Pat based on your recommendation I bought a copy of Neil Youngs greatest hits, but I'm still looking for a copy of "Unglued." |
Thanks for the help Albert. I found a very nice copy in Europe. Okay Nate, you can make fun of the crumbs in my beard but you can't make light of Neil Young's music. Stop it now, ya' hear? He he. Albert, the restaurant is a front operation. Nate only cooks when the Feds show up. Otherwise he's buying/selling audio gear or posting to this site. Dillon, you wouldn't bid against me if the situation were reversed. I hope. (Again, laughing) |
Nrchy, Thats why I didn't post the link here at Audiogon. You would have bought it for yourself wouldn't you :^).
Then again, you prefer Steak Sandwiches to Cheeseburgers don't you.
Which reminds me, when are you going to cook me up a Cheeseburger (with fries and a malt) from that restaurant of yours? |
I'm still waiting for a clean copy of Neil Young "Unglued." |
Guys, Someone find him a copy of "Unplugged" please! Lugnut was nice enough to not bid against me when I got my copy last week. Bill Dillon |
Pat, web link to a mint copy of Neil Young "Unplugged" is in your email box. Hope it's as clean as my copy, a wonderful piece of music. |
Continued prayers for your and Barb's good health and well being... |
Manners or not, I still love you! |
I'll pray for another great week! |
I hesitate to post this since it's such a weird request for this thread. Would you guys see if you can find me a NM copy of Neil Young's "Unplugged" LP? I'll pay up to $50 plus shipping. Don't just go and buy it since I've contacted several other people individually with the same request. Let me know and then I can stop the other guys first. I'm not looking for any gifts, okay? Please.
Hey Nate, we Irish have always been considered savages. No sense spoiling the reputation with good manners.
Chemo today. All things considered since this last week went so well I'm not dreading it like before. Hope this next week proves to be as good. |
Pat after spending a few days with you and hitting a few good restaurants, I don't think there's anything that will ever allow you to eat like a regualr person...
now wipe those crumbs out of your beard!!! |
Pat,
I sure wish I could be there in Denver with you and Barb. I miss you two!
Good to hear how well you are doing. You're on my mind every day.
Howard |
Thanks for the kind words all. Kelly, I really look forward to meeting you. Lou, I believe you've nailed it! There is incredible power in prayer and I thank you for yours. This seemingly small goal of going to RMAF will be a dream come true if I can pull it off. I've never attending any trade show before. Joe, never a doubt that you were up to your eyeballs in something and would return. Nate, in spite of the cheer in my voice (real) your situation just about brought me down. Few things are as frustrating as being denied the use of a new toy. At least that's how this toy afficianado sees it.
The really good news is that the simple tweak of reducing the dosages I wrote about earlier have really paid off. I had an exceptionally good weekend in comparison to other times when the dosages were larger. Last Saturday night we received an invitation for a barbeque and I enjoyed a great steak but worried terribly that my body wouldn't process it. No problem at all.
My doctor knows of our plans to go to Denver and is very supportive. I don't know whether to believe him or not but he indicated we'd schedule an extra week off from the chemo coinciding with RMAF. Man, if I can attend AND eat like a normal person I'll be one happy guy.
One by one my little audio projects are getting done. The dedicated circuits are in and today I should wrap up the fabrication of two power strips using Porter Ports and hook everything up. I realize that this DIY route is not ideal and only wish I could spring for the best audiophile grade solution. Hell, my power cords are all stock. I'm hoping that I'll get a fair percentage of improvements though. I'm not looking forward to the break in. I'll leave the system run 24/7 using the Granite Audio phono burn in CD hoping to speed things up.
The new doors look really nice and added some depth to the sound stage. Barb and I acquired two comfy chairs to compliment the new recliner occupying the sweet spot. This has freed up a lot of real estate and trust that the room won't miss the absorbtion of the love seat and overstuffed chairs they replaced. About the only shopping needed now is for a couple of smallish end tables to hold drinks and remotes. This is proving to be the most difficult purchase of all. |
You heard it here: Don't look now, but my prediction of 8/2 seems to be coming true... :-) |
Just to keep people updated, I talked to Pat this AM and he sounded as good as I've heard him sound in months. He put a smile on my face! And it sounded like he was smiling too.
