Mr. Williams , why has there been so little coverage of Ayman al Zawahris latest comments.He stated Al Qaedas was responsible for the Democrats success in gaining control of the house and senate. Doesn't this look rather bad for the dems.? I think the main stream media would have been all over it,if the comments referred to the Republicans.

Hi Brian,

I appreciated your article in Time magazine and especially liked the closing lines..."because we are too busy celebrating ourselves and listening to the same tune we already know by heart."

This is true and this is not good, in that if we are ignorant of the reality around us and too absorbed in self-concerns, how can we properly tend to our larger reality in a way that brings about resolve? Because, in effect, we are all collectively contributing to the world-at-large, whether through active participation or withdrawal, the effects of both are tangibly felt.

I would like to offer some hope though. Not all of us use the Internet (and other sources) to live in a bubble that pertains to our personal view. Some of us grew up in the bubble of "this is how reality is because the TV says so" and we realized there was more to life than the polished and edited programs that we took to be absolute truth. We became hungry for "real people" with "real faces" that weren't always beautiful. Why? Because TV became a pseudo reality...but TV is by no means an accurate representation of the life of the individual. Yet, by saturating ourselves with Television, we lost touch with our own reality and began uttering slogans and mantras of other entities because we absolutely worshipped the power bestowed by this "window to the world".

Yet, in every life is a learning curve, and some of us, in a maneuver to balance ourselves, began exploring our options outside of TV to put us in touch with the common man that more closely reflected ourselves--both in appearance and POV. By connecting with them, it woke us up from our coma of TV fed reality-fantasy and helped us locate our individual voices so that we could participate in the events of the world instead of simply being a "viewer". By participating and contributing our individual voices, we now have an impact on the very system that once controlled us...but this time, we're in the drivers seat. If anything, it’s a beautiful process because it brings diversity to a format that has the potential to destroy creativity through homogeneity. When I look back on the programs in my childhood: Brady Bunch, Different Strokes, Facts of Life, etc...such bland and canned humor and morals that vaguely represented my life personally.

Today, TV and the Internet are becoming increasingly "interactive" because we are refusing to swallow something that isn't about us, and is everything about someone else's profit, or idea, or perception. In short, we have woken up! Does this insistence on the individual POV threaten Democracy...yes, I can see that angle—too many voices, too much chaos. But, what about what we had before, the homogeneity?—too little voices, too little variation. Does this not also threaten Democracy? I say it does. So, in my belief, we all need to pursue our individual paths, but with great awareness and regard for mankind--a balancing act.

I'll mention in closing, that, at any given moment, turn on the TV and you are liable to find a hearty prevalence of violence, sex, and greed (to mention a few). Some of us have turned drastically away from the TV that once babysat us when young because we are now awake and asking..."where in this contraption is to be found the beauty of the human heart (without commercial interruption)?” Yet, if I go on Youtube, for example, and see a regular person, a regular face, speaking from their heart--with no intention of profit or ratings, a person just being who they are…they are not hired to be there or to "pitch something", what they say often warms my heart because it is a simple exchange with no strings attached. And then I realize, "this is what I've always longed for". And then my awakened awareness touches the world around me.

And, I tune in to your show Brian, not just to get the “news”—the latter of which can be conceived of from many angles, but because your genuine approach warms my heart :) And almost makes me forget I’m actually watching TV.

Bear with me for posting again, but I'd like to second something Elizabeth in New Orleans said. I miss Steve Majors' postings, too!

dear brian
i really enjoy your blog for at least the following reasons:
it gives me a heads up on what to expect and how the news was gathered
your sense of humor and committment to the story comes right on through your text
you convey more emotion and more opinion than you can express as network anchor
it gives us all a sense how how much work goes into a newscast
keep up the good work, as i enjoy your broadcast

Brian: Sorry you are not feeling well but you probably should not take an antibiotic with your tea. The chances are pretty good that what you have is viral not bacterial. Too many of us are too quick to ask for an antibiotic & that is why the ones that we currently have are becoming less effective.

I'm glad Donald Trumph gave Tara Conner a second chance. Maybe she can be a better example to younger girls, than Britany Spears and Paris Hilton.

Congratulations for such a fine effort every night. I appreciate your involvement in The Daily Nightly, and the inclusion of viewer comments in your newscasts.

I am curious to know if you are planning on looking into developments in the Katrina recovery efforts in the gulf coast region any time soon? I was impressed with your network’s efforts to cover the story after the storm, even sending Steve Majors to the region and setting up a New Orleans bureau. I miss Majors’ postings, and hope that there will be some sort of update/report over the holidays, either on this blog or on the newscast.

Thank you for all you do.

