Kurt Vonnegut died

Gravy · 11th April 2007, 08:37 PM

The story just broke in the NY Times.

I enjoyed much of his writing. Recently re-read "Breakfast of Champions." What a hoot. R.I.P.

LostAngeles · 11th April 2007, 08:41 PM

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/12/bo...hp&oref=slogin

Quote:

...His death was reported by the publisher Morgan Entrekin, a longtime family friend, who said Mr. Vonnegut suffered brain injuries as a result of a fall several weeks ago....

What a loss...

Brown · 11th April 2007, 08:44 PM

Vonnegut's death is a much bigger loss than what happened to Don Imus. But as of this writing, the Imus story dominates the web sites of news sources.

I liked Cat's Cradle and Slaughterhouse Five. I read a few of his other works, and they had their moments, but they did not reach the heights of these two novels. They are destined to be classics.

One of Vonnegut's best comic moments was his cameo in the Rodney Dangerfield movie, Back to School. Not only did he make a personal appearance, he let himself be the butt of several jokes.

SamanthaMc · 11th April 2007, 09:19 PM

I recently ran across my old Vonnegut books and made a mental note to re-read them. I think I'll move that closer to the top of my to-do list.

a_unique_person · 11th April 2007, 09:21 PM

A genius, if sometimes patchy.

Babylon Sister · 11th April 2007, 09:26 PM

It may sound strange, but Vonnegut taught me not to be afraid.

My world's a sadder place now.

boooeee · 11th April 2007, 09:36 PM

The coolest guy to come out of my hometown.

But I could really have done without Timequake.

JoeTheJuggler · 11th April 2007, 10:30 PM

So it goes.

Wolfman · 11th April 2007, 11:23 PM

"He's gone to be with god"

Any true Vonnegut fan will know how fitting a tribute that is.

My first encounter with Vonnegut was in my last year of high school, when our literature teacher told us that each student must choose a different novel, and do a class report about it. I found this novel that had a picture of two scantily-clad women on the cover, in a sci-fi kind of scenario, and figured it would be easy, light reading.

It was "Sirens of Titan", one of Vonnegut's earlier novels. And I absolutely fell in love with it. It was superficially science fiction, but was really a social commentary, written in a style both humorous and cynical. From that day onwards, I was a die-hard Vonnegut fan.

Yeah, his work varied in quality -- not surprising, given the emotional ups and downs of his own life. But he was unflinchingly honest both in his evaluation of mankind, and (more difficult) in his evaluation of himself.

When I first started questioning my religious beliefs, and looked for something to replace it (other than the nebulous term of "atheist", which defines me only by what I don't believe, rather than what I do believe), it was Vonnegut who led me to Humanism (he himself was the president of the American Humanist Association).

He was a man who faced huge challenges in life. Much like the characters in his novels, sometimes he faced those challenges head-on; sometimes he faced them simply because he had no choice; and sometimes he ran away from them.

I was honored to see him in person at a rare public talk about his works; he was asked an inevitable question about his suicide attempt. He stated simply that it was an act of cowardice, but that he was entitled to be a coward. Then he went on to talk about how many people had gotten upset with him for trying to take "the easy way out". His response was that he never set himself up to be a role model for anyone, and whatever he chose to do with his life was "his own f**king business".

I don't think he ever set out to accomplish fame, and certainly not adulation. He was a troubled man, with a million questions about life, and about what it meant to be human. His musings about those questions (he rarely provided any answers) resulted in the many different books and essays that he produced over the years.

And I guess that's what I liked and respected most about Vonnegut. He presented himself, in all his weaknesses and uncertainties, exactly as he was. And in doing that, it helped me to understand that I was not alone in my own weaknesses and uncertainties, that they were in fact the common lot of humanity.

Vonnegut was the atheist's atheist; he was the skeptic's skeptic. He gave voice to the questions, fears, and uncertainties that so many others feel. His 'failure' to provide many answers wasn't a failure at all; it was just a pragmatic acceptance that this is part of the human condition, and that sometimes the man who shows the greatest wisdom is the one who simply admits "I don't know what the f**k it means".

*an apology for the two instances of the f-word here; however, considering the context, and Vonnegut's own use of the word in exactly the same manner, I hope that it will be taken in the spirit it is offered*

timhau · 11th April 2007, 11:23 PM

Originally Posted by JoeTheJuggler

So it goes.

Yup. I keep hoping that he's just come unstuck in time.

