merry christmas. >> we're working hard to keep you up to date on the storm, some of us more than others. we see you in 25 minutes for a live local news update. have a great day. good morning. the christmas storm. the strong system of heavy rain, high winds and snow set to bear down on a large portion of the country just in time for next week's holiday rush. >> proportional response. that's how the white house is characterizing how the u.s. could react to that north korean cyber attack on sony pictures. what does that mean? president obama will address the nation today. >> pushing back. bill cosby's attorney responds to allegations that his client is seeking special treatment from the black media. >> and who is who? stephen colbert files his last colbert report with a random mix of well, just about everyone.

♪ >> his star studded send-off today friday, december 19th, 2014. >> announcer: from nbc news, this is "today" with matt lauer and savannah guthrie live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. >> good morning. welcome to "today" on a friday morning. we've got hoda in while savannah takes time off. >> what am i doing? >> see the show last night, colbert? >> a little late. >> i watched the tape. my gosh, to be part of that crowd. i got to tell you, i think that beats your selfie. >> pretty good big bird. >> george lucas. >> barry manilow. so great. >> we'll have more on that send-off in a couple minutes. meanwhile, like deja vu all over again. terrible storm, you're talking about something similar for christmas.

>> if you can get to where you need to this weekend do it. the eastern half of the country. it is a mess. so here we've got two systems, one up in the upper great lakes, the other in the gulf coast, warm moist flow, cold air behind it. we start off tuesday morning with a mix of snow and freezing rain, rain along the coast as we get into wednesday morning look at this, you've got the cold air filtering in so probably a white christmas in chicago, nat cincinnati as well. heavy rain and strong wins along the eastern seaboard. so airport delays wednesday are going to be intensive. we're looking at upstate new york, boston, a mix of rain and snow. heavier snow as you get to the back side of this system. as we move into christmas day, more snow, upstate new york, the upper ohio river valley. and it continues, the winds are going to be a big deal so. during the week, 6:00 p.m. wednesday, airport delays, going to be big problems. lots of problems on the roads, we've got damaging winds, possible risk of strong storms, damaging storms, along the eastern seaboard, heavy snow,

minneapolis, chicago, big hub, that's going to be a big problem. as we look monday through thursday, rain and snowfall, from 2 to 3 inches along the coast. heavier snow as you get back to minneapolis, chicago, cleveland, on into detroit. all the major hubs are going to be affected wednesday into thursday. so, get out. >> tuesday is okay travel day. >>s to starts to deteriorate. that's your earliest point in the eastern half. >> santa's sleigh will not be affected. >> santa's got the whole deal going. >> through everything. >> gets through everything. >> we're on the same page there. >> thanks so much. president obama is set to address that cyber attack against sony pictures during a white house news conference-this afternoon. the fallout is growing. hallie jackson is in l.a. with more. >> reporter: good morning. sony canceled tours of its lot until next year because of security concerns and it's not just the studio. what started out as a hollywood comedy has quickly turned into

an international crisis. and the white house says it's now considering a, quote, proportional response. top advisers to president obama are now looking at how to respond to the hack that is sending shock waves beyond hollywood. >> we have seen that this is -- there has been destructive activity with malicious intent. the administration believes that activity merits an appropriate response from the united states. >> look at this. >> reporter: sony pulls the interview after most national theater chains canceled screening in response to a let that referenced the 9/11 attacks though officials downplayed the danger. dozens have ripped the studio for giving in to the hackers. arguing sony always knew the film would be controversial in north korea. >> we can't allow ourselves to be scared silent. >> reporter: george clooney the latest to speak out, this is a silly comedy but the truth is what it now says about us is a

whole lot. we have a responsibility to stand up against this. meanwhile, top sony executives are dealing with the fallout of the hack itself. studio president met privately thursday with the reverend al sharpton to talk about racially insensitive e-mails about president obama for which she epoll guyed. >> the jury is still out on where we go with amy. >> reporter: analysts say because of the hack sony could lose $100 million and its ability to recruit top filmmakers. >> i have to think people are leery of doing business there. everybody who has worked there, their personal information is leaked on line. how are people to feel secure this has been addressed. >> reporter: the u.s. officials say they believe the cyber attack was through servers in taiwan after it was launched in north korea but some experts wonder if there was outside help in designing the attack. we could get more information about that as soon as today. >> hallie jackson, thank you.

chuck todd is nbc's political director and of course the moderator of "meet the press." good morning to you. >> good morning. >> the president's going to talk to the press, he will be asked about this situation with sony right off the bat. then the question is a larger question, how does the u.s. respond to what it has called a national security threat in this cyber attack? what are the options? >> well, matt, that's what they are trying to figure out. some options are things that we may not hear about until after the fact. it may be sort of a cyber retaliation. but i can tell you right now that one of the -- that phrase proportional response, that's code for the white house is still trying to figure out how to respond to this. they know they need to. they know they need to finish the investigation, they do want to see did north korea have help? or is this uniquely part of north korea. and they want to be careful about not giving north korea too much attention. there is always this concern that north korea does little stunts like this, whether it's -- in this case it's a

hack, the first time they tried something like this but missile teps, they want to try to get a reaction, a public reaction from the united states. >> they have got to come without something public and vizble or they have no way of warning off people who want to try this in the future that it's not acceptable. >> well, and that's why frankly, i think they're a little stumped. i have the phrase proportional response which is code for we haven't figured out how to respond to this yet because i think you're right, they do think they -- they know that some people need a public response so they see that the united states is responding. but they think the more effective thing might be something that is covert. >> real quickly, he's going to be asked about cuba in his attempt to begin the process of normalizing relations. already you've got key members of the senate saying they will block funding for the opening of an embassy there and block the confirmation of an ambassador to cuba. how tough a fight is the president facing on this?

>> i think he's facing a huge fight. i don't think president obama will ever have an ambassador in the rest of his term. i think we're three or four years away. i came from miami, i was there yesterday and wednesday, there are a lot of people particularly in the cuban community that while they are okay with trying this new policy, they are not happy with the way the president presented it. that he needed to show some more skepticism at the castro brothers. >> chuck, thanks very much. see you sunday on "meet the press." by the way, nbc news will have live coverage of the president's year-end news conference this afternoon. >> and natalie is here with a disturbing crime that's making headlines. >> it's horrible because for the second time in a week more tragedy in australia this morning with the discovery of eight children found dead in a home and a woman alive with stab wounds. sarah james is in melbourne. sarah, as we said a terrible story. >> reporter: it certainly is, natalie. police here are investigating a

mass murder of children, a case the australian prime minister calls an unspeakable crime. yet another horrifying shock for a nation in mourning. in the northern australian city of caan, news that eight children have been murdered, stabbed to death in this house, cheerfully decorated for christmas. the oldest 15 t youngest 18 months old. >> it's shocking to happen. eight children gone. >> reporter: the mother of seven of the children is in the hospital stabbed multiple times in the chest and neck. >> these events are extremely distressing for everyone. >> reporter: police have not named a suspect and promise a full investigation. the murders come just days after a deadly siege in the center of sydney, two hostages died in the siege as well as the gunman. now days before christmas another terrible loss. >> devastating any time of the year.

some of the police on the scene, young junior officers, so again, we're providing the support to them. >> reporter: this is the latest in what has been a string of high profile tragedies for australia this year, first mh-370, then mh17, then the sydney siege, and now this, natalie. >> a very rough year. sarah james there in melbourne. thank you. >> there is yet another big computer breach, the government says the files of more than 40,000 federal workers have been compromised by a cyber attack at key point government solutions, a federal contractor. officials have begun notifying workers their files could be in jeopardy. cyber attacks targeted several government agencies. >> world stock markets are higher after a huge day on wall street thursday. the dow surged its biggest one-day gain in three years to move back within striking distance of the 18,000 mark. the jump came after the fed

chair says she doesn't expect interest rates to rise in the next few months. >> police in memphis are looking for whoever opened fire on a fedex driver on thursday. the driver was shot in his delivery truck by what officials say was a high-powered rifle. he is in stable condition. no word on a motive. officials in los angeles now say that massive fire at an apartment complex was arson. no one was hurt in that fire that caused up to $30 million in damage after sifting through the debris investigators determined that the fire was intentional. a frightening incident in houston a. man is recovering and thankful to be alive. it started when a tire came off a truck on a nearby highway and crashed through the window of a clinic. 77-year-old manuel was inside and was knocked to the floor when the tire came flying in sending glass everywhere. he was shaken up but not seriously hurt. the clinic's owner says it is simply a miracle that man is alive when you see that thing

flying at him. >> and moving that fast. >> that fast. it's incredible. thank god he is alive. >> you missed one story. i feel bad but you missed one. a breaking story. savannah guthrie's baby vale, her first plane ride. tweeted a picture. so sweet. >> wow. >> she is traveling without her folks, amazing. >> really incredible. >> hope they have a good time. >> good one. >> mr. roker, what's happening? >> as we look around the rest of the country, today we expect to see a real mess in the pacific northwest into northern california, more heavy rain there. again, rain through the gulf coast, looking at snow showers in western great lakes.'re goinl forecast coming up in the next 30 seconds. mutant ninja turtles sets, lego friends and this unbelievably cool mutant ninja turtles emmet's construct-o-mech from the lego movie. hey, check out the lego mini-figure i just made action anthony! what's his super power?

being breathtakingly handsome. she doesn't know what pretty is... 'i know.' anncr: save $25 when you open a walmart credit card account and spend $75 today. then get another $10 when you make another $75 purchase. walmart 7:13, good morning to you. i'm meteorologist christina loren. the only place across the entire nation when it comes to major airports with delays, san francisco. we do have a weather system coming in so it is to be expected. it's going to swing through quickly, though. the bulk of the moisture is still confined to sonoma and marin county. grab your umbrella. showers lightening significantly. temps in the 50s. it will be cool out there. hope you have a fantastic day. as stephen colbert ended his nine-year run

on the colbert report. willie is here with more on that. >> hoda, good morning. it was the curtain call for stephen colbert, the character before we meet the real one next year. he said a final good-bye to colbert nation. stephen colbert opened his final show with a message to his viewers. >> folks, if this is your first time tuning in to the colbert report, i have terrible news. this in fact is your last time tuning in to the colbert report. >> said good-bye as only he can. >> my fond farewells angry adioses. >> with a star-studded sing along with bill clinton and george lucas and patrick stewart that looked ahead to the next gig. while retiring the long time

persona, a satire of pundits. >> i'm not a tough guy. this is an act. >> you are breaking my heart, bill. >> sensitive. >> if you are an act, what am i? >> everything out of his mouth was opposite of the point he was trying to make. he was doing his jujitsu act consciously. >> why should i care what actor says about politics or international relations rather than arnold schwarzenegger and ron thompson. >> an act way beyond late night and into the halls of congress. >> scientists pick vegetables themselv themselves. >> staged the america mall. >> and roasting president bush to his face. >> government best is the government that governs least. we have set up a fabulous government in iraq. >> next year, his opponent will

not be himself, but long time friend jimmy fallon. >> you think you can take me, old man? >> i'm ten years younger than you. >> and the legacy that blurred the borders of politics in comedy. >> a political satire at the likes we have not seen on television. >> and never will again. >> okay. that's the show. >> cbs has not yet announced the date of colbert's first late show. letterman will sign off on may 20th. jon stewart said it last week. never before and never again you have a character and reacting every day to the news. to do that for nine years is almost impossible. >> it will be fun to hear how he really is on letterman. >> i don't think anybody knows who he is. >> he will be stephen colbert, right? >> i don't know. he will be colbert before the show. he is sticking with it. >> he will be michael. >> okay. >> willie, thank you very much.

you can imagine the finale was a who's who. everybody there for stephen colbert. colbert report and finale on facebook and twitter trending. online, responses. the president writes in after nine years, the best source of truthfulness is coming to an end. good luck. and bill clinton writes i know we will meet again some sunny day. your friend. billy jeff. steve an martin, congratulations on a long career that is just beginning. there he is. stephen colbert. interesting to see what he does on cbs. sir, job well done on comedy central. back to you. >> all right, carson. thank you very much. just ahead. >> i'm jeff rossen. if you have fur coats on your christmas list, is it real or fake? the retailers advertising one

thing and you get something entirely different. we are testing it out. we have the results you need to see coming up. and misconstrued. allegations over bill cosby's attorney speaking out on how the black media should cover his scandal. but first this is "today" on nbc. andal. but first, this is "today" on nbc. ♪

♪ ♪ ♪ [ female announcer ] get your taste of the season, at raley's, bel air, and nob hill.

all right. coming up on trending, candid camera. the surprise marriage proposal in a photo booth, you're going to love this little story. >> very cute! >> and night at the museum ben stiller stops by and weighs in on hollywood's response to that sony hack. and everything you need to wrap up for your holiday shopping. we have a gift idea for every age, even bacon lovers, gift ideas under 50 bucks. >> that's what we're talking about. and the all-important travel weather forecast, a real mess coming next week.

>> don't sound so happy. >> the gift that keeps giving! but first, we've got your local news and weather. from all of us at "today," thank you for waking up with us. >> from our family to yours, happy holidays. you buy,

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>> announcer: you're watching "today in the bay." >> a very good friday morning to you. it is 7:26. i'm laura garcia-cannon. in the next few days, chevron will have to submit a report to the county explaining what looked like a fire at the refinery in richmond. chevron says it was only flairing but people across the bay area called us asking about it. chevron says the flair-up allows them to safely shut down a unit. >> we've issued another microclimate weather alert. all corners of the bay area dry now but the rain on its way just in time for millions of people who are hitting the road for the holiday. think have a little sheen at the golden gate bridge, christina. >> yes, they have that drizzle.

up in the north bay, only con found to that isolated region, santa rosa, all the way to the south, to the tippy top of marin county. the heavy stuff will move through 9 to 11, just north of highway 92 and 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., we'll see steady rain from san jose south to morgan hill. looking good for those showers, we'll have spotty cells. by saturday morning a few residual showers early, clearing you out by saturday afternoon and then we get a nice warming trend, into the 70s pore some cities. by tuesday and wednesday of next week, we'll be at 69 degrees in the south bay by tuesday. we might take a little of the edge off here, temperatures in the 50s and 60s in rain today. might be 70 by saturday. mike, over to you. >> a crash and debris before on

the san mateo bridge. our sensors starting to turn from green to orange and possibly to red if they don't clear that soon. a crash is partially blocking a couple of lanes. this just came in. chp will see more thrslowing th. you get slowed getting down to the dumbarton bridge. the rest of your bay does move smoothly but with the drizzle coming in, we have reports of puddling in redwood city once again. >> i'll be back with another update in half an hour. hope to see you then.

