back now with more of "today" this monday morning september 3rd, 2012. a happy labor day to you all. rockefeller plaza celebrating the end of summer with the reunited matchbox twenty. right n they are scanning the crowd to find their favorite fan sign. hold those signs up. you can get a special meet and greet. whoever has the best sign. meanwhile matchbox twenty back with one more song. >> i wish i had made a sign. >> i think you'll get to meet

them. >> actress and trainer joining us to get kids playing tennis to be more active. an absolutely fabulous idea. a remarkable young girl who experienced the term bullying to make sure it doesn't happen to kids. >> good message there. switching gears, are you living in one of the most expensive places in the country. for a list of the most expensive and least expensive cities in america has been released. we'll tell you where you might want to be living. >> tamron hall at the news desk. >> reporter: good morning. thousands of people in southern california have been forced to come up with other holiday plans after they were burned out of a popular campground, angeles national forest. a car fire sunday sparked a blaze that spread to more than 3600 acres. about 300 firefighters backed by helicopters and air tankers have been able to contain only just

5% of that wildfire. many people across the los angeles area were jolted awake by an early morning earthquake today. the 3.2 quake centered in beverly hills and shook much of the west side of los angeles a quake of that magnitude does not cause structural damage. there have been no reports of any so far. high water and no power making life miserable for hundreds of thousands in louisiana dealing with the aftermath of hurricane isaac. nearly 3,000 people remain in shelters. as much as 5 feet of water covers parts of plaquemines parish. president obama will visit southern louisiana today. the president will make a case for re-election in the key swing state of ohio where he will speak to auto workers. republican candidate mitt romney will be off the campaign trail for a few days as he prepares for next month's debates. an amazing accident caught on tape. a monster truck veered out of

control in the race in oregon. it happened saturday. three spectators are hurt. none of the injuries were life threatening. check out this in the minor league, scranton. the red sox. bananas. with the bases loaded. he tracks the shot to the wall. makes the case, flips into the bull pen robbing the yankees of a grand slam. that is awesome. let's get a look at the top movies at the weekend box office. the fright flick "the possession" scared up a number one spot opening in second place bootlegging drama "lawless" "the expendables 2" fell to number three after two weekends as the top draw at the theater paragraph actor russell crowe back on dry land. crow and a friend had to be

rescued by the coast guard after losing their way kayaking off long island, new york. he tweeted, his thanks to the coast guard for guiding him to safety. randy jackson is reportedly leaving the judge's table at "american idol" after 11 seasons. tmz says jackson, the only remaining original judge on that show will transition into a mentor role when the show returns. so far only one judge has been confirmed for season 12, grammy win are mariah carey, penned her deal after steven tyler and jennifer lopez left. power eater chestnut scarfed down 191 chicken wings in 20 minutes. they count that that beat the old record of 183 wings that was set just last year. earlier this year chestnut won his sixth straight hot dog eating contest.

of course that happened at coney island. let's check in with steph for the weather. >> i was looking at the hat. >> so many things to discuss in that? >> let's kbo to the weather. your fans. favorite new song. old song? >> 3:00 a.m. >> these guys are mega fans. matchbox twenty was phenomenal. more music to come. let's talk about the weather here. tropical storm leslie does not look like it's going to make landfall in the u.s., though it will be waves good morning. scattered light showers this morning. a few thunderstorms will develop.

a birthday present for twins turning 65. you guys enjoy matchbox. >> we love them. >> still rocking out at 65. i like it. >> me, too, stephanie. me, too. nearly one in three children in this country overweight or obese, u.s. tennis association is on a mission to get kids active. actress and mom kristen taylor is the official spokesperson and bob harper is a fitness trainer to the stars. good morning. >> good morning. >> it's so great you're both lending your voice to this because it's such an important message. tell me what the impact of tennis was in your life, kristen. >> i grew up a tennis fan. i grew up in pennsylvania. i went to the u.s. open as a little girl and just loved watching the players. so that inspired me to pick up a racket and take lessons and learn to play myself.

