John McCain Attempted Suicide in 1968, May Be Covering Up Seriousness of Melanoma, New York Times Reports

A fascinating article in the New York Times brought to light many of the things we know, and don't know, about the health of the four major candidates for public office. Among the things the article discusses are the previous revelation that in 1968, eight months after he was captured by the North Vietnamese, John McCain attempted suicide, trying to hang himself with his shirt. There is also serious debate, and confusion, over how serious McCain's multiple melanomas were, and what that means for his longterm survival.

These questions, of course, are extremely relevant, especially because Sarah Palin is the vice-presidential nominee. And her health? No one knows. Yep, she's a candidate for vice president and she hasn't released one iota of health records. Nice.

Not like Obama is much better -- he, apparently, released a one-page letter from his physician that says he is in "excellent" health. And Biden? He had an aneurysm 20 years ago, and hasn't mentioned how recent tests have gone.

Makes you feel good, doesn't it? And makes Sarah Palin's appearance on SNL a little less funny and a little more scary, eh?

Click here to read the full New York Times artilce

Heath Ledger Had Pneumonia When He Died; Michelle Williams "Devastated"

TMZ is reporting that Heath Ledger had pneumonia when he died yesterday in New York City.

In addition, the website is reporting that his former girlfriend, and the mother of his child, Michelle Williams, is "devastated by the news. Words cannot describe the grief." She is said to be on her way to New York City.

Meanwhile, his family has denied reports that Ledger committed suicide. With the information coming forth that he had pneumonia, that is looking to likely be true.

What a tragedy.

Breaking News: Heath Ledger is Dead; Signs Point to Suicide

This is too tragic for words...

From the New York Times:

"Actor Heath Ledger was found dead this afternoon in an apartment building at 421 Broome Street in SoHo, according to the New York City police. Mr. Ledger was 28.

At 3:31 p.m., a masseuse arrived at Apartment 5A in the building for an appointment with Mr. Ledger, the police said. The masseuse was let in to the home by a housekeeper, who then knocked on the door of Mr. Ledger’s bedroom. When no one answered, the housekeeper and the masseuse opened the bedroom and found Mr. Ledger unconscious. They shook him, but he did not respond. They immediately called the authorities. The police said they did not suspect foul play. Officials said pills fear found near the body."

Wow.

UPDATE: TMZ is reporting that pills were found strewn all around Ledger's deathbed, and that his body was found facedown in an apartment owned by Mary Kate Olsen.

More info to come...