Michael Crichton Dies at 66

From the Chicago Tribune: Author Michael Crichton dies at 66

LOS ANGELES - Michael Crichton, the doctor-turned-author of bestselling thrillers such as "The Terminal Man" and "Jurassic Park" and a Hollywood writer and director whose credits include "Westworld" and "Coma," has died. He was 66.

Crichton died in Los Angeles on Tuesday "after a courageous and private battle against cancer," his family said in a statement.

It's tempting to point up the fact that Crichton had submitted to right-wing hackery and immaturity in recent years... but if it's all right with everyone, I'll just remember him as the guy who wrote Jurassic Park.