good morning. breaking news. tropical storm beryl making a mess of memorial day for millions of americans, after barreling ashore this morning in florida. flood warnings and watches in effect, and some areas set to get up to a foot of rain. we're there live. busted. a paparazzo claims he was roughed up by justin bieber in los angeles. now police are planning to question the teen pop superstar. this morning, what witnesses who were there are saying about that alleged incident. and honoring our heroes. the country pauses to remember the men and women who have died serving our country, today, memorial day, monday, may 28th, serving our country, today, memorial day, monday, may 28th, 2012.

captions paid for by nbc-universal television and welcome to "today" on this memorial day monday morning. good morning, everyone, i'm savannah guthrie. >> and i'm peter alexander, sitting in today for matt, you're sitting in today for ann. >> we're both here. >> we made it on time, that's the good news. take a look at what's happening to folks who are trying to enjoy their holiday along the coast of florida today. this is jacksonville beach, florida. it is calm right now, but a vastly different scene there when beryl made landfall just after midnight with near hurricane force winds. we'll have the latest on that. >> kind of a rough way to kick off the unofficial start to the summer. but it is not the only concern this holiday morning. people from texas to michigan are dealing with unseasonably warm weather. and the national memorial day concert had to be canceled last night when a line of strong storms moved through the

washington, d.c. area. we are going to get the latest on it all and the forecast to help you plan your day coming up straight ahead. >> if you watched it on tv you would have seen last year's event. we're also learning today about some evidence collected by police in the mysterious disappearance of a 6-year-old arizona girl who vanished more than five weeks ago. it includes what at least appears to be blood inside the girl's bedroom. but are investigators any closer to making an arrest? we're going to have more on that this morning. >> then we're going to lighten things up a little bit for the holiday. we've got a special holiday concert on the plaza from r&b superstar bobby brown. look forward to that. we're going to begin with that severe weather, including tropical storm beryl. really putting a damper on the holiday plans of millions of americans. the weather channel's mike seidel is in jacksonville beach, florida, this morning. mike, good morning to you. >> and good morning, savannah, from triple digit heat in parts of the midwest to the hottest

may weather on record in that part of the country to the second tropical storm of the season, four days before the official start of the hurricane season, millions of americans are enduring some extreme weather this holiday weekend. with maximum sustained winds just below hurricane force, tropical storm beryl made landfall just after midnight near jacksonville, florida, where city officials canceled all outdoor memorial day events. >> everything is going to be shut down. we're really preparing for this tropical storm, and it's all about safety. we want people safe through this storm. >> reporter: from florida to south carolina, the tropical storm has whipped up the surf. creating dangerous rip currents. dozens of beachgoers had to be rescued. many decided to pack it in early. >> well, we planned a beach vacation and then we got down here and we heard that there was a tropical storm coming so we decided that instead of staying and hanging out tomorrow we're going to go back to gainesville. >> reporter: in washington, d.c., a wave of severe thunderstorms forced the annual memorial day concert to be cut short.

>> stop. >> really? >> we regret that due to circumstances beyond our control, we are unable to continue this year's national memorial day concert. >> reporter: while the southeast is struggling with heavy rain and wind, other regions are battling the brutal heat. at the indy 500 sunday nearly 80 cooling stations and first aid centers were set up as temperatures soared into the 90s. the heat index made it seem even hotter. >> just now drinking nonstop. really hot. >> reporter: making it one of the hottest race days on record. >> the track temperature is 130, and it is going up. >> reporter: it was so intense, marco andretti reported his boot was melting to his gas pedal. the heat and dry conditions are also making it tough for firefighters battling wildfires in at least six states, including michigan, arizona, nevada, and california.

in new mexico, firefighters continue to battle the gladiator fire, which has charred more than 122,000 acres. forcing hundreds from their homes. and here in florida, we dealt with fires, too, over the past couple of weeks. this rain is a godsend. this part of the country has the worst drought in the entire lower 4, and we've got more rain on the way the next couple of days. 20,000 customers without power in jacksonville, and savannah, just because we've had two named tropical storms before the official start of the season coming up on friday, june 1st, does not mean anything about the upcoming season, but i can almost guarantee you i'll be back out on the beach sometime between now and october with at least one. >> we expect to see you there. stay safe. thank you so much. >> steph abrams is in this morning for al. she's upstairs with more on the impact of this tropical storm. this is much-needed rain in some places. >> that it is. the other good news is it's starting to recede as it moves ashore. the winds are at 50 miles an

hour and it centers 30 miles west of jacksonville, florida. there's our satellite and radar picture. we want to get you a closer look at what's happening with this storm. now, listen to this. this is the second strongest landfall and tropical cyclone in the month of may that we've had in 100 years. so this thing is setting records here. it's going to continue to stay in the vicinity and rain out over portions of florida, georgia, south carolina, north carolina, there's that rain that mike seidel was talking about. we still have advisories that are posted here. we still have tropical storm warnings that extend all the way over to the gulf of mexico. this is going to get picked up by a trough and do a little round-about and head out to sea as we head over the next couple of days. savannah, back to you. >> all right, stephanie. thanks. we're going to get the rest of your forecast in a couple of moments. meantime as the country pauses to mark memorial day, president obama and mitt romney are preparing to ramp up their campaigns, and the polls are showing it is a very tight race, with just over five months to go now until election day.

nbc's white house correspondent kristen welker has the latest. kristen, good morning. >> good morning to you, savannah. even on this memorial day, politics is never far from the surface. the president and mitt romney took the weekend off, but their surrogates were out in force. >> totally committed to romney's election. >> reporter: mitt romney's former rival newt gingrich, speaking on "meet the press," positioned himself as one of romney's most outspoken supporters. >> he's much tougher than i would have thought. he's prepared to do what it takes to win. >> reporter: gingrich was on message. but republican rudy giuliani went off course sunday, when asked to clarify his criticism during the 2008 republican primary of romney's record as massachusetts governor. >> they had a growth in jobs in about 40,000. we had a growth in jobs of about 500,000. so i was comparing what i thought was my far superior record to his otherwise decent record. >> reporter: in a statement, the obama campaign jumped on giuliani's remarks. saying, rudy was right.

mitt romney's not a job creator. the flak comes a week after obama surrogate cory booker went off message. >> this kind of stuff is nauseating to me on both sides. >> reporter: criticizing the obama campaign for attacking romney's record at investment firm bain capital. campaign aides continue to insist bain is fair game. >> he's very good at making money for his partners. he's not so good at creating jobs. >> reporter: this week, romney will stump in the key swing state of nevada, with donald trump, who recently resurrected his question about whether the president was born in the united states. questions which have been widely debunked. some analysts think trump could be a political risk. >> i think they're trying to take advantage of donald trump's celebrity to help raise them money, help get them more media attention. but you have to be very, very careful. >> reporter: romney will also campaign with senator john mccain. trying to capitalize on his foreign policy credentials. over the weekend, mccain blasted the president.

>> this administration has a feckless foreign policy which abandons american leadership. >> reporter: meanwhile at the west point commencement, vice president joe biden praised the president for winding down the wars in iraq and afghanistan, and paid tribute to the nation's veterans. >> our country owes these heroes, and their families, a debt of gratitude we will never be able to fully repay. >> reporter: out the president and first lady will attend memorial day ceremonies at arlington national cemetery and at the vietnam veterans memorial wall to mark the 50th anniversary of the start of the vietnam war. mitt romney will attend a memorial day ceremony in san diego with senator john mccain. savannah? >> all right, kristen welker at the white house. thank you. on this memorial day we are pleased to welcome general martin dempsey, the chairman of the joint chiefs of staff. general dempsey, good morning to you. >> good morning, savannah. >> we want to talk to you, of course, about 9 sacrifices of our troops but also some of the hot spots in foreign policy today. to that end, let's start in

afghanistan. i'm sure you're well aware of the political debate that goes on in this issue. the nato allies just met in chicago talking about wrapping up the combat mission by 2013. let me put it to you plainly, is it or is it not a tactical advantage for the enemy in afghanistan to know when the u.s. will wrap up its combat missions? >> well, first of all, in chicago, the allies decided that we would, in 13, as you discuss, we would ensure that the afghan security forces were in the lead. but we were also very clear that wouldn't end our combat mission. that will occur in 2014, and of course, with the lisbon agreement we made in 2010. but to your point about a tactical advantage. it can be. but i think that that -- the more important document that came out just before the summit was the strategic partnership agreement, which enters us into a long-term relationship with afghanistan. and what that means in terms of forces, and structure, and

purposes, and mission, has yet to be determined. but i think that should tell the taliban that they can't wait us out. >> on pakistan, sir, i don't have to tell you, the country has refused to reopen those military supply lines in to afghanistan. of course, recently sentenced the doctor who had helped the u.s. find bin laden to 33 years. let me put it to you plainly. our relationship with pakistan, has it ever been worse than it is right now? >> well, not in my experience. and of course, the things you just described continue to be a significant disappointment to us. but we're trying to work through that. pakistan is an important country in the region, and globally. and so we need to work through the relationship. >> do you support the senate's decision last week to withdraw some funding from pakistan? this is a country that gets billions from america. >> yeah, i support -- i think the choices should result in consequences. and i think the senatabilitied

appropriately. >> i want to ask you about our troops, obviously wrapping up the war in afghanistan, as well as the war in iraq. yet we have 33% of veterans of those wars who, in a pew research survey, said they didn't think it was worth it. does a statistic like that bother you? >> yeah, sure. i hadn't seen that particular one. but, i have been in contact with some veterans who have expressed disappointment in the outcome. but you know, they -- in fact you probably saw that in chicago, there were a number of them that gave back medals they had earned. by the way, they've earned -- if anyone has earned the right to do that >> it's them ap and i think that it's incumbent on us to continue to articulate why what we're doing is important. but i remain committed to the path in afghanistan. >> there's no question that a very small percentage of americans have borne this burden of these two wars and most americans haven't served, don't even know someone who has served. what would you want people to do to honor veterans on this day?

>> well, you know, we often greet each other with happy memorial day. and there's a bit of cognitive dissans in that expression for me. so i would ask people to take a moment of -- take a solemn moment at some point during the day, to remember exactly what we are celebrating, and that is we're celebrating our freedom. the freedom that was purchased by more than 2 million men, women, throughout the course of our history. and of course, more than 6400 or so in the past 10 years alone. few families in america have had the tragic experience of being handed a folded flag. and so i would just encourage everyone to remember that those events are life altering for those people, and we owe them a great deal, as vice president biden said at west point. we owe them a debt that we'll never truly be able to repay. >> i know you write a letter to the families of every single fallen service member. it's a pleasure to have you on our show this morning. thank you. >> thank you.

all right. >> and an important day to say thanks to a lot of folks. rolling thunder through d.c. had a chance to meet some of those members. important day across the country. >> we want to check the other stories going on today. tamron hall is in for natalie at the news desk. good morning. >> good morning, peter and savannah. good morning, everyone. the crisis in syria and efforts to defuse it are intensifying this morning. activists say government troops killed at least 24 people today when they shelled several neighborhoods. this comes one day after the u.n. security council condemned the massacre of more than 100 people, and at least 30 children on friday in the city of hula. former u.n. chief kofi annan arrived in syria today as an international mediator. a large explosion this morning has rocked the business district in kenya's capital of nairobi. a number of people have been kurred. kenya has seen several grenade attacks but officials say it appears this blast was caused by

something much larger. vatican investigators are poised to make more arrests this week after confirming the arrest of the pope's private butler. paolo gabriele is accused of leaking highly sensitive vatican documents, including the pope's personal correspond to italian media. former british prime minister tony blair is testifying this morning about his close ties to media mogul rupert murdoch. stephanie gosk is in london covering the ethics inquiry. good morning, stephanie. >> good morning, tamron. these hearings were triggered by allegations of phone hacking at the now defunct "news of the world" nooup. but the scope is much broader. it hopes to pull back the curtain on the media's influence over government. tony blair had a close relationship with rupert murdoch while he was prime minister. but was it too close? >> it would be, frankly if people in the media and people in politicians didn't have that interaction. >> reporter: but he acknowledged that the relationship can grow into something he called

unhealthy. >> so papers that take a particular view on a policy, a party or a person, then that is driven with an aggression and frankly a prejudice, that means you crossed the line. >> reporter: murdoch's newspaper "the sun" endorsed blair in the late '90s after the paper had supported the conservative party for years. murdoch was asked about the endorsement, and his influence over blair's policies when he was questioned last month. >> you had extracted as much as you could from mr. blair in terms of policy promises that you endorsed him? >> i think so. >> reporter: blair's personal relationship with the newspaper tie conwould continue to grow. the former prime minister and godfather to one of murdoch's children. a cabinet member in blair's administration tefred he had concerns blair might appear too closely linked to murdoch. >> i didn't want him to say or do anything that might lead people to enter that he was under some obligation to

mr. murdoch. >> reporter: blair went on to say that his friendship with murdoch didn't really develop until after he left office, and that he never would have agreed to be the godfather to murdoch's child if he had still been prime minister. tamron? >> all right. stephanie, thank you very much. and if you are firing up the grill today, be careful about what you bite into. listen carefully. a new jersey man went to the hospital this week thinking he had appendicitis. but doctors discovered he'd actually swallowed the metal bristle from a grill cleaning brush while eating a steak. it lodged in his intestines. he actually had to have surgery. you can see he's walking around okay. let that be a lesson to all of us. a spectacular fireworks show capped a day of festivities marking the 75th anniversary of san francisco's golden gate bridge more than 2 billion vehicles have crossed the span since it opened in 1937. and did you see it? an exciting finish at dario franchitti won his third indianapolis 500.

sato made a move for the lead, even pulled even but crashed on that final lap. yes, oh, is right, franchitti, by the way, as you know, is married to actress ashley judd. a greater accomplishment than winning his third indy. i think some say. now back to savannah, peter and stephanie. and what is even crazier, the track temperature, 130 degrees. >> unbelievable. >> and a very good segue to stephanie abrams who is here for al. >> people cooling off with cool over their head. >> 91 degrees is where they were at. >> i thought it was champagne. >> milk, that's the tradition. >> oh. >> there it is. >> try champagne. i think it would be a little cooler. >> all right. let's have a look and talk about that heat. it still continues as we head throughout the day today. chicago, record 97 yesterday up get more of it today. 94 degrees for you. 90s stretch portions of the mid atlantic and down to the gulf coast. otherwise, we have the risk for severe weather around the great

lakes as well. the west is looking good. now here is a look at what's happening wrought side of your door. >> good morning. we have a high heat risk here later this afternoon. right now off to a pleasant start. it is comfortable in the 60s to low 70s most of the region. reagan national at 72. mostly clear sky now. and later today, though, clouds building. might have a late afternoon or evening passing thunderstorm. but the big story today, the high heat. lit feel like the mid 90s with that combination of temperature and humidity. respect the heat, do what you can to stay out of it if you have to be out, drink plenty of >> all right, stephanie, thank you. authorities in los angeles plan to question justin bieber about an alleged physical altercation with a member of the paparazzi on sunday. nbc's kristen dahlgren now has the story. >> reporter: witnesses say it was a completely different justin bieber who they watched go after a paparazzo sunday afternoon. according to reports, the teen superstar and his girlfriend actress selena gomez were

leaving this shopping center near his home after seeing a movie together when the altercation occurred. witnesses say bieber bolted from the van he was driving to confront this photographer, who moments earlier was seen snapping pictures of the couple. as they were pulling away from the parking area. in a press release, the malibu sheriff's office says when they arrived on scene, a man told deputies that as he took pictures of mr. bieber, he was physically battered by the singer. bieber and gomez left the scene before deputies arrived, according to witnesses. the victim complained of pain and requested medical attention. an allegation of misdemeanor battery report against bieber was taken by sheriff's deputies. before the photographer was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated and later released. ironically, this recently posted youtube video shows former boxing champ mike tyson giving pointers to justin bieber behind a training bag.

