Hatrack River Forum: Newfoundlogic Died Saturday

This is topic Newfoundlogic Died Saturday in forum Books, Films, Food and Culture at Hatrack River Forum.

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Posted by Newfoundlogic 's Dad (Member # 9094) on :

I am sad to tell you that Newfoundlogic (my son, Steven) died at age 19. He was a freshman at Florida State University majoring in History. When healthy Steven enjoyed spirited discussions of varied topics.

Steven loved this site and was an avid participant in it, especially before March 2005 when he was diagnosed with a rare nearly always lethal cancer, the complications of which killed him. After that time he still followed the site and wrote, including about his cancer, when he felt relatively well.

I know Steven greatly enjoyed his interchange of ideas through the forum. He also appreciated the thoughts and encouragement of you in his fight against his cancer.

If anyone has any recollections of discussions with Newfoundlogic or perceptions of him we would appreciate your sharing them with us, his family.

Posted by Olivet (Member # 1104) on :

I'm so sorry for your loss. Could we send flowers, or donations in his name somewhere?

He was a special voice here. He will be missed.

Posted by Rakeesh (Member # 2001) on :

I too am sorry for your loss. I can't say I knew your son very well, but I'm glad he got some pleasure and joy from this community. I'm sorry you joined it under such circumstances.

Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :

Thank you so much for letting us know. That was very kind of you to do that for us.

Posted by Brinestone (Member # 5755) on :

[Frown]

Thank you for letting us know. On December 10th, he posted that he had been pronounced NED. I hope that means the complications arose suddenly and that he went quickly and didn't suffer for too long.

[Frown]

Posted by fiazko (Member # 5812) on :

My heart goes out to you and your family. I'm very sorry.

Posted by Papa Janitor (Member # 7795) on :

Words fail, but I also am sorry for your loss. Ours, too, but yours first.

--Pop

<Stickied thread so that people can share thoughts and thread can be found easily.>

Posted by plaid (Member # 2393) on :

Oh no [Frown]

Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :

I am so sorry for your loss, which is also a loss to us of a wonderful member of our forum. He will be missed so much around here. Everyone's been wondering how he is; I'm sorry to hear this. [Frown]

Posted by Noemon (Member # 1115) on :

[Frown]

I'm so sorry to hear this; I'd hoped he'd pull through. Your family has my thoughts and sympathies.

I'll likely post more later, but I have to absorb this first.

Posted by Icarus (Member # 3162) on :

I'm so sorry. [Frown]

My main interaction with Steven was not in political threads, but in sports threads. I used to live in Miami (and still live in Florida), and I am a fan of the Dolphins and the Heat. I am not a fan of the Marlins, but wish them well when my team, the Yankees, happen not to be on top. So I shared his excitement last year as the Heat made their run, and the year before, when it was totally unexpected. I also shared his excitement as the Marlins were making their last championship run, right up until the World Series [Grumble]

.

I also used to enjoy the jabs back and forth between him and the local University of Florida students and alumns. I'm a Miami Hurricane fan, so I would just wait until the smoke cleared and tell them all that they were just arguing for second place. [Wink]

I'm so sad to hear that he is gone, but grateful to you for posting to tell us, and specifically for inviting us to share our recollections of the good virtual times we shared with him.

You have my sympathy.

Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :

[Frown]

Thank you for letting us know. I will keep your family in my prayers.

This really hit me. Wow. I remember seeing the "How is newfoundlogic" thread last week and wondering how things were. I'm sorry for his family. So so sorry. [Frown]

Posted by dkw (Member # 3264) on :

I am very sorry.

Thank you for letting us know. I'm touched that he cared enough about this community to tell you about us and (if he asked you to tell us) to be sure that we knew what happened.

Posted by mr_porteiro_head (Member # 4644) on :

For those who are interested, here is a link to newfoundlogic's most recent posts.

Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :

nfl's dad,

Thank you so much for letting us know. My heart and prayers are with you and your family. I have a son the same age (also named Steven) so it makes me realize how much I should cherish what I have.

Steven's member number here on Hatrack was 3907. You can search by member number using the search feature, and re-read his past posts to us and cherish the interaction. I'm glad Hatrack can give you a little piece of him to hang on to.

Hugs to your whole family from my whole family

Farmgirl

Posted by Dagonee (Member # 5818) on :

[Frown]

I am very sorry for your (and our) loss.

My prayers are with Steven, you, and your family.

I remember him most from the political discussions; we lined up on the same "side" about half the time. He was fervent and articulate and he will be missed.

Posted by Ophelia (Member # 653) on :

I'm sorry for your loss. Thank you for taking the time and consideration to let us know in your time of grief.

I never had much personal interaction with your son, but I remember his participation in many of the threads about Judaism, as well as the threads about Harry Potter.

He will be greatly missed around here.

Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :

I'm so sorry....

Posted by amira tharani (Member # 182) on :

I am sorry for your loss. I remember newfoundlogic as an intelligent and articulate contributor to rivka's "Ask the Rebbetzin" thread - he taught me a lot about Judaism and it was always enlightening to hear about his experiences. I also remember his generally positive outlook when he was fighting cancer.

Thank you for taking the time to tell us about his death. I will miss him.

Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :

You have my sympathy. I didn't know newfoundlogic well enough to share any perceptions, but this is quite a sad thing to read, nonetheless.

Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :

For those of you who may wish to send a card or something, I believe that This Link would be newfoundlogic's obit.

Hard to believe he was only 19.. wow...

FG

Posted by saxon75 (Member # 4589) on :

I didn't know your son very well, but I remember him as being passionate and intelligent. My most heartfelt condolences to you and yours.

Posted by Nick (Member # 4311) on :

I'm sorry for you loss, and we all thank you for letting us know. [Frown]

Posted by katharina (Member # 827) on :

I am so sorry for your (and our) loss. [Frown]

Thank you for telling us.

Posted by beverly (Member # 6246) on :

I am so sorry to hear of Steven's passing! He was so young. I appreciated his thoughts in the political threads, he was one of our best conservative thinkers. I was always interested to hear what he had to say.

Posted by KarlEd (Member # 571) on :

I'm so sorry for your loss. [Frown]

I never knew your son as Steven, but only as Newfoundlogic. I enjoyed our few exchanges in several threads and Hatrack is the poorer now. He always seemed to be an articulate and thoughtful person. He will be missed.

Thank you for letting us know.

(((Newfoundlogic's family)))

Posted by El JT de Spang (Member # 7742) on :

My thoughts are with you and your family in this difficult time. He may be gone, but he won't be forgotten anytime soon.

Let us know if there's anything we can do.

Posted by DarkKnight (Member # 7536) on :

I am very sorry for your loss...Words are to inadequate to express such sorrow...Our thoughts are with you and your family
Thank you for letting us know of his passing

Posted by ClaudiaTherese (Member # 923) on :

Thank you for the link to the obituary, Farmgirl.

Posted by Tante Shvester (Member # 8202) on :

My sincere sympathies to you and your family. I wish you strength and comfort in this difficult time. I am sure that your son will be long remembered fondly by Hatrack.

Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :

I'm so deeply saddened by your loss, but like so many of us here, I've been so deeply enriched by your son's participation here.

