Good evening, Brian.

You've shared a very interesting piece from the Washington Post. I guess there are two ways of looking at it. Though the massive increase in security since September 11th, 2001 may be keeping us safe, it's also a constant reminder that things may not be as safe as they were prior to that day. Thanks for sharing the article. Here is another pretty interesting piece from Washington Post: "Va. Tech Engineers Develop Vehicle for Blind Drivers" (http://tr.im/uP0z) Another study from Virginia Tech. It's interesting, but I don't know what to think yet.

A little more about music:

I wanted to share a couple of songs with you. "Candy" by Paolo Nutini: A lovely song, with his natural Scottish accent added...a beautiful combination. "Till The Sun Turns Black" by Ray LaMontagne: Since I never actually picked out a specific song by this artist back when I mentioned him first, I thought I should. This is the very first song I heard by Ray, that my friend Seth sent to me by email. It immidiately caught me, and I had to hear more. A song that gives you goosebumps, is a great song! I wish I had more to share, but I'll just wait to see what you have to share with us.

We'll join you soon,
-Cary

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Another fine broadcast this evening. Interesting link to the piece written by David Ignatius about the aspect of security. Sometimes there is too little security and sometimes there is too much. Now on to the broadcast. Always wonderful to see Richard on the broadcast this evening! (Wearing a great blue shirt!! Looking Handsome as Always!) Richard's report from Beirut,Lebanon about the crisis in Iran showed how much the tensions against of the election results and the system of government don't seem to be going away.
The day was supposed to be a day of mourning, but instead it turned to violent crackdowns by the security forces in the region. The fact no foreign journalists are allowed to report from the region makes it difficult. The cellphone videos and accounts from civilians do give a violent picture. The thousands gathered to outside the cemetery to paying respects to Neda the young woman killed right after the elections during the uprisings and who became a symbol of peace seems to still be a symbol of peace for the people of the region. Hearing Richard speak about the horrible detention centers holding around 200 detainees and the terrible abusive treatment was frightening. President Ahmadinejad doesn't seem phased by the reports and even though he ordered the release of some detainees it may only appear to be symbolic.
Excellent Reporting Richard As Always!
PLEASE STAY EXTRA,EXTRA SAFE ALWAYS RICHARD!

On another note the report by Mike Seidel about the extremely high temperatures in the Pacific Northwest are really unusual. Several days of very hot temperatures are certainly making people spend much time at lakes and fountains. One can unnderstand why sales of fans and air conditioners have been good. I hope the relief from the hot temperatures comes soon!

The report by Adriennne Mong from China on the Swine Flu outbreak and the students who were quarantined during their trip did show many of the students are coming home now. Certainly a trip to remember for everyone on the trip and I really hope the students still being hospitalized are able to come home very soon!

The "Making A Difference" segment by Mr.Tibbles was truly moving and heartwarming. The two brothers pulling the mother and sone from the burning SUV and hosing the little boy down from the flames was heroic. Now the community is coming together to help the family with donations of money,clothes,food and other things. Even donating a laptop with the website set up for donations. A wonderful family and a young son who is a fighter. I hope he recovers quickly!
Nice Piece!

Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Always wonderful to see you Richard!! 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 Safe and Well Richard! Excellent Reporting as Always! Enjoyed seeing you speak about the situation on Iran from Beirut to Carlos Watson on MSNBC on video.
Excellent Reporting!
XOXO

Hi Brian,

Thanks for the link to the Op-Ed by David Ignatius. He's right in that paranoia runs deep on matters of security. I realize we have to stay alert as a country. As for individuals, as long as the President, Vice President, and Sec. of State are protected- having security for others like Robert Muller is getting a little rediculous. Is there something we don't know?

Thanks to Richard for his report on the Iranian people. It's a continual crisis that deserves as much coverage as possible. I know that it's very minimal as to what can be learned. I hope Ali Arouzi is ok and that they don't place Mir Mousavi under house arrest. If the Iranian govt. did that, there's no telling how many people would be killed.

I was listening to Chris Matthews interrupt his guests as usual, but heard the press conference with Sgt. Crowley. God, I hope this is over soon and it can be put to rest.

Brian, what's up with showing a video of the seven yr. old boy who took off in his father's car? No one was hurt and he's going to be on the Today Show tomorrow. Did it warrant being on the Nightly News? Who makes these decisions? I don't think you do. Maybe you have producers who do that. I'm just asking. They say there are no stupid questions.

Anyway...I hope you have a great three days off, and hopefully we can watch David Gregory tomorrow night. Have a beautiful evening. And in case I've never done it, thanks very much for you broadsacts.

Vicki

Hi Brian:

Great blog and broadcast agian today.  Great blog link. I too think it is time to slow down  all the security buzz. Yes, we all need to take precautions from the government down to each of us small individuals.  Unfortunately we have been faced with so much security and being told that it is so necessary that we have become paranoid.  We do need to follow security steps at our airports, train stations, etc., but they have taken it a bit too far.  The airport security has made so many not want to fly.  It's just not worth the hassle.  

Glad to see the meeting at the White House took place without any problems. It appeared they were all enjoying themselves.  I do hope that the issue will now be put to sleep and we can all move on to other major issues we are facing.

It was great to see Richard tonight from Beruit and I am so glad he is there and not in Iran.  How sad that the turmoil in Iran is escalating.  It was hard to hear of the torture that some of the detainees are facing and how many deaths have occured because of the clashing between the demonstrators and the security forces.  Brian, can you or Richard tell us if there is any possibility that all of the protests that are going on will ever make a real difference to the election outcome? Is there a chance that these people can make a difference and change the outcome?  I am fearful of what will happen on Monday when the Inauguration takes place.  

