>> announcer: from nbc news this is "today" with kathie lee gifford and hod daa kotb. >> it's booze day tuesday january 3rd. we're live. >> 2017, too. >> it's indeed. c.a.t kathie lee is enjoying some time off. jenna bush-hager is filling in. we're being serenaded by no rider "cake." >> if you want to dance and you don't know what play list to go to, go to

>> you're looking fine. >> i like this. i'm into the bohemian, the hair, the jewelry. don't you think? >> jo jo usually says i don't look great. >>well, remember that time you were like you look a little -- can you -- >> joann that is our style guru. she tells you moments before you go on. >> she acts like my older cousin. >> you look good today. >> yeah. >> we have a good show today. if you remember watching the hit show "the mindy project." then you know chris. he's teaming up with ben affleck in the movie called "live by night." when you see him in the movie you don't recognize him. >> i interviewed the cast and i had no idea. >> you're like who are you? >> he gained 40 lbs and it was worth it. >> he lost it. if you want to be in the know, it's new hamilton of

"dear evan hampton" why it's the hottest ticket in town. >> i know a few reasons why it's. behind us there in the back regina and family they happen to be the, if any,s of justin who is the writer. it's a good day for the musical. it's his birthday today. "dear evan hansen." but t the perfect sandwich to feed a hungry crowd. a prawn po-boy. >> say that seven times fast. >> if you're dreading january bills, which i know my husband is. he's in charge of that. we have five tips to help you save money, make money, and help you pay down your debt in the new year. >> we're back. it's a new year. it's our first live show in awhile. we're

we do brand new shows but it's not always live. it's nice to be live. tell me, how was your -- >> it was great. we had a wonderful time. we were in texas. i have to say, the second we got back to texas it was like i could breathe. there we are in christmas day. >> who took the selfie? your husband or dad? >> i think it was my dad. look how close he is. >> yeah. we always do -- >> look at mila looking like what are you doing? >> look at that smile. she looks slightly nervous. >> we do a christmas service where henry and i got married. >> how sweet. >> and then a drive and watch the sunset of christmas day. it's so much fun. >> look at you and your sister. >> i know. a little pose. >> i love seeing you with family. >> when i get into texas it's like i will breathe. mila is like look at the grass, mommy! there's grass here! and she did just pull down her pants and pea in the front yard. i'm like go wild, my child. [ laughter ] because

>> but people do. they still do. >> that's why i think she thinks you can do it. she's seen it in the 3 1/2 years. >> i went with my mom and sister to florida. we had a great time. we went to palm beach. we just had a great time. my sister flew in from dubai. we had nice mom/daughter time together. then i got on the plane. they have a huge tree. >> look at the tree! >> isn't it crazy? >> hoda, you're tall but -- >> that's a tree, baby! >> then we hopped on a plane joel and myself. we went to do new year's -- >> by the way, that's a look for you. that little sparkle number. did he say anything? >> he liked it. >> did he say you looked cute? >> he loved it. >> we joined the roekekers. we did a new york new year's and al and i did the rose parade. >> you celebrated at what

yeah. we toasted at 9:00. then al and i got to host the rose parade, by the way, it was a huge hit. it was hysterical. it's one of our favorite things to do for so many reasons. >> look! these are awesome floats. >> they make them with -- oh, this was the mlk -- we thought he was falling. no. it was part of the gig. >> don't you think it hurts? they were awesome! there were surfing dogs. i guess that stole the show. >> those dogs have gone viral. >> they listen. >> look at the weiner dogs! two for the price of one! oh, that's fantastic! yes! yes! >> he just kept yelling "yes!" >> by the way, they line up that parade route the night before. it's like new orleans around r mardi gras. people get ready. >> i was home yesterday and

i got up and hen are goes come look! the rose bowl parade is on. i thought this is something henry was watching since he was a kid. you're part of it now. >> oh, my gosh. doesn't it make you weepy? >> we asked people to send photos of themselves watching pat raid. the pictures we got of the kids. there were kids marching around the living room. it was one of the best. we want to express our condolences and love to billy lord. the daughter of carrie fisher. she was actually on our show a few weeks ago. it's funny because when you sit down and have a conversation with somebody, you don't realize the impact of what the person is saying. she later, you know, we found out that both her mom and grandmother passed away. she hasn't spoken out until recently. she did speak out and this is what she had to say. she posted this on instagram

