Have a favorite getaway or a special spot? E-mail us your impressive travel shots and we might feature them on TODAYShow.com.

For guilt-free entertaining, you can easily use planet-friendly alternatives to usual party goods. GreenDAY's Marisa Belger explains how to give your home soirees a green facelift.

Beauty expert Bobbi Brown offers brides-to-be a rundown of her best advice for a natural and long-lasting look.

Beauty expert Bobbi Brown offers brides-to-be a rundown of her best advice for a natural and long-lasting look.

Beauty expert Bobbi Brown offers brides-to-be a rundown of her best advice for a natural and long-lasting look.

Beauty expert Bobbi Brown offers brides-to-be a rundown of her best advice for a natural and long-lasting look.

A former writer and producer for "The Simpsons," a former writer for "Saturday Night Live" and a former president of the Harvard Lampoon are finalists for the Thurber Prize for American Humor, a $5,000 award.

The suspense didn't quite compare to the identity of "Deep Throat," but we now know the name of Bob Woodward's fourth investigative work on the Bush administration, just three weeks before the book's release. "The War Within: A Secret White House History 2006-2008" will be published Sept. 8, 2008.

Order a cocktail at Zeta Bar and you are likely to find yourself whisked away to a secluded area, blindfolded and fitted with headphones as scented mists are sprayed in your face. Instead of just giving customers a choice of shaken or stirred, patrons are offered a full sensory experience, which they liken to visiting a spa.

Team USAs sweep in the 400-meter hurdles on Monday was easy as 1-2-3. But for silver medalist Kerron Clement, it really was more a matter of preordained fact. He predicted over the weekend that his team would take home the gold, silver and bronze medals.

Arava the disabled turtle is using her new set of wheels to get around in more ways than one.

Contrary to the Hollywood image, you don't need Champagne and caviar to entertain with flair. Top food and entertaining editors share tips for throwing a fabulous yet frugal party.

Chef Rey Lim of the Courtyard restaurant discusses China's four major food regions, the new dishes cooks are creating and shares his simple and healthy cucumber spring roll recipe.

Some of the most glamorous residents of this Andean nation are vicunas, alpacas and llamas. Exports of these animals' fleecy coats have nearly doubled to more than $43 million in the past four years, going into pricey ponchos, pants and pea coats.

In her memoir "Serve the People," Jen Lin-Liu, owner of the Black Sesame Kitchen restaurant in Beijing, shares her experience as an aspiring cook touring Chinas changing landscape, from cuisine to consumption. An excerpt.

A hearty shout-out from the president, tears of joy rolling down his mothers face, a final swim stroke that nearly cost him history, football fans who wouldnt know a backstroke from sunstroke cheering wildly for him these are the memories Olympic hero Michael Phelps carries with him from the Beijing Games.

First, the "burqini", now the "hijood." The Australian designer of the full-length swimwear for conservative Muslim women has created special headgear for athletes seeking to win glory without compromising their faith.

Five good-luck dolls each symbolizing a different blessing welcome visitors each day with a colorful parade of Disney-like proportions. Catch the spectacle through the lens of a TODAYshow.com producer.

Naish Hasan, the 28-year-old bride and a women's rights activist, and Imran Ali, the 41-year-old groom, were married last week in a ceremony that is believed to be the first of its kind in India. Why? Because it was presided over by a woman, all the witnesses were female and the only man involved in the wedding was Ali.

In the United States, the Wii game system and others, including the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP handheld systems, are welcome as a teaching tool in very few schools, less than 1 percent, according to one estimate. But that may be starting to change.

One of New York's and France's favorite chefs brings a taste of his cooking to Beijing. Daniel Boulud, who has just opened Maison Boulud in Beijing, shares his newest dish, which is full of Asian influence. On the menu: Pork porchetta.

Victory is doubly sweet for gold medal-winning U.S. gymnast Nastia Liukin: Her gymnast father missed gold by only a tenth of a point 20 years ago. Hopefully hell remember that it took all of his hard work to make me the Olympic champion, she said.

Curious how they lost and kept off the weight? On Monday, August 25th, TODAY will bring back three members to answer viewer questions. E-mail us today!

Bob Bowman, the coach who first discovered Michael Phelps, sees years of work approaching fruition as Phelps nears his goal of being the Olympics greatest athlete ever: I think he may be getting a little tired, but hes only got two more races left."

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama hit back Thursday with a 40-page rebuttal to the best-selling book "The Obama Nation," arguing the author is a fringe bigot pedaling rehashed lies.

