday's deadly storms. the presidential candidates will be out today celebrating the nation's 236th birthday. president obama will speak at a naturalization ceremony for active duty service members. he and the first lady will host a fourth of july celebration for military heroes and their families on the south lawn at the white house. meanwhile republican mitt romney will march in a town parade near his estate in new hampshire where he's been vacationing with his family. andy griffith, used to say the character was the best part of himself. the beloved star of the andy griffith show died in his home

in north carolina. he was 86 years old. griffith never won an emmy for his iconic portrayal of rural life but awarded one of the nation's highest civilian honors, presidential medal of freedom in 2005. a florida judge expected to decide on thursday whether to release the neighborhood watchman who shot 17-year-old trayvon martin on bond. george zimmerman's original bond revoked last month after the judge ruled he and his wife were not honest about finances. meanwhile a newly realized medical report confirms zimmerman had a broken nose after his encounter with martin whom he said he shot in self-defense but he never saw a specialist. a roundup of what you like online. may be a tough week for tom cruise but at least one ray of sunshine. cruise is now the highest paid actor in hollywood according to "forbes" magazine. he earns $75 million in the last year, double that of many other akers. he did spend his 50th birthday this week without katie holmes

who filed for divorce last week. a very pregnant snooki still has a few months to go before her due date. she's finding other uses for the baby buggy. she's pushing a stroller of bud lite to her cath members. snooki says she's not drinking these days hoping to have a healthy baby. recently widowed woman facing her 30th anniversary alone today so she sent a tweet to chad ochocinco asking for his prayers. ochocinco replied asking if she had a passport before inviting her to cheer her up to spend the milestone with him at his wedding in st. martin. told her, all she needs to do is bring her smile and dancing shoes as well as an appetite. all right, so it's now 8:04, send it back out to the plaza natalie and willie. >> we're loving ochocinco now

even more. >> he gets a lot of heat. one thing to get a response from somebody you worship. >> invite them to the wedding. >> great job. all right. >> still to come. >> what do you say, do a little weather here? >> let's get to stephanie. >> there you are. nice spot, you guys. we have mass -- macy is here to see the macy's fireworks. did you name her after the fireworks. >> no, i didn't but she is a firework. nbc or hudson, going off over the hudson. a look to see toledo. it's going to be hot, 101 degrees. i don't know what is worse, storms or heat like that. showers into th southwest and southern california. in southern california is where we'll see cooler we've got another warm day on tap for you with temperatures rising into the mid to upper 80s

even in places like redwood city at los gatos, 87 in los gatos, 88 in san jose, and a couple 90s back on the temperature map in fairfield, gilroy, and almaden valley. overall running about 5 to 10 degrees warmer than where we were yesterday in some bay area cities. the good news is on the at 9:00 you'll hold on to 70 degrees in places like livermore. willie, back to you. i'm the meteorologist with the umbrella, making me look bad. >> couldn't juggle everything. from car repair to electrician. more women finding their life's calling in male dominated fields. that's right after this. also, get a free flight. you know that comes with a private island? really? no. it comes with a hat. see, airline credit cards promise flights for 25,000 miles, but... [ man ] there's never any seats for 25,000 miles. frustrating, isn't it? but that won't happen with the capital one venture card. you can book any airline, anytime. hey, i just said that.

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>> "today's" working woman brought to you by mcdonald's. i'm lovin' it. back at 8:09 this morning on "today's" working woman, breaking down barriers. these days when you call a plumber or electrician, there's a greater chance a woman will be making the house call. as the economy rebounds opportunities for women in nontraditional fields will only grow. here is nbc's kevin tibbles. >> reporter: talk about a jill of all trades. after her first career laying tile, she became a mr. appliance

woman and was recently voted technician of the year. what can mrs. mr. appliance fix? >> refrigerators, washer, dryers, trash compacters, garbage disposal. any major appliance you put in your home. >> reporter: trina left a job in finance 15 years ago to do something a little more hands on with a lot more elbow grease. >> i was always curious as a kid and took things apart and put them bach together. >> reporter: these days many like trina are pursuing jobs traditionally thought to be for men. >> you could tear this apart and put it back together. >> i could if i needed to. >> reporter: now with women making up to 60% of the workforce, it's no surprise more of them are out there getting their hands dirty. >> women are called upon to leave their homes and take jobs. >> reporter: it wasn't that long ago during the second world war that rosie the riveter inspired

many to enter the trades. today 10 million making their mark in trades, construction, maintenance. many receive their training here, chicago women in trades. >> i like the hands on. i can't wait to see the end results, so i can be like wow. >> experts say with the economy on the rebound, opportunities for women in the trades will only grow for women like tana and trina, getting dirty is all in a day's work. >> it's not graceful. it's not a female's field. i think we need to change that. >> reporter: as women break through the glass ceiling, they are also breaking barriers in a traditional man's world. one broken car or refrigerator at a time. for today, kevin tibbles, nbc news, evanston, illinois. >> a founder of a website supporting young women in their

careers. good morning. >> good morning. >> good to have you here. women entering construction, repair work, technology. is this due to the recession or is this due to the fact there really is a need for a change in the stereotype? >> i think it's a bit of both. you're definitely seeing more women opening up to the possibility of doing work that's traditionally being thought of as men's work. i do think it's the economy as well in terms of we're all vying for whatever opportunity is out there. one of the things we're seeing is women are quite differentiated in male industries because it's just sort of a delight to see a woman showing up at your door. there's a surprise factor in that, so you really get to stand out in a crowd as a woman working in a job traditionally in a male industry. >> there's certain advantages women have in these typically male dominated fields. we have different problem solving skills, more patient, more able to relate to women themselves in whatever that role is. how much when you're trying to break into that field, though,

are there still barriers for women who want to pursue careers. >> there is typical stereotypes and resistance. i think what i love about what you said is, women should bring the fact that they are a woman to male industries. we're not necessarily asking women to be just like men. these problem solving abilities, ability to empathize and communicate can work to your advantage in these industries. it's not all about being a man's man. it's the thinking and all that goes into being a great talent in this particular industry. >> on the flip side, seeing things happening with men, men typically more female stur i don't type roles. nursing, teaching. is that something we'll see more of and, again, is it related to the economy? >> it's related to both. it's a breakdown of stereotypes. absolutely, when the economy is tight like this, looking for every opportunity. as far as trades are concerned,

i think there is, you know a need for people, men and women to take on these kinds of trades and businesses. there's enormous opportunity there. >> how do you counsel as you do in your job, counsel people to pursue and explore opportunities they may think is outside the box for them. >> i really love, find a mentor. find someone working within this industry and strike up a conversation. learn about what it is to get into this industry. find a community of women or men, you know, who are doing this untraditional work. find out how they succeeded. >> goes without saying you've got to be passionate about it no matter what it is. >> at the end of the day it's that passion and perseverance that makes it work. >> nicole williams, thanks so much. i love that. coming up next, jenna bush hager, explore the beauty of the country's most spectacular natural habitats. that's right after this. ladies first. mmm. you know, pool's like mcdonald's spicy chicken mcbites.

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back with more of our special series, america the beautiful, cumberland island off the coast of georgia. jenna bush hager with a southern gem. >> this place has southern charm. used to be home to the steel family carnegie. as i learned on my visit there i've been pronouncing it wrong my entire life. according to the irish descent, it's carnegie. they left their mark everywhere. setting foot on cumberland island is like stepping back in time. on this barrier island in gorge you'll find 17 miles of windswept white beaches, soaring oaks with spanish moss and abundance of wildlife, steeped in history. >> it's a magical place, a

mosaic of history, incredible nature. you can come and have this experience to see what a barrier island would have looked like on the atlantic coast 2, 300 years ago. >> the original inhabitants of the island were native american who opened it for over 3,000 years. the most famous residents were the carnegie family who bought the land in the 1880s. the remains of their wealth visible today. in 1982, the carnegies turned over 80% of their land to the national park service. today about 300 people a day come here by ferry to take in its unique natural beauty and relish in its tranquility. >> for us it's been a fantastic way to unwind. the landscape amazing, the beach is pristine. >> since there are no cars on the island, visitors must either bike or hike to get around. where are you taking me down? during my visit i hit the trails

with park spinned mark boyle, first stop, retreat. tell me about these ruins. obviously it burned down. >> believed to be an act of arson. it was a tragic loss of a tremendous sculptural resource. >> why do you think people are still fascinated with this place? >> it's an important part of our history. of course, we wouldn't have skyscrapers and all of the things we know of today in our society if it wasn't for the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the carnegie family. it's a beautiful mansion. >> the carnegies have several homes on the island. plum orchard was one of them. >> wow. this isn't really a campground that i was expecting. >> no. it's a beautiful mansion built in 1898 as a wedding present for one of the carnegie children. >> a wedding present.

all i got was a blender. this is amazing. but it was another wedding that really put cumberland island on the map. the wedding of john f. kennedy, jr., and carolyn bessette. >> lifelong resident helped make their treasured day a private one. >> it was very touching, because he looked everywhere for a place he could have his privacy and he said would like to get married on cumberland and we made it happen. >> what do you think it says about him he found this place so manual cal. >> he loved kayaking, being on the beach, clamming, oystering. it was everything he could do and just have the freedom of being on this island. >> it is that kind of freedom that makes her childhood

perfect. >> i had a wonderful grandmother. we watched sea turtles come in and lay their eggs. as children we were shoved out the door and we made it our playground. i think all of us are so creative from that. >> that creativity inspired go-go to start her own business. >> i went to art school and decided i was going to start a business designing jewelry from nature. so it's all rattlesnake ribs. anything i find hiking around. i'm always looking down because that's what she told us to do. you can't walk along the tide line without looking at something special. >> and special it is, like the wild horses that run freely on this island, this is the place full of mystique and unbridled beauty, a unique oasis that's become an inspiration to generations of residents and visitors alike. >> accommodations are scarce.