It looks like the cash for clunkers program is a good idea.  It is generating sales which helps our economy.  I am not sure if I agree with those that say that because of fuel efficiency in the new cars, more people will drive more.  You still have to pay for the gas no matter how much you use and most of us are still in budget mode.  It just feels good to hear that something is generating movement in our economy.  

This "Making A Difference" story was close to the best one you have had.  I sawS Sam's blog today about the two off-duty firemen that were brothers who risked their own lives to save 4 year old DJ from a burning vehicle.  This was such a heroic act but then to see what they have done to help this family who are struggling with no insurance and no income to take care of their son's hospital expenses and help the family was amazing. What absolutly incredible human beings these men and their families are to continue to do all that they can to help this family.  This community has really showed what they can do if they just come together.  Sam said they won't take credit for it but one day they will get their reward. I hope this is an inspiration to all of us to do what we can to help all those in need. I checked out the link he posted for us and donated what I could to help.  I hope that all of your bloggers see this and respond to it.

I saw of your interview with Willie Geist this morning on his new show. You were fantastic and so funny.  You were such a treat for this early AM riser (actually very early for the West Coast) and you made the day ahead a lot lighter.  I actually even logged on an saw the clip of the interview later in the day to get a laugh.  You are awesome.

Hope the rest of your evening is a very good one and will look forward to tomorrow's blog and broadcast

Good evening, Brian.

Thanks for the broadcast this evening. I think the so-called "Beer Summit" was an important, meaningful event arranged by the President. I feel as if after more and more time goes by we see what kind of person President Obama really is. Moral issues, and things that matter to any regular person mean a whole lot to the President, and I think this has really shown what kind of person he is. Instead of leaving it to Stg. Crawely and Prof. Gates to settling their issues alone, because he got himself into the issue he took that responsibility and made it into a teaching moment. Stg. Crawley's speaking out and taking questions after the "summit" went very well. I thought it was funny how Chris Matthews called it a sort of "Britain's Got Talent" -- apparently shocked at how well it went.

Great reporting from Richard Engel on Iran. It's almost hard to believe it's been six weeks since all of this started. I just hope that something good will come after of all the heartache and loss the Iranians have suffered. Still keeping close watch on the reports from Iran. Thanks to Richard for covering it from the start -- tell him to stay safe, from of all of us. It's amazing how quickly things change in the news...not long after the broadcast we learn that "Cash for Clunkers" is now being suspended by the Government. Congratulations to all recipients of the Metal of Freedom! All of whom listed are most deserving of one of the most prestigeous awards.

As usual, your Making A Difference story for tonight was beautiful. This story has touched everyone from the moment it went on air. But to know there was much more to the story, and that these Firefighters are continuing to care for this family...was the most moving of all. Thanks so much for ending our night with a miracle story such as this one. I look forward to seeing them on Today tomorrow morning.

So with that, I must be getting to bed soon.

Thank you delivering this week's news to our homes every night. Assuming David Gregory will still be in for you tomorrow night (as he says), have a great weekend and we'll see you Monday!

Take care, Brian! And goodnight all of you! Get some rest so you can all get up to watch Today in the morning! (and wish me luck with having more than 5 hours of sleep.)

-Cary


P.S. Here is a story I ran into earlier today I thought would bring lots of smiles to readers of this blog. And to all Dog lovers, such as Brian Williams: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32216056/ns/world_news-wonderful_world/

Now...it's Jon Stewart time. Then off to sleep! Thank goodness for DVR...

Regarding the link to the Op-Ed:
Gosh, come to think of it, all the movies I see showing Al Capone, he was totally surrounded by security...are we now following HIS lead?  I know, I know, a bit too facetious for such serious content.  However, it is so pervasive that I could only comment in airport security, "Gee, that's the most I've been touched since my husband died!" (Whereupon all the security ladies at least got to laugh for a moment...)

Now back to that haircut in question...seems President Clinton got a haircut in Albuquerque that caused a scandal...my how times have changed....

Mr. Williams,
It's a thought provoking piece. However, I think his criticism of the Secret Service was unnecessary. They are under enormous pressure to protect the President and his family and I can only imagine the pressure they have to deal with. While watching your special on a day in the life in the White House, I was concerned looking at the two of you walking into the burger place. It was great to see the President on the street and the delight in people's faces, but I thought of how exposed he was there and could only imagine what the Secret Service were thinking. I think sometimes we forget that the role of the Secret Service is to die for the President if necessary and if some are a little rude, maybe critics should think twice before blasting them on the pages of the Washington Post. Would they be willing to risk all to save the life of someone else?
Bill Kelly

Good afternoon, Brian:
I am going to take you to task:0).  For the past
three Thursday nights, you have signed off, saying
I will see you tomorrow night and then you are a
no show.  I feel stood up. However, I will tune in
this Friday evening to see if you keep your word.
It's a good thing I really like the anchors who
fill in for your or you would be in hot water.
Just kidding!!!  Have a nice weekend.
Phyllis Kunz

The last time I had visited DC, I was a college student who was spending a week of my summer vacation with my uncle, a diplomat.  We were taking a walk from lunch at Old Post Office back to the Smithsonian when a man hurried out of a Subway.  My uncle stopped in his tracks, waved at the man and said "Good Afternoon, Sir".  

I asked my uncle afterwards how he knew the man, and he said he didn't know him personally.  "But", he said,"he is the Head of the International Monetary Fund".  As we perused through bookstores and shopped at grocery stores throughout the week, I felt surrounded by people who could easily have been members of Congress, leading diplomats, and so on.

I didn't recall any motorcades, or secretive people wearing business suits and talking into their cuffs.   But, the inspiration of seeing people be so important yet so accessible had a deep impact on my attitudes, inspiring me to be there, first and foremost, for the people.

I doubt the security measures of today could bring the same kind of excitement and inspiration.

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