Friday Factor

Laura Harrison, Newport News, VA — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 22:31:57 GMT

"My son and I have tickets to the New York Giants victory over the Washington Redskins on Sunday night."

Excuuuuuuse me? There will be no victory over the Redskins Sunday night. Brian, start getting used to hearing "Touchdown, Redskins!" because you'll be hearing that a lot...as well as "Eli Manning sacked!" or "Eli Manning intercepted!"

You just wait.

(I hope you know how difficult it is to trash talk as a Redskins fan...I hope y'all enjoy the game.)

Friday Factor

james benton,savannah,ga. — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 23:53:21 GMT

i have a question about the enviroment for mr. williams. would there be a email site i could send it to him.I WOULD LIKE HIM TO AT LEASE READ IT.

Friday Factor

James Novotny Covington, TN — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 00:24:01 GMT

Who is the genius who decided that, in your story about Starbucks drive-through, the person in front of another person in line would know how much to pay for the person BEHIND him?

And Brian, you spend about .001 percent of your broadcast on Stocks, which are so widely heald today, that it's a sin not to give 'em more time. People have 401(k)s, IRAs, personal accounts, etc., and yet you give just a passing comment on the daily result. Tsk, tsk.

Jim Novotny
jrnovo@excite.com

Friday Factor

Lisa McNeil,Alpharetta,Georgia — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 00:37:55 GMT

Good Evening Mr.Williams,First of all I really hope you and your son have a terrific time at the New York Giants versus Washington Redskins football game on Sunday night. I hope it is a good game and I will think of you and your son as you sit in the seats somewhere in the crowded stadium. HAVE FUN! AND KEEP WARM!! I'm sure Mr.Karins will have no problem accelerating the storm just for you. Of course he knows people. I just don't think the weather is going to cooperate with him. On another note the exchange of e-mails you had with the young commander in Iraq does put things into perspective. They are all such brave and dedicated soldiers. We should think of them now at this season and always throughout the year. Also thank you for the history lesson about who was the last man to walk on the moon. I really liked his statement it is so very poignant and true. Now on to the broadcast. The report by Ian Willams about the Sundardan Islands and the fact these islands may be gone in 20 years seems just incredible and devasting for the people who live there. With the sea levels rising and storms that occur in that area it would appear to be a very urgent crisis. One hears about climate change so much now, but one doesn't realize how much it effects humanity and animals all over the planet. Hoefully something can be done. Regarding the generous act at Starbucks by that gentleman. I think it was wonderful and I am glad that other people followed suit. It is a great example of the spirit of the season. Maybe it will catch on at the Starbucks near my work. Finally, with response to the e-mails you read on the broadcast. I realize that you are not trying to sell this kind of lightbulb to us and if you didn't mention GE that is okay with me. I know that GE is the parent company of NBC and because isn't the building you work in called the GE Building. Anyway. thank you for the broadcast Mr.Williams. Have a wonderful weekend! Keep warm and be careful travelling to the football game on Sunday!! And I will listen to the new voice of NBC introductions on Monday. Peace to all!!

Friday Factor

eric, Longmeadow, MA — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 01:26:55 GMT

Good evening mr. Williams
I am flying home Sunday to Hartford, CT and there expecting this big snowstorm. It amazes me that in fact our airlines are not messed up yet. In just a few weeks ago on The Nightly News you were talking about delays and not enough agents. I just hope I make it home peaceful for the holiday's.

Friday Factor

Ralph Foster 13705 w Marshall ave Litchfield Park AZ 85340 — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 01:30:20 GMT

Brian, how can you defend GE for anything? Is this not the company that repeatedly loses court rulings on poluting the Hudson river and avoids fixing the problem by appealing? The same company that stopped their news division from airing a story on the tobaco industry because they owned an interest? How can you?

Friday Factor

Michael Schena, Wolfeboro, NH — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 02:36:40 GMT

Mr. Williams, following up on the MLB scandal, perhaps including an airtight clause in every player's contract requiring them to return all monetary compensation if they use any banned drugs. This would be an appropriate incentive not to risk cheating.

