Cheers:

~Carl Quintanilla did a terrific job anchoring Monday night's broadcast!  He should sub for Brian more often.  (No offense, Lester.  I happen to think you're a class act.)

~The Monday (5/25) episode of "Today" featured a lovely report from contributor Bob Dotson.  Here's the link:

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/30929219#30929219

~That same episode of "Today" also featured a lovely story from Newsweek's Jonathan Alter about the honor flight he took with his dad from Chicago Midway to the World War II memorial in Washington, D.C.  It was very moving - especially the letter he'd written to his father - as are all the stories we've seen from time to time about honor flights for our vets.

~Being a native Marylander, I especially enjoyed the report by Tom Brokaw about his first stop along Route 50.

Jeers:

~Why must NBC News include sound bites from Rush Limbaugh and Newt Gingrich when reporting on Obama administration policies?  Neither gentleman currently holds public office.  Mr. Gingrich is on a book tour.  Mr. Limbaugh certainly needs no promotion; he already has millions of listeners.  As much as I dislike former Vice President Cheney, it makes more sense to cover his comments than those of Limbaugh and Gingrich.  Just as former President Clinton and - to a lesser degree - former Vice President Gore are still asked for their analysis and perspective, former Vice President Cheney, too, has a role to play, whether I like what he says or not.  Please leave the pundits out of it.

@Claudia Anderson:  Welcome back!

@Celine & Anna:  I'm okay, and my mom is okay; thanks for asking.  I was recently away to spend time with my ailing grandmother, who then passed away.  Take care.
 

I am wondering if you will do a follow-up story on the false abduction case out of Philly.

According to reports the woman took a co-worker's driver's license and using that for ID was able to purchase airline tickets with cash.  Using cash to purchase airline tickets is an automatic flag for extra scrutiny.  Just how did this woman get through a TSA check without someone taking a close look at her face and the picture on the stolen license?

Hi Lester, I just finished watching Nightly News and after hearing about the "HUG". I couldn't believe it, the schools want to stop it? one Mom said she didn't like it, ARE YOU SERIOUS ABOUT THIS??? Before watching N.N I was listening to the news and I hear about a young man in Chicago that was beaten and shot in the head for not giving a gang sign....what do the schools and parents want the kids to do instead? Flip each other off, stab one another? I mean if the "HUG" is helping the kids stay close to one another then leave them alone, I bet that is the ONLY hug those kids get EVER is by their friends, how many Parents have time to HUG their kids, heck their to busy they can't even talk to their them or spend time with. I just think its ridiculous, the kids aren't hurting anyone, infact they are helping to make each other feel loved and wanted. We've taken GOD and the pledge of allegiance out of the school, let's leave the HUG in.   Thank you for your time, a faithful fan of Nightly News.

The difference between older and younger workers is quite apparent. The older ones are often more respectful, engaging and eager to help.

Good Evening Mr.Holt, Nice to see you filling in for Mr.Williams this evening. You did a fine job filling in last week and so did Mr.Quintanilla. Now on to the broadcast. First of all the report by Ms.Olick concerning the housing market and how people with fixed home loans are falling behind in payments or having to foreclose is terribly disturbing neww. People running through their savings now relying on the credit cards makes it extremely hard to keep up with bills especially when so many are out of work. Borrowers are walking away and leaving empty homes they cannot afford. As stated in the report even though rates may be low they are not low enough and it still makes it hard for people to afford a new home. I really hope things turn around for the better soon.
The report by Lisa Myers about the building of the bridge in Missouri which did help to create jobs for many workers was encouraging. The community needed the business in helping its own economy. They certainly need more income and it is at least a start. Hopefully, it will continue in a positive direction.
The report by Trish Regan about the age of the workforce showed how people who are older having more experience in the workforce are being hired over younger people looking for work. The people who are older do hold more skills in many areas of work and sometimes employers prefer those people. But younger people have great skills in many areas so they have advantages too. It is a tough job market for everyone and one hopes for things to get better so that everyone can get back to work.

The piece by Chris Jansing about hugging between students being an issue of controversy seems somewhat ridiculous. It is nice for friends to hug eachother when they say hello and it should not be a problem. It seems unnecessary for schools to ban hugging or place time limits on hugging. It is a nice way to say hello or show sign of affection for someone. It shouldn't be a controversial issue. A hug from someone is nice!
Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Holt. Peace to You and To All!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna,Lori,Cary and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Stay Extra,Extra Safe and Well Richard!
XOXO

When Brian Williams has the night off, I am
alway thrilled when you fill in for him.  
You are an awesome anchor.

I back Pres Obama on "empathy" because
you know where someone is coming from and
can be of real help.

My husband is looking at cars so he must
want to do his bit for GM.  Which is fine
with me.

