good morning. power play. with time running out until the midterm elections, both sides are bringingut the big guns in a fal push for votes. private pain. a texas lawmaker reveals his secret torment at the hands of school bullies. >> i have never told the story to anyone before tonight. >> his emotional story, and his message of strength to others who have been taunted. and pay dirt. after the last year, the offers roll in for the 33 freed miners who are now weighing book and movie deals, along with dealing with the perks and pressure of being worldwide celebrities.

"today," saturday, october 16th, being worldwide celebrities. "today," saturday, october 16th, 2010. captio paid for by nbc-universal television good morning, everyone. welcome to "today" on a saturday morning, i'm lester holt. >> and i'm a robach. and it's crunch time for the candidates as the clock ticks closer to the midterm elections. >> the rhetoric has been rising. the races in someases have been getting uglier. today the president and first lady make another big push in hopes of holding on to the jorities on the hill. we're going to bring you the latest in just a few moments. >> we're also following the search for a missing 10-year-old north carolina girl. zahra baker's family reported her missing exactly one week ago. and police are now calling this a murder inveigation. there's some troubling new evidence. we're going to have the latest. >> and remember this bizarre crime? a pizza deliveryman with a bomb strapped around his neck robs a bank.

and then dies when the bomb explodes. this week, seven years later, the alleged ringleader behind this gruesome murder goes on trial. we'll have the story straight ahead. >> and then we're going to switch gears, get down to dollars and cents with suze man. she is talking money and she is taking your questions, so get them ready. >> i've got mywn list of questions for her. shelways has such great advice. let's begin this morning with a final push to the midterm elections. now just 2 1/2 weeks away. and with the pressure mounting on his party, president obama is hitting the campaign trail. he's got company. nbc's savannah guthrie is live at the white house with more. savannah, it's good to see you. the president obously, his presidency in some respects is at stake here. this is a vote many people believe a referendum on his presidency. why the big push, though? >> reporter: well, look, a lot of people are looking to president obama, who is still, frankly, the most popular figure in the democratic party, to close the sale and try to tighten up some of these races. and it's all about getting out

the vote. they call him obama surge voters. those are the folks tha voted in 2008 for the first time, mostly young people, african-americans, and the president is focusing like a laser on those groups, trying to generate that enthusiasm, trying to tell them the stakes are high, it's worth going out in a midterm election and look where he's going today, massachusetts. usually reliably democratic territory. but it just shows in thi environment, democrats can't take anything for granted. >> and as we noted he's bringing out the first lady. what was -- how did that decision come down? >> well, democrats on the hill, frankly, have been clamoring for the first lady to go out on the campaign trail for months. she's consider, of course, one of the most popular figures, if not the most popular figure, in the administration. in 2008 campaign, they used to call her t cler, so effective was she. she had a closing of the sale with voters. she started this week, had a couple of stops, one in her home state of illinois. and then tomorrow it will be a double-team effort inohio. we will see the president and the first lady out on the

campaign trail together. >> heard the president yesterday talking about what a tough election environme this is. especially for democrats. obviously they have to deal with the possibility of a republican takeover in the house, and/or the senate. how are they preparing for that? >> well, they are preparing for it. while, of course, toeing the line, saying they expect the democrats to hold on to narrow majorities. either way they are going to have much diminished majorities, even if they hold onto control of congress. the president thinks in some ways this is an opportuny. if republicans retake the house, orhe senate, the president thinks they're going to have the onus on them to govern. he thinks the strategy that frankly he admits has worked for republicans, saying no to most of his proposals, he says that old playbook will have to go out the door. that voters will expect republicans put into office to vern. >> all right, savannah guthrie. thanks. republicans are counting on a capitol hill takeover next month. john harwood is cnbc's chief washington correspondent. john, good morning. it's great to see you. >> good morning, lester. >> let's first talk about the

president's campaign in delaware friday. for democratic cdidate chris cons. he's way ahead in the polls. why would the president spend time in that race? >> well, first of all, t president may want to go someplace wher democrats are winning. it might be a little psychological boost. but look, as they try to hold onto the senate, democrats aren't taking anything for grted. it's a horrible year to run as a democrat. they got a gift in the nomination of christine o'donnell over mike castle in that republican primary. castle would have done -- would have won that race in a layup. so what the president's trying to do is methodically go across the map, and try to locdown places where democrats have an advantage, and tip over those close races where they might be within range, a a little boost for those surge voters that savannah just talked about may make the difference. >> i know you took the red eye in from california. out there covering the races out there. let's talk about it. you've got the governor's race. new reuters poll shows democrat

jerry brown now with a four-point lead over republican meg whitman in the gubernatorial race. senatoboxer on the senate side has only one percentage point lead over her challenger carly fiorina. first of all, let's talk about that senate race. what is driving such a close race there? >> well, first of all, the overall environment of voters is anger at the weak economy, and what's going on in washington. now, california's a little bit different. present obama is over 50% in california. unlike theest of the country. where he's in the mid 40s. but nobody is immune t this reaction against government, and barbara boxer is one of the most liberal democrats in the u.s. senate, is feeling that heat. it's the toughest re-election race she's ever had. but she, i could tell you, lester, one feisty swer. when iinterviewed her yesterday she went right at carly fiorina who's been touting her credentials for business saying yeah, she was a ceo at hewlett-packard but she failed. she got fired. and carly fiorina fired back and said barbara boxer's been in the

congress for 28 years. she hasn't been accountable to anyone. she's out of step with mainstream california. and the need to create jobs. and that is a dog fight. it's very close. barbara boxer has a significant cash advantage, though, as we head to the final couple of weeks and she's been following fiorina on television. >> let's go back to the california governor's race. the headlines in that race have been stolen by first the housekeeping scandal, then the off-color comment by an aide of governor brown. how much have -- or gubernatorial candidate brown, how much have those things driven the underlying dynamics of that race? >> well, what happens in these races is you have an underlying dynamic, and the ability of candidates to move the needle, given the way california is so vast and voters tend not to tune in to politics very much, it's not easy to move the needle. and those little controversies tend to do it. jerry brown gav a -- an interview earlier in the campaign when he was explaining