Lyric Culture creates yet another way to fuse music and fashion by printing famous song lyrics on high-end jeans and T-shirts and paying artists for the privilege.

People all around the country are being hammered by the economy, and it's taking a toll not just on our wallets, but on our health. TODAY financial editor Jean Chatzky offers five tips on how to combat financial stress.

In another life, would Matt have been a pole-vaulter? Meredith a gymnast? Here are the sports TODAY anchors would have played if they had chosen Olympic paths.

To keep up with today's tabloid culture, toy maker Hasbro Inc. has given the classic board game a new look and design. They've added younger characters, more weapons and new rooms, including a spa and guest house.

Mark Spitz ruled the pool in 1972, but now he says its time for Michael Phelps to tie or surpass his record of seven gold medals in a single Olympic Games. I'm going to be rooting him on, Spitz said.

Another book is coming out of this year's presidential campaign, but this one is an especially easy read. "My Dad, John McCain," by the candidate's 23-year-old daughter, is a kid-friendly account of his life, written in heroic terms.

A grotesque comparison of a steamy love affair to a New York City street has won Garrison Spik the grand prize in San Jose State University's 26th annual contest of the worst opening sentences for an imaginary novel.

Designers work in teams to create day-to-night looks as Brooke Shields guest-judges.

The terms credit crunch, carbon footprint and wardrobe malfunction, as well as a number of environment-related terms, have become such staples that they have won entry into the new version of The Chambers Dictionary.

What would you like to ask U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps about his hopes, dreams and Olympic gold medals? Send in your questions for the TODAY team in Beijing.

Everyone loves fortune cookies at the end of their meal but you wont get them in China. New York Times blogger Jennifer 8. Lee, author of "The Fortune Cookie Chronicles," reveals the origins of some popular menu items.

She can't float like a butterfly or sting like a bee, but Chela, a 3- year-old German Shorthaired Pointer, certainly packs a mighty right-paw jab and a bite, too.

U.S. swimmer Eric Shanteau wasn't just battling the competition at this Olympics he's also fighting testicular cancer. "Im going to attack that like Ive taken on swimming," he says of the disease.

Phony coyotes set up to discourage ducks and geese from gobbling up seeds and fresh shoots from wetlands plants didn't fool the fowl, but humans were another matter. Passing motorists repeatedly mistook the two-dimensional cutouts for real animals.

Instead of humdrum lunch-box snacks, why not send your kids to school with tasty and healthy treats? Epicurious selects some of the healthiest prepackaged snacks, all taste-tested by the ultimate authorities: kids aged 3 to 16.

London Fashion Week organizers have dismissed proposals that would have excluded many size zero models from the catwalk, saying industry executives around the world felt they were expensive, intrusive and unnecessary.

From the sex-life clause to who gets the frequent-flier miles and opera season tickets, a top matrimonial lawyer shares the wild and bizarre situations he's encountered when dealing with husbands and wives.

If you havent yet enjoyed a ros or two this summer, theres still time to take advantage of one of the seasons wine delights. TODAY wine columnist Edward Deitch highlights excellent, refreshing wines that are perfect for outdoor meals.

How do you deal with the 'other woman' after she becomes your ex-husband's wife? Dr. Gail Saltz advises one reader who is caught between her pain and doing what's best for her children.

The latest technology may be helping Olympians to break records in Beijing. Men's Health's Dave Zinczenko explains why both male and female athletes are exceeding their goals like never before.

Spectators packed the pub to witness "drag queens" (men dressed as women) like the 6-foot-7-inch Patty Island in his pink stiletto shoes and a few "drag kings" (women dressed as men) competed in the limbo, the wet T-shirt contest and the 100-meter high-heel sprint.

Italian animal-rights campaigners have collected some 1,900 names on an online petition urging Pope Benedict to stop wearing ermine the fur of the stoat on his hats and robes.

A federal appeals court has reversed a ruling that awarded John Steinbeck's son and granddaughter publishing rights to 10 of the author's early works, including "The Grapes of Wrath." They ordered the lower court judge to rule in favor of Penguin Group Inc. and the heirs of the author's widow.

When she fell from the beam she usually traverses with such ease, Alicia Sacramone knew the chances of the U.S. Womens Gymnastics Team taking home a gold had also taken a tumble. I was like, I cant believe Im on the floor.

On an island that has come under fire for throwing dogs from bridges, the animal rights debate has now turned to hundreds of feral cats that prowl Puerto Rico. Some say the cats are a tourist draw, but many, including the Puerto Rican government, say the felines have become an unsightly nuisance and a health hazard.

