Every weekday, PR Daily associate editor Alan Pearcy highlights the day’s most compelling stories and amusing marginalia on the Web in this, #TheDailySpin.

Compared to the lavish sendoff NBC gave Meredith Vieira when she left “Today,” Ann Curry’s abrupt and tearful departure from the morning show was bleak, to say the least. The acclaimed journalist was, however, promised a new role with the network that included covering the current Summer Games. And yet, with under a week until the closing ceremony, Curry’s been a no-show. While the Daily Mail rumored that the network was purposely keeping her off the air, reports now come that Curry is finally London-bound.

It appears it’s just in the nick of time, too. On Monday’s “Today,” antics among Matt Lauer and company riled critics who panned the anchor for his presumed sexist and racist televised remarks. Not only did Matt call Meredith an “Indian giver,” but also alluded to her sexual promiscuity.



Also under siege, although much more unexpectedly, is U.S. track and field hurdler Lolo Jones, who one New York Times writer denounces as merely another cynical image of self-promotion amid high-profiled athletics. The story leaves Deadspin to question one thing: What’d she ever do to you? Did the alleged virgin turn you down or something?

Questions abound over NASA’s “mohawk guy.” The mystery mission controller with the punk themed cut—complete with stars bleached into the side of his head—was spotted during coverage of the Curiosity landing on Mars. He inspired an Internet meme and had many wondering about his identity. Well, wonder no longer. Meet Bobak Ferdowsi, who The Washington Post provides five reasons for why the Web's obsessed with him.

To commemorate the success of the Mars rover landing, Oreo has included the event as part of its ongoing “Daily Twist” campaign, this time depicting the iconic cookie with a red filling that appears to have tire tracks over it.

[Related: Oreo image goes viral, offering lessons in branding and Oreo’s gay pride cookie incites boycott]

Meanwhile, literary fans can commemorate the work of Mark Twain by watching the only-known footage ever discovered of the famous author.



[Related: It’s not over yet: Books you can still read this summer]

As for anyone interested in where to score a deal on literature, here are 41 places to look for free books on humor, comedy, and satire.

Like the footage of Twain, Letterheady.com has also discovered an interesting peek into the past, posting this image of notable artist Andy Warhol’s own letterhead with matching business card, both of which feature lettering provided by his mother.

If you’re more into coffee than design and typography, you’ll absolutely love this. Italian coffee brand Lavazza has created an edible coffee cup that patrons can consume in its entirely.

Coincidentally, Live Science recently released findings on the earliest reported instance of a caffeinated “black drink” believed to have dominated the heartland of America between years 1050 to 1250 near what is now St. Louis.

Similar to the innovations of present-day coffee, I’m sure shepherds are happy to have modernization working on their side. Reports Tecca, new technology has made it possible to alert sheepherders via text message when their flocks are under attack by wolves and/or other predators.

Then again, technology can also make you pretty sick. Just have a look at High Rollaz, an app created by the team behind Deutsch LA that tells you just how sickeningly rich famous people are, especially when compared to what’s probably in our bank accounts.

It’s times like these that make me happy to know that some things never change. Take the Rubik’s Cube, for instance. It has experienced a resurgence in popularity over recent years both as a toy and an exercise tool for healthy brains.

Is there something you think we should include in our next edition of #TheDailySpin? Tweet me @iquotesometimes with your suggestions. Thanks in advance.

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