only one hotel, so most people camp out. >> carnegie. >> are you going to make fun of me? >> i'm still calling it carnegie hall. >> it's the fourth of july. let's be nice to each other. >> fair enough. happy 4th. >> here's natalie. >> to a new exhibit in washington, d.c. featuring an iconic look at faces we're used to seeing in black and white. photographs from the '40s. >> reporter: the subject poses, the camera snaps and the moment frozen in time. the photographs in this show gently tug is back to simpler times. it's the color used in these images that gives us new insight from an era when color photography was a rarity. >> seeing a black and white photograph doesn't necessarily give you the sense that you've had a one to one experience with the person. seeing them in color sort of brings them into your world and

perhaps you into theirs. >> this 1944 pose of lucille ball, her red hair contrasted against a feathery pink hat, her gaze focused beyond the lens. long before she became lucy ricardo. laurel and hardy were known for their legion of black and white film comedies, even in color hapless laurel can't escape the sar do nottic side long glance of oliver hardy. >> well, darling. >> movie star irene dunn, known in part for her films with convertry grant, black gloves and a veil, a bygone era. people only knew dwight eisenhower from black and white

footage. this post photo in 1945 shows a lighter side, a beaming ike in his khaki uniform set against the stars and stripes. >> good night, folks. >> in front of a teal background, jimmy durante and his famous schnozz. >> louis armstrong, almost makes us hear the notes pouring out of his trumpet. >> color does bring them right into the present day. right here with us now. the color as fresh as the day it was made. >> the color of a generation now taking all of us back in time. for "today," tom costello, nbc news, washington. >> beautiful photographs. runs until september 9th at the national photograph gallery. a patriotic picnic after news and weather.

good independence day to you. two people are under arrest in connection with a suspicious four-alarm fire that destroyed four homes and displaced ten people in san francisco. a woman was arrested late tuesday morning just hours after a 55-year-old man was arrested in the city's bay view district. both suspects face arson charges. no one was injured in the fire, but one home is destroyed and three are badly damaged. so far no word on the estimated costs of all that damage. time to check the forecast with meteorologist christina loren. >> happy fourth of july. temperatures today are going to be on the warm side inland. san jose, 88 degrees, but take a look at some of your coastal numbers. san francisco, 75, 80 in santa cruz, perfect for a beach

barbecue. as we head through tonight, staying mostly clear at 9:00 p.m. when the fireworks start to shoot off into the sky, 62 degrees in san francisco. temperatures will level off as we head into the upcoming weekend, holding on to summer-like weather, not too hot, though. >> not too hot. very nice. for latest traffic and news, check out nbc bay area on facebook. good morning! wow.

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8:30 now on this wednesday morning the fourth of july, 2012. getting our plaza crowd in the holiday spirit with patriotic music from u.s. air force ceremonial brass. this marks the 14th year in a row they graced us with their presence on the 4th. colonel lang, the new commander. nice to have you back here. >> we're so glad to be here. >> we're here celebrating the 4th, it's great to see how military bands have such a huge role. what is the role you see for them, all of our troops. >> our first and most important role, taking care of our troops, playing music at ceremonies. these guys, their normal mission is to play for final honors at arlington cemetery. they play over 1,000 funerals a year and do such a great job for military troops and families. >> where kat american public come out if not the fourth of

july, because it's good bands. >> all over the country, go to our website and find out about all of our performances tonight. tonight we have a great performance at the air force memorial at 8:00. throughout the summer playing all over washington, d.c. throughout the year we tour across the nation on behalf of the air force, just represent all the airmen serving so proudly. >> colonel lang and u.s. air force ceremonial brass. thank you so much for honoring us with your presence today. >> happy fourth of july. thank you, guys. of course, the fourth of july is a day for two things, celebrating patriotism and, of course, celebrating with friends and family as well. coming up, some great ideas for last-minute recipes if you really want a memorable holiday bash. >> absolutely. also ahead a moving story of a priest to changed the lives of an entire generation of college students at one massachusetts school. his mission, to integrate his college campus. in the process he recruited everyone from a future supreme

court justice to super bowl champion. then if you are on a little bit of a budget this summer, which most of us are, have you ever wanted to travel the world but not pay a dime for it? >> i prefer traveling on an expense account. >> yes. i'm more of pauper in prince. a tip for how they were able to travel the world but not spending a lot doing it. >> doing a lot of odd-jobs. >> a lot of odd-jobs. first a check of the weather once again from stephanie abrams in for al this week. >> okay. not only celebrating independence but also birthdays. we have twins here sam and sarah. are you riding anything under that hat? nothing. what's it feel like to be double digits now. do you feel old? >> weird. >> weird. double digits. just wait until you hit your 30s. let's have a look at the forecast across the country and who you that is going to be hot. we could see storms but storms will wane throughout the day. here is a look at the forecast

as we to the eveninghours. all of the storms will be scattered and isolated in happy fourth of july. temperatures today are going to be on the warm side inland. san jose 88 degrees. but take a look at some of your coastal numbers. san francisco, 75, 80 in santa cruz, perfect for a beach barbecue. as we head through tonight, staying mostly clear at 9:00 p.m. when the fireworks s.t.a.r.start to shoot off, 62. temperatures level off for the upcoming weekend. >> this couple getting married at central park, congratulations give them love. if you're getting married today or any other day, weather.com is where you can find your wedding forecast. willie, did it rain on your wedding day? >> no, it did not but i didn't get married on the fourth of july. good choice, guys. coming up next, a priest who

made it his personal mission to change the culture at one college. but first, this is "today" on nbc.

back now at 8:37. our nation's colleges are filled with students of every race, creed and color. in the book "fraternity" author diane brady reminds us things were different. craig melvin, good morning. >> good morning to you, natalie. the book traces the story of a priest and his revolutionary recruitment of a stellar class of black men to a small new england college. a group that included several attorneys, a super bowl champ, pulitzer prize winner and supreme court justice. we sat down with father brooks for what turned out to be his last television interview. he died monday at the age of 88. in many ways this book turns out to be a testament to his life's

work. father john brooks vividly remembered what many are saying about his idea to integrate the prestigious college of the holy cross. >> i thought it was absolutely ridiculous at first. why are you bringing them in? they are not offering you anything. they are not going to help the school at all. they were reflective of the racial attitudes that were fairly consistent in the united states. >> that we as a people will get to the promise land. >> in 1968, just months after dr. martin luther king, jr., was killed and riots erupted around the country, the 44-year-old dean of students hopped in his white pontiac gto and headed to america's inner cities with full scholarships in hand. he was intent on fulfilling his mission at the nearly all white catholic university in wooster, massachusetts. >> it was a moral obligation. a needy saw for african-american students who if they didn't get

this opportunity could be badly deprived. >> in detroit he found a star basketball player. in washington, d.c., a self-described studious mama's boy named ted wells. in new york city eddie jenkins, football standout who saw the cross as an opportunity and obligation. >> there was a war going on and there was a war in the streets. we felt that it was time for us to stake our claim. we didn't just want to come in and get a degree and join middle class america, we wanted to basically build a new nation. >> reporter: at first some of the young men were skeptical about brooks idea. >> historically black colleges gave great education to our young people. great schools to go to. you don't have to go to this ivy league white school in boston. >> reporter: they knew full well what was ahead of them. >> there were a number that had no interest in getting to know us. >> reporter: nonetheless they accepted scholarships and started working on gaining acceptance. >> we did not want to be treated like minorities.

we wanted to have an equal presence, a presence where we did not have to give up our identity. >> they started by forming one of the country's first black student unions. >> a group of brothers who wanted to be with each other, come together with a strategy of the bible. >> reporter: they lobbied for more black students and professors with diverse curriculum and for solidarity's sake. >> ted wells and myself, we were a few rooms past the bathroom. >> they pushed for all black hall in the white dorms. many saw it as self-segregation. it also surprised father brooks. >> i thought it was a stupid idea. the more i listened, it became clearer and clearer to me, they simply needed this kind of time together. >> reporter: the men would get together weekly at black student union meetings. >> holy cross has been good to me and for me. >> reporter: supreme court justice clarence thomas also attended holy cross during that

time. >> it is i who owe the debt of eternal gratitude. >> reporter: during bse, they would argue passionately about everything from race to history's most brilliant black intellectuals, philosophical differences that exist today. >> the arguments we had at 18, we continue to have at 60. i see the world very differently than he sees the world. with that said, there's a bond between everybody who went to holy cross during that period and father brooks is a big part of that. >> for many of the 20 men he recruited and the greater holy cross community brooks, who was there for life's marquis moments, the vatican trained priest served as president emeritus where women are 53% of the former all male student body and minority students are a quarter of the freshman class. father brooks continued to push for change into his 80s. >> we should continually be searching for academically

strong black students to come here and to engage in a strong curricul curriculum. >> like that trailblazing class of 1972. eddie jenkins went on to play for the undefeated miami dolphins. stan grayson became a wall street executive, former deputy mayor of new york city. ted wells is one of america's most prominent trial lawyers. >> we developed our sense of confidence and our sense of leadership. and the things we learned at holy cross really resulted in our being successful. >> father brooks was teaching a seminar at holy cross as recently as this past school year. he will be buried next monday, of course, on the campus of holy cross where he spent so many decades working on behalf of the students. the men he recruited said they were sattened by his death but grateful for the impact he had and in their lives. natalie. >> what a great honor for you to

have the opportunity to probably get one of his last interviews. >> such a remarkable man. what's just as remarkable is the strength of the bond that he managed to maintain with all those students for all these years. >> such an impact on them. craig melvin, great story. thank you so much. to see more of our interview with father brooks and read an excerpt from the book, head to today.com. still ahead how to travel the word for free. we're going to meet a man who said he did and you can, too. first, this is "today" on nbc.

today's american story with bob dotson comes from a little town with a big fourth of july parade. today we'll pass by something special, a huge thank you to neighbors who helped save a life.

