436548 Thu Aug 30 09:19:37 -0700 2007 8 35 Beer 0 2896459 http://beerinfood.wordpress.com/2007/08/30/michael-jackson-dead/ Thu Aug 30 09:19:37 -0700 2007 10730 byrd 1 2896772 very sad to hear. he was a real inspiration to me and many others as a great educator and advocate of beer and spirits. the offerings on the shelves of our stores would be much smaller and less interesting if it wasn't for him. i think too few people realize how many breweries and distilleries he personally had a hand in saving from ruin. Thu Aug 30 10:34:06 -0700 2007 2896459 17708 warrenr 1 2898645 I'm very sad to hear this. I remember that an article of his which appeared in Malt Advocate several months ago had a different tone to it; he discussed, without self-pity, his battle with Parkinson's disease. If it weren't for Michael Jackson's books and articles, I'd have been fairly lost when it came to exploring good beer when I started to do so in the late 80s. And of course, MJ had been doing his inspiring writing on beer since well before that. What a loss to the world of beer appreciation. Thu Aug 30 18:26:47 -0700 2007 2896459 90936 Kenji 1 2898772 I have a copy of his "Beer Companion" by my bedside, and enjoy his insightful descriptions before drifting off. As Kenji said, his observations have helped guide me in the development of my beer palate, and I thank him for that. Oktoberfest is just beginning here in Colorado and will continue through September. I'll be sure to raise a stein in his honor this weekend. Thu Aug 30 19:18:51 -0700 2007 2896459 119467 Bellyacher 1 2906388 today's nytimes article on Jackson http://www.nytimes.com/2007/09/03/world/europe/03jackson.html?ref=world Mon Sep 03 09:29:42 -0700 2007 2896459 120827 LRS 2 2906500 MJ was a wonderful man, with kindness to match his writing talent. I miss him very much. Mon Sep 03 10:19:46 -0700 2007 2906388 10998 Jim Dorsch 1 2906847 I was shocked to read news of his death a day ago. RIP Sir. Mon Sep 03 13:29:17 -0700 2007 2896459 22220 Kelli2006 2 2988865 I'm really sorry I missed this thread (condolences to Jim Dorsch, who was really close with Michael). FYI, see this: http://www.chowhound.com/topics/446093 Sat Sep 29 14:44:56 -0700 2007 2906847 10089 Jim Leff 1 3015496 I must have been out of the news as I hadn't heard of the passing until now. I had the opportunity to talk with him several times at a variety of tastings. One of the most amusing of those times was after he released his scotch book and I had him sign it. He looked rather "pissed" and I asked him how many drinks he had that day and his eyes kind of rolled back in his head as if he were counting and he said "I think it's about 15...but I haven't hit my stride" Mon Oct 08 13:47:18 -0700 2007 2896459 41679 Den