From The LA Times: Author Michael Crichton has died at age 66 after “a private battle with cancer.” Crichton’s career was probably one of a kind: After training as a doctor at Harvard and working as a fellow at the Jonas Salk Institute, he became a bestselling author, then a successful screenwriter, award-winning movie director and TV producer. The movie “Jurassic Park,” based on his book and on which he shared screenwriting credit, is the No. 10 top grossing film of all time. I spent some time working with Crichton – enough to gain immense respect for his intellect, creativity, and the way he lived his life. If you’ve never known him beyond his books and films, I suggest you read his autobiography, Travels.