good morning. feet to the fire. the ceo of jpmorgan chase expected to face angry questions about that $2 billion trading blunder when he meets with shareholders today. as the woman who oversaw the trade loses her job. are more executives about to be shown the door? focusing on the father, the 911 call made by the dad of the missing 6-year-old girl in arizona, describing how he broke the news to his wife. >> i just called her and i told her to get her butt home. >> as nbc news learns police say that father's statements have been inconsistent. we're live in tucson. and dog fight. a man and his ex-girlfriend in a bitter custody dispute over

their dog knuckles. he says the battle has cost him his life savings. she says he's just out for revenge. we'll hear from both sides "today," tuesday, may 15th, we'll hear from both sides "today," tuesday, may 15th, 2012. captions paid for by nbc-universal television >> and welcome to "today" on this tuesday morning, i'm ann curry. >> and i'm matt lauer. jpmorgan chase's annual shareholders meeting is being held today in tampa, florida. what do you think the mood is going to be like in that room as the ceo, jamie dimon, faces investors? >> that's a pretty good question. he's already been under fire for the complex and risky strategies that led to that $2 billion loss. well, now, president obama has spoken out about the scandal, saying it proves we need tighter regulation on wall street. but mitt romney, an opponent of tighter regulation, has so far

been mum on the story. we're going to talk to a senior adviser to romney's campaign coming up straight ahead. >> then there is a major development at the criminal trial of john edwards. his eldest daughter cate will take the stand in her father's defense. that could happen as early as today. but will john edwards himself testify? a new decision from the judge in that case could actually force his hand. we're going to get the latest in a live report. >> and a little bit later, betty white is going to be here. she's going to be talking in a live interview as she gets ready to take the hot seat for the friar's club annual roast. you've been roasted. >> i don't even know if she understands what she's in for. it can be brutal. but you know what? she's got a feisty sense of humor. i still have scars. it was two years ago. anyway, we look forward to talking to betty. we begin, though, on a tuesday morning with the ongoing fallout over that $2 billion trading loss at jpmorgan chase. as the firm holds its annual

meeting today. nbc's ann thompson has the latest on this. ann, good morning. >> good morning, matt. today those shareholders will take a nonbinding vote on the krensation packages for two of the principles involved in this drama, $23.1 million for chairman and ceo jamie dimon, and $15.5 million for ina drew, the first to lose her job in this crisis. jpmorgan chase's $2 billion loss claims one of wall street's most powerful women, ina drew. the 55-year-old chief investment officer ran the group that made the trades causing the loss. in announcing her retirement, chairman and ceo jamie dimon called drew a great partner and said the loss should not overshadow ina's vast contributions in a long career. >> we have a lot of women on wall street working in lesser positions trying to work their way up. but ina drew had done it. and had been successful at it for 30 years. >> reporter: president obama says the loss will be investigated. calling jpmorgan one of the

best-managed banks and dimon one of the smartest bankers, mr. obama on an episode of "the view" to be aired today argues the loss makes the case for wall street reform. >> you can have a bank that isn't as strong, isn't as profitable, making those same bets, and we might have had to step in. >> reporter: other critics are more scathing. >> for me this is about accountability. rr9 elizabeth warren, the democratic candidate for the u.s. senate in massachusetts, wants dimon to step down from the board of the new york federal reserve bank. >> no one should be able to steal your purse on main street, or your pension on wall street. >> reporter: warren helped create the confumer watchdog group to oversee banks after the financial crisis of 2008. she says there is still not enough oversight of big banks. >> we all have to wonder, what's happening at the other large financial institutions? they are taking on more and more risk and that's bad for all of us. >> reporter: jpmorgan is conducting its own investigation into the trades that went bad.

and others are expected to be shown the door. matt? >> all right, anne thompson of nbc news on this story for us. anne, thank you very much. it's four minutes after the hour. here's ann. >> matt, thanks. president obama was in new york to deliver a commencement speech and to attend a fund-raising event, and he had more to say about his recent announcement of support for same-sex marriage. chuck todd is nbc's chief white house correspondent and political director. chuck, good morning. >> well, good morning, ann. you know the president's trip had a little something for all parts of it, re-election campaign, a nod to women, and hopes of expanding the gender gap, an embrace of enthusiastic donors happy with his new gay marriage stance and an awkward attempt to raise big money while bashing some of wall street's practices. >> ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to welcome the president of the united states of america, barack obama. >> reporter: president obama with singer ricky martin in new york monday, firing up his liberal base as he basked in the glow of a friendly audience following his decision to

embrace same-sex marriage. >> we have never gone wrong when we expanded rights and responsibilities to everybody. it doesn't weaken families, that strengthens families. >> reporter: earlier mr. obama taped an appearance of "the view" hinting he might use the gay marriage issue against mitt romney because of romney's support for a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage. but also targeting congress on the same issue. >> look, congress is clearly on notice that i think it's a bad idea. >> reporter: the official reason for the president's new york swing was a commencement address for the graduating class of the all-female barnard college which took place at his own alma mater columbia university. his remarks often felt like a campaign speech encouraging his audience of young women to remain politically active. >> that's how we achieved women's rights. that's how we achieved voting rights. that's how we achieved worker's rights. that's how we achieved gay rights.

>> reporter: meanwhile the obama campaign is turning its attention this week to mitt romney's business record. slamming romney's old private equity firm bain capital for baying and later closing a kansas city steel mill. the closing occurred when romney was no longer in charge of bain on a day-to-day basis. >> they made as much money off of it as they could and they closed it down and filed for bankruptcy without any concern for the families or communities. >> they came in -- >> reporter: the romney campaign quickly responded with its own web ad, highlighting what they believe is a bain capital success story. steel dynamics in indiana. >> mitt romney's private sector leadership team stepped in. >> building a dream with over 6,000 employees today. >> if it wasn't for a company like steel dynamics this county wouldn't have a lot. >> reporter: the president's last event in new york city was at the home of the president of a hedge fund that's twice as large as bain, and there, the president praised the free market system. they've been trying to walk a line, ann, a little bit on how

much they bash bain versus mitt romney. >> all right. good point. chuck todd this morning. thanks. eric ferguson is a senior adviser to the mitt romney campaign. good morning, eric. it's nice to see you. >> thank you, ann. >> first let me ask you about this $2 billion loss by trading loss by jpmorgan. as we just heard the president said this is why they passed wall street reform. what is mitt romney's reaction to that, given his position that these reforms should be repealed? >> well, jpmorgan is a public company, with public shareholders, and a board of directors, and the leadership of that company will be held accountable for this trading loss. but we don't want to punish companies, ann, for taking risks. there was no -- there was no taxpayer money at issue here. these losses went to investors in the company, which is how it works in a market. >> but considering how vulnerable our economy is to mistakes on wall street, just what would president obama -- president romney do to prevent

the kind of risk taking that could lead to a loss like this? >> well, of course, we need regulations. mitt romney is not advocating that there be no regulations. but our regulation should be effective, it should be streamlined. it should not be cumbersome, and it should not act as a wet blanket, or a damper on the economy. look, there will be companies that take risks. not every risk turns out to -- to work for the investors in the company. in a case like the one that before us now with jpmorgan, there is accountability. people will be held to account for the losses that occurred. there was no taxpayer money at risk. all of the losses went to investors which is how it works in a public market. >> you know, meantime as we just heard in chuck's report there is this mood now by the obama campaign, aggressively, to now attack your candidate, his record at bain capital, including with the two-minute ad and the six-minute video that

really focuses on the closing of -- of the steel mill. i wonder if mitt romney now thinks that closing of that steel mill was a mistake. >> well, i think these attempts by president obama to distract from his own poor record on the economy is the biggest smokescreen since mount st. helens erupted. look, steve ratner had it right when he called this attack by the obama campaign unfair. he is a former top official on the obama economic team, and he said that bain capital has a superb reputation in the community and that they acted responsibly, and that they're one of the leading private equity firms in the world. look, we know from our own 401(k) investments that not every stock we buy, not every company we invest in, turns out to be a winner. but over the long haul, mitt romney has had many more successes than failures. he learned from both experiences, and that's what makes him so qualified to lead

on jobs and the economy. >> meantime i don't have a lot of time left but i really need to ask you this question about mitt romney's reiterating his position that marriage is between one man and one woman, while the president is painting gay marriages as an expansion of human rights. and there's a -- there's a gallup poll now that shows an increasing support by americans for relationships between same-sexes. i'm wondering do you believe that on this issue mitt romney is on the wrong side of history? >> well, look, we -- mitt romney understands that people have different opinions on marriage. his opinion is that marriage is between a man and a woman. why does he have that opinion? it's because he believes a home headed by a man and a woman, married, is the best environment for the raising of our children. but we understand that -- that this is a tender and emotional subject for many people. not everybody comes down on the same side. but where mitt romney stands is that marriage is between a man

and a woman. >> all right. well, thank you so much for joining us. it's good to get your perspective this morning. >> thank you, ann. >> let's get a check of the rest of the top stories of the morning. natalie is standing by over at the news desk with a look at the headlines. >> good morning, everyone. we begin with an arrest that is raising questions about security at one of the nation's busiest airports. a veteran security supervisor guard at newark and liberty -- newark liberty international was arrested on monday. officials say he used the identity of a murder victim to hide his true status as an illegal immigrant from nigeria. they say the ruse went undetected for two decades. and former secretary of state and nobel peace prize winner henry kissinger was reportedly singled out for a full security pat-down friday at new york's laguardia airport. kissinger, who turns 89 this month, was using a wheelchair because of the long walk to the gate. new fallout this morning from the tabloid phone hacking scandal in great britain. former "news of the world" editor and news international

ceo rebekah brooks say she and her husband will face obstruction of justice charges. investigators are back on the scene of a horrible school bus accident monday in southern illinois. police say at least eight people were injured when the bus bringing sixth graders home from a field trip collided with a tractor trailer in a construction zone. triple digit temperatures and dry conditions are hampering firefighters battling several wild fires in arizona. the historic mining town of crown king remains under an evacuation order just weeks ahead of the tourist season. a last-ditch effort by colorado's governor to give gay couples rights similar to those enjoyed by married couples failed on monday, when state republicans rejected the civil union's legislation. now let's head to wall street, which got battered again on monday, and european markets also didn't fare any better. let's go to cnbc's courtney reagan at the new york stock exchange. courtney, what's driving the fears? >> you know, it's europe.

it's almost always europe these days, natalie. and today, likely won't be any different. though investors will sort of need to juggle what's going on here domestically with the latest readings on inflation, as well as retail sales with the latest out of europe. turns out, europe did avoid a recession in the first half of the year. but just barely. strength out of germany helped offset weakness out of france and italy. nevertheless, ratings even see moody's downgrade 26 italian banks. >> hope for some improvement there today. courtney reagan at the new york stock exchange. thanks. and some not so mighty ducks needed a helping hand when they got stuck in a storm drain this weekend in bend, oregon. a human rescuer used a duck call to hold the little ones' attention so they could be safely scooped out with the net. oh, they're so cute. 7:14 right now. let's turn it back over to matt, ann and al. worried mom's not far away. >> my home state of oregon. there you go. >> doing the little duck dance.

>> i got to say, i'm applauding. >> natalie, thanks very much. mr. roker, the rain moving in. >> yeah, it is unfortun unfortu in fact through a few areas in our country, first of all, here in the mid-atlantic states, we've got a risk of strong storms, possibility of damaging hail. you can see the rain stretching from washington up to bangor, maine, rainfall amounts anywhere from one to two inches generally from philadelphia up into new england. and as we head into the midwest, from davenport to grand rapids, the risk of an isolated tornado or two. the rain moving through the upper great lakes. rainfall alts about half an inch to an inch. down in texas more rain stretching from brownsville to austin. rainfall from a half an inch to an inch of rain along the gulf coast. that's what's going on around the country, here's what's going on in your neck of the woods. tom kierein, storm center 4. over the last six hours we picked up another half-inch or more of rain as it swept through. pulling east of the metro and

cloud cover breaking up. farther west, a little sunshine breaking out. you can keep up with the weather whenever you're away from your television, download our storm 4 weather app. available on iphones and i-pads, search nbc space >> and that's your latest weather. matt? >> all right, al, thanks very much. now to mexico and the escalating war between that country's drug cartels. authorities are now struggling to identify 49 bodies dumped on the side of a highway. the latest in a series of brutal massacres. nbc's mark potter is in mexico city. and mark, as i say good morning we want to warn our viewers the details of this story are very disturbing. >> that's exactly right. good morning to you, matt. for years the mexican drug war has been defined by its horrific brutalty, which in some areas appears to be getting even worse. the latest atrocity occurred near the city of monterrey, and as you just said, some of the images and details coming up here are indeed disturbing.

the mutilated bodies were found along a busy highway near monterrey, mexico, about 75 miles south of the u.s. border. the victims, 43 men, and 6 women, had their heads, hands and feet cut off. and are believed by mexican and u.s. authorities to have been killed by members of an extremely violent drug cartel. >> los vetas want to show they're the meanest, most sadistic, most cruel criminal organization in the americas. and they do that by committing absolutely unspeakable acts of brutality. >> reporter: sources say the victims may have been members of a rival cartel. a war over smuggling routes between los zetas and the sinaloa cartel has led to extreme violence. >> the fight between them is for domination of offloading points, transit points, and especially crossover points on the border. >> reporter: in acapulco, mexico, cartel violence has

turned a major international tourist destination into another front in the drug war. with more than 900 people killed there last year. as authorities try to gain control over organized crime groups. last week near guadalajara authorities found 18 beheaded bodies in two vehicles. nine other victims were hanged from a bridge just south of the texas border. in the last six years an estimated 50,000 people have died in mexico's drug war. former mexican foreign minister is now an nbc news analyst. >> a lot of people hoped that this would diminish that little by little the violence would start to descend, that little by little there would be fewer killings, less gory killings. i think what we've seen the last ten days or two weeks shows that that's just not going to happen. >> the mexican government continues to attack and arrest cartel leaders. the next step in that war, is now a major issue in mexico's

presidential campaign, leading to elections this summer. now u.s. officials say they still strongly support the mexican government in its war against the cartels, as those cartels continue to lash out at each other, and at anyone else standing in their way. matt? >> all right, mark potter in mexico city this morning. mark, thank you very much for your reporting. it's 7:19. once again here is ann. >> matt, thanks. john edwards' oldest daughter now plans to testify at her father's criminal trial. newshat comes on the heels of what could be a major setback for the defense. nbc's lisa myers is at the courthouse in greensboro, north carolina. lisa, good morning. >> ann, good morning to you. the dramatic announcement that cate edwards will testify for her father as early as today came immediately after the judge appeared to gut a key part of edwards' defense. 30-year-old cate edwards has stood by her father in every conceivable way. they're shoulder to shoulder

virtually every day as they arrive for court. a graduate of harvard law school, cate has maintained her composure through painful, embarrassing testimony about this very personal family tragedy, breaking down only once when a witness spoke of her mother's reaction to her father's affair with rielle hunter. >> i think like no other witness, cate can bring some humanity back to john edwards in this trial. >> reporter: despite her father's lies and betrayals, friends say cate wants her father to succeed. and to hold her family together. she says this in a eulogy to her mother. >> one thing remains true and will never change, which is that we're still a family. >> she was certainly old enough to have been confided in by her mother. she was able to witness a lot of conversations, unwittingly or not, and maybe she can bring some real insight that the jury will believe. >> reporter: on monday the defense turned the jury's focus to campaign finance law, since that is what edwards is accused of violating. laura haggard, still in charge of compliance for edwards'

campaign, said even now she is not reporting the almost $1 million provided to cover up the affair. she said, i did not believe them to be contributions. and she told the jury, the federal election commission also has not deemed them to be contributions. the justice department, however, says this money constitutes illegal campaign contributions to edwards, which he denies. the defense tried to call former s.e.c. chairman scott thomas to give his opinion that this was not a contribution, and that edwards should not have been expected to think it was. but in a blow to the defense, the judge blocked most of his testimony, saying jurors don't need an expert to evaluate this. >> i think that an anchor to the defense was to be able to have people who are beyond reproach come in and tell this jury that what john edwards did was not a crime. >> because the judge has severely limited that key testimony for the defense, some

analysts believe it puts even more pressure on john edwards to testify. perhaps his highly sympathetic daughter will cause jurors to view her father less harshly. ann? >> lisa myers on this story again. once again thank you so much for your reporting on this. and just ahead, we'll hear the 911 calls from the morning a 6-year-old arizona girl was reported missing, as police tell nbc news her father has made inconsistent statements. we'll have a live report. but first, this is "today" on nbc.

just ahead a former couple in a bitter battle over this dog. we'll hear from the ex-girlfriend accused much taking him to california and talk to the man fighting to get him back. isn't major medical enough? huh! no! who's gonna help cover the holes in their plans? aflac! quack! like medical bills they don't pay for? aflac! or help pay the mortgage? quack! or child care? quack! aflaaac! and everyday expenses?

