Wow, I'm really offended. Lugnut is a name with noble origins! There is controversy between scholars about two ancient cultures claiming this name for their own according to written records discovered decades ago but only deciphered in the mid 1990's. It seems that the tale as recorded around 620 AD by scribes of the Goldearians recounts the defeat of General Lugnut and his forces by barbarian hordes. It seems that Lugnut could hear the barbarians establishing attack forces on several fronts. Lugnut sought retreat to terrain that worked in the favor of his army. King Audiophoole instead ordered Lugnut and his men to fight the barbarians exclaiming that he could not hear the difference. Lugnut and all his men were destroyed. It shouldn't be a surprise that the name Lugnut is derived from Lug-meaning "ears", and nut-meaning to "trust your own". The Toobwegians fighting for control of the Peninsula of Right lost to the Transitorians only to regain control after several decades. Commander Lugnut drove the Transitorians into the Sea of Despair. According to language scholars in this case the origins of the name Lugnut are derived from lug-meaning "opinion" and nut-meaning "is perfect". In either case I'm honored to use this moniker but thrilled to learn a child will be named after my two favorite historical figures.
About Lugnut -- Patrick Malone
Many of us have come to know Patrick Malone (Lugnut) as a friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and kind individual. He is a frequent and enthusiastic contributor to our analog discussion forum. He has initiated only 17 threads, but responded to 559 threads. I would guess that many, if not most, of us can recall a time when Pat replied with helpful advice to a question we posted or helped us track down a rare recording. I have come to love Pat as a friend, and to respect him as a man, and I suspect many of you share those feelings.
Today I write to share difficult news with you. Pat has been diagnosed with an aggressive stomach cancer. It has yet to be determined whether surgery will even be worth it. If surgery is performed, most or all of the stomach will be removed, and Pat would face a difficult and long post-op period in the hospital. The medical course is still uncertain, but will be determined soon. Whatever is decided, it will not be easy or pleasant.
Something may be planned in the future to assist the family. For now, Pat could use some of the friendship he so often and willingly showed us. You can email Pat at: lugnut50@msn.com. You can also mail cards, letters ... or whatever. You may email me for Pat's mailing address. My email is: pfrumkin1@comcast.net.
I hope to spend a few days with Pat in Idaho or Nebraska (from which he hails) soon. Between this news, my legal work, getting ready for family arriving for the holidays, Audio Intelligent, and trying to make plans to visit Pat, my head is spinning. If you email me and I don't respond, please understand that I am not ignoring you, but rather simply do not have time to reply.
Pat may or may not have time to respond to posts here, to emails, or to cards mailed to him. But he has asked me to convey to each and every one of you that he has cherished your friendship, your comradery, and sharing our common hobby on this great website.
As we prepare for our holiday season celebrations, and look forward to -- as we should -- enjoying this time of year, I ask that you keep Pat and his family in mind ... and softly offer up, in quiet moments in the still of night and early morning, prayers for Pat and his family. God bless.
Warmest regards to all,
Paul Frumkin
Today I write to share difficult news with you. Pat has been diagnosed with an aggressive stomach cancer. It has yet to be determined whether surgery will even be worth it. If surgery is performed, most or all of the stomach will be removed, and Pat would face a difficult and long post-op period in the hospital. The medical course is still uncertain, but will be determined soon. Whatever is decided, it will not be easy or pleasant.
Something may be planned in the future to assist the family. For now, Pat could use some of the friendship he so often and willingly showed us. You can email Pat at: lugnut50@msn.com. You can also mail cards, letters ... or whatever. You may email me for Pat's mailing address. My email is: pfrumkin1@comcast.net.
I hope to spend a few days with Pat in Idaho or Nebraska (from which he hails) soon. Between this news, my legal work, getting ready for family arriving for the holidays, Audio Intelligent, and trying to make plans to visit Pat, my head is spinning. If you email me and I don't respond, please understand that I am not ignoring you, but rather simply do not have time to reply.
Pat may or may not have time to respond to posts here, to emails, or to cards mailed to him. But he has asked me to convey to each and every one of you that he has cherished your friendship, your comradery, and sharing our common hobby on this great website.
As we prepare for our holiday season celebrations, and look forward to -- as we should -- enjoying this time of year, I ask that you keep Pat and his family in mind ... and softly offer up, in quiet moments in the still of night and early morning, prayers for Pat and his family. God bless.
