REMEMBERING PLAWRENCE...

It is with regret and deep sadness that I must announce the passing of our dear friend, Plawrence . He is now pain-free and in peace. Before he passed he expressed, yet again, how much this BB and its members have meant to him.

I was so happy to see him post from home, for the final time on Sep 28th :
He last logged on 2 days ago, so I'm sure he read and appreciated more of your best wishes.

As a GBB member for over 4 years (since August 13, 2002), Member #1345 has been a great friend to many of us in person, as well as here on the BB. It's really hard to believe that we only met in person about 3 years ago -- it seems like I've known Plaw for decades! Always riding the "slippery slope," Paul Lawrence (a.k.a. Neal Pulcawer) told it like it was. Not only was he a great knowledge bank for The Godfather and the Mafia, he was also an aficionado of Sports, Fantasy Sports, Poker, Sports Betting, Movies, Conspiracy Theories, and Fine Food and Wine.

My fond memories of Plaw will last a lifetime. His treating me to a Nets game each year got me interested in basketball for the first time. His happenstance meeting, and subsequent unintentional insulting, of Frank Vincent at the Garden is classic. His own Civil Rights movement on the BB really stirred the shit up. And so did his opinions on how others ran fantasy leagues. He was a generous man who really loved his garlic bread and fried zucchini. Yet I still contend that he couldn't give out directions for shit! lol

A special note here about Plaw and Fantasy Sports, since it was his passion: He could be a shrewd bastid sometimes! lol While he was always truthful and honest -- he never cheated, he'd win fair and square -- he did swindle me out of LeBron James last year for a bunch of scrubs! But his reasoning was always sound, and his "crafty finagling" and "fuzzy math" made him a respected player.

The "StatMan" was taken from us way too early, at the age of only 57. As you know, his health was up-and-down the past 18 months or so, and he claimed the GangsterBB to be of invaluable help to him as an entertaining way to pass the time. I'm sure he's looking down at us right now, reading this thread -- and checking it for grammatical errors. lol And I'm sure he can't wait to look over our shoulders as we're reading The Godfather's Revenge to see how the saga continues, and how much Winegardner f--ked it up. lol In fact, just the other day I pulled some strings to get him a copy a month early. I didn't have the chance to surprise him with it.

We love you, Plaw, my most valued friend! And it's an understatement to say that you will be sorely missed -- the BB will not be the same without you!

Please post your happy remembrances of our dear friend...


JG

PS - I really wish I had posted this before Big Daddy's wonderful post in the other thread. But I'm glad he was able to post it.

I am never very good at this but I remember meeting plaw the first time at the Doubletree in Somerset, NJ. It was there that I found out that a chicken breast is actually 2 wings sowed together

He sent me numerous emails before that day asking me to come out to dinner, or to a Nets game and I could never find the time and I deeply regret that now.

He was a true friend in every sense of the word, no matter what he was doing he would drop everything and stay up all hours of the night if you needed to talk.

And who can forget playing "Hi/lo poker" from 2am til 5am, while chatting with plaw and JG on instant messanger, for fake money of course, but you wouldn't know it with how he played.

He was a great friend and he will be missed.
R.I.P. Plawrence

Edit: I don't know if I have mentioned this before but I thought it would be nice to rename the sports forum after plawrence.

Words cannot describe how saddened I felt when I received this news. But instead of mourning the loss of a good friend, I choose to celebrate Paul's memory by remembering the good times that we had when we were together, and the fun that we had interacting with each other on these boards.

Although this place will never be the same without our statman, his presence on these boards was one of the main ingredients that made this a special and fun place to come to.

Paul was a fighter in all walks of life. Be it in our political debates, in the sports world, the fantasy threads, or in general, and the fight that he had in him is what kept him going, even through his long battle with his illness.

I am honored to have been able to make freinds with such a good man through these boards, I will always be grateful to him for teaching me how to be a "real" fantasy games commissioner. I will sincerely miss our political disscussions and our debates because I know that there will never be another on these boards, like Paul, who will challenge my veiws and opinions with such passion and fight, but yet with the utmost respect towards me. I'll miss the telephone conversations that we had, talking about the Mets, sports betting, Atlantic city, and life in general.

Paul, if you are reading this post from your heavenly computer in the sky, I want you to know that from this moment on, whenever I sign onto the gangsterbb site, I will always be looking for a post from you. And someday, when we are together again, and I am no longer on the "slippery slopes" here on earth, but instead standing on solid ground, next to you in heaven, we will pick up right where we left off and continue the great friendship that we were able to build over the last several years. And make sure that you save some of your favorite garlic bread for me when we meet again!

I'm sincerely going to miss you my friend, and I thank you for your unconditional friendship.


Don Cardi

I'm truly speechless. One of the finest members I've encountered on these boards in my short time here. He'll live on, there's no doubt about it.

"I see my light come shining,
from the west unto the east,
any day now, any day now,
I shall be released..."

I don’t know where to start and where to end. I am crushed. I feel like I’ve lost my best friend. Plaw and I would chat online almost everday. (Good thing I can multitask). I would look forward to seeing “Good morning Bethie” pop up on my screen. What I wouldn’t give to see those 3 little words again. Or to have him bitch me out one more time for trading Jose Contreras to Don Sicilia. Now I don’t even want to log onto my computer.

I can only hope he just drifted off, and awoke somewhere in his own personal Field of Dreams. Everywhere he looked were the greats in sports that he grew up to and admired. He’d see Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, all his favorite Brooklyn Dodgers. He’ll walk past all of them and stroll up to another man and simply say: "Dad….wanna have a catch?"

People often wonder why I’m called Crabby. The first time I met plaw he called me Baltimore Crabcake. So now I will answer to this nickname with honor. I'm not a big basketball buff, but I will watch The Wizards, and everyone not living under a rock knows plaw is fanatic for The Nets. Last season plaw would follow each and every game and know the lineups and who would play whom in the playoffs. He kept telling me this scenario could happen, and this team has to beat this team, and The Nets might play The Wiz in the 1st round of the playoffs. He's telling this to me...someone who doesn't know my Zhi Zhi from my wang. As luck would have it they didn't play each other, but it would have been nice if it happened. I'll still follow The Wiz, but next season I'm adopting The Nets.

While there are people here who I cherish their friendships the place will not be the same for me here. There is a big void in my life. And an even bigger hole in my heart. I recall one conversation he had, which showed he still had his sense of humor. I asked how his mixture of meds was affecting him. He said he’s ok. But he just broke into his buddy’s house and stole his tv. I just joked back I hope it was a plasma. And if he ever gets that urge again to let me know, I could use another tv myself.

Whenever I watch a Frank Vincent movie I’ll think of him and smile. I hate it when people quote songs to remember someone, but I can’t get certain ones out of my head. While I hate the song, the phrase, “Don’t forget to remember me” from Carrie Underwood fits perfectly for me. I’ll always remember him, and will forever miss him. Another one just says it all for me. “I miss my friend”.

I miss my friend.

The one my heart and soul confided in
The one I felt the safest with
The one who knew just what to say
To make me laugh again
And let the light back in
I miss my friend.

I miss the colors that you brought into my life
Your golden smile, those blue-green eyes
And I miss your gentle voice in lonely times like now
Saying it'll be alright
I miss my friend.

Goodbye Plaw. I love ya. MWAH!!! {{{{{}}}}} My heart is in broken in a million pieces right now.

You took the words right out of my mouth DMC. I have been having thoughts the last few months of renaming it, or somehow memorilizing it to him. Is that possible Geoff?

Yeah, I'll be doing something like that in the next day or two... it's been in high demand!

I know I swore retirement, but I wouldnt feel right if I didnt pay my respects.

I didnt hang out in the Sports forum, and steered clear of political discussions, but always throughly enjoyed reading his posts. His rewrite of GFR was a great read, and he was very supportive of my GF4 scenes I posted.
I hadnt been around in a while, so I never knew about his illness. I only remember him not being able to go to the Dylan concert

Rest In Peace, My Friend

So sorry (although not surprised) to hear the news. I worried privately that his 'rally' was temporary.

While I had little in common with Plawrence on the BB...we shared interests in 'fun' things like Titanic, The Godfather and...garlic bread. Am so glad that I got to meet him that one time, at a Gangster BB dinner in Jersey City, NJ.

Farewell, plaw...I'll think of you whenever I dine on fried zucchini!

AppleOnYa

Words can't really express how I feel right now. I can't explain why I feel so affected and touched by someone I met only one time. I've come to the conclusion, like PLAW indicated in the quote Geoff posted above, you can make true dear friends on the internet just by having them around and talking to them everyday.

My favorite PLaw story is the Frank Vincent story. For some reason it doesn't seem like PLaw would make that kind of a slip ("I'll bet I'm the only one who recognizes you"). I guess that's what makes it so hilarious.

Paul, you will be forever missed by your friends on the BB. I am so saddened and will miss you, but am happy that now you are in peace and in no pain.

I'm sure you don't need my input since I never go to the sports thread, but I think naming it say..."PLaw's Fantasy Sports" might be good. It would be great to honor him in that way. He probably would be smiling down from the big Casino in heaven.

TIS

This is how I remember PLaw. God, this is sad.


[img]http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d702b3127cce9b33d816209a00000006108BatmbRyya8[/img]

Remembering Plaw?? How do you possibly memorialize someone you only met face-to-face a handful of times, yet who means so very, very much to you.

First off, BDD, Thank you for your last post. Plaw would've LOVED it. Flopsy and Mopsy were his favorites. And who could forget his encounter with Frank Vincent?? He's lucky the man didn't take out a restraining order.

Second, I want to thank Geoff for providing us this website. Through this wonderful place, I got to meet my prince, my Paulie. We got to talk about books, about movies, he used to listen to me rant about my mother-in-law, about the kids, and we talked about how he wanted to go to Italy one day. Every day at 4:00, I would sit down at the kitchen table to do homework with the kids. I would sign onto Yahoo, and chat with Paul. He always wanted to know what the math homework was for the night, and would solve algebra problems with us. He especially loved the "stupid" assignments, like "Name five countries that start with the letter Z". He would always come up with the answers, too. It was heartbreaking this September, when 4:00 came around, and there was no Paul online.

Happy memories? Well, there was the Saturday last year when Mr. Babe and I were meeting the gang at the Doubletree. Paul was supposed to meet me and my husband at the bar at 4:00. 4, 4:15, no Paul. I was beginning to get a little paranoid when Geoff walked in and told me that Paul called him to say that he went to the wrong hotel. That was SO Plaw, the most intelligent, yet forgetful man I ever knew!

When I went to visit him in the hospital two weeks ago, he was so very thin and weak. He was barely able to speak, but I held his hand and told him how glad I was to be with him. His elderly aunt was visiting him and she asked me how I knew Paul. I told her that we had met on the internet. From her reaction, I thought the woman was going to end up in the bed next to him. Paul whispered, "Godfather," and I explained to her how we all found this site, and then a few of us who lived reasonably close to one another would get together for dinner now and then. She seemed vastly relieved and confided that this was the first internet meeting she had ever heard of that didn't involve a sexual predator! When Paul had regained a bit of strength and we were talking on the phone last week, I told him that I believe his aunt considered me his Internet Ho!! He got a huge kick out of that!

Plaw, my sweet and dear prince of a friend, I will miss you more than words can say. I am so glad to have had the privilege and honor of being your friend. My life is so very much richer for having known you. As I told you that day, I will always find you.

Well since Plaw is in a better place, I just want to send my regards to all of you who are grieving right now.

I'm very glad I got to send him a message before he died.

I hope this reminds us all to treat each other in this life with respect and gratitude. It is so very short.

Oh my God, I didn't expect this at all. I can't believe it.

RIP for Plaw. One of our better memebers, full of wit. I also feel sorry for his father. It must be horrible for a parent to bury their son.

RIP

His father died a few months ago. Paul leaves behind a 17 year old son.

I'm shocked and saddened to hear of Plaws death. The BB feels incomplete without him and a bit bare. I can't say I knew him well but he was a fair and good man. He is in my prayers.

His father died a few months ago. Paul leaves behind a 17 year old son. [/b][/quote]Oh. Well, I also feel sorry for his son then. I can't imagine losing my father now.

The "Remembering Plawrence" link at the top of the page is very nice and touching Geoff.

I really don't know what to say. R.I.P. Plaw.

Shit blows. Kinda crazy...

It's kind of weird when death reaps the people you've been in contact with -- even if only through the internet.

