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Kurt Vonnegut Has Become Unstuck In Time

Damn. Just...damn. by filmicdrummer17	Apr 11th, 2007 11:44:29 PM
Slaughterhouse is one of my all-time favorite books. Seems like just yesterday he was in that Mastercard commercial.
nicely done. by Zakari Paolon	Apr 11th, 2007 11:45:26 PM
Good books indeed.
"and another thing, Vonnegut!" by Han Ol' Buddy	Apr 11th, 2007 11:48:44 PM
"I'm gonna stop payment on the cheque!" "Fuck me? Hey, Kurt, can you read lips, FUCK YOU! Next time I'll call Robert Ludlum!" Best cameo ever... "Free bag of Ice-9 with 6-pack"
Who is Kilgore Trout? by jrbarker	Apr 11th, 2007 11:50:26 PM
I liked Breakfast of Champions RIP
This is not how I wanted to end my Wedsnesday. by CaptainWalker	Apr 11th, 2007 11:50:32 PM
I don't like a world without Kurt. He will be missed. It's just a little bit less wry now.
Oh my God by QuinnTheEskimo	Apr 11th, 2007 11:53:37 PM
I'm so sad now. Seriously my favorite author ever. There has never been and there will never be anything like Kurt Vonnegut. No other author has impacted my life as much as he has. Damn. Just, just damn.
Don't forget one of the Great Movie Cameos... by ErnieAnderson	Apr 11th, 2007 11:54:04 PM
...playing himself in BACK TO SCHOOL. Sheer genius.
Thanks by FakeTHulce	Apr 11th, 2007 11:54:54 PM
For the memories
Lonesome no more. by WYLD STALLYNS RULES	Apr 11th, 2007 11:55:41 PM
Thank you, Kurt*.
Really good job, Moriarty by underscore_only	Apr 11th, 2007 11:57:32 PM
Fuck, this is sad. I'm gonna have to re-read some of his works.
Dang by charlesgrodinsux	Apr 12th, 2007 12:03:43 AM
I still can't believe it. I called my girlfriend at 1 am to wake her up and tell her. It's pretty sad. I wish I could have had just ONE more book.
Wow. by Darth Thoth	Apr 12th, 2007 12:04:23 AM
I had no idea when I clicked upon the story link that this was an obit. Wow. Man. I'm definitely stunned b/c I had heard nothing of his passing. His work will most certainly live on as it continues to affect to this day. God bless his soul and may he rest in peace. Thank you for the excellent obit Moriarty. Peace.
This is unbelievably depressing... by mr_macphisto	Apr 12th, 2007 12:06:13 AM
I honestly don't know what to say. Wow. This really ruins my week...I just bought Hocus Pocus over the Easter break. Just wow.
Damn...just damn by heavenlykid	Apr 12th, 2007 12:07:08 AM
Critics dismissed him as flip, but I also wonder if they were just annoyed at the fact that he managed to make classic novels that people actually wanted to 'read' instead of just 'have read'. I wish I hadn't loaned out my copy of slaughterhouse five all those years ago, now I have to track down a new one.
Everything was beautiful, and nothing hurt. by QuinnTheEskimo	Apr 12th, 2007 12:08:17 AM
If only this could've been true.
Weird... by GiveMeAnFinBreak	Apr 12th, 2007 12:10:17 AM
I've been on a huge Vonnegut kick for the last couple of weeks. Just out of the blue. Now, this. The world just got a lot less interesting.
God Bless you Mr Vonegut by catman	Apr 12th, 2007 12:10:44 AM
And so it goes.
ROSCOE LEE BROWN JUST DIED - GREAT ACTOR DESERVES OBIT by NotchJohnson	Apr 12th, 2007 12:12:09 AM
Roscoe Lee Brown just died at 81. This actor is well-known to anyone over 30. I remember him from TV, including "Good Times" and "All in the Family". One of his best roles? The big promoter in "The Mambo Kings"....."Sign with me, mi amigo, and your future is gold."
Ptowoo Tweep? by Maceox	Apr 12th, 2007 12:13:03 AM
Love the little bird in SH5 and Cat's that flys by as man kind fucks up big time and he asks a question in birdesse. I always thought a good translation would be, "So you people fucked up the beuaty of the world huh?" Well as a Bokonist would say, I am glad I am the type of mud that got to sit up and read books by other interesting muds that sit up, especially Kurt. Goodbye Blue Monday.
Damn. Just damn. by 24200124	Apr 12th, 2007 12:17:14 AM
"Slaugherhouse-Five" and "Breakfast of Champions" were among some of my favorite books as a teenager. Even though we haven't heard much from him in a while, he'll still be missed greatly. Farewell.
One of my favorites by om8ga	Apr 12th, 2007 12:19:45 AM
This was a great article. Kurt Vonnegut has been one of my favorite authors since my high school freshman English teacher recommended I read The Sirens of Titan and I always wanted to meet him. There was always a hope for another book, but we will make do with the masterpieces he has left us. I recently finished Hocus Pocus back at the end of last year and it was absolutely hilarious. I've currently been rereading Slapstick. Hi ho.
He was brilliant. by kevred	Apr 12th, 2007 12:21:02 AM
I especially enjoyed his non-fiction--he's written so many brilliant essays over the years. (I think the most recent collection is 'Man Without A Country', which I heartily recommend.) As they say, we'll not soon see his like again. Rest in peace, Mr. Vonnegut.
Out of the Monkey House by Napoleon Park	Apr 12th, 2007 12:22:54 AM
Writer Kurt Vonnegut Jr., 84, has passed away of complications resulting from brain damage due to a fall. Normally my tendency to crack nervous jokes in these obituaries is in questionable taste, but it does seem in keeping with Vonnegut's own dark humor. At IMDb's listing for Kurt Vonnegut's credits, in the chat section the top thread declares him "America's greatest living author". Sadly, not anymore. And somehow it seems weirdly appropriate that such a genius would be killed by his own brain. I read some Vonnegut - not all of it - and enjoyed what I read. His career did touch onn one of my personal pet peeves. Authors who begin as science-fiction writers and achieve such a level or acclaim and fame that even though they still continue writing about time travel and other genre topics, their work is elevated to the level or 'literature' and 'fine art'. As if 'science fiction' can't possibly be good enough for those accolades. My first encounter with his work was when I read his short story "Welcome To The Monkey House" when it appeared in an issue of Playboy magazine. What caught my attention was a minor error of fact; a key moment in the story - as well as the monkey house of the title - is set at "The Grand Rapids Zoo". The zoo in Grand Rapids is actually named the John Ball Park Zoo, and at the time the story was writing it had a monkey island, but no monkey house. (There were facilities for housing the monkeys during the winter months, but they were not accessible to the public.) I was 19 when the 1972 film of "Slaughterhouse Five" came out, so at the time I appreciated it more for Valerie Perrine's exuberant debut as Montana Wildhack and the grim detail about triangular-bladed bayonets causing a three-sided wound that won't close than for the complex and thought provoking plot. I never clearly understood why such a critically acclaimed and successful author would suffer from such dark depressions, but apparently he had a long, complicated and troubling life. Kurt Vonnegut, hopefully now resting peacefully.
great loss by WolfmanNards	Apr 12th, 2007 12:22:57 AM
we were given the privelage to live in the presence of a genius for 84 years.