Steven's age came as a bit of a surprise for me the first time I learned of it. I find myself wishing that I had been half as together and well-thought out as he was when I was his age. Honestly, at almost twice his age now, I'm still not sure I've reached his level. He was quite a guy to learn from and look up to.

What a good mind, heart and friend he was and what a wonderful asset he was to each of our lives. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Posted by Storm Saxon (Member # 3101) on :

I exchanged views with Steven on politics somewhat often and found him to be tenacious, passionate and informed in his opinions, yet polite in expressing them. It amazes me that he knew so much for one so young.

I will miss him, and I'm so sorry for your loss.

Posted by Primal Curve (Member # 3587) on :

:-/

I'm sorry for your loss. I didn't know newfoundlogic very well, but he seemed a good chap.

Posted by Stan the man (Member # 6249) on :

Oh my...(((nfl family))). I didn't know him all that much, but I always enjoyed reading his posts. I am so sad to hear this.

Posted by Megan (Member # 5290) on :

I didn't know newfoundlogic well, but I did admire his debating skills. I'm very sorry for your loss, and my thoughts are with you and your family.

Posted by Space Opera (Member # 6504) on :

I'm so very sorry. Please know that your son will be greatly missed here and that we are all thinking of you and your family. Thank you for letting us know of Steven's death; we were all pulling for him and his spirit will remain with us.

space opera

Posted by Avadaru (Member # 3026) on :

I regret not getting to know newfoundlogic better. He had so much to say, and I enjoyed his point of view. My prayers are with your family.

Posted by Elizabeth (Member # 5218) on :

I am so very sorry.

Posted by Jim-Me (Member # 6426) on :

I was shocked to find out how young he was, as, like most of the people who have posted here, I found him articulate and persistent, but never rude in making his points.

I remember being hopeful as he would update us about his condition. He will be missed around these parts. Your pain, however, must be beyond my comprehension.

Be proud of who he was.

My heart and prayers go out to you, and I echo the thanks for your consideration in letting us know of his passing so quickly.

-Jim

Posted by Chris Bridges (Member # 1138) on :

Thank you so much for letting us know. One of the problems of being in a virtual community is that we don't always hear about losses in the real world. It is very much appreciated.

Posted by advice for robots (Member # 2544) on :

[Frown]

I'm very sorry. I hope your family is doing well.

Posted by Teshi (Member # 5024) on :

I am so sorry for your loss.

[Frown]

Posted by Amanecer (Member # 4068) on :

I'm so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed reading newfoundlogic's political views. He was always intelligent, polite, and he seemed to truly try and understand other people's perspectives. He will be missed. [Frown]

Posted by Miro (Member # 1178) on :

Thank you for letting us know.

Posted by Eaquae Legit (Member # 3063) on :

I'm so very sorry. [Frown]

Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :

I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember the bravery and hope with which Steven faced his cancer treatment. He will always be remembered at hatrack.

Jenna

Posted by hansenj (Member # 4034) on :

I wish I had known Newfoundlogic better. I remember him mostly as one of the friendly and thought provoking contributors to this community, and for that I will remember him fondly. We had some similar interests (among them, Harry Potter and baseball).

I am so sorry for your loss. [Frown]

He had a short life, but it seems that it was very well-lived.

Posted by Lupus (Member # 6516) on :

I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. Newfoundlogic was a great guy, and a core member of our community here.

Posted by jeniwren (Member # 2002) on :

I'm so sorry. This really hit me too, not realizing he was so young. He was very articulate, making him sound so much older than his years.

We'll keep your family in our prayers.

Posted by lem (Member # 6914) on :

I have not participated in Hatrack as much lately, but I am now getting back into it. I understand Steven's attraction to this place.

Newfoundlogic always stuck in my mind as a cool name, but I am sad to say I didn't really know who he was, what he was going through, or his political/religious views. I missed it.

I just did a search on his posts. I read many of them at my work. I am alone in a large room and I just feel "loss." Teary eyed. I am glad his thoughts are preserved here.

I am glad I am getting to go back and experience what other Hatrackers understood about your son. I am so sorry for your loss.

Posted by punwit (Member # 6388) on :

I can only echo the thoughts already posted. You have my sympathy and my best wishes for you and your family. Taking the time to notify us while grieving was very kind. Thank You..

Posted by ludosti (Member # 1772) on :

[Frown]

I had been thinking about him lately - wondering how things were going... I remember him as a well spoken, intelligent member of our community. I had no idea he was so young and I am so sorry that he is gone. Thank you so much for thinking enough of us during this difficult time to let us know. I hope you and your family will be comforted and find peace.

Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :

I'm so sorry. I add my condolences to the list.

AJ

Posted by CaySedai (Member # 6459) on :

I don't know what to say - it's always sad when someone so young dies. I think he would have been a great person to know better.

Posted by kwsni (Member # 1831) on :

I am so very sorry. [Frown]

Ni!

Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :

He was a valued member of this community. He will be missed.

Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :

quote:
In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Friends of Israel Defense Forces, New York, N.Y.

I'm guessing Hatrack would in general find the American Cancer Society more palatable. Should we take a collection?

AJ

Posted by unicornwhisperer (Member # 294) on :

[Cry]

I'm so sorry for your loss. I was very shocked when I saw this thread. I was also incredibly sad to find out that he was only 19. His writing had more maturity. I remember mostly that he had about the same political views as me. He will be missed.

((Stevens Family))

[ January 25, 2006, 05:41 PM: Message edited by: unicornwhisperer ]

Posted by Shigosei (Member # 3831) on :

I'm so sorry for your loss. I remember Newfoundlogic's passionate arguments in some of the political threads. He could be forceful, while generally managing not to step on too many toes.

I was amazed at his courage in the post where he told us he had cancer. And he was very upbeat when he posted about his treatment. I was so glad to see the thread a few months ago where he said that he was doing better. I'm sad to see that he's passed away. He'll be missed.

Posted by Alcon (Member # 6645) on :

(((NFL's Family))))

I'm sorry for your loss. When I saw him post that he'd been declared NED I had hoped it meant he would be ok and would soon begin posting with greater frequency again here. I didn't know him that well becuase he bacame very sick shortly after I arrived here, but I remember him as being very articulate. While his views nearly always differed extremely from my own in politics threads they were well written, polite and though provoking. I respected him greatly and will very much miss his input. [Frown]

It astounds me to learn that he was actually younger than me, he was far more knowledgeable and articulate about most everything.

Hey Pop... is there some way we could collect his posts in the archive so they don't fall off the map eventually as all threads and posts eventually do?

I'd be willing to spend some time sifting older threads and copying and pasting them in some sort of memorial thread if that's what's required.

Posted by Altáriël of Dorthonion (Member # 6473) on :

I cannot believe that Newfoundlogic has passed away. I'd never thought about loosing a Hatracker...My prayers and sympathies to his family, may Steven rest in peace.

Where can we send letters, flowers and cards to?

Posted by mackillian (Member # 586) on :

newfoundlogic on cable companies and Hurricane Katrina:

quote:
Any chance a tornado spawned right in your neighborhood? Otherwise I can't imagine how he would lose his roof. That was the closest thing to a direct hit we've ever gotten and we still suffered no damage. We didn't even lose our DirecTV and supposedly that's supposed to go out when the cat sneezes, or so claims those dirty Comcast commercials.

Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :

[Smile]

Posted by Boris (Member # 6935) on :

Wow. I'm so sorry to hear this.

Posted by Boon (Member # 4646) on :

[Frown]

Yes, AJ, we should. I have time and Paypal. Does anyone else want to volunteer?

Posted by Boris (Member # 6935) on :

I thought I'd post some links to the charities listed in his obituary. Just for informational purposes.

American Cancer Society

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces

Posted by Papa Janitor (Member # 7795) on :

There's not a way to save all his posts, Alcon (at least not one I know of), but if you (or others) would like to quote some select ones, perhaps in this thread, I could eventually archive this.

Posted by peterh (Member # 5208) on :

I wear a cancer wristband every day (not a Lance one) in memory of those who suffer directly and indirectly from cancer.

In addition to Boris' link above, going here will take you to the ACS "Donate Now" page. You can even choose to donate in memory of someone...

Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :

Wow. Just... Wow. I hadn't realized that he was my age, or that he was so sick... I guess I took it for granted that Hatrackers would always be around.

Newfoundlogic's Dad - thank you so much for taking the time to tell us about your loss.

Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :

Steven spoke passionately and argued well. I hope some threads he participated in remain in the forum, bobbing up and down as they are periodically bumped due to renewed interest.

Posted by sndrake (Member # 4941) on :

To Steven's dad:

You have my deepest sympathy. Steven (or NFL) and I ended up discussing things around my own areas of interest a few times. Those interests revolved around our shared respect for life, although we came at our positions from different places. I remember him as thoughtful and inquisitive.

Alcon said:

quote:
I'd be willing to spend some time sifting older threads and copying and pasting them in some sort of memorial thread if that's what's required.

Alcon, if you're willing to devote yourself to that task, I think it would be a wonderful thing. Newfoundlogic wasn't the first to leave us this way and if Hatrack continues as a community, he won't be that last. I'm sure there are stand-alone posts you could collect that are still retrievable that would be nice to save for those of us who knew him to be able to read.

Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :

nfl will be missed, he contributed greatly to this place, to this community.

May you rest peacefully, Steven.

-Bok

Posted by LadyDove (Member # 3000) on :

How sad. I didn't interact much with NFL, but he definitely helped define our community. We are greater for having known him and poorer for the loss of him.

NFL's dad and family, you have my prayers and wishes for peace.

Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :

I'm so sorry. I didn't really know him, and I'm sad to say I only read a few of his posts, but he always struck me as wise and strong, in an "older rbother/protector" kind of way.

This really made me aware of my own mortality. I'm only two years behind him, and my sister's older than that. My mom had skin cancer removed recently. It scares me to think that anyone I know could be affected.

Thank you, NFL's dad, for telling us this. Even though I didn't know him, I'm still in tears over the death of someone dear to this community.

Posted by Evie3217 (Member # 5426) on :

I'm so sorry, and I offer my condolences. [Frown]

Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :

Boruch dayan haemet. Hamakom yinachem etchem b'toch sh'ar avlei Zion v'Yerushalyim.

I am so very sorry for your loss. Steven was a valued member of our community, and he will be sorely missed.

Posted by Tinros (Member # 8328) on :

rivka, out of curiousity, what does that mean?

Posted by Beren One Hand (Member # 3403) on :

NFL and I disagreed on a lot of political issues. However, I never got the sense that he enjoyed arguing for argument's sake. His opinions were always well-reasoned and substantiated with credible facts.

What I love most about the guy is that we could have a heated argument about terrorism in one thread, and then moments later talk like buddies in a fluffier thread discussing computer games or basketball.

NFL was an important part of this community. He will be missed. [Frown]

Posted by Rappin' Ronnie Reagan (Member # 5626) on :

I'm so sorry for your loss. [Frown]

Posted by aiua (Member # 7825) on :

I didn't know Newfoundlogic very well, but I know what it means to lose someone you love. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

Posted by Derrell (Member # 6062) on :

[Frown]

Posted by Narnia (Member # 1071) on :

Here's newfoundlogic's hilarious response to this picture posted by dawnmaria:

"The Santa doesn't look like he's going to eat the baby, but the baby definitely look's like she think she's going to get eaten by Santa."

[Smile]

I think that was his last post actually. His last 300 posts can be found here. There are some gems as that list goes all the way back through the 2004 presidential election.

Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :

I am so very sorry.

I am also shocked to learn of Steven's age... he was always so mature, intelligent, and confident, I had always assumed he was much older than I (I am 21).

My thoughts are with you and your family. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us, it means a lot. Steven will be missed.

Posted by genius00345 (Member # 8206) on :

I didn't know him well, but its hard to consider losing a Hatracker. I offer my condolences to his family and friends.

[Frown]

Posted by SteveRogers (Member # 7130) on :

[Cry]

Posted by dawnmaria (Member # 4142) on :

I am very sorry to hear of his passing. I will keep your family in my prayers. I hope it gives you some comfort to see how well liked and thought of you son was here. He will be remembered here always.

Posted by Scythrop (Member # 5731) on :

Thank you so much for taking the time to let us know, during what must be an awful period for you.

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.

Posted by foundling (Member # 6348) on :

Oh, this makes me so sad. I've been around this forum for a long time, in various incantations, and NFL has always been an interesting, articulate contributer to our virtual community.

We had pretty much polar opposite views about anything having to do with politics, and there are times I can remember when in disagreeing with him I allowed my emotions to get the better of me. And he never seemed to. Maybe thats why it was so easy for me to fly off the handle [Smile]

. But even when I was getting all hot and bothered in a debate, I still had to like and respect him. His views were never presented in a nasty, or vitriolic way. He put alot of effort into getting his point across coherently, and you could see the passion of his beliefs underlying everything he said about them. He forced me to look at the opposite spectrum of what I believe and acknowledge some of its worth.
I really will miss him.
I'm very sorry for your loss, and I hope you take comfort in our memories of your son.

Posted by Sterling (Member # 8096) on :

I didn't know him well, but the loss of one so bright so young is always a great tragedy. My sympathies.

[Frown]

Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :

I knew him pretty well, mostly from Ogame of all things. We were near the top of the rankings together, and often chatted on the forums.

I was looking forward to meeting him now that I moved to FL, but I knew he was having a rough time of it so I had not mae any plans. I was hoping he would be well enough to attend this years Hatrack Picnic so I could finally meet him IRL.

I am completely weirded out now.....

We had the same last name. I never knew that, even though we talked every day for months during Ogame.

I am very sorry for your loss. Had I read this earlier I would probably attended his services.

God Bless and keep him.

Kwea

Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :

I'm deeply sorry for your loss. We will miss him greatly.

Posted by quidscribis (Member # 5124) on :

I am so sorry for your loss. Like others, I'm surprised at nfl's youth - he always came across as so mature, intelligent, and reasonable that I thought he had to be at least a decade older. He will always have a place in our hearts.

Posted by Black Mage (Member # 5800) on :

I just remember newfoundlogic as a constant. He was one of those guys who's just part of Hatrack, you know? That you always expect to see here.