" Everything I need to know about important news and world events, I learn from Brian Williams on his Daily Nightly blog and the Nightly News ... then, I get the really juicy details from Craig Ferguson on the Late Late Show .... " That is what's printed on the t-shirt given to me from my Secret Santa -- it's just the most perfect gift, 'cuz it's just so true. :-)

Brian ... thank you so much for taking the time and effort to produce this blog. It shows you understand that, in order to understand your viewers, you have to participate in and be a part of the discussion. I have learned much from reading this blog, especially where politics are concerned. You, and the guest bloggers you invite to post, put alot of information here that you couldn't possibly cover in the thirty minutes you have allotted to you each evening. I hope that I have at least a little better understanding of the political "machine" and what keeps it's wheels going -- in spite of your gallant efforts, there is still so much I don't understand; however, it's not your fault that I am hopelessly "politically challenged" :-). As long as important decisions are being made by our elected officials for purely political reasons (and correctness) instead of through a reasonable, logical process of thought, I guess I probably never will. On a more personal note, I appreciate the humor, insight, and tidbits of trivia you bring with you when you post. You seem to be a very private person, so I appreciate even more that you share a little bit about yourself so that I can know you better ... it is always a delight to invite you into my living room every evening, even though much of what your report is not good news. So, I'll have to give you an A+++++++++++ !!!!!

How horribly, horribly sad I feel for those who are praying that their loved ones will be found alive on Mount Hood, especially at this time of year. My dear Uncle Don died suddenly a few weeks ago on Thanksgiving, and my Mom died four years ago on Christmas Day. My heart is with those who are clinging to hope on Mount Hood. I know you will keep us updated.

Brian, I hope you recover quickly from your head cold, and that dear little girl recovers soon from her "shock" (as well as any whales that might have been in the vicinity yesterday). :-)

It is about time that the military is changing its tune with the White House and a rift had to become evident at some time. If Powell's assertion that the army is at the breaking point is true, this supposed rift is timely. Forget that Powell was "sour-grapes" with this White House ever since his resignation. Powell's contention is closer at the heart of the matter because his heart is with the military, closer than the politicians. That said, it becomes more evident why the White House doesn't care for the issue of more troops in Iraq for a stronger push against the militias there. There is no plan for complete control over this matter of insurgency or sectarian violence because what it entails. Bush is looking at a prolonged duration and not a quick fix. The enlarged force suggests a shorter duration and possible ouster of the military force. W. has always intimated a decennial process or longer and duration is key to him. A military force ongoing in Iraq fits his philosophy better than a quick surge of a larger force. The military, like the CIA, have been used poorly and now it will come out. This Bush administration is an abuser and usurper for its limited purposes, unbeneficial to the military or intelligence. This is finally coming forth.

What an inconvenient time to fall ill ahead of the holiday. Hope your voice is back in top shape today. Thank you for the story on music and the boomer generation. At 46 I guess I am a younger boomer. I spend more time and cash on music now than I did in my younger days. I know my parents at the same age were not the consumers of music I havew become. Let's hear it for Mick and the other boomer rockers. Great report.

brian,

My first time on your blog, I learned about it while reading your great page on time this week. I enjoyed reading text from you - A more personal voice, i want to lear how to write like you one day !. all the best.

Just wanted to let you know I enjoyed the piece on Baby Boomers and their fondness for oldies. Being a younger Baby Boomer myself, I do love oldies, especially rock and R&B ones from the late 60's through the 80's. I don't go to concerts because they cost too much and I don't like crowds, but I've quite an oldies collection. I've no interest in getting into computer downloads--I'm sticking to CD's because I've heard that downloaded music doesn't sound as good. Hope you're feeling much better soon!

Just a brief comment on those that consider themselves "professionals". One word to describe the melee' at the basketball game in NY the other evening is "pathetic". This is just another example of why I refuse to watch so-called "professional" sports such as baseball, football and basketball. Between the fight at Madison Square Garden, Terrell Owens spitting at another player and the ongoing Barry Bonds (illegal drugs or not)drama, one should consider where they put their disposeable income. Surely not to line the pockets of these whiner-athletes. The term "hero" is often confused with such freaks of nature that just so happen to be able to slam-dunk a basketball (If I were 7', I should be able to as well!), catch or hit another type of ball. The fact that they feel their 'value' to society is arguing for an astronomical salary is bad enough!What is even worse are the owners and teams allowing them to do so. Certainly, these "professionals" have forgotten how most of the rest of America and the world survive on a 'medium income'. Alas...the real hero's are those that serve here and abroad in our Armed Services. Folks, I didn't do it for money, and I assure you the rest of those in uniform don't either! Wake up America. The real hero's aren't those running up and down a pine floor, a 100 yard grass/artifical turf field or a baseball diamond. They are protecting our borders, our way of life, our democracy so that each and everyone of you can sit in your comfortable little homes eating your twinkies.