representatives for bieber have not responded to the allegations from sunday's altercation, but overnight bieber tweeted, gonna focus on the important stuff, the music. meanwhile on her facebook page selena gomez wrote, thank you so much to my fans for always protecting me and being there for me. can't thank you guys enough. the los angeles county sheriff's office says it is investigating the incident, and at some point will talk to mr. bieber. for "today," kristen dahlgren, nbc news, los angeles. and just ahead, new developments in the search for a missing arizona 6-year-old. isabel celis, as police reports reveal one investigator found apparent blood in the girl's bedroom. first, this is "today" on nbc.

still ahead the over-the-top wedding proposal with more than

3 million hits online. we're going to hear from the happy couple. >> i think she said yes. on a lighter note we will head outside for a live holiday concert from bobby brown. after your local news and weather. i've worked hard to build my family.

and also to build my career. so i'm not about to always let my frequent bladder urges, or the worry my pipes might leak get in the way of my busy lifestyle. that's why i take care, with vesicare. once-daily vesicare can help control your bladder muscle and is proven to treat overactive bladder with symptoms of frequent urges and leaks day and night. if you have certain stomach or glaucoma problems, or trouble emptying your bladder, do not take vesicare. vesicare may cause allergic reactions that may be serious. if you experience swelling of the face, lips, throat or tongue, stop taking vesicare and get emergency help. tell your doctor right away if you have severe abdominal pain, or become constipated for three or more days. vesicare may cause blurred vision, so use caution while driving or doing unsafe tasks. common side effects are dry mouth, constipation, and indigestion. i've worked hard to get to where i am...

and i've got better places to go than always going to the bathroom. so take charge of your symptoms by talking to your doctor and go to vesicare.com for a free trial offer. your time on this monday, may 28 tweshgts, memorial day rs, good morning to you. i'm eun yang. this afternoon thousands of people will watch the national memorial day parade on the national mall. the parade starts at 2:00 on the corner of constitution avenue and 7th streets and ends at constitution and 17th streets. today the president will speak at a special memorial day ceremony at the vietnam's veterans memorial. it marks the 50th anniversary of the u.s. involvement in the vietnam war.

good morning, tom kierein in storm center 4. right now in the 60s to 70 degrees. mostly clear sky later today. heat building into the low 90s. lit feel like mid 90s with the humidity. and by late afternoon, evening, we could get some isolated passing thunderstorms. then tomorrow sun on the

morning. likely afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms, they may linger tuesday night into early wednesday morning. of that we will cool down towards the end of the week. >> thank you. another news update f

7:30 now on this monday morning, memorial day, may 28th, 2012. weather may not be cooperating in a big section of the country for the unofficial start of summer, but we are not going to let that get us down because we have a live concert from bobby brown coming up in our 8:30 half hour. inside studio 1a, i'm savannah guthrie alongside peter alexander. matt and ann have the day off. i think they feared our dance moves would be too impressive. >> i'll be out there. that's just my prerogative. we'll see how that goes a little bit later. also ahead today the race to stop a dangerous fungus that is killing off frogs in record numbers and even if you're not much of a frog fan like

savannah, we're going to tell you why the issue could actually affect you. we'll explain. >> i don't like frogs. but we want them to survive. then we'll move on to another story, a problem that millions of couples struggle with, infertility. it can be heartbreaking and also costly. why a growing number of couples are heading overseas to find surrogate moms. coming up we're going to hear from one couple who did it, and talk about some of the pros and cons. >> and have you seen this video that we have coming up? speaking of families. we're going to show you how -- well, this is an 80-year-old woman who always dreamed of going skydiving. she finally got her chance, but it quickly became a near-death experience when the woman almost slipped out of her harness during the jump. she's going to share the story in an exclusive live interview that is tomorrow on today. laverne everett, in her own words. can you imagine? >> i can't even watch that video. oh, please tell me. but it ended well so we'll hear from her tomorrow. >> she's okay. we begin with a new look at the

evidence in the disappearance of a 6-year-old arizona girl who vanished from her bedroom more than five weeks ago. here's nbc's miguel almaguer. >> i need to report a missing child. i believe she was abducted from my house. >> reporter: from the first 911 call to the last five weeks of exhaustive searches in this desert community, tucson police have been following thousands of leads, qstioning hundreds of people, and running into a lot of dead ends in the search for 6-year-old isabel celis. >> we follow up on it. and just doesn't get us there. we need that one break to take us all the way there. >> reporter: isabel's parents say they last saw her on the night of april 20th in her bedroom. when isabel's father woke up the following morning he says her bedroom window was open, the screen pushed aside, and isabel was gone. now, investigators have released nearly 600 pages of documents revealing some of the evidence that could be crucial to solving the case. in isabel's bedroom, one investigator found what appears to be blood on the floor.

outside the home a detective photographed several shoe impressions on and around an electrical box behind the house. during a search of a car outside the celis home, police collected a hat and vinyl shower curtain with dark red-brown or brown stains. and another document refers to photographs taken of handwriting on the wall and inside isabel's closet. >> there's some items that only a perpetrator may know. or only someone who has some type of connection may be aware of, and we don't want to put that information out. so we've exhausted any use of keeping that to ourselves. >> to the person or persons who have isabel, tell us your demands. tell us what you want. >> reporter: in his first public appearance in april, sergio celis made an emotional plea for his daughter's safe return. but so far, investigators say nothing suggested anyone is holding isabel for ransom and police haven't named any

suspects or persons of interest. police also confirm sergio celis made an agreement with child protective services to stay away from his son. but both parents continue to cooperate with authorities. >> my husband is a great father. the kids, my husband loves those boys, loves my daughter, is a great husband. >> reporter: meantime, rebecca celis is trying to keep her daughter's name in the public, attending vigils and updating her facebook page, including this new picture of isabel she posted on friday, with this message -- bring isa home, please, we miss you. for "today," miguel almaguer, nbc news, los angeles. >> nbc news analyst clint van zandt is a former fbi profiler joining us now live. clint, good morning to you. >> hi, peter, good morning. >> so i want to begin with some of these new documents that we heard in these reports, 500 pages of them, about footprints that are found on electrical boxes, a side of the home. can you give us any sense of the significance something like that could be for investigators?

how do they determine if that's an important part? >> one of the things you do as an investigator, peter, is you take everything, you try anything that could possibly be evidence. now you know, maybe it rained the day before isabel went missing, so this was a fresh footprint or maybe it's been there for a month. we don't know. but as an investigator, anything you see, if there's a possibility that links to your case, you take it. a week later, a month later, you have a suspect in the case, you get his boot and see if it matches with that footprint. >> and you speak about taking all amounts of evidence that they could find, including trace evidence, there appears to be some bloodstains or at least some sort of dark substance as it was described that was found inside isabel's bedroom. i guess obviously that could be a critical piece of evidence in this point. but you assume that they found that, then that would lead their investigation a certain direction at this point. >> yeah. you know, when you think you have blood, you take a sample, and then, of course, you're able to compare it. you have, we know the authorities took isabel's

toothbrush, they took her hairbrush. so they'll be able to get dna and match the dna with number one, determine if it is blood, and number two, is it her blood? but then, peter, we still don't know the significance of it. we know children cut themselves, they fall, there could be a number of very legitimate reasons for that to be there. but once again, if it's there, we take it, we have it for the future. >> i want to ask you a little bit about isabel's dad sergio. specifically if we've learned anything more about him from these documents. he, of course, made the initial 911 call to report her missing. he is no longer allowed contact with his two sons for, i guess, that's described as undisclosed reasons. one of the officers in these documents report that a friend of isabel's dad approached him at a ball game and said that something didn't seem right about how things had turned out, and that he thought the daughter -- the father may have been involved in some way in this disappearance. how do police focus on parents in a situation like this, without offending, you know, that effort, and not ruling anybody else out?

>> sure. well, you know, police, fbi, we investigate. everybody else speculates. and there's going to be a lot of speculation in a case. peter, when you go through these documents, you see that there are alleged psychics. know that i've never seen a psychic help in a case like this. but psychics come forward. there are people who dream dreams about what happened. there are crazies. there are good sid zens. there are people who say she was kidnapped by a satanic cult, and used as a sacrifice. you know, that doesn't happen. but these people still perpetrate myths like this. >> clint, finally, i want to ask you only recently this was changed from a disappearance to an abduction. i know that's just legal language but what is the significance of that change and the way the police are investigating this? >> well, to me, it's the police are now comfortable that she didn't run away. realize that there are over 800,000 children that disappear or go missing every year. most of them are found. about 110 are these kidnappings

where a child is tid capped, assaulted and murdered. you know when i was 6 years old i was taken by a predator. i escaped within an hour or two. and you know, peter, we give away a dvd, "protecting children from predators" at livesecure.org to try to help parents understand how to protect our children. but in this particular case, law enforcement made a decision she didn't walk away, she didn't run away of her own accord, she's a victim of somebody. whether it's from someone from within the house or without, we don't know. but that little girl is a victim. she needs to be found. and that emotional porch light, both for the family, and for investigators, will never be turned off until she's found or until we find out what happened to her. >> we hope she's found soon. clint van zandt, nice to visit with you. a good memorial day to you. thanks so much. we want to get a check of the forecast from the weather channel's stephanie abrams who is in for al. >> i'm with service men and women. >> my prerogative. >> a little shutout to kimberly

and some beautiful wives at home. hi there. we are seeing beautiful weather here in new york. that's not the case in the midwest. we have a few showers. these could turn severe as we head into the afternoon hours. watch for the hail and damaging winds and possible tornadoes. otherwise heat is the story in the midwest. here's a look at what's happening wrought side your door. >> good morning. we have to respect the high heat this afternoon. we are going to have heat indexes into the mid 90s. as a result there is a threat of heat related illnesses. drink plenty of water if you will be outside a length of time and use sun block. try to stay in the shade. wear loose fitting, light-colored clothing. we may have an isolated thunderstorm popping up. then tomorrow, sun in the morning and clouding up. highs near 9 on by early to mid afternoon. but greater chance of showers and thundershowers tomorrow afternoon for your weather 24 hs a day all you have to do is go to weather.com. peter, over to you. >> all right, steph, thank you. up next why are some frogs dying in record numbers.

the new concern for scientists. and what's being done to keep several species from going extinct. also on a much different note a live concert from r&b sensation bobby brown. well hello, welcome to hotels.com. summer road trip, huh? yep uhuh let's find you a room. at hotels.com, you'll always find the perfect hotel. because we only do hotels. wow. i like that. nice! no. laugh...awe hmm nice huh ooh, yeah book it! oh boy call me... this summer, we're finding you the perfect place - plus giving you up to $100 at hotels.com [ male announcer ] a blt is... good. a blt with hellmann's... is the best. hellmann's is made with real ingredients like cage-free eggs, and exceptional oils and vinegar. ♪ hellmann's. bring out the best.

made with only milk... cream... a touch of sugar... and pure natural flavors. coffee-mate natural bliss. from nestle. add your flavor naturally. mine was earned off vietnam in 1968. over the south pacific in 1943. i got mine in iraq, 2003. usaa auto insurance is often handed down from generation to generation. because it offers a superior level of protection, and because usaa's commitment to serve the military, veterans and their families is without equal. begin your legacy, get an auto insurance quote. usaa. we know what it means to serve. they're whole-grain good and yummy good. real fruit pieces, 12 grams of whole grains, and a creamy, yogurt-flavored coating. new quaker yogurt granola bars. treat yourself good.

the tree house i built with my dad. (girl) really? yeah. there you go. okay, i'm gonna work on the roof. dad, i'll be right back! (announcer) it's more than just that great peanut taste, choosing jif is a simple way to show someone how much you care. you made that for me? well you're making this for me. (announcer) choosey moms, and dads, choose jif.

back now at 7:43 with the worldwide emergency you may have never heard of, because it involves frogs. nbc's tom costello is at the smithsonian national zoo in washington with more. tom, good morning. >> hi, savannah, good morning. you know, we often think of frogs as being rear creepy and yucky but they have a very important place in the global ecosystem. they're a medical benefit to humans. and now scientists are involved in an all-out raise to save frogs from extinction. he may not know it, but frog number 9 is one very lucky frog. but to understand why, you have to journey here. to the jungles of panama. for brian's lifelong love affair with frogs has turned into a life-saving mission. these spectacularly colored creatures are dying in record numbers, victims of a fungus

that's spreading unchecked across the globe. brian is leading the smithsonian national zoo's effort to save them. >> this is the place where a frog is must vulnerable to the infection. >> reporter: already the disease has taken a huge toll. >> so you just saw it sitting there? >> reporter: on the ground in panama, too many dead frogs to count. and the panamanian golden frog, panama's national animal, is now extinct in the wild. so to save these little creatures, brian and his team have built 21st century noah's arks. >> this is a noah's ark for the pain mainian golden frog. >> reporter: fungus free containers in the jungles of panama. >> this is from frogs matter. >> reporter: and research centers in the u.s., free of the disease, while scientists search for a cure. just since 1980, 125 species of amphibians have gone extinct. but experts think the real number could be far higher. and 40% of known frog populations are already in

danger. >> think of the fungal disease like athlete's foot. except that it could kill whales, and rats, and cats, and dogs and you coulds. >> reporter: frogs matter, he says, because they occupy the middle of the food chain. and we're only just beginning to learn of the benefits to humans. like the chemicals they produce that can help with high blood pressure, diabetic ulcers, even blocking hiv transmission. >> i'm not going to hurt you. >> reporter: now researchers are coating the frogs with bacteria that seem to shield them from the fungus. the question, could it save the world's frogs from cytrich? >> so far what we've been doing is swabbing them every two weeks to see if the bacteria persists on the skin. >> reporter: the clock is ticking. the frogs are dying in record numbers worldwide. but if this works, scientists hope to eventually release them back into the wild. >> we're really taking a page out of the biblical story of noah, and we are building very

literal arks to protect these species. from extinction. >> that fungus is already spreading very quickly among the frogs here in north america. but there is no sign so far that the fungus is jumping to other animals or to humans. but, savannah, they are keeping a very close eye for any signs of that. back to you. >> all right, tom costello in washington. thanks. still ahead, one of the most creative and elaborate wedding proposals we have ever seen. we're going to get the story behind the viral video that has now racked up more than 3 million hits in just a few days. but first, preparations reach a fever pitch for queen elizabeth's diamond jubilee. we'll be live in london right after this. it's time to live wider awake. only the beautyrest recharge sleep system combines the comfort of aircool memory foam

layered on top of beautyrest pocketed coils to promote proper sleeping posture all night long. the revolutionary recharge sleep system... from beautyrest. it's you, fully charged. pull on those gardening gloves. and let's see how colorful an afternoon can be. with the home depot certified advice to help us expand our palette... ...and prices that keep our budgets firmly rooted... ...we can mix the right soil with the right ideas. ...and bring even more color to any garden. more saving. more doing. that's the power of the home depot. get memorial day savings with 4 bags of earthgro mulch for just 10 dollars. what if i can't lose the weight?

what if weight watchers can't help me? what if i'm not ready for change? what if i fall back into old habits? what if i lose control? what if i gain it all back? what if there's always an excuse why i can't? what if i can't follow through? what if i fail? shhh. there's only one voice worth listening to and that's the one saying you can do this. i'm standing here still in control of my weight with weight watchers, telling you to believe in that voice. join for $1. weight watchers. believe. because it works.

back now at 7:49. what does it take to throw a party fit for a queen? the queen, by the way, who is celebrating 60 years on the throne. excitement is now building for next week's diamond jubilee bash in london. and nbc's michelle kosinski is at buckingham palace this morning. michelle, good morning to you. >> good morning, peter. a tourist yesterday said, you can feel the electricity here. it's all about history and pride. for an event that is just so rare. sound the trumpets, prepare the horses, get ready for a celebration you will likely not see again in your lifetime. the capital has dressed up for it. >> the place is absolutely

electric. >> we saw to ask how do you get to buckingham palace? >> reporter: even the bells were given a test run over the weekend. they will, after all, have to float down the mighty thames, fit under bridges, plus the largest photo ever of the royal family. part of 1,000 boat flotilla that will also include the queen. >> i think they're concerned it might be too loud. >> reporter: when they pass by, church bells will ring in response. the navy is preparing. so are police helicopters with high tech surveillance. just as some british tabloids are reporting that prince william and katherine have had special training in case of attack or kidnapping attempts during all of this. the mounties, yes those are canadian mounties, were brought in. to share in the jubilee as part of the british commonwealth. the queen is a big fan. >> everyone keeps giving us a second look. because they don't have anyone mounted regularly. the three of us here with the mountainies. quite an honor to be part of that.

