Sorry to hear Kurt Vonnegut has left us. He was one of my favorite authors when I was a kid. Can't say I agree with much of his philosophy these days, but I still have a soft spot for him. I remember how gentle and gracious he was when I recognized him on Eighth Street in the Village one Saturday afternoon when I was 14 as well as another time when he spoke at a Heinrich Boll memorial in the basement of my NYU dorm (both times, I requested and received a hug). I have one other clear memory of him at the Boll event, which I might share when I'm back from touring.