Hi Meredith! I enjoy watching you and your collegues every morning - you all are SUPER!!! However, I really feel sorry for Hoda getting stuck with Kathy Lee. She sure doesn't deserve that!!!!! What were they thinking when they hired Kathy Lee? Anyway, wanted to let you know that at our house we love everyone - except Kathy Lee!!! Thanks for making the mornings more enjoyable!!!!

Hoda is the one who asked Kathie Lee to join her, right? They seem to get along quite well.

Hi Meredith!!

I just have to say I love watching you in the mornings. You, Matt, Ann & Al all seem to have a great bond which helps to make the show so enjoyable! Keep up the great work!
Now you have me curious...hmmm. Wonder what that monkey could be? Can't wait for your post tomorrow.

You are an inspiring woman and a true mom! (I have two little girls 4 & 2) As you can imagine, enough time does not seem to exist! I can't even imagine them driving at this point!!

I wanted to share with you the most inspiring story I have read... It be released in May... Have you heard of the first world class opera singer to emerge from China, Tian Hao Jiang. www.tianhaojiang.com

This book is essential as we approach the 2008 olympics. It paints a beautiful picture of how a child survived the cultural revolution in Communist China and now sings at the Met with Damingo! This beautiful story of hope and courage will touch you and his passionate singing will melt you.

I believe this is the kind of story you would want your viewers to hear about! If you would like to read the book, I could send you a copy!

Kind Regards,

Becky Lew
beckylew@cox.net

www.tianhaojiang.com

PH: 949-387-3111
CELL: 949-939-8874

Review in Publishers Weekly

Along the Roaring River: My Wild Ride from Mao to the Met Hao Jiang
Tian with Lois B. Morris, foreword by Robert Lipsyte. Wiley, $27.95
(320p) ISBN 978-0-470-05641-7


Together with Morris, a New York Times music writer, celebrated
operatic bass Hao Jiang Tian tells the colorful story of how he became
the first world-class Western opera singer from China. In Beijing,
separated from his parents (both military officer/musicians whose
Communist loyalties were under suspicion), Tian chafed against the
artistic restrictions of China's Cultural Revolution. "Everything
natural became unnatural," he writes. Tian is 20 before he discovers
his singing voice, and he is 30—having played accordion, studied Verdi
and attended an American college on scholarship—by the time he sings
at the Metropolitan Opera in 1991. Tian's adventures are driven by
pluck, yuan (fate) and romance, and spun with a raconteur's skill, the
narrative's chronological rush spiked with apt foreshadowing,
flashbacks and endearing humor. His insider's take on the rigors of
operatic training and backstage blowups, along with his career details
(roles from Mephistopheles to poet Li Bai) and name-dropping
(Pavarotti, Domingo), are a fan's delight. Most remarkable, however,
is the way that Tian's concern for family and country, along with the
details of his life in music, create a metaphor for an emerging
self-awareness. (May)

Review in Library Journal

A Red Star and photo of the cover and these words:

"As the first native Chinese opera singer to achieve renown outside his country, Tian brings a unique perspective to the cultural divide between China and the West. His journey from teenage factory worker to choral member of Beijing's Central Philharmonic Society to graduate student in Denver to sought-after opera star is so riveting and filled with fascinating detail that it reads like a page-turning novel. Indeed, Tian's outsize personality resembles that of many of the characters he portrays on
the stage. The writing throughout is without pretense and almost artless in its directness, yet it resonates with humanity, candor, and passion. All opera fans as ell as readers interested in the social and political
history of China will be captivated by this inspirational book. Highly
recommended.”

It was tough to watch the show today. I have been a fan for many many years. And enjoyed the fact that you joined the team. Today as the co-hosts commented, "what a beautiful family", the Bush family is, I felt betrayed.

In this day and age with his approval ratings and many families shattered by his terms in office. It was the first time in years I was disappointed with show.

Dear Meredith: I know this is unrelated to this current post, but I can not stand another minute thinking about something you said earlier this week on air. I watch your show religiously and generally think you are a fantastic addition to it. However, what were you thinking when you used the term "white trash" on live television? Did you mean to imply that all black people are trash and that white people who are in your opinion poor or unrefined need a special qualifier? I will give you the benefit of the doubt and assume you are insouciant, rather than racist: your lack of sensitivity and poor command of the English language is astonishing. Don't you think you owe the American public an on-air explanation of your derogatory comment?

Thank you,

JC

I feel the same way you do, Georgia, I think they should have Meredith give Kathy Lee some lessons on kindness.

J C you have got to be kidding, what is wrong with some of you anyway. You must sit there and pick apart every word and phrase that Meredith says. Get a life already.

Because of the rainy weather It's gonna be a wet monkey this week.

Meredith - you're so kewl! Love the Zoob!!!

I also love that you've gotten 2 for 2 on Matt with his "Where in the World is Matt Lauer" series. You go, girl!

Have not visited your blog in a while. It's great to return and catch up. I still watch you and Matt just about every morning! You guys are GREAT! Al and Ann are too!

Happy Spring!