Brian, just so you know, I am currently on my way to my FIRST EVER Springsteen concert!!!!!!  To say I feel giddy is an understatement, I can hardly contain myself.  If he plays Atlantic City, my life will be complete (I'm afraid I'm peaking too young at 21).  I'll report back tomorrow with what I'm sure will be a glowing review.

Hi Brian great coverage of the games. Now I'll do a little coverage of what's happening here in the US and around the World.

Musharraf resigned like Nixon before his impeachment. Now Law Makers are acting like they never supported Musharraf. The Saudis have agreed to take in Musharraf.  The storm is getting worse over Key West. The Stock Market is down again as is home foreclosures and yes the lay offs continue.  Russia is large and in charge plus they have the weapon power to back up those words. Putin is not someone you play with he's as smart as the Leaders the US once had like FDR, Kennedy and Reagan. The Grand Canyon Dam burst. I noticed while traveling how the gas prices don't fall much even with the barrel of oil down to 114 per gallon. Somebody is now making their money and it's not the US taxpayers. The Democrats Convention is coming up and let's hope Obama picks a VP who can back up the lack of experience he has. Ok I'm still pushing for Hillary but that's what I do.  

Brian while traveling this week end I stopped to watch your news report and I had to tell the order to change the channel to 4. No one complained and yes you got the people in the restaurants watching my show the Nightly News with Brian Williams. It was fun as all these people looked up as the channels were turned to channel 4. Yes I know I have guts asking but at my age you can only say no.

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

Brian,It's awesome that each nation has a "house" where you can go experience life "according to them".  Great story this evening from Mark Potter in Mexico City.  Many of the border states with our nation is also heavy into the drug trade, kidnapping, and murder.  It's a growing problem.  I feel horrible for the Marti family of that murdered boy.  My thoughts are with them, as all the affected families.Enjoy the last week in Beijing.  Great job once again by Richard tonight.  One day, I look forward to meeting him, and asking him, "How did you teach yourself Arabic?"  I also want him to sign copies of his books...which happen to be wonderful accounts of his experiences in Iraq.  I admire him deeply.  Keep up the great work.

Hi Brian,

Maybe the Boss can dedicate a song to the Phelpsmeister at a future gig.  Dedications come and go but gold medals are forever.  Congratulations Michael - you have earned all your accolades.  

Brian, I've forgiven your other recent goofs, but this one about Springsteen and Phelps ... it's time to come home and be an ordinary American, working and living the Eastern time zone schedule!  OK, I'm teasing, but gracious... can we really forgive you for goofing up on one of your all-time favorite venues and artists?  :)

Speaking of Olympics... CONGRATS to the U.S. women rowers' team, which boasts two Mainers in the canoe that won gold:  Elle Logan and Anna Goodale!  Way to go, girls!  

Its so easy - for me, anyway - to feel that Fay was kind to Florida.  Barely hurricane force winds sounds like a blessing.  However, after weathering "near hurricane winds" in Maine many times this summer and 2-5 inches an hour, I understand first-hand how serious the danger still is for western Florida.  I'm also grateful that my sister has moved away from the western shores and gone back to the Mid West!  

Is it my imagination, or are more and more foreign heads of state resigning these days?  I must have been sleeping when it comes to events in Pakistan, I am feeling surprised that Musharraf had to resign.

No protesters in Beijing?  Could it be because the protests are going on about other things in other countries?  How amusing that Richard Engel ended his story by quoting (verbatim) that the Olympics aren't the time and place for political protesting.... since Russia and Georgia didn't get the memo!  

Anna: the more I learn about Phelps, the more I realize he may be rarity in sports:  great athlete AND great character/personality.  If we can teach the kids good lessons from someone they admire, its a grand thing!  

Laurel, I'll get over being 34... eventually.  At least I still have a couple weeks to go before it finds me! Actually the birthday that really makes me feel old is that of my youngest niece, who turns ONE just after my birthday!  I was complaining about all of this to my mother this weekend, who looked at me and quipped "how do you think I feel knowing you'll be 34?"  (I'm the oldest of us four children!)

