Comedian Bernie Mac Dead at the Age of 50 from Complications from Pneumonia

Comedian Bernie Mac has died this morning in Chicago at the age of 50 due to complications from pneumonia. Mac had been hospitalized more than a week with the lung infection and was thought just very recently is have been improving enough to be released from the hospital.

Danica Smith, the comedian’s publicist, had said Thursday that Mac’s condition was “stable,” The Associated Press reported.

“When I got the call this morning, it was just devastating news,” said Chicago Sun-Times columnist Stella Foster. “Let’s face it: Bernie Mac was one of a kind. He was the best of the best in terms of giving you a good laugh.”

Smith previously said the pneumonia wasn’t related to sarcoidosis, a lung disease Mac had, which had been in remission since 2005, according to AP.

Bernie Mac, born Bernard Jeffrey McCollough, sadly is dead at the young age of 50.  Rest in peace Bernie. Although some will bring up the recent Obama event where Bernie Mac made an off color joke that did not sit well with “the Chosen One”, I would rather remember him for his many TV and movie rolls where he was nothing short of hilarious. As Michelle Malkin writes, “That’s a real shame”. Bernie Mac, you will be missed … you were a funny, funny man. God bless.

Statement from publicist, Danica Smith:

“Actor/comedian Bernie Mac passed away this morning from complications due to pneumonia in a Chicago area hospital,”

She said no other details were available and asked that his family’s privacy be respected.

Scared Monkeys Radio Daily Commentary - Monday, July 14, 2008 - Can We Find Another “Good Guy” To Take Tony Show’s Place?

• Dana remembers Tony Snow, and ponders the void left in his absence.

Download and Comment at ScaredMonkeysRadio.Com

Former NY Yankee Star and Broadcaster Bobby Murcer Dies at Age 62 … Rest in Peace

Yankee great Bobby Murcer passes away at the age of 62 from complications of brain cancer. Rest in Peace Bobby … a true class act both on and off the baseball diamond.

There is sad new in Yankee land today as former NY Yankee outfielder, broadcaster and class act Bobby Murcer dies at the age of 62. Bobby Murcer died in Saturday at a hospital in his home town of Oklahoma City from complications to a malignant brain tumor. Murcer was diagnosed with a brain tumor on Christmas Eve 2006 after having headaches.

In his final moments, Murcer was surrounded by family at Mercy Hospital in his hometown of Oklahoma City, the Yankees said. A five-time All-Star outfielder, he spent nearly four decades with New York as a player, executive and announcer.

“Bobby Murcer was a born Yankee, a great guy, very well-liked and a true friend of mine,” owner George Steinbrenner said. “I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife Kay, their children and grandchildren. I will really miss the guy.”

Bobby Murcer, shown acknowledging Stadium crowd at 2007 Old-Timer’s Day, built legacy as beloved Yankee player and broadcaster.

There is something truly special about some people and the way that they conduct themselves that they are remembers a life time for. I am a long time Red Sox fan and avid Yankee hater; however, Bobby Murcer was on the select list of Yankee’s that had my admiration as he conducted himself as a true not only “Yankee” great, but also a great human being. As we discussed yesterday with the passing of Tony Snow from complications of cancer, Bobby Mercer showed the same tenacity and “heart of a champion” battling brain cancer. When Bobby Mercer was a player I enjoyed watching his drive and determination in the field and at the plate. He was a player that ever fan wished they had on their team. His determination and class on the field was nothing compared to his class that he showed in his battling brain cancer. God Bless you Bobby Murcer and may you now be a peace with the Lord.

Bobby Murcer’s finest moment

Read more

Former White House Press Secretary Tony Snow Has Died at Age 53 … Rest in Peace

There is sad and heart breaking new this morning … Tony Snow has passed away. Our deepest condolences go out to his family.

Tony Snow, the former White House Press Secretary under GWB and Fox News anchor has died at the at of 53 from compilations of cancer. Snow died at 2am Saturday morning at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC. 

