Good Evening Ann, Great to see you this evening on the broadcast! You always do a wonderful job! In my opinion you are always allowed as a regular visitor to this broadcast! You do a great job on the Today Show Too! The economy is of much concern to everyone these days and people are worried about their money. The segments on the Today Show have been interesting on this subject, but I truly hope things turn around for the better. On another subject it is good news the FDA lifted its salmonella warning on tomatoes. One good piece of good news! Looking forward to the broadcast Ann! Peace to you and to all!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Celine,Claudia,Anna and Matt!
Be Well Always!
XOXO  

Ann:  I have to say I always enjoy your contributions in the morning or at night.        I did not see you comment on air about the breast cancer self-exam.  As a daughter, wife and mother I am horrified that NBC News is offering the option to reject this exam.

Please work with your editors to just say no to these types of segments.  Isn't saving one life good?

Dear Ann,

Nice to see you on the broadcast tonight.  You always do a terrific job!

Last night, after watching Anne Thompson's update on honey bees, I happened to be in the grocery store, cruising the ice cream freezers, when I saw that Haagen-Dazs makes a flavor called vanilla honey bee. It's a limited edition flavor whose purpose is, in part, to raise awareness about the decline in the honey bee population, and the widespread adverse effects that decline has.  The website is a bit annoying to navigate, but it's got some good links and information.

http://helpthehoneybees.com/

Also on the food front....  Recently, Brian reported on a ruling in the U.K. about Pringles Potato Crisps, and whether they are, in fact, potato chips.  Well, here's the list of ingredients from the side of the can:  dried potatoes, vegetable oil (contains one or more of the following:  corn oil, cottonseed oil, soybean oil, and/or sunflower oil), rice flour, wheat starch, maltodextrin, salt and dextrose.  Okay, so not a traditional chip, but it still sounds like Procter & Gamble got a huge pass on that one....

More miscellany:  A while back, a poster to the blog asked what ever became of former weekend anchor, John Seigenthaler.  Here's the answer:

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/generalities/former_nbc_news_man_joins_familys_pr_firm_89503.asp

I know the content of this post is pretty trivial, but it's all I can do to keep my mind off the relentless doom and gloom of the national news.  We know it's tough out there - we're living it!  Bring us some happy news every now and then!

Jackie:  I'm glad you found California, Maryland!  It's just south of Hollywood, Maryland.  I kid you not.  And I'm west of both towns.  Just think of where I live as Mayberry!  Ha, ha.

Claudia:  I've been meaning to ask you how your recent meeting with fellow Obama supporters went.

Anna:  Thanks for all the links.  You go, girl!

Many XOXO's to Lisa, Jackie & Peaches, Stephanie, Celine, Claudia, Anna, and Matt.

HI Anne

Brian's regular bloggers know the White House has a Propaganda Department for the spin news. Don't worry once we get a new President and Department of Justice, Americans will get honest reports and then the Media can get the correct news to report.

The price of a barrel goes down, while the price of gas goes up and the answer is the Oil Companies get big profits for the share holders while Americans suffer.

Look for more banks to fold soon this is just the beginning as the flood gates were open by the criminal Bush Administration in 2000.

While the White House says one thing they do something behind our backs. Troops and supplies have already been leaving Iraq. Cheney is busy finishing up on his oil deals and everyone who worked in the White House even the janitor has executive privilege to keep the secrets of the crimes committed.

In some ways Obama is the only candidate now for President. Yes I will always be a Hillary girl because I trust her but Obama is showing signs of leadership. All he needs to do is keep the suck ups off his back and out of his campaign.  I look forward to Brother Bill Clinton campaigning for Obama. Many Law Makers and others hate Bill but facts be told the United States will need Bill Clinton and Hillary before they need the United States. For 7 years the World Leaders have seen a US President who is corrupt and lies to your face, let's hope Americans change that in Nov.  At lease Obama is educated and knows where the countries of the world are on the map and he knows who the Sunnies, Shiites and Kurds are. Most Americans now realize the Clintons years of a strong Economy, strong Military, Friends and trust around the World, Jobs, savings accounts and yes he even balanced the US Budget for the first time.

Russia is to quiet and that makes me nervious but I see the US went to listen to Iran. I'm just tired of the US Govenment lies, I wish I could get the truth for once.



