I am struck by the outpouring of emotion in the aftermath of longtime NBC newsman Tim Russert's death. He's been a favorite of mine, primarily because his passion as well as his decent nature are so readily communicated on screen.

As a journalist, he was an innovator. His incisive questioning of various guests on "Meet the Press," while maintaining total control and polite restraint, was both enjoyable to watch as well as insightful for the way it disarmed so many people he brought onto the program.

I pretty much grew up watching Russert, since we would watch NBC Nightly News every night at home and Meet the Press on those rare Sundays we didn't go to church (this was in a world without TiVo, remember). As such, I still had no idea, until I heard others (such as Tom Brokaw this morning filling in as the host of "Meet the Press") that Russert was such a man of faith. A devout Catholic, his passion and enthusiasm he brought into so many other worlds, such as politics and even sports, carried over equally to his religion. I respect that.

So the increasingly vapid world of American journalism loses one of the true "good guys," a man who by all accounts did not hesitate to use his power to find truth, help others both young and old advance their careers, honor important times in other people's lives, and to positively affect many, many lives through the quality, passion, and sheer joy he exhibited on a daily basis for his profession.

The Executive Producer of the Meet the Press program (whose name escapes me at the moment) was on the show this morning with Brokaw, remembering Russert's work and talking with the others on the show about this man's legacy. She recounted that when she gave birth to her son, after returning home from the hospital a hand-written letter from Tim Russert was there waiting on her. But...it was actually not written to her, but it was written to her new son, telling him how lucky he was to have his parents and that he had an internship waiting for him at Meet the Press when he got old enough. Remarkable.

He also served on the Board of Directors of a variety of charitable interests, including the Boys and Girls Club, and contributed heavily to these causes he believed in both financially as well as with his time.

The explosion of press releases, statements, and support for Russert's family is overwhelming to see, and helped educate me on this life that he lived. This was a guy who positively impacted that small inner-circle world around him as powerfully as he did the 'world' of politics. He will definitely be missed.

Lori and I went to Birmingham briefly this past weekend for a family reunion (on my mom's side of the family). It was in the lovely location of Clanton, Alabama, which probably was 150 degrees that day! (Or maybe it just seemed like it.)

Overall, a good time. As my mom points out, my grandmother would be happy that we continue to go and uphold the tradition. That's important to me.

Literally 5-10 minutes away is the old Metrock Steel and Wire facility, which I've vowed to see sometime in the next year. There are people on Facebook and Linkedin who work there. I am actually blown away that the Metrock name still remains on what is just essentially a commodity manufacturing plant - clearly, the name means something or else it'd be gone.

I look forward to taking a trip to the plant, touring the place, and seeing how far its come since the last time I was there nearly 20 years ago. That may call for posting some pictures on this blog when that happens. Between two weddings on 6/19 and 7/19 and myriad other responsibilities this summer I hope I get there before August.

I am amazed at the epic, sweeping artistry of Coldplay's "Viva la Vida," their first single from their new album coming out next week.

The lyrics of this song are more developed than previous Coldplay work, and just tells a very interesting story. Coldplay music inspired me before they wrote like this, but if this song is indicative of the quality of the whole album, it's going to be a great one.

To hear the song, download it or check out this rather excellent cover by some band I've never heard of here on YouTube...

"Viva la Vida" - Coldplay

I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sweep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own
I used to roll the dice
Feel the fear in my enemy's eyes
Listen as the crowd would sing:
"Now the old king is dead! Long live the king!"
One minute I held the key
Next the walls were closed on me
And I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt, pillars of sand

I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can not explain
Once you go there was never, never an honest word
That was when I ruled the world

It was the wicked and wild wind
Blew down the doors to let me in.
Shattered windows and the sound of drums
People could not believe what I'd become
Revolutionaries Wait
For my head on a silver plate
Just a puppet on a lonely string
Oh who would ever want to be king?

I hear Jerusalem bells are ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field
For some reason I can not explain
I know Saint Peter will call my name
Never an honest word
But that was when I ruled the world