good morning. civil war. the gop presidential candidates keep things cordial for the most part in the final debate of the year but with the polls showing the race is fluid, will the good feelings last until the iowa caucuses? taking the stand, a key sex abuse scandal expected to d testify in the perjury hearing tied to the case today, as nbc news looks for answers in the 5-year-old mysterious disappearance of the district attorney who first investigated jerry sandusky. and what a year. we'll look back at all the big moments and fun times we've had in 2011 "today," friday, december 16th, 2011. captions paid for by nbc-universal television

>> and good morning. welcome to "today" on a friday morning. i'm matt lauer. >> and i'm ann curry. happy friday, everybody. this debate in sioux city was the last before the iowa caucuses, january 3rd. >> while newt gingrich did face some criticism, surprisingly, none of it came from mitt romney. he saved his harshest words for president obama. we'll have much more on the debate and where the republican race stands right now, straight ahead. an encouraging sign for one of the smallest babies ever born, delivered at 24 weeks and weighed 9.5 ounces and doctors gave her a 1% chance of surviving. now four months later doctors have wonderful news for this family. we'll talk to the parents coming up in just a few moments.

and we're going to be hearing a lot from how warde stern on the new season of "mark's got talent." the outspoken shock jock as some call him, decided to join the judge's table and already promising "feelings are going to be hurt." we'll have more on that story as well. >> uh-oh. more on the political debate, chuck todd is our political director and chief white house correspondent. good morning. >> good morning. the candidates attacked each other and turned into most negative week of the campaign. final debate lacked that same negative energy. instead the front-runners played iowa nice. >> today i think it is a big step forward and i think governor romney deserves some of the credit. >> governor romney, you want to respond to that compliment? >> yes, thank you. >> reporter: so went the final debate. the two leading candidates, mitt

romney and newt gingrich, choosing to avoid any clashes. the only veiled reference to their feud, gingrich poking fun at himself for being zany. >> zany is great. >> reporter: a word used by romney at "the new york times." >> i get accused of using language too strong so i've been standing here editing. i'm very concerned about not appearing to be zany, and -- >> reporter: each time romney and gingrich got a question designed to get them to spar with each other, they shifted the focus often to president obama. >> this president doesn't know how the economy works. to create jobs it helps to have created jobs. >> i think in seven debates barack obama will not have a leg to stand on. >> reporter: the positive debate is a marked contrast from most of the tv ads airing in iowa. >> -- beginning witch was fined $300,000 for ethics violations. >> it's about serial hypocrisy.

>> $10,000 bet? >> not too many of us in iowa place $10,000 bets. >> reporter: the latest ads stay most mostly positive. >> others seem to be focused on attacks rather than move the country forward. that's up to them. >> reporter: they got hit rep t repeatedly by the other candidates. >> he personally as governor issued gay marriage licenses. >> i want to make it very clear, i have been a champion of protecting traditional marriage. >> reporter: michele bachmann and the former speaker questions about freddie mac. >> he was taking out $1.6 million to influence senior republicans to keep the scams going. >> sometimes people ought to have facts before they make wild allegations. >> reporter: bachmann one time iowa front-runner now trailing badly was the most aggressive, even tangling with ron paul over

the issue of nuclear weapons in iran. >> we ought to sit back and not jump the gun and believe we aren't going to be attacked. >> i believe i've never heard a more dangerous answer for american security than the one we just heard. >> i think this wild goal to have another war in the name of defense is the dangerous thing. >> reporter: but for the most part the debate was more kumbaya than contentious w a focus on president obama. >> it's president obama we've got to talk about. he's unveiled himself as the president, not the right person to lead this country. >> our only opponent is barack obama and we need to come out of this process beating him is collectively what we have to do. >> the romney campaign is trying to show they have momentum again. they've nabbed a pretty big endorsement, south carolina governor nicki hayley, and they

hope that momentum campaigns to him in the season. >> david gregory, moderator of "meet the press" good morning to you. >> good morning to you, matt. >> it was creating a lasting impression for people in iowa to talk over for the last 18 days. are you with some who say this was a good night for mitt romney? >> i am. all of the candidates touched on issues for iowa, conservative voters, romney made the calculation he was not going to attach gingrich because gingrich is a good counter-puncher. he learned that in the last debate, kept his fire trained on president obama, talked about himself. we to fend off tough questions from moderators but all in all it was a good night. >> as chuck pointed out in his piece, on the one hand they're being civil and friendly but all running ads in iowa and elsewhere that are anything but. >> absolutely. they don't always engage each other as hard on the stage as

they do with the tv ads. make no mistake, mitt romney is relying now on some of his rivals like a michele bachmann, rick santorum, ron paul, to take the fight to newt gingrich. there's a lot of folks in the republican establishment taking on newt gingrich and it's giving room for romney to step back and knock take him on frontily, where he doesn't necessarily have all of the goods on the debate stage. >> you talk about seeming to come to the rescue of mitt romney, are they taking on gingrich on ideological grounds or electability grounds? >> it's an important point. it's actually both. you see some conservatives actually making the point that gingrich is a much bigger government conservative than people may think, and the glenn becks, the ann coulteres, they'er this they're taking him on from

that point of view, something a lot of tea party folks do not like to hear, and the electability argument, who can best debate barack obama, the president, on the economy but also electability, high negatives for gingrich and a certain ceiling talking about independent voters. >> we put a couple of recent polls up on the screen, we're noticing that lead that newt gingrich had developed over the last several weeks in iowa seems to be shrinking in this poll right here, the rasmussen poll, it's actually gone and mitt romney is in the lead and as we talked about earlier in the week, david, the guy who was there in the middle of these polls continually and has been for a long time, ron paul. >> and he took it to gingrich again over the freddie mac issue. it goes to the point that gingrich has really high negatives. people disliking gingrich, sometimes voters forgotten why they dislike him. they can be reminded through television ads. paul is running the most negative ads against gingrich in iowa. he'll continue to do that, the

super packs, outside groups will continue to do that on behalf of mitt romney as well. it's driving up the negatives and look at what's happening in the vacuum. there are no big republicans around the country who are stepping up for newt gingrich, and everybody knows him. nicky hayley from south carolina, being endorsement for romney today. gingrich, he has a tough time standing behind him, yes, he's the guy. >> who do you have? >> michele bachmann and the near government shutdown with the member offed the amrgs. >> david gregory, see you sunday on "meet the press." >> thanks. a check of the top stories with natalie morales at the news desk. good morning. >> good morning, everyone. russian officialness have seized radioactive material bound for iran. the custom service at moscow's international airport said that radioactive sodium 22 was found in a tehran-bound passenger's

luggage and tests showed that material could only have been obtained through nuclear operations. an 11th hour deal has been reached to avoid a government shutdown ahead of today's midnight deadline. congressional negotiators reached a compromise on a $1 trillion spending bill and pushing to renew a payroll tax cut in unemployment benefits. just in case, senate majority leader harry reid says lawmakers are planning a plan b that supports a two-month extension. gary schultz and tim curley are fighting charges they didn't respond properly to reports that jerry sandusky was molesting young boys. they deny the charges against hem. one of sandusky's attorneys is offering an explanation why the disgraced coach was showering with disadvantaged young boys. he said sandusky may have been teaching them proper hygiene. the army private accused of releasing thousands of classified documents to

wikileaks makes his first public appearance today. the u.s. military is pushing for manning to be court-martialed and endangering national security. christopher hitchens died after a long bat well esophageal cancer. the passion and controversial critic and ardent atheist took on political figures in his vibrant essay. the best selling author of "god is not great" publicly scoffed his diagnosis would in the change his beliefs. mandy drury is at the new york stock exchange. >> today there is one stock in particular we are following. do you own a blackberry? research in motion delayed the

use of a make or break overhaul until next year and the market is not happy. back to you. >> mandy drury, thanks so much. in case snowboarding doesn't rev your engine enough, how about saltboarding? in utah there are some adventurous athletes in action, zooming along, up to 50 miles an hour. beautiful cinematography. it is 7:12, we turn it back over to matt, al and ann. >> let's do that, you guys, group project outing. >> i'm going pepper skiing this weekend. let's see what's happening, we've got a lot of wind to talk ab a lot of wind to talk about down in southern california, santa ana getting itself together, and to the south and in between we have the windy conditions and as we move over to the northeast and new england we are looking at wind advisories there, and as we head

across the pond, france, a big storm there. 400,000 customers in france without power, and wind gusts of up to 83 miles per hour. that's what's going on around the country, and here's what's going on in your neck of the woods. >> good morning. a gusty wind here out of the north and west bringing the chill here at dawn this morning. temperatures are continuing to drop now just near 50 degrees in washington, just a couple hours it was around 60. it's in the 40s further west and north. it will stay near 50 and the 40s through much of the mortgage and then in the afternoon down in the 40s. this evening, maybe a few wet snowflakes and sprinkles >> and that's your latest weather. ann? now to washington state where the so-called barefoot bandit is said to appear in court today and as he prepares to face a judge we're learning new details about the man's

troubling past. nbc's miguel almaguer has more. >> reporter: colton harris moore has written a letter to a judge taking responsibility for his crimes and blames his upbringing for many of his mistakes. when his crime spree came to an end, true to form, the barefoot bandit was arrested without shoes. colton haar roycharris-moore expected of nearly 80 crimes. the 20-year-old writes of growing up in a broken home. "my thirst for knowledge cries for help and coming of age was met with inept parents suffering from drugs and alcohol." harris-moore's mother wouldn't talk to nbc news on camera but said she was never an alcoholic and raised her son with good values but in a psychiatric evaluation, paid for by the defense, dr. richard adler says colton was exposed to alcohol prenatally, suffered

psychological harm while falling through the cracks. >> those various agencies and institutions that were supposed to assist him simply didn't, time and time again. >> reporter: dubbed the barefoot bandit for leaving footprints behind eight brac-ins, he stole cars, boats, even airplanes after he taught himself to fly. he gained a cult following but adler writes "what was characterized by the media as the swashbuckling ran cures of a teenager were in fact the actions of a depressed, suicidal young man." >> he was living in ditches, culverts and port-a-potties from time to time so that's the other side of it. it wasn't a romantic adventure. >> reporter: marion rathbone was one of the earlest victims. for 25 years her family ran this restaurant near colton's home in washington state until one night changed everything.

>> he just took the rug right out from under our feet. >> reporter: authorities say harris-moore stole $18,000 from the restaurant's safe, then was captured on security video a year later trying to burglarize the restaurant a second time. >> when we had to file bankruptcy, we lost everything, not just the business. we lost our homes. >> reporter: for rathbone, the new details about harris' hard past mean nothing. >> i'm sorry he had a rough childhood but you know what? three-quarters of america would be in jail right now if that was a good excuse for everything. >> reporter: harris-moore has already pled guilty to federal charges. today the state begins to close their case. he could get nine years in prison. ann? >> miguel almaguer, thank you so much. it is 7:16. here's matt. the italian appeals court that overturned the murder conviction of amanda knox is explaining its ruling in a newly

released report. stephanie gosk has details on that. good morning to you. >> good morning, matt. judge claudio helmand blows holes in nearly every aspect of the prosecution's case at time accusing the prosecutor of ridiculous conclusions based on little fact. the judge's report does in writing what his decision last october did in the courtroom, completely exonerates knox in the murder of meredith kercher. amanda knox was overcome with emotion when her guilty verdict and 26-year prison sentence were overturned. she had spent nearly four years in prison. ushered out of the courtroom, out of italy and finally home to seattle, as quickly as her family could get her there. in a report released thursday the italian judge offered a blistering critique of the prosecution. he says there was no evidence that knox and her former boyfriend, raffaele sollecito, murdered meredith kercher in 2007. in a statement, knox's parents

write that the report confirms what they knew all along. "the prosecution's theory against her was only that, a theory that had no basis in fact." >> one could not hope for a more clear statement rendered by an appellate court. >> reporter: the pros kugs, the judge writes, could not prove that they were in the house at the time of the murder or that they even knew rudy guede, the third suspect who was found guilty of the crime. the judge continues, "the sudden choice of two young people, to commit evil for evil's sake, without any further reason, seems even more incomprehensible." the more than 140-page report repeatedly criticizes the prosecution, flimsy dna evidence, flawed by sloppy police work, no proof that the alleged murder weapon was ever in the house, knox's interrogation statements were made under duress and she wasn't offered a lawyer. the judge writes "the obsessive

interrogation by police went on for hours, both day and night on a young girl who at the time did not speak or understand italian." during the trial the prosecution accused both knox and sollecito of insensitive behavior, criticizing them for buying underwear and kissing in public. it was simple tenderness between two lovers and was also a way of relieving the climate of anxiety and fear that had enveloped them and not, the judge says, a reliable indication of guilt. what the judge doesn't do is provide a theory of what actually happened. the complete details of kercher's death still remain a mystery. the prosecution will appeal to italy's supreme court but only on the appellate process, not the evidence itself. knox and sollecito doesn't have to attend the hearings. >> thank you very much. it's 19 after the hour. here's ann. a california couple has a

reason to be happy this holiday season thanks to their tiny daughter who is defying great odds and savannah guthrie is here to explain. >> good morning, it's an amazing story. with the help of modern medicine a premature little girl, thought to be one of the smallest babies to have been born and survived has reached an more than milestone. the images are remarkable, a tiny baby no larger than the palm of one's hand, little melinda starr guido came into this world after only 24 weeks, weighing just 9 1/2 ounces. >> everybody thought she wouldn't make it at all. they doubted her. >> reporter: now 16 weeks later on what should be her due date the parents are marveling their daughter is believed to be the third smallest baby in the world to have lived this long. >> when i had her, they didn't

want to help her. i said she was a fighter, to help her to survive and that's what they did. >> reporter: it was difficult from the beginning. ibarra experienced pregnancy complications, forcing her to undergo an emergency caesarian section. >> chances of living was like 1%, so that 1%, we got t it's a miracle. >> reporter: the challenges continued. melinda had surge troy repair an artery and treated for an eye disorder common in preemies. >> she's a fighter, no doubt about that. she's a fighter. >> reporter: melinda is now four pounds and her doctor is encouraged by her progress. >> the smallest baby i've ever had to take care of and we are lucky that the baby is doing well. >> reporter: and as with all premature babies, she will need to be closely monitored. >> most premies have problems with heart, lungs or brain. in this case it looks like things are going well but doctors will warn parents who are taking a premie home,

they'll walk very carefully because in most cases there are going to be significant developmental hurdles. >> hello, little girl. >> reporter: for melinda's parents, their focus now is preparing their daughter's homecoming. >> hopefully in three weeks we can take her home. that's what i'm looking forward, spending my time with her, my life with her, just going to be great. >> babies born so prematurely certainly have the odds stacked against them but thankfully looks like melinda is doing very well. >> thanks very much to modern medicine. coming up, what happened to the first attorney who looked into the first allegations to jerry sandusky and then vanished six years ago. but first this is "today" on nbc. this is an rc robotic claw.

my high school science teacher made me what i am today. our science teacher helped us build it. ♪ now i'm a geologist at chevron, and i get to help science teachers. it has four servo motors and a wireless microcontroller. over the last three years we've put nearly 100 million dollars into american education. that's thousands of kids learning to love science. ♪ isn't that cool? and that's pretty cool.