MG1962 · 12th April 2007, 01:49 AM

Quote:

And I guess that's what I liked and respected most about Vonnegut. He presented himself, in all his weaknesses and uncertainties, exactly as he was. And in doing that, it helped me to understand that I was not alone in my own weaknesses and uncertainties, that they were in fact the common lot of humanity.

Very well said, and yes a very troubled spirit. But that seems to be a common thread among the deeper thinkers. Where ever he has gone, I hope he finds the peace and tranquility he sort. I also hope he found some of the answers to the questions he always posed

Goodbye Kurt, and thanks for the memories

Timble · 12th April 2007, 01:56 AM

That's a sad loss, one of my favourite authors. My sig's from Mother Night.

shecky · 12th April 2007, 02:00 AM

Rip

HarryKeogh · 12th April 2007, 02:55 AM

I read my first Vonnegut book just last year (Slaughterhouse 5). Yep, brilliant. I then picked up his non-fiction book Man Without a Country. What a charming, wry, caring man.

Plus he was a fellow proud humanist.

I'll miss him.

rebecca · 12th April 2007, 03:10 AM

What a sad thing to wake up to: the first celebrity passing in a long time that has actually affected me. I first read Slaughterhouse 5 about eight years ago. It didn't change my life, it changed my entire perspective on life.

kmortis · 12th April 2007, 04:39 AM

Harrison Bergeron has GOT to be on of my favorite short stories ever. Kurt had style, he could make the darkest thing funny yet not diminish its impact. Kurt fell a couple of weeks ago and his brain never recovered. So it goes.

BPSCG · 12th April 2007, 04:47 AM

I discovered him in college (along with probably half the people on this thread) and was instantly delighted. It was years before I realized that God Bless You, Mister Rosewater was a Jesus story.

What boooeee said about Timequake. What a mess. Look up the dictionary definition of "mailing it in," and you'll see a photo of a copy of Timequake.

But I forgive him, because of The Sirens of Titan, Slaughterhouse-Five, Mother Night, Cat's Cradle, and his wonderful collection of short stories, Welcome to the Monkey House. Read The Euphio Question, Report on the Barnhouse Effect, and particularly, Harrison Bergeron, then marvel that they were all written half a century ago and more.

"Pretend to be good, always, and even God will be fooled."

parrotslave · 12th April 2007, 05:29 AM

Kurt is up in heaven now.

Condolences to his friends and family.

Time to reread some of his books.

RenaissanceBiker · 12th April 2007, 05:45 AM

So it goes.

Mephisto · 12th April 2007, 05:57 AM

This is INDEED sad news to wake up to. I'll always thank him for Slaughterhouse-Five and Cat's Cradle, but especially for his wry humor. He'll definitely be missed.

Overman · 12th April 2007, 06:22 AM

Kilgore Trout once wrote a science fiction novel about an alien world that was obsessed with accomplishments. The aliens held progress and production in the highest regard. The alien media would report all kinds of stories on new works of art and inventions, and everyone would read about this progress and feel accomplished and happy. After many years the aliens had invented just about everything they needed, and the artists were getting repetitive, so the media began heralding even the smallest accomplishments. Once a female alien was on the front page for many days simply for being blond, fat, and naked. The aliens became used to this type of garbage media that they began to accept these things as genuine stories, and accomplishments. Soon the aliens only wanted to read about the blond, fat, and naked, so when one of the major revolutionary artists died, it was little surprise that it did not get the attention it deserved, for he was quiet, skinny, and clothed.

So it goes.

(only so much better…
The sleepy drunkard out in central park
And the lion tamer in the jungle dark
And the Chinese dentist
And the British queen
All fit together in the same machine

Nice, nice very nice
All these people in the same device!

Good-bye Mr. Vonnegut; You are missed.

)

D'rok · 12th April 2007, 06:47 AM

Originally Posted by Overman

Kilgore Trout once wrote a science fiction novel about an alien world that was obsessed with accomplishments. The aliens held progress and production in the highest regard. The alien media would report all kinds of stories on new works of art and inventions, and everyone would read about this progress and feel accomplished and happy. After many years the aliens had invented just about everything they needed, and the artists were getting repetitive, so the media began heralding even the smallest accomplishments. Once a female alien was on the front page for many days simply for being blond, fat, and naked. The aliens became used to this type of garbage media that they began to accept these things as genuine stories, and accomplishments. Soon the aliens only wanted to read about the blond, fat, and naked, so when one of the major revolutionary artists died, it was little surprise that it did not get the attention it deserved, for he was quiet, skinny, and clothed.

