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How James Patterson completed Michael Crichton’s “Eruption”
If you ever want to feel a sense of awe, try standing near an erupting volcano. The late author Michael Crichton was fascinated with volcanoes for most of his life. And even now, 16 years after his death, among the countless books and papers at his office in Santa Monica you’ll find stacks of volcano research.
For his widow, Sherri Alexander Crichton, it’s almost as if he’s still here. “I feel his energy around all the time,” she said.
And in the mountain of papers he left behind, she found parts of an unfinished novel centered around a huge volcanic eruption. It struck Sherri as something he would’ve wanted to share – a posthumous blockbuster from someone who, in his relatively short life, gave the world so much, including genetically-recreated dinosaurs.
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In the literary world, Michael Crichton was a colossus – the only writer to have a number one book, movie, and TV show in the same year. He was also a Harvard-educated doctor, a prolific genius who created scientific thrillers that brought millions along on heart-pounding rides, from big city emergency rooms in “ER,” to the tornado-ravaged heartland in “Twister,” to places that exist only in our dreams (and nightmares), like “Jurassic Park.”
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Sherri Crichton remembers him as someone who was incredibly fun, but at times distant. “I remember when I first started dating Michael, a very dear friend of mine said, ‘Sherri, it’s gonna go like this: It’s gonna feel like he doesn’t wanna have anything to do with you when he’s writing. It’s not gonna feel like he loves you anymore because he’s gonna be into the book. And you’re gonna have to be okay with that.’ And I was like, ‘Of course, of course I’ll be OK.’
“But when it hit, like those first few times when he would really separate, he was present, but he actually was still in his creation, whatever that was,” she said.
She admits it was a hard time: “And it took a lot of self-confidence to be able to say to myself, ‘This is gonna be okay. Let’s give it another month. Let’s see what it’s gonna be like.'”
They married in 2005, but three years later, Michael Crichton died of cancer at age 66, leaving Sherri alone, and six months pregnant with their son, John Michael.
As she picked up the pieces of her life, she discovered and read parts of the volcano book he’d been working on, a page-turner about a massive eruption in Hawaii worse than any in history.
It ended abruptly. “But I kept thinking, ‘There has to be more,'” Sherri said.
And so, after more than a decade, she decided it was time to finish it. But then there was the question of who. “I just went big. I thought, ‘What about James Patterson?'”
James Patterson is one of the most successful authors in history, who has sold around 400 million books, and collaborated with people like President Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton. Truth is, Patterson has a backlog of projects that keep him working every day. But when Sherri Crichton called, he answered. And Michael Crichton’s story – about the explosive volcano and the fact that it threatened to crack open a stockpile of toxic waste so potent that it could destroy life on planet Earth – was too good for him to pass up.
But finishing the book was a tall order for both Patterson and Sherri Crichton.
She said she was apprehensive at first: “I was just nervous because it’s a new relationship,” Sherri said.
Patterson added, “And she lives in Hollywood, and people lie out here!”
“I have to say, I’m just fiercely protective of Michael’s materials,” she said.
WEB EXTRA: James Patterson on the “gift” of a new Michael Crichton thriller (YouTube Video)
And how did Patterson find Michael Crichton’s voice – or did he have to? He said, “I had read everything that Michael Crichton wrote. So, I think had a sense of the voice. This book might be a little pacier than some of his books, just a little bit. But I had a feeling for it. I challenge people, for them to come out and say, This is where Michael stopped, and this is where James started. And I’m really proud of that. I’m really happy about it.”
The end result – “Eruption,” by Michael Crichton and James Patterson – will be out tomorrow.
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Patterson said, “There’s a quote – I don’t know where this comes from, and it’s not me, but I love it, and it relates to my taking this project, and I think it’s more valuable actually for 20-year-olds than it is for me – and the quote is, ‘My time here is short; what can I do most beautifully?’
“And I felt with ‘Eruption’ and Michael Crichton, I thought I could do it beautifully,” Patterson said.
He’s not wrong; the finished book is already said to have studios clamoring for the film rights.
And it’s also true to the spirit of the man who started it. Sherri said, “He was amazing. He was vulnerable and kind.”
And now, his work will live on, in a team effort that’s both highly anticipated and – to Sherri Crichton at least – worth waiting for.
“I was single until the time I met Michael,” she said. “And people used to go, ‘Why are you so picky?’ And I’m like, ‘It’s just not right yet. It’s just not right.’ So, I waited.
“And it was the same thing with Jim. … I waited on this manuscript until I felt that the time was right, that I had all the pieces of the puzzle. But then it had to be the right fit. And I think I did okay!”
READ AN EXCERPT: “Eruption” by Michael Crichton and James Patterson
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Story produced by John D’Amelio. Editor: Mike Levine.
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How to watch the Arizona Cardinals vs. Miami Dolphins NFL game today: Livestream options, more
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The Arizona Cardinals vs. Miami Dolphins NFL game will be played today. The Cardinals are taking on the Dolphins following a close 17-15 win over the Los Angeles Chargers — a big victory after a tough loss to the Green Bay Packers the game prior. The Dolphins were defeated 16-10 in their latest game to the Indianapolis Colts.
