Winter Olympics: This morning ... men's freestyle figure skating live from Sochi, Russia

I love every winter sport during the Winter Olympics but my favorite, by far, is ice skating. Singles, pairs, dancing ... it's all entertaining. Today marks the halfway point of the 2014 games.

While NBC is covering the skating events during evening prime time, those with the NBC Sports channel can watch the competition live this morning. It got underway around 10:00 EST and will last for a while because there are, I think, 24 skaters. After yesterday's short program, today the men are performing their freestyle talents.

Nothing like watching the Winter Olympics with one eye at the foot-and-a-half of snow outside my window....

W appears as guest of Jay Leno and jokes, 'You're about to head out to pasture'

It was vintage George W. Bush Tuesday night as the former president and first lady appeared with Jay Leno on NBC's "Tonight Show." The opening exchange went something like this:

Jay Leno: "I know you've tried to stay out of the spotlight for the past few years so I was actually pleasantly surprised you accepted our invitation."

President George W. Bush: "Only because of you. (laughter) I mean you're about to head out to pasture (laughter) ... just wanted to see what you looked like before you got to the gate." (laughter)

Talking about a variety of subjects during the twenty-minute interview, W and Leno joked back and forth before being joined by Mrs. Bush to discuss the humanitarian work the Bushes do around the world and at home.

The former president emphasized his belief in laying low after leaving office:

Leno: "I know you've avoided talking policy for the last six or seven years. Explain why."

W: "I don't think it's good for the country to have a former president criticize his successor."

W didn't show up empty-handed and presented Jay with a caricature painting of Leno as they talked about the president's hobby of painting since leaving office.

The classy Bush family values would go far in today's toxic political atmosphere. He is missed. To see the entire 20-minute interview, check out the links:

President George W. Bush with Jay Leno on NBC's "Tonight Show":
 - Part 1
 - Part 2
 - Part 3
 - Part 4

For archives of the Bush Administration and the humanitarian work the president is still doing, check out these links:

George W. Bush Institute
George W. Bush Presidential Library
George W. Bush Center

Tim Russert ... dead at 58

Received a call while in a meeting this afternoon ... "Meet the Press" host Tim Russert had collapsed and died of a heart attack. I literally gasped out loud ... it was such a shock. He's young, he's busy, he's not finished with his life yet. He loved his son. He loved his dad and wrote a book about him. He loved his wife.

Life check.

These events are what make us pause and wonder why we put ourselves on the firing line, often alone against detractors. Family comes first ... and it's the political battles that are fought for others that make one wonder why we care. Ungrateful people who turn ... politicians who turn ... egos that are inflated by a little media attention ... perhaps those who have no families to ground them.

The death of a loved one leaves a huge empty place ... you expect to see them around every corner ... sitting on the porch ... smiling at you in the morning ... playing guitar and singing old familiar songs....

It is especially difficult for a young person to lose a dad ... that place is never filled again. The pain through the years may lessen ... but the place that dad had in that child's life will never be replaced. Ever.

Our prayers and thoughts go to the Russert family as they begin the difficult days ahead.