Warmest regards to all,
Paul Frumkin
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I just re-named those goofy nuts on my car wheels "Pats" so I wouldn't get confused. So how did those ever get named after you anyway? Now that little luggy is on "its" way I think we need to petition the auto industry to change those things name. Poor little luggy if we still call our wheel nuts lugnuts. |
Dav, you beat me to it. Perhaps if it's a girl she could be named Linn. Pat, I don't really know what to say. I hope that the remainder of your time is of the highest quality, with the maximum time with family and friends. You've shown extraordinary character in the face of the adversity, and I'm very grateful that you've shared it with some relative strangers here on audiogon. It's been a great example of what is truly important in life in a chat board that can sometimes become a little too self-absorbed. |
Great news guys. I just received an email from a long time Audiogon friend informing me that he and his wife are having a baby. Whether a boy or girl my name will be used. It seems appropriate in some way for this to happen now. Sentimental guy that I am the tears are hard to keep at bay. I couldn't be more proud. |
Pat, I am so glad you got to attend the show and were able to soak it in as much as you did. I'm also agrieved to hear the current regimen cannot keep things in check for you anymore. Hoping for the best with your next treatment, but if you do opt to go off the chemo, I wish for you a better-feeling period of respite from the assault on your body. Brother, nobody can carry your jock - it's too f'n big! Much love, Z. |
Hey Pat, I know that it's not your intent , but the description of your ordeal and the heartfelt responses it elicits from your fellow Audiogoners has become art. Great art moves us and regardless of the outcome, the dignity and triumphant spirit you've exemplified will linger . I have learned from and drawn inspiration from reading your words . I thank you for sharing with us your colossal spirit. Each day you are able to document this remarkable journey is a gift. I only wish you what you wish for yourself. |
Pat, I'll do anything you want, as far as posting, or any other help I can offer. Regardless of what happens, I look forward to seeing you again! I wish there was an easy answer to offer, words or thoughts to improve your situation... I will tell you now, that I've grown to love you, as have many others here. Time and circumstance can do nothing to diminish that! I'm proud to call you my friend. You remain in my prayers. |
Okay, as I said, here's the facts. Current chemo has failed. Doc wants to do dual chemistry attempt on Friday. If I don't feel better by next Wednesday then we will cease all further treatments. We both agree that any more CT scans are meaningless. Barb and I will be shopping among the Hospice programs next week. I'd like you all to chuckle with me cause it's better than crying. This nonsense seems like a bad episode of Ground Hog Day. For sure, this doctor is a very caring person and that means a lot to me. I'll be glad if this new treatment makes me feel better but, honestly, if it doesn't then I'll be happy to get this final show on the road. I'll ask my wife if she will continue to post should I not be able to. If she cannot do it then perhaps one of my friends that calls often to check up on me (hint, hint Nate) will let you all know what's going on. |
Nate, I had tears in my eyes as I stepped into the truck. I know you won't forget my last words to you and I really appreciate that. Thanks also for mentioning Barb. She has been carrying the load in the Lugnut household for some time now and has done it without a hint of frustration. She's pretty incredible. Hey Michael, no need to feel awkward. We don't want any of that stuff going on here. It must have been a pleasure meeting you but I'm having a little difficulty connecting the dots. Forgive me. LOL. I don't remember anyone I met at RMAF not being a pleasure. Did anyone even mention Tchaikovsky? ;o |
Pat, what a great weekend! It was a lot of fun to spend time with you again. I was concerned about you having too much pressure to keep people entertained and talking with all the people who wanted to meet you. Rick from Virtual Dynamics mentioned that he was hoping to meet with you for a while, but I didn't run into him till after you left. Pat, I have to say this publically. Your wife is a wonderful woman! It was a pleasure to meet her. I guess we both married above our pay grade. It must have been a lot of work for her to care for the needs of two people, but she always had a smile on her face. I was impressed by the Caravelles at CES. It was interesting to hear them in two different rooms, with different gear. They did not disappoint on either occasion. Tom and I got to sit and listen for a while late Sunday afternoon. Pat, I had tears in my eyes as I watched you and the gang drive away, as I had the same thought. I was choking back tears as I returned to my tour of some of the rooms that I missed. I will not forget the words you said as you got in the truck. FWIW I would gladly feel the sorrow because it reminds me of the joy of friendship. Thanks for making yourself available to your friends. Both of the weekends I got to spend with you and a few other new friends will be cherished for the rest of my life. I loved being able to sit and talk with you at dinner. What a great group of people, on both occasions. Sorry for keeping you out so late on Friday. Hey rnm4 - that's because he couldn't get it off of Brahm's head! |