♪ 7:30 now on a friday morning. december 19th, 2014. we're heading into the final weekend of shopping before the christmas holiday. >> yes, have you finished? figured that out? >> a couple more? >> loose ends. >> let's talk about what's making headlines today. president obama is scheduled to hold his final news conference of the year today. the president and his family leave tonight for a two-week vacation in hawaii. olympic legend michael phelps is appearing in a baltimore court this morning to face charges on drunk driving charges. he was arrested back in september, checked into rehab five days later, and was later suspended by usa swimming for six months. and if you're shopping online, you need to act fast. for most stores, this is the last day use standard shipping

if you want your gifts to get there in time for christmas. coming up on a new "rossen reports," the real deal on faux fur. is what you think fake actually made from real animals? >> wow, okay. this is an interesting story, especially this time of year. would you be able to forgive somebody who nearly killed you? this is why one woman is now fighting for the man who shot her in the head in a florida parking lot. it's a lot about forgiveness. >> tell you more about that coming up. let's begin this half hour, though, with bill cosby and his camp saying the comedian was not asking for special treatment from the black media when he told a reporter he expected fair coverage. nbc's stephanie gosk is here with the latest on that. hi, steph. >> reporter: good morning, matt. well, bill cosby's lawyers on thursday said the embattled comic's comment about what he expected from the, quote, black media, were taken out of context. this comes in a new allegations from a woman who says that cosby allegedly drugged her back in 1988. bill cosby fighting back against

allegations he asked black media reporters and outlets for preferential treatment in the midst of his sex abuse scandal. on thursday, cosby's lawyer released a statement saying, in part, to the contrary, he asked that they adhere to journalistic standards and approach the story in a neutral manner, without a predisposition on either side of the story. it is, of course, what we would expect of all media. last week, facing mounting allegations from some 20 women, who say the actor sexually assaulted and/or drugged them, cosby broke his silence, telling reporter stacy brown, the african-american media should be impartial. >> i only expect our black media to uphold the standards of excellent journalism and when you do that, you go in with a neutral mind. >> reporter: cosby's lawyers

have vehemently denied the allegations. he's never been charged and just this week, both his wife and daughter issued public statements of support. >> the very kind of man who would rape women, allegedly, is the same kind of man who will rape an entire black community. >> reporter: cosby's attorney called those comments by georgetown university professor and commentator, michael eric dyson, mean-spirited and reckless. in a statement to nbc news, michael eric dyson says, "i do not wish my words to distract from the larger issue. mr. cosby's hurtful and unjust views of black america and serious allegations about mr. cosby's sexual misconduct. i pledge to keep the focus on the matters at hand with the professional respect that mr. cosby and all others are due." meanwhile, a new allegation from a woman accusing cosby of drugging her in 1988. the woman, who identifies herself only as lisa, appeared on "dr. phil" in an interview set to air today. she says she was 21 when she met cosby, who offered to help her

with her career. >> you don't really know what happened? do you know if he raped you? do you know if he molested you in some way? do you know -- you don't really know what did happen? >> no. >> reporter: law enforcement sources tell nbc news that so far, only one woman has come forward to officially accuse bill cosby of sexual assault, despite reports that cosby is under a full-scale investigation. >> stephanie gosk, thank you very much. let's switch gears and head over to al with the weather. >> announcer: today's sunday night football weather is brought to you by nfl mobile, exclusively from verizon. >> and we're looking south right now, where we've got some heavy showers and thunderstorms stretching from dallas, houston, all the way into new orleans. and in fact, we look for those showers and thunderstorms. look at houston already, rush hour is a mess, and looking at more of the same in houston as well. what's happening?

low pressure developing along a stationary front, secondary front will form, low pressure will form and bring more moisture up out of the gulf and so rainfall amounts over the next 72 hours, anywhere from 1 to 3 inches for new orleans, all the way into the panhandle of florida. rest of the country, we are looking at a real mess in the pacific northwest. rain around the gulf coast. here in the northeast, partly cloudy to fair skies. temperatures, though, a little on the chilly side. that's what's going on around the coun 7:35. good morning, i'm meteorologist christina loren with an nbc area microclimate weather alert. i want to make sure you know we're going to get by another round of heavy rain today. most of the activity is still to the north of the golden gate bridge but it will move to the south bay. we're expecting activity between san jose and morgan hill between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. then we stay

nice and dry. and all the way through tuesday, a warming trend coming your way. of the birds, as the seahawks fly into phoenix stadium, and they take on the arizona cardinals. clear, mild, 58 degrees. they're going to clean their claws for each other. that's the seahawks versus the cardinals right here on sunday night football night in america. it's like the colbert eagle flying in one more time. arrr! >> that was excellent! >> very scary. >> thank you, al. coming up on trending, brace yourself. some of the most awkward holiday photos you've ever seen. >> all right. and next, is your faux fur actually made from rabbits or coyotes or maybe even dog? the next rossen reports exposing the truth and causing major retailers to make changes, coming up right after this.

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back now at 7:40. this morning on "rossen reports," what some experts call a huge deception by the country's biggest retailers, advertising one thing but selling you something else. "today's" national correspondent jeff rossen is here with more on that. >> most of the time i'm standing here talking about companies advertising products as real and selling you something that's fake. but this morning, something totally new. some of the country's biggest stores selling you something called faux fur, but it's actually made from real animals. believe it or not, it's sometimes cheaper for the stores to use real animal hair than manufactured or fake. so many of you are walking around right now, thinking you're supporting animal rights, wearing faux fur, but you're in for a big surprise. we're braving the cold and the crowds on a holiday shopping spree, to find that perfect gift.

on our list, designer boots, z cozc cozy sweaters, and trendy jackets. all of them trimmed with faux fur. >> right here, this says faux fur. >> faux, or fake fur, is most popular than ever. >> we're all for the fake fur. we love it. >> reporter: a recent study showing nearly 100 million americans think buying and wearing real fur is morally wrong. >> i don't want see the point killing animals for that kind of money, just when you can get, you know, a fake one looks just as good and it's warm. >> reporter: so retailers are advertising faux fur by the rackfuls this season. but our "rossen reports" investigation has discovered a secret. >> it's actually fur from a rabbit. >> a rabbit? >> reporter: that's right. this fake fur isn't fake at all. at the malls and online, we saw some of the biggest retailers, including neiman marcus, nordstrom rack, belk, jackety, and gilt group, proudly advertising all these items as faux fur. we bought them all, suspecting

some could be real. three jackets, one sweater, and a pair of boots. >> they all feel pretty soft. this is a little coarser than this one, but i can't tell the difference what's real and what's fake here. so we sent the items to microtrace labs in chicago, where scientists tested the hairs using powerful microscopes. we bought this sweater at nordstrom rack, and you can see the sleeves have, what they're calling, faux fur on the trim. what is it? >> it's actually rabbit fur that's been dyed. >> reporter: yep, a fury little rabbit. >> the customer would have no idea this is rabbit. >> not unless they take a look at it under the microscope. >> reporter: what about this michael kors jacket we bought from belk department store. what's confusing about this coat is, online, it is advertised as faux fur, but it says, real animal fur on the tag. you tested it, which is it? >> it's real animal fur from a

coyote. >> customers didn't want to support animal cruelty, yet they're doing it and not even knowing it. >> reporter: pierre calls it an outrageous deception. he runs the fur-free campaign for the humane society of the united states. why are these companies going to the trouble of getting real fur and selling it as faux? why not just sell the faux fur? >> actually, some of the good faux furs can be more expensive to use when making jackets or other garments than low-quality animal fur. they may use animal fur just because it's cheaper. >> reporter: but it's not just rabbits or coyotes. check out these two coats from the popular brand jacketi. >> it's actually real fur, from an animal from a called raccoon dog. >> reporter: raccoon dogs, and don't be fooled by the name, they're not raccoons, they're wild members of the dog family, perhaps being worn right now by unsuspecting customers. but the biggest offender of all, neiman marcus. two different employees told us these boots are trimmed with faux fur. >> contains faux fur, 55%

polyester, 45% silk. >> reporter: and it's advertised online the same way. you tested it, what is it really? >> it's actually real rabbit hair. >> yes, more rabbit. and believe it or not, neiman marcus has been caught doing this before. just last year, the federal trade commission charged the retailer for selling real fur as fake. neiman marcus settled and promised not to do it. this time, they blamed their vendor, aquatalia for mislabelling the boots. aquatalia telling nbc news, it was an inadvertent error. >> they have to fix the problem. they're deceiving their own customers when they do this an then we stay nice and dry. iving the american public. >> reporter: this morning, our investigation is already getting results. neiman marcus has removed these boots i have on the table right now, guys, that we showed on that report, from all their stores and online. when we contacted the other companies, they all apologized for the errors, promised to step up their training, and offered refunds for any of you watching right now, concerned that you

bought one of these items and you wanted it to be faux and it's made of real animals. a lot of you wondering, how do i tell at home. i have a web extra, some easy do-at-home tips you can do right now before you leave in the morning to check. >> was it hard to find these or were they everywhere? >> they're everywhere. when you see the amount of stores. these were the biggest stores we found them in. didn't have to hunt that hard. >> by the way, are your real? >> i think you know the answer. coming up on trending, when was the last time you did it? why no one seems to rsvp anymore? and carson's in the orange room with our search for the wildest holiday lights display in the land. right after this. it's my parents' rules. ♪ baby. can i help you?

no, uhhh i just brought a card... (sarcastically) for me? ♪ she'll love it. thanks. in the morning. yep. ♪ok. then we will do it all together. treats! teets...teets...teets... yeah, look at this! it seems like the best family traditions.... always start in the kitchen. happy holidays from rice krispies. who's been using walmart savings catcher, now is the time to redeem your savings on holiday stocking stuffers. so you can use that to get this? yup. or this? yes. or this? yeah - or that, or this or this or this or that. redeem your savings catcher savings on last minute gifts at walmart.

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accessible, by bringing the best brands together on one simple app. start building your smarthome on wink.com. >> let's go over to carson and find out who's got the best holiday lights in the land. >> who is it? >> we've got some good ones, guys! all week long we've been working with wink, the app that control your smartphone to find the most festive holiday displays. look at a couple of these photos here. you saw this earlier. this is a video we got in from mark. play a little bit of that. and look to the lengths some of these people went. isn't that cool, guys? now it's time to announce our winner. timed to a rocking version of "we wish you a merry christmas." take a look at the let it glow champ, mike's home in sherman oaks, california. check this out, everybody. ♪ we wish you a merry christmas ♪ ♪ we wish you a merry christmas ♪ >> his effort is certainly paying off. we're going to send mike his

wink essential smarthome kit. let me explain a little bit about how this works. right here on your smartphone, the kit allows you to control all the devices in your home, all from just an app. turn the tree on, give it a second, oh, come on, really! >> that worked well. lamp -- >> you got it, carson. >> okay, hold on, guys. there we go, it's on! they're both on. >> it takes a little bit of time -- >> the wi-fi is slow in here. >> carson -- >> the lamp's on now! it works! mike, congratulations and thanks to everybody for sending us your photos and videos. >> that's a major reward! >> excellent, carson! coming up, the photo booth session that ended with a big surprise for that young lady. >> plus, a robot butler, can you shut the shades? oh and could you turn on air conditioning i'm starting to sweat.

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you're watching "today in the bay." >> a very good friday morning to you. it 17:56 now. i'm laura garcia-cannon. an alameda man wrongfully accused of arson is giving a lot of people lessons in forgiveness. peterson spent two and a half weeks in jail before the charges were eventually dropped. he said he wasn't mad about the arrest and he's holding a benefit concert to help the victims of the fire. >> we issued a microclimate weather alert. the rain is coming. millions are actually heading out of town for the holidays. so we hope you get where you need to go. christina has a look at the forecast. >> unfortunately for people headed north, you're going to have to go through this rain, but you should be okay if you're headed into southern california.

nice and dry for now. most areas south of the golden gate bridge will remain dry at least for the next couple of hours. then we see that front move into the south bay. 59 degrees in the south bay, 59 on the east shore. temperatures will be cool. we'll see a nice prolonged period of dry weather. up to 69 degrees, by tuesday of next week. looking good there. let's find out how your drive is shaping up. here's mike. >> your radar showed activity in the north bay and minor flooding in santa rosa. it's already started. here eastbound it's fine across the san mateo bridge. westbound we're jammed all the way across to the mid section there where there is a crash blocking your middle lane. heading toward that dumbarton bridge is an alternate because of a crash at whipple. there is the dumbarton bridge if you can conveniently get there. take it as your alternate to the

san mateo. >> thank you for joining us as well. another update in half an hour. we'll see you then.

today today_8. today, coming up, flu concerns. and the power of forgiveness. >> you don't have to forget, but you have to say, i have to forgive you, because i have to move on. >> meet the remarkable woman fighting to free the man who nearly took her life. and the museum's main man. >> run! >> ben stiller stops by to talk about his newest blockbuster and weighs in on the sony hacking

scandal. today, december 19th, 2014. >> good morning, charleston, south carolina! it's her birthday! >> merry christmas, john! >> from new york city! >> good morning, georgia! >> merry christmas, from tennessee! >> i'm the bride to be. i love you, taylor! we're back now. 8:00 on a friday morning. it's the 19th day of december, 2014. see my people. >> carson's got some friends over here. >> what's your name? >> carson? >> what? >> i named him after you. >> you did, for real? i've heard rumors of this, but

it's true. >> it's true, i did. >> i could never find a cute kid with my name on it, but now more parents are -- i love these two. merry christmas, good to be here. >> where you from? >> missouri. >> welcome, welcome. good to have you. >> how great is that, carson? >> i didn't know that was going to happen. >> coming up a little later, trying to buy last-minute gifts. we have a whole bunch of things under 50 bucks, whether it's for a friend or a boyfriend, we'll let you know what those are all about. first, let's go back inside. natalie's got the top headlines of the morning. >> good morning to y'all, once again. the white house is considering what it calls a proportional response against north korea for the destructive hacking attack on sony pictures. officials believe it was north korea that launched the cyberattack to retaliate for the movie, "the interview," a sony pictures comedy that pokes fun at that country and its leader. the film's release has been canceled because of threats against theaters.

