NBC News

By Chelsea Clinton
Rock Center Special Correspondent

One spring day in my sixth grade Life Sciences class at Booker Arts Magnet Elementary School in Little Rock, Arkansas, we read two articles. The first concerned the cruelty toward cattle in slaughterhouses and the second was about the detrimental effects of red meat on your body. By the time I got home later that day, I had resolved to give up red meat, to take a stand against animal cruelty and a stand for my health (it seemed rather simple to my 11-year-old self).

That same night over dinner, I informed my parents of my decision and they were … a bit surprised. To be fair to them, although I had joined Greenpeace in 1987 (at 7, it was what I had asked my grandparents for as a Christmas present) and had been worried about the world’s whales for years by that point, cattle seemed to be a new moral frontier.  

At 13, I decided to give up all meat and fish.  My parents were even more surprised and cautiously supportive – provided I learned how to get enough protein. The first vegetarian cookbook I ever bought to learn more about how to be a healthy vegetarian was "Linda McCartney’s Home Cooking."  In a very pragmatic way, Linda McCartney helped me meet my mother’s conditions for being a vegetarian, to get enough protein and eat a well-balanced diet and, in the process, helped both my mom and me feel good about the choice I had made.

Although I now eat meat (after having not for 18 years), I have tremendous respect for people who make consistent ethical choices in their lives – people who not only don’t eat meat, but who also don’t wear fur or leather and don’t use products made from animal derivatives. 

From afar, I have long admired Stella McCartney, Linda McCartney’s daughter, as someone who does all that and more – who has never used animal products in her eponymous brand and who has catalyzed the development of new luxury products that gorgeously resemble leather, fur or skin, but aren’t.  Stella has also taken tremendous risks for her principles, including making clear to Gucci from the beginning she would not work with leather, a bold statement to an iconic fashion house arguably synonymous with leather, particularly from a then 29-year-old designer. (Stella McCartney is part of the Gucci Group).

Even more than for her ethics or her parents’ achievements (her father is Sir Paul McCartney), Stella is now known as a fashion designer, and one particularly adept at designing for women in all of our various moods, ambitions, roles and for every season.

Rock Center

Today in the Rock Center newsroom, we celebrated Katie Reimchen's birthday. Reimchen is one of the producers of our weekly segment, Rock Bottom and we thought she deserved a special gift.

Special thanks to Kerry from Preppygrams Singing Telegrams.

By the way, if you're wondering what "Trololo" is, watch our Rock Bottom segment from June 7, 2012 after the jump.

Rock Center

My, air travel has changed since the 1960s.  In this short documentary from 1969, NBC's Sander Vanocur profiles the lives of Pan Am stewardesses - from training school to life in the air. Let us know if you recognize anyone in this report. We'd like to hear from you. Contact us: rockcenter@nbcuni.com

NBC News

By Kate Snow
Rock Center

Cesar Millan took us to the "top of his world," at his "Dog Psychology Center" in the mountains near Santa Clarita, Calif.

See more photos after the jump.

By Ami Schmitz and Melissa Dahl
NBC News

The newlywed had been grappling with excruciatingly painful periods for as long as she could remember, when her doctor told her one way she could end the agony was a hysterectomy. Michelle Zarick, then 37, didn’t question it when the doctor wanted to use the latest high-tech option that medicine had to offer: a hysterectomy done with the help of a robot.

“She mentioned that doing the robotic-assisted hysterectomy would shorten my recovery time at home,” says Zarick, who had been diagnosed with fibroids, non-cancerous tumors that grow in the uterine walls.

So Zarick agreed – and initially, everything seemed fine. But in the weeks after the 2009 procedure with the machine, called the da Vinci, she suffered a horrifying complication that is still impacting her life.

Ryan and Michelle Zarick

Across the country, nearly 400,000 robotic-assisted surgeries were performed last year, according to Intuitive Surgical, the company that makes the robots. Use of the machine for performing hysterectomies is on the rise, increasing from .5 in 2007 to 9.5 percent in 2010, according to a study published in a February issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. Besides gynecological surgeries, the da Vinci can deftly perform procedures like heart surgeries, colorectal surgery, plus treatments for prostate, kidney, lung, throat and bladder cancers, among others.

The majority of the hundreds of thousands of robotic surgeries performed in the U.S. each year are done safely. However, as use of the machine increases, so are reports of injuries: The U.S. Food and Drug administration has received more than 200 reports since 2007 of burns, cuts and infections – including 89 deaths -- after robotic surgery.

RELATED: Electrical burns may burst surgical robot's bubble

The robotic surgery works like this: The patient is on the operating table while the doctor sits a few feet away at a console, where he or she can manipulate the robotic arms while watching the procedure through a 3-D viewfinder.