Bravo. Well said.

Aurelian · 12th April 2007, 07:16 AM

Joining the chorus, here, and with so many thoughts, so well expressed, all I can say is he will be dearly missed.

A.

hgc · 12th April 2007, 07:20 AM

Originally Posted by Wolfman

My first encounter with Vonnegut was in my last year of high school, when our literature teacher told us that each student must choose a different novel, and do a class report about it. I found this novel that had a picture of two scantily-clad women on the cover, in a sci-fi kind of scenario, and figured it would be easy, light reading.

It was "Sirens of Titan", one of Vonnegut's earlier novels. And I absolutely fell in love with it. It was superficially science fiction, but was really a social commentary, written in a style both humorous and cynical. From that day onwards, I was a die-hard Vonnegut fan.

Too funny. I was drawn to reading Vonnegut by the cover of Sirens too! Here's an old Vonnegut thread. http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=34873. I had put a picture of the Sirens cover up there once, but the gif if broken now. Dang.

headscratcher4 · 12th April 2007, 07:33 AM

I first read Slaughter House 5 as a teenager. It was a revelation. It was the foundation for my love of reading and for Sci Fi. I couldn't get enough of Vonnegut. After SH5, went through Sirens of Titan, Cat's Cradle, Welcome to the Monkey House, God Bless You Mr. Rosewater, Player Piano and Breakfast of Champions before reading another author. He was an obsession.

I grew away from Vonnegut...not politically or intellectually, but my tastes expanded. But Kurt Vonnegut did nothing less than teach me to read. I am sad at his passing. I will always celebrate his art and his life.

So it goes.

hgc · 12th April 2007, 07:49 AM

Originally Posted by headscratcher4

I first read Slaughter House 5 as a teenager. It was a revelation. It was the foundation for my love of reading and for Sci Fi. I couldn't get enough of Vonnegut. After SH5, went through Sirens of Titan, Cat's Cradle, Welcome to the Monkey House, God Bless You Mr. Rosewater, Player Piano and Breakfast of Champions before reading another author. He was an obsession.

I grew away from Vonnegut...not politically or intellectually, but my tastes expanded. But Kurt Vonnegut did nothing less than teach me to read. I am sad at his passing. I will always celebrate his art and his life.

So it goes.

Almost exactly my story too. I read all his books as a teenager published up til that time (Palm Sunday), and then moved on looking for other things. Tom Robbins - nah. Douglas Adams - not quite. My tastes expanded in every direction, and I always had a love for Vonnegut - who turned me on to thought-provoking literature that is also damn entertaining.

Phil · 12th April 2007, 08:09 AM

Originally Posted by rebecca

What a sad thing to wake up to: the first celebrity passing in a long time that has actually affected me. I first read Slaughterhouse 5 about eight years ago. It didn't change my life, it changed my entire perspective on life.

My thoughts exactly . . . . except I read Slaughterhouse 5 more than eight years ago.

Damn . . . .

Loss Leader · 12th April 2007, 08:11 AM

God bless you, Mr. Rosewater.

Juustin · 12th April 2007, 08:27 AM

It is rather sad that Imus is getting to much attention and this isn't even getting mentioned. It's the main story locally because Vonnegut had some ties to my area, but I haven't seen any mention on national news.

I just finished Hocus Pocus yesterday, about 12 hours before I found out he had died.

The Central Scrutinizer · 12th April 2007, 08:42 AM

Originally Posted by Brown

Vonnegut's death is a much bigger loss than what happened to Don Imus. But as of this writing, the Imus story dominates the web sites of news sources.

Yes, but both pale next to the Anna Nicole Smith story.

delphi_ote · 12th April 2007, 09:15 AM

SOMEBODY

{Sometime to Sometime}

He tried.

delphi_ote · 12th April 2007, 09:23 AM

EVERYTHING
WAS
BEAUTIFUL
AND
NOTHING
HURT

Kilgore Trout · 12th April 2007, 09:28 AM

Contrary to what my moniker might indicate, I don't have any back story or revelation to his work. I imagine I miss most of his subtler meanings, in fact. I only picked up one of his novels about a year or two ago, then read every book of his I could get my hands on; I simply enjoyed them so much.

I imagine, though, he'd get a kick out of the idea that the value of his drawings of...starfish...will surely be rising.

delphi_ote · 12th April 2007, 09:31 AM

.*.