>> reporter: and a challenge. >> the pronunciation of some of the commands. >> reporter: alongside these guards whose boots take six hours to polish. helmets, another hour. precision. and pageantry. craftsmen in centuries old businesses. artists are putting their hearts into it. >> she just has this meg netism that i can't understand. it's just something that's special. only one queen. >> reporter: street artist and musician who grew up far from palaces in foster homes, sees the queen as a sort of unifying force, a modern link to the shared history. as we speak a stage is being built here right outside the palace for a big concert that will happen next monday. paul mccartney, elton john, many others who will perform for only six minutes each. and for one of those acts prince harry reportedly will join in. on the tambourine. peter?

>> oh, boy. too bad it's such a quiet summer in london over there michelle. nice to visit with you. coming up just ahead -- >> bobby brown live in concert on the plaza. get ready to dance. first your local news. drop in now for sears' big memorial day event. right now, get up to 30% off all kenmore appliances and floor care. plus, get up to 15% off all other brands. and, an extra 5% off all appliances with your sears card. sears. number one in appliances.

♪ [ female announcer ] when is it okay to lose the cover-up? when you can. take the special k challenge... and lose an inch from your waist in two weeks. ♪ my, my, my, my a cover-up free summer begins with special k. ♪ free personalized plans at specialk.com. what will you gain when you lose?

with the red, white, and blue. ocean spray cranberry, white cranberry, and blueberry juice cocktails. [ coughs ] okay, i believe this one is yours? [ clears throat ] ♪ ♪ ♪ [ girl ]rumental ] when i started playing soccer, i wasn't so good. [ barks ] so me and sadie started practicing. we practiced a lot. now i've got some moves! [ crowd cheering ] spin kick! whoo-hoo! [ giggling ]

[ announcer ] we know how important your dog is to your whole family. so help keep him strong and healthy with purina dog chow. because you're not just a family. you're a dog family. and on small business saturday bothey remind a nations of the benefits of shopping small. on just one day, 100 million of us joined a movement... and main street found its might again. and main street found its fight again. and we, the locals, found delight again. that's the power of all of us. that's the power of all of us. that's the membership effect of american express.

good morning. i'm aaron gilchrist. 7:56 now on this monday, may 28. memorial day. bad weather shut down the national memorial day concert last night at the capitol. hope reply the let of isolated storms this afternoon won't affect the parades and tributes today. the president will attend a wreath laying ceremony at the tomb of the unknowns. then will head to the vietnam memorial to mark the 50th anniversary of u.s. involvement in the viet ma'am war. at 2:00 p.m., thousands will watch the national memorial day parade along constitution avenue. so we will check the forecast for all of that when we come

what about over here? sure. no problem. ♪

roar! alright, what do lions eat? ♪

good morning. tom kierein, storm center 4. partly cloudy to mostly clear on this memorial day morning. temperatures are in the 60s to near 70. but soaring to the low 90s this afternoon. it will feel like the mid 90s with the humidity and there is a chance of an isolated thunderstorm, probably not until late afternoon into early evening. most of the memorial day events should be dry today. but a likelihood of showers and thunder tomorrow afternoon. perhaps an evening into wednesday morning. and then again on friday and saturday as we get going next weekend with cooler weather as well. back to you. >> thank you, tom.

8:00 now on a monday morning. the 28th day of may, 2012. early showers in the new york area. but the clouds have parted and we are getting ready to enjoy a wonderful concert on memorial day from music great bobby brown is going to take to our stage. in just a couple of minutes. outside i'm savannah guthrie alongside peter alexander. matt and ann have the morning off. we've been practicing our '90s dance moves. >> we're joined now by some navy sailors as well who are tray being to break out some moves. >> you got the front row seat. that means you have to dance. >> not sure how that's going to go. >> all right. also ahead this morning we've

all heard of outsourcing jobs. what about when it comes to having a family? >> more and more couples are considering this. they're finding a surrogate in foreign countries. but why? and what are the issues you need to consider before going down that path? coming up we're going to talk about that, and we'll have one couple who will share their personal story. >> just ahead, i scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream. there's a pecking order when it comes to frozen treats and "consumer reports" have done the research. we will share with you what are the best, ice cream sandwiches, the skinny from skinny cow there. we're going to taste it for you in the name of research. >> favorite ice cream? >> remember the old good humor bar? >> tamron hall is inside at the news desk with today's top stories. >> good morning, everyone. memorial day is off to a stormy start in parts of florida and georgia. the weather channel's mike seidel is tracking beryl which made landfall as a tropical

storm this morning. good morning to you, mike. >> good morning, tamron. out here at jacksonville beach where beryl made landfall a little after midnight. winds at that point were r07 miles an hour, just below hurricane force. it's now moved inland. let's look at the radar and the big spin. it's a slow-moving storm, west at 8 miles an hour. a very heavy band set up this morning over jacksonville. and there's a flood warning for the metro area until 11:15. we've had flash flooding, intersections and roadways and creeks and streams are over their banks. the worst drought in the country is in this part of the southeast so we're getting some rain. a little too much to fast for jacksonville. also, as far as the storm goes, it's going to continue to weaken, but it's slowing down, going to make a right turn so a couple of rainy beach days in this area up through the georgia and south carolina coasts on the way. the good thing is, though, the rain is lowering the fire danger. the bad news, power outages,

tamron, as much as 26,000 customers on the georgia part of the coast without power this morning. a couple of bad days at the beach. a lot of folks have decided to head home early and save some money. they packed it in yesterday. back to you. >> all right, mike. thank you very much. lighter winds are helping crews battle a massive wildfire in southwestern new mexico's gila national forest. it's already raged across more than 90 square miles since last week. smoke from the fire has triggered health alerts. louisiana police have found a bicycle belonging to a university of louisiana student who's been missing for nine days. police say that bike was found in a remote swampy area under a highway bridge about 25 miles from the spot where she was last seen. she disappeared after leaving a friend's house to go home. lady gaga is telling fans she's devastated at having to cancel her sold-out show in indonesia. the show's management canceled

the show because of security concerns after muslim hard-liners threatened violenceshe performed. now, for a look at what's trending today, our quick roundup of what has you talking online. fans are going online to read about justin bieber's weekend scuffle with a photographer outside a shopping center movie theater near los angeles. the photographer claims he was roughed up when he tried to take a picture of the pop star and his girlfriend selena gomez. the couple left before sheriff's deputies got there. now way want to get bieber's side of that story. some ridicule along with praise on twitter. the i do line is the company's first bridal footwear. they include a white sequinned studded boot, a silver suede boot, and a white fluffy flip-flop. yes, that's true. and the world's most popular live lip dub marriage proposal has gotten more than 3 million hits and counting on youtube. portland actor isaac lam created

a day amy will never forget. we'll have more on this outlandish proposal ahead. and the cute couple, they will be here live tomorrow. can't wait to see them. it is now 8:04. now back to savannah. peter, i hope they re-enact the whole thing live on the plaza. >> it's so hard to be a groom these days. you've got to come up with these elaborate proposals. >> she said a real big yes right there. >> exactly. >> let's check in with stephanie abrams on the weather channel in for al this morning. good morning. >> good morning you guys. i love this. mississippi girls love our soldiers. they also love a little bobby brown. are you going to remember all the words? >> i remember. >> to what song? >> every little step. >> what was your favorite song? >> maserati. >> driving around as a kid. no strangers to tropical entities. entities. thankfully they are not dealing with beryl. it is along the east coast into florida as you can see now our winds are at 40 miles per hour. to be a tropical storm the winds have to be at 39 miles an hour. we are just making it.

rain, it could be very heavy. isolated, up to a foot is what we could see. here is a look at a memorial day forecast. otherwise we are talking heat and that threat for severe weather. now here is a look at what's happening outside your door. >> good morning. big story for us this memorial day is going to be high heat. tom kierein, storm center 4, reminding you to take precaution it is you are going to be outside here for a length of time this afternoon. drink plenty of water and definitely use sun block. try to stay in the shade. take frequent breaks in the ac if you can. don't overexert. wear loose fitting, lightweight clothing. late this afternoon into the evening, there's also a chance of an isolated thunderstorm. then tomorrow, likelihood of that during the afternoon and evening. and that may linger i for all a. peter, 77 years old, and she's going to be rocking it out. >> all ages rocking it out today, stephanie, thank you very much. thanks, by the way, to the folks here, as well. coming up in just a little bit the great length and great distances that some couples are going to find a surrogate

mother. and live our holiday concert on the plaza, bobby brown. but first, these messages. ♪ [ male announcer ] a blt is... good. a blt with hellmann's... is the best. hellmann's is made with real ingredients like cage-free eggs, and exceptional oils and vinegar. ♪ hellmann's. bring out the best.

♪ you can't argue with nutrition you can see. great grains. great grains cereal starts whole and stays whole. see the seam? more processed flakes look nothing like natural grains. i'm eating what i know is better nutrition. mmmm. great grains. search great grains and see for yourself. but they haven't experienced extra strength bayer advanced aspirin. in fact, in a recent survey, 92% of people who tried it said they would buy itgain. visit fastreliefchallenge.com today for a special trial offer. they're whole-grain good and yummy good. real fruit pieces, 12 grams of whole grains,

and a creamy, yogurt-flavored coating. new quaker yogurt granola bars. treat yourself good. new quaker yogurt granola bars. if you made a list of countries from around the world... ...with the best math scores. ...the united states would be on that list. in 25th place. let's raise academic standards across the nation. let's get back to the head of the class.

let's solve this. back now at 8:09. for many couples the road to parenthood is filled with obstacles. but now some are choosing an alternative path that can take them thousands of miles from home. here's nbc's ian williams. >> some day when little jake asks his parents where do babies come from, he may get an unexpected answer. ♪ because this american baby came from india. robert and jason wright are his biological parents. they supplied the egg and sperm for jake's embryo but he was carried in the womb of an indian surrogate mother. >> our child halfway around the world, so it's important for him to know that, that he was very much born and very much loved, and you know, by aisha, as well. >> reporter: their passage to india was born of a desperate

desire for a child that robin was unable to carry after a hysterectomy. >> basically, had written it off and decided we probably wouldn't have kids, and somebody mentioned surrogacy in india. i thought they were crazy. >> reporter: and that's how it seemed when they first set eyes on the infertility clinic, down a dusty side street in a small town. a world apart from their wyoming home. >> in the states we could have never made it work. >> reporter: surrogacy costs in the u.s. can start at around $70,000. but often exceed $100,000. in india, the average surrogacy costs around $25,000, or even less. putting parenthood in reach for working class americans. and in india the market has responded to the international demand with some 1,000 fertility clinics. and a booming surrogacy business now estimated to be worth $2 billion a year and growing. >> 60, 65 surrogates, for

couples all over the world. >> reporter: this hospital where the surrogates stay while pregnant, so their health and nutrition can be monitored around the clock. this is american babies? >> yes, with american baby. >> reporter: now all together that's about ten american babies at the moment. >> yes. >> reporter: most are from impoverished backgrounds, and see their $7,000 fee as a way of transforming their lives. there's no shortage of volunteers. in fact, demand for surrogates is now growing so fast, that they rapidly outgrown this hospital and are preparing to move to another, much bigger facility, on the edge of this town. some clinics encourage the biological parents from meeting the surrogate mother, wanting to keep it all business. for robin and jason, that was inconceivable. >> she's ultimately his mother, as well. and i truly feel that way. that she's -- that he has two moms. >> reporter: but the wrights' journey wasn't without

heartache. at first they were thrilled to learn she was carrying twins. but one died in utero and jake came early at 27 weeks. they rushed from their home in wyoming to care for their son as he clung to life. >> makes you appreciate jake so much more. and it was a great adventure to go through. >> reporter: jake grew and got healthier, until he was given the all-clear to fly. and so they leave india. the crisp new passport in hand saying it all, u.s. citizen jake wright, born in india, and now finally home. for "today," ian williams, nbc news. >> to talk more about this is dr. roshini raj a:contributor. good morning to you. >> good morning, savannah. >> let's talk about surrogacy just in general, what the appeal is for parents? >> well basically this is often seen as a last resort for couples that have infertility problems where they may have a viable egg and a sperm but the woman just simply cannot carry a baby to term.