it's just been a lifelong love for me. so i wanted to pass that along to my kids. it's fun. >> it's a great way, bob, to be fit, to be active and a great family game, too. right? >> i'm always looking for ways i can get a family working out together or playing together. tennis is perfect for that. just getting out there on the weekends, tossing the ball around. it's not about winning or losing, just about breaking a sweat for a little bit with the family. i love this. >> you kicked off a youth exhibition at the billy jean king tennis center this weekend. tell me about that and why are you both lending your voices to this? >> it was so much fun. out there. >> you've got style kristen. >> the kids were so good. >> a lot of spin going on there. they are amazing. the incredible about this 10 and under tennis initiative is that the courts, unlike when i was a kid growing up, are now right sized for their age groups.

it's bachkly splitting the court in half playing the other way, lower net, lighter balls, smaller rackets and giving kids the confidence to pick up a game they might not have picked up otherwise. it's terrific. >> that really is the key, confidence. not about competition but giving them the right skills and giving them something fun to do to stay active. >> absolutely. i'm sure tennis can be intimidating to a kid that's never played before. the kout is big, the racket is big. now all of a sudden they have scaled it down. balls are bigger, tennis rackets smaller. >> it's great. two versions. these are for little, eight and under, ten and under and gradually move to the actual racket and right-sized court. >> you can find this message on tennis.com. >> bounce forward you are married to ben stiller. you mention your kids also get involved with tennis as well. is there a huge grand slam in your household? who wins?

we saw you guys in dodgeball. >> we were talking a little about who is competitive, who is not. kids that aren't super competitive, they are just about having fun. they don't want to keep score or get timed. the husband of mine likes to keep score. he trained him in l.a. >> he's fantastic. >> a good player. >> competitive. >> not about young kids but basics for them at one of the schools from harlem. who do we have, marquis and jalen. come over and show them what we're going to do. >> keep those feet moving. they are just going to toss the ball. as long as they keep their feet moving.

>> double ball. >> dodgeball. >> it's soft. >> bob, a lot of people have the misconception, they think tennis is an elite support, something expensive, unaffordable. how do you allow kids to get out there and avoid the cost and be able to do something after school like this? >> what's really great about this whole tennis system now, you can buy a tennis racket for less than $25. it is a lot more affordable. and also there's these free tennis for play around the country, tennis-free play. you don't have to pay for anything. >> all across the country you can look up places to get free tennis days to just try it, see if you even enjoy it. >> bottom line making it affordable and having an outlet for families to get together on the weekends and play around and get exercise. >> this is how they get started, graduate to the rackets. soccer moves. good job. we should mention they are with the national junior tennis and

learning of harlem. great, kids, to have you here. thanks for being a part of this as well today. thank you both for being here. >> thank you. >> right back after these messages. good one. he's got all the moves. tter.no. these work, right? no. all right. mom! look what i found in the shed! no! no! no! ♪ ew! were you guys just making out in here? what? no! is it okay if i quit my job and start a blog? no. really? cold cuts from a package? yes. [ male announcer ] in a world filled with "no," it's nice to finally say "yes." new oscar mayer selects deli meat. the tastes you love and no artificial preservatives. it's yes food. a great clean doesn't have to take long. i'm done.

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well ok then, new yoplait greek 100. it is so good. ♪ as kids head back to school, a big concern for parents is bullying. a middle schooler in orlando who has a unique perspective on what it feels like to be different is on a mission to teach other kids why it's wrong. nbc's mark potter has her story.