♪ wmg up, we'll take a look at

some of the fun we've had this year. >> baton down the hatches, after your local news.

> good morning. it's 7:26 on this friday, the 16th of december. i am joe krebs. we already reached our high temperature for the day, believe it or not. tom kierein has the cold weekend f forecast. >> at dawn it's turning chillier, and that's a beautiful view of the sunrise. temperatures are continuing to drop, and we're down in the 40s, and the temperatures continue to drop throughout the day, spending much of the day in the 40s and maybe a few sprinkles or snowflakes tonight. we'll take a break and come back and l

good morning. traveling southbound i-97 connecting to route 50, your right lane blocked by an accident here. and the inner loop of the

beltway, you are very slow. robinson terminal, your delays continue as you make your way towards i-66. travel speed is at 20 miles per hour. a

♪ uh-oh, 7:350 on this friday morning, the 16th of december, 2011, you're looking at a small sample of some of the good times we've had during the year on "today." we'll have the highlights, if you can call them that, lowlights maybe, later this morning. i've got three words for you, lava chugging fun, ahead. >> look out for that. >> inside studio 1a i'm ann curry alongside matt lauer. coming up, howard stern has a new job. >> also keeping his old job. he'll be joining the judges on "america's got talent." will he join his sometimes over

the top behavior? a lot of contestants will be surprised by the range of howard stern. we'll talk about that coming up. also, a lot of people when they hear the word cuba, the name of the country, a lot of emotions inspire, seemed so far away and yet it's very close. natalie is sharing her recent trip there to explore the big changes taking place in the once isolated nation. we begin this half hour with the penn state child sex abuse scandal. earl whier this week jerry sandusky waived the right to a preliminary hearing tied to that case. today two former penn state officials charged with lying to a grand jury and failing to report sex abuse allegations, face their own day in court and key witness mike mcqueary is expected to testify for the first time in public but there's another mystery in this case, nbc's lester holt has that side of the story. good morning to you. >> reporter: matt, good morning. it's almost a mystery within a mystery, a story of ray gricar,

a pennsylvania district attorney who we now know was the first prosecutor to investigate the allegation of sex abuse with jerry sandusky in 199. we don't know why he chose not to prosecute the case but the bigger mystery and bigger question is why in 2005 did ray gricar suddenly disappear? ray gricar, the d.a. of center county, pennsylvania, had a stellar reputation. >> he was the most serious prosecutor i've ever met, and i've met hundreds of prosecutors. >> reporter: by early 2005, the d.a. was preparing to retire, stepping back from his duties. on april 15th, he decided to play hooky. >> and he said, "i don't think i'm going to go to work today. i think i'm going to take today off." i said fine, good for you. >> reporter: that night when his girlfriend, patty fournicola, got home, there was no sign of gricar. >> to me it was an emergency, this is not like him, it's unusual behavior.

>> reporter: the d.a. was missing. the next day, his red mini cooper was found abandoned 60 miles away in lewisburg, pennsylvania. it smelled of cigarette smoke, there were ash specs on the floor, but the d.a. didn't smoke. >> ray did not like people smoking around him really and he definitely would never let anybody smoke no his car. >> reporter: daryl zagani, now retired, was the lead investigator on the case. >> it would indicate to us somebody who has been in that car smoking or at least was leaning into the car, possibly talking to ray, holding a cigarette, with some of the ash falling to the floor and the smoke getting into the car. >> reporter: three months later, the d.a.'s work laptop was fished out of the river in lewisburg. its hard drive was hovered soon after, so damaged no data could be retrieved. when you found out that nothing could be recovered, tell me your reaction. >> very upset. i don't know why. it's like gee, it was like the

big carrot hanging there and you reach for it and just about have it, and it's gone. >> reporter: over time, investigators developed three working theories about the d.a.'s disappearance, that he committed suicide, or walked away, or was murdered. no one knows, and the case remains open. police chief sean weaver now oversees the case. does your department lean in any particular direction? >> no, actually, we wondon't, a it's hard because we all have our personal thoughts on the case. everyone who has ever looked at the case has their own theory, personal theory, how crazy it mighten. >> reporter: of course the question folks are asking now, could gricar's disappearance be linked to the sandusky case. close friends and colleagues tell me no way but acknowledged he never really talked about that investigation and matt in tonight's broadcast we'll hear from a prominent medical examiner in pennsylvania who offers his own theory as to how

the two could in fact be linked. >> lester, thank you very much. the broadcast lester is talking about is "dateline" at 10:00, 9:00 central time here on nbc. "america's got talent" named howard stern as a judge and nbc's craig melvin has details. craig, good morning. >> reporter: good morning to you. the reality competition turning up the heat on competitors now, adding the so-called shock jock to the judge's table and stern is expected to bring some unexpected moments and some brutal honesty to the popular show. it's official, after weeks of speculation, howard stern made the announcement on his radio show thursday. he's the new judge on nbc's "america's got talented." >> you might think i'm out of my mind, you might think i'm crazy but i take judging very seriously. >> reporter: the man known for shocking stunts, foul language

and outrageous behavior will take the seat of former judge piers morgan. >> i'm going to be piers on steroids, trust me. >> reporter: he's already gifgs viewers a taste of what to come. >> don't call me [ bleep ] because i'm going to tell you the kid has no talent. i don't want to hurt anybody's feelings but i'm telling you feelings are going to be hurt. >> reporter: he called in to tv. >> whatever you think my goal is to find real talent. >> reporter: as for howie mandel and sharns on osbourne -- >> believe me my opinion is the one that counts on the show. >> the point of having howard stern on the show is that he's going to bring an edge. he's going to bring a brutality to it and that's what you want from him. "america's got talent" is one big circus. >> excuse me honey this is the united states of america --

>> nobody knows a big circus better than howard stern. >> reporter: it allows contestants of all ages. some say he's a bad choice for family audience. >> synonymous with shock, profanity, obscenity. is he someone you want to hold out to american families as a person who should be a judge on what has been for many seasons a family show. >> am i spectacular attitude. >> reporter: stern's radio show is based in new york so "america's got talent" is now moving there from los angeles, a sign the newest judge carries a lot of weight with network brass. >> all of america is embracing this. they're excited, everyone is excited. >> the new season of "america's got talent" starts taping in february. howie mandel tweeted "welcome to the party." >> craig melvin, thank you so much. let's get a check of the weather from al.

>> ann, thank you so much. look at this beauty. who this? >> evangeline. >> how old? >> 5 1/2 months. >> where are you from? >> ohio. >> it's your 17th birthday? you? >> yes. >> and let's check out and see what is happening for the weather. saturday frigid conditions in new england. morning showers on the mid-atlantic coach, and we will see showers in the southwest and cold in the southern states, and more frigid weather in new england on sunday. and into the southwest, a few showers move into the coast. a spectacular sunrise on this friday morning. that's a live view from the skywatcher camera and a blustery northwest wind will greet you when you step out the door, and it's colder than when you went

to bed last night. down in the low to mid-40s in the region, and chillier as the day goes on. this evening maybe sprinkles or wet snowflakes after sunset, and >> and courtney, my 25th birthday present to you is the fact that you can get your weather any time of the day or not if you go to the weather channel on cable or weather.com online. nbc sunday night is the best night of the week, baubs because it's sunday night football night in america, the ravens flying west to take on the chargers, it's going to be partly cloudy and cool, temperatures 53o 58, and i don't know if ravens even molt. we'll check, but first it's sunday night, football night in america. ann? >> all right, ann, thank you so much. coming up next, signs of change, natalie takes us inside the new cuba, right after this.

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trust most for comfort. ornyou're a miracle workerful sabrina soto.. [sfx: doorbell rings] and you can mix your seasonal pieces with your everyday china. [sfx: knocking on door] and now you need to hide. oh, i love the mercury glass pieces on the mantel, we could put some evergreen pieces... you know a simple touch like adding. oh, i think we should quickly decorate the hallway, wouldn't that be fun? maybe just put some...oh thank you so much, i'm going to bring you a snack later. wait, i still need to talk to you about led candles. happy holiday's. hey! hi! please come in. you know ornaments, they make a great centerpiece. we're back now at 7:43. the united states and cuba have had a complicated relationship

for the last five day kads. it is a relationship that is changing constantly. natalie recently took a trip to havana and i'm sure you were impressed what you saw. >> there were gradual differences. the regime remains in place under brother raul's leadership yet there are signs of change. cuba is often described as a country frozen in time. while u.s./cuba relations may also remain frozen, change is on the horizon. ♪ >> how much are they, five? >> reporter: americans once banned from visiting under the embargo are coming back. >> we're here for a festival. >> reporter: the latin american international film festival was a big draw for americans this year. also tour groups are back.

>> cuba is at a time where it's going to change significantly. once the door opens cuba will be a totally different place. ♪ >> reporter: this group is among the first to experience cuba, though under strict guidelines, on a full time cultural immersion program approved by the u.s. treasury department. the new rules have their criticings especially among cuban-americans who fled castro's revolution. >> president obama's gesture of friendship toward the castros, significantly increasing travel from the united states to cuba, has meant over $500 million a year to the land, in castro's bank accounts. >> reporter: for many cubans it's less about politics and more about family. today they can send money and goods without restriction. christina morales is on her way, third iz havity to bring her

brother supplies for his new restaurant. >> he's happy because that was something he couldn't have or do in cuba before, to have your own business. >> reporter: her brother, angel morales is now one of the 1 million private business owners. he reopened the restaurant his grandfather ran for 40 years until castro shut it down. what does it mean for you to have this? he says "it's allowed me to reach my dream," and miguel in turn is giving other cubans and culinary students a shot at the new cuban dream, which now includes buying a home. the new privatization law in effect this month allows cubans to buy and sell property again. real estate agencies don't exist here yet in cuba. instead people come here on saturday mornings, this place is bustling with people posting signs like this, looking to swap, barter and now sell their homes in what is known as the stock market of cuban real estate. ♪

while cuba has a long way to go by american standards, they are enjoying new freedoms including religion. for decades this country was officially atheist and today for thes first time in more than 50 years, the government has allowed this national religious procession, celebrating cuba's patron saints. but the opposition group, the ladies in white, are demanding more must be done to end human rights abuses, something pope benedict will most likely address when he visits next spring. when pope john paul ii made his historic visit in 1998, he called for cuba to open to the world, and the world to open to cuba. that's silvia wilhelm's hope, too. she was sent to the u.s. as a child after the revolution. >> i definitely did not want to have anything to do with cuba. >> reporter: today her view has

changed. she's working to break down the 50-year-old walls between cuba and the united states. do you think family then will be the tie that binds these two countries together ultimately? >> without a doubt, what is going to continue to move this train in the direction of reconciliation, lingers on one word. it's called family. >> it is a fascinating place and on monday i'll take you on a tour of earnest hemingway's home in cuba with granddaughter mariel hemingway, probably the highlight of the whole thing. >> natalie thank you very much, appreciate it. still to come, daniel craig talks about his role in "the girl with the dragon tattoo," but first these messages. [ female announcer ] ornaments are not for decorating.

dad. did you know it's 22 days, 11 hours and 2 minutes to christmas? [ mumbling ] ...enny days, 8 hours, 9 minutes... 18 days, 17 hours... [ mom ] let's go, young lady. [ female announcer ] they're for building excitement for christmas. 12 days, 18 hours... come on. it's no days! [ female announcer ] the hallmark countdown to christmas ornament. 5 hours and 59 minutes and 41... 40...39... 38...37...36... the best approach to food 40...39... is to keep it whole for better nutrition. that's what they do with great grains cereal. they steam and bake the actual whole grain while the other guy's flake is more processed. mmm. great grains. the whole whole grain cereal.

when sugar plums appear, temptation's all around. donuts, cakes and pies, they've got a gift for me, i wish that i could take it back, but there is no receipt. oh jiggle bells, jiggle bells, jiggle all the way. oh how i wish i could resist, jiggling this holiday. oh joy oh natural joy! truvia®, box of bliss, zero calorie sweetness from a leaf, my sugar plum happiness. truvia®. honestly sweet. ♪ [ male announcer ] they've been tested, built and driven like no other. and now they're being offered like no other.

come to the winter event and get an exceptional offer on the mercedes-benz of your dreams. it's our way of showing a little holiday spirit. but hurry -- the offer ends january 3rd. ♪ it's a great hd tv... shhh. don't speak. i'll just leave you two alone. [ male announcer ] the big christmas event is here. 8 a.m. saturday. with our lowest prices of the season on select toys, electronics and more... the only stop for last minute gifts is walmart. okay, be afraid, be very rah frayed. we're going to show you the lighter moments we experienced in 2011. >> girs these messages and a check you have your local news and weather.