so they do look at this as another option. but it can be very expensive. >> which brings us to why people are going abroad in some cases. is it primarily because of the expense is so much less? >> well, that's definitely a huge factor in this. but there's also a lot of legal red tape that goes on in this country that in some ways can be skirted if you go to india. that way many couples after years of trying to find the right surrogate here may use that as an option. >> if you wanted to go down this route what would be the questions you want to ask of any clinic saying they have a surrogate. >> you really with any surrogate, here or india, you want to be very careful about who is this woman? what are your medical issues? what are her habits? how is she going to be cared for during the pregnancy? what kind of medical care will she have access to? nutrition. all these things can play a role. but particularly india because it is so far away, you want to know what kind of role you'll have. how involved can you be? what sort of updates will you get? and certainly you need to think about afterwards, you know, adoption and citizenship,

passports, all these things become an issue. >> one of the key things has to be wanting to make sure that that surrogate is taking care of herself and by extension taking care of the baby. >> sure. >> is there any way to ensure that? >> it's sort of interesting because here in this country, most of the time you get a surrogate, it could even be a woman in another state, you don't have a lot of control over what that woman's going to do. in india, many of the times the surrogate mothers are living in a hostile on a compound, where literally they're being taken care of, they're fed three meals a day. you might actually have more control in that situation than you would in this country. >> now, a lot of folks, obviously, have the husband and wife, their sperm and egg implanted into the surrogate. >> right. >> so it's their biological child. >> correct. >> however there must be an issue, some issues that can happen with the mother's health, the carrying mother's health gestationally. what are those issues? >> absolutely. if the woman who is carrying the baby has diabetes, for example, or thyroid disease, that can affect the fetus, the developing feetous if it's not properly

managed. or infectious diseases like hiv, hepatitis. certainly you would hope these would all be screened for at these clinics. but these are questions you need to ask. >> i know you're a doctor, not a lawyer, but that could be just a host of legal concerns that one would have to consider before going down this road. >> absolutely. and because this is a relatively new phenomenon, you know the legal issues are still very emerging. even in this country, state to state it can different. it's illegal in new york to actually pay a woman to carry your baby. and other states it's legal, but the rights of the birth parents are not necessarily protected. so that the surrogate mother could actually claim rights to have the child. so you really need to contact a surrogacy lawyer, who has a lot of experience in this. >> and the final issue, some people do have concerns that women in india, who are purportedly volunteering to do this may be just in a situation where they have no choice. the fears about it being exploitative. >> well, that fear is very real because when you're talking about $5,000 or $7,000 to a poor woman in an indian village that's a huge amount of money. and often they could be

pressured by family members to do it, even if they don't really want to do it themselves. on the flip side it could give them a huge opportunity they'd never normally have. it's something to think about and you talk to the clinic director about whether this woman is really in this for herself or because she's being pressured. >> lots to consider. dr. roshini raj, thanks for the good information. appreciate it. and still ahead, the must-have apps and gadgets for your summer vacation. but up next, the best frozen treats to enjoy on a hot summer day. we're going to check out a new list from "consumer reports."

drop in now for sears' big memorial day event. right now, get up to 30% off all kenmore appliances and floor care. plus, get up to 15% off all other brands. and, an extra 5% off all appliances with your sears card. sears. number one in appliances. you can't argue with nutrition you can see. great grains. great grains cereal starts whole and stays whole. see the seam? more processed flakes look nothing like natural grains. i'm eating what i know is better nutrition. mmmm. great grains. search great grains and see for yourself. ♪ jif to go goes anywhere ♪ jif to go goes here, goes there ♪ ♪ jif to go goes everywhere ♪ goes here, goes there ♪ jif to go, wherever you go uh, do you know this guy? i'm not gonna cry, am i? only if you don't believe in the power of friendship. [ male announcer ] movies right when you want them. watch unlimited tv episodes and movies instantly all for only 8 bucks a month from netflix.

fight both fast with new tums freshers! concentrated relief that goes to work in seconds and freshens breath. new tums freshers. ♪ tum...tum...tum...tum... tums! ♪ [ male announcer ] fast relief, fresh breath, all in a pocket sized pack. so ditch the brown bag for something better. like our bacon ranch quesadillas or big mouth burger bites, served with soup or salad, and fries. starting at just 6 bucks, at chili's. that's good morning, veggie style. hmmm. for half the calories plus veggie nutrition.

could've had a v8. [ male announcer ] sometimes, it's hard for james to make up his mind. but corolla was an easy choice. over 80% of all corollas sold in the last 20 years are still on the road today. ♪ it's a choice well made. dang, son! [ male announcer ] another reason you can always count on corolla. from toyota. ♪

back now at 8:21. memorial day, of course, marks the unofficial start of summer, and what is better on a hot summer day than frozen treats? "consumer reports" rates the best of the best when it comes to everything from fruit bars to ice cream sandwiches for their july issue. senior associate editor jamie hirsch is here with the details. nice to see you. >> thanks for having me. >> this is a pretty good gig. how do you go about deciding on the tastes and textures? >> we have trained taste testers. they go through extensive sensory training to make sure they're all on the same page when they're using the word gummy, they all mean the same thing. when they use the word fruity they all mean the same thing.

we tried 21 different frozen treats. as far as ice cream sandwiches and ice cream bars. >> i like that process. can you imagine getting a degree in that. can we start with the fruit bars. ladies are here. >> the 5-year-olds. >> as it were. walk us through if you can. we'll start with the fruit bars. >> okay. >> you talk -- >> we've got the dole fruit bar. >> this is actually the whole foods 365 brand. this is whole foods store brand. let me know what you think. >> i like it. >> do we need terminology? >> feels like gummy. >> that's what our taste testers found. this was the best tasting of the six strawberry fruit bars. >> the whole foods one? >> fruit bars are a good option if you want something a little less caloric. they're all 100 calories. they don't have any fat. they do have some added sugar. >> do they stain your clothing? >> i know, i dropped my ice cream! >> do they stain floors? because we're dripping.

>> the dole strawberry -- these are the best of the best, the ones we're tasting? >> no, we're sampling sort of the top and the bottom. within each category. what do you think of this? >> my least favorite. >> our taste testers agreed with you. it's a little more gummy. has some textural issues. >> gummy. >> i thought they were all good. >> but not as good as the first one. >> eddy's was a good choice but not quite as tasty. >> moving on to ice cream sandwiches. what are we starting out with? >> we're starting with walgreens brand. >> i'll take all three. >> give me that. >> you're melting. >> okay. all right. >> oh, my gosh. >> this is going to get messy. >> tell us about this one. the walgreens one. >> these have all of the ice cream sandwiches have somewhere in the neighborhood of about 150 calories. so when it comes to ice cream sandwiches you should really just go with what tastes good because you're not going to save calories. >> this one was tasty.

>> walgreens -- >> yeah, at walgreens. >> good price, right? >> i think they come to like 55 cents a bar. second up, blue bunny. >> mm-hmm. >> now really, a little more middle of the pack. so with the ice cream sandwiches we found that there were more textural issues and taste issues. aside from the top walgreens rated one. these are crumbly, the ice cream -- >> or skinny cow. >> this is interesting because it has less fat. they have less fat than the other ones. but caloriewise you're almost the same as the walgreens which is the best tasting. so you might as well just splurge the extra 20 or 30 calories. >> this one is round. >> this has more sugar. this has more fat. >> who tries an ice cream sandwich like this? >> i'm an expert. i'm tasting the inside and working my way -- it's like the oreo. >> i don't say it critically. >> always gets on the finger. >> last but not least we have

these chocolate bars. tell us which ones were the best here. this is haagen-dazs. >> this is an absolutely fabulous frozen bar. if you just want to splurge and have something absolutely awesome this is the way to go. these have more calories and fat than ice cream sandwiches or fruit bars but if you really want something delicious, this is like -- >> are you dieting? >> this is spectacular? >> super creamy, vanilla ice cream. very natural. >> what about the next one is what? >> the brand sold at whole foods. this is organic. also very good tasting. slightly less delicious than the haagen-dazs but still really good. if you want something organic, a great option. >> okay. >> it's a disaster over here. >> last but not least. >> this one is melted. >> we're going to try the klondike as we go. thank you for being here. we appreciate it. we'll be back with bobby brown.

good morning. it is 8:26 now on this monday, may 28. memorial day. i'm aaron gilchrist. as we appreciate those who have fought and died for our country, we expect this afternoon thousands of people will watch the national memorial day parade happening on the national mall. that parade starts at 2:00 at the corner of constitution avenue and 7th street. ends at constitution and 17th street. today president obama will speak at a special memorial day ceremony at the viet until veterans memorial. the ceremony marks the 50th anniversary of u.s. involvement in the vietnam war. we will take a look at your forecast right after a quick break. stay with us.

good morning. temperatures now around 70. later today, hitting the low minutes and feel like mid 90s with the humidity. high heat warning in effect for late they are afternoon. drink plenty of water and use sun block, light colored clothing.

there's also an isolated thunderstorm possibility later this afternoon and into this evening. as well as tomorrow afternoon and evening. >> thank you, tom. another news update in 25

8:30 now on this memorial day monday morning. the 2th day of may, 2012. and we have a big, exciting holiday crowd right here in rockefeller plaza. just ahead, they will be rewarded with a live concert from r&b sensation bobby brown. good morning, everyone. i'm savannah guthrie, alongside peter alexander, and bobby brown, we know is a hard-working man. he was in atlantic city until

2:00 last night. doing a concert. just got in to new york 6:00 a.m. >> and he is ready to play. he's got fans here early this morning, too. >> from boston. >> yes. >> like you guys really are here because they want to be on tv. coming up, not just today a big concert, but these week a series of big concerts. american idol's 16-year-old powerhouse singer jessica sanchez, she is going to be here on thursday. and then on friday, this is one of the hottest acts in all of country music, it's the band perry and they will join our summer concert stage as well. >> coming up this half hour, jennifer hager bush sits down with a true legend, merle haggard. the 75-year-old, had a bit of a health scare earlier this year. now he's back on the road, and we'll hear from merle coming up.

>> merle haggard. >> i say merle. >> you say merle? >> a lot to get to. >> we got that straight. planning a summer very indication? there's an app for that. we're going to tell you a website to help you plan your trip this summer. first let's check in with stephanie abrams who has the weather forecast. >> already feeling like summer even though it's not officially summertime yet. verna brown says this is nothing, huh? >> nothing like albany, georgia. albany is so hot. >> who's going to heat it up on the stage in a few minutes? >> bobby brown! >> bobby brown! bobby brown is going to make it even hotter. let's have a look at our temperatures as we temperatures as we head throughout the day today. it is going to be warm yet again. record highs in places like chicago yesterday, 97 degrees. you will be in the 90s but a front is coming through. like to call that fro-frontal passage.

here is a look happening outside your door. >> good morning. we have to be concerned about high heat later this afternoon. right now, though, it is pleasant. around 70. and with the temperatures soaring to the low 90s, feeling like mid 90s with the humidity, you have to respect the heat. if you are going to be outside for a length of time, drink plenty of water. rye to stay in the shade if you can. there is a possibility of an isolated thunderstorm layer this afternoon, early this evening. tomorrow likelihood into the afternoon and evening hours. lingering into wednesday. perhaps more friday and >> and we have some friends visiting from nashville. what bobby brown -- everyone is so excited about bobby brown. what song are you waiting for? >> my prerogative. >> you have some moves? show me -- okay we'll go back to her. now we're going to go to willard with some birthdays. hey there, willard. >> -- strawberries are in perfect bloom. you can't beat them. happy birthday. take a look, if you will.

this is earn est rossi from pittsburgh, pennsylvania. loves to play with his dog and he makes the best chili in town. cora indian, 100 years old today. she loves to do her garden. ted and alice rortvedt celebrating their 80th wedding anniversary and they are crazy about each other. hugging, kissing. gladys banks, 101 years old today. she loves a bit of bible study and is a fantastic dancer. she can put them all to shame. put them all in dancing with the stars. antonio frontino from canton, massachusetts. 100 years old today. a huge boston red sox fan. he enjoys watching television and even better going to a game when he can.

cynthia, what a beautiful name that is, wasserlauf, jackson, new jersey. 100 years old today. and enjoys a spoonful of vinegar every single day for her health. that's it. that's all. now back to the big apple, new york. >> all right, willard, thanks. coming up next, jenna bush hager catches up with country music legend merle haggard. and we are just moments away from a summer concert from bobby brown coming up. but this is "today" on nbc.

he's known as the poet of the common man. merle hag ard has been selling out concerts for decades, singing stories of working class struggles and joy, and despite setbacks he's still on the road at the age of 75. "today" contributing

correspondent jenna bush hager caught up with him in tennessee. >> he was a lot of fun. to say that merle haggard is a legend in country music is an understatement. he's had 40 number one hits. won countless awards. and he received the kennedy center honors for lifetime achievement back in 2010. i sat down with him to see if there's anything that can stop the hag. ♪ merle haggard is hard to scare. but after more than 50 years as one of country music's most influential singer/songwriters, earlier this year haggard feared his show was over. >> the first day in the hospital, they thought my cancer had returned. so it was about the first 30 hours, i was saying good-bye. >> reporter: but this one-time outlaw is still a fighter, and beat pneumonia, stomach ulcers and lung cancer. now he's thankful. but not slowing down. ♪

>> i think when a man quits working, kind of gives up on everything, you know. so retirement is not in the picture at all. >> reporter: actually, just the opposite. at 75, he's back on the road again. belting out his unique voice every night to sold-out auditoriums. ♪ proud to be a rookie >> reporter: called the poet of the common man, haggard started writing songs as a child. a rebel as a teen, haggard was sent to reform school. small crimes led to larger ones and he landed in san quentin prison for burglary. ♪ one day, johnny cash came to perform. that was the concert haggard says, that changed his life. ♪ i walk the line >> the most important thing was he identified with those convicts. they knew that he was one of them, and he conveyed that. his honesty was everything.

♪ i hear that train coming >> reporter: haggard, released from prison in 1960 didn't waste time getting his life on track. he recorded his first song in '62, and had six major hits by '69. in the first nine years of his career, he recorded 30 albums. married five times, he lived hard, on and off the road. he says redemption and responsibility to connect with his audience gave him clarity. to know who he was, and what he wanted. it seems like music is just really a lot of who you are. >> that's about all i am. you know. that's what i'm for. that's what i do. i eat, sleep and breathe it. and people around me, if they can't handle it, they just have to get away. this is how it is. play loud, guys. >> daughter and sons are even in the band. ♪

son ben is getting rave reviews for his performance with his dad. >> he's really critical. it's good for us. i cherish every minute of it. >> reporter: and for a guy who is most comfortable writing lyrics on the back of a box top, social media seems pretty foreign. but haggard is once again unafraid. >> well, this tweeter thing, i'll tell you what, 13,000 followers. >> reporter: 13,000 poll lores? >> one day they can't stop me now. >> reporter: unstoppable, even at 75. >> i still feel like i'm one song missing. there's one song that i ought to write. that will give me the most satisfaction of any. and i'm still chasing that. ♪ >> and you know, haggard says he doesn't give much thought to his

legacy. just that he wants to be remembered. but clearly his legacy is the hundreds of songs he's written. the iconic style he's created. and, his children who many of them will carry on his foot steps. they're all in his band. it's quite the family affair. >> when you have a coach like that teaching you the lessons of country music, you can't go wrong. >> that's right. >> all right, thanks, jenna. great job. we are back in a moment. this is "today" on nbc.

the "toyota concert series on today" brought to you by toyota. >> it is memorial day and we are getting the party started early on the plaza, performing one of his most beloved hits, here is bobby brown.