Best to Lisa, Laural, Stephanie, Claudia, Anne and Matt

Hello Ann(if I may),
I feel like I have known you after watching you on Today and all the programs you have been on lately!
I was there when Dave Garroway opened Today on NBC,
and it is good to see the people still outside the windows to yur 30 Rock Studios.
The reason I am posting a message is that I wonder just what the future holds for the "middle income"
and "working poor" Americans along with the disabled and elderly--with the imminent signals of a pre-depression I call it with its dark clouds approaching.
The country is in a bad morale state and has been for
some time. What can anyone expect when we are continuously lied to by our leader who states our economy is OK and generally all is just hunkly dory...
President Bush may be listening to a psychic who is
telling him these things, just as the experts and his
own federal officers are warning of economic (banking)
crises and continued mortgage failures with forclosures affecting thousands daily. Our gas prices for our autos are not much bothering Bush, why should it? He is driven everywhere...flown to his ranch,etc.
His legacy for his two terms doesn't look to valuable to me even though I do give him credit for helping us to recovery from 9/11.  I believe the people would rally around him and his party if he would only come
clean with us.  The costly war (in blood and money), the CIA leaks,Katrina, Our Economy-all of it shades his presidency with shadows of mystery and misleading, not leading.  I wish for all of us the "Pursuit of Happiness" will be a Reality soon. We'll see.   Thank You.  
p.s.  You are an excellent journalist/host

I forgot I saw the tape of how the teenager was tortured. There is no excuse at all for that conduct.
After listing to testify today by the White House staff appointees I thought.  The United States demanded that the Nazi's be tried for the crimes even those who followed orders. Now the Bush Administration makes excuses for the War Crime conduct.  This new Policy set by the Bush Administration will hurt this country for decades to come. We are now seen for what we have become.  

Hi Ann,  Enjoy you on the Today Show and in particular when you fill in for Brian Williams.

Can some explain to me how when Oil gose up per barrel, we see the Jump at the pump right away but when oil drops like it has in the last few says we see no change at the pump price????

I just don't understand it. Maybe someone can explain to me that when oil prices go up gasoline prices tend to go up immediately. But when oil prices drop as they have the last couple of days it takes four to six weeks to show up at the gasoline pumps, what am I not getting? Do the oil companies think we are that stupid? I gues s we are because we keep buying and they keep filling their pockets.

Anna, would be you asking NBC to not report the news?  Yes the breast cancer story is controversial, but I am certain we've not heard the last on that story and having an entire nation of doctors changing its mind on how to do self exams.  What harm is there in examining your breasts every month?  With so many survivor stories because of them, I don't see them being in jeopardy of totally going away.  

I am not surprised by Lisa Myers' report on big banks hiding money for wealthy Americans.  It's maddening, but not shocking to me.  Money talks, and when that money doesn't want to pay taxes, then it just won't. I'm guessing that those dishonest and immoral enough to evade taxes are probably also dishonest and immoral in the ways they earned that money - in one way or another.  Just a suspicion of mine.    

Hurray we can eat tomatoes!  I never stopped; I just changed my sources of getting them.  How can we fully trust our food supply?  We're supposed to be eating vegetables to stay healthy, so how can we trust it?  

As the Postal Service asks more carriers to walk or bike, its also getting its workforce more fit!  What a grand idea to save on healthcare costs!  Are other businesses going to go this route?  As long as the postal rates don't go up again...

I always love to see "Making a Difference" reports.  Sargent's story is heartbreaking but what a legacy his short life has brought!

Rest in peace, Tony Snow.  My prayers are with your grieving family tonight.  You were lost too soon.  

A shout out to Ann, the rest of her team, and all the "usual suspects" known as readers of the blog.  Have a good night!  

Good Evening Ann, A fine broadcast this evening. First of all the oil prices falling below $130.00 a barrel is good news, yet it doesn't have any profound effect on the price at the gas pump right now. The price near where I work was listed at $4.07 and it will probably rise, though I certainly hope not. The tensions between the United States and Iran has always been high, but if there is any hope of talks to ease those tensions then that could be good news. Disruptions in the Middle East whether at low or high levels have an effect on the price of oil. So hopefully, if there aren't any major ones relief could come. Only time will tell between the nations and the leaders.
On another note the report by Mr.Bazell concerning the ban lifted on certain types of tomatoes due to salmonella was positive to learn, although the scientists still have no known cause of the outbreak of salmonella. I wish they would lift the one on the hot peppers only because that effects fresh salsa and I just happen to like salsa alot. Anyway, I just hope they find out the reason soon.
The World Health Organization returning to Iraq will help many people in the region. Violence being down is certainly sign of progress. Many diseases need to be treated amongst the people. I hope they can continue to do their work and be able to offer good medicine to those who need it.
Finally, the "Making A Difference" segment was truly touching. It was heartbreaking to hear the little boy died before age 2. Yet, the mother found a a way to keep his memory alive and help others with the book "Sargeant's Heaven" which was so moving. The pictures of him doing things in heaven moves one to tears. The lovely little blue bird touches ones heart. It was a beautiful book. A truly touching piece. Thank you for the broadcast Ann. Peace to you and to all!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Celine,Claudia,Anna and Matt!
Be Well Always!
XOXO

Please go away Al until your private homes are at least as green as President Bush's ranch in Crawford. If Arafat wasn't bad enough google Irena Sendler to see how little these awards mean these days.

