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.
Hey Pat, have you had a chance to listen to the new Roy Orbison LP. I got an copy, I have never really been a strong fan of his but this is really a nice LP, I may have to listen to a bit more of his music. The LP quality and sound is amoung the best I have heard. PS, after our chat this morning I may not wait to use the name Linn once I have kids but instead save up for an LP-12 turntable and name it Emily. dav
You mentioned having a hard time eating and drinking. Have you checked with your doctor about a diet?
In the mid-late eighties a physician named A. Scott Connelly found that with proper nutrition his patients' bodies could fight disease much better than if on a standard diet. Unfortunately, he sold out and caters to the bodybuilding industry now, but it doesn't negate the medical advances he made through engineered nutrition.
At any rate, my thought is to make sure a certain diet wouldn't be beneficial to you in this difficult time.
Every day you're with us and well enough to live a meaningful life is a blessing to every one of us fortunate enough to be touched by you.
Craig, you have been missed, and I for one believe we indeed were drawn back for a reason. I too was gone for almost two years, and one of the first people I found was Pat. He reached out in a very special (spiritual) way that told me I was indeed in the right place.
At any rate, we need more clueless people at Audiogon, and those of us who realize we are indeed clueless missed our leader.
I posted here a couple years ago and this is the first post I have read since. After reading it, I almost have a feeling that something drew me here so I might learn something.
Being something we all face in some inevitable form or another, I can only hope I find some degree of the strength, courage, grace, and, if fortunate,...friendship witnessed here.
J.D., As usual thanks for your words. I can post my address here if you wish. It's already in this thread somewhere. Just to clarify what I'd like Barb to call on is just phone help, walking her through properly boxing stuff or hooking it back up. I'm sure there are Linn guys here and Supratek guys, etc. so she'd get really good help. Maybe she'll need advice on what to do with my ashes after she's got a new boyfriend. Not you J.D.; you've already got a wife. He he. Albert is one fine friend. Address is: 307 W. Sherman Ave. Nampa, Idaho 83686
BTW, Barb knows how to log onto my account and will post updates when I lay down.
Gregm, greetings back at you. I do hope that some good can come of this thread after I'm done with it. It's a terrible thing but I'm getting used to the undeserved compliments. People that have known me my whole life just think my behavior here is a logical extension of who I've always been. Talk too much. LOL. Can't help it, really. Your thoughts are touching, especially the ones regarding your chldren. Maybe yours will listen to what I have to say. Mine don't. There is a photo of Barb and I buried deep in this thread. It was posted by Jphii. Yeah, she's a lot better looking than me. Poor, blind girl got suckered.
Jsonic, I'll have to think the charitable thing over. At first blush I'd like to think there would be several billion dollars offered up so why not start one? Really I'd like you guys to consider what Ampster had to say above. It would be cool if it could be pulled off. Not many have commented on it.
Nate, you need to quit sending me gifts. Save your money and buy that Kinner plug and play record player you've been wanting.
Just a note about weird experiences. So, I'm taking a fair amount of oxycontin so I'm kinda high all the time. Also, I eat and drink so little I'm surprised that I can even sit here and type. I delay taking my morning meds until I've finished writing. I'm no longer the sharpest knife in the drawer. Yesterday was weird. I was seeing things in my peripheral vision and found myself constantly turning my head to see what was going on. It kind of scared me. So, I ate more food than normal and kept it down too. Maybe I can be scared into getting better. LOL. It was unsettling.
Gregm you should just try to picture Barb as she's a lot cuter than Pat. He'd be quick to say the same thing...
I'm not sure what it means but I still have a picture of Pat that I snapped with my camera phone while we were in Dallas together. I should probably move it to a safer place. I would hate to loose that picture.
I wonder if there is a charitable group or organization you would want those of us that choose to remember you could donate to. If you don't believe in that sort of thing and you wanted to have us send money directly to Barb I don't think anyone would find it objectionable. Your words have taken on a life independent of your own. I will print this thread when it's done and use it as a source of comfort and inspiration to the unfortunate ones that may undertake the journey you've travelled so gracefully in the future.
Pat you have been teaching me (all of us, no doubt) about life in an unprecedented way, without prompting, just by being Patrick aka Lugnut.
Just by being Patrick aka Lugnut (:)) I know you'll always be there for everyone...
