And welcome to today and welcome to today on this sunday morning. Im erica hill. Im lester holt. Alongside jenna wolfe and dylan dwyer. I remember being on assignment in washington and meeting palmer for the first time. A little bit in awe and then immediately he was so disarming and thats how well a remember him today. Such an incredible journalist. But by all accounts what really made him a wonderful person was the fact that he was just such a good guy and so kind to everyone. We look forward to sharing more of his life coming up. We want to begin with the latest on the terror threat. President obama is being briefed on the latest. He was updated by National SecurityCouncil Adviser susan rice after his Top Security Team met to discuss the threat. There are 22 u. S. Embassies and consulates shut down today across 17 muslim nations, and thats to keep those who work there safe. And the one in yemen which is considered high risk with al qaeda gaining a foothold there. Lets get the latest from richard engel. Good morning. Hes live in cairo this morning. Reporter good morning, lester. Diplomatic activity around the world has been severely disrupted by the series of closures. Behind me is the u. S. Embassy in cairo that is closed today. Its closed because of the Security Threat. U. S. Embassy officials have told us theyre still assessing new information to determine when they could reopen. Its not a good time to be a u. S. Diplomat in the muslim world today. With u. S. Embassies shuttered, 22 of them from kabul to cairo. And beyond. Its the first time a general alert this sweeping has been issued since the u. S. Braced for retaliation after American Special operations killed Osama Bin Laden two years ago. This time, multiple sources tell nbc news the threat originates from yemen from a plot by al qaedas branch in the Arabian Peninsula. The suspected target or targets are not just american diplomats in embassies, but western interests in general. Were told the threat is credible, serious and time for now the tail end of ramadan. The location is believed to be in yemen, but some u. S. Officials worried plotters could try to strike beyond that country and initiated a blanket, catchall response. This is a serious threat, but it should be noted in light of what happened in benghazi that officials are taking no chances whatsoever. Reporter so why al qaeda in yemen . It has a core group of skilled bomb makers and propagandists who operate in areas where the government has little authority. The group is motivated and aggressive and under attack. Last month one of the top leaders was killed in a drone attack. The group wants revenge. But when . U. S. Officials have told us that this threat is actually quite specific to yemen and some u. S. Ambassadors in posts around the world are actually not pleased that the state department has taken this draconian action. They need to do their work, they cant be shut inside their facilities every time theres a threat. They recognize the need for security, but some worry that this might be an overreaction. Lester . Richard engel in cairo, thanks. With more, heres erica. Thank you. We want to bring in william bratton, and nbc news security analyst David Gregory, moderator of meet the press. Bill, there was also an alert issued by interpol, talking about three recent prison outbreaks in iraq, pakistan and in libya more than a thousand escapees here. Many of them with ties to the terrorist organizations. There a link between those outbreaks, some of the drone strikes and the increased Security Threat that we are seeing . Well, this is what theyre trying to determine the most recent break by hundreds of individuals, many of them al qaeda people who escaped in the border attacks and its a very sophisticated al qaeda assault. Instead of having to recruit new members now they have seasoned, trained veterans available to them in that region. So its a significant concern. Is it linked to the Common Threat . My sense is probably not in the sense that this plot has been planned for a period of time and these other people just recently who broken out may not have been trained for this event. But thats of increased concern as you pointed out. David, we heard in richards piece benghazi is weighing very heavily on the administration at this point. Is part of the response that we are seeing and the very public nature of that response more of a political move because of things like benghazi . Well, theres no question theres a reaction to that on a couple of fronts. One, we know that al qaeda and the Arabian Peninsula would like to target those softer targets. The benghazi experience on the terrorist side is that. A high impact, high profile target. And the other side of it too, you may have specific information, but less specific about the where. And even others who might be inspired by it. I think the reality and were seeing it after a benghazi event is that that risk tolerance is ever lower in washington within the administration, within the National Security apparatus to take any chances when Something