Ernesto "Che" Guevara's transformation from adventurer to revolutionary is chronicled by his first wife in the intimate portrait, "My Life With Che," picking up where his own book, "The Motorcycle Diaries," left off.

The wedding is on ... thanks to Monte Kirk. After 23-year-old Tyler Jones left the engagement ring on the hood of his girlfriend's car, Kirk who was riding his Harley-Davidson noticed a little black jewelry box in the middle of the road.

Looking for a way to save money and tackle your work from home? TODAY technology editor Paul Hochman offers tips on great gear that's sure to shrinkyour hour-long trek to the office.

Swedish authorities say parents can now name their newborns "Budweiser" or "Metallica" if they so wish. For decades, they had banned parents from naming their children after fast food chains, rock bands or their favorite brand of beer.

Phil Lempert steals this weeks recipe for a delicious seafood spaghetti from Laurence Edelman of The Mermaid Inn, a restaurant renowned for its aquatic culinary delights.

The upscale French fashion house Givenchy created two outfits that the pop star will wear in an opening number for her upcoming "Sticky & Sweet" world tour.

Debbie Phelps animated cheering for her swimmer son Michael as he chases Olympic history has made her a favorite among TV viewers. We take every race and we celebrate, she said. Were relieved when its over, but we look forward to the next.

The U.S. Mens Gymnastics Team think that widely publicized doubts about their abilities actually helped them to their surprising bronze medal win in Beijing. It got us fired up, team member Jonathan Horton said.

As the only alternate not called to compete for the U.S. men's team, David Durante had to watch from the wings on Tuesday as his team pulled off a surprise win. Still, "I feel very much a part of this team," he says.

In a bid to shame this Southeast Asian country's legions of corrupt politicians, officials, bankers and businessmen, the country's anti-graft agency has come up with a novel solution: special uniforms for the bribers and the bribed.

From backpacks with built-in solar panels to recycled sneakers, there's a wealth of cool, new products that will point kids in a green direction and set the stage for life as eco-savvy adults.

As part of TODAY's special cooking series called TODAY's Chow, chef Ming Tsai shares the traditional pork with scallion recipe and then his East-meets-West version, a bacon-cheeseburger and shallot recipe.

Author Jay McInerney, who wrote a novel in the 1980s featuring a promiscuous party girl based on John Edwards' future mistress Rielle Hunter, recalls how Hunter was "afraid of nothing."

Cullen Jones who went from a near-drowning in childhood to Monday's record-breaking gold medal in the men's 400 meter freestyle relay is on a mission to get minority youths into the pool.

Former vice president Dan Quayle said that the recent revelation of an extramarital affair has probably ended John Edwards political career. Quayle also said that the Russia-Georgia conflict may affect Barack Obamas choice of running mate.

The best way to get off to a good start this school year is to ensure great communication with the head of the class. Dr. Ruth Peters provides tips to help you, the parent, become teacher's pet.

In a culinary age when terms such as fried or stuffed can be considered taboo, country music star Trisha Yearwood is giving Americans a throwback to good old-fashioned Southern cooking and she's not apologizing for it.

He's written million-selling books about his early years and the meaning of public life. NowBarack Obama, with the help of his campaign staff, has another side to share with readers: policy wonk.

More schools are banning peanut products as the number of kids diagnosed with peanut allergies has increased, causing many parents -- and even some advocates for people with food allergies -- to speak out.

Teammates Sada Jacobson, Mariel Zagunis and Becca Ward have high hopes for fencing to become a mainstream sport as they prepare for Thursday's team sabre event which makes its Olympic debut in Beijing.

As the Czech Republic 's Katy Emmons was on the verge of winning the first gold medal of the 2008 Olympic Games on Saturday, there was at least one person in the venue more nervous than she.

Noodles are the second most-consumed food in the world and a staple in Chinese cuisine. Martin Yan, chef and author of Martin Yan's China, shares his recipe for five-spice chicken noodle soup and noodle salad with peanut dressing.

If you have any questions about traditional Chinese medicine or how it can be successfully used with conventional Western medicine, e-mail us and we might answer them on TODAY!

When it comes to shopping online, are you taking advantage of the best available sales? TODAY financial editor Jean Chatzky offers tips on how to dig up the best discounts on the Web.

From The Bernie Mac Show to the Oceans films, the comedian left hilarious body of work.

