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Well, thanks for your wish. It didn't. This was an unrelated donor transplant with a one in three chance of success, a one in three chance of immediate disaster, and a one in three chance of chronic host vs graft disease and death within one to three years.

Ah, jesus man, I'm so sorry to hear that. I can't even imagine going through that kind of loss.

What happened was a disaster. The donor cells attacked her lungs and did so much damage that she was unable to breathe on her own. On October 8 I lost her.

Again, my sincere condolences...I hope, in time, you'll find some peace. One never gets over these things, but hopefully time will at least make it a little easier to cope.

The MDS won. . . I had been so convinced that we would beat the MDS as we had beaten (sort of I guess) the lymphoma. I miss her very much.

I have a friend whose wife just went through a trying time with cancer. Ultimately, it wasn't the cancer that nearly killed her, it was the treatment. Thankfully, they were able to deal with that (though she was absolutely on death's door more than once in the past 8 months) and she's now cancer free and soon may be going back to work. Thankfully there are stories with happy endings, but I'm just so sorry that wasn't the case with you. I'm sure you must miss her every moment at this point; again, hopefully time will at least make it a little easier to cope. Again, I'm just so sorry to hear this - and am frankly really sorry I even brought it up, but I didn't know.

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I've been bitten by one before and it was more tha a little bit serious, my whole leg from below the knee felt like hamburger and it was impossible to put any weight on it without suffering excruiating pain. It was flaming red, my whole leg up to my knee, with a black round spot where the bite was on the side of my calf, I mean totally black. I know how to treat it. In three days with the earlier bite, the redness was gone and in no time at all the black spot had cleared up. I cured the bite up before myself with Penicillin G and DMSO, this time I'm using DMSO and OxyTet, a strong injectible tetracycline antibiotic. With DMSO you can use some injectibles topically. It works wonders. Penicillin G mixed with DMSO worked perfectly, but they've taken it off the market as it was for children and they've come up with a medication which is stronger which they say works better on infants, toddlers and others who are young.

Well, I'm glad you have it under control. My only knowledge of them comes from documentaries and what I've read, but they're seriously (extremely seriously) nasty critters - perhaps more so than Black Widows because sometimes (correct me if I'm wrong) you aren't aware that you've been bitten immediately...and unless you have treatments on hand like you do, the damage can sometimes be irreversible....is that right?

But it does sound like you've got what you need to take care of it, which is a relief. I guess these are the kinds of things you really have to think about when you're distanced from an urban center.

Feel better!

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When you say, in so many words; there's more to life than these web sites, that's more than true. When they become a mood changing distraction then it's hardly worth it, but then there are lots of members who make these places interesting, informative and fun, so there's trade off's I suppose, ones that oftentimes make it worth the hassle.

I'm not suggesting boards aren't important places. I am suggesting that sometimes we become so immersed in them that we lose perspective. Lord knows I have....

And are you serious about being bitten by a brown recluse? Holy crap - that's serious. One reason I'm glad not to live somewhere that poisonous critters are common.....I hope that you get that attended to.....is there nowhere closer that can deal with something like this?

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To be honest, I was peeved a few days, but this was in the midst of one of the most important periods of my life, the beginning of my wife's second bone marrow transplant, which soon become the most intense series of events I've ever gone through, and AAJ banishment pales in comparison.

Absolutely. Sometimes I think we all forget that, like them or not, whether or not we believe fair play is in action or not, they're just boards. Life is far more complicated and important, and jazzbo, I sure do hope that second bone marrow transplant yielded a positive outcome.

Quick now Dave, check the ECM Yahoo grp to see if there's any action from Monica lately...maybe argue with Royd a bit...

I'm not being argumentative ("yes you are," "no I'm not!" ). Just suggesting that jazzbo's post really kind of puts things in perspective. And that includes Royd...!

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It seemed by a lot of Johns comments on posts that Lonson and Chris had put onboard, that he was into their thoughts enough to have been part of what had happened.