the issue is being handled as a serious national security matter. the president is likely to face some tough questions about north korea at his end of the year news conference which will take place this afternoon and nbc news will have live coverage of the news conference at 1:30 eastern time. and the president will likely be pressed about his policy to end cold war policy against cuba. it has angered many here in the u.s. are you seeing anything like that there in cuba? >> reporter: nothing like that here. we've found nothing but widespread support for the plan to improve u.s./cuba relations. the people here it will bring in more visitors, money, goods, and opportunity to the island. but in parts of the u.s., particularly in the miami area, where there's a large cuban exile population, there is anger over president obama's plan to normalize relations. the miami representative says it, quote, appeases the castro

regime at the cost of the rights of cubans. meantime, a number of large u.s. corporations are watching all of these developments very carefully, waiting for the day when perhaps they can start doing business deals here in cuba. natalie? >> mark potter in havana. thank you, mark. the flu season is ramping up with more people seeking medical attention for their symptoms this year. the cdc will have an update today. we're joined by nbc news contributor, dr. natalie aczar. which parts of the country are we seeing are having the most cases of the flu? >> the greatest activity right now appears to be in the south, as well as the northeast corridor. so we have a little bit of the midwestern states, but as you can see on the map, the northeast as well as the south and the southeast are being hit the hardest, although all parts of the country are being affected. >> and why are people still at risk, even if they've had this year's flu shot? >> well, a number of reasons. number one, traditionally, the flu shot does not give you 100% protection. it's roughly at 50 to 60%. and the more recent concern is that there have been a variant strain of the most virulent one,

this h-3 strain and it's drifted a little bit, from genetic mutations. even though the flu vaccine is supposed to be covering that, it's only 50% effective for that particular strain. but it's still very early in the season. as the season progresses, we may see a different scene predominate. we are still recommending the flu shot for pretty much everybody. >> everybody, all right. dr. natalie aczar, thank you. the secret service needs a shake up at the top and more manpower, according to an independent panel created in october. after a serious of security breaches, the panel calls for hiring hundreds of new agents and officers. it also says new leadership should come from outside the agency's own ranks. and it recommends that the fence around the white house be raised by at least 4 feet to keep intruders from scaling in. officials in texas have released a sketch of the suspect wanted for shooting and wounding a television weatherman. police say forecasters patrick crawford was shot early wednesday in the parking lot of the nbc affiliate in waco, texas. crawford is in stable condition

after surgery. the daredevil in this video went viral. he might want to think twice before he tries this again. he was cruising expertly down this long, narrow road on his skateboard. but no amount of skill could prevent what happens next. fortunately, it looks like nobody was hurt here, but it certainly was a close call and a wild ride, indeed. it's 8:06 right now. too close for comfort. time for a check of the weather with mr. roker on the plaza. >> announcer: today's weather is brought to you by wink. wink makes the smarthome accessible by bringing the best brands together on one simple app. start building your smarthome at wink.com. >> we have another huge crowd! look at all of these people hanging out with us today. man, a lot of them brought toys over the last days of our toy drive, very nice. let's show you what we've got as far as your weather is

concerned. for today, we are looking, we're looking at next week. monday, we've got a storm system coming through the great lakes and we're also watching wet weather make its way up the mid-atlantic coast by monday afternoon. and then as we get into tuesday, more of the same. wet weather, strong storms along the southeastern atlantic coast. snow back through the great lakes. sunshine out west. christmas eve, we start the morning off with snow around the great lakes, an icy mix moving into the northeast and snow conditions in the rockies and then christmas day, again, more of the same. so the moral of the story is, if you can get out of town this weekend, that's when you 8:07. good morning to you. happy friday. we do have rain coming in. mostly at this point a lot of that shower activity is pushing to the east of 101 in sonoma county and moving into napa. throughout the next couple hours, that will continue to be the trend. all of this is pushing south.

if you're trying to head out of town for travel, here's the deal. looking good, but this system is headed towards tahoe. count on treacherous conditions for today. better conditions tonight. if you're headed into nor cal, here's the deal, dangerous for now, but north nice and dry. that's your latest weather. >> i just -- i thought it was over. all right, coming up on trending, awkward! the most cringe-worthy family holiday photos you can imagine. plus, ben stiller is here to talk "night at the museum" and a lot more. hey, ben! >> how are you? and the remarkable boy on a mission to make sure every kid has a toy for christmas. nice story. but first, these messages.

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walmart all right. we're back at 8:11. time for what's trending today. this is the time of year we do a lot of end-of-year lists and things like that. let's take a look at some images of the most memorable sports photos of the yore, thanks to the folks at business insider. some of these, you'll recognize. there's michael phelps, making his come back in mesa, arizona. love that, with the water, the wave ahead of him. here is a motorcyclist gliding through the dunes of a chinese desert. tiger's first baseman, miguel cabrera spitting out water during the playoffs. how about this, taking a tough one to the jaw. and check out this one from a hockey game in canada. players looking great thanks to a setup from the home team at the visitor's bench. >> it's an ad for breast cancer awareness. >> right below the visitor's

bench, so they all looked like they were wearing tutus. if you're headed to a holiday party this weekend, the question is, do you rsvp? >> absolutely. >> most times. >> let me tell you what i tried to do. i wrote, quick question, when you get an invite, and if you type out rsvp in twitter, it comes out, taco. >> it auto corrects it. >> anyway -- yeah, not great. "the wall street journal" says that more people are ignoring rsvps. and etiquette expert lizzy post suggests it's because you don't want to commit to those kind of things. do you respond? >> you have to. if you're having a party, you want to get food and make sure you have the head count right. >> but i have a hard time with an e-vite. if you get an e-vite at a tough time, on a plane or something and you can't respond right away, and then you forget. >> i'm a firm believer in a hard vi invitation. >> you did not have your

christmastime for the first time in forever. >> he actually did. >> you didn't know? >> people e-mailed us, are you having your party? we just didn't have it this year. >> we love surprises around here. and here are two good ones for the holiday season. first, the folks at the comedy group improv everywhere, they gave an unsuspecting family in new jersey, i think it was, an unsuspecting christmas gift. they show up to sing a few carols. that's the first surprise. and as you watch, this keeps going and getting better and better. look at the kids' faces. ♪ >> that is awesome! ♪ >> and the santas start throwing

fake snow around. this is the best christmas ever. and it's all just part of an improv group. >> that is amazing! how about another christmas surprise one young woman will never, ever forget. >> will you marry me? >> what?! >> serious. >> oh, my god! >> that is kevin marin finding a simple but memorable way to propose to his high school sweetheart, molly, right in the photo booth. got every second. >> that's right! so they got their pictures. >> awesome! >> really cute. >> so cool. this next set of images, unforgettable for a different reason, because they're just plain awkward. this morning, today.com has a new roundup of awkward family photos, this is the holiday edition. it's full of those, what were they thinking moments. all the holiday cards from babies who didn't take to santa, the matching outfit fails. you can find more of these awkward photos on our website --

>> that's my favorite! >> there's a thin line between awkward and genius. >> oh! >> which side do you think he was on. >> he was on the awkward. that one's awkward. >> that's what's trending today. coming up, now to a remarkable story of forgiveness that many may find hard to understand. today, shanell jones is here with that story. >> debby bakery is a mother of two, a body builder, and a magazine publisher. 25 years ago, she was shot in the face by a 13-year-old boy who was later sentenced to life in prison. but now, debby wants to see him freed. >> so, from behind, i hear, i'm serious, give it up. >> reporter: debby bakery still hears those words as if they were spoken yesterday. >> turned around and the gun was like right here. and then he shot. it went right in my mouth. and it went out my cheek. and had i been looking any other way or had my head up or down, i

would have been dead. >> reporter: in fact, it was 1990, nearly 25 years ago. the shooter, ian manuel, was trying to rob her. he was just 13. three days later, police caught up to ian. he confessed and was sentenced to life. for the next decade, debby suffered from excruciating pain, multiple surgeries, and emotional trauma. >> and those were times that i hated ian. >> reporter: but just one year after the shooting, at christmastime, debby got a collect call, from ian, in prison. he wanted to apologize. >> and i was, like, shaking and, you know, just very, very shook up. by hearing his voice. >> reporter: it was a short call. neither one knewt the time, but a healing process had started. they exchanged letters about his family and his troubled past. and slowly, debbie's anger at the boy turned into sympathy. >> of course, i went back, and for many years, back and forth, between anger, sadness, pity.

i felt everything. the whole gamut. >> reporter: and it was a rocky road for ian. he was a problem prisoner, who spent years in solitary confinement. but debbie saw something more in him. >> i knew he was intelligent, i knew he had a, a good heart. >> reporter: they developed a connection. the victim and the convict. she helped him get his ged, testified in favor of reducing his sentence, and she's forgiven him. >> when you forgive, you really are setting yourself free. people who get to a point of forgiveness actually are healthier and happier individuals. >> anybody has the capacity to forgive. you don't have to forget, but you have to say, i have to forgive you, because i have to move on. >> you should know, three years ago, ian's sentence was reduced to 65 years, but debbie says he's already served enough time. she thinks he should be released. she also has two adult daughters, and neither understands her compassion for

ian. in fact, she says, they don't even want to hear his name. but ultimately, it's what she needs for healing. >> life for a 13-year-old. and i guess it was an attempted murder charge. >> yes. >> it seems kind of excessive. >> now the supreme court has ruled, if you commit a crime and you're a young person and a person doesn't die, you can't get life. but that was his sentence at the time. so she's working on his behalf to get him freed. he's had some problems, he was in solitary confinement there for years. so as far as she's concerned, she's released that part of it. >> but such a terrific example. >> the sentiment of that is nice this time of the year, too. >> happy holidays. >> shanell, thanks. let's head over to matt. >> hoda, thank you very much. the "night at the museum" franchise, one of the most successful of all times. ben stiller is back in "the secret of the tomb." this time going across the pond on an epic quest to save the magic that brings his historic pals to life. take a look. >> i'm half irish, half jewish. >> you are? i love jews! we own 40,000 of them! >> such lovely people. >> here we go.

>> they were very happy. always singing with the candles. >> yeah, they really weren't happy. >> really? >> no, they left. they spent about 40 years in the desert trying to escape. >> oh? >> yeah, we have dinner once a year and talk about it. it's a big deal for us. >> hey, ben, welcome back. good to see you. >> how are you, matt? >> let's start with the obvious. it's a little bit of an unusual time to be releasing a movie right now. a lot going on in hollywood. what's your take on all of this? >> well, you know, i think it's unfortunate that we have to deal with this, honestly, in this day and age and what's going on. and you know, i think our country is all about freedom of speech and freedom of self-expression. and so when we start to engage in self-censorship, that's influenced by intimidation from people or governments who just happen to not agree with the point of a movie, i think we're denying the audience their right to see. >> do you fault the people at sony? what options did they have once the threats were leveled at theaters and moviegoers? >> i don't know, i'm not on the

inside of it, but i know the government said these aren't credible threats. it's a tough situation, i don't envy the situation they're in, but i think the audience has the right to choose what they want to see. >> i think one thing that could come positive out of this, this particular week, you've got a comedy coming out at a time when another comedy was going to come out that's not even here. you may actually find a lot of people saying, i just need to blow off a little steam and have some fun in the theater. and this franchise has just been incredibly successful over the years. >> yeah. it's crazy. i mean, when we made the first one, i remember thinking, will anybody go and see this, it's a crazy idea. it's, you know, nobody really knew the book that it was based on, and the tone of it was little bit like, was it a comedy, was it an adventure, a kids' movie, what is it? >> i remember seeing the first one and thinking, my gosh, there should be 30 of these things. one of the things that's happened, which i read about last night, the attendance at natural history museums around the world has actually gone up about 25% since you started releasing these movies.

and you get a cut of all those tickets, don't you? >> oh, yeah, those big museum receipts. no, i mean, it's great. our generation, we grew up going to museums and pre-digital age, and i think it's been affected by kids looking at screens and all the different things that you can do that, you know, don't involve your imagination as much as when you go to a museum. >> there's still magic when you go to these places. >> and you fill it in, fill it in yourself. >> what's the magic tablet have in store for us this time? >> it's corroding, starting to malfunction, and the creatures are starting ing ting to sputtd they might actually -- their lives might be ending. so we have to figure out what's wrong with it and go to the british museum to find the pharaoh who -- ben kingsley, sir ben plays, who made the tablet. >> i love how you threw sir ben in there. you've attracted in this series, a lot of a-list actors, who have come -- ben kingsley, just the latest one. were you ever surprised they signed on so easily? >> yeah, from the beginning, though, we got a great cast and,

you know, just starting out, mickey rooney and dick van dyke, just from the very beginning, people like that. and i think people love the tone of it. and they know they can come in and have fun. and sean levy, the director, really encourages people to improvise and it's, you know, it's an atmosphere where you can kind of do your thing. >> you mentioned mickey rooney, an icon of the golden era of hollywood. he passed away, not long after working on this. when you look back at when he became popular, is there a part of the hollywood system back there that you wish you could have been a part of? >> i mean, i love all those old movies. and mickey was such a -- he was a multi-talented guy. he could sing, he could dance, he could play the drums. he did drama. you know, that was a time when, you know, movie stars had to do all that stuff. so, you know, to be able to have a chance to work with him a little bit and talk to him about those times, and he had just crazy, amazing stories about showbiz. so, yeah, no, lucky to have had a chance to work with him. >> another iconic actor is robin

williams, who this is his last appearance in a movie, he passed away not long ago. he made so many things look easy when it came to comedic acting, as someone who was in that area of the business, do you ever marvel at how easy he made it? >> oh, yeah, robin was always an idol o >>f oh,yeah. he was an idol of mine. i never got past being a fan. he had an amazing ability to make every comfortable around him. he was really the genius. >> i know you tweeted something like that when he passed away. i want to end with something else. i was reading an article about you last night and two words caught my attention. fiber flex. you literally growing up as a young kid, you had a fiber flex skateboard. >> yes, with road rider wheels. >> and you actually found one recently? zbli was online and i found one on a site. i let my wife know and

apparently she's get it for me as a christmas present. >> but it's touched a place in you and takes you back to a happy place in time. >> very emotional. it opens up all of the memories of being a kid. it's like a song or something. i have so many great memories of that time and seeing that object brought them all back. >> you didn't have the man from uncle two, did you? >> no. i was more of a star trek guy. >> ben, congratulations. always good to have you. "night of the sue seem secret of the tomb is in theaters today". if you have not finished your christmas shopping, fear not. we have gift rs for under 50 bucks. we've got games, jewelry, bacon, we got it all. coming up after this. come on, girl, you got it.

you're watching today in the bay. >> good morning to you, it is 8:26. i'm laura garcia-cannon. fremont police hope this image can help lead to an arrest in a recent home invasion robbery. detectives say the man and woman were in a neighborhood on tuesday, the same day a couple forced their way into a home, demanding cash and designer purses. right now the pair is considered persons of interest. here's a live look outside, all corners of the bay area, the rain is on the way. what does that mean for the morning commute? let's find out with mike. >> a live look with our san rafael camera, look how soupy it is, rain is coming in as christina has forecasted. this is right on her timeline. let's look at your p mas, showing green, meaning wet

roads, blue meaning puddling along the coast. started with one car, ended with four. slippery conditions continue through the area. there's a crash and debris westbound across the san mateo bridge making cars go around either side because it's in the middle lane. that's a huge problem and has been for quite some time. fortunately, a lighter flow of traffic. dunbarton bridge is your alternate. back to you. >> thank you very much. thank you for joining us, as well. another local news update is coming up in half an hour. have a great day.

every day is a new opportunity to help make life better right here in san francisco. whether it's helping local businesses like the fruitguys grow and prosper, supporting nonprofits like juma ventures as they fulfill their mission or helping neighborhoods like the tenderloin become vibrant communities. if there's a way to help the people of san francisco thrive and succeed, we'll find it. that's the power of local connections. that's bank of america.

it's 8:30 now on this friday morning, 19th of december, 2014. now, there's something you don't see every day. that's ben stiller, collecting gifts as part of our holiday toy drive. the star of "night at the museum: secret of the tomb" out here lending a hand. we appreciate that. that movie opens today. >> very sweet.