What a sad day as Tony Snow was one of the truly good guys. He conducted himself  always with a smile, an energy and a professionalism. When Tony Snow became the White House Press Secretary he brought a new found electricity to the role through his charisma and and as The Corner states, from his substance. His quick whit and humor was something that was long missing form the position.

 Tony Snow says goodbye from his White House Spokesman position

The one thing that I personally always admired about Tony Snow was his conviction to be and say exactly what he thought. He never pretended to be anything that he wasn’t and embraced his conservative ideals, principles and character. Tony Snow once said, “I’m a very lucky guy.” Actually Tony, we we are the lucky ones to have been able to learn by your fine example. God Bless … and may you now be in God’s eternal peace.

Tony Snow, the former White House press secretary and conservative pundit who bedeviled the press corps and charmed millions as a FOX News television and radio host, died after a long bout with cancer. He was 53.

A syndicated columnist, editor, TV anchor, radio show host and musician, Snow worked in nearly every medium in a career that spanned more than 30 years.

Tony Snow joined Fox News in 1996.

Snow joined FOX in 1996 as the original anchor of “FOX News Sunday” and hosted “Weekend Live” and a radio program, “The Tony Snow Show,” before departing in 2006.

“It’s a tremendous loss for us who knew him, but it’s also a loss for the country,” Roger Ailes, chairman of FOX News, said Saturday morning about Snow, calling him a “renaissance man.”

President Bush’s statement:

Laura and I are deeply saddened by the death of our dear friend, Tony Snow.  Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Jill, and their children, Kendall, Robbie, and Kristi.  The Snow family has lost a beloved husband and father.  And America has lost a devoted public servant and a man of character.

Tony was one of our Nation’s finest writers and commentators.  He earned a loyal following with incisive radio and television broadcasts.  He was a gifted speechwriter who served in my father’s Administration.  And I was thrilled when he agreed to return to the White House to serve as my Press Secretary.  It was a joy to watch Tony at the podium each day.  He brought wit, grace, and a great love of country to his work.  His colleagues will cherish memories of his energetic personality and relentless good humor.

All of us here at the White House will miss Tony, as will the millions of Americans he inspired with his brave struggle against cancer.  One of the things that sustained Tony Snow was his faith – and Laura and I join people across our country in praying that this good man has now found comfort in the arms of his Creator.

Read what many other bloggers have to say as they pay their respects to the dearly departed Tony Snow:

• Hot Air: RIP, Tony Snow
• Michelle Malkin: Tony Snow, R.I.P.
• Wizbang: Breaking news: Tony Snow dead at 53
• The Gateway Pundit: Former White House Spokesman Tony Snow Dies at 53
• QandO: Tony Snow - dead at 53
• The Swamp: Tony Snow, father of three, dead at 53
• Right Wing News: Tony Snow, R.I.P. (”Well Done, Good and Faithful Servant”)
• Stop the ACLU: Tony Snow Passes Into History

UPDATE I: How pathetic … AP Feels the need to take a cheap shot at Tony Snow in their obit.

It just goes to show you just how rotten the liberal media and politics has become has become. Tony Snow was a good man, one certainly better than any of the cretins at the AP who allowed these subjective comments to be put forth as a man passes away. I don’t remember any such comments when Tim Russert passed away.

READ HERE

With a quick-from-the-lip repartee, broadcaster’s good looks and a relentlessly bright outlook — if not always a command of the facts — he became a popular figure around the country to the delight of his White House bosses.

There are some real black hearted people on the web, Protein Wisdom has managed to find some that would find glee in another’s death. There comes a point when we are all supposed to put down our weapons and bury the dead in a respectful manner. To the people that would make such hateful comments, one day you to will meet your Maker … upon that day of reckoning, you will have much explaining to do. As Patterico states, Tony Snow had class, honor and character that the AP could never know.

UPDATE II: Watch the VIDEO of Fox News Brit Hume’s tribute to Tony Snow

Sadness in Bulldog Nation as University of Georgia Mascot Uga VI Dies of Heart Failure

Georgia Bulldog Nation is in mourning as their beloved mascot, Uga VI has died of congestive heart failure. Athens, GA is a little sadder today with Uga’s passing; however, there is comfort in knowing that he is in doggy heaven. There is something truly different and special when a college mascot is an actual animal rather than an individual in a costume. Uga’s have been a fixture at the University of Georgia since 1956.