I hope he finds a home somewhere in the afterlife (if there is such a thing), and wish those closest to him the strength - not that I ever think they will see this post.

This is truely a sad sad day. I consider myself to be VERY fortunate indeed to have met Neal here on the BB and last year at the BB convention. I will never forget it. Me and Becky just got out of the outside pool we were dripping wet walking to the door and this man comes up to me and said "Are you Mignon?" And I said yes I am. He introduced himself. I was so embarrassed meeting him for the first time in my bathing suit. I got to sit next to him at dinner that night and we had some nice conversations. I was really sorry that he was to sick to come to the convention this year.

I got to talk to him on the phone awhile back he asked who he was talking to I told him it was his favorite redneck he said hi Miggie. He told me on the phone that he had alot of respect for me driving long distances to go to the conventions.

Plaw, You're favorite redneck will never forget you. You will be in my heart forever. The BB will never be the same with out you.

To Plaw's girlfriend and Son,

You have mine and Becky's heartfelt sympathies. Please know that he is in peace and is no longer in pain.

Holy crap. I didn't expect this.

RIP

Yes Don Geoffy, that was so wonderful of you

My prayers are with you and your family. R.I.P. Plaw

I am deeply saddened to learn of Paul's passing. I can't really say anything that has not already been expressed, but rest in peace. I will keep your family, especially your son, in my prayers.

We all share the sense of loss of plawrence and obviously some more than others. Paul joined the Gangster BB a few months after I did. It was soon apparent that we were close in age and we shared some musical and socio/political views. With respect to music, we used to trade poetic alliterations derived from Crosby, Stills and Nashs song "Helplessly Hoping". So in tribute to Plaw, I'm going to end my evening by playing and singing the song. This one's for you Paul. Thanks for being in my life. Here's a little something back at ya.

A sad day indeed, God Bless You & Your Family!

Geoff, is there any way to "retire" the Paulie Walnuts avatar? Like they retire jerseys in sports? I don't think I could bear to see anyone else with it.

I did that quite a while ago... and anyone who works around it will be banned for life.

I never met Plawrence face to face but I met him on the net

To me Plawrence was a Library of gangster related things and the godfather movies...
I always enjoyed reading his posts...

I know you're now in a better place...

Goodbye Plaw
RIP Plawrence

I'm at a loss for words right now. I'm truly and deeply saddened by this.

I PMed Plaw after I found out he was sick...and he wrote me back during his brief stint back on the BB after being hospitalized. He was genuinely moved by all the kind words and the outpouring of love from his friends here on the BB.

I looked up to Paul. It feels so wrong speaking of him in the past-tense.

I'll never forget you, my friend. I will continue praying for you and your family. God bless you.

RIP Paul Lawrence...I'm gonna miss you, pal.

Although I have only been a member for a few months, I can honestly say Plaw’s comments and thoughts were a joy to read. My thoughts and prays are with all of you who knew him much better than myself. May he rest in peace, and witness every sporting event from up above.

I am unspeakably saddened to hear the news.

The most precious thing we can ever have in this world is time - and I was praying plaw would have just a bit more of it. He endured so much, though. I know he is at peace and beyond any earthly pain now.

We exchanged many PMs and found that we had other things in common besides The Godfather. Music, Kingsborough College, stuff like that and more. He nagged me until I finally reread the GF book for the first time in over thirty years. He knew that book backwards and forwards. Nobody could spoof Puzo's writing style like plaw. His parodies were absolute classics. He should have written the "authorized" sequels, not Mark Whatsisname.

We only got to meet one time, but it was memorable. He came into Brooklyn this summer and we went to dinner together at Adelman's Deli (which is around the corner from where I live). He ordered tongue, which he loved. We talked about a lot of things, then off we went to meet Don Cardi and SC at a Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game in Coney island. It was clearly a tiring day for him, but he enjoyed seeing some of the Crew and getting out for a good time. I had no idea this would be the first and last time I would see him. We were supposed to go to Philadelphia together for the BB Convention, but it was physically too much for him.

I hoped that he might slowly regain some of his strength and grace us with his presence at the next local BB "sitdown" dinner. Perhaps at GoodFellas, the NJ restaurant that his "pal" Frank Vincent seemed to be "connected" to...like the rest of the BB, I was just waiting for his next post or a progress report.

Now, I'm more than a bit numb from the news.

God, I'm really gonna miss him. Rest in peace, friend.

Signor V.

--------------------
Do not go gentle into that good night...
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
-Dylan Thomas

I am so saddened by this news

This makes me so sad. I was so happy to see him on here a few days ago....

He and I never talked much on the boards, but I read many of his posts and I found him to be one of the most intelligent members on here, and just a general nice guy.

This is so sad.....

I remember him saying he had a son around my age (I think), but whatever his family circumstances are, I hope and pray that they are getting through this ok. This is the saddest day ever for the BB, and Plaw will never be forgotten on here.

Anyone remember his story about meeting Frank Vincent? That was great.

Though I knew that Paul's illness was terminal, I'm still sad that he's gone. At least his pain is no more.

I was fortunate to know him personally--one on one, and in the dinners that we've had for people on the Boards. Paul was one-of-a-kind: funny, knowledgeable, courteous, but steadfast in what he believed in. I miss him already.

Paul's real legacy is friendship. He remarked many times that he made better friends on these boards than in everyday life. And that's the point: people--even in cyberspace--are still living, thinking, caring people who can get together around common interests and for fun and comradeship. That's why, even as I mourn Paul, I thank Geoff and all the others who make these Boards the best meeting-place on the 'net.

Rest in peace, Paul.

Our beloved Plaw. A life lost too soon.

I suppose I'd always known of him since I originally joined here - a choice I'm so glad we all made - but the memory of when we first hit it off as friends will always remain in my mind. I'd never spent much time in the sports forum, yet that was where it all started. Quite a fitting place to get to know him, when you consider it. It was last year, and somehow I wandered into the fantasy thread for ESPN's salary cap game, Baseball Challenge. He'd made a post regarding Roger Clemens, and he was "whining" (as all fantasy players love to do) about how the bullpen blew the ballgame despite a great outing by Roger. This bothered me as an Astros fan, and it bothered him as someone who'd taken Clemens for the fantasy game and ended up with a bad score. I made a complaint about the loss and asked what it meant for him in the game...I soon found that asking him about sports is guaranteeing a good conversation. He explained the situation in the fantasy game, we talked about Clemens a bit, then he invited me to join in. The rest was history.

His nickname was StatMan, and it was the perfect fit. He could tell you the statistical odds of a player hitting a double in a day game at home with partly cloudy skies...and he'd write you an essay on why it was true. Everyone teased him by calling him a windbag, but I know it was with respect. I was always tickled by how much he could and would write on any one topic, yet it was also something I admired. His lengthy posts were sometimes overwhelming, but always interesting - he mastered the art of both quality and quantity. I often find my writing to be very wordy, and though it isn't of as good substance as Plaw's, I take great pride in knowing that I share the windbag quality with him. I remember how much he enjoyed hearing about the "manual" I wrote when I recruited school friends to join the fantasy game. When I mentioned that people complained I'd written too much, he was actually impressed and asked to read it - which I found so funny yet, at the same time, was also so honored by. With that, I must say that a compliment from him in BBC was the absolute best. For me, his approval was most important, and it made my day when I earned an "'Atta girl, GG" comment.

He would mention passing the "torch" on to me in the game, and with that, I became his protege. The torch reference means so much more to me now. I worry that I've lost my spirit for the game, especially since dropping out this season - I actually believe that his passion was what inspired and maintained my passion. His spirit was contagious...when he was into it, everyone was into it, either through arguing, trash talk, spouting stats, or just enjoying the sport. Just the same, he was the life of that entire forum. He was a sports fan if there ever was one, appreciating every aspect of the role - gambling, memorizing statistics, studying the rules of the game, remembering favorite athletes of the past, dominating (never just participating in) every fantasy game, and so on.

He was a good man in every way possible. He was witty, kind - beneath his so-called "tough" outer shell - and intelligent. He treated everyone with respect, and with that, was given the same in return. Nobody will ever replace him, and we'll always have an empty space here without him, but his spirit will live on forever through all of us. Such a beautiful soul deserves to be free of suffering, so I'm grateful that he has now found his true peace. My prayers go out to his family, especially his girlfriend and son. Also, to those here who were closest to him, please accept my deepest sympathies for the loss of such a dear friend. I miss him so much, and I know it has to be all the more difficult for you. I thank God that I was given the opportunity to enjoy Plaw's friendship in the time that I did.

Plaw, if you're reading this up there in that great diamond in the sky...thank you. For all that you taught me, for being my friend, thank you. I hope we all get to meet up with you someday. I love you.

To add to what Gina has said about Fantasy Sports, the statman would always find a way to make himself the favorite when the odds would go out at the beginning of each league. Whether it was because he won last year, because he had a bad week in the last one and that cost him the championship that year, or simply because he was plawrence, he was the favorite.

I don't know how many fantasy leagues I joined in the past year or so simply because he wanted to play them and no one else was into them (or that good at them). He always wanted to win, but wanted competition, just enough to keep it interesting but not too much to challenge his rightful spot at #1.

I used to really get under his skin in the fantasy games. It would get the point where he'd be challenging me via email to "put my money where my mouth is", and play for cash on the side. He did seem to have a soft spot for me though. I think it was because I shared with him awhile back that I had and beat an illness similar to his, and told him that he could beat it too. I had no idea that he wasn't doing well because he hadn't complained or brought it up to me in over a year. Life is strange. Sometimes people like myself get a second chance, and sometimes people don't.

I suggest that if we continue to play the fantasy leagues, that we rename the leagues from GangsterBB to something in honor of him.

I really don't know what to say, too. some of us seem to be really good with words so I'll leave it to them.

when I saw this topic, I just thought "no, it isn't what I'm thinking it is"... well, it is, and I can only hope this is good for PL, now that he is in peace.

R.I.P. my friend

I don't know what to say... I've been preparing myself for this day for about a year, and still the news feels like a ton of bricks.

This place will never be the same without Plaw, that's for sure. What an amazing man he was, so intelligent, and so caring underneath all that sarcasm and wonderful wit. He was the kind of guy who made you love him, you had no choice.

May he rest in peace. I'll never forget him, his sense of humor, and the truly great advice he used to give me. I'll remember him with every basketball game I watch, every gangster movie I see, every cup of cinnamon-infused coffee I drink.

My sincerest condolences to his girlfriend and his son.

I hope he's writing wherever he is now. And I hope I get a chance to read it sometime, somewhere.

We lost a good writer, which is a damn shame. Plaw now knows what happens when we die, but he found out the hard way. Take care, Neal.


"I'll look for you in old Honolulu,
San Francisco, Ashtabula,
Yer gonna have to leave me now, I know.
But I'll see you in the sky above,
In the tall grass, in the ones I love,
Yer gonna make me lonesome when you go."


The Doc

We knew this day was coming since Paul was diagnosed with (incurable) cancer back in early March, 2005. Even with a year and a half in which to prepare for the finality of Paul's death it is hard to bear now.

Watching the slow deterioration of someone you love is hard to do. I suspect it was a lot harder for him to see it happening to himself. He never let it get the better of him, though, and he stoically went through painful treatments holding out some sort of hope that they'd help. It was one of the bravest acts I've ever seen.

He enriched ALL of us here with his knowledge, his stylish writing and his sense of humor. He loved to good-naturedly get on somebody's case in the sports discussions and welcomed debates to his opinions (many times playing devil's advocate to stir up a discussion). My favorite writings of his on these boards, though, were the annual year-end poems he'd write. I called him the poet-laureate of the boards for this reason.

I'll share one memory: a few months after he and his partner, Vickie, had an argument I stirred up the hornet's nest for a few laughs. We were sitting around his dining room table (Paul, Vickie, Geoff, Lori and myself) and I reminded them that Vickie threw his wipes off their balcony (during the fight). Seeing (in my mind) this package of wipes sailing down from the 9th floor made me laugh and I berated Vickie for it. I'm not sure she ever forgave me for that but seeing Paul laughing hysterically over the description of it made it all worthwhile.

My thoughts are with his partner, Vickie, and his son, Steve now. Poor Steve lost both his grandfathers (within one day) and now, three months later, his father. Say a prayer for them.

Paul's last words to me were, "I love you". I told him I loved him, too. That eases the thought of never seeing him again but I know I'll miss him dearly.

R.I.P. Paulie Boy.




(I couldn't help but notice that I logged onto the boards to read this thread at 3:28... that was Paul's birthday).

