Wednesday on Today 8/22

Today's Classroom: Sending Your Child To College. Parents sometimes have a hard time facing the reality of their kids leaving home. They're not just entering college but they're leaving your house. Michele Borba from iVillage gave some advice for parents such as, be prepared. It's a very emotional time so you should say your good-byes before you leave home. You don't want to lose it and start bawling while you're kid's getting out of the car. Be sure to have a financial talk and one about drinking--especially binge drinking. Once on campus, follow your child's lead and locate essential places. Here Michele almost had Natalie Morales and myself in tears with these next bits of advice: Parting words--think about what to say in advance. Give one last look--you won't see him/her for a while. And it's okay to shed a tear. Once back home don't go and change the bedroom around. They will be back during breaks. One last saying from a Navajo proverb: "We raise our kids to leave us."

Ann Curry interviewed Brad Pitt in New Orleans. One-On-One with Brad Pitt. Why couldn't that be my job? Brad is in New Orleans as an advocate for environmental concerns and affordable housing. He says Hurricane Katrina was a man-made disaster, not a natural one, and the government has a responsiblility to make it right. Amen to that. But don't look to this administration to make anything right. They specialize in making things worse. On the bright side, I don't think it's possible to get a worse president than we have now.

Well, the American people have spoken and the winning couple is Cody and Jessica. They are the lucky couple who will get married on natioinal TV with Today Throws A Martha Stewart Wedding. Darcy Miller was there with the happy soon-to-be-weds in a segment about Wedding Gift Registry Ideas. The best advice: Register at at least one department store and online so out of town guests can easily shop. Another idea for an original wedding gift was a cake stand with recipes on it from Macy's. For the sports minded, golf lessons (for the spouse) and personalized golf balls for the golf enthusiast were suggested. I know a couple whose marriage ended because the wife gave the husband an ultimatum and he chose golf. He was an addict. Luckily my husband hasn't tried golf. The wine of the month club, wine glasses and monogrammed leather coasters were other ideas. Also for the couple who has everything--donate to charity. You can choose anyone from the ASPCA to the Arbor Day Foundation. This is a great idea. How many wine glasses and leather coasters does anybody need? Put the money to a good cause.

Today's Kitchen was All About Okra. Scott Peacock from Watershed Restaurant showed different okra recipes, such as fritters battered and fried--those looked delicious. He also roasted some with veggies. Corn, bacon and okra was the last dish featured. For those and other recipes, visit the Today show website.

R&B singer, songwriter, Ne-Yo, was in the studio for a quick interview and a song. He ended the show with "Because Of You," from the CD of the same name. I love that song.

And that's a wrap. Till tomorrow.