Piscivore · 12th April 2007, 09:34 AM

Originally Posted by Overman

Kilgore Trout once wrote a science fiction novel about an alien world that was obsessed with accomplishments. The aliens held progress and production in the highest regard. The alien media would report all kinds of stories on new works of art and inventions, and everyone would read about this progress and feel accomplished and happy. After many years the aliens had invented just about everything they needed, and the artists were getting repetitive, so the media began heralding even the smallest accomplishments. Once a female alien was on the front page for many days simply for being blond, fat, and naked. The aliens became used to this type of garbage media that they began to accept these things as genuine stories, and accomplishments. Soon the aliens only wanted to read about the blond, fat, and naked, so when one of the major revolutionary artists died, it was little surprise that it did not get the attention it deserved, for he was quiet, skinny, and clothed.

So it goes.

You need to send this to the newspapers.

No chance in hell they will publish it, but man. Right on target.

Boo · 12th April 2007, 09:49 AM

I remember reading 'Harrison Bergeron' when I was young. I cry every time I read it. It has become even more poignant for me when I look at my son who has been handicapped by nature and raised my awareness of the differences between normal and average. There is now an even greater need to be vigilant against those who would handicap others.

Thank you Mr. Vonnegut.

Boo

CptColumbo · 12th April 2007, 09:51 AM

I'll miss him.

I always loved his appearance in Back To School, where he was hired to write a paper on Kurt Vonnegut and got an F (or some bad grade).

delphi_ote · 12th April 2007, 10:04 AM

For everyone hating on Time Quake, that nice little trip down memory lane was the first time I realized, "Oh. Humanist. So that's what I am."

hgc · 12th April 2007, 10:25 AM

A pic of the man, himself (attached).

hgc · 12th April 2007, 10:27 AM

Here's the Sirens cover that got both me and Wolfman started...

11th April 2007, 08:37 PM	#1
Gravy Downsitting Citizen Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: In the argyle Posts: 17,136	Kurt Vonnegut died The story just broke in the NY Times. I enjoyed much of his writing. Recently re-read "Breakfast of Champions." What a hoot. R.I.P.
	__________________ "Please, keep your chops cool and don’t overblow.” –Freddie Hubbard What's the Harm?........Stop Sylvia Browne........My 9/11 links

11th April 2007, 08:41 PM	#2
LostAngeles Anti-WM Jihadist Join Date: May 2004 Location: Having a cup of tea. Posts: 10,159	http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/12/bo...hp&oref=slogin Quote: ...His death was reported by the publisher Morgan Entrekin, a longtime family friend, who said Mr. Vonnegut suffered brain injuries as a result of a fall several weeks ago.... What a loss...
	__________________ "There is also a likelihood that the settlement will fall between two biomes, potentially hazardous if the player expects a peaceful oceanside meadow, without realizing the ocean is full of amphibious zombie whales." - Dwarf Fortress Wik

11th April 2007, 08:44 PM	#3
Brown Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Twin Cities, Canada Posts: 12,184	Vonnegut's death is a much bigger loss than what happened to Don Imus. But as of this writing, the Imus story dominates the web sites of news sources. I liked Cat's Cradle and Slaughterhouse Five. I read a few of his other works, and they had their moments, but they did not reach the heights of these two novels. They are destined to be classics. One of Vonnegut's best comic moments was his cameo in the Rodney Dangerfield movie, Back to School. Not only did he make a personal appearance, he let himself be the butt of several jokes.
	__________________ Klaatu: I'm impatient with stupidity. My people have learned to live without it. Mr. Harley: I'm afraid my people haven't. I am very sorry. I wish it were otherwise. -- The Day The Earth Stood Still, screenplay by Edmund H. North "Don't you get me wrong. I only want to know." -- Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar, lyrics by Tim Rice

11th April 2007, 09:21 PM	#5
a_unique_person Director of Hatcheries and Conditioning Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Mt Disappointment Posts: 33,343	A genius, if sometimes patchy.
	__________________ *Continually pushing the boundaries of mediocrity.* Everything is possible, but not everything is probable. For if a man pretend to me that God hath spoken to him supernaturally, and immediately, and I make doubt of it, I cannot easily perceive what argument he can produce to oblige me to believe it. Hobbes

11th April 2007, 09:26 PM	#6
Babylon Sister Muse Join Date: May 2003 Location: In the Darkness on the edge of Town Posts: 659	It may sound strange, but Vonnegut taught me not to be afraid. My world's a sadder place now.
	Last edited by Babylon Sister; 11th April 2007 at 09:33 PM. Reason: too bad he didn't teach me how to spell

11th April 2007, 09:19 PM	#4
SamanthaMc Critical Thinker Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: In a field, waiting for the mothership. Posts: 369	I recently ran across my old Vonnegut books and made a mental note to re-read them. I think I'll move that closer to the top of my to-do list.