>> and this is the final day of our toy drive. and we want to thank everybody who made it such a success. with your help, get this, we managed to ship an estimated $30 million in gifts to 172 family charities across the country. that's pretty incredible. >> we have a lot of people who work very hard on that here and our hats go off to them. >> since 1994, almost $394 million. >> sweet, sweet. >> they do a great job. >> all right. coming up, we have a great story here. wait until you meet the boy whose generosity has earned him the nickname, santa sam. remember that. plus, the you still have some shopping to do, don't fret, because we have got your gift guide here today for anyone, any age, all under 50 bucks. >> all right. lots to get to. let's get a check of the weather from al. >> reporter: this portion of

today is brought to you by "night at the museum: secret of the tomb," now playing. >> and back, we have some more folks here who have some toys for our toy drive. we'll get to those in just a second. let's look ahead, first of all, starting with today, we have wet weather down through the gulf coast, a mess in the pacific northwest, through northern california. the only good news, it's helped their drought a little bit. that's good news. saturday, more wet weather with snow in the pacific northwest. rain along the southeastern atlantic coast, plenty of sunshine throughout much of the country. sunday, we're looking at plenty of sunshine in the northeast, snow, as you get into the western plains. sunny skies from texas into the 8:32. good morning to you. i'm meteorologist christina loren. al was just talking about our drought. yeah, 8% to 10% rise in all our major reservoirs across the state of california. there's more on the radar right now. most of this is still north of the golden gate bridge bridge. it's going to start to move south through the next couple

hours. i want to widen out for you, if you're traveling today, should be okay. a lot of this activity is headed towards tahoe. should be draped over 80 through the next few hours. safer conditions by tonight. >> it is barbara's 80th birthday. my golly, happy birthday. >> thank you! >> how long have you guys been married? >> 58 years! >> oh, my gosh. well, god bless you and merry christmas. >> thank you! >> good to see you both. let's go back inside. >> all right. thanks, al. so we've partnered with feeding america for today's million meals by christmas. for every dollar donated, ten meals will be given to people in need. and thanks to some great generosity here, perdue farms generated 111,000 pounds of chicken and pork. that's going to give us about 92,500 meals. we're just under 700,000 right now. the goal is a million. so what we're doing is extending the deadline. now we have a few extra days. we'll go past christmas until the end of the year. that means more time for our

city challenge. the meteorologist from the city who donates the most will come to the studio and do the weather with al. still sitting at the top of the list, detroit, st. louis, and baltimore. so keep those donations coming. you can head to today.com to help and thanks in advance. let's go over to matt and hoda. >> getting to the heart of christmas is brought to you by walmart, where you'll find low prices on this year's top gifts. >> and now to our special series, getting to the heart of christmas. as we work with walmart to spread some holiday cheer -- >> today contributing correspondent, jenna bush hager is here to tell us about a fifth grader from chicago who embodies the true meaning of the holidays. >> good morning! samuel love has a heart of gold. a little boy whose earned the nickname, santa sam. 11-year-old samuel love is preparing for christmas, but he is not thinking about himself. >> my name is sam love and i want to spread love across the

usa. >> spreading christmas love to children who need it most. his passion to help kids started when he was only 9, moved by the devastation from hurricane sandy. >> i knew christmas was right around the corner and they weren't going to get anything, so i wanted to give to them instead of myself. >> so when you knew that these kids who are affected by sandy weren't going to get something, how'd that make you feel? >> the only thing that went through my mind was, whoa. >> reporter: so he started a toy drive, collecting 800 toys for kids affected by sandy. but he didn't stop there. last year, he gave 1,300 toys to the kids reeling from the tornadoes in oklahoma and the floods in colorado. his goal this year is to gather 2,500 toys for the victims of the tornadoes in arkansas. coined santa sam, he's become a hometown hero here in south chicago. inspiring the kids in his school

to join in. when you give toys to somebody, tell me how it makes you feel? >> it makes me feel happy knowing i'm giving to other kids. it makes me happy and want to smile big. >> really big? >> really big. >> reporter: so for all his good deeds, we decided to surprise this modern-day santa. >> every santa needs his sleigh! >> reporter: his elves for the day -- >> i can't believe this! >> reporter: his family, grandmother josephine wade, mother, evette, and father, victor. we set off to do what makes sam smile, create a day of giving. >> okay, let's go! ho, ho, ho! >> look over here! >> an angel tree, when the salvation army grants wishes to all these kids who don't have any toys for christmas. so this little boy is 12 years old and he's hoping for a basketball, football, hat, sweater, and gloves. >> on behalf of walmart, here's

a total of 100 wishes hanging on these trees, and we are going to grant every single wish today in honor of everything that you do! >> yes! >> so excited! >> next stop. >> ready for your next surprise? >> reporter: the nonprofit lvt enterprises, because of sam's generosity, walmart donated 100 toys to some well-deserving children. >> for him to be able to bless so many other people, just from one idea, one idea. thank you. >> you see that name? >> yeah. >> what is that? >> me! >> yeah! >> because you're so generous and you help out so many people, we felt it was time for you to

get a gift. so on behalf of walmart, you have christmas gifts! ye yeah! >> oh, my god! >> i'm in love with sam! >> it's so cute. and he said, i said, isn't giving better than receiving, and he said, giving is so much better than receiving, although i have to say, when he received his toys, he definitely broke into that santa sam dance. >> but he did have that look on his face, when he was giving to kids, like he was getting something. >> it was all his idea. he said to his dad, i want to have a christmas party. and his dad said, no, we're not having a christmas party, and it was a christmas party to donate toys to sandy. >> his parents must be awesome. >> good job, jenna. really great. up next, some creative and inexpensive gift ideas with only six shopping days left until the holidays. but first, this is "today" on

nbc.

back now at 8:41 with stuff we love, the holiday edition. it's your gift-giving solution for people of every age. and the best part, everything we're going to show you today is under $50. chasse post is a lifestyle editor at guilt.com. chasse, good morning. >> good morning! >> this is gifts for all kinds of people? >> all kinds of people. and there are still great gifts out there, but you've got to get cracking. >> the time is now. >> the time is now. >> something special about this segment, we have recruited some little elves from out on the plaza who are going to assist us. first up is micah. she's 6 years old. thank you, rudolph! >> hi, micah! >> we really appreciate it. >> this is so cute. >> tell us what micah brought us. >> micah brought us a cart full of bling, which all ladies need

for the holidays, starting with these incredible statement necklaces, hoda. they are so fabulous. and what we love about a statement necklace, it's just as great on the red carpet as it is with t-shirt and jeans and these are from zarah starting at $29. >> zarah has the best stuff. >> such great stuff. >> and for the trending between, why not some sequin lounging accessories from great slippers to a matching, you know, icover and also to a little pillow. they're perfect accessories for the holiday selfie. $4.95 from h&m. >> great deals! micah, thank you so much! you can take your cart. >> thanks, micah. bye! >> all right, jimmy's coming up next. good try there, micah. >> great, jimmy. >> what did jimmy bring us? >> jimmy's bringing us great gifts for the guys and these hats are so clever. they're your baseball cap made over for the winter. so we now have flaps, dog ears, so your super fan can

actively -- they all come down. your super fan can super fan all winter long. and these are from new era caps. >> this is the al roker portion of the program. >> bacon. who knew that a meat could be so trendy, right? so this is the original bacon kit. you can make your own bacon, just $22. >> and what makes this unique? >> it's so fantastic, you can cure your own beef and slice off your own bacon. >> jimmy, you did an excellent job. thank you! all right, thank you so much. go ahead and wheel that over. >> lexsy's coming in next. 10-year-old lexi. hi, sweetie. >> hi. >> lexi has really great gifts too. these are to help you unwind. we just had a rousing game of mini fuseball, they also have mini pool and mini air hockey, $29 from barnes&noble.com. these are super fun. and have you ever seen a cuter yoga mat? >> personalized. >> we've got an "h" for hoda and

these are from mycustomyogamat.com. $40. you can order them today and they'll still get them in time for the holidays. >> and today is the last day for shipping to make sure it will get there on time. >> thank you, lexi. and our last adorable little elf happens to be cody. >> and cody is bringing us some sweet-smelling gifts, starting with the nest fragrances. >> you can't go wrong with these. >> you can't go wrong. these are fantastic. you can get them at the skinstore.com. and we have grapefruit, which smells so crisp and light. >> i always thought these were pricier, but they stay within your range? >> they sure do, $38. these are fantastic and we love a home fragrance at guilt. >> what are these? >> these molten brown body wash baubles. >> they're filled with body wash? >> yes. >> they're filled with body wash. and molten brown is a hand wash supplier to the queen of england

and these are just $15. i would say this is a pretty great gift. >> great job. let's bring all of our elves back in. this is going to be interesting to see how we'll fit the carts. come on, everybody. you can do it! bring it on in! >> oops! >> well, that's all right. if you're looking for more gift ideas, you can go to our website, today.com. all right. the football coach having an impact on his players, on and off the field. but first, this is "today" on nbc. excellent job, everybody! ♪

big crowd outside. we're back now at 8:47 with our ongoing series with the nfl, together we make football. this morning, nbc's josh eliot has a story of love and loss that's transformed the life of a

high school senior and his coach. >> football is more than a game. in my case, we even became family. >> reporter: three years ago, when christian osterout was a high school freshman, he lost his father to als. >> so i called him up and i said, let's go eat lunch. and from that point on, we started eating lunch once a week. that began him coming over here to eat. >> at this point, my mom is also getting very, very sick. i was like, look coach, i don't know what's going to happen with my mom, but if something does happen, can i live here with you? >> and he said, well, my mom wants to talk to you about it. >> and she shared with us her hopes and her dreams for her son. >> reporter: christian's mother passed away in september. before each home game, one player's father reads a letter to his son in front of the team.

>> amazing moment that i wish i could share with my dad, but having coach roberts, it's a close second. >> who would have ever thought when we started this program that you'd be sitting here as a senior, living in my house. in that time, i've learned more from you and how you've handled your struggles than i could have ever taught you. many people tell sarah and i what a blessing my family and i have been for you. i know they mean well, but they've all got it wrong. the true blessing is what you've been to me and our family. i consider you one of my sons. i'm proud of you and i love you. so proud of you. so proud of you. i love you. >> reporter: at a recent school pep rally, christian's courage was again celebrated and

rewarded. >> there's someone that's come a long way, because he's so impressed with your story and your story, coach. mr. prime-time himself, deon sanders! >> wow! >> christian, coach, it's truly an honor to meet you both. your story, it inspires me, it encourages me, and i'm just so thankful, man, that i get to present to you this finalist football. you are in the finalist. it is my prayer that you make it to the super bowl.

you don't know how much i identify with your story. i have three kids of my own, but eight living in my house. >> oh, man, we're gaining on you. >> oh, my gosh, that was so -- >> i want to finish that movie. >> now we've got this. >> that was really great. > >> by the way, now it's your turn to make a dream come true and send someone to super bowl 49. head to togetherwemakefootball.com, watch the stories and vote for your favorite one. there are a lot of them. >> they're so good. >> and don't forget to watch the seattle seahawks take on the arizona cardinals sunday night at seven o'clock p.m. we're back in a moment on a friday morning. this is "today" on nbc.

let's get some special birthday wishes from our good friend, willard scott. hey, willard. >> hey, new york. they picked the right guy. i'm 80 years old and i was just a kid when they built this place. the grifville inn in essex, in the great state of connecticut. happy birthday, evelyn sarquis from kelsey, california. 100 years old today and she's a beautiful painter. she can do marvelous work. hey, this is marion sharp, and she is from ft. lauderdale, 100

years old today. loves chocolate candy. eats it by the pound. happy anniversary, they areman and nellie rexroad. and they are from rawlings, maryland, and they've been married for 76 years. can you believe that? happy anniversary to you. this is charles johnson from altadena, california, 102 years old. how about that? he says the secret for longevity, clean living. new york, you'd love this place. now, back to you. >> thanks, willard. got the gang here. what's coming up? >> holiday recap! >> we're going to recap our holiday party. >> holiday tipping. got some tips on tipping. >> and look at the fun we've had on the third hour. >> okay. got your own year-ender. >> we've got our own. and there is a clown in our

year-ender. a very scary clown. >> thanks to hoda, for filling in today. >> my pleasure! >> she

you're watching today in the bay. >> and a good morning to you. it's 8:56 on your friday. i'm sam brock. if you're heading out of town this weekend, there are two things to keep in mind. one, the roads will be crowded. aaa is forecasting a record number of holiday travelers, and this is no doubt one reason why. tumbling gas prices. the average price per gallon in california has dropped 35 cents in the last month. second, the roads won't just

be crowded, they'll be wet. that's why we've issued a microclimate weather alert. here's a live look at our radar, you see the activity starting to pick up, parts of san francisco soggy this morning. the rain is expected in the south bay within the next couple of hours. we'll closely be monitoring that. see you in a half hour. (vo) nourished.

rescued. protected. given new hope. during the subaru "share the love" event, subaru owners feel it, too. because when you take home a new subaru, we donate 250 dollars to helping those in need. we'll have given 50 million dollars over seven years. love. it's what makes a subaru, a subaru. the best meat and the bests produce.ving it's my job to start a new legacy, the best wine beer and spirits. we travel all over california and the world to find all sorts of new craft spirits, craft beers, small production wines. ♪ brews from mendocino, and the finest wines from around the world. at raley's, we're really into craft, so we enjoy and are excited about carrying those products in the store.

♪ share your ideas, tell us on facebook. >> announcer: this is "today's take," live from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. >> boy, that's a big, loud crowd out on our plaza on a friday morning, december 19th, 2014. enthusiastic, a little bit chilly outside, but can't beat -- al said it's not cold out there. >> don't say you're chilly around al roker. >> no, you said, it is so cold outside. and i said, it's not that cold. >> willie thought it was 10 degrees. >> pretty cold. >> i went across the street for the show and i thought it was very cold, for me. >> it's 38 degrees outside. >> i would say it's like -- >> 38.