It may be an old time expression by skimn	Apr 12th, 2007 12:27:23 AM
but Kurt was one of the great rabblerousers. He truly knew how to shake things up. My heart dropped when I read the news. Moriarty, beautiful sentiments. Peace to you, sir.
I remember watching him on the Daily Show... by Forestal	Apr 12th, 2007 12:38:33 AM
About a year ago or so. Very insightful guy. He was funny too. He had such a fucked up way at looking at the world...and I say that in a good way.
I'm really having a hard time getting over this by QuinnTheEskimo	Apr 12th, 2007 12:42:28 AM
It's so sad and depressing, yet at the same time it's fitting. He's a man who obviously didn't enjoy his life. God bless you, Mr. Vonnegut. You'll always be alive in those moments passed, for the Tralfamadorians to see, even if we can't.
blah. by beatnikslacker	Apr 12th, 2007 12:45:20 AM
what a horrible way to end the day. one less "true" voice in the world tonight. color me depressed
I am really choked up right now. by Traumnovelle	Apr 12th, 2007 12:50:21 AM
Kurt Vonnegut changed my life. He reminded me that reading is the cats pajamas, and he pulled me out of a hefty rut I was in at the time. I cant think of anything else to type about this. God bless you Mr. Vonnegut. Rest in power.
A Satire-Writing Machine broke down by IForgotAbout19	Apr 12th, 2007 12:53:13 AM
Vonnegut was brilliant. A god. Big hero of mine. He will be missed. And so on.
... by electroaddict	Apr 12th, 2007 12:56:48 AM
I don't even know what to say. Kurt was one of my favorite authors, and while I knew he was old and essentially on death's door, I still knew the day he'd pass would be a sad one, regardless of any "full life" he lived. The world lost a great, GREAT author today, and earth (hell, the UNIVERSE) is a darker place without him. "GREETINGS."
sigh by dino_hardbody	Apr 12th, 2007 12:56:56 AM
oh well. he was an amazing writer. Used to love him in high school. I'm gonna go find Hocus Pocus. I think that was the first one I read. Good Luck Mr. Vonnegut.
I read Hocus Pocus in high school... by slder78	Apr 12th, 2007 12:58:16 AM
I felt real proud of myself afterwards, like I just read something from an important writer. I haven't felt that way since.
Beautiful Human Being by 12-GAUGE	Apr 12th, 2007 01:05:27 AM
He endured a lot of pain in his personal life, and what does he do? He turns right around and gives us books filled with hope and life-affirming humor. But he was never afraid to critique society, either, in a simple, perfect way. Right alongside Mark Twain, Will Rogers and other legends of the American spirit. This is truly sad, but thankfully he left us with so much.
Sad day by ThirteenthMonkey	Apr 12th, 2007 01:11:38 AM
Goodbye, Blue Monday. We will miss you. "Here we are, trapped in the amber of the moment. There is no why." oh, and here's something Mr V. said that some of you should consider when bitching about the flames on Optimus or or the 'boring' dialogue in DP, "Any reviewer who expresses rage and loathing for a novel is preposterous. He or she is like a person who has put on full armor and attacked a hot fudge sundae."
Vonnegut was brilliant by QuinnTheEskimo	Apr 12th, 2007 01:16:55 AM
"Hello, babies. Welcome to Earth. It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It's round and wet and crowded. At the outside, babies, you've got about a hundred years here. There's only one rule that I know of, babies - 'God damn it, you've got to be kind.'"
An unimaginable loss.... by Iblis_mage	Apr 12th, 2007 01:17:59 AM
We are much better for having had Mr. Vonnegut here, and far, far poorer for having lost him. That goes for the redoubtable Roscoe Lee Browne as well.
WTF? by oisin5199	Apr 12th, 2007 01:21:26 AM
What the hell does Cronenberg's film of William Burroughs' novel have to do with Vonnegut?
Sad to here by OswaldWasAPussy	Apr 12th, 2007 01:22:24 AM
I read a couple of his books in high school, they were interesting but didn't blow me away. But anyone who people describe as a living literary treasure having the balls to do that scene in Back to School can't be to bad a guy.
Too soon by Hercules	Apr 12th, 2007 01:23:03 AM
I must say I think the film version of "Slaughterhouse Five" is one of the best movies I've ever seen. See it with an audience if you're ever given the opportunity.
@Hulkamania by OswaldWasAPussy	Apr 12th, 2007 01:23:44 AM
Whether you are a tool or an ironic tool, it still remains that you are a tool.
So True by Rebeck2	Apr 12th, 2007 01:31:44 AM
I agree with everything everyone has said. He wrote books that were packed with interesting thoughts and observations, that were wildly entertaining and funny, but also deadly serious and extremely profound. He was, without a doubt, a genius. There was never another author quite like him. A couple years ago a mutual friend got him to sign the anniversary edition of "Slaughterhouse-5" (his masterpiece, IMO) for me and I've been keeping it in a plastic baggie ever since. I just took it out... All it says is "For Frank" and that wild signature of his that looks suspiciously like pop art. Wow. I will treasure this book now more than ever. If you don't know Vonnegut, do yourself a favor and read him. He has many great quotes, but he was famous for saying this: "We were put on this world to fart around, don't let anyone tell you different."
R.I.P. by maluquiro	Apr 12th, 2007 01:32:38 AM
"No wonder kids grow up crazy. A cat's cradle is nothing but a bunch of X's between somebody's hands, and little kids look and look and look at all those X's..." "And?" "No damn cat, and no damn cradle."
I got to meet Vonnegut at a lecture about 7 years ago. by Barry Egan	Apr 12th, 2007 01:33:55 AM
So far in my adult life it has been the most important meeting I have had with a famous person, the first time I have had the chance to meet an artist whose work was really special and important to me. I found Vonnegut to be a really nice and warm person and I didn't expect that based on his body of work. I still have the 45th anniversary edition of Slaughterhouse that he signed for me that day. I would argue with Mori that Slaughterhouse-Five is better than top 20 and it may be the best book written about World War II. I would implore the readers in the talk back (especially the younger ones) to pick up something by Vonnegut at the book store or a library tomorrow and enjoy his excellent work.
My 1st Vonnegut exposure? "Happy Birthday, Wanda June" by FilmCritic3000	Apr 12th, 2007 01:34:58 AM
I was in middle school and they actually had the play in our school library. The book it was in also had pictures of the Broadway cast. It's such a quirky, off-center, and terrific play, and I'm surprised we had it. Of course, I then moved on to "Slaughterhouse Five". I have others to catch up on as well. R.I.P. Mr. Vonnegut. I've shed a tear, one of several, for you tonight, good sir. You are an American icon and your words are legend.