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you may be muddling through allergies. try zyrtec® liquid gels. nothing starts working faster than zyrtec® at relieving your allergy symptoms for 24 hours. zyrtec®. love the air. it's 7:26 on this tuesday, may 15th, i'm arj aaron, the rain is tapering off, but still causing problems on the roads. >> we're seeing lots of backups, 295 southbound, slow out of laurel, past the beltway, delays continue into d.c., crossing over the 11th street bridge. over to i-270 at father hurley, these cars hit the brakes, these delays continue southbound as you make your way towards the split. and on i-95, you're slow, your travel speed, 27 miles per hour out of the occoquan to the beltway, back to you. aaron. >> before you walk out the door,

good morning, tom kierein, storm center 4, we've had one wave of moderate to heavy rain coming through over the last couple of hours, now it's exiting the region. heading off across the bay. and behind that some breaks in the clouds, a little sunshine may break out here later this morning. then more showers and

thundershowers likely late they are afternoon and overnight tonight. highs in the 70s. tomorrow, a little sun barack, highs low 80s. thursday, friday, saturday, sunday, all the way to the first part of next week, a

i'm asking you to help me rescue knuckles. he's my puppy. in a lot of ways he's like my son. he's absolutely the cutest dog in the entire universe. >> how far would you go for a dog? that man is locked in a dispute with his ex-girlfriend over their dog knuckles. he says it's cost him his life savings. something like $60,000. just ahead we'll talk to him exclusively, and tell you what his ex is saying about that case, as well. 7:30 now on a tuesday morning. the 15th of may, 2012. i'm matt lauer alongside ann curry. and when you first hear that song you think, that's -- or that story, that's a lot of money to spend on a dispute over a dog. yet i was talking to some of the producers here this morning, and a lot of them said you know what, i feel that way about my

dog, or our animals, and i would go the same distance. >> to great lengths. $60,000 i think is something most people don't have to sort of think about and have to spend for that kind of thing but it really goes to show you how much love people have for their pets. and also coming up this morning we're going to be talking about some more topics because "today's professionals" are in the house and among the topics they're going to be discussing, a 9/11 widower who opposes the death penalty and says he is willing to testify to spare the life of the terror attack's mastermind. and also if a doctor could erase certain memories from your brain, what would you choose to forget? >> too late for donny. also ahead, we're going to talk to betty white when she joins us to really reveal the secret behind her success. she's got a couple of shows on television right now, and she is about to receive a very big honor. we'll talk to her about that. but we begin this half hour with the release of the 911 calls made by the parents of a missing 6-year-old girl in arizona.

nbc's miguel almaguer is in tucson. miguel, good morning to you. >> reporter: matt, good morning. ever since 6-year-old isabel vanished from her home, tucson police have been methodically working this case, 25 days later there are still no suspects. but we now know isa's father sergio, the first person to call 911, is no longer living with his family. >> i need to report a missing child. i believe she was abducted from my house. >> reporter: it's the call no father should ever have to make. sergio celis tells police his daughter isabel is gone. his wife, he tells the operator, not home. >> is mom there also? >> she had just left for work. i just called her and told her to get her butt home. >> reporter: ten minutes later. >> she's only 6. can you please hurry and getson over here. >> reporter: isabel's mother is on the phone with police. >> oh, god. >> reporter: sergio celis says he last saw isabel the night of april 20th. the next morning police say he told them her bedroom window was open, the screen pushed aside.

on a property surrounded by a five foot wall, guarded by three dogs. what do you guys think happened to isa? >> kidnapped. kidnapped. >> reporter: that's what sergio told nbc news in an exclusive interview two weeks ago. but police have yet to call the case a kidnapping, instead labeling it a suspicious disappearance. police have executed search warrants at the celis home, culling the property for evidence and clues. law enforcement services tell nbc news investigators have found nothing to support a stranger abduction theory. >> if there is no evidence whatsoever, no fingerprints, no foot prints, no dna, no hair and fiber, inside that house, it's the only evidence is family members, then the focus will remain on family members. >> reporter: meanwhile, police have confirmed that isabel's parents have both taken polygraph tests. but law enforcement sources tell

nbc news that sergio's statements about the night isabel disappeared have been, quote, inconsistent. at a press conference monday, tucson's police chief said interviews conducted last week led to new information and a call to child protective services. >> and the voluntary agreement was reached between child protective services, and the parents, to restrict access or voluntarily for sergio to give some space and distance away from the two older children in the celis family. >> reporter: sergio is now separated from, and cannot contact, his two other sons, ages 10 and 14. sergio jr., the older boy, made a call to 911 the morning isabel disappeared. >> hey, i need you guys to come down. my sister's gone, someone broke in and grabbed her. >> reporter: despite the recent developments surrounding the celis family, authorities say they have not ruled anyone or

anything out. >> we are not closing our minds to anything about this investigation. >> reporter: to be clear, there have been no suspects named in this case. police say isa's parents are fully cooperating. matt? >> all right, miguel almaguer. miguel, thank you very much. nbc news analyst clint van zandt is a former fbi profiler. clint, good morning to you. >> hi, matt. >> let's just start with, i think, what everyone watching this story right now is either thinking or saying out loud. those two 911 calls. first the father, he calls, he's the first to report his daughter missing, he sounds calm, and at one point, clint, he even chuckles. and then ten minutes later the mother calls, she's frantic. what do you make in the difference in the tone? >> well, number one, i think we always have to be careful. we respond to stress in different ways. some people laugh inappropriately because they don't know how else to handle the situation. but i think you're right, there is just marked ly different

response. the father kind of matter of the fact, the mother is crying, is frantic. so right away, you zero in on that. but short of any other evidence, it's interesting, but it's just one more piece of this puzzle. >> certainly something that sergio celis is telling investigators makes them uncomfortable. although police say they haven't ruled anything or anybody out in this case. they're telling nbc news that certain statements made by the father are inconsistent. as an investigator, when you hear the word inconsistent, what does it mean? >> well, this starts to bother me. we know that polygraphs have been taken, too. we know that both husband and wife indicated we've taken a polygraph but we can't tell you the results of that. matt, if you or i took a polygraph concerning a missing child and we passed it, we would stand up and say, hey, look at me, i passed the test, so go find out who really took our daughter. we haven't heard that yet, so the inconsistent statements, we haven't heard the results of the polygraph. >> right.

>> all of this starts to build up the weight of the investigation pointed still inside that house. >> and then there is this voluntary agreement between the father and child protective services where he has agreed, for some reason, to stop having contact with his two older sons, 10 and 14. now at a time like this, he families are supposed to pull together, what could possibly be going on behind the scenes that would cause child protective services to want there to be space between the father and his two other children? >> well, intentionally or unintentionally, this could serve to drive a wedge between the father and the mother in this case. separating them for the authorities to talk to them. but, matt, there could be a lot of reasons. there could be allegations of violence in the home. there could be a lot of people in and out of the house. there could be a number of reasons to include, perhaps, a polygra polygraph, or a threat that the father might present to himself because he's so distraught. all of this could lead child

protection to take this step. so, again, it looks suspicious to us on the outside, but only the authorities know the true meaning of that, and how that fits in, in this almost month-long investigation for one more missing child. realizing in the united states, a child goes missing like this almost once every three days. we really get frustrating when we don't see these children brought home. >> all right, clint van zandt. clint, as always, thanks for your perspective on this. i appreciate it. >> thank you, matt. >> it's now 7:38. let's get a check of the weather from al. >> matt, thank you so much. got some friends out here. you guys must all be related. you all have the same hair. that's fantastic. >> mothers and daughters. >> where are you from? >> mississippi. >> thanks for coming. >> tupelo. >> that's right. it's always chilly there because it's tupelo. raining just a little bit here in the northeast. look at these temperatures, not two below in because it's tupelo. look at the temperatures, not two below in the northeast. 90s to 100s in the southwest

where they've got the wildfires going in arizona. it's rough. temperatures in the 80s in southern texas. out west, gorgeous, 81 in medford, oregon, with plenty of sunshine. heavy rain later today in the northeast on up into new england. that's what's going on around the country, here's what's going on in your neck of the woods. good morning, a little sunshine, shenandoah valley now, but around washington, clouds, a little light rain lingering. across the bay, eastern shore, the areas in yellow and orange, moderate to heavy downpours with thunder and lightning. around the metro, much of the rain has ended temporarily. probably get more later this afternoon and evening, maybe with thunder and lightning. highs in the upper 70s, sun back tomorrow, up near 80. a delightful pattern after that, thursday into the weekend. >> that's your latest weather. matt? >> all right, al, thanks very much. coming up next, a man who says he spent his life savings fighting his ex-girlfriend for custody of their dog. a fight that's far from over. we're going to talk to him exclusively right after these messages.

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back now at 7:42 with a butter custody battle over a dog. craig says his ex-girlfriend kidnapped his dog and he's waging an expensive fight to get that dog back. we're going to talk to him exclusively in just a moment. first nbc's mar were schiavocampo has details for us. good morning. >> good morning, ann. the adorable dog at the center of this dispute is named knuckles. dershewicz says he should be back here in new york, instead of in california with his ex-girlfriend. and she says he's lying and knuckles was a gift. now it's a cross-country war of the exes giving new meaning to the term dog fight. with floppy ears and a squishy pug face, craig dershowitz says knuckles or knuck for short, is so much more than just his best friend. >> knuckles is my son and i don't mean to come off as if he's more important than actual human child, but to me he is. >> reporter: but dershowitz, a

new yorker, says he hasn't seen his pugle in many months, since his ex-girlfriend sarah brega moved away to california and took 3-year-old knuckles along. >> knuckles is part of my family. i was with him since he was 4 months old. >> reporter: they got knuck while still a couple says dershowitz, but there's no question, knuckles belongs to him. >> i bought knuckles. i actually spent the money, i was his care taker for the most part. >> reporter: so with knuckles 2500 miles away, now dershowitz isn't just sad, he's suing. in court papers filed in new york, dershowitz claims sarah breger has kidnapped knuckles. >> it's a property dispute. it's a theft. >> reporter: in the meantime, dershowitz insists the dispute's getting very costly. 60 grand and counting, he says. and it's wiped out his life savings. so, he's posted a rescue knuck video online, asking strangers to pitch in. >> he's just so loving and so sweet and warm. the only problem is my

ex-girlfriend stole him. now this is my dog in every way imaginable. >> reporter: she vehemently disputes his account. >> we paid for the dog together. we split everything 50/50. vet bills, day care bills. everything was divvied up and split. >> reporter: after the breakup she says dershowitz left knuckles with her and her family for eight months. she says knuckles was an unconditional gift. >> he claims that he was trying to find a home for the dog. and i did take the dog to california. i didn't need to check with him, it wasn't his dog. >> reporter: she's fighting back in court to dismiss the case. brega says it's all about revenge. >> i don't think it's about the dog. i think it's about the fact that i moved on with my life, and moved to california. >> reporter: knuckles is better off with her, she says. >> he does feel like my son. i am his mom. i look forward to every day when i come home and see him. it is emotional, and i wouldn't be okay if i lost him. >> this is a simple case, will

the facts show that this dog was actually a gift? ultimately, though, the judge will also look at what's in the best interests of this dog. >> reporter: it's a bitter case, but when it comes to who gets knuckles, it's also one of dogged determination. >> the most important thing to me is getting knuckles back. and i'm going to do whatever that takes. >> reporter: now the core legal question in this case is who actually owns the dog. unlike with child custody battles, animals are considered property under the law. ann? >> all right, mara schiavocampo, thank you so much. craig dershowitz is now joining us exclusively along with his attorney. good morning to both of you. craig let's start with this, what we just heard in this piece, that sarah is saying that you unconditionally gifted this dog to her. >> absolutely -- >> do you have a response? >> yes, i did not. that's silly. when i moved back to new york and i was looking for a place to live, she held onto him while i found an appropriate apartment. and he was supposed to come back after that. >> she also told nbc news the documents you provided to prove

sole ownership are without merit and she goes on to say that she paid the vet bills, she fed, sheltered and cared for knuckles since he was eight weeks old. and as you heard in the piece she said this is about revenge. it's not about a dog. it's about revenge for her breaking up with you. i'm starting to see why this relationship didn't work out. but would you like to comment on that? >> when i called the veto actually get the bills, as well as the doggie day care they didn't even remember her name. they're like, craig, of course, how are you? what do you need? so, if she paid the bills, i don't remember that. as far as revenge, this is an expensive revenge. not something i want to do. i've actually -- i'm happy she's moved to california. i just want knuckles back here with me. >> so how is this going to move forward? you want to weigh in, these are not, these are property laws we're dealing with. >> the law treats a dog as a what they call chattel, which is a property. it's like a pen or a watch, something of that nature. right now, the battle is being waged in two courts here in new york, as well as in california.

and miss brega in the new york court really hasn't challenged the merits of the case. she's only challenged it on procedural grounds, claiming that new york is not the proper venue for the lawsuit. >> i think, you know, some people watching might say, this is much ado about nothing. however, we should mention there are a lot of animal lovers out there who feel as strongly about their pets as you and your former or ex-girlfriend do. i was curious, as you were watching the piece, craig, you said embarrassing. that it's embarrassing. is that the way you feel? >> i mean, i grew up with a lot of pride. and so to be out on tv pleading for money, which is what it looks like for a lot of people, just to have my name and my face out there on something of this nature, it's embarrassing. it's not something i did lightly. i just was forced to do it. >> you know, you, you talk about leading pore money, you're asking for people to contribute to your legal bills. >> yes. >> through the internet. there are a lot of great charities that people should

contribute to. why do you think that they should contribute to you? >> absolutely, that's a great question. i'm looks just for small bits. and most of the donations so far have been $20 or less. and i think that give bigger charities to the places that deserve it. there's very important charities out there and i give every year, of course. but this is something that with just a small amount you can make a large difference. >> and if you could speak to sarah -- first of all are you in communications or all or no contact? >> no contact. >> if you could speak to her right now what would you want to say to her? >> just let's get over this, bring knuckles back. really there's nothing else going on. want knuckles ver, through my home where you know he belongs. >> craig dershowitz and sean joining us. coming up just ahead we've got betty white here. we're going to talk to her about pulling pranks on the young people. and also the secrets to her success. but first these messages. agents, when it comes to insurance, people feel lost.