“He was a good one,” Seiler said in a prepared statement. “What can I say? He had a marvelous record. He was a very strong and healthy dog. He was the biggest of all the dogs, and he had the biggest heart. It just played out.”

UGA statement on Uga VI’s death

Georgia President Dr. Michael F. Adams said. “He was a true symbol of the toughness and competitiveness of our athletic teams, and was a rallying figure for the entire Bulldog Nation. We extend sympathy to the Seilers for the loss of a dear family pet and a great campus mascot who will be missed and remembered by UGA alumni and friends everywhere.”

Not only was Uga VI truly beloved, the 9 year old English Bulldog was the winningest mascot in UGA Football history with a 77–24–4 record, 2 SEC Championship and 6 bowl game victories.

UGA president Michael F. Adams said in a statement that Uga VI will be “missed and remembered by UGA alumni and friends everywhere.”

During his reign as mascot, the UGA football team compiled a record of 87 wins and 27 losses, captured the 2002 and 2005 SEC championships, and won seven of nine bowl games, surpassing Uga IV’s record of 77-24-4.

Uga VI, not just a mascot … but a true icon

The University of Georgia bulldog was not just any typical mascot. UGA VI was the only college mascot ever to land on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

Lets take a walk down memory lane of Uga’s past from Uga I to the dearly departed Uga VI.

20 Year Old Russian Super Model Ruslana Korshunova Jumped to her Death from her Manhattan Apartment Building in Apparent Suicide

Bizarre apparent suicide in lower Manhattan …

20 year old model Ruslana Korshunova, who has graced the covers of European Vogue and Elle fell nine stories from a balcony to her death in lower Manhattan, NY in apparent suicide. According to officials, Ruslana Korshunova leaped to her death.

Ruslana Korshunova was an apparent suicide, police said.  It was not immediately known if anyone had been in her Water Street condo or if she left a note. It happened around 2:30 p.m.

The Kazakstan native also appeared in ads for Marc Jacobs, DKNY and Vera Wang. Korshunova, was represented by IMG Models and had been featured in the European editions of Elle and Vogue

Investigators still were investigating the circumstances of the fall Saturday evening as to determine whether there was anyone else present in the apartment. It was unclear if anyone else was in the apartment at the time of the fall, police said. Also, the city medical examiner still needs to determine the official cause of the models death.

Comedian George Carlin Dies at Age 71 of Heart Failure … The True Stuff that Comedians are Made of

George Carlin, one of the funniest, edgiest and most provocative comedians ever, has passed away at the age of 71 due to heart failure. Personally, I did not agree with his politics or any of his lack of beliefs; however, George Carlin was just down right funny. To have ever seen him perform live was a sight to behold. His mere facial expressions during his comedy routines were beyond side splitting laughter.

Thank you for the brilliant comedy … Rest in Peace.

Carlin, who had a history of heart and drug-dependency problems, died at Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica about 6 p.m. PDT (9 p.m. EDT/0100 GMT) after being admitted earlier in the afternoon for chest pains, spokesman Jeff Abraham told Reuters.

Award-winning comedian George Carlin dies

Although Carlin was best known as the anti-Establishment icon in the 1970’s and the comedy routine “Seven Words You Can Never Say On Television,” which managed to make it all the way to the Supreme Court. George Carlin had so many other brilliant routines like “Stuff”.  Who can forget his routine on Baseball and Football

“Seven Words You Can Never Say On Television.” A regulatory battle over a radio broadcast of the routine ultimately reached the U.S. Supreme Court.

In the 1978 case, Federal Communications Commission vs. Pacifica Foundation, the top U.S. court ruled that the words cited in Carlin’s routine were indecent, and that the government’s broadcast regulator could ban them from being aired at times when children might be listening.

US comedian George Carlin dies

The star was admitted to a hospital in Los Angeles on Sunday with chest pains and died later that day.