>> reporter: bussey, iowa, may make you homesick for a place you've probably never been. just 422 people live here. but this small town has made a big difference in don's life. >> the whole community helped me raise my kids because i had my hands full being a single dad. >> he was in in a terrible accident when his car flipped off and he lay hidden in the under brush for 16 hours. he could not call out or call for help. he had broken his back, neck, and most of the bones in his face. >> i thought if all i could do was stand up, i could live with that. >> reporter: doctors said he would never walk. >> reporter: his dad remembers. >> if i can't get relief, i'm

going to kill myself. you remember that, don't you? >> reporter: the town offered to look after todd, while he tried to prove the doctors wrong. >> they believed in me. that means a lot to me. >> reporter: he decided to take art classes with some of the money towns people donated to help him design a new life. >> you have to kind of reinvent yourself and go along with what capabilities you have and do the best you can. >> reporter: the man who struggled to stand for 18 years now dangles from a cherry picker two stories tall. he's painting a picture of all those people who pitched in when he needed them most. >> looks like me.

>> reporter: his father frank, of course, and son luke. luke just graduated from college with the town's help. that's why todd has no problem depicting neighbors not just as they are but as they would like to be. >> my hair looks gray. you have to do something about this. >> say hello to aunt pauline. life has taken todd to such a dark place, perhaps it is easier for him to see beauty. >> why do you suppose something so beautiful grew out of the worst day of your life. >> that's what everything looks like to me now. everything is beautiful. >> reporter: the fellow with nine steel plates in his body and a fractured fifth vertebra has been painting this gift for 10 painful months. >> the more pain you have, the greater the pleasures are in life. they are sweeter.

>> but he started having second thoughts when his body began to feel like a wasps nest. >> todd, are you done? >> oh, almost. we still have little things to finish up. clean up drips, pick up your paint, grab a brush. >> reporter: he is now, like tom sawyer, he talked these kids into helping him finish. >> never knew how to until he took time to show me. >> everybody is worried they are not an artist, but most of the time i just make it up as i go. >> reporter: as he did with one last touch-up after elmer bussey stopped by to show him the color of a dead soldier's hat. elmer's brother james died in combat during world war ii. >> this kid has done more to bring the memory of my brother to history than i ever did.

>> that's a pretty good feeling. i feel like he deserved that. >> reporter: the power of a picture is in the mind of the beholder. >> i tried to join the national guard when i was younger. but since i had had a broken neck, they wouldn't accept me. i felt it was my duty to serve. >> reporter: the best he could. >> i'm never satisfied. >> reporter: in todd's mural, you see america that was, and in this place still is. for "today," bob dotson, nbc news, with an american story in bussey, iowa. >> a great american story on this fourth of july. we are back in a moment with "today" on nbc.

>> announcer: "today's" kitchen is brought to you by jif. jif, number one choice of choosy moms. >> back now at 8:52. this morning on "today's" kitchen, what's on the menu, creative last-minute gift ideas for fourth of july celebration. executive director of food for martha stewart and host of "mad hungry" on the hallmark channel. good morning.

>> good morning. happy 4th to you. >> happy 4th as well. a lot of people looking in their refrigerator saying, what am i going to do. got a plan. >> within an hour at any grocery store. along with shrimp prls. >> i love the idea of shrimp rolls. >> did you know shrimp is america's favorite seafood. you won't believe this when i tell you we eat twice as much shrimp as tuna. factoid. >> perfect. >> a little mayonnaise. lemon juice. important to give mayonnaise zest, zest of two lemons and tarragon. do you want to put in scallion. a little punch without being too oniony. that's as easy as it gets. >> no time. >> a pound and a half of shrimp. >> cooked or boiled? >> cooked. here is the scoop. most fish are frozen, don't worry about getting it in the

back, defrost and there's your salad. >> cheaper, too. >> like a lobster roll but just a little bit not so fancy. >> make sure the mayonnaise, put in an area where it's cool. >> especially now. we're doing it last minute so we'll be fine. here we have rolls we toasted a little bit. all we do, if you want to put a little bit -- let's get it on here. i know you want to dig in natalie. >> that's delicious. you know me, i do. >> over here. all you do is get a little bit of celery. >> potato salads, finger lings, cut them in half. while they are warm add olive oil and vinegar. that way the potato soaks up tanni tangy flavor. in this water crest, celery, bacon. >> no mayo. >> no mayo.

>> just olive oil. >> nice to mix-up flavors. >> mayo in the shrimp salad there. >> dump it in there. i love the watercress, kind of like the green salad part of the potato salad. mix that up. >> you want it chunky. >> you like it chunky. that's the way i like it. it's a new take on potato salad. a little bit of salt. >> i'm making it here. >> here is the spread. if you want to go beyond your beautiful shrimp rolls and potato salad. this is a cape coder with cucumber. >> now we're talking. >> without the alcohol for kids. >> cade coder. >> there you go. >> thank you. >> happy 4th. this is cranberry juice. >> lemonade. >> a little vodka if you want and cucumber juice we've infused with sugar. this is cake. >> do you want some? >> before the shrimp roll?

>> thanks so much. happy 4th. >> happy fourth of july. just ahead, steals and deals. exclusive discounts. after your local news. 8:56. i'm laura garcia-cannon with breaking news on the san francisco waterfront where a body has been spotted in the water between fulsome and howard. right now the coast guard is working to remove body and the medical examiner is en route to the scene. we have a crew on the way to the scene. we'll bring you more information as we get it. now for a look at weather, here's christina. >> happy fourth of july. temperatures today are going to be on the warm side inland. san jose 88 degrees, but take a look at some of your coastal numbers. san francisco, 75.

80 in santa cruz, perfect for a beach barbecue. as we head through tonight, staying mostly clear at 9:00 p.m. when the fireworks start to shoot off into the sky, 62 degrees in san francisco. temperatures will level off as we head to the upcoming weekend. holding on to summer-like weather.

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♪ ♪ back now with more of "today" on wednesday. as can you tell by the music, fourth of july, 2012, united states air force brass been here all morning helping us celebrate

and entertaining our crowd. great way to kick off independence day holiday here on the plaza. i'm natalie morales along with lovely and charming willie geist. >> what you can't see at home, natalie just conducted. >> i'm an air force brat so that song does something to me. >> rain flowing through, fireworks. >> getting ready. coming up, steals and deals, our july 4th edition, we're going patriotic. here with up to 70% on jewelry, leather, travel bags, pastamakers and other great items all at exclusively great prices for you, our "today" viewer. >> that sounds like a good deal. i've got another good deal. how about traveling the world for free. >> better deal. >> we'll meet a guy who did it by taking on odd-jobs along the way to pay for the journey.

wait until you hear what the guy did. >> later, if you find yourself suddenly in the spirit for throwing a backyard bash, we'll help you out. we've got food and drink ideas, patriotic decorations, last-minute ideas for today's holiday. first let's get a check of the news again from thomas roberts over at the news desk. good morning, tom. >> good morning, everybody. in much of the u.s., searing heat and misery across the atlantic with a million people with the heat on and power off, nbc's tom costello in the nation's capital with more for us. tom, good morning. >> thomas, good morning to you. this is still the scene as so much of maryland d.c. and virginia where we have massive trees down, cars crushed, power lines, telephone lines, cable line down as we're in day five following this storm that came through friday night. the latest numbers we have, 850,000 people in a seven-state

area as well as d.c. without power. that's an improvement over yesterday when one and a quarter million people were without power. last night in washington, more lightning and more severe weather. >> severe weather is approaching the capital. you are instructed to leave the area. >> late tuesday night another blow from mother nature. at the nation's capital a thunderstorm forced the evacuation of the dress rehearsal for tonight's capital 4th celebration. one more gut punch for a region on its heels buried under downed trees, dodging precarious power lines and sweltering in triple digit heat without power or air conditioning. so jimmy and corey, like many neighbors have retreated to their basement with their grandkids. >> much cooler down here. >> five days after the storm, the electric grid is still so damaged, it could take until the weekend before everyone gets

power. >> can you wait until friday at 11:00 p.m. for power? >> no, but you have to. >> even before the storm, the biggest power come in washington pepco was under intense strut any for a pattern. extends triple digits from the plains, atlantic, gulf coast to the great lakes. in wisconsin it caused highway 29 to buckle sending this suv flying. extreme temps on this july 4th and the massive cleanup still well under way. believe it or not, two people in that suv came away with just minor injuries but complained of neck and also some back injuries. health experts across the mid-atlantic urging people, please check on neighbors who may be elderly or sick because they are especially vulnerable in this kind of heat if they have no electricity or air conditioning. tom, ba to you. >> tributes this morning for beloved actor andy griffith who passed away tuesday in north carolina, in a career that

