Jezebel: Today Show

Kathie Lee Suggests That Husband Frank Is Incontinent

Jessica — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 16:40:00 EDT

So, during Today's yenta hour, Kathie Lee and Hoda were playing with a disturbingly realistic potty training tool called The Little Mommy Real Loving Baby Gotta Go doll. Basically you sit the doll on the toilet, and it leaves some doodoo in a fake potty, and then it cheers for itself. Hoda is totally fascinated by this, and introduces the doll by saying, "It's for people who have trouble potty training their child," to which Kathie Lee adds, "Or their husband. Because sometimes you wonder." We never wondered about Frank Gifford's ability to wee in the toilet before, but we are thinking about it now! Thanks Kathie Lee.

Rachel Zoe Denies Involvement In The "Size Zero" Controversy On The Today Show

Maria — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 11:30:00 EDT

Stylist Rachel Zoe, who is probably better known to the general public for being thin and running around with starlets than her achievements in the illustrious, artistic field of celebrity styling, popped on over to the Today show this morning to promote her new horribly-named reality series, The Rachel Zoe Project, which premieres tonight. When asked why she chose to star in her own series, Zoe fell on the old celebrity-turned-reality-star fallback excuse of "people were already talking about me (so I decided to star in a show where I could control what people saw of me; oh, and make some cash along the way)." Zoe also tried to dispel the rumor that she is to blame for her clients' low BMI notes that none of her current clients are a size zero. We do feel that Zoe got unfairly blamed for her clients' "issues" and we're actually looking forward to her new show, if only to watch more of the medicated-mumbling that she delivers in this clip.

A Nonpartisan, Ladies-Only Look At Political Fashion On Today

Dodai — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:30:00 EDT

Glamour magazine's editor-in-chief Cindi Leive and the Washington Post's Pulitzer Prize-winning fashion critic Robin Givhan were on the Today show this morning for a female-centric "Political Fashion" segment. The ladies discussed Jackie Kennedy, Nancy Reagan and Barbara Bush before moving on to Hillary Clinton, Michelle Obama, Cindy McCain and, of course, Sarah Palin. Seeing a veritable rainbow of Hillary's Traveling Pantsuits was amusing, as was Ms. Givhan's take on Governor Palin's ensemble: "You don't really notice what she's wearing." Yeah, not with all the other crap going on! Clip above.

Guyland Author: Working Women Leave "A Lot Of Men Confused" About Their Place In Life

Jessica — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:20:00 EDT

Even though a study has just come out showing that men "ranked good health, harmonious family life and good relationships with their wife or partner as more important to their quality of life than material, self-fulfilling or purely sexual concerns," author Michael Kimmel went on the Today show this morning to pimp his new book, Guyland*, which bemoans the culture of men between the ages of 16 and 26. Kimmel says America's young men are mostly interested in "binge drinking, violent porno, video games," and, using an old, tired trope, blames some of this "transformation" on feminism. According to Kimmel, in the past thirty years there's been a gender role shift and "this leaves a lot of men confused," Kimmel says. Men think, "What do you need me for?" Good god. Clip above.

*This book has been sitting on my nightstand for a week. I am going to read over the long weekend and get back to you with more revelations from Guyland after Labor Day.

Men Defy Stereotypes In Defining Masculinity [EurekAlert]

Nastia Liukin And Shawn Johnson Talk Medals With Meredith On Today

Jessica — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:20:00 EDT

Gold and silver medalists Nastia Liukin and Shawn Johnson were on the Today Show this morning after they completed their winning routines. Both girls were gracious and poised, and of course, Meredith Vieira always gets points from the Jezebel judges for not being Ann Curry and actually conducting a coherent interview. Some of y'all were discussing Liukin's "bitchface" in the comments of the first post, and I want to put in my two cents. That bitchface is what's also known as "focus" and I don't understand why girlfriend has to have the smiley face disease while she's competing. She's competing. Her job is to kick ass and take names on the balance beam, not be Miss Congeniality. If she were outwardly rude that would be one thing, but her intense focus is pretty damn impressive in our book. It's not called gymNICEtics, people.

Earlier: US Women Win Gold, Silver In Gymnastics All-Around

Today Show Correspondents Are Too Fat, Male, To Be Olympic Hostesses

Maria — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:20:00 EDT

This morning, Kevin Tibbles from the Today show investigated the 337 Chinese Olympic hostesses who carry the medals to the winning athletes at the Games. Tibbles noted that the girls "to no one's surprise look very similar." (The young women were chosen to fit a specific size — between 5'6" and 5'8" in height and between 110-120 pounds.) Later, Tibbles asked the women if he could join their group and one young woman delicately told him "no" by miming the belly of an obese person after motioning to her slim figure which Matt Lauer later harped on. Clip above.