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7:55 is your time on this tuesday, may 15th, 2012, good morning, i'm eun yang. it is messy out there. let's get the forecast now from storm center 4 meteorologist tom kierein. good morning. >> good morning, everything is still well in the wake of the wave of rain that came through. but now it's exiting much of the metro, crossing the bay to the eastern shore. a few breaks in the clouds west and southwest of washington. maybe a little sunshine breaking out. clouding up this afternoon and more showers and thundershowers likely. highs upper 70s before they recommence. maybe more tonight. sun back tomorrow, thursday into the weekend. ♪

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♪ this is the next chapter for the rx. this is the next chapter for lexus. this is the pursuit of perfection. 8:00 now on a tuesday morning. the 15th of may, 2012. it's a rainy day here in new york, as we say hello to a crowd gathered outside in rockefeller plaza. they're standing in the rain to say hello to all of you this morning. i'm ann curry, meantime, alongside matt lauer, and al roker. coming up, another round of the professionals. >> star, donny and dr. nancy are here. they're going to tackle another series of hot topics, including a guy who had his bicycle stolen and came up with a rather interesting way to get it back. but some people are not sure he did it the right way. >> all right.

and one of a number of topics. also coming up we're going to get to hear from betty white. she's in our studio getting ready for a live interview. you know, she has got some secrets. she's 90 years old. she's got two shows. one of them this new prank show that is getting rave reviews and great ratings. anyway, and on top of that, she's going to be honored at the friar's club annual roast coming up tomorrow. and i'm not so sure, matt, if she knows based on her experience watching you being roasted at the friar's club, she knows what she's in for. >> it's like one long four-letter word. it's like 3 1/2 hours of four-letter words. >> betty, i don't know, four-letter words. betty white, they don't go together! >> betty's -- people don't know. we've also got a lot more stars lined up this week when this young lady, ann curry, takes to cannes by storm. she's going to go to the cannes film festival with alec baldwin, sacha baron cohen, bin stiller

and chris rock just to name a few. ann will be there tomorrow, today, an idyllic paradise. by friday, a vast wasteland. but ann curry, south of france, thursday and friday here on "today." >> i'm excited. >> i hope your weather there is better than this here. >> i know. >> it's pouring in new york city. let's go inside, natalie is standing by at the news desk with the headlines. >> good morning, everyone. the ceo of jpmorgan chase will likely face tough questions today in florida. the bank's annual shareholder meeting in tampa will give investors their first chance to grill ceo jamie dimon about the loss of at least $2 billion in a trading blunder. john edwards' oldest daughter is set to take the stand in her father's defense. 30-year-old cate edwards could testify as early as today. the defense, meanwhile, suffered a setback monday when the judge barred testimony from a former federal elections official. he was prepared to say edwards did not violate campaign finance

laws. and we're learning more about the two tennessee sisters who were rescued from a horrifying two-week-long abduction that left their mother and older sister dead. here's nbc's thanh truong. >> reporter: after the most terrifying time of their young lives, 12-year-old alexandria bain and her 8-year-old sister kyliyah are now safe with their father gary in their hometown in tennessee. >> the girls did great on sunday. some days they didn't do so great. most of the day they do real well. >> reporter: last thursday the girls were rescued from accused kidnapper and killer adam mayes. by that time, the fbi says mayes had murdered the girls' mother jo ann and older sister adrienne. family spokesman david livington says the sisters are trying to cope with the loss. >> a long road ahead for the whole family, for gary, for the girls, and obviously they very much miss their mother and their older sister. >> reporter: alexandria and

kyliyah told rescuers they had been in the woods without food for three days. the fbi says mayes had been on the run with the girls for nearly two weeks. a tip led searchers to a wooded area near mayes' mississippi home. as authorities closed in, and with the girls present, mayes shot himself. a friend of the bain family says mayes epitomized evil. >> i don't see how anybody could take a mother and a child's life, and steal two kids from their home. i just don't understand that. >> reporter: the girls were physically unharmed. now, the focus shifts to supporting them mentally and emotionally. thanh truong, nbc news, atlanta. a three-man crew, including one american astronaut, is rocketing toward the international space station. the russian made soyuz blasted off this morning from the space center in southern kazakhstan with arrival scheduled for thursday. now for a look at what is trending today, our quick roundup of what has you talking

on line. howard stern is a hot search topic on google. he made his debut on the season premiere of "america's got talent." stern was a little tough on some of the contestants and viewers seemed to love it. lady gaga has tweeted a picture of her newest raw meat outfit unveiled in tokyo. similar to the one that grabbed attention two years ago, but as you see there, this one is much skimpier. and high school teachers are pranking their own students in this video that's going viral. they duped the students into fake interviews while fellow teachers perform goofy dances in the background. hope the kids get extra credit for that. 8:05 right now. let's go back outside to al for a check of the weather. i'm just going to go like this. >> this is where you live. nothing like that. this right here. hey. some people will be dancing. the aids walk, when is that? >> sunday. >> rain or shine? >> central park. rain or shine. >> how many people walking? >> 50,000. >> fantastic, all right.

good to see you guys. let's check what you've got for let's check what you've got for your weather. oakland, california, 71 degrees and early fog. as we look to texas. a lot of heavy rain, look for more showers and thunderstorms, making their way through the northeast. we expect to see some more clouds making their way into the pacific northwest in the next 24 hours. a look at plenty of sunshine, 81 in medford, heavy rain along the northeast coast, a slight risk of strong storms through the upper mississippi river valley. i want to show this beautiful young lady here. what's her name? >> mattiyah. she is gorgeous. hello. a got a little smile. that's what's going on around the country, here's what's happening in your neck of the woods. >> tom kierein, in storm center 4. we've had one wave of moderate to heavy rain coming through the metro area over the last few hours, now crossing the bay, moving towards the eastern shore. and west and southwest of

washington, a little sunshine breaking out. in much of virginia, and later today, maybe a little of the sun into the metro area, too, in the next few hours, but then clouding right back up again. maybe more showers and thundershowers, late they are afternoon into this evening. it may cause a rain delay for the nats' afternoon game. >> and that's your latest weather. >> all right, thanks, al. coming up "today's professionals" talking about the hot topics of the day, including what they'd most like to forget if science would allow them to. let's play indoors this weekend. all we need is a couple of gallons of our hardest-working paint... ...from the home depot. the place that gives us more top-rated brands than anywhere else... ...at prices that won't shake up our budget. let's make a one-wall statement... ...or tackle a total room takeover ...with paint that'll get the job done in fewer trips up and down the ladder. more saving. more doing. that's the power of the home depot. the number one brand of paint just got better. starting at $24.96.

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fuel economy based on epa estimates. listen to what mvp justin verlander thinks about it. i would say the source of most of my muscle pain would be in my shoulder. my trainer kevin rand recommended it to me. i was kind of skeptical at first, but i tested it out, and bayer advanced aspirin relieved my pain fast. feeling 100% every start, every fifth day, i think definitely gives me a little bit of an edge. but don't take his word for it. put bayer advanced aspirin to the test for yourself at fastreliefchallenge.com and we're back now at 8:10 with "today's professionals." here to chew over the hottest

topics of the day, star jones, donny deutsch and dr. nancy snyderman. nancy, welcome back. >> thank you, matt. >> let's get started. blake allison, he's the man who lost his wife anna during the attacks of 9/11, she was on one of the planes that was crashed into the world trade center. he's now traveled to the military base at guantanamo bay to witness the arraignment of khalid shaikh mohammed, the alleged mastermind of those attacks. and while he was there, he met secretly with the attorneys for kfm and said he was willing to testify on ksm's behalf to spare him the death penalty. not saying he thinks he's innocent. but he's adamantly opposed to the death penalty. given the nature of the crimes, does this surprise anybody? >> to me, you know, it's easy to say, look, everybody has a right to their opinion, and to me i thought it was incredible insensitivity to the other families that lost family members. >>? >> that maybe didn't feel that way. >> whereas i don't think it's

the place -- he is one of this very, very tragic group. >> do you think grandstanding? >> it just felt to me inappropriate and i just know, if god forbid it happened to one of my family members, i'd be very angry. >> the fact that you say god forbid that's one of the reasons why a victim's impact statement in any criminal case means something but it's not des positive of the issue. emotionally we're invested with what has to do with our own family members. the death penalty, if you agree or don't agree that's the final punishment for someone who committed a heinous crime. >> i have a very dear friend whose sister was murdered while she was pregnant. and years later she witnessed the execution of the killer. she said it brought her no closure. and every time i hear her talk about the death penalty i always wonder, at the end, does it bring closure? >> but this -- >> he stood up in defense, i mean -- >> not in defense. no, donny.

>> no he didn't -- >> i think you say it's insensitive to the other victims. don't you in some way -- it's a moral conviction for him. >> -- i have a moral conviction and despite the incredible, heinous nature of this crime, it doesn't sway my moral conviction. >> which is okay for him to stand in that space. >> i think -- >> a victim has a right to feel that way. but the government has a bigger interest than one victim's opinion. >> let's move on. eduardo saf awin, he's the guy that mark zuckerberg allegedly tried to push out of the company, he stills owns about 5%, which has made him a very rich guy. and he stands to be even richer when the ipo goes through in the near future. about $4 billion he could make. now, he has given up his u.s. citizenship, moved to singapore, and some are saying this is simply to avoid capital gains taxes. >> sure. >> on that money. is it an outrage or is it someone playing by the rules? >> you know it's funny.

how do you spend $4 billion to $6 billion in your life anyway? so he owes the feds $600 million in taxes. at some point to renounce being an american, to save money, it's so a vacuous and hollow, i mean -- this company was founded here. he was part of it. and i think he is a weasel. >> and i think he's probably thinking, and they exclude me, this guy zuckerberg and i don't live here, i don't live here most of the time, i live in singapore, my citizenship means the world to me. but it never meant the world to him. >> that's right. >> he's saying i'm not trying to spend $600 million on the rest of y'all, i'm taking my money. >> he owes it to uncle sam to -- >> he's doing nothing different than a lot of corporations do. that is what he's doing. he's playing within the tax rules. >> yeah, that's right. >> so let's fault the entire corporate system. by the way, he almost brought that company down. his entire strategy was wrong.

>> so the impact this discussion at all to find out that as a young man he came from his native country of brazil, with his family, to this country, in part to escape kidnapping gangs that might have targeted his family because they were extremely wealthy, living in brazil. so this country was at one point a safe haven for him. >> that's the best part about being in america. >> you know, you don't want to be an american, don't be an american. did he break the law? no. but, i think it tells you a lot about who he is as a person. >> and our tax structure may need to change. >> hbo has a four-part documentary airing this week called "the weight of the nation" it's about obesity and the epidemic of obesity in this country. is this a public service? they're tackling this difficult issue? or is there something more here, donny? are they saying, wait, there's 79 million obese people in this country, that is a very targetable and marketable audience? >> they're actually setting up --

>> like "the biggest loser" on nbc. >> they're setting up marketers who look at an audience based on their lifestyle choice. a demographic is 18 to 34, a psychographic are people who like to eat a lot. >> are we going to see more of this? >> you're going to see dressing choices. you're going to see food choices. you're going to see diet choices. exercise choices. and then you're going to see the negative on the other side. you're going to see people who say i'm going to opt out of the big people game. that they don't want to be a part of. >> it's interesting. there are some exercise chains, line of clothing now. they're not even marketing to size 12 and over. they want to be seen as the young fit. so i think we're going to see probably in your world, people embracing the new market. and the sort of the more fit market, and we'll see a divergence. but at the end of the day, we're going to have to tackle this or there's -- >> real quickly. fighting toxic memories. scientific american has an extensive article about a new breakthrough in science that might help people forget toxic

memories. so if you've been in war. if you've been the victim of a crime, erased. they can help you forget that. do you think people are going to learn about this and want to erase more mundane things like embarrassing moments in their lives? the breakup with someone? you know, the time you bent over and split your pants in front of the whole class? >> no. i think -- >> what would you want to forget? >> i think it's for the severely impaired who just can't get over the ptsd of war, rape, genocide, terrible things. >> they gave some sort of medicine like that to people who were buried in the 9/11 impact, they gave that drug. they actually gave me one of them -- >> said i'm doing open heart surgery so that i didn't remember the first two days. >> it's like anything else. used properly like an antidepressant, great, then there are people who abuse it. i think every drug we overuse as a society, but you know look it can be a wonderful thing. >> the cool thing is how much we don't know about the human brain and frankly the avenues it

opens. i leave us all in a kumbayah place. >> entitlened place. >> nancy, donny, star, nice to see you all. up next the ever-young and hilarious betty white. right after this. [ male announcer ] if you have yet to master the quiet sneeze... [ sneezes ] [ male announcer ] you may be an allergy muddler. try zyrtec® for powerful allergy relief. and zyrtec® is different than claritin® because it starts working faster on the first day you take it. zyrtec®. love the air. [ sneezes ]

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but i tested it out, and bayer advanced aspirin relieved my pain fast. it helps me get back in the game. but don't take his word for it. put bayer advanced aspirin to the test for yourself at fastreliefchallenge.com. back now at 8:21 with a true national treasure. seven-time emmy winner betty white is the star and executive producer of nbc's betty white's "off their rockers," a show that gives senior citizens their chance to pull pranks on the younger generation. and the results are hilarious. take a look. >> you get a present. you get a present. >> hey, whoa! >> come on, show us our tatas. >> show us your hooters. one will do. >> one each. >> one each. >> my bucket list. >> betty white, good morning. >> good morning.

