good morning. battle supreme. president obama's pick heads to thee hill today. democrats pushing hard. >> have e the guts, the guts to vote yes or no. >> is the nomination dead on arrival? we will talk to the president's chief of staff. where is the love? a new poll shows hillary clinton and donald trump are deeply unpopular even in their own parties while trump has a dire warning for the gop if there is a contested convention. >> i think you would have riots.

try to lock in the nomination? family first. a major league baseball player walks a away from $13 million after being told to dial back his son's time with the team. a boy such a fixture he had his own locker. how much is too much when it comes to bringing your kids to work? and frank s sinatra jr. dies hours after canceling a concert and the touching tribute today thursday, march 17, 2016. from nbc news this is "today" with matt lauer and savannah guthrie. >> good morning everybody. welcome to "today." in kate you didn't know it's st.

i knew from the crowd on the plaza. >> i went with the traditional stick on shamrock on the lapel. top story is the show doane over president obama's nominees for supreme court. judge merrick garland to meet with lawmwmakers. >> when judge garland goes to capitol hill he will meet with democrats and so far no republicans. political lines drawn by the president and the republican senate and a critical seat on the supreme court for mow held hostage too presidential campaign politics. >> i simply ask republicans in the senate to give him a fair hearing and then an up or down vote. >> reporter: president obama

to give his supreme court nominee a hearing. >> if you don't it will not only be an advocation of the duty but will indicate a process for nominating and confirming judges that i is beyond repair. >> reporter: republican leaders are not budging. >> it is the sesenate's right to act as a check on a president and with hold consenent. >> reporter: majority leading mitch mcconnell doubling down. >> what we are talking about is a principle and not a person. >> reporter: insisting the vacancy should be filled by the next president. >> have the guts, the guts to vote yes or no. >> reporter: democrats trying to shame republicans. >> they want t to vote maybe. that is a gutless derlication of the constitution.

liberal icon, chosen because the white house thinks he is hard to reject on record or politics. seen as a moderate he won votes of 32 republican senators when nomnited to the d.c. circuit court in 1997. he's a good man. but he shouldn't be brought up in this toxic environment. >> r reporter: just last week he said he didn't think president obama w would pick garland because garland didn't appeal to democrats liberal base. republicans may be calculating that judge garland would be more acceptable to them than anyone a future president hillary clinton or donald trump might choose. >> pete williams is at the supreme court this morning with

the middle of what is a political tug of war. >> reporter: the president has chosen a mostly centrist judge who is well liked and respected hoping to make it harder for the republicans to say he won't give them a hearing. merrick garland served for 19 years, he's 63. born in chicago. graduatedd from harvard. he and his wife, lynn, have been married for 29 years and have two daughters. he supervised the prosecution of timothy mcveigh in 1995. billll clinton nominated him to be a federeral judge in 1997 a and was confirmed by the senate 76 to 23 with 32 republican votes. his rulings are considered centrist and generalally votes to

is often tougher on criminals. mr. obama twice confirmed merrick garland for the supreme court. >> white house chief of staff, good morning. thanks for being with us. >> thanks for havaving me. >> i have heard different people describe this nomination in extremely different ways. one theory iss this is the president offering an olive branch to republicans. another is this is the president saying i dare you to block this guy and the third is that the president is offering up the sack rificial lamb for an ugly political fight. >> the president ran a very detailed process and came up with a candidate who m met a very simple qualification, n namely excellence. everybody that you talk to in legal circles and in thee newspapers this morning you

about merrick garland. >> you are saying the president isn't telling republicans i dare you to block this judge? >> i'm telling you the president nominated someone f for this vacancy. he found somebody with a p proven track record of excellence, somebody who is described as a decent man and somebody who has a fair-minded approach to understanding the law. that's exactly who we found i in this j judge and we expect the senate to do its job. >> perhaps neither side has cleann hands entirely. when senator obama was in office he voted against justice robert's nomination. how does he explain that now? >> well, what is interestingng is that in both of those cases not only did senators meet with and give a hearing to those candidates but they voted on them. .

that we are asking for here. >> president obama voted to filibuster and not bring him to the floor for a full vote. >> they had a series of hearings and a vote out of committttee and then a debate on the senate floor. the filibuster was stopped. that's exactly the way t the process should work. that is e exactly what we hope will happen in this case and exactly what the president called for yesterday. we have a candidate who is uniformally recognizedd somebody with unquestionable excellence and terrific experience. >> real quickly if you can, does the president have one firm ally on the republican side in the senate that he feels will help him get this to a heariring and confirmation? >> we feel good about the first day of this. we heard many, more than a

their position and being willing to meet with -- >> does the president have a real firm ally on the republican side? >> what i said is that yesterdrday we heard several republican senators agreeing to meet with him. we think that is a good start. this is not rocket science. they need to do what the constitution says, give him a hearing and vote and let's fill the vacancy. >> thanks for getting up early with us. we appreciate it. >> thanks. happy st. patrick's day. the supreme court fight is raising the stakes. donald trump is warning about what he fears will happen if he is denied the republican nomination. p n nbc national correspondent peter alexander has more on that side of the story. >> reporter: good morning. happy st. patrick's day. the math backs trump.

delelegates to get there. if he does it the billionaire is warning while he wouldn't lead it bad things would happen. donald trump dominating the competition. he is defiant warning what could happen if he is not the republican nominee. >> i think you would have riots. i'm representing a tremendous, many, many millions of people. i think bad things would happen. >> reporter: the front runner says he is done debating his rivals. with trump out john kasich is following suit. >> i think we have had enough h debates. i w was very surprised when i heard fox called for a debate. i won't be there. >> reporter: something trump is s not shying awaway from,, foreign policy telling morning joe he is his own best asset. >> since we have dire foreign policy issues who are you

on day one? >> i'm speaking with myself because i have a very good brain. my primary consultant is myself. i have a good insinth for this ststuff. >> reporteter: kasich touting his ability to win. >> neither of those guys can win a general elecection. maybe they are spoiling it for the republican party. >> reporter: specuculation is building over another potentitial player like speaker of the housese paul ryan. >> people say what about the contested convention? who knows. >> reporter: a spokesperson says nomination. trump and hillary clinton are already in a dress rehearsal for the general election. trump releasing this instagram video mocking clinton as weak against vladimir putin and isis showing her parking like a dog

the closing message, we don't need to be a punch line. >> our commander in chief has to be able to defend our country, not embarrass it. to be great we can't be small. we can't lose what made america great in the first place. >> reporter: if a trump/clinton show down faces reality the latest poll showing they are the most unpopular politicians in their parties.s. trump is touting a big speech as he puts it before the prominentnt pro israel lobby schcheduled for monday hours after hillary clinton addresses the group. that really could offer the best side by side comparison of these two on policy and presentation. >> two words for you, chicken soup. >> i'm on my way.

diplomatic efforts underway to free the college student for allegedldly trying to steal a poster. >> reporter: good morning. onee human rights group descrcribed it as like a simple student prank but the student finds himself in prison by a country lockcked in a nuclelear ststandoff with the world. after begging for his freedom -- >> pleasase save my life -- >> reporter: he is waking up in north korea prison sentenced to 15 y years hard labor. >> please think of my family. >> reporter: fingerprinted, handcuffed, led away, guilty of subversion, the north korean's say.