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good morning. i am joe krebs. it's 7:56 on this friday morning. let's get the forecast for the changing weather from storm 4 meteorologist, tom kierein. >> blustery and chilly now at dawn on this friday morning. temperatures continue to drop. a blustery northwest wind bringing in the colder weather. near 50 in washington, and it's going to stay chilly for the rest of the day with a blustery wind. this evening, we could get a few snowflakes, and saturday and sunday, partly cloudy, blustery and cold. we will take a br

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good morning. traveling southbound, i-97, connecting to route 50. earlier accident was blocking the right lane, but now it's in the right shoulder lane. you are still pretty slow traveling as you make your way past the accident there. inner loop of the beltway, still jammed at robinson terminal, and your delays continue as you head towards i-66. you are at 23 miles per hour. we'll have another news update in 25 minutes,

we're back now, k on a friday morning, the 16th day of december, 2011. we've got a big crowd of people out on the plaza this morning. a lot of these folks probably in town to wrap up their christmas shopping and we're just happy they decided to stop by and spend a little time with us here in rockefeller plaza. i'm matt lauer, with a big group today along with ann curry, al roker, savannah guthrie. >> a big group as in four of us. >> it went from there to there. >> a couple of chilly ones over there, hoda and kathie lee. >> we were told it was warmer

than it is. >> oh! you're going to shame me into this? >> no, i'll just snuggle in. >> the reason we have the big group out here is because we're going to take a look back at some of the fun we've had in 2011. >> brace ourselves because we're going to be showing you all of the clips they put together. we've not seen what they put together, this is the first glimpse of it. >> i've seen that. >> yes, but what i mean is the complete compendium we have not seen and we shall see the choreography. oh, boy. >> natalie has got a check of the headlines. let's get in and get warm. >> thank you, matt. good morning, everyone, once again. after one of the most negative weeks on the campaign the republican presidential candidates kept things civil last night abefore the iowa caucuses. newt gingrich and mitt romney

directed their attacks at president obama instead. president obama is standing by his decision to hand an award to dakota myer. it was reported he probably deserved the medal but portions of the citations were untrue, unsubstantiated or exaggerated. major league baseball's home run king barry bonds faced up to 21 months in prison, he was convictcon convicted of obstructing justice for purposely misleading a jury of an investigation into steroid abuse. a quick roundup of what has you talking online, christopher hitchens is a top search on google and a twitter trending topic as well as literary greats and celebrities alike, quote him and mourn his passing. he died thursday after a long bat well cancer. salman rushdie tweeted

"good-bye, my beloved friend. a great voice falls silent. a great heart stops." this is at a. rally, having locked with mystery kissers. the problem is the kissers were their own parents. the school's principal is apologizing. no more mr. nice judge, a top search on google, howard stern said to replace piers morgan on nbc's "america's got talent." stern tweeted morgan tweeted about throwing contestants into a vat of acid. >> announcer: "today's" weather is brought to you by jared, the galleria for a check of your we. >> and that's what's going on around the country, and here's what's going on in your neck of

the woods. >> that's a live view from the skywatcher camera. winds at 30 miles per hour, bringing in much colder weather. and on this friday morning, we are in the 40s through much of the region, and the winds are gusting and we will be that way into the afternoon, a chilly day. and maybe a few wet snowflakes >> i got some nice friends from our cincinnati station. >> ron schmidt and wife keri from cincinnati. >> coming up, we'll look at all of the fun we had over the past year, coming up right after this. right? >> yes! - the craving for chocolate... - oooh. - is all grown up. - oooh. - jared presents beautiful natural levian chocolate diamonds and chocolate south sea pearls. levian is the only company on earth to make jewelry with chocolate diamonds. levian: the leading family in jewelry, from ancient royalty to today's red carpet. you will only find these styles at jared. levian chocolate diamonds:

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go to capitalone.com. i wonder what it could be?! what's in your wallet? back at 8:07, as "today" looks back at 2011. it was a memorable year on the show. >> that's right, and here are the highlights. ♪ you and me, we're running this town ♪ ♪ and it's me and we're shaking the ground ♪ ♪ this is our show ♪ everybody, whoa, oh, oh ♪ come on, oh, oh, oh ♪ let me hear you now ♪ oh, oh >> and good morning, welcome to "today" on a thursday morning. i'm matt lauer. >> and i'm ann curry in for i

guess nobody this morning. me, myself and i. oh your birthday wish to meet me. you have a sign. happy birthday. >> hi, i'm matt. >> i'm al roker. >> nice to meet you. >> natalie is going to be replacing ann at the news desk. >> yes. >> that means there is an opening in the 9:00 hour so if you would like to host the 9:00 hour, savannah guthrie is moving from the white house in washington to new york city to join us in the 9:00. >> ann curry this lady came from a thousand oaks just for a hug from you. >> you know what? i give a good hug, baby, come on! group hug. >> a woman after my own heart, matt i've purelld a cheek for to you kiss. >> you kissed the wrong cheek! ♪ i've had the time of my life and i never felt this way before ♪ ♪ and i swear this is true and i owe it all to you, you, you,

you ♪ >> after months of personal reflection and private conversations to my family and my friends, i've decided to leave "today" in june. >> all right, mr. roker. >> mr., ahhh -- already you're forgetting me? >> i swear i just saw a bat fly over. i got to get help. >> put some air in there and pour that into the hot pan. >> mama, we're in the house! ♪ saying good-bye, when words aren't enough ♪ ♪ keep away the cold, oh, no ♪ say good-bye, now where our story ends ♪ ♪ i know you can't be mine, not the way you've always been ♪ ♪ as long as we've got time, for

saying good-bye ♪ ♪ oh, no, it's saying good-bye ♪ where them girls at, girls at ♪ where dem girls at, girls at ♪ >> hey, every day is a good day with you hoda woman. >> getting drunk. >> you came to the right place! ♪ party rock >> matt get over here. >> i'm actually going out over the air? >> yes, we're on tv. ♪ hey, everybody, everybody, that will make you want to move it like they do it at south beach ♪ ♪ hey, hey, hey, hey, hey, hey ♪ >> eh pa! this is what i came back to television to do. ♪ i will make it, believe

>> it's an honor to meet you, your holiness, thank you so much. >> i lift you up all the way to the heavens. >> thank you. >> a tsunami is coming right now, they're yelling at everybody to get out of the way. ♪ to conquer, to thrive, a chance to win ♪ >> all four -- what is the future you wish for iran, why? ♪ >> today and tomorrow, whoa! ♪ >> this is a play grouground. that's the mississippi river. >> you see what used to be freedom tower, now one world trade center. ♪ i will be right there from the ground like a skyscraper ♪ >> wow. >> it is our tenth anniversary of lend a hand today, and this year promises to be our biggest

year ever. see you tomorrow in vegas. we've got seven, count 'em seven trucks. open them up! let's open them up! here we go! open up that truck. i'm going to see you from birmingham. i got to get started now. ♪ you're my biggest "a" girl, you're my biggest cake girl ♪ ♪ let me play it now, let me play it now like ♪ ♪ whoa, oh, oh, oh, oh >> good-bye to you. >> she went into the abbey as kate middleton, came out a princess. >> standing by with my binocula binoculars. >> they'll share that kiss. >> i got to tell you, it was a huge party here. ♪ oh, oh, whoa, oh, oh, oh >> where in the world is matt lauer? >> look out below, here in the

southern hemisphere, that is what we call spring skiing. i want to say pull up, pull up. and i like it here. i will tell you that. >> two big guys in a little car. >> we're going this way. i'm standing on this sky bridge connecting the petronis towers here in kuala lumpur, malaysia. ♪ written in the stars >> this is good times ten. i'm on a horse, in theçó beautil island nation of barbados. >> ooh the snowshoe. hit it. oh, did we forget to hook mine up? ♪ ♪ i get a good feeling, yeah

♪ oh, sometimes, i get a good feeling ♪ >> i just shook a few hands outside, i'm not sure i should do that. >> you should have washed them. don't put those on our beautiful table. >> sorry. >> one, two, three, go. >> i'm not taking a dog biscuit, no way. i learned that trick from matt lauer. okay. >> let me tell you a great way to keep your potatoes hot while you're waiting. >> i know all about keeping my potatoes hot. >> i make you nervnervous, don'? >> yes you do. look, there's chocolate cake to serve with this. >> oh, no, you're not changing the subject. ♪ now, now, now, come on ♪ now, now, now, come on ♪ you know you make me feel like

i'm the only girl in the world ♪ ♪ today i don't want to do anything, i just want to lay in my bed ♪ ♪ you traveling around town with the girl i love and forget you ♪ ♪ just the change in my pocket wasn't enough, as i forget you and forget her, too ♪ ♪ tonight is the night, girl, tonight is the night ♪ ♪ oh, ooh, tonight is the night ♪ >> they closed off 49th street, our biggest concert crowd ever. >> this presented problems when ann pulled in this morning and her motorcade they had to move some of these people out of the way. ♪ i'll tell you if it's snowing ♪ oh it's definitely snowing ♪

♪ or the wind is blowing ♪ if the wind is blowing ♪ all i want to do is have some fun ♪ ♪ >> ladies and gentlemen, ann curry. ♪ they say brandi, such a novel round, she serves them whiskey and wine ♪ ♪ the sailors say brandi ♪ party on, say that it's september ♪ yes, sir, it's my baby now ♪ >> favorite tv daytime show, these guys right here! ♪ because i got a feeling ♪ whoa, ooh, yeah, i got a feeling ♪ oh ♪ ♪ you know i got a feeling ♪ oh, yeah, i got a feeling ♪ sit a spell, it will take about an hour ♪ ♪ i'll tell you all a story about me and matt lauer ♪

♪ you're the one that i think about all day ♪ >> put the mike closer to her mouth, right up against her mouth. can you speak louder, ma'am? can you speak louder? louder, yes. >> what soap opera did awe peer on in 1982? >> this is the soap opera i appear on every single day. ♪ oh, oh, oh, oh, whoa, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh ♪ >> it is called the lauer. you no he that? >> it is? ♪ >> yeah! >> come on, let's go! ♪

>> let's show everybody where dhee keeps her tweeter so to speak, right in the old spanxs-arooney. >> this is not preventing the snow from reaching my scalp. ♪ you make me >> looks like the girls are late again. ♪ >> hey, i'm drivin' here! ♪ all i do is win, win, win no matter what, what, what ♪ ♪ got money on my mind, can never get enough ♪ ♪ and every time i step in the field, everybody's hands go up ♪ ♪ all i do is win, win, win ♪ and if you gonna win put your hands in the air and say yeah ♪ ♪ you can count on me like one, two, three ♪

i'll be there and i know when i need it i can count on you ♪ ♪ like four, three, two, and you'll be there ♪ ♪ cause that's what friends are supposed to do eoh, yeah ♪ ♪ ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh ♪ ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh ♪ you can count on me cause i can count on you. >> u.s. -- sorry, a mosquito is in here. ♪ i was born this way, don't let yourself regret ♪ ♪ i'm on the right track baby, i was born this way ♪ ♪ born this way ♪ baby i was born this way >> contact lenses have been great for ann's career. >> which actually i don't wear them which is why i can't read the teleprompter half the time.

>> it's been a long time since i've had the power of the pool -- >> sorry, that was funny. >> guys, you didn't hear, they're lower in alcohol. you're not going to like them. >> still ahead we got kathie lee and hoda coming up. >> and it's going to be great. >> what's ann curry doing here? oh, you forgot your blackberry. ann curry forgot her blackberry. >> sarah va in a's iphone is under the table and playing music. >> please don't reveal. >> it's glee! >> no, no! oh, no! ♪ pick it up, pick it up, pick it up, oh ♪ ♪ pick it up, pick it up, pick it up, oh ♪ >> that was a bird. >> whoa! >> did you see that on tv? ♪ i'm on the edge of glory and

i'm hanging on by more than my shoes ♪ ♪ i'm on the edge, i'm the edge, the edge, the edge ♪ ♪ i'm on the edge of glory and i'm hanging on a moment with you ♪ >> i own the george washington bridge! i'm king of the bridge! ♪ i'm on the edge with you ♪ today's a day, everything's going your way ♪ ♪ today, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah ♪ ♪ today, today, yeah, today, today, yeah ♪ ♪ yeah, today, yeah, today ♪ today, yeah, mmm

>> wow! >> so many people did a great job. >> unbelievable. erica levins, lindsay grubbs, amanda avery, editors molly paul, drew candel and jay ashonovsky and graphics team, help me, millie. guy, well done. >> and also well done in 2011, a lucky time, a lucky staff. >> it's not over. >> a big year. oh, we got more. >> i want to take a nap after watching all that but we still have a show to do so don't. >> go anywhere. >> i like that magic box. >> that will be under your christmas tree, al. much more ahead including daniel craig coming up.

