A grate lunchtime diversion

Anna — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 20:42:46 GMT

Ah...the little pink message pads. Memories I have forgotten. Now it is Voice Mail logs saved to reference 3 years from now.

My wonderful, dutiful, organized assistant was wound tight last week when she told me she went to the office supply store and was told oh, we don't sell Rolodexes anymore. It made her feel like an antique.

It seems no one wants Rolodexes anymore and therefore they can't afford the shelf space. You can order one on-line but they are not available in-store.

I think you are smart to note the sign article especially to your audience here on the blog.

Bests to all!

Moderator: The last link on Brian's article is not working. It puts you to a test site for the MSNBC website. Glad that is password protected!

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Glynn Arlington,TX — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:09:22 GMT

Brian

You should have put on your fire helmet and gone into your Saturday Night Live act

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Lisa McNeil.Alpharetta,Georgia — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:12:30 GMT

Good Evening Mr.Williams, First of all that was quite an experience when you stepped out of 30 Rock. With the firefighters tending to the smoldering fire beneath the grate. I'm sure you enjoyed talking with the firemen because something like that is in your blood. They needed for you to secure the area and I think you did your duty. Well done Mr.Williams! The article concerning the signs saying "MEN at WORK" in Atlanta was humorous. I believe it should not just pertain to men. Women can do just as great job as men! Nice of you to mention something about Atlanta! Thank you! Looking forward to the broadcast Mr.Williams. Peace to you and to all!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Celine,Claudia,Anna and Matt!
Be Well Always!
XOXO

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Dewey Quong, Reno, NV — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:16:37 GMT

Here in Nevada we are short of funds in the state budget. People are being laid off and the state university in Reno are making plans to cut educators and courses. State services to the poor and homeless are being curtailed.

This is happening across the country Instead of spending money on signs most people know by sight and not reading anymore Good should be helping women trying to keep a solid roof over their heads instead of living in tents, who, by the way, are living a few blocks away from me because the women and children shelter is still being built. The temperature today is predicted to be 102 degrees and the smoke from the California fires makes it difficult to be active outdoors.

Let's spend money on changing the wording on signs. It may be progress, Brian, but the priorities are misplaced.

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Joan Chapman, Cheshire, CT. — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:20:02 GMT

Brian -

Your fire experience today is similar to ours in this small town where we are almost 100% volunteer. Before electronic scanners we actually had horns/whistles around town as alarms and it was not uncommon to see trucks/cars with flashing blue lights driving like crazy to the fire houses (we have three).

I've seen men get up from church and run out to the firehouse - here there are generations of firemen where the sons and now the daughters have followed in their parents footsteps to do their part.

It's one of the great New England traditions and it works.

Joan

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Amanda (Ridgewood, NJ) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:28:41 GMT

My first "real" job was a summer job working in the same office as my dad at a major telecomunnications company. Being of a certain age, this was before voice mail was invented. Another young woman and myself fielded all calls in a sales office for large business customers. The phone rang on the executive's desk 3 rings and then automatically forwarded to us. YIKES! Every day flew by as you never had enough time to keep up with all the calls much less rewrite all of the messages. You very quickly adapted to shorthand. On the plus side, you got to know every client & provide a more personalized approach. On the down side, once I left the office at night I would not talk on the phone to anyone, probably not even our Brian if he had called.

I am bummed that I "missed" the fire as my office is at 51st & 7th avenue --- sure the day I had to be downtown.

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Laurie Von See, Orlando, Florida — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:29:06 GMT

Brian,

I had to smile at your feelings about being at a fire. I work with so many firefighters and they tell me how fire is a part of their lives every day, whether the are on duty or not. Many of them have gone to volunteer in California using their vacation time. They are a special kind of person, not just doing a job but preforming a duty. I know you are proud to be a part of that brotherhood.

Laurie

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lnp, 37 — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 21:34:15 GMT

Dear Brian,

Never a dull moment in NYC.... The most excitement I've had today is an encounter with a black snake! Ugh.

Anna: OMG - you couldn't find the video?! LOL Here's the link to BW on Book TV:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vhch3KJ6vlU

Take care, everyone! And many XOXO's to the "regulars."

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Stephanie-Umbro, 33 Maine — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:02:37 GMT

Glad you got to indulge your fire genes today, Brian.

My dad was a blue collar worker for a neighboring City Public Works' department for 30 years. About 5 years before he retired an attorney (who, it could be argued had nothing better to do that day) threatened to sue the city if it didn't change its work signs and remove "men" from them. "Workers ahead" does just as fine, though I would not be offended to be a woman on a team using "Men Working" signs. Besides, we all know that men need signs to announce what they are doing because working doesn't come natural to some - at least that's how the joke goes around here! :)

I liked the perspective for the different airlines. However, removing paint? That seems much to extreme. Why don't they just leave all the painting off and let us guess which planes belong to which airline?

Ms. Deforia's story is terrific. We need so many more of her kind in hospitals. When I worked in nursing homes we had some people who came to sing and work with residents. It is a fine edition to "Making a Difference" and so glad to have it on Thursday. I think we should have it every day; it would never get old!

