♪ from nbc news, this is "today" with kathie lee gifford and hoda kotb, live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. >> hello, everybody. thirsty thursday, it's also wet and a little windy here. may 15th, new york city. probably may 15th where you are too. >> i would assume so. we're going to have fun today. we're doing this he said, she said segment with yankee -- former yankee great jorge posada and his wife laura. they're fun. >> they're lovely, lovely. plus how to get lots of free stuff. that's all anybody cares about anymore. and "ambush makeovers." okay. you had a big event last night. >> well, we -- it was an event honoring barbara walters who has

been in the business for as long as any of us can remember. she was gorgeous and stunning last night. and, again, she's stepping down from "the view" in her on-air capacity. it was funny seeing all the journalists over the years and each person who was influenced by her. >> everybody has a barbara story. >> she was a trailblazer who was probably just doing her job and didn't even realize she was blazing a trail. oh, that's me photobombing. like a total weirdo. >> i would have loved to have been there. >> and a couple of other cool photos this is meredith, savannah, megan and meredith was in rare form as usual. >> as usual. did she drop a few bombs of her own? >> of course, she did. we took this picture with robin and amy. and someone -- i didn't even realize this. but someone hashtagged survivors. and i realized -- oh, my god. >> all three of you. yeah. and i realized, oh, my gosh, >> everyone is a breast cancer survivor in that group. >> everyone looks great, that's the good news. >> we're going to "the view" tomorrow. >> we are. i couldn't come. we had a long-standing -- i rarely get to see my husband's daughter or son.

one of the sons lives with us, but i never get to see his daughter vicki, and she and her daughter rory had long planned to be at our house and only night i had with them. and i think barbara would understand that. but we'll be there for her tomorrow. >> barbara was also on "letterman" last night. because she's very busy. >> she's everywhere. yeah. >> a lot of barbara. we also were mentioned on "letterman." my mom told me about it. >> what is your mother doing up? >> she stays up and watches in case we get a shoutout. >> let's watch. >> french eat wonderfully rich food and they don't have cholesterol problems. everyone said oh, it's the red wine. that's why the french don't -- that's the red wine. it turns out that's a load of crap. >> oh. >> because drinking a lot of red wine is not healthy for you. and i thought, mm, all right, pulling the cork? what about some exercise there? is that a little something? somebody better tell these two because they got to knock off there, they're just always --

talk about a couple of lushes. >> i don't know. i don't know why that is so funny. >> it gets a laugh every time. >> by the way, the stuff i'm supposed to not talk about -- >> how does that feel? >> break a sweat. >> and a big hit, baby. we do have an update on the beyonce elevator saga. >> because we know you're just dying to know. >> the standard hotel, where this happened, they said they have identified the person who recorded the security camera footage. so i guess what the person did was they watched it on camera and used their phone and taped it. anyway, that person, they say, has been fired. "the new york post" is reporting that that person shopped the video around to try to get a buyer and they said tmz bought it for a quarter of a million dollars. >> but this is the great part. >> tell it. >> we reached out to tmz, and guess what? >> what? >> it's a first. they called us back! they told us the story is hilariously inaccurate. we don't know -- >> we don't know what that

means. >> i don't know. >> how much they paid? >> maybe that. the statement from the hotel said the standard has already terminated the individual and will be pursuing all available civil and criminal remedies. here is the thing. say this person got a nice fee, who knows, in terms of the value of it. they're going to -- after taxes, because everybody knows who this person is, and after paying legal fees, he's going to be in the unemployment line or she. we don't know if it is a man or a woman. "the new york daily news" who we have a brilliant column in it today -- >> only we forgot to show it. >> it is brilliant, by the way. i've come to see the wisdom of that. >> well, they do have a theory about the elevator fight. they say solange was angry because there was a designer named rachel roy -- i love her dresses, by the way. >> yeah. >> they say she was getting too close to jay-z at the met ball and rachel roy was married to jay-z's former business partner. anyway -- >> they were going to plan to go later on to rihanna's afterparty

and solange didn't want -- she wanted jay-z to go home. >> go home with his wife and baby. >> yeah. >> the ongoing theory is why is beyonce standing there while all the fisticuffs were happening? >> everybody's talking about it still, but the truth is -- >> well, beyonce posted a picture of herself with rihanna on instagram. she's not saying anything but she is saying something. >> she's making her statements. like yeah, you think that's the thing, trooz t thing, that's the truth? well, let me show you this. so she hasn't posted one yet of her and jay z. >> oh. nice observation. okay. anyway -- >> i was just going accord to your theory. >> all right, we have news about lil' kim. and if you don't know who lil' kim is, don't worry about it. she is a singer, rapper, and she's had a baby. okay. but now a lot of times people are registered for baby gifts. well, lil' kim's assistant decided to post her registry on instagram. okay?