spanned half a century, best known as sheriff of fictional mayberry on andy griffith show. ron howard says he shaped his life and he's forever grateful. president obama called him an extraordinary talent. andy griffith was 86 years old. a new wildfire in the west to talk about. this one in palmdale, broke out overnight, spread to hundreds of acres before being brought under control. meantime air force tanker planes being used to fight the worst wildfires in decades. they had been temporarily grounded over the weekend when a tanker plane crashed and killed four members in south dakota. first for olympics today. south africa's olympic committee picked double amputee to be on his country's relay team in the olympics. he'll be the first amputee athlete to compete in the olympics. part of the national oceanic and atmospheric administration

declared mer maids don't exist, no evidence of aquatic humanoids has been found, just in case you're wondering out there, all the ariel fans. an orchestra in madrid performed a w a different percussion instrument, a manuel typewriter in a bowtie doing more than the old hunt and peck. percussion instrument, a manuel typewriter in a bowtie doing more than the old hunt and peck. percussion instrument, a manuel typewriter in a bowtie doing more than the old hunt and peck. percussion instrument, a manuel typewriter in a bowtie doing more than the old hunt and peck. > a little more extravagant than dolly parton playing her nails. it's featured on youtube. 9:06, back to stephanie with a check of the weather. >> announcer: "today's" weather brought to you by international delight gourmet coffee creamer. >> patrick, i'm hiding alongside

heroes. thank you for your service, i appreciate it. those of you watching at home and of course your families as well. i've been telling you -- >> why are you telling him to move. come on. i want you to be by me. go to maps here and show you what we're dealing with on fourth of july. it's a hot one. heat indexes above 100. is it ever too hot to play your instruments? no. never too hot. he's tough. here in chicago, above 100 for you, above 100 in minneapolis. in the northeast not as hot. we're also getting cooled off by some of these storms. good news as we've got another warm day on tap for you with temperatures rising into the mid to upper 80s even in places like redwood city and los gatos, 87 in los gatos, 88 degrees in san jose and a couple 90s back on the temperature map in fairfield, gilroy, and altima den valley. overall running about 5 to 10 degrees warmer than yesterday in

some bay area cities. the good news is tonight at 9:00 you'll hold on to temperatures like 70 degrees in places like livermore. >> can you give me back into natalie, a little something on the drums. >> perfect music for our steals and deals. stephanie, thank you. time for another edition of jill's steals and deals. deeply discounted prices exclusively for you our "today" show viewers. jill martin is back once again with great offers. jill, good morning. >> good morning. >> let's get right to them. show people how it works, easy to do. >> go onto today.com right now. all these offers will be there. we'll link you to retailers website, up to 80% off. if you want something, go on today. a lot of people shopping. i got a lot of tweets.

>> they are clapping for on the plaza. >> thank you. i think it's for the band. get started here first with beautiful french caftan by stacy wu, great summer coverups. retail $175. macrame caftan, five colors, see all the colors here, made with ecofriendly fiber, go from the beach to summer bash. one size fits most. they are supposed to fit loose or belt them. sold at anthropology, retail $175, deal $39. that's 80% off. >> beautiful. love the colors, too. this is going to be a big hit. you rarely see this at a discount. >> retail $164. kit includes clarifies, hydrolotion, omega 3com plex.

fans call it liquid gold, skin's moisture levels, big fans. regular $164, $49. liquid gold but not the price of gold. >> next great travel bags, leather bags for cape cod, perfect for the weekend getaway going away for the 4th. >> depends where you're going but weekend bags that retail $283, pockets all over the place. the leather handle wrap is adjustable and strap is removable. black and tan shown here. holds a weekend's worth of clothing. depends who you are going away. retails $283, deal $85. that's 70% off. >> gorgeous, sturdy leather that's going to wear well. okay. i love these. i'm already loading up on my

bracelets here. jewelry this morning, bracelets by danielle stephens. can you personalize them and get somebody's initials on there. >> great gift, great to layer for the beach, retail $88. each with 12 carat gold plated disk that can have initials. four color combos. retail $88, deal $26. that's 70% off. i love it. >> love it. okay. now, if you're one of those who say you always want to make your own pasta, we've got that option for you. a pasta machine. i've always said i want to make my own pasta. >> i can make toast and you can make pasta. great for foodies, $70, the pasta machine. hand cranks, chrome steel construction. a little room here. additional shapes like ravioli.

the attachment helps make fettucine and perfect lasagna. retail is $70. the deal is $19.99. that's 71% off. >> that's amazing. all right. jill martin, thank you so much. let's recap our steals and deals. products are the staci woo caftan, sonia dakar, cape cod bag, bracelets and pasta machine. any questions on steals and deals, head to our website, todayshow.com. there's a deal for you, around the world for free. what did you buy with all the sales? right after this. ever year, sopi use the points we earn with our citi thankyou card for a relaxing vacation. ♪ sometimes, we go for a ride in the park. maybe do a little sightseeing. or, get some fresh air.

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this morning on "today's" travel, forget about traveling on a dime, how about seeing the world without spending a single cent of your own money. that's what journalist, comedian and documentary filmmaker has done. traveled 150 days covering 25,000 miles from europe to antartica doing odd-jobs to pay for the trip. his book and documentary series called how to travel the world for nothing. good morning. >> good morning. >> the first question everyone wants to know is why. why would you do this? >> why? i wanted to see antartica, special place, excluded. it's very expensive to go there. if you book a cruise ship, $10,000. i want to see the place, my childhood dream, i don't have the money, let's try to do it for free. >> you did travel what credit card over the course of the

trip. were you ever tempted to use it? >> food and travel for free. if i was stuck in a situation, i offered certain services on the street like pillow fighting. look, if you want to pillow fight me, give me a dollar. >> let's take the pillow fighting. you're on the streets of san francisco. how do you propose to a stranger, i will pillow fight you for a dollar. how does that work? >> i had a big sign, pillow fighting for a dollar. i had two pillows from the people who hosted me. look, what do you offer? so okay, i want to do this. i want to pillow fight you for a dollar. it's nothing. >> a dollar a minute. how much did you make at the end of the pillow fighting. >> in san francisco, $300. >> which gets awe plane ticket to the next place. >> to costa rica. >> another job, a hill helper also in san francisco. >> hill helper, the hills are steep in san francisco. i thought i'll offer a service of pushing people up a hill

since it was warm and people were tired. yes, it worked for a dollar i helped them up the hill. >> a dollar for the hill helper. >> human sofa, this sounds demeaning. >> human sofa happened in las vegas. it was hot. more than 100 degrees. i thought people want to rest, sit on my back, the pillow on my back, people sit down and relax a minute and chip in a dollar. >> a dollar around the world. how about eating? how did you get through day to day? i know there were days you didn't eat. >> the easiest way to get food, i was going into a store or restaurant, look, i'm trying to travel the world for free, would you mind giving me a sandwich. i offered something in return. i offered something in return. at least a funny story. i can do dishes, sort out the shelf, wash the floor. when people heard i don't want to take something, i also want to give something, it was quite easy. four out of five restaurants and

shops in these 11 countries always gave me something. >> the next question, how did you get from place to place. i know you started hitchhiking, to get to antartica, that's going to cost you. >> i was hitchhiking. i went by foot. people gave me a bike at one stage. tie a bike partly across the united states. i worked on a cargo ship across the atlantic for free, free travel for working on the cargo ship. the final piece from argentina to antartica i worked for the expedition leader on a luxury cruise ship. i was the guy helping the tourists, doing all this, so i got a free trip for the final part. >> working on the love boat. i love it. what about moments along the way? there must have been many of them where you said, this is not worth it. i'm not doing this anymore. did you have those? >> yes, like i said, in las vegas, it was very difficult to get free accommodation. i couldn't drink tap water. it had a lot of chlorine.

i was in a difficult situation but i found solutions. with the drinking, i got a cup from a fast-food restaurant and i got free refills. >> free refills. so 11 countries, four continents. how do you begin to pack for a trip like that. that's what i wan to know? >> before i left, i packed a lot. i had a tent, sleeping bag, obviously i had medical stuff, camera for filming. a lot of things, like more than 80 pounds. so i soon realized this is not good, 80 pounds. so i left a lot of stuff on the way. i had a lot of travel books on me and travel books are heavy. i reached antartica with no more than 25 to 30 pounds. i advise people if they want to travel or travel for free, don't take much. it doesn't help. >> would you recommend that to somebody? >> if you go by the barter system. offer something in return, even

if it's a funny service, i would say yes. >> a pillow. >> always need a pillow, you're right. >> the book is "how to travel the world for free." michael, thank you very much. glad you're back safely. last minute ideas for a patriotic party but first these messages. what makes the sleep number store different? you walk into a conventional mattress store, it's really not about you. they say, "well, if you wanted a firm bed you can lie on one of those. we provide the exact individualization that your body needs. wow, that feels really good! once you experience it, there's no going back. and don't miss our special financing now through july 4th only. plus enjoy the lowest prices of the season on selected bed sets only at the sleep number store, where queen mattresses start at just $699. i feel likeo having that's normal. if you are not feeling like trying this on, that's not normal. activia helps with occasional irregularity when eaten 3 times a day. feeling regular to me was a new feeling...