Many surgeons say the robot makes it easier to see and navigate to hard-to-reach places; plus, the robot-assisted surgery makes small incisions and causes minimal bleeding, leaving minimal scars and speeding post-surgery recovery time. But critics of the da Vinci worry that the high-tech, futuristic factor is driving the decision to use the robots, despite the fact that research has shown that for a hysterectomy, robotic-assisted surgery doesn’t lower complication rates for patients when compared to other surgical procedures and can cost about $2,000 more.

The first few days after Zarick’s surgery, she felt OK, she told Rock Center’s Dr. Nancy Snyderman, chief medical editor of NBC News. But five weeks after her hysterectomy, in February 2009, the unimaginable happened. There’s no delicate way to put this: Her intestines fell out of her vagina.

“I felt like I had to have a bowel movement, and -- as I was bearing down -- I felt something kind of pop inside me,” says Zarick, who looked down and saw her intestines where they were absolutely not supposed to be. “I knew that the situation that I was in at that moment was dire.”

By Ann Curry, Shoshana Guy, and Becky Bratu
Rock Center

Three years after her photograph appeared on the cover of TIME magazine and became a symbol for oppressed women in Afghanistan, Aesha Mohammadzai has made incredible strides recovering from the night when her father-in-law, husband and in-laws cut off her nose and parts of her ears.

An Afghan-American family in Frederick, Md.,  took her into their home, and that’s where Mohammadzai, 22, has been able to begin a journey to a new life and a new face.

Mati and Jamila Arsala caught their first glimpse of Mohammadzai in TIME. Mati was shocked when he later met her for the first time.

“I'm a father. God forbid if somebody would do such a thing to my daughter.  Or to my son,” Mati told NBC News’ Ann Curry. “What would I do? I will burn the world.”

Mohammadzai’s father gave her away when she was 12 years old to settle a family dispute, in a traditional practice known as baad. She said her husband and in-laws were rooted in the Taliban and abused her severely for five years.

“At that time, I was very scared. I never thought I could escape,” she told Curry. “Then I said, whatever it takes, I want my freedom.”

When Mohammadzai finally ran away, she didn’t get very far before being arrested and put in jail. Five months later, a judge ordered her to return to her husband – but he and the rest of the family were not ready to forgive her.

“They tied my hands. They tied my feet. When they cut my nose, I lost consciousness,” she said.

Mohammadzai dragged herself outside in the dark for hours, knocking on door after door for help, but even her relatives told her to go back to her father-in-law’s house.

Finally, a cousin helped her get to an American military hospital. From there, she was transferred to a shelter run by the New York-based organization, Women for Afghan Women.

The executive director of the shelter, Manizha Naderi, said Mohammadzai’s is just one of the many cases of extreme abuse in Afghanistan.

Interested in helping Aesha? Find out more: AeshasJourney.com

“I would say probably 90 percent of Afghan households experience some form of abuse,” Naderi said.

Mohammadzai’s photo spurred uncountable offers of help. Shortly after she arrived at the shelter, she was flown to the United States to receive reconstructive surgery.

By Randee Dawn, Glen Dacy and Jamie Farnsworth
Rock Center

It's almost impossible to imagine Cesar Millan without his dogs.  For nine seasons, he starred as "Dog Whisperer"  on The National Geographic Channel. He built an empire working with the most challenging of canines -- but as he told "Rock Center's" Kate Snow recently, what he was less proficient with was understanding the human species.

Millan's 43-acre ranch, his "Dog Psychology Center,” is evidence that the Mexican immigrant, who sneaked over the border and once slept under a highway overpass, has come a long way. He's a U.S. citizen now, working on his new series "Cesar Millan's Leader of the Pack," and has two teenage sons. As many as 11 million people per week tuned in to watch him  working with  dogs that many owners would want to give away on "Dog Whisperer."

But three years ago, his life started to fall apart: His beloved pit bull Daddy died, days later his wife of 16 years phoned to tell him she wanted a divorce, and his relationship with his two sons soured as they blamed him for the divorce.  And Millan discovered his inattention to his business had left him without a cent.

"It's like, 'OK, I'm a failure. The reason why this has happened is because of me,'" he told Snow in an interview airing Friday, June 14 at 10pm/9CDT on NBC’s Rock Center with Brian Williams. 

WATCH: Cesar Millan: 'I took a whole bunch of pills' and wanted to die

The TV star who seemed to be at the top of the world decided to take his own life and swallowed "a whole bunch of pills." His children called paramedics, who saved his life. And when he came to his senses in a psychiatric hospital, Millan discovered he was surrounded by patients who were fans, and who innately trusted him thanks to his work with animals.

