Tribute to Tim Russert

Tim Russert passed away today from a heart attack. It is kind of eerie that he died just a day before father's day and recently published a book about his own father. Below is an article about his book. Tim Russert was a great reporter and died well before his time at age 58!

"Meet the Press" host Tim Russert nails politicians mercilessly, but when it comes to his dad, he's as soft as a wet cracker.
"I now understand the quiet eloquence of his example," said Russert, whose sentimental tribute to his father, "Big Russ & Me" (Miramax Books), came out Monday. "Hard work, decency, loyalty. Those are lasting, universal lessons."
"Big Russ" began as a valentine to Russert's dad, also named Tim but known as Big Russ. It ended as a love letter to both him and Russert's son (and only child), Luke, a high school senior.
"Once I started writing, I couldn't stop," said Russert, 54. "I poured my heart into the book. For me, my work is done. Both my dad and my son read it, and they were both deeply touched by it."
Russert said he had been asked by several publishers to do a political behind the scenes at "Meet the Press"-type book, but he declined for fear of compromising his objectivity with "Press" guests.
The Sept. 11, 2001, attacks convinced him it was more important "to recognize who the real American heroes are, like my dad and a whole generation of guys like him." (NBC's Tom Brokaw mentions Big Russ in his 1998 best-seller, "The Greatest Generation.")
Big Russ, 80, still lives in the South Buffalo, N.Y., house he bought in 1962. He always worked at least two jobs, including driving a garbage truck, to support his wife and four children.
Russert has two jobs, too (he's also Washington bureau chief). He took over "Press" from Garrick Utley in 1991, and in January became the longest-serving host in its 57-year history.
His father, a man of simple tastes, likes his beer cold and his cars American. When Russert signed an unprecedented 12-year contract in 2001, he offered his dad any car he wanted. Lexus, Mercedes, anything.
He chose a Ford Crown Victoria. Made in America. Not too fancy.
Russert drives a Ford pickup and Jeep (along with his Lexus). His alcoholic beverage of choice is Rolling Rock, and his wardrobe is out of the Lands' End catalog.
"My son, who is more fashion-conscious than me, said, `Dad, if I had your job and your salary, I'd dress like ("Today" coanchor) Matt Lauer,'" he said.
Russert makes no attempt to hide his passion for his family, his old Irish Catholic neighborhood, or his beloved Buffalo Bills when he's doing "Meet the Press."
"I think anyone who watches the show regularly has a pretty good feel for who I am and how I approach things. I am someone born and raised in South Buffalo who was taught the true lessons of life by my mom and dad."
___
Josh Schwartz, creator of Fox's hit freshman drama "The O.C.," will develop a companion series for the network, to debut in January, according to buzz in the biz.
No details, of course, but the new show is expected to follow "The O.C." template of blending the lives of young, hot characters with their middle-aged