with online cash manager, you can be where the action is. suntrust live solid. bank solid. good morning. gruesome discovery. a body presumed to be that of missing yale student annie le found stuffed in the wall of a campus building on what was supposed to be her wedding day. this morning, the latest on the investigation and the growing fears at yale. all eyes on jay. jay leno set to make his prime time debut tonight. will he change the face of television? this morning, he speaks out about the laughs he has in store, and the pressures he feels. and, wild, wild weekend, from an amazing shot to an ugly outburst on the u.s. open court. to an embarrassing scene at the vmas as rapper kanye west interrupts an acceptance speech by teen star taylor swift. >> i'm really happy for you. i'm going to let you finish. but beyonce had one of the best videos of all time. >> we've got lots to talk about "today," monday, september 14th, >> we've got lots to talk about "today," monday, september 14th, 2009. captions paid for by nbc-universal television good morning. welcome to "today" on a monday morning, i'm matt lauer. >> i'm ann curry in for meredith this morning. we begin with the real tragedy. police are now treating this annie le case as a homicide, matt. >> with good reason. they found what they believe to be the 24-year-old's body on sunday, the very day she was supposed to be married. the body hidden in the walls of a university building where le was last seen on tuesday. now police want to know who else had access to that building. we'll have much more from the yale campus coming up in just a couple of minutes. very scary times there. also ahead, new revelations from ted kennedy's memoir which he did not want released until after his death. his sons ted jr. and patrick will be here to talk about the life of their father and the legacy he leaves behind in a live interview this morning. but we want o begin on this monday morning with that shocking discovery of a body on the campus of yale university believed to be that of missing grad student and bride to be annie le. nbc's jeff rossen is there with the latest on this story. jeff, good morning to you. >> reporter: matt, good morning to you. this is tough to even talk about but that body was found inside of a wall in the basement of the research lab right behind me where annie le was last seen. police are going on the theory right now this was a pretty well-planned attack. it makes sense if you think about it. happened right in the middle of the school day, broad daylight, more than 70 surveillance cameras were rolling in this building alone, yet the killer was able to do it and get this morning t obvious question -- who would want this girl dead, and why? the timing is as awful as the outcome itself. on what was supposed to be annie le's wedding day, the happiest moment of her life, police found what they believe is her lifeless body stuffed inside a wall at this yale research lab. annie was last seen on surveillance tape walking in to this building at 10:00 a.m. tuesday with all the searching and the missing person flyers, she was here the entire time. >> we have positively identified at this time. however we are assuming that it is her at this time so we are treating it as a homicide. >> reporter: overnight the building was locked down. on yale's campus, the investigation now intensifies, there's a killer on the loose, a killer with an unknown motive who, so far, outsmarted even the fbi. it took them five days to find the body. >> i met earlier this evening with annie's family, with her fiance and his family and i conveyed to them all the deeply felt support of the entire yale university community. >> reporter: friends say annie le loved two things -- working toward her dual medical degree, and her fiance, jonathan with a could you zi. "lucky i'm in love with my best friend" she wrote on her facebook page. late last night on their would-en wedding day he got the call confirming what friends suspected all along, his bride-to-be was murdered. >> it just sounds like a classic bad movie. i mean from the start to the finish. i mean just watching this thing unravel, it's just been a nightmare. for him being the groom-to-be, he probably had the same amount of expectation and excitement for this week, and then just for it to all crumble down. >> reporter: annie's friends admit when the fbi got involved right away poring through yale's trash and questioning students, they knew this day would come. >> she was not only book smart, she was street smart. therefore, i think that if somebody were trying to kidnap her, had to have really thought out, very planned. they would have had to have been watching her and even just studying her day to day. they knew where she was at all times. >> reporter: and that's what homicide detectives will focus on now, who are access to the research lab and who would want this popular medical student dead. a young life cut short before the new chapter even started. >> sunday morning there was no party, there was no happiness, there was no bringing together of two lives. it's like a big shattered dream. >> reporter: to get into that research lab, you need a yale university i.d. card like thi one, and these i.d. cards have magnetic strips on the back. you put it up to a sensor, the door opens. if this was an inside job, ann, police will be able to track who went into that building when. >> jeff rossen this morning, thanks. laurel griffith was a high school friend of annie le's. laurel, good morning. you were senior class president, she was valedictorian. you kept in touch on facebook. tell us about annie. this has got to hit you so hard. >> it has been very hard. i know that it's tragic circumstances but i think annie would at least be happy to know that it has brought a lot of us together, a lot of her friends together. it's been very difficulto wait and watch the news. it's been very hard for us. annie was just an amazing person. and i know that when tragedies happen, people always say that, but she truly was, she was probably the most brilliant person i've ever met in my life, but what made her more amazing was that she was -- there was an intersection of intligence and personality and ability and she worked hard and she was great with people and she cared about people a she was funny and she didn't sacrifice one part of her life for another like a lot of people kind of seem to. she just really kind of had it all. she was really amazing. >> how do you make sense of this then? can you think of anyone who would want to harm such a person? >> no. the one theme in all of our conversations, all of the friends, all of the speculating we've done, it's completely -- doesn't make any sense. doesn't ke any sense to us at all. i can't even imagine somebody mad at annie, much less wanting to hurt her. and we can speculate all day about the motives. the only thing honestly that we can come up with is that someone was just jealous. i don't know if it was of her intelligence or of her marriage or what, but i honestly cannot imagine anyone being driven to hurt her other than just someone truly evil. >> i know that many of the high school friends have come together and want to make a statement or say something to annie's parents. what would you like to say to them? >> we would just like them and john to know that there is an entire community back home who have all been praying for annie and them and hoping for the best. we're all extremely saddened to hear about this. it's a tragedy, it affects all of us, annie will never be forgotten. it has been kind of a blessing in disguise for us to come together and share memories of her and we definitely plan to memorialize her and if we can do anything for them at all, any of them, help with anything, please just get in touch. we're ready to help and just extend our sympathies. >> laura, thank you so much for joining us this morning. we now want to bring in clint van zandt, an nbc news analyst and former fbi profiler. clint, the wbody was stuffed ina wall. what's that tell us about the killer? >> basically, ann, it says this is someone who not only had access to the building but perhaps knew his or her way around. as jeff said in his set-up piece, not only do you have to scan a key card to get into the building, but to get down to the lab where annie was working, you also had to scan to get into these basement areas. the college says they know, based upon the scans, who was working in that basement that day. the question is, do they know everyone or could, like many other times, someone have tailgated, walked behind a person who scanned their way in. one way or the other though, they're going to have an idea who was down there that day. >> based on the evidence so far, is it likely that this sort of killer would act again or could this have been an isolated incident based on what we know? >> i think based upon what we know right now, it appears to be an isolated incident. realize, notwithstanding mass murders on college campuses, there are about ten students killed every year on a campus across america. the last person, student, to be killed at yale was 11ears ago. so this looks like something that's going to turn out, if it is not a stalker and realize she's dated the same guy since she was a freshman in college, so if it's not a stalker or as your last guest suggested, someone who was just envious of her, it likely is going to be either -- she was a random victim of violence, someone who was down there, saw her alone and targeted her, or perhaps it was someone committing some type of crime and she walked in on it and she was killed to silence her. >> clint, the pressure on police to find the kilr has got to be intense. very briefly, what are investigators doing right now behind the scenes? >> they're doing everything they can to process the physical evidence. we're told a couple of days ago there were clothing found with blood, may or may not have been the victim's bloodr could be the assailant's blood, too. they're processing all of the physical evidence, number one, trying to relate it to annie, and number two, trying to see if they can relate it to a suspect. they're interviewing people right now. they will be gathering physical evidence, dna, fingerprints, and hopefully the science aspect of it will supplement what law enforcement is doing on the street and the interviews and bring this killer in to custody. because right now you've got a college community that is probably scared, realizing that a killer may be walking among them. >> clint van zandt, thank you so much. very tough case. >> it is. to the news desk now for the other headlines of the morning, natalie's there. natalie, good morning. good morning. exactly one year after the collapse of banng giant lehman brothers, president obama heads to wall street today to talk about where the economy stands and stricter regulations to keep a crisis like this from happening again. nbc's chief white house correspondent chuck todd is in washington. chuck, what's the president expected to say? >> reporter: well, he's going to try to do three things, natalie. number one, in many ways he wants to lay out the groundwork of how the government is going to unwind from its intervention in the financial sector. two, he's going to make a strong case for what is another ece of legislaon he's trying to get passed this fall, a massive new regulation of the financial community. and three, a little bit of a lecture to wall street trying to warn them, hey, don't misread the moment just because things are stable now doesn't mean this system couldn't unravel quickly again. >> chuck, the president also trying to keep momentum going on health care despite all the growing opposition. what's expected this week? >> reporter: well, it's interesting, we should get the full bill out of the senate finance committee which is the one bill that everybody's been waiting for. but it will be interesting to watch this week, because the spotlight's acally going to be a little bit off health care. the president trying to focus on the economy a little bit, going to wall street as we noted today. next week is the g-20, an international event. so we shall see. >> chuck todd at the white house, thanks so much. a new audio message this morning reportedly from osama bin laden. in it, the al qaeda leader says president obama is powerless to stop the war in afghanistan. drama in more ways than one at the u.s. open over the weekend. serena williams has been fined more than $10,000 and faces more possible penalties after her angry expletive-ridding outburst at the line judge who faulted her at match point during the semi-finals. the fault caused williams the game against kim clijsters who went on to win the u.s. open on sunday. it is clijsters' second major championship and a big comeback after being out of tennis two years to have her daughter. in the men's semi-final, roger federer one victory away from his sixth straight u.s. open title after a stunning backwards hit between his legs to set up match point. he is just so good. this morning, music fans are criticizing singer kanye west after he interrupted taylor swift's acceptance speech for best female video at the video music awards last night. >> thank you so much for giving me a chance to win a vma award. >> yo, taylor -- i'm really happy for you, i'm going to let you finish, but beyonce had one of the best videos of all time! >> kanye received loud boos from the audience and later when beyonce accepted her award for video of the year, she gave taylor swift her due time. >> i'd like for taylor to come out and have her moment kanye southwest has since apologized for the incident on his blog. something tells me apology not enough there. it is 7:13. back over to matt, ann and al. somebody who probably is grateful to kanye. maybe to serena for taking the spotlight off of her for her angry outburst. >> meantime, a shout out to kim clijsters. she's the first mom to win since 1980. isn't that something? >> back to the vma thing, it is like you saw no class and class in the same two pieces of tape there. i think kanye needs to seriously consider his place in the universe here. anyway, mr. roker -- >> i have a feeling he got a little smaller. >> how was your weekend? >> pretty good. but our friends down in dallas haven't had a good weekend. the beginning of the week isn't starting any better. heavy rain continues to fall there thanks to a pesky low pressure system, upper low that's not going anywhere. we've got flooding going on down there, some homes are going to have to be evacuated as that flooding continues over the next 24 hours. another two to three inches of rain from dallas to texarkana on up into memphis. rest of the country, beautiful weather in the northeast with temperatures in the 70s and low 80s, showers in northern oóóóóó good morning. here, it is dry and cool on this monday morning. our temperatures around the region in the 50s and 60s. now, 64 in washington. only in the upper 40s in the mountains. for the rettst of date, lots of sunshine. more of the same tomorrow. clouds building by tuesday afternoon. wet watt tern setting up for wednesday and thursday. cloudy and cooler. a chance of passing showers and drizzl >> that's your latest weather. matt in. al, thanks. president obama delivers a major speech today on the economy. exactly a year after the financial collapse that triggered the economic crisis. the question has anything really changed on wall street? here to debate that, cnbc's erin burnett and dylan ratican. a year ago today, lehman brothers, we've got them going belly-up basically. other things happened within about a week or two-week period and a lot of people, experts in the financial world, said we were this close to the financial abyss. looking back, how close were we? >> we were pretty darn close. i would say we were incredibly close. we talked to the treasury secretary in a town hall last week. we said how close do we come to not being able to get money out of the atm. he said amazingly close. it was a classic run on the bank, real fear situation. >> i think you're in one of suppose situations where you'll never know. you can't run a parallel universe where you have different decisions thatre made so you get a different data set. as to erin's point, we know not only were fear levels at levels we hadn't seen since the depression, but more important than that, the risk level. we knew how much money we had and we knew how much money we owed and we knew how big that difference was and the combination of the fear and the gap i think at the very least you had a response you know that was stabilizing and also i think very telling as to how much risk there was which is a good indications for us going forward. >> if you look at where we are right now, folks, there are signs of recovery, and there are still signs of weakness. i think a lot of people would point to the unemployment numbers right now as a strong sign of weakness. so where do we stand right now as compared to where we were a year ago? >> you know, that's an interesting question. technically speaking -- i emphasize the word technically -- we are coming out of a recession. the economy in this country is going to grow this quarter. cash for clunkers, auto plants reopened, you're going to see technical growth. but for most people it isn't going to feel anything like we're coming out of a recession. unemployment is still high and perhaps more important, housing prices are still lower, people's mortgages are still underwater. we're not seeing modifications of mortgages. those two issues mean for most people the recession is not over. >> because there are so many businesses in this country proven themselves unable to function without being supported by the taxpayer, because we have business models that have proven themselves not viable