Thanks Pat! |
Pat,
I know I've been AWOL for about a month, and apologize for not emailing. As you well know, sometimes things that are unavoidable happen and you just have to work through them. I've just caught up on reading this thread, and am so happy to hear you in high spirits. It is great to see you are not slowing down.
Now that I am able to get some things done here, I will be finishing up your project as soon as I can. I feel like a sh**head for not being able to finish sooner. I'l email soon.
As always, keep the faith!
Joe |
Pat, that is indeed great news. The positive thoughts, well wishes and prayers from fellow AudiogoNers may have assisted in this update.
All the best and fingers crossed,
L |
Great news! I look forward to meeting you in my adopted hometown of the past 30 years. I'll likely be "working" one or more of the 6 suites sponsored by Audio Unlimited but should have plenty of time to assist with your and Barb's hosting. Will email or phone you with further details as your plans become more firm.
-Kelly |
Keep your fingers crossed! I might be able to make it to Denver. I'm not feeling too chatty so I'll keep this short. The CT scan results were interesting. The chemo is doing a fine job with my stomach and intestines. What is problematic and causing me so much discomfort is the tumor growth on my intestinal lining and the resultant fluid build up. There are also issues with pressure on nerves from both the fluid and the tumor itself. I would have a hard time wrapping my mind around this if it wasn't for seeing the scan images and knowing how I feel. The tumor resembles a blanket and appears to be about 1-2" thick. It spreads from below my diaphram to my bladder area and from side to side. This is the source of a lot of irritation causing the fluid. Between the tumor itself and the fluid everything is cramped for space. That's about it. This isn't life threatening but at times it hurts like the dickens. Clearly the chemo is working to some extent and we'll continue using it until it fails. We're going to try and schedule the week of Rocky Mountain Audio Fest as an off week so it's as enjoyable as possible. Hope to see you there!!!! |
The French doors were installed in the music room while we were gone Pat, I do believe that the administration has officially re-named those Freedom Doors. So as long as you leave "Rockin' in the Free World" on the turntable, you will have perfect audio synergy. Alternatively, "Nebraska" will work as well. :-)) |
On Saturday morning I opened the San Fransico Chronicle to the weather section. Highs for the day, 71° to 92°. LOL. Not mentioned is the bone chilling breeze whenever you are near the bay like we were. Get five miles away and the weather is totally different. Ten miles away and its much more like where we live here in Idaho.
Aw, shucks Doug. Do you mean you like me? No acounting for taste in this life, is there? Ha. I was probably doing a lame job describing my feelings about acceptance. Yeah, I'm kind of plagued by a cultural inferiority complex. It doesn't happen with my audio friends though. I'm a pretty complex guy but taken at face value within the confines of other groups I've often been made to feel even more culturally deprived. Comments such as, YOU WELD??? YOU DRAG RACE??? YOU FISH??? YOU RIDE A HARLEY???, have been made to me insultingly in other circles. Not with audio guys though. Audio guys even find value in a persons decision to drive a 150,000 mile car, assuming that you spend the savings on a cartridge and tonearm that could buy a new car. I could go on and on about my disdain for uppity folks. At times most of us find ourselves in an environment where we feel uncomfortable being ourselves. I was just trying to convey the comfort level I've found amongst music lovers. Thanks for defending me to myself though.
Howard, the story about you and Gina was cool. While you had the wisdom to see beyond the common barriers we impose on mate selection and found lasting happiness I was just the beneficiary of dumb luck when I found Barb. I've always said I'd rather be lucky than good any old time. Sure, I recognized the qualities she possessed that I wanted in a mate but I was in lust as well as in love. Clearly, my thought processes were overly influenced by my smaller head.