My words are poor and I feel much too incapable to do something worthwhile and say something worthwhile... you noticed: my mind immediately jumped to an "exchange" and Pat, you don't belong to the "you give s/thing you take s/thing" world. You are in the "give s/thing" world.
If /when I manage to fully understand your legacy, I for one will have gained some of your strength & courage -- and by remembering these lessons, I will be capable in turn of passing some of this legacy to others who depend on me (I have two small children).
It is now 11:30 am, half-way around the world, and I am at my office trying to picture Barb and Pat.
I am thinking that there will be moments when either Josephine (our daughter) or Christian (our son) will come to me with their "problems" and I will be able to say, "...cheer up and let me tell you what two good friends from across the Atlantic have to say about this...".
That's fortunate indeed and I can count myself among the lucky ones.
Pls do excuse this public display of emotion -- I guess the "stiff upper lip" is somewhat failing me and words are still inadequate.
I know you have been the strength behind Pat's grace, and I know how you have grown from your role. I say I know, when of course I have no real experience other than watching my wife live for eight years through many nights where she and I wondered if this was it. I generally ended up in the emergency room, but more often lately, we simply ride it out.
The point is my wife has grown into the most incredible person I know. She continues to share her fears and sadness, but way above that she continues to laugh. Countless times over the years we had two options, one was to laugh and accept the futility of the situation, the other choice was to cry and fall into an abyss of darkness. far too often I hear people say how amazing she is. (of course I am jealous of the attention and wonder why they don't see me, I'm kidding, she deserves all the accolades as do you)
My wife, as with you have kept seeing the good in the day. I know you have the tools to move forward, but I hope you will allow Pat's friends here at Audiogon be a part of that journey. I think the people you and Pat have met through this thread are something much deeper than simply audio geeks. The two of you have reached out with your love, and our souls have recognized this love. Please allow us to continue share and grow with you.
Oh yea, your still here aren't you Pat? Damn! I thought a little opening of my heart could lead to some flirting and...
Sorry I forgot you were still...
But one last thought, for those of us who would like to share our thoughts and love with Barb, I wonder if you would be comfortable posting your address, or is it best to keep that off line?
I love you two, your amazing!!!
JD
Thanks Albert for your post above, you showed me a different side of you.
Very good question. I have a list of near range needs I know she'll have but for the most part I can't imagine this group being able to help. If the roles were reversed I could (and would) request my friends come over occasionally to cook and clean so that I could tend to my wife. In this case she doesn't have the depth of good friends to call on like I do. Besides, she probably wouldn't ask. It's just not her. I'm planning to contact her family and request that they come in shifts to lighten her load. None of them live close but they can do this without any hardship being placed upon them. I'm pretty sure they will rise to the occassion. My sister will probably come but I can't expect that of her. Her husband's company is closing the location where he works on Jan. 1.
For this group I ask you to send her a card individually after I'm gone. I'd hope that you would stand by her if she needed advice about a system problem or the like. She's very good at operation of things but doesn't have a clue otherwise. She could keep these cards and refer to them when she needs the help. Something as simple as packing the turntable in the original boxes is a perfect example should she decide to move. The fact the system has Aktiv crossovers within the power amps is another example if she needed to hook things back up after painting the room. Small things, but overwhelming to her I'm sure.
I don't expect anyone to do this but if you do, please be committed to following through. I know she would be quite sensitive if a year or two down the road it was inconvenient. (Now I feel like I'm a jerk for saying this-you guys are so great) I've had a couple of incidents this year where I was truly counting on some help that was repeatedly and freely offered only to be left high and dry. I'd just like to save her any such emotional turmoil.
I'd be lost running this place if she were gone. Man, in this case I'd be quite happy to find out that I wasn't needed. Can you drop by and sharpen my lawnmower blade a couple times per year and change the oil? LOL. The address is in this thread but feel free to drop me an email and I'll forward it to you. Thanks for asking and if I think of something else I'll post it.
Steve, thanks for your thoughts. I have so many grown men tell me they love me! I know it's true. A great gift that costs nothing to give. My greetings to Joe. If he's an audiophile maybe we'll meet up soon and listen to real music. I expect that to be the case.
Newmanoc, I'm sure I'll share the details. For now, with the help of oxycontin, I don't have any real pain except for the really short, mysterious ones. I have a lot of discomfort that's nagging me almost constantly. I can handle this just fine but I realize I clinch my jaws a lot. It kind of pisses me off more than anything else.
