Good Evening Mr.Williams, Great to see you on a Saturday! I will say that last evenings Opening Ceremonies were just breathtaking and spectacular! What a way to begin the games! I really thought the way the flame was lit with Li Ning hanging from the cables after travelling the entire top part of the stadium was really fantastic! Now the competition begins! Great seeing Richard on last evenings broadcast reporting about the Opening Ceremonies! Much anticipation surrounding certain athletes like Michael Phelps and I'm sure as you stated it is getting louder. Hopefully, everyone will do well and accomplish their goals.
On another note it is terrible what is happening with the conflict with Georgia and Russia. I feel so sorry for the innocent people caught in the middle if the fighting. I hope there can be a peaceful resolution very soon.
Looking forward to the broadcast Mr.Williams. Try to keep cool in the heat and humidity. Peace to you and to all!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Stay Safe,Cool and Well Richard! Great reporting from Beijing!
XOXO      

When I've heard yesterday the Edwards story, I was remembered by a President who said in advance: "I have not that sexual relationship with that woman". That was Bill Clinton in 1999. And now Edwards who lied in advance, by saying he had no relationship with that other woman. It's always the same.

I felt sorry yesterday that - at the Opening Ceremony - the Korean teams were seperated. At the last two Olympics they marched in together. And at the history section they excluded the last century. When they showed all that history they missed the time between 1900 to 1990. They missed the creation of the China we know today, the foundation of modern China. Instead they showed us a China that was lost 100 years ago and will never come back. A China that was imperial and more environmentally friendly than todays economy on steriods and more friendly towards foreign states.

My condolences go to the family of Bernie Mac, one of the most laughable and fresh comedians in American entertainment. Today the African-American community lost one of their greatest entertainers. May he Rest in Peace. Also we mourn today the American tourist who was stabbed in Beijing. Both people who died had a great cause to fulfill.

The pictures from South Ossetia are really grim indeed. They look like the Russian invasion of Chechnya in the 90's. The Russian tactic is quick, efficient and large-scale. On the note, it's better for the Western world to step in and stop that carnage which has killed up to 1,500 people.

Congratulations US, for overtaking the Chinese team in terms of amount of medals won. I hope the US will beat China in medal count.

Dear Brian,

I found last night's report by Andrea Mitchell on John Edwards's admission of marital infidelity to be completely distasteful.  The inclusion of YouTube videos of the senator's conversations with Ms. Hunter was something I would expect from either Access Hollywood, or Extra, from whom you also borrowed in the piece.  I ask you, are you NBC News, or Maury Povich?

What part of any of this, thus far, qualifies as news?  Is one's marital infidelity really news?  Is lying about it afterwards?  If we are to believe the statements given by Senator and Mrs. Edwards, this is something that occurred two years ago, and was dealt with between them at that time.  While one might find the senator's behavior despicable, where is the relevance?  John Edwards no longer holds public office, he long ago withdrew from the presidential campaign, and several weeks ago, he told Today that he was not interested in the VP position – probably because he knew he wouldn't pass the vetting process.  If marital fidelity – or the lack of it – were the litmus test for serving as a politician at the national level, we'd have to throw half of Congress out on their asses.  More to the point, as my boyfriend likes to say, "Am I snoring in your face?"  In other words, if I'm not the one sleeping beside you each night, if I am not your life partner, then – whatever the issue – it's none of your damn business.  Jackie put up with JFK's running around, Hillary stuck with Bill; if Elizabeth Edwards found a way to forgive her husband, then who are we to cast judgment?  Sure, I'd like to think that, if a man ever cheated on me, all of his worldly possessions would be in a big heap on the front lawn, preferably on fire.  Or that, maybe, if I was feeling generous, I'd even throw in a can of pork and beans to tide him over, until he could figure out where his next meal was coming from.  But, that's just me speaking out of ignorance.

