Brian,
Thanks for your honest (i.e. smog) take on Beijing. And it's nice to know there is still quality service in the airline industry. I'm guessing you weren't charged 7 dollars for pillow and blanket. I will say I've often wondered how your family (and you) feel when you are traveling SO much and how you keep in touch. Anything interesting other than phone/email?

Good Evening and Good Morning Mr.Williams, Well, It sounds like you had a wonderful flight with a great crew which makes the trip alot more pleasant. I'm very happy that it went so well for you. Now that your in Beijing I'm sorry it is so oppressively hot and the air quality so poor. It seemed okay for a short time recently,but now it's appears the "fog" has returned. I really hope it clears before the huge Opening Ceremonies. Beijing really has spruced up for all the Olympic Games events and the visitors from all over the world. An exciting time! Looking forward to the broadcast Mr.Williams. Peace to you and to all!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Stay Safe and Well Richard! Great seeing you in Beijing! Great reporting! (Always Handsome!)
XOXO  

Ok Brian stay awake.
Now how embarrassing when the President of the United States goes to China to request they follow human rights laws. Just as the US kidnaps innocent men/woman/children and torture, rape and kill them. Yes even the 6 by 3 box we keep Iraq prisoners in. The US should try human rights before telling others what to do.

The Anthrax man was innocent. I heard the Press Report by the FBI and there were more holes in their story then in Swiss Cheese.

All the talk about pulling out of Iraq seems to be going in Senator Obama's favor.  

Brian I'll be watching on Opening Day of the Olympics and I hope the US can leave Politics out of the games and stop dictating to other countries. Brian did you remember to take some cashews with you on the trip?

Laural: I was on line with the chat room Hillary set up it was great.

Best to my friends Lisa, Laural, Stephanie, Claudia, Celine, Anne and Matt

Dear Brian,

Amy Robach did a great job sitting in for you last night.  She is full of charisma.  If you read the blog, you'll see that she got a lot of positive reviews.  Who says America isn't ready for a female anchor?  

(Btw, I hope you saw my post about the Smucker's birthday lady!)

Now, about last night's broadcast....

Thanks to Tiki Barber for his report on Camp Great Rock.  As a small child (age 5 or 6) I was diagnosed with epilepsy, but mine were petit mal seizures, which present as brief "black outs," as opposed to the more familiar convulsions of grand mal seizures.  My parents were told that, once I hit puberty, I would either "grow out" of the seizures, or my condition would develop into grand mal.  Fortunately for me, the result was the former, and I was completely finished with treatment by the age of 18.  In the intervening years, however, daily medications, frequent bloodwork, and annual EEGs were a regular part of my life.  I was embarrassed and ashamed, and almost never told anyone, because it was something that made me different, and who wants to be different as a child?  (As we all know, children can be terribly cruel to one another.)  If I felt that way, and my condition was – comparatively speaking – much less severe than that of the children in Tiki's story, I can only imagine how they must feel.  How wonderful for them to have a place to go where they can feel "normal" and accepted, while still enjoying the summer camp experience that is a part of so many childhoods.

It was interesting to learn that GM is such a hit in China.  It made me feel like my "little old lady car" Buick might not be so un-hip, after all.  Of course, GM's gain is the environment's loss, as that much more pollution is being added to the atmosphere.  But then, who are we to tell a developing middle class how to behave, when we are among the worst offenders?  We need to clean our own house, first!

Finally, regarding Richard Engel's report on the extraordinary security measures China is taking, during the Olympics – you tell Richard that those average citizens weren't following and recording him and his film crew out of some sense of national pride and duty.  They were recording him because they know a fine-looking man when they see one!  He is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!  And that is a fact that transcends all language and cultural barriers!

All the best to you, Brian, as you work from Beijing.  Next stop, Denver!  Woo hoo!

To Anna:  Your man David Gregory is on The Daily Show tonight.  He's celebrating a birthday this month – number 38.

Good night to all the regular posters – Lisa, Jackie, Stephanie, Celine, Claudia, Anna, and Matt.  XOXO

laurel

WHAT - Brett Favre is now a NEW YORK JET?????  I shall now pass out from shock and disdain.  Someone please revive me in time to watch the Daily Nightly!

Two brief items:
1.  To the NBC crew in China we wish you great adventure, great bites, great play-by-play, break a leg.
2.  Where have you been hiding Amy Robach. Her Wed. "Nightly" was a 5-star gig!

Great snapshot of your travel, above all report the news and have fun. Wish I was there. jgA

Brian Williams, what do you mean "a setback for the Bush Administration" - a soft jail term for Osama Bin Laden's driver is a setback for all law abiding Americans.  Mu husband won't watch you, this shows why.