Like this happens. Is it tied at all to the discussion to put it mildly that we have seen over the nsa over the last few weeks . I think that will be part of the debate. Which is how do we come by this intelligence information . We are at a point where americans and both conservative republicans and liberal democrats are saying it is time to debate the extent to which we operate as a surveillance state in this country as a response to 9 11. When you have fresh warnings like this it begs the question, well, how do you think you came by the specific threat and intelligence stream without the tools. When we look at whats happening overseas, thats where the attention is focused is there anything to be concerned about here at home domestically . Anything you have seen change over the last couple of days . My understanding is theres no credible threat directed against any target within the United States. The concern, the abundance of caution is the idea that the events over there, there may be an additional effort to inspire home grown terrorists like the two young men in the boston bombing. So the concern here is appropriate that we have seen those two young men operated below the radar. Recently, the head of the al qaeda of al qaeda once again called for attacks around the world. And United States interests. Thank you, bill bratton and David Gregory. David, well check in with you in a little while for a look at whats on meet the press later. Now to the deadly scene in Southern California where a car roared into a crowded beach board walk, killing a person and injuring 11 others. Veronica de la cruz has that story. Good morning to you. Well, the venice beach board walk its always packed with people and on saturday it was no different. Investigators still dont know what happened, but it does not appear that the driver slowed down as the car rammed into the crowd. Authorities in los angeles say a person of interest is now in custody following a bizarre hit and run on a popular beach boardwalk saturday evening. These photos show the scene as it unfolded. I saw a car driving south bound and plowing into whoever was in the way. Reporter police say it went on for several blocks before ditching the car and fleeing on foot. There was people wherever, blood everywhere. There was scattered stuff. Reporter about an hour later, a man walked into the Police Station nearby and claimed he was involved. And while they dont know the drivers motive, they say hell likely face homicide charges in addition to a felony hit and run. It was horrible. Ugliest scene. Reporter and now police are looking into the possibility that the man did this deliberately, but at this point they still dont know. All right, thanks very much. We want to get to the rest of the other headlines including the inauguration of the new president in iran this morning. General that has that and other stories. Good morning. Irans new president saying that the u. S. Is looking for an up excuse to confront the country over the nuclear program. The newly elected president is being sworn in this morning. Ann kurry is in tehran and filed this report for us. Reporter good morning. Irans new president inauguration is signaling a cautious hope for change. Not just for the people of iran, but also for negotiations over Irans Nuclear program. The new president relacing ahmadinejad was warmly greeted. He said the way forward is moderation, not extremism. But will this mean that iran be more willing to negotiate giving up some of the Nuclear Ambitions . That is the change the u. S. Will be looking for. Now back to you. Thank you very much. The search resumes at daylight in oregon today for a snowboarder buried under an ice tunnel collapse. It caved in saturday on mount hood. The ice is so thick there that rescuers are going back with chain saws to free the trapped snowboarder. A man lost his leg and five others were injured. They were watching a planned inploetion of a power plant. About a thousand feet away. Shrapnel ended up hitting some members of the crowd. Now an update on a moving story on saturday. 2yearold Logan Stevenson suffering from leukemia with weeks left to live, serving as the best man at his parents wedding. The wedding was beautiful, logan in his pinstriped suit carried by his mom and standing up with his dad. Logans parents wanted him to be there when they married to celebrate his life and theirs. That is the news. So sweet. Again, doctors said he only has a few weeks to live. They tried to put this together. They got the Community Involved to help fund the different aspects of it. A celebration of life. Yeah. Thanks. Dylan dwyer has a check of the weather. Good morning. Good morning to you. We are looking at some heavy rain again falling in the plains states. You can see where we have the flash flood watches in kansas and also into southern missouri and Northern Arkansas where we got several inches of rain over the past few days and another one to three inches is possible as all of that heavy rain moves out of kansas and moves into areas in missouri and into