Is Today Mocking "Ugly Models"?

Jessica — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 14:30:00 EDT

Ok, I'm going to sound like a mom when I say this, but I don't like your tone, Al Roker! On this morning's Today show, he interviews the owner of an agency called Ugly Models, a place specializing in models who are not tall, lithe and fitting in with societal ideals. Obviously calling the place "ugly" is meant to be tongue-in-cheek, but the way Roker and Today seem to be approaching the models is LOLZ! Look at the fat dude who is a model! How completely hilarious to think that someone would want to look at a picture of him! Dunno, maybe I'm overreacting — it's Friday and I've lost my ability discern gentle humor from gentle insult. Why don't you watch the clip above and let us know what you think.

Earlier: Are Real People A Real Threat To Runway Models?

Meredith Vieira Lands Interview With Former Owners Of "Christian The Lion"

Maria — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EDT

By now, pretty much everyone in America has seen the YouTube video starring Christian the Lion, a lion cub bought in London by friends John Rendell and Ace Bourke in the 1960s, relocated to Kenya soon afterwards, and then reunited with Rendell and Bourke a little over a year later. The Today show's producers tracked down the two men, who told host Meredith Vieria that owning a lion cub "almost seemed natural" so many decades ago. She responded by comparing the two — live via satellite from Sydney, Australia — to simple foodstuffs. Clip above.

Nancy Pelosi: Hillary Clinton Is "The Most Respected Political Figure In America"

Jessica — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EDT

Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was on Today this morning, discussing her new book Know Your Power: A Message to America's Daughters. She and Meredith Vieira, looking so much like Doublemint twins in their matching off-white pant suits and perfectly foiled hair, discussed sexism, Pelosi's rise to power, and the impact Hillary Clinton's candidacy has made on the political landscape. The message of Know Your Power seems somewhat simplistic, but it's still a message worth repeating: there is no single path to success or fulfillment, and women shouldn't judge each other for doing what feels right vis a vis career versus family. Clip above.

Georgia Woman Turns Engagement Lemons Into Lemonade Cold Hard Cash

Jessica — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 12:30:00 EDT

RoseMary Shell gave up an $81,000 a year job in Pensacola, Florida to move in with her fiance, Wayne Gibbs in Gainesville, Georgia. A few days before they were to be married in early 2007, Wayne left RoseMary a 'Dear John' letter in the bathroom (is that better or worse than a break up Post-it??) and instead of getting mad, RoseMary got even. She sued Wayne for breach of contract and just yesterday was awarded $150,000 for her troubles. RoseMary and her lawyer were on the Today show this morning, gabbing with Meredith about the settlement. The best part? Bitch still has the ring, and she's sure as hell hocking it. Clip above.
Jury Awards Jilted Bride $150,000 [Gainesville Times]

This Week We Waged War On Terrible TV Hostesses

Jessica — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:00:00 EDT

The long-awaited "all black" issue of Italian Vogue hit newsstands, and we gave you a guided tour.
Judy Blume taught us that having your dessert isn't all it's cracked up to be when you're a disgruntled 60s housefrau.
We became your personal style guru.
Three words: dolphin assisted birth.
See little Emily walk. See little Emily run the fuck away from George Bush.
We wanted to run screaming from Today Show bungler Ann Curry.
Speaking of loathsome tv personalities, it was a big week for Elisabeth Hasselbeck! She told us she has never used a vibrator and cried during a discussion of the N-word.

We shared our dirty desks with the world.
We discussed chick lit and Maxi with author Janelle Brown.
Times of London essayist said: incest is best put your brother to the test. We said: do not want.
We reminisced about advertising icons and proposed a few updates.
This week marked Dodai's one-year Jezeversary, so pour some out for our Hello Kitty-lovin' editrix this weekend!

It's Official: The Today Show Is Making Me Crazy

Dodai — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EDT

Today was the last straw: I officially hate the Today show. I know it's in the category of "morning television," but I always tune in, hoping against hope, that I'll see, you know, the news. But after the missing women and harmed kids stories, they move right along to "When should I throw stuff in my fridge away?" and the earth-shattering suggestion that if you think your pet is sick, you should see a vet. Then there's a "concert" on the plaza. And for the last few months, a horrible feeling has been building and accumulating inside of me, and if I don't let it out, I'll burst: The absolute worst part of the show is the "reporter" known as Ann Curry.

