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Is there a forum for Jiu-Jitsu legends? Anyway, Jiu-Jitsu legend Helio Gracie has passed away aged 95. He was widely regarded as the father of Vale Tudo. Very sad news.

Reg Gutteridge is knocking on a bit. Old tin leg may well be moving towards his final round.

Claiborne Pell (b. November 22, 1918) is a former Democratic United States Senator from Rhode Island. A prominent liberal, Pell is well known in the United States for his role in the establishment of Pell Grants. A New England "blue-blood," Pell, 86, should be considered for the 2006 list.

In the second piece of karmic repayment in the past two weeks, Enron chief Ken Lay joins child murder cover upstress Patsy Ramsey by dropping dead unexpectedly. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/13715925/from/ET/ So many strong candidates out there to complete an unholy trio. OJ? Gary Glitter? Any other suggestions welcome.

Hello my darlings Did you know that Alexander Solzhenitsyn was still alive? Well he is. He's 85 and feeling a bit peeky Death comes to us all wearing Pixie Boots

Former model Bettie Page has just suffered a massive heart attack and is reported "critically ill". She was involved with the sexual revolution of the 1960's.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/worl...icle5146531.ece There's video at the link. This broad was a piece of work. Nice rack, though.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/05/...in4575403.shtml (CBS) Best-selling author and filmaker Michael Crichton died unexpectedly in Los Angeles Tuesday, after a courageous and private battle against cancer, according to a statement released by his family. He was 66. Crichton is best known as the author of "Jurassic Park" and the creator of "ER." His most recent novel, "Next," about genetics and law, was published in December 2006. "While the world knew him as a great story teller that challenged our preconceived notions about the world around us -- and entertained us all while doing so -- his wife Sherri, daughter Taylor, family and friends knew Michael Crichton as a devoted husband, loving father and generous friend who inspired each of us to strive to see the wonders of our world through new eyes," the statement said. "He did this with a wry sense of humor that those who were privileged to know him personally will never forget." Through his books, Crichton served as an inspiration to students of all ages, challenged scientists in many fields, and illuminated the mysteries of the world in a way all could understand. "He will be profoundly missed by those whose lives he touched, but he leaves behind the greatest gifts of a thirst for knowledge, the desire to understand, and the wisdom to use our minds to better our world," the statement added. Born in Chicago Oct. 23, 1942, Crichton graduated summa cum laude from Harvard College, received his MD from Harvard Medical School, and was a postdoctoral fellow at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, researching public policy with Jacob Bronowski. He has taught courses in anthropology at Cambridge University and writing at MIT. Crichton's 2004 bestseller, "State of Fear," acknowledged the world was growing warmer, but challenged extreme anthropogenic warming scenarios. A private funeral service is expected, but no further details will be released to the public.

Balloon and sailing world recordholder Steve Fossett has been missing since Monday http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/6978818.stm

Oral historian......nowt to do with denistry, he's noted for a kind of participant observation journalism where he gathers stories from 'ordinary' people and turns out books that cast light on the workings of the world. If you're British think Ray Gosling....assuming you've ever heard of him. Anyway, Studs' latest collection - Hope Dies Last - is garnering justifiably great reviews. Maybe made a little kinder by the fact the man himself is 93.

This is the place to discuss Levi Stubbs

Actor Heath Ledger found dead in his Manhattan apartment, reported by the BBC. Cause of death unknown as yet though News 24 are reporting it as, surprise surprise, drug related.

Depending on whom you believe, beloved actor Paul Newman is in a fight for his life with an undisclosed cancer. The National Enquirer, The Daily News, The Huffington Post and Showbiz Spy are all reporting that the 83-year-old legend recently underwent secret surgery for an unnamed cancer, and that the operation was successful.

This thread is the place to discuss Albert Hofmann.

I know this fellow is covered in the motor racing thread, but in all fairness, the man deserves a thread of his own - he is, after all a World Champion in a sport that has a large worldwide audience. Phil was doing quite well, until a recent downturn and is now a shadow of the man he used to be. The problems with getting about that he now as is akin to Pinter's current state. Son Derek has quit racing himself to help Phil get about. The latest news with Phil was that he was at a dinner to celebrate the racing career of friend Chuck Daigh this weekend, so he's still getting around & about. But it might well be worth reading this article;- 1) It gives an excellent statement of his current health 2) It gives an excellent background into who exactly Phil Hill is. I appreciate many have named teams already for 2007 and the DL has candidates locked for next year, likewise, but this is no worse a candidate for 2008, then say, Jimmy Savile or Bruce Forsyth, I guess... perhaps more so. Admin/Mods, hope you understand why I've set up a separate thread and please feel free to move any posts from the motor racing thread into this one - especially the photos. The article, by the way, is here. Phil Hill remembers Monza and don't say that I don't give you any motor racing insider tips..... (at least, MIB, it isn't an African leader )

A big shout for actor Richard Widmark - I believe he's just passed his 90th (a few days ago) so certainly old enough to be 'on his way' and the triple celebration of birthday, Xmas and new year might just be enough to nudge him over

Looks like Mel is rocking off to the big blue sky !! http://www.expressandstar.com/2008/02/07/w...ng-with-cancer/

This thread is the place to discuss Charles Haughey.

Harvey Korman looks like he will not be in the saddle any more. Maybe not famous enough, however it was one of my favourite films.

The actor Patrick Allen has died. He was 79 Obituary. Now whilst Smith & Richmond were on my DDP long-list - last year Allen was on my DDP top 20! Having said that, I'm surprised he's died as he seemed well.

The Beadle is currently fighting off leukemia according to ITV teletext (it will be on the beeb as well i guess)...I suppose it it quite sad really....but there again he is just another Talentless Celeb...one to watch out for !...

The Kuwaiti parliament has voted to oust the state's new emir, Emir Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah, because of his ill health. He is definitely one to keep an eye on. Ailing Kuwait ruler ousted by MPs

This thread is the place to discuss Arthur C Clarke.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/7378654.stm If this is a suicide, I'm the Queen of England. She was on the Alex Jones (American talk radio blow-hard) show a couple of months ago talking about how she would be "suicided" and went on the record saying that she would never kill herself. Heres the interview: http://www.infowars.com/media/230707palfrey.mp3 No way this woman killed herself, her sentence was bound to be light and publishers were salivating like Pavlov's pooch to buy her story.

Alfredo Reinardo, East Timorese rebel leader shot dead in assassination attempt again President Jose Ranos Horta who was shot in stomach but is alive.