Newsday named one of its nominees for "Long Islander of the century" in its Tuesday’s edition. (February 8, 2000). Byline by Cynthia Blair

Michael Crichton, novelist-film-director-screen-writer, is from Roslyn Heights and after leaving high school he went on to Harvard Medical School. But, he gave up his Dr. moniker for a career in writing. I wonder how his parents felt when he made that announcement?

John Michael Crichton is the son of a journalist who changed his career to become an advertising executive. Although Crichton was born in Chicago he did his growing up on Long Island. Talking advantage of his 6’ 9” height he was a basketball star a Roslyn HS, which Crichton reveals helped him because he felt strange being so tall.

Always loving to write Crichton actually sold an article when he was only 14! From what I have read while he was in Harvard Medical School he published a group of adventure novels, under a pseudonym. I tried to find more information about those books but AOL booted me before I found anything out and I haven't been back as yet.

Having 12 million paperbacks (in the USA alone) under his belt with a variety of topics such as computers, train robberies, Japanese business, gorillas and some pretty sinister dinos, he has shown himself to be quite prolific.

Having many hobbies myself I always find it interesting to know about other peoples hobbies. Mr. Crichton unlike he action packed books enjoys things like meditation, art, tennis and scuba diving. And, if all that isn't enough to boggle the mind Michael Crichton has formed a gaming company called Timeline Computer Entertainment.

It seems for the past twenty years computer gaming has been a passion for him...Where does he find the time? The thrust of Timeline entertainment's focus (18 months worth) has been to develop a better gaming engine, thus allowing a better game experience. What will make their gaming different your ask..."fast paced game play in a populated, compels, and highly interactive world". To learn more about Timeline Computer Entertainment visit their website.

When one of our own makes it big it seem we all get to share in the glory! So, Thank you Michael Crichton for making it BIG!

1994 • "ER" debuts on NBC
1999 • "Timeline" published
1996 • "Airframe" published
1990 • "Jurassic Park" published
1987 • "Sphere" published
1979 • Writes screenplay and directs "The Great Train Robbery"
1973 • "Westworld" First film to direct
1972 • "The Terminal Man" published
1969 • Graduates from Harvard Medical School