student stealing a propaganda poster from a hotel. >> i am only human. >> reporter: reportedly says he stole the banner foror a member of his church group. his twitter andnd facebook accounts show h him relaxed and smiling. he volunteers as a swim coach and mentor for teens. he is one of two u.s. citizens held in north korea. travel there is legal. a few thousand americans go each year. >> the allegations for w which this individual was arrested and imprisoned would not give rise to arrest or imprisonment in the united states or any o other country in the world. >> reporter: tours of destinations your mother would rather you stay away from. now he faces prison by a

hates america. why he went there? the americans who go to north korea offering young people looking for adventure and retired folks hoping for the experience of a lifetime sgrmpt had not like that. let's turn back to capitol hill. rick snyder testifying at a house hearing on the flint water crisis. the governor has come under incredible fire after thousands were affected by led tainted water. governor snyder says he didn't learn the water was contaminated until after 18 months after the city began drawing water from the flint river in april 2014. the governor is expected to address his commitment to finding a permanent solution. see. >> a little bit. >> no pinches for you.

off. >> i might take it off. >> just for the pinch. let's show you along the gulf coast. we are watching this stationary front that will lay across there and a system developing along it. looking for risk of severe weather east texas to southern alabama. tomorrow heavy rain develops. as you look anywhere from 1 1/2 to 3 inches of rain from central louisiana to the panhandle of thisorolla's got a sweet sound system and low apr. nah, i don't live far. it's got tons of room. i do own a broom. this is pretty fun. yeah, i've been thinking of growing a manan bun. r r during toyota's 1 for everyone sales event, p get 0% apr financing for 60 months on a 2016 corolla. offer end apriril 4th. for great deals on other toyotas, visit toyota.com thanks, jan. no, it's jan! toyota.

report. singer frank sinatra jr., the son of thee iconic entertainer died, passing a away in floririda where he was on tour. >> reporter: he led a colorful

frank sinatra jr built a career singing his father's iconic tunes in a voice reminiscecent of his father's legendary croon. at times being the chairman of the board's son came with a price. at age 19 his father's fame marked him as a target for kidnapping held for four days until sinatra sr. paid almost a quarter of a million dollars to his captors. >> nervous but the only thing to do i is hope for the best. >> reporter: he stepped in as musical director during his father's final touring years and acting, appearing in almost 20 shows including family guy and sopranos playing himself. >> here is one for your pal. >> just last year he sang for the new york yankees.

her brother died of cardiac arrest. >> that is sad news. our best to his family. coming up, how much is your family time worth? the major leaguer who is retiring and walking away from $13 million after being told to limit the time his son spepent with the team. the beginning of the end of killer whales at sea world. the park's ceo is speaking out and addressing critics as he announces a big change for sea

a surprising role that noise plays in weight loloss. a new sprpring b break scam. families spending thousands of dollars to book rentals and find the rentals don't exist. how to protect yourself after

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>> good morning. i'm gene ramirez. it's 7:27. day. is the weather coopererating? >> for most of us, we have patchy low clouds and it's all mexico. bubut if you zoom right here over the susunshine skyway bridge, those clouds have lored enough to be very foggy and the sunshine skyway bridge is closed to traffic once again. otherwise, again, patchy cloud, 70 in lakeland. 71 bradentonon. and we make it to 81. a warm st. patrick's day. and better rain chances ramp up into saturday, leslee. >> that's right.

for those of ---- that's my best irish accent, that want to use the sunshine skyway bridge, it's's foggy and closed. what does that mean for you? you have to take i-75 unless you have a boat that can take you across. 75 is the only alternatate. and slow traffic through ybor, 301 to 275, 17 minute commute. 34 minutes ehrlich to 275. slow. tatampa is moving closer to lessen the punishment for small amounts of marijuana. the city council will vote today and in the new law, it would be a citation and fine as small as $75. the council is expected to

flo-rida thursday on the today show. it is also st. patrick's day. we see green on the plaza. we will get out there and say hi. >> i love the traditional irish flo-rida song. merrick garland will begin meet wg lawmakers on the h hill but republican leadership

intention on taking action on garland's nomination. the metro r rail system back up and running after the unprecedented day-long shututdown. crews spent wednesday inspecting hundreds of power cables. and first lady michelle obama took part in south by southwest music festival. . >> i will not run for president not going to do it. i have these two young people at home and being the dauaughters of a president, jusust think about it. come on, young people, not so easy. they have handled it with grace and with poise. enough is enough.

for after the white house? the first lady to bring world. a retirement that has a lot of people talking. adam laroche walking away from a multimillion dollar salary. >> white sox executives say laroche decided to reretire after they asked him to dial b back the time his son spends with the team raising questions about how much is too much when it comes to bringing your kid to work, in this case to a baseball park. >> adam laroche stunning the baseseball world with his abrupt retirement saying he is ready to walk away from the game and $13 million remaining on his contract. white sox officials confirm the decision came after they asked

14-year-old son drake spends in the clubhouse. many call drake the 26th man. he is considered such a fixture that he attends practice at home and on the roadad. drake has his own uniform and was given his own locker. white sox vicice president ken williams calls drake a fine young man but says it was t time to draw the line. what would i say to the next person who wanted to bring his son and have it be an everything thing. >> reporter: williams saying it is time the team concentrates on playing better baseball after suffering three straight losing seasons. laroche has not appeared publicly tweeting thank you for the game of baseball and for giving m me way more than i deserved. bryce harper, a former teammate voicing his support tweeting

father and son in the clubhouse. it's a family game. >> after all, it is work and when the fans are demanding a better output from the chicago white sox they are tightening up the reins. >> we did reach out for comment. the team does confirm laroche signed retirement papers but have not been filed with the league. there was a meeting of the players, about a two-hour meeting. clearly. >> i it's a locker room. this is a 14-year-old boy. we know players in locker rooms like a certain atmosphere and i don't think they want to be worried about what they do or say. i think it is across the line. >> and adam laroche's father played in the big leagues so adam had this experience to hang around locker rooms and be around big leaguers. >> and the team is under a lot of pressure.

than being there so often. >> some of our fondest memories going to work with our dad. >> i can't focus when i bring my kids to work. i'm worried about i if they are going to embarrass me or do something they shouldn't be doing. >> i think the white sox have the right to say it's too much and he has the right to walk away. >> he still has good swings in his bat. in the presidential racace we have been talking about the chances of a contested convention for republicans. it will come down to the delegate count. who are those delegates? they can play a major role in picking the next president. hallie jackson decided to look into that. >> reporter: on the republican side over 2,400 delegates whoho

nomination, the folks who may pick the next presidential nominee. colorful, chaotic, conventions are where pick the nominee. in cleveland this year could be donald trump's coronation or the businessman could face a hostile takeover. >> we are going to go all the way to cleveland and secure the republicican nomination. >> reporter: delegates are assigned based on how theirir state voted at least in the first round. usually that is all it takes. this year there could be a second round or more when some delegates could pick who they want. campaigns looking to lock in support. >> the process works, this is americana. it is wonderful. >> reporter: he has been a delegate at four conventions but never a contested one. he might this year. >> we are glorified messenger.

>> reporter: this year could be different. >> i have to admit i am pretty excited about it. >> the real people with lives and schedules and vacations, they have to be found, cataloged and wooed. they cannot be bullied. >> reporter: in the scramble for support a trump adviser tells nbc they are plotting to pick up marco rubio delegates. and john kakasich is bringing on a top operative who helped gerald ford beat ronald reagan at the last contested convention four decades ago. >> a lot are looking to enhance their ability to work in a new administration. >> reporter: from the candidate who touts deal making skills, a warning what could happen if dealings don't involve him. >> i think you would have riots. i am representing a tremendous, many millions of people. >> reporter: and trump's

delegate in his home state of new hampshire. safe to say who he would probably back. >> sticking to his guns no question about it. let's get the weather. >> still got a little winter to talk about especially in the upper midwest and great lakes. big upper level low bringing in cold air from canada. looking at snow all the way down into minneapolis. it will be light. the winds will be still fairly strong. as the low moves away we see conditions improve. the low continues to move east and it will bring snow to upstate new york, northern new england, thunderstorms first, though.