Hey, as far as favors....you guys can stop by anytime and flip these darn records for me so I can just plant my lazy butt in the sweet spot. Har har.
This is my first post to this thread, but have been reading and following since it began. Even though I have never met any of you, your posts have truly touched me. I have read and cried several times. Sometimes out of sadness for Pats situation and bravery, and other times for the compassion and love that is shown by others.
Pat, as you have been going thru your treatments, with all of it's ups and downs, you have been inspiration to me. You are walking dignity.
One of my best friends (Joe) is currently walking the same road you are traveling. His treatments ended about 3 weeks ago and he is currently confined to a hospital bed in his home. His mind is still very sharp and his attitude is very good. I have been fortunate to be able to help him carry out some last minute details that he realizes he wished he had taken care of when he was able. Small things, like sending flowers to his wife for him (yes, a few others are blessed with angels too)and a few small repairs to the house. It is by freely giving to others that we receive our greatest gifts.
Joe has always been a believer in acceptance of things he cannot change. So he isn't fighting the inevitable and gains some peace of mind from this. I go over and sit and visit with him daily until he runs me off. But we have had some of our most memorable visits these past few weeks and months. It's a shame it sometimes takes stuff like this for us to get real in our friendships. I have no qualms about telling my friends and family that I love them. A few friends have kind of looked at me funny at first, but they grow to learn what I mean by it and they now return it when told. I think you know what I mean when I say that.
So, even though we personally don't know each other, I can honestly tell you that I love ya and I want to say thank you for sharing some lifes journey with me and others. I have learned alot.
Pat, please don't apologize in advance or at any time for anything you feel like posting. Fun talk about audio, music and the like are important relief, but don't try to protect us from heavy reality of what you are going through. You deserve so much more from us. Share the weight of your struggle, and don't feel a brave face is necessary. Your bravery has already been established beyond question. You deserve for your friends, as they are able, to share the fullness of this lonely journey with you.
Thanks for your reply to my mail Pat, maybe you are right about private posting, I am not shy or afraid of emotions, I just fear how in type words cant be conveyed as easy and I would be pretty vulnerable to criticism (and laughing at my spelling) thank god you can read typo!
I just woke up from my best sleep time of the day. It's 10 pm and I laid down about 6 or so to nod off. With the sun setting as early as it does now I don't have a clue about what time of day it is when I awake except if the tv is still on. If there aren't infomercials running I know it's before 2 am. This is just one way I measure my day.
I saw the light was still on in the computer room so I came in here to check my mail and, of course, Audiogon. This is also where I find two of the three phones in the house. Barb will shut the ringer off on one phone and lower the ringer volume of the other two and put them in here. She's trying to protect me as best she can but this is also why I missed Albert's call this evening. I feel I can always nod off into another stupor easily enough but she feels that I need my rest. I can't stop her nor would I ask that of her. The poor woman is at a loss trying to help me in some way.
Nate has first hand experience talking with me with some narcotics in my system today. It's a struggle to speak and follow a conversation sometimes. I can only guess what it's like on the other end of the phone. LOL. Maybe this is payback Nate for springing every joke my way in a normal conversation. Now, it's your turn to follow what the hell I'm saying. Har har.
Bin, I'm with Albert in that you need to post more. Great stories that say a lot. I've received many other stories shared privately through email from other audiophooles too. I think these folks might be a little self conscious if they posted this stuff here for all to see. The prevailing veiw in the ol' USA is that certain things aren't manly. Hogwash. Being what we are in this thread together may be the most manly of things we can do. Having depth to our emotions and expressing them openly as we do here dispells the many urban legends of how simple and shallow men are. Of course I see strength in a broadsword and the arm that weilds it. I also see the depth of that strength in a tear shed, or a gentle, helping hand through softly spoken words of endearment. I'm proud to be part of this particular group of men.
Albert, when this thread begun I knew that if I started to post that I could not stop. That wouldn't be fair. All along I've only wanted you guys to take more away from this experience than it takes from you. I just didn't realize then how big a recipient I would be in turn. You understand the impact this is having on my wife and I can tell it's breaking your heart. This very thing is the hardest of all for me to deal with but I'm getting there. It just is. Nothing more, nothing less. I know you desparately want to do something to help me. You already have. We could talk audio since you've helped me numerous times without knowing it through these forums. We could talk about good times together. Phone calls. Tears. The only thing that matters at this time is what's in your heart and you've allowed me to look right into it. Keep calling.