♪ >> come on. you all know what it is. w, now, now. whoo! this one's for all my soldiers out there. ♪ can't sleep at night i toss and turn ♪ ♪ listening for the telephone ♪ when i get your call i'm all choked up can't believe you called my home ♪ ♪ as a matter of fact it blows my mind you would even talk to me because a girl like you is like a dream come true a real life fantasy ♪ ♪ don't matter what your friends tell you we will even fall in love and we will be together in any kind of weather just like that just like that ♪ ♪ every little step i take you will be there ♪ ♪ every little step i make we'll

be together ♪ ♪ every little step i take you will be there ♪ ♪ every little step i make we'll be together ♪ ♪ can't think too straight i'm all confuse d as a matter of fact, you would even -- because a girl like you, dream come true no matter what your friends try to tell you we will fall in love and we will be together in any kind of weather just like that just like that ♪ ♪ every little step i take you will be there ♪ ♪ every little step i make we'll be together ♪ ♪ every little step i take you will be there ♪ ♪ every little step i make we'll be together ♪

♪ every little ♪ every little step ♪ every little step ♪ oh, no every little step ♪ ♪ every little step ♪ ♪ no matter what your friends try to tell you we will even fall in love ♪ ♪ and we will be together in any kind of weather just like that just like that ♪ ♪ every little step i take you will be there ♪ ♪ every little step i make we'll be together ♪ ♪ every little step i take

you will be there ♪ ♪ every little step i make we'll be together ♪ ♪ every little step i take >> bobby brown. thank you. we're going to have more music in a moment. but first, this is "today" on nbc. ♪

oh yeah, this is what a weekend getaway should feel like. and does. if you're here that is. feel the fun. feel the hamptonality.

bobby brown burst on the music scene at the tender age of 14 with the group new edition back in 1983. now he's on tour with his famous group. now he's got the band back to the as it were. bobby brown, nice to see you here today. >> good to be here. thank you. >> i appreciate you making a quick turnaround from atlantic city last night. it has been now this is your first solo album in 14 years called "the masterpiece." you say it's about feeling. what do you tell us about bobby brown? >> i think god has worked miracles with me. the things that i've been through in my life. that's what's on this album. for me to come out at the end of everything, being 7 1/2 years clean from narcotics, i just feel that, you know, now it's a masterpiece. >> the song you're going to play is called don't let me die. a lot of people believe that's a tribute to whitney houston. you want to set the record straight. >> it's actually a song that i

wrote like maybe nine months. it was about me being in love with the woman that i am with currently today. >> alicia. >> alicia etheridge, yeah. getting married in june. it was about her and about her struggle to deal with what i was going through and my struggle to be able to be a grown man for her. you know. don't let me die is just simply is, you know, you saved my life. and i thank you for it. >> there's been news recently because your daughter bobbi kristina has a reality show. and there was some conversation you may have a reality show of your own. do you have a show? >> not as of right now. i'm not saying about reality tv right now. i'm just putting this album out to masterpiece. i'm touring with new edition, i'm touring with my band.

i'm just trying to stay busy. >> you pretty much make up all my junior high memories. i appreciate new edition being back here today. the song is don't let me die. >> don't let me die. >> thank you very much. appreciate it. ♪ ♪ clear that you -- try to fi find ♪ ♪ ♪

♪ don't let me die don't let me die ♪ ♪ don't let me die girl ♪ don't let me die girl ♪ don't let me die ♪ you know who you were you know what we had ♪ ♪ now try to get the pieces back and it hurts so bad ♪ ♪ that i let you walk away ♪ away away ♪ ♪ stop me don't let me die girl don't let me die girl ♪ ♪ don't let me die

don't let me die girl ♪ ♪ don't let me die girl don't let me die ♪ ♪ i'm holding onto these memories that's the only way i'll survive ♪ ♪ oh, ♪ oh, baby ♪ don't let me die girl don't let me die girl ♪ ♪ don't let me die ♪ don't let me go don't let me die girl

don't let me die girl don't let me die ♪ ♪ don't let me die girl don't let me die girl ♪ ♪ don't let me die ♪ baby don't let me go don't let me die girl ♪ ♪ don't let me die girl don't let me die ♪ ♪ don't let me die girl don't let me die girl ♪ ♪ don't let me die ♪ don't let me die don't let me die girl ♪ ♪ don't let me die girl don't let me die ♪ >> don't let me die ♪ baby. >> bobby brown. thank you. we will have one more song from bobby a little bit later. but first, your local news.

good morning. it is 8:56 now on this memorial day, monday, may 28. i'm aaron gilchrist. bad weather shut down the national memorial day concert last night at the capitol. hope reply the threat of isolated storms this afternoon won't affect the parade.

good morning.

as we approach the 9:00 hour, temperatures are much in the region into the 70s. reagan national at 78. continuing to climb. we ought to get into the mid 80s by noontime and even the low 90s mid afternoon. it will feel like mid 90s or higher with the humidity. so definitely take precautions and plan on staying outside for a length of time, take frequent breaks into the ac and drink plenty of water. there is a possibility of an isolated thunderstorm popping up late this afternoon into this evening and greater chance tomorrow afternoon and evening. by the end of the week we could get more on friday as well as into saturday. >> thank you, tom. we will have more local news for new about 25 minutes or

make my own decisions tell me why that's my prerogative ♪ ♪ tell me tell me >> thank you. thank you. thank you so much for coming out. ♪ tell me why why can't i get my life ♪ ♪ without all all of the things that people say ♪ ♪ that people say tell me ♪

♪ >> back now with more of "today" on this memorial day morning, monday, may 28th, 2012. and that was our crowd bouncing to the beat of bobby brown, singing an amazing concert right here on our plaza. we've got one more song so you want to stick around for that. good morning, everyone, i'm savannah guthrie alongside peter alexander. matt and al and natalie are enjoying the morning off. but they are missing this really good concert. >> i kind of wanted to see al roker's dance moves today. >> i like how earlier i said this brings me back to college. it was the sixth grade for me. >> i was thinking earlier. >> anyway, just ahead, is the

beebes in some kind of drawl? he got into some kind of scuffle and now police want to investigate him and get to the bottom of this incident. >> of course the paparazzi there to shoot every moment of it. also, whether you're hitting the road and getting off for your summer vacation we'll show you the best websites and apps that make it easy to plan that sort of fun trip. find routes and adventures and save some money along the way as you plan out future trips this summer. then we're going to introduce you to a guy who is putting the rest of us guys to shame. this is what a lot of people are talking about online these days. this guy planned an elaborate lib dub proposal with all his friends and family joining in. the video has 3 million hits online. we are going to show you just how it all ends. >> pretty amazing. and needless to say, no lip dubbing when beyonce took the stage. this is her first concert since she had her little daughter blue ivy carter back in january. this time she delivered quite a

performance. we're going to tell you all about that. but first we want to get to tamron hall sitting in for natalie over at the news desk. >> good morning, savannah and peter. good morning, everyone. authorities in los angeles want to question justin bieber about an alleged physical altercation with a member of the paparazzi on sunday nbc's kristen dahlgren has the story. >> reporter: witnesses say it was a completely different justin bieber who they watched go after a paparazzo sunday afternoon. according to reports theeen superstar, his girlfriend actress selena gomez, were leaving this shopping center near his home, after seeing a movie together when the altercation occurred. witnesses say bieber bolted from a van he was driving to confront this photographer who moments earlier was seen snapping pictures of the couple as they were pulling away from the parking area. in a press release the malibu sheriff's office says when they arrived onscene a man told deputies as he took pictures of mr. bieber he was physically battered by the singer.

bieber and gomez left the scene before deputies arrived according to witnesses. the victim complained of pain and requested medical attention. an allegation of misdemeanor battery report against bieber was taken by sheriff's deputies. before the photographer was transported to a local hospital, where he was treated and later released. ironically, this recently posted youtube video shows former boxing champ mike tyson giving pointers to justin bieber behind a training bag. representatives for bieber have not responded to the allegations from sunday's altercation, but overnight bieber tweeted, gonna focus on the important stuff, the music. meanwhile on her facebook page selena gomez wrote, thank you so much to my fans for always protecting me and being there for me. can't thank you guys enough. the los angeles county sheriff's office says it is investigating the incident, and at some point

will talk to mr. bieber. for "today," kristen dahlgren, nbc news, los angeles. police searching for isabel celis, the tucson 6-year-old who disappeared five weeks ago, have released documents that reveal they found what appeared to be blood on the girl's bedroom floor. detectives also photographed shoe impressions on and around an electrical box behind the home, and police say they found a vinyl shower curtain with dark stains in a car outside the home. four to eight inches of rain could fall today on parts of florida and georgia. right now they are being lashed by beryl, which made landfall near jacksonville beach early this morning, with near-hurricane strength winds. the storm threatens the possibility of flooding and snarled traffic as the summer season gets under way. across the united states on this memorial day, americans are honoring fallen warriors and service personnel. president obama is also paying tribute to the nation's military. he's taking part in a wreath laying at arlington national cemetery and the vietnam

veteran's memorial. if your holiday includes a cookout here's one hazard you might not be aware of. a new jersey man who thought he had appendicitis found out he'd actually swallowed a metal bristle from a grill cleaning brush. it apparently got stuck in his steak. it then lodged in his intestine. he had to have it surgically removed. medical officials say they are aware of at least six similar cases since last year. and call her a k-9 with a dogged determination to keep running wherever the road may lead. chinese central tv says more than 40,000 people have been following a blog about a homeless dog that latched onto a team of cyclists and ran with that team for 24 days. the bikers fed the dog along the way. and, well, that cute face an occasional lift there. that's got to be the team mascot. and superheroes were no match for suits at the weekend box office "men in black 3" debuted in the top spot, $55 million in

sales. that busted "the avengers" down to second place. "battleship" cruised in to third. it is now six past the hour. back to stephanie with another check of the weather. how cute is that dog? >> i mean adorable. i need to figure out a good name for that dog. let's talk about sarah from seattle who is here for her bachelorette party. all the way from seattle. why did you pick new york? >> because i love the "today" show. and you guys make getting up in the morning earlier. >> that's so sweet. what else have you done? >> we went to the ballet, we got cupcakes, pedicures. i have the best friends in the world. >> congratulations on your wedding. when is it again? >> september. >> there you go. in september, that's the heart of hurricane season. wroouf to worry about them in seattle. let's have a look at beryl. winds at 40 miles per hour. 39 ml mire perfect hour winds makes eight tropical storm. barely holding on to strength. it is falling apart as it is over land. with that friction we will see rain with that. it could be up to a foot in some locations. still tropical storm warnings and the path takes it back out to sea as we head over the next

couple of days, but it is bringing rain to a drought-stricken area. now here is a look at what's happening outside your door. >> good morning. we are beginning to heat up now just past 9:00. temperatures are approaching 80 degrees around the metro area. in southern maryland through central virginia. farther to the north and west, mid and upper 70s. and later today we should get into the low 90s. feeling like mid and upper 90s. and definitely immediate to take precautions from that high heat. do what you can to stay out of the sun. and you have to be outside for a length of time drink plenty of water and wear loose fitting lightweight clothing. may get an i peter over to you. "today's travel" is brought to you by sleep inn. dream better here. stephanie, thank you very much. this morning on "today's travel," tech gadgets for your summer vacation. from finding the nearest gas station to booking a pet friendly hotel it turns out

there san app for that. smart shop editor in chief lisa friedman is here with travel tips. >> good morning. >> we appreciate your help on this. a lot of people are even plotting their trip home right now and looking for short cuts. one of the challenges is getting from point "a" to point "b." what do you recommend? >> if you're even thinking about taking a road trip this summer you've got to go to aaa.com. you don't even need to be a member to use their website. and you can basically click on the travel tab, and then click on trip tiks and you can map out your whole route with hotels, attractions, again you don't even have to be a member. >> that's the most important point on this. a lot of people know they can get restaurants from aaa but just going to the site themselves it may be the best outfit. >> if you do belong to aaa click on deals and discounts and you'll find discounts along the way, as well. >> let me ask you about national parks and monuments. it's probably too late for the memorial day holiday. but for fourth of july, even labor day now. where is the best place to find

out those destinations. >> yeah, u.s. parks dotcom is an amazing website. actually this is it right here. us-parks.com. it's great if you have no idea where you want to go. and you're just looking for some great ideas. they have some of the best road trips in the country that are all preplanned for you. but if you do know where you want to go, click on the parks locator and you'll see in that state you're traveling to, all the parks, and even national monuments and historical sites like for example if you're going to north carolina, you can go where the wright brothers took their first flight. it will tell you where to go. >> obviously you're not going to be the only person visiting a national park. there are restrictions that apply. >> absolutely. you'll have all the restrictions, you'll get all the information that you need to go to the national park. >> everything you need to know. for a lot of people, staying in the park is not so much an option, so they're looking for camp grounds, maybe for hotels or motels nearby. >> yes. >> where do you go? >> well, u.s. parks.com actually has camp grounds and also

hotels. >> even when they're outside the park itself? >> yes, hotels right outside the park. >> visiting multiple parks, try to do it all in one stop? >> yeah, you could map it all out. and if you're traveling with your pet, we've got trips with pets dotcom which is really cool because you can find out which hotels will take your pets. and a lot of people don't know this, but a lot of hotels actually accept pets. so you can use their hotel finder to find out where you can stay. also, they have a little finder for airlines. so if you're traveling different airlines you can find out how much it costs and what their policy is. >> take your pet with you on the airline, as well. there's some apps as well. the one is called hotels the night. >> one thing about apps, though, and you know who you are, do not use them while you're driving. unless you're a passenger. but yes, we actually combed through a whole bunch of apps for on the road, and here's one of the best ones that we found, as you're coming up here. >> we see it now. >> it's called hotel tonight.

and as you can see you can actually -- i wanted to scroll down there. starting at noon you can find out the best deals on hotels for tonight only. so if you're on the road and you're looking for a cheap hotel, a really nice hotel at a good rate, after noon you can click on here and look through the cities and you'll see the best deals in all these different cities. >> priceline has an app now, as well. >> right. priceline doesn't have as good prices as this one. hotel tonight had the best prices out of the ones we checked out. you request find hotel deals for tonight, for any night, as you can see it's really fun to use. this will tell you where all the hotels in the area. also you can search by distance, price, and for fun, you can do the negotiating by using the toggle on the bottom and find out -- >> negotiate a good deal. >> deals that you can negotiate. >> our time is limited because families are running out the door. yp.com. >> this is my favorite app all. while you're on the road you can find out where the closest pizza is, for example. >> exotic car emporium.

>> actually did that -- anyway, can you find out bars. >> lounge 47. not sure where you've been going lately. >> gas prices. that's helpful, right? you can see how much gas costs in the area. >> a lot of people are looking -- >> this is really helpful. >> lisa, we appreciate it. thanks for coming in on this holiday. more news coming up, as well today. why one man's marriage proposal became a viral video sensation in a matter of days. if you haven't seen it you've got to stick around. also, later beyonce rocked the stage for the first time since having a baby. but the real headliners were in the audience. that's after these messages.

drop in now for sears' big memorial day event. right now, get up to 30% off all kenmore appliances and floor care. plus, get up to 15% off all other brands. and, an extra 5% off all appliances with your sears card. sears. number one in appliances. olive garden's bringing during the taste of tuscany starting at just $10.95. try our new chicken with tortelloni or grilled sausage with orecchiette then pick two tuscan extras.

like a bruschetta. and roasted asparagus. the taste of tuscany at olive garden. 11 years playing the outfield, and i got no plans to retire. [ female announcer ] aging may slow a dog down, but iams helps keep dogs playing year after year with our age-specific nutrition. and now, even for dogs 11 and older with new iams senior plus. it helps boost the immune response to that of an adult dog and helps fight signs of aging. [ dog ] i'll never be a bench-warmer. [ female announcer ] new iams senior plus. see the iams difference or your money back. [ dog ] i am an iams dog for life. my system gets why out of sorts it? but that comes with age, right? 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. now to one man's very unique wedding proposal. it was posted online late last week and has already racked up

nearly 3 million hits in just a few days. here's nbc's kerry sanders. >> so -- in in portland oregon amy frankel was lured into the back of her hatchback, a second camera recording her every reaction. two friends, then more. and even more joined in the ever-growing elaborate production, which by now you may realize has a deeply personal meaning. ♪ i think i want to marry you >> reporter: her boyfriend isaac enlisted more than 60 friends and relatives in his admittedly over-the-top marriage proposal, as amy listened to the song on head phones, her friends lip-synched. those who couldn't make it were still there, via a laptop stream. the idea was six months in the making. then the moment finally arrived. >> you've already given me a lifetime of happiness. will you let me spend the rest of my life trying to give you the same? will you marry me?