11th April 2007, 09:36 PM	#7
boooeee Dart Fener Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: The Lando System Posts: 2,396	The coolest guy to come out of my hometown. But I could really have done without Timequake.
	__________________ my nerdy sports blog: betting market analytics

11th April 2007, 10:30 PM	#8
JoeTheJuggler Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: St. Louis Posts: 26,833	So it goes.
	__________________ "That is a very graphic analogy which aids understanding wonderfully while being, strictly speaking, wrong in every possible way." —Ponder Stibbons

11th April 2007, 11:23 PM	#9
Wolfman Chief Solipsistic Autosycophant Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dongguan, China Posts: 11,811	"He's gone to be with god" Any true Vonnegut fan will know how fitting a tribute that is. My first encounter with Vonnegut was in my last year of high school, when our literature teacher told us that each student must choose a different novel, and do a class report about it. I found this novel that had a picture of two scantily-clad women on the cover, in a sci-fi kind of scenario, and figured it would be easy, light reading. It was "Sirens of Titan", one of Vonnegut's earlier novels. And I absolutely fell in love with it. It was superficially science fiction, but was really a social commentary, written in a style both humorous and cynical. From that day onwards, I was a die-hard Vonnegut fan. Yeah, his work varied in quality -- not surprising, given the emotional ups and downs of his own life. But he was unflinchingly honest both in his evaluation of mankind, and (more difficult) in his evaluation of himself. When I first started questioning my religious beliefs, and looked for something to replace it (other than the nebulous term of "atheist", which defines me only by what I don't believe, rather than what I do believe), it was Vonnegut who led me to Humanism (he himself was the president of the American Humanist Association). He was a man who faced huge challenges in life. Much like the characters in his novels, sometimes he faced those challenges head-on; sometimes he faced them simply because he had no choice; and sometimes he ran away from them. I was honored to see him in person at a rare public talk about his works; he was asked an inevitable question about his suicide attempt. He stated simply that it was an act of cowardice, but that he was entitled to be a coward. Then he went on to talk about how many people had gotten upset with him for trying to take "the easy way out". His response was that he never set himself up to be a role model for anyone, and whatever he chose to do with his life was "his own f*king business". I don't think he ever set out to accomplish fame, and certainly not adulation. He was a troubled man, with a million questions about life, and about what it meant to be human. His musings about those questions (he rarely provided any answers) resulted in the many different books and essays that he produced over the years. And I guess that's what I liked and respected most about Vonnegut. He presented himself, in all his weaknesses and uncertainties, exactly as he was. And in doing that, it helped me to understand that I was not alone in my own weaknesses and uncertainties, that they were in fact the common lot of humanity. Vonnegut was the atheist's atheist; he was the skeptic's skeptic. He gave voice to the questions, fears, and uncertainties that so many others feel. His 'failure' to provide many answers wasn't a failure at all; it was just a pragmatic acceptance that this is part of the human condition, and that sometimes* the man who shows the greatest wisdom is the one who simply admits "I don't know what the f*k it means". an apology for the two instances of the f-word here; however, considering the context, and Vonnegut's own use of the word in exactly the same manner, I hope that it will be taken in the spirit it is offered*
	__________________ The Meta-Solipsistic Autosycophant mantra: "I post, therefore I am nominated" Last edited by Wolfman; 12th April 2007 at 12:35 AM.

11th April 2007, 11:23 PM	#10
timhau NWO Litter Technician Join Date: May 2004 Location: East of Sweeden Posts: 9,694	Originally Posted by JoeTheJuggler So it goes. Yup. I keep hoping that he's just come unstuck in time.

12th April 2007, 01:49 AM	#11
MG1962 Guest Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Kansas (Australia) Posts: 14,750	Quote: And I guess that's what I liked and respected most about Vonnegut. He presented himself, in all his weaknesses and uncertainties, exactly as he was. And in doing that, it helped me to understand that I was not alone in my own weaknesses and uncertainties, that they were in fact the common lot of humanity. Very well said, and yes a very troubled spirit. But that seems to be a common thread among the deeper thinkers. Where ever he has gone, I hope he finds the peace and tranquility he sort. I also hope he found some of the answers to the questions he always posed Goodbye Kurt, and thanks for the memories

12th April 2007, 01:56 AM	#12
Timble Muse Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Wisteria Avenue, Huntingdon Posts: 934	That's a sad loss, one of my favourite authors. My sig's from Mother Night.
	__________________ We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful what we pretend to be.