Jack Burns, Carlin’s comedy partner in the early 1960s, told the Associated Press agency: “He was a genius and I will miss him dearly.”

Carlin performed as recently as last weekend in Las Vegas.

Cult US comedian George Carlin dies at 71

How influential and edgy was Carlin back in the day? George Carlin hosted the first ever broadcast of the long-running comedy show Saturday Night Live. Let alone a comedy skit making it all the way to the Supreme Court.

Scared Monkeys Radio Daily Commentary - Tuesday, June 17, 2008 - In Memory Of Tim Russert

• Dana remembers Tim Russert and takes a look at whether NBC went a bit too far in their coverage of his passing

Download and Comment at ScaredMonkeysRadio.Com

NBC’s Meet the Press Tim Russert Dead at the Age of 58 from Apparent Heart Attack

Tim Russert, NBC’s Meet the Press moderator and NBC Washington bureau chief is dead at the age of 58. Tim Russert collapsed on the set of Meet the Press yesterday from an apparent heart attack. Our thought and prayers go out to the Russert family. Tim Russert was a true giant in the news media industry and was a an interview that everyone feared but everyone wanted. He was tough, but generally fair. NBC, the media industry and America will dearly miss him.

I think I can invoke personal privilege and say this news division will not be the same without his strong, clear voice,” Brokaw said Friday.

God bless Tim Russert, his family and may he rest in peace.  Tim Russert was more than a journalist, he was a man passionate about his craft, politics, sports and his family.

WASHINGTON - Tim Russert, NBC News’ Washington bureau chief and the moderator of “Meet the Press,” died Friday after suffering a heart attack at the bureau. He was 58.

Russert was recording voiceovers for Sunday’s “Meet the Press” broadcast when he collapsed. He was rushed to Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, where resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful.

Russert’s physician, Michael Newman, said cholesterol plaque ruptured in an artery, causing sudden coronary thrombosis.

The news spread fast yesterday as first it was reported that he had collapsed at the Meet the Press set and then it was being reported by NBC News Tom Brokaw that Tim Russert had died.

Tom Brokaw reports on the death of Tim Russert

It seemed almost believable. I was actually passing by a TV set and saw at caption of BREAKING NEW: TIM RUSSERT. I first thought that Tim Russert had broke a political news story. Then to my amazement Tim Russert was the news story and he was sadly gone. What set Tim Russert aside from the rest was the fact that he seemed to actually enjoy his craft. It was not always about gotcha journalism.

The reactions have been many from the news industry and the disbelief that Tim Russert had passed at such a young age. One thing is for certain, NBC will not be the same news organization as they lost one of their grounding and balanced forces.

Others discussing the death of Tim Russert:

• Wizbang: Time Russert Dead at 58
• The Jawa Report: Tim Russert Reported Dead
• Hot Air: Whoa: Tim Russert dies of heart attack; Update: Brokaw video added; Update: The closest to objectivity among the MSM, says Limbaugh
• Michelle Malkin: Reports: Tim Russert dead after heart attack; was working in NBC Washington bureau

UPDATE I: Tributes to Tim Russert

UPDATE II: One of Tim Russert’s last interview. Vigilance needed on campaign claims; Big issues, not smears, need to be the focus

Well, the truth wouldn’t hurt either, but I understand your point Mr. Russert. They are not smears when legitimate questions need to be answered.

UPDATE III: When the right praises a MSM man, you know that he was brilliant in his job. Rush Limbaugh praises Tim Russert.

“It’s just a shame. Tim was a regular guy with that perpetual smile he wore naturally all the time. He loved life and got everything he could out of it. Whether it was at dinner here in Florida while his son was taking golf lessons, or on the set of Meet The Press, Tim was always the same with me: genuine. He never condescended to anyone and was the consummate professional. He will be hard to replace. He was the closest thing there was at any of the networks to an objective journalist.”

