NBC’s Today has been the number one morning newscast in the United States for over 15 years and has apparently brought NBC floods of revenue. Now, Matt Lauer, one of the shows most recognizable anchors, wants his piece of the peacock.

TMZ is reporting that Lauer is asking for $25 million a year. He currently squeaks by with $17 million a year, thus Lauer feels an $8 million raise is in order.

Reports have surfaced that Lauer is looking to leave The Today Show to perhaps man his own talk-show, however reps are insisting Lauer’s moves are simply a well-timed negotiation for more money, as co-host Meredith Viera has announced she will be leaving in September and the show could not afford to lose both.

Lauer is one of the best in the business. I understand he’s asking for a lot of money, but in relative terms, he deserves it. He handles all controversy like a composed professional (like when Tom Cruise called him “glib” on-air) and never shies away from important questions.

I doubt I am the only one who thinks NBC should, in the words of Deion Sanders, “pay da man!”

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Ellen Page will no longer be going to hell – and that’s a bad thing.

Due to scheduling conflicts, Page has dropped out of Sam Raimi’s upcoming film “Drag Me To Hell.” She was set to star as a woman under a curse, reports the CBC.

Raimi was so determined to have Page star that the filming schedule was set for her. However, the film wasn’t ready to shoot and has had to be pushed back. Page will be working on Drew Barrymore’s “Whip It!” at that time, and will also have to go through intense physical training to play a competitive roller derby skater.

Fresh off her success with “Juno,” Page also has a film called “Peacock,” co-starring Cillian Murphy, in the works.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, “White Oleander” star Alison Lohman will take Page’s place in “Hell.”

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