Ex-‘Crossfire’ host Novak has brain tumor

Ex-‘Crossfire’ host Novak has brain tumor

BOSTON — Syndicated columnist and former “Crossfire” host Robert Novak has been diagnosed with a brain tumor and is suspending his journalistic work. Novak issued a statement Monday saying the tumor was found Sunday after he had been rushed to Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital from Cape Cod, where he was visiting his daughter.

The Chicago Sun-Times columnist says he is suspending his journalistic work for an indefinite, “but God willing, not too lengthy period.” His statement did not say if the tumor was malignant.

Last week he was given a $50 citation after he struck a homeless man with his black Corvette in Washington. Novak kept going until he was stopped by a bicyclist.

Rachael Ray going to dogs with pet food

In the latest expansion of her culinary empire, celebrity chef Rachael Ray has launched a charity-driven line of dog foods based on recipes she has created for her pit bull, Isaboo.

Ray, who came to fame with her “30 Minute Meals” Food Network show, said all of her proceeds from sales of Rachael Ray Nutrish pet foods will go to Rachael’s Rescue, which she founded to help at-risk animals. The outspoken dog lover regularly features recipes for pet food in her magazine, Every Day With Rachael Ray.

“It seemed like not a lot of extra time to donate to something that could potentially raise millions of dollars for championing these little creatures that can’t speak for themselves,” Ray said. A line for cats also is planned.

Turn-of-century paintings fetch $9M at auction

RENO, Nev. — Two iconic pieces by turn-of-the-century artist Charles M. Russell — a painting depicting a stagecoach holdup and a bronze sculpture of two Native Americans on a buffalo hunt — have sold at an auction for more than $9 million.

“The Hold Up,” a 30-by-48-inch oil painting completed by the Montana artist in 1899, rustled up $5.2 million Saturday, said Bob Drummond, co-founder of the Coeur d’Alene Art Auction in Reno.

The bronze “Meat for Wild Men,” completed in 1924, fetched $4.1 million, he said.

At a 2005 auction, Russell’s mythic “Piegans” image of Indians on horseback went for $5.6 million — more than double his previous auction high.

Russell, who captured the landscapes and spirit of the West during the late 1800s and early 1900s, died in 1926 at the age of 62.

The annual auction, which began in 1984, is billed as the largest Western art sale in the country.

A total of 178 works were sold Saturday for $36.8 million. The event drew more than 450 bidders.

Today’s birthdays

Actor Robert Horton (“Wagon Train”) is 84. Actor David Warner (“Titanic”) is 67. Keyboardist Neal Doughty of REO Speedwagon is 62. Singer-bassist Geddy Lee of Rush is 55. Documentary maker Ken Burns is 55. Singer Patti Scialfa with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band is 55. Actress Alexandra Paul (“Baywatch”) is 45. Country singer Martina McBride is 42. Actor Wil Wheaton is 36. Singer Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men is 35. Musician Danger Mouse of Gnarls Barkley is 31. Actress Allison Mack (“Smallville”) is 26.