I was completely moved by your last piece on the Chinese gymnast.  I was crying through the entire segment.  It appeared that Richard Engel was moved as well.  I noticed how he tried to play it off as he looked away from the camera and looked at you.  You kindly patted him on the shoulder.  Human.  It's soooooo great to see the human side of newscasters on the nightly news.  That's what keeps it real.  Great job from Beijing!  

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Always wonderful to see Richard on the broadcast! Great to see him speaking with you Mr.Williams! Always handsome! Love the hear his reports! (Like the black shirt too! And that smile!) I liked it when you said it was nice to see him out of the war zone. I always love it when he is safe and sound! Now on to Richard's wonderful and touching piece. How tragic to see how a young and talented Chinese gymnast fall off the vault and land on her back only to become paralyzed. The doctor having to tell her at age 17 that she is paralized is not something any doctor should have to say. Yet, she seems resilient and shows promise in other avenues of life. She is loved by the Chinese people with all the adoring fans who swarm around her for pictures. And her interest in journalism even with her own tv show. But the tears do come when one is alone and it cannot be easy for any age, but especially someone so young. She seemed very happy visiting New York on New Years Eve with the Mayor Giulaini. I admire her courage and determination. She is definitely a role model and starting the foundation to help others is wonderful. She even gave away her Opening Ceremonies tickets to  friends. What a true hero to her country and to all! Great piece Richard als always! A very touching and heartwarming piece! Wonderful to see you!

On another note the report by Mr.Colt concerning the Iraqi Navy was interesting since one doesn't think of them having a navy. The ships were really just small vessels and a few patrol boats nothing too intimidating. It is good they are getting proper training to prevent terrorism on the waters and perhas the fleet doubling in size over time will help make them stronger to help make their country safer.
Peace needs to be the norm.

Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams! Great to see Richard!! Love that great smile! Peace to you and to all!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Stay Safe and Well Richard! Always great to see you!
XOXO

Happy Thursday, no Chinese Friday AM to all!    I am glad you all made it safely.   Good to see smiling Richard.  I am sure the smog/fog will not bother him.  

A great broadcast!  I am so jealous and with I had changed my major to journalism and headed to NYC to get into broadcasting.  By now maybe I would be at the Olympics!  My second career........

The party starts tommorrow at 6:00 PM.   I had to order all my Olympics t-shirts, pins, supplies
on-line directly.   Of course the spirits and foods are American.

@ Laurel:  Thanks for the tip on my man David Gregory.  He's a young one --38.  He fooled me and loves Mary J just like I do.   Wow! Your memory is good.  Are you keeping notes on me?  

@ Stephanie:  Almost happy birthday!

Let the Games begin!

Brian,

Glad to see you made it safely to Beijing.  A nice flight certainly makes the experience a bit more tolerable.  As always, you would never know that you just got off an ump-teen hour flight over there, reeling from jet lag, and whatever else a day's flight may throw your way.  As you are starting on yet another awesome adventure for the next couple of weeks in China, I will be starting on my own adventure on the 18th...back to school for us teachers here in Howard County.  I hope you have a productive stay in Beijing.  But most importantly, as I've learned from my own travels abroad, I hope you find time to enjoy everything that China has to offer.  Take it all in, appreciate it, and be amazed at what you will witness.  Looking forward to speaking to you soon.  

Your last story about the girl in the wheelchair is the reason why I am not watching the Olys.  What does that have to do with the Games?

I see this as the opening salvo of stories that are not about the Games but of the people who are not even in the Games.

She's hurt.  Boo-Hoo.  

Name me 5 people who were injured just before they got to the 2004 Olys.  No?  How about 2? Doesn't matter.  I don't care and neither does anyone else who can't answer the question.

Start. Event. Finish.  Winner.  No fluff.

Hi Brian,
Glad to hear that your crew and you arrived in satisfactory condition. I am excited to hear about China and all that the Olympics will offer.  

Richard's piece on the Chinese gymnast reminded me of just how special it is to make an Olympic team.  For every heart that searches for that experience, there are those who fail in the attempt.  It seems fitting to remember those who tried and didn't make it as well as to celebrate the feats of those who succeeded.  The images of that beauty sharing her enthusiasm and joy with others was quite moving.
Hope that you enjoy your time abroad.  Good luck!
.  

Probably should have packed a heppa filter mask.
Enjoy your assignment and pleasent trip home.
Any chance you will score a sit down with notable heads of state? Everyone who is anyone will be there.

Was it necessary to start your bias reporting tonight about the people of China saying " Mr Bush, as you say, Pres Bush should not interfere with China's policies" Of what importance was that for your lead story. Pres. Bush spoke the truth about all people having a chance to live a decent and prosperous life. What is so wrong about that?? Maybe your lead story should have been about John Edwards and his love-kid. Isn't he the one who claims we have two America's? Am wondering what one he lives in, Now that would be news worthy

This Blog is so sweet......who are these people?

