when will morning joe be back on the air

Hi Brian,

the "Today Show" already did that car-pooling stuff. A couple of months ago, the Today team tried to save money by car-sharing a car for the morning commute to the Today studio. It was Al Roker, Meredith Vieira, Matt Lauer and Ann Curry in one limousine. It was pretty funny to watch that.

Congratulations Mike for becoming the highest decorated Olympic athlete of all times. Michael Phelps is really a league of its own and should start alone that other competitors can win a medal because it must be frustrating for an athlete who trained his whole life and then has to face the formiddable force in swimming - Michael Phelps. How crucial for an athlete.

Last night, you didn't mention one word of the Presidential election in November. No word of McCain and Obama.

Looking forward for the broadcast.

Brian,

Well, well, well.  Sounds like you've been enjoying yourself too much.  What a fantastic experience you're having.  Once again, I'm looking forward to tonight's (tomorrow morning's) broadcast.  This 12-hour time difference is wonderful...there's no need to add or subtract hours.  I just have to think, "hey, it's the same time over there."

Anyway, enough of my own weirdness.  Continue to enjoy the fun times.  Watch Roker with the shopping.  Looking forward to seeing you later this evening.

Keep up the fantastic job you've ALL been doing.

Dear Mr. Williams:
Hello. While enduring my San Francisco Bay morning fog, I suddenly realized that the time it takes Mr. Michael Phelps to swim a relay is faster than I can brush my teeth! Amazing, isn't it? *PS: Al Roker reminds me of my favorite aunt: she's so vibrant she lights up a room.
Best Regards, Ann

Dear Brian,

It was nice to see Rowdy Gaines on the broadcast the other night.  I'm old enough to remember when he competed in the summer Olympics.  His call of the men's freestyle relay the other night reminded me of Al Michaels's "Do you believe in miracles?"  It was nice to see the Americans "smash" the French, after all that trash talking.

Speaking of Olympic swimming, here's a link to a New York Post article about what Michael Phelps consumes in one day.  Ugh.  (Note the typically catchy Post headline.)

http://www.nypost.com/seven/08132008/news/nationalnews/phelps_pig_secret__hes_boy_gorge_124248.htm

I'm glad you (and the rest of the Nightly News staff) are enjoying your iPod.  Sometimes music is the only thing that keeps you sane.  I really only listen to music while driving to and from work, now - ever since my shower clock radio died.  (Don't ever believe those things are waterproof!)  I didn't recognize the songs you listed in your previous post, but I do, of course, know who Dylan is! If I may be so bold, I recommend the following:  "Absolute Beginners" by David Bowie (from the strange film of the same name) - my favorite Bowie song, as well as one of my favorite love songs; "Story of My Life" by Social Distortion; and "Clouds Across the Moon" by The RAH Band, a song that charted in the U.K. in the mid-80s, and can only be described as pleasant but odd.  (And one which will be stuck in your head all day.)

Here's another link, this time to a story I know will make you mad.  It's about how the airlines are charging our service members for their baggage.  I kid you not.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/TRAVEL/08/13/troops.baggage/index.html

Finally, I wanted to share a link to our local newspaper's coverage of the funeral of Sgt. Ryan Patrick Baumann, who was killed in Afghanistan on August 1st.

http://somdnews.com/stories/08132008/entetop165106_32181.shtml

On the subject of our war veterans....  Because I have become such a C-SPAN nerd over the past few months, I stumbled upon a series the channel is running this week called "Three Years Later:  Conversations with Iraq War Veterans."  Each episode features a single veteran, and switches back and forth between interviews he or she gave in 2005, while receiving inpatient care at Walter Reed, and follow-up interviews filmed earlier this year.  The series started Monday, and finishes tomorrow night at 8:00 p.m.  Last night's featured vet was Tammy Duckworth, who you may remember, ran unsuccessfully for U.S. Congress.  You can watch it online, if you've missed anything.  It's well worth it.

All the best to you.