and it was retweeted for lil' kim's 1.2 million followers, which is more than our show has. >> sorry to say. >> anyway, that's what they posted. that's cute. anyway, she includes the address where gifts should be sent with this message, please make sure they check off your gifts from the registry after you purchase, thank you so much, guys. okay? >> i was just appalled by this. those registries you would think are for close friends and family that want to give a gift. and this -- i don't know if a fan feels like they have to now. i just remember when i was pregnant with cody, i was blown away by the outpouring of people around the country. i didn't ask for a thing. but they made cradles, they made shawls, they made -- >> blankets. >> i had over 1,000 gifts then. >> wow. >> and it was so sweet of people. handmade stuff. whatever it was. but i can't imagine registering and saying oh, by the way --

make a donation in my child's name to a charity. but i think everybody would -- lil' kim probably doesn't need anything, right? >> no, i don't think she does. >> i think that's the point really. >> doesn't sound like it was a mistake. they posted like, hey, don't forget to check it off and send it here. >> and pricey things. $8,000 stroller. >> mm-hmm. >> $1,700 cradle and stuff. i wish her all good things. >> sterling silver baby cups. >> everybody needs one of those. >> we have the "daily news." >> thank you, jerry. >> let's see what our column says. >> president obama is in town for the opening of the 9/11 memorial museum. >> the ceremony. >> it officially opens next week. i was looking at the images here. most of us here in new york lost someone that we very much loved and cherished. or at least knew. so it's hard for me to even look at the images, hoda. i don't know i'm ready to go down to -- i haven't been able -- i tried to go three times since it all happened. i've gotten close, and i've just said not ready. it's a very personal thing. >> and a lot of people who are survivors too who were down

there, they feel that way. there is a guy who i interviewed who lost two people in separate planes by chance. >> yeah. >> up above. >> and he always avoids it, especially on the anniversary day. so anyway, here is our column, if you want to lighten the load a little bit. in the "daily news" column. by the way, at the barbara walters function, the head honcho here. the editor. he was looking good and smart. as he tends to do. >> i like british men. >> me too. here's the thing. you know what you'll like today too? you'll like my ihoda. >> then it's going to spoil it. it's only great when i -- >> i know. i don't know why i did it. but i was feeling mellow and chill and i was feeling bette midler and i was feeling "beaches" and remembering the movie. ♪ you are the wind beneath my wings ♪ >> not that one. another one. >> oh, beautiful. ♪ broken windows and empty hallways ♪

♪ pale moon in the sky turns to gray ♪ ♪ human kindness is overflowing ♪ >> perfect for today. ♪ and i think it's gonna rain today ♪ >> that's a great song, hoda. >> beautiful. doesn't it make you cry? >> yeah. >> on a day like today. rainy and the memorial. >> yes. see, this one i could listen to the whole thing. >> the chorus, here it comes. ♪ human kindness is overflowing ♪ ♪ and i think it's gonna rain today ♪ >> beautiful. >> i don't know how. i don't. i want to. >> thank you. you know i spent the afternoon with -- dolly parton. she is just -- i went over to sirius radio. howard stern sends his love. he and i are so tight. >> i've noticed.

>> just crazy. but anyway, dolly was in all her glory, 15 people had won a contest to come and ask her questions so i hosted a town hall for her. two things i want to encourage you to do. if you want great music, just get her -- >> her cd is awesome. >> yes. and then also if you want to have a great time at the movies, no dirty stuff, no anything, go see patricia heaton's "mom's night out." >> okay or not okay. is it okay for celebs to be rude while seated in the audience at an awards show or concert? that's a lot. here's what we had to say. >> if you don't know a person, hoda, it's hard to know when somebody's truly being rude or if they're just being playful. but rude is never cool. >> okay, here's what i say. no, it is not okay. welcome to one of the down sides of being a celebrity. somebody's always watching. >> what's that supposed to mean? >> what i said. >> nothing makes sense.

