Ann Curry (Patrick McMullan)

Last summer, we stopped by a luncheon for Gloria Steinem at which all guests were asked to declare Ms. Steinem's significance in three words or less. (For instance: “Essential. Formidable. Witty,” was Tina Brown's contribution.)

Perhaps the signs of reportedly-fired Today host Ann Curry's burdened mind were already at play that summer. “I have four words: a woman who loved us,” said Ms. Curry, employing five.

It is said that soon Ms. Curry will be counting to ten million--the size, in dollars, of her severance package from Today.