Hi Brian:

You are so lucky to have such great people like Ann and David to fill in for you.  They are great but it is so good to see that you are back.  We did miss you but you certainly deserved the break.

You are so right about Maria Shriver's reoort being so inportant in today's world as well as interesting.  I saw her on Meet the Press with David and cannot wait to see the next segment tonight.  

Glad your back and see you tonight.

"...I candidly did not miss being on duty for the balloon story.  I'm afraid it combines a lot of the most unpleasant aspects of our society in one tidy little package."

I assume that one of the "unpleasant aspects of our society" you're referring to is how easily mainstream media outlets are distracted from DOING THEIR JOBS and REPORTING ACTUAL NEWS by giving them some sensationalist nonsense to focus on instead. Disgraceful!

Good evening, Brian!

It's great to have you back. I hope you enjoyed your well-deserved vacation. In the meantime, Ann and David were awesome sitting in the “hot seat” for you last week. I had a feeling the so-called “balloon boy” story wasn't one you'd missed reporting. I followed the breaking news through text messages to my phone (via Twitter), and after hearing and seeing what this has turned out to be, it's just disgusting...

After a long Saturday night, I still haven't been able to finish watching this Sunday's Meet The Press, but know it had to have been a great one and will get to that as soon as possible. For the first time in years I stayed up until 1am not watching Saturday Night Live, but watching the nearly 6-hour long Yankees vs Angels game. And what a game that was! I was filled with anticipation, and not enough patience. I thought if I was tired, they had to be miserable. But they never gave up! That game just had to have made your weekend! I was just glad to finally hear “New York, New York”, knowing it was a Yankee victory.

I've also been meaning to say I've been looking forward to Maria Shriver's reports on “A Woman's Nation”. Very much looking forward to it!

Can't wait to join you soon for the start of this busy, new week.
-Cary

Hello all I'm back from my very long vacation. Like Brian I got to meet and speak to the everyday Americans who don't make the news. I learned how most are confused by the news and lack of trust in the Media. Funny I was wearing my Nightly News cap which started most conversations. Yes health care topic was front and center. Once I said Medicaid and Vets Benefits were run by the Government most realized how they were tricked. I was traveling in 12 States and all had road work with Stimulus money. Funny my city of Riverside refuses to submit for the money even with unemployment at 15% as like money other Mayor's it more important the Obama Administration fail then to help the citizens. Oh the people in British Columbia were congraduating me on the election of Obama/Biden. I finally got to see what the fuss was about the Dupont Circle in DC, yes we got stuck too. I often spoke of my friends on this blog Laural, Stephanie, Claudia,Anna,Cary and Matt. I really missed you guys and the evening news.

It will take some time for me to catch up on the pass but when I got home I was hit with the headline news of the interracial couple. Few remember we've had 5 interracial Presidents before President Obama. I got to see first hand how crazy the town hall meeting were as I visited one in Red Bank New Jersey.  Like Brian I got to speak to many soldiers during my travels both still in service and those who are out. What sad is we see the few great stories while the thousands of others are left out. I did pay attention to Foreign News and Obama is right Afghanistan has a corrupt Government with Karzai and why hold them up and give money to criminals. The Taliban was a friend of a former US Governor who even invited them as his guest to the US. Obama might want to ask former Governor/President Bush to talk to his old friends about peace. It's all about the pipeline Cheney ordered Karzai to start when he took office.
I was surprised like every American even President Obama that he won the Nobal Peace Prize. But with him making History so fast and reaching out to all it makes since. That's what the Award is all about. Others before him were awarded for pushing for Peace not Conflict. The United States now has 3 US Presidents who have won the Nobal Peace Prize while serving in Office. Carter and Gore where out of Office when they recieved their awards.

Have a great day all and I'm Back to give my opinion.

Brian and NBC Staff---
  Would you mind using H1N1 instead of swine flu.  We have pork producers here in Ohio.  My understanding is they're concerned about prejudicing folks against their excellent and safe products, also that they successfully lobbied the local affiliate to use H1N1.  

I just watched the program about the death of a young lady from columbus due to swine flew.  The play yard the parents are using for her baby is on recall.  The arms collapse unexpectedly and could cause harm. I had the same one.  They should contact fisher price.

While I appreciate the anticipated focus on the health care and Afghanistan debates, I have to question tonight's lead. Granted, the money and politics mix is always a hot one, but tying the President's fundraiser to the Wall St bonuses, then noting -- almost as a "by the way" -- that Wall St donations to the Democratic party are way down... Sorry, it seemed like the story was written before the fact gathering was finished.