>> it's national chocolate chip cookie day. that's all that matters. two lucky ladies get head to toe new looks. >> our "ambush makeovers" right after this. sometimes a little dirt

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it is time for our newest addition of our plaza "ambush makeovers" when two lucky ladies are plucked off the plaza and surprised with hot new looks. >> and guess who did the plucking. >> who? >> as always, our crack makeover team. "today" contributor and stylist to the stars. >> everyone sing along at home. ♪ louis licari, la, la, la, la, la, la ♪ and "today" contributor and contributing editor for "people style watch" and author jill martin. okay, kids, drizzly out there. >> thirsty thursday and drizzly thursday. i don't know. >> well, our first lucky lady is a woman named sue hepner, 66 years old from spencer, iowa. she told us that other than the birth of her child, this is the best thing that has ever happened to her. >> wow. >> let's listen to her story. >> love this. let's sing. ♪ louis, louis you're the man

♪ if you can't help me no one can ♪ >> how cute are you. and you were crying when we picked you. still crying. tell me why. >> this is a dream come true for me. i watch this show every day. so i -- it was on my bucket list. so we came in to do it. >> you're so cute. i'm happy to give this to you. are you ready to go? >> yes. ready. >> how exciting. all right. so sue is here with her daughter-in-law stephanie and her friends colette and rachelle. all right, guys. please keep your blindfolds on for just a minute. here is sue hepner before. all right, sue, let's see the new you. ♪ i'm every woman >> oh, my gosh. are you guys ready? take off your blindfolds. >> i haven't seen -- are you ready? >> but you're about to. >> oh! oh, my gosh. >> you look awesome! >> shazam.

>> "kinky boots" tonight. seriously. >> look right here. camera 12. louis, tell us about the hair. >> this is a perfect example of how small changes make big differences. all i did is her hair was grayish. and i made it blondish. >> unbelievable. >> so her regrowth will be minimal. and then, of course, vanessa gave her this, again, she gave her hair more body, keeping the length almost the same, but by layering it. >> guys, what do you think? are you freaking? >> oh, my god. >> jill, i love this dress on her. >> it is -- the man's oversized shirt, this is sort of the -- very sexy from maggie london. >> nice voice, by the way. >> thank you. >> what do you think? are you freaking? >> i wish every woman on the planet could feel like i feel right now. >> aw. >> i do. i just feel like power. >> big round of applause for sue, everybody.

you can go join your family and friends. >> our second lady is jackie spock. she's 56 from new rochelle, new york. after battling breast cancer last year, she and her husband are celebrating their good health and 23rd wedding anniversary. god bless them. we wanted to make it extra special by treating her to a brand new look. let's hear her story. >> well, you said in this rain everybody needs a makeover, but we surprised you with this. so what do you think? >> i'm nervous. i'm surprised. >> have you ever worn your hair straight? >> years ago. and then the grayer it gets, the curlier it gets. >> you're going to be dynamite. >> okay. >> calm down a little. >> okay. i'm going to try. >> she's adorable. she's got a husband that adores her. his name is dean and he's right there. all right. let's take one last look at jackie before and bring out the brand new jackie. >> whoo! >> oh, my god. >> wow. >> wow! >> wow indeed. all right. dean, are you ready? >> okay.

>> take it off. >> is that good? >> yes. >> oh, my goodness. >> all righty. you guys have a great bond together. why don't you turn around, sweetie, and see how beautiful you look. >> oh! >> you look fantastic. >> you look awesome. >> all right, tell us about it, louis. >> well, you know, the big problem is she works nights, he works days, they don't see each other. i have a feeling they'll be seeing each other a lot more now. of course what i did is i covered her gray. again, the trick is keep it not so far from your natural color so the regrowth isn't so significant. again, the color, vanessa just gave her this simple bob haircut, shaped around the face, all put together with makeup. >> dean cannot stop looking at her. >> i know. >> that's the secret. you want to stay married 23 years happily. laugh a lot.

i love turquoise with black. >> i know. we always have turquoise. project gravitas. >> i love it. >> he's like totally busting. >> awesome. >> let's bring sue out. big round of applause. >> thank you. >> good job, guys. >> thank you, jill, and thank you, guys. we all like free stuff. stick around. we're going to show you how to get lots of free stuff. >> and bringing people together who are worlds apart. a webtastic video you're going to love after this. huh, 15 minutes could save you 15% or more on car insurance. everybody knows that. well, did you know that game show hosts should only host game shows? samantha, do you take kevin as your lawfully wedded husband... or would you rather have a new caaaaaar!!!! say hello to the season's hottest convertible... ohhh....and say goodbye to samantha. [ male announcer ] geico. 15 minutes could save you 15% or more.