Yes, Great Movie by Rebeck2	Apr 12th, 2007 01:37:25 AM
I agree, Herc. Extremely underrated film. George Roy Hill knocked that one out of the park and it was NOT an easy thing to adapt. Also, re: Roscoe Lee Browne was fantastic in one of my all-time favorite movies, "The Cowboys". Anyone who's seen it, remember this? "Forgive me for all the men I have killed, and for all the men I'm about to". Classic line, perfect delivery.
Quotes... by Rebeck2	Apr 12th, 2007 01:56:16 AM
“I am a humanist, which means, in part, that I have tried to behave decently without any expectation of rewards or punishments after I’m dead.” – Kurt Vonnegut
“God himself has no right by Rebeck2	Apr 12th, 2007 01:59:38 AM
“God himself has no right to be a tyrant.” – Kurt Vonnegut
“Life is no way to treat by Rebeck2	Apr 12th, 2007 02:00:29 AM
“Life is no way to treat an animal.” – Kilgore Trout (Kurt Vonnegut)
pour some on the curb for my man by Lil LoLo	Apr 12th, 2007 02:01:09 AM
while i don't think i would put any of his novels in my top twenty, his stories defintely blew my mind when i first picked them up. he left a legacy behind and all i can do is thank him, even if it is too late to do so. kurt vonnegut is dead, long live kurt vonnegut.
And His Last Word On The Subject by Rebeck2	Apr 12th, 2007 02:02:09 AM
“I feel embarrassed to have lived to the age of 83. It’s in terrible taste. I had a fire several years ago, and it would have been so shapely if I’d died in that – but here I am.” – Kurt Vonnegut
'Mother Night'... by Negator76	Apr 12th, 2007 02:03:39 AM
Mother Night is a GREAT fucking movie, not just an 'interesting' one. I don't know how it compares to the book (only Vonnegut I've read is 'Cat's Cradle'... Loved it), but as a movie, it's terrifically funny and heartbreaking, as any true-blue satire should be. PS: 'Fuck me? Hey Kurt, do you read lips? FUCK YOU!' ... For dying. You will be missed.
I was in grindhouse by s0nicdeathmonkey	Apr 12th, 2007 02:07:57 AM
when i found out. damn near ruined my night. My mother introduced me to Vonnegut when I was in 6th grade. she handed me her 40 year old copy of "breakfast of champions" from it's first paperback printing. I put off reading it, my mother was never someone i thought of as "hip" and I was already into Camus and Kafka at the time. but then i picked it up on a whim and read it in 2 sittings. i only stopped to sleep. Vonnegut, more than almost anyone else shaped my world view at that young age. I'm named after Hunter S. Thompson, so that was hard...but this is almost unbearable.
bad times by Tbuel	Apr 12th, 2007 02:24:28 AM
kurt was a good fellow. im sad about his passing
RIP / Nice job Moriarty by TheDohDoh	Apr 12th, 2007 02:33:03 AM
This man had a mind like no other. His brilliance was scary, on par with Kubrick in my opinion. I'm not sure I'd ever want to pull a Being John Malkovich and take a peek (I'm betting it's still sparking right now), but nobody ever made "humanity is a disease" go down with such a big laugh and an absurdity chaser. RIP Mr. Vonnegut. You lived it out without doing yourself in, and we are all grateful. The great minds are dying and I'm scared of where the lesser ones will take us from here. Moriarty, that was an impeccable obit. You are a fantastic writer who works under short deadlines when called upon. Your mix of first-person experience with Vonnegut's work and sincerity, I doubt I'd ever want to read something comparable in the NY Times or the New Yorker. Thank you for that. I needed that.
Oh Shit... by godoffireinhell	Apr 12th, 2007 02:58:22 AM
I just read THE SIRENS OF TITAN last month. Brilliant novel. Brilliant writer. He'll be remembered.
PrettyNursePoppy... by TheRealMoriarty	Apr 12th, 2007 03:19:14 AM
... it's also easy to make baseless accusations when you hide behind anonymity. I didn't read the NYT obit or any other. Vonnegut is one of the most important influences on me as a young reader, from the moment my uncle handed me a copy of BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS. I'm not going to insult you back, but you're wrong.
A bit of respect please by palimpsest	Apr 12th, 2007 03:54:17 AM
Let's leave the name-calling, accusations and general hating for another time. Thanks for running the obit - mebbe it'll push a curious fanboy or girl towards a bookstore. RIP Father Kurt.
Kurt is in Heaven now... by V'Shael	Apr 12th, 2007 04:01:03 AM
So it goes.
So say we all: by newc0253	Apr 12th, 2007 04:02:22 AM
oh wait, wrong phrase. So it goes.
One last thing to honour the floating rock by Moon Mc Creery	Apr 12th, 2007 04:11:33 AM
There are two or three things we could do as a species to thanks this piece of floating rock for nurturing us, and all of those things involve us dessapearing in the end. We could have done it nicely, and that would have been graceful and clever, but again as humans we aren't those things. We believe in prophets that take us to doom without even have the common decency to not take all the inferior (meaning: graceful and clever)creatures along for a ride they aren't even aware of. And the floating rock isn't aware of anything exept for the fact that floating in circles trough space is such a nice sensation. So here comes my idea for this recently born century of another hundred fake dooms: make one for real. Honour and respect the floating rock by make the final giant leap trough this agonizing atmosphere of us. It is time for all the nations to unite and put their resources together in the latest, greatest enterprise of mankind: to put all mankind, together at the same time in the great void of space, and as a final greeting to the floating rock, to feel what the rock feels with our collective final breath.
More Vonnegut Quotes by TheRealMoriarty	Apr 12th, 2007 04:18:08 AM
"True terror is to wake up one morning and discover that your high school class is running the country."
Another by TheRealMoriarty	Apr 12th, 2007 04:23:31 AM
"Some jerk infected the Internet with an outright lie. It shows how easy it is to do and how credulous people are."
And Another by TheRealMoriarty	Apr 12th, 2007 04:34:03 AM
"High School is closer to the core of the American experience than anything else I can think of."
Beautiful obituary, Moriarty. by raw_bean	Apr 12th, 2007 04:47:42 AM
I'd been meaning to pick up some Kurt Vonnegut for a while, but you just inspired me to do it post-haste. He really seemed to have inspired you, not least in this eloquent and moving piece here, and I'm really sorry he's passed, even though I'm not (yet) a fan.
An American treasure by MonkeyBytes	Apr 12th, 2007 04:52:11 AM
Vonnegut was like a spotlight shining on all of us, illuminating the warts and all. His characters seem insane because sanity is so fragile, a state that many times takes great effort and to maintain. Vonneguts passing is sad not because he didn't lead a full and productive life, but because I heard him interviewed a while back and he seemed to be energized by the current state of the world. New tyranny meant new targets, but I guess the satire will be left to someone else. Happy Trails, Kurt.
This is a sad day by grypson	Apr 12th, 2007 05:18:18 AM
"A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved." - Kurt Vonnegut
* by Uncle Stan	Apr 12th, 2007 05:19:31 AM
Shit.