John has posted, more than once, that not only does he not let personal differences color his moderation (and we can choose to believe that or not), but that he's had serious disagreements on topics with other posters who remain at AAJ to this day. I'm not sure if that proves his personal feelings were, indeed, separate in the area of Chris (he was not involved with Lonson), but it certainly lends at least some credence to it. But we can all believe what we want to, that's for sure. And we all seem to be doing just that.

I think that things get too personal, that it's hard to separate a valid funtion from one's own hard held attitudes. I have to believe, just from my own perspective that there are people on sites such as these that anyone of us might not be able to stand, and wouldn't miss them one bit it they were to not post a word, but we don't hold the ban button, nor would we want to. I have no desire to ban those I disagree with. I have no desire to ban a member, one I really don't understand or care for; ones whose posts rub me the wrong way. Viva la difference.

Absolutely. And there have been (and will, no doubt, continue to be) heated debates at AAJ. Where the policy seems to draw the line is personal insult. And while it would appear, in recent times, that the policy has not been exercised completely equitably, it's also true that things were getting so out of hand that I suspect it was difficult to do so, especially when at least two of the moderators - Mike and John - had other responsibilities at the site. That they have decided to step down when replacements can be found sounds like a good thing all around - for them as much as for those who feel they've been applying the policy with a big stick.

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To be honest, I was peeved a few days, but this was in the midst of one of the most important periods of my life, the beginning of my wife's second bone marrow transplant, which soon become the most intense series of events I've ever gone through, and AAJ banishment pales in comparison.

Absolutely. Sometimes I think we all forget that, like them or not, whether or not we believe fair play is in action or not, they're just boards. Life is far more complicated and important, and jazzbo, I sure do hope that second bone marrow transplant yielded a positive outcome.

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I don't believe Chris or Lonson were handled fairly by John. It were as if, there's those darned trees, when we all want to see is the forest. I don't think John looks at the broader picture, too many pre-existing objects, as well as thoughts are in his field of vision and between his rationale.

I repeat: John banned Chris; Mike banned Lonson. if you want to criticize someone, at least do it for things they've done, not the doings of others.

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Thanks for the comments, Mike. Kelman has handled the forum very unprofessionally, IMO, but Mike R has also overreacted. Short-term banning is no solution, just a slap on the wrist that creates resentment or deepens one that already exists. Unfortunately, the Board also has some members who are chronic complainers and appear to see themselves as auxiliary forum police, and when their political bent is in the right direction--as it were--they have Mr. K's ears and impulses on their side. I said I was through with this topic, but (having impulses of my own ) I felt compelled to jump in with a response.

Whether or not Kelman banned you because of personal issues is unclear, but you're certainly entitled to your opinion. The only reason I question it is that he's had strong disagreements with others who remain active members. So it certainly would not be safe to draw the conclusion that he bans folks if they disagree with his personal views - at least some or most of the time. Like I said, can't comment on your situation, but seeing his posts over time, I'm certainly not inclined to believe it's a pattern.

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The way I see it, Mike is under enormous pressure with all that work (he is also in the middle of moving to a new home), but that is, of course, not an excuse for letting things get out of hand. Speaking only of the bulletin board, his biggest mistake, IMHO, has been his choice of moderators. These are people whose persona, ability to interact with an eclectic group of people, and sense of fairness is of utmost importance. They set the tone for the board (hence my earlier analogy to Michael's Pub), they are also put in a position of power, which is something not everyone can handle. This guy from Ottawa obviously can't, and I am neither the only one to be targeted nor the only one to notice his serial abuse.

You can, of course, have your view of "the guy from Ottawa," but let's be clear about something: he didn't ban Lonson, nor did he ban Clave - Mike did. So if you want to levy accusations re: moderation of the board, don't just single out the one moderator, since all moderators have banned folks over time, at least from what I've seen. So I am not sure what you refer to by his "serial abuse," since it seems to me that you could then make the same accusation of all the moderators, not just the one you had a problem with. As I said way back in this thread? Balance, folks, please.

