Yes Brian, I agree that the City was full of pride for our veterans today. We saw many of them on the USS New York on her final day in her "home port." It was great to see the interaction between the current and former military aboard this great Ship and symbol of our City.

Brian,
It is outragous how everyone is dancing around the shooting at Ft. Hood. It was an act of terrorism and not one person in the MSM or the presidents office will face it and call it that. It was no different than if he would have strapped on a "bomb" nad blew himself up in the hall. This was the first terrorist attach on our soil since 9/11 and if we continue to bury our heads in the sands of political correctness, they will esculate from here!

Brian,

Of interest, perhaps:  The beautiful
and talented actress Vivien Leigh
of GONE WITH THE WIND fame was manic-
depressive or bi-polar and was
unforgettable in "STREETCAR NAMED
DESIRE" with Marlon Brando and her's
is truly a success story.

A nice purple tie, Brian, and whoever
sent it to you has nice taste.  I
believe I paid you a compliment on that
tie once before.

Have a nice evening!!!


Phyllis

Good Evening Mr.Williams, Another fine broadcast this evening. A Day to Honor Our Veterans on this Veterans Day. It sounds like a wonderful Veterans Day Parade in New York today and I'm very happy you were able to see some of it. It is so very moving to see the veterans in the parade along with the floats and bagpipes. I'm sure you did a great job hosting a dinner for Veterans last evening and I'm sure was a wonderful evening.
Then to see the tree platform being lowered into place over the logo on the sidewalk showing where the tree stands each holiday is simply great! I have seen that logo in the sidewalk showing where the tree stands and took a picture of it. It is awesome to see!
And for you today all in a 20-minute outing you were able to experience all of these things. Simply Great!

God Bless All the Veterans on this Veterans Day! We thank them from our hearts for all their brave service to our nation!

Now on to the broadcast. First of all thew report by Mr.Potter from Fort Hood was very touching and moving. The people of this community came together to honor the veterans and remember those who perished on the shooting and it brought them even closer. It was nice seeing all the people cheer for the veterans along the parade route and show loving support for the troops. Good to know police officer Kimberly Munley is recovering from her wounds in the shooting. I hope she continues to recover well as all who were wounded in the shooting.
The report by Dawna Friesen concerning Prime Minister Gordon Brown's handwritten letter to a mother who lost her son in the war in Afghanistan was heartwrenching. It is unfortunate Prime Minister Brown misspelled the son's name and one can understand why the mother was angry and hurt about her son's name being misspelled. All the soldiers are fathers,mothers,sons and daughters not just numbers. Fortunately, there was an apology made and accepted.
One hopes someday all the troops will be able to come home!
On another note the report by Mr.Seidel about the storm brewing off the coast of the Carolina's and Virginia showed how brutal this system of weather. Seeing him stand along Virginia Beach looked terrible and I hope he can get inside soon. Hearing the intensity of waves, rain and wind did sound like the "perfect storm". I hope it passes quickly.
May everyone effected by the storm stay safe!

Nice to see the 30ft Norway Spruce being cut down for its debut as the Rockefeller Christmas Tree!

The "Making A Difference" segment by Anne Thompson about Glenn Close and her commitment to bringing awareness to mental illness was very touching. Her sister certainly has struggled so much in her life with mental illness, but it is good to see how good she is doing now. The Fountain House is really helping so many people with mental illness find not only jobs and housing, but a purpose in life and that is most important. This is Glenn Close's most important role and she is doing fine work.

Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. God Bless All Our Veterans! God Bless All Our Brave Soldiers!
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 Warm Richard!
XOXO

Hi Brian,

I'm glad you had such a nice day and that you were able to see some of the Veterans Day Parade. There're a lot of reasons that I want to visit NYC. The parade would have been one of them.

After what happened at Ft. Hood, and seeing how the military dropped the ball, I'm curious about this. I've heard from several different people who've seen combat, that this is what happens in some cases where soldiers "lose it." Their firing pins are taken out of their weapons, but they get to keep their weapons. I've heard it said that the military(Army)isn't allowed to take the weapons. I don't know  if it's true. I hope not.

I feel very sad for Ms. Janes and the son she lost, Jamie. I also feel the same way for Prime Minister Brown. We sometimes forget how this war is affecting Britian. Even though The States and England have a good relationship, I can understand how they feel and wondering what their loved ones are doing in Afghanistan. I'm sure quite a lot of us Americans wonder about the reasons we're doing there.

Glenn Close is doing something that a lot of people feel awkward about, addressing mental illness. I'm glad her sister has someone who understands and can be a spokesperson for others who don't have understanding families and friends.