"That gave me -- a sense of belonging," he said. "I got a sense of purpose. I like to have a purpose in life."

And that signaled a huge turnaround for Millan, who quit "Dog Whisperer" last year and started a new show "Cesar Millan's  Leader of the Pack." Now, he has a much better grip on his own business situation and has mended his relationship with his children.

Rock Center

In this week’s special edition of Rock Bottom, Brian Williams dives into the depths of the NBC Film Vault to unearth, “Every Young Chick Wants to Fly,” a 1969 short documentary about stewardesses.

From greeting passengers, to sexy attire, to maintaining a “bland to warm personality,” prepare to be amazed and maybe even slightly offended when you see how different air travel was back then.

This report aired Friday, June 14 at 10pm/9c on NBC’s Rock Center with Brian Williams.

NBC News

Rock Center

We got to see a vivid reminder this week that New York City never stays the same with an extraordinary color film that surfaced thanks to the Romano Archives. The crowning moment of the film is the at-the-time-brand-new Rockefeller Center rising up from Midtown Manhattan.  As depicted in the film, the outdoor plaza is still pretty much the way it is today, but then up to the roof - the Top of the Rock is where things are different.  The view has noticeably changed and so has the air quality.  And because it's still a spectacular place to view the city, we found it's a good place to see how things have changed since 1939 to 2013.

WATCH: Back to the Future: NYC past and present side-by-side

The film is a tour of New York City during the summer of 1939, just months before World War II broke out and changed everything, the summer Lou Gehrig gave his farewell address and the year The Wizard of Oz premiered.  

In this film, shot by a French tourist, we get a glimpse of what things cost back then.  We go uptown to Harlem and then back downtown to Chinatown.  It's a visual feast for history buffs, from those dreadnought city cabs, to buses with spiral staircases. There are men and women in the film wearing their hats at rakish angles, we see elevated tracks since shut down, windows open on subway car (pre-air-conditioning), and when public fountains were an acceptable way to cool down. 

Watch the full film from the Romano Archives after the jump.

Grace is in the second grade and she is a good student, when she is not socializing. At home she has four pets: two cats (Cecelia and Leonardo) and two dogs, Lucy and Jackson. Grace is an avid performer, singing into her karaoke machine and taking tap dancing classes. Event though she is the youngest member of the family, her nickname is The Queen because she tries, often unsuccessfully, to call all the shots. Grace has Down Syndrome.

Then, fifteen years ago, when he considered photographing a woman with a disability, he was shocked at images in medical textbooks he consulted. Where, he asked, is the humanity?

Corrina is living with a condition called Isodicentric 15 duplication. And she loves her iPad.

"It's terrifying," Guidotti said, "There's other ways to present this. I've spoken to so many genetic counselors who have a family in front of them and say 'Ok, this is what your daughter is going to have. Read this.' And they cover up the photograph because it will freak the family right out.. There's gotta be something else we can do. There's gotta be another way to present that information to that family."

Bill passed away in 2010 due to complications from Marfan Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder. Bill always wanted people with this condition to be proud of their long fingers, arms and legs. He wanted to be a pilot.

Ben loved animals and recently passed away due to complications from Myotubular Myopathy. He continues to inspire families living with this syndrome to come together and share experiences.

Irina was born in Russia and put in an orphanage at 4 days old. Adopted when she was five, she now lives in Maine. She has achondroplasia, the most common form of dwarfism, in which her bones don't grow as fast as those of average kids, so she's short. She's in 3rd grade and likes Spiderman, Batman, pirates and trucks. She also likes to ride her bike and play basketball.

Deak, like most 6-year-old boys, loves playing with his iPad, surprise tackling his older sister, and eating just about anything that is offered to him (especially pizza and root beer). He really enjoys riding the bus to school with his friends and loves being in first grade, all day long, for the first time this school year. Deak wakes up happy every single morning, smiling and cheering loudly as his eyes open. Deak is the embodiment of the oft-used phrase: "Enjoy every moment." Deak is living with a chromosome 18 deletion.

You can see more of Guidotti's pictures at the Positive Exposure web site. 

By Sarah Koch, Deirdre Cohen and Linda Carroll, NBC News

When an Appleton, Wis., infant developed fatal liver disease, his family conducted and exhaustive search for a cure, and found a life-saving experimental treatment developed by Dr. Mark Puder of Boston Children's Hospital. Other babies with fatal liver disease, however, may not be so lucky because the treatment isn't currently approved by the Federal Drug Administration.

When Sam O’Connor was born in March of 2008, he was a little small, just over 5 pounds, but seemed healthy otherwise. Within days, however, he became severely ill, dehydrated and lost nearly 2 pounds, even though he was eating well.