to an interviewer that what' going to tip this race is when somebody messes up. somebody makes a stray comment, insults somebody, that's exactly what's happened over the last w weeks. jerry brown still has t advantage, yet bill clinton in campaigning for him yesterday, another democrat who retains some popularity, and so thiss a race where democrats have a slight advantage but it's not a given. meg whitman's put $150 million into that race, lester. >> john harwood. glad your flight landed on time. good to have you on this morning. now here's amy. >> lester, thank you. in chile the homecomings continue for the 33 rescued miners. and along with allf the celebrations, new details are emerging about the desperation they faced underground, and the pressures they now face above it. nbc's kerry sanders joins us now from chile. kerry, good morning. >> reporter: well, good morning. two of the miners are still here at the hospital. all the others have gone home, and doctorsay that their eyes are adjusting to the sunlight much faster than they expected. but the longer-term issue, they

say, will be mental health. the days after the rescues that stunned a worldwide audience, almost all of the miners are finally at home. the 12 man out was one of the first to be released. while in the hospital, he complained about the med attention. some are botheri my family, pena said, on friday, he sought out the cameras, claimings miners' concerns about safety were ignored. the employer, pena said, always cares for his ney. his money, and then what happens with t workers, what happens with the workers, no. just go in. all 33 menre suing the owners of the mine. and despite one report of fistfights underground the miners appear to beloser than ever pap growg, one daughr said, to pool all their earnings om interviews, appearances, books, and movie offers.

and to divide tm equally. the price for telling their story, $20 milon. fermin, whose fher-in-law mario gomez is the oldest ner, spoke up in the miners' defense ying no one has suffered as they have. there's no amount of money for th. chile's health minister said most will need psychological supervision, and possibly medication. >> we are prepared to stay with them, and to work at least in the next six months. >> some of the men like richard villarroel never expected to reach the surface. in an interslew with "the wall street journal" he said, we were waiting for death. we were wasting away. we were so skinny. i lost 26 pounds. i was afraid of not meeting my baby, who isn the way. in the hospital, hoe a looked to

the future. i think i have to rest, he said, and then take back my life. enriques now has a contract to go back to work, in another mine. but first, he's taking a vacation. and they have been offered some free vacations around the world, in the mediterranean, the greek isles. to see real madrid, and one of the miners who is an elvis fan has been offered a free vacation to graceland. and amy, who could pass that up? >> all right, kerry sanders, thanks so much. >> go from the one thing you nt in life, just to survive, then to all these opons. >> dreams like from one to the other thinking you're facing death and all of a sudden being offered free vacation. >> everybody wants a pie of you. let's get a check of the other headlines of the morning. for that we're going to go over to melissa francis at the news desk. >> good morning, everyone. we begin in central china where rescuers arerying to free 17 trapped coal miners after an explosion in the mine. 20 miners were killed in the

blast. more than 200 escaped. hampering rescue efforts the toxic levels of gas. china's mine industry is considered one of the most dangerous in the world. the pentagon is preparing for a major release, possibly as early as tomorrow, of classified iraq war documents by the whistle-blower website wikileaks. military officials say wikileaks' july's release of more than 70,000 afghanistan war logs has not compromised sensitive u.s. ielligence sources, or practices. but officials say the disclosure of informants' names puts them at risk. and say it ain't snow. it is only mid-october but the white stuff has already arrived in parts of new england. the weather channel's jim cantore joins us live from stowe, vermont, with more. good morning, jim. >> good morning, melissa. it was a beautiful fall foliage has now turned into a winter wonderland in throughhere. you can see we've got four inches of snow on the ground. it's obviously heavy, wet snow. good snowball fighting snow. look at the pictures at the top

of the mountain where you had a lot of conifers and pine trees, they're just coated with snow. and it looks like christmas. real quickly up in through here. they've had as much as 16 incs of snow on top of the mountain here. so, what a great fall picture that's going to be for the leftover foliage near the ground. wee going to be able to take pictures of white capped mountains once the sun comes back out probably on sunday. the big problems will be wd mainly affecting new england today. that's going to slow things down at the airports and could cause a few more power outages from yesterday. >> incredible picture. jim cantore, thanks so much. finally a crazy police chase in brazil. cops saying the driver of the black caress caped from prison. the suspect first weaved throu traffic until he was blocked. then he decided to just hit everything in his way. including a number of motorcycle cops. officers actually opened fire, causing other drivers to run for cover. in all the driver hit at least nine cars and four motorcycles.

look at that. he was sho five times by police before finally being taken into custody. wow. i guess, o.j.'s got nothing on this guy, right? >> good grief. >> yikes. >> all right, melissa, thanks. >> bill karins good saturdaymorning pipelineeteorologist chuck bell. we have a clear sky outside of our window. temperatures are in the low 50s. pretty much upper 40s and low 50s across the map tis morning. 49 degrees in falls church and fairfax. 48 in winchester, virginia. 51 in bowie and brandywine this

morning. here's your forecast for your saturday. plenty ever unshine. little bit of a breeze, northwest winds today 15 to 25 miles per hour. great kite flying weather. warmer tomorrow. that's a look at your saturday forecast amy? >> bill, thank you. in pennsylvania, the trial in the so-called pizza bomber case is under way. you may remember this bizarre story from a few years back. foul the alleged mastermind behind the killing is facing a jury. nbc's ron allen has the story. >> reporter: a bizarre crime. a pizza delivery man, brian wells, robs a bank with an elaborate bomb locked around his neck. the prosecutor told a jury it all boiled down to a simple, brutal motive. that marjorie artrong, 61, wanted money to pay a hit man to kill her father, who she believed was squandering her inheritance. she called the defendant and her accomplices twisted, intellectually brigh individuals. >> what is charged here is an extraordinarily brutal crime.