This is really sad news,a great member with always a lot to say,the boards won't be the same without him

RIP-Plawrence

As is well documented, I shared the same birthday as Paul's ex-wife. Waking up on that day from now on, knowing Paul will not have started a Happy Birthday thread for me will never be the same. He also was diagnosed with his illness on my daughter's birthday. And lastly,he died yesterday, 1 day shy of my brother's birthday today. It's like I'm not meant to forget him, even if I wanted to. (Which I don't).

BTW..SC, the death of Steven's 2 grandfathers is more tragic in that they died on the same day, not 1 day apart. Paul told me he called Steven's mom to tell him, and she said her father had must died. How aweful.

It has been pouring down raining non stop since 9:30 last night here in Baltimore. Tears from heaven.

Dear Plaw.
What a sad day it is.
I don't visit sports threads and politics, so my remembrances about Plaw mostly belong to the Novel section. His knowledge of The Godfather was truly remarkable, he was one of the few novel buffs who played the quotation game, for months - the only one who would hold the mark and keep it living. He was one of the very few members who actually read my endless "last chapter analysis", and liked it.
One day, some year or two ago, he PMed me, and we started sort of novel-based friendship. He had a wonderful wit, intelligence and way with words. His unfinished work on Godfather subject was a very deserving one, don't you think? And of course his excellent parodies, his Puzo-immitations ought to be remembered, I especially enjoyed the "Joe the Greek" one.
As a poet, he actively supported my doomed project - haiku game. In short, I could always count on him for support whatever I did, and I was grateful for that very much.
And these witty post breakdowns he did for our milestones!
It's a great, great loss.
Rest in Peace, dear friend.

Whenever I think of New York I'll always have fond memories of Paul. I've been there a total of 4 times in the past 3 years or so, and each time I've either had dinner with Paul or spend a day with him, just showing me the sights. He and New York go together like peanut butter and jelly. I remember I was there 2 years ago. It was the day that Jason Varitek of The Red Sox and Alex Rodriques of The Yankees got into a brawl. I felt like I was in the heart of the city that day, experiencing a real Yankee moment. We had dinner at Paul's favorite restaurant, Cite. I'll have to go there again just to raise a glass of wine, (or two), in his honor.

The BB had a dinner get together a few months ago in New Jersey. I was greatful to be able to attend that one. I spent 3 days in New Jersey, and Paul was a gracious host. He had been getting increasingly weak by this time, but he still wanted to see to it that I got to see some sights. He drove me around his old childhood stopping grounds in Brooklyn; we drove past the old Ebbitts field, and stopped at Nathan's in Coney Island so I could have a real New York hot dog. He did all this with a smile on his face. I will be forever humbled to have been a part of his life. Till his last breath he would do anything for anybody, and be hurt if you needed something and didn't ask. He would give 110%. They'll never be another like him.

Just before the last convention in Philly, Paul and I exchanged PM's. He suggested that He ride back with me via bus to NYC. I know he really wanted to go, but he told me he wouldn't know til the last minute if he'd be able to. I totally understood of course, but I am sure he would have loved to have gone.

I did PM him when I heard he was back home and for a while I see he hadn't opened the PM yet. I'm glad to see that he did read it.

Geoff, SC, DC, do you know if the family are accepting maybe donations to the Cancer fund or something in Paul's name? Or can you post anything that maybe us members so far away can contribute to in his honor? Or any suggestions at all?

Thanks
TIS

Exactly right Turnbull.

I was searching through some congrats posts made by Paul and ironically I came across this one:


posted by Plawrence on July 18, 2005
This congratulations post by Paul is typical Paul, as it could apply to almost anyone of us here on the boards and shows how he truly cherished the friendships that he made through these boards.


Don Cardi

" His life was gentle; and the elements
So mix'd in him that Nature might stand up
And say to all the world: This was a man! "

(Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Act V, Scene V)

---
---

I was looking forward to read more of his posts. After his last post in the other thread I found myself checking his profile every now and then, then clicking on "view recent posts" to see if by chance I missed one of his posts. But alas, there were none.

He said that he's old. 57 is not old.
That aside, they say that a man's age is not measured by years but by his way of life. If anything, I've found plawrence to be childish at times, and I mean that in a good way. What a sad world this would have been if we were all serious all the time.

Thank you Plaw, for your joyful spirit.
Thank you, for your words of wisdom.
Thank you, for sharing your massive knowledge with us.
Thank you, for your kindness and generosity.
Thank you, for being part of our lives.

---
---

I decided to read his post in the profile thread once again, and there is one line which stands out in particular:

If only

---
---

If anyone wants to read his full post, here is the link:

http://www.gangsterbb.net/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=007662;p=2#000053

I'm too anguished to find the words myself for such a sad event...so I'll use the words an anonymous poet wrote for a beloved one who left. Somehow Plaw will always be alive as long as we remember him.


Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there,
I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glint on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush,
I am the swift, uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circling flight.
I am the soft starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there,
I did not die

Thanks for bringing up that profile thread, fame. It was great to look back on it.

Yeah..live to be 100. If only.

I was actually thinking of that same poem, Lav. How ironic. Here is another anonymous poem that comes to mind. Inserted Paul's name.

Paul was tired and weary.
Weary from toil and pain.
Put aside his glasses.
He'll not need them again.
Into Heaven's gates he entered.
Never to sigh or weep.
After year's of life's struggles.
Paul has fallen asleep.

He bid none a last farewell.
He said goodbye to none.
His dear heart just ceased to beat.
And suddenly he was gone.

At a time when life could have been sweet.
He could have lived his best.
The gates of heaven opened.
And he entered into eternal rest.

I am too stunned to think of the right words to type right now. The BB will never be the same without Plaw. I could say he will be sorely missed but that would be an understatement.

RIP, Plawrence. Thank you for your kindness in welcoming to the sports forum and inviting me to play the sports games when I first joined the boards.
You are and will be missed.

I never met him, but will never forget his encyclopedic mind, his wit, his well thought out opinions on everything from twists in the GF plots to politics and a whole variety of topics.

I am glad to see that his Avatar is retired, and that some consideration is being given to naming the sports forum for him.

Additionlly, if there is any thought of giving donations to a suitable charitable organizatioin in his name, you can count me in.

Farewell my friend, and rest in peace.

I think everyone should go to Atlantic City and play Pai Gow poker in his honor.

Like many of you, although I've been preparing myself for this for the better part of the last year, I'm still stunned that he's gone. Since I found out yesterday, I've been in kind of a daze.

I guess I just miss my friend.

I didn't get the pleasure of meeting Paul (I wish I had), but I've gotten to know him through PMs, IMs and one phone conversation during the dinner at Shula's (Chicago convention). I can still remember the start of the call:

Plaw (in his pretty thick NY/NJ accent): "Who's this?"
Me (not knowing who it was I was talking to): "Ummmm... It's DB."
Plaw: "OHHHHHHH!!!! DB!!!! My Most Worthy Adversary..."

Most Worthy Adversary... MWA for short... That was Plaw's nickname for me in the fantasy sports threads. It was his way of drawing me into the competition, because he knew I was just as competitive as he was although I wasn't as overt about it . DMC's right - Plaw would always give himself the best odds of winning any game and place me just below him, just to make sure I was paying attention. I never did call Plaw "MWA" back. I just felt it wasn't right to single anybody out. But he knew. Wherever I was in the standings, he knew I was always looking to see where he was. The Sports threads will never be the same.

In his last lengthy PM to me, he described to me the joy he gets from our message board - the friends he met, the discussions he's had. From reading all the responses since yesterday, Plaw has touched a lot of people on this board - and each one of us thought we were the only one! That is the sign of a truly great man. He's left lasting imprints on our hearts and we will truly miss him.

My thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his son and partner. May their (and our) difficult times ahead be comforted by the fact that he's at peace and without pain. May we remember the great times we shared with him. I am truly grateful for my opportunity to meet him.

God bless you, Plaw.

I feel a great loss.

I didn't even know he had Cancer until yesterday. I was absolutely heartbroken last night when I read this. Such a great loss. I can't fathom it.

I just read a PM he sent me a while back, in response to a poem I had written on the boards.

It begins:
'Hey Mick,
Some day I expect to be proud to say that "I knew you when..."'

And what followed was a little poem in response to my own. Man, I'm really feeling this.

I didn't read all the posts so maybe I missed his health problems. What happened? My age is around his, so when someone like that dies, one's mortality smacks one in the face. Eventially, the bell tolls for each one of us eventually. But, as the Godfather said, "Life is so beautiful."

The BB definately won't be the same anymore. I didn't expect this.

Makes all the petty shit go away.

rip, plaw

shine on

I hadn't realized how ill Plaw really was until I read this thread. Not being one of the meeting members ("Breakfast Club" as FS calls them) I wasn't privy to this beforehand, I had only assumed he had some sort of rough patch or bad luck and ended up in the hospital.

It is with my most heartfelt condolences I bid my great adversary goodbye. Even if we disagreed on most things political, there was no one else I preferred to argue with. A truly worthy debate partner. Irregardless, I always appreciated his thoughtful replies which, whether right or wrong in my eyes, were eloquent and well-organized. Outside of the political sphere, I didn't really know Plawrence. Even when it came to the Sports forum, we shared our differences, mainly because he disliked the Yankees.

And yet, there will now be a void at this forum, especially in the political discussion. Who else could I get into a war of words with and feel like both sides had made no ground?

Again, I regret not having the chance to discuss this with him in person, even if I vehemently disagreed with his stances.

Look at it this way Plaw - in heaven, there is no slippery slope.

Farewell, Plawrence.

Sincerely,
Double-J

Really Gonna Miss You by Smokey Robinson

Really gonna miss you
Its really gonna be different without you
Time is gonna be hard and slow
For the rest of my life
Gonna be thinking about you (yes I am)
Time came when you had to go

I'll miss you my buddy
I'll miss you my friend
I promise my love for you will never end

In your finest hour I was there with you
And without you things wont be the same
But there's a higher power that we answer to
And you heard him calling your name

Really gonna miss you
Everything about you your smiling face
I know you want us all to be strong

Really gonna miss you
I know your going to that magic place
Singing you a brand new song

I'll miss you my buddy
I'll miss you my friend
I promise my love for you will never end

I know I havent been around here much lately, but I have been checking the boards daily to see how Plaw has been doin. I didnt know him nearly as well as I would have liked to but everything about him that I could see was truly honorable.

It is sad to see such a great person go. I can only express my condolences to the family and all his good friends. Rest in peace Plaw.

Shit. That's all I can say. Shit. I came across this topic a few days ago, after a break from posting, read the title, and assumed he just "retired" from the site. Shit.

This is really weird. I don't know what to say... I'm just too speechless to say anything at all. Sorry that this post sucked.

IMHO this is a truly wonderful testament to the people of the GBB. All the outpouring of love and concern for Paul and his family during his illness and his passing is amazing.

To quote Turnbull:
From my own experience when Ray's Grandmother passed away the love you shown me and Ray's family with the comforting words helped me out with my grief. I am so blessed to be a part of the GBB family. May God bless you all

"Do not stand by my grave and weep,
Iam not there, I do not sleep,
Iam a thousand winds that blow,
Iam the diamond glint on the snow,

Iam the sunlight on ripened grain,
Iam the gentle autumn rain,
Like a fleeting bird up in the sky,
I do not want to see you cry,
Iam the sweet smells of early spring,
I will be with you when you laugh and sing,

For I am you and you are me,
and in your hearts I shall always be."

May God Bless you Plaw. I will miss seeing your face at the Gangster get togethers very much. You were a special person and you touched a lot of lives for the better. Good bye my friend. We will meet again one day.

Your Pal, Nicky

He IS in a better place now, no more pain. Somehow I am sure he's right alongside Saint Peter doing stats already. After all these years, someone needs to straighten them out. They were just waiting for him. Our loss is Heaven's gain.

I'm very sorry to say that I didn't know Plawrence very well, and from everyone's memories here I know I've missed out. I always read his posts with interest and I found him to be a decent and very wise man. My heart is heavy to find out he's no longer with us and I'm sure that not only this forum, but the human race, will be a poorer place without him.

My thoughts go out to his family and they have my deepest condolences. Plawrence, rest in peace.

Paul's in the ground now. He was buried just before noon on a hilltop with quite a view. Its not quite a slippery slope but I think he'd be happy with the choice of location.