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way to protect your skin from the harsh what you real the next guest -- >> daniel craig after your local news. this is a news4 news break. >> good morning. i am joe krebs. it's 8:26 on this friday. it's the 16th day of december, and it's getting colder out there. let's go to storm 4 meteorologist, tom kierein. >> temperatures have plummeted 15 degrees in the last couple hours. winds are gusting to around 15 miles per hour. and it's in the 30s. and we will have this chilly weather with us for the rest of the day. this evening we might get a few wet snowflakes south of washington, and then saturday and

good morning. the multivehicle accident, route 50 on 97 southbound is now in the right shoulder lane, and

traffic is going quite nicely past the accident. big delays on the inner loop of the robinson terminal, you are still slow as you

8:30 now on this tgif, friday morning, the 16th of december, 2011, and you're looking at claire dane who just picked up a golden globe nomination in the showtime series "homeland" she's gathering gifts for our toy drive. "homeland" is one of president

barack obama's favorite shows so that's an exciting thing. i don't know who is more excited about that, or picking up the golden globe nomination. we'll talk about a very talented actor, another one in our studio. >> very talented and extremely versatile, daniel craig, one of the stars of the new movie "girl with the dragon tattoo." it is an extremely powerful movie. we'll talk to him about that, some other things as well. >> it's going to be a christmas to remember for one michigan family who suddenly found themselves homeless after a medical crisis. they'll share their story with us. >> okay, on another note we have jill martin back with another holiday steals and deals for you as well. >> first a check of the weather. >> let's look ahead to your weekend, tomorrow, sunshine in the northeast and new england, going to be cold. we got cold and frigid weather through the plains, mild through the gulf coast, showers in florida and texas. sunday, sunday, sunshine continues along the east, the s continues along the east coast, and showers along the pacific

northwest coast. rain in southern texas where they need it and the southwest as well. that's what's going on around the country, and here's what's going on in your neck of the woods.. >> good morning. it has turned much chillier overnight. the skywatcher camera being shook by 30-mile-per-hour winds. reagan national at 49, and we will stay chilly for the rest of the day. we might get sprinkles overnight, and even a few wet snowflakes to be followed by cold, blustery weather for >> and that's your latest weather. >> when we come back we'll bring some holiday cheer to a family that can really use some, we'll explain that. first this is today on nbc.

back now at 8:34, more than

49 million americans now live below the poverty line and a number of them like the family you're about to meet propelled into bankruptcy by a one-two punch of job loss and a catastrophic health crisis. "today" national correspondent jenna wolfe is here with more. >> good morning to you, ann. in michigan the families of former autoworkers were among those taking the biggest hit and this holiday season as part of our getting to the heart of christmas series we wanted to offer a little hope to one family in crisis. >> i miss being able to say that i have a home. that's the hardest part. >> reporter: meet finley klein, this high school junior and family of six represent the new face of america's homeless. >> i can see how this could rip families apart. >> reporter: since early october the klein family has been crashing at a friend's vacant home in suburban detroit. >> everything was going fine three years earlier. i could give them everything and

now piece by piece, it was getting taken away from me. >> reporter: a few short years ago the kleins lived a life full of promise, but then disaster struck. finley was diagnosed with a rare tumor. >> all around here. >> it's a bone-eating tumor that grows at a very, very fast rate. >> the first picture that my dad showed me, her face was like over here, and when we found out she had the second tumor, it was even more scary, because my dad said she might not be good. >> reporter: with their daughter fighting for her life and no insurance, the $100,000 surgery wiped out the klein's savings. facing bankruptcy, the kleins lost their home and were evicted. >> that broke my heart right there. it was the worst. i would take another tumor any day just to be back there and just for that to never happen again. >> any more swelling? >> yeah.

that hurt worse than all of my surgeries put together. yeah, my jaw. >> your whole sense of normalcy is gone, and trying to figure out what we're going to do to bring that back is when it's just like a neverending road that we're on right now. obviously it's going to be christmas celebrating, we're going to be surrounded by friends and family and that's the most important thing. >> reporter: the family expects another bare bones christmas. we follow michelle to the local walmart where she plans to pick up some lights for the tree, but we actually have quite a surprise in store. our team is giving them a christmas to remember, by giving michelle the run of the store. >> oh, wow. >> the wonderful people of walmart opened up their stores and their aisles and their hearts. the store is your oyster, michelle. >> oh, wow. what do i do? holy cow.

serious seriously. >> look at this face. would we lie to you? >> pick out what you need, what you think the kids will enjoy for christmas and we'll take care of it. >> oh! let's go shopping. where's my kleenex? >> can we can why you're crying? this should be happy. >> i'm overwhelmed. i don't know what to think. >> don't think and just lead with your heart. michelle makes up for all of the years of underwear and socks. >> they all need laptops, even darby. >> laptops for school, a kindle for finley, an xbox for garrett. >> oh, this is kind of cute. >> some new duds for darby. >> can i get my husband a tv? >> and the mother of all tvs for russ. >> wow, that is really big. oh my gosh. >> and the candy kanes should go this way. >> back at michelle's parents house our team is busy decorating and wrapping the presents so the family can celebrate when the kids get out of school. >> this is overwhelming.

this is overwhelming. >> why are you crying? >> it's a tough couple years for them. >> i'm sure. what's this going to mean for their children? >> incredible. >> what we decided to do when you went to school today was bring christmas to your house. are you okay? >> you got me a laptop? >> the coolest present i've had ever. >> ooh! >> awesome! >> pretty fantastic. >> holy! wow! >> reporter: we saved the best for last, telling the kleins the "today" show was flying them to new york, to be on the "today" show, to be on our set with matt lauer and ann curry, and finally take in new york city the way you guys should and spend a christmas like i'm sure you've wanted to.

>> i love you. ♪ joy to the world, the lord is come ♪ >> it is my great pleasure to introduce to you, ann, the klein family, russ, michelle, finley, garrett, darby, and kendall. welcome. >> good morning you guys and welcome. i feel like we're so far away from you. i'm going to step across and welcome you in person and michelle, we could tell you two it meant so much for to you give these things to your children. and to think you only wanted slippers for christmas. >> i love slippers. it's all i really wanted. >> but you really want a job. >> four years ago when i was in the ford factory, left because we were worried about it, but you know, i'm back in michigan now, that's right where i want to be again, it's the best job i've ever had. >> fingers crossed, things are getting better and better. finley watching this, you were particularly emotional. you say that losing your home

hurt even more than even suffering through this tumor. what do you want to say to people listening this morning about what it means to be one of the what, 60,000 children who are in america today who are homeless and who are enduring this kind of pain. what do you want to say on behalf of all these young people? >> well, even though like they don't have homes, they have, we have a strong family, so it is our home, our family is our home. >> you've come closer together as a family because of all this? >> um-hum. >> because you've had to, and i can see it's been emotional for all of you and your family. i want you to know that it's the best is yet to come, because we want to tell you that actually getting to the heart of christmas, wants to give you something else, the team at walmart wants to give you a monthly stipend to pay for food, clothing, and also fulfilling

expensive medicines, anything else you need for a year. >> oh, god. >> wow, thank you. thank you. thank you very much. >> walmart's been wonderful. they've just been fantastic and the "today" show. >> and everybody connected with the "today" show and walmart, you know, i love you guys. >> this has been great, i don't know if we deserve it. >> it is what you deserve, clearly you as parents are doing everything you can to help your family. have you learned what it takes, finley, watching your parents? do you think about what they have done for you, what they've done for your brothers and sisters? what have you learned about the heroism it takes to be a parent sometimes? >> i know that it's hard, and they're really courageous and i just, i love them for doing everything that they've done for us. >> i should mention having spent

time with them this is the most grateful, beautiful family you'll meet, they're grateful for every small thing. to spend a holiday like this, you can see it in their eyes as they're all shedding tears you can understand how much they appreciate this. >> thank you and good luck to your family, we pray for you and all families. >> thank you. >> thank you to everyone who is involved and clearly a message we all need to add community, involve more to help our homeless families. we're back with much more. this is "today" on nbc. >> thank you. [ female announcer ] more people are using wireless devices... in more ways than ever. and our networks are getting crowded. but if congress frees up more wireless spectrum... we can empower more people to innovate... putting momentum behind our economy. and we can reduce the deficit... with more than thirty billion dollars paid by america's wireless companies. it's simple -- more spectrum means more freedom.

for everyone.

♪ and we're back now at 8:45 with one of hollywood's most versatile actors, said to star in a spielberg animation, currently shooting his third james bond film and one of the most anticipated movieness of the year "the girl with the dragon tattoo." take a look. >> those are from her, the rest

from her killer. >> who knows about this? >> just me, the police, the killer. and now you. >> daniel craig, welcome back. good to see you >> nice to be here. >> how you been? >> good. i was thinking about your career, reading the notes. you are not afraid to take on roles that put you in the cross-hairs of passionate fans, the whole bond stuff which you have completely laid to rest and now this. people love this book. they love this story, and they have expectations. did you worry at all about it? >> i didn't really. i think that once i read the script which i thought was a true and accurate sort of adaptation of the book and i

kind of was fulfilled with confidence, i knew he would do a good job. >> as an actor when you read steve larson's book were you already thinking what it might be like to play this character? >> me and millions of others. >> you can dream about it, think it might come your way. how did it eventually come your way? >> a phone call, just andy pascal from sony and i went to see david in los angeles, had dinner with him and said let's do it. >> he looked at you and this is one of those stories i'm not sure how accurate it is, you can correct employee, you were in the best shape of your life and said you're playing a journalist, playing a guy who probably wouldn't be in that great a shape. i'm not sure if i should be insulted by that. >> you shouldn't be. you're in great shape. >> you had to put on some weight. >> it was as much to do with the fact i wanted to look at kind of normal a guy as possible and the fact of it is, is that this guy is, you know, a journalist and he works and works very hard and maybe drinks a little too much, and but when sort of the thriller aspect of this movie

kicks in, i wanted him to be in danger. i wanted him to look like -- >> you didn't want him to be bond. >> exactly what it is, yeah. >> and christopher plummer was here, one of your co-stars, and he talked about the location, earlier this week, and he said you shot a lot of this in sweden in the winter and wasn't sure if you'd ever been that cold. >> i don't know why he's complaining. he's wearing a fur coat and i've got like a t-shirt on. i don't know how that worked out. >> he said you shivered through most of the movie. >> that was real, that wasn't just acting. >> rooney mara, there was talk maybe scarlet johansson or natalie portman. rooney was not all that well-known. >> unknown. >> do you think that that was important? >> i do. i mean, the sort of story surrounding it was what was going on in the outside world.

we knew, once i met rooney and talked to david she was the right girl for the part and all of this sort of, you know, the brouhaha that was going on, it didn't make any sense once we started filming. once i saw how good an actress she is and what great person she is, i had every confidence in her. >> not only does she transform herself into this role but within the role, within the movie she goes from at times being androgenous to other times being anything but the androgenous. she's a kchameleon within the role. >> she's done a wonderful job. >> there are quite adult themes in this. >> in the whole movie. i wouldn't have done it if it hadn't have been. have anybody has read the books they know what the themes are, deals with sexual politics, deals with violence against women and all of those things are important to the story, so my kind of theory is i'm hoping

babysitters are going to make a lot of money out of the money. >> hire a babysitter, do not take the kids. you're in the middle of shooting your third bond. how is that going? >> going good. >> how long do you have ahead of you? >> we shot six weeks and shoot until the end of may so i can't work that out but a long time. >> staying true to the genre, what people expect? >> a little bit more this time. >> daniel indication, incredibly versatile in this movie "girl with the dragon tattoo" will wow people. it's very powerful. >> thank you so much. >> happy holidays. >> and to you. >> thank you very much. a new release date, moved up to a nationwide release on december 20th. check that out. up next, jenna bush hager on a young man making his mark on and off the playing field. we'll talk about that, but first and off[ female announcer ] at verizonfios.com,

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this morning on "tooled's extra yard," an nfl rookie with a tough upbringing making people around him better. jenna bush hager has the story. good morning. >> good morning, ann. baltimore ravens wide receiver torrey smith might be known for his skills on the field but it's his character off it that makes him truly stand out. determination. drive. resilience. all words rookie torrey smith lives and plays by.

practices at the ravens facility, the 22-year-old already feels like a winner, like a survivor. would you say that you fought for all of this? >> definitely. i feel like nothing's given to you. >> reporter: the odds were stacked against torrey from the beginning. his mother, monica jenkins was only 16 when torrey was born. >> i was a baby having a baby and he was born with jaundice, meningitis, so he stayed in the hospital for a few months. >> reporter: monica had more babies while she was a teenager. times were tough and she worked two jobs to feed her kids. >> she financially did everything, and i just stepped up and was trying to be a good role model for them. >> reporter: even as a little boy, torrey was a man of the house, playing the role of parent. >> he was 4 years old and i remember him getting up and fixing bowls of cereal for his siblings, because i've worked all night. >> i'd help take care of my brothers and sisters from microwave to putting everybody to bed to putting clothes on them. just taking a little stress off my mother. >> reporter: his brothers, minke and tevin say torrey raised them

and their four other siblings. if you could describe your brother what would you say about him? >> very humble, kind, just all-around good person. >> he was just like all-around good to me. >> reporter: being the father figure also meant trying to shield the family from violence. >> i saw him put a gun to her head before and he pulled the trigger, me and my brother in the back seat, went up through the roof and you have no control over it. ♪ when i get older >> reporter: torrey found control on the high school football field. he got a full score larship to the university of maryland, the first man in his family to attend college. he played for coach ralph prejean. >> he's honest, caring, loyal and good person. >> reporter: right when life seemed to be finally going his

torrey's mother was sent to jail for felony wounding. the coach served as a character witness for monica and wrote a letter explaining torrey is the best example of the good she could contribute to society. >> in my 41 years of coaching i have never met a better character player than torrey, an unselfish hard worker, he's a testimony to her hard work and destination. >> reporter: monica was able to see torrey graduate and from her he learned the importance of redemption. earlier this season, with seconds left in the game against the steeler, torrey dropped the game winning pass in the end zone but his team kept the faith in the man who has always beaten the odds, another ball was thrown his way, this time for the victory. >> a lot of people you know kind of look back on it like you were kind of built for that situation, my head wasn't down and the catch is up to him, it was big. >> and torrey is still taking care of his family. they say he makes sure they're okay financially before he

spends any money on himself, and they're all going to his house for christmas in baltimore. >> great story. jenna bush hager thank you so much. catch the ravens taking on the chargers sunday night on nbc, coverage at 7:00 p.m. eastern on "football night in america." just ahead, jill martin's holiday steals and deals, after your local news. good morning, everybody. 8:56 is the time. i am barbara harrison. it's friday, december 16th. tom, what's the forecast? >> it was balmy when you went to bed, but a big chill is blowing in, and temperatures are down in the 40s. a few hours ago it was in the

