Naomi Sims, "First African American Supermodel," Succumbs to Cancer at Age of 61

Naomi Sims, widely regarded as the first African American supermodel, has succumbed to cancer on Saturday, August 1, in Newark. She was 61. Sims was the first African American model to grace the covers of Ladies Home Journal in 1967, the New York Times fashion magazine in 1967, as well as the cover of Life Magazine in 1969. She gained international acclaim in the late 1960s and early 1970s. She modeled for Fernando Sánchez, Teal Traina, and Giorgio di Sant’Angelo, and appeared on the covers of prestigious fashion and popular magazines including the cover of Life magazine in 1969.

Sims also launched her own beauty and wig company in 1973, after discovering that wigs were designed primarily for white people. Her designs, which were produced by the Metropa Company, posted annual sales of $5 million by 1978. The company is still in operation today and includes designer clothes sold in department stores. Sims became a successful author in later years, writing five books on modeling, beauty and health. Ms. Sims was a true trailblazer and paved the way for people like Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks and many other fashion models of African descent. Ms. Sims is survived by her son, Bob Findlay.

Wayman Tisdale, NBA Player, Succumbs to Cancer, He was 44

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of former NBA player Wayman Tisdale, who lost his fight against cancer. He died at the St. John Medical Center in Tulsa this morning.

The 44 year old forward from Tulsa was a three-time All-American for Oklahoma. He spent 12 seasons in the NBA with the Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns.

It was during 2007 that he first learned he had a cancerous cyst below his right knee after he broke his leg in a fall at his home in Los Angeles. His leg was amputated last August, but he had made several public appearances since.

Author John Updike Succumbs to Cancer at Age 76

Author John Updike, who chronicled the emotional drama of American small town life with searing wit, has died, his publisher said.

"It is with great sadness that I report that John Updike died this morning at the age of 76, after a battle with lung cancer." said Nicholas Latimer of Alfred A. Knopf, a unit of Random House.

"He was one of our greatest writers, and he will be sorely missed." Latimer said Updike died in a hospice in Massachusetts.

Updike is known for exploring themes of sexual tension, and spiritual and moral angst in small town settings. His "Rabbit is Rich," published in 1981, won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction.

Author John Updike Succumbs to Cancer at Age 76

Author John Updike, who chronicled the emotional drama of American small town life with searing wit, has died, his publisher said.

"It is with great sadness that I report that John Updike died this morning at the age of 76, after a battle with lung cancer." said Nicholas Latimer of Alfred A. Knopf, a unit of Random House.

"He was one of our greatest writers, and he will be sorely missed." Latimer said Updike died in a hospice in Massachusetts.

Updike is known for exploring themes of sexual tension, and spiritual and moral angst in small town settings. His "Rabbit is Rich," published in 1981, won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction.

Veatrice Rice, Jimmy Kimmel's Security Guard, Succumbs to Cancer

Jimmy Kimmel's security guard, Veatrice Rice, aka Miss V, has succumbed to cancer. Stationed in front of the musical guest dressing room, "Miss V" was a source of indifferent disgust that comes with three years on a low-paying security job. She was a native of Bowling Green, KY, where she stated "That's where they make Corvettes." Her favorite book is Robinson Crusoe and her favorite non-alcoholic beer is O'Douls. Veatrice has been married for six years to her husband John. She has no heroes. Despite her quiet nature, Veatrice has emerged as one of JKL's top security guards and on-air personalities.

Veatrice Rice, Jimmy Kimmel's Security Guard, Succumbs to Cancer

Jimmy Kimmel's security guard, Veatrice Rice, aka Miss V, has succumbed to cancer. Stationed in front of the musical guest dressing room, "Miss V" was a source of indifferent disgust that comes with three years on a low-paying security job. She was a native of Bowling Green, KY, where she stated "That's where they make Corvettes." Her favorite book is Robinson Crusoe and her favorite non-alcoholic beer is O'Douls. Veatrice has been married for six years to her husband John. She has no heroes. Despite her quiet nature, Veatrice has emerged as one of JKL's top security guards and on-air personalities.