John and Elizabeth Edwards have a 30-year relationship and four kids together, not to mention a renewed battle with terminal cancer.  They have a lot invested.  Their young children, as well as Ms. Hunter's infant child, don't deserve this kind of scrutiny.  NBC and all the other media outlets should be ashamed.  And, frankly, I don't think people who live in glass houses should throw stones:  you can't tell me that marital infidelity doesn't pervade your industry, too, as it does every segment of society.  Heck, even the much-beloved Charles Kuralt had a mistress for all those years he was "On the Road."

The bottom line is this:  if you find proof that Senator Edwards used campaign funds to buy silence from either Ms. Hunter, or Mr. Young, then that's news.  Otherwise, I think there are more important stories to cover.  For instance, isn't there a little war going on in Iraq?  And, oh yeah, how about that one in Afghanistan?  As a loyal viewer, I am simply asking for higher standards – i.e. a little more Baghdad and Waziristan, and a little less of John Edwards not being able to keep Mr. Happy in his pants.  Thank you.

Love to all the regular posters.  XOXO

laurel

YOU SIT AND WATCH IN AWE!!

As I sat there awestruck watching the lights, colors, technology, fantasy and powerful images of
the opening day celebration in China many were applauding, whistling, clapping..and I found a tear in my eye.  Most of the people who attended the powerful Olympic ceremonies in Berlin prior to WW2 saw the same thing…

A country on the move…

A country with purpose….

A country with optimism

A country proud of its history and culture…

A country united in spirit….

A country with leadership that has confidendce in the direction it is moving.  A leadership that knows when
to bend and when to toughen like steel.

And than I look at the USA….

A country whose presumptive candidate for the democrat party feels America is not what it once was and is NOT a model for the rest of the world.

A country whose wife of the presumptive candidate is full of bitterness towards the USA,
A country that has a political leadership without any solid core belief but responds to the latest poll….last year it was Iraq, than it was the economy, now its oil and energy…by November who knows what will be pushed down our throats by the media and politicians.

A country who has a Congressional leadership that presides over a dysfunctional institution in which over 90% of cizitens look upon it with disdain and disatisfaction, and yet has the gall to cast
stones at Iraq where a government has actually passed legislation and is coming together.  And than, in the midst of an energy crisis, Pelosi calls for a five week VACATION. Shuts, the lights, turns off the cameras and takes her taxpayer payed for private jet liner to the pacific shores.  Vacation from what?  From a job?  What job?  What have
They accomplished in the name of the “American people”.?

A country where the leadership leads with an agenda of CHANGE…Change to what?  No one knows..just CHANGE!

The American spirit is slowly being broken.  Who would have thought two thousand years ago that Rome would crumble…Who would have thought two hundred years ago that the English Empire would consist of a tiny island and a Monarchy that will probably be survived by the Prince of Monaco.

Civilizations come and go…Empires come and go…what is it that makes Americans so certain that our culture, already polluted and strained by an invasion across our borders will survive.  It is already dying.  Just go to an ATM in Manhattan and insert your card…Eight languages pop up!  Our culture has passed the tipping point…and we leave a world to
Our grandchildren that, thankfully, most of us will not be around to see.

The “barbarians are at the gate, and our leadership, like Don Quixote, is literally chasing windmills.  God, it was such a wonderful country.

Joe Zollo
Princeton, NJ

Brian,

Great to see you and Lester on air this evening.  Now if we had the chance to clear the air up behind you...in any case...the coverage from ITN in the Russia-Georgia conflict is simply heartbreaking.  And one more, the savage murder of the husband and wife in Beijing is even more disgusting.  I hope that the rest of the games are only attention-grabbing on the field, court, and pool.  It's a shame that the games have already been marred by such a grievous event.  Please take care, be safe, and we hope to hear only good things over the next couple of weeks.