>> and that's your latest t weather. coming up, a century old painting, a new way for you to celebrate that moment. >> and big news from sea world this morning on the future of its popular and controversial killer whales. we'll hey, you're going to do great.

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back at 7:42. big news out of sea world. >> the park says it will stop breeding iconic killer whales. >> a pretty big story coming after years of controversy about sea world's treatment of the killer whales. the company saying major transition. as we learn it will still leave critics with plenty of question. orca killer whales sea world.

>> what we are announcing is the end of our orca breeding. >> reporter: the company hoping this will end years of criticism over treatment of captive orcas and several people killed by them. >> what happened to her could have happened to anyone. >> like in 2010. back lash was intense. the stock losing more than half the value.e. >> your company spent a lot of time and energy maligning that film. is this an admission that they were right? >> i would never admit that the care of our animals was poor. a lot of factors changed people's opinion. >> reporter: outraged critics disagree. >> they are relegated to the equivalent of us living in bath tubs. >> reporter: sea world has

today is the first time they are commenting not to breed new killer whales. there is a catch. >> in 20 years will thehere be zero whales? >> it depends how many will live. we have one that is 42 years old and one that hasn't been born yet. >> you havee new orca shows launchching in the coming years? >> we call them orca encounters. we are going to eliminate the more theatrical element. >> former trainer says that isn't enough. sea world says it has to keep the orcas because they were born in captivity and never learned to live in the wild. some say they could be moved to protected sanctuaries. >> we feel and we have studied this a lot. we feel it is a very risky environment to do that. >> sea world is making this announcement with a commitment of millions to conservation and a surprising bed fellow, the

>> people will say this i isn't enough action. >> we can't unwind what has happened with those animals who have been in captivity for 30 or 40 years. >> reporter: sea world says it is the end of an era. >> how much longer do you foresee whales in captivity? >> as long as it takes for this current population to pass on. there will be no more new orcas. >> sea world ceo saying you are marketing but for a while you will be able to go there and see the orcas on display and these experiences, fewer flips but they are there. >> like a long term wind down. >> as they predicted how thatt is going to impact visitationn at the parks? >> it is the center piece of their business. that may be why they are taking decades to allow the change. >> thank you.

coming up, how do stars cram into the red carpet dresses? jennifer garner comes through for us. and carson throwing it back to our very uh, hello geico?... about your emergency roadside service and how it's available 24/7 and then our car overheated... what are the chances? can you send a tow truck please? uh, the location? believe this but it's um... it's in a tree. i wish i was joking, mate, but it's literally stuck in a tree. (car horn honking) a chainsaw? no, no, all we really need is a tow truck. day or night, geico's emergency roadside service is there for you. there's a voice of a daredevil in all of us. that urges us to shake things up, to turn up the heaeat, and take biggeger risks. why should damaged hair silence that voice? new dove regenerative nourishment with red algae complex

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7:50, carson's moment. >> here we are. twitter is going to mark a major

we celebrate byy looking back where it all started. we go back to our first tweet. i just joined twitter. not sure why? still not sure. >> al, you wrote watching my kids at tae kwon do. that was your first tweet. savannah wrote please follow me on facebook. >> it's like write me a a letter. >> working in rio. >> at least mine was exotic location. >> matt lauer -- >> can i explain? he sent that tweet. >> got how many hundreds of thousands of followers? >> a bold attempt to capitalize

>> you are so lucky y you have that excuse. >> jack dorsey's first tweet just setting up my twitter. he will join us live tomorrow live in our studio. if you want to have fun head to today.com and find your first tweet. >> look at you two. >> you owe me money. just ahead a new scam to watch out for families booking spring break vacations. they show up and find their reservations don't exist. something for soup and sandwich and cannonballs and clean and real and looking good and sandwich and soup and a new personal best. and a little help

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good thursday morning.

happy st. patrick's day. >> we've got our green on. >> don't former federal get. >> you know, you'll get pinched anand. this morning, you don't need the sunglasses. patchy across the area this morning but i'm going to zoom to the sunshine skyway bridge where the clouds are low enough to create visibility issusues so they have closed the sunshine skyway bridge due to the fog. but the rest of u just a warm start to your st. paddy's day. 70 st. pete. 68 in brooksville. and 71 degrgrees at 8:00 a.m. and now the sea fog may hang around and the rest of us will see more sunshine. 81 at 3:00 p.m. 75 at 8:00. a 10% chance of a shower. today, dry. 30% tomorrow. and better rain chance saturday. all right, well, we do have issues going on. possiblele fatal crash here out on state road 674 at carlton lake road. it's been closed for quite some time. you will be routed around. allow for r an extra 15 mens. got slow and go traffic

from state road 674. and of coururse, the sunshine skyway bridge still closed. look at that fog out here. here's by the fishing pier. you got to take i-75. i know it's a long detour but it's the only one. >> all right. well a deadly police- involved shooting in tampa to tell you about. police responded to a call. when they arrived, the suspect was armed. officers engaged anymore conversation but he fired the gun at them. it didn't go off. the man went inside. came back outside, fired again and hit a police shield.

it's 8:00 on "today." spring break scam. families spendingg thousands to book vacation rentals to find they have been ripped off. what you need to know before your next trip. throwing a big fat wedding. before our lucky couple says i do we want you to help pick their favors. and what is st. patrick's day without an irish jig? we are celebrating with a live performance from riverdance

>> happy st. patrick's day. >> kiss me! >> all the way from indianapolis celebrating st. patrick's day. >> kiss us, we're irish! >> good morning. >> happy st. patrick's day. >> good morning. it's 8:00. it's st. patrick's day. happy st. patrick's day to you. top of the morning. we have a very green crowd on our plaza today. >> we have in the past given natalie a little bit of grief about her throwback thursday songs.

favorite songs. i like it, too. >> riverdance dancers jumping around. >> couple for our big fat wedding back this morning. you will pick their wedding favors. the best part about this giving you a chance to take them home, as well, wedding favors. >> let's get a check of the morning's top stories. >> glad you like my choice ere. the news this morning president obama's nominee for the supreme court begins making the rounds on capitol hill today. washington appealsls court just merrick garlandd meeting. majority leader mititch mcconnell says he will not meet personally with garland. he is leading a republican effort to block a hearing or confirmation vote so court vacancy can be filled by the next president. the republican national

monday's presidential debate in salt lake city. front r runner donald trump refused to take part saying there has been enough debating and that he had a speech planned for that evening. that prompted john kasich to drop out. trump told cnn on wednesday that his supporters might riot if he is denied the republican nomination at the party's convention in july. hillary clinton launched an ad blitz in arizona addressing education and deportation of immigrants. another ad features former arizona congress woman gabby giffords. clinton heads in after sweeping five states this week. top sanders campaign said the second half of the primary schedule which includes states like wisconsin and washington will be more favorable to sanders. nowow to a dramatic prison

you can see here two inmates trying desperately trying to climb up the rope from a hijacked helicopter on the prison's roof. this happened three years ago in quebec but the video is just released. the two men struggled to find the rope and never made it to the roof. ththe chopper takes off with the two inmates clinging to the rope, all effort was futile in the end. a few hours later police were able to recapture the men. a german shepherd is getting reacquainted with her family nearly five weeks after she fell off a fishing boat. on tuesday he got a call from the u.s. navy. luna had been found apparently walking on the beach. how luna got back to dry land? apparently she is one heck of a doggy paddler.

