About Lugnut -- Patrick Malone


Many of us have come to know Patrick Malone (Lugnut) as a friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and kind individual. He is a frequent and enthusiastic contributor to our analog discussion forum. He has initiated only 17 threads, but responded to 559 threads. I would guess that many, if not most, of us can recall a time when Pat replied with helpful advice to a question we posted or helped us track down a rare recording. I have come to love Pat as a friend, and to respect him as a man, and I suspect many of you share those feelings.

Today I write to share difficult news with you. Pat has been diagnosed with an aggressive stomach cancer. It has yet to be determined whether surgery will even be worth it. If surgery is performed, most or all of the stomach will be removed, and Pat would face a difficult and long post-op period in the hospital. The medical course is still uncertain, but will be determined soon. Whatever is decided, it will not be easy or pleasant.

Something may be planned in the future to assist the family. For now, Pat could use some of the friendship he so often and willingly showed us. You can email Pat at: lugnut50@msn.com. You can also mail cards, letters ... or whatever. You may email me for Pat's mailing address. My email is: pfrumkin1@comcast.net.

I hope to spend a few days with Pat in Idaho or Nebraska (from which he hails) soon. Between this news, my legal work, getting ready for family arriving for the holidays, Audio Intelligent, and trying to make plans to visit Pat, my head is spinning. If you email me and I don't respond, please understand that I am not ignoring you, but rather simply do not have time to reply.

Pat may or may not have time to respond to posts here, to emails, or to cards mailed to him. But he has asked me to convey to each and every one of you that he has cherished your friendship, your comradery, and sharing our common hobby on this great website.

As we prepare for our holiday season celebrations, and look forward to -- as we should -- enjoying this time of year, I ask that you keep Pat and his family in mind ... and softly offer up, in quiet moments in the still of night and early morning, prayers for Pat and his family. God bless.

Warmest regards to all,
Paul Frumkin
paul_frumkin
Hey Pat;

I have been following this thread for some time now. It got me to the Doctor for some ot those routine tests....the kind Warren Zevon admitted he didn't bother with.

This whole thing is scary; still...thanks for the dose of reality. Maybe others hereabouts will get themselves away from the computer and the easy listening room and off to the doctor.

Lots of love and encouragement,

JEFF
Keep us posted on your impressions of your new gear Pat.

We're interested to hear how everything is coming together.

Also, please try to hang in there.
I'm sure it's tough.
Hey Jeff,

Twice now, I've gotten cancer. Both times I went to doctors early on and was persistent about what I knew were not normal symptoms. Both times the physicians didn't take me seriously which delayed things too much. Early detection is an accident. This proves life is what it is.

Tom,

I'm excited about my purchases. We're not talking a lot of money here so if it kicks things up a few notches I'm a happy camper. Barb's excited too because she likes the sound of the old AI tube preamp but really likes the remote of the solid state stuff. Maybe I've hit on the right combination for her, and me. The ZYX cartridge is an experiment in a way. Others I've known respect the performance of the model I purchased but have moved onto the Universe. I doubt whether the Universe needs to be promoted because at that level and price point there is a lot of interaction between high end purchasers. The lower price models have much of the magic of the Universe and I'm hoping that in lesser systems like mine they offer the best performance for the money. I'll be posting my thoughts on this after break in and I'll use at least three preamps to try and be honest in my evaluation. They are ugly though, IMO. LOL

On a side note I bought some of Paul Speltz anti-cables just to play with. My intentions have been to find gear whose performance far exceeds the cost so that we can help get some young blood in this hobby without mortgaging their sperm bank. I took them over the Steve's house yesterday and inserted them into his system. They are stunning. Cost to performance ratio is so high on these that they deserve an award of some sort. Honest.
I sent an email to Pat after he shared a very insightful and love felt comment to me on another thread. I thanked him for sharing his love that had clearly come from his sole. I’m not going to go too deep into my impression of soles and God, but I am going to now publicly thank Pat for his love and honesty. He told me about this thread which I just now first read, now I understand this sole’s love and clarity.
I too have had to contemplate the meaning of life and my mortality. Not until one faces death do we truly understand the meaning of our lives. LOVE! That’s it.
I have now lived three years longer than the worst case scenario as was described after my heart attack and quadruple bi-pass eight years ago. I have gone to sleep with issues most forty year olds do not ever think of. “Is this my last night?” “Will I be alive tomorrow?” After eight years of these thoughts, my perspective is different than many. But not Lugnut. He understands, and he has been honest enough to share that.
I now am told I have less than one year, as my heart is now less than 20% efficient. We pray for a heart transplant when the time comes.
But that’s not even my point, my point is LOVE. When I had awoke from my surgery and discovered I had a near death experience and “saw the light” as referred to by many who have had near death experiences. From that time I have known I have more to do here on earth, for I was offered the choice to come back here, or stay home with God. I do not remember why I choose this path, but I do. I believe I’m here to share, love and help other soles who may be searching.
Again I do not want to steel the point of this thread, or sound like I am preaching for that is not at all my intent. My intent is to share my sole, and my love for an old Audiogon friend, and let you know what you already clearly know. It’s ok, and yes we can make a difference here on earth.
My purpose, as is yours, is to share, care and love. We are alive because we have something few can give the knowledge that our soles are all one, and the secret to life is LOVE, love yourself, and love every soul you meet, for to love another soul is to in-fact love yourself.
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to write an as yet unpublished book to help share my experiences with all those who would listen. I never considered Audiogon as an outlet. but you have shone me every friend made is another soul who may learn.
Thank you Lugnut for your love and friendship.
J.D.
Jadem6,

Steal the point of this thread??? Clearly not. You've not only nailed the point but drove it home with force. Thank you so very much. Now, everyone, go out and find the stinkiest, lowliest, most pathetic person out there and give them a hug! LOL. I know, I know, that sounds like an exaggeration. But, IT IS the point. After all, you guys have given me a group hug in effect and look at me. Har har.