12th April 2007, 02:00 AM	#13
shecky Master Poster Join Date: May 2002 Location: Home of the Homeless Posts: 2,190	Rip
	__________________ "People such as scientist Stephen Hawking wouldn’t have a chance in the U.K., where the National Health Service would say the life of this brilliant man, because of his physical handicaps, is essentially worthless." - Investors Business Daily

12th April 2007, 02:55 AM	#14
HarryKeogh Catholic School Survivor Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: New York, NY Posts: 11,342	I read my first Vonnegut book just last year (Slaughterhouse 5). Yep, brilliant. I then picked up his non-fiction book Man Without a Country. What a charming, wry, caring man. Plus he was a fellow proud humanist. I'll miss him.

12th April 2007, 03:10 AM	#15
rebecca Banned Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 6,852	What a sad thing to wake up to: the first celebrity passing in a long time that has actually affected me. I first read Slaughterhouse 5 about eight years ago. It didn't change my life, it changed my entire perspective on life.
rebecca Banned Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 6,852

12th April 2007, 04:39 AM	#16
kmortis Biomechanoid Director of IDIOCY (Region 13) Moderator Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: New Texas Posts: 24,635	Harrison Bergeron has GOT to be on of my favorite short stories ever. Kurt had style, he could make the darkest thing funny yet not diminish its impact. Kurt fell a couple of weeks ago and his brain never recovered. So it goes.
	__________________ -Aberhaten did it - "Which gives us an answer to our question. What’s the worst thing that can happen in a pressure cooker?" Randall Monroe -Director of Independent Determining Inquisitor Of Crazy Yapping - Aberhaten's Apothegm™ - An Internet law that states that optimism is indistinguishable from sarcasm

12th April 2007, 04:47 AM	#17
BPSCG Cannibal Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Looting Fafner's Cave Posts: 17,556	I discovered him in college (along with probably half the people on this thread) and was instantly delighted. It was years before I realized that God Bless You, Mister Rosewater was a Jesus story. What boooeee said about Timequake. What a mess. Look up the dictionary definition of "mailing it in," and you'll see a photo of a copy of Timequake. But I forgive him, because of The Sirens of Titan, Slaughterhouse-Five, Mother Night, Cat's Cradle, and his wonderful collection of short stories, Welcome to the Monkey House. Read The Euphio Question, Report on the Barnhouse Effect, and particularly, Harrison Bergeron, then marvel that they were all written half a century ago and more. "Pretend to be good, always, and even God will be fooled."
	__________________ Philanthropist (n.) - Someone who spends his own money to advance his version of Utopia. Socialist (n.) - Someone who spends your money to advance his version of Utopia.

12th April 2007, 05:29 AM	#18
parrotslave Thinker Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Island of Misfit Toys Posts: 249	Kurt is up in heaven now. Condolences to his friends and family. Time to reread some of his books.

12th April 2007, 05:45 AM	#19
RenaissanceBiker Eats shoots and leaves. Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: South Carolina Posts: 6,810	So it goes.
	__________________ "Truth does not contradict truth." - St. Augustine "Faith often contradicts faith. Therefore faith is not an indication of truth." - RenaissanceBiker

12th April 2007, 05:57 AM	#20
Mephisto Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: in a state of disbelief Posts: 6,065	This is INDEED sad news to wake up to. I'll always thank him for Slaughterhouse-Five and Cat's Cradle, but especially for his wry humor. He'll definitely be missed.
	__________________ "What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty or democracy?" Mahatma Gandhi