Ann Curry is the worst. She hems, she haws, she giggles. Words come out of her mouth, but they are strung along in an order that make no sense. It's embarrassing. And on top of her incoherence, in spite of the fact that she is supposedly a journalist, she does not ask questions. Well, sometimes she asks stupid questions. Earlier this week, of Pierce Brosnan on his singing voice in Mamma Mia, she asked, "Where does it come from?" Um, out of his mouth? She asked Natasha Bedingfield the same question today: "Your music. Where does it come from?" Bedingfield was gracious enough to explain how she gets inspired to write songs (Ann was shocked: "You write your own songs?!" Did you do your research, Ann? Read the bio? Or maybe ASK?) If I'd been asked "Your music. Where does it come from?" I'd have said, "The speakers."

Today, Nelson Mandela's birthday, Curry "interviewed" Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer and filmmaker David Turnley, who spent 25 years documenting the struggle to end apartheid in South Africa. This is, verbatim, Curry's first question for Turnley:

"[Mandela] says in this last clip we just heard, 'It is in your hands now.' And this is the idea in your book the idea that we are now given the baton we now have this legacy."

Turnley barely knows how to respond, but basically just interviews himself and explains the point of his book. Ann follows up thusly:

And that's not all; that's not all. You took these iconic images that show us not just that courage but also… … a man who could despite what he gave up forgave. And I think that was the moment that made people around the world realize that something that we want to believe is possible in all of us."

Wait, what? As seen in the clip above, all the poor man can do is blink. Of all of the questions she could have asked him: "What was your most memorable moment of your quarter of a century in South Africa?" "Did you ever feel that Mandela's life was in danger?" "Did you ever feel that your life was in danger?" "Which, of all of the photographs you've taken, was the toughest to get?" She asks a question that is, in fact, a statement, filled with some kind of breathy faux-gravitas that we're supposed to interpret as sincerity. I wanted to throw my television out of the window. She makes journalism look bad. She makes women in journalism look bad.

And just when I was calming myself down, who should arrive but Kathie Lee and Hoda? Their cackle-filled, weight-loss centric last hour of the Today show veers between mind-numbing, inane and excruciating. And every Friday, they relive the week's exploits through a montage set to "Girls Just Want To Have Fun." These are full-grown women on a news program? Believe me, I want to stab myself (or SOMEONE) in the eyes.

FBI Expert Tries To Explain Why Women In The Military Keep Getting Killed

Jessica — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:40:00 EDT

In response to yesterday's news that the remains of Army nurse Holley Wimunc had been found and that her husband, Cpl. John Wimunc, spate of military murders. According to Van Zandt, the military says the rate of violence against women is the same in the armed forces as it is in civilian life, but he added that the forced separation of couples during wartime can cause a great deal of stress. He also said that "It's not uncommon, unfortunately, for those who love us to also kill us." Clip above.

Holley Wimunc
Anonymous Letter-Writer Takes Responsibility For Murder Of Pregnant North Carolina Solider
Maria Lauterbach

Heidi Klum: "Sometimes, Honestly, I Can't Handle My Voice"

Dodai — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:30:00 EDT

Lovably wacky Ms. Heidi Klum was on Today this morning, and Matt Lauer noted that she put her fingers in her ears when the Project Runway clip ran. "I sometimes wonder when people actually copy me… and they make me sound so German," she said. "But then I see myself." Matt was all, "It does sound a tad German, by the way." They went on to discuss the fifth season of PR, and the fact that this could be the last season the show is on Bravo. Matt suggested he just lock Heidi in the studio to keep Heidi at NBC (which owns Bravo). Heidi quipped, "You can be Tim Gunn!" Heidi also said of the network, "I don't have a problem here." Clip above.

"I Don't Want To Get Spanked By Mama" And Other Clinton Camp Sexism

Megan — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 17:20:00 EDT

If Gail Sheehy's article Hillaryland at War is to be believed, Hillary Clinton did face a ton of sexism — from inside her own circle of advisers. From her advisers admitting that "nobody knew how to run a woman as a candidate for President" to the title quote to Mark Penn insisting that she couldn't show "weakness," aka, any kind of emotion or female-ness, to Bill Clinton insisting "you can't run as a woman," it seems like Hillary faced as much sexism from within her inner circle as from without. Could she have run a credible campaign as a woman instead of running, as Penn and her husband reportedly insisted, as the "toughest man in the race"? Millions of women would probably say yes, but, then, by Indiana, Penn was courting white men anyway.