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Welcome Back!! Ann Curry and Mr. Gregory did a fine job while you were away on vacation. I hope you had a wonderful vacation with your family! Great to have you back! Alway wonderful to see Richard on the broadcast! PLEASE STAY EXTRA EXTRA SAFE RICHARD!!
Now on to the broadcast. First of all the Richard's report from Kabul concerning the fraudulent elections. This is certainly a setback for President Hamid Karzai because this could force him to either share power with challenger Abdullah Abdullah or have a Run-Off election with his opponent. It was simply awful to hear that 50% to 90% of the voting results were fraudulent and being 1 in 5 votes were disqualified which as Richard stated stripped Hamid Karzai of a million votes. It will be difficult to hold elections by mid-November since many remote villages will be cut off by heavy snowfall and very dangerous for the US troops because of the unstable and weak government. Hopefully,Senator Kerry meeting with officials about a new run off election will end positively with Karzai agreeing to the run-off. A tumultuous region struggling to find peace for the civilians.
Excellent Reporting as Always Richard! PLEASE STAY EXTRA EXTRA SAFE ALWAYS!
On another note the report by Mr.Bazell about the swine flu outbreak showed how tragic it is when the virus effects a young pregnant woman. So very sad to hear of the young woman named Kelsey being infected with the flu then passing away after giving birth. So very heartbreaking for the family, yet the new baby Ava is a true blessing.
The series, "A Women's Nation" hosted by Maria Shriver really shows such a shift in the role of women in society. The roles of the parents are being reversed since many husbands lost their jobs they are at home taking care of household work while the the wives are at work. Many women have become the breadwinner in the family which is a reset of the mindsake of years ago. The statements made by the men and women in the report seemed very supportive of the new roles which was nice to hear.

The report by Mr.O'Neil about taking garbage and turning into composte seems like a good idea. It helps the environment and saves businesses money. Nice to know it helps grapevines produce good wine!

Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Great to have you back! Always wonderful to see Richard! Peace to You and to All!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Claudia,Celine,Anna,Lori,Cary and Matt!
Be Well Always!
Great Win by the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday on NBC!
Stay Extra,Extra Safe and Well Richard!
XOXO

Hi Brian,

It seems as if you've been gone forever. I hope you had a nice vacation and enjoyed the cooler weather. Can't you let us know ahead of time that you'll be gone? We'll still watch.

About marijuana: it's about time that people in pain aren't going to have so many problems getting it for medicinal purposes. It's really rediculous that it isn't legalized yet. At least people who've been smoking don't drive drunk and kill innocent people. Not usually. There are so many misnomers about pot. And no, I don't smoke it but I have in my teen yrs. As I said, it's better than boozing it up.

ok, there was a hoax regarding the balloon family. But the feeding frenzy of the press makes the hoax look like a Sunday School picnic. There's talk of an ACLU attorney getting involved on behalf of the family. I hope so. I understand the press is protected by the Freedom of the Press act, but what about those kids? The parents committed crimes, but the press is acting as if they committed murder. There's no telling how this is going to affect the kids. And yeah, I know the parents brought it on themselves, but damn!

Brian, your tie was really nice. I don't remember seeing it before. I hope to be able to watch you all week. Until tomorrow night...

Vicki

P.S.

NBC exec. producers, etc.:

There's a poll on AOL that found 67% of  viewers miss having a drama on NBC at 10pm.
75% of viewers aren't surprised at Jay's sagging ratings. Why don't you just cancel him the way you cancelled Southland? But it would probably cost you too much to have to buy out his contract. There's no telling how much you spent in just promoting his new show.
You really need to hire someone who has more of a sense of what viewers really want. Whoever's running the show is doing a lousy job. If it weren't for Brian, Law and Order, and 30 Rock (lest I forget Days of Our Lives), you'd be out of business.

I'm a big fan.  I watch Today Show each morning and the your show every night.  I got a chuckle from your show tonight when you said that the H1N1 flu was "everywhere, and still spreading".  Now that's one tough virus!  Welcome back.

Brian,
Great that you are back, it was a long
week, but I am glad that you enjoyed
your vacation.  Ann and David did good
as always.  

I am still distressed over the hoax
because I thought the boy was in the
balloon and I was glued to the tv.
Of course, I am glad he is safe; it
goes without saying.  However, I
resent what his parents put us all
through.  They are marginal individuals
in our society and should be ashamed
of themselves.

Enjoyed the entire broadcast. You
are great and great-looking and I
hope I am not in hot water with
the compliment.  FDR's wife once
said a woman is like a teabag  You
don't know how strong she is until
she's in hot water.  I have this
quip on a book-marker.  I like it.

Phyllis

Tonight you properly placed the balloon story sixth in the broadcast near the close.  CBS led with this story.  You made the call that the Afghan elections, where we have thousands of our troops in harms way, was a much more significant story.