Friday Factor

Jennifer Godfrey, Snohomish WA — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 02:38:59 GMT

JAVA JOY! First time? NOT SO!!!
For your information- "the pay it backward" has been going on for more than a year in the Seattle area! Home of Starbucks!! This is nothing knew to us Washingtonians. We could not believe our ears when you reported this last night as if this is just now a South Florida man's act of generosity. What a joke- we just don't report every act of kindness to the local news. Please research prior to announcing this on the national news!! I personally have been the recipient of the very same act of kindness twice over a year ago. How frustrating to have it reported as a first time act.
Look West prior to reporting from the East- please. :)

Friday Factor

Stephanie Umbro, Maine — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 02:46:23 GMT

I was thinking that your confidence about the Giants/Skins game is quite... admirable, Brian, but not far fetched. Let's face it: the Giants have done better this year than the Redskins. Let's just hope its the GIANTS that win and not the JETS, because the Patriots are going to kick their wings yet again... because they can and usually do. My brother-in-law would much appreciate another Redskins win, however. He's really getting irate watching my sister's Patriots tear through the league. It will be interesting to see how many games get hit by this w/e storm!

Friday Factor

Jackie Rawlings Riverside California — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 03:37:08 GMT

Great show as usual Brian. I have a picture of the Christmas Tree on my cell phone, my daughter was there yesterday.

I noticed that other candidates feel an apology is enough to end a mistake yet for Hillary it's not enough. Obama did use drugs as he noted in his book and yes this will be used against him if he is the Dem. Candidate. Bill Clinton's pass was used and some Journalist are still reporting it today. Now George W. Bush didn't have the problem of his pass DUI, drinking without a 12 step program or even the fact he left the service as his unit was shipped off to Vietnam, because FOX news and the Press kept that out of the public eye.

I remember Mr. Hunts story of the 20 years for a crime he didn't commit. He is a true Christian to forgive as he follows God with actions behind the words. I don't know how I feel or what I would do. Twenty years of a person's life and a sorry with 300,000 dollars. How many other men are in jail who are innocent or even died who weren't guilty. I look at my youngest daughter and think twenty years without her as she only 25 years old. If I left her at 5 years old and I came back twenty years later I wouldn't know her. I wonder how the people who allowed this to happen feel as they have enjoyed their twenty years.

Friday Factor

Lurlene Toole, Columbia, South Carolina — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 05:23:50 GMT

I"m sorry Brian but I am going to have to block you. At least until after the primaries. If Andrea Mitchell, your senior correspondant is going to do the reporting on Hillary I just can't take it. Her bias was so one- sided during the Clinton presidency and I hoped we had heard the last of her "reporting."

Friday Factor

Norman Charles, NYC — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 09:08:33 GMT

Thank you for your Friday story about the Florida man who started a chain reaction at a Starbucks drive-thru by paying for the coffee of the person behind him. Meanwhile, that night's broadcast did not cover a single story from Europe, South America, Africa, Eastern Asia or the Middle East. But at least we are now aware of the breaking news that's going on at a Starbucks in Florida. Keep up the good work.

Friday Factor

Jun Nishihara, Japan — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 09:45:43 GMT

Tonight's broadcast was my favorite (next to that one with background rain from Cleveland). The reason why it's my favorite is, A. the 'random acts of kindness story' from Miami. I truly believe if every one of us acts and thinks that way every day in our lives, there will be no war. And that'd be, truly, a great thing. B. the 'making a difference' segment. And it is quite self-evident why it was one of my favorite stories this week. Thanks for the broadcast as "always", Brian, and have a good weekend!

Friday Factor

Shelby, Los Angles — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 12:23:29 GMT

Great story about the Starbucks! Is that the second situation? I thought I heard about another case earlier in the week. I could be confused. But regardless, what a great gesture. It actually happened to a friend of mine at a Starbucks in AZ.

About New Orleans - yes, that is very sad about the increase in homelessness. But might I ask why they came back? If they did not have the money or resources to create a home there again, why return? I lived there for 5 years and it was a depressed city then. I feel that people there are using "Katrina" as an excuse. All the times I have traveled back to Louisiana, those who are strong and were deeply affected by the storm have recovered. Many of my friends have come back on top. It just shows that if you have the will, you can make it happen. I wish those in New Orleans would quit looking for handouts and take some responsibility.

Very sad about Global Warming.

Have fun at the game, bundle up and enjoy your time with your son!