good to see her back with the family. >> incredible. millions of families heading off for spring break and police are warning about what they say is becoming an all-too-popular scam. >> olivia sterns is here with the story. >> it is a nightmare and for a growing number of travelers. imagine you save all year for a special trip only to show up and find out the reservrvation doesn't exist and worse the money is gone. that is what happened t to one mom in michigan who thought she online. >> reporter: she thought she foundd the perfect place for the family's spring break. >> it was on the beach and in our price zone. >> reporter: a painter and mother of two she had been saving all year and was thrilled to find a deal. she wired $1,500 to a bank account and florida and got an

when she arrived at the property -- >> i said we have reservations for the week and they took the piecee of paper and looked at it and started laughing. he said we do not rent this place out and if we did we would never rent it for this rate. i was shocked and thinking what are we going to do? >> repororter: joyce gonzalez manages the sand pearl residences the place shelly thought she booked. this past weekend she had five people show up all victims of whwhat authorities say are scams. >> the last one was the hardest. they had two little children with them. they had no place to go, no vehicle. the cab dropped them off. here they stood with nothing. >> reporter: a growing problem. the fbi estimates that americans lose nearly $19 million in similar vacation rental scams. >> you canp rent me a popular.

>> what unit number do you have? >> the unit here 1005 does not lease, sir. hello. >> he hung up. >> police say there nault much they can do. how much do you know about the people behind the scams? >> 99% of them are out of the country, india, dubai. >> can you do anything about it? >> i can't. >> reporter: only 2% to 3% of people ever get their mononey back. the scam ad shelly fell for is still up on craigslist. >> it makes me angry that they can continue to do that. >> reporter: she is looking forward to a stayication. >> there are things you can do to protect yourself. research the address. a lot of these scam ads are just

be sure this wasn't just taken from somewhere else online. when possible try to book through a broker or a site that guarantees the listing. don't just go on craigslist. and call and ask to speak to somebody. ask too speak directly to the property manager to confirm the unit is actually available forrent. >> you have your kids and bags and they say we don't rent that out. >> and you already sent the money. coming up next, have you heard of the crunch effect? we will tell you what it is and how it migight help w with your weight loss. cashing in. what is being planned to celebrate this botched painting restoration. and special steals and deals

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is folgers in your cup there are a lot of ways to pack your breakfast with protein. but the most delicious way is to just add milk. new nature valley cereals. at least 10 grams of protein with milk, and a touch of sweetness for three new ways to power you through your day. we will start with an eye opening survey from the cdc. the government polleled americans to see how they felt with a range of sococial issues. people were found to be morore accepting than they were a decade ago on a few things such as cohabitation before marriage, gay marriage and single women raise ag baby on their own. the one issue in whihich americans

when asked if divorce i is the best solution for troubled marriage 38% agreed down 9% and 39% of men agreed down 5%. >> why do you think it is? >> the complexities of divorce they realize how difficult it is. >> maybe growing up being surveyed and thinking if you can it would be better to try to work it out. >> stick it out. >> fascinating. they say silence is golden but could it be the key to kicking your junk food habit? this comes from researchers at bringham young. they found if you eat alone in relative quiet you eat less because you will be more aware of all of your chewing and swallowing sounds. it's called the crunch effect. >> it doesn't work with doritos. >> you probably eat fewer.

the television that distracts you and you are more likely to eat more. >> definitely. >> if i'm reading the paper the bagel is gone and i don't remember eating it. >> me, too. >> you are not paying attention. >> not the noise of turning the papages. >> you don't eat the entire bag for fear that they judge you because they are around you. >> and smell the dorito breath on you. this next story is one of our favorite of allll times. we will look for a any excuse to tell it again. remember the elderly woman in spain tasked of restoring this 19th century painting and this is how she restored it. the whole thing became viral. it was just a whole national embarrassment. >> it is in the eye of the

>> it's just the way she did it. i find it to be adorable and hilarious. local officials were mortified at first. now they are saying let's capitalize this. they are opening an entire tour center to showcase that botched fresco because thousands of come to see it. >> the woman who did the restoration is part of the exhibit. >> she is in a case. let's turn to erin andrews thanking fans for support and jennifer garner spilling the secret. >> erin andrews giving first interview, a jury awarding andrews $55 million for being secretly recorded while being nude in her hotel room. >> maybe this isn't the best

a million dollars. >> i don't have any money.y. i want to thank everybody. there are so many people that reached out all over the world really. >> andrews saying she is ready to put the whole ordeal behind her and get back to work. jennifer garner sharing back stage secrets from the oscars. she looked great on the red carpet. jennifer said it wasn't easy and got candid about the work to get into that dress. >> its there is metal and people move your ribs and move your liver and -- i had a panic attack in my ribs. >> i don't know what that means. >> i was having a muscle spasm. everything i in here started to freak right out. and i said i'm going to have to

i'm going to have to stand up. she says if you stand up they think you are kanye wewest. you can't stand up. >> jennifer says she was able to stand up during a commercial break and then had to use the restroom and that was a whole otherr situation. henry cavell getting ready to play superman. he just posted this video from times square here in new york to prove it. not even standing under his own billboard in a superman shirt was enough to get any attention. the naked cowboy was quite busy.

al, what is going on in the weather? >> how about one more nor'easter? would you like one more? just one more? >> just one more. so we are looking at our friends with the european model. they are showing low pressure on saturday morning in the gulf and then it starts to make its sweet time colder air. by sunday morning into the northeast. by 3:00 sunday new jersey or philadelphia, parts of washington. by monday we are looking at a decent amount of heavy snow in the nortrtheast. the american model says just new england. take a look at the snowfall totals. sunday into monday european model, new york city about eight to ten inches of snow. into new england 12 inches or more. you are paying attention, aren't you. the american model almost nothing.

england. who will win? >> you always win. >> usa. >> let's find out coming up this weekend. it's still early. we are going to watch this very . and that's your latest weather. >> we may be looking at fat snow flakes. this morning we have a

edition of steals and deals. bargains on great items. one of those items will be our couple's wedding favor. first, how the wedding guest gift is now changing. after the i do comes the thank you. and when it comes to wedding favors this year out with the almond and in with the common from spices to tote bags to tickets, utility rules. front and center personalized treats that encourage guests to eat, drink and be merry. reminding family and friends how sweet love can be. candles and regional goodies like cheese crisps, olive oil and rosemary salt from wine country giving guests a gift that keeps giving until it is gone.

contributor jill martin is here. our wedding couple are back. before we get to the great stuff movie. how was the red carpet thing? >> so fun. >> my family was there, of course. came to the premiere and everyone for pictures. >> before you walk down the aisle you got to walk the red carpet. did you get nervous? >> i just suck it in, push them out and smile. >> that isn't where i was going but that is all right. let's talk about what is going to happen. >> these are wedding favors, possible wedding favors. you can get them at home even if you are not getting married. you are going to vote on which favor they should give out and they have a preference. >> why don't we divide and conquer.

where do you want to start? she told me she had an interesting wedding favor. >> a greek tradition to have sugar covered almond. unmarried people take the almonds home and put it under your pillow and whoever you dream about that night you are going to marry. >> that can be dangerous. >> this is the first one, shutter fly photo candles. you can see right here their pictures are on the candles. you can do a saying, a monogram, a photo. so variety of scents. retail $39.99. the deal is $12. >> you can use the glass afterwards to do shots. >> 60 hours of burn time. >> caitlyn is standing by item