Doug, I hesitated to post my criticism of Brahm's since I know so very little about this genre. It's good to know that someone agrees with me. Well all, RMAF was very enjoyable even though it was much more of a challenge to this diseased and chemically ravaged body than I expected. I returned home completely spend. Having Barb there with me, being in charge without appearing so, proved her value as my life partner. Honestly, without her I would have made a spectacle of myself somewhere. Several times I felt the world slipping away and would have dropped like a ton of bricks if not for her anticipating my need to sit down and rest. At times like that I didn't have enough presence of mind to find my own chair and am I ever glad she was there. My primary goal was to attend this event. My secondary goal of doing so without appearing compromised was pulled off to my satisfaction. At least I think I pulled that one off with her help. About the only criticism I have of the whole event was the constant use of source material that attempted to showcase something that had little to do with music. There also seemed to be a fear of playing full range music. In fairness to the exhibitors though the majority of rooms must have been difficult to set up properly. Still, many rooms sounded very good indeed. Some of the larger rooms sounded about as good as I could imagine. Two products that would fall in my price range stood head and shoulders above the rest. The Star Sound Caravelles and Audio Machina Ultimate Monitors were so very, very good. I never thought I would hear a monitor speaker that offered performance like this. It would be difficult to choose between these two if not for the superior appearance of the Caravelles. These speakers and their dedicated stands simply convey the no compromise philosophy of the company. I would have bought a pair on the spot if circumstances weren't what they are in the Lugnut household. The Caravelles were showcased in two rooms. One of the rooms was very small and used the near field approach with the Star Sound amplifiers and a CDP hooked up direct. The other, larger room used Thor electronics with an analog source. Surprisingly I preferred the sound of the smaller room. Don't get me wrong. Some of my favorite rooms used Thor gear. This may speak volumes about the Star Sound amps though which I don't think are in production. I saw most of the Audiogon folks I knew and enjoyed group dinners both Friday and Saturday night. One particular joy was finally getting to meet Tom Lyons (Twl) face to face after several years of having a great online friendship. He's absolutely brilliant and it's a shame he no longer participates in these forums. I was hoping to meet Cornfedboy. I was not farsighted enough to write and ask him how we should meet but hoped to find a message on our room phone. Sorry Kelly. It was difficult saying goodbye to Cello, AlbertPorter, Berlin and Nrchy knowing that I most likely will not be seeing them face to face again in this life. I just can't convey the feelings I had in doing so. It hurts a lot realizing that this situation is bringing them pain and there is nothing I can do to stop it no matter how much I want to. I think I successfully fought back the tears but it was very hard to do. I heartily recommend you guys plan to attend this event someday. I found all of the industry heavyweights to be very approachable and pleasant. Some of the more secretive things we wonder about in these threads were revealed through casual conversation. And once I was treated to unwarranted arrogance and bs that isn't seen in a product adverstisement. These gems alone were worth the price of admission. The entire weekend was well planned by the event staff and the volunteers were most helpful. It may have been possible to attend all the interesting seminars, visit all the rooms, take in the live music and check out all the music for sale but I doubt it. The Marriott Tech Center is a great place to stay not to mention a great place to hold this event and fine dining for the duration of the visit was convenient. I'll keep you guys posted on whatever happens with the doc this week. I expect just about anything to unfold. Speculation doesn't do much good so I'll just get the facts and serve them up later. I'd like to thank my local friend Ron Ralls for going along with us and for my old time college buddy and music loving partner Jeff McCabe for coming out to see me. It might have been a taxing time on this weary body but worth every effort. Pat |
"Forgive me for having an opinion here but I think Brahams would have better served the listener with a shorter composition. " Pat, Your opinion is my opinion! Tchaikovsky once said of one of Brahm's works, "He spent an hour building the perfect pedestal. Too bad he forgot to put a statue on top." ;-) Glad to hear you're feeling a bit better as RMAF approaches. I'm sorry we won't be coming out. It looks like lots of friends from this thread will be there. Don't feel like you need to thank everyone. Staying with this thread and sharing your time so generously and honestly is all the thanks any of us could ask for. Doug |