Here’s what to know on how and when to watch the Arizona Cardinals vs. Miami Dolphins game today, even if you don’t have cable.
How and when to watch the Arizona Cardinals vs. Miami Dolphins game
The Cardinals vs. Miami Dolphins game will be played on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT). The game will air on Fox and stream on Fubo and the platforms featured below.
How and when to watch the Arizona Cardinals vs. Miami Dolphins game without cable
You can watch Fox through several streaming services if it’s not included in your cable package or if you don’t have cable. All you need is an internet connection and the top options outlined below.
Watch the Arizona Cardinals vs. Miami Dolphins game for free with Fubo
Fubo, a contract-free live TV streaming service offering comprehensive sports coverage, gives you an easy, user-friendly way to watch NFL games on CBS, Fox, NBC, ABC, ESPN and the NFL Network, plus NCAA football channels. The Pro tier ($80/month, first month $50) includes 200+ channels and unlimited DVR, while the Elite with Sports Plus tier ($100/month, first month $70) adds NFL RedZone and 4K resolution. New subscribers get a seven-day free trial and $30 off their first month, with all plans allowing streaming on up to 10 screens simultaneously.
Watch today’s Arizona Cardinals vs. Miami Dolphins game on Sling
One of the most cost-effective ways to watch major sporting events is through a subscription to Sling’s Orange + Blue tier ($60/month, currently half-off first month at $30), which includes ESPN, ABC, NBC, and Fox. The plan offers 46 channels with local NFL games, nationally broadcast games and 50 hours of DVR storage. For complete NFL coverage, add Paramount+ to get CBS games, or upgrade with the Sports Extra add-on for additional sports channels like Golf Channel, NBA TV and NFL RedZone.
Watch the Arizona Cardinals vs. Miami Dolphins game on Hulu + Live TV
You can watch NFL games, including Fox broadcasts, with Hulu + Live TV, which includes 90 channels, unlimited DVR storage, and access to NFL preseason games, live regular season games and studio shows. The service costs $77 per month (with a three-day free trial) and includes ESPN+ and Disney+ in the subscription.
Want to watch today’s game live on your smartphone? The NFL+ streaming service ($40/year or $7/month) lets you watch NFL Network and out-of-market games on mobile devices, with an upgrade option to NFL+ Premium that includes NFL RedZone for watching up to eight games simultaneously. Note that NFL+ only works on phones and tablets, not TVs.
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How to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns game today: Livestream options, more
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The Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns game will be played today. The game will be played at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland, Ohio. It’ll mark the second time in less than a week that the Ravens have hit the field after playing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday. The Browns, meanwhile, are coming off an October 20 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals and are just 1-6 so far this season.
Keep reading to find out how and when to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns game today, even if you don’t have cable.
CBS, Paramount+ and CBS Essentials are all subsidiaries of Paramount Global.
How and when to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns game today
The Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns game will be played on Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT). The NFL football game will air on CBS, and stream on Paramount+ and the platforms featured below.
How and when to watch the Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns game without cable
While CBS is available with many basic cable packages, you don’t need to worry if you don’t have access. Whether you have cable or have completely cut the cord, the game will be available with a variety of other options. Just note that the below streaming options will require the use of an internet provider:
Paramount+: Watch CBS-aired NFL games without cable
With Paramount+ you’ll have multiple viewing options to choose from. You can catch NFL games on the Paramount+ Essential tier for just $7.99 each month or you can watch college football with a Paramount+ with Showtime subscription for $12.99 monthly. In addition to live streams of NFL games airing on CBS, you’ll get to watch additional live sporting events including NCAA college football, PGA Tour golf, soccer and more.
Get started with Paramount+ here today.
Amazon Prime Video: Add Paramount+ to your existing subscription
Already have an Amazon Prime Video account? Simply add Paramount+ to your current subscription to watch all the CBS-aired NFL games in addition to Paramount+ originals. The same prices from above apply, depending on which tier you choose. Not sure which is best for you? Don’t worry. Both options come with a free seven-day trial that can help you decide.
Watch the Ravens-Browns game on Amazon Prime Video.
Fubo: Watch the Ravens-Browns game for free
If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to watch a variety of football games, Fubo could be the best way to do so. The live TV streamer is currently offering a seven-day free trial and $30 off of your first month’s subscription. Once subscribed, you’ll gain access to all of their live sporting events immediately. And there will be a lot to choose from. Not only does Fubo come with access to NFL games airing on your local CBS channel, it also includes Fox Sunday NFC games, “Sunday Night Football” on NBC, “Monday Night Football” on ABC and ESPN and all of the games that air on the NFL Network. So don’t wait.
Get started with Fubo online now.
Waiting for the game to start? As the season rolls on you may want to stock up on the latest NFL gear and merchandise. Fanatics is a great way to do so. With the latest player t-shirts, jerseys, hoodies and more, there’s plenty of stuff in stock to keep you covered this season. But don’t wait much longer. As each week in the season passes by competition for this limited merchandise will increase. Don’t wait for it to sell out.
Head over to Fanatics now to check out the latest NFL fan gear drop.