>> show us your boobs, show us your tatas. i'm frightened what's going on in your mind. >> not my mind. i'm just an innocent bystander. >> but you're also the executive producer of this show. >> i am the innocent executive producer. no, it's silly. it's terribly silly. and we didn't expect to get picked up but we did. >> i know. here you are. the ratings are good. you've been picked up again. how did you know that seniors would be so funny? >> well, it takes getting a chance of turn the tables on some of the youngsters who usually get the last word and stuff. and it's surprising how people love to get involved with that. >> i know. >> so it's kind of a candid camera show. >> oh, very much. very much. >> the young people have no idea what's going on. the older generation there knows. and then you're taping all of this. >> they're taping all of this. and the reactions of the young

people thinking that these are regular conversations -- real conversations that they're hearing. so the reactions are kind of fun sometimes. >> it's so fun. and you've got that show. you've got another show called "hot in cleveland." you've got two shows, you're 90 years old, honey, how, i mean, i'm barely hanging onto one show. it's not -- >> do you think it's greed? >> it's not but at 90 years old, having two shows, i mean, a lot of people are going to wonder, you know, what is the secret to your success, betty white? >> i am the luckiest old broad on two feet. trust me. i just -- i love what i do, that's what i'm blessed with good health. and great energy. so, what's to say no to? well, i know what's to say no to. >> do you? >> i used to. >> speaking of which, by the way, you didn't say no to the friar's club.

>> oh, that -- >> they're going to have a roast. you're going to do that tomorrow. they're roasting you. >> now that i'm scared about. i have no idea what's going to happen. >> well, well, why did you say yes? i know that mary tyler moore is going to show up. all kinds of wonderful people are. are you prepared for all the four-letter words they're going to throw at you? >> of course not. of course not. you know that. you just wing it. you hope for the best and wing it. >> you might want to get ear plugs, betty. i was talking to matt. in fact i was there for matt's. i got to tell you, i turned crimson all the way up and down. i mean it's intense. >> really? >> yes. it's intense. they love you too much. >> but the good part of it is, i won't understand any of it. >> that's -- >> believe me. >> is there any part of your life that you don't want them to roast? is there any warning you want to send out now that they're coming tomorrow? >> nope, nope. when you've been around 90 years, you can't very well sort stuff out.

>> so the idea is to bring it on? >> bring it on and we'll handle it the best we can. the most i'd have to do is run away from home. >> right, right. well don't do that. we like to keep you close. meantime the gentleman at the top of our interview talking about their bucket list, wanting to see somebody's tatas. i mean i say that in a way to say, is there anything left, betty, on your bucket list that you've not done? >> i'd love to go -- no. no. i mean, nothing that i can talk about. >> okay. on national television? >> i -- there are a few people that i miss. but i'd like -- >> more of this.

good morning, it's 8:26 now on this tuesday, may 15th, i'm aaron gilchrest. meteorologist tom kierein has been keeping an eye on the radar all morning. tom? >> a respite from the rain. that's a live view from our city cam remarks the sky beginning to brighten up a little bit. over the last several hours, we've had one wave of some moderate to heavy rain passing through the metro area. now it's on the eastern shore. there are a few breaks in the clouds across parts of virginia. and by next couple of hours, we might see a little sun break out. we'll cloud up again, more showers and thundershowers later this afternoon, into this evening. some of the likely showers maybe giving up a half-inch of rain. ending predawn on wednesday, dry

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good morning, lots of problems this morning, traveling northbound route 29 at old colombia road, a crash there. northbound i-59 at virginia at 395, watch for the accident there and the huge delays facing

you on 395, if that's your commute this morning. bufferer to bumper from duke street to the 14th street bridge, driving at 12 miles per hour. aaron, back to you.

8:30 now on a tuesday morning. it's the 15th day of may, 2012. and we stepped outside where the weather is improving somewhat dramatically over the last half hour. the rain has stopped. the sky is brightening. but i understand this is just a calm before another storm. more rain in the forecast. we've got a nice crowd of people

out on the plaza. i'm matt lauer, along with ann curry, natalie morales, and al roker. by the way the music you're hearing in the background. that's usher. the grammy award winner performing. it's our way of reminding you that come friday, right here on the plaza, we have usher live in concert. so if you're in the area, come on by. that's going to be a lot of fun. and the weather shoulden great by then. >> fantastic. >> really? >> oh, yeah, absolutely. >> anyway, coming up in this half hour the skinny rules. >> that's right. we're going to be talking to bob harper. the tough trainer from "biggest loser" he's out with a new book detailing his keys to losing weight and some of them include, for example, what he wants you to do before every meal that helps you lose weight. so there you go. that's our little tease. >> then how do the stars pull off all those great red carpet looks? jenna bush hager is going to introduce us to a woman who was just named hollywood's top stylist. by the hollywood reporter. >> ooh.

and with prom season in full swing, what do you want to do? you want to make sure your teens are protected. you have talked to them about risky behavior before the prom happens. we'll give you the -- what to say and what to do before the prom gets started. >> all right. a lot to get to. first can we say good morning to holly cavanaugh who is the latest contestant voted off "american idol." how are you? you know what about you, you got eliminated and yet you had this kind of incredible, positive attitude, even after facing that. >> thank you. >> how does that happen? >> i think -- i think i just kind of have the mind-set of i couldn't really complain. the top four from last year top four seems like a big step to me. so i think i was just thankful and blessed to be there. >> you had some powerful perf m performan performances. the judges did love them. but they did criticize you for that showing enough emotion. does that resonate with you? do you think as you look back at

the tape? >> i know in some performances that i look back on i was like oh, my face was kind of blank then. but i mean it's something that i'm learning and i'm growing and even like being off the show, i'll still continue to grow, and so i'll just looking forward to like what the future brings hopefully. >> what was wrong with your duet with jesse sanchez? it was kind of interesting. >> we had a lot of fun with those swings like we would just be on set like -- everybody was like, okay, it's time to sing and we're like, no, it's fine. but, yeah, it was fun. we just kind of had fun with that one. >> there are three contestants left. jesse sanchez as you see there, you have any idea, you say they're all very strong contenders, all very different. >> i mean you definitely see on the show that you never know what can happen. everyone was shocked what happened with colton so i mean it kind of is like you never know what's going to happen, you never know who's going to win.

>> congratulations. >> all right. >> holly cavanaugh, nice to have you here. >> thank you. >> as we have you standing here, let's remind people on may 31st the runner-up and winner of "american idol" will perform live on our plaza. we look forward to that. "american idol" will perform live on our plaza. >> here's what's going on in your neck of the woods. good morning, we're getting a temporary respite from the rain for the next few hours. in fact we may see a little sunshine breaking out. much of the rain is on the eastern shore and exiting anne arundel county. and to our west, a little sun breaking out across parts of virginia and southwest later today. maybe even into the metro area, another hour or two. we'll get sunshine broking out over the next hour. then clouding back up again around the afternoon hours and maybe some more showers and thunder this afternoon and this evening. likelihood of that, sun back

>> all right, thanks a lot, al. >> you really are cute. >> coming up next, bob harper's simple rules for getting thin. the middle class is shrinking. in this day and age you can only accomplish so much without a degree, and traditional institutions are simply not set up to accommodate people who have jobs and families. university of phoenix works for those people who have real lives and real demands. the degrees that we offer are things where people can fulfill their goals with even brighter hopes for the future.

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"today's health" is brought to you by bayer advanced aspirin. fast, safe pain relief. >> we're back at 8:37. this morning on "today's health," simple rules to losing weight. bob harper, the longtime trainer on nbc's hit show "the biggest loser" has helped countless contestants shed hundreds of pounds. now, he's put his advice into a new book called "the skinny rules: the simple nonnegotiable principles for getting to thin." bob, good to see you. welcome back. >> really nice to see you, two. >> two words in that title jump out at me. simple, nonnegotiable, not so simple. >> when i wrote this book. which by the way is out today, you can go to bobharper.com and get it.

i wanted to show people sometimes rules are not meant to be liked they're meant to be followed. >> but nonnegotiable means they're very strict and a lot of people have a difficult time following that. >> well, i mean, we live in a day and age right now that we are really battling obesity and we have to have a set of rules to live by. it just -- i know that it worked for me with all my contestants throughout the seasons and it's like, i put them on the rules and it works. >> i want to get to some of the specific rules in a second. but before we do that, talk about this 80%, 20% idea. >> i love the idea that 80%, 20%, because if you and i are doing everything that we're supposed to be doing 80% of the time, then we have that 20% that we get to play with. there's a splurge meal that we get to have once a week that's going to kind of keep everyone on track. >> and that's because most people have a very difficult time following something 100% of the time. >> i think that 100% of the time is for just a really small percentage of people that know how to live that very athletic, crazy mental toy. and it's like i admire it. but i can't do that. >> let's get to the simple rules. one of the things you want people to do to lose weight, drink a large glass of water

before every meal, no excuses. >> no excuse on that. want you to drink a big, huge glass of waters soon as you get up in the morning, too. going to help your digestive system and your metabolism. >> you go with the eight glasses a day? >> i want you to have eight to twelve and it's going to be great for your skin, too. >> all right, eat protein at every meal. what form should it take? >> every single kind of protein that you want. that you can have. there's salmon, pork, chicken, eggs, i have eggs always in my refrigerator. i need things to be quick and easy. >> you like this one a lot. you say people should eat berries and apples every single day. >> antioxidants and fiber. the more fiber i can get you to eat the more satisfied your body is going to be and the less likely you'll be able to overeat. >> all right. and here's a very important one, one day a week, you make that a meatless day. you're talking about not just red meat. you're talking about -- >> no animal protein whatsoever. i get people to really focus on having more fruit and vegetables. it's really important.

vegetables, you're never going to gain weight, matt, eating vegetables. the sky is the limit. don't count the calories. have them any way that you like them. >> do you find that people are satisfied? is that a hard one for people to follow. >> yeah but there's so many rules, the last one we're going to be talking about, going to bed hungry. hardest rule in the book. >> let's talk about that. it happens to me. i get to the end of the day, i'm hungry. i don't want to get in bed hungry because i think i'm going to toss and turn all night. i have a snack right at the end of the day. >> what i have to do is so many people is get them on a routine and the routine is about three hours, at least three hours before you go to bed i don't want you to have any food in your system. you're going to get up in the morning. you will actually have a more sound sleep, you'll get up in the morning and let me tell you, you'll be ready to eat. you'll be ready for that breakfast. >> as long as you don't jump in and have eggs and bacon and hash browns and things like that. and plan one splurge meal every week. >> hugely important. you have that meal, and you will stay on track. you'll be more likely to keep all this up. >> bob harper. and you've had success, so clearly if people follow these

rules hopefully they will, as well. the book is "the skinny rules." you can find bob's recipes on our website. up next jenna bush hager introduces us to the woman behind the red carpet looks of some of hollywood's biggest stars. ♪

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we all know that it takes a team to get red carpet ready, but have you ever wondered who actually dreams up the looks of some hollywood's hottest celebrities? "today" contributing correspondent jenna bush hager went straight to the source. >> good morning, ann. that's right. kate young may not be a household name, but she's quickly making a name for herself on and off the red carpet. she was recently named the top stylist in the business by "the hollywood reporter." and once you see the looks she's created, you'll know why. the behind-the-scenes magician known for styling natalie portman, michelle williams, and hilary swank has always spoken

the language of fashion. >> my first word was shoe. >> reporter: stylist kate young is known for her bold use of color. and for creating those unforgettable red carpet looks. often with less than traditional choices. >> it's always like what you become obsessed with. so i hope to always just push it far enough that you don't think you like it, and you realize you love it. and then that will create some sort of image that resonates. >> reporter: her work resume is with actresses known as much for their substance as for their style. >> i'd like to say, oh, well i own work with smart women, i think there are people i have good chemistry with and i really admire them. i love pleated tulle. it's like the most magical thing in the world. it's like a little bit of poetry. >> reporter: and for kate, it's

art. >> originally we said should be orange or like iris color. and we had boughts of fabric when we were fitting it and i was like -- >> reporter: something's not right? >> the orange is weird, let's go with the purple and then three days later i woke up in the middle of the night and i was like no, no, no, no, no, it needs to be orange. >> reporter: the daughter of professors growing up in the woods of pennsylvania, she dreamed of a world surrounded by clothes. >> it's funny, because like i pride myself on being low maintenance now but i had to change every activity. so i would change into a cooking outfit. and change into like a change the light bulb outfit. and it was really about the fashion when i was a little kid. >> reporter: her first job in fashion was the assistant to legendary editor anna wintour. >> the winning of my career i got a job at "vogue" and that was like the realization of all my childhood dreams. it's almost like getting a harvard mba or something. it was like a master's degree in fashion. >> now, kate has two more starlets to dress.

sons leif and stellen. >> everything could go wrong but i have them. it doesn't matter, at the end of the day my kids don't care. >> reporter: and kate was recently named the most powerful stylist in the business. by "the hollywood reporter." how does that make you feel? i mean does that make you slightly uncomfortable, or -- >> being a stylist, it's not usually about me. so it's a little uncomfortable to have people talk about me. because i'm not used to it. you know, my job is usually making someone else look beautiful. but, i think it's feels great. it feels really good. my parents are super proud. >> reporter: proud, indeed. kate is recognized across the industry for the mark she's making in the world of celebrity fashion. >> kate is an automatic when people are thinking about who they'd like to have help them get dressed for a big event. definitely. i think kate is really at the top of everybody's list right now. not just "the hollywood reporter." >> reporter: even with her recent visibility kate wants to keep some of her secrets under wraps. >> i don't want to kill the

magic of it. i do really believe that, like, if i'm chatting too much about it, you won't believe in the girl in the dress. >> reporter: for kate now, life is good. she's hoping to spread some of the magic of the red carpet, creating fairy tales for women everywhere. >> i would really like to do a line of evening dresses for women that are affordable. i'd like to bring some of the magic of what we see on the red carpet, and make it available to regular women. i think that would be awesome. >> of course, there really is no off season in hollywood. but kate managed to find a little time in her schedule to style me. this is a kate young inspiration. >> i love it. and it's vintage, your dress. >> vintage. she found it. she's so great. she's so smart and so cool and i really, really like her. >> well, jenna bush hager you look beautiful. obviously she's very, very talented. and coming up we've got much more. but first this is "today" on nbc. it was like a red rash... very sore looking kinda blistery.

like somebody had set a bag of hot charcoal on my neck. i was a firefighter for 24 years. but, i have never encountered such a burning sensation until i had the shingles. i remember it well. i was in the back yard doing yard work. i had this irritation going on in my lower neck. i changed shirts because i thought there was something in the collar of the shirt irritating my neck. and i couldn't figure out what was going on. i had no idea it came from chickenpox. i always thought shingles was associated with people... a lot older than myself. i can tell you from experience, it is bad. it's something you never want to encounter. for more of the inside story, visit shinglesinfo.com

we're back at 8:49 with a powerful new book from the pulitzer prize winning journalist and author of "friday night lights." it's called "father's day: a journey into the mind and heart of my extraordinary son." today national correspondent jamie gangel has the touching story. good morning to you. >> good morning, matt. buzz businessinger has written an extraordinary book about his son zack, one of the safety

twins who was born with brain damage and autism. after suffering with guilt and frustration over the years, buzz took his son on a two-week road trip across america, from las vegas to bungee jumping. the book is what he discovered about his son, and perhaps more important, about himself. >> i love my son deeply. but i do not feel i know him, nor do i think i ever will. when's your next big outing? >> reporter: buzz bissingary's 28-year-old son zack was born with trace brain dage and has an iq of 70. but he is also a savant. and there are things you can do that are simply extraordinary. if i can give you some dates, can you tell me what day of the week they were? can we try? may 1st, 2000. >> may 1st, 2000. monday. >> right. august 20th, 2011. >> saturday.

