E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSS
Recently here in New York (in fact, right across the street from our newsroom) Christie's auction house sold off some of the last remnants of the long-ago empire of Roy Rogers. While some Americans only know the name from a fast-food roast beef place on the Jersey Turnpike, older folks remember the hold he had on popular culture. As Elton John later chronicled in a song of the same name, Americans came to know Roy, his wife Dale, his trusty steed Trigger and his dog, Bullet.
Recently, the Roy Rogers Museum was forced to close, and it meant a sad ending for some of these icons. Trigger, stuffed in a reared-back pose forever, was sold for $266,500. Roy's dog Bullet went for $35,000. On the day after the auction, Peter Blank, one of our veteran studio cameramen, was walking through Christie's building and saw a familiar face sticking out of a crate. He took the photo I've included here, which is as shocking at first glance as it was for poor Peter to see. Peter—who is of a certain age—remembers Bullet in his prime, running alongside Roy and Trigger, anxious for the next adventure. Sadly, it seems, not even in death is there dignity for Bullet, who below is recorded forever, looking hopefully for his Master...before being sent to a new home. For Bullet's sake, we can only hope it’s a loving home.
It was a big Sunday night on television. While I'm still sorting out my feelings on “Mad Men” (and compiling a list of continuity errors), I can sum up my reaction to “Entourage” in one sentence: Turtle, did you really think you were invited to Mexico for your vast business knowledge, rapier wit, crackling intelligence and skills as a raconteur? And just today, driving to the City from the Jersey Shore, I saw a billboard for the same brand of tequila. It was all a product placement stunt. We were all victims. Same as Turtle.
We hope you can join us for the broadcast tonight.
Leave a Comment:
Hi, Brian.
Welcome back. I've noticed that on your days off and on weekends, Lester Holt (or whomever your substitute happens to be) seems to be broadcasting not from your usual studio, but in front of a green screen made to look like your studio. Among the backgrounds used, there's even a still picture of an empty NBC newsroom (heaven forfend that Mr. Holt is the only one in the office, even on weekends).
Assuming there's a compelling reason not to use the usual, lovely set on weekends -- budgetary? Intensive cleaning following five days of spilled coffees and pastries? -- may I ask why the green screen set is made to look just like the real one? Surely there's no compelling reason for us viewers to be duped into thinking the broadcast location is the same as usual, when really it isn't.
I'm a big fan of NBC News and am grateful for your broadcast and all the work that goes into it. Thanks so much for that.
Marshall
That dog looks so real ! ! !
I definitely remember Dale and Roy Rogers, your mention of Trigger being mounted and stuffed reminds me of a joke that Jane Curtin told more than 20 years ago on Saturday Night Live, since I don't want to lose the privilege of blogging here I will not repeat it, but I do have a sneaky suspicion Mr. Williams that you probably remember it yourself. Sorry you didn't post on Friday, I have a feeling that if you did you would've mentioned the "Rangel/Russert interview", I'm sure you probably spoke with him directly, but was looking forwarding to reading your views on it.
Dear Brian Williams,
I was invited to address the 2010 graduates of Lyme Central School. It's a small school - one building of about 250 students in grades preK - 12 - located on the eastern shore of Lake Ontario in Chaumont, NY. (quite a bit farther away from Manhattan than my dreams want me to be). I'm the 6th grade teacher, and it was truly an honor and a privilege to speak to our 25 graduates. In preparing my message, I watched a number of commencement speeches on the internet. I was studying delivery and verifying the uniqueness of my content. The Seniors gave me my main focus as a result of their Senior Prank: Under Construction.
I watched your address to the graduates of Notre Dame - your words were honest, passionate, and inspiring. I admit I envied your 25 minutes of talk time (I was limited to less than 5 because it's hot and uncomfortable in the gym) and your chance to stand on a Catholic platform. Even though I was not in the audience, I have taken your words to heart.
It is obvious the weight of the world news rests heavily on your shoulders. Remember to follow the advice you gave the graduates.
Lorraine Caramanna
Brian,
I think bin Laden is around Pakistan too which means he has his own country with a bomb which should
keep us all awake at night.
I am a big fan of the Rolling Stones and cannot see them in rocking chairs, unless they are singing Rock and Roll. I want to see INCEPTION as I am into dream interpretation.
Have a nice evening
Phyllis
Hey Phyllis
My pals saw INCEPTION..O..everyone is gabbing about this movie..heard, though it is hard to follow.
A blogger mentions NBC studios and why the change when Brian is off..Yea..what is the deal..?
Unfortunately, due to a time limit..pals will skip NBC tour..don't want to tour without pals..no fun in that..but we plan to hit Manhattan, early Thursday morn..O..that bridge..on "Nightly" tonight..moving around like that..
Phyllis..so many good NBC stories / Brian's and NBC blogs to read..will tonight. Boy..the gossip shows are obsessed with the Clintons' wedding..
Happy for them..and that is what life should be..happiness.
"Life is given to be enjoyed."
Learned today that there is toxic drilling mud..and Hayward denied this, once as existing..
Back to the wedding..2 million dollars..and Americans are suffering financial woes!!...C'mon!..Clintons..rethink....
So love MSNBC!!!!!!
Good Evening Mr.Williams, Another fine broadcast this evening. Hope you had a nice weekend! seeing this picture of Roy Roger's dog "Bullet" one hopes he has found a nice home. The face looks like he is really longing for his master. It is sad to see him packed in a crate, but one does hope he has found a loving home to reside.
Now on to the broadcast. First of all the report by Mr.Miklaszewski about the secret documents now leaked out to the public concerning the war in Afghanistan. It is staggering to think of 92,000 pages of information all covering the battles each day, the deaths of insurgents,civilians, US Troops and so many other events. Statements saying the ISI was working with the taliban in Pakistan are trying to be denied by officials in Pakistan, but the White House states thatr Pakistan is driving out the taliban and progress in being made in the region. One can agree there is corruption in the government in Afghanistan and the US Military Commanders asking for resources has been stated many times. With a breakdown in security it does place the US Military at considerable risk especially with more US Troops headed to the region.
The report by Andrea Mitchell told of a breakdown in diplomacy as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton met with officials in Pakistan. There is a trust deficit and the support is shaky with the region. The objectives in Afghanistan need to be clearly stated since the more US Troops sent to the region just fuels the insurgency. It is urgent to get the policy right.
On another note the report by Michelle Kosinski from Venice,LA showed how progress is being made in keeping more oil from spewing into the Gulf. The containment cap still holding on the well is good news, yet the fishermen cleaning up the Gulf and seeing dead birds in places still brings to mind there is alot of oil still out in the waters and much one cannot see. One hopes the static kill being done next week will finally kill the well permanently.
The "Making A Difference" segment by Mr.Cowan from Wyoming about the program "Operation Purple" was especially nice. The military families with loved ones on multiple deployments need a chance to make nice memories and be a family by spending wonderful times together. It is so hard to get back into family life after so many deployments and this program seems to be helping families start new memories with activities like canoeing, hiking and all kinds of things dealing with the outdoors. The scenery is breathtaking and looks so peaceful. A time to heal and come together as a family.
A nice piece!
Thank You for the broadcast Mr.Williams. 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 Well Richard!
Take Extra Good Care Richard and Crew!
XOXO
Lisa
It's a dead dog in a box! Ugh! I hope someone gives that poor guy a proper burial. Guessing not, for that much money.
There's still a Roy Rogers restaurant on the east side of Cincinnati. I used to go to some of the other locations as a kid, but haven't ventured into the one remaining establishment. I don't want to spoil my memory of it.