I wasn’t that big a fan of ‘Ringo’s either, but like the fan and creative community I feel the shock of his loss. From the descriptions of those who knew him and based on what I gleaned from his own blog he seemed to be a really nice guy who really, really loved comics. He was a real boon to the industry and it’s really a tragedy that he’s gone.

It was kind of shocking to read about what a healthy lifestyle he led considering that the cause of death was, of all things, a heart attack. Well, like a previous post said, genetics really does play a role.

I guess Tom Brevoort said it best when he opined that the best thing to take from this seemingly meaningless tragedy is to live life to the fullest, and judging from the body of Mike’s work, I’d say he has.

RIP Mike.

By the way, please get those last two issues of Elmer out as soon as you can; you never know…

I really think that sport is the key to keep your body clean.

I have an off topic question for Gerry: i think you know Francis Leinil Yu very well, is he a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu practicioner? There is some details in Superman Birthright that make me think that.

But since this is the topic, I just have to go for it :)

Genetics play a huge role in a person’s life span.
If one has a family history of heart disease or hypertension or diabetes, it is wise to see your doctor and find out if there’s nothing wrong with your heart and blood pressure and blood sugar. Once these things are ruled out, then you know what to do.

Moderation is the name of the game. One can eat meat if he likes it, but make sure it’s lean. Stay away from the skin of chicken and other animals because they are very high in cholesterol. Stay away from deep fried dishes. They are deadly. Eat RICE sparingly. White rice is deadly because it is nothing but JUNK and the capitalization is intended. To make rice look white, all the fibers must be removed from it, and once you removed the good stuff, what’s left? CRAP. Potato and white rice are simple carbs that goes quickly into your blood streams and becomes sugar that eventually end up as fat. Whole grains are the best substitute. Instead of white rice, eat BROWN rice. Lentil, Mung and the like. They have ample fiber that’s really good for you. And since it is not simple carb, it takes very slowly for your body to absorb. Eat sweet potato instead of potato. Sweet potato has complex carb and is therefore a lot healthier.

If you can stay away from meat, that is good indeed. Or, if you really have to, choose the less fat variety, such as TURKEY or GOAT (but, would you have the heart to eat a goat? Just look at their cute faces, especially the baby ones. They are so loveable you would rather cuddle them than butcher them).

For bread, eat whole wheat ones, not those JUNKY enriched white flour kind.

Stay away from PASTRIES. They are loaded with SHORTENING and/or LARD, quite detrimental to one’s health.

Have a POSITIVE attitude, a positive outlook in life, and be jolly. Sense of humor is a must for one’s existence here on earth.

And the most important thing: EXERCISE. Jog, swim, walk, climb stairs (instead of taking the elevator). Also, DRINK ALCOHOL MODERATELY. I had witnessed the way some of our old illustrators imbibe alcohol as if there was no more tomorrow, and therefore, their tomorrows were truncated as well.

DRINK A LOT OF WATER. It keeps you young-looking, it makes your skin glow and makes your cheeks rosy.

If you eat well, exercise and have the right attitude – your orgasms will also be quite intense and satisfying :)

- JM po lamang

It’s extremely difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle as almost everthing we eat has some adverse effect on our body. Aside from home cooking, there’s really nothing being offered out there that’s even remotely healthy for you. Fastfood joints are the worst. Some numbskulls always say ‘ when it’s your time, it’s your time .’ Yeah, but you sure as hell don’t have to rush it!

I’m 46 now…I think back at age 44 and think…how young.

Getting older is a reminder to bless each day.

RIP Mike!

-JBeatty

It’s pretty sad that one of the best artists is gone at a quite young age. I think his work is very influential, although like you said, Gerry, I’m not also a big fan but I’m familiar with his signature.

It’s shocking Mike was only 44…I’m turning 34 soon. Just realized how fast years go.

…time to exercise.

-ed

My mother is an advocate of healthy living, and I always get an earful when she hears that I’ve not been exercising lately. Though it’s pretty embarrasing that at the age of 40 I still get some harsh “sermon” from my mom, I am starting to take it seriously.

I too have a hard time keeping a healthy lifestyle. I tend to take it for granted because I am thinking: “I’m not doing my body any harm; I am just here sitting in front of my computer!” Couldn’t be farther from the truth.