>> right. can you explain at all the people how you know that? >> i just know. >> zack also will never forget a birthday. >> lorenzo's not in. >> it's his birthday. >> i don't remember. >> or a meeting. >> i remember on the 24th of july to the 26th. >> what's there? >> and he is a walking encyclopedia of streets and maps. >> yeah, it's a 12-minute walk from suburban. >> exactly 12 minutes? >> over to work. >> but in his new book "father's day" bissinger also gives a brutally honest account of what it's been like watching his twin sons grow up side by side. in 1983, zack and his twin brother jerry were born premature. just three minutes apart. the two are very close. and in many ways, typical brothers. >> do you remember some of our games?

>> blankets. >> get under the blankets. >> yeah. >> but as bissinger writes, their lives have been a world apart. >> there you go. >> today, jerry is getting his ph.d. >> would you like paper or plastic? >> zack bags groceries at shop rite and delivers mail at the philadelphia enquirer and daily news. >> always like looking at mirrors, one of which is unblemished, and one of which is cracked. >> while the rest of the family came to terms with zack's disabilities, bissinger admits he struggled to accept his son. >> i have loved zack to death. but i also say in the book, and i don't say it proudly, this is never the child i envisioned, and it was not the child that i wanted. >> you wanted him to be normal? >> i did want him to be normal. i mean i wanted him to play baseball. i wanted him to go to harvard. parents want things from their

kids. >> so buzz suggested they take a road trip across the country. he hoped they would bond. zack was much less enthusiastic. >> you don't seem very excited. oh, no, no, no, i'm very excited. how will we get there? we'll rent a car and we drive. hey, dad, i have an idea, maybe we can fly. >> so then you trapped him in a car for two weeks and you took him across the united states. >> now everyone thinks i'm probably the worst parent in the history of parenthood. >> there were funny moments, and rocky moments. patience is not buzz's strong suit. you'll get lost a lot. >> i do get lost a lot. >> and he bails you out. >> right. >> over and over. >> right. >> and over again. >> well, you know, it's a great benefit having a human gps. >> there were also playful revelations. buzz recorded their conversations. >> do you know what brain damage is? >> no. >> what do you think it is?

>> when your brain isn't right. >> do you know your brain is not all right? >> yeah. >> you hear your child say, you know, my brain isn't right. it -- it crushes you. >> zack's mom, buzz's first wife deborah, says it's part of parenting. >> bye, guys. love you. >> all of us sometimes have to discuss with our children things that are painful. i think he's too hard on himself. in the book. buzz is a wonderful father. he's a wonderful father. >> i came away realizing he is the man i admire most in my life. >> and in the end, the trip succeeded beyond buzz's wildest expectations. >> he is not the child i wanted. but he is no longer a child anyway. he is a man. the most fearless i have ever known, restoring the faith of a father in all that can be.

>> and we gave zack the last word. your dad says he learned a lot about you on this trip. did you learn anything new about him? >> no. >> so, zack, if your dad said to you that he wanted to do another road trip, would you go? >> maybe. >> really? that's sweet of you. can we drive? >> no, i can drive. >> wait, you said you didn't like the car. >> we do fly. >> zack does not like being stuck in a car. i loved this book. it is funny. it is painful. it will resonate with every parent. and you start out thinking it's going to be a book about zack's issues. but buzz is the first to admit, it's about him. his favorite review was titled, zack is good, buzz needs work. matt and ann? >> a great story, jamie.

thank you so much. we appreciate it. to read an excerpt from "father's day" you can head to today.com. we're going to have much more on a tuesday morning. right after these messages and your local news and weather. 8:56 your time on this tuesday, may 15th, 2012, good morning, i'm eun yang. it's been a very messy morning commute. let's go straight to danella sealock with look at the roads. >> good morning, eun, still seeing problems outer loop of the beltway, the ramp to telegraph road, a crash there. northbound on 395, another accident, this one at seminary road, blocking your right center

lane and you're jammed on 395 still, it's a tough commute. at edsall, all the way to the 14th street bridge, you're driving at about 14 miles per hour, and over to the beltway, in montgomery county, still seeing delays in this area as well, no accidents. eun, over to you. [ male announcer ] this was how my day began. got my bearings. ♪ a little bird told me about a band. ♪ an old man shared some fish stories. ♪

ooh, my turn. ♪ she was in paris, but i still got to see her. we talked for hours. ♪ everyone else buzzed about the band. music, stories, adventures, memories. ♪ ...all at my fingertips. ♪ there's a wireless mind inside all of us. ♪ so, where to next? ♪

good morning, tom kierein, storm center 4. mid morning, we're getting a respite from the rain that came through, northern part of the eastern shore. a few sunny breaks trying to break out across parts of virginia and the district of maryland. keep up with the weather the rest of the day with our new weather app for ipad and iphone. search nbc space washington. highs in the upper 70s this afternoon. and additional showers and thundershowers this evening. nice pattern thursday into

we're back now with more of "today" on a tuesday morning. 15th day of may, 2012. rain stopped for a little while here in the northeast. hopefully it's kind of nice where you're waking up, as well. i'm matt lauer, along with ann curry, al roker, and savannah guthrie. we just want to take one second to recognize some people behind us from vancouver island. how much fun did we have there during the olympics? >> such a great place. >> -- really fun. >> we had a really good time. welcome. you enjoying our island as much as we enjoyed yours? good, all right. >> okay. >> anyway. >> all right.

>> coming up, breakfast, most important meal of the day. joy bauer is going to talk about that and talk about a fruit that hab we all take for granted. >> that's right. she says basically that a banana a day can make a huge difference. she's also got some healthy breakfasts on the go for people on the go, and also she's going to give us the truth about fructose corn syrup coming up. >> and of course, prom season under way. high schoolers obviously looking forward to that all year. their parents may not. from drinking and driving to staying out all night we're going to get conversation started on helping to keep your teen safe. >> and then with the unofficial start to summer about two weeks away we've got jill martin here with some fun finds for summer. there you go, a t-shirt. a nice clutch. wine sets. she's drinking already. >> it's not the fourth hour. >> it's going to look like the fourth hour. >> let's go inside, natalie is standing by with a check of the headlines. >> good morning to you all once again. in the news, police have released the first 911 call from

the father of 6-year-old isabel celis, a tucson girl who vanished nearly one month ago. >> i need to report a missing child. i believe she was abducted from my house. >> is mom there also? >> she had just left for work. i just called her and i told her to get her butt home. >> police have not named any suspects in the case. meantime, in an agreement with child protection officials the father's access to his 10 and 14-year-old sons have been restri restricted. law enforcement sources tell nbc news the father has given inconsistent statements to police. firefighters in arizona are struggling to make headway against several wildfires that have sent smoke drifting into phoenix. the historic mining town of crown king is under an evacuation order just weeks ahead of the tourist season. investigators are back at the scene of a horrible school bus accident monday in southern illinois. police say at least eight people were injured when the bus bringing sixth graders home from a field trip collided with a tractor trailer. john edwards' oldest

daughter is set to take the stand in her father's defense. 30-year-old cate edwards could testify as early as today. the defense suffered a setback meanwhile on monday when the judge barred testimony from a former federal elections official. he was prepared to say edwards did not violate campaign finance laws. a brooklyn man's costly battle with his ex-girlfriend over their puppy has gone viral and was featured on the show this morning. craig dershowitz said he spent about $60,000 on legal fees to get knuckles back. his ex-girlfriend sarah brega says the puggle was a gift and she's fighting to keep him with her in california. >> zblan auction of rare jewels raised nearly $38 million for charity on monday. highlights included a 32 carat ruby and diamond ring that fetched more than $6.5 million. the jewels once belonged to the widow of billionaire banker edmund saffra. it's usually the students

who play pranks at the end of the school year. these high school teachers are pranking their students. the students were duped into fake interviews while the teachers you see there are performing goofy dances behind them. pretty funny. that's a good dance. one of the world's rarest animals has been caught on tape in africa. researchers set up cameras and videotaped some of the best images to date of gorillas. as few as 250 of them still exist in the wild. they usually flee at the first sign of humans. that was a fast mover. and a chiropractic office in georgia is getting a kick out of its newest patient. the kangaroo named oliver. this one apparently injured his neck after getting spooked and hitting a fence. oliver will be wearing a neck brace for a few weeks. what a cutie, though. four minutes past the hour right now. let's go back outside to al! >> all right. >> poor guy. >> he's going to be okay. we like that. >> we've got twins. what's your names? >> maureen. >> i'm brigitte.

>> what else do you have in common? >> we are both pregnant and due a week apart. >> one week apart. >> do you know what you're having? >> no. >> not yet. >> cool. that's fantastic. congratulations. >> thank you. >> let's see what we've got for yoons. let's see what we've got for you as far as your weather is concerned. a risk of strong storms from columbia to raleigh. possibility of damaging hail and wind. the rain making its way up from washington to new england. look for anywhere from one to almost two inches of rain locally. from philadelphia on up along the new england coast. severe storms also around the central great lakes. davenport to grand rapids, showers and thunderstorms rolling through there. the rain not too heavy, about a quarter to a half an inch of rain from davenport to flint. and then more heavy rain spinning around down in texas. where we could be looking at anywhere from two to three inches of rain from houston down to corpus christi and brownsville. that's what's going on around the country, here's what's going on in your neck of the woods. good morning, the morning rain has exited the region. and with a few breaks in the clouds, things may destabilize a

little more. and we're getting a little bit of sunshine breaking out in parts of virginia and up into the district. as a result, we do have an increased chance of maybe some severe storms developing later this afternoon. and temperatures right now are in the upper 60s to near 70. so we'll keep you informed, if you hear thunder get inside, turn on news4 and we'll let you know if any storms are severe. >> that's your latest weather. natalie? >> al, thank you. now to "joy's diet s.o.s." where we solve your diet dilemmas. joy bauer tackles your questions on everything from healthy breakfast on the go to the benefits of bananas. joy is "the new york times'" best-selling author of "the joy fit club." joy, good morning. >> hey, natalie. >> let's get right to our viewer questions. first one is coming from brigitte from alexandria, virginia. she joins us on skype. hi, bridget, good morning. what's your question for joy? >> hi. i'm a college student at virginia tech, we're always

running out the door in a rush to class. i know that eating breakfast is essential to a healthy diet. i never have time for one i'm always finding myself starving and snacking on unhealthy choices later in the day. do you have any suggestions for a quick, easy and healthy breakfast? >> it's a great question. i think the simplest way for you to tackle breakfast is this. i want you to pick up and stash in your dorm room a few convenient single-serve protein foods. and then do the same thing with a few single-serve high quality carbohydrate foods. and before you dash out to class each morning you're going to grab one from each category. so sort of going to become like a mix and match game. for the protein entree, the protein choices you could do a string cheese, nonfat or low fat yogurt container, you could even boil up a dozen eggs in the kitchen in your dorm building on the weekend and then you could stash them for during the week right in your fridge in the dorm. and then for the high quality carbohydrates you could do a granola bar, easy to eat fruit like apples or bananas or oranges.

and then you could get a box of whole grain cereal and small little baggies and preportion the cereal, as well. on one morning it might be yogurt and banana. on another morning spring cheese and small baggy of cereal and i think the strategy is simple, it's healthy and it totally gets the job done because it's the protein and carb combination that increases your brain power and it's going to curb hunger. >> as you're doing your homework there. a little planning the night before will go a long way. >> so many people have that same issue. >> absolutely. okay. next one is sue from knoxville, tennessee on the phone with us. good morning, sue. what's your question for joy? >> good morning. i know this is a silly question, but we are having this debate at work about bananas. one person likes green bananas. i like them a perfect yellow. and another personikes them very ripe with freckles. does the nutritional value change during the process from green to very ripe? >> i think it's a good question. everybody has their different definition as to what is that

perfect banana. so here's the deal, all bananas, whether they're green, yellow, or brown, each have about 105 calories, they're loaded with potassium which is great for your blood pressure. they have some b12 and also some fiber. the only difference is how our bodies respond in terms of blood sugar. because as bananas ripen, so we're talking about the yellow and the brown, the starches break down to sugar. that's why they're so much sweeter than the green guys, and they're also going to give you a harsher, more quick rise in your blood sugar. for the co-worker that likes the green bananas, you've got a little health perk going there. >> good to know. who knew that? all bananas are good for you anyways. thanks, sue. next viewer e-mail question here from pamela from michigan. she writes, i feel confused when reading ingredient labels. join the club. i try to avoid high truck troes corn syrup but what about corn syrup, brown rice syrup and evaporated cane juice. >> they're all sugar.

a lot of people sort of fall for these healthier sounding sugars. >> briek brown rice sugar. >> at the end of the day they're just processed a little bit differently. different techniques, different sources. for example corn syrup is from cornstarch just like high fructose corn syrup but it's a little less processed. evaporated cane juice is from cane sugar just like table sugar but somewhat less processed. and brown rice sugar is from rice that's been treated to form sugar. it's not so important as to what type of sugar, what way more important is how much sugar is in a product. when you see these things on a label you've got to identify them as sugar, as well. they can cause weight gain if you eat them in excess. >> absolutely. next one viewer e-mail. this is barb from illinois, she writes, i work in a food store deli and we carry a product that claims to be gluten free. i have heard from other people that once the product is opened, and placed on a slicer used for other meats, it is not gluten free anymore. is that true?

>> unfortunately, it is true. and that's because some meats have gluten containing additives. and when you're sharing a slicer with gluten free meat, and gluten containing meats there could be some cross contamination. for people that have a gluten intolerance, or they just get themselves off of gluten for a personal preference, it's not such an issue. but for people that have celiac disease or a wheat allergy, even a trace amount can be dangerous. >> really? >> so in that case your absolute safest bet is to buy packaged, sealed meats that say certified gluten free right on that label. >> is it possible to ask the deli worker not to use the slicer, right? >> it's difficult because it gets very chaotic and busy and unintentionally there will be cross contamination. but some delis are diligent. you just have to do some checking. >> okay, good to know, joy bauer. great diet s.o.s. still to come this morning, jill's fun finds from jewelry to makeup and flip-flops. everything you need to get your summer started in style.