>> these are ben's garden trays. they are hand crafted and have beautiful sayings on them. you can get different ones or choose for your guests. we all agree with that. so the retail is $125. the deal is $37.50. this is something you can use at home and always think of the couple afterwards. >> do you like these? >> i do. they are beautiful. >> come on over to john and john is standing by beautiful glass ware. >> this is perfect for you. this is the stationary studio personalized glass ware.

set of four and you can split them up. they are packaged in a white gift box. the deal is $31.50. that's 65% off. >> you don't have to take the candle holder to do the shot. you can have proper glass ware. >> maybe a tooth brush brush holder. >> as we deliver our toast we say let's remind people of all these great deals. so the products. for more on these deals and to vote maybe more importantly for one of these as a wedding favor head to today.com and while you are there you can help decide how she will wear her hair one week from today.

coming up a st. patrick's day celebration with help from the riverdance. first your local news and

good mornining. i'm gene ramirez. time now 8:27.

council is expected to vote in favor of lessen the punishment for having small amounts of marijuana. people caught with up to 20- grams of pot on their person would be issued a civil citation. the fine for the first offense would be $75. that's less than a traffic citation. subsequent offenses would result in higher fines. how are we weather-wise? >> not bad on this st. patrick's s day. we had patchy clouds for the most part and it's warm anand humid. and now clouds are comiming in off the gulf of mexico but sea fog inincluding fog over the sunshine skyway bridge continues to be a big issue. so just hang with us. we will let you know if that ever clears up. and most ofof us away from the beaches will see more and more sunshine over the next couple hours. 70 in tampa. 69 in zephyrhills. here's the eight-day temperature trend. interesting, warm today at 81 and warm tomorrow at 80. and rain chances, you can see emoji man going up for saturday wiwith a cold front. and this late season cold front is going to help our temperatures dip down into the upper 60s for a high

and of course, we trend back after that. and for the next couple day, warm, and start next week, kind of chilly to start spring. >> and yoyou're sasaying that there's rain in the weekend, you're saying you should go out

[ cheers and applause ] >> we love having you guys here. welcome back. good to see you. happy st. patrick's day. march 17, 2016.

irish phenomenon riverdance. they will be back with a big performance in just a little while. >> i love watching their feet. >> in honor of the day we are cooking up classic irish fare. shepherd's pie and they are telling us this is easy to make. >> also ahead hollywood it girl swings by studio 1 a. how about a check of the weather. >> how about a little st. papatrick's day? we have four big parades. let's start in boston. we are going to see partly sunny mild conditions. temperature about 62. afternoon storms b by the endnd of it. here in new york city another beautiful day. clouds move in.

to savannah, huge st. patrick's 79. and then mobile, alabama another big parade where you might not 11:15. temperature about >> and that's your latest weather. >> where are you from? >> naples, florida. >> you picked a good day to come up. are you irish? >> no.

thank you so much. we are wrapping up our consumer confidential series with inside look at frequent flyer miles. here is the points guy, brian kelly. good morning to you. >> thanks for having me. >> some people say i don't fly that often. >> i tell people if you shop or eat food you can be earning tons of miles. >> before we get into the details you have a special way of keeping track of the different points and programs. >> it does get confuser. there are sites which will track miles and let you know if they are about to expire. >> earning miles. you don't just fly to get miles. you can do it by dining? >> a lot of credit cards where you can earn miles but in addition you can sign up for dining programs. you sign up your credit card or debit card and earn extra miles

your corner juice shop or large national chain you get free miles. >> you have another tip about buying gift cards. >> when i see people using cash it drives me crazy because you are not earning valuable miles or points. use a credit card at a grocery store and buy gift cards whether graduation or wedding earn points and the value of the gift is still the same. the next issue is when to buy airline miles if ever. i thought that wasn't such a good deal. >> whenever you are checking in they want to sell you miles, don't do it. if you like flying first class especially international buying miles can make sense. generally buying the most amount of miles possible can make sense. you can buy 100,000 miles for $2,000. if you can use those to get a $5,000 ticket you are coming ahead. >> should i use my miles for the little trip or should i be

a big trip to europe? >> i would say save it for big trips. air fare has dropped with fuel prices low. save up for the trip of a lifetime. our next question is how to redeem these miles. how do you search in the airline website? >> the funny t thing is there is not that many blackout dates. airline websites lie. don't assume that -- >> they lie glmpt is don't assume they are telling you everything. redeem on partner airlines. when you redeem on an airline partner the issue is they don't show up on line a lot. pick up the phone even though it is 2016 and ask that they have partner award availability. it can save you thousands of miles. >> if you call l you get charged for calling?

>> when you talk about not being as many blackout dates but it is hard because they don't have the availability there is that a call? >> it is. and also you don't have to just book flights. i am seeing adele using my star wood points in london. a lot of things to redeem not just the trip to orlando. >> take me with you. appreciate it. woodly stops by.

in the upcoming third installment her character takes on new heights.

the wall i dream i can do something out there. do you in. >> i don't. harder. >> i am looking. i'm just not seeing what you're seeing. >> are you going to do this? >> yeah. >> shailene, welcome back. how are you doing? >> i'm really good. >> you are really busy. >> we are all busy. >> when youou are an actor why wouldn't you want to be busy? >> so many opportunitities to meet places. >> when you guys wrap a movie and everybody does other projects and you get back for this what is it like the moment everybody gets back together? >> it feeeels like summer camp. i never went to summer camp, but that is the only analogy i can think of. people. they go off and live their own

chapters of life ununfold and then you get to catch up and relearn who that person is. >> barbecues, things like that. >> volleyball games, paddleboarding, hikiking. >> we arere going to sign up for this. >> these are big movies. they are big sets. there is big demands on you physically. do you stay in divevergent shahape between movies or do you have to kind of cram to get back in shape? >> here is the thing about stunts, you sort of look really cool without doing very much. >> how much do you do? climbing walls, any of that? >> most of it is -- we have harnesses on. the harness is p pulling us up. we have to move our lims bs. >> you are telling me the other actors who sayay i trained for six months to get in shape for this role. >> they might have different

the hardest thing about the movies physically is the running. i'm not a runner. >> running and delivering lines. >> you climb the wall, the wall in this one. what is on the other side? >> a whole new world. a whole new world. a questionable world. i don't think our characters know what the world will provide them which is the excitement of going over the wall. first they see the fringe which is a post nuclear war zone and then they enter another culture called the bureau a and it is developed elite rulers of the world. >> leaving room for the fourtrth installment which i think you start shooting over the summer? >> later this year. >> do you look forward to putting that in the rear view mirror? >> it will be a bittersweet experience, exciting to do other things and work on other projects and yet also to say good bye to this community of people that has gotten so clolose

us so much growth and it will be a very bizarre thing. >> i mentioned how busy y you are. in one of your rare breaks recently you decided to take a several-week trek to india. fascinating country. did you agree? >> fascinating. the colors, the smell is so different than a america and what i'm usedd to. >> what shocked me was your papacking list. what you packed for three weeks -- >> i packed like maybe two pairs of leggings, a pair of jeans. when i was there i just didn't need all of thatt so i ended up like giving some things away and just basically lived with what was on my body. >> you ended up with less than i take to get from here to the dressing room. would you go back? >> in a heart beat.