Didn't get to read the blog yesterday, but Laurel, your bad "pun" was good - much better that most of the bad news from the airlines!

I remember Rolodexes & pink note pads, even though I am probably right in the age when they began to go obsolete. How sad that they are going away. I remember when one of the longest-working secretaries at my law firm retired & went through her desk. She still had carbon sheets and old-fashioned white out strips in her desk. It was a fun walk down admin assisting of yesteryear!

Howard Dean is in town tonight. Wonder what he's got to say about our senatorial race. Off to see if its worth my attention....

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Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:19:27 GMT

Good Evening Mr.Williams, A great broadcast as always. First of all the report by Mr.Costello concerning the airlines really is a struggle for survival. I agree with the fact flying is just not enjoyable anymore and with so many of the services taken away or costing alot one feels like staying home. Something has to be done to restructure the airline business, but with the cost of jet fuel it is going to be very difficult. Hopefully there is some promise of good news in the near future. Time will tell. Regarding Iran and the testing of their missiles in the last two days. Whether long range or short range it isn't good news to learn of this region. I really hope the testing is finished, but more importantly they will not use any of these missiles against any of the neighboring countries. This region does not need any more conflicts. Not goos news for Philadelphia that its population has dropped 5%. It seems here in Atlanta and all around the suburbs it seems to be growing. Finally, the "Making A Difference" segement was just wonderful! Deforia Lane is a lovely woman bringing such joy to all the patients she visits. Hearing her sing those songs brought tears ot ones eyes because each one was so appropriate to the patient. I liked hearing the little girl sing to her mother the song she wrote, that was incredibly moving. She does connect with the patients and really brings them hope. A lovely and inspirational segment! Thank You! Thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams! Peace to you and to all!

Lots of Love to Laurel,Jackie,Stephanie,Celine,Claudia,Anna and Matt!
Laurel-Be careful of the snakes! Yikes!
Be Well Always!
XOXO

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Anna — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:22:23 GMT

Hi Springsteen fans:

RS did a profile and article on Obama this month. Here's one of the Q & A for all the Springsteen fans on the blog.

Q: You were endorsed by Bob Dylan a few days ago. What's that mean to you?
A: I've got to say, having both Dylan and Bruce Springsteen say kind words about you is pretty remarkable. Those guys are icons.

If you want to know what is on Obama's IPOD then read the article.

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/21472234

I'm still trying to warm up to this guy! I'm struggling with both Obama and McCain.

@ Laurel:

Thanks for the link. Once in a while I do get stumped.

@ Brian:

Wow! It will be a Presidential summer for you with all those books. As I told Celine, I am hanging with Jane Austen this summer.

Bests to all!

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Lu Thulstrup Eugene, OR — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 23:52:35 GMT

Hi Brian,

Glad that you are still able to mix with the kindred spirits who protect us from fire and all its hazards and hardships. Truly a noble profession.

Note to Inp:
Thank you for the link to BW on Book TV. I will run right out and buy The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein. I can't wait to get into that story.

A grate lunchtime diversion

Jackie Rawlings 62 Riverside California — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:15:34 GMT

HI Brian and my friends
While traveling I get to see the gas prices and the real people and their opinion of this recession. Each American has a story of hardship or fear.

Jesse Jackson has done alot in his life time for African Americans but God had another plan. I listen to Senator Obama's comments and he was right. It might hurt but the truth always does.

The lady how help those who are ill has a beautiful voice and a loving heart. Isn't it strange how this lady can help some many and color never comes to mine.

The people of America need help now and color shouldn't matter either.

It was glad to hear about the gas prices and why there so high as it was so obvious for such a long time. Good report on the housing market as we are already have a 10 Trillion dollar debt and as reported with the housing problem just add 5 Trillion more. Brian the problems we see today were visible 6 years ago but with the White House setting up the Propaganda Department people didn't see it coming.

Now to Iran. Look Israel showed off their Nukes given by the US and now Iran is doing the same. North Korea did their thing and laughed about it. All this is happening as no World Leader wants to deal with a US President who doesn't tell the truth. The G8 Summit was a waste of time for the US. President Bush has shown little to no respect to the World Leaders and is a poor example for youth to follow. Now as the that price of Oil. Brian most of the Law Makers have shares in oil for profit and even the Judges and other friends of this Administration are getting fat profit shares while milking the American people. Look most to the Law Makers wont stop this because their making big bucks. Our Supreme Court Justices have their oil shares and living large. It's called the haves and the have not's.

Have a great evening all

Best to my friends Lisa, Laural, Stephanie, Claudia, Anne and Matt.

PS: I love talking about all of my friends on this blog and all of you are in my heart as I vacation with Peaches.

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Matt C Mechanicsburg — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 02:10:12 GMT

I don't understand why the report on Phil Gramm's gaffe and McCain's reaction ended with a quote about how the whole uproar benefitted McCain. McCain's advisors said that the attention "ended up giving McCain a bigger megaphone to claim that he gets it."

I've been a news junky all my life and I've never heard such ridiculous spin before. How did the McCain campaign manage to get something as dumb as that on TV?