>> my most favorite part is when everyone separated, though, and then it was isaac. that was the most amazing feeling. >> i mean, i always felt like this was meant to be. but it just feels like this thing was like this perfect little nugget of happiness. i'm very, very lucky. i'm very, very lucky. >> reporter: if you don't recognize that song, it's "marry you" by bruno mars. popular on youtube with lots of couples, but amy and isaac can claim approval from bruno mars himself, who tweeted, congrats to isaac lamb and the future mrs. i don't think i could have made a better music video for this song. thank you. so to all you guys trying to muster the guts to ask that big question, now you can add to the challenge. top this. for "today," kerry sanders, nbc news.

>> i'm stunned. >> that's the first i've seen it. i like her jacket. >> shall we just do jazz hands in solidarity. >> i saw it last night in its entirety. i was crying. >> tamron says that no man should ever try to ask any woman ever to get married again because they could never beat this. >> i didn't say that. just do a big ring if you can't stage that performance. >> you feel bad for the guy who was about to pull the trigger at the barbecue this afternoon. >> it's amazing. and you know what? the happy couple will be here live in our studio on tuesday so we can ask all our questions. >> i want them to re-enact it. >> six months of rehearsals. >> a marching band. >> that's love. >> all right coming up next, beyonce, back on stage for the first time since the birth of her daughter and she is looking great. that's coming up right after this. e ccash rewards card gives you a 50% annual bonus. and who doesn't want 50% more cash? ugh, the baby. huh! and then the baby bear said, "i want 50% more cash in my bed!"

phhht! 50% more cash is good ri... what's that. ♪ you can spell. [ male announcer ] the capital one cash rewards card. the card for people who want 50% more cash. what's in your wallet? ha ha. ♪ lemon burst, blackberry harvest, pina colada... i can't imagine where she is... orange creme... [ grocery store pa ] clean up in aisle eight. found her! [ female announcer ] yoplait original. 25 flavors for you to love.

but what about your wrinkles? neutrogena® rapid wrinkle repair. its retinol formula visibly reduces wrinkles in one week. why wait if you don't have to.

neutrogena®.

well, beyonce is back to business performing afor the first time since becoming a mother. >> you saw this in person so we want to hear about it, as well. this is her much-anticipated return to the stage in atlantic city this past week. it did not disappoint thousands of fans and the tamron hall family. >> yes, yes. it was some famous faces in the crowd. the first lady michelle obama, sasha and malia. gail king was there, as well. and carl lewis. yes, track star carl lewis on my row. i was like -- beyond that beyonce was absolutely amazing. there was a moment in the show where they showed a picture of blue ivy. the crowd went crazy. >> now had you seen her any other time? >> yes, yes. >> so how does the before and after? she still good as ever? >> absolutely. i think you know what it is, she's talked about being a mother now and balancing life and you see that balance, so

many, you know, career driven women. talk about your career. but you see the mother. she said she lost 60 pounds, and she credits it to treadmill and lettuce. >> dancing like that will burn some calories. >> this is five months after having the baby. there were apparently five wardrobe changes. >> this is the final one. >> where most moms are changing diapers she's performing in front of like 6,000 people. >> you could feel the spirit of her being a mom and the great performance. she did say at the end of the show she thanked her crew. she said i'm not an easy person to work for. >> she looks good. >> what was your favorite song? >> single lady. >> i knew you were going to say that. >> because i looked up and the first lady is like -- >> you don't see that every day. and i have to tell you, when the first lady and twalked in the crowd went crazy. >> blue ivy or the first lady? >> blue ivy. >> thank you for the firsthand

report. >> she'll be paying me for that. ahead one more song from bobby brown. >> also in "today's kitchen" a slow-roasted pulled pork sandwich for your memorial day. ♪ [ female announcer ] when is it okay to lose the cover-up? when you can. take the special k challenge... and lose an inch from your waist in two weeks. ♪ my, my, my, my a cover-up free summer begins with special k. ♪ free personalized plans at specialk.com. what will you gain when you lose? you know how painful heartburn can be. for fast, long lasting relief, use doctor recommended gaviscon®. only gaviscon® forms a protective barrier that helps block stomach acid from splashing up-

relieving the pain quickly. try fast, long lasting gaviscon®. good morning, it is 9:26 now on this monday, may 28. happy memorial day. i'm aaron gilchrist. thousands of people will watch the national memorial day parade along the national mall. the parade starts at 2:00 at the corner of constitution avenue and 7th street. it ends at constitution and 17th. president obama will speak at a special memorial day ceremony at the vietnam veterans memorial. the ceremony marks the 50th anniversary of the of u.s. involvement in the vietnam war. weather is coming

good morning. important the events and ceremonies honoring the fallen on this memorial day, the big concern this afternoon will be heat. we will be climbing into the low 90s by mid afternoon and it will feel like it will be even hotter than that with the humidity factored in. take precautions. we could get some isolated thunderstorms late afternoon into the middle of the evening. then tomorrow a greater chance of showers and thundershowers. then turning less humid for wednesday, thursday.

could get more showers and thundershowers on friday and saturday. and then sun back sunday, highs in the 70s. >> thank you, tom. we are honoring wounded

♪ ♪ and i hope you have all you dreamed of ♪ >> that is 16-year-old jessica sanchez. she's 16. she wowed viewers with her amazing singing voice on "american idol." and jessica will be here to sing for us this thursday on "today." then this friday on "today," the band perry. they'll stop on by the plaza. all summer lodge, of course, that is right here on "today." >> but we are not done with "today's" superstars. in just a few minutes one more

song from our special memorial day concert. >> a song a lot of people were waiting for. it's been a great show. in the meantime just ahead we all know you can take your spouse but unfortunately not your in-laws. and sometimes those relationships can be a little bit of trouble. a sneak peek at the new season of monster-in-laws. it follows couples who have reached the boiling point. it gets physical. >> we'd like to sign up for monster-in-law. your mother-in-law is like, why? what do you mean? >> just come on the show. all right, and we've got the smell of summer wafting from our kitchen with some sweet and tangy slow roasted barbecued pork. for your memorial day. >> not to worry. first the weather channel's stephanie abrams in today for al with a check of the weather. beryl making some news itself. >> that is exactly. in the southeast a lot of weather to talk about. not only do we the south. not only do we have a tropical

cyclone, threat of severe weather in the midwest. a lot going on across the country. southern california, shocker to get the best weather. right? here's a look at what's happening outside your door. >> good morning. here our concern is high heat by later this afternoon. and around our region, we are going to have temperatures climbing into the low 90s by mid afternoon, hotter with the humidity. please take precautions if you are going to be spending much time outside today and take it easy. we may have an isolated thunderstorm late afternoon into this evening. then a greater chance tomorrow afternoon and evening. may linger into wednesday morning. 7-day outlook towards the weekend, friday and saturday could get more showers and thundershowers. highs in the 70s to near 80. >> and the goodnys is cool air is finally going to make its way into the midwest. we'll say good-bye to the 90s soon. >> coming up next, it is all relative. a sneak peek into the real life monster in-laws. that's after these messages. ♪ here you go.

[ male announcer ] people everywhere are helping save trees in just 4 weeks... uh...mom? ...without even noticing. as the world's first line of hybrid paper products, scott naturals combines the green benefits of recycled fiber with the quality you need -- so only our forests will notice the difference. [ male announcer ] take the scott naturals 4-week test drive. if we all did it we'd save over 2 million trees. start your test drive at scottbrand.com. if we all did it we'd save over 2 million trees. i feel likeo having that's normal. if you are not feeling like trying this on, that's not normal. activia helps with occasional irregularity when eaten 3 times a day. feeling regular to me was a new feeling... activia

we charge everything else... maybe it's time to recharge the human battery. only the beautyrest recharge sleep system combines the comfort of aircool memory foam layered on top of beautyrest pocketed coils to promote proper sleeping posture all night long. the revolutionary recharge sleep system from beautyrest... it's you, fully charged. right now, receive two free recharge pillows with the purchase of select beautyrest mattresses. what makes hershey's pure chocolate goodness that brings people together. hershey's makes it a s'more... you make it special. pure hershey's.

here's one story. pain doesn't have much of a place in my life. i checked the schedule and it's not on it. [ laughs ] you never know when advil® is needed. well most people only know one side of my life. they see me on stage and they think that that is who i am. singer, songwriter, philanthropist, father, life's a juggling act. when i have to get through the pain, i know where to go. [ male announcer ] take action. take advil®. for your next headache, find fast relief with advil liqui-gels® or advil migraine®.

♪ this morning on "today's relationships," monster-in-laws. wedding season is upon us but sometimes at the end of the aisle a ruthless in-law awaits. as mediator on "monster-in-law" she witnesses just how toxic these relationships can sometimes be. >> good morning. >> lots of people love their in-laws, they have great relationships with them. that is not what this show is about, however. >> that is not. we have basically the mussolini of mother-in-laws. i mean seriously. it is truly unbelievable what goes on in these households. >> but this issue of conflict of parents, even if you love your

in-laws, sometimes big conflicts come up. >> yeah, sure. i mean, i think everybody feels so bad that they don't have these perfect relationships with their in-laws. but the bottom line is that you married a person. you have dinner with your in-laws. that is not what in-laws believe. >> in this show sometimes it gets quite physical. i think i read that you said you needed like a helmet and knee pads. >> yeah, i did. >> what is it about this relationship that's just so explosive potentially? >> this is really the first time that these people are telling the truth. they sit in their families and they pretend that everything is like all perfect and everybody fakes being an angel. and they're not. there's a lot of venom underneath it. >> what do you think is the dynamic? i mean obviously you're blending two families. >> right. >> but sometimes tension because mom is jealous of the new bride. or the new bride is jealous of the mom. what goes on? >> you know what this is classic schoolyard bullying. it's just that the girls dropped their pom-poms and now are using

their sons and daughters. they want control of their kids. and he somebody comes in they find it threatened. >> you obviously have your work cut out for you with some of the families that we see in this show. you've got some mediating tactics that you like to use. the first one you say is never go at it alone. >> savannah, these daughter-in-laws or son-in-laws believe that they are supposed to be one-on-one with the mother-in-law. it is not your role alone to have this conversation. your husband or wife needs to be there, and take control. >> you also say tell the truth. you think a lot of people are kind of burying their feelings? >> yeah, absolutely. and telling the truth is all about the fact that people take a hit when you keep hearing that you're a schmuck, and you can't, you know, that you're not deserving of the son or the daughter, this really hurts. so you need to tell the truth, regardless of the repercussions. >> on the flip side you say don't fake being an angel. you think that dynamic happens where a person thinks oh, i'm

the good one here, they're the villain? >> exactly. and no one is willing to take their ownership. no, you are not that sweet. you -- just own this. >> you say we should look for common ground. that's the difficulty course. >> that is. but when you don't look for common ground you don't have anything else to talk about, but the destructive relationship. >> you also say practice compassion. >> you really don't know what's going on. you don't know what's happened to this mother-in-law. it makes her so ferocious. and that's really the key in all of this. that you need to be able to find some relationship beyond this. >> you mentioned mothers in law or monsters-in-law as the title may be. i guess sometimes there are issues with fathers in law, as well? >> oh, yeah. we know that guys are not the most elevated species. you know, women are not taking ownership of this thing alone. >> i guess lot of this is also managing the expectations. what should you expect from this relationship? >> you should expect that it's

going to go down. you should expect that this is going to be difficult. i mean this is not natural. there's 50% divorce rate. i mean, probably half of them are just trying to get away from their in-laws. >> but you're not saying it can never be repaired? >> no, of course not. it definitely can be repaired. but if you're not telling the truth and you're not reaching out and really working towards this, you're not sitting pretty. >> laura barron. i know it will be a conversation starter in a lot of households. thank you so much. appreciate it. reminder you can catch the season two premiere of "monster in-laws" at 10:00, 9:00 central on the a&e network. coming up next, making your memorial day barbecue complete with a mouth-watering recipe for pulled pork. i'm here with karen and her bffs and we are talking about activia. i've been eating activia and i feel great! i'm used to having irregularity. i feel like that's normal. if you are not feeling like trying this on, that's not normal. activia helps with occasional irregularity when eaten 3 times a day.

feeling regular to me was a new feeling... i came to find my 'new normal' and i love it! ♪ activia and try new silky, fruity activia harvest picks. another way to enjoy activia. what if we could keep enough plastic waste to cover all of manhattan out of landfills each year? the equivalent of 140 million trash bags, gone. by using glad trash bags, designed with reinforcing bands to be stronger with less plastic waste, we can. it's a small change that can make a big difference. and try glad odor shield with febreze freshness... strong bags that neutralize strong odors. [ female announcer ] weak, damaged hair needs new aveeno nourish+ strengthen. active naturals wheat formulas restore strength . for strong, healthy hair with life, new aveeno nourish+ strengthen.

olive garden brings youir the taste of tuscanyst. starting at $10.95. try our new chicken with tortelloni or grilled sausage with orecchiette then choose two of four tasty tuscan extras. like a bruschetta and our roasted asparagus. enjoy it all starting at just $10.95. for a limited time at olive garden. and now you can enter our sweepstakes for a chance to win a trip for two to italy. to enter visit olivegardensweeps.com

drop in now for sears' big memorial day event. right now, get up to 30% off all kenmore appliances and floor care. plus, get up to 15% off all other brands. and, an extra 5% off all appliances with your sears card. sears. number one in appliances. ♪ i woke up to a new day ♪ every little thing gonna go my way ♪ ♪ i woke up to a light bulb on ♪ every little thing is possible now ♪ [ female announcer ] kraft singles have no artificial flavors and they're always made with milk so all you taste is something amazing. ♪ life is amazing with the love that i found ♪ ♪

"today's kitchen" is brought to you by craft singles. this morning in "today's kitchen," what's on the menu? barbecued pulled pork. and here to kick off the memorial day cook feast is norman, southern living kitchen professional. good morning. >> good morning. >> you've got the best smile on tv. all right. kicking off the summer season, barbecue time, you've got a good one for us. >> yes, i do. we have a pulled pork sandwich. not just any pulled pork sandwich. our best. >> good. we're going -- >> we took some of the greatest tips from around the south, took that great flavor and we're going to make it translatable into the kitchen. >> we start with. >> we start with our park butt,

about a 4 1/2 pound pork butt and we cut it in half so it will fit in the slow cooker. before we start we always want to make some flavor on the outside. you want to season it really well. you do that with a rub. brown sugar and salt in here. add in a little bit of smoked paprika that's going to help out our smoky taste, a little bit of cumin and a little bit of sugar. >> that's a lot of sugar. >> then we've got garlic powder, a little bit of black pepper, dry mustard and ginger. >> the rub alone smells amazing. >> it's a fantastic rub. you can actually use this on a variety of different types of meat. you can use it on beef or poultry or pork. works out to be about a tablespoon of rub per found of v meat. we want to season our pork very, very well. >> you just sprinkle it on top. i thought you would mash it on. >> we will. i have this little parchment

paper to help me keep my hands clean. >> this is liberally. you're really putting it on there. >> oh, yeah. it can get everywhere. it's messy. it's barbecue. >> put it on all sides. >> all ways. >> you're having fun with that. >> that's right. >> like i said, that's how we roll. we put it into -- >> hang on, you don't need to marinate it? >> we would let it hang out for about 30 minutes. and what that does is salt and sugar draws out some of the moisture. put it into the slow cooker, lightly greased, fat side up. that way when it cooks it gets the cascade of flavor. >> you lightly grease it. >> exactly. fat side up. >> put the top on and we get to do it slow in side. seven hours on low and you'll be all finished. >> nice. >> to make our barbecued pork sandwich we had to make a special sauce. this is sweet and tangy tomato barbecue. the thing about barbecue sauce in general is that it varies from state to state, region to region. >> what did you start off with

in the pan? >> ketchup in here. a little bit of molasses. i put in some tomato paste. a little bit of brown sugar. >> more sugar. hmm. love this. >> and some chili powder. black pepper. >> okay. >> lots of black pepper. >> okay. >> and onion powder. >> how long do you let that simmer? >> for about 30 minutes. i'm going to add water. and also can you pour that vinegar for me. okay a little vinegar there. the whole thing? >> you bring this up to a boil. and then simmer for about 30 minutes. >> nice. >> that's pretty much all there is. >> our meat is out. it's all tender and beautiful. >> so shredding park is easy. one, two, and just three. you pull it apart. >> nice. >> and let's get to once we pulled it apart. >> put it on top of the sandwich. >> okay. >> we'll do that here. >> i'm salivating. >> no problem. >> okay. >> we'll do that. a nice little bit.