prayers and kind words over the past week it has give me strength during a time i thought strength could not exist. there are no words to express how much i will miss my -- my one and only mommy. your love and support means the world to me. >> can you imagine losing the two most important women? a mom and grandma? >> no. when she was with us, for the first thing we said is you have your mom's sense of humor. she was funny and witty. we totally get the whole thing. she had us wear the earmuffs like her mom's character. >> yeah. >> and just like her mom did with "star wars." >> yeah. our thoughts and prayers. if you happened to have been watching tv last night. were you? >> no. i was

"apprentice" is back. >> and it's all new. >> it is. >> we were wondering what his catch phase was going to be. now we know. let's listen. >> connie, you're terminated. >> i'm going to the chopper. [ laughter ] >> i mean, we knew it would be one of the two. who knew they would combine them. >> she gave the third. >> i wish i would have bet on that. >> you would have won. it's time now. we look forward to this every yea the 21st season the batchelor i back! i m amanda is back! she waits for the moment. you totally sell it. we're usually kind of in. when you're done with us -- >> she watched both -- there's two episodes. >> yeah. >> okay. your bachelor this year

viall. i like him. the fans have known the guy for three years already. this is his fourth time in the series. >> okay. >> first, he went after andi do dorfman. he got to know kaitlyn. she became the bachelorette. then he made it to the final two. he was getting on one knee to propose and she ditched him. >> dumped. >> then he goes on the spin-off series bachelor in paradise and dates a girl named jen and walks away and leaves her he left her. now he's back for a fourth time is the charm. or glutton for punishment. he started off the show last night shirtless. >> this is the part i watched. this is for jenna. she loves it. >> no. henry made me turn it off when he was in the shower. >> he's running. >> he showers, too. >> i'm telling you, right. i know.

then what? >> then the girls get out of the limo. he had 30 women to choose from. 30 potential brides. they try to top each other with entrances. this one runs in. he's been the runner up. and then the camel. she makes a joke about -- >> then the last girl gets out in a shark costume. schee she's obsessed with dolphins. they keep telling her it was a shark costume and she was like it's a dolphin. >> she got a lot of air time. >> and he kept her. we'll see be seeing more. be did she wear it all night? >> the whole night and with heels in the costume. the girls we want to focus on is this girl. lynn. she gets out of the limo and she has a secret. she reveals to the camera that she has met nick at a wedding and had a one-night stand with him. >> what? >> she doesn't tell him. watch his face when she -- they have a little conversation h.

this is the girl. then you see him when she walks away. is it her? do i know her? right. >> by the way -- there's a lot of guys -- >> that's such a dude. >> that's such a dude. he does recognize her and bring it up with chris. he turned the tables and he's like after our one-night stand i asked for your number. you said no and walked away. why do you want me now nine months later when i was the bachelor. >> turned the table. >> yeah. >> he kept her. he kept her. finally, here is my frontrunner i think we'll be watching this girl for awhile. rachel. a lawyer from texas. got the first impression rose. let's take a look at their moment together. >> the first rose i'm giving out as a bachelor. rachel, will you accept this rose? >> 100%. >> thank you. >> thank you.

>> for some crazy reason, i just got the first impression rose, and there are no words. >> you start this journey and you know, like, it could possibly lead to an engagement and future husband. to get the first impression rose you're like it could really happen. he could look at engagement rings and they could be for me. >> oh, she should have stopped. >> i loved her so much and she's at engagements and weddings. >> i don't love the word journey. this is my journey to you. >> i know. >> my journey. anyway. but, you know, it's like this is my journey. it's like what do you mean this is your journey? >> journey to find love. >> kareem abdul jabbar weighed in saying he thinks the bachelor is killing love. he wrote an op-ed. >> he did? >> i've been wondering his thoughts on the bachelor. now i know.