arkansas as we go throughout the day. Especially this morning, this afternoon we should see some improvements. Elsewhere, the weather is pretty quiet. Cool in the north and very hot down in texas. Thats a look at the weather across the country. Now heres a peek out your window. And the day is Getting Started with some drizzle and low clouds into the east bay areas and as we go through the rest of the morning, some clearing at least well inland, but low clouds lingering through oakland through 10 00. In the afternoon, expect lots of clouds on the coast. Another cool day in San Francisco with 60s and 70s for most of the bay area. Inland, still some low 80s. Temperatures are going to run cooler for first hatlf of the week before trending warmer next weekend. Thats your latest forecast. Thanks. New information about the punishment facing new york yankees slugger, Alex Rodriguez. We have the latest on that. Good morning. It was a different Alex Rodriguez who met with the media after a pair of minor league games. Last night, he had a different tone. Sources tell nbc sports that yankees star Alex Rodriguez will be suspended by Major League Baseball commissioner bud selig for the remainder of the 2013 season and likely the entire 2014 season. In connection to the leagues investigation of performanceenhancing drug use by rodriguez and other players. The announcement is scheduled for monday. Sources say Major League Baseball officials were ache angered by rodriguezs remarks friday night, saying he wouldnt negotiate even as his spokes people worked behind the scenes to secure an agreement. Arod said he was unaware of the commissioners reported ruling. I have been on the field for the last 5 1 2 hours. I havent heard anything or seen anything. My focus has been on playing baseball. Reporter later, he intended to continue with plans for a sunday workout, then a flight to chicago where new york is set to play the white sox on monday. Major League Baseball has an announcement tomorrow. Will you still fly to chicago . Yeah, im flying to chicago. Reporter if the lengthy suspension survives a challenge, it will cost arod an estimated 35 million in salary. And also possibly end the career of sports richest, yet one of the most controversial figures. According to reports Major League Baseball is also set to announce sanction against a number of other players. That is expected on monday. Well be watching for that. Thank you. Up next, we remember nbcs john palmer, right after this. [ hero mom ] oh, yeah. Were gettin cereal. cause over 40 General Mills cereals are 130 calories or less per serving. Just look for the g. Boom thats how nutrition is done, people. [ laughs ] [ female announcer ] hey ladies. You love it. Youve got to have it. Cinnamon toast crunch, cause that cinnamon and sugar is so irresistible. Everybody craves those crazy squares. ® hurry in for petsmart hot summer buys cause that cinnamon and sugar is so irresistible. Save 50 on hundreds of items and save 25 on any top dog addon package with a bath or groom purchase. This weekend only. At petsmart®. Hey college girl. Hey mom. I just got your package. Great. Yea, mom youre the best. I thought you would like it. So, how are your classes, are you enjoying them . announcer its more than just that great peanut taste, choosing jif is a simple way to show someone how much you care. We cant wait to get you home. I love you mom. I love you too. Well see you soon. Choosey moms, choose jif. As as we told you at the beginning of the program, we have lost a longtime friend and colleague here at nbc news. Former White House Correspondent and today news anchor john palmer has died after a brief illness. Johns longtime friend Andrea Mitchell looks back on the incredible life and legacy of one of the great journalists of our time. And the southeastern suburb reporter from beirut to washington, john palmer was that rare soul in the rough and tumble world of television news. Smart, brave, but always courtly. A southern gentleman cloaked in the trench coat in the dashing correspondent. Paris without the eiffel tower is like a frenchmen without wine. Reporter he covered wars, summits and politics in the field and from the anchor desk on today. This is today. In the news this morning reporter the pride of king port, tennessee, he got his first break in atlanta in 1960. Two years later he joined nbc news where he would spend the better part of the next 40 years. At times the fighting has been heavy with both sides using mortars and machine guns. Reporter in the early years his assignments were based in tel aviv, beirut, covering the civil war in lebanon. The subject of that meeting reporter until 1979 when he was named the nbc News White House correspond end, ultimately covering five president s, carters, ronald reagan, both bushes and bill clinton. Including a Rising Network star. The plan reporter he brought to the white house beat his Foreign Policy experience and a steady, reassuring voice, in good times and in bad. The president returns to washington early next week and the possibility of