Today, the "USS NEW YORK" sailed pass the City of New Orleans for its maiden voyages to New York City. It was truly an emotional salute to the loss lives from September 11th. 8 tons of steel from the World Trade Centers are in the ship. We displayed our flags, our emotions, and hearts to the Navy for allowing us to wave our flags as the USS NEW YORK passed in and out of our lives today. The levees were lined with people from all walks of life showing our love and respect for New York and its people. GOD BLESS AMERICA and the CITY OF NEW YORK.  

Ann-

I look forward to your health care report. I worry that the bill will not contain enough competition or a public option to keep the insurance companies honest.

"Obama's War" will air on Frontline on PBS tonight. It is all about Afghanistan and the reviews are great. It is supposed to give us a clear explanation of the AfPak situation.

@ Dana Daigle: Thank you for your touching post. A story on the USS New York is--believe it or not--right now showing on our local NBC station so I am seeing what you did. Wonderful!

@ Laurel: Lewis Black has a movie out--"Stark Raving Black". The NY Times reviewed it and loved it--expected profanity "delivered in his raspy voice" and all. Not playing in many theaters--we will have to go into the city to see it. Google the title to find a theater near you.

@ Anna: Thanks for the Aaron Brown link. I will check it out.

Take care all-

As one of her constituents, Sen. Snowe has made me proud many times, and she continued to do that today.  I'm not sure I totally agree with the bill she voted on today, but I appreciate the fact that both she does not vote on party lines and are willing to consider the whole package.  She listens to her constituents but also does her homework before casting her votes.  

Jennifer Schuett is so brave to keep going when time seemed to be against her.  I am so grateful for her that her attacker has been caught and she will finally get her time for justice.

The USS New York is a gorgeous ship floating away from New Orleans.  She will serve our country proud.

Thanks again for a great job at the anchor desk, Ann.  It's always good to see you in the evening!

Good Evening Ann, Nice to see you again filling in for Mr.Williams this evening. Another fine broadcast this evening. Now on to the broadcast.First of all th report by Kelly O'Donnell concerning the heathcare reform bill. The one key Republican vote by Olympia Snowe was needed and it did help although there is a long way to go on the issue. Such a huge amount of money of $829Billion over ten years seems just staggering. It will be a tough session behind closed doors finalizing the details and one hopes it will be a benefit to everyone. Time will tell.

The report by Mr Cantore from California about the extreme weather shows some heavy rainfall over acres of land charred by the recent fires. One can understand the fear of landslides by residents with no way for the land to handle all the moisture.
The report by Mr.Cowan showed how damaging the rains could be on homes and hopefully it will not result in that situation. Nobody can predict the outcome, but many are preparing to handle the situation the best way they possibly can. Hopefully, it will be okay.

The report by Mr.Bazell concerning the swine flu vaccine showed how the vaccine is not getting out to everyone as quickly as anticipated. The places designated for people to receive the vaccine just aren't ready yet due to the fact they haven't received it. It does make people frustrated because of all the information given out on the vaccine, but hopefully it will arrive very soon.

Wonderful and touching to see the USS New York headed for New York City made of steel from the World Trade Center Towers. This is truly an emotional and moving tribute to loved ones lost on September 11th.
God Bless America!

The "Making A Difference" segment by Mr.Okwu about the ranch helping children was really nice. They are all learning valuable lessons not only in riding the horses, but also working at the ranch. Helping them to do better in school and make brighter futures.

Thank You for the broadcast Ann. You always do a great job! 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! Congratulations on your Murrow Award for "Tip of the Spear!" Always Excellent Reporting!
XOXO

Ann,
I was so moved by the compelling story
of the brave young woman, and I pray
that she puts it behind her and has
a wonderful life.  
Phyllis

Tonight, Nightly News devoted two minutes and twenty seconds to a story about what three members of a California family think about the health care debate.  Meanwhile, the broadcast did not cover a single story from outside the U.S.  But at least we know what three people in California think about health care.  Great job.  Keep up the good work.

During a Sept. 15 Nightly News story about race in politics, Rep. Steny Hoyer was identified by an on-screen caption as "(D) House Majority Leader".  Moments later, Rep. James Clyburn was identified only as "(D) South Carolina" despite the fact that Rep. Clyburn is the House Majority Whip, the third most powerful position in the House.  Why was Hoyer, a white congressman, identified by his prestigious House leadership position, while Clyburn, an African-American congressman, was not?  This would be a disrespectful omission under any circumstances, but to have it occur during a story about race in politics is truly appalling.  I believe that Rep. Clyburn deserves an apology from Brian Williams, Kelly O'Donnell (who reported the story) and the producer who was in charge of the segment.

On Sept. 13, Nightly News aired a story about Serena Williams's meltdown during her U.S. Open semi-final match with Kim Clijsters.  Lee Cowan told us that Williams was called for a foot fault at match point.  Not quite.  When Williams was called for the foot fault, she was down 15-30 and trailing 6-5 in games.  The foot fault brought the game to match point and then a code violation (resulting in the loss of a point) was assessed against Williams, costing her the match.  What is truly puzzling is that as Cowan was giving us the incorrect information, the correct information was right there for all to see.  The video of the foot fault call shown by NBC clearly displayed the 15-30 score in the lower left corner of the screen.  But Cowan still blew the call.  And how many Nightly News producers, editors and other personnel viewed this story before it aired without noticing the mistake?  Is anyone paying attention?

Ann,

thanks for your broadcast as usual. Why doesn't anyone let us know when Brian will be back? At one time he would let us know when someone would be sitting in for him and we would know when he's returning. Well, I'm just a wicked stepchild here... who doesn't want to be orphaned by Big Daddy Brian.

@Norman,

Keep up the great job. I'm still pulling for Brian, but NBC has some serious problems. It's amazing that with all of the professionals out there, NBC can't find any. I'm sure you've seen that girl with the pony tail behind Brian when he's broadcasting. She's always playing with her hair, talking on the phone, etc. You get the impression that she's going to start blowing bubble gum and filing her nails at any min. Sooo damn distracting...

for your show how about addressing this?
In the healthcare bill, the excise tax as a penalty sets a horrible precedent in law that the government can enforce that people/private citizens must buy something from a private source or limited number of private sources, or be publicly punished by an excise tax.  Injunctions and the Supreme Court are very likely to come into play.  We could end up with the Healthcare obligation without a key funding source, and motivation for enrollment. This needs full exploration of consequences, now, before the vote. Any precedents or settled law for this unholy mix?

Ann, you're the hardest working woman in television working on the today show in the morning & anchoring the NBC Nightly News in the evening. Keep up the good work, ann.

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):