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

Dwight White, Former NFL Pittsburgh Steeler Steel Curtain Defensive End Dies at Age 58

Dwight White, former NFL Pittsburgh Steeler great and one of the original members of the four man famed Steel Curtain, has died at the age of 58. The Steel Curtain was the most dominant front four defensive lines of the 1970’s. Dwight White leaves behind a wife and a daughter. What a sad loss to the football and Pittsburgh community as White would have turned 59 at the end of next month. Rest in peace.

It appears that White died from complications following back surgery; however, there are not many details to the cause. White made up the NFL legendary Pittsburgh “Steel Curtain” defense along with Ernie Holmes, Mean Joe Greene and LC. Greenwood. This dominating defense force helped the Pittsburgh Steelers to 4 Super Bowl wins in the 1970’s.

Read more

Bo Diddley, Rock Pioneer and Icon Dies at the Age of 79

Bo Diddley … they just don’t make them like this anymore. A true music icon and one of the Founding Fathers of guitar rock has passed. A man who influenced so many in the music industry has passed.

“If you ain’t got no money, ain’t nobody calls you honey”

“You Don’t Know Diddley”. Now unfortunately many of us will never. 79 year old rock icon Bo Diddley died of heart failure at his home in Florida yesterday. God rest his soul, rest in peace.

The name Bo Diddley came from other youngsters when he was growing up in Chicago, he said in a 1999 interview.

“I don’t know where the kids got it, but the kids in grammar school gave me that name,” he said, adding that he liked it so it became his stage name. Other times, he gave somewhat differing stories on where he got the name. Some experts believe a possible source for the name is a one-string instrument used in traditional blues music called a diddley bow.

One of the greatest compliments that one can ever receive is being called a true original. Bo Diddley was just that.

They will never, ever say, ‘Oh, he?s like Bo Diddley.’ He was as one-of-a-kind as you could possibly imagine.?”

Bo Diddley, Rock’s Pulse; The ‘Originator’ Propelled A New Musical Genre With His Distinctive Beat

Comic Dick Martin of Laugh In Fame Dies at 86, RIP

Comic Dick Martin has passed away at the age of 86.

Who could not forget Dick Martin, one half of the hysterical comedic dynamic duo of Rowan and Martin on Laugh-In? Dick Martin provided so us with so many laughs and was a true comedy pioneer.The TV show Laugh In was way before its time. In recent years Dick Martin had suffered from severe respiratory problems.

“He had had some pretty severe respiratory problems for many years, and he had pretty much stopped breathing a week ago,” Greenberg said.

Martin had lost the use of one of his lungs as a teenager, and needed supplemental oxygen for most of the day in his later years.

He was surrounded by family and friends when he died just after 6 p.m., Greenberg said.

Dick Martin, thank you for the laughs … Rest in Peace.

Tragedy in Music City, Maria Sue Chapman, 5 Year Old Daughter of Music Star Steven Curtis Chapman Struck & Killed by Car

What a terrible, terrible, tragic accident. Maria Chapman, the 5 year old daughter of contemporary Christian music star Steven Curtis Chapman was struck and killed by a car just south of Nashville, TN. If the tragic accident is not bad enough, Maria, was struck by the car in her driveway. A car driven by her teenage brother. The 5 year old was taken to Vanderbilt Medical Center where she later died. God rest her soul. Rest in peace and our thoughts and prayers are with the Chapman family.

Maria, 5, was the youngest daughter of Christian singer Steven Curtis Chapman. A message from Steven Curtis Chapman’s web site.

The girl, Maria, was hit in a driveway on the family residence Wednesday afternoon by a Toyota Land Cruiser driven by her teenage brother, said Laura McPherson, a spokesman for the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

McPherson said no charges are expected.

“It looks like a tragic accident,” she said.

The brother apparently did not see the little girl, McPherson said. She did not have the name or exact age of the brother, only that he is an older teenager. (FOX News)

What makes this story even more painful and tragic is that Maria was adopted from China by the Chapman’s. Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife, Mary Beth, have done missionary work in Chinese orphanages. They have adopted three children from China and and create Shaohannah’s Hope, a foundation and ministry to financially assist thousands of couples in adoption.