We visited with the in home Hospice foks today. I have no need to begin this sooner than it's necessary. This nurse commented on how easy she thinks I'll be to work with. I wanted to tell her to give me her albums as a gesture of appreciation. Works for me.
Forgive me in advance for some of the stuff I may post later. I figure you need to know what this is like. At this time eating and drinking just about don't happen. I just don't have the room for anything to be in there. Good for me, I'm not hungry or thirsty beyond what I can consume. For the record, I had three or four crackers this morning and maybe a half glass of water total for the day. Later, it all came back up. Hell, this would be a big deal under more normal circumstances but for some reason the body deals with this during disease. I don't even think I'm dehydrated. Weird. I guess the body consumes itself.
Art, you've nailed it mostly. The things that are important in life are exactly what you list. The courage and grace thing is wrong though.
Gary, several local professionals are meeting to discuss the creation of a paliative care team here. I had encouraged my doctor to be a part of something like this and to my surprise it's already begun. Too late for me but I've got some inside help from afar if I need it.
Holy shit Bin, that had almost too much meaning for me. I hope you continue to post on all kinds of topics. Thank you for pointing out how important love is to those left alone in the end.
I think we need to remember where Barb is on this. When I hugged Pat good by at RMAF as we were all parting for the airport I caught a glimpse of Barbs face. She read me and I read her and both of us had to turn away.
Pat has an angel looking over him but I fear this angel will have the biggest broken heart on earth when Pat passes before her. Perhaps her pain will be worse except for the knowledge of how much her husband loves and worships her.
I had a couple opportunities to talk to Lugnut today. As always, he has the ability to bring a smile to my face. The first chance, he was so tired he really could not talk, but later this evening we spent some time catching up, and had a great time.
Those of you given to prayer, please remember to mention Pat and his needs, and Barb.
I was thinking even before I read the post by Bin that if I had the choice, I would rather die before my friends. It's hard to be left behind, as anyone who has buried a loved one will attest.
Pat, I respect the way you are leading the rest of us into unknown territory. You know I love you, and continue to remember you in my prayers.
I wish there were words to offer that meant something. I'll talk to you soon!
A couple of stories that most likely will have little or no meaning to anyone but me but so be it. As best as I can remember them……. I had traveled alone to a nearby town to attend a concert that none of my friends were interested in. I arrived a little early so I decided to go to a bar that was fairly close to the venue and knock a few back. As I entered I noticed a woman sitting at the bar and I was struck by her beauty. It was a little hard to see as the years had disguised it some but it was there if you took the time to look. She was sitting with what I took to be her husband and some friends. I settled in and had a few drinks when I noticed her get up and walk down the bar to visit with some people at the other end. When she walked back I happened to glance up and see her chin quivering a little and a tear was rolling down her face. She quietly sat down and her somewhat oafish husband failed to notice. An elderly gentleman sitting close by did and said hey what’s wrong? She looked up her voice quavering and said its just that I heard that Paul’s cancer wasn’t responding any more to the treatments and I just.. .I mean that…. At that point the old man interrupted and said; WHAT, that’s nothing to cry about, nothing at all. I could see she was a little taken back by his statement and so was I for that matter. He said in a tender tone; I would go this minute if I could. Her husband spoke up at that point, barked a laugh, and said no way; you would fight for every second just like the rest of us. The elderly man responded no… no I wouldn’t. At that the husband responded in a loud tone “Bullshit you know you would fight to the bitter end for a few more days of life just like we all would. The old man was quiet for a second then slammed his glass on the bar, stood up, and with eyes of steel and a voice to match, he locked his gaze on the husband and he said no I wouldn’t. You see all my friends have passed, I am the last, I am alone, I miss them, and I want to be with them again. They are waiting for me and I can’t wait to join them. In that moment you could see the measure of the man that he once had been and could still be. The husbands retort sputtered on his lips and he turned away. As I glanced at the wife I could see her smile a little as understanding dawned on her. The elderly gentleman looked back and with a nod he turned away. As he shuffled out the door I noticed a tear running down his face but a smile was on his lips too.