I guess they are selected because there have to be some people who want to scream "hey Brian, lose the Blue Blazer"...........it's 120 F in Beijing.


Jim Poling
Laguna Niguel, CA

Mr. Williams.
Hope you have an enjoyable working experience in China. Thanks for all your insights into this foreign culture. God Speed. Keep giving us the facts.
Aside to the person who thought the bin Laden driver's sentence was "soft". We cannot have it both ways. Either we believe in the American system of justice or we do not, and what is the alternative? The military court ruled and I have faith that they arrived at a fair and just verdict. What were you seeking? - the proverbial pound of flesh? The world is watching our justice system more closely than ever now and I pray every night that we apply justice fairly where-ever and when - ever it is necessary. The rule of Law must prevail.

Brian -

Nightly News was not seen last night in Connecticut as we were under a tornado watch for Fairfield and New Haven Counties. What we saw were an hour of Doppler Radar, cameras showing darkness, lightning and winds on I95 and the Parkway.  There has been damage thoroughout the area.

A question - Channel 8 - ABC  showed Charlie Gibson's news at 7PM after the threat eased.  Why wouldn't NBC do the same for your Nightly News?

Also, right now it's 7:45 AM here on the east coast and I understand that the Opening Ceremonies are going on in Beijing.  Why not broadcast them live all over the world? You can always repeat them in Prime Time or any other time later.

Live is always better than tape.

I'm just asking.

Joan

You folks should feel right at home in a one political party Country like China. Just a bigger New York. Have fun!!!

Brian,
Some say the Detroit Mayor should be prosecuted, but people don't have any idea the terrible people that are working for our government. The Michigan Governor and Attorney General had knowledge and did nothing to assist  a when the veteran acted in response to wrongful acts by the Federal Security Director (FSD) and (DFSD) Deputy Security Director at Flint Bishop Airport located in Michigan. The Deputy FSD played a cat and mouse game in the parking lot with their car on February 23, 2007 and both individuals had refused to continue to accommodate the veteran’s medical request from the Veteran’s Administration. The veteran reported the actions to the FBI, but when TSA had received notification regarding the FBI investigation. The agency started proceedings to terminate the veteran’s employment a week later and denied her MESC benefits. The State of Michigan DENIED HER APPEAL (July 31, 2008) for her unemployment benefits.

Other TSA actions against the veteran included:
 Delayed medical treatment for internal bleeding that included three surgeries.
 Forced the claimant into chapter 13 bankruptcy (FMLA Violations).
 Made false allegation against the veteran regarding dynamite,
 Refused to release supporting evidence regarding allegation,
 Terminated the veteran’s employment and denied the veteran’s unemployment benefits.
 TSA destroyed Boyce’s health that led to his timely death. The same treatment was given to the veteran. So, if TSA’s treatment did not kill her, the State of Michigan’s lack of assistance will injure the veteran regardless of liability.
TSA refused to turn over any evidence identified on subpoenas involving the false dynamite allegation, and the State of Michigan has not given the veteran her unemployment benefits even with this knowledge.The veteran I am talking about is me.  

Dear NBC

I  wanted to share my opinion on the commentary at openings ceremony. During the THAI CHI routine one of the commentators said that China is showing the world the way to be one with nature.
Well, I find that commentary very disturbing. China is  well known for extreme cruelty to animals, the Chinese government is well know for their cruelty to humans and they are well known for their activities of extreme pollution. You have to be delusional to say that they have a goal to be one with nature.
THEY HAVE NO SUCH INTENTIONS. ALL CHINA WANTS IS POWER AT ANY COST. THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT, THE ANIMALS  AND THE HUMANS IN THEIR COUNTRY.
I AM APPALLED  AND VERY DISAPPOINTED HOW NBC BECAME PART OF THIS FALSE PROPAGANDA.
VERY SAD INDEED.
NEXT TIME NBC MAY WANT TO CHECK THEIR FACTS BEFORE THEY PROMOTE SUCH AN OUTRAGEOUS LIE TO THE REST OF THE WORLD.

  Yours sincerely
    Nora Kosztolanyi

An other comment to you. Please do not make fun any more of the outfits of a country. I wached you making fun of the outfit of the Hungarian team. I am from Hungary and take offense in your misplaced humor.
Disrespectful.

Mr Williams,
It would be useful to all Americans if the media, (in this case, you in particlar) would take the American pubic seriously and treat us withintellectual respet rather than wry soundbites.

I refer specifically to the broadcat of Obama's energy speech, a comprehensive description of how to become un-hitched from foreign oil sources.  And the tithers about McCain's airhead response about inflating tires as the majo component.

it is not possibl to take you seriousl as a journallist if you cannot take me seriously as an citizen who values both discernment and humor.

I will continue to read the newspapers and pass on Nightly News so I can have sufficient information on which to cast my presidential vote.

In a search for veritas,

Judith Shea  

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