Recognizing that adoption is a perfect picture of what God has done for each of us in making us His children through Christ, Shaohannah’s Hope has been established to care for orphans by engaging the church and helping Christian families reduce the financial barriers to adoption.

“Cinderalla” inspired by his two youngest adpoted daughters.

Psalm 68:5-6 tells us that as the Father to the fatherless, God delights in setting the lonely in families. It has been our experience that the scriptural mandate of caring for orphans, such as the one found in James 1:27, is really a wonderful invitation to experience God in a profound way by being a part of His sovereign plan for His precious children.

Singer Steven Curtis Chapman’s daughter is struck, killed by car

Steven Curtis Chapman’s youngest child died Wednesday evening after being struck by a car driven by her teenage brother in the driveway of the family’s Williamson County home.

Maria, one of the Christian singer’s six children, was taken by LifeFlight to Vanderbilt Hospital, which confirmed the death, according to Laura McPherson, a spokeswoman for the Tennessee Highway Patrol

Why do bad things happen to good people? However, God does have an ultimate plan for all of us.

The couple is so active in the cause that they formed an organization, Shaohannah’s Hope, to aid families wanting to adopt.

With his latest music tour, which came through Nashville in November, Chapman started a campaign called “Change for Orphans.” He asked audience members at each stop to bring spare change to the concert, where it was counted and given to a local family to aid in their adoption process.

“I don’t know of anybody who loves his children more than he does and is so committed to the adoption concept, and to lose one, no matter what the circumstances, is heartbreaking beyond all comprehension,” said John Styll, president of the Nashville-based Gospel Music Association.

“He talks about his kids all the time. That’s his life. His kids are more important to him than music, that’s for sure.” (The Tennessean)

VIDEO – touching and emotional video of the Chapman family. Comments from the Chapman’s pastor. Watch HERE

When Love Takes You In

Let this be a reminder that “Love” knows no race, creed or color. The greatest gift you can give is Love.
“Miracles start with the beat of a heart, when Love takes you home”

Scared Monkeys Radio Daily Commentary - Monday, April 7, 2008 - Charlton Heston Passes Away At Age 84

• Dana waxes nostalgic for yesterday’s Hollywood.

Download and Comment at ScaredMonkeysRadio.Com

Charlton Heston, Hollywood Giant and American Acting Icon Passes Away at the Age of 84

1924 – 2008

Rest in Eternal Peace

Today I awoke to hear the sad news of the passing of one of my favorite actors and persons of all time, Charlton Heston. A man who not only talked the talk, but walked the walk. On screen he stood up to the power of Egypt, Rameses and Pharaoh as Moses and led his people out of bondage.

Heston as Moses in The Ten Commandment: Hear and obey! Let my people go!”

In real life, he stood up to the liberal Hollywood agenda and voiced his opinions and stance on the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms. His conservative views on the right to bear arms was hardly a popular one on the Left Coast and Hollywood. No one can ever forget the NRA speech and his famous 5 words … “from my cold dead hands”.

One thing is for certain, they rarely make them like Charlton Heston any more. Charlton Heston was a true hero and American icon. Heston had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease in recent years. Today, he is in a much better place. Our selfish loss is heavens gain. Mr. Heston, may the peace of the lord be with you, may you rest in eternal peace. God bless you.

Charlton Heston, the Hollywood legendary actor, civil rights leader, political activist and former President of the NRA has sadly passed away at the age of 84. Charlton Heston was known to all and was a larger than life. Heston had taken part in such legendary films as The Ten Commandments, Ben-Hur, Planet of the Apes, El Cid, Julius Ceasar, Midway, The Agony and the Ecstasy, The Greatest Story Ever Told and one of my favorite sleeper sci-fi films of all times Soylent Green. The too numerous to list movies he acted in list as a who’s who in film history. They just did not make them any more in Hollywood like Charlton Heston. He was a true original.

 From The Ten Commandments – Parting of the Red Sea

Statement by the Family of Charlton Heston

Charlton Heston was best known to generation after generation of people for his portrayal of Moses in Cecile B. DeMille’s, The Ten Commandments, on every year at Easter/Pass Over. However, it was the epic movie Ben-Hur where Heston won an Academy Award for best actor.

Hollywood legend Charlton Heston dead at 84

Heston, known for portrayals of larger than life figure including Moses and Ben Hur, was suffering the late stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Heston’s wife of 64 years, Lydia, was at his side at the time of his death, according to the family statement.