sfx: car unlock beep. [ male announcer ] geico. vo: david's heart attack didn't come with a warning. today his doctor has him on a bayer aspirin regimen to help reduce the risk of another one. if you've had a heart attack be sure to talk to your doctor before you begin an aspirin regimen.

okay. it's time for a very touching webtastic video that will definitely put a smile on your face. >> it was created for the speaking exchange project where young students in brazil practiced their english by talking over the internet with

seniors who live in a retirement home in chicago. >> but the project turned out to be much more than just a language lesson. take a look. [ phone ringing ] >> hello? >> hello, hello. >> who is this? >> can you hear me? >> yes, i can. can you hear me? >> how are you today? >> i'm good. how are you? >> i can't believe i'm talking to someone from another country. >> i'm very excited to be doing this. >> i look like i'm only 25. but i'm 88. >> my old brother, he has 33 years. >> do you know instead of saying he has 23 years, you could say he is 23 years old. >> your dad? >> that's me and my wife when we were young. >> you were good looking when you were young. and you're still good-looking.

are you planning someday to go to brazil? >> i would like to. >> you can stay at my house if you want. >> if you could just dream and have whatever you want, what do you think you would like to be doing? >> i see myself in a big family with a beautiful wife. >> i want to thank you for the exchange of experience. you know? you are incredible. >> obrigado. >> you are my new granddaughter. and i love you. >> i love you too. >> if you were here, i would give you a big hug. >> oh, yeah. >> bye. >> bye. >> wow. >> max and joanne are the executive directors at the fcb brazil, which partnered with the cna language school network. >> oh, my gosh. >> seeing this video more than 600 institutions showed interest in using the internet as a tool. >> i want to watch it again. >> let's watch it again. >> all right. coming up, from movie tickets to meals, how you can score lots of

freebies. >> and jorge and laura posada weigh in on the difference between men and women. there are a couple of differences. >> yeah, i've heard of one or two. >> after your local news. >> that was awesome.

we're back with more of "today" on this thirsty thursday and if your favorite word is free, then you're going to love what we have got for you today. >> free stuff and lots of it. everything from meals to movie tickets and makeup. and here to show you how to score it all is nina willdorf, the editor of "all you" magazine which just released its annual get something for nothing guide. hello, nina. >> thank you so much for having me. we're all about helping you enjoy life for less and what is better than free stuff? >> okay. >> one thing, restaurants love to reward you on your birthday with freebies. you can eat all day for free. you could start off at krispy kreme, get a doughnut and coffee. >> so what do you do, show your i.d.? >> you show your i.d. say it's my birthday. and they say voila, here you go. get to firehouse subs, get a

free sub. go to red robin for dinner, free burger and fries. and ten wrap up your beautiful birthday at ben & jerry's for a free ice cream cone. >> i've been missing out on all of that for 60 years. >> happy birthday to you. >> okay. >> another thing people don't know about is a lot of restaurants and coffee shops have loyalty cards. and there is really something in this for you. you start to accrue free stuff. so starbucks -- every cup of coffee you buy at starbucks, if you have the rewards card, you win a star. after five cups you can start getting free coffee. which is amazing. applebee's, you register. they start to figure out your preferences and then reward you with the prize items, you know, at your table. panera bread, with your card, you show it, you can get a free bread item and california pizza kitchen, when you register, you get a free appetizer and then start earning money towards your next meal. so every $100 you spend, you'll get $5 towards -- >> you're going to need a free pass to the gym.