12th April 2007, 06:22 AM	#21
Overman Master Poster Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Chicagoland Posts: 2,630	Kilgore Trout once wrote a science fiction novel about an alien world that was obsessed with accomplishments. The aliens held progress and production in the highest regard. The alien media would report all kinds of stories on new works of art and inventions, and everyone would read about this progress and feel accomplished and happy. After many years the aliens had invented just about everything they needed, and the artists were getting repetitive, so the media began heralding even the smallest accomplishments. Once a female alien was on the front page for many days simply for being blond, fat, and naked. The aliens became used to this type of garbage media that they began to accept these things as genuine stories, and accomplishments. Soon the aliens only wanted to read about the blond, fat, and naked, so when one of the major revolutionary artists died, it was little surprise that it did not get the attention it deserved, for he was quiet, skinny, and clothed. So it goes. (only so much better… The sleepy drunkard out in central park And the lion tamer in the jungle dark And the Chinese dentist And the British queen All fit together in the same machine Nice, nice very nice All these people in the same device! Good-bye Mr. Vonnegut; You are missed. )
	__________________ Our new album 'The Future is Gonna be Great' on iTunes!!! Our old 'The Evolution EP' still on iTunes

12th April 2007, 06:47 AM	#22
D'rok Free Barbarian on The Land Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 6,237	Originally Posted by Overman Kilgore Trout once wrote a science fiction novel about an alien world that was obsessed with accomplishments. The aliens held progress and production in the highest regard. The alien media would report all kinds of stories on new works of art and inventions, and everyone would read about this progress and feel accomplished and happy. After many years the aliens had invented just about everything they needed, and the artists were getting repetitive, so the media began heralding even the smallest accomplishments. Once a female alien was on the front page for many days simply for being blond, fat, and naked. The aliens became used to this type of garbage media that they began to accept these things as genuine stories, and accomplishments. Soon the aliens only wanted to read about the blond, fat, and naked, so when one of the major revolutionary artists died, it was little surprise that it did not get the attention it deserved, for he was quiet, skinny, and clothed. Bravo. Well said.
	__________________ "War exists within the continuum of politics, in which play is continuous, and no outcome is final, save for a global thermonuclear war, which might be." - Darth Rotor "Life, like a Saturday afternoon, finds its ruination in purpose." - MdC

12th April 2007, 07:16 AM	#23
Aurelian Tire Kicker Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Left Field Posts: 475	Joining the chorus, here, and with so many thoughts, so well expressed, all I can say is he will be dearly missed. A.

12th April 2007, 07:20 AM	#24
hgc Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 13,028	Originally Posted by Wolfman My first encounter with Vonnegut was in my last year of high school, when our literature teacher told us that each student must choose a different novel, and do a class report about it. I found this novel that had a picture of two scantily-clad women on the cover, in a sci-fi kind of scenario, and figured it would be easy, light reading. It was "Sirens of Titan", one of Vonnegut's earlier novels. And I absolutely fell in love with it. It was superficially science fiction, but was really a social commentary, written in a style both humorous and cynical. From that day onwards, I was a die-hard Vonnegut fan. Too funny. I was drawn to reading Vonnegut by the cover of Sirens too! Here's an old Vonnegut thread. http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=34873. I had put a picture of the Sirens cover up there once, but the gif if broken now. Dang.
	__________________ Bowel-shaking earthquakes of doubt and remorse assail him and wail him with monster truck force. - Cake, The Distance Was there a second singer on the grassy Knowles? - Stephen Colbert

12th April 2007, 07:33 AM	#25
headscratcher4 Philosopher Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: USA Posts: 7,749	I first read Slaughter House 5 as a teenager. It was a revelation. It was the foundation for my love of reading and for Sci Fi. I couldn't get enough of Vonnegut. After SH5, went through Sirens of Titan, Cat's Cradle, Welcome to the Monkey House, God Bless You Mr. Rosewater, Player Piano and Breakfast of Champions before reading another author. He was an obsession. I grew away from Vonnegut...not politically or intellectually, but my tastes expanded. But Kurt Vonnegut did nothing less than teach me to read. I am sad at his passing. I will always celebrate his art and his life. So it goes.
	__________________ Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It's what separates us from the animals ... except the weasel. -- Homer Simpson

12th April 2007, 07:49 AM	#26
hgc Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Jun 2002 Posts: 13,028	Originally Posted by headscratcher4 I first read Slaughter House 5 as a teenager. It was a revelation. It was the foundation for my love of reading and for Sci Fi. I couldn't get enough of Vonnegut. After SH5, went through Sirens of Titan, Cat's Cradle, Welcome to the Monkey House, God Bless You Mr. Rosewater, Player Piano and Breakfast of Champions before reading another author. He was an obsession. I grew away from Vonnegut...not politically or intellectually, but my tastes expanded. But Kurt Vonnegut did nothing less than teach me to read. I am sad at his passing. I will always celebrate his art and his life. So it goes. Almost exactly my story too. I read all his books as a teenager published up til that time (Palm Sunday), and then moved on looking for other things. Tom Robbins - nah. Douglas Adams - not quite. My tastes expanded in every direction, and I always had a love for Vonnegut - who turned me on to thought-provoking literature that is also damn entertaining.
	__________________ Bowel-shaking earthquakes of doubt and remorse assail him and wail him with monster truck force. - Cake, The Distance Was there a second singer on the grassy Knowles? - Stephen Colbert

