I have to admit that I've never read any of his books. Like Shell, I generally don't read books about atheism - as she said, there's really not much to say. I've read far more about religion and apologetics. Looks like I need to add some of Hitchen's stuff to my reading list.

Here's a thought. As a tribute, how about we compile a list of his best work for the benefit of those who haven't read them yet? (And by "we", I really mean those of you who have read his stuff.)

I love his writing but I'm going to miss his speaking most. A member who stayed here briefly once described it as "soothing and deliberate" and it was sure that if someone posted something of his from a debate or speech I was going to smile and feel better after I had heard it.

Raising a glass tonight for sure.

I'm tipping a bottle of Black Butte Porter (1) in his honor.


(1) ... while simultaneously pitying those of you who don't live in Deschutes Brewery's distribution range.

I, too, just finished reading aloud his final column and am now toking one in memory of the combative, stubborn atheist who could admit he was wrong.

And I do feel a sense of loss, as confusing as that may be for a reader of only one of his books and less than a handful of his columns.

(December 16, 2011 at 5:21 am)Moros Synackaon Wrote: And I do feel a sense of loss, as confusing as that may be for a reader of only one of his books and less than a handful of his columns.

Eh, it's natural. I was worried for days when Stephen King got hit by that truck and I cried when Dimebag was killed. You can connect enough with a person's work to feel a sense of loss when they are gone. In a way, that is what an artist of any kind's contribution is to the world. What is the sense of writing anything if someone does not connect to it or learn from it? At any rate, I'm sorry to everyone who felt a connection to him. It's a damn shame.

(December 16, 2011 at 5:27 am)Shell B Wrote: I cried when Dimebag was killed.

Side note - an old friend of mine (Pat Lachman) was in Damageplan and on stage with Darrell when he was killed. I haven't seen Pat in a lot of years, but he and my brother used to jam back in the mid-late 80's. He was an insanely talented guitarist at 15 years old.

(December 16, 2011 at 5:27 am)Shell B Wrote:

(December 16, 2011 at 5:21 am)Moros Synackaon Wrote: And I do feel a sense of loss, as confusing as that may be for a reader of only one of his books and less than a handful of his columns.

Eh, it's natural. I was worried for days when Stephen King got hit by that truck and I cried when Dimebag was killed. You can connect enough with a person's work to feel a sense of loss when they are gone. In a way, that is what an artist of any kind's contribution is to the world. What is the sense of writing anything if someone does not connect to it or learn from it? At any rate, I'm sorry to everyone who felt a connection to him. It's a damn shame.

Thank you for saying these words. Shell says what I would, if I were standard issue. I have no loss, for Hitch is where he always was. Heart and mind.

Hitch was quality fucking human being. Doesn't seem to be much of that going around, but I'm going to maintain PMA.

Good night sweet prince

Real loss. A painful one.

Guess all the bad habits finally got him. He drank and smoked a lot.