WASHINGTON - Tim Russert, host of NBC's "Meet the Press" and its Washington bureau chief collapsed and died at work Friday after suffering an apparent heart attack. He was 58. This year, Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

An Irish Blessing to Mr. Russert’s Family;

“A blessing upon your new hearth, A blessing upon your new dwelling, Upon your newly-kindled fire. A blessing upon your tallest grass, A blessing upon your fruitful partner, A blessing ypon your growing son/s, Upon your growing daughter/s.

A blessing upon the household's helpers, A blessing upon the children yet unborn, A blessing upon the wise parents, Upon your occupation. A blessing upon your goods and income, A blessing upon your kith and kin. A blessing upon you in light or darkness, Each day and night of your lives.”

Hello folks: Now here is story that is a little fishy.

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Christopher J. Dodd, a leader of Congress' efforts to help homeowners ensnared in the subprime mortgage meltdown, reportedly got special treatment on his own mortgages from the CEO of Countrywide Financial Corp., a company whose practices he has called "abusive."  At least one other lawmaker, Sen. Kent Conrad, D-N.D., also benefited from the VIP treatment after placing a personal call to Countrywide CEO Angelo Mozilo seeking a mortgage. Both senators say they weren't aware they were getting special deals.

Yeah, sure! Mr. Chuckchuck

Senator McCain can go on Jay Leno and David Letterman because he is funny. And he can meet with any foreign leader anywhere because he is presidential. More importantly, to many Americans, his persona is as powerful as Senator Obama’s words. As a war prisoner in Vietnam, McCain had to summon courage in a way most of us are certain we never could. Against Barack Obama, who has made history as the first African-American to clinch his party’s nomination for president and whose oratorical skill has also made history, McCain must stay that same man who fought back in the dark days in New Hampshire; otherwise, he will lose. In essence McCain is not Bush, and he is pretty good at explaining why. He is also good at explaining that he has experience and a proven bipartisan record, and Obama does not.

More Americans say Barack Obama is the White House hopeful better prepared to handle the No.1 issue on voters' minds: the economy however John McCain has the best hand on foreign policy. Who will be the next president, that’s the $64 question. Mr. Chuckchuck