>> i know you're excited because our first lab is going to hall rockets. >> in preschool i had a lot of questions and a lot of people making fun of me about my hands. >> reporter: this 13-year-old knows she was different, born with what's commonly known as lobster claw syndrome, a genetic condition where hands, teeth, and toes don't form properly. >> sometimes i would have such a bad day, i would come home and cry. it was just too much for me to really take. >> reporter: but instead of giving into the teasing, she did something about it. >> so welcome to first grade. >> thank you. hi, everybody. >> reporter: every since first grade she has been speaking to school children about her children. >> any difference can be worrisome to a child, especially when meeting new people. >> trying to spread her anti-bullying message. >> i have some physical differences with my hands and my

feet. >> she recently spoke to eighth graders at her school in orlando. >> i've been bullied a lot. i know what it's like to be on that side of the fence. for me since i have a voice now, i can go out there and tell everyone not to bully people. that people that are different are just the same on the inside. >> izzie wrote a book about a little boy named nathan on the first day of school and what it's like to feel different. >> i think if it's in schools and kids read this book, they will -- through nathan, they will see nathan is like all kids and they shouldn't make fun of anyone. >> reporter: even her doctor is impressed with how she handles herself. >> i've seen her many, many years. she's never really said she couldn't do anything. she wants to play soccer, she plays soccer. it's not what you see on the outside but what's on the

inside. >> maybe others might stop and think, what if i was in those shoes and think about it from those terms to help stop not just the obvious bullying we've all come to associate but some of the silent messages that are sent at school that make people feel excluded. >> reporter: izzie hopes her message will make all kids feel good about themselves. >> first want to go out and teach everyone not to make fun of people because that's just wrong. when people see me, i really want them to see me as someone who is different but that is making a difference. >> reporter: for today, mark potter, nbc news, miami. >> still ahead, are you living in the most expensive city in the country? a new survey may have your hometown on that list right after this.

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back now with a look at the most and least expensive to live in the united states. the council for economic research ranked 300 cities coast-to-coast. i was not surprised to see honolulu on this list of number three. >> number three, that's right. they based these numbers on the cost of consumer services from grocery items to housing, health care, transportation. san francisco also on the list at number four. not surprising considering housing is scares there. >> look at that. >> san jose not far behind. but number one on the list,

manhattan. i don't think that's a surprise to anyone. what's interesting how they break out the boroughs, brooklyn, queens in the top ten. >> it's been like this for a while and people keeping moving here in tiny apartments for $5 million. >> no escape anywhere in new york you go. >> least expensive place to live, harlyn again, texas, comes in as least expensive, memphis, tennessee, mcallen, texas, a lot of texas towns. >> that's all in the south which you're seeing a lot of businesses move, especially to atlanta, for example, which isn't on the list, but texas, my home state temple, texas, not far from where i was born didn't make the list. population 200. i am related to all of them. >> the halls. >> stories, that's the place to go. ahead, how to add spice

tower labor day barbecue. >> and one more song from matchbox twenty. >> rob thomas, what pipes. after your local news and weather. ♪ we're gonna have, we're gonna have ♪ ♪ we're gonna have a good day [ female announcer ] wouldn't it be nice if we focused less on the number and more on how the fit makes us feel? ♪ and all my ladies got pride today ♪ take the special k challenge™. drop a jean size in two weeks and slip into size sassy. so many delicious ways to get started at specialk.com. what will you gain when you lose?™

>> this is wbal-tv 11 news in baltimore. >> not the best forecast, although it will not be a washout. to get underneath one of those storms, it will produce heavy amounts of rain. high temperatures 83. some forecast for tomorrow. 60% chance for showers

♪ ♪ >> that's pop sensation demi lovato. the actress is riding high after a difficult time in her life. speaking of music, matchbox twenty put on a wonderful concert on the plaza. we have one more song. >> big daddy is in the house with tasty recipes you still

have time to make, including a recipe for something he calls the inside out burger. sometimes i wish our show was smellavision. >> can you hear my stomach growl. whether we like it or not, today is the unofficial end of summer. you don't have to run out and buy a brand-new wardrobe. coming up how to transition your pieces. >> first a final check of the weather from stephanie abrams, a loot labor day. >> it's looking a little hot. a little too hot. we're talking the 90s running all the way up through the plains. scarves not needed today but soon enough into the plains we'll be talking about blizzard conditions i'm sure. along the east coast, rain. that continued to push east. >> good morning. we're off to a quiet start. scattered thunderstorms will develop this afternoon. some concede local

>> hold up on the boots just yet. >> okay. we'll start planning for the wardrobe switch. coming up next on "today's" style how to stretch your summer wardrobe into fall right after this. d? [ man ] what can you smell? [ inhales deeply ] a lot of flowers. it's on the zingy side of floral. potpourri factory, maybe. you can take off your blindfolds now. oh my gosh. [ laughter ] [ male announcer ] success. victory over odors, for good, both here and in your home. febreze. breathe happy.

