Friday Q&A: Freudian slip, superstitions and million-dollar checks
May 2, 2008
Meredith tackles more of your questions! Ask yours today, and check back next Friday for the answer. Maybe she'll choose yours!
Sue said: What was it like for Ann to call you Katie? Was that the first time that has happened on the air? Was it truly an accident or was it a Freudian Slip (where someone subconsciously has a belief that comes out as a supposed accident in their speech but in reality that is what they believe)???
Better she called me Katie than Matt or Al…I know it was an accident and did not take any offense. Last week Howard Dean called me Andrea (as in Andrea Mitchell, our Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent). The only time I really took offense is when a politician (and I have blocked his name from my memory banks, apparently) condescendingly called me “sweetie” as he proceeded to dismiss the question I had asked.
Jamie said: Mere- Love ya! Thanks for making my mornings better! Here is my question for this week... Do you have any superstitions or traditions that you do every morning before the show? Do you and Matt have a secret handshake or something? I always imagine you two performing some elaborate handshake right before 7am.
Sorry, Jamie, but I don’t have any entertaining superstitions or rituals before the show that I can share. But I am a little like Neil Diamond who said today on the show that he gets nervous every time he goes out and performs. I have those same butterflies, but I think that’s a good thing—it keeps me on my toes.
Stephanie said: Hello Meredith; I only get to watch Millionaire sporadically, but I've never seen anyone walk away with the $1 million check. Does it happen often, or have I just missed every one of those episodes?
We’ve given away two 1 million dollar checks since I started doing the syndicated version of the show. I hope we have many more winners in the upcoming season. By the way, we’re planning some fun changes in the game play—it’ll still be Millionaire only we hope more exciting. Stay tuned…
Feel free to post a question of your own for next time!
Meredith tackles more of your questions! Ask yours today, and check back next Friday for the answer. Maybe she'll choose yours!
Sue said: What was it like for Ann to call you Katie? Was that the first time that has happened on the air? Was it truly an accident or was it a Freudian Slip (where someone subconsciously has a belief that comes out as a supposed accident in their speech but in reality that is what they believe)???
Better she called me Katie than Matt or Al…I know it was an accident and did not take any offense. Last week Howard Dean called me Andrea (as in Andrea Mitchell, our Chief Foreign Affairs Correspondent). The only time I really took offense is when a politician (and I have blocked his name from my memory banks, apparently) condescendingly called me “sweetie” as he proceeded to dismiss the question I had asked.
Jamie said: Mere- Love ya! Thanks for making my mornings better! Here is my question for this week... Do you have any superstitions or traditions that you do every morning before the show? Do you and Matt have a secret handshake or something? I always imagine you two performing some elaborate handshake right before 7am.
Sorry, Jamie, but I don’t have any entertaining superstitions or rituals before the show that I can share. But I am a little like Neil Diamond who said today on the show that he gets nervous every time he goes out and performs. I have those same butterflies, but I think that’s a good thing—it keeps me on my toes.
Stephanie said: Hello Meredith; I only get to watch Millionaire sporadically, but I've never seen anyone walk away with the $1 million check. Does it happen often, or have I just missed every one of those episodes?
We’ve given away two 1 million dollar checks since I started doing the syndicated version of the show. I hope we have many more winners in the upcoming season. By the way, we’re planning some fun changes in the game play—it’ll still be Millionaire only we hope more exciting. Stay tuned…
Feel free to post a question of your own for next time!
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Referring the the fact that Ann called you Katie by mistake, she had just returned from mourning the loss of her father and it was the first 15 mins of the show. She was obviously mortified that she had done it and I think the viewer who asked the question should realize that.
Referring the the fact that Ann called you Katie by mistake, she had just returned from mourning the loss of her father and it was the first 15 mins of the show. She was obviously mortified that she had done it and I think the viewer who asked the question should realize that.
We're teaching our kids about keeping the private parts of their bodies private. It's scary to think there are so many predators out there who see kids as prey. Did not appreciate Al's gift this morning.
Hi Meredith,
Got a "Millionaire" question: could you please try to find out when millionairetv.com will start making dates available for attending tapings for the 2008-2009 season (I would love to audition for and attend a taping or two of the show -- I think that would be so much fun!!!!!)
Joe
Question:
Meredith, I came to the Today Show on the first day of "Where in the World is Matt Lauer", after much anticipation you came outside in the pouring rain to greet everyone. I was so happy when you hugged us and talked to us for a little bit (we were from poughkeepsie), it really made my day in the city a great one! We are coming back to the show in the summer, I hope we get to see you all again! How early do you have to wake up every morning, when do you get home? Do you often get recognized in public, what do your kids think about you being on TV every day?
Sean
I have finally had it. As a Democratic who has been on the fence, I have tried to remain open through the campaigning, but I today was the last straw. Meredith has remained a bull dog in her questioning and Matt has acted as the nice guy.
Meredith's questionning of Hillary was blantinly attacking at every question. Matt's questioning of Barrack was Mr. Nice guy.
If it isn't ovious to all viewers as
I at first thought the questioning of Hillary over the past few months was to show that maybe she could withstand the toughness of the media, which she has demonstrated in the past.
