jvj

Michael Crichton, the million-selling author who made scientific research terrifying and irresistible in such thrillers as "Jurassic Park," "Timeline" and "The Andromeda Strain," has died of cancer, his family said. Crichton died Tuesday in Los Angeles at age 66 after privately battling cancer.

"Through his books, Michael Crichton served as an inspiration to students of all ages, challenged scientists in many fields, and illuminated the mysteries of the world in a way we could all understand," his family said in a statement.

"While the world knew him as a great storyteller that challenged our preconceived notions about the world around us — and entertained us all while doing so — his wife Sherri, daughter Taylor, family and friends knew Michael Crichton as a devoted husband, loving father and generous friend who inspired each of us to strive to see the wonders of our world through new eyes."

full story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081105/ap_ ... richton_16

I've enjoyed many of Michael Crichton's books. The first one that I read was Jurassic Park. The movie never had a chance of coming close to the book, as far as content and story goes (as usual in a book-to-movie transformation). Congo was a short, fast can't put it down, type of read. State Of Fear is an awesome story and a must read if you have any interest in global warming.
Rest in Peace M.C., and thank you for sharing your gift with the world!

Dave

Just read in the papers of the sad passing of Michael Crichton.
May he rest in peace and God be with those who loved him during this sad time.

I can't say I read any of his books, but I did see Jurassic Park long ago, and it terrified me ( In my defence, I plead that I was considerably smaller than I am now).

I read in an obituary that he was 6"9. Yikes. I wonder how tall JVJ is lol?

Apparently he tended to write his books in a 6-7 week frenzy, once he had them planned. Yikes again. I wish I could write anywhere near that fast. That said, a reviewer once apparently said that to call his characterisation cardboard-thin would be highly flattering. Still- it's sad that he died comparatively young.

You're the second person I've heard say that M.C. was 6'9". He was very tall, but I believe his actual height was 6'7".
The movie Jurassic Park had nothing on the book. There were parts of the movie that were left out of the movie, presumably due to difficulties in filming. Most notably, I think, would be the scene where the two kids and grandpa or one of the male scientists (can't remember which) floated through an enclosed pteranodon complex on a raft. cool stuff.

I can honestly say i was very unhappy to have read this news. Michael Crichton will always be on the short list of my favorite authors. He was one of the very few people who i respected for reasons other than their artistic expressions.

Crichton was a true skeptic, and was perfectly willing to change his position on an issue once he became educated on the topic. Most people take a stance on a subject, and are unwilling to change that stance because it is an idealogical stance, or an emotional stance, regardless of the facts. Michael Crichton showed that an intelligent person can and should reassess his position after he has gleened more information.

RIP Michael Crichton, you will be missed, and know that many will lead on your crusade against consensus science.

Yes we are saddened by the passing of such a gifted individual.

On a lighter note, welcome to the forums Hrimnir. Here's hoping we will hear more from you in our little community.