The RIP Famous Person Thread

[Mr Lick]

Not always good people on this thread i agree but running 2/3 threads on R.I.P. may confuse members when all it really all boils down to is news. Again, someones perception of charm/lack of, may depend on whether you know the guy personally or not. Some people will be dancing in the street to hear of a notorious criminal's demise, some not.

[Gerbil]

^ yep. After all when Maggie thatcher kicks the bucket, we'd have to stick her in both threads.

[Mid]

thread seems to be morphing into a general obituary

perhaps a narrower definition of fame for our global collective .

[Thetyim]

^
English only

[DrAndy]

No one famous, a scumbag crim, why would you put this piece of shit here along with all the great people we are sad to see go?

because they all died!?

Would you like me to introduce you to his son so that you can pass on your condolences. He lives in Thailand and reads TD

whossat then?

[DrAndy]

The world incidentally doesn't just revolve around Rolf Harris, Barry Humphreys or Kylie Minogue

damn

I agree with Koojo on the point of the guy does NOT belong with the GOOD people that did GOOD things in their lives.

nothing to do with good, just famous (or infamous, I suppose)

[Eliminator]

Well the thread title does say " The RIP Famous Person Thread" so this prick was infamous, not the same thing by my way of thinking but really couldn't give a rat's ass either way.

[Tom Sawyer]

Harry Harrison, who has died aged 87

Damn. I enjoyed his books when I was young. Especially the Stainless Steel Rat series.

Harrison is probably best known for the book that inspired the Hollywood film Soylent Green (1973). Directed by Richard Fleischer and starring Charlton Heston and Edward G Robinson, Soylent Green was an uncompromising view of a world a quarter of a century into the future, in which massive overpopulation has created a critical food shortage. The solution is an alleged soya/lentil substitute – the plot concerns the discovery of the true nature of the stuff.

Great movie. I never actually read the book. Must get round to doing that some time.

And I have no idea about his views on chinks

[Thetyim]

whossat then?

Are you trying to get me nailed to the floor ?

[Gerbil]

^ you'll get a new shirt out of it

[can123]

Richardson was unbelievably famous and merits his place here. Some have asked, so I answer, the people I used to drink with were two ladies who were cousins, I think, and a young man who was a nephew.

Regardless of the criminal involvement of the family, I have to say that they were really nice, pleasant people. They enjoyed a drink and a laugh. It was, and probably still is, unusual for women to talk to comparative strangers in pubs unless they are looking for "business". These enjoyed conversation and they reminded me of the way people behave in Wales when they go out for a drink. We talk to each other instead of staring at our pint glasses in silence. I think it was an East End thing. Far more sociable people than one would ordinarily meet in London.

They were nice. There was never a mention of anything the least bit criminal. They liked good beer and the Sun had just opened as one of the first real ale pubs in London. My mate worked as a hospital porter at the time and he knew them because the Sun was his local. ( He started at the bottom of hospital administration and he loved his job. Over the years he decided that he needed more money and ended up as a "very big boss".)

[Mr Lick]

Education journalist Mike Baker dies

Mike Baker: A widely-respected education writer who later reported on his own struggle with cancer


The award-winning education journalist Mike Baker has died.

The 55-year-old former BBC education correspondent had written about his struggle with cancer in a widely-read and candid blog.

Baroness Estelle Morris, the former education secretary, paid tribute to his "perceptive and wise" coverage of changes in education.

"There are fewer better examples of all that is good in public service broadcasting and journalism," she said.

Head teachers' leader Brian Lightman said he would be "sorely missed by school and college leaders".

"His informed commentary and incisive analysis of educational issues were a 'must read' for the profession."

Universities Minister David Willetts described Mike Baker as "knowledgeable, independent, fair-minded and a master at conveying complicated details to a mass audience. Most of all, he never lost sight of how education can liberate individuals to realise their full potential."

"He approached his recent illness with the same inquiring spirit evident in his journalism, and he provided searingly honest accounts of his experiences in his award-winning blog. The whole education world will miss him terribly."

Mike Baker was one of the most respected education correspondents. He retired from the BBC five years ago after 27 years.

In that time he became one of the most familiar voices in the education field, recognised as a well-informed and insightful commentat.

Twice winner of the education journalist of the year award, Mike Baker had covered the upheavals in schools and universities for the BBC from 1989 to 2007 - from the days of Margaret Thatcher through to Tony Blair.

[Cujo]

FFS. Another one not famous at all.

[Mr Lick]

The award-winning education journalist

Twice winner of the education journalist of the year award

The whole education world will miss him terribly."

I suppose one needs to have experienced some form of education oneself to appreciate the man

[Thetyim]

^^
Can we post if Lassie dies ?

[Daft Old Cat]

Can we post if Lassie dies ?

Can't see why not, way more famous than the hack.

[Mid]

The award-winning education journalist Mike Baker has died.

Never heard of him .

[nedwalk]

who??

[Cujo]

The award-winning education journalist

Twice winner of the education journalist of the year award

The whole education world will miss him terribly."

I suppose one needs to have experienced some form of education oneself to appreciate the man

The point is, this thread is about FAMOUS people.
Not smart people, people who mhave contributed to this or that in society.
FAMOUS people, which by my definition means people all over the world and across the spectrum of society have heard of them.
Not well known in this circle or that, or famous in the neighbourhood.

[Cujo]

Richardson was unbelievably famous

Quite right, i find it unbelievable that he was famous.
(and who gives a fuck about your hospital porter mate made good and what's that got to do with anything?

[SEA Traveler]

Edwin P. Wilson, the spy who lived it up, dies at 84

NYT: Edwin P. Wilson, spy who lived it up, dies - US news - The New York Times | NBC News




Guess I'm going to have to dust off my Peter Maas book: "Manhunt" from my bookshelf and read it again.....

[can123]

Richardson was unbelievably famous

Quite right, i find it unbelievable that he was famous.
(and who gives a fuck about your hospital porter mate made good and what's that got to do with anything?

Why don't you shut up and eat your bone ?

[can123]

The point is, this thread is about FAMOUS people.
Not smart people, people who mhave contributed to this or that in society.
FAMOUS people, which by my definition means people all over the world and across the spectrum of society have heard of them.

You have made a mistake in assuming that everybody is as ignorant as you are. All these people are known by learned people the world over. You should read this thread from beginning to end as it would be most informative for you.

[Cujo]

The point is, this thread is about FAMOUS people.
Not smart people, people who mhave contributed to this or that in society.
FAMOUS people, which by my definition means people all over the world and across the spectrum of society have heard of them.

You have made a mistake in assuming that everybody is as ignorant as you are. All these people are known by learned people the world over. You should read this thread from beginning to end as it would be most informative for you.

"Known by learned people", in their circles you mean, (education for example) an obscure journalist writing education specific pieces, a local criminal, these are not FAMOUS people.

[can123]

"Known by learned people", in their circles you mean, (education for example) an obscure journalist writing education specific pieces, a local criminal, these are not FAMOUS people.

OK, so from now on, nobody should appear here unless they go to your pub/bar. You're not American, perchance, are you ?