>> that's not bad. this is december. >> is it really? and run a coat when you run across the street. >> it's not officially winter yet. >> do you want to know why this is such an historic program? >> why? >> it's the last time the four of us will be together in 2014 on this show. >> wow! >> is that true? >> because of people taking vacations. >> i'm not making it up. al and i are out next week, the two of you are out the next week. that takes us deep into '15. >> we won't see each other together again in this table until 2015? >> that's right. >> i'm emotional. >> we do the christmas show. we do come back for that. and for new year's. and we come back for new year's too. >> and we'll all be here. >> that's right. and it's a magical time, because on that day, on new year's -- >> you travel -- >> you teleport? >> i go across the temporal plane, from new york -- >> in three minutes. >> and then i'm in pasadena with hoda kotb. >> he does it in the commercial

break. >> the magic of television. >> i'm like the elf on the shelf. >> you really are. >> in many ways. >> i'm wearing striped underwear. some candy cane underwear. >> too much information, al. >> i like it, the dysfunction will continue for 2015? >> oh, yeah. we celebrated that yesterday. >> we did. we had a great "today" show holiday party at m groups venue at 409, down in the meat packing district in new york city, catered by catch. we all let our hair down and hang out. >> and thankfully there are pictures so we can remember. >> there he is. and there's the results of the selfie. >> we got to preview kathie lee's "today," the musical. >> when is that? >> it's december 29th. in the 10:00 a.m. hour. >> but sit down, grab yourself a bottle of wine or a cup of

coffee, whatever you want with the musical, but it is fantastic. we had so much fun doing that. but here, again, our huge crew at the holiday party. we have to thank, also, buddy valastro from "the cake boss" for taking care of us with this gorgeous cake from carlos' bakery in hoboken, new jersey. >> can you imagine how many people it takes to make this show. was see "today" the musical, i was sitting in our venue yesterday, looking around, hundreds of people work on this show. i had to idea, until you see us all in one room, because you're usually here, there's people on this show, that show. but to see everyone in one room. >> because we have our graphics department, editing, all these different departments that are spread across -- >> spectacular. and we love them all. and it's great. >> they're not crazy about us. >> no. >> but we love them. >> i wouldn't be either. >> sometimes love is unrequited, but you keep loving. makes you love more, in fact. >> because you try harder. >> but that party is a good time

every year to remember, oh, my gosh, look what it takes to put this show together. >> and we're all really lucky, they make us look good. >> but we keep coming back. there was a party yesterday, it's the last time, it's the farewell to stephen colbert and "the colbert report." this man for nine years has perpetrated one of the greatest political acts of just political satire that we have ever seen. here's how we started it off last night. >> folks, if this is your first time tuning into "the colbert report," i have some terrible news. this is -- this, in fact, this, in fact is your last time tuning into "the colbert report". >> the best opening line right there, right? >> genius. he's going to, obviously, as we all know, take over on the "late show" for david letterman. there weren't any guests on the show until the final moments, and it's like, okay, we didn't have any guests, and now it's a guest tsunami. look at this chorus.

♪ we'll meet again ♪ don't know where ♪ don't know when ♪ ♪ but i know we'll meet again some sunny day ♪ >> willie nelson! >> doris kearns goodwin, arnold schwarzenegger. >> what a list of people there! >> brian cranston. >> you taught -- >> big bird! >> is that cyndi lauper? >> it's like watching the "we are the world" video where you keep going, look who's in it! >> barry manilow! >> who else could pull that range of people together? that's crazy! >> fantastic! >> and george lucas is in this group. >> the cookie monster. david gregory! >> there's the cookie monster.

>> david gregory got out of the big bird suit. >> and bill clinton singing. >> so great. we're going to miss colbert, but look forward to seeing -- >> we don't know when he starts, david letterman, may 20th. >> some time next summer. >> what do they do in the middle? re-runs. >> summer re-runs. >> okay. >> which i don't think people appreciate how hard it is what stephen colbert did, every night, to be in character, and just dealing with whatever the news is that day. it's not -- you can't premeditate some of the things he does. you have to react in character. >> there was a poll that people thought that his character was real. he was so convincing, that some didn't realize that it was a spoof. >> we're going to get, to really get to know the real colbert, or colbert, now, right? it will be interesting to see who he really is. i think we've become so accustomed to seeing his personality as his character. >> and he's got a heck of a singing voice.

>> give fallon a run for his money. there are so many talents -- >> oh! >> so many talented people! >> hold on a sec! i like him a lot, but i don't like him that much. >> listen, who butters your bread? >> just saying, they're all genius and musically inclined. pointing out the realities of the world. >> mm-hmm, mm-hmm. >> leave it to me. >> jimmy fallon just woke up, what?! >> why'd they give stephen colbert that -- >> we love you, jimmy, but that's the last time we're going to mention stephen colbert. we ever never going to show him again. >> make up your mind. >> why are we even talking about him? >> his sister is colbert, she ran for office. oh, a miracle. there's been a miracle. >> a christmas miracle. >> a christmas miracle, hanukkah miracle, whatever. just slap the word on miracle, according to one of our team members i'm going to out in a minute, young adam. okay, here's adam, adam called

in on the conference call that al missed and you said, tamron, there's a miracle. >> this is a christmas miracle. >> and i said, oh, my god, what, a baby born in a manger, you know, what do you mean, a miracle? here's the miracle. >> tell them. >> a woman from tucson, arizona, has been reunited with her missing luggage. and it's been missing for two decades. a miracle. >> that is a miracle. >> here's how it played out. maria delos got a phone call about her luggage that it turned up in tsa's lost and found. this happens often. she thought it was a bag that she recently lost back in august. >> a different bag. you know, apparently she can't put a tag on her bag. but no, no, no. >> attacking the victim. >> which maria also translates to mary, the mother, of the miracle on christmas. get it? >> oh, you're going with the miracle. >> i'm going to sit over here. >> i think you're making a lot of friends right now.

>> that's a fact. maria is mary. it was a christmas miracle. anyway, instead, it was a bag that she lost 20 years ago. and what was in it? >> i don't know. >> i know. >> art supplies. >> but apparently all still good and very valuable. >> it's a miracle. she gets it back. >> here's the interesting thing. so she's lost luggage -- so this next grouping of luggage will be about 2025. >> exactly. >> i just love that maria is the miracle worker at this point and i love that adam embraced the story. >> you kind of attacked her. >> i didn't attack her. >> "she didn't put tags on her luggage," and she may very well have. >> maria, call me, i'll text out my personal number. >> if she didn't, how'd they find her? >> tsa finds their way. maybe there's art supply with her name on it. >> from 20 years ago? >> maybe a hand-written point in the bag. >> it is a miracle. >> can we switch gears?

>> i didn't smack you, i just tapped you. >> that's how it starts. >> oh, is that how it starts? >> anthony, can you get that shot over there over tamron's shoulder, our little guy, our elf on a shelf. elf on a shelf extremely popular. this guy is everywhere. it's amazing, santa sends him, makes sure that kids are behaving well, and parents love them, because he's keeping a watchful eye and he reports back to santa. >> he tells santa whether kids are behave organize not behaving. >> he magically appears and is in a different place every day. >> have you noticed how elfy has become a little mischievous this year? he's popping up all over instagram, facebook, everywhere. in our house, he was getting into the white chocolate, getting into the kid's white chocolate. also playing a little blackjack. >> he has a gambling problem?

elfy, hitting the sauce. >> natalie! >> there's some empty bottles of wine at the end of the night. >> what's wrong with you?! >> the two of you? >> i say maria didn't have her tag on, and you've got elfy on the juice. >> here's the thing, elfy has been all over instagram doing crazy things this time of year. >> you've scared al. >> drinking and gambling. >> womanizing. >> okay, that's it! you're off. you're out! we would like you to go to our facebook paycheck and post your photos -- >> you've seen the photos. i'm telling you! >> we know that he's a good elf. she's a good elf. >> wow! >> you, on the other hand! >> elf is having fun this holiday season. >> too much fun! he's going to end up in therapy. >> guys, i think it's good we're going to have -- >> there are photos, al. they're out there. >> i think it is -- >> send us your pictures. >> what is wrong with you, woman? >> you sound like my son, now. >> your son said, what's wrong

with you, woman reque? >> he said, chillax, woman. >> might be a visit from social services. and i'm making the call, okay? we start off tuesday morning, we've got a real big problem coming up, and we're not talking about natalie's house. wednesday morning, look at this, a big storm system in the ohio valley, snow behind it, wind and rain ahead of it. the moral here is, if you can get out this weekend, do it. because there are going to be major travel problems christmas eve. snow and wind from chicago, cincinnati, detroit, all major hubs, minneapolis as well, a lot of rain in new york into boston. this lasts right on into christmas morning and christmas day, so we are looking -- some folks are going to get a white christmas and that will be a good thing, but look at this, next week's storms, extensive airport delays expected, with damaging winds along the great lakes. heavy rains east of the great lakes, heavy snow in the great lakes, lake-effect snow. some areas picking up to 6

inches of snow. 1 to 3 or 4 inches of rain through the southeast. airports are going to be a mess, so leave yourself extra 9:13. good friday morning to you. i'm meteorologist christina loren. i want to show you the golden gate bridge, where we do have some wet weather. right now a lot of that is north of the golden gate bridge. just starting to press to the south as we head through the next couple hours, first heavy downpours in the south bay and that will continue until about 2:00, after which time we'll start to clear out, then a nice long dry break. temps today in the 50s. on our way by the mid 60s in the weekend and upper 60s in the course of monday, into tuesday. >> and that's your latest weather. >> thank you. >> you had a nice event yesterday. >> oh, my gosh, i got a chance to give the commencement speech at temple university. it was amazing. these are some of the journalism students who will likely be sitting on this desk talking about the elf having issues. but thank you guys so much.

it was the most nerve-racking, but most exciting -- >> it's hard. >> it was so hard. it's my school. i cried during my speech. the flood of emotions. but thank you so much to temple and congratulations to the grads. my first commencement speech. what's wrong? who's behind you? >> there's an elf right -- right there. >> i know -- >> next to you. >> oh, hi! see, he's womanizing again. >> oh, my god. we're back after this. >> oh, my god. we're back after this. get us out of here. look, i love the way he controls abthe lightsbutler. and unlocks the door when i forget my keys... it's just that... i feel like he's always watching us. yes, that is why we should use wink. ...look, it can monitor and manage our house but it won't start to develop human emotions. hey buddy. control your entire home with one simple app introducing wink it's like a robot butler, but not as awkward.

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george clooney just stepped into the fray and actually said, hollywood, we need to rally behind. and he's just suggested to sony that they release it online, as a sort of a freedom of speech. >> they've lost a lot of money, meanwhile. anywhere from $100 to $300 million. >> crazy. all right, next question, the picture number 15. this is from right here from our plaza, right? >> no, this is times square. >> those numbers were on our plaza. >> this is from times square, a million people every year goes from times square. and that ball drop has been going on for new year's. i can't wait to see the concept. >> on to russia, where we can see some stunning real estate. let's take a look at it. what is that? and does someone live there? >> that's crazy? >> i feel like i've had too many wi glasses of wine for breakfast. there are houses like this in russia, china. >> why would they do that? >> it's in our selfie culture, who doesn't want to play around with photos.

there's an upside down christmas tree in there. >> so do you walk on the ceiling? >> the ceiling is the floor and you can jump and pretend you're falling out of bed. >> that would give me a headache. >> i think that would get old very quickly. let's move on to an epic photo obama. this was a picture taken a few weeks ago, but it went crazy on social media this week. this is a couple-month-old hawk that has been photo bombed by a wasp. and do you know what he did next? he tried to eat it. >> not a good move. >> amazing stuff. >> good pictures. thank you so much. coming up next, can you stand on one leg for 20 seconds? >> i might. i don't know. if not, it could be a sign of an important health risk. want to try it out right now, after this. stand on one leg, 20 seconds. ♪ wow something sounds sweet in here!!!!

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you're watching today in the bay. >> good morning, it's 9:26 on your friday. i'm sam brock. this just in. students at blackford elementary, valley christian, and del mar high schools are being kept inside of their classrooms at this hour while san jose police search for a suspect near the school. we just received confirmation of the shelter in place order from san jose police. in the past five minutes, we've learned officers are looking for a gunman in the area from a shooting that happened around 5:00 this morning. we have also learned officers are about to go door-to-door looking for that suspect. residents in the neighborhood just west of willow glen are being told to stay indoors. this is an active scene right now and we'll bring you details as soon as we get them into our newsroom. meantime, completely

unrelated, a driver crashed into the side of blackford elementary school after experiencing a medical emergency. police say this has nothing to do with the shelter in place. two people loaded into ambulances but don't know if they are students or staff at the school. police are not talking about the extent of those injuries. again, we will continue to follow this and bring you an update momentarily. a look at weather and traffic after this break. stay with us.

looking for one of these? yoplait. smooth, creamy, and craved by the whole family. as the fourth storm system this week starts to move into the north bay and areas of san francisco, i can tell you right now, this isn't going to last long and this is our last round. although starting to push south of the golden gate bridge at this point, and, yeah, we definitely want to add the dramatic music, because you can tell we've got some heavy downpours on the way, but if you're sick of the rain, the good news is, we are going to clear you out just in time for christmas week. watch out, though, 149-minute flight delays out of sfo because

of that wet weather. temps in the 50s today. dry conditions. here's mike and your drive. >> better news for the san mateo bridge. earlier crash and debris has cleared. look at the low clouds, we'll talk about the weather, christina showed you here of 92, oakland, see it right here, because of what you can't see, parts of the roadway, that rain, mist, drizzle, fog, clouds, everything is coming through. look at the north bay, looking also southbound 101 jamming into san rafael, similar conditions right here. slowing you down, back to you. >> mike, thank you very much. again, a shelter in place in order right now for three local high schools. update in 25 minutes.