This is a picture of me sad by Kloipy	Apr 12th, 2007 05:45:05 AM
Kurt Vonnegut also influenced me growing up with his dark satire. Just so fitting for the world we live in today. Hocus Pocus def. captured that. He will be so missed, and i'm so upset that his voice won't be heard again.
DAMN YOU MR. ROSEWATER!!! by dundundles	Apr 12th, 2007 05:51:50 AM
DAMN YOU MR. ROSEWATER!!!
By FAR the WORST news I've heard since Douglas Adams... by Negative Man	Apr 12th, 2007 05:53:13 AM
...passed before his time, yet I have to ask, what the Hell was time to him? And I say that with a wink and a smile. I really have no words. No idea how to some up such a loss. His words made me feel old and young. An infant and on the verge of the ever-after. And in both, laying on my back and staring up at infinity as I was cradled with care and understanding. Cynicsism blended with a fresh brew of hope and enlightenment poured by a master writer that always had a twinkle in his eye. God will bless Kurt, but God will wait to see how he writes it.
genius by NudeandAroused	Apr 12th, 2007 06:10:32 AM
A true genius in every sense of the word.
great line by Kloipy	Apr 12th, 2007 06:15:53 AM
"Just because we can read and write and do a little arithmatic, doesn't mean that we should rule the world"
RIP by phaedrus007	Apr 12th, 2007 06:21:59 AM
One of the great authors of all time.
Thanks Mori by Kloipy	Apr 12th, 2007 06:30:25 AM
you did an excellent job caputuring the man. My mom started me off with "Breakfast" as well. I was probably 10 or 11 at the time, and I remember being blown away by it and then rushing out to read as much of his work as I could. There will never be another Vonnegut. Not even close
Sad sad day by Ashen Shugar	Apr 12th, 2007 07:01:03 AM
My favorite american author died. Here in France he was not very famous. But Cat's cradle is absolutely fantastic. I never read something as funny and deep. Slaughterhouse 5 was very difficult to understand in English for a foreigner, very hard to follow. I remember one funny quote about how Americans were easy to recognize as they loved to collect small useless things from grocery stores. Or something like that. Palahniuk and a few others owe him a lot. Now Vonnegut's up here watching for us. I hope to get up the highest mountain, put myself on my back, raise my index finger with a smile and.. you know the end.
now im curious by the_shogun_gunslinger	Apr 12th, 2007 07:11:31 AM
think im gonna have to hit up the bookstore later and give his stuff i try. i used to read like a fiend growing up but now a good book is few and far between for me. sounds like something ill enjoy. btw, SLAUGHTERHOUSE FIVE is the coolest sounding title ive ever heared.
A note to Book Store Workers by Kloipy	Apr 12th, 2007 07:18:58 AM
I've gone in, many times searching for Vonnegut books, esp. when I had to re-buy "Hocus Pocus" and from more than one worker I've gotten the response "Isn't that about those witches?" If can't recognize a great writer such as Vonnegut, don't work at a fucking book store
Very well worded obit by ATARI	Apr 12th, 2007 07:21:34 AM
Thanks Mori, so it goes, indeed.
Sad day by Pardon_My_Zinger	Apr 12th, 2007 07:32:39 AM
I'm on my way to work so unfortunately I don't have time (now) to give this story the justice it deserves... just to say that he was my favorite author and this is a truly, truly sad day.
btw Kloipy by Pardon_My_Zinger	Apr 12th, 2007 07:37:25 AM
1) I DO work in a bookstore. 2) I would never make that very stupid mistake you just described, as "Hocus Pocus" is one of my favorite Vonnegut novels. However, in all fairness, I HAVE found that in describing the book to people who aren't familiar with it, I have to offer the disclaimer: "It has nothing to do with the witch movie with Bette Midler."
Rest in peace you wonderful, wonderful man. by beastie	Apr 12th, 2007 07:42:45 AM
I clicked on this story dreading reading about another attempt to make Slaughterhouse Five. What I read was so much more depressing. Kurt, you will be missed. Thank you for the beautiful legacy that you left behind.
Sad times indeed, it comes by indyjonez100	Apr 12th, 2007 07:46:12 AM
Sad times indeed, it comes in threes doesn't it? I sure hope not. RIP Kurt
Roscoe Lee Browne died as well by chrth	Apr 12th, 2007 07:48:24 AM

What's sad to me by Kloipy	Apr 12th, 2007 07:49:44 AM
is that we've wasted how many weeks discussing Anna Nicole Smith's death, and probably 3/4 of american's won't even know who Vonnegut was. It makes me sick
Only three celebrity deaths I've cried over by k.-	Apr 12th, 2007 07:51:24 AM
Jim Henson, Douglas Adams, and now Kurt Vonnegut. Slaughterhouse Five was such an incredible book, the literary equivalent of being kicked in the stomach over and over again. Definitely the best book I've ever read. Moriarty, thanks for the wonderful obit. You did him justice.
A goddamned tragedy. by Zarles	Apr 12th, 2007 07:57:15 AM
I have a lot of writing to do today, so I'll do it for him. Much respect. 'Long Walk To Nowhere' from 'Monkey House' should be inscribed on the surface of the moon in 100-foot-high letters. Absolutely gorgeous...
Hi Ho by BigFo	Apr 12th, 2007 08:02:05 AM
Wow...I must say I am a different person than I would have been if I had never read one of Kurt's novels. The loss of a true Hero. Nice obit Mori.
RIP, Mr. Vonnegut... by KillDozer	Apr 12th, 2007 08:04:58 AM
and thanks for sharing your talent with the rest of us.
What is really unfortunate by Kloipy	Apr 12th, 2007 08:08:09 AM
is that books, as a medium, are going the way of the dodo. I think by the time our children are grown they will be fading. Most people don't seem to enjoy the imagination and magic of just reading anymore. And it's sad. There is so much that I got out of reading, Vonnegut esp., have helped to mold the way that I am today. We want everything to be right in our face telling us what to think that reading is foriegn to most. Let's try to keep Mr. Vonnegut alive.
And another thing, Vonnegut, I'm stopping payment on by chrth	Apr 12th, 2007 08:09:50 AM
that check! RIP
That's too bad :( by Right Bastard	Apr 12th, 2007 08:14:50 AM
One of my favorite authors.
:( by rolo_tony	Apr 12th, 2007 08:22:30 AM
crying talkbackers = flaming nipples on iron man
I think Kloipy's losing it in his grief by chrth	Apr 12th, 2007 08:22:48 AM
How many books has Harry Potter sold? Kids are still reading, dude. And my kid (less than a month!) will get a shot at K.V. in fifteen years or so as well.