Related: Hillaryland At War [Vanity Fair]

Is Katherine Heigl Being A "Diva" By Turning Down Her Emmy Nod?

Dodai — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 12:00:00 EDT

This morning, the Today show did a segment on Katherine Heigl withdrawing from the Emmy race. Reporter Peter Alexander says something about how "critics" are calling Heigl a "star-turned-diva." How is turning down an Emmy a "diva" move? If a male actor did it, would he be called a diva? And, for those of us who don't watch the show: Her character saved a deer? Really? Clip above.
Earlier: Katherine Heigl's Emmy Snub Might Be A Stand For Strong Female Characters

"You Get Caught Up In The White House Bubble"

Moe — Thu, 29 May 2008 17:30:00 EDT

Some stuff happened today, but I'm skipping the roundup today so I can leave you with this Scott McClellan clip, because we haven't covered this issue enough, for instance we haven't pointed out that he now has no friends, because he's a leper with the Grody Old Party and no one likes Bush at this point so heartless liberals like Michael Kinsley have no choice but to mock him, or how maybe this means Bush himself authorized the Valerie Plame leak even though Cheney was the supposed magic man. Personally I'm just glad whenever anyone discovers that fear, like Michelle Obama says, is a useless emotion, a category to which I'll add the envy around which modern Republicanism originally coalesced, and leave the matter open for discussion.

Matt Lauer Is Scared Of Tipsy Stay At Home Moms

Jessica — Thu, 29 May 2008 12:30:00 EDT

The Today show tackled the new terror plaguing our nation: day drinking mamas. According to expert Dr. Charles Sofie, modern moms have jobs, husbands and household responsibilities, and this "stress" is driving them straight to the bottle. The problem is, many of these margarita swilling moms get behind the wheel of the minivan after a few cocktails and put the lives of our nation's children in danger!!! Since they don't even use fake-y statistics, I'm guessing this entire thing is made up to keep moms from ever enjoying themselves without guilt. That said: don't drink and drive, ladies!

If A Girl Gets A Spa Treatment And No One Films It, Did It Really Happen?

Jessica — Mon, 19 May 2008 16:00:00 EDT

Good Morning America is so fresh out of ideas that they're watching month-old episodes of the Today Show for inspiration. Diane Sawyer and Co. are just picking up the tween spa meme and running it into the ground. Some six year olds are getting their hair chemically straightened, some 12-year-old girls are getting bikini waxes, preteen boys remain cruel, as always. Clip of dismayed reporters and smug mommies above.

Earlier: Some Six Year Olds May Have More Makeup Than Their Moms
How Many 8 Year-Olds Have To Get Bikini Waxes Before We All Agree The Terrorists Have Won?

Alexandra Michael Is About 28 Pounds Too Fat For Modeling

Moe — Wed, 14 May 2008 13:00:00 EDT

We used to play a little game called "Arm or Leg?" with the limbs of some of the models in Teen Vogue. (Such as this one.) But today on the Today show, Teen Vogue editor-in-chief Amy Astley announced the magazine's pro-ana days are over. Astley was moved by the story of 17-year-old model Alexandra Michael, who joined her this morning to talk about how she was sent home from Paris for being too fat, but she's okay with that since her hair is no longer falling out after she packed on 30 pounds in eating disorder rehab. And who does Amy Astley blame for the industry's deleterious emaciation obsession? "I think it's cyclical," she says. Ha ha ha, tell that to the kid who didn't get her period for a year!

Mom-To-17 Michelle Duggar Set To Birth Another Damn Baby

Dodai — Fri, 09 May 2008 13:30:00 EDT

This morning on the Today show, Michelle Duggar, who has given birth to seventeen children, announced that she is pregnant. Again. One of her older sons practically gagged as he responded to the news, and her husband, Jim Bob, said the pregnancy was not planned: "We let the Lord decide," he explained. Oh, God. Anyway: The kids proceeded to shower Michelle with gifts; one daughter said, "My mom mentioned a while back that she really would like a pearl necklace." (Hey kid, maybe she didn't mean jewelry? Maybe it was a quiet plea to get the hubs to try spilling his seed somewhere not near her uterus?) When the same daughter explained that she bought an outfit as a gift because "My mom is usually pregnant," no one could contain their laughter. Clip above. (Oh, and the new baby's name will begin with a J, clearly. Any suggestions? Jennifer, Joshua, John David, Janna, Jill, Jessa, Jinger, Joseph, Josiah, Joy-Anna, Jedidiah, Jeremiah, Jason, James, Justin, Jackson, and Johannah are already taken.)