I was watching a documentary on elephants. It showed this herd that was enjoying life in a lush reserve. Inexplicably the whole herd left the reserve and began a long an arduous journey across a desolate an arid land. The scientists that were studying them were perplexed at why they would do such a thing but their interest was peaked and they continued to film and follow them. After a number of days you could see they were coming up to an old, and long since dry, watering hole. In the distance you could see this little white speck. As the herd got closer one female elephant walked ahead as the rest of the herd held back and followed at a distance. As she got closer to the white speck you could see that it was a tiny elephant skull. The female elephant slowly walked to it and you could she was crying as a tear rolled down her face. She reverently and gently touched every part of that tiny skull with her trunk. It was her son, you see, that had passed away a few years back. She had come to say goodbye to him. All the other elephants that made this long and trying journey silently stood by her as she grieved. With a final toss she flung the skull away and the herd turned around and headed back home to the preserve. The next year they show her with a new baby boy romping with the herd. The circle continues...
I am not sure why I posted these stories but I think of them often and they never fail to move me.
I don't think I've ever posted though we have talked often. I think its because I really find it hard to find the right words to describe what it is I think about you and your wife. Chatting last night I was astounded more than ever with your amazing inner strength and peace. Hope you are listening to the new lps today. Take care and hope to talk soon
Pat, your story resonates so strongly with all of us not only because of your courage and grace dealing with it, but also because this exact thing could happen to any of us, at any moment. It really underscores the importance of focusing on the IMPORTANT things in our lives: family, friends, faith, fun - and to eschew pettiness, laziness, greed and fear.
As always, our thoughts are with you and your loved ones (of which there are MANY)!
I just have to get us off post #666. I feel better now that I've done it.
Thanks for the kind words too.
Brian, I have to admit to offering up a chuckle or two every time I remember your story about home delivery of audio products. I enjoyed my time with you too. Here's a toast to the first person that can twist your arm to post this mis-adventure.
I have only been able to make it halfway through page 11. I have kept current the past week though. I wish you peace in your remaining journey on this earth. May all your future journeys be as joy filled as this one has been. Your strength as you already know has been an inspiration to all who have frequented this thread.
I haven't contributed to this thread, but have read it occassionally and have been on Audiogon for many years now. Nobody knows how they will face up to the inevitability that awaits us all, but I think we all hope we can face it with as much bravery and dignity as you have shown. I'm sure the people who know and love you well understand that the world is a better place with people of your strength around us. All of us have you in our thoughts and prayers.
I'm saddened the chemo can't continue working for you Pat, but I share your feeling of relief that you're off it now. I really grew to hate that stuff watching what it did to my mom. I think it was worse than the disease in many ways, and if it prolonged her life, it also prolonged her suffering. But that was her case, and I know other people whom it saved, just like Lance, so you usually have to try, and I know that you did. In your case I think if it has prolonged your life it has been well worth it. Savor every day, every note, every kiss, and keep giving it hell like I'm sure you are. (For what it's worth, I've intimately witnessed and been involved with the dying process with relatives six times now, and though I don't know your family's plans or situation, if at all possible I strongly recommend staying at home and not going to stay in a hospital or hospice facility. I've found in-home hospice visits and the comfort of familiar surroundings are far preferable, and not only from the patient's point of view. While it does place increased demands on your family members while you are alive, I can say it gives a lot more peace of mind after you are gone.)
Pat, Sorry I haven't posted for a while, but that is not a reflection of lack of interest, as I read every one of your posts and think of you and your and your family's ordeal daily. The impact your posts, reflective of an amazing grace under the heaviest fire imaginable, is an inspiration to the rest of us and I assure you that the "kind words" are inadequate and understated. I don't think you have any idea of the undying and indelible impression your fight has made on us. You and yours are in my thoughts and best wishes. Denis
Well, the chemo is over. I must admit that I'm relieved to be at this point. This isn't giving up. Please remember that. The doc says I've got somewhere around six to eight weeks on average and until I get to feeling bad enough I'll still be posting as much as I can. I can't begin to tell you guys just how much your support has meant to both of us. Too many kind words have been written about me and not nearly enough about this group that has faced this with old Lugnut. You are a very brave bunch to face what you didn't have to face.
So great to hear that we can use this forum for so much goodwill. Nate, I couldn't possibly be a nominee since it is for 30 and undersomethings........ but I thank you kindly!
As for Larry and Albert and Chris along with all the rest of the great folks I met, it was great meeting all of you as well at th RMAF.