amanda's mom is in the audience. >> right there. >> we have a small audience but among them is amanda's mother. >> there she is! >> amanda's mother. a shout out to boston affiliate. we have a brand new nbc station wbts boston. we want to welcome you to our family! >> it's a good one to be in. your favorite nbc shows on channel 10, on most providers in the boston area. same times new channel. >> yeah. >> welcome. we're happy you're with us. the first give it away of 2017. tune in. it could be a lucky start to a new year. and bad to the bone on the big screen "live by night." teaming up with chris affleck. >> and he's enjoying wine. >> delicious. >> you're totally set for our show now. >> perfect. yook

ank you!

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sflo he has he appeared in more than 50 tv shows and films. if you're a fan of "the mindy" project you know his role. now he's in "liv by night." his character is a gangster. who has been pumped to work with his friends once again. >> let's take a look. >> listen. he found in montreal and i thought it was a straight bamboozle. then i thought if anyone can charm a devil, it's my old partner. look at this. would you look at this? yeah. after you. >> get out of here. >> i work for you now. >> oh! welcome! >> thank you for having me. >> how are you? >> you walked in a couple of seconds ag

we look at you in the film and you look completely different person in so many ways. >> thank you. >> that is a compliment. >> you had to gain weight. >> i gained 40 pounds. the character in the book was described as very round. and i decided next to ben, who is so tall and wide, like a line backer. the only way to be his side kick, the enforcer in the film was to be fat. >> what did we eat? >> i eat everything. it was great. >> drank a lot of beer. ice cream. you know, i would have a beer at the night table so i woke up to pea in the middle of the night i would chug a beer. >> it's not that hard to gain weigh. >> no. it's hard to lose. >> yeah. >> but it took about four months to gain it and four months to lose it. he gave me a trainer. >> i interviewed the cast and ben said he gave you a trainer because he didn't want to work out with you. >> he did. >> i'll give you the trainer

>> when i was on set i was like a hero ben and the rest of the cast would feel like my belly like i was pregnant. when i was dropping my kids off at school the santa monica moms looked at me like i was disgusting. it was interesting. when you're out of work and you can work out twice a day, anybody can lose weight. >> tell us about the film. we're used to you seeing the lovable guy. you're taking on a eat it-- tot different role here. >> you like being bad? >> i like being bad. i'm a bad guy. >> you're not a bad guy. >> opposite of a fwad guy. >> no. well, that's nice of you. it's great to, you know, look if you do something fairly okay in hollywood. they want you to keep doing it on and on and on. i was thankful for ben to give me something else. >> did he ask you to audition or did he just call you up? >> he called me and gave it to me. it's not usually how it goes for me. and i feel lucky. >> youe

you were both in "argo" together. >> he's very relaxed. if you showed up on set, you wouldn't think we were making a movie. you would think we were paling around having fun. for me, i was being paid to be in film school. to sit there and watch sienna miller and el fanning and watch ben take on and off the hats. it's cool. >> in addition to your professional life, you have two beautiful kids. did they have a good new year? >> we did. we watched the new york ball drop. >> that's a good one to watch. >> then it was to bed. >> you don't want your kids to stay up until midnight. the next day is not good -- >> yeah. they play "new york new york." >> you are the dancer. you are the dancer. >> thank you for that. >> you do a little dance? >> how do you know that? >> i know these things. >> have you bee

is there something i don't know? "live by night" in theaters in january. did you spend too much money over the holidays? we'll tell you which bills you should pay off first coming up after this. >> thank you for having me. this. >> thanks for havi ok, let me explain. this is your tax return. ok. now, there are many right ways to fill out this tax return. and the irs will accept them all. one of them gets you the most money back. isn't that the one you want? that's the one i want. that's the one you want. mmm... you touched all these. don't just get your taxes done, amy. get your taxes won. that sound. like nails on a chalkboard. but listen to this: (family talking) that's a different kind of sound. the sound of the weekend. it's baking season. warm up with pillsbury.