Earlier: Matt Lauer: 'Hey, Duggars, What's With All The J Names?'
Family Planning

Tina Fey Keeps Perspective By Cleaning Up Baby Poop

Jessica — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 12:30:00 EDT

Tina Fey's love for talking about poop is almost as great as our love for talking about Tina Fey talking about poop. On this morning's Today show, Fey entertained Meredith Vieira with stories about her daughter, Alice, along with tales from the Baby Mama set. "When you are chasing someone around with a pull up trying to stop them from pooping on the floor, It gives you perspective," Fey said. Fey and BM costar Amy Poehler were also on the View today, telling Whoopi, Joy et. al about why they prefer New York to L.A. (answer: in L.A. you gotta work out so much!). Have Tina Feytigue yet? Nah, we're Feynatics. Anyway, Today show clip above.

19-Year-Old Math Prodigy Alia Sabur Is Today's Favorite Jezebel

Jessica — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 12:30:00 EDT

On this morning's Today show, Ann Curry interviewed Alia Sabur, who, at 18, became the youngest professor in the history of the United States. Sabur, now 19, is refreshingly adorable and normal — certainly mature for her age, but completely humble about her achievements. She teaches physics and math at Southern University in New Orleans, a school so destroyed by Katrina that students are still attending classes in trailers. Sabur wanted to teach there because she wanted to help Katrina victims but knew she wasn't good at building houses. "I tried to do what I'm good at," Sabur explained. A voice over notes that Sabur "loves celebrity gossip websites," and pans to a shot of Alia looking at Jezebel. Full clip above.

TV Time

Dodai — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 10:45:00 EDT

Yesterday was Kathie Lee Gifford's first day hosting the fourth hour of the Today show, and the reviews are in! In the New York Times, Alessandra Stanley writes: "For many women Ms. Gifford is the embodiment of female fortitude with a frivolous streak — and that is actually what the fourth hour of Today is all about." Ugh, really? Meanwhile, Tom Shales of the Washington Post says that the show was "bland, vapid and innocuous fluff, no substance whatever," like "The View for dummies" and a "windy, dithery mess with virtually no portents of improvements to come." He sums it up thusly: "The thought of dropping in on [Kathie Lee and Hoda Kotb] again to see what they're up to — either today, tomorrow or as long as the Earth continues to twirl — is not a pleasant one." [NY Times, WaPo]

New Kids On The Block Reunite On Today

Tracie — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EDT

Joey McIntyre, Donnie Wahlberg, Danny Wood, and Jordan and Jonathan Knight of New Kids on the Block are gettin' the band back together, and the quintet went on Today this morning to talk about their upcoming album and hype up their May 16th Today performance live in the Plaza. Joey is still cute, Donnie was wearing a piece with a lace front, Jordan lost the excess weight he had on The Surreal Life, Jonathan was wearing a clear retainer, and Danny continues to be the Ringo of the group. Props to Natalie Morales for having the balls to say, "You guys went from the biggest act around to just disappearing. What happened?" Clip above.

Must-She TV

Dodai — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:40:00 EDT

In today's Washington Post, Robin Givhan goes off on the fourth hour of The Today Show. She calls the female-oriented hour "excruciating" and "soul-sapping" and "enough to make one gag." The content, (weight loss, makeovers and recipes) Givhan says, "harks back to another era — a time when, say, the idea of a woman being a serious contender for the White House was unthinkable." She says the fourth hour "is like a parody of what people who don't read women's magazines think defines them." And if all that were not bad enough, here comes the news that Kathie Lee Gifford has joined the show. Look, maybe a lot of us aren't home watching TV at 10 a.m. but seriously: Is this what American women want? [Washington Post, Today]

Ad Man Donny Deutsch & Comedienne Nancy Giles Weigh In On Controversial Vogue Cover

Dodai — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 11:00:00 EDT

This morning, advertising expert Donny Deutsch and actress and writer Nancy Giles sat down with Ann Curry on the Today show to talk about the Lebron James Vogue cover. Deutsch had no problem with the image, because he's a "dumb white guy" and a sports fan — Vogue's very demographic! Nancy Giles was more measured and articulate than Deutsch, but no real earth-shattering revelations were made. Still, Today producers: When you're trying to investigate whether something is offensive to — and a negative portrayal of — black men, how about you ask a black man? Because as we mentioned, over at Concrete Loop, actual black people have found this image troublesome. (Clip above.)

Earlier: Is Vogue's "LeBron Kong" Cover Offensive?
MagHag
Holy Itshay, What Is That Big Black Man Doing On The Cover Of Vogue?!
Is Fashion The Sports Of Chicks? And If So, Isn't That Kind Of Scary?
More Of Vogue's "World's Best Bodies"

What Exactly Is Wrong With Gary Coleman?