60s. and we got a cold front coming through. we will stay chilly the rest of the day, and this evening we might get a few wet snowflakes or sprinkles early in mid evening to be followed by a cold and blustery weekend. and b[ male announcer ] citibank's new app for ipad

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good morning. if you are traveling on the inner loop of the beltway, there are some delays here. if you are heading towards bw parkway, there are delays but the road opens up for you. more news, weather and

back now more of "today" on this friday morning, the 16th day of december, 2011, and we've got a great start for the weekend of sightseeing here in the big apple and we're glad that all of these lovely people decided to stop here on the plaza, say hello to us. m ann curry along with al roker and savannah guthrie. matt had to leave early on friday morning. coming up we'll have help with house hunting. >> that's right, we'll be shown how far your money can go from a charming lakefront property in georgia to a hip pad in downtown new york. >> i think of barbara cork ran i

think of that. jill martin is here with her patented steals and deals, up to 80% off on a host of products, drinks are free but she's also got great lotion there from bliss and beautiful products. >> don't get those confused. >> we'll check in with jill in a little bit. >> we also have some flirty dresses. you'll be paying a lot of attention to bring in the new year on a budget. claire dane, star of a wonderful show on showtime. >> you are so great. >> claire, good morning to you. i am such a huge fan of the show, you've been nominated for a golden globe, co-star damien lewis, the show has been nominated. you've won two already. are you goingor the three-peat? >> i'm happy to be invited to the party. it's a great thrill and honor and we just basically finished filming so it's wonderful to have this immediate response and appreciation, so no, i couldn't

be happier. >> i love how i guess to some degree how your character is and the storyline is one that gets a lot of sort of notes. did you know it is one of president barack obama's favorite shows on television? >> i heard that. >> what is your reaction to that? >> that means -- what? i mean, what! he's in the opening credits so maybe that's why. if i were in the opening credits of the show i would have to tune in. it's amazing honor. >> and you guys just finished filming your finale, just finished the finale. now you have season two coming back. >> yes. >> any tips, hints you can give us? >> they won't even tell me. i'm in the dark as much as anybody else. >> come on, claire. >> you could work here. >> they're trying to figure out where they're going to take the show as well, so it's a mystery to all. >> season finale on sunday, all questions will be answered?

>> more questions will be answered and other questions will be posed. >> you are immensely talented. thank you. >> i love watching you. thank you so much. by the way we should mention "homeland" airs -- >> sunday nights on showtime. i can tell you that by heart, i'm a huge fan. now a check of the news from natalie at the news desk. >> good morning, ann, al and saravannah and everyone. two former state penn officials head to face charges they did not respond correctly to charges jerry sandusky was molest young boys. assistant coach mike mcqueary alifd rrived at the courthouse. his allegations are the at the center of the investigation. one of the attorneys is offering an explanation why the disgraced coach was showers with disadvantaged young boys, he said sandusky may have been teaching them proper hygiene.

gop presidential front-runner newt gingrich was the prime suspect at the last debate before the official launch of the 2012 election season in iowa, taking particularly sharp aim last night was minnesota congresswoman michele bachmann accusing gingrich of being a washington lobbyist for accepting payments from freddie mac. gingrich fought off criticism from rival mitt romney that he's too zany to be president and rick perry said he's hoping to be the tim tebow of the iowa caucuses. an 11th hour deal has been reached to avoid a government shutcounsel ahead of today's midnight deadline. congressional negotiators reached a compromise on a $1 trillion spending bill and also pushing to renew a payroll tax cut. just in kad, senate majority leader harry reid are proposing a plan b for a two-month

extensi extension. firefighters had to dismantle part of a chimney so jorge could go free to face his mom. don't try that one at home. five minutes past the hour, let's go back to al for a check of the weather. >> nice. okay, thanks, natalie. let's check it out and see what's happening for today. we've got a storm system getting itself together we have a storm system and a cold front into the midwest. we have a few clouds making their way in the pacific northwest. all in all, not a bad one today. windy conditions in the northeast, and parts of southern texas with rain, and we continue with the air stagnation problems in the northwest. we have a live view from the skywatcher camera looking from the northwest.

temperatures are down in the 40s. upper 30s in the shenandoah valley. and a chilly friday and maybe this evening a few sprinkles or perhaps a few wet snowflakes. saturday and sunday, partly cloudy and bluster ♪ she's a brick house time for out "today's real estate" what you can get for under 400,000 bucks, from georgia to washington state, barbara corcoran is here with stunning homes on the market now. good to see you. >> nice to see you, too, al. >> we head to georgia, thomasville, i had, to, charming small town, large traditional five bedroom. >> this is a town that everybody likes each other, they live next door, a lot of mom and pop type businesses and a friendly town but this is one big house with more roofs than dogs have fleas. nine peaks in total. that's a lot of snow to plow off there. the snow sits -- pardon me, the

house sits over an acre of lakefront, dramatic two-story entry wane with waynes coating and natural light. kitchen is elegant, granite counters and breakfast nook walks out to the porch. i love the high glass which can knick table in the dining room. simple, neat, makes you want to look down and i love the floor to ceiling windows. what a difference the foot makes on the bottom of the windows. the great room has a cathedral ceiling and marble fireplace. the sunroom you'll see in a moment is as sunny as they get, and it looks out onto a fish pond and the southern pines that lead you down to the lake. that's a lakefront front and if you don't want to swim in the lake it also has its own big saltwater pool in the backyard. not bad for $309,000. >> that's pretty darned good. let's stay in the south, ft. mill, south carolina, got a southern style double decker porch with a five-bedroom home attached to it. >> a lot to get out of that

mouth of yours, right? the ft. mill makes the claim to have some of the best schools in the state. i checked that out, that's entirely true. this home has that double decker that is hard to find anywhere else but the south. the southerners love, i think anybody would love to have two porches. cherry cabinets and corian counters. i like the wood floors with crown moulding and the chair rails. the living room has the classic nine over nine windows people like, it has gleaming wood floors and very formal looking dining room. what do you think about the red chair? i loved it in the corner, went by. the master bedroom has a dramatic trade ceiling and recessed lighting and the private fenced backyard has a pretty patio with its own fire pit and charming fence that knocks it off from the rest of the yard. >> one-bedroom apartment located in the trendy new york neighborhood downtown manhattan. on a tree lined street. >> what do you get for 379 in

new york city? a small one-bedroom in the east village surrounded by crazy people with a lot of fun in the evening hours. >> you live near there? >> no, i used to live there. it's a great place to live. >> crazy people. >> whoa, not very nice! inside there's a kitchen that in new york city is an amazing kitchen, even has that little dining area there, considered an eat-in kitchen new york city style, modern wood cabinets and corian counters. the living room has blond hardwood floors, french doors and recessed lighting. there's a nice roof deck you have on the top of your building that's not yours, you share it with your crazy neighbors but it has terrific cityscape views and the maintenance on this little apartment is terrific. it's only $450 a month, typically $650 to maybe $800 in any other part of the city. >> tacoma, washington, a kind of a dollhouse version. >> so different. you can get a lot more here for $388, you get an 1890 queen anne

victorian, almost impossible to find and hard to pick the right green color but these owners managed to do it. the wraparound staircase goes up two floors, all of the beautiful original detail has been left intact. what a nice shot of that, right? the kitchen has granite counters, stainless steel appliances and striped window, i don't know what happened, it fell down or something, should be raised about two feet but other than that it's a perfect kitchen. the dining room, wood floors, fir fireplace in the corner, the corner fireplace in the living room converted from coal to gas with an ornate mantle left intact and there's a piano room with ten-foot ceilings, pocket doors and bay windows and the maer bathroom has a vertable almost spa of its own, soaking tub, separate shower and lots of beautiful finishes. the master bedroom is up in the turret of the house which i

love, windows on every side. >> and pulaski, new york, a nice house there. >> here we have the world famous place for the best fishing in the world for sharks, penguins, porpoises, only kidding, actually salmon but the adirondack style retreat sits on its own seven acres and has almost 300 feet of river frontage if you're a fisherman. it has a metal roof that can easily handle the snow, there's the darling little side porch perfect for a corn cobb pipe smoking, i can picture you there, al, 24-foot high ceilings, i got that out, and everything is tongue and groove pine throughout the entire house. the kitchen is fully equipped with gas stove, oversized refrigerator and hidden laundry closet and the fancy stair railing was designed by a local new england artist and the second story space is open and easily converted to another two bedrooms, it's a giant open loft space. >> beautiful. >> that's a big house.

>> pulaski right near us in new york. >> nice up there. dry hands to chapped lips we'll help you wipe away the inwither it skin. sailing away on a carnival vacation to skin care and diamonds, jill martin has the often duplicated never equalled holiday steals and deals.

why se ttle for a why se one-note cereal? ♪ more, more, more... get more with honey bunches of oats 4 nutritious grains come together for more taste, more healthy satisfaction. get more with honey bunches of oats. nurse...! [ female announcer ] dawn power clean can give you the power of an overnight soak

in just 5 minutes. [ sponge ] it's a scientific miracle! [ female announcer ] dawn does more. [ sponge ] so it's not a chore. nyquil tylenol: we are?ylenol. you know we're kinda like twins. nyquil (stuffy): yeah, we both relieve coughs, sneezing, aches, fevers. tylenol: and i relieve nasal congestion. nyquil (stuffy): overachiever. anncr vo: tylenol cold multi-symptom nighttime relieves nasal congestion... nyquil cold & flu doesn't. and tea to choose from. it's the way to individually brew fresh, delicious coffee in under a minute. way to brew, hon.

bisquick makes amazing pancakes... and pizza... chicken tenders... even strawberry shortcake. unleash the hidden power of bisquick. ♪ baby i like it, the way you move on the floor ♪ ♪ baby i like it this morning another holiday edition of "jill's steals and deals" from omaha steaks to a four-night carnival cruise for all of you last-minute shoppers. jill martin is here to take us through it. >> good morning. >> blockbuster deals once again. a quick explanation how this works. >> go on today.com right now. this is our best line ever so logon right now. we have so much, so much

quantity, but i know it's going to fly. >> it will get there, all of this by the holidays in time for christmas. >> all of this in time for christmas. >> first a new one from bliss. this is amazing. >> so fabulous, guys and girls are ready to steal. orange peel set, the fabulous fivesome they're calling it, retail $95, the set includes soapy suds, body scrub, mini for travel, body butter mini, blood orange fragrance, retail $95, the deal $23.75, that's 75% off and this is the biggest deal the company has ever done. >> that is amazing and these products are so hot, so it's great. okay next, diamond very near studs from say hello diamonds. they look like real diamonds. >> they do, i'm wearing them right now. the retail is $195. i wore them around to see if people thought, they're two carats made from 100% real diamond particles.

the particles are dusted on to a cz stone creating a sparkling diamond veneer. the retail $195, the deal is $49, that's 75% off. >> they are beautiful. >> that's great for a whom who needs a classic stud but can't afford the real thing. >> exactly. next this is the sure to thrill gift assortment from omaha steaks. they were one of our first steals and deals and the phones are ringing right now. >> my friend mark texted me last night, can i have the secret code now so i can get in on it? >> no, mark, you can't. >> the shortest thrill gift assortment, retail $185. the four five-ounce bacon wrapped filet mignon, four ounce center cut pork chops, four ounce boneless chick breast, steak burgers, baked potatoes, caramel apple tarts and gift cards for future purchases. the retail is $185, the deal

$39.99 for all of this, that's 78% off. >> wow and last time we had this deal, i think me and all of the crew, we all got on and ordered right away. make sure you do it as well. next the teleflora bouquet, every mom, grandma lofrsz loves to get flowers. retail is $70.94. teleflora, the largest network of local florists with over 15,000 shops around the country so everyone can get in on this, choice of three, all is bright centerpiece, the you and me bouquet and candy cane christmas, order through the 31st, so the retail is $70.94 to $75.94, the deal is $32.49 and that includes delivery, hand delivery, up to 57% off. >> for the sharp dressed man a

suit utility kit from indo chino. >> retail $148, created popular suit accessories, 100% silk skinny black necktie, pocket square monogrammed and cufflinks and free shipping. >> free shipping a big deal there. >> the deal is $29, 80% off. >> and free shipping again. and finally for the ultimate gift we move over to our cruise set. imagine this could be you on a carnival cruise. >> it could be you drinking away, cheers. >> with a better backdrop. what's the deal? >> from carnival cruise, retail $1,200, these guys are having fun, four days, four nights out of your choice of four different ports so miami, port canaveral, new orleans and long beach to destinations in the bahamas, western caribbean or baja,

mexico, for two people and two nights hotel accommodations in the port you choose to enjoy, the city before or after you return, the retail $1,200, the deal $549 for two people, that's 54% off, and you have a year to book this. >> so get on it right now. jill martin, great job, great deals for us, a big blockbuster holiday deal. again the products are a bliss beauty set, say hello diamonds, omaha steaks, teleflora, tweet us us@todayshow. first these messages. progresso. it fits!

fantastic! [ man ] pro-gresso they fit! okay-y... okay??? i've been eating progresso and now my favorite old jeans...fit. okay is there a woman i can talk to? [ male announcer ] progresso. 40 soups 100 calories or less. when sugar plums appear, temptation's all around. donuts, cakes and pies, they've got a gift for me, i wish that i could take it back, but there is no receipt. oh jiggle bells, jiggle bells, jiggle all the way. oh how i wish i could resist, jiggling this holiday. oh joy oh natural joy! truvia®, box of bliss, zero calorie sweetness from a leaf, my sugar plum happiness. truvia®. honestly sweet.