Brian, I hope you'll continue to have a good week. I want to address this considering it has to do with you and gifts. I'm sure you get a lot of them from viewers, so I'm going to point this out:

@ Michelle: I can't rememeber the date of the  comment, maybe a week or so ago, but someone commented that they sent Brian a purple tie. I've talked about Brian's ties for a long time, and mentioned that I like his purple ones. I haven't sent him one yet. I'll probably send him a particular book for Xmas. If he minds, then he'll probably let us know on this blog.

@ Norm, did you see it, "Bush's Baked Beans" and Duke? What is that rascal up to now? And don't forget "Beano!" Maybe the Nightly News is doing their own version of SNL and seeing who notices. I personally don't think Brian's the problem though.

Brian,
Hey.  How was your day?  I defend what Ms. Close and her sister were saying about Mental Illness.  I personally, don’t like to talk about it.  When I was touched by it, no one in my family wanted to admit that it was true. If the world is like I was, the world has the fear that they will get mental illness.  If I cry too hard, get sick or give blood, it removes medicine from my system, and I get this drift of “withdrawal” and it is terrifying.  She talked about fear, and I am sure all forms have their problems.  Other than this, I feel like my disorder is like diabetes. I have to monitor myself, and take my meds.   I think I have told you this. If things get too stressful, I try to talk it through: like with a prayer.   Sounds like you had a nice day. I'm glad.

People need to talk about it’ because mental problems, and its stigma hurts people. Have a good day tomorrow.  tesa

Thank you Glenn Close for helping and bringing attention to this terrible disease.  I lost my son to bi-polar illness 3 years ago and I MISS HIM EVERYDAY. I wish I had known about his disease before it took his life and I am happy that your sister never completed her suicide attempts. Please keep up this great work, millions out there need people like you to break the stigma of this disease. In memory of Steven Andrew Eisenach, 1986-2006.

Good evening, Brian. And Happy Veterans Day!

What a wonderful post you wrote this evening. Thank you for sharing with us the images of the various people of New York pausing to honor our veterans and service men and women during New York's Veterans Day parade. How touching those moments must have been to watch – and to hear those beautiful bagpipes played by the FDNY Emerald Society – I know that lump in your throat feeling, and would have had just the same. I wanted so badly to go to a ceremony honoring our veterans and current service men and women, but was stuck in classes during all nearby ceremonies on this cold, rainy day.

I heard late last night of the IAVA event, after it was too late to tune in for the live web-cast. The 'Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America' organization is an absolute wonderful organization. So glad you could be there for the event, as I'm sure it must have been an enormous honor.

New York in the winter, during the holidays (and also in the fall), must be just as beautiful and romantic as they've always portrayed it in movies. I have never made it up there, but have always wanted to, especially this time of year.

Another great broadcast tonight, as usual. While I wish there could have been more reports on Veterans Day, I understand that much reporting in the broadcast was needed for the continuing, and harrowing investigation on the shooting at Fort Hood. It's sad that this tragedy has to take the attention (of broadcast journalism) that we would otherwise devote to Veterans Day, but despite the circumstances, I feel like it was a wake-up call to all Americans to focus their attention and support on our United States military. Perhaps being the only benefit to come from any devastating event.

And, yet again, another weather reporter driving into the storm. Thanks to Mike Seidel for his reporting in the eye of the windy, wet, and cold storm in Virginia Beach. (I know that boardwalk!). Wishing that all residents along the Carolina coast stay safe and warm, and dry if they can help it. We've had a very cold and wet day here in Roanoke, but nothing compared to this.

A disturbing discovery of a pilot showing up at work with a high alcohol content. As you probably remember, hearing this story I couldn't help but be reminded of the Dean Martin Variety show's great skit with Foster Brooks as the 'drunk pilot'. The news of this is anything but funny, but having this come to mind, I couldn't resist mentioning.

A wonderful, touching Making A Difference story with Glenn Close. This morning I watched your entire interview with Jon Bon Jovi. A terrific interview indeed. Keep these great stories coming!

And finally ending my note: I'm very glad you had the opportunity to visit with the female military veterans today, and hope you let them know how grateful we all are to them for their unmatchable sacrifices to our great country. They need to know just how much we love them all for what they give to protect our freedom. It is an enormous gratitude one cannot begin to put into words. God Bless them all for everything. They are the strongest reason why I'm so proud to be an American.

Thank you for the broadcast tonight, Brian. I look forward to joining you tomorrow night.

Take care, and have a wonderful Thursday.
-Cary

P.S. Big news tonight on President Obama's decision whether to send more troops, and how many. Look forward to hearing this all from you tomorrow evening.