Spotting a celebrity, whether from the world of entertainment, sports, media or politics, gives a real buzz to an evening dining out. Where to see Madonna, Angelina, Steven Spielberg, Robert De Niro, and other superstars.

Ugly New York, a new Big Apple branch of a 39-year-old London talent agency, has an unusual mission: to find unique-looking people of all shapes and sizes. Some people just have that something special, agency head Simon Rogers explained.

Martin Yan, the worlds foremost expert on Chinese cooking, is back with a new cookbook that paints a portrait of China through his personal stories, historical facts, recipes and photos. An excerpt.

It's not just for breakfast anymore. Now you can have bacon as a snack, too but it'll be covered in chocolate. Two candy shops are sellingthis salty-sweet combination as their summer treat.

Interested in traveling without looking tired or exhausted? Lauren Resnick, author of "Princess With a Backpack," shares simple, practical tips to get the most out of your trip, while staying beautiful with tricks for your hair, face and eyes.

US Weekly contributor Jill Martin and hairstylist Louis Licari make over two TODAY fans, including one who recently had fibroid surgery and wants a new look to get job interview-ready!

Despite the media focus on Michael Phelps as an unbeatable competitor in the Beijing Games, his teammate and friend Ryan Lochte remains unfazed. 'I always feel I can beat him,' Lochte says of Phelps.

Reports surfaced Thursday that Bernann McKinney, owner of the first puppies ever successfully cloned commercially, may actually be a former softcore porn model who jumped bail in England 30 years ago when facing charges of false imprisonment of a former beau.

Show cats dressed in everything from an Elvis costume to a sequined satin dress strutted their stuff Thursday at New York's Algonquin Hotel. The event benefited an animal welfare group and honored Matilda, the Algonquin's resident cat, who just turned 13.

Don't know where to turn for answers to your real estate dilemmas? TODAY real estate contributor Barbara Corcoran gives expert advice to readers in need.

Zhao Gang and Liu Rui were thrilled upon receiving their marriage certificate on Aug. 8, 2008: China's auspicious triple-eight date. At least 16,400 couples have followed in their footsteps, hoping to tie the knot at 8:08 a.m.

Are you running into some issues buying your first home? Want to start renovating but not sure where to begin? Having difficulty selling your apartment? Navigating the roads of real estate can be tricky and difficult, which is why Barbara Corcoran wants to help. So send us an e-mail with your housing problems and the real estate contributor might just answer your questions live on TODAY.

From gymnast Mary Lou Retton to boxer Muhammad Ali, catch 25 legendary athletes in action.

Are these people too ugly to model? Not according to one talent agency in New York. See photos of 27 people that are from every walk of life and whose looks are average and unique.

Former speedskater turned activist Joey Cheek believes his visa was revoked because China feared the attention he might bring to the genocide in Sudans Darfur region: If these games were in any other country, I would probably be there right now.

At 60, the Aerosmith frontman is ready to spill all his "tales of debauchery, sex and drugs. The rock nroll star says "this is the unbridled truth" and "prodigious tale of Steven Tyler."

Bernann McKinney is the ecstatic owner of five puppies cloned from her late pit bull Booger, who saved her when she was attacked by another dog and became her lifeline during an arduous recovery: God knew I would be lost without him, so he sent me some more.

Though theyre regarded as the front-runners in Beijing, the six teenage members of the U.S. Womens Gymnastics Team are treating the games as just another day at the office. We just have to think of it as if were doing our job, one said.

At just 26 years old, Lang Lang is one of the most popular classical musicians today and he captivated the crowd at the Olympics Opening Ceremony in Beijing. In his autobiography, "Journey of a Thousand Miles," the Chinese pianist writes about how he has come so far.

For swimmer Dara Torres, 41, it's not just age that poses an obstacle in Beijing it's facing competition without her coach, who was diagnosed with a rare cancer. TODAY's Matt Lauer gets behind her athlete's armor.

Kable's, the restaurant at Sydney, Australia's Four Seasons Hotel, offers a menu of 20 types of water from around the world with descriptions that mimic a fine wine list, like "bold" or "velvety."

Lifestyle expert Elizabeth Mayhew provides tips to help college students take their dorm rooms from cramped to classy without spending a lot of cash.

When male model Bruce Hulse included his sexual exploits with several top models in his memoir about life in the fashion world, he did not expect to be branded "the bad guy," but he admits his honesty was naive.

When it comes to exploring sexuality in a marriage, where is the line between adventure and disaster? Dr. Gail Saltz cautions two readers against inviting a third party into the bedroom.