I stood just behind his son, Steve, and his partner, Vickie, during the ceremony. The rabbi who officiated (the same rabbi whom officiated at Paul's father's funeral) made the service a little more personalized by speaking of Paul's love for Steve, Vickie and then "The Godfather" chatroom. He went on to mention that Paul's love of cinema was proved by the fact he owned over 600 films at home (causing Steve to smile for the only time of the day) and his love for "fantasy sports" took up some of his time which he enjoyed.

Vickie showed me the printout of the thread in which many of us gave Paul our well-wishes (Geoff gave it to Paul when he visited him in the hospital). I watched as they put it into his coffin, so a little of us remains with Paul. I assured Vickie that a little of Paul remains with all of us, and it always will.

We were invited to take a shovelful of dirt and add it to the grave and after everyone else went back to their cars I stayed behind for a minute and said my goodbye.

Thanks for the update. Very touching and moving. He's buried near the home of his belove Nets. He'll have a great view now.

Man, I miss him.

Thanks, SC. As Beth said, very touching and moving. I'm most moved by the fact that the thread with all the well-wishes went with him to his final rest. How fitting for a guy who did so much to make these boards the best place on the 'net.

The rabbi making an 'estimate' of how many films Paul owned? An estimate? I can hear the 'Statman' as the rabbi was saying that :

What's the matter with this rabbi? I'll have you all know that I have exactly 253 Gangster Movies, 10 John F. Kennedy movies, 310 various classic movies, and 85 differnet sports movies, for a total of exactly 658 movies in my collection.

No estimates or guesses with our friend Paul. When it came to numbers and statistics, everything had to be precise and exact!


Don Cardi

My mind is playing tricks on me. I looked back at the view from the grave and was truly impressed... it looks out from a high area down towards the City... I thought, "Wow, thats some view". Now I can't remember what the view was of.

It was a day befitting a funeral. Slate gray sky, some light rain near the beginning, very windy and VERY COLD. The ceremony itself lasted only about 20 minutes but I was freezing and my legs were shaking. I'm not sure if that was from the emotion or the cold but I do know I was happy to get back to my (warmer) car.

Vickie told me a story.... this morning as she was preparing herself for the funeral she was blow-drying her hair in the bathroom. All of a sudden the lights went out (apparently the electrical circuit was tripped - something that never happened before) and she "felt" Paul's presence. She said her "goodbye" to him then. Well, as I just told Don Cardi, I came home, ate something and went to sleep. Earlier, about 6:45, my phone rang, waking me up. Since I was in a deep sleep I was a little disoriented. I just laid there trying to get my bearings when the phone rang again. No message this time but I was intriqued at two calls within two minutes so I got up to see who called and as I went to turn on the light it blew out (the first time that happened in my bedroom in the 3+ years I live here). As I went to get a replacement bulb I said, "Paul, if thats you it ain't funny".

Wow, that was such a nice touch...!

Thanks, SC!

PS - If the lights go out here any time soon, I'm certainly gonna freak out!

Ok, this literally just gave me chills up and down my spine. This kind of stuff freaks me out.

I don't know. If my lights go out I'll say, "Hi Paul, thanks for stopping by". But then again, I live here in freakin' Baltimore and Geoff did say Paul was lousy at directions.

I don't know if that was Paul's wish or if Vickie thought of it herself. Paul's (small) family was aware of his participation on our boards and was somewhat fascinated by that. One of his cousins was there and she was telling me what a nice group of people we were... she had met Sicilian Babe at the hospital two weeks ago when they were both visiting Paul. (She went on to say how nice SB was )

Our little community here meant a great deal to Paul. He was happy whenever a group got together just as he was happy to simply be here online.

I don't mean to suggest that Paul came to visit but I thought it kind of funny that it was so coincidental.

I will, however, check my supply of garlic bread in my freezer.

Dunno who is worse... Paul at giving directions OR Geoff at following them. :p

Geoff can get lost going around the corner. How the hell he ever made it out to Chicago is beyond me.

Thanks to SC for sharing this really nice photo of plawrence, possibly the best I've seen on the BB.



It is wonderful and touching to be able to see a healthier, far more robust plaw than the one I met in Sept. 2005.

Because of his thin, frail appearance I wondered silently that night if he was a healthy man, having no idea he'd already been diagnosed. Even so...throughout the entire evening his personality and wit shined through.

As most everyone knows we were soon back to arguing on the BB ... and I never told plawrence how warm and engaging I found him at the dinner.

So I'll tell it to the rest of you now.

I'm sure it is the way he'd like to be remembered.

Apple

SC,

Thank you so much for the update. You have a way with words and describe things so well that it's easy to visualize. What a chill went through my body reading how our posts to Paul are with him. I do hope he knew just how much we all loved him.

Also, how is his son doing considering the circumstances? He'll be ok? How my heart goes out to him.

I'm so happy that so many are contributing to this thread. Some of you knew Paul well, others a little, some of us met him once or twice, and others not at all, yet we all care. You can't tell me this isn't a "family." Maybe not your traditional family, but still a family.

I miss you Paul!!!

TIS


In honor of PLaw

"Difficult....not impossible"

SC,

I know it must've been hard for you to go to Paul's funeral. I just want to say thank you for going for those of us who lives so far away and wish we could be there. I also think it is so good of you to be there for his son and Vickie. It's no wonder why Cardi calls you his MOST VALUED FRIEND After reading your account of the day I felt like I was there in spirit. While reading your post I got the chills and the hair on my arms stood Up. I still have the chills.

I've been thinking about Paul alot today. My inlaws came over for a visit and we took them out to dinner tonight. And while we were at the restraunt I don't know if it was because I had him on my mind today or my eyes are playing tricks on me but I swear I seen his twin. Weird huh?

For sure. Thanks for telling us how it went, it sounds like it was a nice goodbye. I still can't believe he's gone. Nice touch, that printout going with him.

SC,
Thank you so much for letting us know about Paul's funeral. I miss him terribly, and am glad that "we" were represented when he was laid to rest. I knew that Vickie was going to bury him with that printout, but it's so nice to hear.

Yes, I did meet his cousin that day, and her mother. She's the poor woman I almost gave a stroke when I told her that I had met Paul on the internet. Their love for Paul was so obvious that day.

SC, you do have a way with words. No wonder Paul thought so highly of you! Thank you again for letting us know. I still find it hard to believe that he's gone. I expect to hear his voice one more time, just to pick up my phone and hear him on the other end, "Hey, Babe".

Yeetgadal v' yeetkadash...

Tonight, while I was deleting a new voicemail I didn't care about from my phone, I let the saved msgs play on -- cuz I knew Plaw was on there. Alas, the time must've passed that it expired, and it's gone.

I'd like to echo the above sentiments and thank you for the update, SC.

As painful as it may be...and as difficult as it is...I know that Plaw is in a better place now...and that he is suffering no more. He deserves that much.

And yet there's still that part of me that wants to be selfish...and would give anything to read one more political debate between Cardi, DJ and Plaw...or to laugh out loud one more time at a Neal Pulcawer news story.

I keep thinking back on the Frank Vincent story...and I can't help but chuckle and smile every time I think about it. The "smile" seems to be a recurring thing whenever I think of him. As sad as I am...I can't help but smile whenever I think of him.

God bless you, Paul. You were one of a kind.

This is weird. I saw someone tonight that I thought looked just like him. I was at my friend's birthday party, and she had a mariachi band come play. One of the musicians in the group looked just like Plaw - or at least, as I know him through the photos posted here. I told myself that I was just thinking it because he was on my mind, but everytime I looked at the guy, the similarity was amazing.

SC, thanks for the beautiful description of the funeral, and especially for representing all of us who couldn't make it. The thread printout being included was a great idea.

I can't seem to figure out how to deal with this. I try not to get upset, because I know Plaw wouldn't want any of us to feel bad, and I know it's for the best for him to be out of pain...but when I allow myself to think about it, I wish so very much that we could have him back. I know it's selfish, but with a great man like Plaw, I think it's reasonable.

Something I thought of...

I realize that now and anytime soon probably wouldn't be a good time, but I wonder if, at some point, Plaw's girlfriend and/or son could join as members here. I think it would help both them and us to get to talk with each other and share memories of him. I'm sure they'd like it here, and that could further keep the spirit of Plaw alive. Just an idea I wanted to mention...

I've not been online for two days. My condolences to all close friends and family of Paul. This is really a sad news and a great loss for us.

It will never be the same without plaw and I'll miss him more than I know.

You touched my heart Paul and you'll stay there. Rest in peace! I'm off to listen to the Requiem and pray for this departed friend.

In further remembrance of Paul I'm adding a link (below) to what I consider the single most impressive message ever posted here - his "The Night Before Christmas (Godfather Version)" poem.

This was plaw at his best, and thanks to the internet and Geoff's large database we'll have it with us for a long, long time.

Read it. Enjoy.

The Night Of The Hit Attempt

'Twas the night of the hit attempt, and all through the estate
Some were not sleeping 'cause the party'd run late
The drapes were left open by Fredo with care
Not knowing Roth's hitmen soon would be there

Kay C. was nestled all snug in her bed
While hopes of legitimacy danced in her head
And Mama still thinking of Connie and Merle
Hoping her daughter would be a good girl

When out on the lawn there arose a slight clatter
Michael looked through the drapes to see what was the matter
Then away from the window he sprang like a hare
As the sound of the gunfire rang through the air

He crawled on the floor to reach Kay in her bed
And then pulled her down while he cradled her head
The shooting was over and so was the noise
In the room where the children come play with their toys

Michael ran out, though his eyes were still bleary
"Where's Rocco? Where's Fredo? Where's Hagen and Neri?"
"Get them alive, Rocco" is what Michael said
But he knew that the hitmen were already dead

Back in the house Michael sat down with Tom
And said "I'm going to Florida, you'll be the new Don
"There's a traitor among us who's name I can't leak"
But he thought it was Fredo, so stupid and weak

On the way to Miami, Mike started to think
About those he had killed without even a blink
McCluskey, Sollozzo, Stracchi and Rizzi
Moe Greene, Tattaglia, Tessio, and Barzini

And he knew he'd be adding one more to that list
And when he found him, his lips he would kiss
The kiss of death he would get, then his life would be lost
But that still left the question: Pentangelli or Roth

By the end of the movie, Michael knew who it was
Ola, and Fredo, and Roth was the buzz
So Mike had them all killed, but his mind was still frozen
On Hyman Roth's words about the business he'd chosen

Michael tried to retire...his head started to spin
"As soon as I'm out, they just pull me back in"
He made Vincent the Don, much to his delight
And decided to go to the opera that night

But due to events which unfolded, to wit:
Mike didn't know that there'd be one more hit
Both twins were killed; it was really quite scary
But what made it worse was, the killer got Mary

So Michael died wealthy, although really quite poor
He won many battles, but still lost the war
And now final words for my friends on this site:
Happy holidays to all...watch The Godfather tonight!
_________________________

As much as i don't post on here, i read everyday...and i had been praying for a quick recovery.

It's sad to hear of this great loss, as he was always one of my favourites on here. And i'll light a candle for him this sunday after mass.

Selfish? Of course, we all are when it comes to losing someone that we care for. Do we have the right to be selfish? Absolutely, we're only human.

But we must remember that while Paul has died in the physical being, his spirit is alive more than ever and he will always live on in our hearts because of the great memories that many of us have of him.


These types of fond memories and the exchanges that we have made here and will continue to make here and within ourselves, about our funny experiences, happy times, and great memories that we've all had with Paul is what makes him very alive and well in our hearts and in our minds.

I like to think of the physical death of someone that we love as a temporary sepration, and that the person has just reached a destination that we all eventually will reach, where someday we will catch up with them so that we can be together again.

We can take comfort in knowing that while we will eventually meet up with Paul someday, it are those great memories that keep him alive and well in our hearts which helps us along in our journey to be with him again.


Don Cardi

I have two saves messages from Paul on my cell phone as well. I hope they don't accidentally go away. I just play them over sometimes, just to hear his voice. I can't delete his number from my cell phone either. That makes it too final for me.

I was adding my daughter's new cell number to my cell and also saw PLaw's number. I too, couldn't erase it.

Before the Philly meet, we were PMing back and forth about the possibility of him joining Vitelli and I on a bus ride to NYC from Philly. I e-mailed a general link I found with info/prices. He e-mailed me back and told me it was a Chinese (and I assume Chinese speaking) bus. :p I don't know exactly how he knew but was glad he told me. Later on he pm'd me again ending by laughing and saying, "just don't take the Chinese bus". Ha ha.."