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uh, it's ok. i've played a pilot before. coming up, the best things to buy at those fourth of july sales. >> millions of americans will be

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good morning to you. it's 9:26. i'm laura garcia-cannon. a body found in the water along san francisco's embarcardero has been taken away by the medical examiner. it was spotted this morning about 8:00 a.m. between fulsome and howard, very close to where a baseball fan disappeared nine days ago after a giants game. the family of vince marino spent the weekend posting flyers near pier 32 where he parked his car. police are only saying the body is a man, he was fully clothed. we'll continue to follow developments on this. a 3-year-old boy is fighting for his life and police are anxious to find four other children who could also be in danger. the 3-year-old was rushed to the hospital after a 911 call. investigators say the child had signs of physical abuse. police arrested his mother, stepfather, and babysitter. they want to find four other

children associated with that couple, 4-year-old paradise who suffers from epilepsy, 6-year-old antywane johnson, 7-year-old zaniyah and 16-year-old alayjah. >> we want to make sure we can verify that they are not harmed and have not suffered any type of physical abuse such as the 3-year-old. >> if you have any information about the whereabouts of any of the children, you are urged to call police. a convicted felon is back behind bars today after san francisco police found dozens of military-grade explosives in his home. 44-year-old jerry lopez is facing a long list of felonies, including possession of destructive devices. police acted on a tip to raid lopez's home in the mission district yesterday. when they got inside, they found more than 60 explosives including the ones you see here. neighbors were ordered to stay inside their homes while officers cleared that house. luckily, no one was hurt.

let's get a look at that forecast with christina. we've got another warm day on tap for you with temperatures rising into the mid to upper 80s even in places like redwood city and los gatos, 87 in los gatos, 88 degrees in san jose and a couple 90s back on the temperature map in fairfield, gilroy, and almaden valley. overall running about 5 to 10 degrees warmer than yesterday in some bay area cities. the good news is on the at 9:00 you're going to hold on to 70 degrees in places like liver more for the fireworks. >> thanks for joining us.

♪ ♪ >> have you heard we are having a dance party in the plaza. flo rida is stopping by for a great holiday week concert on friday. and then one week from friday, something for the country crowd as well. the zac brown band takes over the concert stage. for the whole list of concerts coming up, head to our website, today.com. i'm so looking forward to flo rida. >> i know you are.

>> we're excited. natalie morales, willie geist, thomas roberts helping us out on this fourth of july. we're talking sales. today is a day to get out and enjoy independence sales. sales open and sales across the board from beachwear to patio furniture. tell you where to find the best deals. >> all right. also if you're entertaining today, not too late, believe it or not, to start planning your party, even though we're on the fourth of july. show you how to whip up a patriotic party in a matter of hours without breaking a sweat. i've had an everything bagel taken from me this morning by the lovely stephanie abrams, ate a shrimp roll in my dressing room. but now because it's my segment coming up p. hot dogs wrapped in bacon coming up. >> ground beef. >> what can you do to make the best of your barbecue this fourth of july. >> i feel good. >> all right. but now let's meet a little girl

with a big passion for dancing. she was one of the eight acts eliminated from "america's got talent" semifinals last night. she is 6-year-old lilliana rose also known as lil star. good morning, lilliana, how are you? >> good. >> i know howie mandel, he loved your act. he thinks you're the next shirley temple. do you know who the shirley temple is? >> yes, do i. >> who is she? >> well. >> a great little actress, right? >> lilliana, what you do you want to do now. they said you're going to be a huge star. what's your next move? >> well, i'm gonna do a little dance move. >> what are we waiting for. >> let's see it, sweetie. >> do your dance for us. >> do your thing. >> go ahead. >> go for it. >> go ahead, girl.

>> wow. >> wow. [ applause ] >> she's got attitude. >> do you get nervous at all? >> no. >> not nervous at all? >> no. >> you're fantastic. >> you have a big future ahead of you. >> what did you say you wanted if you won the million dollar prize? what were you going to do? >> if i won a million dollars, i'd buy a tour bus. >> that would be good. we heard you say you wanted some headbands, a bunch of beautiful, colorful headbands and crowns and all of that. so you can add to this beautiful collection you have in your hair, all right? >> okay. >> lilliana rose, adorable. good luck to you and your future. >> okay. >> you're going to be a huge star. >> let's get a check of the weather right now. stephanie abrams is standing by for that. hey, stef. >> i met mary from michigan. michigan, you hold your hand up

like this and they will point out where you're from. >> right there. >> new cadet. >> for his service. the fourth of july, the heat goes on across much of the country with the exception of the east coast. as we head into the evening hours, of course watch fireworks over the hudson, right here o o nbc. >> happy fourth of july. temperatures today are going to be on the warm side inland. san jose 88 degrees, but take a look at some of your coastal numbers. san francisco, 75. 80 in santa cruz, perfect for a beach barbecue. as we head through tonight, staying mostly clear at 9:00 p.m. when the fireworks start to shoot off into the sky, 62 degrees in san francisco. temperatures will level off as we head to the upcoming weekend. holding on to summer-like weather.

>> willie, back down to you. >> stephanie, thanks very much. up next, once again those fourth of july sales, the best bargains for you. [ male announcer ] and now, another newtonism. never beat around the bush. you'll just squash the berries. new triple berry newtons. ♪ made with real fruit, 100% whole grain, and fiber. it's one unique cookie. i think we should see other people. in fact, i'm already seeing your best friend, justin.

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♪ you better shop around this morning on "today's" consumer, the fourth of july means barbecues, apple pie and, yes, sales. if you're looking for the best markdowns this independence day, style and beauty expert is here with us with deals you won't want to pass up. jen, good morning. >> good morning. >> fourth of july falls in the middle of the week this year. is that throwing off sales, you think snfr most sales started early, geared last weekend. today is the day to shop. there's still stuff in stores. what i love about july 4th sales, it's stuff you can do now. discounts may be bigger for labor day but stuff you won't use until next summer. you want to do home shopping first. then apparel, use shopittome.com. send brands in your size on sale. use technology. >> good to know. let's get started first with the

grill and great deals. barbecue essentials on sale. >> on sale. i love this for secures, pitch forks to get everything off. if you're having people over today and you notice you're missing something, you're in luck because everything is on sale up to 60% off. >> this is a great idea. >> i know. >> how perfect do s'mores turn out when you do it this way. >> mine never look like that. >> beachwear. >> best caftans, amazing scarves, tunics, up to 80% online. they are doing their big sample sale. if you're going away for the weekend the west of the summer, stock up. >> up to 80% off. >> you'll find it on the website. here t-shirts an essential, t-shirts starting at 10 bucks. >> 10 bucks at the gap, men, women, kids, styles, patterns.

stock up on t-shirts. >> sunscreen is the other item to stock up on. now is the time to buy and store it and use for the rest of the summer. >> sunscreen has gotten expensive. walgreen's.com has buy one get one free. all different brands, hawaiian tropics, coppertone. i'm a big fan of the spray. we got this at kmart, up to 60% off, men, women, kids. >> patio furniture specifically, now a good time to get the furniture for next year and years to come. >> and the rest of the summer. >> this is a members only site you can go on, sign up, up to 60% off, stuff you need for your lawn, lawn chairs, pillows. i'm obsessively shopping there all the time. good deals. great things to buy. >> thanks so much for shopping for us. coming up next, throwing together a fourth of july party

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this morning on happy fourth of july day, last minute ideas that will make that celebration sparkle. believe it or not it's not too late to arrange your fourth of july party. here to help us do that, editor-at-large for southern living. good to see you. is it really not too late? the clock is ticking. >> it is fixing. all these things you can pull off at the last minute. you can make all they things with things you have at home. >> start with the red, white, blue stable. >> made up of stuff we had. it didn't all match. we didn't have enough red plates or white plates so we threw them together and made a red, white, blue combination. >> a little mix and match. >> something refreshing, a watermelon cocktail.

thank you. cheers. >> we also made this vase out of rope. i can show you right here actually. we made this out of rope we had in the garage around a vase from a floral arrangement that was delivered, not a great vase and glued it together. place cards for the guest. it's a simple touch but makes your guests feel special. we just used paper lunch bags, cut them apart, use stamp and markers, tied them with string you have at home to put your guests names down. of course we want to make sure all of the guests have a good time after the dinner watching fireworks. what you really want to create is that special family moment so the families can have that moment together they will remember. some towels, blankets for your guests, ask them to kick off their shoes, put on flip flops. we packaged the sparklers again in grocery paper bag and prapd them up, too. >> how long to put all this together. >> just a few minutes. might take you a little while to

pull it together. use your imagination, walk around your kitchen, garage and grab things you have. we have this super red velvet blueberry -- so good. this is on the cover of southern living. >> patriotic and delicious. green on the fourth of july. can we do this? >> of course. this is inspired by nature. we're looking things in our home. i had a lot of greenery in the black yard. look around your garden and see what you have you want to show sk case. i had ferns. put them on the butcher block in my kitchen and centerpiece. a lot of people have a white tablecloth, that's the way to start. greet your guest with something refreshing. popsicles in wine glasses and poured prosecco. i have one to make for you. that's really refreshinging, there's nothing more summery than popsicle. >> popsicle and important prosecco over it. >> we picked our palette -- or

menu based on palette, beautiful green and white salad, sandwiches, helps you decide what to serve your guests as well once you have your inspiration. >> place cards. >> don't have to be crafty, just use imagination. we wrote names on metallic marker. >> here we go. >> the best for last. >> a popsicle in a glass, poured prosecco. >> get prosecco at any wine shop. >> absolutely. grocery store. the popsicle will melt a little bit, which is nice, makes it a little more delicious. have you a nice and refreshing drink for your guest. >> you drink it with the popsicle in there. >> or you can take it out and work on the popsicle a little bit. >> all in your home. >> all at home or maybe a quick run to the grocery store. >> not too late. >> that's right. >> thanks so much. >> thank you. >> when we come back, we're going to be barbecuing out on the plaza after this.