don't you think? >> yes, indeed. >> this is my absolute favore. origins. at origins stores around the country, you can walk in and get a free 20-minute mini facial. i kid you not. why are we not there right now? >> on your birthday? >> not on your birthday. >> what? >> any day. yes. >> they want you to buy their product. >> another great way to get freebies is go to a facebook page of a brand you like and like them and watch the feed, so eucerin, for example, will give you out freebies through their facebook page if you like them. and sephora is great for tons of beauty products. if you find things you like there, you can ask them for free samples, and they will give you three to four days' worth of anything you want -- >> by the way, they give the best samples. >> the best samples. you can really like capture so much stuff and try it out and see if it works for you. >> okay. >> free groceries. groceries are expensive. why not cash in? krogers has an amazing thing on

the website -- >> love kroger's. >> where every single friday they give out a free full-size item. so this friday it is frito-lay's twistos. you go onto the website -- >> what are twistos? it's a new frito dpsh. >> go ahead, try it. >> jerry won't let us. hate it when jerry does that. >> digital coupon and take it to the store and get your free item. >> okay. it's usually something new like -- >> it's usually something new where they want you to try it out and -- >> you're not getting in there. it's not happening. >> a great website we found out about through a reader at "all you" called vocalpoint.com. you can get a free full-size product. these are some recent products that you get. all you have to do is tell them what you think. which we are all capable of. right? like if downey sends you this detergent, then you say oh, i love the detergent or oh, it didn't work for me, whatever you want to say. >> full size? >> they send you -- yes. >> godiva chocolate, if you register there, for rewards, one

free truffle a month. hello. why are we not all doing this? >> i don't know. >> you went to the movies for free? >> we are going to the movies. regal cinema has a rewards program. you can accrue points towards free tickets, you can get a free movie ticket after going to a eight movies. and you can also get free popcorn and free sodas. >> it usually costs about $45. >> which is the good kind. >> it is great. >> so great. >> if you want to see advanced screenings of movies there is also freebie out there for you, if you go to foxsearchlightscreening.com, find out what advanced screening is happening near you and register. it's amazing. >> a lot of people have to do this. all on our website, i'm sure. >> also, if you want to find out more freebies, at allyou.com, we have a freebie of the day. >> of course you do. >> nina willdorf. for a full list of the freebies, as i said, go to the website.

how one family got their kids into college before they hit their teens and how you may be able to get yours there too. >> you will not believe this story. it's amazing. and the six things men never notice when we play "he said/she said" with jorge and laura. right after this. they use hotwire to fill them. [woman] so we got our 4-star hotels... for half price. ♪ h-o-t-w-i-r-e ♪ hotwire.com do you have something for pain? i have bayer aspirin. i'm not having a heart attack, it's my back. i mean bayer back & body. it works great for pain. bayer back & body provides effective relief for your tough pain. better? yeah...thanks for the tip! socan go a long way. rt

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and do it together. new shoes, does jorge notice when you get new shoes? >> no. >> i'll get them for you. what do you need? >> here's another one. >> okay. does he notice when you've shaved your legs? >> no. >> what if she gets them waxed? >> lasered. >> lasered. >> if you felt razor stubble, would it turn you off and gross you out? >> yes. >> it would? >> i didn't think guys cared. >> if she gained five pounds, would it turn you off? >> yes. >> what if he gained five pounds? >> i would tell him, you need to start working out, but -- >> does that hurt your feelings? or no? >> no. we go to the gym. >> you know what he did to me after i had paulina? paulina was like a month old. we were in our pool in our house in tampa, in my bathing suit. i'm feeling good. i'd lost the baby weight a little bit. getting back in shape, he turns around and looks at me and says, you need, like, three more months of exercise. that's what he tells me.

after having his beautiful baby daughter. >> how is that for you? >> just to push her a little bit. >> push me away maybe. >> do you notice when she gets a new haircut? >> no. >> no. >> no? >> no. >> does this mean you just love her anyway? >> yeah. i notice different things. >> what about a fresh manicure? do you notice? >> no. >> unless it's all raggedy. >> well, if i don't like the color, yeah, i notice. >> he notices when it's to criticize. if he doesn't like something, he'll notice right away. >> what about will he go oh, my gosh, laura, you look amazing. >> this morning she looked great. >> the first i'm hearing it right now. thank you. >> i'm trying to get points. >> what is the toothpaste issue in your house? >> he's a freak. the toothpaste needs to be squeezed a specific way and then i squeeze the toothpaste, i try to squeeze it to put it back the way he likes it and -- >> how does she squeeze it? in the middle? >> yeah.