TIS

I still didn't have the guts to read what you guys are posting here. my grandfather just died yesterday (he's been very ill for a long time so at least I was prepated) so I think I'll always remember Plaw along with my grandpa. I bet they met at Heaven's Gate and talked about me.

So sorry for you loss TM. I'm sure if Plaw and your grandfather met at Heaven's gates the first words out of Plaw's mouth would have been...

Last half was a fluke.

I am keeping the business card he gave me. And I'll always remember his smile as he said "oh I love you" after I told him he reminded me of Al Pacino.

Hey PL, I'll always love you too,
--Lefty

How fitting and true. Thanks for posting it AppleOnYa.

From the thread about Plaw being in the hospital on, I knew this was going to happen somewhere in the future.
But so soon...

The first day I heard the news I've been thinking about his passing all day ... and the following days.

Although I didn't had contact with him in real-life like some hear had, I did had PM's with him though. And of course, I always enjoyed all of his posts, every single one of them.

It won't be the same without my favorite windbag of these boards...

Two particular 'anecdote' I have about him (this probably doesn't mean something to anyone but I'd like to share it anyway.

When I first joined and looked in the political discussions, I was immediately displeased to see that most debaters seemed to be rightwing. Suddenly I noticed this bigshot poster named Plawrence, and I hoped at least he would be leftwing. Then I saw DC saying something about Plaw ranting on and on over civil rights, but I percepted it with irony, as such thinking Plaw had to be the most right wing guy imaginable.

Boy, was I wrong.

Another thing about him, his retirement for political discussions (which didn't last long) was the reason for me to sometimes give my views in debates. I learned a lot from it, and in a way it is thanks to him.

I could write so much more about all his qualities, but I prefer not to, I couldn't top the nice words which are already in this thread.

Only this: Thanks Plaw, for the good moments on the BB your posts brought to me.

RIP Statman.

TM, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss - my sympathies.

I can also see Plaw and your grandfather meeting up in heaven...

Right after Plaw says this:
he'll go on to talk about "all of those missed days..."

To Don Cardi: That was a beautiful post. Thank you for that.

Reading all of your posts makes me sad every time. Though I didn't have much interaction with him, I had always wanted more people holding his type of views. I truly admired him. RIP

I heard this song today driving back from my in-law's house today. Reminded me of Paul and my hubby's grandma.

When I get where I'm going By: Braid Paisley

When I get where I'm going
On the far side of the sky
The first thing that I'm gonna do
Is spread my wings and fly

I'm gonna land beside a lion
And run my fingers through his mane
Or I might find out what it's like
To ride a drop of rain

(Chorus:)
Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
I will shed the sins and struggles
I have carried all these years
And I'll leave my heart wide open
I will love and have no fear
Yeah when I get where I'm going
Don't cry for me down here

I'm gonna walk with my grand daddy
And he'll match me step for step
And I'll tell him how I missed him
Every minute since he left
Then I'll hug his neck

(Chorus)

So much pain and so much darkness
In this world we stumble through
All these questions I can't answer
So much work to do

But when I get where I'm going
And I see my maker's face
I'll stand forever in the light
Of his amazing grace
Yeah when I get where I'm going
There'll be only happy tears
Hallelujah
I will love and have no fear
When I get where I'm going
Yeah when I get where I'm going
Don't cry for me down here.

That Brad Paisely song gets you right in the heartstrings, Mig. Very sad. We can't think of any song about death without bringing out the best, Garth Brook's, "The Dance".

Looking back on the memory of
The Dance we shared 'neath the stars above
For a moment all the world was right
How was I to know that you'd ever say good-bye

{chorus}:

And now I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end
The way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance
I could have missed the pain
But I'd of had to miss the dance

Holding you I held everything
For a moment wasn't I a king
If I'd known how the king would fall
Well then who's to say I might have changed it all

{repeat chorus}:

And now I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end
The way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance
I could have missed the pain
But I'd of had to miss the dance

I forgot about "The Dance" Beth. After I heard that song by Brad Paisley I'm not sure why but I felt not as sad as I was feeling.

thanks for the kind words, girls

my grandpa definitely didn't know anything about baseball so he couldn't argue if it was a fluke or not. but I wish Plaw could tell him how lazy and/or forgetful I was so it could be an excuse for not visiting as often as I could.

Wow

May you rest in peace, Plaw.

Oh this is such sad news. He is now safe and away from the pain. RIP PLAWRENCE

Rest in peace, plawrence.

Very sad news indeed.

Damn it!!! I just got into this forum and read this!
Well, maybe I am a member regarded as a person that the people don´t like very much and that´s why I don´t know if I am the right one to write here...I made up my mind and I decided to do it...

We rarely talked each other with Plaw, and at least, I felt good with him, I don´t know what he thought about me, but I think he was..he is for me...a great man...I was out of this forum for so long because I had to study, I didn´t even know what happened with Plaw...If I did, I would have said to him "Hey, nice to see you plaw!"
I am unable to do it now...

I would like to ask, Don Cardi, SC, JGeoff, Turnbull or whoever in contact in person with Plaw`s family to send my regards...

That is the only thing I can do...

This thread is open to all members whom wish to write something about plawrence. You did fine, DPN.

I remember once plaw posted a poem about other members. I'm not able to find it. Does anyone know the link for that poem? It would be nice if we had a page here, with all his poems/writings and their thread references, you know a memorial page on GBB.

This one?

Oh yes, thanks JG!

After that -- all of a sudden, yet again, I realize how much I miss our buddy...

Thanks for remembering that poem, Afs, and for finding it, JG.

I like this idea - also just favorite posts of his.

I was looking back at some old threads...

This was his funny description of one of the get-togethers.

JG, I loved your line in this post for his congrats thread: "523 attempts at humor were taken wrongly because there were no emoticons"

I always felt like I was using way too many emoticons when I talked with him, because he'd rarely use them...yet his posts were always in good humor, regardless. As he said in this post, "I'm hardly ever serious. But you knew that."

I'd like to remember one of his jokes.....this one (the "Bushie" cat one, does anyone remember?) absolutely got me roll on the floor laughing....

http://www.gangsterbb.net/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=009688

....and on a more personal ground, I remember the time we exchanged a couple of PMs. All I can tell you is that I asked him if I could consider myself a friend of his. He said "of course you can" and it made me happy. I wish I were able to connect more personally with him... We shouldn't behave as if time -- our share of time -- were eternal....we shouldn't left words unsaid. Now I regret I wasn't much around here lately. I could have known Plaw was so ill. I could have written something. My words would now be in the ground, along with the other ones....I could have told him how much I respected him and how much I was fond of him. Well, I guess he knows it now....

Plaw, my friend. I'm sure we'll meet someday....

Oh, thanks Lav and Gina for resurrecting these threads. Weren't those the fun times?! You can't help but have wet eyes along the smile reading and reviewing these old threads. I remember he once posted a thread about different kinds of flame wars on message boards, alas, I can't find that thread either.

It is up to JG, but I think some of us would be happy to help for making a page in memory of plaw : chronicles of plaw on GBB. I think in order not to see him coming to our dreams to punch us in the head, we keep it a little humorous and not too serious. Something he would've enjoyed reading himself. *Sigh*

Lavi, that link was great - it gave me a good laugh and put a smile on my face, which I think we could all use right now.

JG, he sure did a good job of making you look bad, here .

This post was one of the last before his break, and during that time, I found myself looking back at it several times...it seemed so beautiful, even then, just as memories from his time here.

Exactly my thoughts...

I hope nobody minds my posting of these memories. It's bittersweet, but I just want to think about the good times...

I, for one, certainly don't mind (and I doubt anyone else does, either).

I spent a few hours yesterday going through the archives of Paul's posts. It was a good few hours.

Wow, what a shock. You'll be missed Plaw.

Gina,
Thank you so much for posting the links to all those different threads. He was something else, wasn't he? I know you and I have been getting rather silly in the Ladies Thread lately, and I'm GLAD. Plaw loved this place so much that he would be very happy that we're still all here, continuing to have fun, loving and laughing with our friends. This place brought him so much enjoyment, he's up there, watching, and chuckling along with us. I just KNOW it.

I like this idea - also just favorite posts of his. [/b][/quote]Great idea!

I've been re-reading some of his posts too. Luckily the stat nerd made quite a few posts on here...

Now I also notice (on the picture of the may 2005 dinner) how thin he had become, when compared to pictures of him that were not so much older...

My wife lost her mother last week so things are pretty low in our house already, now this

God Bless Plaw...enjoy your rest...we'll keep the red flag flying!!

Did Plaw knew he was going to die so fast?

In his last post, he said he faced death and planned to stay alive at least for a good while.

He didn't go fast. The last few months have been a steady decline. I think when he said he planned to be around awhile longer he knew he was counting it in days. He went home to die. He knew it.

Wow this IS so sad, he was all aways nice to me r.i.p PLAWRENCE

Thanks for saying that, SB. I realized last night that our chats were what helped keep me distracted, because when y'all weren't there to talk to, I returned to this...looking up those old posts was so nice, but it also brought back the sadness. That's how it usually works for me, though. It's not until I'm left alone with my thoughts that the emotion of it hits me (again). I'm so glad that we all have each other as support right now.

And to brighten things up, I finally found the original "Flopsie and Mopsie" story that became the legend. Not only could he take a joke - he could turn it around and make it his own.

What is the Frank Vincent story all about

I couldn't agree more SB, it is the way he would have wanted it. He never wanted to "burdon" us with what was going on in his personal life, knowing we ALL cared enough about him that it would have effected us. It's great that no matter HOW HURT WE ALL ARE, that we continue on with the way he would have wanted it.

I just wish all of that fun in the ladies thread didn't have to come at my expense. Besides we all know making jokes about me was one of plaw's favorite pasttimes

http://www.thegodfathertrilogy.net/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=6;t=003141

Plaw WOULD want it this way, I'm sure of it. And I had the best source - Plaw. He was a warm and caring man, a loving friend, but he was NOT given to mawkishness or exreme sentiment. He would like us to continue the fun we've all had with one another, because that was his favorite thing about this place. ESPECIALLY getting laughs at DMC's expense. :p

I'm sure you're Happy up there Plaw. RIP.

GoodFella

I feel awful to hear of Plaw's passing.
Though I've been around for a while I don't check-in so often ... and I was not aware that he was ill.

Though we'd responded to each other's posts, I did not know Paul in person ... yet the effect of finding out about his death feels right now as if I had. Without thinking, for just a moment my mind turned to making lasagna ... the first thing I do when I find out about a friends death is to take food to the family ... but coming back to reality I feel silly; I have no idea who I'd imagined I would take the food to.
It's curious how honest and real online-friends are even though they are not physically present.

The door shutting suddenly is a very difficult way to be reminded just how much we care ... and how we should never take others for granted.
It is so true that any one of us could be gone tomorrow (I just had a big scare myself - it is very real to me right now); and we don't know when those in our lives might be taken, sometimes unexpected, sometimes we knew ... but still can't get our arms around it easily. We expect to see them suddenly again, like Sonny reflected in the glass at Vito's birthday party. If only to get just one more evening together, one more post, just one more smile.

Maybe I do know who to take that lasagna to. Plaws family was all of you. Please accept my sincere condolences at Paul's death. May he rest in peace.

Tony

After reading the flopsie and mopsie story does anyone else remember the "I almost slept with a gangsters girlfriend" story?

I will try to look for it but in Plaw fashion, he builds up the scene to be a night, no wait a weekend of just hot passionate sex with this guys girlfriend and what was the ending? The guy came back inside, they ate their dinner and went home

I remember that one.. I'm having trouble finding it though

here it is: Link

I'm glad you found it. I had no luck. It's nice re-reading his words.

Geoffy,
Is there a way that you can make sure his GF book never gets deleted?

Gee my relationship with PLaw was much different than what most have posted, my dealings with him are more akin to two 12 year olds on the back of a school bus making fun of each other and others. I first became aware of PL back in the Sports thread when the fantasy games were just starting. It was different a few years back from what I read today. Basically if you revert yourself back to junior high where you make sexual reference to players names – and insulted one another, that is pretty much what you had. You wouldn’t much cerebral and deep thought provoking conversations occurring there. As time went on and the fantasy games took shape, PL would absolutely drive me crazy with all his stat posts – uggh they were so frustrating. I consider myself fairly intelligent and there were times I did not even understand what the hell the stats even meant yet alone understand how he derived at them, nor how much time he had even taken to generate them. I later came to the conclusion that he only developed and posted the stats that showed him in a favorable light.  :p I used to correspond to a lot of them with a – which used to frustrate him especially after taking all that time to compute them. I should note that DB found them very insightful, which is why PL anointed him his Most Worthy Adversary. A bit gay for me, but whatever .... :p But that is how it was, everyone would ‘bust’ on each other for most part but thinking back, PL did some but not as much as the others. He certainly took his share of ribbing though, that’s for sure. This was the guy that would inform us that while on vacation would wake up before 6:00am, leave his hotel, find some local café with internet access, pay something like $15.00 / day for access to post and change his line ups. For someone like myself – he was a constant source of material to bust on him for.