independently, whether it was the cars or the banks, we are in a situation where we don't have the natural cleansing in business because we are falsely perpetuating failed businesses like citigroup and aig. >> ten seconds left. the president's going to call today for stricter regulations, also going to call for wall street to police itself to avoid future catastrophe. >> nothing better than policing yourself. >> what's history tell us about that? >> i think that's pretty clear, not anything good. although it is interesting, treasury is saying right now too little risk is being taken on wall street right now, not too much which i think a lot of people would be surprised to hear. >> the ethics of the people in charge, the people in our treasury, people advising our president were too responsible for building the system that's failed to be trusted. >> not too optimistic there, dylan. thank you vermuch. erin, nice to see you. >> cheer up, dylan. >> he'll have more later on his msnbc show, "morning meeting." tonight's the night "the jay leno show" makes its much anticipated debut later this evening here on nbc. nbc's lee cowan is inside jay's new digs where it all kicks off tonight. lucky you, lee. good morning. >> reporter: good morning, ann. he has a brand-new time slot, this brand-new set, he's got new theme music, the whole nine yards. but to jay leno though, it is stale the same old brand of what he calls big ten comedy that's worked for him for years. does he think this whole thing is a gamble? of course he does. is he worried about it? well, not the comedy. >> the hardest part is really getting your new set to work. you essentially go into a big empty sound stage and you hang lights and you think everything's all right. you go the -- >> reporter: for jay leno, tenical gremlins are the least of his worries. a lot is riding on tonight's grand 10:00 p.m. experiment. "time" magazine said it was nothing less than the future of network television. no pressure. are you worried about it just because it is such a -- or do you think all the hype about it being -- >> i don't worry about it. because i'm rich already. doesn't bother me. not my problem. you know what it is? i did the "tonight show" for 17 years, it was number one when i got it, it was number one when i handed it off. if it doesn't work, people go did you do something else? no. you didn't have another show? no. >> reporter: it's a comedic dodge to a serious question. but behind the scenes jay takes the pressure seriously. this is where you walk out each night? >> you go through these big supermarket doors. >> reporter: he's been testing out new jokes to the seating of the studio audience. up close. >> anything can happen. u get the occasional nut case who tries to attack you. well, that's happened. that's all right. >> reporter: whether his comedy show can compete with pricey prime time dramas like "csi" is unknown. leno views success much like a punch line. it's all in the delivery. >> y try have a little something for everybody. try to have something smart, something silly, something goofy and that's- you put it all together. >> reporter: some of this i would imagine is just sort of throwing stuff at the wall and seeing what sticks. >> it's hardly scientific and no thought goes into it at all. even the idea of throwing it on the wall is sticking is more effort than we put in. >> reporter: his musical sidekick, kevin eubanks, will be back and most of his writers and stage crew, too. but beyond that, "the jay leno show" is different. more comedy, less talk, all at a much faster pace. >> before you kind of do the joke, monologue first, first guest, commercial, dopey actress, band, you're out of there. that's gone! you got to lose the whole dopey actress part. >> reporter: there will be celebrity interviews, although j jay's familiar desk is gone and jay won't carry the show alone. he'll be joined by a team of comics, correspondents much like "the daily show." all of it is unchartered. sort of like trying out a new joke on the road, which jay still does. almost every other weekend. are you still having fun? >> yeah, i have a lot of fun. i'm the oldest quarterback out there and you're in a young person's game and you're competing reasonably competitively. so, yeah, it's a lot of fun. >> reporter: the way leno looks at it, he is a nightclub comic who just happens to be a broadcaster. a hobby almost. but the stakes are high. now unlike the "tonight show," he's only going to have musical guests on two nights a week. tonight is one of them, jay-z, rihanna and kanye west who made those headlines. as for the first celebrity guest, that surprisingly is a comedian, jerry seinfeld. >> lee cowan, thanks so much. i think it is going to do really well. people want to laugh. >> i hope it is a hit. jay will have the chance to say to kanye west tonight what he said to hugh grant those years ago, what were you thinking? should be interesting for the response. >> no kidding. catch the premier of "the jay leno show" tonight at 10:00, 9:00 central time right here on nbc. coming up this morning, the trial of amanda knox, the american student accused of murder in italy getting back underway this morning. and there is a new wrinkle in the case that could greatly prolong this trial. the latest on this. but first, this is "today" on nbc. still ahead, one of hollywood's biggest stars, megan x, joining us live in our studio. also coming up this morning, new revelations from ted kennedy's memoir which will be released today. live with ted jr. and patrick after your local news. good morning. welcome. i'm barbara hair science. the time is 7:26. the trial is set for a wall dorfman accused och causing the death of eight people in the street racing crash. he faces eight cants of vehicular man slaught der. he was racing when his carnt a spectators. lawmakers in rock field are expected to vote on a proposal to outlaw smoking within 50 feet of playgrounds. it is already illegal in maryland good morning. under a clear sky, fresh and cool. temperatures in the 50s and 60s. 64, washington. highs should climb into the low and mid 80s, low humidity, lots of sunshine. tomorrow, partly cloudy, low to mid 80 more humid with rain into the weekend. we are starting to see some inner loop delays between rockville pike and i-95. wilson bridge, southeast quarters are okay. northeast, trying to get there on 50. still jammed because of the earlier accident which has been cleared. tonight on "news 4 at 5:00," school is back in session. we have a lunch lesson for parents, how to make 7:30 now on a monday morning, the 14th day of september, 2009. take a look outside on what promises to be a pretty nice day here in the northeast. we've got a nice crowd of people gathered. we're happy they're starting their week with us. we'll get outside to say hi to them in a little while. inside studio 1a, i'm matt lauer alongside maann curry. meredith is off today. triumphs and tragedies that were so much a part of ted kennedy's life. >> that's right. new revelations the late senator made and the memoir he did not want released until after his death. personal perspective this morning from the senator's two sons, ted jr. and patrick. also ahead, a bold new marketing campaign aimed at jump-starting general motors' revival. the offer is this -- buy a n chevy, buick, gmc or cadillac. if you don't like it, bring it back for a full refund. can that work? we'll talk to one of the men in charge of that program. later on a lighter note, actress megan fox will be here. stop getting so excited. she will be talking about her new movie and what she has planned for next week's season premier of saturday night live. i know everybody basically in the studio's very excited about her arriving. >> looks a little sinister in that clip. let us begin this half-hour with the italian murder trial of the american college student amanda knox. it resumes this morning following a summer break. nbc's keith miller is in italy with the latest. keith, good morning to you. >> reporter: well, the defense started off after this long break with a call for a mistrial over missing dna documents. the judge rejected that, just another twist in this complicated -- amanda knox spent her sumner a sweltering prison cell. but as she entered court today, the 21-year-old from seattle had only smiles for family and friends. but her dad in italy to attend the trial says prison life is taking its toll. >> steel bars and the 90-degree heat. it is pretty much like an oven out there. >> reporter: resuming after a two-month recess, the defense will continue to present their case that knox and her former boyfriend are not guilty of murder. the prosecution claims the two students, along with another man, sexually assaulted and murdered knox's roommate, meredith kirscher, an exchange student from england. the trial now in its ninth month could be extended until next year. the judge according to court sources is considering calling in a special forensic investigator because the crime scene evidence presented by the prosecution and defense is wildly contradictory. >> they have to take the extra 60 days to get the right answer knowing that it should be an acquittal. it's very unfortunate, but we'd like to bring her home as quickly as possible. >> reporter: the length of the court case has some lawyers wondering if knox can get a fair trial. >> people will forget. people get sick. judges could be substituted. same with prosecutors. really, it is a very, very bad thing because it could have effects that go beyond, you know, lo's right and who's wrong. >> reporter: complicating the case is the 350 pages of documents relating to dna evidence that the prosecution withheld from the defense. the judge has appeared exasperated at the proceedings. knox maintains her composure, despite having to live for the past 20 months as a convict who's not been convicted. >> that was nbc's keith miller reporting. let's head outside for a check of the weather with al roker. hey, al. >> announcer: today's weather is brought to you by ihop. official sponsor of the nfl. try the all-pro lineup today. come hungry, leave happy. >> wow, i like how jim bell said "come happy -- come hungry, leave happy." very nice. hey, we got outlaw in l-laws he. you three. okay. i didn't know. having a good time? >> having a great time. >> that's great. we want you to leave happy, too, but don't leave just yet because we want to show you your weather. as far as your week ahead, much above normal conditions in the west, below normal down through texas where they're seeing a lot of rain. below normal mid to late-week in the northeast. reason for that, the rain. wet weather from new england all the way down to the gulf coast asóóó well, we have some awesome autumn weather on the way for toy. good morning. right now, under a clear sky. temperatures around the region are in the generally 50s and low 60s. that was a live picture from our city camera showing a gentle breeze coming in out of the northwest. highs will climb out of the 60s where they are now to the mid 80s. low humidity in place with lots of sun. mid 80s with low humidity. >> and that's your latest weather. matt? al, thank you very much. now to senator ted kennedy's labor of love -- true compass, the memoir he worked to finish in his final months but didn't want released until after his death. it hits book stores today. we'll talk to his sons, ted jr. and patrick in a moment. but first, nbc's andrea mitchell has more. >> reporter: good morning, ma. for the first time we're learning the inside story of a kennedy life from one of the original brothers. this is the only memoir ever written by a kennedy. it's published today and it arrived at the senator's hyannis port home on the day he finally took to his bed. he died later that night. according to the publisher, he most likely never saw the book that he struggled so hard to finish. in "true compass," teddy kennedy reveals the lessons of a lifetime, from his privileged youth as the youngest kennedy child, to the burdens of being the only surviving son. he was reflective talking with his publisher last february. >> some time in your life you have to recognize that there's an extraordinary opportunity to put down some thoughts that you have that are relevant to your service in the united states senate. that's what i've tried to do. >> reporter: his memoir is a fascinating account of his childhood, including some tough lessons from his father. >> i had a sit-down with my dad. he said, "i just want you to know i have other children that are out there that intend to have a purposeful and constructive life, ando you have to make up your mind about which direction you're going to go." >> reporter: what emernlgs in the book is how scarred kennedy was by his brother's assassinations. first jack. then bobby. >> those of us who loved him and have taken him to his rest too. >> reporter: he writes how he, too, feared he would be shot. flinching at 21-gun salutes at arlington cemetery, recoiling when a car backfired recalls a former aide. >> did he a magnificent job containing the anxiety that had to be a part of it. i saw him drop to the ground when there was a loud bang. i saw him ask me to take a boombox away because he thought it was ticking like a bomb. >> reporter: in the end, ted kennedy passed the torch of his legacy to his family and to a new, young president. >> what we face, he wrote, is, above all, a moral issue. at stake are not just the details of policy, but fundamental principles of social justice. and the character of our country. >> reporter: kennedy pulls back the curtain on the terrible losses of his life and his final battle with cancer, as well as the illnesses of his children. and then there is his final advice to his grandson, teddy iii. he writes, "sure there will be storms along the way and you might not reach your goal right away, but if you do your best and keep a true compass, you'll get there." matt? >> andrea, thank you very much. andrea mitchell in washington this morning. joined now by senator kennedy's sons, ted kennedy jr. and congressman patrick kennedy. good morning. my condolences to both of you and thanks for joining us. you're right, a memoir is supposed to be revealing and candid but they aren't always. were you surprised at some of the things your dad wrote in this about the assassination of his broers and the loss of his sister and chappaquiddick? >> listen, matt, for one thing, everybody knows my dad wasn't the most sentimental, emotive guy. he's old irish in that respect. he taught us mostly by example in terms of perseverance and how he got through his own difficult times by example. for us this was an enormous revelation in a sense because this book was really one where he talked about his feelings and emotions at various points in his life. obviously this last year was one where we got to know more about his feelings as he became more reflective about his life and one of the best parts about having this extra year with him where he knew about his impending mortality was the fact that he was more forthcoming with his feelings. but really, this book is an enormous revelation for us in many respects because these are stories that we never heard before. >> ted, do you think that he felt -- patrick says old irish, but was there also this sense in your father that as the tragically anointed patriarch of this family that had seen so many tragedies, had he to hold the bold face? >> he did, yes. he was the one who really had to hold it together. after all, he wasn't just a father to my brother and sister and me, he was the father to all of us in our family. and he did have to kp that stow sic stoicism. i just read the book the first time two days after he died. quite honestly, i was a little scared about what i might be reading about. but what i found was his voice speaking to me in an incredibly powerful way. and i was really comforted by the words. >> he talks about going back to the senate after the assassination of robert and he says "it was a need to fill his life with activity," "devastation about bobby's death and with it all my pent-up grief about jack threatens to overtake me." sounds like he really struggled with keepi it together internally. >> he did. >> who wouldn't? after the suffering that he suffered. i mean this was more than any human being could ever be imagined to carry. i mean the violent deaths of it would have his brothers, right up close in public view. then of course he lost his other siblings earlier in his life. >> he talks about his first marriage to your mom, joan. he says i do not blame joan for the demise of our marriage, nor do i agree with some of the accounts that she has given as to the reasons for its demise. was that one of those subjects that you were a little nervous about reading about? >> no. i think that, you know, my parents, as my dad talked about in the book, they got married when they were very young and really didn't know each other that well. i think a lot of people did in the late 1950s. so i thought he was very gracious actually towards my mother and i think he recognized, took responsibility for the breakdown of their marriage. but what's really important i think is how he dealt with these feelings and emotions. that's the most revealing out of this book. >> patrick, a lot of people are wondering would he write about chappaquiddick. in fact he did. he said it was something that haunted him every day of his life after the tragic death of mary jo kopechne. there are still some people -- i'm calling you patrick, i should call you congressman. i apologize. but the setting seems appropriate -- who still feel that he didn't pay enough of a personal or political price for that event and that he was a kennedy and that made it go away. how do you respond when you hear that? >> well, obviously people have the -- are