It appears that this guy's involvement with AAJ goes beyond the BBS and that he now will give up moderating the forum--that's a good sign. Clearly, AAJ has lost some of its most knowledgeable members, people like Chuck Nessa, MG, Bev, Lonson, Saundra, and others who love the music and stimulate thought, people who who shared their relevant experiences with fellow posters and answered many questions. Frivolous censorship does not sit well with independent thinkers. Free exchanges of ideas and thoughts can easily lead to an off path, but most such eruptions, if let alone, subside and let posting go on. There are also civil ways in which to settle differences, and barring posters--even short-term--is not the answer. It didn't work at AAJ, it only led to the present arguments and exodus. The Ottawa moderator is being very defensive but his arguments are an insult to intelligence. Some exiles will probably return, but I think much will depend on whether the atmosphere at AAJ can be made breathable. Let's hope this misguided bully's replacement is chosen with the care and foresight that was missing when he was handed the reins. I may be all wrong about this, but that's how I see it based on my own experience with this guy and what I just read in that thread.

I repeat: the guy from Ottawa is not the only moderator to have banned folks from the board, so just because you had a bad experience with him (and I'm not denying that) doesn't mean he's the singular problem with the board. The recent exodus, in fact, came as the result of the clave incident, and that was Mike's issue. And as far as I understand, MG left when Lonson was banned, and that was also Mike's doing. Not defending the guy from Ottawa, just saying he's by no means the only person who has been involved in what some folks see as a problem at the board.

And if you ever checked out the main site you'd see the Ottawa guy is a senior editor, responsible for the CD Review Center, Interviews, Artist Profiles and Upcoming Releases, in addition to being one of AAJ's more prolific contributors. Both he and Mike have posted on the AAJ board that they simply don't have time for moderation and that they need to focus on the main site. That may be good for the board, but depending on who takes their place, that's not a certainty. Still, Mike is planning the teleconference to discuss the board, and the guy from Ottawa will also be in attendance. They're both interested in finding proper resolution to the current situation, and want to hear what some folks have to say. So at least they're both being open-minded, at least it seems that way to me.

[Now reading...]

My favourite modern crime novelist is James Crumley. To quote The Guardian, 'The poet laureate of American hard-bioiled literature'.

The Last Good Kiss by Crumley is one of the all-time best in the genre.

Thanks, both of you, for another rec; uh oh; I see myself about to start spending again...

[Now reading...]

Probably best to try the Eisler Rain novels in chronological order. The first one is Rain Fall. I can't say they're great literature, but pretty exciting within the espionage genre. Lots of globe-trotting, "tradecraft" and cynical plot twists. Perhaps Burke and Rain share some psychological characteristics.

Hey, nothing wrong with good escapism - frankly, these days that's what I'm looking for in a read; life is complex enough...!

Pity that Burke's dog Pansy died. I think the last novel in the series I read was the one just before she kicked it.

Well, you might want to check out that one and those after, especially the first 2-3. Burke is basically ambushed, Pansy is shot and killed, he's critically injured and, when all's said and done, he ends up having to leave New York for awhile, so the books take a different turn. He's been back in New York for the past four books, as I recall, and the outside stories have helped add more depth to the ones back in the Big Apple.

Thanks for the tip on the Rain novels, will check it out.

[Now reading...]

I've read several of the Vachss/Burke novels, but haven't kept up with the most recent ones. As an ex-Brooklynite, I really like the seedy NYC atmosphere Vachss evokes. I suppose I'm a moderate fan: I'll read the Burke novels I find at the library, generally dig them, but have certain reservations about Vachss's writing that are hard to explain. His female characters often don't seem three-dimensional, and I perceive a purpleness in some of his stock phrases (eg "Strega, the witch bitch" got tiresome). But his portrayal of the character Wesley, and of institutional/prison life, are great.