Slut Machine — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 14:30:00 EST

Okay, all kidding aside, what is wrong with Gary Coleman? And I don't mean his congenital kidney disorder or that he's unable to consummate his relationship with his wife, for whatever reason. I'm talking about the fact that it was really difficult for me to get a screen shot — showing his eyes alert and open — from this interview on the Today show this morning. Is he on something? And for that matter, what is his wife's deal? I love that Al Roker had the balls to be like, "What is it that attracted you to Gary?" Because really, we want to know. Oh, also, Gary said that he has always wanted to be "an actor on the internet" and that he's embarrassed by other actors and "ashamed to be a member of the business." Also, he's apparently "not into fame." Right, so he's booking himself and his platonic wife around on all these TV shows to stay out of the public eye! Clip above.

Fat Isn't Contagious, So Why Doesn't Anyone Want To Sit Next To This Woman?

Dodai — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST

Kim Brittingham appeared on the Today show this morning because she made a fake book called Fat Is Contagious: How Sitting Next To A Fat Person Can Make YOU Fat and "read" it on New York City subways and buses (see clip, above). Kim claims that reactions varied: "a lot of people appeared to be jotting down the title and author" of the faux tome, she says, and one guy "bolted for the back of the bus." Uh, really? A New Yorker fled because of a phony self-help book? Anyway, her point, though she doesn't really say it, seems to be that people treat her like she's got leprosy, since she's overweight. And when it comes to the F word — fat — just when is it "OK" to say it?

The Utne Reader reports that the summer issue of food and culture publication Gastronomica, a writer found that the more money you make, the less likely you are to be called fat: A Google search for "portly" resulted in descriptions of doctors, lawyers, and professors, but rarely for janitors and plumbers. Plus! Bonus race/gender discrepancies:

Although "white man," "white woman," "black man," and "black woman" all got around the same number of hits when the phrases stood alone, adding "fat" skewed the results. The phrase "fat black woman" got eight times as many hits as "fat white woman," while "fat white man" got 12 times as many hits as "fat black man." And black women were dubbed fat, obese, and overweight at far higher rates than the others.

Is there inherent disrespect in the word fat? Is it "better" to say rotund, Rubenesque, portly? Also: Did Ms. Brittingham have a good idea, or is she wallowing in negative attention? What would the reactions have been if she'd made a fake book called Fat Isn't Contagious, But Happy Is and "read" it with a wide smile on her face?

Your Momma's So Portly... [Utne]

Today On Today: Tyra Says Her Huckabee Interview Will Be Just Like The Alba One

Slut Machine — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST

Tyra Banks was on Today this morning to discuss the social importance of an upcoming episode of Tyra and to plug tomorrow's premiere of America's Next Top Model Cycle 10. But Natalie Morales was more interested in talking abut Tyra's now infamous interviews with presidential candidates (the next one up is Huckabee), applauding TyTy for asking the questions that other "journalists" are afraid to ask. Yeah, remember when she asked Hillary about text messaging? So hard-hitting! Clip above.

In 2008, Baking Is Still For Girls, Air Guitar Is For Boys

Dodai — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 14:30:00 EST

The Toy Fair is in town (New York, that is) and the new crap they dished out for the kiddies on the Today show this morning was sucktastic! Or maybe just retro? Girls will be able to learn "social responsibility" (whatever the fuck that is) from a talking dollhouse. Or they can make cupcakes! Meanwhile, the boys get battle brawlers with "fun action," Clone Trooper helmets and some kind of rockin' air guitar belt buckle (playing "air guitar" sort of looks like "jerking off" but whatevs.) Don't worry girls: You can also create a digital runway show starring everyone's favorite stacked blonde with oh-so-realistic proportions... Barbie! Clip above.

Before Sex & The City, Talking About Sex Was Practically Illegal

Moe — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 14:20:00 EST

Candace Bushnell went on the Today show this morning to self-aggrandize in her affected accent and promote her new show Lipstick Jungle. The show, she claims, is all about balancing your career with your family and sense of "morality." As someone whose life would appear to be devoid of the latter two ingredients — not to mention, someone whose career has consisted entirely of writing about herself and her friends and tell me why that gets to constitute a "career" again? — it was a little annoying. But not as annoying as when she said that women "weren't allowed to talk about sex" before Sex & The City. Wow, Candace, we never thought of you as the rightful heir to Erica Jong before! But thanks for adding to the already lengthy list of absurd notions for which the world has you to thank!!