Rudolph's Breakfast by The Cabin Boy	Apr 12th, 2007 08:22:58 AM
I guess I'm the only one who enjoyed the film adaptation of Breakfast of Champions, eh? Nolte cracked me up in that one. And who could be a better Kilgore than Albert Finney? Lucas Haas as Bunny... Even Bruce had some good moments. I don't know -- it had that manic energy that I felt with Fear and Loathing. Granted I haven't seen this in a while but I felt it was a good tribute.
that's true that they do read HP by Kloipy	Apr 12th, 2007 08:30:08 AM
Which is a good start and all. I just worry because most of the people I've talked to, who are in their 20's, can tell you all about any show on "MTV" but think that "To Kill a Mocking Bird" is an instruction manual
wonderful obit and my experience w/ mr. V by darthnoodle	Apr 12th, 2007 08:38:58 AM
hi mori, thanks for that fantastic obit. probably one of the best and most heartfelt i've ever read. i met mr. V at a book signing for Timequake and the B&N in union square when that book was released. his "people" said that he would only be signing timequake and we were all very disappointed. not 5 minutes earlier i purchased a copy of the 25th anniversary edition of slaughterhouse five. i stood in line patiently w/ my two books and when it came my turn i slid both books up to him and asked him to sign them. his "person" told me that was very rude (what does he expect from a true new yorker in new york!!??). mr. V looked at me and said "give me the damn book!." so i did and got both timequake and S 5 signed. my most precious memory of the man. we'll miss you Kurt.
A true original and a literary genius by gboybama	Apr 12th, 2007 08:56:38 AM
I wish I could have known him.
I think he was okay with going by Fecal Debris	Apr 12th, 2007 08:57:35 AM
But he was cool during his visit with us.
One of the greatest influences on my life has left... by Childe Roland	Apr 12th, 2007 08:58:31 AM
...and while the world is certainly a poorer place without him, it is richer for having had him in it for any amount of time.
Another great Vonnegut moment by Maceox	Apr 12th, 2007 09:07:23 AM
Tiger gotta hunt Birds Gotta Fly Man gotta ask himself why why why Tiger gotta sleep Bird Gotta land Man gotta tell himself he understand
Life is no way to treat an animal... by Mooly	Apr 12th, 2007 09:11:16 AM
The final words from Sirens of Titan (a favorite of mine) have always stuck with me. Excuse me if I misquote the phrase. "The worst thing that can happen to a person, is to never be used for anything by anyone."
ive only read by sHapesHiftinLizard	Apr 12th, 2007 09:13:03 AM
Slaughterhouse 5 a long time ago. Should get round to reading more of him. R.I.P Kurt Vonnegut
"And another thing Vonnegut...." by uss cygnus	Apr 12th, 2007 09:22:24 AM
Arguably, the most surreal cameo in history, next to Stephen Hawking on ST:TNG. And definitely the funniest.
Bartleby, The Scrivener was published in 1863 by don_gately	Apr 12th, 2007 09:26:31 AM
and is as fine a skewering of the dehumanizing of corporate culture written. Plenty of similar literature in Victoriana. Not a recent development in 1952.
Sirens of Titan bummed me out by chrth	Apr 12th, 2007 09:28:27 AM
I can't believe the dude got separated from his dog. I hope he catches up.
Perfect Headline by symon	Apr 12th, 2007 09:59:05 AM
"He's up in heaven now." -- As Kurt Vonnegut said of Isaac Asimov in his eulogy.
Very well said, Moriarty by pilotgrl	Apr 12th, 2007 10:00:25 AM
You should consider writing as a profession (just kidding). This is sad news. I might just go back and re-read some of his books...
At least his son, Kurt Vonnegut Jr. lives on by ETI	Apr 12th, 2007 11:00:03 AM
Oh, wait.
God Bless You Mr. Rosewater by kinghenryVIII	Apr 12th, 2007 11:28:00 AM
I think that's the title. That's the first book I've read. Then Breakfast but my fav is Mothernight. Scary shit! RIP!
I feel dumb for not having read any of his novels by Rupee88	Apr 12th, 2007 11:31:40 AM
Instead I sit and goof off...sad.
"Only three celebrity deaths I've cried over" by feckdrinkarse	Apr 12th, 2007 11:46:06 AM
Dude, what about Kurt Cobain ? Aqua seafoam shame
"We are what we pretend to be,... by rbatty024	Apr 12th, 2007 11:56:41 AM
so we must be careful what we pretend to be." He truly was the 20th century's Mark Twain. "So it goes."
Greatest Living American Writer now dead by Dr Dischord	Apr 12th, 2007 11:58:01 AM
Favorite novel: Mother Night.
He's Gonnegut... by ETI	Apr 12th, 2007 12:02:54 PM
...but not fogottennegut.
What a shame! I saw him only last year at OSU. by Proman1984	Apr 12th, 2007 12:03:33 PM
He seemed like a great funny guy an d great writer. He will be missed and remembered.
bacci40, you're an idiot by Melnick666	Apr 12th, 2007 12:09:52 PM
This is a thread to honor a great writer, and you have to insert your dime-store politics. What is it with the death wishes so many on the left heap on the right? It's a one-way fetish as well. Get some help.
Fuck Bryan Fuller by Rumple Tumskin	Apr 12th, 2007 12:13:48 PM
Don't you DARE pull him off Heroes to write for this cheesy SCFI Channel crap. I mean come on, its being run buy guys who worked on Charmed, which my friends unaffectionately labeled "Buffy the Vampire Slayer for stupid people"
tra la by Fabulous Freak	Apr 12th, 2007 12:13:50 PM
RIP
Oh crap wrong thread, this is for the Flash Gordon talk by Rumple Tumskin	Apr 12th, 2007 12:15:22 PM
cant we edit there?? or delete, how embarrassing
Kurt Vonnegut's asshole by Bronx Cheer	Apr 12th, 2007 12:18:49 PM
One of my favorite stories about Mr. Vonnegut...he was signing books and greeting people at a book signing, and a woman asked about the odd squiggly object he drew after his name. It had been on many of his book covers, and was a recognizable part of his signature. He replied, in earnest, that it was a drawing of his asshole. I kid you not. Kurt Vonnegut was a brilliant writer, but more important, he told the damned truth at a time when this country dearly needed it. This is a beautiful obit, Drew. Rest In Peace, Mr. Vonnegut.
I shed several tears... by Massage...Bored	Apr 12th, 2007 12:23:17 PM
...when I heard the news.
Harrison Beregeron by Lycaeon	Apr 12th, 2007 12:25:06 PM
I seem to recall one of his stories being made into a film. It stared Buck Henry, Sean Astin, and Christopher Plumber. Gonna have to IMDB it to make sure. He will be missed.
Another of my hero's have passed. by BillyPilgrim	Apr 12th, 2007 12:30:17 PM
I'll be copying many of you when I too dig out my Vonnegut books. Fewer and fewer of these brilliant men and women are being replaced. I'm wondering if we are soon to enter a modern literary wasteland. Here's to hoping he's finally seeing the better side of humanity in a far better place.
Bronx Cheer by PwnedByStallone	Apr 12th, 2007 12:30:43 PM
You probably know but that picture of his asshole is basically just an asterik. I think it was in Breakfast of Champions. Your story kicks ass though. Damn I'm depressed about this but he lived a long life and left so much. Slaughterhouse Five is in my top five favorite books. I also love Cat's Cradle, Sirens of Titan, and God Bless You Mr. Rosewater. Judging by his last book it was Kurt's time to go. He was obviously depressed and losing hope and I'm glad he's not in pain anymore. R.I.P. Kurt
Absolutely, PwnedByStallone, but just the image by Bronx Cheer	Apr 12th, 2007 12:36:07 PM
continues to get me. Yes, ma'am, that's my asshole. He was as funny and biting as Twain, and as necessary as a slap in the face during a hysterical fit.