Lots of love to the regular posters:  Lisa, Jackie (aren't you in New York right now?), Stephanie, Celine, Claudia, Anna, and Matt.  XOXO

laurel

Hi Brian:
Thanks again for the phenomenal job you and your team bring to our video circuits day in and day out !
The van ride to swimming musta been a hoot for sure. Shopping with Al Roker; well, will keep an eye out for the new sitcom on the exploits of you two! BTW, are you wearing a new Ceramic GMT MASTER these days, its a stunner from some of the camera angles I've seen. See if you can talk Al into getting one too. His SeaDweller is pretty sharp looking as well. Next time the lot of you ROLEX wearers get together maybe you could get a 3 way wrist shot; hmm, Williams, Lauer and Roker, that'd be cool.

Thanks,
Randy

It's been terrific watching the coverage of the events, and it's been really fun watching all of you try to sort out the night/day conundrum :) It reminds me of the stories of the Mars scientists who have to keep track of 'sols' instead of days.

I loved the story of the cab driver who was trying to learn English; these "personal" stories are really making China more real to me. Thanks for the great work, and I hope you're having fun!

We always love your news reports and I watched on TV today when you said how many of you were in the Van and I can only IMAGINE what laughter and fun you all had.  We have watched the Today show for years and it is like being with family!  Thanks for your incredible reporting and laughter!  Loved you on SNL too!  Diane & John

Brian,
That short "story" about the minivan proved to be very entertaining...I have no idea why!  (It may be my image of Al Roker stuck in my head from his little cameo in Seinfeld.) I laughed for about 5 minutes without stopping.  Just wanted to say I have enjoyed the program for years, and I'm truly honored to know that at one time you were working at the firehouse.  I too do not trust coffee you can't chew!! Thanks for being part of the brotherhood, bringing fresh perspective that I'm fairly sure not too many people are aware of.  Keep up the good work!

Finally a news that portrays the real hero! I am very happy that your team decided to air the most inspiring story of one of war veterans. He gave up so much yet expected nothing back from us. Even though he has no medal on his chest nor an endorsement deal from major company, he is the kind of hero that I can always look upto. Thank you for spotlighting him for us all. America needed it.

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Great broadcast from Beijing this evening. I am so very happy you had fun with Matt Lauer, Meredith Vieira, Al Roker and Ann Curry at the swimming venue watching Michael Phelps swim! Very exciting to watch him swim! I enjoyed the Womens Team Gymnastics too! Congratulations on the Silver Medal! Go Team USA! On another note it must have been fun shopping with Mr.Roker. As you stated a sitcom in the making! Sorry about the coffee Mr.Williams! Anyway, now on to the broadcast.
First of all the medal count of 29 for the United States is great! Hearing from Rowdy Gaines about how water filled Michael Phelps goggles causing him not to be able to see much at all was startling to learn because Michael still managed to break a World Record. Michael has so much talent for swimming and certainly knows his own body to take proper care of himself. Really a great Olympian!
The piece by Mr.Faw was truly inspiring. This courageous, young soldier injured in Iraq without his legs, an arm and hearing loss was incredible to see fight back to live a full life and not give up at all. With the help of his high school friend to support him and help him with whatever he needs was heartwarming and moving. This young man is not going to sit back and feel sorry for himself, but overcome any odds and achieve anything he wishes. I think he will accomplish anything he sets out to do because he is not ever going to give up. A fine example of courage and determination. Great piece!
Finally, I liked the piece by Carl Quintanilla about the woman ping pong player! How two immigrants found a way to help eachother in acheiving a goal!
Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams!
Enjoy more events in Beijing! 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! I hope to see some of your reports soon on Nightly News!
XOXO

The next time you meet an Olympic official please ask him / her about the age of Chinese athletes. Some Chinese athletes are looking pretty under age these days. The last time in the Olympics those athletes were pumped up with steroids and these times they bring in the kids who perform like adults. Check that please because you, NBC, as the largest donator in broadcasting funds you can make a difference. For the sake of Gold medals of the United States of America. Question them hard and don't let accept pegs from them. Try to get to real answer. Those athletes are children who are under age.

Dear Brian Williams:  The ride in the minivan sounds like fun.  Which one of you was driving?  Also Bush's warnings to Putin do not seem to be working at all.  If Russia continues to invade Georgia, what is Bush going to do about it?  Russia knows what Bush did to Iraq.  They heard the stories from Bush's Press Secretary about how Bush lied about Weapons of Mass Destruction just so he could envade Iraq.  He probabaly heard about the forged letter too..  Bush and Cheney have ruined their reputation as leaders; And ruined the reputation of our country around the world!  Bush better just get off his Cowboy Horse, and keep his mouth shut because he just might get us into a nuclear war with Russia.