UPDATE IV: Russert Mourned After Collapsing in NBC’s Washington Newsroom

Russert set the “gold standard” for moving from politics to journalism, said Albert Hunt, executive editor for Washington at Bloomberg News and a close friend. Before becoming a journalist, Russert worked as an aide to former Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan from 1977 to 1982 and then worked for former New York Governor Mario Cuomo in Albany for two years.

UPDATE V: What ever happened to respecting and honoring the dead and stop talking politics?

What is it with certain people that they are so full of hate that they cannot respect others, especially when we are referring to the dearly departed Tim Russert. Last night Chris Matthews had the opportunity to provide the respect and honor that Tim Russert had earned in his life, instead Matthews embarrassed himself and MSNBC. Some things are just inappropriate to discuss while eulogizing, Matthews managed to find that very topic. Matthews just couldn’t stop himself from bring up the war and Iraq. One will never confuse Chris Matthews and class, that is for certain. Chris Matthews, you are no and never will be any Tim Russert.

Watch the video for yourself.

Chris Matthews had his opportunity to offer remembrances of his colleague, Tim Russert, on Countdown with Keith Olbermann last night, and used it to give an anti-war screed. Even worse, he made Russert out to be a dupe bamboozled by the Bush administration while presenting himself as a superior journalist.

When most all on the Left and the Right in the media and bloggers honored and provided condolences to Tim Russert and his family, Chris Matthews managed to used the opportunity to go off on an anti-war rant. Some things are just so inappropriate and smarmy that one needs to feel to take a shower after watching and say ick. It really does go to show us all that Tom Brokaw was correct in his statement regarding Russert, I think I can invoke personal privilege and say this news division will not be the same without his strong, clear voice. NBC and MSNBC are in deep trouble.

Jim McKay … Legendary Sports Announcer of Wide World of Sports and Olympics Dead at the Age of 86

Jim McKay, best known to generations as the host of ABC’s Wide World of Sports, has died at the age of 86. According to reports KcCay died of natural causes. Today, part of my childhood died as Jim McKay was the man that brought me sports in my youth. Long before ESPN and 24 hour sports networks there was only one show in town … ABC’s Wide World of Sports. Who did not watch “the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat”. From horse racing events like the Kentucky Derby, barrel jumping, Acapulco cliff diving and the Indy 500, Jim McKay was there.

If there was a sporting event … Jim McKay was there. On a personal note, one year back in the 80’s a group of friends went to the Belmont where we happened to stand some 10 feet away from McKay doing the post race analysis at track side.

However, it was the covering of one sporting event that made Jim McKay a household name for millions. Jim McKay went from sports announcer to news anchor during the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany when Israeli athletes were taken hostage by Palestinian terrorists. An event that changed sports coverage forever.

Mr. McKay was thrust into the role of news anchor early on Sept. 5, 1972, when Israeli athletes were taken hostage at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany. About to take a swim in the Sheraton’s pool when the call came, Mr. McKay “threw on clothes over his swim trunks and took his seat in the studio, where he would remain for most of the next sixteen hours,” the 1994 book “The House That Roone Book” recalled.
Mr. McKay memorably reported the news that eleven Israeli hostages had been killed. “They’re all gone,” he said.

To Jim McKay … the man who brought us sports without all the melodrama of today … thank you, God bless and rest in peace.

NEW YORK —  Jim McKay, the veteran and eloquent sportscaster thrust into the role of telling Americans about the tragedy at the 1972 Munich Olympics, has died. He was 86.

McKay died Saturday, said ABC, the network with which he was long affiliated. The cause of death was not immediately given.

McKay was host of ABC’s “Wide World of Sports” for decades. The influential weekend series introduced viewers to all manners of strange, compelling and far-flung sports events.

Jim McKay, Olympics and ABC announcer, dies at age 86

McKay is best known for hosting “ABC’s Wide World of Sports” and 12 Olympic Games.

McKay won numerous awards for journalism, including the George Polk Memorial Award and two Emmys — one for his sports coverage, the other for his news reporting — for his work at the 1972 Munich Olympics, which were tragically affected by the Black September terrorists’ attack on the Israeli athletes in the Olympic Village.

Sportscaster Jim McKay dies at 86