Vonnegut introduced me to my wife... by Mashman4077	Apr 12th, 2007 12:40:00 PM
Well, sort of. My wife and I met during a staged production of "Slaughterhouse Five". We have "So It Goes" engraved on our wedding rings. So long, Kilgore.
Thank You Moriarty by Kilgores Doubt	Apr 12th, 2007 01:00:41 PM
For the best article I've read all day about one of my only heroes. I was given Breakfast of Champions as an angry young teen by my mother, and have proceeded to read every novel, short story and Non-fiction piece the man has written. He has shaped who I am as a person: morally, spiritually and artistically. I was finally going to meet him in person when he came to L.A in June, but so it goes. I urge everyone to read Sirens Of Titan, which is one of the greatest sci-fi/ social satire books of all time. I will miss you Kurt. I hope they let Humanists into heaven.
Calm down by Melnick666	Apr 12th, 2007 01:04:32 PM
Compare and contrast the reaction of Elizabeth Edwards' health announcement and that of Tony Snow or Dick Cheney - nothing but well wishes on the right, nothing but death wishes on the left (for Snow and Cheney). The Huffpo had to turn off comments whenever a right winger got sick because of the unhinged left. You seem to think you have a great sense of humor but can't tell the difference between a comment made in jest and one made in anger. Yours are in anger, by the way. Where do you get off suggesting that only liberals 'get' esoteric things like books, movies, edutainment etc. I would have thought your nuanced view of life would understand that art and culture can be approached from a range of viewpoints. I dare you to find a death wish comment made by Michelle Malkin. She is the recipient only, along with the standard lefty racist and sexist comments, ping pong jokes and all that. Ann Coulter is a flamethrower and doesn't ask anyone to defend her. Bill Maher is at least as bad. Anger management, bacci40 - look into it.
A great loss... by DarthCorleone	Apr 12th, 2007 01:06:55 PM
I was heartbroken when I found out last night. I wish all the best to his friends, family, and fans (of which I am most definitely one).
I saw him speak once. by psychedelic	Apr 12th, 2007 01:10:06 PM
To this day I can still remember a great deal of what he said. He charted Kafka's Metamorphosis and Shakespeare's Hamlet on a chalk board. These memories are entwined with the only girl I loved. My Uncle Bob died this morning as well. One of those days.
Damn by Quin the Eskimo	Apr 12th, 2007 01:12:17 PM
I just started reading Vonnegut at Christmas, I read Slaughterhouse Five in two days. I just finished Breakfast of Champions two days ago. The chick at Borders that rang me up complimented me on my reading decision. This saddens me profoundly.
My Favorite Novelist by Gigolo Joe	Apr 12th, 2007 01:18:55 PM
I went to see him give a class on writing in Manhattan ten years ago. It was in a classroom with maybe 30 people - pretty amazing to be in such an intimate setting with the guy. In a couple of hours, I learned more than any writing book could teach. He was witty, wise, and didn't give a sh-t about what people thought. I'll miss that about him. Thankfully we'll always have the books he left behind.
"Galapagos" is one of the greatest novels ever written by beamish13	Apr 12th, 2007 01:31:35 PM
That book elicits such a huge spectrum of emotions from me: laughter, disgust, anger, disbelief, elatedness. Vonnegut didn't need to have a Pulitzer or Nobel or National Book Award on his desk to prove his worth. His oeuvre will outlast that of any American author alive today. If someone you know has trouble making sense of the world today, I hope that you will give them one of his books to find solace in. I'm just grateful to have lived in the same era as someone of his magnificent caliber.
"You never know who'll get one." by Bibo	Apr 12th, 2007 01:44:20 PM
I loved all his books and Galapagos has particular sentimental value. As a kid I began to grasp concepts related to evolution by reading that book. One bit I really enjoyed: (I'd slaughter the quote, so I'll paraphrase)After 6 million years of evolution human beings have evolved into simple, seal-like creatures languishing on beaches, but if somebody farts, everybody still laughs.
also, I loved him by Bibo	Apr 12th, 2007 01:46:39 PM
and I am very sad to hear of his passing. What a life though, huh? You never know who'll get one.
Nice Obit. by Bobo_Vision	Apr 12th, 2007 01:56:09 PM
I was just introduced to his writing last year, and he made his way to my favorite writers list, with 'Slaughterhouse Five' and 'Cat's cradle' as two of my favorites. Oddly, the thing that sticks out in my memory as I think of his books, is how in 'Breakfast of Champions', characters were often introduced by mentioning the length of their penis. A very true subtext to life.
I'm so ignorant of this man's works by DirkD13"	Apr 12th, 2007 02:08:45 PM
But that will change immediately. Great job Mori, i'm on a mission to read some of his books now. My heart goes out to his friends, family and fans.
The absolute cruelety that the man who owned the car by Quin the Eskimo	Apr 12th, 2007 02:10:11 PM
dealership in Breakfast of Champions heaped on his co-worker for the way that he dressed made me laugh 'till I cried.
Depressing story. by PwnedByStallone	Apr 12th, 2007 02:27:12 PM
I was talking to a 30 year old co-worker (I'm nearly 32) and I asked if he had heard that Kurt Vonnegut died. His response was I quote "Never even heard his name before." Jesus F'ing Christ. And just a side comment, it's easy to see why Vonnegut had lost hope and was depressed. I mean his own offspring married Geralo Rivera. I would have put a bullet in my head long ago.
Reflections on My Own Death by Bondfox	Apr 12th, 2007 02:28:26 PM
My emotions towards Vonnegut can hardly be explained except for one regret I'll have is never having the chance to meet this brilliant man. I've been reading through a collection of his essays:Wampeters, Foma, & Granfaloons, and it amazes me how relavent it all is to this day. Cat's Cradle helped me through a rather fragile time I had in a foreign country, I needed paper to write and its covers supplied it. I'll leave you with a part from his essay Reflections on My Own Death When I think about my own death, I don't console myself with the idea that my descendants and my books and all that will live on. Anybody with any sense knows that the whole solar system will go up like a celluloid collar by-and-by. I honestly believe, though, that we are wrong to think that moments go away, never to be seen again. This moment and every moment lasts forever.
Right on Bondfox by Bibo	Apr 12th, 2007 02:48:47 PM
Slaughterhouse 5 shows that time isn't necessarily linear. Everything that has happened or will happen is happening right now. It's some consolation.
Timequake by Neutron	Apr 12th, 2007 02:52:23 PM
I think this was one of his more impressive books, and a surprise return to form coming so late in his career. Really thoughtful and such a poignant ending.