Thanks Nate! Friday evening a friend who is on the board of directors for the Boise Philharmonic called and offered tickets for Barb and I to attend a performance last night. Barb adjusted her plans (Her mom and sis are here) so we could go together. What a thrill it was as it was our first time! The program began with Malcolm Arnold's "English Dances" and moved to Max Bruch's "Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor, Op. 26" with Janet Sung at violin. Man, can this gal play the fiddle!!! After intermission we listened to Brahams' "Serenade No. 1 in D Major, Op. 11". I personally enjoyed the first half of the concert most, especially the Bruch piece. Forgive me for having an opinion here but I think Brahams would have better served the listener with a shorter composition. Watching the musicians closely was interesting. I honestly believe they enjoyed playing the Brahams most, being more animated with their resulting body language. Now that I've dusted off my tweed jacket and English driving hat I can load up my pipe and be hoity toity too. This Nebraska boy found his culture in Idaho. Seriously, I understand the strength of live classical music now much better than before. I have no way to honestly judge the overall preformance since I've never listened to any of the best known orchestras except through recordings. To my ears though Boise is blessed with a conductor, James Ogle, capable of bringing the best out of this fine group of musicians. Many thanks to Glen for thinking of me. Like the post above from Nrchy recommending solo violin work Glen had likewise been asked about such recordings a few months ago. I guess it seemed the right fit for me to attend this particular concert because of the solo violin work. Certainly, if my situation were different I'd be purchasing tickets to every Boise Philharmonic concert this season. I enjoyed it that much. On the system front I think I've done about everything I can to maximize its preformance. The dedicated lines have created a blacker background and after lifting the grounds on my amps the circuit/tube noise is almost non-existant. It is as quiet as any solid state system I've ever heard. I'm clearly hearing the weak links in my system now but they are not annoying in the least. I'll probably upgrade the power cords starting with the amps first as I think they (the amps) are the weakest link in the system. Nate has kindly agreed to bring some of his cast offs to RMAF and maybe we can come to terms on them. Then I'll be trying another power cord on my preamp if funds allow. FWIW, and sadly too, for the first time I'm hearing the deficiencies of my LP 12. I won't be changing out my turntable but I think I'll try the Trampolin suspension base. It is somewhat controvertial among Linnies. Reading between the lines I think it might bring some of the speed into playback that seems to be lacking now that I can hear it. Of course, opinions are always welcome. Please don't tell me to buy another table since it's clearly not in the budget even though I wish it were. On the health front I've been really concerned all last week as to whether I'd be up to attending RMAF. Maybe my body is getting tired of the chemo schedule. I just don't know. Yesterday I felt better than I have for a week and this morning I seem to be feeling better yet. I am very motivated to go so I'll be there come hell or high water. It's impossible to thank everyone that follows up with me through personal contact. I'd need to keep a log on the incoming phone calls and emails just to get started and I'm not nearly that organized by nature. I'd like to mention again the thoughtfulness of Gary who calls regularly and helps with issues I don't understand or forgot to cover with my oncologist. He also provides me with my most expensive monthly prescription free of charge. We've never met face to face but here he is, a surgeon with an obviously full life of his own taking the time to help me in any way he can. I've said this before but it needs to be burned into the consciousness of everyone that reads this. Lugnut cannot repay these kindnesses. I trust that through this thread there will live a spirit of passing it on. Caring about each other is powerful medicine for the soul. |
Pat, one of the the LPs I mentioned yesterday was by a gentleman named David Romaine. I'm at work so I don't have it right in front of me, but the title has something to do with gypsy violin something or other. There is a lovely gypsy looking woman on the front cover holding a violin. I hope his name is enough to get you started. It was released onthe Mercury label. Patrick, start your engines, you're off to the races! Now find that LP. |
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Said mostly tounge-in-cheek Pat - fact is, I've already been corrupted beyond my ostensible comfort zone :-) Speaking of which, should I laugh or cry to learn that you're off and running with tweaking the humble CDP? Next it'll be digital interconnects, jitter-boxes and power-conditioning! Forgive me Barb, I knew not what I've done!! (Alright, I won't be able to claim that after what I'm about to say next: I know from experience going the very same route, with the very same CDP, that upgrading to a dedicated transport makes at least as much difference as adding an outboard DAC. However, far be it from me to tell a man fighting cancer he should resist getting his kicks any way he damn well pleases! But do me a favor and simply give Barb the CDP with my apologies if things do progress out of control ;^) |