There are plenty of media outlets that will chase a sensational story for ratings.  Good for you for continuing to carry on the journalistic integrity of the NBC Nightly News.  Chett and David would be proud.

Hi Brian:

It was so great to turn on NBC and see you at the desk.  I hope your vacation was a truly fun and relaxing one.  You deserved it.  It sounds like the rest of the year will be very busy for you.  

Everyone I talk to is so disgusted with the bonus issue on Wall Street.  How do they look at themselves in the mirror in the morning and not get sick?  The government needs to step in no matter whose toes they might step on (fundraisers) and do something to stop this.  Bank of America is still laying off people in our area but they are getting billions to give to CEO's that don't need it.  President Obama promised he was going to look after the middle class.  When is he going to start?

It was so great to see Richard tonight.  It was no surprise that the findings were that there was wide spread fraud during the election in Afghanistan.  It was a little shocking to hear that it was between 50 and 90 percent.  I am glad that our government stepped in and is putting pressure on getting a new election done quickly.  

The marijusna issue here in California is sad.  It is so necessary for those that need it for pain due to serious illness and injury.  The President did right to ask that they stop hurting those that are really in need.  Those that obey the laws, and have valid prescriptions from doctors with morals, should not have to worry.  The problem is the Feds just crack down on everyone.  Yes, those that do get it for the sole purpose of selling it should be arrested,  charged and punished. The problem is no one seems to check out the legitimacy of the store, doctor and patient before just barging in and arresting people.  I know it is a drug and it is illegal but this drug does wonders for those that are suffering. I was a witness to it with one of the attorneys I worked for.  He had bone cancer but did not know it until it was in it's last stages and he had to use it to just get through the day because of the pain. He only lasted from Labor day to Memorial day before it took him but the marijuana was a blessing to him during those days.  We represent some people that have been arrested because of the reading of the laws by the police and Feds.  They are legitimate people in need and not your dealer trying to make a buck.  I hope the President's new steps to help these people will make a difference.

The people that created this hoax over the weekend should be punished.  To exploit your children like that is awful.  They have no idea what havoc this is going to cause their entire family, especially the children.  For those children to have to go through the process of CPS will be terrifying for them just because their parents had very poor judgment.  They do not deserve this.  I do hope the police do not arrest the parents in front of the children.  That is the most horrific experiance any child can go through.  

Thank you and NBC for the "A Woman's Nation"  report that Maria is doing.  It is fantastic.  I saw her on Meet The Press and on your broadcast tonight.  It is interesting to see what role women have had to play all over our nation because of the economy.  Our family lives are changing no matter where we live.  Because of job lay offs some friends and family of ours have had to make serious changes.  Husband's are the "Mr. Mom's" now and the wives are the workers.  It is hard on some husband's when they feel they have let their families down and the wives have to take on the role of provider.  I agreed with the woman who was asked what the government needs to know and her answer was" they need to know we exist".  I can't wait for the next segment.

Brian, again it is so great to have you back with us.  I hope the rest of your evening is an enjoyable one. I'll be looking for the blog tomorrow and of course seeing you on the broadcast tomorrow evening.

Hi Brian: Glad to hear your back. Those two did a great job.
I have a request on short notice unfortunately.
If you are interested would you be able to come to a NY GTG on Nov 11 to help with a drawing prize of a SUBMARINER. Again sorry for the short notice...

Brian,
Regarding H1N1,I work with the Trudeau Institute in northern NY. We are celebrating our 125th anniversary in medical research, especially those diseases that enter through the respiratory system, like the flu. Our President and Director, would like to discuss our goal of developing a universal vaccine that would protect the world's population from ALL strain of influenza, seasonal, avian and absolutely H1N1. Please consider this offer. We have history and tremendous NIH support as proof of our credibility.

Regards,

Brian Turner
Communications Manager, The Trudeau Institute

Hope you had a great vacation, glad to see you back at the helm.  You had bad info on that Presidential
citation 10/20/09.  It was the 11th Armored
Cavalry Regiment.  I served with them in Viet Nam.