I agree with Nate that if there is a way AudiogoN can become the administative body for this foundation then that makes a lot of sense. Bring the 18-30 year olds in the door through AudiogoN. Most of them will be brought to AudiogoN by one of us so we will be able to nominate and vouch for their sound savvy. Keep listening and I hope someone knows how to ask the right folks at AudiogoN for their assistance if any.
. Hi Pat, . It was good catching up with you on Saturday night by phone and I was glad to hear that you were feeling a bit better. I am truly sorry for the Rollercoaster ride that you continue to endure, but selfishly, I am glad to have you around to talk with. . It was wonderful seeing you at the RMAF and I was delighted to finally get to meet Barb in person. She is the Angel that you always refer to (and you deserve her). . Talk to you soon. . Much Love, Larry .
. Hi Jeff, . It was great meeting you at the RMAF. I was only sorry we did not get more time to talk. . I love your idea of the Scholarship and will be happy to participate. It would be wonderful to have something that continues on with Pat's name on it. . Best Regards, Larry .
You can count on a contribution from me to help get things rolling. Nate might be right about Audiogon running the accounting end of it if they are willing. (I trust that's what you meant Nate) The future of high end two channel lies with seasoned enthusiasts getting young folks interested.
A little more history about Jeff and Lugnut. We attended the University of Nebraska Vocational Education program together and Jeff has been teaching woodworking in Lincoln for a very long time. His home, which is a vintage gymnasium, has been featured on HGTV. He builds high quality guitars and plays them as well as he constructs them. He's a member of "The Brothers Of Glowage", a group of tube enthusiasts in his area that formed long ago. These guys know this S%@#T! I remember fondly Jeff taking Barb and I water skiing way back when. If it weren't for all the irons Jeff constantly keeps in the fire I'm sure he would have been a world class competitive skier. Amazing talent. Thanks for coming to Denver Jeff. We enjoyed our time with you and are glad you enjoyed the show.
Hey Albert, if at all possible Barb and I would be thrilled to come on down to Dallas and kick it up a notch for your entertainment. Here's the deal. Get all that new stuff installed and sit there 24/7 spinning vinyl til it's all broken in. We'll just have to get creative in how we twist Tom's arm long distance.
I really appreciate the comments about Barb. She is exactly what Albert has described so well. A real angel that I've shared my life with for 32 years.
Jeff - good to see you here. It was a pleasure to met you at RMAF. Any friend of Pat's is... well, crazy! Oh, I mean an friend of mine!
I like the scholarship idea and would be glad to contribute. Maybe this should be run by AudiogoN and a new post started. Jeff, you're not the first nominee are you?!?
As far as TWL and Dallas... I talked to Tom at RMAF and he really would like to visit Albert. I don't know if it is possible right now, plans have not been made, as much as wishes expressed. I don't know who should take up the task of arm twisting?!?
If this comes to pass, I will do everything I can to be there. I'm just not sure Albert could take another group of crazies descending upon his abode.
Patrick Elowishis, alias Lugnut, alias Pat Malone, alias part that holds wheel on.
It might not be better living through chemistry, but if it gets you well enough to party with us again at the Porter house, you and the previous gang, TWL and Barb are all welcome.
I am sincerely grateful for the time we spent at RMAF in Denver. That is the first time I had a chance to meet Barb in person. I would wish for angels to watch over you but I believe she beat me to it by standing up for you.
I love you my friend and hope you get better. I may call that doctor yet and give him a thrashing
HELLO AUDIOGON! So enjoyed meeting many of you in Denver at the recent RMAF. Getting together with Pat and Barb was my main reason for coming out and all the nice new people I met and great music was just icing on the cake!
Pat so loves the music and the related equipment to maximize enjoyment. He shares this with his family and his friends freely and often. He has done this for all of the 30 years I've known him since college. As we went from room to room enjoying music and auditioning systems at the RMAF we noticed the demographic of the presenters and the attendees. The age demographic we felt was the most dramatic. Having more young people enjoy high end audio seemed a compelling goal and we agreed it would be good for everybody.
On the plane on the way back home to Omaha I had a flash idea. I ran it by Pat the other day and he felt touched and comfortable with the idea so here goes: Let those of us members of the Audiogon and other listening communities pull together and pool our resources both personal and commercial to set up a yearly scholarship in Pat's name.The scholarship offering will be for a selected person(s) under 30 years old to have their tranportation, lodging and admission to the RMAF or other similar event paid for by the foundation. The selection process could be done any number of ways and the number of awards and nominations could vary greatly. The criteria should be simple and forthright. By this posting I hope to start a chain reaction involving many others much more knowledgable than I about the logistics and specifics. I think it is a worthy idea and Pat did as well.