Friday Factor

Gigs Rowland, Des Moines, IA — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 16:14:36 GMT

Brian, we look forward to your broadcast each night. It is a comfort to know that another day has been lived and enjoyed. No one brings us the joys and the sorrows of each day the way that you do. But in the telling, there is always (that word again) the promise that the joys may be shared and the sorrows may be alleviated. We are all better for having spent a half hour with you.

There will be much ado about Iowa in the next 2 weeks. We have had a full measure of winter these past 2 weeks. The impact of the weather on the political process may be enormous. For us in Des Moines, the recent ice storms were mostly an annoyance that made for some lovely pics, shared as follows:

www.pbase.com/gazeboy96/icestorm07

Just FYI, our Brenton Skating Plaza boasts that it is bigger than your rink at 30 Rock. We'll expect to see some skaters on caucus night.

Gigs Rowland
Des Moines, IA

Friday Factor

Joe Giusto, Warren,RI — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 16:36:20 GMT

Dear Brian Williams:
Friday, you reported on the plight of the Sundardan Islands and that "global warming" was the cause of rising sea water to such a degree in that particular spot on earth. What about the fact that the earth's crust is constantly mobile..heaving and sinking...and affecting that geographical area in such an adverse way? Possible, huh?
No question, global warming is fact, but we shouldn't label all natural phenomenoms as products of it, should we?

Friday Factor

Celine JC-NJ — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 17:14:33 GMT

Brian and Martin-

Thank you for calling attention to the plight of the homeless in New Orleans.

A city so dependent on tourism will ALWAYS have large numbers of service workers who in turn will require large numbers of low and moderate cost RENTAL apartments. The emphasis so far on housing recovery in New Orleans has been rebuilding privately owned dwellings. WHEN you hear about rental housing, it is about apartment blocks being demolished, not rebuilt or replaced.

It has been reported that about one-third of the homeless living in tents outside city hall are WORKING poor who cannot find affordable homes in which to live.

And now FEMA will exacerbate the crisis by beginning the eviction of people from their trailers. Merry Christmas folks!

Government at all levels continues to fail the people of New Orleans. I am not suggesting that government solve the problem by throwing money at it. Government has many tools at its disposal to grease the skids and effect positive change.

It would seem a concerted effort - both public and private - needs to be mounted to solve the rental housing crisis in New Orleans. Otherwise some 12,000 people are going to have a very unhappy and hopeless New Year.

P.S. Hey Stephanie--somebody has to take down the Pats and sometimes those things happen when you least expect them! Wishful thinking on my part!

Friday Factor

Louisiana 1976 — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 17:16:59 GMT

Dear Brian,

Thanks so much for airing last night Martin Savidge's gripping piece on New Orleans' homelessness crisis and the demolitions controversy. I was surprised when you said it was out of your New Orleans Bureau because I'd been informed by someone on the ground there that it had been closed.

Back to the homeless--I hope this is an issue "Nightly" will stay on, because much more needs to be done to make affordable housing available to these people who are still in a world of hurt nearly 28 months after Katrina. And since it was the failure of the federally-maintained levees that made them homeless in the first place, the feds should step up to the plate and help out--and with something better and more permanent than those FEMA trailers which turned out to be dangerous.

And on a different topic--enjoy your game!

Friday Factor

CM Fox — Sat, 15 Dec 2007 18:19:21 GMT

Saturday, Dec 17, 2007
Brian Brian Brian:
For the last 2 nights now you have lead with the weather and sports! ARghhhhhhh! Enough. Please STOP IT!

A snow storm in December is NOT NEWS! The baseball steroid issue is only slightly more newsworthy then Britney and Paris H. It does not deserve a top spot 2 nights running.

Please return to the real news.

Thank you.
The Fox Family in Oregon, where our rain and high winds are also NOT news.

Friday Factor

T. Roberts Galveston TX — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 04:44:21 GMT

Brian-that medallion from the Army shows me that you have a million times the love for America than Keith Olbermann. Thanks

Friday Factor

John Teeter. Minnesota — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 17:08:27 GMT

Brian....,

It is beyond my understanding why the media of which you are a most visible and significant part choose to, or, at least be party to shared commentary on the part of meterologists who eternally lambaste, complain etc., etc., ad nauseum at winter weather that comes in the form of snowfall. I honestly scratch my head as to why the media complain ("doom and gloom") snowfall so vigorously.