you talk about clouds. >> oh! >> willie has the best reaction. >> look at that right cross. i didn't see that when it happened. >> i punched the thing right out of here. >> i was gone. i was cowering in the corner. what people didn't see on the other side, that was a bloody clown with a knife. that was not a friendly clown. >> your reaction would have been different if the clown had a happy face? >> yeah. >> he levitated! >> that was just one of the many memorable moments -- >> look at natalie -- i like natalie's face too. >> she's like praying to the heavens. >> willie's like lifting himself

up in the air. >> and for about a month after that when we walked in, we were looking up. >> which is the gift that kept giving. >> i still find myself every once in a while -- >> you know, there are trapped doors here. >> you're so diabolical, mr. roker. >> that's just a glimpse of all the fun we had -- >> in just a few minutes, you'll see the entire year. a look back. >> a mashup of all the fun. >> all the fun we had. >> call everyone you know and get them to the television. >> that's right! >> you know, weather's fun! >> it is fun. >> and you have a lot of fun with your guests doing the weather. >> i have, indeed. let's show you what we've got for today. wet weather down through the gulf coast, an icy mix in the pacific northwest. cloudy here in the northeast, temperatures a little chillier than usual, but nothing all that horrible. 63 and partly sunny in los angeles. tomorrow, look for the sunshine to continue in the northeast, great lakes. we are going to start to watch this storm system develop down through the gulf. also, another one will be developing out into the midwest, and you can see coming out of

the pacific northwest, bringing snow to the western plains. sunny skies, texas on into the plains, we expect a decent day. again, along the eastern seaboard. but, if you have to travel, if there's any way you can get out this weekend instead of waiting 9:32. happy friday to you. i have a smile on my face as i'm tracking rain, because this is it. we'll see a nice dry break and there's more on the way. so if you're concerned about the drought situation, here's the deal. rain comes through today, we'll see a nice mostly dry break over the weekend, into next week, then that storm window swings wide open starting on the 29th of this month. if you're trying to fly out of town right now, delays out of sfo, out of miami, everything has cleared out. every other airport across the nation, right on time except for sfo. >> and that's your latest weather. okay, so the next few days, people tend to show their appreciation for those who help us all year long by giving them a tip. of course, the question we always ask, how much. >> and diane is an etiquette

expert and she's here with some good guidelines to follow. diane, good to see you. >> nice seeing you both. >> i think if people had a brinks truck, we could give everybody as much as possible. >> but that's not the reality and we have to scale it down. >> where is tipping not appropriate? is the mailman okay? i do it? >> the mailman is not okay. >> really? >> they can receive a gift valued at up to $20, but no cash. they can get a gift card from you if it's not a cash equivalent. so the u.p.s. drivers, the delivery driver -- >> because that's a private group. >> they can expect nominal gift or tips at their discretion, and fedex, nominal gift, no cash, no gift. >> but the odds of you having the same u.p.s. fedex driver out there. but there are people you see regularly. >> that's right. >> for example, your nanny, your babysitt

babysitter, and something like that. >> and how can you not gift or tip someone who's taking care of your beautiful children? so you want to give equivalent to one week's pay, and for the babysitter, you know, they're usual a college student or a high school student, so you can give them one day's pay if it's a friday night or a gift card. you know, you know they need something for their dorm or they need something in high school, who doesn't need a whole bunch of stuff. >> so people who make us feel beautiful, our manicurist, hairstylist, hairdresser. >> i don't have a hairdresser. >> you know who they are. they know who you are. and we get to have -- we grow a bond with them throughout the years. and that's why we go to them. >> we love them! >> so give what you -- show your appreciation, based on that tip. you know, think of it as a bonus. and if you don't want to give them cash, give them something that they have said they want. >> the cost of one visit. >> that's good. >> your newspaper delivery person. >> so if you know and you see this woman or this man or this high school student and they are

really, you know, timely, $10 to $25, $30, if you never see them, if they throw your paper in the mud, you've got to think about it. >> you happen to have someone cleans your home for you or helps out. >> just like your nanny, you get to know them and trust them, you want to give them equivalent to one week's pay. if you can't do that, you hear that they need something, they need a coat, are working purchasing towards something, some tires or something, give them a gift card. >> so you live in the 'burbs and got lawn care, your trash collector. if the trash collector is a city trash collector -- >> you cannot tip them. you cannot give them cash, but you can give them some goodies. i don't know how you're going to stand around and wait for them. but if you really want to, you can call the utilities company. if they're not a government employee, you can tip them. again, you call the utilities company, put it in an envelope with your address. because they will know you by address. >> city dwellers who have doormen. and this day, it's more than

just one person. they have a whole staff. >> so let's talk about the doormen briefly. they are your first point of contact. so really, they know who comes in and out, they know your children, they know your children's friends. they really are far more than just someone who opens the door for you. they're the eyes and ears. so you really want to show appreciation to your doormen. when you have a lot of doormen, you really have to make that decision. $50 is a starting point. you can go up from there. but it's up to you and who shows -- >> garage employee, $25 to $50, and a dog walker, one day or a week's service. >> and they pick up the puppy's poop, okay, they take your puppy on a walk, think about it. >> i'm thinking about this, diane. thank you so much. up next, grab the kids. we've got your weekend plans all figured out. we're making super simple cookies for santa. >> got to give santa the cookies! >> look, natalie and willie are testing them out. >> now, walmart is your go-to place for all things lego. all at unbeatable prices. they've got lego teenage mutant ninja turtles sets, lego friends and this unbelievably cool

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leaving cookies for the big guy, we have some really cool recipes and easy ones for kids to paycheck this weekend. >> debora is the founder of super mom 360.com and the author of the super mom's guide to simply super sweet and treats for every season. good morning. >> thank you for having me. >> great to have you. these are so easy and i'm just in awe of how beautiful they are. >> thank you. well, we're all about perfectly imperfect moms. and this time of year, we're all so busy. who has time to go crazy? so all of our ideas, you take store-bought ingredients, you transform them into mini master pieces. not only this time of year, but also throughout the year. >> ava's bringing out some cookies for santa. and they're adorable little christmas tree cookies. >> those are our christmas tree cookies. do you want to help me make these? >> sure. >> let's give these a go. >> i'm perfectly imperfect. >> you just pipe it around the little kiss here, so it's served as a little mold for you. and just do little -- >> oreo? >> start with a chocolate

sandwich cookie and you can dip it a little bit like this, to get it a little sticky, and then you can add a little kiss right on the top. >> that's the tree. >> you look like a professional. have you done this before? >> i've decorated cakes, but i'm clearly not really good at it. >> that's okay, we'll call it a christmas bush. >> perfection! >> it's good. >> if you use a star tip, it works even better. >> the star tip makes it more like that. now, that's my boy, dylan. hi, dylan. >> thank you, sir! >> these are oh, so easy santa cookies. and we have these in a couple little steps, but once again, if you just take the piping -- oh, it's willie's turn. and you can add a little beard -- >> beard them up. >> just little pulses, just like that, right on top of the peanut butter turkey. and you can add sprinkles, you can add little eyes to them, little nose and mouth. yep! we'll put his little nose on

there. >> that's how you create the face. >> and that's what you end up? >> you don't have to buy the cookies, get an oreo or your nutter butter. >> and next we have powdered sugars snowmen. look at them. so cute. >> super easy ones too. >> super easy. take your powdered sugar donuts and stack them on a stick. and willie, if you want to add a nose right there, and natalie, maybe some gumdrops. do you want to pipe? two little eyes. and a little coal mouth on there. and you can add, as you can see, we've got a little scarf that we piped down there as well. >> not working too well. >> that's okay. >> willie, i give you an a-plus on that one. >> like i say. >> there it is. there we go! >> and that's what it looks like in the end. let's bring ava out one more time. what do you have? >> these are little reindeer pops. >> these we can all do.

we've got a marshmallow on a stick, we're going to dip them in the chocolate. and if you've got extra time and you want to take a little -- >> let it dry? >> no, you're going to put it straight on top of the antlers. we've got our little pretzel andler, and then you can decorate them. i love these little candy eyes are fantastic! >> while we finish decorating, let's bring out our guys again. thank you so much! you've done a great job. now enjoy some of the fruits of your labor. get a cookie, guys. >> grab one! >> up next, do you remember this moment? what happened? i didn't dunk tamron. >> i did that. >> how about our little single ladies dance off. that was good. >> that was good. >> or one on one with shaq. we'll relive some of our ♪ people with type 2 diabetes come from all walks of life. if you have high blood sugar, ask your doctor about farxiga.

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>> it's been really nice to see how the show has evolved into being this sort of spontaneous, unscripted -- you never know what's going to happen during the take. >> hey! >> ahh! >> when you have those fun moments, where the viewer sees you as their friend, that's the icing on the cake. >> if i run the administration, the next one, i'll have you in it. >> i think that's a reason for you to run right there. >> i think our strong point and probably our flaw is that i think we sometimes forget we're on tv. ♪ all the single ladies ♪ all the single ladies >> ahh! >> whoo! >> go! >> i think 2014 has just been a knockout year. we added a new family member, tamron joined us. >> thank you. >> she's added a lot of fun and spontaneity and a lot of edge. >> i texted al right before

rokerthon and i said, go get 'em, you're making history. and this is completely insane. >> yes! >> i'm so excited to invite natalie morales to the stage to be a pink lady for tonight! >> olivia newton john allowed me to realize my childhood dream. >> throw it, willie! >> i used some crafty, like ymca moves where i gave him a little up fake here, and left, and reaching under his arm, flipped it up. >> oh! >> off the back board, and in! highlight of my life. >> willie made it. i almost fainted! it was the most excellent thing. ♪ >> whoo! >> go, go, go!

>> i'm starstruck. i'm starstruck. i can't believe they're here. >> we've really had some great guests, who have gotten in the spirit of the program, which is somewhat controlled anarchy. >> that's it! >> are people still comfortable telling us their secrets, because they see the dysfunction in a sweet way. >> i was crying with while the total eclipse and throwing really weak punches, and everyone's like, get this guy out of here. >> my dog swims with a life jacket in a pool in los angeles. >> jeff goldblum sits down and starts tickling the ivory and we just joined around him like it was christmas carolling time. >> josh gads, olaf, love you! ♪ let it go, don't hold it back anymore ♪ >> giddyap! >> i hear you guys are great.

♪ >> best-smelling guest we've ever had. >> stop it! >> if there's one word to describe our hour, it's spontaneity, what you see is what you get, and sometimes you're going to get a whole lot more than you even thought you were going to get. >> unpredictable. >> we didn't want to leave you -- because you talked about clowns! oh! oh! oh! >> it's even unpredictable for me. i don't think we know sometimes what's happening. >> come on, mom! >> change the radio! >> this is who we are. we're being ourselves. take it or leave it. >> we have this sense of camaraderie and we're having a

good time. >> can't wait until next year! >> so fun to watch that! >> all you guys, thank you. >> yeah, thanks to all of you. >> we need a camera on those people there, but then behind the scenes. >> can they leave the camera and come over here? >> we want to thank our producer, carrie burns for that piece, research, and amanda starns, you are editor, graphic artists and thank you to all our producers in the control room, our director, it's been an awesome year. >> great job. >> thank you, guys. >> and thank you to all our viewers. >> and let us be spontaneous most of the time. >> we're back in a moment. this is "today" -- >> that was spontaneous!

you're watching today in the bay. >> good morning, everyone, 9:56, i'm scott mcgrew. happening right now, san jose police have told a neighborhood to shelter in place while they search for a suspect in an early morning shooting. officers are prepared to go door to door to look for the shooter

west of willow glen. students at blackford elementary, valley christian, and del mar high schools are being told to stay in their classrooms. police shot someone around 5:00 this morning. victim taken to the hospital with nonlife threatening injuries. this is an active scene right now and we'll certainly bring you all details as we get them. meanwhile, completely unrelated, a driver crashed into the side of blackford elementary school after experiencing a medical emergency. police say it has nothing to do with a shelter in place, even though blackford is involved. two people loaded into ambulances, we don't know if they are students or staff. police not talking about the extent of those injuries. other news, we've issued a microclimate weather alert, the rain moving into the bay area as families hit the road for the holiday. video of the rain coming down in marin this morning. let's take a live look at san jose and san francisco. oakland, as well. you can see we're off to a soggy start. let's check in with christina, good morning. >> hey, good morning to you,

scott. you know, these showers have already cleared sonoma county, but over the golden gate bridge, we have a lot of rainfall, still seeing some spectators out and about, it's not going to keep them in. most of that rain at this point extends marin county, south of san mateo county, santa clara county. we're starting to get pretty decent downpours here, as well. that's the trend throughout the day today. we have flight delays, as to be expected, but here's what's interesting, we are the only major airport across the nation with any significant delays on this big travel day, and volume alone going to cause delays for today. keep that in mind, we're at 149 minutes out of sfo for now. temps in the 50s today, return to the 70s within the next seven days. that's coming your way today at 11:00. back to you, scott. >> all right. another update for you coming up in a half an hour.

from nbc news, this is "today" with kathie lee gifford and hoda kotb, from studio 1a in rockefeller plaza. >> hello, everybody. it is that day you've been waiting for. >> what? >> try day friday. >> yes, it is. >> what day is it? >> december 19th. >> what? >> six shopping days. panic should be about to settle in right now. >> and we have plenty of help to keep your holiday spirits high. >> yes. >> you can take -- it can take a toll on your relationship. we called in the experts to help you survive the season successfully. >> i like this crazy duo. >> yes, they work beautifully together. >> yes, they do. >> what family do you visit this

year? >> you have to split. decide where you're going to go and who you're going to be with. we'll talk about that stuff. if you're a walking stress ball this time of year -- >> that sounds bad. >> there is a guy coming here named andy puttycomb. he'll show you how to meditate and chill. >> yes, he's like an ordained buddhist monk who juggles -- is a circus act. >> he's a juggler. >> only in america. and bobbie is here with unique jewelry finds. >> bobbie thomas. >> all right. you know what, you guys, i have a lovely announcement to make. you guys are so generous and we raised so much money for the salvation army, people who i feel very bad they weren't able to get the book, i'm going to publish 1,000 more of "good gifts". >> yes, you are. >> i'm excited about that because every penny of the profits goes to the salvation army. >> a lot of people have been asking about that. i'm glad it is available. >> isn't that nice? >> you'll be busy, aren't you? >> i am. i will be at the fort belvoir

military base in virginia tomorrow, from 4:00 to 6:00, to sign my stuff. come see me. i'd love to say merry christmas to you there. >> a huge weekend at the movies this weekend. a lot of people will see "night at the museum," third in the seri series, called "secret of the tomb." it opens tonight. ben stiller is back in action. security guard. those are the things that the natural history museum where things come to live. here is a sneak peek. >> how are we doing? >> let's go. >> perhaps we could use some help. >> the others? >> i couldn't sit idly by. our survival is at stake. >> good. the man to handle a crisis. tilla, a little muscle. >> hey, larry. >> that's a deceptively large ox. >> we came along too. >> you know you'd be lost without us. >> are you serious? >> and the monkey.

basically everyone. >> looks fun. >> good. >> i have this weird feeling, hoda. i feel like somebody is staring at me. >> oh, i don't know. oh, no. oh, no. >> you know what i want to say to him? >> what? >> i had, hu >> hi, hun. attila the hun. >> i think he said -- >> thank you. >> those are beautiful. >> thank you. >> did you look at those? >> they're dead -- >> but the sentiment. having a bad hair day? look at that. >> almost coquettish, the look he's giving you. >> he's cute. will you stay with us the whole show today? don't go. >> did he say something about me? >> no, hoda kotb. >> what about her? what have you heard?

>> caca? >> a lot of caca. >> i hear attila the hun has the hots for klg. we'll explore that in depth later on. attila, hang out, okay, hun? >> please, god, help me. what did i say? okay. okay. i guess he's staying. you all have been posting some of -- bye, hun -- your holiday pictures on our facebook page. >> some of the trees are incredible. this is amanda's. a cactus tree. i bet you she's from arizona. >> probably is. >> beautiful. >> kayla wilson has a snowman. >> that's cute. >> very cute. >> connie made a santa tree. look at that. this is so clever. >> this is shannon's christmas

tree in a cage. the toddlers can't get to it. >> someone did this, the perfect tree of all, a wine tree. >> it is all wine bottles. >> wow. >> so we got to get one of those sent to us every year. >> wow. >> your creativity is admirable. >> it is. >> you showed me this the other day. i was so -- i was blown away. >> this is such a -- you know often you see commercials this time of year and they're touching. this is one done by apple. it is called the song. just to key it up. a young girl who discovers a recording that her grandmother made back in the '50s of her grandmother singing a song for her grandfather. all right. take a look. >> it is really special. >> my darling, you can't be here for the holidays, we'll always be together in my heart. ♪ it's very clear our love is here to stay ♪ ♪ not for a year

but every day ♪ ♪ in time may crumble my tumble ♪ ♪ they're only made of clay ♪ ♪ but our love is here to stay ♪ ♪ it's very clear our love is here to stay ♪ ♪ not for a year p but forever and a day ♪ ♪ in time it may crumble it may tumble ♪ ♪ they're only made of clay ♪ but our love is here to stay ♪ >> oh, my god. that's the best commercial ever. >> thank you, jerry.