Dear Women: Dudes Are Repulsed By Your Huge Hooves

Dodai — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 18:00:00 EST

Hey, ladies! If you have big feet, asymmetrical features and little or no "hip sway," you're unattractive. (Yes, that means you, Paris Hilton). At least, according to science. In a clip from the Today show this morning, researchers claim small feet, symmetrical faces and swishy asses are what the guys really want. Question: Are we living in a Looney Tunes short? Seriously, this sounds like someone we know. Also, Paris should totes move to Tanzania.

Frisky Marie Claire Writer Tries Not To Have Sex; Fails

dodai — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:00:00 EST

Writer Colleen Oakley did a stunt for the new issue of Marie Claire magazine that involved not having sex with her fiance for one month. Oakley, you see, was trying to follow the rules set down by Ian Kerner, Ph.D., as outlined in his book, Sex Detox. Kerner recommends a celibacy program to help couples break out of sexual ruts and make sure that they're connecting on an intimate level without sex. The thing is, after starting her detox, Ms. Oakley found that she and Fred, her fiance, couldn't keep their hands off each other: They lasted about four days. Then they tried again and lasted 12 days. (Yeah, he's black, don't start!) And if it wasn't enough that Ms. Oakley wrote about her sex life with Fred in detail for the magazine, the couple appeared on the Today show this morning to talk about it too.

As the clip above shows, Fred had the decency to look vaguely embarrassed and Al Roker seemed to sympathize. In her article, Ms. Oakley admits that she uses "sex as a security blanket" to confirm that she's "attractive and loved." But if a detox was supposed to help her from making everything about sex, didn't it backfire? How is talking about shagging on national TV with a weatherman solving anything? It's cool if you're a frisky kitty, just don't pretend you want to reform. Also: please note the two feet of space between Fred and Colleen on the Today Show couch.

I Swore Off Sex for a Month [Marie Claire]
Related: To Have Better Sex, Give It Up For A Month [NBC News]

Money Doesn't Make The World Go Around, But It Helps

dodai — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:30:00 EST

The Today Show had a segment on microlending this morning, and you know what? Not all credit is bad. And it can really help struggling women. As Reuters reports, anyone with $25 and an Internet connection can finance a small business. Oprah talked about Kiva.org microloans on her show in September, and the day the episode aired, every loan on the site was fulfilled. Plus, Kiva sold $2.2 million in gift certificates over the holidays. The other aspect of Kiva's appeal? Instead of giving to a faceless charity, you can see pictures of the people whom you're helping. NBC's John Larson traveled to Africa and met with people he'd loaned money to over a year ago (check out the clip, above). He saw how they'd spent the cash and how it had improved their lives.

In the same vein, a new bank in India has opened that caters specifically to prostitutes and sex workers. Women in the country's sex industry have trouble opening bank accounts because of prejudice and lack of identification. (Many of the women are saving money to get out of the business altogether.) Shilpa Merchant, who founded the new bank, says a woman with a savings account is more likely to refuse a customer who does not want to wear a condom, because she doesn't have to worry about where her next meal is coming from. (The government has also recently teamed up with prostitutes to cut down on girls being kidnapped and forced into the sex trade. Profiting by selling a person for sex is illegal, but paying for sex with an adult prostitute is not.)

Meanwhile, in this country, CBS News reports that professor and Freakonomics author Steven D. Levitt studied the finances of prostitution. Hookers in Chicago claim 3% of the sex acts they performed over a two-year period were "freebies" given to cops to avoid arrest. In addition, business is better on holidays and condoms are used 25% of the time, with customers paying a small increase in price for unprotected sex. Risky business, indeed.

The Jezebels have decided to pool some cash and loan it to a woman on the Kiva site. We'll let you know how it goes.

Oprah Effect Brings Microlending To Main Street [Reuters]
Bank For India's Sex Workers [Reuters]
India Turns To Prostitutes To Help Beat Trafficking [Reuters]
The Economics Of Prostitution, Analyzed [CBS News]
[Kiva.org]

Tina Meier: "Megan Will Always Be The Victim"

Moe — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 13:30:00 EST

Tina Meier visited the Today show this morning to talk about the fact that California prosecutors are trying to get Lori Drew charged with fraud for concocting that fake MySpace persona that drove Tina's 13-year-old daughter Megan to suicide. Tina's hair looks really pretty and she says she got the news about the possible prosecution when she was cleaning out Megan's old room. She's working to pass stiffer laws targeting internet bullies. I wish her the best, although I hope all you Hillary supporters don't try to use those kind of laws on someone like me! (;-))