Congratulations Celine for giving us a great recap of the NYC event with Bob Woodruff and Brian.   Sounds like it was a winner.  Bob's book was real.  His family seems dear and loving.  

Yes, I agree with the others.  It is time to update Brian's photo on the blog to the new updated image.   Sam, NN Editor, what do you think?

Listening to all this news on Afghanistan makes me pause and think can't we just get moving?  Cable news just reported the government in Afghanistan is corrupt.   I hate to tell cable news but we knew that already!

Peace and love to all!

Great Veterans Day and good respones from our servic man/woman overseas. We had a nice crowd for the honor we had today. President Obama signed an executive order for a Department that will help Vet's get jobs and the medical help they need. After 8 years of lip service someone finally did something for the troops.

Forbes List was very interesting and President Obama is number one as the most powerful person in the World. Hillary made the list and so did Jeffery Immelt of GE. Now Osama and the big Deal Dealers made the list too. The Gov. of Calfornia, Dick Cheney and former President Bush didn't make the list.

I hope the Media contacts the White House first before making any announcements on what the President has decided. ABC rushed and gave incorrect information about Afghanistan.

Glen Close is a great sister and is helping millions as we understand mental illness. Years ago families put their children away now we are learning how much value there is in each human being. Glen and her sister look so much alike it wonderful to see them together.

Have a great evening all and a special to the regulars

Mr. Williams, I'm glad you had a good day along the parade route in NYC.  At 67 (very soon), I wanted to see what others were doing on Veteran's Day also.  East Coast is rainy, cold ... not a very good day for someone my age with RA.  WVPBS aired a wonderful program, so I watched (after I watched MSNBC).  Greeters (elderly volunteers) in Banghor, Maine welcoming our service men and women back from the far fields of battle.  What a heartbeat resounding from Maine!  Then there was a follow-up program with visitation to every worldwide military cemetary in the world!  My heartbeat stopped for just a moment ... in awe of the millions of American servicepeople buried around this world who sacrificed their lives for freedom; not only for America, but also for people of many nations -- and there they rest even today.

We are a privileged people.  One day, perhaps sooner than later, we may hope and pray there not only be an element of peace in the visible world, but a true and lasting peace that invades only the human heart.  For true peace resides in the heart:  Sometimes, we get a glimpse of it's reflection on the world at large.  Thanks for sharing!  :-))  God Bless us ALL NATIONS.  

Brian,
Thank You.
I took every step with you during your walk to the parade.
Such a beautiful mental picture.
I felt the crisp air.  I pictured smiling Moms and happy children.
I heard the sweetness floating from the bagpipes.
I felt the scream of loud cheers.

To our veterans, I say: We love you and Thank You.

During our many visits to London, we encountered the Brits' cold sentiments toward the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.  My family, who lives in Birmingham, is very anti war and very vocal.  I recall Christmas 2005, over dinner, my uncle lectured my friends and I about the "irresponsible" George Bush and his cowboy attitude.  You had to be there.  An unforgettable moment.  In a few days, my friends and I are flying to London and I am certain the sentiments toward the wars will be colder.  I hate wars: endless, hopeless, maddening, sad.

I am encouraged by the courage of Glenn Close.  I was not aware of the stigma associated with mental illness.  Shedding this necessary light is a good step towards awareness, acknowledgment, healing.

Brian, lately, I am asking:
What More Can I Do?

Brian,

Just wanted to pass along a link to a story we did on Jade Mingus, the reporter who appeared with you from Ft. Hood a week ago on Nightly.  Hope you enjoy it.  http://www.tvlifer.com/uieforum/thread/106.  

Hi again Brian,

I forgot to mention the Christmas tree. It must be amazing to see as they begin to decorate it or even put it up. Everyone, no matter what financial shape they're in, should be able to spend a day in NYC during the Christmas season. I'm just dreaming here...

I have two sites having to do with Christmas, giving and receiving.

Pine Ridge Indian Reservation (S.D.) is huge yet the poorest of all reservations. Winter is extremely difficult fon families. And of course, I'm sure the kids could use coats, toys, etc. Hre's the link:

http://www.friendsofpineridgereservation.org/

Also, for doll collectors of every kind, The Doll Market in Greensborough, N.C. is the biggest and the best. I've litterally been there and it's amazing. They always have huge sales and you can check it out on their website:
http://www.dollmarket.com/

I've ordered quite a few times from them and have never been disappointed. They have dolls representing every culture so it's a nice, inexpensive way to go about sending a doll to a child in need.

Brian, I'll see you tonight.

It was truly lovely to see Glen Close with her sister, they were a loving pair.  Thank you.

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