Rob, contact me if you ever wish to have a fly fishing mentor. The street in front of your home is perfect for learning how to cast a fly.
Since Albert is quoting Neil Young I'll let you guys in on a favor my sis is doing for me. She's embroidering a banner with "It's better to burn out than to fade away" for me to hang in the music room.
Larry and Albert, I wish you guys could have been with us too. Maybe Rocky Mountain Audio Fest.
The French doors were installed in the music room while we were gone. The trim and finish will be done on Wednesday. Stage depth was increased and there doesn't seem to be any negative sonic effects otherwise. Aesthetically it's a great addition to our home. Why didn't we do this years ago? |
Zaikesman's comment re: SF weather reminded me of quote from one of Hartford's more famous residents, Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain), paraphrased, it goes like this
"Coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco" I've only been there a couple of times. I agree. |
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Nicely said Doug and I agree wholeheartedly.
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Rgds,
Larry
. |
Pat, Thanks for the great play-by-play on what was clearly a visit that everyone enjoyed. One statement you made about yourself got me up in arms though, Everyone has taken an interest in me as a person and made me feel as if I belong. A shared love for music does that. A shared love for music may have brought us all together, but it's you as a person that lets you belong. Nothing more is needed. Straightforward honesty and a simple joy for living life are welcome in any crowd. Doug |
Albert: "...(generally) excellent weather." In August, yes - provided you bring a substantial pair of pants, warm socks, a sweater, and a windbreaker jacket! :-)
Hey Pat: I'm jealous of your Nina score. That was her first LP, on the Bethlehem label. As you know, the sound is lucid and luscious; the talent and artistry bone-deep, as always with her. Enjoy! |
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Pat,
.
Thanks for sharing your trip in such great detail. I am only sorry not to have been tagging along. It sounds like an incredible trip with great people. San Francisco is just a wonderful place to spend some time.
.
Glad you are smiling.....and it shows with your post.
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Best Regards,
Larry
. |
Boy what a nice time you all had, kinda makes me wish I was able to find some quality folks who also enjoy audio, I have made several great friends here and so far have been fortunate to meet two, and one exciting one to come.
All of you should take a bow, reading these inspirational meetings is a boost to us all, I am thrilled you guys had such a great time. |
Pat may retread but he will never retire, right Pat?
I am happy for you. I've been to SF many times and it is a beautiful city with much to offer and (generally) excellent weather.
I wish I could have joined, although it's probably better I didn't go, what with Pat and I fighting over all those LP's. The images I saw looked like I missed some great sound systems and beautiful homes.
My sincere thanks to you guys for making Pat and Barb feel at home. |
I'm having a heckuva' time seeing through the tears to type this crap. Your "We're Back..." post is a touching, eloquent account of your trip.
I really enjoyed meeting you and Barb. It did seem we were all fast friends. I find it odd that the internet has been a vehicle to meeting such a great group of friends. It seems a fundamental sea-change in community is occuring.
Through this forum and the Asylum where I more frequently haunt, (and formerly RAHE), I've met true friends, many of whom are Bay Area based. Pat, the folks you mention, Tuan, Eric, John, Jacob, Howard and many more get together at eachother's homes and share our systems and music. What a joy to be able to commiserate over this obsession with like-minded loonies. I'm glad to add you to the club.
SF is truly a magical city. In '89 I had a friend give me a whilrwind weekend tour, and I left saying, "Pack my bags, I'm moving to San Francisco." Before the ring of my voice died out I found myself moving to SF, just before the big '89 earthquake. I never looked back.
You should have no trouble finding the Reiner/Lt. Kije as the Aalto reissue. It's an HP /Absolute Sound fave I believe.
I'm glad you made the effort and came and visited us in SF, good to know y'all, and keep those flies fresh...
