A Whale Of A Time…
Holy Mackerel, have I got a tip for you. I learned this one yesterday during my visit to Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. After cutting and handling fish to feed to the tens of thousands of sea creatures, my hands really reeked. That’s when one of the staff members told me to rub toothpaste all over them—he says it’s guaranteed to get the stench out. Good to know…
If you saw yesterday’s show, then you know what an amazing facility Georgia Aquarium is. It’s the world’s largest aquarium any way you look at it--in terms of size, number of animals, and gallons of water. And the people who work there—everyone from the biologists, to the managers, and many volunteers—are so dedicated and delighted to share their enthusiasm for the exhibits.
At one point I got up close ‘n personal with the three Beluga whales who live in the Cold Water Quest gallery. Erika, a biologist who works with the Belugas, told me that they love to have their tongues patted. I‘m not sure who figured that out in the first place—I should have asked that question yesterday. I guess I was just so overwhelmed to be looking down the toothy mouth of "Natasha", the oldest whale. Next thing I know I’ve got my hand in there, and when she doesn’t snap it off, I realize I must be doing something right.
Then Erika positioned Natasha so I could touch her skin. I’ve touched a dolphin before but this was much different. One staffer described the Beluga’s skin as "much softer than a dolphin’s—almost like touching a hard boiled egg without the shell". Another said it felt "like a water bed". As for me, it reminded me of a fake boob I had to touch once for a segment on The View. I don’t recall if it was a saline or a silicone implant since we had them both on the set that day—but I hadn’t felt that sensation since, until yesterday.
Right now the biologists are trying to mate either Natasha or her daughter Maris with the exhibit’s only male Beluga, Nico. I’ll be sure to keep you "abreast" of any developments.
If you saw yesterday’s show, then you know what an amazing facility Georgia Aquarium is. It’s the world’s largest aquarium any way you look at it--in terms of size, number of animals, and gallons of water. And the people who work there—everyone from the biologists, to the managers, and many volunteers—are so dedicated and delighted to share their enthusiasm for the exhibits.
At one point I got up close ‘n personal with the three Beluga whales who live in the Cold Water Quest gallery. Erika, a biologist who works with the Belugas, told me that they love to have their tongues patted. I‘m not sure who figured that out in the first place—I should have asked that question yesterday. I guess I was just so overwhelmed to be looking down the toothy mouth of "Natasha", the oldest whale. Next thing I know I’ve got my hand in there, and when she doesn’t snap it off, I realize I must be doing something right.
Then Erika positioned Natasha so I could touch her skin. I’ve touched a dolphin before but this was much different. One staffer described the Beluga’s skin as "much softer than a dolphin’s—almost like touching a hard boiled egg without the shell". Another said it felt "like a water bed". As for me, it reminded me of a fake boob I had to touch once for a segment on The View. I don’t recall if it was a saline or a silicone implant since we had them both on the set that day—but I hadn’t felt that sensation since, until yesterday.
Right now the biologists are trying to mate either Natasha or her daughter Maris with the exhibit’s only male Beluga, Nico. I’ll be sure to keep you "abreast" of any developments.
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LOL! You are a complete nut! And I love it! Love this and the last blog post with the prince. Best to you, BLo
Meredith, It's nice to have you back on your blog! You've been missed!
Awww, I'm sorry I missed yesterday's show : ( That was a segment I would have especially enjoyed! Kewl tip about the toothpaste...wonder if it works for garlic too. Here's a question for Friday Ms Jet Set: About how many travel miles do you put in a month? Seems like you're all over the map every time I read your blog. WHOOSH!!! lol
It looked like you and Al were having a great time at the aquarium yesterday. I've been to the Shedd Aquarium and the Houston Aquarium, but I'll have to try and visit the Georgia one now... As a Scuba diver, I'm envious of your correspondent that got to swim with the whale sharks.
Renee
I've never heard the hint about using toothpaste to get rid of the fishy smell; I'll have to remember that one!! Loved the show from the aquarium but I'm not sure I would want to 'dive with the whales'!!
Meridith,
Did Jane Fonda just let out the C-WORD while talking about the Vagina Monoluges or was I imaginging things?!?!
Meredith you should apologize for that "C" word on your V-word segment today at 8:20am in front of my 8 year old. Shame on you if you don't!
Jenn -
Meredith did apologize.
Also: it's live television. How on earth could Meredith control what came out of Jane Fonda's mouth?