I hear ya; yes, some of the characters are a little thin, but the plot lines can be really superb and, if you've followed the novels from the beginning, there's an ever-increasing cast of characters - some, from the earliest novels, making a return it seems, lately. Have to admit, though, that my heart took a big dive when his faithful (and protective) dog, Pansy, took the hit. I figured, since the dog was old, Vachss was going to have to do something more than just let the dog die, but if Burke could said to be truly close to anything, Pansy was it.

Somewhat OT, but have you read any of Barry Eisler's John Rain novels? Rain is an international hitman with heavy CIA/military involvement. I've found them pretty good, though the latest one tailed off a bit.

Are they like Vachss in that it's best to start from the beginning of the series, or can you pick them up anywhere and not lose context? If you need to start at the top, can you give me the title? If not, can you recommend a couple?

Thanks.

[Now reading...]

Asked this in another forum, but since this is the right place: any Andrew Vachss fans, in particular his Burke series? I've been sitting on the last three - Down Here, Mask Market and Terminal and am about to dig in.

I don't think things get more noire than Vachss.....

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welcome then!

Well, thank you!

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So back to other discussions: does anyone here read Andrew Vachss?

Oh...change the subject eh?

Well, I did say I was done on the other subject....

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There used to be a jazz spot here in NYC, called Michael's Pub. It featured great music played by the very best in the business,l but it was a terrible place to go to, because the guy who ran it was a rude, attitude-ridden jerk. AAJ reminds me, in many ways, of Michael's Pub--which went out of business, BTW.

Funny, that's what AAJ said about you.

Moderators, where are you this guy is only here to insult us

Where did I insult anyone? I simply reported some facts, and it was another party who slung the dirt. I've no beef with anyone here, but did feel the situation at AAJ, brought up by someone else, was misrepresented. It sure appears to me that the concept of open-mindedness here only applies if it's agreed with; otherwise it's an insult?

So how do you feel about that new Pat Metheny trio album Dave?

Overall, love it - certainly think this trio has more going on than the trio 99>00 with Grenadier and Stewart (not that it was bad, but I think there's a chemistry here that's stronger, not just because Metheny's been playing with Sanchez for the past 6-7 yrs, but also because first, this recording was made after the band had been touring, and second, McBride just seems to lock in with Sanchez more nicely).

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is DJ Blinder the same as jkelman? is that what has been insinuated?

I seem to remember inviting him over here to join in the chat a while back, but he didn't like the place then. Not up to his standards, I guessed.

Don't recall the invite. As for insinuations, we'll just leave that alone. As for flame wars, not sure what I've done other than question one person's account of what went down. And, hey, you invited me...I'm here now...you asked for it!

So back to other discussions: does anyone here read Andrew Vachss?

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There used to be a jazz spot here in NYC, called Michael's Pub. It featured great music played by the very best in the business,l but it was a terrible place to go to, because the guy who ran it was a rude, attitude-ridden jerk. AAJ reminds me, in many ways, of Michael's Pub--which went out of business, BTW.

Funny, that's what AAJ said about you.

Moderators, where are you this guy is only here to insult us

Where did I insult anyone? I simply reported some facts, and it was another party who slung the dirt. I've no beef with anyone here, but did feel the situation at AAJ, brought up by someone else, was misrepresented. It sure appears to me that the concept of open-mindedness here only applies if it's agreed with; otherwise it's an insult?

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Good observation, Niko. Besides coming off like a shill for that other board, "djbinder" is obviously out to disrupt things here while making a pretense of being Mr. (Miss?) "fair and balanced." Transparent as clear glass, if you ask me.

Nope, not trying to disrupt. I'd not have posted a word had I not seen what I considered (note the "I considered") a misrepresentation of what went down there. So no agendas, just piping in since the subject was raised by someone else. As before, back to regular programming since folks are now moving off into other more entertaining directions.