Good Evening Mr.Williams,Fine broadcast this evening! Again, it is nice to see you on a Saturday! Good news for the United States in women's fencing! Yeah! Go ladies!
First of all very sad news to learn about the tragedy of the American visitor to Beijing being attacked and killed. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

On another note Mr.Brokaw's interview with Michael Phelps shows a young man really focused and determined to reach his goal. It was nice to hear from his mother and how she text messages her son. I agree that LOL should be Lots of Love! I hope he accomplishes all his goals because he has worked so hard to get there. All the athletes have given their all to get to the Olympics in Beijing and I hope all of them do well!
The report by Mr.Taibbi about the airline industry and the frequent flyer programs with little reward right now makes one not want to fly at all. What is thr point of accumulating the miles if there is no real incentive to keep it. The airlines are hitting the consumers with all kinds of fees and because of the rising cost of fuel it doesn't seem they are going to stop charging any time soon. I hope things get better soon for everyone.
Finally, it looks like President Bush enjoyed his day at the Olympics visiting venues. Getting his picture taken with US Beach Volleyball teammates Misty May and Kerry Walsh. I do hope these two ladies win. They are so good at this sport and always play their utmost. Go Team USA!
Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams! Keep Cool and Comfortable! Peace to You and to All!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Stay Safe,Cool and Well Richard! Looking forward to more of your reports from Beijing!
XOXO

Good evening/morning Mr. Williams,

I'm a long time fan, and I remember when you first took the job as the NBC Anchor, you made a big point of letting everyone know that you will always wear a tie, as you feel you are invited into everyone's home at dinner time.  How come you haven't had one on during the evening news from China?  Not that I mind, as I think you not wearing a tie is fine, it's just that you were so adamant about always wearing one...

Mr. Williams,

Interesting to see you on a Saturday. I'm definitely not complaining, with no offense to Mr. Holt. The opening ceremonies were phenomenal to say the least. I don't remember much about the opening ceremonies from Athens, but at least know that they were not on as grand a scale as China's were.

Mr. Williams-
Care to clue us in as to certain events you are anticipating the most? Swimming? Basketball? The Hammer Throw? Womens Power Lifting?

Unfortunately for me I watch NBC for my international news, so I have been swept up in the Olympic fervor that I haven't been able to see exactly how the Georgia/Russia conflict started, more so as to why Georgia went into Ossetia in the first place. I guess my next stop is wikipedia. I hope I can get to watch the broadcast live tonight before I head out to the Chargers pre-season game. I'm glad football season has arrived.

Hi Brian
I cheered for Michael Phelps as he was about to win it was great. The games are go great to see my friends and I are enjoying them.

My prayers go to Bernie Mac's family as we have lost a good man. He was full of life and made us all laugh. May he rest in peace.

Russia and Georgia is something out of no where. I remembered Georgia was one of the allies the White House had during the invasion of Iraq. Now it seems Georgia has no allies in their hour of need. One the US was one of the most powerful countries in the World and when we spoke countries listen now that too is gone. This conflict needs a Middle man who can broker peace the question is there such a Leader left in the World who both countries respect and trust.

I wish all the countries of the games the best but my heart goes to the American teams.

Have a great weekend all

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

Thanks for running a piece on Michael Phelps. I've been a huge fan of his for years. It was great to see Tom Brokaw back on your show. Thanks, Brian!