and regardless of what her mental condition was at th time, a jury is going to really take a harsh view of this is fact pattern. >> reporter: armstrong's court-appointed lawyer admitted she was around and observed things but never intended to become part of the plot. prosecors say she provided egg timers for the bomb, and was there when the delivery man's neck was measured. the breakthrough came when kenneth barnes, one of armstrong's fishingbuddies, pleaded guilty to conspiracy. he's expected to testify against her. other suspects in the case are dead. and that includes wells, the delivery man. >> he did not know these people. he was not involved in this in any way, shape or form. >> reporter: the wells family has tried to clear his name. prosecutors insist he willingly robbed the bank but apparently did not know the others planned to take the money and let the bomb explode. armstrong was heard whispering that's a lie, as the case was laid out against her. she's already serving up to 20

years, after pleading guilty but mentally ill to killing a boyfriend, who she feared would tell police about the bank robbery plot. now she could be heading to prison for life. for "today," ron allen, nbc news, new york. for more we're joined by nbc news analyst and former fbi pro-climber clint van zandt. clint, good morning. >> hi, amy. >> so the defense says that their client is not capable of designing such an elaborate plan. in your expert opinion does her profile fit that of a criminal mastermind? >> well, i thi it really does. this is a very bright woman. she's got a masters degree. i mean she is the quintessential black widow, killi -- allegedly killing one of the co-conspirators, and stuffing his body into a freezer for which she's doing 7 to 20 years right now. 20 years before that, she killed another boyfriend. at that time she pled self-defense and she was able to get off.

so i think she's bright. she has, you know, mes, motive, opportunity, amy. she had them all. the question is, can the government prove that to a jury? if this woman going to be a sympathetic fire, or is she going to be a murdering figure? >> right. because i think most people don't think about women, when they think about criminal masterminds. and i know this jury is made up of seven women and five men. does that help or hurt her? >> well, it could go either way. it depends. ifhere are members of the jury, let's say, for example, who hav a relative who has emotional, psychological challenges, if they've had to deal with relatives or trying to get inheritance money which the government says is her motive, they may be sympathetic to that. but it's going to be hard to nd a jury in that area who doest know her background. two homicides,he alleged mastermind in this. they're really going to have to work hard to make her a sympathetic figure. >> and saking to that, armstrong's attorney says he expects to let his client take the stand. we know she had an emotnal

outburst during jury selection. is that a smart move, in your opinion? >> well, i -- her attorney, i'm sure, would have like to have brokered a deal. just let her plead guilty to this. let her serve a sentence the same time -- >> right, she's already in life. life in prison. >> yeah. yeah, but realize she 61. she has breast cancer. i mean, she supposedly has about five years to live. but i think she wants h dayn court, amy. she beat a murder trial one time. i think in her mind, if she can beat this, if she can get out early, she still has time on the streets. this is a woman who likes money, who likes to be out on the street again, in her mind, amy, i think she thinks i she gets on the stand, she can convince those 12 people she had nothing to do with this. >> all right, clint van zandt, thanks so much. >> thank you, amy. and now here's lester. >> amy, thanks. it's been exactly one week since 10-year-old zahra baker vanished in north carolina. authorities have now labeled the

case a murdeinvestigation. they have returned to the family home to conduct new searches, and what they are finding is sunate sunateling >> reporter: in the weeks since zahra baker's father reported her missing, the case took a grim turn. as police declared it a homicide. searchers scoured nearby woods. >> we don't want to hear words that they found her in those woods. >> reporter: and even drained a pond. looking for any sign of the 10-year-old girl, who beat bone cancer at such a young age. >> do you understa you've been charged with felony of obstructing justice? >> reporter: ellis sa baker, zahra's stepmother, is in jail, and a person of interest. police say she admitted to writing a fake ransom note after zahra went missing. in it, a demand of $1 million. cadaver ds also detected the scent of human remains on cars belonging to baker and her husband.

>> i knew they was going to come. how she been treated, this was going to happen. >> reporter: neighbors claim baker abused zahra. baker's son chose not to address those cusations. instead he thanks the many people involved in the search. >> i want the public and everyone tonow we really appreciate everything and we're t going to stop looki for zahra. we'll go as long as it takes. >> physical evidence has been found at the crime scene, and reallyheir inability to trace this little girl's whereabouts for a least the last two weeks or so, i think all come together to convince authorities that unfortunately, this little girl lost the battle for her life, probably to those around her. >> reporter: authorities say zahra's father is cooperating with the investigation 73 in one week, they have no official suspects, and no trace of this 10-year-old girl. for "today," nbc news. >> we'll be back with more in a moment. but first, this is "today" on nbc. martin o'malley sworn in.

inherits a billion-dolr surplus, low unemployment. o'malley signs the biggest tax hike in maryland history. ids chesapeake bay fund to cover spending. gives raises to top aides. business climate ranks 45th worst in the nation. now 200,000 jobs lost. o'malley covers upobs report that proved maryland's economy stalled. if relected, o'malley will raise taxes again. whether he does, is up to you.

we all know that lester is a very sharp-dressed man. but on late night with jimmy fallon last night, lester decided to trade in his suit and tie for, let's call it a more casual look. ♪ >> hello there, welcome back to talk tops polital talk show, i'm lester holt. when we left off, we were talking about the uphill battle that the democrats were facing in the midterm elections. >> you're promoting fundamentally -- >> you wish -- >> in your dreams. >> let's keep the tank tops on. >> all right. this is what -- >> what picture does he have of you that made you do that? >> i love jimmy. i'll do anything for him. >> i wish you could see the chain of e-mails leadi up to this with the piece de resistance, what size tank top do you wear? >> i think everyone was saying -- >> itas a little richard

simmons-y. >> oh, my gosh, it was. >> just felt like that was about to come out >> wow. that was awesome. good for you. all right. still to come on "today," suze orman, who's not wearing a tank top. the money lady is here to answer your personal finance.

bob ehrlich says he wants to fix maryland. but he increased state spending by record amounts. ehrlich raised $3 billion in taxes and fees... including prerty taxes... and a 40% increase in college tuition. and now he's made over $1 billion inew promises... with no plans to pay for them... except for cutting ecation. cuts that ll lay off teachers and increase class sizes. that's not a budget. and bob ehrlich's not the kind of leader... we can trust. good morning. 7:56 on this saturday, october 16, 2010.