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♪ but sometimes i wonder... what's left behind? [ female announcer ] purifying facial cleanser from neutrogena® naturals. developed with dermatologists... it's clinically proven to remove 99% of dirt and toxins and purify pores. and with natural willowbark it contains no dyes, parabens or harsh sulfates. dirt and toxins do a vanishing act and my skin feels pure and healthy. [ female announcer ] purifying facial cleanser from neutrogena naturals. we've combined conditioner with a weightless nutri-oil treatment. to give 3x the internal nourishing power of our regular conditioner. new dove daily treatment conditioner. make friends with your hair. it ais always great to see people on the plaza bringing toys and helped so many needy

children this week and this month. they morning they got to meet claire danes, good enough to be our helper today. >> a lot of folks come down and go the extra mile. cindy monroe, good morning. >> good morning, thanks for having us. >> thank you for being here. >> we're excited, we donated over 250,000 of our thermal lunch bags, satchel backpacks for kids and teens across america. >> so cute. our affiliate in albany, georgia, did a little story on some of the work that you all have been able to do. you work for 36 charities in 24 states? >> we did, we got smiles and we're so excited to partner with "today." >> you did give one get one. if you bought a purse and got to give one away, too. >> yes, we got our consultants involved to do more. >> that's great. thank you so much. >> by the way if you want to continue to give to our toy

drive, continues through december 21st. just ahead an easy food swap to help you stay on your diet during the holidays. they're for keeping us together. ♪ [ boy ] to dad, love sam. [ mom ] say "merry christmas." [ boy ] merry christmas. [ female announcer ] hallmark recordable storybooks. [ boy ] charlie brown spotted a small, scraggly pine tree. ♪ it's real milk full of calcium and vitamin d. and tastes simply delicious. for those of us with lactose intolerance...

lactaid® milk. the original 100% lactose-free milk. good morning. the timism 9:26. it's friday, december 16th, 2011. we will check the weather now. >> a big change from last night. we went from the 60s around midnight all the way down into the 30s and 40s now and we will stay chilly the rest of the day. we have a blustery wind coming out of the northwest gusting 30 to 35 miles per hour. this evening after sunset we might get a few sprinkles of rain or wet snowflakes, and then cold in the mornings on the

weekend, and into next week, a bit milder tuesday and wednesday and could get some rain on

good morning.

seeing red on 66 east towards nutley. travel speeds in that area at 28 miles per hour, and a slow trip

this personal life, anything you chose not to disclose? >> nothing that warranted inclusion. >> well that is just a taste of one of the most highly anticipated movies of the year, "the girl with the dragon tattoo" based on the best selling book and actress rooney mara will share her experience on the film monday on "today." >> this is going to be good. also coming up from the dry heat inside to the whipping winds outside, your hair, face and skin really take a beating during the harsh winter months so we'll tell you what you can do to protect your skin from head to toe. and then you'll look good from head to toe with one of

these smashing party dresses to ring in the new year. we've got the hottest looks of the season for every budget. 'tis the season to eat, drink and be merry. all of the indulging can leave you anything but merry when you step on the scale. >> buzzkill. >> okay, debbie downer. >> you just go pig out and see what happens for the new year, all right? jenna wolfe is here. >> she won't. >> what is coming up on "weekend today"? >> big show. more than 1.5 million americans served in iraq since 2003, we're live as the last of the troops leave that country. then what is your new year's resolution, from a stress-free holiday season to putting your finances in order, to not wanting to step on the scale because you overate for the holidays, we'll tell you how to make it all work. after playing peter pan on stage for over 20 years, kathy rigby shares what it's like to be almost 60 and still playing the boy who grew up.

that is a split -- won't grow up. all that and more. >> she never grows up. she looks fantastic. >> she is peter pan. i saw the show the other day, i cannot believe what she does. >> she's young, she is the perfect person to play the character. >> she's got an amazing voice to go along. >> a lot of fun. >> she makes her own costumes. >> that, too. a check of the into stern texas. we are looking for a few showers in arizona, and that's what's going on around the country, and here's what's going on in your neck of the woods.. >> what a cold change overnight. it was around 60 or so around midnight. it has dropped 15 or so degrees since then. and it will hold steady

throughout the rest of the day, with a blustery northwest wind that will be gusting 30 to 35 miles per hour. might get a few wet snowflakes this evening and then saturday and sunday and into monday, partly cloudy >> and of course you know, sunday the most important night of the week, because it's sunday night, football night in america. that's right, and we got a good one for you, the baltimore ravens go flying to see the san diego chargers, fly little bird, fly! partly cloudy, cool, temperatures mid to upper 50s, sunday night, football night in america. i think i hurt something. >> our ears, ow. thanks, al. coming up next, head to toe tips to help you cope with dry, itchy, wintry skin. right after this. eggland's best eggs.

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"today's daily dose" is brought to you by progresso, 40 soups, 100 calories or less. ♪ and the sky is a hasty shade of winter ♪ this morning, wiping away winter skin. the cold, harsh weather can take its toll but dermatologist deborah wattenburg has tips on how to keep your skin healthy. good morning to you. >> good morning.

>> what's an all-over representation for moisture as we head into the winter months? >> you want to prevent. prevention is key. if you let your skin get out of control this winter there's no return. you want to be sure that you don't let the moisture seep out and you start itching and getting really uncomfortable. so the key to that is to shorten your showers, don't use scalding hot water. that will rip the natural barriers out of your skin. apply moisturizer, consider using these two-in-one body moisturizers which clean your skin and leave a thin film of moisturizer on and apply moisturizer to wet skin. it will seal some of the moisture and prevent some of the skin problems that develop. >> and drink water. how do you recommend keeping hair shiny and moist? >> hair is complicated. in the winter your scalp dries out so you get the dry flaky scales on your scalp, it feels itchy and your hair dries out from a combination of overprocessing too much heat,

too many blow dries. you need to use a salycylic acid, look for a shampoo for dry scalp or seborrhea, about you those hamper the dry hair conditions so condition with shea but thor it or moroccan oil. >> the face, a lot of women put moisturizer on our face. >> for the face change your routine as you change your wardrobe. you need to adjust if you're using products that contain a lot of benzoperoxide or salycylic acid. don't use a toner every single day or switch from a lotion or cream or oil. >> a lot of people get excema.

>> for those you want to treat the pack, cortisone cream, and progresses that are fragrant free. if they don't get better see a doctor. >> the lips you can't cover them up generally speaking. >> for lips prevent the problem from occurring, apply a fragrant free lip balm every day. i recommend putting an emollient onto your lips, vaseline, or favorite lip balm before bed even in your lips are not chapped. >> hands, the thinnest skin we have. what do you suggest? >> protect them from the elements inside and out. you can have issues from the cold weather, wear gloves, outdoors, gloves indoors, cotton lined rubber gloves are great, avoid using hand sanitizers, they worsen the dry skin condition and keep tons of moisturizer by the sink. >> after you wash put the moisturizer on. what about for feet? >> you want to protect your feet from the cold, wet environment,

use a pumice stone when you get out of the shower for two minutes on your heels and put moisturize moisturizers, you can wrap them in saran wrap and put socks on. that holds the moisture in. >> thank you very much. >> thank you. coming up next are you going to a new year's bash? we have perfect party dresses for every budget coming after this. ♪

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♪ the weather outside is frightful but the fire is so delightful ♪ this morning on "today's style" new year's eve fashion from sequins and lace to chiffon and jeweled tones the stores are filled with glamorous looks. isabel, good morning. >> thank you. >> what is the trick to dressing for the whole days and doing it without blowing your budget? >> keep in mind where you're going, what type of event but look for fabrics and colors that are inherently dressy, jewel tones, metallics, chiffons, these are things that will bring a sense of formality and the good news is there are options for every budget. >> let's get started, first with we're going to have all these different looks first we've got the red look and we've got our highs and lows and red really makes a statement. >> red is inherently dramatic. >> girls now we bring out the models. >> marie on the right is wearing more of a raspberry version red, a dressily cynthia vincent,

$295, and it's in crepe, elegant, easy to dress up and you can see it lends itself well to a grecian elegant draping. >> flattering on any figure and you have the lower priced option which is equally as gorgeous. >> diane is wearing a wonderful dress from victoria's secret, about $100. we love this dress, it can be worn five different ways and we've styled it "today" as a strapless dress and a lot of women who are a bit busty feel they can't wear a strapless dress but this dress lends itself to strapless. it's a great option if you love this look and it's beautiful with the gold accents which again give it a sense of luxury. >> gets them extra little bling to it exactly with great shoes as well, and they look glamorous and gorgeous and you wouldn't know which outfit was more expensive. thank you so much. you look great. next let's bring out lace, because i think lace is something that we're seeing all over the place right now, huge trend, and a great way to dress

up any option, any outfit. >> that's right, lace is inherently feminine so it brings something very special to the occasion, and we have -- >> love these dresses. >> they have haji in a dress for $295, a retrosilhouette, a longer hemline. we've modernized it with a bold, bright shoe. >> i love the pink shoes. >> great bold earrings. >> the lower priced option? >> our lower priced option is from forever 21, it's $25. >> what? >> significantly lower. >> wow! >> you would never guess, it's got the beautiful veil of lace on the arms and this is a mini skirt version so we've elongated her legs with beautiful shoes from steve madden. >> thank you so much. now our romantic look and this is great for any night out as well, and it's something that you could wear to a party or to afterwards. come on out ladies. >> chiffon lends itself to the sense of airiness and lightness, it's an inherently formal

fabric. on the right we have heather wearing a max and cleo dress $180 from bloomingdales. what we love when you're we pete, draping and the rouching and volume, accentuates the waist. >> we have the lower priced option as well. >> melanie is wearing a dress from arc and company, $65, and this version of the dress is more matt so it works well during the day if you were to wear it without the necklace let's say and a great black jacket and black tie. >> add the bling and you're out for a night on the town. appreciate it. okay, and then finally, speaking of bling, sequins, doesn't make any more bling than sequins. come on out. gorgeous dresses. >> this is really all you need. >> right. you don't need a lot with

accessories when it comes to a dress like this. >> you want to play off the sequin dresses with subtle accessories. we have lauren in a beautiful armani exchange dress, about $200. the real selling point is the bow on the back. >> so pretty. >> sweet and which we've accented with the bow on her shoe. >> kept the shoes neutral, very vibrant and then you've got a lower priced option as well. >> we have a lower priced option from black label $95, it's a great price and we've modernized this look and this vibrant electric blue, you can't go wrong if you want to have a party and dance all night long and to anchor it we put her in black tights. >> ladies, one final look here, great outfits to all and good job finding highs and lows. >> thank you. >> lots of options out there. thank you ladies. we'll take a look by the way at some easy food swaps coming up on another note, you don't ruin your diet during the holidays,

that's next. first this is "today" on nbc. [ female announcer ] more people are using wireless devices... in more ways than ever. and our networks are getting crowded. but if congress frees up more wireless spectrum... we can empower more people to innovate...

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this morning on "eat smart today" surviving the holidays. studies show all of us gain an extra pound or two during the season and the extra weight is hard to take off in the new year. today madelyn fernstrom is here to show us smart swaps we can use to help us maintain your waistline. good to see you. >> nice to see you, too. >> you have nine different food swaps and you do this, you could lose a pound. >> just one time, these are small things. you often think it's all or nothing, black and white thinking in terms of calories. these are teenie things and starts with something isn't the food. >> what you use to serve the food. >> take a typical big serving spoon you get a half cup of macaroni and cheese. use a smaller spoon to serve yourself. >> instead of a dinner plate use a salad plate.

>> plates now are gargantuan so you'll save a lot of calories, 350 calories you save just by downsizing the portion, the food is exactly the same, creamed spinach, all the things you love. >> let's start with the food swaps. typical holiday breakfast. >> you think let's indulge. we swapped out egg whites instead of eggs, instead of extra cheese, tons of veggies and feta cheese, swapped out the lean erica nadian bacon instead of fatty bacon and ditched the potatoes for some fruit instead of buttery toast we have fruit spread so if this looks good it's a lot of food, the crew is going a lot of food, you save 400. >> drinking. for our director definitely. >> yes indeed. this is something where you just want to alternate, get the spritzers and things like that, have a drink and have some club soda with some lime. no one will know what you're drinking. if you swap that twice you'll save 500 calories and that's for a leaner drink, like a martini.

if you have the fruity drinks you can save 500, 600 calories or more. >> swapping out nuts for popcorn. >> right, you look at this container of nuts, this is just a couple of big handfuls, that's 850 calories. if you swa. it for some air popped popcorn you save 800 calories. this is a big savings, you start to drink you're going well this looks good, nuts are healthy. nuts are a great food >> they're protein. >> heart healthy fats but they have tons of calories. >> all right, now the dips. >> this is a dip, this is easy to do because we see a lot of cheese dips and there's either chips or vegetables but also salsa around and you save a lot just by swapping these out. 200 calories replacing the salsa with some of the cheese sauce. these are easy things to do. >> do you see baked tortilla chips? >> you save about 100 calories but it's the number of chips that you're having. >> right. boy french onion soup. >> who doesn't want that, right? you have a big steaming bowl covered with cheese, that gives

you a little hint. if you swap this out one time you'll save 600 calories if you choose a big bowl of vegetable soup. these are things you can really do. they're not painful, not terrible and you do them now and then to be mindful. >> mashed poe dapotatoes. >> puree cauliflower, add butter and milk and you'll save 350 calories in this portion. >> does it help if you really want potatoes, sweet potatoes instead of white? >> sweet potatoes are great, too. >> dessert? >> who doesn't love this? before you say oh we're going to swap out apple pie and have a baked apple this is a great choice or if you don't want to do this, just eat the filling. you save 200 calories there. >> very nice. >> good ideas. thank you. >> savannah, as she eats the bacon. >> com [ terri ] my husband, hank, was always fun. never took life too seriously. 'til our son was born...