Anne, you may now safely consider your self a regular...

Anna, I listened to the self-exam segment too. Having been one of thousands who went to the doctor (and hadn't been to one since the birth of youngest son, some 20 years before) I too disagreed with the report.
In fairness... what the report said was that public campaigns to promote self exams weren't as effective as say a campaign to promote mammograms... but it seems to me one leads to the other, as it did in my case... I was fine, but it took that self exam to point me to the way to find out. Remember a comment Brian made one night about a couple of months ago, that sooner or later a new report will come out that supports your lifestyle choices? I'll bet the same is true here!

Where is Brian? The last time he disappeared on us he turned up in a war zone.........................

Ann, As always very nice to see you on NN, keep up the good work! You seem very caring when you interview people, like you are actualy listening to what is being said. There are few other newspeople that that can be said about.

Dear Ann:  It was nice to see you again on Nightly News.  The story about the extremely wealthy people who are putting money into Swiss Banks to avoid paying taxes shows just how greedy these millionaires and Billionaires really are.  Are they not getting enough tax breaks from Bush's "tax cuts for the wealthy?"  They are robbing our Government out of Billions of dollars, and they could'nt care less.  How much money does one need to be happy??  I can't imagine people being that greedy.  No wonder our country is going under.

did anyone talk when verizon took all management pension and retirement health care 3 years ago they set a cut off of 15 yrs and most of lower mgmt had less than 10............

Hi Anne,

Love it when you fill in for Brian Williams.  Brian needs to take a night off now and then. He works too hard!   Have watched you and the Today Show for forever!  Thank you for all your work.  PS  Oregon misses you!  

Seems like the President's move Monday might figure into oil's drop. Perhaps you could at least mention the effect.

Of course that would be off the "screw the right" script you draw from

An excellent report on the oil and gas prices tonight, with the interview that set the record straight, contrary to alot of other propaganda.  Indeed, there is not only an "Iran premium" , but a neoconservative policy "war premium" being paid since 2003, driving oil prices from 1.50 to over 4.00 per gallon. Will anyone report in depth about the long term effects of the Iraq and Afghanistan, and other war-mongering on oil and gas prices, which effects all consumer goods?  Call it a "war tax" in the form of inflation.

Today, some editorials were crediting Bush with the drop in oil prices, as if his executive order drove up supply (in a few days!), instead of the truth you and the economist reported, that U.S. DEMAND HAS FALLEN because of those prices, and the market adjusted a very wee bit.

The fact is that US demand for oil has fallen more than 2 percent in the last two years and world demand has grown about 2 percent total, hardly a case that "supply" is the problem, while oil companies also were the ones who reduced their own number of refineries to increase profits (i.e. efficiency) on their own volition years ago.  (The pinch during Katrina was due to refinery capacity, not supply).

Bottom line, back off the wars and war-mongering, and prices will immediately fall, except for the damage of the devaluation of the dollar that heavy war-debt spending and money printing have driven due to the same.

Was refreshing to hear some truth come out on the network airwaves for a change, while no one else talks of the impact of war on oil, even though the climb started with the Iraq war.

Ann, unlike those above this is not adulatory commentary. I consume a great deal of news from all views. Due to your limited time on air, I notice there are limited alternate views than those experts you seek for comment. With all due respect, interviewing Al Gore about energy is about as prudent as interviewing Rush Limbaugh about the presidential race: He has knowledge, but he's completely vested in one view.
Please at least try to get it right or at least not quite so one sided.

Americans need to understand that the oil companies are the largest ,richest, and most powerful entity on the planet. Everything that happens on earth is influenced by them. They will do whatever it takes to protect their empire of greed and supremacy. Their creation and support of those like minded politicians who have and continue to infiltrate our government continues to perpetuate that power. This is the sad truth that every idealistic elected official who thinks that they are going to change things learns on their first day in office. this my friends is why NOTHING has been done about our stagnant energy policies over the past 40 years. JFK had his own wealth, and was owned by no one, and attempted to stand up to these dark forces. Unfortunately they showed him (and the world) who really is in control. I'm not some conspiracy " Buff". I am an informed, educated person who has studied and separated fact from fiction examining deeply the history of the birth and developement of the American Political Industrial Establishment since the end of WW2. Any informed student of this subject will tell you, and fully understands why we are in the current tragic energy and economic situation. Unless we the American people don't stop feeding this monster by our own failure to be responsible energy consumers, it will continue.  We must demand (and follow through as consumers)that the auto industry create a fuel efficiant product. Demand that the energy industry take on serious developement of alternative domestic energy recources. We must demand government regulation and accountability to the financial speculative practices which have destroyed the housing market,and which currently drives the out of control oil prices. If we do not tighten up our standard of living which promotes irresponsible building and over developement, resulting in the  depletion of scarce water and energy recources, The monkey remains on all of our backs.