Brian,

Nice job "hitting the post" on that baby boomer music tease Monday night. Just as you finished talking, the lyrics kicked in. You, and your audio tech deserve a tip of the cap from the Casey Kasum school of rock radio.

And with that new voice of yours, there may be a late-night classic rock radio show in your future.

Happy holidays from your friends at WKYC in Cleveland.

Brian drink some tea with honey for that voice it works. I enjoyed the show. As a baby boomer I remeber when the Beatles invaded the US in 1964. My parents wouldn't let me go because of the mob of teenagers. My kids made up for what I missed. They brought me a front row seat to James Blunt's concert and I felt like a teenager again. There were alot of us baby boomers there and we had fun singing the songs. I missed the Beatles but I made it to see James Blunt. If you don't know who he is ask one of your kids he's from the UK too. Funny I don't have my afro anymore with the years I have all grey hair. smile

Brian, I really know how you feel. Here in Texas the weather has been so hot one day (80's)to the 30's the next almost everyone where I work has the dreaded disease. I am from the Dallas-Fort Worth area of North Texas, where the dead climber is from. It is sad, but not supprising that he did not survive that long in the weather conditions. I grew up in Nebraska where there were -45 degree windchills and one wore 4 to five layers of clothing just to survive. We all looked like Teddy Bears in the Winter. Hope you feel better and soon. I understand why the person of the year for Time was YOU, as many times that I have posted messages on this and other blogs on the net this year. It should have been us.

Brian<

All we hear about is the killing and bombing in Iraq. We hear nothing about the real reason all of this is happening and that is OIL. Do a piece on how mucn oil is exported to the West and in particular the USA. Who owns the pipelines, who owns the transport ships, the terminals and the refineries. If these are US companies (surprise-surprise !!) name them and how much they have contributed to political campaigns,etc.

As long as the man at the top keeps saying "stay the course" or words to the effect there can be all the changes in generals in the field and secretaries of defense you want the status quo remains the same.

What can Gates do if he doesn't get approval for his plans?

Well, I do have tons to say, mostly giving MY opinion; however, I'M going to need an hour or two to quit giggling over that wonderful, wonderful caricature of You, Brian, as shown on the Time's website accompanying your article. The artist even omitted the top of your head, just like your pic on this blog ... that drawing is just FANTASTIC !!!!

Okay ... I'M off to write MY opinion and MY thoughts about today's blog ... I just know YOU can hardly wait to hear once again from ME, Brian ... :-)

Besides spending more than twice the amount of money on music. The boomers also have twice the rate of alcoholism, drug addiction, and criminal behavior than any other generation.

In a time when newstime is so precious how can you run a story about an NBA brawl and another story about the music that baby boomers like to listen to.Ever hear of Darfur,Somalia and Ethiopia.I feel as though I just wasted my time watching your broadcast.

Brian -
Hope your voice returns to normal soon - liquids are the answer as you've already found out with the tea.

When I read about the Time Person of the Year - it's YOU - I immediately came to the blog and did a search to find the Nov. 14 entry. Thanks for trusting your bloggers with a hint and how great for you to be the source of the Time final choice. I also read your Time essay which again proves that you are an excellent writer. I'll be checking the newsstand for the issue with the 'mirror'.

Don't know if you are a Brian Lamb fan, but I save every Sunday night at 8PM on CSPAN for his hour. Last night was great. Andrew Rosenthal - who will be moving up to Editor of the Editorial Page of the New York Times when Gail Collins goes on book leave and then resumes her column - spoke about his new position and also what it was like to grow up in the Times 'family' during his Father's 40 year career there. There is no better interviewer than Mr. Lamb and Mr. Rosenthal was very responsive and showed a great sense of humor.

I've subscribed to the Times for years and even though I use the website, I have to have the real paper in my hands, and not only for the crossword puzzle.

Get well soon and Congratulations.
Joan Chapman, Cheshire, CT.

I could tell even before I saw you that you weren't well--no fun to have to work through that. My husband, 60 next month, just bought an iPod over the weekend, and boy--did that story make HIM feel better! Thanks, Brian--you are a winner.

The Mt. Hood story did not deserve the amount of coverage you gave it this evening. It's a fairly interesting story with a negligible amount of human consequence for us viewers. I recall an obituary Brian Williams delivered when Peter Jennings passed away in which he said the best way to honor Peter is to stick to covering the stories that impact people, and to pass up the popular stories and pretty pictures that have no business on a network evening newscast. I felt let down this evening.

Brian, the report on the NBA brawl and fines lacked the racist overtones, not that I'm sure what they are...but if the same fight had happened on ice skates in an NHL game, it wouldn't even get reported in the game story. The NBA is obviously concerned about the potential image of its players as street thugs, so they take extraordinary steps. The NHL barely notices when its players fight. There is something to this, perhaps for followup coverage tomorrow? I know there is a point to this somewhere!