>> that is beautiful and awesome. >> don't you wish our daddies were here? >> yeah. >> isn't that so great, though, that memory too -- >> yes, it is. >> so let's have hot chocolate. >> all right. >> enough of that. >> when i'm in a funk, i feel the blues, i like to eat. so they sell these things -- this is called hot chocolate on a stick. you buy -- you buy these little sticks, and you get some warm milk and you take it and you -- >> plunge it in. and you let it sit and the chocolate melts -- >> warm milk, not hot milk. just warm. >> you can see -- >> hoda is having almond if you're worried about her. >> nobody cares. >> yes, they do. everybody cares. everybody loves you. >> okay. so you let it go and -- >> yours is melting. >> mine is melting. >> you sip it and you have a nice warm cup of cocoa. they have different flavors of coffee. you eat the -- i think --

>> you can do that too. yours is chi. are you enjoying it? >> it is $25 for a pack of five. called ticket chocolate.com. yours isn't chocolate. i forgot, yours is chi. >> okay. >> you know what it is time for? >> my friday funny. >> i've got some holiday jokes for the kids who might be home there today. okay. why did santa have three gardens? >> why. >> so he can go ho, ho, ho. how much did santa pay for his sleigh? >> i don't know. >> nothing it was on the house. one day santa looked out side and said what is the racket? and mrs. klaus said it's nothing, rain, deer. >> our first baby is cory may

lynn carter born on november 6th from virginia. her parents mickey and brandon say their daughter is a good baby who loves looking at the ceiling fan while eating. >> next to leo rollo adams born on november 24th. he weighed ten pounds, ten ounces. his parents jennifer and michael offer this advice, accept and appreciate all the help family and friends have to offer. >> with a baby that big, a lot of help. >> now to a baby born in medfield, massachusetts, on october 28th. his name is drew gardener spellman, his parents say their son is a happy baby who just started to smile when he sees his mom and dad. >> our final johnson's baby of the week is sarah elizabeth frazer born on november 27th. thanksgiving day. in west palm beach, florida. parents say their daughter was born with a full head of hair and offered this advice to expecting parents, enjoy your new bundle of joy and be the best loving and caring parents that you can. >> great advice. thank you, congratulations to all of our babies. here is a question, is it

okay or not okay to trash a former interview guest? >> here's what we had to say about that. >> it is never okay to trash anybody. >> well, if you have an issue with a guest, you should talk to them about it privately. but i kind of understand the temptation. >> i've seen you do it. >> not a lot. >> but enough. >> whatever. whatever. >> strange question to begin with. >> it seems weird. i don't know who is doing that anyway. >> look who's looking over there. >> you know what? >> what does he want? >> just lurking. >> kathie lee, modern man. >> oh. he does have -- >> he has the hots for you. he's trying to show you he cleans. >> he's good in the kitchen. which could only mean -- >> what? >> he might be good other places. >> what does that even mean? >> the garden, ho, ho, ho. >> he looks like a child kind of, a little, doesn't he?

>> very hairy one. >> no, his -- the way he looks at you, like a little child. okay. and you go to his family or yours. look at him. very strange. >> our expert answer your relationship questions for the holiday. >> he's not leaving, okay. he's not leaving. >> good in the kitchen. >> good, good, good. this portion of "today" is brought to you by night at the museum, secret of the tomb, now playing. [ man ] i think this is a good time to tell you: you're doing okay, mom. i can call you "mom," right? i know we haven't known each other very long, but you seem like a real keeper. you're not perfect. but you're trying. anyway, i want you to know how much i appreciate you. you know, right? how much i love you. you're doing okay, mom.

to make your signature christmas dish.rt has everything you need mine is mouthwatering mashed potatoes. i mix my russets with milk, butter, and cream cheese to make them super creamy. mmmm... and yours? sock-it-to-me spiral cut ham! whoa! you made this? yep. i just take a sam's choice super premium spiral cut ham from walmart, bake it flat side down, tent the foils so all the juices can mingle... who are you? ham man! walmart has everything you need for christmas dinner at unbeatable prices, guaranteed by savings catcher. walmart. alright, listen up. out on that field today, you will be ready for anything. and i want you to always remember, this is the greatest team you will ever be part of. there's a team that makes a real difference in the world. join the team that makes a difference.

♪hark how the bells, sweet silver bells, all seem♪ ♪to say, throw care away. ♪from everywhere, filling the air♪ chex party mix. easy fifteen-minute homemade recipes you just pop in a microwave. like chocolate caramel drizzles. happier holidays. chex party mix. why do i cook for the to share with family to carry on traditions to come together, even when we're apart in stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, and more, swanson® makes holiday dishes delicious! theand the kids always eat sky their vegetables.e. because the salad there is always served with the original hidden valley ranch.

are you confused by your partner and just need a little help managing a specific part of your relationship. >> here to give us the advice we love and need is relationship expert and host of i heart radio's love live with matthew hussey, matthew hussey. >> here with francesco hogi, founder of made to measure matching.com. >> hello, you dynamic duo. >> we loved the two of you before. >> a lot of sexual tension, it was great. >> a lot of sexual tension. >> we worked it out. >> it's fine. here's the question, around the holidays, often there are two sets of parents to go visit and the question is where do you go and how do you work that out? that's a trouble spot that comes up a lot, right? >> it is. i think you go see your family and they go see theirs. >> okay to be apart. >> look, i think people get too caught up in it. you spend the rest of the year together, your family and i don't mean to be morbid about

it, but your parents aren't going to be there forever. those people, you have a limited amount of time with and that's the one time of year you know everyone will be together. >> what if you don't like your family? >> then go to his family. >> i disagree with you, matthew. i think it depends where in the relationship you are. at some point, if you're a team and really a unit, you should be spending the holidays together. maybe you need to have a new tradition, spend one holiday with, you know, one person, take turns and, you know. >> a lot of people do that, one year we go to my mom and dad's and the next year -- >> another issue is relationships tend to fall apart during the holidays, i don't know if it is because of the pressure, but why and does it happen a lot? >> it does happen a lot. statistics show on facebook the amount of statuses changing, relationship statuses changing peaks two weeks before the holidays. >> why? >> i think the holidays is the time you can't fake it. the rest of the year, you're busy, you're on the treadmill,

you -- >> everyone is at work, coming home, they're pretending, passing ships in the night. >> a lot of time. >> in the holidays, you're tegt y together, you can't fake it anymore. >> there is pressure put on people individually during the holidays and add the couple factor on top of that, a lot of relationships can't withstand it. they fight about whose parents to go to and -- >> the holidays precipitates a breakup, gets people to do -- >> it is probably the expectations we have. >> the gifts. >> everything. the best christmas ever. and -- >> new year's is going to be my -- >> this time of year people are feeling reflective and starting to look forward to a new year and thinking about your life and thinking about what you want and it is really, you know, time to reassess. >> megan asked this, me and my ex broke up eight months ago. he wanted to take a break and i got mad and ended the whole thing. i miss him and i've been in several other dates with other guys, but none of them interest

me like my ex does. i feel like i should have just gone along with his plan to take a break. do you have any tips? >> wow. really classic scenario. former relationship amnesia, you look back and say where i am now isn't as good so maybe i should have gone along with his horrible plan anyway. there is no difference. there is no difference between a break and aback breakup. a break is a coward's breakup. >> i agree. he was so great and he only wanted to take a break. a break from being with you is a breakup. a lot of times are -- they make excuses, they create situations -- >> they create a situation where you have no choice but to breakup with them. >> he didn't come back in the eight months, so didn't work anyway. he had a break and still didn't come back. >> and didn't say, no, no, no, once she said, it is over, he didn't say, wait, wait, wait, i don't want it to be over.

>> happy holidays to you. >> go to klgandhoda.com, click the connect button if you want matthew and company to answer your questions. >> that's right. thank you so much, you guys. walking around, how to meditate in a whole new way while you're out and about. poor bobbie. look who's with her. >> already dumped me for bobbie. >> more on shopping after this. you used to sleep like a champ. then boom... what happened? stress, fun, bad habits kids, now what? let's build a new, smarter bed using the dualair chambers to sense your movement, heartbeat, breathing. introducing the sleep number bed with sleepiq™ technology. it tracks your sleep and tells you how to adjust for a good, better and an awesome night. the difference? try adjusting up or down. you'll know cuz sleep iq™ tells you. give the gift of amazing sleep, only at a sleep number store. find our best buy rated c2 queen mattress with sleepiq. know better sleep with sleep number. emma, it's simple, when you are in a place like this,

the best way to capture the moment is to feel it, even if you can't see it. especially around the holidays. i made a list of everyone we need to get gifts for this year. but thanks to fingerhut.com, now we can shop with low monthly payments. over 150,000 items, and growing, from brands like samsung, kitchenaid, lego. just click on over to fingerhut.com for the credit you deserve to get all kinds of great gifts. [ drums playing ] let's wrap this one last. ♪ and there are some people you shouldn't. people you should. shouldn't. janice! should. shouldn't. yes. no. should. no way. should.

no. definitely not. ha ha, nay. you shouldn't give underwear to everybody. but for those you do, give them fruit of the loom. i'm home. ♪ hi, mom! ♪ of all the things that happen on your shiny surfaces, disinfecting has to be one of them. clorox disinfecting wipes. [cout on that field today,. you will be ready for anything. and i want you to always remember, this is the greatest team you will ever be part of. there is important work to be done. and only some able to do it. can you make the cut? wellllll... ♪ ♪ earlyfit ♪ latefit ♪ risefit

♪ fallfit ♪ ballfit ♪ wallfit ♪ pingfit ♪ pongfit ♪ pingfit ♪ pongfit ♪ rowfit ♪ throwfit ♪ slowfit ♪ olliefit ♪ oopsfit ♪ otisfit ♪ thiswayfit ♪ thatwayfit ♪ daddyfit ♪ pappyfit ♪ datefit ♪ weightfit ♪ goalfit ♪ gooooooalfit ♪ stepfit ♪ stairfit ♪ smartfit ♪ heartfit ♪ spinfit ♪ bikefit ♪ hikefit ♪ yikesfit ♪ wheeeeefit ♪ wowfit ♪ whoafit ♪ findyourfit ♪ it's all fitbit . it is time for bobbie's buzz. here to share some of her faft unique jewelry finds of the season is bobbie thomas. >> hello. >> hi, doll. >> okay, so it is time to sparkle. and melinda maria is a jewelry designer that started as a fine jewelry designer. she makes a fashion collection. you won't have the tarnish and there is semiprecious stones.

she has stackable rings that start around $25. celebrities are obsessed with her line. and then i like the goddess collection. there is a different sort of wish you could wrap a loved one in and there is a special price, $50 now for holiday price, limited time only. >> pretty. >> i like them. i love gifts that are special, especially jewelry. has to have meaning behind it. something else unique i found, jewelry of the day. these are hand crafted pendants by an artisan in europe. you have 50 necklaces in one. you peel off each day to reveal a new necklace, jewelry, brooch or knot. >> interesting. >> wow. >> i think some people who like the arts and crafts will like this. >> i think that's fun. >> this one is up your alley. i come up and move the cross on your necklace. this always happens to people. this is a balancing bead. great. you hook it to the back, it keeps your clasp in the back so you don't have to have the clasp

turning all day. another genius all day, clean your jewelry in the dishwasher. have this great cleaning cage, put your little pieces inside the egg and this cage, stick it in the dishwasher, they come out great. >> what a great idea. >> if you want to know the latest rage, emojis are the biggest thing in jewelry. emoji earrings, you can have great little pendants, around $24 to $48. you can find lots of amazing -- >> those are cute. >> all right. thank you, bt. did you wait until the last minute? >> hodi did. we'll have holiday decor. >> and fashions for him and her when you don't know what to wear to a party. >> where is my boyfriend? >> back to his old tired flowers. that's so sad. he's staying for the whole show. we can't figure out why. >> so sad. >> after your local news and weather.

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you're watching today in the bay. >> well, good morning, everyone. 10:26, i'm scott mcgrew. happening right now, san jose police officers and at least two police dogs are combing through a neighborhood looking for a shooting suspect who may be armed. the neighborhood's been told to

shelter in place and blackford elementary school, valley christian, and del mar high school are on lockdown. investigators say the suspect shot someone early this morning, left the area, but while police were canvassing the neighborhood, they spotted him, but he got away. they believe he has a handgun and people in the area are being asked to call 911 if they see anything suspicious. well, we'll check weather and traffic coming up after the break.

welcome back now. 9:28. we have a microclimate weather alert issued. golden gate bridge getting downpours at this point, but you will notice a lighter than normal volume of commuters and that's why we gave mike the day off at this point anyway, because things are light out there. we have some rain on the way, we'll deal with this one more day, then get a nice dry break well into your holiday. but as you can see, temperatures mostly in the 50s. watch out for a little bit of wind picking up through the next couple hours, then 11:00 and 2:00, the whole thing clears out. a nice dry christmas with temperatures warming into the upper 60s. here we go. saturday into sunday looking good for outdoor plans. sunday is going to see a lot more sunshine. monday into tuesday, temperatures warm even more so. close to 70 degrees by tuesday, then the storm window swings right back open after we get through your holiday, so friday, saturday, sunday after christmas we're going to open it up again. more on this today at 11:00.

scott, back to you. >> all right, and a reminder, president obama is set to speak any minute now. you can watch his end of the year speech live right here on nbc bay area followed by our midday newscast. we're back with more of "today" with lonnie paul who decorated the homes of e news host giuliana rancic and robert downey jr. >> she's here with simple do it yourself tricks for simple holiday decor. how are you? >> together at the wedding. beautiful. >> so beautiful. >> these are things anyone can do, right? >> yes. if i can do them, anyone can do them. >> okay. >> so what you want to start with the chair? >> wherever you want to start? >> this is a simple thing to do. say your chairs aren't cute, or they're not festive, this is something i did, so simple, go to the craft store, get a roll of juice, roll it over the back. >> juice? >> a roll of juice.