Foma by Maceox	Apr 12th, 2007 03:08:18 PM
Harmless lies that make you happy!
see the cat? see the cradle? by durhay	Apr 12th, 2007 03:11:47 PM

Who am I This Time by Maceox	Apr 12th, 2007 03:21:52 PM
Since this is a movie site, I gotta contribute about a cool little film. "Who am I This Time" is a cool short story about a man who can only deal with reality through the filter of a play. Basically he comes to life on stage, but he is a non entity off the stage. Anyway I have a copy this short story which was made into a very quirky 1 hour movie. The kicker is that the main character is played by none other than Christopher Walken (Very very young) and Susan Sarandon. Walken + Vonnegutt short story = why batman's nipples are hard. More quotes. "Those who believe in tlekenesis raise my hand" or "Thanks to TV and for the convenience of TV, you can only be one of two kinds of human beings, either a liberal or a conservative." or "1492. As children we were taught to memorize this year with pride and joy as the year people began living full and imaginative lives on the continent of North America. Actually, people had been living full and imaginative lives on the continent of North America for hundreds of years before that. 1492 was simply the year sea pirates began to rob, cheat, and kill them." or "Like so many Americans, she was trying to construct a life that made sense from things she found in gift shops." and finally **"A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved.********"
Sorry Gotta follow up on the Sea Pirates by Maceox	Apr 12th, 2007 03:24:29 PM
"The chief weapon of sea pirates, however, was their capacity to astonish. Nobody else could believe, until it was too late, how heartless and greedy they were. "
More Quotes by Maceox	Apr 12th, 2007 03:27:24 PM
Peculiar travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God.
More Quotes by Maceox	Apr 12th, 2007 03:28:32 PM
The visitor from outer space made a serious study of Christianity, to learn, if he could, why Christians found it so easy to be cruel. He concluded that at least part of the trouble was slipshod storytelling in the New Testament. He supposed that the intent of the Gospels was to teach people, among other things, to be merciful, even to the lowest of the low. But the Gospels actually taught this: Before you kill somebody, make absolutely sure he isn't well connected. So it goes.
Quote by Maceox	Apr 12th, 2007 03:29:48 PM
We are healthy only to the extent that our ideas are humane.
Ill keep quoting till it stops hurting by Maceox	Apr 12th, 2007 03:30:51 PM
"If you can do no good, at least do no harm."
Quote by Maceox	Apr 12th, 2007 03:32:07 PM
Congressman Nixon had asked me why, as the son of immigrants who had been treated so well by Americans, as a man who had been treated like a son and been sent to Harvard by an American capitalist, I had been so ungrateful to the American economic system. The answer I gave him was not original. Nothing about me has ever been original. I repeated what my one-time hero, Kenneth Whistler, had said in reply to the same general sort of question long, long ago. Whistler had been a witness at a trial of strikers accused of violence. The judge had become curious about him, had asked him why such a well-educated man from such a good family would so immerse himself in the working class. My stolen answer to Nixon was this: "Why? The Sermon on the Mount, sir."
Here is a good one by Maceox	Apr 12th, 2007 03:33:01 PM
What is literature but an insider's newsletter about affairs relating to molecules, of no importance to anything in the Universe but a few molecules who have the disease called 'thought'.
Improve the world. Go re-read or (cough) read Vonnegut by Maceox	Apr 12th, 2007 03:35:32 PM
I am too lazy to chase down the exact quotation but the British astronomer Fred Hoyle said something to this effect: The believing in Darwin’s theoretical mechanisms of evolution was like believing that a hurricane could blow through a junkyard and build a Boeing 747. No matter what is doing the creating. I have to say that the giraffe and the rhinoceros are ridiculous. And so is the human brain, capable, in cahoots with the more sensitive parts of the body, such as the ding dong, of hating life while pretending to love it, and behaving accordingly: Somebody shoot me while I’m happy!
Or howabout by Maceox	Apr 12th, 2007 03:36:56 PM
I will say too, that lovemaking, if sincere, is one of the best ideas Satan put in the apple she gave to the serpent to give to Eve. *The best idea in that apple, though, is making jazz.
Or a really great one by Maceox	Apr 12th, 2007 03:37:56 PM
Artists are people who say I can’t fix my country or my state or my cite, or even my marriage. But by golly, I can make this square of canvas, or this eight and a half by eleven piece of paper, or this lump of clay or these twelve bars of music, exactly what they ought to be.”
Oh lets get topical -Iraq_ by Maceox	Apr 12th, 2007 03:39:01 PM
Human beings are chimpanzees who get crazy drunk on power. By saying that our leaders are power-drunk chimpanzees, am I in danger of wrecking the morale of our soldiers fighting and dying in the Middle East? Their morale, like so many bodies, is already shot to pieces. They are being treated, as I never was, like toys a rich kid got for Christmas.
Or the moral majority by Maceox	Apr 12th, 2007 03:39:45 PM
For some reason, the most vocal Christians among us never mention the Beatitudes. But, often with tears in their eyes, they demand that the Ten Commandments be posted in public buildings. And of course that’s Moses, not Jesus. I haven’t heard one of them demand that the Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes, be posted anywhere. "Blessed are the merciful" in a courtroom? "Blessed are the peacemakers" in the Pentagon? Give me a break!
Or Bush by Maceox	Apr 12th, 2007 03:41:05 PM
So let’s give another big tax cut to the super-rich. That’ll teach bin Laden a lesson he won’t soon forget.
Gasoline by Maceox	Apr 12th, 2007 03:41:42 PM
Here’s what I think the truth is: We are all addicts of fossil fuels in a state of denial, about to face cold turkey. And like so many addicts about to face cold turkey, our leaders are now committing violent crimes to get what little is left of what we’re hooked on.
And Finally by Maceox	Apr 12th, 2007 03:43:09 PM
My last words? "Life is no way to treat an animal, not even a mouse." Rest
And Finally by Maceox	Apr 12th, 2007 03:43:10 PM
My last words? "Life is no way to treat an animal, not even a mouse." Rest
Sorry one more by Maceox	Apr 12th, 2007 03:46:42 PM
I am a humanist, which means, in part, that I have tried to behave decently without any expectation of rewards or punishments after I’m dead.
I love KV's work, but don't get S5 by jmyoung666	Apr 12th, 2007 03:46:57 PM
I am huge Kurt Vonnegut fan and I have read a lot of his work, and I am sad to know that his great mind will never produce another story or essay. However, with regard to the title of this post, I do not get why Slaughter-house Five is considered one of his best works. Because it had more elements directly based upon his life? Isn't that the sign of a weaker novelist usually? I read Slaughterhouse Five after reading Cat's Cradle, God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater, Breakfast of Champions, and Galapogos, and frankly I was a little disappointed. I thought the best part of the book was his intro and his comments on the world and how cigarettes are a socially acceptable form of suicide. For me, Cat's Cradle had a stronger, lasting effect on me than S5 did. I always attributed its elevation to its timing. I don't know, maybe I am just an ignorant bourgeois reader
Or from the amazing Daily Show interview by Maceox	Apr 12th, 2007 03:47:41 PM
…I have wanted to give Iraq a lesson in democracy—because we’re experienced with it, you know. And, in democracy, after a hundred years, you have to let your slaves go. And, after a hundred and fifty years, you have to let your women vote. And, at the beginning of democracy, is that quite a bit of genocide and ethnic cleansing is quite okay. And that’s what’s going on now.
jmyoung by Maceox	Apr 12th, 2007 03:51:51 PM
It is a book about humanities stupidity and also a hopefull non religious view of immortality.