>> it will come when it comes. >> i like that attitude. >> shailenene, great t to see you, let me tell people allegiant hits theaters this friday. i wish everyone could smell what i'm smelling. up next, no brainer recipe for shepherds pie.

we're back with more of our no brainer week. a fitting meal to make for your family on st. patrick's day. good to see you. >> good morning. >> you are not wearing green and you said i didn't have to. >> i have the irish food. >> shepherd pie anything i'm not getting there? >> ultimatate comfort food. classic irish dish. we will be making this st.

it starts off very easy. we have potatoes. salt water and bring it up to temperature. you cook these until they are just fork tender. that is your potato section. we softened in carrots, onions. we add our beautiful lamb. >> could it be different ground beef? >> you can do beef or pork but traditional is with lamb. it gives the lovely sweet flavor. >> i have seen this part of the cooking process before. sometimes the meat tends to clump up. >> you have to go in there and keep mushing it down. do stick with it. you are looking for it to burn off a little bit and the water to come out of it.

sauce. and then we add in herbs. i have pine and -- thyme and parsley. you want to bring this down and you cook it out and make it really nice. >> can i pause. we have our shepherds down stairs at the table. how is it going? >> so good. >> we got guinness. >> carson's is like half gone. >> carson didn't know he was supposed to eat anything. >> a lot of butter with the potatoes. >> we have some butter and milklk. i'm going to ask you to mash thisis down for me. what we are going to do is look for a little creamy mash here. this is a difference because i'm going to finish it off.

the scallions give you lovely onion. you will be left with this big bowl of mashed potato. we have our shepherds pie. >> that is the first layer. >> it you will be left with a really nice cover. >> as opposed to spackling the top you make lumps. >> the easiest way to not mix it with the meat. >> it will cook out. you will have this beautiful shepherds pie ready. >> let's get an opinion from down stairs. >> love it. we love the guinness with it. >> will you read me a story. >> talk to me later. >> i don't know if i want to know what is going on there. >> thank you very much. if you want this recipe head to today.com/food. >> we have a delicious -- i

it's going to be tasty, i promise. >> it's a stew. >> we keep our irish celebration going with live performance from riverdance.

the citi concert series on "today" is proudly presented to

>> it would not be st. patrick's day without irish music and dancing. lucky for us the phenomenon that is riverdance is here. they recently kicked off a sold out tour and visiting more than 90 cities in north america over the next year.

thank you so much. again, look for their 20th anniversary tour in a city near you. thank you. smucker's celebrates today is brought to you by smucker's. >> people have been sharing birthdays. happy birthday to scott with his 52nd birthdayay. playing golf, off to a good strong start. here is deanna. she says she has never had a classic st. patrick's day green beer. i have one here. right outside our plaza several birthdays. alex is helping them celebrate in true st. patrick's day style. happy birthday to you guys. keep sharing birthdays with us.

where is the rest of your guguinness. >> it's gone. that is number two. >> carson had this much left. that is the second one. >> don't judge me. >> it is green now. >> happy st. patrick's day. >> let's see the green mustache. >> veryy good. >> happy st. patrick's day. >> that's not his first guinness, by the way. >> not even his second. >> he looks like an irish tom celek. we have secily tyson.

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time now 8:58. a deadly police-involved shooting. police responded to a domestic disturbance call. the suspect shot at police and they returned firere, killing the suspect. and a quick traffic update for you. this is the sunshine skyway bridge. it is still closed right now. all due to fog. 75 is the alternate. it's a long way but the only way. everybody else dealing with low clouds but not a lot of fog. otherwise, a warm start to st. patrick's day. 71 bartow. 23468 clearwater. and the forecast for you, 37 degrees, muggy at 10:00 a.m. peeks of sunshine and the clouds break up. 81 degrees at 3:00 p.m. feeling warm. 75 degrees at 8:00.

and a 30% chance tomorrow. and then 50% on saturday. so i know the river green festival on saturday, macdill airfest. watch out for showers. >> thank you. and thank you for joining us. this morning on today's take we all are irish. soaring to new heights. natalie bends over backwards. and acting legend cicely tyson is with us. coming up next. >> from nbc news this is today's take with al roker, natalie morales, willie geist and tamron hall. live from studio 1 a in

>> welcome to "today." it is st. patrick's day. >> oh, yeah. >> glitter. >> this is in honor of march madness. we have until noon. >> who are you going with? >> whoever the pin hits. >> don't pick vanderbilt. >> how far did you have them going? >> my theory is the al roker school of thought on these. >> just go. >> today is the perfect storm where you get st. paddy's day. >> donot go to an irish bar in new york city. >> today every bar is an irish bar. >> we are already eating. >> these --

>> this is a cupcake deal. we will explain that. >> by the way, newew york's parade is the largest st. patrick's day parade in the world first held march 17, 1762. 14 years before the signing of the declaration of independence. today. chicago already had theirs. boston, new york, savannah and parade. >> i love when chicago dyes the river green. >> you have to love this picture. utah dad of six dressed up his 6-month-old son as a leprechaun. >> that is fafantastic. >> he has a whole series on his blog. . it is adorable. >> unbelievable. >> spray painting the dog. >> that is great.

washing machine. >> one of our own's grand son just born take a look at this picture. >> in an irish quilt. >> what does he have under that kilt? >> a diapaper. >> you have a witty comeback there. >> he's got nothing. >> once again -- >> 20 seconds from now we'll come back to you. >> he is so gorgeous. how old is he? >> 5 months old. >> he will hear that for t the rest of his life. he will be looking for you. >> where did he get that outfit? >> his grandparents sent it. >> his other grandparents.

>> what did you get him? >> he already called me. >> we are going to have a few beers today and talk about the ceremony. >> you did not here from lebuff. >> adam laroche designated hitter for chicago white sox retired walked away from $13 million left on his contract. why is that interesting to you? the team says it is because laroche was asked to cut back

spends in the clubhouse. so last year was laroche's first year with the white sox, brought his son in almost every day. the team c called him the 26th man and gave him his own locker, uniform, home games, road games. >> embraced the kid. >> white sox vice president calls drake a fine young man but said it was time to draw the line. >> sometimes you have to make unpopular decisions. what would i say to ththe next person who wanted to bring his son and have it be an every day y thing? >> the team says happy to have kids around every once in a while but every day becomomes too much. this was not just ken williams. there was a players' meeting and some of the plplayers voiced concerns that nothing against the kid.

>> to his credit he said okay. if that is the case then i'm going to step away. >> i'm going to leave my job absolutely family should always be first whether a parent or caring for your parent. >> could you cut back? >> i wonder why there couldn't be a comprpromise to walk away how you care for your family. you always know sports. is there something more here? >> not just walk away but retire from baseball. >> the team has like three losing season and figured they needed to focus on things. >> do we think this is the whole story? i don't know. >> i thought retirement part of it was very dramatatic. >> didn't have a great year last year. two years ago a huge year. good player. only 36 yeaears old. probably has a couple of yeaears left.

team but did sign retirement papers. >> made a point earlier that his father, he grew up in that environmenent. his dad was a baseball player so he grew up being that kid in the locker room. in that way it is like this is the way i want to raise my kids. >> more power to him. >> it is hard for a team. it is hard enough when we bring our kids. >> i'm stressed out when my kid is here. >> they can be distractions. nick h has been here. >> he jumped into the monitor. we love it on a once in a while basis. >> he made his choice. god bless him. > god bless this next couple. this is incredible. sunday night while cleaning up the kitchen you're washing

karla had put her 12.5 caratt ring -- that is a wedding globe that she puts on her finger. and i'm'm not finished because she also had a diamond anniversary band. i don't know the math, a lot. >> did you hear what it was worth? >> $400,000. >> they told me $200,000. between $200,000 and $400,000. her husband bernie the baller threw away the ring. on monday they realized what happened so they contacted the waste services and were told the

if ilso they allowed the couple to comb through ten t tons of garbage. i say that is not insurmoununtable when l looking for a ring. so a worker found it in 20 minunutes. posed for the photo with the man. he is in the green sweater. and the ring was insured. you have those kinds of jewels they make you get a rider on yourur insurance paems olicy. >> a rock that size probably -- >> that might be the biggest noncelebrity diamond that i have ever -- >> mariah carey's is as big as this table. j. lo's is really big. i don't think i havee seen a