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this morning on "parenting today," getting your teen through prom season. it's a rite of passage, one crowning moment of high school but it's a night that should concern parents, as well. here with some advice on how to approach prom night with your teens is psychiatrist gail saltz and psychologist jeff garr dean both "today" show contributors. the day that we went to the prom, how are today's teens, how do they view the prom? going to the prom? >> i think unfortunately it's just continued to grow in fantasy, into this rite of passage, it's supposed to be

fantastically memorable, and you're supposed to be incredibly adult, and unfortunately what that means is that kids do even less adult, really, responsible behaviors. there's so much more access to things, it can -- you know, kids die every year at prom. >> and i think a lot of kids really do, in this generation, feel that they're independent, they're on their own. we've given them a lot of space. that's advice that we used to give to parents, give them space. i think we've given them too much space. >> take it back. >> so now access to alcohol, drugs, sexuality, all of those things are -- they've been experimenting with, but this is a chance for them to really break free, break loose, and too often it's just too much, too soon, during these proms. >> they've got the idea that all this is somehow going to be magical. how do you start the conversation to help them manage these expectations? >> well, first of all, start it early so you can have it often and not right up against the event where frankly they don't want to hear it anymore. and they're too excited. they don't want you to rain on

their parade. >> sure. >> then you want to talk about the fact this is a party. it's a glorified party. it's not going to alter their lives unless they do something dangerous that really could alter their lives and that you want them to have fun. you don't want to rain on their parade. >> right. >> and you know that they can be responsible. but the only way to do that is to talk about what their plans are going to be, what their bailout positions are going to be and to think through the potential dangerous situation. >> jeff, you say the timing for these conversations is very important. >> yeah. that's right. exactly. as gail has said don't wait till the last minute to have that conversation. kids see that as you're telling them what not to do, instead of preparing them for what to do. and i think it's part of that conversation, you need to let them know, you're just excited as they are about the prom, you know, you take them out shopping for the dresses, for the tuxedos, all that kind of stuff. so, this way when you do give them advice, they know it's not just parent against child but everyone trying to work out something that makes everyone

happy. >> the thing that most parents worry about, obviously, drinking and drug use. >> and they should. >> sure. >> because it's accessible, unfortunately. so you really need to talk to them about the fact that you know that's going to be present. but it can't be present in a driver. it can't be, you know, how are they going to get themselves there without something like that happening? talk to them. just how do they feel about drinking and drugs on that night? what are they going to do when someone says oh, come on. >> so peer pressure is very big part of this? >> right. and that's why i think it's very important that you meet the group of people that your kids will be with on prom night. they usually all get together, you know who they are. and when you're talking to them about the alcohol, about the drugs, and so on, it really is an issue of, hey, here's not how to spoil what could be the best evening of your life, where you're getting sick, where you don't remember what happened, where you're getting involved -- >> the sex? >> exactly.

>> and it can. >> something very, very risky because we know that alcohol lowers the inhibitions, so if they know that you're on board with them and you want them to maximize the experience, here are some of the things to do versus what not to do all the time. >> you really want to talk with them about, you know, not getting themselves into a situation that's difficult to get out of. so don't be alone having used alcohol in a situation where you're going to be pressured and peer pressure is another issue, into something you don't want to do. >> does it help if you know the kids to get on the same page with the other parents? >> absolutely. and you can all plan together, have conversations together, and even have a little preparty. >> yes. but talk to them about the post-party. and talk to the parent who's going to host it. are they going to be there and what's going on? >> all right, gail saltz and jeff garr dear, thanks so much. still to come are you buying too much insurance? and do you really need the extra

warranty? flo, and karenrol, for a girls night out talking about activia. i tried it and my body felt so right, for a change. and then there's you... why should i try it? my system gets out of sorts but that comes with age, right? wouldn't you like to feel great? just because we're in that over 50... what does that mean? are we done? activia helps regulate your digestive system when eaten daily. these could be our best years yet. activia [ lopez ] the red white and blue means so much to me. it means opportunity it means anybody can attain whatever they want to do just 8 years ago i was in a refugee camp and i didn't even have a country now i had a country that i was given the flag to carry in opening ceremony everything is possible this is what red white and blue means to me. what does it mean to you?

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it's yes food. now to an issue that has been making headlines, and that is childhood obesity. the american heart association is getting involved.

kelly myers is here to share a schoolwide initiative that may make a difference. tell us about this project, kitchen gardens in schools? >> it's gardens in schools. the american heart association has adopted my program which is wonderful, because then we can reach nationwide and we take gardens into schools. most often in vulnerable communities across the country and we teach kids how to plant. and then by doing that and investing them in that process they learn about nutrition. and healthy eating. >> according to the american heart association, this is a sad statistic, french fries make up one-fourth of a child's vegetable intake? >> yes. and that we have to change. that we have to change. and what was great is we had the experience most recently, because of the gardens in the school they were eligible for the pilot program of a salad bar. so because we went into that school, they knew that it was a school that was actually going to have kids invested in the process so when they went to the salad bar, which is rare anyway, they would actually eat the vegetables. so that's their goal, interesting kids in the vegetables so they actually eat

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good morning, getting a few breaks in the overcast. some blue showing through. a live view from our city camera on this tuesday morning. and we as a result, with the sun breaking out, have an increased risk of some severe storms developing late they are

afternoon. this yellow zone covers much of virginia, includes the district and parts of maryland. 3:00 to 9:00 p.m., we could get strong storms with damaging winds and hail. winds and hail. a smaller chance tomorrow. never in my lifetime did i think i could walk 60 miles in 3 days. if my mom can fight and beat breast cancer, i can walk 60 miles. (woman) the fund-raising was the easiest part. people were very giving. complete strangers wanting to help. i knew someday i was gonna do this walk. if i can do this, you definitely can do this. we can do this. we can all do this together. (man) register today for the... and receive $25 off your registration fee. because everyone deserves a lifetime.

why are my gifts open? >> those gifts have been sitting there khloe, and nobody's paying any attention. >> hello! mom, whose are these? i ordered these? >> i have the same glasses and i was just going to -- >> mom, i just saw the williams-sonoma box out there. why are these opened? >> because i opened them. >> why did you open them? >> all right well that's kris jenner. she's the matriarch of the kardashian clan, the wildly successful reality stars and we'll be trying to keep up with kris when she appears on our show tomorrow on "today." and meantime coming up in this half hour, we're going to get geared up with jill martin's fun finds. she is ready for summer. designer beach wear, statement jewelry, inner tubes. t-shirts.

wine, jewelry. the list goes on. >> very fun. >> oh. she's going to hula hoop it. very nice. yeah! now we're talking. >> anyway. >> and you know the saying, calf yet emptor let the buyer beware. that's especially sure when it comes to insurance and extended warranties. you never know when it's worth it on things like appliances or travel. we'll have some advice on what you should buy and what to skip. >> then if you plan on heading out to a memorial day barb wu we're preparing easy make and take meals. first, though, we do want to say hello to two men who are part of the upcoming action thriller "battleship." peter berg is the director and producer and u.s. army colonel is making his acting debut in this film. good morning, colonel. >> good morning. >> greg i mean not just any movie that you're starring in, it's going to be a blockbuster, "battleship" and you're starring with liam neeson and so many other well known actors. was it intimidating at all? >> not really.

i mean, i guess i was so focused on doing what i needed to do i didn't have time to worry about what else was around me. so i was just really kind of focused onto the task. >> and in your wildest dreams did you ever think you were going to end up in a big hollywood blackbuster like this one? >> not at all. not in any of the thousand scenarios that i came up with would i ever be in a hollywood movie. >> peter you really made a concerted effort to have a lot of active and retired military take part and be part of this movie. >> yes. you know, i'm -- "battleship" is a big, fun, summer movie. we want to invite moms to come and bring their kids to see the film. it really is a family friendly film. that being said, i'm pretty public about my love of the military and my respect for anyone that served. so for me to be able to have greg and other veterans in the film was just a great perk of the job.

>> colonel you really drew on your own experiences as a wounded warrior. tell me what you brought to the film in that aspect. in that regard. >> yes, absolutely. well, you know, having recovered from serious injuries, so i knew the process. i knew, you know, the steps of kind of recovering. so that i could really bring to mick. mick was still at a stage where he was -- hadn't really accepted what had happened to him, and really didn't feel like i was the same man he was before he was wounded. >> it will be a great film. can't wait to see your acting debut, colonel. we know you'll be great and peter berg, thank you. you say the famous words, you sunk my battleship? >> we can't tell you. you've got to come see the film. >> there are aliens fighting, as well. >> if you flip the board over the aliens are underneath it. >> is that how it works? >> we can't wait to see it, "battleship" from our sister company universal picturess friu sunk my battleship, al. tell us about the weather.

let's show you what we've got for today. we're looking at heavy rain developing here into the northeast and new england, plenty of sunshine up and down the west coast. showers, hit-and-miss along the gulf coast. slight risk of strong storms through the great lakes. tomorrow, we're going to be looking at the rain exiting new england by the morning. a few showers in the upper ohio river valley, hot weather, plenty of sunshine through the northern plains, sizzling through the southwest. that's what's going on around the country, here's what's going on in your neck of the woods. good morning, tom kierein, storm center 4. and the wake of the rain that moved through, now way over in the eastern part of the eastern shore. we could get some strong storms developing in the yellow zone across much of virginia, includes the district and parts of maryland, 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. could get some strong storms with damaging winds and hail. stay tuned, if you hear thunder, get inside, tune on news4, we'll let you know if any storms threaten your neighborhood. tomorrow, partly sunny, low 80s. smaller chance of a shower orha weather. >> all right, thank you, al. up next, cool items for the

warmer weather. jill martin has some fun finds to throw in your beach bag. (bell rings) hi. good morning. big news. we're spreading the word about new honey bunches of oats fruit blends and their unique taste combinations. like peach/raspberry... and banana/blueberry. we're telling everyone. with one flavor in the granola bunch and one on the flake. try some. mmm! two flavors. in harmony.

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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. this morning on jill's fun finds great items for your spring fling or summer soiree. perfect for the beach and "us weekly" contributor jill martin has unique items for everyone in

the family. >> good morning. >> there's so much stuff to get to. we start with some kate spade items. the swimming suit? >> this t-shirt, we're all ready to play a little hooky, we're done with the rain, ready for our soirees. this is kate spade. you can start at $50 which is a great gift to give. and if you buy a bathing suit it comes with this little raft. isn't they great? so you can buy something for yourself and this can be the free -- >> float around in it. very cute. >> okay. and so then moving on you need to spruce up your outfit. a great way to do it in envelope clutch, $78, comes in all colors, little sequin number here. it fits a lot. so this is just an easy way to spruce up any little black dress or any outfit. >> very cute. >> these are for you. i see you eye wear, $24. reading glasses, sunglasses. they come with this little cute case. >> these look good on you. >> let's switch. >> okay. >> so this is just another great way to spruce up your look. >> it's fun.

yeah, i see you eye wear. >> cute little covers, too. >> which makes them giftable because my mom always loses her eyeglasses. i have like 20 of these for her. >> all right, bauble bar. >> $36. look at this great statement jewelry. and they have a thing on the website, under $100. under $25. under $50. and how beautiful are these? another way to just say to your outfit, let's get ready for summer. >> take that old black dress and pop it with color. >> fawn by jennifer fisher jewelry. great gift for your kids if they're leaving for camp. you pick any cord and then you pick any charm with their name on it, with all these different sayings. they have those old charms, one half and the other half. how great to give your kids so they have something around their neck. they can wear it in the water. starts at $25. >> sweet idea. and a great gift. >> and now some makeup. okay. >> so spruce up your face a little bit. color, color, color for the spring and for summer.

drs 22 to $26, urban decay. and then i love when you have something fun in your makeup bag because you should always feel pretty no matter what you're doing. look how get these are from sephora. these are the brushes. i can't open it. here we go. this is great. again, $22 to $26. the makeup is urban decay and these are from sephora. >> and nice palettes there, too. sea wonder. great stuff, very affordable. $47 to $78. let's start with the totes all the way down there. >> yeah. >> just throw everything in there. a great bag. and then these are to spruce up your room. these are pillows. >> would be great on a beach chair, too, actually. >> very nice. and then my favorite candles. a little pricey but a great gift. lafco.com, $55. something for each room. >> i love the different rooms. not all rooms. >> you wish you had all of these rooms. carriage house, light house, beach house. if you're going to someone's house, it's already wrapped. 100 hours burn time.

>> they really feel the room with the scent? >> look how substantial they look. >> very nice. >> flip-flops, disney characters now. look how cute these are. they also make them for adults. $19. and then i also think it's fun to give one pretty towel. people think you have to give a set of towels. just give them a fun beach towel. >> that's a great hostess gift for a beach party. >> pretty, pretty patterns. bloomingdale's starting at $40. these are big and fun and they have all different patterns. it's a different kind of gift to give. then if you're decorating a room you don't necessarily have to buy something specific. you could buy something that is in the food arena. you could put this in the centerpiece or with all different kind of juices. you could have the cucumbers on one side. >> it's got a separate container? >> yes. >> it doesn't seem in. and then -- >> saving the best for last. >> and then here, classic, tracy

reese the designer teamed up for this great picnic basket. look how pretty this is. two bottles of wine, little plastic cups up here. is that so pretty? a little pricey, $135. great for someone to invest in. >> clink our glasses to a soiree coming up soon. >> thank you miss jill martin. for more fun finds you can pick up this week's issue of "us weekly." coming up, you can get insurance pretty much on anything these days but is it worth your money? when to say no thanks. coming up right after this. [ female announcer ] you take off running. ♪ you take a message. take a boo-boo and make it better. take a nap? lol. take a breath. you take care of it all. let nutri-grain help take care of you. it's tasty -- made with real fruit, whole grains, fiber... soft and sweet. take a moment.

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♪ ...love that i found ♪ this morning on "today's money," insurance and extended warranties. they're available for everything from your wedding to your cat to your next trip. but what's worth it? and what's not? janette from market watch, good to see you.