Although he wouldn’t get on the others as much as we got on him, he didn’t seem to mind the ribbing – as long as he felt it was not in any way mean spirited or derogatory to him or his family. In the occasional times we would PM me, he would joke how fun the leagues were. Personally, I simply think he enjoyed the camaraderie that existed and was just content to be part of a group or maybe clique that was basically just a light hearted, silly group that revolved around sports. And really can you blame him – c’mon who would not want to be associated with a group that has people calling themselves – Big Daddy, Crabby, Pork, Buffy and of course Douche Bag He actually PM me to help settle debates that he and Vickie would have over regional sayings. One time, they were in a restaurant and she asked for something in a particular way – I forget the details now. He of coursed challenged her and said that is not how you say or ask for that. She said yes it was that is how they talked where she grew up. Apparently that was not how they did in NY and being one not to back down from a debate kept it going with her. He PM’d me later asking to settle the bet they had – I agreed with Vickie’s use of the saying, whatever it was – it was how we talked in Phila. He was not thrilled with my response – knowing him he probably didn’t even go back and tell her that I agreed.

He asked me a few times to meet for dinner or drinks the times he was in Phila. As intelligent of a man as he was – he never seemed to grasp the fact that although I grew up in Phila, I no longer lived there, so getting into Center City especially on a weekend was 1 ½ - 2 hour commute with weekend traffic. But he tried and it turned out we never did actually get together. He mentioned if I get up to NY on business or something to let him know and he’ll hook me up with tickets to the Nets – wasn’t in NY much either.

It’s odd that there are probably only a few people on the board that would garner this type of attention in death. Not to say any one is any more important than another but I think it is because he was active in most facets of the board. He was a very active participant in discussions on the Godfather book /movie as well as Gangster history, he was a lunatic in the fantasy sports games as much as general sports. He was engaged in political discussions and often debates as everyone knows. Because of that he interacted with the mass majority of people on the board so with his death leaves a void in a lot of different areas and to a lot of people. Matter of fact the only place he probably didn’t visit much was the game section. And as most know he did not like them, in many cases he loathed them. Probably because in his mind there was no challenge to them. My favorite was when he started one himself called the Numbers game as a joke to the entire concept – below is his post;
That was a classic - and the funny part is as of today when I looked this up - there are still people playing it – a game in which you post the next number. PL must have seen that and simply scratched his head and rolled his eyes.

So what I would like to propose to JGeoff or SC as my last razz to him instead of renaming the Sports thread as some proposed (my entry is PLAW’s Sports Lounge) – but instead to rename the Word Game section after him. Call it something like PLAW’s Intellectual Word Games – Challenge your Wit …

That would steam him to know end – you do that JGeoff and he’ll be turning off your lights, television, computer – your car – the site that host this board ….you name it. That would be sooooo awesome …. Cruel but totally awesome.

But the truth is although I am not here very much anymore, and my ‘conversations’ with PL were occasional and never involved deep personal thoughts – yet when I learned that he passed away I was genuinely saddened. Odd that I never physically met nor spoke to him, but was still sad to hear of his passing. If he was in the pain that has been discussed here, he truly is in a better place. My condolences go to his son Steve and his girlfriend Vickie.

From reading all the past threads it seems that he was a friend to many on this board - and in the end that's a pretty good legacy to have.

After one of my earliest posts in a sports thread, a post that included a reference to the Bill James Baseball Abstract (the primary source for many of plaw's statistical analysis), I was surprised to see notification in my AOL mailbox that "plawrence has sent you a message from the gangsterbb" (or something like that).

His private message extended a hand to say "hi" and welcome me to the boards, offered to find the source material I cited in my post, photocopy and send it to me (on his dime!), then invited me to join the fantasy leagues. I lurked for a long time before posting, and it was reassuring to have plaw greet me at the door to make me feel welcome.

Paul, I pray there's someone there to extend a hand and greet you, to make you feel comfortable as you did for so many friends here on the BB. Equally as important, I hope that your family can experience the same kind of comfort in your absence that you brought to others with your presence.

tony b.

Didn't it have something to do with saying the term, "Going down the ocean", or "Down the shore"?

I can't ever watch a Bogart film without thinking of SC. I can't watch Carmela Soprano without thinking of TIS. I could never watch Paulie Walnuts without thinking of Plawrence, but it was always to a lesser extent than the other two, because Plaw was so different to Paulie's character.

Nevertheless, I await the last eight episodes of The Sopranos secretly hoping Sirico's character survives the show.

And needless to say, I won't ever be able to watch a Woody Allen film again without some sort of a knowing smile.

Thanks for putting up the links guys. Keep em' coming!

SC - Thanks for the update on the burial. I think it was really nice that our words went with him.

TM, Senza Mama - So sorry for your losses. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Here's another good "anonymous" poem I'v always liked.


May you always walk in sunshine, and God's love around you flow,

For the happiness you gave us, no one will ever know.

It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did no go alone.

A part of us went with you the day God called you home.

A million times we needed you, a millions times we cried.

If love could have saved you, you never would have died.

Always Loved and Sadly Missed,

I just noticed the change in the Sports Forum's description...

"The House that Plawrence Built"

I love it!

BDD, I really enjoyed reading your post - thanks.

I didn't notice the sports section name change until you mentioned it Gina.

Thanks Geoff. You're the best!

Awesome.

And no, BDD, I'm not talking about you. :p (Great posts, btw )

JG, that is too sweet. I miss our friend so much, in so many different ways. Little things that I think of to tell him, Gee, that would make Plaw laugh!!

Since going back through the newly dedicated sports thread I came across this Gem of a post by plaw and thought I should post it (he is in fact talking to the one and only Douche Ba ugh Bigelow):

This is kinda freaky, and I was gonna report this earlier today, but...

Okay, I have a screwed up sleep schedule since, well, I don't *need* to be up at any certain hour right now. And besides the insomnia + apnea... Plus the fact that I'm a nightowl more than a morning owl... That's all! lol

Anyway - this means that in the AM I often end up in a half-awake, half-dream state where I believe that lucid dreams often overrule "reality".

This morning (yesterday), in that state, I "received an email from Plaw", and it said basically: "Thank you for all the kind words".

I actually SAW the email in my head, with all the headers and everything - I was even trying to see the IP address of Heaven, but...

Of course, that freaked me out enough to wake me up! But at the same time, I really believe that such a state is conducive to such messages from *other places* - and it made me happy that (I believe) Plaw actually took that moment to thank us....

Call me a quack all you want, but I saw/sensed what I saw...

As much as Plaw loved this site I don't think he will have any problem 'finding it' again.

If it walks like a duck and talks like a duck..... j/k. :p

Did you actually ever have an email from like that? That sounds freaky but comforting. It would be just like him to send messages to make us feel better. Thinking of others even in the end.

That's a bit freaky JG. Nice to hear Plaw is still reading.

I had a similar experience a few years ago after my grandfather died. After a death, Catholic Filipinos have daily prayers for 40 days to pray for the soul of the recently deceased. The prayers are for the safe passage from purgatory into heaven. Right around the 40th day after my grandfather's death, he came to me in a dream saying that I had to let him go - that he can't go to heaven otherwise.

Needless to say, I woke up in a start. It freaked me out because (i) I've never dreamt about my grandfather before and (ii) the coincidence of time and words really was so surreal. I prayed for him that night and I'm sure my prayers were answered. To this day, I've never forgotten that dream.

Well Paul pulled off the hat trick!

This morning when I turned on my cell phone, there was a 'ONE NEW VOICEMAIL' message. So I dialed my voicemail to retrieve the message. I listened to it and when it was over there was another message which said "YOU HAVE ONE SAVED MESSAGE." And I was like "What the fock" because I NEVER save my voicemail messages and always delete them. So I retrieve this supposed saved message and lo and behold it starts out " Hey, it's me, Paul, how are you doing...."



My heart almost dropped out of me! I remember the message well from when I first got it from Paul, and I know that I deleted it because I always delete my messages. Besides, yesterday I got a voice message from someone else and when I listened to it and it was finished, I did not have any other messages, new or saved!

And today this old message that I know I deleted pops up?

It was really great to hear his voice again , but at the same time it was very sad .


Don Cardi

Should I be expecting a visit soon then? It seems he's visited everyone else.

Well, I for one, always have believed the possibility of loved deceased ones being able to see us. Don't we all know, that if he could, PLaw would be posting today.

I find myself thinking about him a lot and have a feeling it'll take a while to get use to the idea that he will never be posting again.


TIS

No, not everyone. It seems he isn't visiting abroad.

amazing how a long period of absence can make time fly and things change so quickly...

i've never met or talked with plawrence personally, but he seemed to be a very nice man... may he rest in peace...

No, not everyone. It seems he isn't visiting abroad. [/b][/quote]He visited JG......oh sorry there's no space in between the a and the b

I went to check out the Beta version of the "new" site, and there was something called my UBB friends. I clicked on it and it listed plaw!! I don't remember ever having any UBB friends, or adding any, and it was so odd to see his name there.

Me too...
Sometimes I just happen to think this is just a period, and that he will post tomorrow or so.

But then I have to make myself realize Plaw will never post again.

Me too...
Sometimes I just happen to think this is just a period, and that he will post tomorrow or so.

But then I have to make myself realize Plaw will never post again. [/b][/quote]It's only been less then a week, but it feels like an eternity in a way. I can post on this board and have fun and joke around one minute, then I look up and see the "Remembering Plawrence" link at the top of the page and I burst into tears. Sometimes I feel guilty when I'm laughing at something, like why should I laugh, Paul can't, I'm sure his son can't. But I'm sure he doesn't want me feeling this way. I just miss him every day.

Oh, Bethie, don't feel like that...I know Plaw wouldn't want you to.

We should always cherish the memory of him, but you shouldn't make yourself feel guilty about anything.

He'd much rather you smile, laugh, and enjoy the place that he loved so much.

How did you do that?

Don't get spooked. That UBB Friend List came from your PM Buddy List (from these boards).

DON'T BEAT YOURSELF UP OVER LAUGHING NOW! You know how much you're hurting inside. There's absolutely nothing wrong in trying to find a way to laugh.

I dunno if Paul is laughing now but I bet he's smiling! He's not in pain anymore and he saw his parents again.

Steven will laugh again some day soon. Poor kid.

Well, my fiancé died four years ago. I was in complete shock for months although it wasn't unexpected, because he was terminally ill of colon cancer and we all knew he couldn't live long. Yet, when he died, when I realized those green eyes were not to look at me any longer, that smile was not to be turned on again, that voice was not to greet me ( "ciao micionaaaa!!!!!!"), never again, well....it was agony. I remember I spent many many nights with tears in my eyes, asking God "why?" and praying "please, let him contact me somehow". That went on for about one year. Then, one day, I felt more comfortable. Not because mourning was over. But because I stopped asking why. From that moment on I began feeling him close to me again. And he never left me since. I'm looking at his pic on my office desk just now, while writing this, and we share a smile. I know he's by my side. I'm not angry anymore. I'm grateful because I had such a wonderful person in my life. This is just another way to have him in my life. Feeling him inside my heart. Of course sometimes I crave for his touch. But it's just a moment.
And of course I'm sure we'll meet again someday.

Lavinia, So Sorry for your loss. My mother died 29 years ago and I know what you mean asking why. Why did she have to die when I was just a young teenager just when I needed her the most. Then I realized she is no longer suffering from all the pain and she was with God cooking for him in the big kitchen in the sky. What I wouldn't do to eat her cabbage rolls I miss her so much but I dream about her and that is comforting.

Mig, I'm sure your Mom watches over you from Heaven and comes and visits you in your dreams! Unfortunately I rarely dream of Massimo, but one time I dreamt of him -- he was at a window (sort of) and had the most enchanting smile imaginable, a smile coming from Heaven indeed. I still have chills down my spine just at the thought of it....

