Chicago-born Michael Crichton Dies

Sad news today as the Chicago-born best-selling author Michael Crichton has passed away unexpectedly at the age of 66. It appears as if the writer had been battling cancer but the family still considered his death a surprise. They issued a statement, saying, "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. He did this with a wry sense of humor that those who were privileged to know him personally will never forget."