>> announcer: "today's" kitchen brought to you by hershey's s'mores. hershey brings you the s'mores, you make it special. this morning in "today's" kitchen, grillin' and chillin', sunny anderson host of the food network, cooking for real, goes beyond classic cookout fare, hot gaugs and hamburgers. i would say it's not the fourth of july if sunny isn't here. you've been here the last three or four. >> yes, and i enjoy it. i always have it here and have a great time. >> look at this. >> if i go to a cookout, guaranteed i'm going to have a burger and a hot dog. i'm showing my age here, i'm 37. growing up we used to watch the cosby show and they had this

mythical treat for theo when he did something good. it was called the bacon burger dog. there was no recipe so i thought i'd make up my own. we've got bratwurst. i put some beer and i'm poaching the bratwurst. >> what does the beer do for it. >> gives it that flavor. why do it with water when you can add good hoppy flavor. 15 or 20 minutes to cook completely. let them cool. some beach heef here. >> this is the tricky part. a little wooster shire sauce. >> salt and pepper. >> people scared at home, we're mixing a lot of things. >> this is the summertime ans r

answer. we'll be wrapping that with beef and pork. take a little bit of the beef here, grand chuck, nice and juicy, 20% fat, 80% beef. >> this whole thing is low fat. >> put your already poached dog on there and just start rolling. >> the trick is sar an rap so people don't have to feel nervous about trying to attempt this. there's a safety net. >> another safety next. >> fast on tv. get kitchen twice. each piece of bacon, tight it up into a knot. i've got one here already done. put that on the grill. get your hands dirt y, willie. so what we're going to do, i want you guys to give one a try. one other here. i'll try one for myself. >> i couldn't do it. >> before you beat into it. serve yourself, there's one right there. >> wow. >> after a bagel.

>> but for people that want to cook these, how long should they stay on the grill, don't take your eye off long. >> inside is already cooked. beef is to your liking. it's just getting that bacon done. everyone knows what bacon looks like good and crisp and charred. don't forget to cut off the twine. i'm convinced it tastes best when you pronounce it right. instead of bacon burger drawing. >> you have to say bacon burger dog. exactly. so take a bite of that and i'll show you how to do a grilled salad. >> i'm going to save my bite for the salad. >> here is my deal. i know for summertime everyone is grilling -- you like it? it's a meatfest and i'm a meat and potatoes chick. grill your vegetables, fruit. the question is what are you

going to do with it? put it on a plate? let's make a salad. i've got grilled romaine. salt and pepper and olive oil. what you do is grill up some corn, grill up some carrots, grill up some asparagus, the typical things you like to already grill. then you make a really easy vinegarette. let me show you what to do here. >> charring just so, kids running around, take you eye off for a second, how worried should you be? >> worried. a char should happen on romaine in a minute or two. put it over direct heat, don't walk away, get it done quick. this is something you can do the day before because the salad is excellent cold, hot, warm. >> dress it all up. >> grain dijon mustard, some sugar, olive oil, salt and pepper, applesi crider vinegar d

liquid smoke. >> you are liquid smoke. happy 4th to you.

good morning. it's 9:56. i'm marla tellez. if you're looking to light up the night with your own fireworks show for the fourth of july, there are only a few places you can do it without breaking the law. so-called safe and sane fireworks are on sale in 15 cities throughout the bay area

and santa cruz county. safe and sane fireworks do not fly and they don't explode. so think sparklers, fountains and smoke bombs. gilroy is the only city in santa clara county to allow them. >> vendor sells the fireworks here, so they pay a fee for the city to put an extra fire engine company on duty as well as 12 extra police officers, and the purpose is to patrol the streets for illegal fireworks. >> now, safe and sane fireworks can only be used in the city where they were bought and only in designated locations. well, there is a long list of ways to enjoy fireworks safely today. the san jose giants put on an extravaganza after tonight' game at municipal stadium. the independence day festival in redwood city kicks off in just a few minutes with a parade at marshall and winslow streets. fireworks begin there at 9:15

tonight. and in san francisco, you can listen to music while watching a fireworks display over the bay. that starts at 9:30 at pier 39. we do have plenty more ideas for how to spend your holiday on our website including a special section on free events for kids. just go to nbcbayarea.com and search 4th of july. let's take a look at that all-important fourth of july forecast with christina loren. >> another warm day on tap with temperatures rising into the mid to upper 80s even in places like redwood city and los gatos today, 87 in los gatos, 88 degrees in san jose and a couple 90s back on the temperature map in fairfield, gilroy, and almaden valley. overall running about 5 to 10 degrees warmer than yesterday in some bay area cities. the good news is tonight at 9:00 you'll hold on to temperatures like 70 degrees in places like livermore. so do something nice for it. chevron with techron. care for your car.

frk nbc news from nbc news, this is today, with kathie lee gifford and hoda kotb, from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. ♪ ♪ ♪

>> yeah! >> that, by the way, was the united states air force brass quintet! >> thank you, everybody, happy fourth of july, everybody, miss hoda woman. >> it is independence day. >> it is also wednesday wednesda wednesday. >> what are we drinking? >> apparently it is a peach sangria, what it's got to do with fourth of july. peaches. any excuse. >> that's good. cherries. you've outdone yourself. >> they served these on the

first fourth of july. they were big. >> it is the fourth of july which happens to fall on a wednesday, a little weird for a lot of people. >> it is fourth of july. >> it doesn't fall on a wednesday. >> exactly, like christmas doesn't. >> it's a weird fourth, middle of the week, when should they celebrate. we did a little survey. we didn't do it. someone else did it. >> evite did it. >> they said 60% hosted parties today. >> and 14% hosted parties last weekend a weekend. >> and only 10% next week because they missed it. >> the procrastinators. >> and 20% will celebrate on alternative days? when? thanksgiving? it's over. if it's not the other day and last weekend and not today and not this weekend, it's going to be weird on thursday, it just is, don't you think? >> yes. don't have a fourth of july celebration. >> a lot of people have those

big hot dog eating contests. for new yorkers it means the annual nathan's eating, down at coney island, that gags you. we have our own gag steres here today. yes. jimmy is on this side. >> we didn't think it was fair for just the two of them to compete. we wanted to play. >> we will join, too. >> we want to play, too. wait, we have to show. >> when? >> when we start. >> how will they know? they can't even see because the flags are blocking. >> don't be disrespectful to the flags. >> i'm not, just moving them gently. >> guys, one minute. >> we're going to show you ours. these are yours and these are ours. >> ah! >> i'm having mine with mustard. >> me, too. >> on your mark, get set, go! >> don't gag, don't gag.

>> i can't look, i can't look. >> this is delicious. >> i haven't eaten since breakfast. >> i can't watch. >> eat with your mouth full. >> don't gag seriously. i can't look. >> wait. >> swallow, swallow. >> no no keep going. >> we need the heinrich. >> sorry, mom. >> that's a kosher hot dog, it's okay. >> this is the longest minute ever. >> i'm on my second one, how about you? >> delicious. >> so cute and dainty. >> you haven't even had two yet, jimmy. >> i was joking. 9, 7, 6, 4. >> at least it's got to be two, jimmy. >> i'm on my third. >> this is my third. >> he has three in his hand.

how many you? >> 1 1/2. >> how many? >> one. it was delicious. >> my family is so proud, thank you. >> oh. i thought you were going to give -- yeah, he doesn't want my cd. nice, enjoy it. snuggle up with something cute with that, you know what i'm saying. >> they're so good. >> sometimes when i'm eating on tv i forget we're on tv. >> you get a little gross. i like it when you get gross. >> we will take a little quiz. >> once and for all how stupid we are. >> to give hope to people everywhere, even stupid people can get their own tv shows. really, it's an encouragement to everybody out there. >> betsy ross designed the first american flag. >> i will say -- >> the first? >> the one we ended up using. >> i don't think she did any of them. >> i'll say true.

>> i'll say false. the answer is false. betsy ross did not sew nor design the first flag. >> francis hopkins of new jersey one of the signers of the declaration of independence. that shows you, if you don't get stuff right early on, the internet gets stuff and gets going and you never know the truth. more florence. you want to play dirty, let's do it. >> true or false, in the 18 hundreds. you know when that was. >> i've been told by frank. go ahead. >> commercial advertisements were allowed to be printed on the american flag. >> that has to be false. i bet it's true. >> i'm going with true. >> [ bell rings ]. >> until 1905? >> you could advertise on the flag. >> that seems like defamation to me. >> american flags with only 13 stars are still considered official american flags. i will go with true because i know it's false. what's the answer?

tru true. >> you're hot today. >> 13 star flags have been in use since 1777. >> why? >> i don't know. >> the tiebreaker. true or false, there was no official way to place the stars on the american flag until the 1900s, i don't know. >> what are you saying, i will say the opposite. what's the answer? >> true. there was no official star placement until 1812. shall we do one last one? >> you're already beating me. >> this is a tie breakthrough. flag day is celebrated on june 14th. >> that's true. we just did it the other day. >> i will say false. >> true. >> what happened to your competitive spirit, 1 teeny-weeny hot dog, you turn into a wimp. >> jeff gave us the official information. >> happy fourth to you. >> this is one of those things, when you parents told you facts and myths, we will try to

deburngt frdebunk some popular myths. if a jellyfish stings you you should urinate on the wound. >> it actually says pee but you cleaned it up. >> jerry, have you ever peed on a jellyfish? >> it depends on where it bit me. >> he said it depends where it bit him. >> once my sister was somewhere and the waves were really big and start laughing and she goes, ah! this jellyfish goes right in her mouth and down the slick. that's funny, jerry? that's nice. >> can i tell you something? that happened when i was swimming with my family, don't go in there, too many jellyfish. i said, you guys are such wimps. i dove in and it went like this across my face. i screamed and pulled it off and got my arm and leg. >> did it sting you both places? >> everywhere.