i'm aaron gilchrist. in the news for today five d.c. nightclub employees due in court today to be charged with second-degree murder. police say they beat up 27-year-old ali mohammad after he threw a brick into dc9 in northwest. a medical examiner has not connected his death to that beating. today alexandria will hear from the public about expanding their rules on curbing rude taxi drivers. they want cabbies to be polite. a public hring on the issue begins at 9:30 this morning with a possible vote afterwards. we'll take a look at the forecast coming up next. stay with us.

job. lots of sunshinetoday. >> beauty of a day today outside. great kite flying weather if you have your favorite kite for christmas and you haven't had a chance to get it out today is the day. strong northwesterly brze. 15 to 30 miles per hour at times. temperatures get your weekend under way upper 40s and low 50s. highs this aernoon in the mid-60s. that's about average. watch out for that strong northwest wind. tomorrow morsunshine and as a result a little bit warmer. tomorrow's highs up in the low 70s. pretty much nice weather start to finish on your weekd. >> all rit. thank you, chuck. we're heading back to new york

now to join the today. we'll see you in 25 minutes or so for another look at your headlines and an update on your forecast. for now we send you back to new york. we're back on this satday morning, october 16th, 2010. it's a blustery day here in new york. we want to thank everyone for spending part of tir morning with us outside. as wells inside. we're here inside studio 1a. amy robach along with lester holt. and coming up on "today," call it coincidence, or perhaps just luck. >> one michigan family definitely played the right numbers. their three kids were born 8-8-08, 9-9-09 and 10-10-10. how did it happen? we'll introduce you to the family and their three kids with birthdays to remember. coming up. >> look at those cute bies.

plus look who's here? the money lady is live in our studio to answer your questions about credit card debt. your mortgage, even paying college tuition. suze orman, always has all the answers. she's going to share them with us coming up. >> and a piece of las vegas history that is almost extinct. what's life liken the longest-running show in las vegas? they're still kicking up plenty of fun. we're going to tell you why this show is still kicking after all these years. >> i went there. i tried on their headdress to see how much it weighed. between 10 and 18 pounds. and these heels they wear. it's an unbelievable balancing act. >> you've got to be in shape? >> that's true. apparently i wasn't. first a texas lawmaker bares his soul. city councilman joe burns choked back tears and broke down as he spo of being the victim of school bullying. as miguel almaguer reports his moving message to gay teens is the latest video to go viral. >> reporter: tuesday's ft. worth city council meeting started off like most others. >> i've never told this story to anyone before tonight. >> reporter: but counlman joe

burns used the public venue to share a deeply private story. >> after numerous scides in recent days have upset me so much. >> reporter: burns displayed photos of teenagers who have recently taken their lives. kids taunted by bules because they were perceived as y. >> coming out was painful. >> reporter: joel burns revealed his story. >> one day when i was in the ninth grade, i was cornered after school by some older kids who roughed me up. they said that i was a [ bleep ] and that i should die and go t hell where i belonged. >> reporter: burns was compelled to speak out after a rash of troubling headlines. news like the suicide of rutgers student tyler clementi, w jumped off a bridge after his roommate allegedly outed him online. and the 17-year-old in new york, police say savagely sodomized by gang memrs after they suspected he was gay. >> all of these show that there is still a tremendousmount of discrimination the's stigma attached to being

gay. >> reporter: for nearly 12 minutes burns spoke from the heart. you could have heard a pin drop in that room. but his audienceas much bigger than just the city council chambers. his story went viral. a half million hits on youtube in just a few days. and it's not just the texas uncilman affected by the headlines. >> this needs to be a wake-up call to everyone. >> reporter: talk show hosts. >> i attempted to kill myself. >> reporter: andeality tv stars have spoken out. >> these are all efforts to tell kids that you love them. and thathey don't need to conclude that there's no hope for them. >> to those who are feeling very alone tonight, please know that i understand how you feel. but things will get easier. please stick around. to make those happy memories for yourself. >> reporter: afterwards, burns was given a standing ovation. but what the councilman wants is to save lives. for "today," miguel almaguer, nbc news, los angeles.

>> that was incredibly powerful. >> it's a powerful testimony and an important conversation. bullying has bn around for a long time. but now that we're talking about it, getting it out in the open, hopefully we'll be better people for it. >> let's get a check of the weather now with bill karins. >> good morning, everyone. earlier this week i met a 10-year-old who good saturday morning. i'm news 4 meteorologist chuck bell. sun is up and mostly clear sky. we'll have an abundance of

sunshine. breezy to blustery day. temperatures in the upper 40s to low 50s. northwest wind at 10 to 15 miles per ur. that wind will increase as we go through this afternoon up to northwest 25 up to as much as 30 miles per hour. highs in the mid-60s. less winds and warmer tomorrow. that's a loo at your national forecast. amy, lester? >> all right, bill, thank you. still to come, we're going t introduce you to a 650 pound california sea lion recovering from plastic surgery. >> and up next, suze orman the money lady is here to swer your question. but first these messages. ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪ [ male announcer ] every day ousands of people are switching from tylenol® to advil.

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plus support for bone and breast health. a great addition to my routine. [ female aouncer ] one a day women's. we went around the country asking women to speak frankly about something no one wants to talk about. toilet paper has to get you clean. period. it's not just about, you know... but it also s to keep your hands clean. toilet paper has to help keep me clean... while getting me clean. quilted northern soft & strong is now 50% stronger to help protect against breakthrough. it has the strength that i can count on. and it's stl soft. quilted nortrn soft & strong. protection for a confident clean or your money back. ♪ this morning on "day's money," family finances. whether it's credit card debt, paying for college, or planning for retirement, we all need to make sense of it. here to answer your questions is cnbc's suze orman. suze, good morning, it's great to see you. >> good morning my friend. >> want to get right into it?