>> good to see you. >> it's good to see you. we get all kind of nervous when we talk about insurance. we don't quite understand it. we're afraid not to have it. >> yeah. >> how do you start figuring out, you know, what do you need, what do you don't? >> the thing about insurance, you do need it. some you need, some you don't. but there are loopholes. there are things that people really need to be aware of before they actually buy the insurance. >> okay. >> fine print. >> some you say to skip. >> yeah. >> i knew pet insurance, i had a dog get sick, i had pet insurance, it didn't cover anything. >> the thing is there are a lot of restrictions when it comes to pet insurance. you're going to have deductibles, premiums. a lot of things with pet insurance that you really have to avoid. >> warranty insurance you say both home and extended warranties on electronics. how come? >> the thing is, with home, if you're buying an older home then you definitely do want it for the first year but other than that you're going to have a thing called a nonneglect clause that you have to prove that you didn't neglect that appliance on some of the policies.

for extended warranties on electronics you only want to get it the first year an item hits a market. the first year flat screen tvs came out, you want it then. >> okay. you also say skip mobile phone insurance. >> yeah. so here's the thing with that. with mobile phone you're going to pay a monthly premium on that. and for some of these smartphones you're going to pay up to $250 for a deductible and you're not getting a new phone. most of the time you get a refurbished phone. save your old phone. >> skip wedding insurance. some people say just skip the wedding. no! skip wedding insurance and put your wedding expenses on a credit card. >> it's funny, because if you do skip the wedding, you still have to -- you say i don't you're going to actually say i do to the bills, just so you know. you put it on your credit card because of the simple fact you're going to have protection from your credit cards. you're going to be able to dispute something. put your florist, your pictures, all that stuff. >> skip the flight insurance because it's a waste of money but get travelers insurance. what's the diff? >> the flight insurance, you're

buying an insurance policy for that particular flight. so you know, you're pretty safe. you're flying there. you don't need that. travelers insurance you're getting for a future trip and the thing is if you're buying it because you're concerned about getting sick or medical condition, read the pre-existing condition clauses. because there are some loopholes. >> now, the insurance you say you've got to buy, medical, auto, umbrella, and renters insurance. >> yes. so medical you want to have at least catastrophic damage. for auto you have to have it, it's illegal not to. >> sure. >> umbrella insurance. >> umbrella -- >> this is not in case your umbrella breaks. >> it's not. the weather guy you're going to think of that, right. so the thing is, with umbrella, visualize it as a big bucket of money that if you already reached your limits for your auto, or your home, it kicks in, and it's going to cover you the same with renters. big, big, big bang for your buck because it's going to be everything that a homeowner's policy would give you except for the home. >> all right. thank you so much. great advice.

it's fun. >> thank you. >> coming up next, easy and delicious make and take meals as we hit the warm weather months. but first this is "today" on nbc. what about over here? sure. no problem. ♪

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this morning on "today's kitchen," make and take meals are on the menu as we get ready for summer we've got delicious prepared meals to take on the road, courtesy of donatella arpaio the owner of donatella restaurant right here in new york city. >> good morning. >> this is a great i mean, starting to think memorial day. >> yes. >> you're thinking meals that we can bring along with us. >> on a picnic. >> crowd pleasers. >> this is what italians do for the picnic. no turkey sand witches. we make pies. >> you go all out. >> this is a savory quiche-like. it's really easy. we make a crust which i'll have you roll out for a little bit, flour, butter, egg yolks and sugar. >> can you use store bought if you're going to be a little --

>> it's so easy i don't want you to. >> okay. you say it's easy. >> and then this is for the strips, if you can just cut these strips. >> this is the lattice work. >> isn't that pretty? and you put the dough in here. this is very forgiving for the home cook. so if you make a mess -- >> you transfer? >> yes. you just patch it up. >> okay. >> what are you going to fill it with? >> we have ricotta, we have mozzarella. >> very light dish? >> i was going to say. >> three cheeses perfect. >> i could almost like an ultramarathoner like you. parmesan. >> i should have signed you up for a marathon. carbo loading. >> parsley and prish outo and a spicy salami. and you just dump and stir. and then we're going to pour it in there. >> okay. >> a little salt. do you need any binding or eggs? >> oh, yes, oh, sorry. thanks, natalie. >> i have no idea what i'm

doing. >> can you put a little salt and pepper in? >> you got it. >> very good. trying to show me up? >> you need binding. something to get the glue all together. >> okay. so once this is fully incorporated. >> got it. >> we just pour it in. so it's super easy. >> very easy. >> i'll help you here. there we go. >> and it doesn't have to be pretty because at the end it looks pretty. >> you're going to bake it. >> flatten it out. just add the strips on. now do i have to be a martha stewart with this or will i get away with it being sloppy? >> just like that. >> oh, one broke. >> that's okay. even if it breaks it looks like a rustic. there you go. >> so you just do this all the way? >> mm-hmm. >> oh, boy. i'm having real luck here. >> it's like glue! i'm telling you, it's still going to look pretty. >> if martha were here she'd kill me right now. >> that's it. >> she's a perfectionist. you take a little egg wash.

i put it on top. and then you take a little pecorino because there's not enough cheese in the savory pie. you put it in the oven for an hour at 350. done. >> done. >> and here it is. >> when it's done beautifully. >> this is what it looks like. >> it's gorgeous with the lattice, perfect. >> have a bite. >> now what else do you take on your picnic? >> i have fritters. all of these are better if you make it the day before. >> this is amazing. >> you can eat them at room temperature. this is ricotta cheese kaik with no crust so it's lower carb. >> i just want to know where is the wine bottle that goes with the wine glasses? >> this is cheese cake and you can make it in a pot and pan and it's so easy. >> ricotta cheese cake. >> oh, my gosh you have to try this. >> we are savoring all of it. >> thank you. >> you had a baby a little while ago. >> i did. >> congratulations. >> alessandro. >> good for you. >> thank you.

>> donatella, isn't this great? >> and these are perfect for picnics. >> all of these recipes on our website, todayshow.com. hopefully your pie will be much prettier than mine. >> coming up kathie lee and hoda sharing laughs with betty white.

breaking news at 9:57 an overturned car on the inner loop is causing big delays in upper marlborough. let's go to danella sealock for the latest. >> good morning, eun this was shot moments ago. if you're traveling the inner loop of the beltway at exit 13, richie marlborough road, the right shoulder will get you by the crash only. involving be a overturned vehicle, we're seeing delays in our area. other trouble spots, the beltway at telegraph road, if you're traveling on the outer loop, the

ramp to telegraph road, now the shoulder lane gets by the crash. it was shut down. and taking the beltway in montgomery county, still seeing delays here. now over to tom with look at the weather. >> a risk of strong storms in the yellow zone here. in the map, it covers most of virginia, includes the district and parts of maryland for strong storms, 3:00 to 9:00 p.m. some of which could produce damaging winds and hail and highs in the 80s. tomorrow, partly sunny and highs in the low 80s. small chance of a mid afternoon to late afternoon shower. pleasant from thursday through the weekend. don't forget to tune in to news4 today.

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and receive $25 off your registration fee. because everyone deserves a lifetime. captions paid for by nbc-universal television hello, everybody! it's a little dreary booze day tuesday here, may 15th. we're hoping it is going to turn around but things aren't looking so good. >> the weekend they say is going to be -- beautiful! >> yes. yes. >> so there is some controversy brewing among -- between this couple and this happens with a lot of couples. they're dating for five years and they break up. so you think that that's just how life goes on. >> they go on and find other people to break up with is what usually happens. >> well, these guys had a dog

together. it ended up that the girlfriend took the dog at the end of the day she ended up with the dog. >> wasn't the question, hoda, that -- because he was moving so he said will you take care of the dog while i move? >> right. apparently they were going to share some of that custody i think of that dog. when the time came for him to come and pick up the dog, she allegedly had gone to california with the dog. so this guy named craig spent $60,000 on lawyers trying to get custody -- that's him in the mustard pants -- trying to get his dog back. >> he didn't probably have any money left over to buy khakis. $60,000 is a lot of legal fees for a dog! >> anyway, his argument is he paid for the dog. he paid to take care of the dog. it's his dog. >> she says -- >> her argument is he gave her the dog as a gift so it's like an engagement ring -- pretend.

you get an engagement ring, it's your ring, can you sell it, do whatever you want. if he gave it to her as a gift it's probably hers. if he didn't, it's probably his. >> it could be a he said/she said. she assumed it was a gift? sad when you have to spell out everything legally in today's world. >> but $60,000? he says he's gone through all of his savings. this is all about the dog apparently. other things i'm sure. but 60 grand and he's in debt now and he's actually got some website where he's trying to get more money so he can fight on for the dog. >> strangers should help him pay his legal -- you know what? there are dog lovers out there that will do that. some people will part with their money. i'm not one of them. i'm going to put my money towards bambino. we can put up a picture of bam if we want. >> later. >> timing is the thing in show

business. "the x factor" which is a new show -- >> it's not so new anymore. they expected it to be this blockbuster and it didn't end up being a blockbuster. it is successful but not as much as they thought. >> we told you britney spears had joined the group and now another 19-year-old has been announced. l.a. reed, denny -- >> boy, britney got her figure back. didn't she? wow. >> demi and britney aren't known as being very outspoken and opinionated. >> they're not known for articulation. >> yeah. okay. >> it will be interesting to see what happens with those -- >> i think britney's going to be adorable. i think she's got a southern claurm charm to her. she certainly knows what she's talking about. we forget how young she still is. demi is the one that i think is the question mark. because i don't know what she

brings to the table except for the youth factor because -- you already have -- to me britney spears, you get the youth factor. that's the world today. no, she's 19 as opposed to 25. shoot. my shoes are older than both of them put together. >> it will be interesting to see how that show works out. >> "america's got talent" was on last night. >> we haven't heard yet but i would think the interest factor would be huge. >> this is the beginning where all the kind of freaks are out and they have them all competing. there was a woman who was covered with birds, birds that she kisses on the belly, then she was singing. >> now see, i'd vote for her. >> just stop. >> i'm sorry. >> "america's got talent." we've got betty white! hi, betty! >> hi! >> hi, sweetie! >> how are you? >> by the way, you have a roast coming up tomorrow. >> oh. tell me about it. i'm going to leave town tonight. >> no, you're not. we're coming. >> really?

>> yeah, yeah. we're going to be there with you. but in the meantime, we would love to have you judge our talent or lack of. would you do that for us right now? >> certainly would love to. >> we had thang yesterday. >> oh, let me see. >> let me see. are thoets legs you're going to use? >> these are the legs, yeah. yeah. >> step down here. >> i will, but you can't get too far away from you know what, hoda? >> i'll hand it to you. >> this is kathie lee's talent. watch the other prop. >> boy, that's talentfy ever saw it. >> ready, betty? wait. watch this. >> i tell you, you are proprobably of the most -- the most talented people i know.

>> who won? >> well, i would say it's a draw. >> it was horrible! >> awful! >> i lost my mojo and i must get it back. i used to be the world's greatest hula hooper. >> but you can without the wine. >> watch this. >> whoa! >> no, i never do it with the hoop. >> she does her best work hoopless. we love you, betty. we're going to talk to you in just a few moments. give it up for miss betty white, everybody! >> i just have two words for you. keep practicing. >> i thought you were going to say day job. keep day job but that's three. gosh, i'm depressed. you want to though another thing that depresses me? >> what. >> they say that women look in the mirror and this is why. i think six times a day? eight? >> eight. >> every time i do i want to go into. ♪ memories of the way i used to look ♪

after a certain age you don't want to see yourself anymore. except betty, and she looks perfect. >> often you go into a public restroom and there's a mirror there or often -- it's just like sometimes it is just around you. you know what i mean? there are mirrors around. the gym. >> you're not looking for yourself but there you are. >> here's the thing. after all these years in show busy you know good lighting when you're in it. don't you find that you avoid it like the plague? i know when you walk into a lady's room and it's that fluorescent stuff, just look at your hands when you're washing them. just don't even check it out. but, you go on certain shows where the lighting's great, it's like -- honestly, you just can't get enough of your flawless self. hey, anthony, do what do you for me, baby. yeah. you look so much better. i love you, anthony! but you can't do that with these mirrors. >> no, no, no. peep often have compacts. you often seen the people who are constantly checking and powdering? >> i do that to see if i have

spinach in my teeth or something like that. i spent more money on my teeth than any other part of my body, you know what i'm saying. >> really? >> yes. but they collect everything. everything. have you noticed it? >> yes, i have. >> thanks a lot more never saying. when you say something -- when you're smiling and you think you're just so awesome and just -- then you go home like four hours later and the thing you ate nine hours later is still hanging there like the goober from hell. yeah. that's why i check it out. it's not vanity sake. >> but there are people who are constantly checking for that. they can't help it. >> but they don't know who they are. you know what i'm saying? you always say and you know who you are. that's the sad part -- they don't know it. >> people do it in the makeup room. the make jump room you always have mirrors, you're constantly talking in the mirror. some people talking in the mirror with looking at themselves, hey, something funny happened to me. you're like i'm over here. >> and they don't know who they are either. >> i'm not spilling. >> i have a big deep question to

ask you. are you happy with your sex life? >> yes. yes, i am. >> how happy on a scale of 1 to 10? i mean happy. fine. it's good. how about you? >> no. -- no, just kidding. yes! thrilled to pieces! there's a survey from yahoo! shine and fitness magazine. keep that in mind. people say 64% of the people they have sex one to three times a week. betty, more than that. how many times, betty, would you say a week for you? >> she's so far away she can't hear us. what gets you in the mood? that's a question. one of them -- number four reason they say something gets you in the mood is exercise. number three is a sexy text or e-mail or phone call. two is a sexy movie. and they say the number one way to get you in the mood is dinner and wine. >> that's the last way to do it for you. >> just wine is for me. yeah. >> hoda does not like to feel

bloated. >> crazy. >> she doesn't like to go to rosa mexicana beforehand. >> stop! up next, the lovely betty white and her band of sassy seniors are "off their rockers." >> we can't wait to hear all about it right after this. hello!

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show us your boobies! >> get a present! you get a present! hey! >> whoa! >> show us your boobies! show us your tatas! one each! it's my bucket list! >> that's a clip from betty white's "off their rockers" starring america's favorite sweetheart and seven-time emmy winner herself. >> if you've never seen it, betty's new nbc show sends a fearless band of senior citizens to the streets to pull shockingly hilarious branks pra

the younger generation and they always seem to fall for them. >> hardest working woman in show business! there's big old special about an evening with. gosh, do you ever get tired? >> i'm greedy. i'm just plain greedy and i love what i do. >> "off their rockers" is funny. when it started off the concept seems funny but it wasn't until we saw the clips that we just realized this thing was going to be really good. >> well bless your hearts for running it every day. we can't thank you enough. believe me. >> we get paid to do that for nbc. we're happy too. what's it like to be soing today gaughan beloved? does that get boring? >> are you kidding? i'm not that beloved. they haven't gotten wise to me yet. i'm 90 and i've been in the business for 63 years but they're going to catch on to me any minute. >> one of these days. we're going to find out you're not that animal lover. you love your animals so much. >> oh, i love my animals.

>> what would you do in a situation like what we talked about. and a love broke up and one of your animals -- he wanted one of your dogs or something. what would you do? >> i'd make up with him. or kill him. one or the other. >> "hot in cleveland" is one of those shows that started off funny and again is one of those that's built -- kathie was on it. >> i loved it. >> regis is going on it. >> i just talk him to -- he said did he an episode, had a ball and he told me that he's coming back for the first episode of your next season. >> the opening season. >> yeah. which would be your fourth season or third? >> i think it's our third but maybe it's our -- who's counting? as long as they let us stay on. but we have such fun with him and such fun with you and it really is the happiest ship in town. >> i worked on a lot of different -- that i've never had more -- everybody adores one another. >> we really do. and it didn't start out that --

well, i signed on to do the pilot with the proviso in my contract that i would not be obligated should it go to series. how many pilots do do you that don't get pick up? and so we got picked up in three weeks and they came and asked me if i'd do some more. i said, no, that was not in my -- not in my -- then i got thinking, but i had such fun with these girls, what's to say no to? so i've done them all. >> now tomorrow you're going to the fryar's pub. to get roasted. >> look at her face. >> matt had one two years ago and he got fried. >> i wouldn't even attend it because those things get so raw and so nasty. >> so are you excited? >> well, but the thing is they'll explain the things i don't understand. >> yeah. i got a feeling this is going to be a very, very different one. very different. >> well, mary tyler moore's coming. >> how dirty can she get? >> barbara walters is hosting. right? >> i know barbara's hosting.

i'm not sure whether mary can come or not -- >> a birdie says -- you two never got along though, did you? >> that's what nobody ever knew. mary and i really don't like each other. but if you think that's enough, wait until you hear what i say about kathie lee gifford. >> one of the worst things that ever happened to me working was with betty and we were doing a carnival cruise line commercial. we were out on the high seas and i get -- they gave me some bacetracin. you remember i had hives all over my -- everywhere. >> you got to be careful who you date. you really do. >> i should have let those pursers alone. they have geet a girl in every port. >> betty, we wish you great luck. we're going to see you tomorrow at the party! >> you're coming? >> we are going to be there with you. >> absolutely.

absolutely. we love you and you can catch -- >> two new ep soefdz betty white's "off their rockers" tomorrow night at 8:00, 7:00 central. right here on nbc. >> now can you practice and i'll -- >> let's get that hula hoop out. up next, sara gives up the latest scoop on some of the coolest ice cream shops after betty rings her whistle. they're waiting for you, hon. are you crazy? i would never go out without my covergirl. i want to look natural, not naked! but look! with covergirl, all you need is 3 little things to make beauty powerful for you. lashblast for voluptuous volume, outlast -- to keep your lips beautiful and not come off if you kiss... simply ageless foundation to help you look young. see? just three. easy breezy beautiful covergirl. ♪ easo we take time to sit downrl. for lunch at olive garden, and we enjoy catching up as much as we enjoy the meal.