Why is that?

Sure, 12"+ of snow can disrupt transportation and public convey. And let's be candid, commercial transportation IS critical within this once great nation. Yet, I do recall when both winter and snowfall was not met with such contempt and complaint by the all-knowing and perfect media as it is today which, in turn, manifests increasing contempt (read: stupidity) on the part of the highly influential public. When I grew-up, in a most renowned winter region, all media personnel would report on any snowfall in an upbeat and receptive manner which precipitated (no pun intended) a positive countenance and acceptance on the part of the public. And people there were intelligent enough to know when winter comes you put on snow tires so you won't be caught spinning your wheels in snow. For some crazy reason today all we ever see on the news are all these intelligent people with spinning wheels in snow. Care to comment on that? Right up there with the lack of lifeboats aboard the Titanic..........
I guess that in keeping with my obvious ignorance I am living in the past and should get with the proverbial plan and take a decidedly negative attitude toward winter, above all snow. We should all be so lucky to live in Mexico, I guess. Actually, we increasingly are doing just that. By the way, how's your Latino - "Spanish"? Mine's dreadfully bad - with conviction.

Friday Factor

G. Kulman, Louisuana — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 22:31:58 GMT

Dear Brian,

It does seem that you and your staff have succumbed to the hype of sensationalism and the ignoring of fact by picking up the "Urban Legend" of the New Orleans public housing situation.

Your coverage can best be described in the opening paragraph in today's Times-Picayune where they state that "... the national media moved beyond perception and into the realm of demonstrable falsehood...".

It might just behoove you and your staff to read the full article and then independentlyt learn the facts before you continue to promulgate lies and distorsions.

A number of articles can be found on the Times-Picayune website wt www.nola.com

Friday Factor

Maggie Prue — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 23:39:28 GMT

Hello Brian. I like the way you deliver the news but I find your sign off patronizing. The words "as always" make me turn the channel. How about Good Night period or something less cutesy. Thanks-not as always. Maggie- California

Friday Factor

Maureen, Atlanta — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 00:28:16 GMT

I agree with Lurlene Toole! Andrea's one-sided bias reporting is the main reason I change the chanel from NBC news. She been like this for years! She works best on Chris Matthew's show where she can share her opinion.

She is not a reporter, clearly.

Friday Factor

Mikey in Chicagah — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 00:59:28 GMT

I second John Teeter's remarks regarding the media , in this case, demonizing 5 inches of snow in the parking lot at Harriman State Park in "Upstate" New York. This is in the hills/mountains, where believe it not, it snows. They actually showed the plowed snow in the parking lot, while I being from Chicago, thought to myself, "what a bunch of Pu$$ies New Yorkers must be. If that reporter isn't a "B-Ark'er", I eat yellow snow.

Friday Factor

Amanda - Ridgewood, NJ — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 15:24:35 GMT

Brian,
Could you make another weather request? I would love to have a white Christmas but the snow needs to come down only on the grassy areas and trees, not on sidewalks and roads. Can you work on that for me? :)

Friday Factor

Doriel Wyler, Mount Sinai,NY — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 03:21:02 GMT

BRIAN WILLIAMS i know you can not read everything BUT You did a story today on the east storm and shot to Buffalo To Michelle Franzen ...I tried to send an email to her as I was a fellow employee (so to speak) with her in San Francisco .....served her alot of tea and coffee at KRON NEWS 4 SanFrancisco Just wanted to say hello as I too is/are living in NY?? why because ?? Still in touch folkers there Anna Duckworth and Liza in the main room My email: wylerdoriel@hotmail.com Just forward message would be fine. Doriel (coffee women) Wyler

Friday Factor

Bruce R. Sebrian from Rocklin, California — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 22:34:05 GMT

To Brian Williams:

Yesterday, you mentioned that the former announcer for "NBC Nightly News" had retired two years ago!

So my question to you is this: When you are NOT in New York and the announcer says: "Reporting tonight from Cleveland" or, "Reporting tonight from Chicago", were these messages all pre-recorded to reflect where you thought you might be reporting from in the future? Does my question make any sence to you?

Bruce Sebrian (Sea-bre-an)

P.S. As a point of information to you (and like you really care), I live near Sacramento.