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...

Or is this now an attempt at censoring content on this board? Hmm. I thought that was what the problem was at AAJ....

i don't think i know aaj (in fact i didn't even read most of this thread...) my point was rather, if i want the info i can get it elsewhere, you're invited to disagree; besides that one of your posts was a relatively direct personal attack on Chris A (imho and given that with my bad english i maybe didn't quite get it) not censorship in my book to complain about that (and i was half joking)

As was I Niko, as was I...

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I don't see any point in bringing any disputes over here and hashing them out here.

Some people are choosing to post here, and they are most welcome.

If people have issues on another board, for whatever, reason, let that stay there.

The only reason I posted was because someone asked for a summary of the events and, as I saw it, what was posted was not quite how it went down. I've said my piece. Back to regular programming...

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Nope, someone who lurks here and there, and sees the problem as being more complex than either clave-bashing OR AAJ bashing. My only issue is one of looking for balance.

OK, in that spirit - I know you like noir books and movies. My latest pick (though it falls apart for me after a certain point) is this one. am wondering if you're read it yet? I *loved* the setting - it's surreal, yet completely real at the same time.

And Chris, I know you from AAJ, but as "clave." I really appreciated your comments + link on the Laura Nyro thread there, some months back. .

Nope, not read that one...currently working my way through a backlog of Andrew Vachss....but will add this to the lengthy list... :-)

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With all due respect, that's not at all an accurate or complete depiction of what went down....

another refugee? (kinda reminds me of how Gandalf and the dwarves approach Beorn... only very gradually it becomes apparent that the whole board with all its issues is swapping over)

Nope, someone who lurks here and there, and sees the problem as being more complex than either clave-bashing OR AAJ bashing. My only issue is one of looking for balance.

what balance? if i want to know what aaj is like i lurk overthere (i sometimes do)... we don't need an accurate picture of aaj in this thread (especially since you guys are giving each other a hard time these days) (just my opinion)

(i mean just from the fact that there are "refugees" one could infer that there was some dispute over there and that their opinions probably wouldn't give a complete description of feelings involved... thanks anyway, maybe i was a bit harsh)

Hey just to be clear, I didn't start this, but when I see folks misrepresenting the situation, I feel compelled to pipe in. And frequenting AAJ's board in lurker mode doesn't necessarily give you a full insight into the players anyway. Or what likely goes on behind the scenes when there's a problem that needs to be resolved.

Or is this now an attempt at censoring content on this board? Hmm. I thought that was what the problem was at AAJ....

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My depiction wasn't inaccurate at all, it's your perception that has it twisted.

Gee, I'd have thought someone looking for balance - acknowledging that, perhaps, there's bad on both sides, would be anything but twisted. If you follow what went down, it had nothing to do with those humorous posts. By that time the trouble was already in play. And I find it disingenuous that folks accuse Mike of having some problem, simply because he didn't air the thing on the board - until there was no choice but to do so, which was well after the problem began.

All I am saying is that there's blame to be had on both sides, and until folks realize that (and stop the AAJ bashing; geez, folks, how long have some of you been there anyway? Some bumps in the road and everyone piles in the bus and, despite explanations of Mike's absence and inability to respond, continue to assert that he's ALL the problem?

C'mon folks, balance. Most problems usually happen because of two people. I'm trying to remain impartial and suggest that, now that Mike is back online, his idea of inviting interested parties to a teleconference to discuss is a pretty open idea that will allow for frank discussion all around. How is that a problem?

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With all due respect, that's not at all an accurate or complete depiction of what went down....

another refugee? (kinda reminds me of how Gandalf and the dwarves approach Beorn... only very gradually it becomes apparent that the whole board with all its issues is swapping over)

Nope, someone who lurks here and there, and sees the problem as being more complex than either clave-bashing OR AAJ bashing. My only issue is one of looking for balance.