When his frightened parents, Debra and Jason O’Connor took him to the doctor, they were urged “to just put him back in the car and go straight to the hospital,” Jason told NBC’s chief medical editor Dr. Nancy Snyderman.

It took months – and an intestinal biopsy - before doctors at the hospital in Milwaukee figured out Sam had inherited an extremely rare genetic condition called Microvillus Inclusion Disease. Children born with the disease can’t absorb fluid and nutrients normally; the only treatment is a food substitute called total parenteral nutrition, or TPN, injected directly into the veins.

While TPN keeps kids hydrated and fed, long-term use can cause liver damage. That’s what happened to Sam. The TPN that was keeping him alive was destroying his liver – and killing him.

As the boy’s condition deteriorated, doctors told the O’Connors that “there was nothing more they could do,” Jason said. “We should take him home. We should make him comfortable and enjoy whatever time we would have. They said he would never live to be 2 years old,” Jason added.

Through an exhaustive search, the couple discovered an experimental treatment for liver damage from TPN used by a doctor at Boston Children’s Hospital.

Rock Center

NBC News' Lester Holt reports on the good Samaritan who rescued people trapped in a Kansas City restaurant following a gas explosion. The man being called a hero, Paul Mongiello, recently revealed his identity. Those saved by Mongiello say the tragedy could have been worse if not for him. 

Holt’s report aired Friday, June 7 at 10pm/9CDT on NBC’s Rock Center with Brian Williams.

Rock Center

Dr. Mark Puder of Boston Children's Hospital  developed a treatment with a drug made with fish oil called Omegaven that he's been using to help reverse fatal liver disease in infants. Despite the drug's effectiveness, it has yet to be approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Puder says that the FDA has told him they want the usual rigorous controlled study where half the patients get the experimental drug and the other half does not. Puder refuses to do the randomized drug trial because it would mean that some infants may die.

Editor's Note: Dr. Nancy Snyderman's full report airs Friday, June 7 at 10pm/9CDT on NBC's Rock Center with Brian Williams.

Rock Center

To contribute to One Fund Boston, the fund set up by Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino to help Boston bombing victims and their families, click here.

NBC News

Mery Daniel

Mery Daniel: The 31-year-old mom of a five-year-old daughter lost her left leg and part of her right leg in the blast.

"I miss being able to play with my daughter as well and going up and around and running errands and doing what women do," said Daniel of her injuries.

To learn more about how to help her in her recovery, click here.

NBC News

Erika Brannock

Erika Brannock: The Maryland pre-school teacher, was with her sister and brother-in-law cheering on her mother in the Boston Marathon when the first explosion went off.

Brannock, 29, had to have her left leg amputated above the knee and suffered broken bones in her right leg.

"I really miss playing with the kids that are in my class that I teach because they're just so innocent and they bring such joy to  my life," Brannock said.

To learn more about how to help her in her recovery, click here.

WATCH: Erika Brannock searching for hero who saved her at Boston Marathon.

NBC News

Heather Abbott

Heather Abbott: The 38-year-old Rhode Island native injured her right foot in the explosion, causing a below-the-knee amputation.

Abbott used to love running around her Newport hometown.

"Although it is unfortunate, my life will go on," said Abbott of her determination to recover.

To learn more about how to help her in her recovery, click here.

NBC News

Roseann Sdoia

Roseann Sdoia: The Bostonian was injured when the second bomb exploded.
She had an above-the-knee amputation. 

"I have all intentions of returning to my normal life and activities that I did prior to the bombing," Sdoia said.

To learn more about how to help her in her recovery, click here.

NBC News

Adrianne Haslet-Davis

Adrianne Haslet-Davis:

The 32-year-old dance instructor had to have her left leg amputated.  Both she and her husband, a Marine and veteran of the war in Afghanistan, were injured in the blasts.

"I miss dancing the most since my injury.  I wish I could get up and dance right now and still do it 40 hours a week," she said.

To learn more about how to help her in her recovery, click here.

NBC News

Celeste Corcoran

Celeste Corcoran: Both Celeste and her teenage daughter, were severely injured. Celeste, 47, was injured when the first bomb went off and as a result, lost both of her legs. 

"I just want to be able to regain my independence and not have to rely on everyone to do everything for me," she said.

To learn more about how to help her in her recovery, click here.

NBC News

Marc Fucarile

Marc Fucarile: The 34-year-old father of a young son was featured in an earlier episode of Rock Center. Fucarile recently moved to Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital.

The Boston Red Sox fan lost a leg and his body is still littered with shrapnel from the explosions.

To learn more about how to help him in his recovery, click here.