>> it is cute jut ae and take t ribbon. if you have an ornament, a bell, a glass ball here. >> tie it on, great. >> super simple. >> and this is not expensive, right? >> not at all. >> i got this at a craft store. it is really cheap. >> then you tie the bow after. >> so -- >> that's adorable. >> i like your little name tags here that you have for the -- >> thank you. okay. there we go. >> okay. these name tags -- i love this idea, you can just use any leftover ornaments you have and stick a name tag on them, buy the name tag, at the craft store, make them yourself. that's yours and this one is yours. or you can use, like, i got these at serena and lilly and silver plated so they're a little more expensive, but a nice party gift. >> that's lovely, yes.

>> this is filled with candy canes and cranberries. >> this is such a fun, easy thing to do. kids love it because there is a snack available. put any kind of cranberries or ornaments at the bottom, stack the candy canes around and then if you want to use fresh flowers, put a foam core in the middle, get it wet and it will last a week or so. these are silk so -- >> beautiful. >> very sweet. >> okay. >> what do we have here? >> look how clever this is. these are real live apples, huh? >> these are real live apples. this is a kind of ease why i centerpiece. i'll show you how to do it really fast. take your apple, try to get ones that sit up straight. and then i used battery operated ones, i have 8-year-old twins and i don't want to knock them over and cause a fire. put it there. trace it around, and take an apple core, stick it in there, try to make it smaller than the

actual -- >> okay. >> and then -- >> perfect. >> turn it on before you get it in. >> about 30 seconds or so. >> love it. >> this is a fabulous wreath. >> yes. >> this is super simple. buy this at a craft store. take wire -- wire rings. >> i love this wire. >> and complete it around, stick it -- >> this you can make in 15 seconds, they're so big. >> look how cute your little stockings are. beautiful. >> this is a beautiful stocking. you can glue your own fur on you get at the craft store. and take a pin and add ornaments. >> thank you. very cute. >> merry christmas. >> merry christmas. >> you eat on the go, you shop on the go, time to meditate on the go. we have tips to help you slow down. >> and arrive in style even if you didn't plan ahead. last minute fashion advice for everyone coming up right after this. one-stop shop for all the hottest toys this christmas at unbeatable prices, like this imaginext lions den castle. and, of course, all things barbie. like this brand-new barbie bubble-tastic mermaid!

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yeah, he's still here. and is he handy around the house? so in all the rush, last thing on your mind is probably dressing your family for holiday visiting. >> so here to help you look fashion forward using items that are most likely already in your closet are littlana vasquez and sam sabora, host of tlc's "something borrowed, something new". >> hello, kids. let's bring out our first trio. regene, james and cayenne are

showing off the perfect balance. tell us about this group. >> if you have a cozy sweater for the winter, pair it with a great pair of sequin pants. a great way to update -- those are under $50, available at new york and company. they're affordable too. >> in the boy department -- >> we have james, james rocking a shirt from banana republic. i popped it with a cool hat, great accessory. this this inexpensive vest. >> adorable. >> for kids, we did this great red plaid shirt that a lot of kids have already, playing on the color theme and inexpensive, change out the shoelaces. >> i love the shoelaces. >> two bucks, great holiday style. >> what a gorgeous family. >> beautiful. >> thanks, guys. >> moving on to holiday date night. we have nabila and danny. >> yes.

>> smoking. >> gorgeous, right? she wanted the vintage rocker t you wear to the gym. this coat is from burlington. i added the fringe skirt also under $100. it gives her this lux for less. >> what about the boy department? >> this is danny. every guy has a white shirt, dark pants at home. i added this cool velvet blazer from target. adding accessories like this great scarf from j. crew, pop of holiday colors, red shoe from zara but darker tones, still feels masculine. >> did you coordinate? >> yes. esp and a little skype maybe. >> thanks, guys. let's pretend you're having a party at home. we have monica, jim and carolyn coming out. >> how gorgeous do they look together? let's start with monica. this is my mother-in-law. family affair today. >> cute chica.

>> classic cardigan. this is from lands end. do it in a bold color like kelly green and mix it with beautiful brocades, this dress from macy's and shoes polish the look. >> okay. >> on caroline here, plaid shirt she loves to wear. we did a sequin cardigan from abercrombie and flirty skirt. amazing. >> so cute. >> tell us about the other -- >> father-in-law. >> father-in-law. so this is -- jim is a business man. we took his suit and separates, broke them up to give him texture holiday look. i was inspired by holiday colors a little richer, that shirt from the gap, this great window pain wool blazer in his closet, 25 bucks from h&m and nice trousers, pulled the whole look with the nice pop of color. >> let's bring everybody out. >> good job, everybody. >> thanks. >> happy holidays. >> happy holidays. >> are you juggling too much before the holidays? we'll show you how to destress

yourself. >> oh, good. >> right after this. walmart has everything you need to make your signature christmas dish. mine is mouthwatering mashed potatoes. i mix my russets with milk, butter, and cream cheese to make them super creamy. mmmm... and yours? sock-it-to-me spiral cut ham! whoa! you made this? yep. i just take a sam's choice super premium spiral cut ham from walmart, bake it flat side down, tent the foils so all the juices can mingle... who are you? ham man! walmart has everything you need for christmas dinner at unbeatable prices, guaranteed by savings catcher. walmart. am i forgetting something? no holiday's complete without campbell's green bean casserole. wish you were here. ♪ [ doorbell ] [ gasps ] ♪ [ gong ] [ wisest kid ] m'm! m'm! good! ♪ making a pie that pops is surprisingly easy. just unroll, fill, top, bake and... wow. this is your best ever thank you. pillsbury pie crust.

make the holidays pop. theand the kids always eat sky their vegetables.e. because the salad there is always served with the original hidden valley ranch.

[cout on that field today,. you will be ready for anything. and i want you to always remember, this is the greatest team you will ever be part of. there is important work to be done. and only some able to do it. can you make the cut?

is it all just too much? >> yes. >> are you in dire need of a deep breath? stop what you're doing right now for just a few minutes and listen to this guy. >> his name is andy puddicombe, a former monk and now a mindfulness expert. if you're wondering why he is juggling, it's because after leaving the monastery, he ran away to the circus. >> his experiences came together to help andy -- >> he became one of the founders of a meditation app called head space, where you can learn how to juggle everything in your life and achieve better balance in as little as ten minutes. >> without going to circus school. >> it worked? >> or spending ten years as a monk. >> it did. i think the way most people -- our mind is all over the place. we tend to live in a way like

this all the time or the other extreme where we're just like -- i'm so tired. we end up falling asleep. meditation is about finding that place of gentle attention, where we got kind of focus on the one happened, but calm on the other. >> you're going to help us do it. while we're in the thick of things, shopping or at work or travel, there is a way to center yourself while you're in the middle of it? >> absolutely. i think this is the beauty of it. most people ask them about meditation, you say, i don't have time. >> be yourselves and -- >> exactly, right? and these are things we're already doing. going out shopping, working at the office, traveling. >> we found some people in our plaza who were totally stressed out. what is your name? >> dawn. >> dawn turned 50. she has a 3-year-old. she's having hot flashes and shopping all the time. i'm exhausted. >> just one of those -- >> how can you help her calm herself? >> so i think there is a classic thing, we go out shopping in the crowds, we tend to look at the crowds and say all these people,

they're getting in my way. we forget we are the crowd. >> we're in someone else's way. >> everyone is thinking the same about us. as soon as we start thinking in that way, this is us, this is a collective -- rather than me and you, already our -- our perception changes a little bit. in terms of actual technique, two things you can do. when it all gets too much, either just step off to the side, like the shop, put your bags down, and just focus on the attention on the soles of the feet on the floor, it grounds the mind. step out of the -- and just see the madness around you and after that, you step back into it, you're in it, but you're not part of it. >> you hope your bags are right where you left them. >> thank you. >> who knows. >> what's your name? >> j.r. >> j.r., he's had a lot of work. >> he's exhausted. what should j.r. do? >> most people in the office, they spend the day hunched over the computer. so the first thing to do is put

the screen saver on, turn it off for a moment. >> yes. >> sit back in the chair. >> yes. >> okay. >> take a deep breath for me. in through the nose and out through the mouth. do it in a way that your colleagues won't think you're crazy as you sit there. >> they already know. what i would like you to do is just focus on the sensation, the weight of the body on the chair. and just place your hand on your stomach for me. as you sit there, don't breathe in any special way. just notice how the body is breathing. now, if you do that, over a two-minute period, on the app, there is a two-minute exercise you can do, an sos thing, you'll notice the breathing starts to slow down. as the breathing slows down, the chatter in the mind starts to slow down, the body recognizes that, and starts to go into a relaxed kind of state. >> good night. >> what is your name? >> marcy. >> marcy is on an airplane. >> yes, traveling is stressful. >> it is. it really -- would one of you like to join? >> kathie lee, sit down.

>> hi, marcy. >> hi. >> please don't talk to me, i'm very stressed out. >> what should marcy do and kath? >> we're so focused on getting there, whether in a real sense when traveling or just generally, it is very difficult to enjoy being here. when we travel -- >> don't live in the now. >> we don't. we really don't. the truth is, when we travel from a to b, it will take that amount of time anyway. doesn't matter how much we think about it or stress about it. >> should i say, hi, marcy, i'm kathie. where are you from? does that help? >> talking helps. we live in a world anyway where the mind is overstimulated through conversation, mobile phones, tv. so i would say that this is an ideal time to do a meditation exercise. >> nowhere to go, nothing to do. >> ten minutes. not an hour long. don't step out of your seat into the aisle, stay in your seat, close your eyes. if you uncross your arms and legs, okay. and it is similar to what j.r.

now, but i guess a little bit more in this is an nbc news special report. here's chuck todd. good day from washington. we're coming on the air because president obama is about to hold his end of the year news conference. he'll be answering questions on a wide range of issues. including the sony pictures cyber attack, which the fbi has just confirmed was traced back to north korea. also, of course, his decision this week to normalize relations with cuba after more than half century. two of the hot button issues the president is expected to address with reporters before he heads off with his family tonight on a 17-day vacation. in his home state of hawaii. chris jansing is standing by in the white house briefing room where the president will appear at any moment. and, chris, in some ways, this could be a white house victory lap press conference. >> reporter: well, they'd like

it to be, chuck. certainly we're going to hear an opening statement from him. it's a chance for him to focus on what he'd like to talk about. improving economy, some of the victories they've had over the past year. that's what he wants to talk about. some of the tough questions are going to be about those topics you mentioned, including sony just less than two hours after the fbi confirmed it was north korea behind that cyber attack. the question is, what is he going to do about it? they said there'll be a proportional response, complicated diplomatically and in reality, this is the country that has very limited internet access and has heavy economic sanctions against it. and then, we're also looking at cuba, as well. here comes the president, chuck. >> hello, everybody. i really got a full house today, huh? well, all i want for christmas is to take your questions. but first, let me say a little bit about this year. in last year's final press conference, i said that 2014

would be a year of action and would be a breakthrough year for america. and it has been. yes, there were crises that we had to tackle around the world. many that were unanticipated. we have more work to do to make sure our economy, our justice system and our government work not just for the few, but for the many. but there is no doubt that we can enter into the new year with renewed confidence that america's making significant strides where it counts. the steps that we took early on to rescue our economy and rebuild it on a new foundation helped make 2014 the strongest year for job growth since the 1990s. all told, over a 57-month streak, our businesses have created nearly 11 million new jobs. almost all of the job growth that we've seen have been in full-time positions, much of the recent pick up in job growth has been in higher paying

industries. and in a hopeful sign for middle class families, wages are on the rise again. our investments in american manufacturing have helped fuel its best stretch of job growth also since the 1990s. america's now the number one producer of oil. the number one producer of natural gas. we're saving drivers about 70 cents a gallon at the pump over last christmas. and effectively, today, our rescue of the auto industry is officially over. we've now repaid taxpayers every dime and more of what my administration committed and the american auto industry is on track for the strongest year since 2005. and we've created about 500,000 new jobs in the auto industry alone. thanks to the affordable care act, about 10 million americans have gained health insurance just this past year. enrollment is beginning to pick

up again during the open enrollment period. the uninsured rate at a near record low since the law passed. the price of health care has risen at its slowest rate in about 50 years. and we've cut our deficits by about 2/3 since i took office, bringing them to below their 40-year average. meanwhile, around the world, america's leading. we're leading the coalition to degrade and ultimately destroy isil, a coalition that includes arab partners. we're leading the international community to check russian aggression in ukraine. we are leading the global fight to combat ebola. in west africa. and we are preventing an outbreak from taking place here at home. we're leading efforts to address climate change, including last month's joint announcement with china that has already jump starting new progress in other countries. we're writing a new chapter in our leadership here in the americas by turning a new page on our relationship with the cuban people.

and, in less than two weeks after more than 13 years, our combat mission in afghanistan will be over. today, more of our troops are home for the holidays than any time in over a decade. still, many of our men and women in uniform will spend christmas in harm's way and know that the country's united in support of you. grateful not only to you, but to your families. the six years since the crisis have demanded hard work and sacrifice on everybody's part. but as a country, we have every right to be proud of what we've accomplished. more jobs, more people insured, growing economy, shrinking deficits, bustling industry, booming energy. pick any metric that you want, america's resurgence is real. we are better off.

i've always said that recovering from the crisis of 2008 was our first order of business. and on that business, america's outperformed all of our other competitors. over the past four years, we've put more people back to work than all other advanced economies combined. we've now come to a point where we have the chance to reverse an even deeper problem, the decade's long erosion of middle class jobs and incomes, and to make sure that the middle class is the engine that powers our prosperity for decades to come. to do that, we're going to have to make some smart choices. we've got to make the right choices. we're going to have to invest in the things that secure even faster growth in higher paying jobs for more americans. and i'm being absolutely sincere when i say i want to work with this new congress to get things done. to make those investments. to make sure the government's

working better and smarter. we're going to disagree on some things, but there are going to be areas of agreement. and we've got to be able to make that happen. and that's going to involve compromise every once in a while. and we saw during this lame duck period that perhaps that spirit of compromise may be coming to the fore. in terms of my own job, i'm energized, i'm excited. about the prospects for the next couple of years. and i'm certainly not going to be stopping for a minute in the effort to make life better for ordinary americans. because thanks to their efforts, we really do have a new foundation that's been laid. we are better positioned than we have been in a very long time. and the future's ready to be written. we've set the stage for this american moment. and i'm going to spend every minute of my last two years making sure that we seize it.

my presidency's entering the fourth quarter. interesting stuff happens in the fourth quarter. and i'm looking forward to it. but, you know, going into the fourth quarter, you usually get a time-out. i'm now looking forward to a quiet time-out. christmas with my family. so i want to wish everybody a merry christmas, a happy hanukkah, a happy new year. i hope that all of you get some time to spend with your families, as well, because one thing that we share is that we're away too much from them. and now, josh has given me the who's been naughty and who's been nice list. and i'm going to use it to take some questions. and we're going to start with carrie brown of "politico." >> thank you, mr. president.