>> did you pee on your arm and leg? kind of hard to do it. >> someone said rub sand on it and not great. >> you're supposed to get the dent capit tentacles off and pour vinegar on it which everybody has at the beach. but if you get the french fries with the vinegar, that's the thing to do. they say pee only soothes it. >> please don't say pee, don't say it. >> that's a myth. poison ivy is contagious, that is a myth. >> that is not true. if you rub against someone who has it, you won't get. i you have to touch the leaf itself. it's the oil from it. >> your body can't digest and it passes through your body untie guested. >> so what, they're tiny, watermelon seized. if you eat the whole one, it could be problematic. >> never scratch an insect bite.

that is true. could lead to infection. >> this is one all the parents say, stay out of the water until a half hour to digest your food. they say there are no documented cases to drowning or near drowning attributed to eating. >> wise that funny? >> ridiculous. >> frank always said all the time when the kids were -- wait half an hour. >> so if you were in a hotel room this holiday week -- >> this is good. >> be careful of some spots you may not be thinking about that are covered with germs, nasty. >> a new study from the university of houston shows tv remotes are among the most heavily bacteria and fecal matters in hotel rooms. >> you know why? nobody cleans those. why are you wiping down the remote? you know what i'm saying, they never get cleaned when the room gets cleaned, they sit there on the side table. >> don't do it. >> the lamp switch is another gross one. it never gets clean. >> people go to the bathroom but then go to bed and don't wash their hands, right? basically?

sorry. but i'm trying to be -- >> how about there's a phone in the bathroom? how about that phone? that phone probably never gets cleaned. >> don't use the phone in the toilet. >> unless you're expecting a call from your mommy, then you should. >> all right. that's the information. >> some of the highest levels were found on items from the housekeepers carts, like sponges and mops that cross contaminate. hopefully, you're having a really good time at your whatever, i was going to say the name -- probably shouldn't. no. the name of a line of motels. i won't do that. >> if you -- these are wacky summer festival, if you're traveling around looking for something crazy to do. wausau festival in wausau, florida, they have a possum festival in wausau, florida. >> they pay homage to the possum. why shouldn't they? because of its role as food source in the "great depression." they have a possum king and

queen pageant and possum hash. then a humongous fungus festivity. crystal falls, michigan, august 3rd through the 5th. >> it honors the largest mushroom but is actually underground and you can't see it. >> you have to trust it's under there. they eat mushroom dishes and compete in a strong man contest, hoda. >> the chicken festival in london, kentucky, the home of the very first established kentucky fried chicken restaurant. >> colonel sanders. there's a clucking competition and world famous chicken scratch. children dig through about 600 pounds of flour in search of cash. that would be -- can you imagine cleaning up your kid after that? >> that's not great. what's the next one? >> slug burger festival in corinth, mississippi, july 13th. >> a deep fried patty of beef and soy meal. >> i don't like your attitude with this. you're not even trying.

how about this gateline emphasis on it. >> the great texas mosquito festival. >> in klute, texas. >> but you already missed it. june 28th. we're talking about things over. >> why would you want to call mosquito -- >> let me say something. >> when you get all worked up -- jerry, i want to apologize. can we say one thing? we have a great country singer in the house. >> no, we don't. >> yes, we do. his name is kip moore, and he plays this song. they call him -- what is it - it -- ♪ >> bruce springsteen. >> he is such fun, we will have him sing for us later. >> i am so enjoying this. this is such a delightful summer drin drink. >> it's delicious, jerry.

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via skype. >> her character's name is fiona wallace, a therapist who has very little patience for her patients. >> i'm not going to stay with a man who takes a spin partner to a hotel room and then leaves her because it turns out she's not a man. >> sweetheart, that was a conspiracy. >> of course she was a turn on by me. i don't have a [ bleep ] >> wow, lisa. first, great to see you again. >> nice to be here. >> we were watching these, only three minutes long each gift or take. >> not really. >> the one with merrill went on and on. >> how do you cut meryl streep. thisent on by skype. >> are you drinking? be careful. that's our department. tell us about -- how does it work? how does it work. >> it's supposed to be on skype.

fiona doesn't see people in person. that's too uncomfortable. she really only wants to do three minute sessions because that's all that will sustain her attention. we also have meryl streep, a gay conversion therapist working on fiona's husband, kip, who's not officially gay. >> kind of. >> and he's running for congress, so he has to get straightened out. >> there is no script, right? this is a whole improv deal? >> the direction is the story? >> we have story arcs and we outline the stories. the actors come in and we improvise. >> magic. >> you told us before, our listeners would love to know how you got meryl streep to do web therapy. i love this story. >> i saw her and she said, i like that web therapy thing you do. you know, that's funny. how do you do it? i explained it.

if you ever want to do it -- i'd love to. understand, i really am going to e-mail you and set it up. yes. that's right! >> and how long did the whole thing take? >> half a day. it takes half a day. >> who are the other people. rosie o'donnell, david swimmer. >> allen cumming. >> allen cumming plays the bit of and victor plays the husband. >> it must be so much fun for them. improv is a ball. >> where can people see this if they want to watch this? >> it's on showtime this week, it just started. >> why are you treating us like two of your crazy people? >> am i? >> it's real life, missy. we're here. >> can you imagine? well, it's none of your business when it's on. >> you're very very funny. what are you going to be doing this summer for fun? anything? >> promoting this.

>> where are you going to have more fun than you're having right now? come on. >> nowhere. >> good luck with this, called "web therapy," a great star-studded cast. have fun, lisa kudrow. >> she's adorable. >> exactly. >> up next, those funny corky -- >> not again. >> photos that make you say, what the what? ♪ i'd like to thank eating right, whole grain, multigrain cheerios! my bowl, my spoons! mom, are those my jeans? [ female announcer ] people who choose more whole grain tend to weigh less than those who don't. multigrain cheerios has whole grain and 110 delicious calories. looking good never tasted so good. ...more grains. less you! multigrain cheerios ur eyes will do the talking. ...more grains. less you!

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it is time to look at those photos that make you say, what the what? >> since it's a good laugh, sara will get one. poking through photos for the most ridiculous ones. >> i can assure you you will like them. the first one is from becky greenley. do you notice anything? way over here. >> wow! >> that was taken at a zoo. >> one honking horse. >> i mean, that's d disproportionate. next, debbie submitted this photo of what looks like it's supposed to be an adorable photo of some kids. her daughter is the right one over here. this is what happened in the first scene, take two, cause and effect, back at you, babe! >> oh. >> isn't that sad? >> look at the one on the end. not me, i didn't do it. the daughter of the woman, she's so not having this. >> next up, a photo from bob morrison and a sign up from the

bench, no stopping or standing. >> anywhere. >> you can sit but don't stop to do it. >> take a running leap. >> exactly. >> the next one is from ashley, it's a storefront and it does leave you wondering, is that the best way -- she went inside and confirmed there is indeed more crap inside. >> that's great. >> i love that! >> patricia sent us this photo. i'm assuming this salon is for those us of that like a mess. i like this salon. >> is it in the city? >> yeah. >> wow. probably do a great job, too. is that it? >> that is it. >> thank you. >> send in your pictures for what the what? still ahead, how much do you know about america? we have a weekly trivia game. >> red, white and blue today. party in the usa. easy to serve cocktails for our fourth of july celebration. >> i need one because mine

broke. kip moore, he will perform live in the studio. ♪ ♪ [ female announcer ] for everything your face has to face. face it with puffs facial tissues. unlike the leading regular tissue, puffs has soft, air-fluffed pillows for 40% more cushiony thickness. so you can always put your best face forward. face every day with puffs softness. pleeeeeeeease... [ female announcer ] betty crocker fruit flavored snacks. pleeeeeeeease... less than 100 calories

and made with real fruit pleeeeeeeease... thanks mom! [ female announcer ] betty crocker fruit flavored snacks. it is 10:26 now. good morning. i'm marla tellez. well, two people are now under arrest in connection with a suspicious four-alarm fire that damaged four homes and displaced ten people in san francisco. police say a woman was arrested late tuesday morning just hours after a 55-year-old man was

arrested near the scene of this fire in san francisco. both suspects face arson charges. no one was hurt in this fire, but one is now destroyed and three more are badly damaged. so far no word on the estimated cost of all that damage. frustrated drivers, if you've ever wanted to give the dmv a piece of your mind, now's the chance. the california department of motor vehicles has opened a survey on its website. what services would you like to see at the dmv of the future? it's part of the department's vision 2015 initiative and customer ideas will be used to improve day-to-day office operations. the survey is available on the dmv's website through july 15th.

