More than any other writer Kurt Vonnegut has a very special place in my heart. At that difficult period in your life when you are not quite an adult and not quite a kid anymore I was turned on to him by a friend. Throughout the next twenty-plus years I returned to his work over and over, always finding something new. His writing played a crucial role in shaping my own personal philosophy and approach to life. I was able to hear him speak two times over the years - both extremely powerful experiences for me. Many years ago I bought a copy of "Slapstick" and put it on my shelf. This was the one work I was not going to read until he died. So tonight I guess I'll pour a pint and curl up with this last one. I'll try and concentrate on all the positives, but I can't help but feel today that the lights dimmed a bit.