entitled to their opinions. the fact of the matter is this would have just paralyzed any normal person and he spent his life working to improve the lives of many and he, in a sense, basically saved millions of people through his work on aids, through his work on health care, through his work on so many issues that are of vital importance to saving people's lives. i think he spent his life trying to work to make up for his failings. and the real story of this book is how someone kept going inspite of otherwise being paralyzed. i think all of us could have just hung it up at that point. i certainly would have. and yet he carried on and he a terrific job. and that was what i think america's story's all about, is that in spite of all the biggest obstles you could face, you could still be once who could make a difference in life. >> ted, let me end on a very simple note. he talked about his father and for all of the high-profile job his dad, joseph, held, he said "i always just thought of him as my dad." so tell me about ted kennedy as your dad and your dad. what was he like as a father? >> well, he was an incredible father and my best friend. he was so much fun to be with and he was such a nice guy. and one of the things that comes across in the tributes, and even from his republican colleagues, you know, orrin hatch and john mccain, they just really liked him and that's one of the things -- reasons was one of the secret ingredients that he had that made him such a successful legislator. but he really felt that his family was his greatest treasure and he made me feel special every single day of my life. >> again, our condolences. ted kennedy jr., congressman patrick kennedy, good to have you both. thanks very much for sharing your memories. again, senator kennedy's memoir is called "true compass." we're back right after this. now to general motors' unprecedented campaign being launch dad to improve sales and win bachus mers. general motors is now offering car buyers a money-back guarantee. mr. lutz, good morning. you're saying in 60 days if they don't like the car they can bring the car back and you'll give them all their money back? >> that's exactly right. no questions asked. if not completely satisfied you get your money back. >> you know people are going to take advantage of that, just take out the car and bring it back. why is it worth the risk? >> first of all, this has been tried once in the uk and the return rate was about 2% to 3% and e abuse of people just taking a car was less than .5%. so, yes, it is a certain risk and it will cost some money but i think it is a way of breaking through and really getting kind of undecided americans to take a look. >> is there some fine print that we don't know about here? >> yeah, there is. you must have more than 30 days, less than 60, you must not have exceeded 4,000 miles and you must be current on your payments. >> meantime, you're running ads starting on sunday with ed whitaker who is an unlikely spokesperson for gm and you say that the feedback has been getting -- has been pretty amazing. he is gm's newly appointed chairman. a lot of people though are skittish about buying gm cars. they're afraid it may not stay in business and what is your response to that? >> well, that's what this is all about. first of all, we're not only emphasizing the 60-day satisfaction guarantee but we're also stressing our unique 100,000-mile, five-year power train warrantee. the combination between the now demonstrated excellence of our cars, which are winning all kinds of awards, plus the power train warrantee and plus the 60-day satisfaction guarantee i think should overcome a lot of people's reluctance. >> american taxpayers have a lot at stake in this, $50 billion was spent to bail out gm. you want to tell me how much you're spending on the ads? >> enough to get the message through is about all we're ying. our advertising spending is up, but i think it is a very wise investment of the taxpayers' money because what we've done over the last few years is we've produced these great cars, then we didn't have the money to tell people about them. >> well, we'll find out what happens. bob lutz, thank you so much. still ahead, the man who wrestles and swims with wild lyons. we'll meet him right after these messages. still ahead, actress megan fox. good morning, everybody. i'm barbara harrison. it is monday, september 14th, 2009. it has been nearly seven years since the sniper attacks terrified our areas. virginia is trying to set an execution date for the convicted mastermind. the commonwealth wants john allen mohammed to be executed november 9th. they sent a letter to the court with that request. the redskins are reeling after a tough loss on the road to the new york giants. by the second quarter, the skins were down 10-0. that's when giant's forced the fumble and made it 17-0. they lost 23-17. we'll take a look good morning. bright sunshine, blue sky, fresh and cool, 64 in washington. low and mid 60s in the nearby suburbs. cooler farther north and west. low 60s. lots of sun today. highs climbing into the low and mid 80s with low humidity. tomorrow, partly cloudy, low to mid 80s into the mid afternoon. clouding up tuesday night, lalt showers tuesday and wednesday and perhaps thursday. friday, into the weekend, it looks like this weather pattern is kind of stuck in place. clouds, chances of passing showers each day, morning lows in the 60s. afternoon highs into the mid 70s. average high this time of year is around 80 degrees. now, let's check the traffic for this monday morning. back to work and school. jerry, how is it looking? we'll start with i-66, really loaded up. we have intense sunshine. the bigger problem is the new configuration, eastbound 66, the extra ramp to the inner loop. it's a bit short after a merge. 395 downtown, packed in. lanes are reported open to and from the 14th street. earlier, activity on the shoulder. that pierce to be gone. a lot of volume. baara? tonight on 8:00 now on a monday morning, the 14th day of september, 2009. we have a loud and exuberant crowd gathered on rockefeller plaza this morning. you know what? they're in a good mood for a couple of reasons. it is a picture-perfect day here in the northeast, and we have that young lady right there out on our plaza as well, that is megan fox, one of the hottest names in hollywood right now. she's got a brand-new movie out. we're going to talk to her about that in just a couple of minutes. out on the plaza, i'm matt lauer along with ann curry, also # hollywood. >> oh, come on! >> al roker as well. >> meredith is taking some time off. coming up, you are going to tackle nothing less than the future of television as we know it. >> that's right. we heard there is a broadcast starting tonight, a big premier of -- jay leno's got a show on tonight? >> "the jay leno show." >> the question is if he is successful -- >> what do you mean "if"? >> it says right here he will be successful. >> -- that it could redefine evening television. people are betting on both sides. i myself think it is going to be successful because people really want to laugh. >> that's why i'm here. you bet. we're going to meet a man who lives alongside lions. in fact, he considers them his brothers and sisters. meaning if you get into a little fight at the kitchen table, could be ugly. their remarkable bond coming up next. and a little later on, the newest member of the "joy fit club." we'll find out how this woman went from being a size 22 to a size 2. >> wow! >> okay? >> can we just cheer that woman on? cheer her on. but first let's go inside. natalie's got a look at the headlines. natalie, good morning. good morning. yale university plans to hold a prayer vigil tonight for graduate student annie le police believe they have found her body after nearly a week-long search. the gruesome discovery was made sunday in the wall of a university research building where le was last seen. sunday was supposed to be le's wedding day. the investigation is now being treated as a homicide. president obama heads to wall street today for a major speech on the economy. exactly one year after the collapse of lehn brothers. the president is expected to call on congress to approve regulatory reform to prevent anotr market meltdown. this morning, european and asian markets fell amid an announcement by the u.s. that it will now impose tariffs on chinese-made tires. tokyo's nikkei slid more than 2%. house democrats say they will try to reprimand congressman joe wilson this week if he doesn't apologize for his outburst during president obama's health care address when he shouted "you lie." on sunday, wilson said his apology to the president was enough and that he will not apologize to the house. tennis star serena williams' outburst at the u.s. open has cost her more than $10,000 in fines and could cost her all the money she earned at the tournament, plus a possible suspension at next year's open. this as officials investigate whether williams committed a major offense. we get more now from nbc's peter alexander. >> reporter: it was billed as the match of the tournament, and that's likely how it will be remembered. but not for the tennis. defending champion serena williams down to her last two points, with the serve -- >> fault. >> foot fault. >> reporter: and a rare penalty. then williams explode with a tirade as fierce as her forehand. >> that's as angry as i've ever seen her. >> reporter: she unleashed a string of expletives, even reportedly threatening to stuff a ball down the line judge's throat costing her another penalty point and the match. >> i try not to live my life saying "i wish," "i wish." but i was out there and i fought and i tried and i did my best. >> reporter: the outburst left her opponent, kim clijsters, and her fans stunned. >> i love serena. i love her. i really wish she hadn't lost it like that. >> if she would have apologized right then it would be a totally different story but she's shirking it off like she didn't do anything. >> reporter: late sunday in a statement williams conceded i let my passion and emotion get the better of me and handled the situation poorly. today, she'll team up with her sister venus in the women's doubles final and, outburst aside, cou still leave new york a champion. peter alexander, nbc news, flushing meadows, new york. it is 8:04 right now. let's go back outside to mr. al roker. there he is. >> thank you very much. we got a grandmand granddaughter on the road trip. right there. yeah. >> wisconsin. >> are you guys doing anything wild? >> we are! going to the "today" show. >> and then it gets crazier from there. right? let's check your weather, see what's going on. for today, atlanta, georgia, nbc 11, afternoon showers, 83 degrees. the jet stream is way up to the north so those pesky upper lows down in texas won't move. that's why they got all the heavy rain. as we move to wednesday, it finally starts to move a little bit and that will bring the rain up into the east as well and into the mid plains. we're also looking at wet weather in the pacific northwest as well. it's your 50th anniversary? what's your names? >> ellena and robert. >> you haven'tóóóóóóóóóóóóoo good morning. clear and cool on this monday morning. right now, we are in the 60s around the region. 67 in washington, blue ridge into the shenandoah valley, mountains, low and mid 50s. elsewhere, 60s. high, low and mid 80s. lots of sun, low humidity. mostly clear tonight. low 60s tomorrow morning. mostly cloudy tuesday afternoon with highs in the mid 80s. >> we got my friend here, your name's matt. right, young man? >> yeah. >> where you guys from? >> atlanta. >> atlanta! 11 alive. all right, good to see you. back over to ann. coming up next, we've got megan fox live in studio 1a right after this. vetables are naturally low in calories. ily rvings. it's a tasty, nutritious way to make this number go up... and help this one go down. v8. what's your number? did you know 40% of tooth surface is hidden between teeth providing a perfect hiding place? that's why aquafresh invented iso-active whitening. a breakthrough gel that transforms into an active foam. it not only protects between teeth... ...it removes three times more bacteria as it whitens. go beyond toothpaste. new triple protection iso-active whitening from aquafresh. amazing. the sparkly flakes. the honey-baked bunches! the magic's in the mix. my favorite part? eating it. honey bunches of oats. taste the joy we put in every spoonful. ♪ mmm... hot fudge sundae. ♪ ooh! frosted blueberry?!? ♪ over 25 flavors of kellogg's pop-tarts®. and they're all for fun and fun for all. pop-tarts®. made for fun why not? have you ever climbed a rockwall in the middle of the ocean? or tried something really wild? why not? it's all possible in royal caribbean's nation of why not. on our caribbean cruises, you can do anything you want. which may be nothing at all. for as low as $80 a day, why not reserve now? call 1-800-royal caribbean or your professional travel agent today. if you're using other moisturizing body washes, you ght as well be. you see, their moisturizer sits on top of skin, almost as if you're wearing it. only new dove deep moisture has nutriummoisture, a breakthrough formula with natural moisturizers... that can nourish deep down. it's the most effective natural nourishment ever. new dove deep moisture with nutriummoisture. superior natural nourishment for your skin. ♪ fox >> announcer: this portion of "today" is brought to you by bank of america. we're back now at 8:11 with one of the biggest names in hollywood, megan fox. she turned heads in the transformer films, and now she gets her first title role in jt jennifer's body" playing a small town cheerleader possessed by a demon who feeds on high schoolbo. >> this isn't really your house, is it? >> no, baby. this is our house, just for you and me. we can play mommy and daddy. >> no way. >> i need you frightened. i need you hopeless. >> megan fox, good morning. we just want to point out, she was putting coffee down, nothing more sinister. you said to me earlier, this is a comedy. you want people to know that. you don't want them to think this is hard-core -- >> horror. >> exactly. >> it's not. no, it is start ofn irriv rent darkdy with some horror elements to it. but people should go in prepared to laugh. >> to snicker. you aren't looking for people to come up with serious critiques afterward. >> well, no, not if you're. >>ing in thinking you're going to see a slasher or a thriller. it is not that. >> what made you take this role? because you're in an unusual place in your career right now. i'm sure stuck between this wild popularity that has been given to you, or that you've achieved through these movies, these huge "transformers" movies, and this other area where you want to be known as an actress. >> right. >> so tell me about this role as it came along and what made you say yes to it? >> the script, diablo cody wrote the script. that's all i needed toknow. before i even opened it i wanted to be a part of something she was a part of because she's so brilliant and i admire her. on the first page there is a belly laugh. i laughed outloud reading, and there is laugh on every page after that. so i just had to be a part of it. i thought that the writing was unbelievably original and it was something that we haven't seen in theaters in a long time, a movie like this. it feels very '80s when you watch it. >> stay on this place you're in right now. how kind of delicate a situation do you find yourself in? your choices now are going to get analyzed a lot by the people who either want to see you in one way or aren't used to seeing you or want to see you in another way. >> right. >> how does that affect your decision making? >> i try to just do -- mainly i'm just happy that i'm still working and i continue to get these opportunities, but i try to make choices that are different from whatever project i was last working on, and this is definitely very unique. i've worked on a project since with josh brolin and john ma malkvich. i've been fortunate to surround myself by very talented people. >> you said acting wise you were terrible in the first "transformers" and you said you tried very hard in the second. which is very honest. does this allow you to expand this role? >> it is not about allowing me to expand because that was never the issue. i think i'm just new. i'm very green still in trying to figure things out and wanting to become better. this was definitely a more complex character for me because there is a lot going on with her and a lot going on with all the characters in the movie. so it was a lot of work. i put a lot of effort into it. >> you're also outspoken about your personal life. you said this, i think it surprised a lot of -- don't get nervous. >> i'm so nervous. >> you said i'm really insecure about everything. i never think i'm worthy of anything. i have a sick feeling of being mocked all the time. i have a lot of self-loathing. on the exterior when i meet you and others meet you, they think you're pretty confident. where does this come from? >> i think that all actors are pretty hp &hc i mean in general. i obviously can't speak for everybody, but i think that's sort of what drives us into this business is that insecurity, and especially being a woman. i think all women, unfortunately, have some deep-seeded insecurities, for whatever reason, because of how we're raised in society. it's hard having so much focus put on you all the time. it is hd to maintain that sort of confidence because you're always second-guessing yourself and questioning yourself and feeling like you're letting someone down or you're failing in one way or another because you can't please all of the people all of the time. >> so how are you handling this outrageous popularity right now? if you go on google and type the letter "m" in, it goes "megan fox." it is amazing how many people have taken an interest in you. what's the best part about it and what's the worst part about it? >> the best part is that you always feel blessed and lucky to have any sort of success in this business because it is so hard for most people to achieve it. i do feel undeserving of it but i feel like it came pretty easily because i was involved in something that was so much bigger than i was and it opened all these doors for me. i mean the worst part about it is just the lacknymity which is a hard thing to describe to people. when people are constantly picking apart everything that you say or do and judging it, it is tough to live in that space every day. it's basically like you're always in high school. you never get out of high school. hollywood is a giant high school. >> as we all know, parts of high school were terrible. parts were great though. you'll guest host the season premier of "snl." are you nervous about that? >> i have a fear of public speaking. >> that's not good. >> that's not good, no. but we'll see what happens. i'm -- obviously everybody is a huge fan of the show. i'm really excited to get to meet all these people and get to do something so incredible that i never thought i would get to do. >> most people who come through here who are about to do it say it is the scariest, best experience they ever have. >> really? >> good luck. >> thank you. >> "jennifer's body" opens on friday. next, jay leno's prime time premier and how it could forever change the face of television right after this. ese days every penny counts with everything you buy. every head. every bite. every gallon. every shoe. every book. every cereal. well, maybe not every cereal. but every stem. every stitch. every tune. every toy. pretty much everything you buy can help your savings account grow because keep the change from bank of america rounds up every debit card purchase to the next dollar d transfers the difference from your checking to savings account. it's one of the many ways we make saving money in tough times a whole lot easier. (announcer) wh are you going to miss when you have an allergy attack? achoo! (announcer) benadryl is more effective than claritin at relieving your worst mptoms. and works when you need it most. benadryl. you can't pause life. the best way to tell how great you look... is in your jeans. drop a jean size in two weeks... with the special k challenge. with more delicious options than ever. jeans don't lie. go to... the new specialk.com to design your plan. jeans don't lie. go to... sea salts vary in color and taste. one tops tm all. adding it helps us use less salt than before in campbell's tomato soup while keeping the famous flavor. ♪ so many, many reasons ♪ it's so m'm! m'm! good! ♪ shopping online can help save. doing it with bank of america can help save a lot more. up to 20% cash back from over 300 online retailers with our add it up program. just sign up and use your bank of america debit or credit card when you shop online. it's one of the many ways we make saving money in tough times a whole lot easier. announcer: it gives the world fewer smog-forming emissions. it gives you a 50 mile per gallon rating. the 3rd generation prius. it's harmony between man, nature and machine. 8:21. tonight jay leno is promising a lot of new treats to go along with the fan favorites from the "tonight show" like headlines and jay walking. but the question is will jay's late night audience embrace him in prime time? lisa chambers is the managing editor of "tv guide" and a pop culture guru -- >> guru. that's awesome. >> does jay have the possibility of remaking the nature, the face, of television. lisa? >> yeah, definitely the possibility is there. >> if he succeeds. >> if he succeeds. this is a kind of experiment that we haven't seen in prime time on television in years. >> chuck? >> i'm just glad nbc has put no pressure whatsoever on jay leno. hey, man, save my network, please! >> not just save the network. >> change television! >> he's lost wght for this thing, he seems to be in battle form. the question really is what are the viewers, what do the audience want? the reason i think it might be successful is because people need to laugh. perhaps in this time of our history, perhaps more than in other times. what do you think about that, lisa? >> i think he's got a really interesting opportunity because the other alternatives are these sort of heavy dramas at 10:00 he's going to be up against. people question he's going to be up against csi miami or the menialist, shows like that. but he's going to offer a light alternative. >> as a comedian i got to go with the joke. even if a hot woman's looking into a microscope to see a little teeny piece of thing that killed somebody, that's all well and good. i'm going for the joke myself. >> but it's funny at 10:00 the same as funny at 11:30? >> i think funny is funny. who said you can only be funny after 11:00 in america? when did that rule get made? hopefully all the networks will do what nbc's doing and we can get to bed earlier. that's all i say. >> so the bottom line is that th pressure is really on jay to be funny. that's really -- if he is funny, you think he'll succeed. if he's not funny, then he won't. is that the conclusion? >> yes. and he's trying to be topical, too. there is some talk about the show being sort of dvr-proof because it is live every day, people are going to want to tune in -- >> kanye west is on tonight. last night -- i mean -- >> gave him the gift. >> kanye, thank you so much, kanye. kanye created some controversy. >> oh, good, yes. >> people are going to want to tune in. jay's no doubt paying attention to trying to come up with segments that are going to end up on youtube and going viral. an interview with kanye west the day after this explosion -- >> are you saying he's got to be newsy? >> well honestly, i mean people watch the news all the time because it's happening and it's current. to have somebody like kanye on the day after the vmas and to be able to say to him, why do you want america to hate you? like that means something. >> and what a way to start for jay. >> so it's kind of like a jon stewart-ish move. jon takes the news and makes a spin on it. that's the opportunity we have at 10:00. >> look how successful jon stewart is in that format and by doing so. so i think it may work. get ready, america. tv's about to change. >> but on the other hand -- on the other hand, there are a lot of new programs. the first few nights, as i understand it, starts tonight he's going to have kind of a free ride. but then some new shows are going to be coming in that could be major competition. >> premier week really starts september 21st. that's when all the big dramas and new comedies come back. that's going to be jay's test. >> lisa chambers, thank you so much. chuck knight, thank you so much. fun to talk to you guys. let's go to lunch! "the jay leno show" premiers tonight at 10:00, 9:00 central time right here on nbc. still ahead, a live performance from pink. she's in the studio right now. right after your local news. bright sun, blue skies. partly cloudy on tuesday. chance of rain moving in tomorrow night into wednesday and thursday. cooler as well. both of those days with highs in the low 70s. good morning, jerry. how is our morning traffic? good morning, everyone. very slow. 66 jammed. a new exit configuration et of 66 to go to the inner loop of the beltway. catching more than a few folks by surprise. serious crash, i-97 closed. it is blocked right now. on "news 4 at 5:00" p.m., schools back in session. we have a lesson for parents, how to make school ♪ back now at 8:30 on a monday morning, 14th day of september, 2009. pretty day here in the northeast, and if you listen i the background, you'll hear some great music courtesy of pink. and pink is in our studio in this half-hour to perform one of her hit songs for us. and we like to say about pink, when she comes, she comes to play. i don't just mean the music. >> oh, yes. >> playing already in the studio a little bit. my goodness. >> she was at the vmas last night. no question about it. we'll talk to pink and hear her sing in just a little while. you're going to talk to a guy who actually lives with lyons. >> his name is kevin richardson. he's so close to big cats. he actually says that one of him is his soulmate. we'll be speaking to him about his remarkable bond. >> the lion sleeps tonight. a young woman who's battled obesity all of her life. well, she's managed to lose half of her body weight and she's going to tell us the secret to her success. i met her in the green room. just looks like a cometely different person. >> she is the newest member of the "joy fit club." >> good for her! >> exactly. congratulations. but before we go any further, mr. roker, have you a check of the weather. >> absolutely. again, we continue with below-normal temperatures, texas on up into new england, that's because of the rain that's going to be falling later on in the week. much above to above-normal temperatures out west from the great lakes to the west coast. precipitationwise, looking really wet from new england all the way down to the gulf coast, showers in the southwest, mainl another beautiful autumn day. temperatures clichling through the 60s and will hit the 70s through the next couple of hours. by this afternoon, we will hit the mid 80s with lots of sun, low humidity. mostly cli tonight. low 60s tomorrow morning. another clear day tomorrow. the weather pattern changing and we will be in a stuck pattern wednday, thursday and into the weekend. each day cloudy with a cha >> and that's your latest weather. al, thanks very much. now to today's search for the lost symbol, dan brown's new novel hits book stores a midnight tonight and we have one final clue to see if you can figure out some of the pivotal locations in that story. this place was built as a physical symbol of man's intellectual ascent. three tiers of increasing architectural complexity. it was inspired by the ancient pharaoh's light house, at the very top an egyptian pyramid. this architectural marvel stands as memorial to a great man in history, a man of whom king george iii once said, "if he does that, he will be the greatest man in the world." in this room, members of a society meet, important traditions, rituals and ceremonies dating back centuries take place here. now it's said not to be a secret society, but a society with secrets. shrouded behind the curtain in front of me hides a replica of an enormously famous and mystically powerful artifact whose name is an anagram for contact for heaven. can you figure out the anagram, and where am i? >> we need a little more time. >> you're in jim bell's office o. >> no, but it looks like jim bell's office. we're going to give you the answers to all the clues we've given you over the last four days or so wednesday morning right here on "today." also coming up tomorrow on "today," you've got a rare exclusive interview with dan brown. you'll talk to him about how "the lost symbol" came together from the very first idea to the pressure now he's feeling during its release. >> you think he's got any pressure? 5 million copies printed waiting to be hopefully sold? >> i don't think he'll have a problem. >> i don't think so either. >> it is already a best seller. >> it's true. we'll have much more ahead on this monday morning, but first this is "today" on nbc. ♪ this nonk morning on "look at me now," a 45-year-old nurse from los angeles has dropped 110 pounds without surgery. we'll meet her in a moment but first her story in her own words. >> my name is rosemary jon pierre and i've been overweight my entire life. i grew up in the philippines where it was uncommon for kids to beoverweight. as the token fat girl, i was always made fun of. food was the only comfort i had. i couldn't stop myself from eating greasy food and sweets. i would eat anywhere from 6,000 to 7,000 calories every day. food filled the void in my life. when i turned 39, my doctor diagnosed me as prediabetic with a high risk for heart disease. that's when i knew i needed to make a change. i went to the library and researched articles about living healthy and i started to eat right and exercise. after 18 months, i lost 110 pounds. i have discovered that i have a passion for running, and i have started competing in marathons. i'm so proud of what i have accomplished and i feel like i'm on top of the world. >> joy bauer is with us now for the big reveal. joy, before we bring rosemarie out, let's take one more look at a picture of her in the before state. >> it is an incredible story. aside of her oozing with happiness, she literally lost half of her weight in pounds. >> so ladies and gentlemen, the newest member of the "joy fit club," rosemarie jon pierre. hello, rosemarie. how are you? you even run out here. look at you. >> i'm going to bring you a trophy. >> look at you! >> it is incredible. 110 pounds. >> i feel so great. >> were you standing out there looking at the pictures of you in days of old? >> yes. yes. >> what do you think when you look at those pictures? >> i feel so much -- i mean so much happier. i was able to achieve something like this. i can't believe i was able to do this and i'm so speechless right now. i'm so thankful, so grateful. >> you have said -- joy she's said, i think you've heard this from other people -- rosemarie said she used to use food as a drug and learned not to do that. that's not an easy thing to learn. >> not at all. she had a lot of help issues working against her. she was diagnosed as a borderline diabetic. she had high cholesterol, hypertension, debilitating migraines, aches and pains and she made the decision. >> you made the decision, healthy eating and exercise. >> very true. >> that was it. >> yeah that was it. i educated myself how to live a healthy lifestyle. >> she let exercise take over for a lot of her eating. she regularly runs, and wins, marathons now. >> there had to be setbacks along the way. i'm sure there were times when you didn't feel like sticking with it. how did you pick yourself up? >> i have to rememb that it's doable. i have so much faith in him and he gave me all the strength to overcome my weaknesses. i stick with self-discipline. >> big believer in god. >> yes. >> quickly can we talk about di? she ate a lot of protein but it was fatty protein. >> the weight loss boiled down to two major swaps. first swapping out refined white carbs. in rosemarie's culture you eat a lot of white rice. she was eating four to five cups with each and every meal. when she got rid of that she knocked off 2,000 calories off of her daily day. >> her diet today? >> high-fat meats are now gone! no more fried stuff. instead, grilled, unbreaded chicken, eggs, tuna that's packed in water and of course, lots of fish. >> rosemarie, oftentimes when we have people on with joy i say do you think you can keep this up. i think i know the answer in your case. i have a feeling this is not going to be hard for you to continue. is it? >> yes, true. >> without question. >> without question. >> you're driven. >> definitely, yes. yes. i'm very hard-driven. yes. >> well, congratulations and welcome to her club. >> thank you so much. >> thank you for inspiring so many of our viewers. >> thank you. i'm here to inspire others. >> you've done that. rosemarie, thanks so much and congratulations. for more nutrition advice and to learn how you or someone you know can be considered for the "joy fit club" -- and get that hug that rose marie just got. head to our website at todayshow.com. up next, the man many call the lion whisperer. his remarkable boss: so word's gettin' out that geico can help people save in even more ways - on motorcycle insurance, rv, camper, boat insurance. nice work, everyone. exec: well, it's easy for him. he's a cute little lizard. gecko: ah,ecko, actually - exec: with all due respect, if i was tiny and green and had a british accent i'd have more folks paying attention to me too... i mean - (faux english accent) "save money! pip pip cheerio!" exec 2: british? i thought you were australian. gecko: well, it's funny you should ask. 