-Rob
http://cgi.audioasylum.com/systems/474.html (Includes a shot of the room.) |
Pat,
From the moment I picked you and Barb up at the airport on Friday, it felt like I was with family. Sure, as we've discussed previously in this thread, it would be only appropriate to chronicle this weekend as something even greater than it was, as though answering to that human inclination to make heroes of one another. But dammit, it's all true! Pat and Barb just go straight to your heart, and it's as simple as that. Spending the weekend with them was the highlight of my year.
Despite having talked a lot this weekend, I did not get the chance to tell you (Pat and Barb) that I nearly missed the opportunity to be with my wife, Gina. When I met her, I found her to be enjoyable. But she had not traveled, she wasn't my physical type, she had not finished college, and we shared no common hobby interests, except for motorcycles. However, by the grace of whatever force you care to call it, it dawned on me over dinner one evening that I was looking in the wrong place if I wanted to have a life-long relationship with someone. And in that instant, I realized that life blossoms in Gina's presence. People feel at their best when they are with her. Now, that is certainly a quality that could sustain a relationship forever, and it is exactly what I immediately felt from you and Barb. You give life to those around you. I saw it over and over, all weekend long. In my view, this is the very pinnacle of humanity, sparking life in a way that makes you inseparable from those around you.
Thank you both again for being who you are. That in itself is truly overwhelming.
Love,
Howard |
Boy o boy, Pat, after reading this I feel like I've been on the unofficial San Francisco Audio Club members' rally with you myself. Thanks for posting it--the fun you had comes across in spades. And thanks all you guys for showing Pat and Barb such a good time ! |
We're back. Barb and I enjoyed our San Francisco visit more than I can convey with words. San Francisco is a city of uncommon beauty, vibrant and ALIVE! Thanks to the generosity of Howard (Boa2) we were able to cram way more into the short time we were there than you can imagine. Worthy of mention is the sacrifice he so willingly gave of his time in such a humble fashion. Never once did we feel like we were an inconvienence yet he devoted every second of his life to our happiness while we were there. Like Albert Porter and Larry (Cello) he seemed to enjoy every second he spent with us and within just a few minutes of meeting we felt like we were hanging out with a dear old friend. Deja Vu all over again, guys. Audiogon is filled with the most incredible, friendly and gentle people. I'm humbled.
I find it very interesting that nearly every one of the folks I've had the pleasure to meet in the last several months are well traveled and highly cultured. Most have advanced degrees. They possess a world view that I've been fortunate to glimpse second hand. Contrast that with the self image of Lugnut. Born into abstract poverty but blessed with a father desiring a better life for his children, my Dad, with his eight years of education, carved out a solid middle class life through his diligence in an apprentice program, becoming a skilled tool and die maker. Raised in a very small Midwestern farming community I was not exposed to the things we associate with culture and suffer a not insignificant amount of inferiority in this regard. Incredibly these folks with backgrounds so different from mine, welcome me as an equal and find whatever I am to be okay. Everyone has taken an interest in me as a person and made me feel as if I belong. A shared love for music does that. In the end this may be the biggest gift all of those structured notes I've listened to for all these years has given me. I truly thank God for the sheer joy that music has given me in this solitary endeavor. I'm especially thankful to Him for the surprise connection to others I would not have had the opportunity to meet.
Friday night we dined with Howard and Mehran of Sorasound. Mehran is the US distributor of ZYX cartridges. We've exchanged several emails and phone calls while conducting business. I've expressed in the forums how thrilled I am with the product line and how pleasant he was to deal with. I was not prepared for the incredible personality I was exposed to Friday night. Mehran is incredibly funny and always has a warm, inviting smile on his handsome face. I learned a lot about his incredibly interesting life and was in awe of his energy and enthusiasm. Again, with he, Howard and Barb it was like old times. The food was great and the conversation interesting but the evening ended too soon as I was feeling pretty crummy and had to retire to our room earlier than I wished. Mehran, thanks for sharing time with us and the exceptional dinner.