He was funny, clever, probably the most articulate and intelligent of the under-18 group. He will be deeply missed, and my prayers are with you and your family. I know his memory will live on here for all his participation in our little community.

Posted by Newfoundlogic 's Dad (Member # 9094) on :

We have been very moved by the messages as to our son Steven. We've had a lot of visitors at the house tonight so I haven't been able to respond or even carefully read and re-read your words as I'm anxious to.

I did want to explain one thing about the charities cited from the obituary in lieu of flowers. We didn't really pick those- Steven did.

Just before Steven started college he opened a checking account with his savings from a summer job at a convenience store and from refereeing soccer. A few days ago I looked at his checkbook and saw that his first check when he got to college was for $250 (which I assure you was a fortune to him) to the Friends of Israel Defense Forces. He picked that out completely on his own. I know Steven worried about the suffering of soldiers, particularly wounded veterans, in the USA and Israel. That charity is not for bullets but for the well being of soldiers, disabled soldiers, and the families of those killed in battle. Steven's next check was to a US Army charity and there were others.

Ironically, at the time Steven was struck by cancer he was helping organize FSU's "Race for the Cure". Cancer had already struck people close to him, like it was to strike him, although his cancer was not genetic, hence we listed the American Cancer Society as his other choice.

I'm not encouraging anyone to give anything-I think that's personal. Rather, since it came up I wanted to explain why those were his choices not ours.

Again, we deeply appreciate your messages about him.

Posted by Tresopax (Member # 1063) on :

I can't think of anything to say that would do Newfoundlogic justice. All I knew of him were his posts, but I valued those comments a good deal - they were among the most memorable and insightful on this forum for me.

Posted by Parsimony (Member # 8140) on :

Wow. I am so sorry to hear about this. My thoughts and condolences, much as everyone else, go out to your family and friends.

I know that I always enjoyed newfoundlogic's lively debates. To be honest, I thought he was a number of years older for the longest time.

We will always remember him, I just wish there were words to express my sympathy and condolences to everyone who knew him.

--ApostleRadio

Posted by ketchupqueen (Member # 6877) on :

Thank you for letting us know about the charities. We really don't have money to donate right now. However, I want you to know that I'm pledging right here and now to do 10 hours of volunteer service for the American Cancer Society this year, in his honor.

I think he would have liked that, from the little I knew of him. [Smile]

Posted by littlemissattitude (Member # 4514) on :

I'm so sorry.

Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :

I'm so sorry to hear this.

Like everyone else I had no idea newfoundlogic was only 19. His discussion was mature, well thought out and often very funny. [Smile]

My best wishes and thoughts to you and your family.

Posted by Bob_Scopatz (Member # 1227) on :

Goodbye Steven, we will miss you here.

And I add my thoughts and prayers for his family.

Posted by whiskysunrise (Member # 6819) on :

I'm sorry.

Posted by ctm (Member # 6525) on :

[Frown]

I'm sorry.

Posted by Shan (Member # 4550) on :

My condolences.

And thank you for letting us know.

Peace be with you.

Posted by Irami Osei-Frimpong (Member # 2229) on :

[Frown]

He is already missed. I'm sorry for everyone's loss. Thank you for letting us know.

Posted by Verily the Younger (Member # 6705) on :

Dang. This is going to take some time to absorb. Right now I'm just stunned. I'm so sorry for your loss, to say nothing of Hatrack's loss.

Posted by King of Men (Member # 6684) on :

[Frown]

Damn. I really thought he was going to make it. I'm sorry to hear that. [Frown]

Posted by BGgurl (Member # 8541) on :

I'm sorry for your loss. I really wish I could have known him a little better.

Prayers to you and your family.

Posted by Ela (Member # 1365) on :

I'm so sorry to hear of Steven's death. Losing a child has to be the hardest thing a parent could ever experience. [Frown]

Steven seemed like an articulate and intelligent young man. I always enjoyed reading his posts, even when I didn't agree with him. As others have said, he was a valued member of this forum.

Plus, he was a fellow Marlins and Heat fan, as well as a fellow 'Nole. [Smile]

(I'm also from south Florida.)

My sincere condolences to you and your family.

Posted by Ryuko (Member # 5125) on :

...

I'm so sorry. He'll be missed. [Frown]

I don't know what else to say.

Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :

I am another person who never interacted much with your son, but considered him part of the fabric of hatrack. I followed his posts about his cancer, and was relieved when it seemed he had beat it. I am so, so sorry to hear about his passing, and wish your family comfort and peace. He will be missed here, a small fraction of how much he must be missed by those who knew him in in person.

Posted by Nell Gwyn (Member # 8291) on :

[Frown]

I'm so sorry.

It sounds like he was a truly wonderful person. I wish I could have known him. [Frown]

Posted by St. Yogi (Member # 5974) on :

[Frown]

I am truly sorry for your loss. Though I don't think I ever interacted with your son (I mostly lurk), I always admired his maturity and grace.

A while back I was looking around in the Wayback machine, and I stumbled upon this thread, made back on August 1st 2002. According to nfl's profile he registered on July 31st, so I guess this must be the first thread he ever made on this site. I thought you might enjoy reading it. He must have been 14 or 15 years old at the time. Amazing to see how much a person can mature, isn't it? [Smile]

I didn't often agree with him, but I always thought he was a valuable contribution to any discussion he participated in. He will be sorely missed.

Posted by accio (Member # 3040) on :

I am so sorry for your loss. You have my deepest sympathy.
My recent memory of nfl is his post in Bell's cancer story. Just make me cry to read this again. Thank you so much for letting us know.
Keiko

quote:
newfoundlogic
Member # 3907

posted December 12, 2005 07:43 PMDecember 12, 2005 07:43 PM
________________________________________
Sorry I didn't see this thread earlier, but I for one know what you're going through except frankly what I went through was worse. Because of the agressive nature of my cancer it had already developed four major tumors by the time they caught it. In addition, a more aggressive chemotherapy regimen was needed involving stronger drugs over a hospitalized 72 hour period, the side effects of which were felt immediately and lasted for almost the entire time period between chemotherapy treatments. You were also fortunate in my opinion to get the surgery out of the way at the beginning so that you were essentially cancer free from the start of your treatment and the rest is basically just to make sure it doesn't come back. Also, your prognosis was very good considering mine (which I was never actually told by the doctors and I didn't find out until very recently) was only 29% for a five year period.

I don't know if you're still having problems with nausea or if the medicines you've been give have been effective, but for what its worth I found Zofran to be the best medicine for chemo related nausea.

Posted by Zotto! (Member # 4689) on :

Oh man. I'm so sorry. [Frown]

Steven was here before I was even a lurker, and I always considered him to be, as some others have said, a part of the fabric of Hatrack. I had no idea he was so young. I remember disagreeing and agreeing with him on many things, but I always thought he was admirably eloquent and possessed a great deal of intellectual insight and humor. He will be missed. I'm so sorry. [Frown]

Rest in peace, nfl.

Posted by Dan_raven (Member # 3383) on :

Rest in Peace nfl.

Rest in peace everyone who, like me, shall miss his voice and his strength here.

Hatrack is a poorer place for his being gone.

Posted by zgator (Member # 3833) on :

Count me as one of the ones who couldn't believe he was only 19, even though I knew he was at FSU. I'm one of the ones who traded jabs with him about his choice of college. I'm very sorry he's gone.

Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :

At first, I like many people would have said "I didn't know newfoundlogic well". But I did remember a discussion we had over the Israel/Palestine question, and that lead me to searching. If you use the search feature on this forum, you can search by topic and put his member number, 3907, as a parameter and you will find a wealth of his writings.

I always looked a the name "newfoundlogic" and was skeptical, thinking someday someone would get his goat and make him behave irrationally. But as I look over his posts, it was true. He was not only mature for his age, he was more mature than people 10 and 15 years his senior. For him to agree or support something I said was gratifying. He cultivated his presence here with care in a way that leads me to believe he could not have been very different in conducting his non-hatrack life.

"Listen with respect, argue with passion" is somewhat of a Hatrack Motto and I think newfoundlogic embodied the first as well as anyone. But there were things he was passionate about, like his loyalty to Israel. He didn't kid around or get in scuffles like most of us do. He had a breadth of perspective.

It's been a little over 13 years that my son died. I don't really know what you are going through; everyone walks their own path. I will do what I can to help in the archiving process so that Stevens words are still here for you if you ever feel like they would be of comfort.

On that subject, is there already a thread for this? I didn't see any landmarks for Steven.

Posted by Anna (Member # 2582) on :

I'm so sorry. [Frown]

Posted by MrSquicky (Member # 1802) on :

nfl was a passionate and intelligent poster. I don't know that I interacted with him directly all that much, but he definitely made his mark on Hatrack. We're poorer without him. You have my deepest sympathies and, for what it's worth, something I've never done before (((newfoundlogic's family))) - that's a Hatrack symbol for a virtual hug.

Posted by Brian J. Hill (Member # 5346) on :

It is a sad day indeed when the Hatrack River community loses one of it's valuable members. [Frown]

I add my voice to those who have already offered condolences. I hope you are able to find peace and comfort in your time of great loss.

Posted by Telperion the Silver (Member # 6074) on :

omg... this is terrible [Frown]

Posted by larisse (Member # 2221) on :

All I can do right now is echo the words of my fellow Jatraqueros. I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you so much for taking the time and being so kind as to let us know of your son's passing. This is an incredible community, and I am a glad he was a part of it. (And, he will always remain so through his posts.) May the rest of your life be sprinkled with his memory.

Posted by Beanny (Member # 7109) on :

I was never a very active Hatracker, but I liked reading Newfoudlogic's posts - he had a very creative way of thinking and expressing himself.

I am ever so sorry for your loss. I wish your family only hapinness and no more needless suffereing.

[Frown]

Posted by Belle (Member # 2314) on :

My prayers are with your family, I am deeply, deeply saddened to hear about this.

I wish I knew what to say. [Frown]

Posted by Little_Doctor (Member # 6635) on :

I hope you and your family are doing well. I'll think of you. Rest In Peace nfl.

Posted by the_Somalian (Member # 6688) on :

I wasn't familiar with him but I'm truly sorry about your loss. =(

Posted by Zalmoxis (Member # 2327) on :

We'll miss you, nfl. I know that I'll think of you when catchers report to training camp.

Thank you for sharing this with us Newfoundlogic's Dad. It's something that we wanted -- needed -- to know. I wish you well.

Posted by Newfoundlogic 's Dad (Member # 9094) on :

My wife and I really appreciate the comments from everyone responding. Last night when everyone left we read them together before trying to sleep. We will do the same tonight. It helps keep a part of him alive for us.

As a number of you suggested I am anxious to retrieve as many of his posts as possible- not only for us but for his younger siblings to read later, when they will want to know more as to what their brother was like. The webmaster said he will be contacting the site designer to see what can be accomplished as to the posts beyond 300.

We were struck by what were apparently his first posts which St. Yogi linked via the Wayback Machine. Reading those is a great memory, better for me than any photographs could be.

I have no technical knowledge. Steven used to deride my lack of computer capability. What is the Wayback Machine and how do you use it?

In reading the one set of posts from 8/1/02 compared to the more recent, I was reminded of his development. I now realize that this growth probably was due in large part to his interaction with the members of this forum. We thank you for what you gave him.

Posted by sweetbaboo (Member # 8845) on :

I'm sorry for your loss, I'll add my thoughts and prayers with the rest on the forum.

Posted by JaneX (Member # 2026) on :

I never had any personal interaction with Steven, but as others have said, he was a kind of Hatrack constant. I remember him primarily as a "voice of reason" figure - his posts were always articulate, mature, and well thought out, and I enjoyed reading them.

It's so sad to hear about his death. [Frown]

~Jane~

Posted by sndrake (Member # 4941) on :

quote:
I have no technical knowledge. Steven used to deride my lack of computer capability. What is the Wayback Machine and how do you use it?

The Wayback Machine archives content on websites. If you go to http://www.archive.org, type in the hatrack url in the top screen: http://www.hatrack.com

When you click on the button to operate the "Wayback Machine," you'll have a big selection of dated links to Hatrack. You can explore Hatrack as it was captured on those dates - including threads and posts now deleted on this site.

It will take a lot of work, since I don't think there's a way to search for Steven's posts specifically. You or someone will have to go through all posts individually.

I'm engaged in something related for someone else right now - my own experience with what I'm doing indicates this would be well worth the time, energy and effort. These are "snapshots" of things he thought were worth talking about and often arguing about. You can take your time at it. The Wayback Machine looks like it's here to stay for awhile.

Posted by Raia (Member # 4700) on :

I am still completely in shock by this... I'm so sorry that you and your family has to go through this difficult time. Please know that I am thinking of you. Steven was only my age, and that makes it so much more unrealistic for me... I can only imagine what it must be like for you. [Frown]

Posted by Goody Scrivener (Member # 6742) on :

My deepest condolences to the entire Brill family.

Posted by ssywak (Member # 807) on :

Oh, this is horible. I hadn't even realized he was sick (I stay focused on certain threads, and tend not to notice other threads). I'm very saddened by his death.

NFL's dad--as a father myself (oldest is almost 16), I can only imagine how this must feel, to lose a child you love. All I can do is tell you that he was a great young man, and we're all made poorer by his passing.

Please accept a big, "virtual" hug, dad to dad. I'm so very sorry for your loss...

--Steve

Posted by Mrs.M (Member # 2943) on :

Ha'makom yenachem et'chem b'toch she'ar avelei tziyon vi'Yerushalayim.

I was just sick to read the title of this thread. I always looked forward to Steven's posts - it wasn't just that he was so clear and reasonable in expressing his thoughts and opinions, he was just so interesting. I always made a point to look at any thread that he started or even just posted in. He will be sorely missed.

Posted by Astaril (Member # 7440) on :

I'm sorry for your loss. I've never talked to Steven here, but I lost a high school friend to cancer, so I understand how sad and unfair it can seem to have sickness take away someone so young. Best wishes to your family. I'm glad Hatrack can help give you something of him to keep.

Posted by Jaiden (Member # 2099) on :

You and your family will be in my prayers and thoughts.
I am so sorry.

Posted by Sopwith (Member # 4640) on :

NFL's Dad:
No, we should be thanking you for what your son did for each of our own developments here.