Maceox by jmyoung666	Apr 12th, 2007 04:26:15 PM
See, I think he presents those ideas better in some of his other books. I read it when I was in college and that was awhile ago. I might try reading it again.
I've re-read Breakfast Of Champions the most times. by Cameron1	Apr 12th, 2007 04:34:27 PM
Once at 15 once at 19 and twice at 23. Each time I found more of his intelligent and cogent humane philosophy, his almost prophetic visions of society his mordant wit and his truly beautiful/grotesque characters. I'm sad but I know what Mr Vonnegut thinks of death.
John Safran's "Not the sunscreen song" by Haslowexler	Apr 12th, 2007 04:48:59 PM
Anyone ever catch John Safran's reintepretation of the Sunscreen song? Go to you tube and type in "Not The Sunscreen Song". I think Kurt would've approved.
quote by Campfiresongs	Apr 12th, 2007 04:49:06 PM
My old english teacher got to listen to Vonnegut give a speech, and in it Vonnegut said "Semicolons are transvestite hermaphrodites." I have never been able to use a semicolon since
You Guys are great by Kilgores Doubt	Apr 12th, 2007 05:00:26 PM
This has seriously been a rough day for me. I was one month away from shaking hands with the most influential person in my life, only to wake up to this tragedy. (I realize how selfish that is). but to see, just in the Talkbacks of AICN how many people were effected by this man, has brightened my day. Thank you guys.
Roscoe Lee Browne by Darth Thoth	Apr 12th, 2007 05:17:59 PM
Thought there'd be an obit up about him by now but oh well. May he rest in peace to. A fine actor on film, tv, and stage of the highest degree. God bless his soul.
hate to thread-jump.... by PeteBogs	Apr 12th, 2007 05:18:09 PM
but Roscoe Lee Browne deserves a mention on AICN, too... http://rawstory.com/showoutart icle.php?src=http%3A%2F%2Fwww. cnn.com%2F2007%2FSHOWBIZ%2FMov ies%2F04%2F12%2Fobit.browne.ap %2F
Haslowexler... by TheRealMoriarty	Apr 12th, 2007 05:30:40 PM
... you know that Vonnegut had nothing to do with that "sunscreen" speech, right?
I think with actors/directors and the like... by Cameron1	Apr 12th, 2007 05:36:13 PM
the obits take a little longer because they require a bit more of an in depth look at the persons life, this being a site for movies and all. I highly doubt they'd have missed it or something like that. It's coming.
Cat's Cradle is my favorite book by The Decider	Apr 12th, 2007 05:36:43 PM
Call me Jonah. My parents did, or nearly did. They called me John. RIP.
I still smile when I by Quin the Eskimo	Apr 12th, 2007 06:02:28 PM
think of the huge guy in the "Give Peace a Chance" T-shirt
The Real Moriarty by Haslowexler	Apr 12th, 2007 06:39:09 PM
I do now.
When Someone Like This Dies by MrStinger	Apr 12th, 2007 08:02:23 PM
It makes me think how glad I am that he was with us such a long time; what a shame it is that he couldn't be with us forever; and grateful to him for leaving behind so many of his words.
Slaughterhouse-5 is my favorite book... by Freakemovie	Apr 12th, 2007 09:20:04 PM
...and I've been a big fan of all of Vonnegut's stuff for a while. Seemed like a fascinating guy, may he R.I.P. And of course...so it goes.
Death of a true American Hero by shrike11	Apr 12th, 2007 10:27:07 PM
One of the best investments of my time I have ever made was the 4 hours waiting in line for a chance to see Mr. Vonnegut give a guest lecture at my university. Hundreds of people were turned away at the door after the venue was packed to capacity, but I managed to make it in. In real life he is exactly the person you would picture from reading his books, and with his passing the world has become a bleaker place.
Two Guys on a Bench by bryanland	Apr 12th, 2007 10:32:59 PM
When I first moved to NYC, I was desperate for work and ended up on a park bench near the U.N. Building. Low and behold, on the other end of the bench, was Mr. Kurt Vonnegut, Jr., who was reading some sort of free daily newspaper. The paper blew over to my side. I retrieved the paper and delivered it back to him, asking, "I'm sorry, but are you Kurt Vonnegut?" He turned away and answered, "Yes." I replied to the back of his head, "I thought so." Silence went by before he turned back to me (I had returned to my end of the bench) and Mr. Vonnegut inquired, "So, what do you do?" We conversed for about twenty five minutes, during which time, he expressed to a passing pet owner, "You have an ugly dog," the pet owner scowling at Vonnegut as if he were a smelly crack addict. Mr. Vonnegut simply smirked. He spoke of his early days at GE, most notably his first day of work which involved a lab fatality. He also spoke lovingly of "My Life as A Dog" as well as his son Mark. At the end of the conversation, with Vonnegut aware that I was job-searching, told me, "Bryan, if I owned a company, I'd hire you. But I don't. Good luck." After my job interview at a cafe' (a job which I didn't get), I spotted Kurt Vonnegut further down Second Avenue, occupying another bench. I waved. He smiled and half-nodded. This was back in 2003. September. A great memory of a great writer.
Amazing story bryanland by 12-GAUGE	Apr 13th, 2007 12:24:24 AM
That's a really touching little story there. Did you end up getting a job? Damn, I'm pretty interested now. You left a cliffhanger there....
I actually cried by Cruel_Kingdom	Apr 13th, 2007 01:14:10 AM
Vonnegut is the only author I've ever written a fan letter to. I feel like I've personally lost something and someone near and dear... My personal favorite novel is "Breakfast of Champions." Yes, the movie sucked, but the book was brilliant. God bless you, Mr. Vonnegut.
re: the great space fuck by oldschool	Apr 13th, 2007 08:08:35 AM
moving review, tks. Was at his home once, many years ago, w/a friend who was friends of his son, but he wasn't there so I didn't get to meet him. Guess now I never will. An essential part of my adolescence. Remembering when we all had to try sitting facing our girlfriends while the soles of our feet touching to see if it was better than real sex... and remembering that he has the distinction of being the first author to use "fuck" in the a short story title, I think it was in one of Ellison's Dangerous Visions... damn, I'm really sad...
RE: 12-Gauge by bryanland	Apr 13th, 2007 09:47:42 AM
Yep. I'm still here. Ended up in real estate. Everytime I see a bench, I think of Vonnegut. And so it goes.
Experiment 626 by Rebeck2	Apr 13th, 2007 11:48:18 AM
Would that bar have been the Wynkoop Brewing Company? Uh-huh. How do I know that?
Good bye VonneTAINT by Dorothys Taint Again	Apr 13th, 2007 01:29:37 PM
Wait, wait, wait, Slaughterhouse 5 isn't the next film by Eli Roth?? Fuck's going on here!?

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