>> and you like it -- gradually -- >> oh, my gosh. >> as an old lady -- >> we've got our own toothpaste at home, thank god, and i have my own. >> i was going to say-u afford your own toothpaste. >> but when we go on the road -- >> my friend suggested, i'll bring him the toothbrush and i'll say, hey, papi, can you please put the toothpaste on my -- >> i love you, papi. i love you, love you -- that's my favorite song. >> that's what you need to do. >> so there's a couple of interesting studies that are out there. one of them says that swearing is actually good for you. it makes you feel better. what are your guys' thoughts on that? >> i hate swearing. i hate swearing. i never heard my mom swear or my dad swear. they were really strict. when i met his family the first time i was traumatized. they were the opposite. so for me it's a big, big issue. and we even have a swear jar at the house. >> a swear jar? >> yeah. >> but daddy puts the most money in, i hear. >> yeah. in sports -- in the middle of sports it comes out.

there's a word in the clubhouse, it just happens. you strike out you -- >> you guys are having a rough day. do you guys always resolve things before you go to sleep and try to fix it or do you sometimes go to bed angry? >> we tried. we tried to not go to sleep angry. you can't go to sleep. you might as well talk about it. >> doesn't matter. he can't sleep. >> no trouble at all. i could be in the middle of telling him something -- [ snoring ] >> we've got to roll, you guys. thank you for coming. >> come back anytime. >> the family got their kids into college by the age of 12. >> oh, my god. >> not only are they into college, they're all doing unbelievable things in this world. you can too, they say. >> plus delicious desserts that taste a lot better than they sound. dump cake. >> so easy even hoda could make it. >> we don't need to say that.

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dump cake. >> dump cake. it was actually very popular back in the '50s. it's exactly what it sounds. you take some cake mix, a couple other ingredients you already have, and you dump it in a pan. >> are you ready? >> kathy is the author of, what else, "dump cakes." tlaz whole book of them. >> it's really that easy? >> yes, it is. are you ready to start? >> yes. >> dump these raspberries in. >> is this pan greased? >> yes. dump in the raspberries. now we're going to pour in some -- >> the whole can or just -- >> is it diet? >> diet, regular, whatever you like. if you don't like 7-up, you can use club soda. anything fizzy. >> anything fizzy. >> okay. >> and then this is just some gelatin. i think raspberry flavored. use what you got. sprinkle that over that. >> oh, my god, it's fizzing up. >> yeah. >> did you see that, kath? >> yeah, imagine what it will do to your intestines. >> now the cake mix. >> dump it, hode. >> dump, dump, dumb. >> and take your fork and --

>> are you serious? >> i don't -- this feels weird. >> and take your fork and just kind of gently spread it out. >> this is my kind of baking. >> yeah. >> i bet it is going to end up being so unbelievably delicious. >> you don't mix it up? >> no. just spread it out. it's still kind of liquidy on the bottom. then take half a cup of melted butter. and you want to drizzle it over the top. try to get it as much as you can, get it -- you're such a perfectionist over there. >> she is sort of. that's exactly how she is. >> i can tell. i can tell. drizzle, drizzle, drizzle. >> i just started drizzling. okay, kathy? >> you can go faster, kathy. >> now you just bake it? >> you put it in the oven for about an hour. >> no, you don't. >> yes, you do. just like that. >> look at it! >> are you done? >> yes, i drizzled. >> i'll serve it up. >> here, kath. >> some whipped cream. >> hoda can't have whipped cream. >> no? >> no. can i get you one, kath? >> no. >> okay. i will. >> what do you think? >> oh, my god. >> is it really good? >> this is really good. oh, my god. that's hard to believe.

>> i know. we've got another one back here. >> that's unbelievable. >> i can't believe that. all right. what is this one? >> this one is called a black forest cherry dump cake. >> okay. >> got a can of cherry pie filling. put that in the bottom of the pan. again, the pan's been lightly greased. non-stick. all the recipes are in the dump cake cookbook. >> how many different dump cakes? >> 250 of them. >> are you kidding me? a lot of dumping. >> you can pick up that cookbook and you can be dumping and baking too. >> okay. dump that down. >> spread. now we're going to take the -- these are just regular cherries. >> regular cherries. >> a can. >> drain the juice off the canned cherries and just pour that in. perfect, kathie lee. >> i know. i'm taking -- >> she can't help it. okay. >> and now the cake mix again. you got this down pat, right? the dump part? >> put the cake mix on. what about the soda? >> that comes next. the last thing. this is just the german chocolate cake. you can use any kind of cake, any kind of soda. >> i can't believe you don't have to stir anything. >> you stir it will mess it all up. >> i'm sure it will. take your fork and spread it

again. >> okay. and then we'll just pour that over? >> this is so much fun because your kids can help. >> any little kid would love to do this. >> about ten seconds. we dump this on top? >> dump it on top. >> dump the drink. cherry. cherry cola. >> looks like a lot of cherry. but i believe you. >> it tastes -- >> we'll go down here and taste it. >> no butter on this one? >> no butter on this one, everybody. >> no oil, no eggs. >> ready? >> yep, yep. >> let me tell everybody what's coming up. thank you so much, kathy. this is fun. you go ahead. the parents who got seven of their kids into college -- >> oh, my god. >> -- by the age of 12. you're not going to believe their story. but first, this is "today" on nbc. thank you, kathy.