Posted by mimsies (Member # 7418) on :

Oh gosh.

I thought he was going to make it. He was so brave and strong and sure. I always looked for updates.

I thought he was going to make it.

I am so sorry. You must be amazing parents, because he was amazing.

Posted by Altáriël of Dorthonion (Member # 6473) on :

[Party]

I'm sure there is a party in heaven. I will truly, truly miss him.

Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :

He always struck me as very intelligent, and very articulate. It must be a credit to his upbringing.

I am deepy sorry for your loss. Know that he's not merely another cancer statistic, his presence will be greatly missed on this board, and in the lives of his family and friends. Of that I have no doubt. [Frown]

Posted by Newfoundlogic 's Dad (Member # 9094) on :

We really appreciate the thoughts of his friends on the site that we never knew he had.

A number of you indicated surprise at Steven's death given that Steven had written that he had No Evidence of Disease and upbeat. That was true and in fact he still was cancer-free when he died, as far as we know. After that scan showing no remaining cancer Steven was completing his protocal of total abdominal radiation in combination with chemo and then a stem cell rescue. His resistence was non-existent. He got a fungal infection that moved into his lungs from which he could not recover.

Unfortunately, he first showed symptoms over the long New Years weekend. Medical attention in hospitals generally is severely reduced on weekends. It was the following Tuesday when his condition was acted on, despite our concerns, and he was transfered to the ICU. He was kept sedated or medically paralyzed until his death, 18 days later.

He never saw this end coming. The last he knew he was feeling very badly, recovering from his last really rigorous treatments. As soon as he got out we were going shopping for a new car for him and he was planning to start school at the University of Miami, to which he had transfered to be closer to home.

In a sense he beat the cancer but the treatments killed him. We knew that this was not uncommon because of the intensity of the protocal for his cancer.

As you can imagine this is very painful, but I wanted to share this with everyone who wondered about him. For the possible event that one of you or someone you are close to is treated for cancer I wanted to underline the need to stay especially vigilant when resistence is low, notwithstanding medical supervision during hospitalization.

Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :

Thank you for sharing that. I am so, so, so sorry.

Posted by MyrddinFyre (Member # 2576) on :

Yes, thank you for sharing.

Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :

Thanks for the update.

Your family has not been far from my thoughts these past few days.

Posted by Farmgirl (Member # 5567) on :

Thank you for the follow-up post, Ted. It is very good of you to explain this to us, because we did wonder what had gone wrong.

Again, my heartfelt condolences to all your family.

Farmgirl

Posted by The Rabbit (Member # 671) on :

NFL's Dad, I'm a professor at the University of Utah. For the last several years I have been studying fungal infections as a part of my research program. I have known for some time that fungal infections were a major cause of death in cancer patients but until now, I had not known anyone personally who died this way. Thank you for sharing the details of the story. I will work just that much harder because of it.

Posted by pooka (Member # 5003) on :

My son died from a punctured aorta during angioplasty. Though even now babies with his disorder (aortic sthenosis) rarely live over a year.

Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :

Thank you for letting us know.

I am so sorry you couldn't get hospital attention sooner.

Posted by Morbo (Member # 5309) on :

I'm so sorry to hear of Steven's passing. [Frown]

Steven had real class and an original voice, and I will miss him.
My condolences to your family.

Steven's father, I didn't know your son Steven well, but I enjoyed debating him, although it was often frustrating because he was a better debater than I. Include me as one who is surprised at his young age--he wrote with considerable breadth of knowledge and maturity.

These 3 quotes from this thread show how others respected Steven's views and debating skills, and echo how I respected him:

quote:
Originally posted by Storm Saxon:
I exchanged views with Steven on politics somewhat often and found him to be tenacious, passionate and informed in his opinions, yet polite in expressing them. It amazes me that he knew so much for one so young.

I will miss him, and I'm so sorry for your loss.

Originally posted by Beren One Hand:
NFL and I disagreed on a lot of political issues. However, I never got the sense that he enjoyed arguing for argument's sake. His opinions were always well-reasoned and substantiated with credible facts.

What I love most about the guy is that we could have a heated argument about terrorism in one thread, and then moments later talk like buddies in a fluffier thread discussing computer games or basketball.

NFL was an important part of this community. He will be missed.
Originally posted by foundling:
Oh, this makes me so sad. I've been around this forum for a long time, in various incantations, and NFL has always been an interesting, articulate contributer to our virtual community.

We had pretty much polar opposite views about anything having to do with politics, and there are times I can remember when in disagreeing with him I allowed my emotions to get the better of me. And he never seemed to. Maybe thats why it was so easy for me to fly off the handle . But even when I was getting all hot and bothered in a debate, I still had to like and respect him. His views were never presented in a nasty, or vitriolic way. He put alot of effort into getting his point across coherently, and you could see the passion of his beliefs underlying everything he said about them. He forced me to look at the opposite spectrum of what I believe and acknowledge some of its worth.
I really will miss him.
I'm very sorry for your loss, and I hope you take comfort in our memories of your son.

Here's a thread where Steven and I went at it: Armed Robots--take that, terrorists! By the end, Steven had me convinced (almost!) that robots armed with rocket launchers were A Good Thing.

Posted by ReikoDemosthenes (Member # 6218) on :

I'm so very sorry [Frown]

Posted by Choobak (Member # 7083) on :

I'm a little rare on hatrack last time and i don't remember have an interaction with him. But I will address you my most sincere condoleance to you and your familly. I already lost three loved member of my familly, and i know the sadness we have in these moments.

Be strong. If you have bad times, go here to explain us : you will always have somebody to help you.

So, you are the Welcome.

Cordiallement,
Choobak.

Posted by Stray (Member # 4056) on :

I'm so sorry for your loss. He'll be missed here [Frown]

Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :

Thank you for sharing that with us. I have been thinking a lot about him, and you, the last few days.

Posted by Newfoundlogic 's Dad (Member # 9094) on :

Everyone: Thank you for your remembrances, they are something we will cherish.

Morbo: I really appreciate your digging out that thread. It shows the strength of your community that you could go at it and still respect each other.

I find Steven's comments very poignant-I probably could pick all his out without knowing his screen name. i'm glad that you at least were not offended by his sometimes overly attacking tone. I think that was due to some excessive youthful exuberance. One of my biggest dissapointments is that being stricken at age 18, he didn't have a chance to develop from making arguments to being a more engaging persuasive advocate.

Posted by Choobak (Member # 7083) on :

Courage !

Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :

Ted, I found that he had already moved in that direction. Take a look again at the difference between the first posts he made and his more recent ones. [Big Grin]

He really is missed here as well. [Frown]

Posted by Morbo (Member # 5309) on :

quote:
Originally posted by Newfoundlogic 's Dad:
... i'm glad that you at least were not offended by his sometimes overly attacking tone. I think that was due to some excessive youthful exuberance. One of my biggest dissapointments is that being stricken at age 18, he didn't have a chance to develop from making arguments to being a more engaging persuasive advocate.

Youthful exuberence, are you kidding?! I'm twice Steven's age, and became much more hostile and aggressive in that thread, to the point where I had to withdraw and cool off, while Steven kept his cool and countered every argument I made with a better counter-arguement.