>> we lost christina's wedding ring. we never found it. when i said i panicked for them, the panic looking down and the stone fell out of a setting. we were at a concert and it was gogone. >> little upgrade? >> i owed her an upgrade because i didn't -- it was very upsetting. after ten years i can talk about it. >> sore subject a little bit. >> we got a new ring. when you lose something like that you're in a state of panic. >> $200,000 ring. i'd be swimming in the trash. >> what you got going on mr. roker? >> it is st. patrick's day. let's look at forecasts for the st. patrick's day parades. boston one of the classics. and we will have nice weather for it. partly sunny. 57 degrees. maybe showers by the end of the day.

again oldest parade out there by 1:00, 62 degrees. let's head to savannah. a high of 82. isolated thunderstorms by the end of the parade. most of it will be spectacular. mobile, alabama looking pretty good. probably best chance of showers down here.

and that's your latest weather. next half hour we will talkk about a little nor'easter. come on down there. >> what character was that? >> i don't know. >> al roker, ladies and gentlemen. natalie taking us behind the i'm going to share a photo of my eggo waffle when it pops up. that's so interesting honey because i'm going to share a photo of my eggo waffle when it pops up. l'eggo my eggo l'eggo my eggo (answering machine) hey! leave a message. hi, i know you're there, 'cause i can see you. i'm calling you to tell you to l'eggo my eggggo! anncr: some things are too delicious to share. golden crispy, warm and fluffy eggo waffles. l'eggo my eggo. what brand of makeup is better for your skin than wearing no makeup at all? neutrogena cosmetics. with vitamins and antioxidants. now with foundations in shades

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and 25% less saturated fat. only one egg good enough for my family. because why have ordinary when you can have the best. eggland's best. the only egg that gives you so much more: better taste. better nutrition. better eggs. for over 30 years cirque de soleil captivated audiences with eye popping acrobatics. they will begin previews of paramour. i got a preview of the preview and i had to get in on the act. naut average clowning around. cirque de soleil's performers put their special spin on balancing acts, flips and twirls.

broadway baby. i caught up witith leading lady. >> everything you expect, all the acrobatics, stunning visuals plus a love triangle. it's all about hollywood glamour from the golden age. this is kyle. he is one of the best jugglers in the world. >> would you like to learn something? >> i would love to. >> have you ever balanced something before? >> of course. >> i'm going to be here all day. >> reporter: my balancing skills right now not great. but then -- >> the stage is being set around us as we speak.k. tell me about your role. you play onene of the love interests.

love triangle. translate the love story on a trapeze. >> wow. that's intense. my turn. >> that's all i can do. >> now you're showing off. >> okay. >> now what do we do? >> the lift. wow. >> you ready? >> i think. i've had the time of my life >> that's awesome.

>> got to get a grip. >> i'm not done. this dynamic scene is called roof top. >> this is the big second act climax. our three leads are involved in a big epic chase at new york city roof tops. >> i love trampolining. >> feeling like a kid again. >> great. >> here i can. >> enough child's play. this acrobat showed me how high he can go. i learned new skills and look forward to the day when i can

>> that's pretty good. >> i learned some skill. >> you can catch cirque de soleil's paramour on broadway. it is fantastic. >> amazing. coming up next -- are you ready for a little shamrock shake? we are celebrating st. patrick's day with fun food hacks. i think there is booze in here.

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once you take the seeds out you pop it in your preheated pan and you take your little egg, put it inside there. check that out. season with a little salt and pepper and let it go until whites are firm. >> check this out. >> very cool. >> very cute. >> put that on an english muffin. pot of gold cake pops. eveveryone loves cake pops. we are doing these pots of gold. you are going to take a lolly pop stick and this is just a combination of store bought chocolate cake m mixed with frosting. >> it's not even baked. >> the cake is baked. >> and then you let that sit until it sets and then you end up with these and it helps hold the shape and then you dip it you let it sit and then take the

the white and then dip it in gold. >> there you have it. >> everybody was raving about these clover cupcakes. >> here we take vanilla cake batter dyed green. the trick here is use little balls and also heat proof marbles and place it. >> you have these beautiful clovers. >> i just had the shamrock shake. >> i heard all about you tasting it. we have mint chocolate chip with an ounce and a half of vodka. the more you add the thinner it will be. here is creme demint.

use food coloring and then puree it. >> great sprinkles. >> i know pump up your look plumpify your lashes with new plumpify mascara a ginormous lash lifting brush boosts lashes to 50 times the volume and lifts lashes up up and away... new plumpify mascara from easy breezy beautiful covergirl and try new trunaked shadows and liners one of the coolpperks of this place is you can eat as muchpcereal as you want. it' s like i' m going to work to get some. alrighty. we just like cereal. we make it, eat it, love it, live it. (laughing)

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good thursday morning. time now 9:27. . fourteens and one adult are being questioned in connection with a string of robberies in six cities across the bay area. the five were arrested wednesday night. and now at this hour, the investigation is still ongoing and charges are pending. and a quick traffic update for you. let's s take a live lolook at the sunshine skyway bridge. yep, it's still closed no.

all due to fog of course. 75 is your alternate. and we say this, it's a long way to go around but it's the only way. >> the only way. either you don't go or you go the long way. and we have the layer of clouds off the gulf of mexico. and most of us are seeing some breaks in the clouds but if you zoom over the sunshine skyway bridge, those clouds are low enough to be consididered fog and of course, hinder your driving ability. can't see very far.r. otherwise, on this st. patrick's day,y, in the lolow 70s. even emoji man isis wearing the green hat this morning. so hopefully that reminds to yoyou put on your green clothes. short sleeves in order today with a high of 81. and 80. notice next week, cooler. between now and then, that means rain friday and saturday. >> okay. have fun.

taking a look at the headlines, a nationwide tuna recacall. the company says some tuna might have been under processed during sterilizatation and eating contaminated cans can lead too life threatening illness. no illnesses have been reported. for a list of dates and codes log on to our website. automatic emergency braking

most cars by the year 2022 designed to prevent crashes in which drivevers do not apply brakes. got something to sell on ebay but don't have time to deal with it? help it on the way. e bay will send someone to the door to pack your item and ship it to you through a partnership with startup ship. the service is free starting june 30 it will cost an additional $5 per pickup. c chipotle plans to give away more free burritos in an effort to win back customers planning to send 21 million free food coupons in the mail. the company told investors the deals brought in customers who steered clear in the wake of several food safety mishaps. nike has unveiled what it

produced shoe thahat ties itself. a heel censor automatically tightens the shoe when you put it on and then you adjust the fit by pressing buttons. it should be available in time for the hololiday shopping season but only availilable on nike plus. let's get a check of the weather from al. >> did it say how much it is in. >> i have to find out. >> another reason why we are very lazy. are you ready for maybe one more nor'easter? one more nor'easter? the european model saturday low pressure system down in the gulf. it starts to push through by sunday. it is off the carolina coast making its way up. colder air is in place. by 3:00 we have snow along the southern part of the i-95 corridor. during the day it continues and

snow in the northeast according to european model. who will win? this is the snowfall total amounts we are looking at on the european model by monday. over a foot in northern new england from boston to new york city eight to ten inches of snow maybe. almost nothing. this is a classic. a classic pitting the american model versus the european model. who will win?

kiss me i'm irish trivia challenge. >> we are presented with certain irish celebrity and we wave in when w we think we know the answer. here to host our great show, irish chef who knows his way around shepherds pie sblmpt deare you ready? >> here is the first one. there was a handsome actor every irishman knew who starred in mrs. doubt fifire. >>. >> that was good. >> there is an actress at the top of her game who already has

she is just 21 and you love her even -- >> fantastic. >> here comes number three. there was a great singer from the green isle. >> savannah. >> nanatalie. >> i'm never getting back here. >> that would be bono. >> it is wrong. >> van morrison. >> you were right. >> that's crazy. >> and there once was an actor that could do it all -- >> i know this one. >> colin. >> ferrell. >> the last one is tricky. you have to concentrate.

worried they are always after me. >> they are always after me lucky charms. >> what's his name? >> lucky the leprechaun. >> well donene. >> that's it. congratulations. you all win. >> i got nothing. >> we all win! >> everybody wins. >> we are going to celebrate with this. >> up next, nng we are all looking forward to, acting legend.