RE's fan club... I'm still waiting for his book to be available from the library.  I've got another two weeks to go... if I don't hurry up and read this book, he's going to have another one ready for publication!

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Well Yeah! Richard was on the broadcast this evening!! Always enjoy seeing him and two reports too! I love it when he's there talking to you in the studio and I love that smile! Great job on both reports! Now on to the broadcast. Richard's first report on the resignation on President Pervez Musharraf will certainly cause some big changes to happen in Pakistan. As Richard stated it is a complicated situation and there will be a power struggle within the government. Having 30 days to pick a new president and then to decide what to do with Musharraf, whether to send him into exile. Hopefully, as Richard mentioned the nuclear weapons are secure and no major conflicts will happen.
Now to Richard's second report about protests in China which seemingly haven't occured because of the lengths to apply. All the approvals and paperwork to fill out in advance probably deterred most protestors from wanting to stage any sort of march. It was sad hear the son speak to Richard about his mother being taken away and detained for disturbing the peace. I was impressed with Richard going to the door and after indentifing himself asking about the mother. Richard then going to the police station and asking about her he did receive some information and at least it is now known where she is being held. Seeing the officers filming Richard at the desks and counters and looking at his credentials really shows how much caution the authorities are taking giving out any information. Richard did get the information, but the police was hesitant to tell him. I always admire Richard and his persistance to find out information especially in these types of situations. Great Job Richard!! Excellent reporting as always! i just love seeing you do reports and really like it when your in the studio with Mr.Williams! Love that smile too! It makes me smile too!
On another note Hurrcane Fay seems to be dowsing Florida with wind and rain. Hopefully, the damage will be minimal. The track of Fay takes it to Georgia so maybe much needed rain will come. At least that is what the local weatherman said on the evening news here in Atlanta.
Enjoyed the interview Mr Williams you had with Michael Phelps. He comes across so gracious and nice about all the 8 gold medals and all the attention. i liked it when you said people are used to seeing his routine right before he swims. He doesn't seem phased by it and takes it all in stride. I hope he has great future success in his career.
Also, Mr.Holt enjoyed the report about the United States basketball team. Great hook shot! I hope they do well throughout the games!
Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams! Always great seeing you Richard!! Love that smile! Great reporting!
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! Enjoy seeing you in Beijing! Great reporting!
XOXO

Great broadcast tonight!  Good to see Phelps and learn the IPOD details!  It was good to see Richard's segment.  Well, heck, I will never make it in China!   I'd be in jail!   Now I am afraid to visit!

Laurel:  No mention from you about Mr. Gregory on MTP on Sunday.  I finally watched my DVR last night.  It was good to see him on the show.

Stephanie:  I was thinking about our Shelfari meeting the other day and was thinking I would offer up a few dates after the Olympics and Labor Day for a good book review.   I hope you get Richard's book soon.  If not I am going to have to mail you one.   Someone (clears throat) who may have Richard's email will have to invite him too.

Jackie:  I can't keep up with you these days. Lack of sleep from Olympic watching. Maybe you should sign off with your location so we know where you are these days!  Glad you are having fun.

Celine, Lisa, Claudia, Matt:  I hope you are happy and well!

Bests to all!

Just tell Bob Costas that his non-story was consistent with his coverage of the American Games (otherwise known as the Olympics).
Sorry but I can't take another close up of a US gymnast, or anymore beach volley. There are other sports, other athletes and other nations.

Sorry folks! There will be NO protests of any kind at the Games. Empty Seats ? Can't let ordinary Chinese come in. Too Dangerous. Pollution ? Well. Even the schmucks back here in America recognize Smog !
The Chinese Communists are to be admired for the fine job they have done. As Lisa says "Great Reporting" and "Love that Smile".
Mao's giant picture has got a "lovely smile" too. I apologize if this Post offends. I remember History and understand Communism's use of well meaning people that provide the rope for their unwitting hanging like NBC.