finally explaining his relationship with monica lewinsky. Reporter but it may have been this moment that defined his career. April 25, 1980. This is an nbc news special report. Reporter john learned that the Carter Administration was attempting to rescue the american hostages in iran and it failed. The president asked him to hold the story until the teams were safely out of iranian territory. The rescue mission had been aborted and eight americans had died. Reporter in 1982, john joined the today show family where he spent seven years alongside Bryant Gumbel and jane pauley. Guiding us all through moments of triumph and tragedy. There was a huge bright ball reporter he loved golf and fishing but his most treasured role was as husband and father. He met his wife in 1979 where she worked for nightly news. Now a freelance journalist and writer, nancy and john have three daughters. Molly, a today show producer and carter who works in the Entertainment Industry and hope who is also following in her parents footsteps in journalism at the nbc bureau in washington. During the 60th anniversary, john was every bit the proud dad. She was born on december 10th and reporter passing on his dedication and passion to his daughters and leaving a legacy in work and life for all of us that lived on. Reporter a week ago john was singing fly me to the moon. Now after a short, sudden illness he is playing among the stars. For today, Andrea Mitchell, nbc news, washington. A beautiful tribute by andrea and hell be missed. Our thoughts are certainly with his family. Yes, they are. Were back right after this. Oh this is soft. This is so so soft. Hey hun, remember you only need a few sheets. Hmph [ female announcer ] charmin ultra soft is so soft youll have to remind your family they can use less. Charmin ultra soft is made with extra cushions that are soft and more absorbent. Plus you can use four times less. Hope you saved some for me. Mhmm you and the kids. We all go. Why not enjoy the go with charmin ultra soft. [ female announcer ] nothing gets you going quite like the power of quaker oats. Today is going to be epic. Quaker up. 100 greek. 100 mmm. Wow, that is mmm. Its so mmm you might not believe its a hundred calories. Yoplait greek 100. It is so good. Living on cloud nine with that uverse wireless receiver. You see in my day, when my mom was repainting the house, you couldnt just set up a tv in the basement. I mean, come on nope. We could only watch tv in the rooms that had a tv outlet. Yeah if we wanted to watch tv someplace else, wed have to go to my aunt sallys. Have you ever sat on a plastic covered couch . [ kids cheering ] youre missing a good game over here. Those kids wouldnt have lasted one day in our shoes. [ male announcer ] add a wireless receiver. Call to get uverse tv for just 19 a month with qualifying bundles. Rethink possible. Still to come on today, still to come on today, the transition facing thousands of our troops who are finally coming home for good, perhaps after serving overseas. Plus, a robbery movie shoot gets too real when the cops show up. But first, these messages. Rst these messages. [ doorbell rings ] donuts . Youre cute. [ door closes ] [ female announcer ] new special k protein cereal helps keep you fuller longer. Willpower. What will you gain when you lose . How ya doin . Mmm. [ birds chirping ] okay bye bye [ female announcer ] help satisfy your hunger longer with special k protein bars and shakes. Willpower. What will you gain when you lose . With special k protein bars and shakes. Could save you fifteen percent or more on car insurance. Mmmhmmm. Everybody knows that. Well, did you know that old macdonald was a really bad speller . Your word is. Cow. Cow. Cow. C. O. W. E. I. E. I. O. [buzzer] dangnabbit. Geico. Fifteen minutes could save you. Well, you know. Good sunday morning. Looking live at the Golden Gate Bridge and we are seeing a little more of the bridge today than we saw this time yesterday. But still, pretty foggy wouldnt you say . A forecast that continues to be cool. It is. And drizzle again. San francisco, over to oakland this morning. Temperatures in the 50s right now. As we go through the day well see the low clouds which have pushed way inland. Inland valley, that will start to break up around lunch time. But the coast, seeing an all day sea breeze and the low clouds by 6 00. 