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it is time for sara in the city. when our sara haines leaves the safety of our studio to explore everything new york has to offer. >> apparently this city has a lot of ice cream to offer because she hit the streets hoping to satisfy her sweet tooth and it sounds and likes like she hit the jackpot. >> i'm almost there. before you know the city streets will be sweltering and tons of tourists will be in search of something cool to eat so i did the leg work and created my own ice cream tour. taste testing all over manhattan. >> poor baby. >> and still doing it. right now i'm on the lower east side at sundaes and cones. i want to see what they can dish up for me. >> i'm going to make the banana boat today. >> christy's teaching me how to make the largest sundae on menu. determined to succeed, i dig in. yes! this one's going to be my best

scoop yet. oops, i dropped some into the other flavor. and do some tasting along the way. it is sticking out uneven so i'll just get this piece and put it into my belly. do you eat this stuff all day long? >> sometimes. you can't stop. >> see, it is healthy. you have fruit in it. oops, i dropped one on my hand. christy puts the cherries on top. it is so pretty, like artwork. then it is time for a final taste test. i got banana, cookie, whipped cream,by nut buttercup. need an m & m. ready? the perfect bite. that is amazing. after finishing my sunday, i'm off to stop number two -- >> hi, how are you? where owners doug and brian serve up soft serve ice cream and plenty of laughs. >> we'll just hang this up. you ever made a soft serve cone? >> no. >> you want to try? >> yes. >> now you don't have to pull the thing down all the way. just go easy.

okay? >> a little more than that, right? >> yeah. you got to have the ice cream come out. oh, my gosh. it's a little lopsided. >> it's way too small. keep going. now you're getting it. but which some more hands on -- >> this is much easier. i make a perfect cone and even master the art of chocolate dipping. after all of my hard work, it is time for a sweet reward. >> oh, yum. pretzels and ice cream. oh, my gosh! that is so good! i follow my sweet tooth . here owner john gives me the scoop on italian ice cream. >> gelato is just italian word

for ice cream. >> i did mention that this lab makes over 250 flavors? >> you came one all these flavors? >> yep. >> i am loving you more every minute i know you. and because manhattan just isn't big enough for us, we decided to head to brooklyn to the brooklyn ice cream factory to try some more! views of the brooklyn bridge and classic frozen treats are on owner mark's menu. >> we make small batch ice cream here. we only do it in five-gallon batches. all of the ingredients are top notch. >> you make that here? >> everything gets made here. >> after a long day of touring ice cream shops, there's only one thing to do. eat more ice cream! can't get enough. i can get a napkin. >> whoa. >> but i brought some back for you. i know this isn't enough for us to share so here we go. is from il laboratory.

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we're back on this tuesday with "today's health and fertility." thousands much women undergo fertility in hopes one day someone will call you mom. >> there are things you need to know right now about your fertility to protect your options later. dr. jamie griffo, nice to see you. interesting, a lot of women, they're busy with careers, they're businey with life, they moving ahead. when it comes to fertility they say i'll get there when i get there. >> i think we need to be a lot more aware of it. it is a lot harder to get pregnant than you think. as you get old ter changes. peak fertility is in the mid 20s and it starts to change.

from age 30 to age 40 you can see 50% decline in your -- ability to get pregnant. >> what's the likelihood of a woman in their 40s getting pregnant? >> at one time, its 25e% % to 4r cycle. >> because people do not know these statistics these become extremely frustrated when after maybe four attempts they get pregnant. you say you're just in the average right there. >> people underestimate how important having a child is and when they can't it has a profound impact on their life. it is a big ticket. >> not only just being able to conceive but the health of the child. i remember when i got pregnant for the first time at 36, it was like the chance of having a down syndrome child goes precipitously the other direction. a lot of things you should be thinking about. >> exactly. i think that's the key term. you should be thinking about it. >> when you're in your 20s what should you be thinking about? obviously people are just getting their first job, they're busy. >> you want to plan your life and there's not a lot of

pressure to do that. that's unfortunate. you really need to fit that into your plan because it may change with your ability to get pregnant changing as you get older. have you to be thoughtful about it. >> it is also fertility affects men as well. it is not as -- do men even think about this sorts of thing? that's right, charlie chaplain had one when he was 90. >> men are less thoughtful about it and their age doesn't impact them like women. in your 20s in 30s you want to make sure you're healthy and stay healthy an develop good healthy habits. eat well, stay put. but then plan. it's going to be harder to get pregnant if you wait until you're 40. you may not be able to get pregnant. >> a lot of women wait for love. >> we know the perfect guy doesn't exist. sorry, doctor. >> i agree, you're right. we're missing half a chromosome. >> something's wrong. >> i think women in their 40s, when you feel physically fit and look like you're very healthy you assume everything on the

inside is young and fit, too. >> plus the message is out there. you see celebrities getting pregnant in their 40s and thinking it is so easy and often you don't know the whole story about how they got pregnant. >> what would you say is how they got pregnant? >> i never know for sure but some of it is through assisted reproduction. so some is through egg donation because their eggs aren't good but you don't know those things. >> it really isn't anyone's business. however, except if it creates the illusion that 48's easy to have twins. >> you can't assume you're fertile. there's only one test to fertility and that's trying to get pregnant. everybody has a different rate. >> what about freezing eggs an things people can do? >> this has become something new now that we've developed a technique that's as efficient of ivf, freezing a cycle of eggs we can get a baby rate comparable to a fresh ivf cycle. a lot of women are delaying their child bearing on purpose for career and that's good, but they need a back-up plan and this for them becomes a back-up

plan. >> what ij should you freeze? >> the optimal age is under 35. over 40 it doesn't do very well at all. >> i wish we could discuss it further but you really should see these statistics. i had no idea when we were looking at this. it's like, wow. something very serious to think about. plan for it now. >> thank you so much. up next, from photo frocks to scenic swimwear -- >> that's bobbie thomas' mother. >> one of the most beautiful women on the planet! we'll be right back. today is. ♪ ...you make a change with hellmann's. ♪ make parmesan-crusted chicken. ♪ surprisingly crispier... juicier... mmm. yummier. made with real simple ingredients. find this and other recipes at hellmanns.com. hellmann's.

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we are back with "tuesday's trend." all this week it is about picture prints. >> photos are cover ing the fashion landscape literally. bobbie thomas is here to show off the goods. hey, bobbie. >> it's all about pictures. all over. >> i don't get it. >> i'm wearing a pair of jeans. by mother denim. it's got a landscape and high-end designers really put this trend on the runway and i wanted to show some different options because you shouldn't be afraid of it. it can be figure flattering and fun. >> you said on the runway, people are wearing it all over. >> celebrities, rocking really cool dresses on the red carpet. looks like you've got your favorite vacation destination on your dress. on the runway we saw fun, quirky designs. this looks like these are racing cars going across to make the

stripes. that's a balcony, a view with a vista with a woman sitting there. really cool stuff. i've got some great looks. >> we're anxious to see this. >> ebony's got a skirt on. tell us about her skirt. >> this is from h & m. very affordable. it is work appropriate. if you're thinking sometimes a trend doesn't work at work, this one could. what i really like about it is, notice that it is on the panel in the front which is very slimming. this can really help elongate your frame. this picture's doing a lot for your figure. keep it basic on the top and she adds a little fun shoe and i love this look. >> very cute. thank you. >> next up, mae. she's rocking a look that you said women of all ages can rock. >> you don't have to be in your trendy 20s. >> you are stunning. >> if she turns around can you see this print even on the back, a little fun ombre look. it is dark and just the place places. you can wear with a little capri, casual top from zara.

love this idea. >> that really says summer. >> it's affordable. i never pull anything over 100. but these are all affordable, most are under $50. >> we have marina wearing a picture print dress. >> yeah. this is really fun. this is from new york&company. i believe this price point is close$60, $70. very flattering. again it fades into a darker place. this is great, sizes go up to i think 20. really fantastic look. great for a summer party. >> terrific. >> comfortable. >> so comfy. >> thanks, marina. we're so excited about our next and final model. fatima's here. if she looks familiar -- is she rocking a bathing suit. >> she is! >> no she isn't! >> she is. i can tell you, i got this bathing suit from jcpenney for $22. we thought, oh, wow, who's going

to wear this? my mom! >> that's just so not right on so many levels. i think -- >> i can't wear this. >> i think michael saw your mom and said, you know what? bob b bobbie's got good genes. >> i love my mom for wearing this. if you like a certain picture, right here on the back of my chair, this is a very special company online. spoonflower.com will take your own vacation photos and print it so you can make your own scarf or sarong so you can take your backyard, your favorite beach. i even did one here of 30 rock. i know it is not our vacation destination but you can really have fun and make diy -- get in on the trend, whether you buy it or diy it. >> unbelievable. >> what is your secret? you eat very, very well. don't you? >> i am an executive chef.

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you do it. >> just like flowers, love blossoms in spring. >> she said it. i wouldn't say it. kicking off the most popular time of the year to get married also making it one of the most expensive times of the year to take that vow. >> so if you have your heart set on being a june bride but your budget says dead of winter, southern living's editor at large kimberly schlegel whitman has somesensible. >> that's cents-able. >> look at us wishing we were

brides. we're not. what's going on here? >> this is sad. >> this is fun. what we want to think about with weddings is now how expensive they are but how to show off our personal style, make the wedding memorable without breaking the bank. >> this is a great idea for the reception. bridesmaids have their bouquets and you don't know what to do with them after. >> they have to hang on to them through the whole reception. why not collect them from them, take them back. that's right. >> snatch them out of their hands. >> why not? use them as the entrance to the reception. then you get a lot of bang for your buck. >> i love this song so much. >> while you are handing them a signature drink. >> you skill the full bar and do a signature drink. this is a lavender champagne cocktail. >> did you get the lavender out of your yard if. >> absolutely. >> you have beer and wine, then the signature cook tame instead of the full bar.

put out pieces of paper and ask them on a chalkboard to share advice for the bride and groom. >> this table looks simple and beautiful. >> this is very inexpensive. instead of getting big elaborate flower arrangements, go simple, pick flowers that are in season. in the spring obviously that's easier because there are so many flowers that are in season. then use the single type of bloom on each table. this is the sweet pea table. they could have another table, the lavender table, another table, the tulip table. it is much nicer than being assigned a number. >> the menu is smart. you don't have to print up a ton of menus. look what you've done. >> we took and old frame and painted it, then used chalkboard paint in the center and wrote the little menu. can you reuse it for other things. >> the dessert. usually there is a big wedding cake but not at this wed sflpg those wedding cakes are so expensive. beautiful but expensive. so instead we've asked family members to distribute their pies and maybe even bring along an

heirloom cake plate to display that. >> that's a great idea. >> they're all mick and match, family recipes. we put little flags in them so say what they were. it's different, right? >> you know what would be fun, too, if everybody had a little tasting and you had the recipes mim graphed -- if someone loved the rez pea, ycipes -- >> i need to enlist your help. >> i'm a little busy. >> your feet ache at the end. >> i've never been to a wedding where there wasn't a big pile of high heels. so why not put out a little bucket of flip-flops for there. do you in your colors. there's a little sign on there that says tired feet. >> this is great, tasteful, too. >> thank you. they are so inexpensive, you can buy them in bulk on line for less than a dollar. up next, madelyn's here and she's answering all your questions about nutrition. but first, this is "today" on nbc.

it is time for "today weighs in" and the answers to your burning questions about diet and nutrition and some questionable snacks. >> and "today" diet and nutrition editor madelyn -- i don't know what's funny. sorry. let's calm it down. come on, bring it home. >> hello, madelyn! >> that's are all really great questions. can you read the first one? >> i have no idea how much protein i should be getting. i'm a 25-year-old female, 5'1" and 119 pounds. i'm very active and don't eat any red meats. what other waysky get protein begidz meats and beans and how much should i consume in one day? >> that's actually a really good question because everyone thinks they don't get enough protein.

>> nobody notices him, don't worry about it. nobody sees anything going on. >> just relax and enjoy it. >> i am. >> just clip it on. >> so the protein -- >> so the protein. pay no attention to that man behind the curtain. can you hear me now? >> if you have two serving sizes about the size after computer mouse that's great. take your weight in pounds. divide that in half. 60 grams a day. that's it. don't forget about eggs or dairy products. they can all fill in as well but you don't need as much as you think. >> really? >> what do you do for protein? >> it's really none of your business, natalie. >> protein and chiin chicken? >> yes. that's great. that's wonderful. >> aimee -- >> i used to run ten miles a day but now am injured and can't run. don't laugh, it's not funny.

this has taken quite a toll on my body and i have to eat a lot less to maintain a healthy weight. i can't seem to get back to the eating habits of a non-runner. this is big for a lot of people. but i'm so hungry. i'm sorry. what can i do? sorry. >> you know, this is -- what she's saying is everybody's problem, connecting the dots. if you want to eat more you have to exercise more. she's going i can't exercise now and i'm really hungry so it is an issue. can you decide to eat less, snack less but you go i don't want to do that, i still want to eat a bunch of stuff. you have to start to eat foods that are feel-full. popcorns instead of corn. fruits and vegetables that have a lot of water or things with fiber. that's her choice. you can eat everything you've always even the but just cut back, stop all the grazing. >> it is frustrating when you can't work out -- >> you don't get your endorphins. >> do you work out in part so

you can eat a little bit more? >> yeah. i don't really think much about what i eat but partly because i work out. if i didn't work out i'd think about it more. >> this lady cut out 1,000 calories a day. 100 calories in a mile. >> hopefully she'll get better soon. >> i see coconut water everywhere! what is the deal with it? what does it give you, coconut water? >> coconut water is great for hydrating you. it comes from sort of the -- liquid from the coconut tree but it is not to be confused with coconut milk. it has no fat in it, it is very low in calories and it hydrates. it is another sort of water substitute. it's got some potassium. it is very pricey. for most people the price point -- it is not worth it. but there's nothing magical about it, it's not going to boost your performance. all of the claims it is a new super food, it boosts a lot of thing are not really evidence based. that just means people say it did y but you don't know if it is really connected to performance. it is a chic thing but it is

sort of like 25 cents a sip. >> thanks, madelyn. tomorrow, we're going to keep up with the dcar dash yans.