The pregnancy story was of interest to me
My OB was big on not gaining weight.  So
I gained only ten pounds.  I was not overweight
but he fussed at me once when I gained four
pounds in a monthly checkup.  I kept my
weight down, following doctor's orders.  And
I'm glad I did because I had such an easy
delivery, and hardly any labor pains. It
was a breeze.  I highly recommend that
young pregnant women not to pack on the pounds.

As for the hugging with teenagers, I think
it's wonderful.  In the 50's it was the
obscene gesture, the birdy.

Have a nice evening, Lester.

Phyllis
PS  As for the AOL Spin-Off, I am
philosphic about it though it was fun
exchanging ideas with others and I learned
a lot from them.  You don't get that
from a newspaper.  

Dear Lester, re your item on hugs in schools this evening, I'm submitting an excerpt from an article entitled "Hugs, The Wonder Drug," which I've kept in my files since retiring as secretary to the superintendent of the Fort Knox School System:
    Hugs are good for you.  Thye're not fattening and they don't cause cancer of give you cavities.  They're all-natural, contain no preservatives, artificial sweeteners or other chemical additives.  Hugs are cholesterol-free and contain 100% of the recommended daily allowance of hope and happiness.  They're a completely renewable source of energy, and they are available without a prescription.
  The best thing about hugs is you can use them without special training or prior experience.  But a word of caution for those of you trying it for the first time: You should never wait until tomorrow to hug someone who needs it today.  Once you realize how good it feels, you'll want to do it all over again tomorrow!  Yes...hugs are extremely addictive.

Hi Lester,

Welcome back!

" What's wrong with a friendly hug?" That's what I'm asking. Chris Jansing's report is disturbing in that some schools would want to ban  friendly hugs beween teenagers. I don't think we're talking about teens
"copping a feel." Schools go too far in some instances and not far enough in others.
But, I also want to thank Chris for the great reportrs she brings us. I miss her on MSNBC. She has alot of class.

Lester, your striped shirts are so classy that you really don't need a beautiful tie. Just take the darned thing off.

I hope you have a great evening and we'll see you Sat. if not sooner.

Vicki

Hey again Lester,

This is for Jackie:

I think that your posts are always informative and interesting. I look forward to reading them.

And Jane, whoever you are: talking about being whinny,and negative. Are you Rush Limbaugh's daughter?



Vicki

Lester / Brian,

Please hire some new moderators or something. Or teach the moderators how to keep out EXTREMELY personal attacks from one commenter to another. See Jane Run to slam Jackie.

Not fair at all. I'm extremely disappointed in NBC for that allowing to happen.

Vicki

Hi Lester:

Good to see you in for Brian tonight.  Your broadcast was great.

The story about fixed mortgage holders now in foreclosure was a bit disturbing. My family is one of those with a fixed mortgage and although we are holding our own right now, it is tough.  This bad economy is hitting everyone.  I hope that with all the money the government is pouring into the economy it makes a drastic turn around soon.  If not it could be the end for some of the homeowners with fixed mortgages.

The bankruptcy of the automakers is a bit puzzling to me.  I just hope that by filing bankruptcy the automakers can be out of it soon and can put their restructuring plans to work.

I am sure that once Sotomayor starts her confirmation hearings she will be able to explain all her views on all issues not just abortion.  President Obama picked her because of her life experiences and her accomplishments and I am sure he made the right choice.  We need to let her have her day to explain all.

What a wonderful gift to the Archives.  A letter written by President Lincoln.  

OK, who does not like getting a hug????  There is nothing wrong with giving and receiving a hug.  Sometimes it is just what is needed by all.  It always feels good and these teens seem to feel good when they give or get a hug.  It is a warm and wonderful gesture.  The schools need to back off a little.  A hug is better than what the alternative could be.  

Thanks for the great broadcast, Lester.  Hopefully we will see you again soon.

Hi Lester I know I'm late had a meeting last night but I did see the Nightly News. Yes I gave all the people I met last night a nice hug and will continue.

To my friends on this blog thank you for your support and I'd give you all a big hug when I meet you. I love blogging and reading everyone's comments. I know some disagree but it's good, and Vicki, Laurel and others who spoke up for me I will continue to post my thoughts and opinions because I love being part of this team of Nightly News bloggers Inc. smile  Nothing bothers me much anymore as I've got you guys and my life is good. It's true that I'm the richest person in the World because of my friends. I live in California and have friends from so many States on this blog site. I talk about all of you all the time and yes I do email the comments to the troops. Peaches taught me how to do that to keep me busy. I've lived during some of the most Historic periods of American History and now I'm lucky to live it again this time with all of you.