Saturday was really great. Our dedicated man slave showed us a lot of sights on the leasurely drive to Berkely to shop at Amoeba Records. I scored six albums that proved to be great choices upon listening once we returned home. Nina Simone's "Little Girl Blue" is a real gem. Recorded in 1958 and being one of her earliest recordings, I was amazed (again and again it seems with recordings of this era) at the sonics, the breathtaking vocals and the mastery of the piano in a style that is a good as it gets. Barb and I both sat through this stunned at how current the material seemed to be. This may be the definition of timelessness. What really rocked my musical world however was the good fortune of finding a Peter Green album I was unfamiliar with. "In The Skies" is beyond description. I figured it would be more great blues and some of it could be classified as such. Most of it defies classification. The recording was exceptional, the content pure magic. Instantly I considered it to be in my list of the top ten albums of all time. It is that good. At less than $4 and without a flaw it's the best software purchase I've ever made. The record shopping was topped off with the best hotdog Iv'e ever had.
Howard then drove us to a surprise listening session at the home of Tuan, Audiogon member gotoma8. Several other folks showed up including The_smokester, aka John Woodworth, Eric Weitzman and Jacob Ofman. John drove a very long distance just to meet us only staying for about an hour and then drove back to attend a function he was committed to. John's a great guy and I really enjoyed visiting with him. Too bad we couldn't listen to his beautiful system. Again, the effort he undertook just to have a short time with us isn't lost on Barb or I. Tuan flipped a few LP's and a little bit of those shinny little disks for us to enjoy but his fine system was overshadowed by his home. What once was an industrial building is now owner occupied apartments and are they ever cool. A wall of glass, super high ceilings, exposed HVAC, electrical and plumbing with a spacious loft for sleeping in whatever floor plan the owners designed make this one killer home. Jacob's home was two floors up from Tuan's and we went up to take a look at it as well. Guys, these are interesting places to live and I was impressed! Again, everyone was instant friends and they made us feel so comfortable being with them.
All of us except John then drove over to the home of Rob Thomas (member robthomas) for more listening. Rob's place was like the others on steroids. I really fell in love with this one and again, even though he had a very fine system I'd love to spend more time with, the home just grabbed me by the short hairs and wouldn't let go. The blend of an industrial environment, great audio gear and comfortable furnishings reminded me of being on a movie set. Rob played a particular recording I'd like very much to find by Reiner and the Chicago Symphony, Prokofieff's "Lieutenant Kije". Very Russian, great performance and a recording to die for is how these classically untrained ears would describe it. I seriously doubt I'll find this but I'm going to try. It's a must have on several audio levels. The entire group then went to have some of the best Thai food I've ever experienced. We spent several hours eating and talking, mainly about audio. Eric, a former low powered tube and horn guy, now a high effieciency speaker and mosfett solid state convert, piqued my interest on this subject which I've seen come up in these forums before but seems to be a most uncommon way to skin the audio cat. He's a big DIY'er having made his own turntable and most of his other gear. Now I'm curious to the point of wanting to find such a system to listen to. To say that we enjoyed this day and all the folks that made it special for us is a serious understatement.
Prior to leaving on Sunday we made a quick visit to the Warf so I could buy a couple of jackets. The prices were so low that I consider them free. Howard then drove us to various points of interest in downtown San Francisico. Non of these visual pleasures could have been taken in by either of us if we were left to our own devices. Not having to navigate ourselves allowed us for two solid days to take in all of the eye candy that is San Francisco not to mention the great converstions we had the whole time. We enjoyed ourselves so much that upon arriving home Barb said she'd like to plan another trip someplace right away. She's pumped up!
My apologies to the wives which I haven't mentioned. Special thanks from both of us for Howard's wife to so willingly share him with us. We didn't have the chance to meet her and this is the only disappointment of the entire trip. In a world where it's rare to meet new, quality friends at this advanced age I've been richly blessed through my experience this past weekend. Deja Vu all over again.
Thank you Howard. |
...And speaking of politics, I see that W. tore himself away from the ranch long enough to visit Pat's humble burg of Nampa to conduct one of his pep rallys for the war. I must say that, coincidental or not, I quite like the juxtaposition of Pat'n'Barb picking this as an opportune time to travel to 'Frisco of all places... |
No doubt Pat. Barb will probably whap the side of my head so hard, that the point on my head will shift from the left to the right side.