we've got a lot of questions here. the first one comes from kerry in salt ke city. i'm breeping to have my third baby this winr and need to purchase a larger car and home. when i sell my current car i will have about $20,000 cash to put down on the new larger car. however, i'm wondering if it would be more beneficial to lease my next car, applying the $20,000 cash to equity in my next home? she's got an expanding family. what do you suggest? >> carrie, have you lost your mind? if you seriously -- anyway, if you lease a car, you're going to lease one for the rest of your life. it is the biggest waste of money out there. here's what i would tell y to do. if you're going to have to buy a new car, buy a car that's used already. t that's new for you. in terms of buying a new home, you need at least 20% down. don'torry about buying that home so quickly. real estate isn't going anywhere. interest rates aren't going anywhere. soust slow it down girlfriend. you have a new baby,ake it step by step.

but don't you dare lease a car. >> bad idea. you don't like leases? >> are you kidding me? >> all right. our next fer e-mail comes from sean in denver. he writes, my fiancee currently has two student loans totalling roughly $20,000 and also has a car loan totalling about $15,000. she's getting some inheritance money from her grandfather about $10,000 to $12,000. her plan which may just be an attempt to irritate me is to go shopping to get clothes and various other things we don't need around the house. my plan is for her t take maybe $1,000 or so and get some nic clothes for herself, but then to do something beneficial with the remainder. my question is this, should she pay down her car loan orock it away somewhere? and where at? before you answer i'm going to get out of the way because you're about t knock this one out of the park. >> there you go. don't walk off the set. don't do that to me, lester. se, let me tell you suze's plan. thank god she's just your fiancee. uthfully, because you need to thinkwice about you are about to merge your finances with a

woman who, in my opinion, is being absolutely irresponsible. you knowhat i would do with that money? ve her pay off her student loan debt. wouldn't her grandfather feel so proud that his money went to do what? put her through school. remember, student loan debt cannot be discharged in most cases in bankruptcy. so if you really want to get rid of one dt that could be dangerous debt, if you cannot afford to pay it, get rid of the student loan debt first. and i meant that. you better think twice before you marry this la. >> carla is in our audience and she's got a question about retirement. >> hi, suze. i'm thinking about retiring wiin the next year. and i was wondering if i should be taking some money out of my traditional i.r.a. and putting it into my roth i.r.a.? >> you know, it's hard for me to answer that qution, because i don't know what else you have going on. but, let me give you a guideline. if you're going to need all the income from your i.r.a. to generate money for you to live

on, don't waste paying the taxes to convert it to a roth. because any money you convert to a roth you will owe ordinary income taxes on. and then that money isn't there to generate income for you. if this was money at your retirement that you didn't need to touch for the next 10, 20, 30 years or ever, i would then start to convert it. little by little, so that you don'have to go into a higher tax bracket. >> all right. thanks for your questions. we've got another question written in from, this is carol in connecticut. i'm a 40-plus mom with a 13-year-old daughter, who loves to shop. i am not much of a shopper and a big bargain shopper. she likes expensive things and lots of them. wh is the best way to manage this dilemma without battling every time we go shopping? i know this is about me getting control of the situation, i've tried setting a budget for her. >> carol, you already have the answer to this question. it's actually very, very simple. cut off the financial spigot. she cannot spend money that she doesn't have. where ishe getting her money from? momma, you're giving it to her

in terms of an allowance, whatever else may be. if she has money on her own let her spend it. leher go financially bankrupt so to speak. and when she no longer has any money, then she'll understand why you need money in a bank acunt. you are enabling her if you just don't get control over yourself your daughter will follow suit. >> you're a about living within one's means. >> you got that. >> we should mention you're in new york because this is breast cancer awareness month and you've got a huge role in this. >> avon hashis big walk, thousands of women are here right now to walk for breast cancer. tomorrow is the closing ceremonies at 3:00 down at pier 84 and i have the great pleasure of being able to invitehe women in. and i'm also proud to say i'm the number o fund-raiser for breast cancer for avon this year. i love that. >> well, it's an important cause. theye lucky to have you. >> thank you. >> great to have you on. thanks so much. you can watch suze orman show saturday night at 9:00 and midnight on cnbc. up next thismorning, winning numbers, one couple, three

children, and three extraordinary birthdays to tell you about. first these messages. and all my investments, but it's not something that i want to do completely on my own -- i like to discuss my ideas with someone. that's what i like about fidelity. they talked with me one on one, so we could come up with a plan that's right for me, and they worked with me to help me stay on track -- or sometimes, help me get on an even better one. woman: there you go,rian. thanks, guys. man: see ya.

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"i can't believe it's not butter," butter taste, better health. this morning one michigan family's amazing way with numbers and birthdays barbie and chad's first child chloe was born on 8-le-08. a second child a son cameron entered on 9-9-09 and just a few days ago daughter ciara was delivered on 10-10-10. the entire family joins us along with their doctor. dr. andrew van slton. good morning to all of you. >> good morning. >> as i look at those dates i realize since 2007 you've pretty much been pregnant. your latest baby was born seven days ago. how are you feeling? how are you doing? >> you know, doing pretty good. the usual kind of sleep deprivation. it's exciting. we have so much adrenaline and meeting the newborn, it's

wonderful. >> i'm assuming you're pretty used to that sleep deprivation. have you always been having t have yr kids so close in age together? >> have we had them so close? no, we didn't have . >> was that the plan all along? >> oh, we were kind of bing, bing, boom. so, yeah, i'm a little bit older so we wanted to get started. >>chad, chloe was born 8-8-08 and cameron and cearra needed to be induced. were you hoping or planning to have those birthdays on those very special dates? >> not necessarily planning. once it came a realization, we were hoping. but, you know, obviously the well-being of mom and baby is first and foremost. >> and chad, you he three kids at home. all under the age of 3 you planning or thinking about a fourth child? because 11-11-2011 is just around the corner. >> no, no. you won't find us near any

hospital delivery rooms on 11-11. >> i'll be ready, though. of course. >> we're pretty much done. >> and doctor, because the babies were induced there are some people who might think, yeah, this wasn't really a coincidence. this was a planned event. they wanted to have all their kids on these dates. did you give any consideration to those dates specifically when planning these actual labor days? >> no, we didn't. the initial plan with this pregnancy waso wait until later, as we did with the second. so it's -- with this one barbie developed some vascular complications that required we deliver earlier, and that weekend became it. >> so, barbie, i have to ask, a lot of people think of these dates, people get married on these dates, they plan events and ceremonies around these dates because they consider them lucky. what did you think when you had all three babies born on these nsidered lucky dates? >> well, you know, i thought it was neat numbers.

