Just a reminder... From the boss

Brian Williams, anchor and managing editor

I keep saying it, but its true: its as if Mother Nature sent us a friendly reminder that while we may fancy ourselves masters of the skies -- masters of the universe, for that matter -- she is still very much in charge.  We live and die, move around or stay put -- at her whim and order. While we are hoping initial reports are true that the ash plume is clearing and flights will resume, its had a palpable effect on this city. I met people on Sunday who are stranded here, and I just today heard of an executive who booked passage to Portsmouth last week because she had a business meeting to attend in London.  We're back to living in the 1920's.  Just the way Mother Nature apparently wants it.

My thanks to the loyal viewers (and emailers) who came out to see me at a public appearance in New York last night, and my thanks to the good folks at the Matrix awards for celebrating achievement today, and helping along 19 spectacular college students with scholarships and mentoring.

Speaking of good works: Those of you who saw our Friday night Making A Difference segment saw the urgent call we put out to help a dying hospital in Haiti.  Your generosity has made us proud to know you once again.  Tonight we will have the updated figure on the dollar amount received since that story aired, and it is staggering.  Thank you.

We hope you can join us tonight.