'cause actually, i'm from - anncr: geico. fifteen minutes could save you fifteen percent or more on car insurance. ♪ in the jungle the nighty jungle ♪ back at 8:43. kevin richardson has dedicated his life to the lions of africa. he spent so much time with them, he actually considers himself part of a lion family. he talks about that special bond in a new book called "part of the pride my life among the big cats of africa." kevin, good morning. >> good morning. >> you're from south africa. you've done a documentary. you are a animal behavioralist. people call you the lion whisperer. can you explain your actions? >> yeah, a lot of people probably think i'm quite mad to do what i do. there is a little bit of method to the madness. it started 11 years ago with two little lion cubs that touched my heart in a very special way. i had no idea back then that i'd be doing this 11 years later. but you know, due to all the media attention and a lot of the youtube clips on about me, i found i've actually got an ability now reach a far greater audience and get out the plight of the lion of africa. >> what is that message? >> in the past decade or so, lion numbers have dropped from over 300,000 in the world to just 23,000. that's a staggering amount. they're now in the threatened and protected species list in stri south africa. people in the world don't realize that. they think of south africa with loads of lyons. >> is it blamed on humankind? >> predominantly, yes. >> people are paying so much attention because you really break the rules. you're smiling here but to be honest with you, i mean when you're so up close -- why? >> well, when i started working with these lions, people must realize this is a process, not a single event. i didn't just wake up one morning and think i'm going to go out and save the lion. i met these two lion cubs and it was a progression from there. what i realized was that if i could enrich their lives, they were enriching mine and i can also get out a greater message. what happened with these two lions i thought to myself, i don't really want to work with them on a basis where i have to dominate em. if i truly was accepted into their world, i could get down on my hands and knees, i can lie around with them, i can sleep with them, i can do all of those things which people said, well, i don't think you can really do that. 11 years later, yeah, lie down, sleep with them and -- >> the courage it takes to do this is not just sort of the courage it would take anyone to do this. it would seem to me that it would take even more from you because you've been attacked. >> yeah, i have been attacked in my early days. i call it lucky lessons in life. >> but most people take those lessons and go, okay, i'm not going to go there anymore. but you got connected still to these animals. >> i think can you learn from lessons. one must always realize it is not the animal ever to blame. >> what drives you back? what drives you back and allows you to take these risks. most people ink you are insane to do it. >> with that particular lion it taught me a good lesson early on. i didn't really have a good relationship with him. it was a lion who was 3 years old when i met him. that was the problem. >> all right. but what makes you take these risks? look at that photograph we just had you looking down into the jaws of a lion. why? >> it's not a risk if you look at it from my perspective. it's like people say, flying can be crazy. or why on earth do you want to ju off the side of a mountain or get into an engine that can have structural failure. people realize this is what they're about and they feel a connection to it. maybe that's why i do what i do. i feel empathy for the animals, them towards me. i feel with the platform that i've been provided, i can't do good for lions. the media attention is one of those things. >> the book is called "the part of the pride." kevin richardson, thank you so much this morning and good luck to you. >> thank you. coming up next, pink stops by for a live performance. >> announcer: the "toyota concert series" on "today," brought to you by toyota. toyota. moving forward. singer/songwriter pink's unmistakable voice has helped her sell millions of album and earn two grammy awards. she's here to perform a song from her latest album, "fun house." tell me about last night. you were there at vmas when this whole kanye thing happened. >> i was there. it was the one time i really wish i would have won because i had this amazing alexander mcqueen purse with brass knuckles on it. >> you would have used them? >> and honestly, i don't think it would have happened if i were up there. but taylor swift is awesome. she deserved her moment. that guy is -- >> you went on -- you tweeted about it. did you notice how i cut you off? i thought, my god, she's going to say what she tweeted. yeah, you were rather -- >> i was upset. >> you said he is the biggest "blank" on the earth, or on the planet. your heart goes out to taylor. >> yeah. i think beyonce's a classy lady for what she did at the end. >> how classy was that. >> i just think he's an idiot. he's just a waste. he's just a toolbox. >> don't hold back. >> you know what? he's getting exactly what he wants right now. people are talking about him. >> let's stop. okay? >> yeah. >> you're very quick to point to people, it is not a break-up album. but there are some break-up songs on it. >> well, it is not just a break-up album. talking about drinking and having fun, too. >> but you wrote some of these songs are breaking up with a young man who's on the couch over there. that cute boy over there in the dark. was it awkward after you wrote the break-up songs -- you're back together now. >> it's not awkward for me. >> how does it feel for you? you're loving it. right? what are you going to sing for us this morning? >> please don't leave me. >> i won't. what are you going to sing for us this morning? that's it. >> okay, i got it. i didn't mean that, kerry. i was kidding. ♪ da da da da da ♪ da da da da ♪ da da da da da ♪ da da da da da ♪ i don't know i i can yell any louder ♪ ♪ how many times have i kicked you out of here ♪ ♪ or said something insulting ♪ da da da da da ♪ i can be so mean when i wannabe ♪ ♪ i am capable of really anything ♪ ♪ i can cut you into pieces ♪ but my heart is broken ♪ ♪ da da da da da ♪ please don't leave me ♪ da da da da da ♪ please don't leave me ♪ da da da da da ♪ i always say how i don't need you ♪ ♪ but it's always gonna come right back to this ♪ ♪ please don't leave me ♪ da da da da da ♪ how did i become so obnoxious ♪ ♪ what is it with you that makes me act like this ♪ ♪ i've never been this nasty ♪ da da da da da ♪ but you tell me this is all just a contest ♪ ♪ the one that wins will be the one that hits the hardest ♪ ♪ but baby i don't mean it ♪ i mean it ♪ i promise ♪ ♪ ♪ da da da da da ♪ please don't leave me ♪ da da da da da ♪ please don't leave me ♪ da da da da da ♪ i always say how i don't need you ♪ ♪ but it's always gonna come right back to this ♪ ♪ please don't leave me ♪ da da da da da ♪ i forgot to say outloud how beautiful you really are to me ♪ ♪ i cannot be without ♪ you're my perfect little punching bag ♪ ♪ and i need you ♪ i'm sorry ♪ da da da da da ♪ da da da da da ♪ da da da da ♪ please please don't leave me ♪ da da da da da ♪ baby please don't leave me ♪ da da da da da ♪ don't leave me ♪ please don't leave me ♪ da da da da da ♪ i always say how i don't need you ♪ ♪ but it's always gonna come right back to this ♪ ♪ please don't leave me ♪ ♪ da da da da da ♪ da daa da ♪ please don't leave me ♪ i always say how i don't need you ♪ ♪ but it's always gonna come right back to this ♪ ♪ please please don't leave me ♪ da da da da da ♪ please please don't leave me ♪ >> pink! pink has a huge tour kicking off tomorrow in seattle. good luck with that. kerry, you mind if i kiss your wife? way to go. thanks for coming. good to have you here. we're back in a moment after the time is 8:56. i'm keith garvin. private playgrounds would be exempt but smoking is illegal in restaurants, bars and nightclubs. the redskins reeling after a tough loss. by the second quarter, they were down 10-0. osi uminora made it 17-0. just before the half, hunter smith scored on this fake field goal. the skins could not get enough momentum and ended up losing, 23-17. weather and traffic are next. good morning. as you plan your day, prepare for a sum murlike afternoon. lots of sun. mostly clear tonight. low 60s by dawn tomorrow. tuesday, increasing clouds, not very humid. a chance of rain tuesday night and off and on on wednesday and thursday. turning cooler both of those days. highs, low 70s. looks like the weather pattern will be stuck in place for friday, saturday, and sunday. cloudy each day with a chance of passing showers and school. jerry, how is the traffic? tough morning along interstate 66. we have change in the exit ramp from 66 eastbound to the inner loop. in the backup, two separate accidents between fair oaks and vienna. it is a parking lot most of the way from 50 solidly to the beltway. anne arundel county still dealing with a serious crash. keith? thanks, jerry. on "news 4 at 5:00," school is back in session. we have a lesson for parents, how we're back now with more of "today" on a monday morning, the 14th of september, 2009. it is a beautiful late summer day here in the big apple. i hope it's nice where you are. we have one more week of summer. right? >> that's right. then fall comes in and all heck breaks loose. >> we're grateful for today. because isn't it beautiful out here? >> we're grateful for this happy little guy here. >> look. >> 13 months old. he's adorable. the most beautiful blue eyes. >> congratulations. out on the plaza, i'm matt lauer along with that young lady there, ann curry and mr. roker's here as well. we've got something serious to talk about this half-hour, more on that terrible story out of yale university. police made a grisly discovery yesterday, the body of what they believe to be a missing yale student, graduate student, found in the walls of a research building there. we'll have more on that story and hear from annie le's -- one of her good friends from high school and learn more about that young lady. again this is not looking good. >> it is almost too much to bear. also coming up we'll talk about from ourself help files, a lot of women feel they're trying to do it all, and that's a good thing. but actually there apparently is a theory that it could be hurting your marriage according to one psychologist. the dirty secret of modern marriage is that most women end up becoming so involved that they're actually the ones who do it all, manage all while their husbands are coasting. the question is how can you balance -- now i know that you two may take issue with this point, but at any rate -- >> issue? >> no, i think it's great. it's fantastic. >> no more coasting from now on. and can money buy happiness? some research says, yes! that's right. but you don't need a ton of money. that's right. if you just have a little bit left over at the end of the month, we'll tell you where to spend it to put a continuous smile on your face. plus, here's jay! that's right. after being off for a few months, jay leno -- you might have heard this -- he's coming back to television in prime time at 10:00 p.m. he'll give us a preview a little bit later on. >> good for him, good for us. by the way, if you have a junior journalist in your house, we're kicking off a contest today called "today's kid reporter." >> this is going to be fun. over the next few weeks we want to hear from you, we want to know if you know someone between the ages of 8 and 12. we want to find out what it takes to be a good reporter with an inquisitive mind and lively interview style. have them report on any story they would like and then send us the videotape. >> video submissions should be no longer than a minute and mailed to today's kid reporter, 30 rockefeller plaza. logon to todayshow.com and enter your favorite cub reporter. >> this sounds like a lot of fun. >> and a great way for us to get early dibs on some really good talent. >> sign them for no money. let's get a check of the news right now. natalie is standing by at the news desk in for ann. natalie? >> that's right, good morning, matt, ann and al. good morning to you. the search for a missing bride-to-en has now turned into a search for her killer as investigators say they believe they've found the botddy of yale graduate student annie le. nbc's jeff rossen is in new haven, connecticut with the very latest. >> reporter: good morning, natalie. just horrible news for family and friends of annie le. police now say the body was stuffed inside of a wall in the basement of this research facility behind me on the yale campus. police now have a theory that whoever did this knew the building and knew it well. the timing is as awful as the outcome itself. on what was supposed to be annie le's wedding day, the happiest moment of her life, police found what they believe is her lifeless body stuffed inside a wall at this yale research lab. annie was last seen on surveillance tape walking into this building at 10:00 a.m. tuesday with all the searching and the missing person flyers, she was here the entire time. >> remains have been positively identified at this time, however we are assuming that it is her at this time so we are treating it as a homicide. >> referee: overnight the building was locked down on yale's campus. the investigation now intensifies. there's a killer on the loose, a killer with an unknown motive who so far outsmarted even the fbi. it took them five days to find the body. >> i met earlier this evening with annie's family, with her fiance and his family and i conveyed to them all the deeply felt support of the entire yale university community. >> reporter: friends say annie le loved two things -- working toward her dual medical degree and her fiance, jonathan widawsky. "lucky'm in love with my best friend," she wrote on her facebook page. late last night on there would-be wedding day he got the call confirming what friends suspected all along, his bride-to-be was murdered. >> this just sounds like a classic bad movie. i mean from the start to the finish, i mean just watching this thing unravel, it's just been a nightmare. for him being the groom-to-be, he probably had just the same amount of expectation and excitement for this week. just for it to all crumble down. >> annie's friends admit when the fbi got involved right away pore you through yale's crash, they knew this day was come. >> she was not only book smart, she was street smart. therefore, think if somebody were trying to kidnap her, had to be really thought out, very planned. they would have to have been watching her and even just studying her day to day. they knew where she was at all times. >> reporter: and that's what homicide detectives will focus on now, who had access to the research lab and who would want this popular medical student dead. a young life cut short before the new chapter even started. >> sunday morning there was no party, there was no happiness, there was no bringing together of two lives. it's like a big shattered dream. >> reporter: there is a candlelight vigil scheduled for tonight here on the yale university campus to remember annie le. natalie? >> jeff rossen in new haven, connecticut, thank you. earlier on "today," annie le's high school friend said she can't imagine anyone who would want to harm annie. >> it doesn't make any sense to us at all. i can't even imagine somebody mad at annie, much less wanting to hurt her. and we can speculate all day about the motives. the only thing honestly tt we can come up with is that someone was just jealous. i don't know if it was of her intelligence or of her marriage or what, but i honestly cannot imagine anyone being driven to hurt her other than just someone truly evil. >> reporter: she also called annie brilliant, hilarious and truly amazing. today president obama makes a major address on wall street calling for sweeping reforms that would provide more oversight of the financial industry. gas prices have dropped a nickel in the past three weeks to an average now of $2.59 a gallon for regular. the lundberg survey says high unemployment is one main reason for lower demand. at the weekend box office, tyler perry's "i can do bad all by myself" debuted at the top. animated feature" 9" was second and "inglourious basterds" came in third. we have a baby with a binkie in his mouth. he is so cute. >> he does scream a lot though. no question. let's go over to al with a check of the weather. >> so do i, but i'm not that cute. we have this young lady. >> annsley. >> you just turned 13? >> yes. >> you're officially a teenager. >> yes. >> wow. it just seems like yesterday she was just screaming like that. right? >> exactly. happy to be in new york from atlanta. >> all right. good to see you. >> hi, mom and dad. let's show you what's going on as far as your weather's concerned. down in the south this upper low is not moving and it is just producing tons of moisture. they've got massive flooding in parts of dallas today, some homes having to be evacuated. just to the east of dallas, through texarkana, jacksonville, down into louisiana, up into tennessee anywhere from one two three inches of rain. great day up and down the eastern seaboard today. wet weather in northern california. a lot of wet weather in the a royal blue sky. temperatures now near 70 with low humidity. bright sunshine on this monday morning. good morning. we will see a climb into the mid 80s by mid afternoon. lots of sun. low humidity in place. overnight together, mostly clear. we will be in the low 60s tomorrow morning. clouding up on tuesday after a sunny start. a chance of rain tuesday night. off and on on wednesday and >> what's your name? >> beverly givens. >> survived two bone marrow transplants. congratulations. this young lady is 94? good to see you. if cooking dinner while overseeing your child's homework and balancing the family's checkbook sounds like a typical night in your house, you may be hurting your marriage. that's the premise of psychologist karen rubenstein's new book "the superior wife syndrome -- why women do everything so well and why for the sake of our marriages we've got to stop." she's here with a crinkle psychologist, jeff gardier. good morning. i looked at the profile of the superior wife and i kept checking things off. there are a lot of us who fall into this. we multi-task. a lot of women do everything for the family. what's necessarily wrong with that when it comes to our marriage? >> let me first make a confession. i myself suffer from superior wife syndrome. >> so there we go. >> i thought i was all alone, but then after doing a lot of research i did a web survey on 1,500 wives and husbands, i should mention. i found out that i'm not alone, that we're in this boat together. and in fact i discovered about 2 out of every 3 wives say they suffer from this. now what it is is, it's people -- women who think they do everything better. so they think, as you mentioned, they write the checks better, they think they make the bed better, they think they help the kids with the homework better. but it's a matter of perception. >> they're not giving the husbands a chance. >> a superior wife from told california told me the only thing her husband does better than she does is pee standing up. >> there you have it. >> in fact, you said research and statistics are interesting. it includes 70% of women call themselves the more competent partner. 