Our beloved ones never really leave us. That's for sure. We just must get used to feel them. It takes time, but it's sooooo comforting!

Beth,
I know exactly how you feel, but you MUST NOT. Paul would feel horrible knowing your were grieving this way (although it would've massaged his massive ego to a certain extent ). Today I went to the library and took out two books by an author he introduced me to. I would give anything to be able to discuss those books with him, but it isn't meant to be. This is what the fates had in store for him. We can only be grateful that he touched our lives for the time that we had him.

Beth,

I know how you feel. I felt so guilty after he passed that I was not able to visit him in the hospital. I don't think he would want us to feel guilty. I will cherish the time I did get to spend with him. When I see something that reminds me of Neal I will smile.

I just wanted to give my sympathy to Plawrence's family and also his friends here at the Gangster board. I popped in the other day and was shocked to see this post on the main page. I hope he is in a better place now. Regards ~ Ang

RIP Plaw.

I never really got along with him, but hell I never get along with anyone RIP Plaw.

I haven't been on here in awhile and I am so saddened to learn that Plaw has passed away. Can anyone please tell me what happened?

Meggie...plawrence had been ill for quite some time. It was mentioned earlier in this thread that he was diagnosed with terminal cancer back in March 2005.

Apple

I'm shocked and deeply saddened from the news of Plawrence's passing. I was not aware of his illness. He brought wit and charm to the board and I enjoyed reading many of his postings. Though I haven't visited the board as much as I did in the past I was stunned to read of his passing.

When Plawrence was brought into this world he cried and his family rejoiced. Now he is rejoicing and we are crying.




RIP Plawrence

I am utterly shocked!
RIP Plaw.
You will be sadly missed.

I, too, wasn't aware he was even sick. We certainly didn't see eye-to-eye on most things, but I always respected him. He was one of the few more "civil" arguers among us, and I believe his concern and care over his fellow man were truly sincere. Wow. You just never know.

i got the news through geoff when this went down, so needless to say this isn't "news" to me, per se, but i was greatly saddened by what i heard. this just happens to be the time i made my way around here, so i'm just paying my respects - RIP, plaw. definitely a most significant loss.

I didn't know him very well and I've never met him but I am still shocked and deeply saddened by this.

RIP

It would a fitting, lasting tribute to Plaw if his best writings could be archived on this site with an easy link for access. Perhaps somewhere on the left-hand column...

In the meantime, here is a link to the infamous Joe the Greek thread:

Fanucci and Maranzano

Signor V.

Good idea, SV.

That "Joe the Greek" segment was Paul at his best when it came to pulling someone's leg. I spoke to him later about it and laughed hysterically at his inclusion of "the unpublished version" text.

Haha, I'd never read that before. LMAO!

That was a great thread.

I think Plaw's "numbers game" thread, which is STILL going, was an even greater thread.

Is that still there? And being used? Sjeesh

That reminds me of the Alphabet Game thread, a kind of word game where you have to think of a word with an A, then a word with a B, ...

That thread is the funniest I have ever, ever seen on these boards.

The only thread with which I have actually laughed out loud for a long while.

And not only the idea itself, no, particularly Plaw's (and others responses).

Some things were even funny, although they weren't meant that way.

Humor at it's best!

I was laughing so hard I had tears rolling down my cheeks. No wonder I have never seen Greek Sicilian Mafia Don around here.
That is simply classic. That thread should be sold.

I can't believe that tomorrow will be three weeks that he is gone. I miss my friend so very, very much.

Yup. Irish and De Niro have it up to like 1300 now......I have NO CLUE how Irish got 35,000 posts....

I'm a bit late to show my respects. Sorry for that. But this man earns a lot of respect from my side. He knew a lot and explained a lot of times to me how the betting/gambling works.

Plawrence Rest In PEACE.

Maybe an idea to show some extra respect from this board: fix his 4th place in Top Posters. So that nobody can take that spot ever again.

No wonder - he was banned soon afterwards. And I believe tried once more to register here under another name.

i feel bad i am posting now...i never knew him on here or in real life...but i am still sad about his passing....i know he is looking down on all of us now

r.i.p plawrence

Its one month ago today that Paul died.

I don't think one day passed since that I haven't thought of him. These thoughts come to me unexpectedly... could be when I'm driving, or at work, or having dinner, etc. Mostly I'm happy to think back about him but those few sad moments sneak in now and then. The hardest part of missing him is knowing that I'll never hear his voice again and never see him again.

I've garnered a few of his posts (mostly from links in this thread) and have linked them (below) for your reading pleasure.

One of Paul's favorite "Godfather" debates was arguing over whether there were 5 or 6 Families. Here's a link to one of those discussions (in which Paul ably made his points:
Five or Six Families?

Paul's original poem doing a takeoff on "Twas the Night Before Christmas". He wrote this December, 2002, and I consider this the single best ever post made on our boards:
Plaw's "The Night Before Christmas - Gangster BB Style"

Paul's response to a thread asking about ourselves:
Paul's "Profile Response"


Paul's original poem about some board members:
Paul's "Board Members Poem"


Paul's made-up news article (as Neal Pulcawer) describing a tree and someone's niece:
Neal Pulcawer's "Tree" Article


Paul describing how he met (and infuriated) actor Frank Vincent:
Paul's "Frank Vincent Story"


His "Flopsie and Mopsie" story:
Paul's "Flopsie and Mopsie" Story


Paul's satirical, light-hearted response regarding one of the characters in "The Godfather". This, IMO, was Paul at his best when he was pulling someone's leg. (Read Paul's response and the rest of the thread after that):
Paul's "Joe the Greek" Response

This is just a short sampling of what Paul contributed to our boards and our community. His real contribution was his day-to-day messages that enriched us all.

SC, Thank you so much for sharing those. I know what you mean about thoughts of Paul. They sort of sneak up on me when I least expect them. Sometimes they make me laugh, and sometimes not so much. Mostly, I want to share something with him, I want to tell him about a book, a meal, a bottle of wine, and I forget that I can't anymore.

Its funny how the mind works (almost "fogetting" some distasteful things for a second). I use the "Active Topics" list when I wanna see which posts were made since I last logged on. That list includes the name of the member whom originated the thread. Occasionally I'll see Paul's name listed and I'll (for a second) think "Hmmm, lets see what plaw said".

Its still a little unnerving.

Exactly.

One of the hardest parts for me is when there is a political debate. Many times after I make a reply, I go back to the thread hoping to find a reply from Paul. I really used to feed off and look forward to his opinions and ideas when it came to those debates. I really miss the competitive challenge that Paul used to provide to me with his replies.

There will never be another who had the ability and the intellect to provoke the kind of thought process that Paul did with his fair, debatable and insightful posts.

I truly miss you my friend.


Don Cardi

Absolutely correct, Don Cardi - Paul was one of the people on the BB who could have a good, serious (and sometimes, not so serious) discussion of issues. A certain balance has been lost with his passing. So many times, while reading a political debate, I feel the topic would absolutely need his input at certain points.

A truly irreplaceable person, who was always worth reading, no matter what the topic. Serious or humorous, he was one-of-a-kind.

One additional bit of plaw's humor that I remember is definitely worth linking to. It's the ah...intimate interlude between Vito and his wife in this thread (it's about halfway down the page):

Vito and Kay

Signor V.

I had forgotten that one..... Thanks for bringing it back, SV.

.

Thanks for posting those SC and SV. It's great re-reading his posts. I have the pic's from last year's BB convention on my picture slide show for my screen saver so it's nice seeing Neal's face pop up on my screen.

I just re-read the "Joe The Greek" Response and thats a classic..

I remember this one! Once he pulled my leg as well with Elmer Fudd's way of pronouncing "r", which I'd no idea about since I'd watched dubbed versions. It is not the same without him.

Here is another bit of plaw's humor that he originally alerted me to in a PM. He freely admitted that parts of it had been "inspired" by some dialogue from the film Broadway Danny Rose.

Michael at a Singles Bar

Signor V.

JG...can u please disable the rating of this thread?
It doesnt matter how many stars it has...it just feels plain wrong to see those stars rating a thread dedicated to a deceased member.

Thanx for sharing Vitelli

I'm sad to learn Plawrence is no longer with us. His replies to the Fanucci and Maranzano thread are brilliant. We'll miss you here Plaw!

Yesterday, before we ate, we paused to give thanks and have a moment of prayer. While sitting there reflecting, I thought of our friend Paul. For a moment I became saddened, but then I realized that our friend Paul was having the biggest and most bountiful thanksgiving dinner that he ever had, and the best part about it is that he is doing so without ANY pain or suffering whatsoever.

Happy Thanksgiving Paul. I miss you my friend.



Don Cardi

DC, Thanks to your link over in Godfather's Revenge, I went back and re-read Plaw's attempt at writing a sequel. Reading it objectively, I have to say that it was pretty good. And looking back, it has made me miss his wit and style so much. I could always count on him to come up a great line. And there was no greater compliment than when he would tell me, You're funny.

Maybe it's the upcoming holidays. Maybe it's because I just came across a book he had loaned me, but I miss him very much lately.

That one was a classic, and I had forgotten that I responded with one of my own, and then Plaw writing that inmitation was the sincerest form of flattery....

I am glad this thread is being kept open, and I am grateful for all the members who have resurrected many of his witty threads.

Maybe there should be a "Best of Plaw" thread

[/quote]Maybe there should be a "Best of Plaw" thread [/quote]

I was thinking this as well would be good idea

I'm only new here, but I'm very sorry of this nice person's passing. I just read his own Godfather sequel post in the other thread and it completely blew me away.. And the poor soul is now deceased, I hope he is now long since at peace and rest, my condolences to you all his friends also

Dominos Pizza has a commercial out for Brooklyn style pizza. In it there's a cab driver saying how you have to fold the pizza, and his female passenger is egging him on, telling him to "fold it like a man". This cracks me up because when I was in New Jersey Paul took me to get a slice of New York style pizza, and he took his piece back to the counter because he couldn't fold it. He's arguing with the guy, "How can I eat it, if I can't fold it"? He was argumentative till the end. haha.

Beth, so glad to see you back. We miss our Paulie so much, and we don't want to miss the friends who can still be with us.

Yup, just call us " Paulie's Angels. "

Calling dibs as "Bosley".

This is the time of year that Paul shone here on the boards; his annual year-end "specials" always thrilled me, whether they were some sort of yearly retrospective or a creatively written poem.

(Its two months ago today that Paul is gone).

[quote=SC(Its two months ago today that Paul is gone). [/quote]

Can you believe it? I know I can't.

No. Without breaking any confidences, I know you two corresponded virtually every day online. Paul and I would sometimes go three or four days without hearing from each other "towards the end". One of us would get worried and that always prompted a phone call to the other. Oh, how I miss that.

The last time I was hospitalized, Lori let the cat out of the bag and in fairly quick succession I got three calls from Cardi, Geoff and Paul. I can't even begin to tell you how good those calls made me feel. I can't even begin to tell you how I'll never forget the look on his face when I visited him in the hospital (his last time there) and the nurse woke him up to tell him he had a visitor. He opened his eyes from his drug induced sleep, slowly focused in on me and broke out into a wide grin and he mouthed my name.

Thats the one thing about memories... they stay with us forever. I'd trade them in a New York minute to have him back here with us.

If I also traded in my New York minute would that work?

Talking to Paul everyday makes the effect of him being gone that much greater. And like you said, if a day or two went by and we didn't hear from each other a worried phone call would follow. I could just picture his smile when he saw you walk in his room. What I would give to see it again.

Its funny to use that term ("New York minute"). Its meant to be a fast one, but its reference to Paul is clear. He was the quintessential New Yorker... witty and urbane, knowledgable on a number of subjects, a connoisseur of fine things (food, wine, literature, etc.) and just plain fun to be with. He could (and often did) discuss the finer points of a novel but was down-to-earth enough to discuss the daily comedies of life (such as how to fold a piece of pizza ).

Paul discussed fine wine and literature with you guys, and folding pizza with me. Hey, at least I knew where I stood. haha.

Any way you look at it, it was a "slice" of life for Paul.

Now you're just being cheesy.

Cheesy... Oh, you two.

I can't believe it's been two months, either. It's crazy. And even though it's been two months already, I still haven't gotten used to it... every day, I see something or something happens, and I immediately think, "Oh, I wonder what Plaw thinks about that, I can't wait to talk about this with him." Or I want to get his advice about something, or just laugh about something together, and then I remember that I can't.