Hi Brian,

Thank you for spot lighting Michael Phelp's mom.  I sense that some  of Michael's success has to come from the support, strength and sheer positive vibes of that woman.  I am glad to see that she and her daughters are enjoying the festivities.  So much the better that Michael is smashing records and getting it done in the pool.  You can beat that the sport of swimming has the best possible ambassador  in Michael Phelps.

As a swim mom, I can relate.  There is nothing quite like enjoying a good swim either in the pool or watching great competition from on deck or in the stands.  Enjoy yourself and keep us up to date!  Thanks!

Hi Brian
First of all, you are all doing such an amazing job in Beijing!  I'm glad to read that you're all balancing hard work with some fun.  
I want to add that I have enjoyed not only listening to Rowdy Gaines broadcasting swimming, but also his appearances with you on Nightly this past week.  He comes across as sincere, knowledgable, and genuinely nice.  I wish NBC would have him back more often than the olympics.  
One more thing-so nice to see the spotlight on one of our war heroes tonight-you always seem to put things in the right perspective...there are heroes of all kinds out there.
Take good care and be safe-
Janie McP.

Hi Brian thanks for letting us share your travels at the Olympics. I know I must be getting old I read a comment from Celine and she's in China too. As for the coffee well look for Starbucks.

President moved quickly to help Georgia with aid if only the Katrina Victims were so lucky. Once the word oil came up we know that's the reason for the attention the White House has with that country. It's the pipe lines Cheney is involved in that makes this important. If North Korea had oil we'd we attacking them.

I'm glad your not reporting on the election as it's getting old now. We can pick to stay the course and be destroyed or pick change and maybe get out of this mess.

Brian and staff enjoy be safe and we'll be watching

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

Brian:  If you interview Phelps would you ask him what is on his IPOD?    I need a dose of whatever ever he has!  Give Al a big shake for me and if his wife Debra Roberts is around tell her hello for blogger Anna too!

Laurel:  Thanks for the links!  Yes, I was upset to hear the airlines were so cheap with our military.

Dear Brian,

Many of us public including my mom have been watching this games in China. Is there anyway that NBC can possibly investigate these Chinese Athletes for there ages? Clearly the most of the girls especialy some of the guys look way under age to complete in these games. The age limit is 16 to complete. Some are like 14.

This is an article from the AP.

http://sports.yahoo.com/olympics/beijing/blog/fourth_place_medal/post/Dominique-Dawes-on-age-of-Chinese-gymnasts?urn=oly,100557

I really enjoyed the story that portrays the real hero!  I think the term hero is over used.  But I agree with this story as it is a  most inspiring story of one of our war veterans. He gave up so much yet expected nothing back from us. I think that he has what is a rare thing, a true friend that shows up in a time of need and stays when things get rough.  Thank you for the story.  We really enjoyed it.

Brian -

I can imagine the fun of shopping in Beijing with Al.  

During my visit there in 2007, I shopped in the Xiushui Silk Market -- tight aisles, insistent sales people and goods of questionable origin (given the prices).  I came back with stuff that I'm still not sure why I purchased, other than for the sheer entertainment value of haggling!

I will be chuckling over the image of you and Al Roker shopping all day.  I DO want to see that sitcom!  

Brian, check out QVC sometime. They have blenders that will pulverize the chewiest of studio, firehouse or workplace shop coffee. It's easily made into instant coffee in a cup of hot water (or drink of your choice!)

Hi Brian,
I have to say how disappointed I am at the overwhelming coverage of Phelps and so little for so many others.  There is one person on the team, Kellen Jones, who had a very interesting story about how he almost drowned as a young child and now he has an Olympic gold medal in swimming. How great is that?!  I did a search on yahoo olympics and it found no results for his name.  How sad that ALL of these wonderful athletes train so hard and barely even get mentioned.  I may have missed your coverage of him so, if I did, please accept my apologies.  You are my absolute favorite person in the world for news and information. Have a safe trip home!

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