60s and 70s, san jose, 76. Low 08s inland today and the forecast still looks cooler as we start the workweek. See those inland valley temperatures only in the 70s for tuesday into wednesday. Some long sleeves today. We are less than 18 hours away from another b. A. R. T. Strike. Negotiations ended around 11 30. Salary, benefits, remains a main sticking point. After the fouryear contract between b. A. R. T. And the two Largest Labor unions expired at the end of june, more than 2,000 Union Workers went on strike. Shutting down the nations fifth largest rail line for 4 1 2 days. A 30day agreement to keep the trains running now expires at midnight. We have to keep moving. Hopefully if we keep moving well get to the proposal that both sides agree to. The union side is working diligently to get an agreement. We dont want a Service Disruption in the bay area. Both sides are expected to get back to the bargaining table again today at 11 00. If theres a strike, well have you covered. On monday morning in the bay, well start live at 4 00 to help you avoid as much traffic as possible. Well have coverage on air and online at nbcbayarea. Com. An unlikely suspect is wanted in the Downtown Bank robbery. Just before noon yesterday, this woman, a thin, blonde woman in her 30s demanded money. She was disguised in a hat and a longsleeved sweater and detectives are so sure someone will recognize her and the getup that they rushed the surveillance photo out within hours of the robbery. Chaos in los angeles after a driver ran into the crowd at the venice beach boardwalk. One person was killed and at least dozens of others are hurt. A surveillance camera captured images of that speeding car and pedestrians frantically trying to get out of the way. Withins witnesses say the driver deliberately drove down the boardwalk. Theres a suspect in custody. Well tell you about new rules for fans that the nfl will be enforcing this season, starting tonight at the hall of fame game in canton. Security is being stepped up following the Boston Marathon bombing. That and all the days stories coming up at 7 00. See you in half an hour. Were back o were back on a sunday morning. Its august 4, 2013. I feel like were getting away with something. Another gorgeous, dry day here in new york city. Nice crowd joining us here. Yes. If youre in the neighborhood, come on down. Join us some weekend. In the meantime, still to come, it was the happiest of homecomings. Remember last fall i went to afghanistan and we hooked up with members of the Third Infantry Division . Well, theyre back now. So we went back down to georgia the home base to greet some of them. Whats different is that are to the first time for years theyre not thinking about having to go back. Because obviously things are winding down in afghanistan. Iraq is over. So well talk ab the change with the soldiers and their families. Looking forward to that. Also coming up, this is the the weather is gorgeous. Great time to be outside. Why not spend time at the Farmers Market . Everything looks great. Make yummy dishes at home. But you want to make sure you not only pick the best produce, but it stays fresh when you get it home. Well share some tips this morning. Some people love this, some hate it. But everyone at least mostly everyone relies on this to get from point a to point b. Were talking about gps, its the bane of my existence. I rely on it too much and thats why. I decided to if figure out who mystery person is behind the voice that guides us. We had little fun. The woman that says recalculating route. Heres the deal, what i hear, you idiot if you would have taken the turn when i told you you wouldnt be in this situation. My favorite is when possible make a legal u turn. Exactly. And we also have from americas got talent the little dog bailey and dance partner. They will be here live this morning. We do begin this half hour with a close call in california. Police say a situation there was milliseconds from tragedy when a scene being shot for a movie got too real. Reporter as linda bergsly approached a coffee shop she saw something that made her hair stand on end armed, masked men threatening people inside. There was a gun. Reporter she quickly called 911. One pulled the gun out of the pocket. Reporter Police Rushed to the scene, prepared for a potential gun battle. By all intents and purposes it was an Armed Robbery and cops responded as such. Reporter an audio device captured what happened next. What are you doing . Were shooting a short film. After they stripped him the gun, he saw the film crew. Reporter the gunman and supposed hostages were actors, shooting an independent film. They didnt pull permits and didnt notify the police department. Do. Of an important thing to reporter but according to the glenn dora city website, the film crew didnt need to to pull film permit if it was filming on private property. So in this instance, the crew was allowed to leave without any penalties. Or injuries. Police say one of the actors panicked and didnt drop his weapon when told to do so. An officer had to approach and disarm him by hand. Terrifies me that one of those boys could have been killed today. And i just hope that they learn that you cant mess with guns that look like theyre real. Reporter the coffee shop and the film crew declined comment and wouldnt say what their movie was about. At least we know this. No one was harmed in the making of this film. For today, gina kim, nbc news, los angeles. We want to get to the final check of the weather right now. Dylan has that. Good morning, erica. I want to say happy birthday to this lovely lady right here. Youre not 60. I am. Where are you from . From kentucky. Well, thank you spending for your 60th birthday in new york city. Its gorgeous here. Its below average thanks to the dip in the jet stream but well take it. In chicago though, its ten degrees below average. 