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>> welcome back, everybody. we're back with this brain teaser tuesday. jenna bush hager is in for kathie lee as she enjoys some time off. before we went to the break, we gave you a riddle. >> the odd number, take away one letter, and i become even. what number am i? >> i have to say, jenna figured this one out on the way down the stairs. the answer is seven. >> you take away the s, and it becomes even. >> get it? nobody really got it. speaking of numbers -- >> nobody cares. nobo >> nobody cares. speaking of numbers, the average u.s. household has about $5,700 in credit card debt. >> all that holiday spending does not help matters. we are going to help you reset your finances right this minute. >> here to help us start from scratchth

correspondent seema moody. >> how are you? >> so good to be here. >> it's that time of the year. i have to say, a lot of people are taking a look at their finances and thinking, oh, my gosh, i spent all that money on christmas or on a new year's get-together. you feel like you're in the hole to start, right? >> the new year is upon us, but this is actually the time where we start opening up those bills to see how much we spent on the holida holidays. one thing to do is pay your bills on time. one way to do that is go into auto mode. set up the auto feature so you don't pay the pesky late fee, which, by the way, can be as high as $40 for some of the credit cards that you signed up for. >> how do you decide which bills to tackle first? you start -- >> absolutely. >> if you spend a bit more over the holidays, which many times happen, don't fret. perhaps you are confronted with this dilemma. you may want to pay the biggest bill first, but a lot of financial experts say start with the bill with the credit card with the highest interest rate.

lead to more financial pain. focus on the credit card that's charging you the highest interest rate. get that squared away, and then slowly move forward. >> those -- when you think about those -- the interest rates and that money you spend month after month after month adds up, you add it up, and there are some things that you can end up saving, right? >> you can put it forward to your credit card debt or also to another expense. yeah, definitely get on that. >> you are paying off your debt, how do you help yourself save? this is something my husband and i are trying to do, and i think you have some good ideas. >> this is such a great time to do this. this is the new year. we're looking for ways to upgradure life or new habits we can bring on. there are daily expenses that you can cut back that can really help savings overall. first thing is coffee. many of us spend $3 to $4 a day on a coffee. let's say that's just during the week, the working week. that's $15 a week. over $700 a year. again, money you can put forward to another expense. think about making coffee at home. you want to take it a step further. buy your beans in bulk and grind your beans at h

of times stores charge you. just saying, if you want to get creative. >> allow yourself one coffee a week. it's a special treat. >> get that carmel mocha. >> if it is your thing, like some people have one splurge, you are allowed your tiny splurge. >> cut back on the channels or cable. transportation. that's the second biggest expense for the american household. find ways to perhaps use a subway, mass transit, carpool if you can. you'd be surprised how much money you can save on gas. >> gym membership. re-evaluate whether you are using it, and if you are not, maybe you can get a bit creative about working out lifting weights at home, using the park, running club. all the money that you actually save one thing i found that's so gratifying, use that -- take that money and put it in a piggy bank. >> a real piggy bank? >> a real piggy bank. it's so gratifying to see that money accumulate. you kuls use

fun money. the savings you make towards date night or a bottle of wine. >> we have the last couple of seconds, but you are saying call your credit card company aaye m. >> negotiate. sometimes you underestimate the power we have as a consumer to negotiate or lock in a better deal. call that telecom provider. >> all excellent advice. thank you for coming to see us every us. >> something fishy is going on in that kitchen. >> get ready to dig into southern comfort right after this. >> oh, yes. we're

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or take other medicines. if you develop an allergic reaction, a severe rash, or signs of unusual behavior, stop taking tamiflu and call your doctor immediately. children and adolescents in particular may be at an increased risk of seizures, confusion, or abnormal behavior. the most common side effects are mild to moderate nausea, vomiting and headache. anti-flu? go antiviral with tamiflu. as we kick offer the new year, you're going to be seeing some new faces in our kitchen. >> all this week our "today" food team is introducing us to up and coming chef that is are rising stars in the culinary world. >> one happens to be the san