something fun for the kids on their driver's license. oh, your birthday is rhyming numbers. but, it ended up kind of on the third one came around, and it did end up on 10-10-10 i was really surprised, and i was happy because then the little one wouldn't be left out. >> right. they all have special birthdays. well, they're all beautiful children. we're glad they're healthy and happy. barbara, chad, chloe, cameron, cearra and doctor van slutton, thank you all. we're back. first this is "today" on nbc.

still to come on "today," plastic surgery for california sea lion. we'll find out how he's doing. >> plus show and tell. we're going to take you backstage in las vegas to reveal the secrets of being a show rl. but first, these messages. ♪ i loved you, sweetness

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taking a liveook outside. a beautiful crispall morning four toda d.c. water crews continue to try and repair a large water main that burst nearhe national mall causing part of constitution avenu to close. the break happened after 10:00 last night near the intersection of 9th street and constitution. that road is now closed between 9th and 12th street. the break happened in a 24 inch water main. that pipe had been i the system since 1920s. crews will work through the weekend to get it fixed. your weather is coming up next. stay with us. bob ehrlich says he wants to fix maryland. but he increased state spending by record amounts. ehrlich raised $3 billion in taxes and fees... including property taxes... and a 40% increase in college tuition.

and nohe's made over $1 billion in new promises... with no plans to pay for them... except for cutting education. cuts that will lay off teachers and increase cla sizes. that's n a budget. and bob ehrlich's not the kind of leader... we can trust.

chuck bell joining us now for a look at the weekend weather. plenty of sunshine outside for your saturday. anything you want to do, weather will cooperate. great kite flying day today. plenty of sunshine. temperatures in the 40s and 50s as you look live over theern

memorial. 52 in manassas. 49 in hagerstown. 100% sunshine today but a very brisk northwesterly breeze. high today up near 65 degrees. >> thank you. be sure to tune in about half an hour for a full hour of "news4 today." until then back to new york and "the today show." we're back on a saturday morning. october 16th, 2010. i'm lester holt along with amy robach. >> we've got a great crowd with us out on the plaza. but it's looking a lot like wintern vermont. this is stowe, vermont we're showing you, where six inches of snow fell yesterday. look at that. the beautiful fall foliage coveredn snow. a clear sign of things to come, i think. >> anyway, coming up in this half hour, gold mine.

the 33 chilean miners made it out of the small hole in the ground. now they're going to make big money for their story. we're going to find out how they plan to go about it >> then healing hands for a helpless animal. doctors inalifornia performed plastic surgery on a sea lion. it's actually believedo be the first procedure of its kind. we're going to meet the medical team behind the surgery coming up. >> this wasn't just cosmetic for the sake of cosmetics. this sea lion had been shot by someonand couldn't fish, and this was very important. so we're going to find out more about that. plus picture perfect, breathtaking new images of newborns. they we taken by anne geddes. just how does she get the babies in those beautiful positions? we'll ask her in just a few minute >> okay, they are. and showtime, long legs, long hours, the las vegas showgirls. they glide across the stage. but it's a grueling job, actually. you may not realize for those lucky enough to have it. i went to vegas and found out. take you behd the curtainnd

realize that i was nowhere near close to being anywhere capable of doing whathey do every day. >> that's really the end of the show almost. >> it is the only one of its kind left. but that's what people think of when they think of las vegas. >> that's right. they're kiging it up. first another check of the headlines. melissa francis fm cnbc is at the news desk this morning with our headlines. >> good morning, everyone. we begin in chile where all but two of the miners have been released from the hospital. nbc's natalie morales is live in copiapo with theatest. good morning, natalie. >> and good morning to you, melissa. yes, all of the miners but two have returned. the tw have been transferred to another hospital. one of them had dental issues. another apparently had some vertigo prlems. but, the health minister and the psychologist who've been treating them say for the most part they were given a clean bill of health. although he described their emotional state as being delicate and fragile. they are going to require counseling. some perhaps medication as they make their adjustments. this is going to be an

exaordinary adjustment for them. they left herto a crush of the media, just following them. everyone wanting to know more about the ordeal that they went throh. those 70 days underground. and we're starting toearn a little bit more about that. one miner saying it was a nightmare that you didn't wake up from. he said they had their problems like any family. they fought. like any family. another miner also sought out the cameras to complain about the mine conditions, and the safety conces that they had, saying that those wereignored. he said they all plan to sue the company. melissa? >> natalie, i mean, we've seen the throngsf reporters and we heard about the offe. how are the miners going to deal with all this attention? >> well, they have formed a pact. it's being reported here that any money that they make, any of the earnings that they make from their various appearances, will be split evenly among the group. they set up a fund, apparently even have an accountant who's going to be haning that for them. but, of course, as i said, with everybody wanting to know what they went through, and all of th offers pouring in,

including, you know, offers of vacations,nd luxury travel, it's going to be difficult to see if they really do stick to that ct. of course, we'll have to wait and see. melissa? >> all right. thank you so much, natalie morales. u.s. officials are arranging for the extradition of a new york man arrested in israel on suspicion of murdering his parents. police say he was nabbed after trying to buy an airplane ticket at rael's airport. the 33-year-old man is suspected of stabbing his parents in new york earlier this week. he is not an israeli citizen so it's unclear why heent there. and finally, talk abo bad luck after a nerve-racking experience of taking your driver's test. watch this. a pennsylvania man who had just passed his test crashed into the dmv offices as he was dropping off his test instructor. three people had just minor injuries. and the driver, i think it's safe to say, probably went from pass to fail. i don't know, was he trying to parallel park? i'm not sure. now amy, back to you. >> i am here and i didn't see

it. we're al laughing. but not too funny that someone got injured. thank you. let's head over to the other side of the plaza. nbc meteorologis bill karins. there you are. >> did you hear we have a princess out here? >> no. >> we have princess selena, is that >> good morning.