>> okay. a little sauce on top. >> okay. >> and then we put some a garden in a bowl. put that on top. >> this is amazing. beautiful. thank you so much. and by the way you can find the recipe on our website -- i'm sorry. pulled pork on today.com. but up next, bobby brown sings one of his biggest hits. first, this is "today" on nbc. this is delicious.

the "toyota concert series on today," brought to you by toyota. >> hope you'll stick around when we taste some of your food. we have another concert to play for you now. bobby brown is part of our summer concert series today. he's got one more song for us. >> a new way to watch it on

pandora. all of our summer concerts are on a special station. you can look that up. you know what goes great with bobby brown? this sandwich. >> now that's a first. >> have a great holiday, everybody. ♪ >> i don't think y'all recognize this song. listen. when i say bobby you say brown. bobby brown. bobby brown. when i say bobby you say brown. bobby brown. bobby brown. ♪ everybody's talking about all this me now why don't they just let me live ♪ ♪ i don't need permission make my own decisions that's my prerogative ♪ ♪ they say i'm crazy i really don't care ♪ that's my prerogative they said i was nasty but i don't give a damn ♪

♪ getting girls that's how i used to live ♪ ♪ some messy questions why am i so real ♪ ♪ but they don't understand me i really don't know the deal about her brother trying hard to make it right ♪ ♪ not long ago before i win this fight ♪ ♪ everybody's talking all this about me why don't they just let me live ♪ ♪ tell me why i don't need permission make my own decisions that's my prerogative ♪ ♪ it's my prerogative ♪ it's the way that i want to live i can do just what i feel ♪ ♪ no one can tell me what to do my prerogative because what i do i'm doing for you listen ♪ don't get me wrong

i'm really not souped up ♪ ♪ ego trips is not my thing all these strange relationships ♪ ♪ really gets me down i see nothing wrong in spreading myself around ♪ ♪ saying everybody's talking all this stuff about me ♪ ♪ why don't they just let me live ♪ ♪ tell me why i don't need permission make my own decisions that's my prerogative ♪ ♪ it's the way that i want to live i can do just what i feel ♪ ♪ listen tell me tell me why why can't i live my life ♪

♪ without all of the things people say ♪ ♪ tell me tell me why why can't i live my life ♪ ♪ without all of the things people say ♪ >> thank you for coming out. i love you. ♪ all the things about me why don't they just let me live ♪ ♪ i don't need permission make my own decisions tell me why that's my prerogative ♪ ♪ tell me tell me >> thank you. thank you. thank you so much for coming out. ♪ tell me why

why can't i get my life ♪ ♪ without all all of the things that people say ♪ ♪ that people say tell me ♪ ♪ tell me why >> back now with more of "today" on this memorial day.

good morning. it is 9:57 on this monday, may 28. happy memorial day. i'm aaron gilchrist. bad weather shut down the national memorial day concerted last night at the capitol. hope reply the threat of isolated storms this afternoon won't affect the parades and tributes today. the president will attend a wreath laying ceremony at the tomb of the unknowns. then he will head to the vietnam memorial to mark the 50th anniversary of u.s. involvement in the vietnam war. this afternoon at 2:00 p.m., thousands will watch the

national memorial day parade along constitution avenue. let's check your forecast for all the events today as we -- again, look live at arlington national cemetery and the tomb of the unknowns as the president prepares to lay a wreath there today. tom kierein, how about the forecast? >> today we are going to be dealing with high heat already the heat is on. it is 82 in fredericksburg. charlottesville, 84. it is in the upper 70s, near 80 throughout most of the region. heat advisory today. most of morning virginia, district and maryland. district and maryland. into the low

captions paid for by nbc-universal television ♪ ♪ ♪ ♪

♪ >> yeah! >> thank you very much! it is fun day monday, may 28th. hoda's excited! >> well, because we have the party band with us on memorial day. this is incredible. it is a group from quantico -- that's where you guys are from? >> quantico, virginia. >> what do they call you? sweet lips. zachary. why do you call you guys the party band? >> obviously -- we just like to have fun and party. we entertain -- >> for a living. >> for a living. >> you guys are really in show busy basically. well happy memorial day. >> thank you for your service to our country.

>> happy memorial day, guys. >> i guess we just say bye-bye because we got some other guys coming up. thank you all very, very much. >> see you, sweet lips. >> careful! >> darn cute, but unfortunately, very young. almost illegal. a lot of people think of memorial day and they see it as the first three-day weekend, unofficial start of summer, you're going to get your first little suntan on maybe. we really should pause to remember where all of this started and that was with the civil war. it was a response to the 620,000 soldiers who died during the civil war. it became official on may 5th, 1868 when general logan who was a commander of the grand army of the republic which was an organization of union veterans issued ordered to set aside may 30th for the very strict purpose of decorating the graves of the comrades who had died in defense of their country. >> it was originally called decoration day and it was about

decorating the graves. then the name got changed to memorial day in 1967. and customarily what's on memorial day is you fly the flag at half-staff until noon, and then you raise it all the way up to the top until sunset. >> i have never known that. i've been doing it wrong all these years. i didn't mean to. so we'll definitely do that right today! >> when it's memorial day, it's also fleet week! >> which is thousands of sailors, marines and coast guards, men and women, from the u.s. navy and u.s. coast guard ships will be in manhattan for the entire week of fleet week. >> until the show sex in the city, i was completely unfamiliar with fleet week. >> you didn't happen to notice that there were thousands and thousands of uniformed people in the streets, hoda? >> well "sex and the city" had been on a while. >> it took "sex and the city"? >> yes. >> that's sad on so many, many, many levels.

>> no, she taught me a lot. it's been fleet week since 1984 and it is really a lot of fun. it is fun to see one, just all the men and women in the military sort of just dressed and walking around. it is a great kind of festive time. >> it is a somber realization of how many people have given a sacrifice for our nation. i never understood why my grandma had been so bitter and so broken until i saw "saving private ryan." she lost her husband and a son and another son wounded during that war and -- it brought it home to me, as it brings it home to so many of you watching today. god bless all the families and then god bless everyone who's made that ultimate sacrifice for us. >> we also have another fine group of young men -- >> yes, but they seem a little lost in time. >> these are four shipmates, dressed in historically accurate attire based on the members of the revenue cutter service which

was -- predates our modern day coast guard. >> look how they're dressed. >> this is what they would have worn in 1812. they're also carrying obviously different versions of the u.s. flag and coast guard ensign from 1812. but you know what? you know how i think things through? those pants are just not convenient for warfare. i mean they didn't have tidy whites then. you don't wear white out in the battlefield? >> people will spot you. it is not great. >> they can't hear us. >> if you happen to see them around as you are walking through new york and just say hello to our guys. we should talk a little bit about a survey. a lot of people are traveling this weekend but they're making their summer plans as well. 68% of people plan to take a summer vacation this year and most people are driving because, again, vacations are expensive. they tell you that the best thing to do is to book like a hotel and an air fair together because you save -- >> a package. some people are going the other

way and just doing staycations where they hang around at home and pretend they're in hawaii. >> we have some worst vacation memories. >> this may have happened to you. you were all excited about your vacation and you get there and everything goes wrong. this is someone's vacation bad memory. they arrived at the hotel they had booked to find out it was up for auction. >> what are you going to do? >> not great. >> one person was on a vacation in the florida keys during a hurricane. and if you know that area, there is one road out and it's very, very crowd. not fun at all. >> this is terrible -- coming home to find out that this person had been replaced at work. >> it happens. one person was smart enough to drive through death valley in august with no air conditioning in the car. >> how about the person who got left at the grand canyon? >> macaulay culkin? >> there was the guy who took

the trip with the five and four kids in the car for five weeks and 10,000 miles. that's just wrong. >> the couple that stayed in the hotel and it was a bed infested with bedbugs. that grosses me out. i'm paranoid about that kind of stuff now. >> one woman's sun was skunked by a skunk -- sprayed by a skunk. you know how long it takes to get that smell out of something? >> i hate that -- when you're driving on a long road trip and you smell -- >> imagine if someone doing your dog or your son. i know. >> nasty. that is some -- >> is there a place to take your dogs and children who have been skunked? >> what do do you with your pets on vacation? >> a lot of people feel more guilty about leaving their pets than leaving their children. is there we never had pets when we were kids. we weren't allowed. because my dad said she already had three animals, me, my brother and sister. but we never had any dogs.

did you guys take your dog with you? >> we had a dog named zoro. he was all black. we didn't go on vacation really then. we went to rehoboth up for the summer times and he went with. >> if you're wondering where people are headed this summer, we have -- >> this surprised me. >> these are the top cities where people are going. most people are heading not for the beach but for cities. according to tripadvisor.com. >> top three -- chicago. lovely town but -- all right. number two is -- las vegas, nevada. thanks "the hangover." number one, we're going to be very busy saying hello to tourists this summer -- because it is new york city. >> the ocean, national parks and lakes are also popular destinations. >> we have this demonstration here. >> we have to do our favorite things. i >> i'll do it. this is a seaside tote beach bag

by mudpie.com. $19.50. look what's in it. it's so cute. it has an adorable little zblsh cute! >> it's got -- you got to buy these things separately but they're adorable. it's got these adorable little magnets. then it's got this little cosmetic case. and these adorable little jelly striped -- >> oh, those are cute! >> $18. the wine glass was $22.50. the wine identifiers are like $8.50. i think just adorable, right? >> i love it. so mine is -- i love wearing -- there's a certain bracelet i enjoy wearing a lot, and it felt like of summery because it is a little ropey, it is kind of fun. it is a bracelet by jennifer miller. it is $125. but you can wear it with anything, like a white t-shirt and jeans, a dress, it is ropey, it's right on their website.

sara, what do you have? >> i kind of stayed in the same family as you. i'm doing jewelry as well. this is a ring by lia sophia. it is about $58. i find all of their jewelry looks like it should be more but it is somewhat affordable so i just love their stuff. >> we have a really great group with us. the coast guard silent drill team. and they've come here from alexandria, virginia. they're actually in our studio with us. and they are an honor guard and they are going to do a demonstration for us. it is a short demonstration that usually takes 15 minutes and it is just so you know, performed completely silently. and they're going to show us a little bit of this.

>> wow! now you're going to kind of show us a few of your maneuvers, your moves?

>> yes, ma'am. tell us your name. >> ted easy. >> i'm petty officer hammersmith. drill master of the ceremonial silent drill team. >> you're the big silent type. >> yes, you are. tall and silent. will you show us a few moves? >> absolutely. >> oh, with that? okay. >> allrightee then. >> get a little hands on. >> we have a beautiful lady here. >> the first one here, we'll just go from -- standing here at ease. >> i like that. that's good. >> then attention. just like that. go from here, then -- attention. and that's with the rifle. and then -- >> is that it? >> that's it. then we'll do one more, it will just be -- >> piece of cake. >> standing at attention. hand salute. ready two. really basic. >> you definitely gave us take

it easy ones. how long did it take to you learn that entire routine? >> it is a self-paced learning process. individuals learn it at their own pace. >> who is the slowest? raise your hand. >> it takes a big man to be honest like that. you guys, thank you so much for coming to see us. >> thank you, silent ones over there, too. all right. happy memorial day to everybody. up next, one of our favorite guys, edwardo verastegui is with us. [ female announcer ] aging may slow a dog down, but iams helps keep dogs playing year after year with our age-specific nutrition. and now, even for dogs 11 and older with new iams senior plus. it helps boost the immune response to that of an adult dog and helps fight signs of aging. [ dog ] i'll never be a bench-warmer. [ female announcer ] new iams senior plus.

see the iams difference or your money back. [ dog ] i am an iams dog for life. [ female announcer ] improve the health of your skin with aveeno daily moisturizing lotion. the natural oatmeal formula improves skin's health in one day, with significant improvement in 2 weeks. i found a moisturizer for life. [ female announcer ] only from aveeno. [ mom ] netflix? it's this cool service that lets you watch as many tv episodes and movies as you want instantly. yeah, we can watch netflix on our pc

or on our tv. and netflix is only eight bucks a month.

singer, model, actress, all-around sweetheart eduardo verastegui is starring in a new movie called "for greater glory" based on a true story about the war in mexico. let's take a look. >> i say we support the

rebellion. >> they'll need food, medicine. >> and ammunition. we can support them. with communication. but we will not fight. >> so good to see you. >> nice to see you. >> your movie's very moving. i was not aware of this. it was basically in 1926 a war -- i didn't even know about -- tell us about it. >> i didn't know either. >> and you're mexican! >> few years ago somebody asked me in los angeles, so, why don't you do a movie about that war? what are you talking about? you're from mexico. it was embarrassing for me because then i find out eventually that many of my friends didn't know either because the government took that information out of public schools and i went to public school. >> in all the history books. >> yes. therefore nobody nose. so this is the untoll story now told on the big screen for the first time. >> great cast, too, by the way,

huh? >> it was a crackdown on religious freedom. they basically took the catholic church away from the catholic people and said you can't be catholic anymore basically. >> it's a film about the men and women who were not afraid to defend something bigger than themselves, something -- their faith and the president of mexico at that time said religious persecution of the religious catholic church where 90,000 people died in this horrible war. >> and nuns and priests were slaughtered. >> it was bad. they were killings. >> it is a really fascinating subject but your career's been on a crazy ride. back in the day, honey, were you in a little band called -- what was that band called? >> oh, my gosh. >> let's walk down memory lane a second. >> let's just take a peek at you back in the day. >> that was long time ago. >> what is this? >> is that you? little boy band action happening

there. >> wow. this is many, many years ago. before you were born. >> what year? do you remember? >> wow. that was -- i was 19 years old. i'm 38 right now. so do the math. that's obviously how i started my career singing in this boy band for almost 10 years. >> then you became a big star in mexico, then you became a model. >> with j. lo? >> let's see some of this. >> what is this? >> i'm sorry. >> that was flamencoing. >> they called me, they told me you know jennifer lopez want new her video, do you know how to flamenco? i said yes, of course. they then taught me in acting school to say yes. so i say yes. >> it looked like you knew what you were doing though. >> we're so happy for your

career path. >> i just want to say something on my hair. do you have any complaints about this hair? it was kathie. >> what did she do to it? >> she said i want messy. she said don't touch it. >> it does look a little insane. >> this is my little baby brother. i love you, eduardo. is a very moving film and it is very, very personal to eduardo, too because he takes a huge stance for his faith. >> this is about the mexican heroes who gave their lives for religious freedom. >> "greater glory" opens in theaters friday. up next, we announce our "fan of the week." we're going to fix his hair now. why should i try it?