cooper. she's the owner of two jacks nick's place, and he's e she's here to show us her incredible garlic bread prawn po'boy. >> you found out this was the dish to hoda's heart. >> when i heard po'boy, i was already in love. what makes yours unique? >> coleslaw and bacon. have you ever had a po'boy with bacon bacon? >> what are your ingredients? >> we have bacon, garlic bread, which is another secret ingredient. >> yes. >> we have our lemon, prawns, tomatoe tomatoes. >> you take your prawns and get them deveined and all that stuff. >> and your crew has been nice enough to do that for us already. so we're going to mix our cornmeal and our flour together. just whisk them together. >> you actually use it

the prawns, but that's okay. >> that's okay. >> mix it -- get it in there. let's mix it in together. it's all right. it will taste fine. >> sorry about that. i'm sorry, minicki. >> no worries. we're going to sprinkle seasoning salt on the prawns. >> what kind of oil are you deep frying? >> this is the canola oil. any oil with high smoke point. >> let me turn that on for you. >> can i help you do this? >>a you. >> how long should those guys sit in that boiling water? >> about five to six minutes. >> they turn a beautiful color. nice and crispy. they're really going to add quick texture. >> now what do we do? >> now while those are cooking, wear going to make our dressing for our bacon slaw. >> we have mayonnaise. >> do you want to do this? >> let's let hoda do it. >> after that -- >> we're going to do

first. >> you do it in different steps? >> yes. then a little bit of sugar. >> the whole thing? >> just a pinch. just a pinch. now we're going to whisk it together. you're doing fantastic. then we have a little bit of lemon juice. we're going to add this to taste. >> lemon makes it feel a little fresher. >> it makes it pop. >> now am i going to put it in there? >> pour it on there. >> do not worry about the bacon. it will taste good. >> can you add apple or something or just not -- >> whatever you like. outside the cook book. >> look at this garlic bread. i want that. >> fantastic. >> let's dress it up. >> let's take the coleslaw. >> i'm going to start looking over here and get one. of course, they -- >> who doesn't love garlic bread? >> i love it. >> here you go. >> oh, thank you. >> now, let's get our tomato. >> we're going to taste it while you're

>> why not? >> why wouldn't we? >> now, if you close your eyes once you bite it, let me see. if you close them? yes. did you close yours? we have a winner. i think we have -- >> really, really good. >> that garlic bread is crazy. >> banana pudding is any favorite dessert. i know we have to go, but can i have a beat. >> it's on our website. >> head to today.com/food for all of our recipes. >> yum. >> the hottest ticket in town has everybody talking. a live performance from the stars of the new musical "dear evan hanson." coming up after this. >> so good. ♪ ♪ ♪ and off you go, ♪ ♪ ♪ and off you go, ♪

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the results? well, they speak for themselves. that i was on the icelandic game show. and everyone knows me for discounts, like safe driver and paperless billing. but nobody knows the box behind the discounts. oh, it's like my father always told me -- "put that down. that's expensive." of course i save people an average of nearly $600, but who's gonna save me?

] and that's when i realized... i'm allergic to wasabi. well, i feel better. it's been five minutes. talk about progress. [ chuckles ] okay. talk about progress. [ chuckles ] around here, i'm a shift without a disaster. heads up! you know what, don't worry about it. my bargain detergent couldn't keep up. it was mostly water. so, i switched to tide pods. they're super concentrated, so i get a better clean. i mean, i give away water for free. i'm not about to pay for it in my detergent. tide. number one rated. it's got to be tide

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>> it's the broadway musical on its way to becoming a smash hit that celebrates parents and teens. they're lining up to get a seat. >> now we're not talking about "hamilton." it's a great new show called "dear evan hansen." zach plays the title character evan hansen. he is a shy and anxious teenager with a crush on laura's character. he has a hard time telling her, and they are both here to perform a song. >> hi, guys. how are you? >> okay. it's a little crazy. the accolades already. the headlines. the people are even comparing it to "hamilton." how do you guys -- how do you handle those kind of write-ups? >> i mean, it's -- it's really insane. we've been working on the show for about stlee years now, the two of us, and we've always sort of hoped we would get to this point where we would get to see a huge audience to get to see the story. we've had great responses all the way. to have a platform where there are so many people getting to see it every night is incredible. >> we heard a little bit of your characters. tell us a little about the show. >> it's about this lonely boy. he is having a hard time