Comments from other bloggers regarding the passing of Charlton Heston:

• The Astute Blogger: CHARLTON HESTON: RIP
• The American Mind: Charlton Heston Dead at 84
• The Jawa Report: Hollywood Just Got 100% Worse
• Michelle Malkin: Sunday meditation: Tribute to Charlton Heston
• The Q and O Blog: ”Moses” gone to the Promised Land 
• Wizbang: Charlton Heston dead at 84

UPDATE I: Charlton Heston, Epic Film Star and Voice of N.R.A., Dies at 84

The same quality made Mr. Heston an effective spokesman, off-screen, for the causes he believed in. Late in life he became a staunch opponent of gun control. Elected president of the National Rifle Association in 1998, he proved to be a powerful campaigner against what he saw as the government’s attempt to infringe on a Constitutional guarantee — the right to bear arms.

In Mr. Heston, the N.R.A. found its embodiment of pioneer values — pride, independence and valor. In a speech at the N.R.A.’s annual convention in 2000, he brought the audience to its feet with a ringing attack on gun-control advocates. Paraphrasing an N.R.A. bumper sticker (“I’ll give you my gun when you take it from my cold, dead hands”) he waved a replica of a colonial musket above his head and shouted defiantly, “From my cold, dead hands!”

Jury Says Son of Anna Nicole Smith, Daniel Smith, Died of Accidental Drug Overdose

Murder, suicide, accidental suicide … the jury weighs in.

The jury in the Bahamas has finally ruled that the death of Daniel Smith, the son of the late Anna Nicole Smith, died of an accidental drug overdose. The jury has made their decision; however, the case of the death of Daniel and Anna Nicole Smith will be talked about for years to come.

The seven-member jury, which deliberated for less than two hours, recommended no criminal charges in the September 2006 death of 20-year-old Daniel Smith.

The son of the former Playboy playmate died after coming to the Bahamas to meet his new baby sister on Sept. 10, 2006. His mother died early the next year in Florida from an accidental drug overdose at age 39.

Police had said there was no evidence of homicide, and autopsies found that Daniel died from a combination of drugs, including methadone and antidepressants. But Bahamian authorities ordered the inquest amid widespread speculation over the circumstances surrounding his death.

VIDEO – Larry Birkhead from “On the Record”

How naive is Larry Birkhead if he thinks that this jury ruling will provide closure. The fact that both ex-Playboy playmate and blond bombshell, Anna Nicole Smith and her son Daniel died of drug overdoses will cause this story to be talked about and a conspiracy forever. There were too many bizarre circumstances in both cases of Anna Nicole and Daniel’s death to just think that they were both accidental. How long will it be before Oliver Stone will be making a conspiracy movie?

Dying Daughter Gets to See her Dad Jason Yaeger One Last time … Dying Jayci Yaeger’s Wish to see her Dad

Some times we really get it right. This time it was all about the child. Jayci Yaeger’s dying wish was to see her father. The problem was that he was serving prison time on a drug related charge.

Jayci Yaeger’s dying wish came true. God bless Jayci.

A 10-year-old Nebraska girl with terminal brain cancer had a simple last wish: to have her dad by her side as she lay on her death bed.

On Wednesday, seemingly against all odds, Jayci Yaeger’s wish came true.

UPDATE I: 10 Year Old Jayci Yaeger has passed away

On Friday morning at 1:47am, 10 year old Jayci Yaeger lost her battle with brain cancer and passed away. Just 2 days after her dying wish was granted and she was allowed to see her dad one last time, Jayci went to see her eternal father. God bless you Jayci, may you rest in peace.

“I think Jayci was hanging on for her daddy . She just let go after she knew daddy was here to be with her. We’re glad that she got to be with him one last time,” said Ed Yaeger, Jayci’s uncle.

Family members say Jayci was hanging by a thread, fighting just long enough to see her father one last time. When Jayci’s dad, Jason, was allowed to travel from prison in South Dakota to see his daughter in Lincoln, family members say Jayci could finally let go.

“We’re happy that it was peaceful and that she is no no longer in pain, and her suffering is over,” Ed Yaeger said.

Cancer-Stricken Girl Whose Last Wish Was to See Inmate Dad Has Died