off to a bright and crisp start on your saturday morning. temperatures in thor 40s and low 50s across the area with a bright blue sky overhead. 53 in washington. 54 in frederick, maryland. martinsburg, west virginia 50 degrees. our forecast for today mostly sunny quite breezy day. northwest winds from 15 to 30 miles per hour with highs in the mid-60s. tomorrow sunny, warmer, less wind, highs in the low 70s. have a good weekend. >> all in all looks like a pretty nice weekend. lest lester? >> bill, thanks. in california, mod rn medicine comes to the aid of a beloved marine mammal. a sea lion named sergeant nevis was wounded by a gunshot last year. the injury to his nose made it impossible to dave in the water. but last week, doctors performed plastic surgery on the sea lion and it was a success. joining us now from six flags discovery is the senior veterinarian dr. diana proctor and staff veterinarian dr. bill van bond. good morning to all of you. thanks for coming on.

>> good morning. >> good morning. >> and i'll start with you, the sergeant behind us, named after a police officer, a sheriff's deputy, i know who sat with him. with this hole in the sea lion's face he wasn't able to dive underwater and eat like a typical sea lion. will he be able to do that now? >> well, that's what we're going to watch him and just see how he progresses and let him take it at his own pace. but we definitely hope that he'll be able to dive. if he can't dive, that's okay. i mean, we can feed him above water until he isn the mood to try again. >> and as we look at these pictures of sergeant nevis, we have to go back to, i guess, last december when he was rescued. dr. bond, what was his condition like then? >> well, when he showed up at the marineammal center where he initially presend, he was very underweight, and obviously in a lot of distress. he had large holes in his nose.

so, when he did try to go underwater, his nose filled up with water and you can imagine if that's ever happened to you how horrible that feels. he wasn't feeding very well. he had lost a lot of weight. no doubt was very uncomfortable, and so he's a different animal now. >> and i know he healed from the wounds but talk about the decision to go forward with the plastic surgery. how was that decided? >> yeah, well, it was a long decision. it's been quite awhile. we always do everything possible to provide the best ce to the animals that present to us. and so we thought it only natural to ask our human counterparts, the people who do recotructive surge all the time, to see if they could help out. and we were vy fortunate to have a lot of gracious nations, including plastic surgeon from washington, d.c. who came and helped us. >> and dr. proctor, what happens next now for this sea lion?

obviously i know eatings the next big step on its own. will it be able to go in with the other sea lions soon? >>es, absolutely. we're probably going to do that as early as next week. and he has already been out with the sea lions that are in a rger pool, and so he -- he should be anxious to get back out there with him. as you can see behind us, though, he is really comfortable. he's doing quite well. recuperating. he's getting some medication by mouth, and he's learning to get -- to get some medication on the top of the wounds too. our trainers are working really hard to get him used to what may e ahead for him. but we're hoping to get him out with the other seals and sea lionwithin the next week. >> well, it's a wonderful thing you've all done. congratulations. dr. diana proctor and dr. bill von bond we appreciate you being with us this morning.

>> thank you for showing. >> and coming up this morning, a tall order. the demands and the day-to-day life of a las ves showgirl. know what gets me out of bed early? breakfast at subway!

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♪ this morning the secrets of a las vegas showgirl. it is the longest-running show on a single stage. it's also one of the most glamorous jobs in vegas and as you'll see, among the most demanding. ♪ welcome to las vegas >> they are icons of las vegas. ♪ >> reporter: the showgirls. ♪ imported from parisian night clubs in the 19 50st, this musical revue tk on a life of its own in sin city. over the years, these performers evolved from statuesque, sequinned beauties. into competitive dancing divas. as depicted in the '90s cult classic "shoirl." but now this piece of vegas history is almost extinct. don arden's jubilee i the last remaing show of its kind on

the strip. the 90-minute show is performed twice daily, six nights a week, most of the girls have formal dance training, and yes, there's a height requirement. go they range up to six feet tall and then the next grp, those are what we call the short knees. because they're shorter because they're 5'8", 5'9", 5'10". >> 11 out of the 12 weekly performances are topless. but for show girls like christina, working uncovered seems to come naturally. >> onstage, actually everything seems glamorous and it doesn't seem awkward at all. >> reporter: but what audiences may not realize is just how much goes in to this production. >> choreographed as it is upstairs, it's that oreographed backstage. >> reporter: a former showgirl who now manages the show gave me a backstage tour. there are nine to ten costume changes per show? >> yes. >> reporter: and they have about two minutes? >> sometimes two minutes.

as much as six minutes. everything from the foot all the way down you change you shoes up to your wig to your necklaces. so here you're just a simple dress. but trying to wear this and dance in it and move around is quite a challenge. >> reporter: a total of 1,000 costumes are donned per show and contain 10,000 points of jewelry. 8,000 miles of sequins, and feathers galore. >> these are the bob mackie ones. these are our jewel box finale. each one i entirely different so there's no two alike. >> reporter: each costume has its own name. >> this one we ll the waterfall. those are the sleeves. >> reporter: i don't have a good wing span. the headdress can way up to 18 pounds, and go as high as three feet. how heavy is that? >> oh, it's heavy. >> reporter: the girl who wears this is about six foot tall, and if you notice there's no attament to hold it on her head. >>ow long before a showgirl gets used to wearing this? >> initially some people who have never done this kind of work, obviously, it's a bitf a shock when you get put into one of these things.

but, surprisingly, you do get used to it very quickly. >> reporter: that seems like a tall order. so i decided to try one on for size. wow, that' tight. >> oh, no it's not. >> reporter: oh, yes it is. oh, my gosh, that's so hard. >> i'm going to show you how to walk down these stairs, all right? >> reporter: okay >> and let's not forget these girls are pforming all the numbers in three-inch heels. >> what you want to do is brace your back leg ainst the scare here so that way you don't fall. you're going to take two steps and then you're going to step down one step on every stair. and don't look down. >> reporter: don't look down. >> one, two, three, four. >> reporter: don't look down. you really have to trust that they're where you say they are. it's always a delicate balancing act but for these performers it's a lifestyle. what do you think the biggest misconception is? >> i think pbably a lot of people think we party all the time. and it's not like that.