71% say they make most of their family's decisions, and 76% say they, not their husbands, sacrifice their own needs. i mean the message here that women are sending to their husbands, jeff, how detrimental is this to the marriage and partnership? >> we've seen from karen's statistics that they have hurt their marriages. but i think men collude in these things, too. it is very easy for a man to have a superior wife. he may complain about it but in the end of the day he'll sit back and say, you make all of the decisions, you have all the responsibility, you take care of the kids. the fact of the matter is women have to be superior wives because men really just push women into carrying all these different roles. they have to be mothers, they have to be workers, they have to be mothers to the husbands, so in many ways we push the women in that direction and then we complain about it. >> right. i think our default position is, to do everything. well, he's not going to do it, he doesn't want to do it, so we'll do it. >> he neat going to do it as good as i do it. >> i can do it better. it is our default position. if you look at it honestly, why would you rock the boat if somebody else is willing to paddle. >> so you have some tips then to help us break free from the superior wife syndrome. first off, simply just ask for help. which is a hard thing for i think a lot of women to do. >> it's not only a hard thing for women to do, most of us do not have husbands who have extrasensory perception. they cannot read our minds. they do not know that maybe we want some help. so that's the first step. and it is admitting that you're a superior wife, too, by the way. >> you have to be willing t accept their help, too. quite often we see that men want to help out and the women just shut them down because they don't do the things such as doing dishes as well or taking care of the kids as well. >> right. then next is educate with logic. this is really about keeping the emotions out of it. right? men like you to deal with spread sheets and graphics. >> right. we have to approach them on their level, on what they're comfortable with. we might be more comfortable with yelling at screaming and ranting and raving, but that doesn't make them comfortable. >> we are created equal but we are created different. >> you're so in touch. we love that about you, jeff. you get it. right? >> i love marriage. i love marriage and i love women. >> that's good. we love that hear that. >> you also say, karen, to silence your inner critic. this goes back to learning how to, yes, ask for help but also accept whatever help they give you. last you say, be less than you can be. this is that modified army motto. >> we're not in the army. do less than you can. show him that you're willing to sit backnd let him run the show. >> but i'd also like to add on, being a guy, i think it's important, if you do less, make sure that he can actually meet you there so being less means being willing to share a little bit more. i don't want to see women dumb themselves down or lower their potential for the sake of their guys, because that's counter productive of who women need to be. >> i like your idea of the trade-off, the woman takes care of the man's chores, typical man's chores, and the man takes over the woman's chores for the day. >> the point is to make marriage better, make it happier, more fun. basically we just want to have fun. we want a marriage that's happy. >> and know what th other person is experiencing. because then you can talk about this whole issue of the superior woman syndrome and make sure that a lot of the superior qualities that you have and behaviors are not passive aggressive behaviors, because you're angry that your husband is not meeting -- >> because that's just a vicious cycle. >> right. that he's not coming up to the plate. so it is important to experience what one another is feeling. >> the book is called "the superior wife syndrome." coming up, how to make fall's runway looks come alive in your closet. but up next, buying happiness. it can be done. we'll tell you how to do it on a small budget though. right after this. well, hello there. that's what i'm talking about. (announcer) does your air greet you? say hello to new airwick imotion. it's the only scented oil with a motion sensor, that sees you and says hi back with a boost of fresh sct. when was the last time your scented oil greeted you? airwick imotn. airwick, it's good to be home. - hello! - ha! why don't you try a home cooked meal... with yummy hamburger helper? oh! tada! fantastically tasty, huh? ummm, it's good. what would you guys like? hamburger helper. what?! one pound... one pan... one tasty meal! you're the best. i thought you would like it. (announcer) it's more than just that great peanut taste, choosing jif is a simple way to show somne how much you care. i love you mom. i love you too. choosey moms, choose jif. announcer: what if we could use the sun... - ( ac blowing ) - ...to help keep us cool? ( women vocalizing ) solar-powered ventilation... to help cool you, available on the third-generation prius. it's harmony between man, nature and machine. it's what doctors recommend it's harmony between man, nature most for headaches. for arthritis pain... in your hands... knees... and back. for little bodies with fevers.. and big bodies on high blood pressure medicine. tylenol works with your body... in a way other pain relievers don't... so you feel better... knowing doctors recommend tylenol... more than any other brand of pain reliever. the best way to tell how great you look... is in your jeans. drop a jean size in two weeks... with the special k challenge. with more delicious options than ever. jeans don't lie. go to... the new specialk.com to design your plan. the beatles famously sang "can't buy me love" but research is showing now money can buy you happiness if you spend it the right way. this research actually shows that money can buy happiness? >> there is certainly a link. researchers have been studying it extensively and had really surprising results. >> we're talking about extra cash here. >> you have to pay your bills and mortgage first. if you have a little bit extra, spend those dollars wisely and spend them on things that bring you joy. it is not always so clear what those things are. >> five things you came up with. first, spend on a vacation rather than a spa treatment which seems counterintuitive. spa treatment's cheaper. >> i mean, yeah, if you need a little r&r, have a little extra money, book a spa treatment but the vacation has residual benefits. you feel relaxed for weeks to come. spa treatment, you get off the table, back to the daily grind. >> even if you can't afford a big, long one -- >> just a b and b or -- at a town around you will do the trick. >> also, don't spend money on clothing. but spend it on makeup. >> right. when you have to cut your budget a little bit, you start craving luxury. it is like being on a diet and craving dessert. makeup is like a lip gloss or something is something we can generally fit into our budget. it is like $20 or something. every time you put on that lip gloss you feel beautiful, confident, you feel a little bit indulgent. it is sort of the gift to yourself that keeps on giving. >> studies show lipstick spikes during economic downturns. >> rit. clothing, you put it on once a month, just doesn't have the same benefit. >> home upgrade. people think a big-screen tv or something for the family room. bedroom bet sfer. >> people think if they're spending a lot of money on something they should do it on a room other people visit. the money's better spent in the bedroom because we spend more time in the bedroom and sleep is vital to our health and happiness. doesn't have to be huge. a pillow. or even nice sheets. >> the gym. we all want to be healthy. want to feel better. what's better? gym membership or buying a treadmill or an elliptical trainer. >> people think that if they buy one of these really expensive pieces of equipment, it's right there in their basement, they have no excuse but to use it. but 37% of people who have made such a purchase admitted they haven't used it that often. your money is better spent at the gym. first, we socialize at gym. if you enjoy your workout you'll be more apt to stick to it. and we tend to meet people to work out with and are more apt to keep appointments with other people other than ourselves. >> if you don't have extra space, gym equipment is a great thing to hang tngs on. lastly, if you have money left over, it makes you happy e to spend it on others than on yourself. >> i certainly understand it can be hard to justify donating money when you barry scrape by on your own. but a $20 check to your favorite charity is going to make you feel great. research shows especially if have you a personal connection to that charity it will make you feel great. maybe it is money to your alma mater or to the local library, the church, something like that. because when you see the results of your philanthropy, you'll feel terrific. >> leslie, thanks a lot. congratulations on your first baby coming up. >> thank you. >> that will make you very happy. then it comes out and -- no! it's the gift that keeps giving. really. really. hone, kids. still to come, grammy winner ellie fritada is next. town house toppers-- the only cracker with raised edges... to keep dip in its place. town house toppers-- part of the town house family. when it comes to toppings, we've got the edge. town house toppers-- the only cracker with raised edges... to keep dip in its place. town house toppers-- part of the town house family. when it comes toppings, we've got the edge. the moisturizer in other body washes sits on top of skin. only new dove has nutriummoisture... which can nourish deep down. new dove body wash with nutriummoisture. superior natural nourishment for your skin. announcer: there's a place called hidden valley. where kids not only eat their vegetables, they can't get enough. hidden valley ranch, makes vegetables delectable. now rediscover the delectable taste that can only come from hidden valley, the original ranch. the one deal in the neighborhood where you get the real food. featuring a half rack of our new double-glazed baby back ribs with your choice of sauces. get one full-sized appetizer and two real entrees for just twenty bucks. it's 2 for $20. only at applebee's. coming up, jay leno on his big prime time move. everybody looking at this one. and that all starts tonight at 10:00 eastern. plus, from prime time to prime meats. sara gore spices up your ho-hum steak dinner. insuring your family's ifs can be confusing. so metlife removed the guesswork. combining two essential insurances... term life and disability... in one affordable package. creating a personal safety net that's bursting with guarantees. for the if in life, find out how to start protecting your family today. visit the term life and disability tool at metlife.com. discover a light yogurt like no other. activia light! delicious, fat free, and above all... the only one that has bifidus regularis and is clinically proven to help regulate your digestive system. activia light. ♪ activiaaa! to start losing essential nutrients? not long. in fact, green beans lose half their vitamin c in a week. that's why green giant freezes them within 8 hours to lock in nutrients. ho ho ho green giant it is now 9:26 on this monday morning, september 16th, 2009. we want to see what the weather is going to bring us. let's go to tom. a beautiful morning underway. our temperatures are climbing into the 70s after a rather chilly start. it will continue to climb all the way into the mid 80s by later on this afternoon with lots of sun, a few clouds popping up. a mostly clear evening to follow. by dawn tomorrow, the low 60s. on tuesday, increasing clouds, highs reaching the mid 80s. still not humid. a big change in our weather pattern. cooler, low 70 it's now 9:27. we want to turn things over to jerry for traffic. things have gotten tight. >> they have, indeed. they are not getting a lot better. we had a couple of beltway problems on the top side between connecticut avenue and rockville pike. a couple of accidents. they are cleared. authorities check forg a truck wreck on the outer loop near connecticut avenue, possibly as far back as georgia avenue. the inner loop is looking better for those of you headed from rockville pike toward georgia avenue. elsewhere, the trip along the wilson bridge approach, looking good. i-95 headed up to the capital beltway, a couple of slow spots. 66, no late issues. keep in mind, we have that change in the exit lane configuration that takes you from 66 on to the inner loop of the beltway. 395 northbound, still packed in very tightly. had an accident on the eastbound freeway. we are looking at delays coming up from the pentagon. keith? thank you, jerry. on "news 4 at 5:00," school is back in session. we have a lesson for parents how to make school lessons he i had this habit of painting him into a spot and saying i know i'll find my way out of this. if you don't, you have to hang upside down and think about it from a different point of view and sometimes it works. >> that's author dan brown to his unique solution to writer's block. "the lost symbol" is out tomorrow. matt's been giving you clues about where the story takes place. we'll hear from dan brown in an exclusive interview tomorrow here on "today." and reveal the answers to the clues later on this week. >> that was just one of the closets at dan brown's house. no, i can't wait for this book. meanwhile coming up in this half-hour, jay's back. a "time" magazine cover guy called the future of television. well, in a moment we're going to hear what the future looks like from jay leno himself as he gets ready to kick off his prime time program tonight at 10:00 p.m. >> we hope he is the future of television. also ahead, one of the leading lights in the tents's new york's fashion week this week is designer nanettelepore. how to turn those runway looks into trends you'll actually wear this fall. sara gore's going to share a special sauce recipe for steak. i think it involves corn. >> sounds good. anything with steak, i don't care. good to me. you got a check of the weather? >> absolutely. let's see what's going on. for today, the week ahead, below normal conditions mid to late week, below normal in texas where all the rain's been going on. much above normal in the plains. precipitation, wet from new england, wet through the mid-atlantic stat perfect september weather on the way for this monday. good weather for outdoor work and recreation. right now, we are into the low 70s. we will hit the low to mid 80s by mid afternoon. low humidity. lots of sunshine. we will be in the 70s through the evening. tomorrow, partly cloudy. clouding up tuesday night. could get some rain wednesday and thursday and cooler in the >> and that's your latest weather. coming up next -- jay leno's prime time move right after this. know why. t i didn't my doctor diagnosed it as fibromyalgia. and then he recommended lyrica... fibromyalgia is thought to be the result of over-active nerves that cause chronic, widespread pain. lyrica is fda-approved to help relieve the unique pain of fibromyalgia. so now, i'm learning what a day is like with less pain. lyrica is not for everyone. tell your doctor about any serious allergic reaction that causes swelling or affects breathing or skin, or changes in eyesight including blurry vision or muscle pain with fever or tired feeling. lyrica may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people. some of the most common side effects of lyrica are dizziness, sleepiness, weight gain and swelling of hands, legs, and feet. do not drink alcohol while taking lyrica. you should not drive or operate machinery until you know how lyrica affects you. could your pain be caused by fibromyalgia? ask your doctor about lyrica today. dinner's ready! let's eat. (announcer) today, there's i can't believe it's not butter! it has no trans fat, 70% less saturated fat than butter, and less saturated fat than smart balance. i can't believe it's not butter! motor oil on my husband's favorite shirt. did you say motor oil? can you help? i've tried these, without success. try this. spray 'n wash max has a new and improved formula with even more stain- fighting power, making it the unbeatable pre-treater! it has resolve power to break down tough stains right in front of your eyes better than the competition! it even outperforms the others on these dried-in stains! impressive! finally, this is perfect! (alistair) trust resolve power. forget stains. inining ring ring. progresso. your chicken tuscany says it has fiber in it. yep. four tasty new soups with 28% of your daily fiber. but i like this chicken tuscany. i like it too. but it has fiber in it. that's right. fiber? yeah. but i like it. (announcer) progresso. you gotta taste this soup. tonight's the night "the jay leno show" makes its much anticipated debut later this evening here on nbc. it is the fires five-night-a-week program in decades to move into the 10:00 p.m. time slot. as you might imagine, stakes couldn't be higher. nbc's lee cowan has more. >> the hardest part is getting your new set to work. you go into a big empty sound stage and hang lights and you think everything's all right, you go the -- >> reporter: for jay leno, technical gremlins are the least of his worries. a lot is riding on tonight's grand 10:00 p.m. experiment. "time" magazine said it was nothing less than the future of network television. no pressure. are you worried about it just because it is such a -- or do you think all the hype about it being -- >> i don't worry about it. because i'm rich already. doesn't bother me. not my problem. you know what it is? i did the "tonight show" for 17 years, it was