About Lugnut -- Patrick Malone

I am in awe of this thread, which I just discovered today.
It's so great to see how many members of the Audiogon community are pulling together and supporting "Lugnut".
It has brought out the best people and the best IN people posting here, as they discuss their true feelings and share their thoughts about friendship, generosity, fighting and surviving cancer, and of course this crazy, beloved hobby of ours and love of music. (another kind of therapy that we all use on a regular basis) It really humanizes the Forum, as we realize that there are real people on the other side of that keyboard we're pecking away-at. (That's a good thing to remember when you're preparing to fire-off a nasty-gram at someone here.)
I haven't read anything this inspirational since Lance Armstong's book, "It's Not About the Bike", concerning his fight with cancer.
Pat, I wish you the best of luck in your continuing battle with cancer. You don't have to come back and win the Tour de France, just hang-in there and keep talkin' to us!

Hi Guys,

Well, another round of chemo went okay. The doc think that a couple more treatments followed by a CT scan and I might be able to quit it for awhile. Nuff said about that. It does make me very happy.

Albert, you and Steve are doing a wonderful service that will go a long way to reinvigorating interest in high end aduio, specifically two channel. It's great that you could make time to photograph Paul's award event. I really like AIVS and think it deserving of an award.

Springbok10, are there 9 other Sprinboks? Thanks for your kind words. I would think I can speak for almost everyone that has posted to this thread when I say I'm glad that this has touched you in a positive way. It's been good for so many people; way beyond anything I could have ever imagined.

Jeff, answering questions about what types of music I thoroughly enjoy is getting harder every day. Primarily I love blues and jazz. I do listen to a lot of rock too but of the more acoustic, hormonious variety nowdays. Female vocalists are a kick no matter the genre. Some male vocalists trip my trigger too. What really surprises me is my attraction to recent composers of orchestral music. A few years ago I would have just lumped it in as classical but I think that would draw criticism from the experts. A lot of what has been written beginning with Dvorchac (sp?). I love the Grand Canyon Suite and the music or Aaron Copland. Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Ella are among my recent heavy rotation albums. About all I don't listen to is organ music, gospel and most country. So many older recordings were done better than today's best and the performances outstanding. Of course, music is timeless or at least good music is.

Golden ears, Boa2 sent me the Armstrong book. Remember when he had trouble adjusting to living? Well, I must have been meant to read that book just for that chapter. As I've mentioned before I had cancer previously that was supposed to take my life prior to now. Funny, no? Anyway, when I recovered and was in remission I discovered how difficult it is to rejoin the ranks of the living. This chapter meant a lot to me because right now I am among the living and I'm determined to not lose a moment though wasting it with any such nonsense. Thank you Mr. Armstrong.

Also, this thread isn't about me or audio or even cancer. It's about something much bigger. Our shared humanity and love. Love, as in pure, untouched by outside influence, from the depths of our souls, meant to comfort those we come into contact with. There's been a lot of love sent my way by anonymous faces pounding out messages on a keyboard. Slowly I'm meeting members here one at a time whether in person, emails, phone calls or this thread. I hope that this experience stays with everyone bacause the world needs it. Let's all remember each other when we are in pain and reach out to comfort. There is joy in that as I've seen expressed here. We must keep our eyes open.

J.D., my prayers are with you and your family. Hopefully, you will qualify for a heart transplant soon and recover your life. I've seen this community respond to your reasoned posts and trust that they will lift you up as they have me. Peace.

I just had neck surgery on Monday, and I'm using my limited allotment of computer time to peruse the threads. I happened upon your post, Pat, and now I can lie back down with a smile on my face. You just have that effect on people.

And J.D., I have no doubt that you will be skiing again. I just see that happening for you.

Enjoy your day, everyone.
Howard

Pat,
I'm glad the news today was better. To answer your question, there are 15 Springboks, who are the South African national rugby team. Rugby is a fiery passion in South Africa, rivaled only in Wales and New Zealand. When the Springboks beat the All Blacks (NZ rugby team) at rugby, it is like Miracle on Ice all over again, each time. Every South African who is a toddler, dreams of being a Springbok. I wasn't one, but can pretend! - I could bore this thread forever about the exploits of the Springbok rugby players, but won't. But that is where the name comes from. You can rightfully take a warm glow from the effect your thread has had on all of us - I'm even thinking of sending it to my rugby team so they can take inspiration from you and smoke the All Blacks. See, you have potentially even influenced thick-skulled rugby players!!That is how powerful and all-embracing your thread is.

Howard, that was one of the best compliments I've ever received. I'd love to think that I could make people smile. Hell, I figured I pissed off most of the people that I've met. Just joking. Smile in unison everyone just for old Lugnut cause it makes him feel goooood.

And, Springbok10 I'm glad you explained the rugby thing. Unleash this thread upon them. Remember, it ain't about me or music or equipment. This thread belongs to everyone. Not once is six pages of posts has there been an unkind word said. On the internet no less. The worlds rudest environment. Think about the chances of that happening.

Best to all and have a great weekend. The Lugnut household is so busy now it's incredible. Lot's of things getting accomplished and enjoying anything that comes along.