if you thought your kids were doing pretty well in school, wait until you meet this bunch of overachievers. >> seven of kip and mona lisa harding's ten children went to college by the age of 9. the others are slackers. no, only kidding. all of them home-schooled. >> their tips and strategies are in their new book appropriately titled "the brainy bunch." welcome. >> we're going to have each of you guys introduce yourselves, just your name and age.

>> hannah. and i'm 26. >> rosanna. i'm 24. >> serena. i'm 23. >> heath. i'm 18. >> keith. i'm 15. >> seth. i'm 13. >> katrina. i'm 11. >> laurie ana, i'm 8. >> oh. >> brianna, i'm 6. >> oh. >> i'm 4. >> i can't -- i'm already so happy. >> wow. >> i had a nice chance to chat with you all earlier this morning. and i'm blown away by this family. how did all of this come about? >> it wasn't a plan. we just started home schooling and it was great results we were getting and hannah started out doing math, which is easy and he has this great idea she could take an online dual college class, get college credit while she was still at home. >> do you think it's genetic? because all these kids going to school -- going to college at such a young age. or was it how you taught them, do you think? >> home schooling. >> well, no, it's not genetic.

it's just i really believe that the average family could do it. it's just a matter of believing that you can do it. and just go for it. it takes a little risk and it takes encouragement and -- but there is a lot of home schooling groups out there willing to help out. >> and i read some great stuff about the fact that so much time is wasted in public schools because every kid learns at a different pace. and you're at the teacher's pace. so did you customize each child's -- >> sure. >> -- education? >> sure. they have their strengths and weaknesses. maybe they don't like writing, maybe they like math, and you need to spend more time -- >> so how old were you when you went to college? >> 12. >> how weird was that, being a 12-year-old in college? >> it was an exciting time. i got to play actually soccer too on the women's team. so i loved it. i had a ball. >> and you never felt like you were missing out on a childhood in any kind of way? >> no. i had all my brothers and sisters. we have a ton of fun. it was at my own pace. i really enjoyed it.

>> did you guys feel that mission out on i guess day-to-day school and elementary school with friends and stuff -- >> prom. >> did you feel it was something you missed out on or because you have such a big family, you wouldn't even notice? >> well, i do have friends my age. and most of the stuff i hear about from that school setting is their drama. >> drama. >> and stuff that, you know, like how they swap dating partners like -- >> wow. hello. >> part of the whole purpose of this, i know, was that you wanted to instill in your children the same christian values that you all try to live by. how important was that to you? >> absolutely. >> that's hugely important. because you just feel threatened and that's part of the economic problem of affording all these kids in college. you just have to trust that you can do it, have faith, and if you accept the government dollar it comes with strings. so college vouchers are, you know -- >> did they all get scholarships?

>> i wish. >> scholarships come more at the graduate level. >> so what do you guys do -- >> i cannot believe how accomplished they are. >> what do you do? >> i'm a graduate research student. >> do you have the mike? >> yeah. >> and what do you do? >> i'm a registered architect in new york and san francisco. >> of course you are. what do you do? >> i work as an internal medicine intern at walter reed in d.c. >> who are you people? >> i -- yeah. whatever i want, pretty much. >> you're not a professional yet, are you? >> i just graduated. >> of course. >> how old are you? >> i'm 15. >> oh, my god. well, you guys, it's been such a thrill. i wish we could talk to everybody. thunder, you're adorable too. >> thunder, what do you want to do when you grow up? you need the microphone, sweetie. thunder, what do you want to be when you grow up, baby? >> a lifeguard. >> a lifeguard. >> finally, a normal person in this family. congratulations. >> kim raver's with us.

>> and why you shouldn't necessarily worry if you're losing your memory. really? >> and jill's must haves under 50 bucks. teve: i'm here to help. ou and i can do this together. [applause]