In Memory: TIM RUSSERT

As I sit here and watch the coverage of the life and death of newsman Tim Russert, I feel small.

He was journalism with a capital J.  I once touted the capital J with pride and righteousness.  Not so much anymore.  Now it's more about ratings and the bottom line.

I used to follow politics with great interest ... and other "issues" ... but not so much anymore.  Much in the way a death reminds folks to hold people closer ... the death of Tim Russert - the "everyman" journalist -- reminds me of the true purpose of journalism.  It makes me want to step back and remember from where I came.

"Wise shall be the bearers of light."  It's inscribed in the walls of the greatest journalism school in the world.  The journalism school where I learned and embraced the ideals.  Walter Williams wrote "I believe in the Profession of Journalism" to begin the journalist's creed that I have framed in my home ... but have not looked at in so long.

The man Tim Russert was - as a journalist and dedicated father and son -- set the standard.  Now if only all journalists could attempt to work to rise to that standard...and attempt to reach the bar that he set so high.  Maybe the general public would finally gain interest .... and there would  be shift from info-tainment back to news gathering/reporting.

He's one of the few journalists I did not get to meet.   Probably because he worked so hard -- instead of going to conventions.  But he had impact.

God Bless Tim Russert.

Our prayers are with his family ... and his news family.

TGIF

Really glad it's Friday. It was a tough week...I'm beaten down.

Jack has his last basketball game tomorrow. In between Nick and Kyle's bball...two more weekends for them. It will be nice to get a break from sports for a bit. Though soccer starts up...but I'm hoping games don't start for awhile. And we gotta get Jack signed up for baseball or he'll freak. Sounds like another full summer of kids' sports.

I hope to finish my bible verses this weekend -- and do/finish my recipe swap and finish up the ornament album. I HOPE. And if I'm really rockin' - finish the LOVE CB album. It would be great to check those all off my scrap "to do" list. It would be nice if the house were completely clean and in order ... so we didn't have to do any house stuff...and just enjoy the weekend. But cleaning up after boys is like shoveling in a snow storm.

I'm thinking a lot about one of my co-workers...who left suddenly yesterday because her mom didn't show up somewhere and wasn't answering her cell...and people were concerned. She found her mother had unexpectedly passed away. I'm very sad for her. She's in my thoughts and prayers big time. It's more sad because she always talked about her mom - funny stories -- and it was part of who she was...so those of us who know her -- who may have never met her mom -- still have a little connection through all the stories. So so sad.

Oh .. I have to go into work Sunday. It's for a good reason and it's important ... but darn. When you've had the week I've had at work .... you really want to be completely AWAY from it for a couple days. And I was on call last weekend. But, it's sweeps, and you gotta do what you gotta do.

*sigh*

The Five:
1. Headache
2. Dirty (I need a shower.)
3. Dreading work
4. A little, tiny "blink" of relief/happy since it's Friday
5. Beaten down.

Five wishes for today:
1. No confrontations.
2. To get Praise
3. To get an apology (it'll never happen)
4. Easy news day...not a NON-news day...but nothing crazy-ass that keeps me at work late.
5. No one ruins Survivor for me...since I didn't see it.

TGIF folks. TGIF.