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with our babysitter. no. these work, right? no. all right. mom! look what i found in the shed! no! no! no! ♪ ew! were you guys just making out in here? what? no! is it okay if i quit my job and start a blog? no. really? cold cuts from a package? yes. [ male announcer ] in a world filled with "no," it's nice to finally say "yes." new oscar mayer selects deli meat. the tastes you love and no artificial preservatives. it's yes food.

this morning on "today's" style, transforming your summer style into the fall season. summer may be coming to an official end but that does not mean you have to pack up your entire wardrobe. lucky magazine's contributing style editor, lorie, good morning, good to see you. >> good morning. >> the unofficial end, the official end later. we'll deal with that point when we reach it. nonetheless, make simple ideas to get our wardrobe transitioning. >> you don't have to pack up everything, maybe the flip-flop. get more out of summer trends. >> let's start with the first trend, shorts, a huge trend as always in the center. kristin ark, showing her shorts as she rocked them over the summer. what do we do now? >> get rid of the tank top, add

something to the legs for warmth. see christina. >> cute. >> shorts under $30. what gives them that mark of longevity is they are made of a thicker material and have pleating. you could dress them up. we added polka dot chambray shirt from old navy, threw a cardigan over it. these shorts are so great because they are a neutral color. a great thing to look out for. tights. tights can give anything more wearability. >> those are textured which i love. >> cute little ankle boot, the shoe of the season. everything under $100. >> christina, you look fabulous. i love that. thank you very much. hot friend, everyone trying to wear this in the summer. look at the photograph how joan rocked this look. she looks cute there. >> more of a summer work look for joan. see her come out in the fall

look. peplin, a lot of women wear off. look for something with that little flounce. the turtleneck is the staple of the fall. >> i always think turtlenecks make you look like a bobblehead. they have replaced layering piece. it's splend it. let's the peplum work harder for her. a lot of people think throwing a cardigan is the way to go. layer giving the turtleneck underneath. a great pair of pants and hot pink shoes for a little bit of fun. >> i love that, and i love the layering of the turtleneck with the top. >> not that difficult to do. >> the turtleneck is becoming the layering piece with suiting. >> joan, you look so sleek. go to the high-lo trend. carrie wore this summer. >> seen this, otherwise known as

the mullet skirt, party in the front, business in the back. now we can see she's transitioned it into fall. here comes carrie. what we did again with the cardigan, another color of the season, burgundy, ox blood. this is from banana republic under $60. the skirt itself from lulu, $35. it does have that shortness in the front. the way you play it down in the fall with tights. those are fleece lined from bare necessity. prethis look warm. >> a scarf from hat attack. keep that fall look coming. you want things textured and warm and feeling very fireside. it channels that equestrian vibe, which is huge for fall. >> i'll remember that. the layering makes it a richer look, so chic. >> thank you so much. i know you're hot in that outfit. that's for later. up next, the neon look. sharon got in on the fun with those neon pants.

can't miss them. how do you keep them going in the fall. >> this is such a huge trend. sharon, come on out. this is what's hard to remember. you think it's the hardest one to pull off. pick the right color combination. you want to mitigate that summery brightness by pairing it with something that tones it down a little bit. that we did with a gray sweater, zips up, another scarf, knit. keep things very textured. you want to channel that fall vibe with things that feel warm and cozy. again, it's all about the ankle boot. hsn, the fall shoe of the season. everything under $100. she looks fantastic. keep that neon to one piece and it will keep you all the way through to the end of the year. >> come out. impressive before and after. cozy, even though i'm not ready for chilly weather, i'm ready to steal ideas. >> thank you, ladies. up next big daddy spices up