Now to the business of the day. North Korea is jealous and wants attention. President Obama will have to stay the course with Palestine/Israel. Let the Bar Assoiciation take the law licenses of those lawyers who broke the law. Judge Sotomayor can take care of herself but it is interesting that President Bush senior was the first to nominate her with full confirmation, Clinton nominated her to full support of confirmation and now some say she's not qualified to be a Justice but they voted for her twice to be a Judge. Makes you wonder what their drinking on the Hill.

Tim Geithner seems to be moving right along and things are going well.

Oh word is Govenor Terminator might be removed before I get back from vacation in Oct. Yes I signed the petition already. I've had enough of him, when a Govenor takes from the poor, children and seniors that's about as low as you can go. I'm tired of Arnie saying he is still learning and doesn't speak English very well.

Thanks for everyone's support and DIDDO to you too.

Hi Lester I know I'm late had a meeting last night but I did see the Nightly News. Yes I gave all the people I met last night a nice hug and will continue.

To my friends on this blog thank you for your support and I'd give you all a big hug when I meet you. I love blogging and reading everyone's comments. I know some disagree but it's good, and Vicki, Laurel and others who spoke up for me I will continue to post my thoughts and opinions because I love being part of this team of Nightly News bloggers Inc. smile  Nothing bothers me much anymore as I've got you guys and my life is good. It's true that I'm the richest person in the World because of my friends. I live in California and have friends from so many States on this blog site. I talk about all of you all the time and yes I do email the comments to the troops. Peaches taught me how to do that to keep me busy. I've lived during some of the most Historic periods of American History and now I'm lucky to live it again this time with all of you.

Now to the business of the day. North Korea is jealous and wants attention. President Obama will have to stay the course with Palestine/Israel. Let the Bar Assoiciation take the law licenses of those lawyers who broke the law. Judge Sotomayor can take care of herself but it is interesting that President Bush senior was the first to nominate her with full confirmation, Clinton nominated her to full support of confirmation and now some say she's not qualified to be a Justice but they voted for her twice to be a Judge. Makes you wonder what their drinking on the Hill.

Tim Geithner seems to be moving right along and things are going well.

Oh word is Govenor Terminator might be removed before I get back from vacation in Oct. Yes I signed the petition already. I've had enough of him, when a Govenor takes from the poor, children and seniors that's about as low as you can go. I'm tired of Arnie saying he is still learning and doesn't speak English very well.

Thanks for everyone's support and DIDDO to you too.

Lester / Brian,

I may not be able to get back onto the blog tonight (Fri.).
So have a great weekend either way.

Check this out: I've been reading the tweets from
'InsideObamaWH'.

Why can't there be a daily twitter on this blog before the post from either of you, as in an NBC employee twittering that Lester just had a jelly doughnut and a coke before putting his jacket on,min. before "on air", countdown ...5,4,3,2,1, go!,
whatever you guys do. Some of us would like to get a sense of being there behind the scenes. Honestly, I really do have a life, but it's just a thought.

Anyway, look forward to seeing one of you tonight.


Vicki

P.S. with the 4 yr. anniversary of this blog on the 31st, do you think that both of you could appear on air at the same time for just a few min.?

As in Brian: Lester, it's been a great four yrs. of blogging and we have alot of devoted fans.

Lester: I know what you mean Brian. We've had some great comments and some not so great comments. For instance I read this one comment from a "Vicki,S.C.", who accused me of not having anything to do during the week, a strange commenter...

Brian: Well Lester, we take the good with the bad, and for all of our loyal viewers out there,this Bud's for you.

(Brian and Lester pick up a beer can each,containing only water, fade to black.)

Oops,lets get back on air.

Lester: Have a great weekend everybody!!

Brian: Hope to see you right back here tomorrow night.
 
How does all of this sound?

* A little bit of noncontagious sense of humor from a loyal fan.

Vicki

Lester,
I just read Jay Leno is turning over the reigns of
The Tonight show after 17 years, and you should
be pleased that he had a clip of your interview
with Larry King this week.

One night with Brian Williams, David Gregory
mentioned that Pres. Obama will be leaving for
Saudia Arabia in June.  When my husband was with
General Electric he and another man went to
Saudia and were excited about the trip.

I will have a full house this weekend, and I am
looking forward to it.

Have a nice weekend, Lester!!!

Phyllis

You deserve a little bigger hug, Lester.  You almost
seem too good to be true, but you are not, and I
embrace you for that innate sterling trait.  You're
one-of-a-kind.

Another busy weekend coming up.  Kyle plays two
baseball games on Saturday.  A birthday party on
Sunday in Lexington.  Kyle's graduation from
Middle School on Monday night.

There is a cryptic prophecy in Jeremiah about
a new beginning, and, hopefully it will happen
on the president's watch.  If not now, when?  I'm
hung up on  prophecies.  George Washington
said you cannot govern without the Bible, and in
my view, our first president was right.

See you later!!!.

Phyllis

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