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good morning, everyone. it's friday, december 16th. we are going to tom kierein for the forecast. >> an abrupt change from overnight. and 47 at reagan national, and it's going to stay chilly and blustery the rest of the day. and then this evening, we might

get a few wet snowflakes and a few sprinkles of rain and then saturday and sunday into monday, blustery and cold each day with morning lows in the mid-and upper 40s. danella, how is traffic? >> looking at the beltway, we will give you a travel speed. the outer loop from i-95 to i-270, at 56 miles per hour. and taking the beltway in virginia, much nicer. it was a tough commute this morning, but no problems now on the inner loop, your speed here the inner loop, your speed here is 57 miles per

captions paid for by nbc-universal television hey, everybody. thanks for joining us today. it's try day fray. i can't snap. it's december 16th. >> don't snap. this one is walking in agony today. >> i cannot snap. yesterday i went home, took a long run and walk with cass. we go two miles, get an iced tea, two runs back. i take a corner, i start running and something catches my eye in a store shop. >> what happened? >> i went oh and i turned around, cass was behind me.

she bumped into me. wasn't her fault at all and i ran right into a concrete wall and it's just really attractive. i don't know if you can see. yeah. isn't that nice? it's -- yeah. >> what's weird is it's not broken. you have the lislest wrists and hands. >> i'm tough, tough. i apologize if you see that. i'm fine though. >> you know way love today. this is a great day. this is the day erica does that year-ender. >> i don't know if you caught it earlier at 8:00. she does a great look back at an entire year of "today." >> it's unbelievable. you think of four hours of television every single day. >> yes. over the course of a year. we decided to pick the parts that are about us and show them to you. let's take a look. ♪ where them girls at >> hey. >> it's a good day with you,

hoda woman. >> i only date drunk girls. >> you came to the right place. >>. ♪ party rock >> matt, get over here. >> is this actually going out over the air? >> yeah. we're on tv. >>. ♪ make you want to move it like they do in south beach ♪ >> this is what i came back to television for. >> yes, it is. ♪ today is our day ♪ everything's going your way ♪ today is your day ♪ i said today yeah

♪ today ♪ today is your day >> fabulous job. >> the whole thing is on our website. the people responsible for erica levins, lindsey grubb and a ton of editors. >> it reminds you how incredible our whole crew is. everybody. there are a couple of hundred people here. every single one of them is so important to each hour. you can't do it without every single one. thanks to everybody. >> some people boozed it up last night. >> i wasn't there wasn't me. i was icing in a different way, if you know what i mean. >> jim through a dinner for some of the senior producers and some of the folks on air. it was at a great restaurant. i want you to pay close attention, tammy, joanne, christine, jim bell, jimmy gaines our producer, then on the

far right you see dee dee with her tongue stuck out. she wanted to ruin the picture and i said we're showing the picture anyway. look how great everyone looks. christine all decked out in hair and make-up. >> everybody looked beautiful. >> we went to see theater. i did last wednesday. i didn't have a chance to tell you about it yesterday. went to see a really, really good play called "seminar" on broadway. alan rickman, that brilliant character actor. jerry o'donnell. he's very funny in it. great, great cast. only 90 minutes. really excellent. about the whole concept of writing. i found it fascinating, but very funny, as well. you get pros doing work. >> you loved it. you had a double feature that day. >> double feature. then went to see a show called

"lysistrata jones." it was a big hit off broadway last year and then they brought it to broadway. alan wasser is a very good friend of mine. it got sensational reviews. it's based on a greek mythology from 411 bc, something like that about women who didn't want their husbands going to war so they -- i've got my three boys here. >> they are not listening to us. >> they withheld themselves. go see it. i'm talking about these three little boys. spanx alert, that would be hoda. >> thank you. i knew it would be showing. >> i had a surprise today that my nephew is over there jason and his gorgeous wife amanda and elijah, noah and aidan visiting

from canada. gorgeous family. yeah, call next time, guys. just give a little hint you're on your way. >> here's the deal. a lot of people are flying over the holidays. they are trying to start something new at the airline klm. they want you to select who you sit next to. you will know a passenger list, which is a little weird. you can go online and figure out who they are and pick to see if you want to sit next to them. >> what if that person doesn't want to sit next to you? >> i don't like the idea of it, do you? >> we are all control freaks. let life happen to you, you know? >> yes. >> what are you going to do? if you find somebody you don't like you're not going to take that flight? >> what if someone is not attractive or freaky looking even though they are nice people and you go, i don't want to sit next to that person and you don't know what you're missing. we're against it.

>> the other thing that does not exist in life except for hoda, mr. perfect does not exist. another study. >> most women say their guy is about 69% perfect. >> i think it was chris rock or a median having a show. he said ladies, guys, i want you to think about this. you are not your woman's first choice. that's what he said. >> really? >> he said if you think about your very, very first love, whoever your first love was in your life, everyone has that person then you're with, usually aren't with the first love, usually with the later live. you're like the second or third choice, they are saying. >> you have to kiss a bunch of frogs is the point. i think expecting perfection is an absolute recipe for disaster. guess what you're not perfect

either? that's the whole key. anyway, what makes a perfect man? good personality tops the list. liars. followed by sense of humor and looks. >> we have to be clear about this lying thing. there is lying and then there is, have i gained weight? no, you haven't. that's not the same thing as lying about something important. there are different degrees of lying. you do it out of kindness, don't you think? >> i think there i ways of saying something without lying. >> look at these gloves. they look like normal gloves. these two fingers are different. they have little thingies on them. they have traction so when you're on your iphone. >> which i'm not, but this does hide my ugly hand. i'll go through the show with one glove on.

>> text kathie lee. >> sorry, i didn't find any phone numbers or e-mail addresses for kathie lee gifford. >> how did you know her name was kathie lee gifford? how did she know. >> e-mail address. >> don't give that. >> forget it. >> i thought siri was dead to you. >> how do you turn it off? push the button. >> with my bad finger? i can work it. >> thank you, kathie lee. >> you know what i'm a little upset about? this company is making big bucks off of us and we are not getting any of it. it's not going to charity or going to us. >> i need a contact name. i need a number or e-mail address. >> they are selling charms of us over the a the experience store. it's all drinking related and i'm very upset about it. they will hear from my lawyer. >> the charms --

>> where shall i send this message? >> stop talking. >> i need a contact name. >> we are very busy today. >> bobbie, stop talking. >> we don't say shut up in our house, do we? bobbie buzz, everybody. >> i'm trying. >> i want to explain what i'm trying to do. this is a cardi wrap. it's a great thing to own this time of year. it's got a lot of options. people ask me how to wrap them. dkny, cozy. their girl inspired me. start the clock. one, tie the two front ends together. slip it over your head. you have a shorter version. >> cute. >> you could shimmy the shoulders. i don't want to get too naked. if you still tie the knot in front of you, twist it, make a loop, slip your head over it.

then you have a cute asymmetrical top. >> very cute. love it. >> last but not least. >> jerry is fascinated. >> take a bangle and another wrap i have on my website comes with it. slip it through, make a butterfly effect and tie it behind you. four. one more. i have 13 seconds. >> you can do it. >> if you don't have a bangle, you twist it twice then you can still butterfly it and tie in the back. >> that's cute. >> how many ways are there actually to wear it? >> literally, endless, 50 one website says. >> dknypr, go on twitter. >> it is the softest. this is the best fabric. >> this is cashmere, $159. but the other one i have on line

is $38. you can get them every price point. when you're running out the door you can turn it around backwards and do more ways. >> bobbie thomas. >> all the guys are going. >> every guy is riveted to bobbie's buzz. >> that's not what they were riveted to. >> up next, the 14-year-old sar of a terrific movie called "extremely loud," thomas horn stops by. >> still ahead, the stunning results of today's ambush makeovers. first these messages. hey babe... oh, hi honey! so i went to the doctor today, then picked up a few extra things for the baby. oh boy... i used our slate card with blueprint. we can design our own plan to avoid interest by paying off diapers and things each month. and for the bigger stuff, we can pay downalance faster to save money on interest. bigger? bigger. chase slate with blueprint helps you save money on life's little surprises. trip...lets... start your path to saving today, call 855-get-slate.

mmm... pillsbury crescent wrapped brie just unroll, wrap the brie and bake. it's so easy. now this might even impress aunt martha. pillsbury crescent wrapped brie. holiday ideas made easy. sally, you don't need toys when you have... ♪ imagination ♪ imagination ♪ imagination ♪ helps you see the world in different ways ♪ yay! yay! ♪ this is a pony ♪ and this is a choo-choo ♪ [ male announcer ] it's movie time. and this is a... [ male announcer ] with a wii twist. what is this? [ male announcer ] netflix now delivers unlimited tv episodes and movies instantly through wii and nintendo 3ds. all for only 8 bucks a month. ♪

prego?! but i've been buying ragu for years. [ thinking ] i wonder what other questionable choices i've made? [ '80s dance music plays ] [ sighs ] [ male announcer ] choose taste. choose prego. it's a great hd tv... shhh. don't speak. i'll just leave you two alone. [ male announcer ] the big christmas event is here. 8 a.m. saturday. with our lowest prices of the season on select toys, electronics and more... the only stop for last minute gifts is walmart.

incredibly close" thomas horn plays an 11-year-old boy who loses his father in the 9/11 attacks. >> sandra bullock plays his mother. let's take a look. >> what do you miss about him? >> i miss so many things about him. >> i missed how he could tell the weather just by touching the window. >> when he would come in the house and yell, what's everybody doing? >> he told me, he said, i really love your mother. she's such a good girl. >> wow. >> it's a beautiful, beautiful movie, but very moving and a difficult role for you. you carry the film. you are the leading man. >> well, yeah, there were definitely days when i felt

really stressed and challenged by what i had to do, but everyone on set really, really helped me. they gave me all the kindness and encouragement they could. that enabled me to do my job. >> aren't you sweet? i love you. >> will you come home with me and teach cody how to be a nice boy? >> you worked with sandra bullock and tom hanks. >> the biggest stars in the world. >> what was that like working with those two? >> it was amazing and i loved it. not only are they amazing actors, they are kind people. they gave me kindness and encouragement every day. >> your first acting job was a grasshopper in school, right? >> yeah. >> i bet you were a heck of a grasshopper. it's amazing how you got this role. can you tell us quickly how it happened? >> well, it's for sure not normal casting story. what happened, i was on an episode of kid's "jeopardy" that aired in july 2010. what happened later a producer high up in the production of the

upcoming movie saw me and thought i should audition for the role. a casting agency called my house up and asked me if i would like to send in material. we were puzzled. we didn't know what a casting agency was. >> you're a normal kid playing a grass hopper in a play. >> but i was curious. i sent the tape in and i didn't expect anything, but two months later they called me up for an audition in new york. >> it was in national casting so thousands young men were seen in this. >> they wanted a unique kid like you. you're obviously a smart kid. you speak how many languages in. >> i have spoken or learned four to some degree. i speak english and croatia fluently and learning mandarin. >> say you are a hot baby kathleen in co-ation. . >> why was croatia one of the languages you wanted to learn? >> my mother's family was from

there. >> you are an incredible young man. >> do you want to keep acting? >> this was a really great experience. i liked making the film with these amazing people. it was a real privilege. it's in a way hard to follow up. so what i'm thinking is if i get another opportunity that also has a great director, a great script and great actress to work with, maybe i would think about it, but my continuing in acting is by no means assured. >> you might go to college. >> any way, i'll try to go to college and do something else, too. >> who are you? who is this child? >> you are brilliant in this movie. we know we'll see you in many, many more. >> thank you, honey, thank you so much. you were great. >> thank you. >> opens in limited release on christmas day. you're going to love this movie and nationwide friday january 20th. how much to tip for the holidays. >> we love you. nyquil: you know i relieve coughs, sneezing, fevers?

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and the holidays are made here at l.l.bean, where your order ships for free. at l.l.bean, hershe y' at l.l.bean, s bliss. hershe one square inch of incredibly smooth rich chocolate. one square inch of joy... fun... indulgence... one square inch of bliss. hershey's bliss. you spend all day cooking it. so why spend even a moment considering any broth but swanson? the broth cooks trust most to make the meal folks spend all year waiting for. in stuffing and more, the secret is swanson. have given way to sleeping. where sleepless nights yield to restful sleep.

and lunesta can help you get there, like it has for so many people before. when taking lunesta, don't drive or operate machinery until you feel fully awake. walking, eating, driving, or engaging in other activities while asleep, without remembering it the next day, have been reported. abnormal behaviors may include aggressiveness, agitation, hallucinations or confusion. in depressed patients, worsening of depression, including risk of suicide, may occur. alcohol may increase these risks. allergic reactions, such as tongue or throat swelling, occur rarely and may be fatal. side effects may include unpleasant taste, headache, dizziness and morning drowsiness. ask your doctor if lunesta is right for you. then get lunesta for $0 at lunesta.com. there's a land of restful sleep. we can help you go there on the wings of lunesta.