this unfortunate circumstances sort of happen, but this love story kind of emerges, and this song is sort of like these teenagers trying to, you know, have a fresh start with everything that's been negative that's been thrown at them so far. >> it's getting such great reviews, and we already know why you're here with a great cast, great musician, great family. take it away. >> thank you. ♪ ♪ i don't need you to sell me on reasons to want you ♪ ♪ i don't need you to search for the proof that i should ♪ ♪ you don't have to convince me ♪ ♪ you don't have to be scared you're not enough ♪ ♪ because what we've got going

♪ i don't need more reminders of all that's been broken ♪ ♪ i don't need you to fix what i'd rather forget ♪ ♪ clear the slate and start over, try to quiet the noises in your head ♪ ♪ we can't compete with all that ♪ ♪ so what if it's us ♪ what if it's us and only us ♪ and what came before won't count anymore or matter ♪ ♪ can we try that ♪ what if it's you ♪ and what if it's me, and what it's that's all that we need it to be ♪ ♪ and the rest of the world falls away ♪ ♪ what do you say ♪ i never thought there would be someone like you who would

♪ so i give you 10,000 reasons to not let me go ♪ ♪ but if you really see me, if you like me for me and nothing else, well, that's all that i've wanted for longer than you could possibly know ♪ ♪ so it can be us ♪ it can be us and only us ♪ and what came before won't count anymore or matter ♪ ♪ we can try that ♪ it's not so impossible ♪ nobody else but the two of us here ♪ ♪ because you're saying it's possible ♪ ♪ we can just watch the whole world disappear ♪ ♪ still you're the only one

♪ it's just you and me ♪ it will be us ♪ it will be us and only us ♪ and what came before won't count anymore ♪ ♪ we can try that ♪ you and me, that's all that we need it to be ♪ ♪ and the rest of the world falls away ♪ ♪ and the rest of the world falls away ♪ ♪ the world falls away ♪ the world falls away ♪ and it's only us

[ applause ] >> that was so great! you guys are terrific. >> come here. where is the other -- come here. come here. we just want to say hi to the two writers. just thank you for everything. y'all did great work. >> so amazing. >> coming up, five new ways to kick off the new year when we give it away. >> but, first, this is "today" on nbc.

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>> it's time to give it away to five lucky viewers. >> this is the prize. it's a health and beauty package from vanity planet worth $595. >> it's a facial brush, cordless peeror with three l.e.d. light settings. >> plus, you get 15 professional makeup brushes in this roll-out pouch. you get an electric toothbrush with usb rechargeable battery and auto timer. those are good gifts.

winners are. first, we have brenda -- from east upton, illinois. >> good one. let's dump that one and get another one. >> i have vickie shiler from somers somerset, wisconsin. >> i am candy kronen. >> i have right here karen ryan from urbandale, louisiana. our louisiana girl. >> finally -- >> who is it? >> let's see. it is tim offenbaugh from ohio. >> here's the deal, you guys. we shred the non-winning entries. make sure you enter again for next week's prize. go to klgandhoda.com and hit the entry button. the guys want spanky tuesday, and it's not happening. >> spanky tuesday? >> no, it isn't. >> nobody told me. kathie lee, am i doing it okay? >> make 2017 the year you lose weight. >> and health breakthroughs to look forward to in the new year.

that sound. like nails on a chalkboard.

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right now on news4 midday, the soggy start to our tuesday continues. >> the rain is quickly tapering off. we've already had almost an inch. watch out for high water and look at big changes coming up for the end of the week and the weekend. plus, congress is back about to induct its newest members. what you need to know about the first action they'll take. "news4 midday" starts now. >> good morning, everybody. i'm aaron gilchrist. >> let's get to storm team 4 meteorologist tom kiran with how much longer the rain will last. can you stop it now? >> we got quite a soaking this morning. picked up a quick inch since righar