15 days since the last 90day in chicago. St. Louis, below average. On the flip side on the warmer side of the jet stream, temperatures are five to ten degrees above average. Vegas is at 105, but phoenix has picked up 13 of the last days above 100 degrees. So its been extremely hot out ahead of the cold front. Best chance of heavy rain today, back through kansas, moving into missouri and Northern Arkansas where they have had several inches of rain so flooding is an issue out that way. Heres a peek out your window. The view from san jose is mostly cloudy with some drizzle and many spots due to the low clouds. We have clearing skies inland this afternoon, but coupled with the sea breeze it will be fairly mild day. 60s to mid 70s and mid 80s, south of san jose. Low 80s out around the trivalley. Temperatures cool, trending a bit cooler for inland valleys. Approaching tuesday and wednesday. Todays top spot comes to us from our affiliate nbc 26 in green bay, wisconsin. This morning we are highlighting the eaa air venture in oshkosh. Every summer, thousands flock to wisconsin for a spectacular view of aircrafts of all kinds. So if youre in the area, check it out. Looks like a wonderful and incredible day of the flight shows. Erica . All right, well take it. Behind you some people from madison, connecticut, next to where i grew up. Good morning to them. Coming up, lester checks in and on the new reality facing so many troops. Thats after this. [ male announcer ] hear that . Thats a flavor cannon about to blast breakfast with deliciousness. Fire prepare yourself for an icing barrage. And the shockwave of filling flavor. Pillsbury toaster strudel. [ whisper ] breakfast goes boom. [ female announcer ] nothing gets you going quite like the power of quaker oats. Today is going to be epic. Quaker up. Its time. For aveeno® positively radiant face moisturizer. [ female announcer ] only aveeno® has an active naturals total soy formula that instantly brightens skin. And helps reduce the look of brown spots in just 4 weeks. For healthy radiant skin. Try it for a month. Then go ahead and try to spot a spot. Aveeno® positively radiant. Naturally beautiful results. [ male announcer ] love your kitchen even more with this stainless onehandle faucet for just 99 at lowes. By the end of n by the end of next year the nato combat mission in afghanistan is scheduled to be over and by then the Obama Administration expects to have brought most if not all u. S. Troops. Three means after of years of multiple deployments they wont have to return. We were in georgia to greet a group of returning soldiers who we met in afghanistan last fall as they and their families face a welcome new reality. For as long as most of these soldiers have been in the army, homecomings have meant they would soon be preparing to go back to war. Coming home and hurrying up and getting back into training. Reporter cheerful greetings become tearful goodbyes. It hits you at night whgo to bed alone. Reporter after the deployments to iraq and afghanistan, the armys Third Infantry Division has returned home to ft. Stewart, georgia. And with the u. S. Planning to largely pull out of afghanistan by the end of next year, it appears this division wont be going back any time soon. So now they can take time for themselves. They can take advantage of going to school. They can take the opportunity for their family to settle down and be stabilized. Reporter we were with elepha elements of the third i. D. Last fall. They were looking for iraq em placements. Now after two deployments to afghanistan, he like the army as a whole is in transition. Before our priorities were being successful at war, being successful in our mission and now my job is essentially the same. But were focused on readiness. Reporter as the returning homes troop how to reintegrate into life stateside, so do their spouses. How do you feel about having him around for that while . I love it. Reporter did you worry a lot about him when he was over there . I did. I tend not to sleep too much. I tried to keep her in contact. Reporter they were focussed on training the afghan forces. Robert abrams said their mission was successful. They have done an incredible amount and they have sacrificed tremendous. Both they and their families. Reporter but success came at a price. Hes out of 106th, he was killed in afghanistan. Reporter at ft. Stewart, along rows of trees dedicated to the more than 163rd i. D. Members lost over the last decade, general abrams reflects on the soldiers who didnt come home. Its personal and stays with you forever. Reporter americans are still dying in afghanistan. 