This is sad news. I love Crichton's books. Jurassic Park was magical for me when I read it in high school, and it remains the only book I have ever read twice because I wanted to relive the experience. His other books always included the right amount of science and wonder, coupled with a great story that hooked me from start to finish, and I loved that I always learned something as I read his work. He made science fun and accessible to millions of readers and tackled subjects ahead of their time, bringing them to the forefront for scientists working in various fields. Every teenager should read his books. At the very least, it might get just a few more people interested in careers in science.

I'm going to buy every book he's ever written (that I haven't already read) and make it a point to read them all over the next year.
He was 66, a medical doctor and author, and died after a private battle with cancer.

I call it the Thorny Crocopus and I created him this evening with the new Spore Creature Creator. Screenshots and video are below. I've been looking forward to this game for about two years now, and it's finally coming in September. I'm really excited!