Typical of your network is the bias reporting of the presendential campaign, when the lead story is how McCain "might" have listened in on the debate Sat night w / Mr Obama on stage, having a chance to prepare his answers to the same questions. This was a complete fabrication by NBC and Ms Mitchell, reported without fact, or any basis truth in an attempt to discredit Senator McCain. It was obvious that during the debate that Mr Obama was a light weight and stamered and ha'ed through questions, even those he had a chance to preview. NBC then attempted to to do their own damage control by reporting gossip as if it were news worthy.

About the Bruce Springsteen comment...
Not trying to be a wiseguy, but the lyrics of "Born In The USA" should have tipped off any fan of The Boss that he probably wouldn't connect that song with the Beijing Olympics.  Enough said.

Fellow Bloggers:

I was glad to see this heading out this morning.  

If you have never seen Matt, Al and Brian in a leotard now is your big chance.  It was a first for me.  No ballet slippers though.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/26286602#26286602

Bests to all!

I salute NBC for its courage. John McCain tried to pressure NBC not to run the cone of silence story and NBC didn't fold. They falsely accused Andea Mitchell of being wrong and she wasn't.

Despite the complaints from the right, NBC only showed that McCain wasn't in the cone of silence as claimed. NBC said nothing it couldn't back up. If this were the other way around, the same people who are complaining now would scream about a big coverup for Obama.

Rick Warren said on national TV that no cheating took place during the Sat. forum with BO and McCain. So am wondering where Matt got his info about a cover-up?? Wishful thinking Matt??

Brian: Can't believe you fell for the old "I never had a chance to mention this" trick!  Time to send Costas to the table tennis venue as payback.  Just because he's the Olympics vet doesn't mean he gets to haze the managing editor.  Ask him on the air if there's any breaking sports news on the Syracuse football team and see what he says. All's fair, right?

Anna... I need to get to Shelfari more often!  I'll let you know how the book hunt goes.

and that link from the Today Show... I think I am now scarred for life!  :)

Jane:

Rick Warren either knew McCain wasn't in the cone of silence and lied or else he has no first hand knowledge of where McCain was and what he was doing.

I didn't accuse McCain of cheating, although it all looks very suspicious. I,like NBC, said he was not where he was said to be.  There's no doubt about that. That's all that can be proven though.

When asked if he was comfortable in the cone of silence, McCain quipped, "I tried to listen through the wall." NBC lets McCain off the hook about how much time he was actually in there. If you'll look at the tape on CSPan you'll see Obama was questioned for 44 minutes. McCain was a half hour late. So McCain wasn't away from where he could listen for more than 14 minutes. When McCain quipped about listening through the wall, he misled America about his ability to listen if he'd wanted to.

One again my comments are not being posted for some reason!!!!

But I'll post again... Andea Mitchell's accusation that he wasn't wrong, just unneed. He in really was in a cone of silence, because he wasn't there, and he didn't get told the questions ahead of time. It's time for NBC to dump Andea Mitchell.

Brian........ did it ever cross your mind that the Springsteen story was a huge joke by Bob Costas.  He flung the bait out there as far as he could, hooked you real tight and just reeled you in.  Knowing your great sense of humour that was much more visible on the MSNBC news show, I am surprised you didn't think of that.  But he might be in duck and cover mode now!

Brian,
Last night you ruined the womens gymnastics team competition for me.  I had been going out of my way the entire day to avoid internet reports or anything that would ruin my Olympic watching experience.  

I was watching your newscast, and there it was.  You read the results without any kind of spoiler alert.  In the past, NBC News has aired spoiler music and warned the audience before talking about results.  

But last night you ruined it for me.  I know we've gotten spoiled by live coverage of Michael Phelps, but last night lost its punch for me because I knew what was going to happen.

Please be more considerate of your viewers next time and give us time to turn the TV off before you spill the beans.

Don't worry, we BTXers set you straight. You can always get the facts on Backstreets.  Just got back from my 4th show of this tour - Richmond Rocked!  The Boss still has it.  As do you, my fellow Elmiran!  Enjoy Beijing where another Elmiran is doing the catering and just brought food to Matt and Al.

Would someone talking about the US/China medal count point out that per capita, Jamaica is head and shoulders ahead of the big guys.
China 1.3 billion
USA 300 million
Jamaica 4 million

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