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look who's joining us. happy easter. they come from the heart. find low prices every day on fresh food for your easter meal. walmart. new york family spreading kindness to their community and around the world. >> they are on a mission. their goal is to inspire people to be k kind cht it cameme about in tragedy.

he went to bed happy, woke up happy. he was a good boy. >> reporter: in october 2012 days before hurricane sandy ravaged the e east coast rich expect was preparing for the storm while a friend baby sat his friend. >> my job was to put away lawn furniture. i came back in the house and my friend was in here watching tv. i said where is reese. he said i thought he was with you. >> a miscomommunication left reese unattended for five minutes but long enough for the 22-year-old to wander into the backyard pond where he drowned. >> i pulled him out and did cpr. i tried to resustate him. >> reporter: superstorm sandy battered their home.

days, no cell phohone service. our family was all out of state. >> during those darkest hours that they say they were transformed by kindness, first a local landscaper offered to repair the yard and fill in ththe pond. >> they put in a new lawn and removed that reminder. >> so many acts of kindness. neighbors brought food andnd a cousin waited on a gas line for me. >> no one would allow them to repay the generosity. >> i wanted to pay people back. no one would take it. we came up with this idea to pay it forward. >> they launched the rees specht life foundation. a simple act of kindness can make all the difference. >> if an act of kindness can put

faces what is more powerful? >> the goal is to inspire every day people to perfrform good deeds and leave behind a cultivate kindness card to help spread the word. >> we have a map on the site where people order cards that will keep track of where they ordered from. we have a dot for every place on the earth where someone has ordered cards. >> it is nice that people are doining kind acts in his name. it's fulfilling. >> reporter: they are sponsoring school scholarships, hosting toy drives, promoting water safety and they have launched the program that delivers prepared meals to families suffering through hardships. families like mom lisa who had been battling breast cancer for 11 years. >> the idea that they can come

this foundation and give to the community is really very special. we couldn't be more thankful. >> i'm keeping him alive in spirit. and people are getting to know him that would have never known him otherwise. >> to help in the effort to cultivate kindness and get involved you can head to today.com. after that inspiring story we have sad news to share. in the days since the organization donated food lisa passed away, died on tuesday morning of breastt cancer. we send heart felt condolences to family and friends.

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kellogg's has helped provide millions of breakfasts to kids who start school without it. and with your help, we can all grow into our dreams. life as spokesbox is great. people love me for saving them over half a grand when they switch to progressive. so i'm dabbling in new ventures. it was board-game night with the dalai lama. great guy. terrible player. go paperless don't stress, girl i got the discounts that you need it's a balancing act, but i got to give the people what they want -- more box. any words for the critics? what can i say? critties gonna neg. [ applause ] the what?! [ laughs ] house of cards just got

cicely tyson joined the cast. >> jones is grooming her daughter to take over the seat in the house but the first lady wants her to endororse her insteadd which doesn't go over too well. >> we haven't accomplished everything we set out to do. the one thing my constituents have always had is the pride they take in being represented by one off their own. >> such a great scene. good momorning. >> good morning. >> you have always portrayed strong women. here you are doing this in 2016 on house of cards. what has that experience been like? >> i'm doing it because i can do it. there was a time in my career

it because i was on a mission. at that time it was really important for me to serve the issues that i thought were important and the way that i serve. now i feel i can just be an actress and do anything whenever, wherever. >> you served your mission well. because of you so many ground breakers for so many women in a time where we need more ground breakers like you, as wewell. diverity in hollywood is someththing we have been long been talking about. you are one of the first. >> what does it mean to you. >> that's a shame. that we are still talking about it. during my time we picketed, we did everything. to bring attention to that matter.

doing the same thing. so where have we changed anything? >> why do you think it is such a stububborn problem in hollywood? you were nominated in 1972 and now we are at 2016 not much is different. why? >> economics. it's a competition for economics. if i take youour job then where are you and vice versa? >> you have always been able to make those decisioion makers carve out, you are playing a texas lawmaker. you think about other black women who were in congress and here you are with another level of popularity. were you a fan of the show

>> i was because thehere were certain people involved in it that i knknew. and so, of course, i support them by watching. but i never thought i would be a part of the show. i was really shocked when they asked me because i'm so far removed from that subject matter. and when they asked me they didn't ask me for one. they asked me f for two and then three. and i thought oh, boy. >> your vitality just amazazes me. not only do you act on tv and in movies, but i just saw you. you literally take us to church in that. the vivitality to do eight shows a week, what is your secret? >> at age 19. >> i love it.

>> that was the date, the 19th. what is my secret? i have none. i truly don't have a secret. i just try to live life in a comfortable manner. i am not a good patient and so it is very difficult for me to obey the doctor. and i love life. i wantt to be well while i'm here. >> we love you. >> thank you so much. >> god bless you cht. >> visit us again. >> house of cards available on netflix. we are back in a moment.

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good morning. i'm gene ramirez. time 58:00 on this thursday. and tampa is moving closer to lessen the punishment for having small amounts of marijuana. the city council is taking up the issue right now. the punishment would be a citation and fine instead of doing time. the council is expected to approve the measure. looking at weather this morning. >> yep, generally just patchy clouds. more cloudings and sunshine but the sea fog has been so persistent a along the coast and i'll zoomom down here to the sunshine skyway bridge. i just checked, still closed. that may change at any point. you can see the clouds are

the area but the sea fog still hanging on. 17 in tampa. 72 in lakeland. 27 in bradenton. for st. patrick's day, we hit 81 degrees. a 10% rain chance, and 30% tomorrow. and best rain chance on saturday. >> all right. the next newscast is first at 4:00. happy st. paddy's day. tomorrow is not a given. but entresto is a medicine r that helps make more tomorrrrows possible. tomorrow, tomorrow... i love ya, tomorrow p in the largest heart failure study ever, entresto helped more people stay alive and out of the hospital than a leading heart failure medicine. women who are pregnant must not take entresto. p it can cause harm or death to an unborn baby. don't take entresto with an ace inhibitor or aliskiren. if you've had angioedema while taking an ace or arb medicine, don't take entresto. the most serious side effects are angioedema, low blood pressure... ...kidney problems, or high potassium in your blood. p tomorrow, tomorrow i love ya, tomorrow r ask your heart doctor

and help make tomorrow possible. you're only a day away. >> coming up on "daytime," we're cecelebrating st. patrick's day. plus, we're celebrating 10 yearars of cyndi edwards. all that and more becausee "daytime" starts right now. >> whoo! yeah! >> yeah! >> everybody, give them applause here. yes! >> are they ever good. >> they are good.