How To Eat Like A Hot Chick: A Guide To Perpetuating Your Issues With Food

Slut Machine — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 17:40:00 EST

How to Eat Like a Hot Chick isn't really sold as a diet book, but as a "guide to enjoying your food, embracing your body and celebrating yourself like only a true Hot Chick can." According to authors Jodi Lipper and Cerina Vincent — who were pushing their book on Today this morning — you can eat anything you want, as long as you take like two bites, and then gorge on leafy roughage so you crap it all out. Seriously, they recommend that you eat a pound of spinach for dinner. (They should re-title it How to Shit Like a Hot Chick.) It doesn't take a nutritionist to realize that the eating habits Lipper and Vincent are suggesting are pretty unhealthy. Look at that still! Fries, creamy pasta and chocolate cake! Fo realz? The best part about this entire thing though, is the one girl who suggests that women eat few pieces of cheese for lunch, saying, "It'll be fun! It'll feel like you're at a fun nightclub or something." Clip above.

Drew Peterson Tells Dateline He Pampered Wife Stacy With Plastic Surgery

Slut Machine — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:30:00 EST

This morning, the Today show ran a preview of Hoda Kotb's interview with Drew Peterson that's part of a Dateline report on the disappearance of his wife Stacy that airs tonight. In the clip above, Drew — who is a suspect in her disappearance — discusses how he pampered Stacy. He says he got her anything she wanted, like a boob job, a tummy tuck, braces, hair removal, Lasik eye surgery, referring to them as "repairs." You can tell by the look on her face that Hoda Kotb is like, Oh. My. God. You fucking ass. Hoda also calls Drew out for always speaking of Stacy in the past tense. But he's sticking to his story: She left him and the kids for another man, and that she was an emotional rollercoaster because of her menstrual cycle.

"Thermostat Wars": Mad Michigan Woman Hates Hubby's High Thermostat; Packs Heat

Jessica — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 09:30:00 EST

Sleeping temperatures are often a bone of contention among couples — I'm always cold and sticking my icicle hands under my boyfriend's warm tummy, much to his chagrin. Most people would just whine about their freezing feet or use covert tactics like turning the heat down behind their partner's back, but Cheryl Grucz, 61, of Washington Township, Michigan, decided to bring in the big guns. Literally. Her husband Joseph wanted to turn up the heat, and according to the Associated Press, Cheryl "pulled out a gun and shot their flat-screen TV while [Joseph] cowered behind a pillow." Joe told the 911 dispatcher: "She's all excited about [him turning the temperature up] because she's so cheap." (Gives new meaning towards the phrase "hot flashes", no?)

Interestingly, yesterday morning, the Today Show was all over what they've dubbed the "thermostat wars", interviewing a number couples on the street about their sleep habits. ("I'm always hot, he's always cold," one woman declared. "He usually just does what I want, and that solves [the temperature problem] just fine.") Then Meredith Vieira interviewed psychologist Jeff Gardere, who threw out some stats, like that fact that 75% of women like their sleep environments warm, while only 25% of men do. He goes on to say that men are hotter because they have a higher body mass and a higher metabolism, so their "furnace burns" much more. Then Gardere added: "Women have higher body fat. Wink wink." (Wink wink? Is he verbally winking because body fat = boobs? Or because he's afraid Meredith is going to yell at him for talking about female fat? It was weird.)

Anyway, the Today Show's solution to a détente in the thermostat wars? "Spend your way out of this argument!" The show suggested number of products, some useful, like "Split the Sheets" bedding made of half flannel and half cotton, some outlandishly expensive, like Vera Wang's Serta natural foam bed, and some ridiculously obvious, like flannel PJ's. Short of purchasing new bedding or shooting up a flat screen TV, what's the answer to brokering peace in a shared bed?

Fight Over Heat Makes Wife Hot [CBS News]
Video: Hot and Cold in the Bedroom? [Today]
Tips On How To Rest In Temperature Peace [MSNBC]

Live On 'Today': The Kid Who Sings Like The Spawn Of Sinatra And Gayken

Jennifer — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 11:00:00 EST

This is 8-year-old Anthony Gargiulia. Anthony says that American Idol changed his life and made him want to be a singer. Problem is, it's hard out there for an 8-year old who sings like Frank Sinatra. But through the power of YouTube, Today show producers found him, booked him, and let him tear it up on the Plaza this morning. His performance is both awe-inspiring and fucking terrifying. (Opines Dodai: "He was boring".)