It Sucks When Great Writers Stop Writing . . .

. . . especially when it's because they've died.

So, a bit belatedly, RIP:

* Studs Terkel, the personification of both Chicago and the Greatest Generation;

* Michael Crichton, who became a purveyor of great content either because of, or in spite of, his medical training and tallness; and

* John Leonard, whose fusing of media and cultural criticism was unique and compelling, and who I still miss from a show I love, CBS Sunday Morning.

-30-