Dan Cook - 1927-2008

When I was growing up, the mid 1960s to 1975 BC (Before Cable), we could get 4 channels on TV. The Austin CBS affiliate, now a FOX affiliate, KTBC; and the San Antonio stations: WOAI (NBC), KENS (CBS), KSAT (ABC) and KLRU (PBS). We watched the Channel 5 KENS news every night, and I remember Dan Cook doing the sports.

Dan Cook passed away at the age of 81, and another piece of my childhood is gone.

Dan is the man who came up with, or at least popularized the expression, "The opera ain't over til the fat lady sings," while trying to cheer up Spurs fans during a 1978 playoff series when the team was down by three games.

Dan worked at the San Antonio Express-News for 51 years as copy editor, writer, sports writer, sports editor and columnist. He also was the KENS weeknight sports anchor from 1956 to 2000. When Dan finished his last newscast on November 29, the fat woman came out to sing.

She's singing again.

Michael Turner 1971-2008

Micheal Turner blasted onto the comics scene in the mid 90s. He was one of those artist whose work I admired but didn't love, if you know what I mean. Sometimes, all of his women looked the same (says the pot to the kettle). And often his work appeared over-rendered. But I couldn't deny his talent.

A few years ago, Micheal developed cancer in his hip, requiring three pounds of bone to be removed and extensive physical therapy. Naturally, he had to take some time off from work. That he came back at all is astounding

He spent the last few years running Aspen Entertainment, his own company, and drawing covers for Marvel and DC, becoming one of the most in demand artists in the industry.

Unfortunately, Micheal passed away this weekend after the cancer came back.