Respected Technology Blogger / Journalist Roland Piquepaille Dies Suddenly in Paris of Gastrointestinal Virus

Roland Piquepaille was a columnist for ZD Net, and ran his own technology blog as well. His work was of the highest quality, and his contribution will be missed.

Roland passed away Monday in Paris. He was hit with a digestive virus that lead to a high fever and health complications beyond that. Suzanne said that the doctors are still trying to quantify how Roland got the virus and the exact details.

....There will be a ceremony held on Monday. Rest in peace Roland, we’ll miss you. Suzanne said that Roland had a few posts in the pipeline and wanted them published. _ZDNet _ via _NextbigFuture

Michael Crichton: Forever a Hero of the Al Fin Republic Wherever You Are, Michael, I Know You Are Giving them Hell

Michael Crichton followed his heart. He took the road less traveled, never the easy road. He was always his own man, unapologetic in his uniquely rational point of view.

His last battle was a private one, fought on his own terms. He cannot be replaced. But smart people can certainly learn from him.

Dan Fogelberg 1951-2007 Go Down Easy

Thanks for the music. You will be missed.

The video below has a fine set of photographs of Fogelberg set to "Leader of the Band."

If ever a person did what he was born to do, it was Fogelberg.

Losing Robert Bussard, Pioneering Space Scientist,

Here is the Google Talk by Robert Bussard on his inertial electrostatic fusion research. Dr. Bussard died of cancer a few days ago. He is the creator of the Bussard Interstellar Ramjet concept, and various nuclear fission rocket designs. Most recently, he was working on the nuclear fusion concept that he discusses in the video above.

You can find much more information from Brian Wang, M. Simon, and Centauri Dreams.

Bussard came from an earlier generation of space scientists who believed that anything was possible, and that the destiny of humanity lies in the greater universe beyond this planet and solar system.

Those of us who are able to escape our more cynical generation's lowered expectations will have large shoes to fill, with the loss of Robert W. Bussard.