Chill. She did apologize.
I'm so glad you learned of the toothpaste trick prior to shaking everyones hand at the APC luncheon meeting;) Seriously though we enjoyed your show and the comments at the meeting.
Meredith,
Did you see Matt on Conan last night? I just happened by it and at first I thought they had some schtick going with Matt playing charades. Then I figured out what was going on. Hilarious stuff! The two best parts were his characterization of you (which I know he wouldn't do unless you two had a good relationship) and talking about how cold he was in the arctic and pulling the cashews out of his pocket. My comment to my husband was that he really seems like a good guy. You both do. I don't think you could get away with being on TV for as long as you have been and in such a personal way and not be found out if you weren't really nice people. I think that's why you're so successful and I enjoy waking up with you most mornings.
I am highly disappointed in you Meredith and the way you show just how much of a liberal coward you are in stopping Jane Fonda when she used that foul word on show this morning. You as a so called journalist should have been able to stand up to a fellow feminist and embarrass Ms. Fonda for your lack of self control. Is it morning news or trash news?
There is so much pandering to the left on NBC now that all of the shows including those on MSNBC are out of touch with the "true mainstream" of America. Your network, along with yourself would have the country believe that we are falling apart at the seams because of the war and the housing disaster. You need a reality check about the heartland and what most Conservative, Southern and INTELLIGENT WOMEN think. Typically when the subject of southerners come up you and the rest of the Today Show cast of characters act as if people from the North have more class and intellect. That is your opinion which doesn't count in my book.
You lost your way today, gave in to Hollywood once again, and someone you were afraid to confront got to say whatever filth they felt was their right to say. I think people need to pay for trash on cable - not the morning news.
Theresa - Navy Mom
SHAME on you Meridith and shame on NBC for letting that trashy Jane Fonda on to begin with, and then NOT calling her on her use of a word that should never be used on a Morning show where there are small children watching. I thought you were better than that. I did not have that illusion about NBC.
Why should anyone apologize? It is a WORD -- Fonda didn't call Meredith a c*nt. She simply stated that she was asked to read "C*nt" -- that is the name of the monologue. The proper and real title of it. Get over yourself and your 8 year old. I am sure they have heard worse if not said worse.
Wow, Meredith, you looked mortified when Jane Fonda slipped and used vulgur language on your show yesterday! What was going through your head? I thought you handled the situation very professionally!
First, it is despicable that the Today Show would stoop so low as to allow a traitor (yes, I know its old news, but still the case) to pollute a good show. Second, there is NO WAY that was a "slip" as you are trying to sell it. I watched it. NO WAY. Just apologize and say YOU made a mistake letting her on. And where is her "heart-felt" apology? Have I missed it? It will be some time before I will be able to let the Today Show back on my TV.
You should be ashamed for giving that traitor has-been this free publicity, which is ALL she cares about. She only comes out of here earth-filled coffin if she has something else to sell. Every time you let her on, you get taken (or you are complicit). She's laughing at you, all the way to the bank. If you let her on your air again, I'm done with Today.
Hi Meredith - just wanted to tell you how wonderful it was to meet you this week at the Atlanta Press Club luncheon. It was uplifting to hear you speak and answer our questions, but I was most struck by how genuinely nice you are in person. Thanks for leaving such a good impression - I love you and the team even more now when I watch each morning!
It just goes to show, you never know when something you learn will come in handy. :-)
Meredith did not have to apologize for the "c word", she didn't say it. Jane Fonda should be held accountable!!!
Yay! I just watched the video. Now I'm up to speed with the rest of ya's.
I always thought it was fresh cut lemons that got rid of the fishy smell. Remember Susan Sarandon in the movie Atlantic City?
Hey Meredith! Your aquarium segment was so cool to watch. It felt like I was there.
Love your blog. Is it true you and the Today gang are going skiing this week?
I thought the Today show was going green. But they flew a plane around New York just to show off some stupid banner. Now, they are telling us to fly to Georgia to see a whale get it on. Every day its another "pick city". Travel here. Travel there. Even the crew jetsets around the world on a whim. The set is loaded with lights, and giant TV screens. Outside, they have electronic banners scrolling around the building. Not to mention all the graphics, music, and visual effects. These things use up a lot of power and cause more global warming. So what gives? Are they going to ease up on the power consumption or not? Was all that "green" stuff just a bunch of PR crap?
Where can we get more information on the jewelry the 15 year old was making on the show today?