Will my politics follow suit? Heheh. |
Dean,
If Barb reads this she's gonna reshape your slanty green head. But, uh, thanks for the suggestion anyway. I will report upon our return. We're really looking forward to it. |
Pat. Howard.
Make sure when you guys are strolling down Columbus Avenue to duck into Deja Vu and get Pat a good ol' fashioned one hour bed dance. Request Kennedy or Macy.
Pat, either one of those nice girls will turn your whiskers brown again, heheh. Just make sure to send Barb on the Alcatraz tour first.
Have a great time!
Dean |
I've just read this thread (or most of it).
Lugnut, you are truly an inspiration. My thoughts and hopes go out to you.
To those of you who are his friends and to all the other posters -- your kindness and compassion is wonderful. Each of you is a mensch.
Jim Crane |
Have fun guys!!! Do come back with some tales to tell!! Pat, dont get in too much trouble!!!!!! |
Rest up, Pat. We've got activities planned, buddy. |
Hey Albert. Budget. What budget? You gotta do like I do. Charge it!!! Would love to see you in SF. No doubt your bags would be heavy upon return to Dallas from what I'm hearing about Amoeba and knowing you the way I do. To paraphrase Bob Barker...... Albert Porter, come on down.
Geez Howard, last time I was in SF EVERYONE looked like my friends from cell block C. If Gunbei would join you to pick us up I think I could recognize his green slanted head.
I can tell already that this is going to be fun. |
By the way, Pat. At the airport, I'll be the guy who looks like somebody's cellmate at the state penitentiary. |
I'm jealous. Since meeting Pat here on my turf, I wish I had the budget to tag along on the California leg of this journey.
Nice weather, pretty sites, shopping for music and Lugnut's humor. I guarantee you guys will enjoy yourselves. |
Pat,
I'm afraid that like all things highly cultured, I have a tendency to sour quickly. It's people with a spirit like yours that bring me back to humanity. Can't wait to see you and Barb.
Howard |
This should prove to be a very interesting weekend. Admittedly I always have some trepidation prior to meeting Audiogon friends face to face for the first time. Most of you guys seem so.....cultured in comparrison to me. I'll try very hard to be on my best behavior and not embarrass you guys. Barb being with me is a big help since she is responsible for my initial housebreaking.
Chad, I've been following your recent posts. Congrats on the move to tubes and your initial satisfaction with them. I hope you have an equally rewarding experience with your analog endeavors.
I'm really looking forward to Amoeba Records. I'd also love to see Dean stuff some twenties somewhere while getting a lap dance but I'll probably just have to settle for my brain conjuring up the image instead of seeing it in person. It might be prettier anyway.
Howard is going way out of his way to show us a good time. We really appreciate it. Hope to see a few of you other guys while we're in town.
Nate, you're welcome to send a list. Barb would be able to look for your stuff while I look for mine. |
Hey lug have a great time, I just got my firdt tube pre so back to the music! |
Went to Amoeba in the Haight (and Berkeley) when I was visiting SF a couple years ago. My jaw dropped to see that a used record store could have a line 10 deep at the checkout counter AND have several registers going at once (that line moves as fast as it gets replenished). Amazing. No used record store here in DC has more than one or two checkout registers, but you'll never find yourself more than maybe one customer away from it on a busy day. Even in NYC I've never seen anything like it. Selection was broader than it was deep, but that was mostly because it was very broad, yet still sufficiently deep to be interesting. Pricing's fair, and I even found a couple of bargains. Have a blast, Pat. (And thanks Boa2 for the literary citation.) |
Great News Pat! Have a good weekend, watch out for the guys (?) on the street. Should I send a vinyl wish list along? |
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Dean, you'd better be there, stuffin' twenties. |
I hear that Deja Vu SF will have you singing the blues after a lap dance or two. |