number one when i got it, it was number one when i handed it off. if it doesn't work, people go five years from now, did you do something else after the "tonight show"? no. you didn't have another show? no. >> reporter: it's a comedic dodge to a serious question. but behind the scenes jay takes the pressure seriously. this is where you walk out each night? >> you go through these big supermarket doors. >> reporter: he's been testing out new jokes to the seating of the studio audience. up close. >> anything can happen. you get the occasional nut case who tries to attack you. well, that's happened. that's all right. >> reporter: whether his comedy show can compete with pricey prime time dramas like "csi" is unknown. leno views success much like a punch line. it's all in the delivery. >> you try to have a little something for everybody. try to have something smart, something silly, something goofy and that's -- you put it all together. >> reporter: some of this i would imagine is just sort of throwing stuff at the wall and seeing what sticks. >> it's hardly scientific and no thought goes into it at all. even the idea of throwing it on the wall is sticking is more effort than we put in. >> reporter: his musical sidekick, kevin eubanks, will be back and most of his writers and stage crew, too. but beyond that, "the jay leno show" is different. more comedy, less talk, all at a much faster pace. >> before you kind of do the joke, monologue first, first guest, commercial, dopey actress, band, you're out of there. that's gone! you got to lose the whole dopey actress part. >> reporter: there will be celebrity interviews, although jay's familiar desk is gone and jay won't carry the show alone. he'll be joined by a team of comics, correspondents much like "the daily show." all of it is unchartered. sort of like trying out a new joke on the road, which jay still does. almost every other weekend. are you still hang fun? >> yeah, i have a lot of fun. i'm the oldest quarterback out there and you're in a young person's game and you're competing reasonably competitively. so, yeah, it's a lot of fun. >> reporter: the way leno looks at it, he is a nightclub comic who just happens to be a broadcaster. a hobby almost. but the stakes are high. >> not much pressure there nor jay. his guests tonight include jerry seinfeld, kanye west off of his music video awards -- video music awards, jay-z and rihanna. so tom cruise, halle berry fill out the week. watch "the jay leno show" premier tonight, 10:00, 9:00 central right here on nbc. good luck, buddy. how to update your closet with fall's newest trends right after these messages. ♪ before you share your gift ♪ ♪ now there's rhythm and sound ♪ making their hearts pound ♪ the best part of wakin' up... ♪ ♪ is folgers in your cup and checked for clogged pipes. if that's not it, we dig by the septic tank and check for leaks. if it's not there, we dig up the leech fields 'til we find the problem. average repair cost: six thousand dollars. monthly maintenance with rid-x? about 6 dollars. (announcer) rid-x uses 100% natural bacteria and enzymes to break down waste, even paper. use rid-x monthly to help keep your septic system operating efficiently between pumpings. this summer, clean your grill with new easy-off barbeque grill cleaner. i've got good news. you need more fiber. huh? don't worry, it tastes great. froot loops now with 3 grams of fiber. it makes your tummy happy so it can absorb the good stuff you need, which your mom is gonna love. it does taste great. fiber is a great way to keep ya healthy. i can never read these things. kellogg's froot loops and apple jacks cereals, now provide fiber. kellogg's makes fiber fun. nobody ever asks me what i want to be when i grow up. maybe it's your name. richard? no, smucker. (laughs) (announcer) when your last name is smucker and you live in orrville, everyone knows what you'll do when you grow up. you're gonna make the world's best jam. i love jam. (announcer) for five generations, with a name like smucker's, it has to be good. discover a light yogurt like no other. activia light! delicious, fat free, and above all... the only one that has bifidus regularis and is clinically proven to help regulate your digestive system. activia light. ♪ activiaaa! until the grands are on the table" grands biscuits. would it really be breakfast without 'em? for money saving coupons go to... pillsbury.com. you weren't always my favorite day. with all the pet hair in the air, i'd spend class preoccupied, bothered by itchy eyes. but now i have new zyrtec® itchy eye drops. it works fast, with just one drop, to relieve my itchy eyes from allergies for up to 12 hours. no other allergy itchy eye drop works faster or longer. which is good, 'cause there's a lotta paws to shake. with new zyrtec® itchy eye drops i can love the air™. (announcer) find it in the allergy aisle next to other zyrtec® products. this morning on "today's style," hot trends for fall. fashion week in new york city hasveryone looking at what's hot for spring, but we're focusing on fall with fashion designer nanette lepore. welcome. i know you have your show on wednesday where we're talking about you're going to look at the spring collection. what are some of the trends we're already seeing for two seasons from now as the industry looks so far ahead in. >> for next spring we'll be expecting sort of lots of romantic still, long, lean shapes which is new. soft, fluid blouses, and played off of crisp white cotton shirts and lots of stripes. >> sounds beautiful. i can't wait to see the collection. now that we're talking fall trends though, a lot of what we're seeing is going back to the '80s a little bit. right? first up, i want to show what you say is one of the big trends, strong shoulders. betsy here is modeling a look at one of your designs. tell us about what she's wearing and why is the strong shoulders now really working this trend? >> strong shoulders are great for most women because it is a very flattering silhouette. and also the little sheath she has on which plays up the metallic trend. it's great because it's really a simple sheath with a great fabrication. it's fun to wear any time, any place. but also like i said, the shoulders are really flattering for most women. >> it is slimming because the focus draws up here tthe top rather than below. >> right. you take your eye to the shoulders. absolutely. changes the focus. >> we love it. bet betsy, thank you. metallics, back, too. also next, bright colors. if you're young women in your 20s, you can rock this look with the colors. th is a look from j. crew. tell us about this. >> it's shocking brights, and i think that the hot pink sweater is really indicative of the belts, of how to mix up a color into your wardrobe, mixed with tweeds or just play off of black. but it is also great for any age. i don't think you have to be in your 20s to wear a bright color. it helps make you feel happy. little more positive when you put on a fun color. >> a lot of emphasis on accessories, too. double belts here, the chains. >> yes. the chains. i have fun every morning ais being rising. i think it is really fun to just play with things and have lots of things to choose from. >> okay, great. thank you, brianna. next trend is the biker chic. we have josephine modeling for us, speaking of chains. we see a lot of that here. you don't have to wear this trend literally though. right? >> no. this is a fabulous dress. you can wear it with just pearls and play it up a different way. it is great for going out to dinner or playful like this wit the fun open-toed boots and lots and lots of silver jewelry. i think it is a great trend because you can work it any way you want. >> speaking of the draping, the silhouette that you see, you see this going on here, too. that's something we'll see carry through this fall and into the spring season. >> definitely. lots of draping. draping in new ways where it is almost very off-handed, not so intentional where it almost just playing with fabric. women are getting more confident about working their clothes to make it work for themselves. the idea of just off-handed things. >> that can be very flattering to the body, too, i would imagine, when it's not so glued to you. >> yeah. drapes hide a lot of sins, i guess. >> exactly. thank you, josephine. and the asymmetrical trend is finally what we're focusing on here. tanya's showing us this look. just gorgeous. i love this blouse, beautiful and the skirt. tell us how the asymmetrical is still staying with us. >> asymmetry will stay us. i think women are getting used to it and it is refreshing. it is nice to feel like you stand out, it is a little different and once again it is flattering for her, it is flattering for all age groups. i think it's just a nice, different way to dress. >> i mean this is a going-out outfit. but if you put a little jacket over something, could she wear this a little more conservatively? >> i think she can get away with this at work with a jacket over it, then take the jacket away for evening, definitely. or put it with jeans and it is more casual. >> you're having a lot of fun with fashion week. right? >> oh, it's a blast. >> fashion night out was last week. and -- >> that's right. we had a lot going on ts week. >> what are some of the points that are being made to bring our models out, fashion week. one of the things you're passionate about is made in america and the garment district here in new york. >> yes. i manufacture most of my garments in new york city so i'm really active in trying to stop the zoning that's going to maybe close some of our factories. so that to me is a passion. and we're trying to promote made in america. i think the consumer getting used to be more thoughtful about what they buy and people are actually conscious of it. >> great job, ladies. wonderful. good luck with your show, by the way. next, from dressing up yourself to dressing up your dinner with a spicy sauce for this morning in "today's kitchen," dressing up steak. a delicious sauce can bring out the best in grilled beef. showing us how it is done, hot chef sara gore, host of lx new york which premiers tightx;z/ w nbc. sara, good to see you. tell us about this show. >> it is going to be a party every day at 5:00. i'm going to be cooking every day, of course. because i do that all the time. going to be a fashion, night life, everything new york related. it is about upgrading your dumppy hubby. we have segments. >> dumpy hubby? >> yeah. it sounds mean. >> what are you making here? >> it's the wife saying he's dumpy. >> that makes it okay. >> thank you, sara. what are you making here? >> we're making new york strip steak with a kicking guaca maze. >> what are you throwing on here? >> salt, pepper, cayenne, cumin, and then we're going to do both sides really quick. >> you put any olive oil on this? >> i'm doing it like a dry rub. throw it on the grill. throw one of those on. >> how long do you leave it on the grill? >> i do like five minutes a side. those are extra thick. you want 120 degrees for a rare, 125 for medium-rare. we'll make the sauce. chimichurri. this is garlic and shallot and jalapeno. we'll give this a zip. then -- smell how spicy that is already? then i'm going to add parsley, cilantro. it is a little bit different than your average chimicurri. then a little mint.hcurri. then a little mint.curri. then a little mint.hurri. then a little mint. lemon juice, lime juice, wine vinegar. you can do strip steak, you can use strip steak because it is less expensive. then you'll throw in a bunch of olive oil. >> we're going to get kind of saucy. >> it is going to look better than that. all right? >> meanwhile, we're making this aca maze. >> it is the end of corn season. we've got -- spicy. >> you seem surprised. >> it's all coming this way. corn par boiled, drained, removed from the ear. >> can you actually grill this. couldn't you? >> you can grill it, too, yeah. but i'm doing it like this. >> it is your recipe so we'll just go with it. >> al, nt time i'moing to grill it and bring it by. that's red onion. it is very similar to quadwa gu, lime juice, avocado, fold it but you don't want it -- you want it to stay intact. then bring this back here. those steaks are just sitting them there by themselves. that's how easy this dish is. >> slice this up. >> i want to get this in because coming up tonight, 5:00 p.m., lx new york. 5:00 p.m. here on w nbc this new york. for sara's recipes logon to the "today" show.com. drizzle with the sauce. >> and it looks like that. >> ta-da! you put it in that mold. it's perfect! >> good luck with the show! it is now 9:56 on this monday morning, september 14th, 2009. the trial is set to begin for a wall ddorf man accused of causing the death of 18 week. he faces eight counts of vehicle manslaughter. he was racing when his car plowed into a car of 200 spectators. taylor is also charged in the case. smoking near rockville pl playgrounds may soon be illegal. they may be banned from 40 feet within a playground. critics say it is a violation of smokers rights. not the kind of sta the redskins were hoping for. they fell to their division rival, new york giants. they were down 10-0 when owecy umenora caused a fumble. washington made it close with a touchdown but they could never quite catch up. final score, 23-17. tom, not the way they wanted to start off. great day in weather. by this afternoon, we will hit the mid 8 0s with low humidity and lots of sun. more clouds moving in. chance of rain moving in late tuesday night off and on on wednesday and thursday. jerry, how is the traffic? still jammed as you make the trip into downtown. back to you. tonight on "news 4 at 5:00." we have a lesson "today" with kathie lee gifford and hoda kotbe. >> you and i were busy on a friend's float last night, you might have seen us floating all around the hudson. >> yes. >> because we were trying to learn about everything that they are doing in jordan. that the queen is doing about domestic violence and everything. so we missed violence of another sort. >> yes. the people who watched the vmas saw a moment that i found just all of. i thought it was terrible. like there's no other way to describe it. >> right. there's no other way to describe it. >> taylor swift won best video and she immediately gets interrupted by a man named can yea west. let's listen. >> thank you so much for gifgs me a chance to win a vma award award. >> i'm really happy for you. i'm going to let you finish. but beyonce had one of the best videos of all time. one of the best videos of all time. >> oh, my gosh. >> now, that's just beyond rude. beyond. >> beyonce looks humiliated and the audience booed him off the stage. the timng was out and she couldn't finish her speech but she was on to kick rear end on her songs and along with the least classiest moment, which you just saw, there was the classiest moment. >> which was the hoda hoemt. >> beyonce won overall best video of the year. she stopped before giving the speech and turned it over to taylor. >> it was one of the most exciting moments in my life. so i'd like for taylor to come out and and have her moment. >> oh, my gosh. >> that's how a lady does it. >> that is how a lady does it. >> it gave her a chance to thank everybody that she wanted to thank. >> is that lady gaga? >> that is lady gaga. >> i love lady gaga. >> what is going on with the -- that photo? >> look at that. what was that? why is she doing that? >> gaga came on the show when sh was first on the show. loved her. >> gave us a gift of incredible headphones. >> yes. >> and she was like a sweet girl and then last night she's covered in blood and she's smart. she's smart the way madonna was on all of those years ago on how to get prepped. how long can you shock people? >> that's what that's about. >> is that what it's about? >> yes, it's like she's bleeding. >> well, i can see that, hoda. >> it's in her hands. >> and this was the song about how she hates the paparazzi. so maybe it was the paparazzi killing her. i don't know. anywho -- >> what a night of fun it was. >> and you and i were raising awareness for domestic -- >> you left early cinderella, and you didn't get this. the ladies in jordan handmade them. >> thank you. >> thank you for letting us be out there. that's gorgeous that jay leno has incredible timing. no, very lucky. >> it's luck and timing but what happened is that one of his guests today happens to be can yea west by accident. >> and isn't it also jayz? >> i'll be curious to see, look, we're talking about this, jay coming on at 10:00. if you flip around at 10:00, there's a lot of -- >> drama stuff. >> and sometimes you want to go to bed and curl up. jake is already in shock. he's going to shoot his show at the same time. >> i think there might be -- i think it's kind of nice to have something to put you to bed at night. >> if you ever needed a laugh, it's now. >> yes, it is that time. >> it's fascinating. we're going to have the buzz moment with jeff cagle, the head of "entertainment weekly." he's fired up about this can yea west. >> serena had a bad moment at the open. we're hoping that it's just a moment and she'll learn from it, but can yea, this is a pattern of boorish behavior and eventually you have to say, whe is enough? and he did that one thing in 2004, wilson won an award and he started screaming, i was best artist, it's a conspiracy, la-la-la. and then he said he was an ex elvis. and then it was michael and now it's me. let somebody else anoint you. >> she doesn't have a history of any kind of outburst, but what happened is, it was the second and final set and she was down and she was serving and the judge called her for a foot fall. it turns out it wasn't at the end of the day. >> that's not the point. >> so the judge called it for that, it was near the end of the game, and she went off. let's watch. >> so she just