That was typical of him in heated argument threads, to stay focused on-topic and why I posted that thread here: because Steven had class. [Hail]

Notice how I gave him the last word, (in my own thread!), because I ran out of ammunition to argue with.
He would have made a great attorney. [Frown]

Posted by Newfoundlogic 's Dad (Member # 9094) on :

Thank you and you hit the nail on the head-he did want to be an attorney.

Posted by Mary Robinette (Member # 8388) on :

I usually only lurk, but I wanted to express my condolences for your loss.

Posted by Kasie H (Member # 2120) on :

I am so sorry for your loss. I too am one of the younger members of Hatrack -- I'm a 20-year-old college senior -- and as one of Steven's contemporaries, this hit me particularly hard.

[Frown]

While I never interacted with Steven outside of this board, he was a breath of fresh air in what (at that time) otherwise tended to be an older community. In a place where discussion of youth-related issues are both frequent and particularly contentious, it was nice to have an ally that was standing on the same ground [Smile]

. He stood up for me in a number of threats when he first joined, and I was always grateful for that.

Morbo's right -- he would have made a great attorney.

I will really miss him.

Posted by Corwin (Member # 5705) on :

I'm sorry for your loss. [Frown]

Count me as another person who has been impressed in the past by nfl's arguments, debating skills and overall attitude. We were lucky to have him here.

Posted by Tstorm (Member # 1871) on :

I remember a funny exchange between Slash the Berzerker and Newfoundlogic. I've long forgotten the topic, but Slash kept ribbing Steven to trade in his "new found logic" for a pair of socks. [Smile]

I've been thinking about this thread for a few days, off and on. That exchange, from a few years ago, stands out in my mind. I did play Ogame with newfoundlogic over last summer, but quit after a month.

Posted by Eruve Nandiriel (Member # 5677) on :

I haven't been around much lately, but I was around a lot more when Newfoundlogic posted frequently. I didn't participate much in the debates on hatrack, but I enjoyed his company with the games and playful banter on the "fluff" threads.

Your family has my sympathies.

Posted by aretee (Member # 1743) on :

Even as a lurker, I am very sad to receive this news. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.

I am so sorry.

Posted by Tammy (Member # 4119) on :

Oh... [Frown]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Posted by Lalo (Member # 3772) on :

Oh, no...

Posted by Aunty Eem (Member # 7743) on :

I rarely have time to check in. I am glad I did today.
My daughter is a regular poster on this site and I have grown to know alot of the "regulars' on the site. My little girl is, Ryuko, in here and she is 20 yrs old. She tells me your son was quit the debator.
I can't imagine your pain, it is too much to imagine.
I can only compare it to losing both my parents and even that doesn't quit do it. I can't tell you the pain will get better only easier to bare with time.
My prayers and hopes that you find a way to cope and ease the unbearable

Posted by Paul Goldner (Member # 1910) on :

NFL's dad-

I am so sorry for your loss.

Steven was a poster who, even if I was only skimming a thread, I made sure I stopped and read his whole post on the subject. No matter what else anyone was saying, one couldn't post intelligently on any topic Steven had already posted on, without absorbing his words. He wasn't the last word (on hatrack? Someone having the last word? Not bloody likely!), but he was always an extremely important word.

I will miss his words and his thoughts.

Posted by Nato (Member # 1448) on :

I'm sorry. As you can tell, he was loved here, and probably everywhere else too.

Posted by Eaquae Legit (Member # 3063) on :

Just to let you know your family is still in ym thoughts and prayers.

Posted by Miriya (Member # 7822) on :

I am so sorry for your loss. I will remember your family in my prayers.

Posted by Da_Goat (Member # 5529) on :

I am truly sorry to hear this. You have my utmost sympathies.

Posted by Jonathan Howard (Member # 6934) on :

Baruch Dayan Ha'emet. [Frown]

I wasn't too active and knew nfl only little. But he is one person I never quarreled with or ever felt anything for but courtesy and friendship.

One person I'd have liked to know better.

בגן עדן תהא מנוחתו. לכן, בעל הרחמים יסתירהו בסתר כנפיולעולמים ויצרר בצרור החיים את נשמתו. יי הוא נחלתו, בגן-עדן תהא מנוחתו, וינוח בשלום על משכבו, ונאמר אמן.

(A hybrid of prayers.)

Posted by Fyfe (Member # 937) on :

I can't think of any words to say here. I am so very sorry. Although I am not a frequent poster, I always enjoyed reading what nfl had to say. He will be missed.

Posted by Papa Janitor (Member # 7795) on :

Has there been any luck on getting nfl's posts, Mr. Logic? If not, is there anyone here who could write a script that would basically open every thread from 000018 to 041000 (or so) and check if nfl posted (maybe look for "member# 3907" rather than his name to avoid posts where people might just be referring to him -- I don't know how to write scripts so I don't know what's involved; I tried to write an Excel macro, but I could only open HTML files and couldn't figure out how to save them so I gave up), and if he did then save the thread as an HTML file or something? If you (general) use the "printer version" then you don't have to check each and every page. It's probably one of those things that should be run at late night/early morning USA time, when the board isn't generally busy.

Also, just so it doesn't hit out of the blue, I plan to unsticky this thread after it's been up for a month.

--PJ

Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :

I am starting a script which should do that now. It will take a long while to run, but I have tested it on a short range I knew contained an nfl-thread, and it worked there.

Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :

speed-wise, sure, but my script only takes fifteen lines, and a lot of that's just readability and such.

code:

#!/usr/bin/env python

from urllib import urlopen, urlretrieve
import sys
first = int(sys.argv[1])
second = int(sys.argv[2])

for threadnum in range(first, second):
	threadurl = "http://www.hatrack.com/cgi-bin/ubbmain/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=print_topic;f=2;t=%06d" % threadnum
	thread = urlopen(threadurl)
	for line in thread:
		if "(Member # 3907)" in line:
			urlretrieve(threadurl, "%06d.html" % threadnum)
			break
	thread.close()

Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :

So far I have the files of 670 threads nfl posted to; the work is approximately three fourths done.

Posted by ElJay (Member # 6358) on :

Thanks for doing this, fugu.

Posted by Papa Moose (Member # 1992) on :

Yes, thanks, fugu. Glad you got the skillz.

--Pop

Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :

I'll add my voice to the "thank you" chorus. I was going to bump pooka's thread and speculate about the possibility of doing it via the Wayback Machine.

Posted by Newfoundlogic 's Dad (Member # 9094) on :

I'm sorry I didn't see this last night but I took the night off from retrieving and printing his posts-its hard to explain but its very draining. I apologize to fugu for not knowing he was undertaking this. The administrator was finally able to open up the search so it could go back further and this showed 713 threads going back to June 18, 2003. I don't know if the search fugu discussed would show any different results.

Apparently, before that is off the system.
I tried to look at the wayback machine for the stuff before that-he joined around August 1, 2002 but randomly searching I didn't find any- I guess you have to know where to look, unless you have your own search mechanism.

I would be grateful if anyone knows a way of looking for that period August 1, 2002-June 18, 2003, or remembering something as one person linked. That youngest period is very meaningful to us as it really brings back memories and shows his growth.

Again, I apologize for not keeping the search responses current and would be appreciative of any help on the earlier period.