>> happy fourth of july. temperatures today are going to be on the warm side inland. san jose 88 degrees, but take a look at some of your coastal numbers. san francisco, 75. 80 in santa cruz, perfect for a beach barbecue. as we head through tonight, staying mostly clear at 9:00 p.m. when the fireworks start to shoot off into the sky, 62 degrees in san francisco. temperatures will level off as we head to the upcoming weekend. holding on to summer-like weather. not too hot. >> christina, thanks. we'll be back in another half hour with nbc bay area news at 11:00. christina will be live at the danville parade.

we're back on this fourth of july with more on "today." our weekly trivia game we call "who new"? our founding fathers signed the declaration of independence and we will test your knowledge of all things america. kathie lee is across the street at the nbc experience store and ready to hand out $100 to those who get the questions right and to those who don't, they get kathie lee's cd. who doesn't want that. here to help me is the author of "l "liberty lee's tail of end dense, t-a-i-l. how do you think we will do? >> i think we will have fun here. >> i don't. i've met them, you know what i'm

saying. this sweet gentleman from pennsylvania. true or false, the declaration of independence was signed by all the delegates on july fourth, 1746. >> false. >> how did you know that? a guess? >> it took a couple months to get everybody together. >> without any internet? >> yes. >> all right. he's a genius, there you go. >> so the answer is false. correct? right? >> well, actually the answer is false. no one signed the declaration on the fourth of july. it really wasn't signed until august 2nd. john hancock and everybody signed, the 56 signers signed on august 2nd or even a little bit later than that. >> good to know. back across to kath. >> lovely gentleman from bethesda, maryland, how much do americans spend on fireworks each year? >> a billion. >> no, no, no, mr. bethesda. enjoy. >> look what you get. >> all right. the correct answer, $650

million. that's a lot of dough. >> he's almost correct. it's 650 million that americans spend, but if we add on the national mall and the new york fireworks and all the fireworks that are public displays, it gets up to about a billion. >> it gets up there? >> give him the money, for god's sake. >> you give him the money. you're right. i'm going to give him the money. [ applause ] but now i need some money. thank you. all righty. you're from michigan. what caused the crack in the liberty bell? no cracks? cold weather, it came that way over use, it fell? >> it fell. >> but you're so cute from michigan and your family will love this. >> exactly. the correct answer here, overuse. >> overuse. it was used from 1752 on until 1846. when they were going to ring it for the anniversary of george washington's birthday, it had

that fatal crack and that's what did it. >> okay. back to kath. snow very nice lady from toronto. we don't expect you to know this. was known to play golf every fourth of july, geraldford, dwight eisenhower, bill clinton or regulatonald reagan. >> gerald ford. >> no. my husband played golf with him many times but here you go. >> the correct answer is -- >> dwight eisenhower. >> he loved golf and played 800 rounds while in office and built the first putting green, it got moved but still being used today by our presidents. >> very pretty lady from kansas, how many hot dogs will be consumed on the fourth of july? >> 200 million. >> she's only off by 50 million. >> this is a good day for kathie lee gifford.

150 million. >> it is national hot dog month by the way. 150 million. if you line those hot dogs up, it would go across from new york to l.a. five times. 150 million. >> we have time for one more. >> where are you from? >> new hampshire. >> okay. true or false, george washington was among the original group of men appointed to draft the declaration of independence. >> true? >> no. but i'll find a record somewhere for you. >> all right. the answer there, last one, false. >> george washington was not a delegate then. he had resigned to become commander in chief of the continental army at that time. he was not there for the signing. >> thank you for your help. that was a lot of fun. >> kathy lee will come back across the street. we will find out how makeup and beauty products made right here in the usa. right after this. sometimes, i feel like it's me against my hair.

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now on our special series, "made in america," makeup and beauty products born and bred right here in the homeland. >> style correspondent lilliana vazquez sorted through countless beauty products with a fine toothed comb to find the best ones made in the usa and has the

results. >> was it tough to find? >> you have to be committed. not like walking into your drugstore, this is here. no real section. use the web, use the 800 numbers and call these companies and have them tell you. if they don't know, they will e-mail you back with the information. >> these are compulsive lip tars. they are fantastic based in new york city 100% eco-friendly and vegan and you can custom blend your own lip color and doubles as a cheek stay in as well. >> love that. >> these are cute. >> do you know what they are? >> makeup appliers. >> yes. they're a sponge. this is beauty blender, 99% of the products are made in the usa. this is a cleaner and sponge. what makes the sponge so cool is the shape and gets into the contours of your face. i love that product. i don't put my makeup on without that. >> you don't? >> no. >> this is an rms product, a

luminizer, basically a highlighter, what you use on your cheekbones, brow of your lip and collarbone. it looks pretty in the summer when you're wearing stuff a little low cut and they made all their products with organic food quality products and you can actually eat that stuff. >> if you get hungry, you can eat it. >> who doesn't? >> this is 100% natural. only $4.99. >> it's fantastic. >> it's a fantastic product here and good budget buy. >> i love josie moran. these are her bare naked wipes perfect for removing your makeup at night if you don't feel like washing your face. they have aloe, kaca camil and vitamin e. i like these for the beach and wiping off the sweat. i love you guys!

talking about sun products, this is from philosophy, here comes the sun. >> amazing company and they do so much good. >> 100% of products made in the usa. i love them for being that committed to it. this is their self-tanner and sunscreen. don't forget sunscreen, not just when you're at the beach, use it every single day. >> i tell you over and over. >> i love the way they package things. that is beautiful. >> it's a gradual natural glow. >> sold! >> so lotion, castle massey has been around since 1752. president washington used their products in the white house. this is their body balm. >> he had beautiful skin, not leathery at all. >> kennedy used it, too, good looking. great to moisture. smell that. perfect. so this is also a good product made in the usa. >> smells like almond. >> yes. >> so nice. sham 35poo we love.

available at beauty.com. and ted gibson, volume and shine. i love it, you guys are getting moisturized. debra litman made in the usa. this is her run the world girls collection. this is made on the farm in vermont. this will put you to sleep and you will have a restful sleep. smell. it calms you, chamomile, lavender, sage. puts you to bed. right here! thank you, guys. >> what are we doing? >> we will dig up american house wears. first, something you will enjoy in america. >> red white and blue. >> cocktails! >> right after this for your fourth of july bash. needed to be done. that's how heroes talk. you see, strength isn't something you find in a gym. it's what you bring to the gym.

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new v8 v-fusion plus energy. we are back with today's creative cocktails.

what's a party without them? why not make it better with drinks easy to serve. >> life time maureen is here with picture perfect pitchers. >> she loved it so much, she was so excited! >> what are we making? >> pitcher drinks are perfect for fourth of july parties. they let the host enjoy the party and you don't have to play bartender the entire time and looks gorgeous. you have beautiful center pieces. we have a simple strawberry basil margarita. that's tequila. >> look at that tequila you're dumping in there. >> it's for a lot of people. >> allegedly. >> i will crumble this a little bit. crumble it right in there. this is a simple recipe from the kitchen.com. did we lose that? you can make the night before, which i love. make it the night before, it sits overnight and you have this. >> look at that. >> margaritas can be

sophisticated. they don't have to be very sweet or sour. i will give you this one with a straw so you can taste. >> mix and match our glassware. mixing it up is more fun. pick them up at vintage shops, garage sales. >> that is very refreshing. >> this is our white peach sangria. you will pour this bottle. this is a white peach club soda. four simple ingredients. bottle of moscato, seltzer, white peaches, ice, so simple. >> gets the party going. >> sodium free and calorie free. >> may i taste this to see if it's good on its own? >> you can try it. >> we're using moscato. >> you love that, right? >> yeah. it's refreshing. >> you can smell it, smell the white peaches in there. moscato is real popular right now. >> is it a wine?

>> from the northeastern region of italy. lightly splitzy and lightly sweet. >> that is perfect for a luncheon. >> lower in alcohol. you can do this at brunch or lunch. this is under $15. >> we made our blueberry lavender simple syrup from my garden, using what you have in the backyard, ice cubes using blueberries. >> look at the ice cubes. >> they're made with the blueberries. >> yeah. she got it. >> this is vodka also. s seltzer water and lime juice and simple syrup and the lime juice. perfect for the kids, your pregnant friends, designated drivers and everybody gets to have fun at the party. >> cute. thank you so much. >> delicious, delicious. when we come back, up and coming country music star, kip moore sings is hit.

the toyota concert series on "today." brought to you by toyota. >> kip moore is the name destined to be big on the country music scene. in 2004, he drove his truck to nashville carrying only a bag and his guitar. >> you forgot something, a dream. he released his debut cd called "up all night" and it's something about a truck and recently went platinum. congratulations. nice to meet you. you're a southern boy. >> not to point out there's so much heat. >> so much sexual tension, unbelievable. >> palpable. >> if a man and woman have it, they shouldn't fight. >> it i would 100% agree. >> did you think this song would

skyrocket like it did? >> i hoped but you never assume things are going to happen in nashville and music period. i always hoped and now it's finally happening. >> one reviewer said you are the hillbilly springsteen. great compliment. >> it is an amazing compliment. i have not done enough to deserve that. >> we will give you an opportunity to deserve it. >> i can do that. ♪ ♪ > ♪ ♪ going to sell my truck the farmer's trespass sign time to kill ♪ ♪ nobody going to get hurt tell me what's the big deal ♪ ♪ sell my truck in a farmer's sale ♪

♪ sell my beer, sitting on ice through a long hard day tastes just right ♪ ♪ on that tailgate on a summer night my beer sitting on ice ♪ ♪ saw my girl in a red sundress with a nice cold beer ♪ ♪ pressed against her lips in that farmer's sale ♪ ♪ something about a girl in a red sundress ♪ ♪ something about a kiss going to lead to more ♪ ♪ on that dropped tailgate behind the corner more than i ever felt before ♪ ♪ something about a kiss that's going to lead to more ♪

♪ something about a truck and a girl in a red sundress with an iced cold beer to her lips begging for another kiss ♪ ♪ there's something about you and me and the birds and the bees ♪ ♪ and lord have mercy ain't nothing like something about a truck ♪ ♪ something about a creek around 2:00 a.m. and a few of those beers ♪ ♪ you want to dive on in you don't need no clothes ♪ ♪ just hang them on leaves because something about a creek about 2:00 a.m. ♪ ♪ something about a truck in the field and a girl in a red sundress with an iced cold beer to her lips begging for another kiss ♪ ♪ something about you and me and the birds and the bees and lord have mercy ♪

♪ beautiful thing ain't nothing like something about a truck ♪ ♪ ain't nothing like something about a truck ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

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