went completely nuts. >> was it a full moon? something is in the air right now. >> yeah, and it's funny, she got fined ten grand and there's talk about more penalties and all of that stuff. and i think it's terrible, what she did is forgivable and -- it's inexcusable but forgivable. >> but it's more understandable with the pressure of that with her having an outburst and not being able to control her emotions than can yea who is under influence. >> allegedly. allegedly. >> if you think about a woman and man thing, in tennis, serena explodes and i understand people are not happy with her. can we just a little of someone that we all know and love? >> yes. >> the questio jerk. please tell me. >> so i bet you that was a lot of people that tolerated it. >> i found it entertaining. >> yes. >> and boys will be boys. >> yeah. >> and there was plenty more. >> the use of the f word was more -- yeah. >> but i think when we look back, there are similar television -- >> jimmy connor? >> it's one of those things that -- i think this is the first time that a woman has exploded like that. >> i've seen you in the makeup room. >> stop it. come on. that's -- >> i thought we were going to say hello to nelly furtado. wait, honey. sara, what is going on? >> we're talking about can yea west and marlene wrote, that's the kind of attention that you would want? >> i think he will take it whatever way it comes. >> most people are feeling that way? >> everybody. >> where is nelly? >> here? >> we're teasing you. >> look how beautiful you are. >> she's got the number one song on the latin billboard charts. we're going to talk to nelly right after these messages. she has been performing for more than ten years and has more than 18 albums. if you do the math, you'll realize how impressive that is. >> the singer and songriter has made history by being the first american artist to land the number one hit with an original spanish song on billboard's latin charts awed solgs is called manos al aire. >> best pop video, britney won. she wasn't there. >> where in the neck was britney? >> i don't know. it was exciting. so much happened. >> tell us about the can yea moment. >> everyone was shocked. everybody just -- everybody was booing. it was shocking. and taylor is so sweet. >> is it true that he was asked to leave the awards? >> i don't know. but nobody stomped after him. >> i think the awards are like that, right? >> uh-huh. >> the performances were top notch. >> this cd was done in all spanish? >> yes. >> and you speak portuguese? >> i do. >> but you didn't learn spanish until you were like 14? >> exactly. my parents were born in portugal and i was born in canada. >> so who do you hope this cd appeals to? >> well, it's called "mi plan" and it just flows. >> what i found interesting is that after all of these years you found that you've hit a wall in expressing yourself in english. >> i've been writing songs since i was 12 years old and after my third album, it was hectic. i thought about what i might want to write in nish and i was stuck and then i started writing in spanish and it came out -- >> you could have written a lullaby album. >> you really should think about something like that. >> i don't speak spanish. i understand a few words here and there. we find it soothing, even if you don't understand the song. >> i have artists, josh groban on the album. josh groban up there. ♪ ♪ >> he's the sweetest, sweetest young man. he's so humble and his voices angelic. >> so you just adapted to his more classically trained -- >> he loved it and called me and said, you know what? i don't want to come in on the bridge. i want to be on the whole song. i love the beat. >> he's very sweet and helpful. >> when you are not listening to your oin music, who do you enjoy? >> i like independent music, new and fresh. but i listen to it all. last night i enjoyed beyonce. she's wonderful. i'm from canada and i'm always out -- >> yeah, there's so much great stuff out there now. >> can we please take a moment and -- take your glasses off for two seconds? >> of course. >> the only other thing more impressive is your cheekbones and your eyes. i'm starting to hate you very much. >> come on, lady, look at them. gorgeous. >> great luck to you this year. >> thank you. >> you've got to come back. >> thank you. ill. up next, we've got a money makeover your family cannot afford to miss right after this. all right. we are back with a new series called "the mini money series." >> the series will run on monday so you can look forward to many mini money makeovers. she is called a weekend spender and she is here along with jean chstsky. >> jean, tell us the problem, first. >> kelly wrote in and said that she was not controlling the amount of money that she was getting into. and it would be very common to go through several dollars without even thinking about it. >> we're trying to solve one little problem and hopefully it will help another problem. >> if you can get in control of one problem, then you can tackle another. when you try to tackle your spending and insurance and investments all at the same time, it's overwhelming and you give up. >> what were you spending the money on for the weekend? >> on the kids. we were going out and doing fun activity, mini golfing or things like that. that adds up for a family of six. >> so you didn't have a budget? is that what you mean? >> we were very when it comes to the weekend, now is the time to -- >> think about it the. the weekends feel like it's a time when you're supposed to let yourself go and you have four of them a month. three weekends at $300 a pop, that's $1200. >> and the grocery store was geared to -- who was it that you spent and i'm always hungry. i would buy things that, you know, i would like to add to salad lads, maybe feta cheese, tngs that are fairly expensive. then i realized that i'm the only one eating them. >> i love the way you call this one, though. >> we started by saying, let's think about what we're going to do this weekend. and so kelly had a trip planned to ikea. i said, are you going to eat before you go or after you go or are you going to bring sandwiches so you don't end up in a restaurant spending $50 that you didn't even think that you would have to spend because the kids were hungry. so it's a matter of getting through your day. >> thinking it through. >> yeah. >> so we had the budget before. let's take a look at what the budget was like before, what kind of money you spent. >> yes. >> in is weekend spending, okay? so before the makeover, $350. >> before. >> and then after, what else did you cut out besides -- >> it was mainly going places and the food. we were eating out a lot, having a menu plan and list when i went to the grocery store really, really helped us a lot. >> they got an allowance every week and get to spend it on what they want. and they are saving it. th are not spending it. it's amazing to me. >> isn't it amazing when your kids -- i know with my kids, their money is very different than my money, right? they are very happy to spend my money. >> exactly. >> if it's their money, they don't want to depart with it. >> what were you doing that didn't cost as much. >> trying to do things around the house. we have tons of toys and plenty of games, books, artists, we'd go for long walks to the dog park. >> what should people take away from this? >> the take away is not only do you have to understand what you are spending but you really have to look at your entire day and try to make a spending plan. people hate the word "budget" as they do a spending plan. >> jean, thank you. >> kelly, thank you. >> thank you. still to come, how to welcome your whites into the fall. but, first, can yea's rude entrance to the stage and other rideness behavior. on what was supposed to be her wedding day, police find what is believed to be the body of a missing yale university student. we will have the latest. i'm keith garvin. coming up, where local leaders want to ban smoking now. parts of the great outdoors may soon be off limits. "news 4 midday" begins at 11:00. and we're back and it's time for "today's buzz." >> and before you take your friends for lunch, we're going to fill you in on all of the celebrity lunch. the managing editor at "entertainment weekly" is here. what a weekend. what would we be talking about if it wasn't for the vmo? >> well, first of all, the show was great. the show was fantastic. but can yea is not -- what a jerk. and the amazing thing was, there wasn't anyone defending it. >> what did that person say? >> it was kanye. everybody attacked that person. >> did he get kicked off the show? we heard them drag him away. >> they wisely did not show his face again. i would doubt that they told him to leave. i doubt it. before he left the building he was blogging an apology, which is interesting because he's not getting the credit today -- >> >> but it was all good for beyonce and for taylor because she did that performance right after he clearly devastated her on stage. she did an amazing performance. >> we just watched -- and i haven't seen it before. but african yea said what he said, he just shoved the microphone back into her hand. >> right. >> it could not have been so where it was so bad. >> what's going to happen? >> i think that it's going to be tough to take him seriously, because he's known as a genius, a troubled man with a bad reputation. and now i don't think that le live and first of all, that wasn't my favorite. favorite thing was -- >> i mean, that's a facial gone bad. >> i don't know if we have a picture of it. we accepted her reward in a red lacing that covered up her face. it was like, see, hold this. she shoved something in m and m's face. >> and can yea is going to be the guest tonight. >> there are three winners in this. beyonce, taylor, and jay leno. >> what do you think is going to happen with jay? >> remember the hugh grant think where jay called him out and said, what were you thinking? >> what do you think overall minus the can yea thing? >> i think he's going to do a great show. the question is, can he compete with those procedural dramas that we normally associate with -- >> there's been a huge following. >> so is he in his own genre. >> there are people that don't normally tune into this because they would rather -- >> but will they find him funny? i don't know what the demographical thing is. will women find jay appealing? >> they love roth the intern, i can tell you that. >> and then it's going to be kind of like the daily show that i was reetdsing. >> little less talk and -- >> what about ellen and the whole idol thing? do you think it's a winner? >> i do think it's a winner. it's more koent verse controversial than you would think but -- >> you think you can dance. >> i didn't see that. >> and some people didn't like that. but i think she's perfect for this. and let's talk about madonna. >> the tribute started off with a rocky start any way. by the way, did you see the footage by the michael jackson movie. that looks amazing. that will be out october 28th. >> that's amazing how much money is going to be made after his death. >> jeff, thank you. >> you are a doll. we love having you on. >> thank you so much. when we come back, how to wear white even after labor day. >> oh, look at joey. we're back with today's style and how to make your white work for the fall. >> maybe wearing white after labor day is a fashion fauxpa but -- >> you have the white on after labor day. >> lady gaga was in white. >> a lot of mothers say to their kids, do not wear white after labor day but it started a long time ago that white reflected light which represented the summer. i think people wear white all year long because us shiek and clean. >> we're going to show you a picture of someone wearing white in the fall and tell us how you. >> everybody is panicking because they are wearing jeans. >> here is joey coal. >> she's got the white jeans on. this is how she decked it out for summer, right? now let's see how joey decks it out for the fall. oh, look at you. >> how adorable is that? >> isn't that fabulous? all you have to do is pair it with a chunky sweater and a belt -- >> showing the belt. >> it reinvents the look. >> so cute. >> that's adorable. i like that. >> just when she thought she couldn't be more adorable. >> thank you, joey. >> the next item is not to be confused with white jeans and white slacks. >> that's the summer look. i love winter white suits. i think it's so sheek. not only for a black tie affair but for cocktails. vanna, come on out. >> h! >> i always look for a great one. this is from victoria secret. each piece is under $100. and the other thing i wanted to point out, you can wear opened-toeed shoes in the fall. >> can we? >> yes. i don't ever think -- white flats are fine. i'm not a fan of white pumps especially since we don't know what is going to and we stopped it from the press for $10. >> come on. >> it's beautiful. >> i know you're a fan of those earrings. >> i've won't those exact earrings. the exact pair, actually. >> that's beautiful. >> we have a white tennis security. this is nadine and this is how she wore the skirt. all you have to do is have the look. >> oh, my gosh. >> that looks great. >> yeah. and i think a lot of people say, can i wear a white skirt and people do this especially for work and if you're going out at night, you see this pencil skirt and then the bag -- this was made for spring and then carried over to fall because it was so popular. >> you're kidding. >> because you can just see how ung mix and match white. you can pair it as a tank. >> that's really beautiful. >> next is white accessories and then we have alli with all of te white accessories. let's see how you decked it out forthe fall. >> oh, how cute. >> come on, she's the cutest. who is cuter? maybe joey by a smidgen. >> you know how i love two for one. it was the shawl in the summer and then it become as scarf and then the bag, you have valentino back in the summer at the beach and it's acceptable for the fall and the ug is very strict rules and those are adorable because i wear that for -- >> i'll going to -- this is a fantastic outfit from old navy. it's under $50 and it cinches in the waste. >> so adorable. thank youdarling. >> this is the white tank and the last one. this is jana wearing hers for the summer. >> jana, let's see the new look with the fall. >> okay. now -- >> wow, excuse us. >> is that faux? >> it is faux. it's totally acceptable. and it's a great thing to wear over a white tank, if you're hot or at continue nedinner, it's wonderful. coming up next, dinner for four for less than 10 bucks. >> wow. >> i'm telling you. we're going to have a little fun. we're back in "today's" kitchen and we're having dinner for four. get this. feeding four for less than $10. >> that's right. no matter what your age, september means back to school season. for many, that means polishing up your balancing act. ed, you're serious, under $10 for a family of four? >> serious. we're making an angel hair frittata. >> too bad nelly -- >> you're right. >> i've got precooked pasta, a nonstick pan with butter and olive oil and precooked pasta and a little bit of water, salt and pepper. >> come on, what's better than that? >> it's an omelet now. >> what is in the egg mixture? >> a little bit of water, salt and pepper. >> that's it? okay. >> make sure this is distributed. >> cooking it as if it's an omelet. >> as if it's a crepe. >> so what does that mean? >> so it's going to be thin and flat. >> like i wish my stomach was. >> so are you going to flip it? >> yes. >> and what are you putting on there? >> parsley. you could put really anything. >> if we're going to include the 10 people that -- i think we should show them. you have a dozen eggs, an gel hair pasta, fresh parsley, $9.97. >> it looks beautiful, too. for a sunday brunch, it looks beautiful. >> just as the eggs start to be moved around. >> we'll be over here. >> we're going to throw that up and get ready to catch it. >> no, you're not. >> oh, my gosh. >> wow. >> chef ed. >> okay. so -- >> that's five layers. >> that's a beautiful thing. >> let's get that baby up there. >> i don't do that. >> want me to get rid of this so i don't burn myself? >> hoda is going to go spinning later. >> yes. >> let's see how beautiful this is. >> look at that, you guys. that is gorgeous. >> look at that. >> beauty. that's a beauty. >> tell us about the salads where there is mushroom, tomato, onion, and just olive oil and lemon juice, it's really that simple. >> i really have to go to a spin class. >> what are you saying? >> you're on your own, ed. >> we start this at brunch and i'm going to do it at charter house, which is a new restaurant that i'm opening in lincoln center. >> where is it opening? >> chowder house. >> put a little more cheese on that. >> thank you, sweetie. >> that is great. >> chowder and next week, what date it's so early -- >> next tuesday. >> that's what i was asking you about. >> thank you so, so much. >> again, $9.77. we'll be back with more on "today" on nbc. hoda is going to continue eating this frittata which is unbelievable. >> we're talking about lady gag a's hair because we mentioned that it may be like a bird nest. >> and nancy said a big bird with a cone. >> and shannon said some kint of wreeth and becky said, she owes her an apology. >> what was that whole thing? was that a wreaht? >> she's a performance audience. >> but look at his outfit. come on. he wants to know, who are the top three people you would think in your own words for an emmy? >> i'm going to -- >> who would you think besides me if you got an award? >> you know, my mom, you know, the usual. >> who are the usual? >> kathie, what do you think? >> i would definitely have to thank my parents and -- >> don't forget frank. >> tomorrow, vanessa williams will be with us. >> have an awesome day today. >> bye.