Posted by twinky (Member # 693) on :

It might be possible to use the Wayback Machine, an online archive of old pages that are no longer available, to find the posts. I used the advanced search to find a preserved copy of this forum from July 18th, 2003 that lists threads going back 45 days before then. It should be possible to get the threads for the preceding year via the Wayback Machine.

The catch is that I don't think there is any way to search through them for posts by a specific member, because the buttons on the Wayback copy don't work. [Frown]

fugu, can your script be adapted to sift through Wayback?

Added: I've perused the Wayback archive a little further. It doesn't look like all threads are archived. [Frown]

Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :

Well, mine appears to be more thorough than the search -- so far I'm at 718 threads, and might pick up a few more (I'm not sure what number I'm processing right now, but its near the end of the range).

I'd have to look at wayback, but my script can mainly be kept so simple because of the high regularity of forum thread URLs. If I can manage to take advantage of that regularity when using wayback's capabilities, then I'll be able to delve into it.

Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :

718 threads appears to be it.

Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :

Guys, it is so cool that you are able to help out this way. I wish I could, but since I can't I will just be a cheerleader for you. [Big Grin]

Posted by Newfoundlogic 's Dad (Member # 9094) on :

Thank you again for everything that you are doing for us. Its really incredible that you would do this to preserve the memory of someone you never personally knew. Its something I'll always remember when I look at his posts.

I'm glad a couple of you understand this, because I can't even explain how far beyond me you are.

Posted by Kwea (Member # 2199) on :

See...while we may have never knew him IRL, we DID know him here. It is weird...I have never been anywhere on the web that makes me feel as comfortable as being at Hatrack does. I would have laughed before I came here if anyone had ever told me I would get caught up in a message board to the point of meeting the people IRL, but here I am. [Big Grin]

NFL was someone I wish I had met IRL, but even though I never will get the chance now I am glad I interacted with him here. I am sure other people here feel the same way, even though it i hard to express it to someone who hasn't experienced it first hand.

You should see me try to explain it to my parents sometime. [Wink]

Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :

010198 appears to be the earliest thread. There's no need to deal with This Thread Does Not Exist pages because those pages don't include the string I'm searching for, so they're discared anyways.

For now, I am uploading all the files to a web server I have:

http://rjduhon.com/home/

(still uploading, they won't all be there for a bit, but its uploading faster than you can browse [Wink]

).

Did he ever post on the other side?

Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :

Oh, and the last one is this thread, since my script included the text in question.

(edit: its not included in my count)

Posted by imogen (Member # 5485) on :

I note that one of the threads is the "What does it do?..." conundrum.
http://rjduhon.com/home/014464.html

[Smile]

Posted by Newfoundlogic 's Dad (Member # 9094) on :

fugu: other side?

Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :

The "other side" of the river.

A quick search seems to indicate that he did not.

Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :

oh, I'm certain large chunks of data are missing, but there's nothing to be done about it. The only reason a thread as old as that first one is still around is . . . well, take a look at the thread [Wink]

As a bit of an explanation for nfl's dad, the thread is a bit of hatrack history, and has been repeatedly bumped for ages.

I've started the script running on the other side, just in case. It shouldn't take many forum resources, and there are many fewer threads there, so it shouldn't take overly long.

I'd be happy to provide the files all bundled to anyone who wants them, however best delivered.

Posted by Newfoundlogic 's Dad (Member # 9094) on :

can you explain a little about the bundling/delivery options that you are referencing?

Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :

Most likely I'll just compress them all and stick them up in that same directory; easiest way to do it.

edit: there is now a compressed archive of all the files in the directory. Here is a direct link: http://rjduhon.com/home/nfl.tar.bz2

Posted by Newfoundlogic 's Dad (Member # 9094) on :

I downloaded it but my computer says that windows needs to know what program created it.

Posted by ricree101 (Member # 7749) on :

WinRar should be able to unzip the archive.

link

Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :

Hmmm, I don't know what's handy on windows to unzip a bzip2 file (which is what that is).

Well, here's something that will do it on windows, but I don't know how easy it would be to use: http://gnuwin32.sourceforge.net/packages/bzip2.htm

I'll just put up a zip file. http://rjduhon.com/home/nfl.zip

Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :

nfl's dad, if you are confused about some of what is going on on those threads, we would be glad to provide you with more context. For instance, you might be curious about the game "mafia", or wonder about some of the in-jokes being bandied about. Reading through the first few threads on the list, I realized that someone who didn't know the context would miss a lot of what was going on. Most of the threads on which nfl contributed heavily seem to be political threads or sports, which are probably some of the least cryptic, so that's good. [Smile]

But if you're curious about what something means on any of the threads, particularly the fluffy ones which are full of in-jokes and teasing, then just ask. Any of us would be glad to fill you in. [Smile]

I wish we had everything he'd ever posted available for you to read in order. I wish we had a perpetual hatrack archive somewhere. I can only imagine how precious to you now is every word he wrote, in which his personality comes shining through so clearly. He will be greatly missed.

Posted by Newfoundlogic 's Dad (Member # 9094) on :

fugu: thanks, the zip file you did worked great in downloading everything. It looks like I now have saved everything still on the site, which is from July 18, 2003.

If at some point if you had the time would a search work for the older stuff? He apparently joined July 31, 2002. I guess some of that's on the wayback site. I tried looking through at some potentially likely topics but its really like looking for a needle in the haystack.

Posted by Newfoundlogic 's Dad (Member # 9094) on :

Tatiana: You are right in all your thoughts but between the site administrator opening up the search and fugu making the files available for downloading I think I have everything after July 18, 2003 available in date order, which I have been reading and printing.

Yes, its all meaningful, particularly being able to see his personal development, since he started on this early in the middle of high school.

As you correctly assumed, I would like a little primer on the mafia game and any other inside jokes.

Posted by fugu13 (Member # 2859) on :

I'll look into how I might be able to mine the info out of the wayback machine, but I'm not sure how much I'll be able to glean.

Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :

Here is a good reference for the rules of mafia. I've never played it, so other jatraqueros will have to chime in if we play by a variant of these rules.

As for in-jokes, one that I saw in perusing those threads will be explained if you know this. "eslaine" is an earlier alternate screenname of Erik Slaine, who is a guy. People kept mistaking eslaine for elaine and thinking he was a girl when he posted under that name. Ralphie is kidding him about that, saying such things as "Where has eslaine gone, anyway? I miss her." [Smile]

Oh, and by the way, Ralphie is a girl.

There is a whole lot of such teasing and joking going on in most hatrack threads, particularly the fluffy ones (those that don't deal with politics, religion, science, or some other serious subject). Rather than trying to find them all and explain them, I will just welcome you to ask about anything that piques your curiosity, and I know that anyone would be glad to fill you in. [Smile]

Posted by BannaOj (Member # 3206) on :

bumpity because I don't want this thread to get pruned....

AJ

Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :

Is there pruning going on? I thought that there wasn't.

Posted by Tatiana (Member # 6776) on :

Ah, this thread is sad.

Posted by Morbo (Member # 5309) on :

Yeah, it is a very sad thread.

I wonder how Steven would have responded to my post today in this thread? He had ripostes for any previous points I could come up with.

I miss arguing with him.