The questioning of Barrack has been more laid back and attempting to gain knowledge of who he is, or how he might present himself; but never an attacking question, even regarding Rev Wright.
I wish I could say that Meredith was just reporting on the candidates, but I don't see it.
Thanks,
Carol Mihal
Ms. Viera,
In my home county there are currently the largest number of foreclosures in the US. People are losing there homes and hope. The cover story of our newspaper this weekend was how all the animal shelters are full of surrendered pets, as people are losing their homes and can no longer care for their animals. People are surrendering their dogs and cats, with tears in their eyes. One woman was living in her car with her dog until she realized that she could no longer inflict that life upon him.
While watching Millionaire the other night, I wondered why couldn't game show producers take one month and have the contestants be only individuals facing this crisis. I know people watch game shows to escape, but they also find interest in human interest angles and we all root for the underdog. Even those who win small could be helped by coupling it with financial counseling to help people procure better jobs or renegotiate lower, more sensible mortgages. Even a small win could help some family keep their home. Lately, I just don't have a lot of sympathy for the contestants who want to pay for weddings of climb Kilimajaro. Not that I dislike them, but I am really not drawn in to really rooting for them. Wouldn't in the face of all the fears and troubles that people are currently facing this be a good time for the shows people watch to give back. Many of the people facing these fears of losing their homes have given so much in their lives and need help this once and maybe this once only.
Just a thought,
Drew
Hi Matt,
I usually like your rigorous questions to the presidential candidates but this morning (May 5), you asked Barack Barama the same questions about Rev. Wright and didn't have enough time to ask him the same questions that Meredith asked of Hilary Clinton - issue questions like gas prices, the economy, etc. You threw him "under the bus' with the same old story - not giving him the time to answer the "real" questions. He looked frustrated and out of sinc and wanted to get to the meat of the topics that we care about.
I really like your rigorous questioning on other mornings.
Luann Dreifuerst
Hi Meredith, when you are out and about doing things in your everday life, do people some times walk up to you and say things like "excuse me, but are you Meredith Viera?" or "Meredith! Is that your Final Answer?!"
Angela
If you don't like Al's gift, then complain to the right person: Matt. Go complain to him at today@nbc.com (the show's email address) and spare the rest of us.
Hi Meredith, I have been a loyal follower of the today show for over 15 years now. I have recently moved back to Asia and still watch the show from here. I wanted you and your crew to know, however, that all the "off-air" conversations made among yourselves during Al's weather segment (when the USA syndicated version goes to local weather)is left "on-air" in Asia. We can therefore hear all the banter and the sometimes politically incorrect comments that are made among you for'private consumption'.
You may want to let the producers in on this fact and have them do something about it. It can sometimes prove embarassing for each one of you.
Otherwise, kudos to you all.
Meredith,
After reading this blog this past week, every entry is something unique and special, which is why I enjoy it so much. It would be nice for you to write a book, with all your stories put together. People would love to read about all these fun moments, keep up with the blog!
Sean
Meredith! I was shocked to watch Al walk through a missile silo with camera man in tow! I love you guys, but after 9/11 one would be careful about what we want the world to see. I'm shocked our military gave permission to the Today Show or anyone else for that matter to broadcast one of our most sensitive military operations. Even to go so far as to give it's location and to explain certain functions that are performed and followed concerning the safety of millions, billions of innocent people. Yikes!
Hi Meredith,
When I watch the show each day, I feel like you guys are part of my family and friends. The 4 of you make my day. I have my coffee and wish I could join your conversations. Thank you for that.
PS: My husband and I ride a 2-day bike ride from Houston to Austin called the MS-150 to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis. Have you heard of it? 12,000 riders this year raised 14 million. Take care.
"Sweetie," gets my hackles up too.
And on the butterflies, I agree. Good for you for not losing the ability to feel them!
MEREDITH,,
WHY HASN'T ANYONE ASKED HILLARY CLINTON WHY SHE HAS WORN EXACTLY THE SAME OUTFIT (IN 40 COLORS)FOR THE LAST 6 MONTHS ... ITS STARTING TO LOOK CREEPY
Meredith,
Love reading the blog and your insights about journalism and life. Now for my question....have you read Barbara Walter's memoir? What did you think of it if you read it?
Hillary is in to the end; get over it.....
Thank you Meredith for stating the obvious on this morning's story regarding the mink coat caper--OF COURSE LINDSEY TOOK THE COAT!!!! It was so unexptected to actually hear a news commentator speak a truth in real language with real convection that I actually sat up in my chair and shouted "YEAH"!
Hey Meridith,
You need to put up a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)You get asked a lot of the same questions over & over & over again, it's almost to the point where I could answer for you, just by reading other posts you have made on the blog!
Keep up the excellent work!
I too was shocked to see Al giving away vital information that could help our enemies....and laughing as he did it!
Oh my God.......I felt ill......about those reproducers
having another baby. GROSS! Don't give them exposure
for God's sake. It's like a "cult". It's very un-nerving
for those of us who were brought up in ZPG (zero population
growth). Enough of them in the gene pool please!
Help! Help! I can't breathe!
How about a "responsible mother" story!!!!!
Or at least when you put these idiots on---give an
opposing view! I can't be the only mother who feels
this way!