my system gets out of sorts but that comes with age, right? 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. it's delicious... and they love that... ...they can draw on their breakfast.

so does he... hi awesome bird, oh hello. bird fly back to master cave. [ laughs ] [ female announcer ] toaster strudel. create some delicious. i've been fortunate to win on golf's biggest stages. but when joint pain and stiffness from psoriatic arthritis hit, even the smallest things became difficult. i finally understood what serious joint pain is like. i talked to my rheumatologist and he prescribed enbrel. enbrel can help relieve pain, stiffness, and stop joint damage. because enbrel, etanercept, suppresses your immune system, it may lower your ability to fight infections. serious, sometimes fatal events including infections, tuberculosis, lymphoma, other cancers, and nervous system and blood disorders have occurred. before starting enbrel, your doctor should test you for tuberculosis

and discuss whether you've been to a region where certain fungal infections are common. don't start enbrel if you have an infection like the flu. tell your doctor if you're prone to infections, have cuts or sores, have had hepatitis b, have been treated for heart failure, or if, while on enbrel, you experience persistent fever, bruising, bleeding, or paleness. [ phil ] get back to the things that matter most. ask your rheumatologist if enbrel is right for you. [ doctor ] enbrel, the number one biolog medicine prescribed by rheumatologists. it is monday and this means it is time to reveal our "fan of the week." >> who is the lucky person this week, sara? >> this week our lucky fan is kelly rains from morrisville, even her rescue dog marley

watches. "bobbie's buzz" has inspired kelly to think of herself as a beautiful strong woman. she had a knee jerg last year. was really down about it but watching joy's fit club motivateder who get back into running. she recently completed a half marathon. it felt like you two were cheering her along the whole way. she wants to thank you for bringing her stories that inspire her to be the best person she can be. so congratulations, kelly. you and a friend are heading south to port st. lucie, florida where you'll enjoy a four-night stay at club med sand piper bay. two massages and round trip airfare for two, hotel and airfare were provided by club med. >> i wonder if she'll bring marley! you could paddle board with him. >> thank you so much. still ahead -- are we there yet? how to keep your kids busy while you're traveling home today. plus the latest inductee into the joy fit will you be who's now -- get this -- less than half her size.

and these all-american animals, including a few you might find in your own backyard. all of that after your local news. [ wind blowing ] ♪ [ female announcer ] when is it okay to lose the cover-up? when you can. take the special k challenge... and lose an inch from your waist in two weeks. ♪ my, my, my, my a cover-up free summer begins with special k. ♪ free personalized plans at specialk.com. what will you gain when you lose? [ alyson ] just keep walking... ♪ oh, come on!

♪ ugh, again! [ sniffs ] that's what i'm talkin' about. [ female announcer ] up to 100% flake-free, flirty hair. new head & shoulders green apple.

because a chicken is what it eats. [ jim ] this seal verifies we feed my fresh all-natural chickens an all-vegetarian diet including corn, soybeans, and marigolds. no animal by-products. no meat and bone meal. when you put my chicken on the table, you know where it came from.

want to start the day with something heart healthy and delicious? you're a talking bee... honey nut cheerios has whole grain oats that can help lower cholesterol. and it tastes good? sure does! right... ♪ wow. delicious, right? yeah. it's the honey, it makes it taste so... ♪ well, would you look at the time... what's the rush? be happy. be healthy.

that i put on my children's plate. that's why we use all-white meat,

breading that is whole grain with omega-3 and no preservatives. it is my goal to make the highest quality, best-tasting nugget on the market. i want consumers to go, "dang, that's a good nugget." we are back on this monday with "today's" travel and gadgets to keep your kids busy. >> "travel & leisure" magazine's digital projects manager sara spag flnuolo is here. >> we have a lot of great finds to keep your kids happy. this is the melissa and doug trunkie. this is a carry-on. it holds up to 75 pounds of your kids' stuff. can you store it in the airplane. can you have them ride it. they can cover it with stickers. so much fun.

good way to pack up your kids. that starts at $34.95. >> good job. excellent. >> this is for older kids. this is the travel kiddie kid's travel journal. it is $10. what i love about this is that kids can keep a record of what they're doing on their vacation. they can look back so it is like a personal voov neasouvenir. this is for older kids. give it to siblings in the back seat, spot the difference, mazes, it keeps them busy. makes them concentrate on the road. >> these are the colorforms. they are celebrating their 60th anniversary this year. they were fun then, they are fun now. 350 vinyl stick-ones. you put them here on the vinyl. you can create all sorts of shapes.

they come with fun characters, dora. affordable. this set is $40 but here they're even less expensive. >> the budding artist ella is showing us here -- so is jean. >> jean is like i'm still on tv. >> this kid's travel easel. they can channel their inner monet, paint what they see on vacation. take it to grandma's. it comes with the markers and chalk and erasers. it also doubles as a desk and as a table. which leads me to my next item here -- it is always important to bring food when you travel. you can fill this up. this is a trekker cup, it is a step up from a sippy cup but makes sure the kids don't spill in a car or airplane. these are great -- the lean green lunch cubes.

stay organized. now airlines aren't allowing food. make sure your kids have some snacks they love so they're full and happy when you travel. then last, but not least, these are the kids gear volume limit headphones, actually approved for kids q and up. affordable, just $30. you can limit the amount they listen so it doesn't hurt their ears. it is compatible with apple products, your ipad, iphone. make sure they are watching movies. again you can concentrate on what you need to get through the airport. 1.2% increase in travel this memorial day weekend. concentrate on what you need do and make sure the kids are happy. >> kids got bored in the past. there's no excuse for kids to get bored today. there's so much more to do! up next, wait until you see her now. latest inductee into the "joy fit club" right after this.

time for "look at me now the "joy fit club"" and the induction of its newest member. >> marissa martin, a 46-year-old mom and nanty from alexandria, virginia who lost a whopping 183 pounds. but before we meet her, let's take a look at her incredible story. >> hi. my name is marissa. i grew up in a loving household with nine siblings.

my family was always getting together for celebrations and there was always lots of food. i would enjoy two or three servings of everything at these parties. most of it being high calorie. being a full time nanny, i always found time it eat on the job. i ate with the kids at every meal. everything from macaroni and cheese to chicken nuggets. the kids would eat fruit, but i just wasn't interested in uncooked produce. i wanted to be more active as a nanny, but it was a struggle to run around with the kids since i was so large. i even found that i couldn't fit into a regular size seat at the movie theater. when i reached 347 pounds, i decided to make a change. i wanted to lose weight for myself, my daughter jada and for the kids i nanny. i went from being inactive to exercising every day. a year-and-a-half ago, i would have never eaten raw spinach. i mean who likes raw spinach? but now it is a favorite

ingredient in my salad. 188 pounds lighter, i've never felt more alive. i am a better nanny and mother. all i can say is -- i love the new me. >> can't wait to meet the new her. before we ask marissa to come out, we're here with "today's" nutrition editor and leader of the "joy fit club." our girl, joy bauer. >> you're going to love this woman. i know i say this every single week. she's very atypical in that she doesn't have any of that emotional head connection that a lot of women that we bring on the show had. she grew up in this home that loved to eat the wrong food. when she went to the doctor and he said, hey, you've got to lose some weight, she had no idea what to do because she had no education in the aelt arehealth. people in her community joined forces and jumped in and helped her. her friend, carol, showed her how to prep lighter foods. in the past she was using three

tablespoons of mayonnaise in her tuna. 500 calories. now thanks to carol she only uses one teaspoon, about 100 calories. her daughter, jada and her boyfriend kenny make sure that she always has her favorite healthy foods in the apartment or in her fridge and pantry. her boss, kathy, got her a membership to a gym as a holiday gift and then renewed it the next year when she saw that she was doing such an incredible job. >> that is just amazing. wow. >> i think it's time. let's bring her out. >> let's show her before picture real quick. there's marissa. >> oh, my god! oh, i'm sorry, fancy. >> where is marissa? >> bring her out! >> wow. >> you look crazy! i'm so glad that you're here. how long did it take to you lose all that weight? >> 16 months. >> man. and i know a lot of people, it

is memorial day, people have probably eaten terribly all weekend and they don't want to get started but how did you just jump-start yourself and say it is time? >> well, i went to the doctor and i h-- the doctor said you were at risk. >> but what happens when you go to all those family events now? is everybody else sort of taking the cue and eating a little healthier? >> no. but i tend to take my own food. >> hats off to your friend carol who's back here who was so instrumental in helping you. she really helped you out. >> carol, thanks. >> thank you very much. up next, some would say there is no better way to celebrate memorial day than with all-american wild animals. but i just wouldn't be one of them. right after this.

time for "today's call of the wild" with all-american animals for memorial day. david's back with some wild animals that call our nation their home. >> you may even find a few of these fun creatures in your own backyard. >> hopefully not. >> this is a beaver. an american beaver. this is one of the -- sort of threatened declining species success stoirries. these guys were once almost hunted to extinction to america, we destroyed their habitat. now because of good conservation these guys are found in all 50 states, even hawaii. >> she's about 40 pounds. beavers can get to be as much as 100 pounds so they can get much, much bigger. check out the tail. they use that tail to swim.

this is the largest rodent in north america. >> it is a rodent? >> yeah. you're a full-figured girl. >> speaking of animals, sometimes beaver do get into cities and towns and they build their dams and cause flooding. >> it's not their fault. they're doing what they do naturally. >> if we plan smartly we can work around it. >> these guys are just babies. i know you guys are going to be brave. this is a baby wolf. these guys are 5 weeks old. careful because their nails are a little bit sharp. >> and stinkie, too. >> these are found all across the northern hemisphere. in north america they were once found in all of the lower 48 states. we wiped them out, too. unlike the beaver these guys are struggling to come back. in alaska they're still doing well but in most parts of the lower 48 these guys are still in trouble. national wildlife federation

worked to get these guys re-introduced into the yellowstone ecosystem and they're thriving there but in lots of other places they're still in big trouble. they can be as little as 60 pounds or if you get up into the northern populations they can be over 100. these guys are pack animals. they'll live together their whole life in the wild. >> that's so sweet. mine looks completely uncomfortable. wonder why. that's very strange. >> another example is a red-tailed hawk. another example of sort of backyard wildlife. this is the kind of hawk that is flying around new york city. you could see these guys. you see the rusty colored tail over here. >> it is actually beautiful. >> that's where they get that name, red tail hawk. it is one of the large s hawk species. check out those talons. that's what they use to kill their prey. these guys are important predators of rodents and things like that. you want them around in the

ecosystem. they're totally beautiful. and again they can live in surprisingly urban areas. >> how big of prey do they -- these guys come flying around my house my little bambino weighs 6 pounds. >> that's probably a little bit too big for a hawk like this. if you have a small dog, you never want it leave it unattended because wildlife sometimes will take advantage of that. >> okay. >> we have one more thing. this is one of my favorite animals. >> that's a disney movie. >> this is a possum. a have opposum. this is just a baby. just a few -- couple weeks old. unfortunately, her mom was hit by a car and this happens a lot. and so the message there is obviously you want to be careful about wildlife. crossing the roads. luckily this little guy was saved and one of -- usually 13 or 14 babies. this is the only one that's found to survive. the key -- people think they get

into your trash can and they will if you leave your trash can open or if you feed your cats outside. don't do that and you'll never have a problem with a possum or raccoon in your backyard. >> he needs his mommy to give him a kleenex. >> we do have one more animal that's on the decline as well. this is a wood turtle. this is a northeastern -- >> it's swimming. >> it is sort of a semi-aquatic species. these guys are also declining in north america and thee need us to protect woodland and wetland habitats. these guys are found in the northeast and grak states. check out the beautiful orange color. some animals can survive in urban areas like the red-tail hawks, but this wood turtle can't. >> if you see one of them around your neighborhood, should you just call local animal authorities? >> you should let it be wild. let it go on its way. animals in the wile don't need us to rescue them. a lot of people think that.

>> thank you, honey. up next -- we get all fired up for the perfect memorial day recipes. but first, this is "today" on nbc.

time for "today's kitchen what's cookin'?" we're celebrating memorial day with a lesson in prepping the perfect grilled chicken. >> jonathan is here with a lesson for hoda -- >> and you. >> just says hoda. >> for both of us! hi, hon. how you doing? >> tell us what is unique about your dish. >> we have a raw chicken here. we're doing kind of an old drying method. aging it. >> don't you want a moist chicken though?

>> well, on the inside. >> how did you get -- >> if you touch this, there is really not much moisture. if you just hang it up, on a rack on your fridge, two, three days. >> can you do overnight if you want. so then what do you do? slap it on the grill? spl still putting my head around the chicken just sitting there dangling. >> let's just brush a little -- >> sure, now you put moisture back. you're going to brown this baby, aren't you? >> we are going to grill it. >> put that on the grill. season little salt. >> i know you've got a two-minute segment, i want to just help you out here. >> you're the end of our show, if you know what i mean. >> you could easily come around my kitchen. no problem. >> really! you know who you're talking to.

have you seen this show? now you put a little on the grill. >> oil the grill and oil the chicken both. >> can we slap the chicken on, please, josh? we got a minute left. >> we got a traditional potato puree but we want to grill the potatoes. little labor day grilling -- memorial day. >> memorial day. >> what day is this? >> memorial day. >> just grill them, throw them in the pot. >> then puree them? >> yeah. we have 50% grilled, 50% raw and then we have leeks and scallions. we have about equal parts water and chicken brought. >> after you puree it, this is what comes out? >> as soon as it cooks tender, puree it. there you go. you wind up with potato puree.

>> you know it is going to be the favorite part of the entire thing. come on back. >> you leave it on there the whole time? you're going to do it there, until it's crispy and golden, throw it in the oven. >> should we try it? >> sure. let's get this baby going. >> we want to thank you so much, honey, for coming to see us. >> what's left of it. tomorrow, why aren't you married? don't you get tired of people saying that? we'll have some answers for you. >> that's a rude way to end our holiday weekend. we're going to see you back here on tuesday. you guys, have a great day. we'll see you. here you go little man.

[ humming ] [ babbling ] the cheerios bandit got you again? [ both laugh ] ♪ the one and only, cheerios ...and now... you! [ giggles ] ♪ the one and only, cheerios