I welcome any and all responses to this query via this forum for all to see, or at my personal email jmccabe1@prodigy.net
Ahh, the Vinylians and the Digitarians. Long ago, the Vinylians declared that the world was flat because that is the way the platter was spun. The Digitarians decried that that wasn't the case since the digital domain was all around us. Captain Lugnut (He hadn't made it to General at the time) helped the people to understand that they both were right but they each were on the other side of the fence and should learn to accept each other. Both sides agreed to agree to disagree and just enjoy the music and the Captain became General.
How does that sound. Lugnut, more power to you ;-)
Pat, I'm glad I called Friday instead of Thursday, after reading your post. It was great to talk with you again.
I can't imagine the yo-yo to which you refer! To prepare for something dreaded, only to have it postponed is more than I can wrap my little mind around. From a distance you seem to deal with it so well, but the inner turmoil must be profound. I didn't like "Groundhog Day" when it was only a poor movie, much less when it's a part of the life of a friend.
I missed the Star Trek episode about the Vinylians and the Digitarians. Did it have something to do with fingers and rubber gloves??? Reminds me of a recent trip to the... oh, never mind!
I might be feeling funny today but not in a humorous way. I'm not going to elaborate a great deal on this but I'd like to let you all know I do feel considerably better after Friday's treatment. In many ways I'm glad. Very glad. It looks like I'll get a repreive for some amount of time. The problem is that I'm really getting tired of being a yoyo. I'm emotionally drained and physically spent. Each time I've received new help via chemistry I do not get back the physique I had previously. After four successful and then failed treatment programs I'm but a shell of what I once was. Mentally, as I've said several times in this wonderful thread, I'm getting exhausted preparing for the inevitable only to be given a reprieve and having to deal with it yet again. Dealing with this aspect is growing increasingly difficult and tiresome. I don't want anyone to take this the wrong way but a very large part of me wishes that this current regimine had failed out of the gate. I'll certainly make the most out of this time as I have before. I've also shown weakness previously and this group has helped me gain strength quicker than I would have on my own. I've even had my own words thrown back to me in a gentle way to get back on track. All is fair in this thread my friends. I'm posting this in utter honesty, partly to dispell any bravery or other such undeserved notions you may have about old Lugnut. Keep the faith though. I'll get through this fine, especially with your help. I really want you all to know that I'm human just like you, fall down, get up, and carry one the best I can. The thing is, this is getting really hard. It makes little sense. I can't begin to tell you how horrible I felt Thursday night and how much better I feel right now. Somehow though, I take little comfort in it this time knowing that I'll be going through it all over again like in a bad episode of Ground Hog Day.
I just love the ideas you guys brought up for further historical stories. The Lugnut story I posted came easily for me. Feel free to post your own and I promise to enjoy them. I especially feel a pull with regard to the Vinyliams versus the Digitarians. Great ideas all.
Don't worry about me. I'll be okay. We've made plans for the day to listen with friends at our house. That always gets me pumped up on life. Like I have said before, life is pretty good if you choose to participate. I'll try and say that like a mantra today.
smokester, are you refering to the struggle between the Vinylians and the Digitarians? Lugnut, do tell. On a more serious note I've been following this thread since its beginning. Pat, peace, prayers and understanding to you and Barb. Good luck and peace in your journey. I'll keep my eye on Nrchy for you.
Dear General Lugnut, do you have any stories of the rare and elusive Hybridonians? I hear they are a wandering lot, not unlike the gypsy. At times warm and comforting, (though it takes a while for them to warm up to you), and at other times they can feel a bit cold and analytical.
I am so glad you came to visit us when I was here to appreciate you. I am enjoying the walk. Dav
Wow Pat, all this time I thought you were the barbarian hordes. That's one of the funniest things I've ever read. Just remember transistors are purely transitory.
You are a wonder and an inspiration to us all. You're also a nut who's short a lug or two, but we forgive you.
Best wishes from Paul and me as you continue to hold off the barbarian hordes. For whatever it's worth, your ordeal has at least inspired the best thread Audiogon has ever hosted. For that we thank you.
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