Instead of repeating the campaign spin, why wasn't the campaign asked if Gramm had ever advised McCain that the economic problems Americans perceive aren't real? Did McCain listen to that advice? If McCain thinks the advice is out of line, why does he keep Gramm on as his lead economic advisor?

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J Burke, Los Alamitos CA — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 02:16:06 GMT

No mention of Karl Rove's decision to ignore a Congressional supoena? Or did I miss something tonight?

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francine hardaway, half moon bay, Ca — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 03:08:52 GMT

I have always loved the fact that you take the time to blog, and that in your blog you are authentic. I wonder if you could go further into social media and attract a younger audience.

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Dana Roberts, Guelph, ON, Canada — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 04:42:06 GMT

Mr. Williams,
I just want to let you know what an inspiration you are to me. I am an aspiring journalist and I am the news anchor of my school's live television announcements. I am a 15 year old boy, about to turn 16 years of age in August, living in Ontario, Canada. It is my greatest passion in life to one day have one of the seats of an anchor at an NBC News Program: Nightly News, Today, or Meet the Press. I would LOVE to have your job. You are an incredible journalist and one who defines the term correctly: trusting, reliable, and one who connects with his viewers. You are second to none at your job and I hope that you know what an inspiration you are to an aspiring journalist such as myself. Hopefully one day I will have an opportunity to speak with you because I know speaking to you would teach me more then almost any other experience would. I could learn soooo much from somebody in your shoes. Thank you Mr. Williams for all that you do on a daily basis. Your Newscast is awesome!!!

Dana

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Derek H. Muyskens — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 05:55:48 GMT

Mr. Williams, I seem to be getting the signals from your Blog that you are longing to revisit a passion that once was an important part of your life. Lemme tell ya, from my own experience, life is too short, so if it make's you feel good, grab your gear, and hop back on the truck as a volunteer again from time to time. Also don't let the chair @ 30 Rock keep you from getting out into the street like today. It's good for the soul.

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Rod Wiltshire, Orlando, Florida — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 13:29:30 GMT

Brian,

Congratulations on a new record for Nightly News - 45 seconds on overseas news - Iran missile launches! Perhaps the program should be renamed "The Nightly US News and Medical Magazine Program.

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Cyndi Hayes, Terry, MS — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:02:04 GMT

How do i subscribe to the blog?

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Maxine MacPherson, Boston, MA — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 17:19:39 GMT

Nice to read that you enjoy your job so much. Have been reading a book by your colleague, Richard Engel (Journal) and it is the most depressing book I've read in a long time. Not because of his views on the war and what went wrong (I have long thought the war was wrong) but because it is like witnessing someone slide into semi-consciousness. His feeling of doom and having no where to go by a war zone to report from is very sad, esp. in someone so young.
Sure hope NBC springs for PTS counseling for him before its to late! Maybe he can learn to love work - or anything?

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Plus 15, Los Angeles Ca. — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 22:49:13 GMT

Ted Knight Williams
NBC News
NY
Dear Ted,
Your conflating the McCain / Phil Gramm story with the Obama / Jesse Jackson story which are in no way similar, one reason being Gramm is a major player and surrogate for McCain, was typical of your personal right wing "subtle" political framing. As a news reader also holding the vaunted title Editor in Chief you are so out of your league it's amazing. You're lucky you bent to the Jack Welch concessions in favor of Bush /Rove. You're an embarrassment.
Phil Gramm actually gave voice to the philosophical foundation of modern Republicans, a philosophy meant to destroy the work of our founding fathers and the loyal Americans who followed. You covered it up when your actual job is to hold it up to the light and expose it.
Today in Doonesbury Gary Trudeau did a strip thats got your crap down to a "T".
Watched you the last primary night on screen with Matthews, Olbermann and Russert talk about a know nothing wow you really stood out in your empty suit and empty brain.
God save America from shmoo's like you.

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Dr. James R. Lucie — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 04:27:28 GMT

I am trying to locate the message board for MSNBC and hsd no luck so I will use this one. The Keith Ohlberman Show evening of 15 July '08 was filled in by a Ms. Rachel ?
I have never heard a more acidic or sarcastic attack on a presidential candidate or his wife than she did on John McCain. I am an independent, neither left or right and had it been Obama instead I would have been similarly outraged. MSNBC should not besmirch its good name by allowing someone like her to use up an hour with her needless and senseless denigration of two quality people. Her verbal attack on Cindy McCain was especially unwarranted. Most everyone is aware of the tremendous good Ms. McCain has done for the poor and afflicted. If Ms. Rachel thought she was being cute she was sadly mistaken. There is no place for her on the airways and MSNBC has damaged its image and reputation. Surely you could have found someone better than her to fill in for Keith.

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Pete, Tenefly, N.J. — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:21:28 GMT

If your unaware,

Local New Jersey TV has turned you off. MSNBC is unavalable.

The facts seem reasonable enough to understand.

Your "Odd Balls," present a convoluted set of events that label viewers as radical right wing extremists.

My suggestion is to get rid of them.

Pete