Alex, Aw shucks, come on, allow yourself to be corrupted a little. I figure that I can bring from this affair those little things that don't represent bourgeois consumerism but great value. I must say though that excellence generally doesn't come cheap and I would love to own a couple of pieces I've auditioned that are top flight money wise but I still consider a bargain. The Schroder Reference tone arm is one example. It's not a bad buy at all if you are young since it's a once in a lifetime purchase. Besides, other than my audio fix my life is pretty simple and extravagance free. Did I mention how much I've enjoyed the CDP? Also, a local friend is giving me a Triangle DAC to try out and if it's an improvement I can have it. Finding a home for the CDP and tuner has been a challenge since the available real estate for set up never acounted for these additions. I've finally figured out a permanent location for this stuff and only need to order some longish interconnects in safe lengths to pull it all together. I should have bought some of those other Nina Simone albums in Berkely. I really love her piano and her voice is just about as good as it gets. I'm interested in hearing the work she is better known for. Joe, I really hope to see you there. I could bail out if I'm feeling really lousy but I don't think that will happen. Deep down inside I just don't want to appear sick for fear of making others uncomfortable. Considering I've always been appearance challenged this won't be hard to pull off. LOL. Ampster (Jeff) from my college days is coming from Lincoln, Nebraska to hook up with us. Barb and I are also bringing a local friend I built a system for. I've already created a mini-audio monster with him so I figure I might as well push him into the stratosphere range for audio wants. He he. The equipment is secondary to me by a long ways. The friends I've made here mean more to me than I can convey. Each of you in your own way has made this journey so much easier and you've propped me up at times when I really needed it. Hopefully, this will nudge me along to being the man I want to be at this time in my life. |
Pat: Likewise, but I won't be surprised if I never go to an audio show (less'n maybe they hold one in DC, and even then I wouldn't bet on it). I'd probably feel I'd had enough of that scene and split inside of 30 minutes, ha! (I like to think of myself as having a low tolerance for ostentatious displays of rampant bourgeois consumerism - not to mention 'audiophile music' ;^) Then again, this one's your first eh?...I guess there's still time for me to eventually be corrupted...Nah!!! P.S. - Enjoy yourself! :-) |
Alex, It sounds like you're not going to RMAF. Bummer. I'd love to meet you. The muffin and ginger jam sounds good, even if smeared liberally. LOL. Tell you what, let's meet in the Marriott restaurant and order up a bunch of muffins and jam. I'll help you smear to your heart's content in more ways than one. Just got back from chemo and I have the next two weeks off because of RMAF. I don't think it makes much difference at this point. Maybe I'll have a little bounce in my step! Nate, did you receive my air parcel? |
We already booked our room for RMAF and we'll be booking our flights tonight. A local friend, recently an audio convert, is coming with us. I look forward to again seeing the guys I've met face to face and hopefully will get a chance to put some more faces together with usernames. My old friends will get a chance to meet Barb. How about a head count of attendees? |
"I'm looking for a copy of Nate's "Greatest Bits"..." Look for it in Best Buys. It's release date is 9/20/05. It'll will be a two volume set.....on any blank DVD-R's. Also, recorded on 9/10/05, and released on 9/14/05, will be Lugnut's 'Wind Breaking for Nate' bit. This is not available on DVD, but sold in vacuum sealed, cryogenically treated COUNTRY BLUE PORCELAIN GINGER JAR Limited quantities, available only through Saks Fifth Avenue online. :-) Cheers, John |
Newmanoc, Yeah, I sweat bullets every time I buy a used piece of vinyl too. Generally I've been quite happy with my purchases. The seller in this case has done a huge volume of business with great customer satisfaction and a 100% return policy if not satisfied. I'm willing to pay more from a reputable vendor and avoid amatuer grading, especially in this case. Nate, in spite of having already farted in your general direction due to my extreme sensitivity regarding Neil Young, this was done with the same sense of humor you possess. Sorry, I can't take it back. And, uhmm, I WAS laughing my ass off. It'll arrive about Wednesday afternoon based on calculations from the weather service. Enjoy! Hope to see you in Denver. You and Albert sure keep me smiling when I'm around. Larry called and said he was going too. Of course, Frank Schroder will be there and I'll be looking forward to being around his incredible whit. I think I'll be loading up with enough humor that weekend to last for months. Audiofrankj and Jadem6, it's always nice hearing you guys chime in. I know you are thinking about me and I think about you two also. Hope the house is nearing completion Audiofrankj and your system downsizing is working to your satisfaction JD. Drop me a line guys and let me know. |
Nate, in the off chance that your post IS NOT a joke, the album name is "Unplugged", released circa 1993, a German pressing. Keep your eyes and ears open for his next release entitled "Praire Wind". Certainly it will debut on CD first and then made into a limited production German pressing as everything he's done in his later years. These pressings have greatly appreciated in value and are a testament to his staying power in the industry. Now, if "Unglued" is some more of your famous (imfamous) humor then I fart in your general direction and trust the prevailing westerly winds will deliver it to you in good time. ;o) |