you know, we're normal like every other person. >> reporter: enjoying the life and hoping this piece of vegas historytays in vegas for years to come. ♪ >> they make it looko effortless. and everythingrom the headdress to everything they're wearing is incredibly heavy. and then put heels on it, and forget aut it. >> and not look down. everhing is so understated in vegas. >> it isn't, isn't it? and misunderstood. we'll be right back. first this is "today" on nbc.

anne geddes is an acclaimed photographer known for her breathtaking images of babies. her latest work is no exception. in her new book beginnings, she shows us striking pictures 6 newborns and nature. good morning. thanks for being with us. >> it's so good to be here. >> i was struck to find out you had reached the end of the road. you dided to give up on this kind of photography. >> i was little worn out, i

think. and then i stumbled upon a collection of bird's nests which took my breath away. i thought it was a photographic exhibition and this tiny little nest almost made me want to cry. >> you saw the nest and thought about the beginnings of nature? >> i don't know what it was. i calle my husband and said i need to do another book and "beginnings" is about elements of nature that bring forth new life. >> so in oth words you take images of babies, and juxtapose them with images of nature? >> with nature. beautiful bird's eggs and nests, of course, and cocoons and pregnant ladies. >> did you know where this was going? you look at a bird's nest and they blossom from there? >> it gist happened. it was le a journey over four seasons. it just came together so well. it was a lot of work. it was the easiest project because it all just gelled. >> you have daughters in their 20s. >> yes, i do. >> they're professional photographers, and you worked with them. in this the first time they worked with you? >> it was fan husband.

it was nice for them to have an understanding of it. >> there are so many great photographs in this book. one of the you've got a woman named violet. oldest living woman in australia. let's put this picture up becausi want you to talk about this. >> violet was 107 whe i photographed her. and she should be 109 next february. still lives at home. does all her own housework and sheooked inyesterday ill. she said to me -- i said i'm going to make you into a beautiful cocoon and she's looking at me like i'm crazy. and she said you do whatever you like, dear, as long as i'm not in the nude because that's not a good look. >> what did she think of the picture? >> she loved it. and to have bare shoulders when you're 107 is pretty brave. >> you've been photographing babies for years. we see a lot of pregnant women. what was the thought? >> oh, just prnant, the beginnings of life, and the pregnant women referencing the elements of nature. and now i've moved forward again into doing a book called pregnancy which comes out in a

couple of year's time. so one little nest just put me on a journey and i d't know where it's going to end. >> it's a difficu body image for a woman. what was it like getting women to pose for this? >> most of the women in eginnings" aren't professional models. they came in, it was incredible. a huge dip for them to be posing naked at nine months pregnant. but they loved it. they all said i'm so pleased i did it. it was a celebration of me. and let's face it, all pregnant women grow different to suit themselves. that's the message in the book that was in t realms of all of that is normal. >> the book is called beginnings." anne geddes, great to have you here. >> thank you. >> we're bar right after this. birthday. ♪ ♪ ooooo, it's your birthday. ♪ go shawty, it's your birthday. ♪ ♪ today is your day. ♪ ...happy birthday to you. you got itoing on. ♪

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i had a bum knee that needed surgery. but it got complicated, because i had an old iury. so i wanted a doctor who had done this before. and unitedhealthcare's database helped me find a surgeon. you know y can't have great legs, if you don't have good knees. we're 78,000 people looking out for 70 million americans. that's health in numbers. unitedhealthcare. have you tried honey bunches of oats th real strawberries? wow. it's seriously strawberry. they're everywhere. it's in the bunches, on the flakes, even real strawberries in the mix. can i have some more? honey bunches of oats with real strawberries. it's delicious. nobody does it quite like us. that will do it for us on this saturday morning. our thanks to bill karins and melissa francis. coming up tomorrow on today, what is your dating personality? >> plus a conversation with condoleezza rice about life in the white house and herife now. i'll see you tonight on "nbc nightly news." until then, so long, everybody. thanks for watching.

martin o'malley sworn in. inherits a billion-dollar surplus, low unemployment. o'malley signs the biggest tax hike in maryland history. raids chesapeake bay nd to cover spending. gives raises to top aides. buiness climate ranks 45th worst in the nation. now 200,000 jobs lost. o'malley covers up jobs report that proved maryland's economy stalled. if re-elected, o'malley will raise taxes again. whether he does, is up to you.

good morning. i'm aaron gilchrist. alongside kimberly suiters. a check on that forecast. >> yes, indeed. plenty osunshine on the way for today. at about tomorrow? when is our next chanceor rain? it's saturday. it's fall. college football forecast. all that andore coming up. we'reearning a major water main break is affecting downtown. a live report coming up in just a moment. wearing shirs ♪

♪ which caused a trend ale ♪ and everyone ♪ saw everybody ♪ tell'em all ♪ tell'em something, whereo go and what it's all about ♪ ♪ tell them how to feel when they shout it out ♪ ♪ tell everybody else ♪ and everyone ♪ te everybody else man: empty nest? new kitchen, new us? woman: who are we? chic, modern, daring dinner-party hosts. that sounds dangers,e we? maybe we're more the traditional sunday brunch t? i'll expect slippers and a cocktail to be ready

when i get home from work. point taken. how about... peaceful, quiet cottage in the country fo? now that's us. spend over 2500 dollars on a new kitchen and save 40 percent on custom countertops until november 28th at ikea. the life improvement store. . a warning if you're heading downtown. a major artery is closed this morning because of a water main break and it could be shut down for a while. good morning and welcome to "news4 today." i'm ron gilchrist. >> i'm kimberly suiters. it's saturday, october 16, 2010. all the news is just ahead but first want a check on our forecast with our meteorologist bell. good morning, chuck. >> good morning. off to a