Wikipedia, though, could be even faster. The user-generated encyclopedia’s entry on Russert already has the dirge banner up top informing readers of the new development and letting them know information about him could change rapidly. Indeed, one has to wonder at the sense and weight of responsibility the Wikipedia editor must have felt while typing an end date to May 7, 1950 –

Or penning that Tom Brokaw announced his death on TV today.

The blogosphere was just as quick, rushing toward the computer presumably after hearing Brokaw’s smooth voice. Here, Extreme Mortman recalls working with (and being turned down by) Russert’s editor prior to the publishing of Wisdom of Our Fathers.

And here, Wonkette already has a YouTube tribute, which seems to make him as human as he was historical.

Tim Russert died today of an apparent heart attack at the age of 58. He had returned to work after vacationing in Italy to celebrate his son’s graduation from Boston College . He’ll always have, one imagines, that last triumphant joy.