Dear Brian,
Our home never fails to record your news program and watch it faithfully. I begin with that statement in the hope you will understand my words.
There were many references to Maria Shriver's new series of reports and several promotional messages for A Woman's Nation on other NBC programs which we watch. I looked forward to her series.
Last night I was appalled. Ms. Shriver not only wore a large silver cross at her neck, but she clutched a huge cross near her lap. Every time you turned to her the camera focused on the multiple crosses.  I simply cannot comprehend a news reporter's display of jewelry which shouts her religious affiliation to viewers. Will she proclaim her religion so outlandishly all week? Why do we viewers need us to know this very personal fact so intensely? This isn't an endearing glimpse into her personal world. It is a constant statement that she belongs to a certain religious group. Constant.
What is the effect on those of us who do not belong to that group? For discerning viewers it is an uncomfortable distraction from the news story. We are not members of her group. We do not belong. We are outsiders. How do you reach all of your viewers when you purposely, masterfully, set out to exclude us?
No constitutional separation of church and broadcasting exists. Reporters have every right to appear on screen wearing their Christian crosses. Perhaps it is in gratitude to G-d that Mrs. Schwarzenegger so overtly displays her affiliation. We know the Kennedy family is Catholic.I just feel bewildered at the need to force the public to be so aware.
If Barbara Walters wore a Star of David each and every time she faced the camera, I wonder what public reaction would be? Why doesn't David Faber at CNBC wear a Chai symbol in his lapel every morning? Sure, we know the religious affiliation of merely these two examples. Over many, many years they have spoken of observing Jewish holidays, mentioned being off the air for a religious occasion. Infrequently. Occasionally. There is a huge difference between rare mentions of personal beliefs and the shout of them which we saw last night.
The neckline on female anchors/reporters is the most visible. I see tasteful, elegant jewelry on your many television reporters. It is delightful to view wardrobe accessories but so very uncomfortable to feel excluded by them.
With our constant happiness in your presentation, Brian, we will watch tonight's NBC news. If last night's display is repeated, this will be the last viewing. Maybe Katie Couric offers more sensibility to the feelings of viewers.
I would address this message to your production supervisors but haven't a clue how to do so. Thank you for reading...
Sincerely,
Joyce Goldin

I would like to comment on the news regarding composting waste to make fertile soil for growing food.  This is a good step in the right direction but more could be achieved by using methane digesters rather than just composting food waste.  A methane digester would capture the gas that results from the breaking down of organic material and it could be used to power generaters for producing electricity.  By burning this methane in engines or for running steam turbines it would not be released into the atmosphere.  Methane is one of the major contributors to the green house effect causing global warming.  More use should be made of methane digesters at meat raising factories as a way of disposing of animal waste.  Of course mathane is a very dangerous gas if not handle properly but electricity is also dangerous.  Digesters will still produce the rich soil needed to grow food.  Other countries have used methane digester technology for years and India is one of the leaders in the world.

    Maria Shriver's "Women in Today's World" series tonight was fascinating. Especially one man's comment that women are better than men at multi-tasking. My brother explained this phenomenon very well.  He said women have over eons been responsible for cooking and simultaneously keeping an eye on several youngsters, and gathering roots, etc., while men, over the same eons, have had to develop and maintain critical focus (even tunnel vision) in hunting:  "Don't bother me! I'm hunting! I MUST get this deer, or I and my family will starve." So, all of a man's reflexes and muscles were sharply tuned to the hunt going on at that moment. Those men who maintained that single focus most often survived to pass the skill on to future generations.

Brian--could you please explain in more detail why Maria Shriver's report is "important"?  Watching her sit around a table with a group of people who were talking about themselves doesn't seem in any way important.  It actually seems to be the opposite of important.  It seems trivial.  You should re-read your show's official description.  Nightly News is supposed to bring us the day's news from the U.S. and around the world.  Shriver's piece has zero news value.  It does not belong on an evening news broadcast.

Brian,
I'm sorry it took me a couple of days to get to this issue, but I teach college on Tuesdays and didn't have time to discuss Monday's interview with Maria Schriver. I would like to say how much I enjoy your news braodcast, but I was taken aback by your comment about gender role in your interview with maria Schriver. It almost sounded like an "Archie Bunker", statement. Yhat is regarding the role of men and women and men not accepting the gender role changes. I have taught my class, Adults in transitiuon for the past 20 uears and have continually discussed the emergence of an egalitarian society. This stems as much from necissity as it does from the tremendous alteration in the " Traditional Family". With 78% of womwen now working outside the home, Mr. Macho now need to doing some non-gender activities in the home. It t is a new world and the more we open conversations to the emerging gender role changes and role model for future generation the easier it will be to move away from traditioonal roles. I look forward to communicating with you in the future.
Sincerely,
John Steiner
Preceptor-St. Joseph's College

I am a conservative person and I wonder why a media network avoids the true and correct news to satisfy the White House. The owner of your network is in bed with the president to make money and he is killing you with the liberal views you post as news.

Going against Fox news is a bad idea if you guys fall in line and suck up to the White House. Take your own lead and do your job, report the news--all of the news, not just the liberal side.

When you go bankrupt, maybe your buddy Obama will give you a bailout.

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