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this morning on labor day kitchen, "today's" barbecue. a lot of people throwing end of summer parties, chef and star of big daddy's house from the food network is here to offer flair to your festivities. good morning to you. >> good morning. how are you doing? >> i can hear the sizzling. we'll get to that in a minute but we'll start with your

favorite grilled eggplant. >> grilled cheese, eggplant. it's simple to do a lot of people don't know what to do with eggplant. they are stuck. do i make stew, rattouie with it. >> add oil. do this the day ahead, marinade with salt and pepper, oil. i like to grill them the day ahead. >> how hot? >> very hot, 425, 450 because you want nice grill marks. that's the presentation part of it. >> how long? >> two minutes each side. cut them kind of thick so they can hold up to the heat and won't wilt. >> this is the filling. >> my mother didn't like goat cheese until i made this here.

goat cheese, heavy cream and dried cherries, you can use cranberries, blueberries, but i like cherries. you want to soften the goat choose so it has firmness. as we roll these, go in the oven two or three minutes. just so you know how easy to roll, take filler on the end. >> it's like pig in a blanket except goat cheese. >> exactly. you got it. in the oven, 375. you can put this out in the beginning of the barbecue. everyone loves it. i like to top with chives, white balsamic vinegar. this really brings it out. >> a great starter. >> a little olive oil. you can put a couple pieces

baguette bread, forks. put out plates, a couple of forks. you hear the sizzle? >> yes. >> go back. >> i didn't know snoop was on it. >> i've got mushrooms. use portabellos. you smell these. i cook it in bacon fat. cook the bacon ahead of time, put my mushrooms in there. now add bacon that's choked, cubed swiss cheese. you want it big. this the inside out burger. all this normally on top. we're going to put it inside. >> the inside out is what? what is inside out burger? >> normally a bacon swiss mushroom burger on the outside. we're going to put it inside, seal like like an envelope, put it in the frying pan. what? labor day got hooked up today. >> how many calories are we

talking about here? >> we'll talk about that tomorrow. that's a tomorrow conversation. >> i got it. how long here on the skillet. >> just want to mix this up, mushrooms cooled down. take these patties. took an eight ounce ball, flattened it out. some filler right in the middle just like that. take the other patty on the top. pinch it closed and add it right to this pan. i like to do it by itself. pepperoni, sausage, pizza sauce, whatever floats your boat. i like the much room and swiss. >> how long? >> four minutes each side, nice medium rare. on top of the grill. >> cheese will met inside. >> this ain't no show. this is the real deal. add a little lettuce, tomatoes, call it a day. at the end, mangos, pineapple, grill them, jalapenos.

i like to freeze a little fresh lime juice on top of the fruit like that. we've got acid everywhere. everything you find in the garden. >> how many calories in that. >> pretty light, baby. do this at the end so you don't feel guilty. >> okay. this is breakfast for us today. >> definitely breakfast. >> fabulous. >> back to you. >> thank you so much. happy labor day. >> happy labor day to you. eat good now. >> when we come back, one more song from matchbox twenty. first this is "today." anncr: it'll start out as concrete and steel... but it'll become so much more. a new world-class resort casino in maryland. two thousand construction jobs to build it.

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>> announcer: the toyota concert series on "today" brought to you by toyota. >> come on, tamron, chow down. you know you want it. >> i know i want it. everybody knows i want it. >> just ahead kathie lee and hoda with a sneak peek of the hottest movies coming out of the new season. >> what are you going to try

first? you've already tried mangos. >> i just don't want to get caught with a big chunk. >> that's why i'm using the force. >> before we go, one more song from matchbox 20. >> i love it. ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ i cannot over state it i will be overjoyed ♪

♪ and we'll share this life any time i'm going to be by your side when nobody understand you well i do ♪ ♪ baby let me hold let me come over i will tell god only knows i cannot overstate it ♪ ♪ i will be overjoyed ♪ i cannot overstate it i will be overjoyed

i will be overjoyed ♪ ♪ >> thank you so much. [ cheers and applause ]