12th April 2007, 08:09 AM	#27
Phil Master Satyr Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Society's underbelly Posts: 6,512	Originally Posted by rebecca What a sad thing to wake up to: the first celebrity passing in a long time that has actually affected me. I first read Slaughterhouse 5 about eight years ago. It didn't change my life, it changed my entire perspective on life. My thoughts exactly . . . . except I read Slaughterhouse 5 more than eight years ago. Damn . . . .
	__________________ Dude looks like a Skepchick. "Damn...I agree with Phil...Now I need a shower." -- Mercutio

12th April 2007, 08:11 AM	#28
Loss Leader Opinionated Jerk Moderator Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: New York Posts: 11,885	God bless you, Mr. Rosewater.
	__________________ Follow me on Twitter! @LossLeader This force is receiving all the right to vote through the use of magic. - Miernik Wieslaw <NEW> VOTE FOR ME JUST BECAUSE <NEW>

12th April 2007, 08:27 AM	#29
Juustin Muse Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Schenectady, NY Posts: 503	It is rather sad that Imus is getting to much attention and this isn't even getting mentioned. It's the main story locally because Vonnegut had some ties to my area, but I haven't seen any mention on national news. I just finished Hocus Pocus yesterday, about 12 hours before I found out he had died.

12th April 2007, 08:42 AM	#30
The Central Scrutinizer Penultimate Amazing Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: The White Zone Posts: 42,278	Originally Posted by Brown Vonnegut's death is a much bigger loss than what happened to Don Imus. But as of this writing, the Imus story dominates the web sites of news sources. Yes, but both pale next to the Anna Nicole Smith story.
	__________________ If I see somebody with a gun on a plane? I'll kill him.

12th April 2007, 09:15 AM	#31
delphi_ote Debunking Ninja Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 6,006	SOMEBODY {Sometime to Sometime} He tried.
	__________________ And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

12th April 2007, 09:23 AM	#32
delphi_ote Debunking Ninja Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 6,006	EVERYTHING WAS BEAUTIFUL AND NOTHING HURT
	__________________ And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

12th April 2007, 09:28 AM	#33
Kilgore Trout Wuse Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tralfamadore Posts: 1,443	Contrary to what my moniker might indicate, I don't have any back story or revelation to his work. I imagine I miss most of his subtler meanings, in fact. I only picked up one of his novels about a year or two ago, then read every book of his I could get my hands on; I simply enjoyed them so much. I imagine, though, he'd get a kick out of the idea that the value of his drawings of...starfish...will surely be rising.
	__________________ “I don't even know how to count.” -- Sylvia BrowneThis is invisible.“We're playing for blood, the stake is EARTH.” -- L. Ron HubbardThis is invisible.“I don't feel strong.” -- Uri Geller

12th April 2007, 09:31 AM	#34
delphi_ote Debunking Ninja Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 6,006	.*.
	__________________ And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

12th April 2007, 09:34 AM	#35
Piscivore Smelling fishy Join Date: May 2004 Location: Home is wherever I'm with you Posts: 26,484	Originally Posted by Overman Kilgore Trout once wrote a science fiction novel about an alien world that was obsessed with accomplishments. The aliens held progress and production in the highest regard. The alien media would report all kinds of stories on new works of art and inventions, and everyone would read about this progress and feel accomplished and happy. After many years the aliens had invented just about everything they needed, and the artists were getting repetitive, so the media began heralding even the smallest accomplishments. Once a female alien was on the front page for many days simply for being blond, fat, and naked. The aliens became used to this type of garbage media that they began to accept these things as genuine stories, and accomplishments. Soon the aliens only wanted to read about the blond, fat, and naked, so when one of the major revolutionary artists died, it was little surprise that it did not get the attention it deserved, for he was quiet, skinny, and clothed. So it goes. You need to send this to the newspapers. No chance in hell they will publish it, but man. Right on target.
	__________________ Give a man a fish, feed him for a day. Take his fish away and tell him he's lucky just to be alive, and he'll figure out how to catch another one for you to take tomorrow. "...untrustworthy obnoxious twerp." - CFLarsen