85 so far this year. And even as captain steve nepawana settles into life stateside, a part of him will remain over there until the last one comes home. Whats frustrating for me, it seems like no one back here really understands it, that that soldier is still trying to complete a mission and he gave his life to complete that mission. Completing that mission in southern afghanistan where they have operated the past year, its the fourth Infantry Division out of colorado. They took over the regional command responsibilities there last month. We dont know what life is going to look like at the end of 2014. The combat Mission Comes the administration is debating whether to pull out all u. S. Troops or maybe lose a few thousand there. Always nice to see what happens. You imagine the relief, but im sure thats apprehension, trying to navigate whats next. Theyre happy to be back. There are still a few members who have been on all five deployments. To iraq and one to afghanistan. Some have only done two or three, but still an awful lot of folks lost in uniform. Just ahead, we are getting schooled with Farmers Market 101. From picking the best produce to how to keep it fresh. But first, these messages. Some of the some of the pictures here that you sent us of your trip to the Farmers Market. Thank for sending those to us on instagram. If youre like a lot of people, nothing says summer like all the fresh fruits and vegetables. Whether its the juicy ripe tomato and the best place to find those are at the Farmers Market. I think its fantastic trend. So exciting. Our farm to table is what everyone is striving for. But, you know, its pricier when you buy from the Farmers Market. So how do you keep your investment fresher . We went to the folks at americas test kitchen to find out the tips. Theres nothing like shopping at the Farmers Market where locally grown fruit is fresh and pristine. But to get the most bang for your buck you need to know how to pick them. This is the best time to get your fruits and vegetables. We went shopping. First up, summer squash and cucumbers. Jack said think small. I think the smaller ones are better. They have fewer seeds in them and the flesh is a little bit firmer and they cook up nicer. They dont take like anything thats because theyre covered with wax. One of the great things about buying a cucumber at a Farmers Market it hasnt been covered in wax. You dont need to peel them. Next up, carrots. Whenever you can buy the carrots and the Healthy Greens attached, theyre really fresh. They were in the ground probably yesterday. For the heads of lettuce that never seem to last what im looking for is obviously, you know, bruise no bruising or rotting. I want it to be moist, but not swimming in water. The most popular produce is corn and tomatoes and chooses the right one is all in the touch. So you can sort of feel that, you know, the kernels are going all the way to the tip. And still should not be rotting and black. What about tomato shopping . This is the place where you need to shop with your eyes closed. Really . I want to feel that theyre fairly soft. If theyre too firm, theyre going to be mealy and not great for salad. Make sure you smell them too. They should remind you of basil. And for those expensive summer berries, look underneath the container to make sure theyre not discolor ordinary that the box discovered or that the box is filled with juices. Once you have them home, how can you keep your goodies fresh . First, the tomato. Never ever put it in the refrigerator. An enzi mattic reaction begins and it turns to mush. You can store them upside down. With corn, brown bag it. So the secret believe it north is a damp paper bag. An oldfashioned grocery bag. I put it a little underneath running water. A little damp. Put the corn into the bag. Dont clean the corn until ready to cook it. And when it comes to your lettuce, jack says wash it and leave the leaves partially wet. Wrap them in a paper towel and put in a plastic bag. It will keep the lettuce crisp for up to five days. Finally a tip to keep the berries fresh and sweet. Put a little bit of vinegar in my berries . In the water. What its doing is its killing any bacteria which is whats going to cause mold to happen. Oh. And when youre shopping for tomatoes, pick ugly ones. Theyre really delicious because theyre so yummy. I love every tip in that piece. Lets go shopping at the Farmers Market together. Nice to see you again. Lester, over to you. All right. Gps, a lot of us depend on it to get where were going. But be honest, how many times did you want to scream at the calm voice . Look, i wouldnt be going out on a selfdeprecating limb to say im mildly directionally challenge. And i decided to put the woman behind the voice of gps to the test. Please drive to highlighted recalculating. Recalculating. For me getting from point a to point b is usually a disaster. Im not in the lane, lady. How am i supposed to turn right . In a quarter mile for Karen Jacobson or australian karen one of the voices or garmins gps devices and on itunes maps its a breeze. Im directionally challenged. My advice to you is stay calm and consistent. Calm and consistent. Thats right. Two very foreign words for me. So i figured if i cant beat gps, maybe i could join gps. One quarter mile, about a half mile. Give or take a half mile im not sure. With a coveted spot on the menu proceed to the highlighted