Dear Brian,  I want to commend NBC on their excellent coverage of opening night at the Olympics.  However, after Michael Phelps set a world record tonite, our national anthem was cut short during the medal ceremony as a political message to our country. As a typical American, I was willing to concede that it may have been an error, but then the Chinese swimmer shows up with tape over the Speedo emblem.  I am sure she received the Speedo suit as a promotion, but her government made her denounce America and capitalism by not allowing viewers to see the emblem. I am glad Michael Phelps whipped their asses, but I also feel your coverage should refect these sad gestures as all countries deserve equal treatment in your coverage of the Olympics. Please don't let your liberal slant deny Americans commentary on this slam to our president and country. Regardless of political opinions, we are united as a country and behind our athletes.  Are you  going to allow the Chinese to air political statements without representing other countries?  If so, you can know that you are diminishing the credibility of the Olympics and the value of this competition for future generations.  Freedom of press should include what Americans think of the Chinese and their shoddy behavior. There is no excuse for Bejing doing this to our athletes just because our president called them on their lack of human rights. I am old enough to remember Munich, President Carter banning the Olympics, the African American athletes and their black gloves and armbands in the 60's and how proud I was of the press covering these issues. The Chinese sent America and its viewers a political statement tonight.  Are you going to allow your liberal slant to ignore this?  Our athletes have worked long and hard.  Michael Phelps and our country deserved to hear our national anthem uninterrupted tonite because we play by the rules.  Our journalists deserve to deplane in a reasonable amount of time because we play by the rules.  Speedo deserves to have their emblem displayed because they play by the fricken rules.  PLEASE, Americans deserve and are entitled to fair journalism because we are a democracy. Thanks.

Good Evening Mr.Williams, This posting is regarding Sunday's broadcast on Nightly News. Another fine broadcast. First of all the escalation of a major conflict Georgia and Russia is becoming a very serious situation. Seeing all the fires caused by the fighting makes me feel so badly for the innocent people who are trying to hard to flee the fighting. If this continues it could explode, but I certainly hope not. Hearing Mr.Maceda is going into the region to bring reports just makes me hope for his safety. I know he does excellent reporting, but please stay safe Mr.Maceda!
On another note the Americans are doing really well at the Olympics and it has been very exciting watching the competition so far. President Bush is enjoying the games by attending swimming and basketball. It is nice the baseball teams of th United States and China are playing an exhibition game tomorrow so that he can see some baseball before the teams compete.
Finally, a nice piece by Mr.Alexander about Yao Ming. He is a real superstar in China with so many fans. I liked the fact he has a foundation to rebuild schools damaged by the earthquake. It was so very moving to see that young boy who survived the earthquake and saved two of his classmates walking beside Yao during the Opening Ceremonies.
Thank you for the Sunday broadcast Mr.Williams. Great seeing you all weekend! Try to get some rest! See you tomorrow from Tianamen Square. 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! Hope to see more of your reports from Beijing!
XOXO  

Dear Mr. Williams:  I was excited to see the Opening Events of this years Olympic Games and glad to see that our President was able to attend.  However, I was greatly dismayed with one shot of the President showing him hitting his knee with the small American Flag that was given to him.  This was about as unpatriotic as one can get and to have the President doing it - Awful.  I would hope that the cameras preview who they are going to do a live shot on to make sure that whomever they are going to be filming is there and not "hitting his knee with the American Flag - however small it was".  I was horrified and don't know how many other people saw it but shame on Mr. Bush.

OMG. It's not Russia - Georgia conflict. It's South Osetia - Georgia conflict!!!
That's awful what is going on in Osetia! But you must know that Russian forces came there after Georgian, after they closed women and children in house and burned them... This is Nazi method... They killed our brothers and sisters, they killed peaceful people who did nothing bad to them...
And standing by and remaining silent is not good, or may be saying:"violence is unacceptable" and do nothing it's awful... Were violence in Iraq acceptable? i want to ask.

Dear Mr. Williams,

I want to compliment you and the NBC News Team for understanding and covering the difficult mix of political controversy and athletic achievement that mark the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.  Have you thought of doing a story on "China's two Hu Jia's"?  One of course is the 2004 Gold Medal Olympic diver, Hur Jia, who has starred this year in Adidas-sponsored promos for the Games throughout China. The other is the civil rights and political prisoner, who was sentenced to 3-1/2 years in prison this April as part of Beijing's crackdown, a crackdown that occurred because of the Olympics coming to town. It's even more topical since activist Hu Jia's wife, Zeng Jinyan, just "disappeared" on Thursday, the day before the Opening Ceremonies, an AP reports its most likely because she's been "taken away" by the Chinese police so that foreign journalists (like yourself) would not be able to find her and talk to her.  Just a thought.

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