I get a bit tired of the implication that NBC (the wonderful Ann talking or not) that the oil companies are somehow cheating the people in delivering gasoline to our people.  I'm frankly amazed that they can or even feel like doing this work for us, because we sure can't do it . . .  Heck we keep voting in people who hate the oil companies and hate us, though we're too stupid to see it, aided as we are in our ignorance with every new NBC 'news' broadcast.   Simply googling  Environmental Benefits of Offshore Drilling Louisiana will stun anyone as it stunned me as to the lies we've been told in our child-like trust all this time.  Whoever wants to be murdered by our own wasted money (or have your children murdered by said money) will gladly remain weak and afraid, buying terrorist oil while letting our oil lay undrilled, all our money wasted, never to be used to fund needed new techs as we reorganize our energy invention, testing, build-out and obtain new tools in each household to use these wunder tech

I was rather disappointed about the editing done for the Al Gore segment. When Anne went on to ask about the alleged $3 trillion price tag for the 10-year goal he proposed, the editor cut out the most significant part of his answer, leaving only the part "it's an investment worth making". In the first part of his answer he argued that $1.5-3 trillion would *still* have be payed for continuing to rely on fossil fuels, as well as the fact that the estimated cost is cheaper than that of the Iraq War. Choosing to cut out this information in his answer made the tone of the segment bias, making his proposal out to be a plea towards people's good nature and just another run-of-the-mill pork barrel project instead of a reasonably justifiable and thought-through proposal that it is. Now I understand cutting time to fit material onto the newscast, but this was just unprofessional. I'll still continue to watch and admire the work done at NBC Nightly News, but I for one believe you need to reconsider one of your editors there.

While you're following Obama around Europe and the middle east ask him who these little "Obamanation watchers" are going to be that make up his new "civilian national security force"

The comment is between the 16 and 17 minute mark of the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Df2p6867_pw

"We cannot continue to rely on our military in order to achieve the national security objectives we've set. We've got to have a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded."

Drilling for more oil will make available more than enough carbon based fuels to push the greenhouse effect into uncontrollable thermal run-away. Congress knows this but cannot acknowledge it because global warming is a political hot potato. Maybe the oil companies do too, why do you think they’re not drilling on the oil lease rights land available to them?
Think of it this way. Climatologists, Astrophysicists know that if the amount of oil that is now available to us with all the currently operating wells was consumed by the oil addicts of this world, it would easily imbrue enough carbon dioxide into the atmosphere to create conditions nearly equivalent to our sister planet Venus where its hot enough to melt lead!
So that’s the problem. The oil addicts currently have available to them enough supply of carbon producing oil to push the plant into irreversible thermal runaway. If you provide the addicts with additional sources of carbon producing oil by drilling more wells, they will use it, all of it. Because their addicted they can’t help themselves even if it plunges the planet into a lifeless infernal orb. Learn about this, understand it, and then be responsible and stop pushing for the drilling of more carbon producing oil wells. Everyone must be made aware of the inevitable consequences of providing addicts with additional sources of their carbon based oil by drilling more wells. They also must be made aware that if all the current sources of oil are consumed, thermal runaway is not only possible, it’s inevitable, and, once started it cannot be stopped. If you drill, drill, drill, we die, die, die!

HOW GOOD IS YOUR GAS?
Have you noticed that your gas smells different these days? Have you ever considered that science can be used for bad as well as good things?  I own a Toyota 4-Runner 1988 model. It has 600,000 miles on it and I know my vehicle! My milage varies from 19 to 28 MPG. This variation is not from driving! It is from where I purchase my gas!!!!!  I just returned from Memphis. I left from Wise VA with full tank as usual. I refilled at a Flying J Truck stop West of nashville. I got around 25 MPG. When I got ready to return I refilled south of memphis at another Flying J this one with 10% ethanol. The fuel was so bad the vehicle missed and my milage dropped to 19 MPG! This is happening more and more as prices continue to rise!

Not only is the quality dropping gas stored for a short time now will begin to break down! This info comes from my mechanic!  

Here in our area of Ohio we have oil that no one seems to want to do anything with. I believe we do not need oil what we need is more oil REFINERIES. The nation has enough oil to keep the "oil wolves" off from the door. We do need to make places where it can be refined. This could become more local and save the cross country transporting also.

INSTANTLY LOWER GAS PRICES!!!   USA Oil and gasoline prices would drop rapidly IF the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT would mandate lower speed limits, ie: 55mph and 30 mph respectively AND law inforcement would do their job.  Mandated fines of $1,000. or more would change the speeders gross and dangerous  habits that ignore the needs of those other than the rich and famous. Every town in the USA would be delighted with the new income from fines which would replace the tax burden that is now imposed federally.

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