route. Not that much traffic ahead, but enough to probably give you a headache. Turn left. Where are you going . I cant turn down there. Youre right. Sorry. Okay. I still needed a little more direction from karen. Bottom line, karen, you can get me anywhere that i need to go in a calm and consistent manner. Thats right. And when needed well recalculate. Youd be surprised how often that happens when im behind the wheel. Because i couldnt take her word for it, i did seeded to put her skills i decided to put her skills to test. Navigating new york city. Can you get me anywhere . Carnegie deli. This is perfect. Dont you think . Yeah. Lets go to the statue of liberty or something. Calculating to the statue of liberty. I got to tell you, i am 100 convinced in this calm and consistent stuff that you have been trying to sell all day. You know, you can recalculate it any time you get lost. I think ill be okay from here on out. So what was my gps take away . If you stay on course and just keep going forward, eventually that road more or less traveled will lead you home. You have reached the destination. Right there. I know. Or at least it will lead you somewhere. By the way, if you have any interest in doing this garmin has Software Technology that allows you to record your own voice so you can be your own gps. Im not promising youll get where you want to go, but at least you can hear yourself trying to get you there. That would drive me crazy. By the way, she looks like her voice. Yeah. That beautiful, soft, soothing i will never scream at her again. Maybe under my breath. Were back after this. [ female announcer ] when did we start thinking that eating a tiny breakfast would help us weigh less . With the special k breakfast, eat all this, with new, hearty special k multigrain cereal. Data shows women who eat breakfast tend to weigh less than those who dont. So eat right, not less. A new perspective. What will you gain when you lose . What will you gain when you lose . A quarter million tweeters musicare tweeting. Eamed. And 900 Million Dollars are changing hands online. Thats why the internet needs a new kind of server. One thats 80 smaller. Uses 89 less energy. And costs 77 less. Its called hp moonshot. And its giving the internet the room it needs to grow. This. Is going to be big. Its time to build a better enterprise. Together. Hurry in for petsmart hot summer buys save 50 on hundreds of items and save 25 on any top dog addon package with a bath or groom purchase. This weekend only. At petsmart®. All the Natural Energy found in peanuts . Caramel works. Payday. Crunchy, roasted peanuts and soft, delicious caramel come together to give you sweet energy. Payday. Fill up and go. Oh, hes got moves and he knows it thats bailey, a 6yearold bichon. And theyre preparing for the live show this week on americas got talent. Good to have you here. Thank you. Did you expect to get this far . No, we auditioned back in chicago. We just we practiced all that we can. And you practice a lot. Bailey loves to dance and likes to practice with you. His favorite moves are going backwards typically . Yeah. He loves it. Do you know why . No. I think he thinks its funny. Can we show us . Yeah. Go backwards. Oh, bailey. Oh, good boy. Hes using gps. Recalculating now. Come here. Give me a high five. You know last years winner was a dog act. Yeah. How did you even train bailey . A lot of positive reinforcement. He just loves it. When theyre happy it makes it easier. Yeah. Does he have a favorite move . Does he run backwards through the house . Hell come up to me and hell back up. He expects me to give him a treat all the time now. Okay. Stop. Performing for you. So hes clearly very smart. Good luck to both of you. Well catch you on americas got talent tuesday and wednesday. Good luck. Thank you. Lets check in with David Gregory now to find out whats coming up on meet the press. Good morning. Coming up, more on the high anxiety over the al qaeda terror threat. Ill get the very latest from the vice chair of the Senate Intelligence committee. Saxby chambliss, as well as dick durbin. And our political roundtable with morning joe and the future of baseball. With nbc sports bob costas. Big news coming up on steroids and suspensions this tweaweek. See you shortly, david. Thats going to do it for all of us. Thanks for spending time with us. See you later on on nbc nightly news. So long. Enjoy your sunday. Until then, so long, everybody. Thanks for watching and enjoy your sunday. Good morning. Im kris sanchez. And the final countdown to the possible b. A. R. T. Strike is underway. We have reaction from both sides of the negotiating table as well as a backup plan for tomorrows commute. Also, local travelers react to the worldwide terror alert for travelers. And a driver runs into a crowd at a famous boardwalk, but was it deliberate . This is today in the bay. We are looking live at San Francisco. Not only do you see the fog squished down on the transamerica building but you see the flag there waving in the wind. It is a very cool start to the day there