'tis the season to be tipping. christmas is just over a week away. >> if you made your list and checked it twice, think again. lifestyle expert suzanne rusk is here with suggestions. >> you're never sure what to tip and the way the economy is going now. people are cash-strapped. >> it's true. i think this is the time of the year when you pay for a service you often tip with money to balance it out. we are in lean and mean times. you have to be creative. i think that's where it comes in. if you don't have cash there are other things you could do. first of all, don't stress yourself out if you don't have cash, don't pay it. the other thing is think of what you can do. are you a great cook? make your jam, make your beautiful tomato sauce. beautiful jars, labels, go for that. if you've got incredible skills, say you're a savvy business person, offer to help your super out. he has a side business, give a couple hours of your time with that. great math skills, maybe your

hairdresser's son needs tutoring with that. >> the barter system. >> heartfelt notes. if you aren't usually demonstrative, this is a good time of year. >> is it okay to write i wish i could give you more this year? >> i think it is. >> then there are others that have their hand in your face before they ring the door. when there are people like that that just expect it and you don't feel like they earned it, you know, what do you do? >> give what you want. you have to go with your own gut. you usually want to give something in a service. >> they may not deliver your mail next year? >> sometimes out of fear you've got to tip. what about people who provide a weekly or monthly service like a cleaning lady, babysitters? >> people tend to tip them more. childcare providers and cleaning ladies. >> one week's? >> one to two week's pay. maybe your personal assistant,

throw in something you know they might like like a designer wallet. >> what about the guy or girl who delivers your newspaper? >> you can do $10 to $30 depending the rapport. >> you rarely see them. >> where does your paper land in your bushes, at your door? >> i used to deliver the paper. you're doing it every day in the rain. when they give you 5 bucks in the end, you think i slogged it every day and put the paper inside your door, thank you for the $5. >> what about your hairdresser? >> often you want to tip the price of one service. that is a nice tip. >> do you know how much they cost in new york city? >> i do. you can have that and give them something personal, maybe chocolates or flowers if you don't have the cash. notes are very well received. >> it's much tougher on people who live in the city. it's a service city. people at home sitting on the farm are going, i don't tip anybody. >> if you live in a building you have the doormen, the super, the

porters, the list is so long. >> what about a personal assistant, a nanny, someone with you a lot? >> those are people you're close with, one to two weeks' pay plus a note and personal gift. i think a luxury item they wouldn't buy for themselves. >> that's what hodi did. she gave the best gift in the world. two tickets to see hugh jackman. >> she went crazy. she'll do anything for you. >> healthier hangover. i'm good about washing my face.

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i said i wouldn't cry. um... whee! it's flo time. now, that's progressive. call or click today. we are back on this try day friday with another insaulment of ambush makeovers where we pluck two lucky ladies from our crowd. >> here to show them off is our makeover team. one of them just arrived luis lacari, la, la, la, la, la. and "us weekly" contributor and author jill martin. >> how was it out there today? >> speedy. work was fast, hair color was fast. we got great results many. >> you made it exciting. you arrived in the nick of time. >> you have to have an edge to the show. >> first up is lucky sara fern,

33 years old from arlington, virginia. she never colored her hair. she hadn't worn make-up since her son chase was born 3 1/2 years ago. she was thrilled when we approached her on the plaza. >> she is pretty. >> you're supposed to be at work. nobody is watching. we ambushed you on the plaza. tell me why you want this for your wife? >> i don't think she knows she is such a great mother and i travel so much and she takes care of this little guy all the time. she really deserves this. i'm happy for her. >> chase doesn't need a makeover in that oncy. are you ready to get a glam new look? >> i'm so excited. >> she is already a beautiful girl. >> gorgeous. we have her husband brad, their son chase. keep your blind-folds on or just you, dad. here is sara's before picture. come see the new you. >> oh, my gosh! are you ready, dad? >> i'm ready.

>> take off your blind fold. >> wow! >> turn around. take a gander. >> oh, my god! >> who is that. >> awesome. >> blow mommy kiss. >> luis, that hair color is beautiful. take a peek right there. >> this is a beautiful woman. what can you do for a beautiful woman but make her more beautiful? i did it with a series of small changes. the most subtle change, more warmth, a little bit more lightness. dana gave her a great haircut and simple make-up. >> and the dress is flattering. >> can you believe this body? i said what do you wear for new year's eve? she said i don't know what we are doing for new year's eve. this is available at macy's. you can wear a beige pump to

elongate your legs. what are you thinking? >> yeah, i love it. clap for mommy. clap for mommy. >> yeah. >> our second lady is carol wislowski, 63 from the villages from florida. she doesn't wear one stitch of make-up and begged us to give her a glam new look to surprise her siblings. >> these are what i call signs. choose carol with an arrow because you didn't know where she would be. wrinkled, old, pick her. why do you want this so much? >> oh, jill, i feel old, wrinkled. i need to be updated. i'm going to see my eight brothers and sisters in one week. i need help. >> she is so cute. >> i love her so much. whatever she wants, she gets. >> we are going to give it to you. are you ready to go? >> i'm ready, so ready. >> maybe the perfect man does exist and his name is bob.

let's take one last look at carol before. let's bring out carol. >> oh, she feels beautiful. bob, take off the blind fold, hon. >> movie star! >> turn around, carol, see yourself. >> what did you do with carol? oh, wow! >> it's gorgeous. >> can i have a date? >> this proves it. feelings are not facts. you're not old, you're not wrinkled. you are glamorous, gorgeous. >> you look gorgeous. >> again, her hair color was too dark, at-home hair color user. we cut a lot of the dark ends off. dana gave her this layer so she can wash and wear or blow it dry. >> what a great outfit. she is gorgeous. >> you don't have to whisper.

>> she's gorgeous. >> she is. >> make great plans with this great dance from donna morgan. we added a little bit of leather and this great sweater by belledini. dress it up with a dress or jeans. and again a statement necklace. >> beautiful. >> everybody looks gorgeous. everybody is ready for new year's eve. are you nursing a hangover? we'll find out what method works. ♪ the weather outside is frightful ♪

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[ game ] next game decides our winner. [ male announcer ] get low prices on this season's hottest games. like kinect sports season 2 for xbox 360 with kinect. rated e for everyone. backed by our christmas price guarantee. save money. live better. walmart. whether you're still recovered from last night's holiday get together or you overindulged on new year's eve, what is the best way to get rid of a hangover. >> we have a little game to teach us about hangover helpers, not to be confused with hamburger helper. >> holidays are synonymous with hangovers. we want to see if you can guess which help or which hurt. eggs. the morning after? >> i think it definitely helps. >> you're both right. >> why? >> that's what i'm here to tell you. the amino acids in eggs are great for detoxifying the liver.

then we've got ginger root. this is ginger candy, gender ale. >> i'm going to say it hurts. what is it? >> helps. there you go. >> ginger is so good for your digestion. >> quit showing off. >> i'm happy for you, hoda. >> it's natural. you can have it in tea, ginger ale. >> think it through. >> this is a little counterintuitive. >> french fries, i'm going to say it's going to hurt the hangover. i love them so much. >> grease. >> i'll do the opposite to make it fun. >> hurts and helps. greasy food, we all love greasy food in the morning, but it hurts. too much greasy food is going to make your stomach more upset. the alternative side of that is

greasy food before you drink slows down the alcohol from getting into your blood stream. >> so we were both right. >> not technically. >> before is fine, but after -- >> now you have bacon. >> what do you think? >> now we have to say it helps because it's the opposite of that. >> i'm going to say it hurts because i want to be the opposite of her. >> this is tricky. >> stop it! >> a little bit helps. too much hurts. >> i won. >> bacon has the same amino acid eggs do. maybe two slices. >> who got it right. >> bananas. >> potassium. it's got to help. >> it helps. it definitely helps. bananas have potassium like you said. >> the healthy stuff along here helps you so far. >> so far, so good. it's got electrolytes.

coffee. >> i'm going to say hurts. >> i'm going to say helps just to have fun. >> i like that you're having fun with this. >> i'm not having fun. >> coffee again hurts. it's caffeinated. you're already dehydrated. you want to go for something decaf. if you are a coffee drinker, don't skip it all together. >> is this the last one, oranges? >> oranges and we have special things over here also for you. >> this isn't the tie-breaker? i'm asking because it's 4-4. >> she is keeping score. >> i'm going to say it helps. >> i'm going the opposite. no, it does help. >> i was waiting for the hammer there. it helps. the fructose, the sugar in the fruit is really good for getting

energy and speeds up the process of detoxifying all that alcohol. >> we are tied up. >> these were the parting gifts for the winner. this is a hangover kit. too often people are left the morning after without, this is great for putting at your desk, in your car, in a few guest rooms. >> how many of those do you have? >> we are full of a lot of good things here now. we mentioned, you always need sunglasses for the morning after. you can do either, get beautiful sunglasses. >> those are cute. >> i got these for you. >> of course you did. >> you're wearing those. >> then we've got mercy. this is a drink you drink the night before with your cocktails or right before bed. >> i wondered about this. >> you'll be in better shape the morning after. >> show us one last thing. >> for your breath. >> and those teas we talked about. >> nothing says dessert like chocolate.

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holiday ideas made easy.

♪ takes everything you've got ♪ wouldn't you like to get away? ♪ ♪ ♪ sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name ♪ ♪ ♪ you want to be where you can see ♪ ♪ our troubles are all the same ♪ ♪ you want to go where everybody knows your name ♪ ♪

now in "today's" holiday kitchen, an easy but special dessert to make. >> lauberge chez francois from great falls, virginia. he is here to make us a great chocolate tart. >> i'm wonderful. great to be back here. we have a warm chocolate tart. nothing like a warm tart or two for dessert, i always say. >> so there's three of us here. >> yeah, yeah. >> this is a delicious simple to

make great gift for the holidays. everyone loves chocolate. >> it's beautiful. >> i opened a brasserie in the restaurant and this is the most popular dessert. we skauled 1 1/2 cups of heavy whipping cream, put the 12 ounces of semi sweet chocolate inside. take it off the heat and melt it. you don't want that to cook any more. then the real trick of this tart is to make sure once this is melted, we have five eggs here. i'm going to do it differently. >> you're going to fold it into the eggs. >> if we put it too quickly in, scrambled eggs. exactly. nobody wants that. >> tell me what to do. >> keep stirring. go ahead. this is so simple. >> the only thing you might be intimidated in is the pie crust. if you go to the men's session, the beer, nuts, chips and

pre-made pie crusts, you can use one of those. >> you don't do that. >> not you. >> if you're feeling feisty, two tablespoons of rum. >> just throw it in. >> my charm and personality don't work, rum seems to move the evening along. then we'll take this and pour it into the pre-baked pie crust. >> this is really simple. >> that's the whole thing right there. >> then you cook that baby now long? >> ten minutes in about a 400 degree oven. you can tell it's ready taking a tooth pick, pulling it in and out. >> that's the whole tart? >> hanna could make that. >> we don't want to complicate things this time of year. >> it's fantastic. >> we have a slice. we put powdered sugar on top. garnish it with a raspberry. >> thank you. >> what else do you have on display? >> i have chocolate truffles with grand marnier we serve at the end of the meal and almond

tuilles. it's almonds and anisen. >> his daughter is an nbc employee great girl madeline who is in kuwait. >> and happy birthday on sunday. happy holidays to all. >> thank you, chef jacques. we'll be back. [ screaming ]

[ zapping ] there goes dwayne's car. oh, man. there goes dwayne's house. whoa! whoa! and there goes dwayne. man, that thing does not like dwayne. [ male announcer ] state farm's got you covered. nice landing. it was. [ male announcer ] get to a better state.

our toy drive already shipped $30 million of gifts to children living in poverty from the united states, whether it's from a viewer or a large corporation, kids don't know the difference. >> we have special gifts from

diane harper of children's books and arbonne. >> it's your first time? >> no. actually it's our second time. first time in the studio. >> we let you in the second year. >> thank you. we are donating fancy nancy, which is based on our best selling picture book series. it's about a little girl, everyday girl who takes everyday items and makes them fancy in her world. >> many girls do. >> my niece loves "fancy nancy." >> it's great. we are giving away 15,000 kits which have lots of great things in them, photo scrapbooks, tons of stickers. these two great books and we think giving the gift of reading at the holidays is a great thing to do. and make a little fancy holiday for everyone. >> what about you? >> well, these are something new

this holiday season. these are fragrances we just invented for the holiday season. they've already sold out that i made a donation of these plus colored cosmetics for teen girls. >> they are left out. >> we are all about self-esteem building, inner and outer beauty. we just ordered more. we donated some in the meantime. i've gotten a call from dallas from one of the wonderful shelters you donate to saying how much the girls love them. >> it's funny how something so small like that gives you confidence. just something to make you feel pretty. >> we don't understand how one tiny thing can be amazing. i told you i was talking to that one little homeless girl she had a gum wrapper and that's all she had. that was her toy. it breaks your heart. >> thank you both so much. >> thank you so much. >> thanks for womaning to see us. there are still a few days left to give in our donation. you can come down in person.

>> or go online to today.com for details. >> monday rapper shaggy is going to be with us. >> and from "mission impossible" protocol getting great reviews, actor simon peg. god bless. -- captions by vitac -- www.vitac.com

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