I wish it was something that was easy to get used to, like after a set amount of time, we would all be okay... but we all know from past experience that sometimes you never get used to someone being gone, no matter how much time passes by.

To end on a lighter note... Looking back, I feel lucky to ever have been friends with him at all, even though it was a short couple of years.



I agree with SB, Beth... I hope everything's okay!

Reminds me of the time that he had not posted on the boards for several days, and hadn't responded to any of my PMs or phone messages that I left on his house phone. Knowing that he had been diagnosed with an illness, I really began to worry. So I called his cell phone. I got his voice mail. Now I really started to think the worse. Just as I was about to call SC, my cell phone rings and it's Paul. He non-chalantly says " Hey, how are you doing?" and I go into what was probably a rant about how he scared the hell out of me and how I've been worried about him for several days now! I can remember his reply like it was yesterday :

"Ok, are you finished now? For God's sake your worse than a wife! What do you have everyone searching for me? Do I have to report to you all everytime I disappear for a day or two? Can't I go down to Atlantic City on a whim without having to report to you guys?"



and then he burst out laughing and said how we, as friends, meant more to him than people he's known his whole life and how wonderful it was to know that we cared about him as much as we did.

I know that I have mentioned his saying this about us many times, but he said it with such sincerity that it really meant a lot to me. He even said this to my wife, the first time that he met her at one of our dinners, and she too was impressed because he said it to her with such sincerity.

After that he always made sure that he'd drop me an e-mail or a PM if he was going to be away from the boards for a day or two.

I really miss him.



Don Cardi

Has any of the NY/NJ locals heard from Paul's son or GF? I hope they are doing ok. It's gonna be hard for them this time of year.

This was the thread I was looking for, for like forever. I miss you and your witty posts Paul!



Thank you SV!

Only speaking for myself I'm not sure how many people kept in constant contact with his son and girlfriend. I don't believe many were close with them. Since they don't celebrate the holidays I'm not sure how much of an impact it will have on them. It will probably affect us more then them.

I echo what DC said. I think we all miss him so much. I'm sure he's somewhere with an imflated ego right now.

Paul was not religious, but I'm sure that they will still have some sort of Chanukah celebration, even if it is small. When we talked about God and having faith, he often told me that he wished he could feel something, but just didn't. Still, he would participate in the annual Seder, etc., so I'm sure that his family will be doing something, but I'm sure it will be difficult. Faith or not, this time of year is always hard when you've suffered such a loss.

My deepest condolences to the family and friends.I have read many of the posts over the years and will miss them deeply.
Shannon Keith-Sunnylander Entertainment

I've been an on again, off again poster here at the Gangster BB boards for about 2 years. Being an inconsistent poster has hurt some of the relationships I could have had with some people here, but the one thing I always knew about people here was that Plawrence was one of the most intelligent posters here, if not THE MOST. Sorry Turnbull.

I just started reading Plaw's GF sequel and I must say, it was very good. Much better than Winegardener's crap. So Plaw, you will be missed, not just for spinning an interesting GF story, but for bringing so much to us GF fans with your knowledge of the GF universe.

Here's to hoping that The Godfather trilogy is constantly playing where ever you are.

I miss you Paul. Merry Christmas.

Even if its prob late for this..Ive been away for a while. but I wanted to show my respect anyway. I always enjoyed reading plaw post and his contributions to this boards.. may god bless his soul..

Ange.

Bumping this because I don't like it being a month without remembering Paul. Although, I think of him everyday so that's not a problem. I have an old pic of Paul on my desk at work. My boss saw it the other day and said it reminds him of Danny Bonaduce.

Yes, he is highly medicated.

There are days when Paul is on my mind so much, but more and more often, the memories make me smile. There are still plenty of days that I really can't believe that he's gone, and expect to hear from him, and I actually have to remind myself.

I just like to think of conversations that we've had so I can hear his voice. It's like if you can hear him speaking then he's not really gone.

Wow...I haven't been on these boards in several months and I logged on to find that our dear friend plaw has passed. He was a great poster and definitely one of the most knowledgeable and level-headed people here. I got Nets tickets from him once for my friend who lives in New York - how generous was that?

Anyway, he will always be remembered here and I wish him and his loved ones the very best.

It's 4 months today.

We miss you Paul.

I have not been on this board very long but used to read alot of the posts. The day I started GF Returns I clicked on here. I came across Plaw's GF sequel and I never read GF Revenge for about 3 months because I was addicted to Plaw's sequel! My deepest condolences go to Plaw's family. RIP Plawerence and I hope you are now pain-free.

Remembering Plawrence.

This morning I signed onto my Yahoo Fantasy Hockey site and there was a message informing me that 2007 Yahoo Fantasy Baseball is now open for registration. As soon as I saw that I immedeatly thought of our friend Paul.

This was the time of year that he enjoyed. Baseball season closing in and Fantasy Baseball being back. I couldn't help thinking how he would already have made his post over in the Sports thread telling everyone that it was time to start getting ready for fantasy baseball.

I can picture him right now, telling The Babe how he should draft his team! Telling Gil Hodges that his line-up is bad. Telling Bart Giamatti that he's set the league up all wrong!

For the rest of my life, as long as I play fantasy baseball, I'll always think of my friend Paul, especially at this time of the year.


I miss you my friend.



Don Cardi

DC, He would be loving it, wouldn't he? My dear, sweet friend. There are days that I miss him so much, it's like a hand grabbed hold of my heart and gave it a big squeeze. But I am also so happy to have known him. He was such a unique person, so knowledgeable about seemingly everything, such a gentleman, yet he made everyone feel so comfortable.

So true, DC.

Fantasy baseball always makes me think of Plaw, but this season, just the sport itself reminds me of him. I can just imagine how excited he would already be about it. Like you said, we'd be getting the traditional posts about the upcoming games and how we needed to get set up.

I will miss his insight so much - every post he made taught me something, and I cherished those lessons about my favorite sport. He was a true lover of the game.

Paul would have started a fantasy baseball thread back in January.

Fantasy threads and Paul go hand in hand. Thinking of how he won't be there with his 5 paragraph posts makes it so sad. It's one reason why I can't bring myself to play anymore.

Understandable. But I know that if Paul could speak to you, he'd blow his top. He wouldn't hear of it!

I know that some feel the same. But think about it, if everyone decided not to play, then there would be no gangsterbb fantasy baseball at all! And to me, that would tarnish the memory that we have of the love that Paul had for playing gangsterbb fantasy baseball.

If anything Beth, you should play because that is what he would have wanted you to do. And you know it.


Don Cardi

You speak wise words DC. It's just the last good memories I have of Paul he called me everyday while he was in the hospital a few monts ago. He didn't have computer access and I would go online and we would work his roster together. He had the newspaper in front of him and he already knew who he wanted before he called. He would play mind games with me and say, "Ok Bethie..you know the pitchers I usually select so you know who to chose". I tried to tell him I never paid that much attention..haha. Who could forget he's the one who picked Johan before everyone else. Now seeing his name in line up will be sad.

We would really be into it, and before you know it Paul would say, "Shit..we've been talking for over an hour. Your phone bill's gonna be crazy". It was worth it though knowing it brought a little smile to his face during difficult times. Knowing I can't IM or call him with stuff isn't easy.

These are the days, aren't day...

All the fantasy games in the pipeline. March madness, the fantasy baseball games. Plaw really was the one that turned fantasy sports on the GBB from "set-it-and-forget-it" to the production that it is today.

Good and bad.

You know for a fact though, as he's looking down us playing these games, he's still giving himself the best odds at winning.

I miss him being around, especially now.

Yeah. Right around now, he'd be predicting me to come in 3rd behind you and him. Then when I'd get fired up, he'd email me and ask me to "put my money where my mouth is" and play for a few $$.

The other day I was driving on Rt 9 in Northfield, NJ (down South) and saw a business sign "Frank Vincent" (I forget the business), but I instantly thought of plaw and buddy.

No doubt he took away a huge chunk of these boards with him.

I wish I had insisted on asking him something we were discussing in PM instead of telling him to explain it only if you feel most comfortable. Oh well...

It was two years ago this past weekend that Paul was diagnosed with his cancer. The memory of that is now somewhat hazy. The memory of Paul will never fade.

I'll never forget. He was diagnosed on my daughter's birthday. Life is strange sometime.

I haven't even been able to enjoy watching spring training games. Maybe once the season starts, and the games are for real the excitement will come back. I can't help but think Paul still has his hands in the game some way.

I thought for sure Gil Hodges would've been elected to the Hall of Fame this year thanks to Paul's "pull" with the man upstairs. I know what you mean.

BTW - When is your daughter's birthday?

Her birthday was March 5. She's 22. Man, I'm old.

Tonight we had fried zucchini, which Plaw loved. He was supposed to come over for dinner last year, so we fried up his favorite for him, but he felt too ill to come, and had to cancel at the last minute. I thought of him tonight and missed him so very much.

I don't know if it's because his birthday is next week, but I've been thinking of him alot lately. It's a mixture of smiles and tears. Baseball season isn't the same without him, but I'm sure he'll provide us with some divine intervention.

I have pictures of the 2 BB weekends that I went to as my screensaver. It's nice to see his face pop up on my screen.

Yep. I really do miss our friend. Luckily we have some great memories of him.







We miss you buddy!

Today when I was replying in the thread about sex offenders, I thought that plaw might have agreed with me. I don't know that for sure, but I surely do miss his arguments...

SVSG -

I was also thinking about Plaw when I posted in that thread. I really miss debating with him.

Well, its the 28th now. This was Paul's birthday.

I looked back on last year's birthday thread for him and its hard to believe that a whole year has passed. I knew he wouldn't be around to celebrate this one but I STILL find myself wishing he would have some more of his birthdays with us.

I pray that his soul or spirit or whatever it is that remains of us after our bodies die is free of pain and at peace.

I miss him dearly.

Bless his soul. We hardly ever agreed on any subject here. But I was lucky enough to have the honor to meet him in person and to talk to him on the phone. When I found out how sick he was it really broke my heart.

Paul, your favorite redneck misses you.

Not sure what to say, but, Plaw - I know you're watching from above - we really miss you, buddy!
Psst! Please send me some signs during our live baseball draft later - please? Thanks!

I've been dreading this day for some reason. Although I know Paul wants us to remember him fondly, and raise a glass of wine in his honor. We shouldn't be sad, but remember the good times. My head knows this. I just wish someone would tell it to my heart.

I miss you Paul, and think about you everday. I can only imagine the awesome fantasy baseball team you have hooked up for yourself in heaven.

"If you came back from heaven" by Lorrie Morgan.

I wouldn't know what to say
I wouldn't know what to do
If you came back from heaven
And I could look at you
Would I fumble for the words?
Would I be a little shy?
Would I bust right out with laughter?
Or break right down and cry?

Oh,if you came back from heaven
Would it be like it was then?
Could we just pick up,where we left off
And try it all again?
Oh,if you came back from heaven
It would freeze me in my tracks
And I hope God knows,if he let you go
I'd never send you back

I know that we all wish that our friend was still here with us. I surely do. These past few weeks have been hard on many of us because of some of the reminders of Paul that we've encountered.

Reminders like the home stretch of the basketball season, the start of baseball season, and the forming of the fantasy baseball leagues.

Things that we all know that Paul loved to be involved in.

Usually at this time of year Paul and I would chat on the phone about our beloved New York Mets and what we felt they needed to do to achieve success, etc. I miss those conversations.

But today is even that much harder for us because it is our friend's birthday and he is no longer here with us to celebrate his special day. Knowing that undoubtely makes us all very sad.

But I believe that if Paul could speak to us once more, this is what he would tell us :

I am home in heaven, dear ones;
Oh so happy and so bright!
There is perfect joy and beauty
In this everlasting light.

All the pain and grief is over,
Every restless tossing passed;
I am now at peace forever,
Safely home in heaven at last.

Did you wonder how I so calmly
Trod the valley of the shade?
Oh, but Jesus' love illumined
Every dark and fearful glade.

And he came himself to meet me
In that way so hard to tread;
And with Jesus' arm to lean on,
Could I have one doubt or dread?

Then you must not grieve so sorely,
For I love you dearly still;
Try to look beyond earth's shadows,
Pray to trust our Father's will.

There is work still waiting for you,
So you must not idly stand;
Do it now, while life remains,
You shall rest in Jesus' land.

When that work is all completed,
He will gently call you home;
Oh, the rapture of that meeting,
Oh, the joy to see you come!


Happy Birthday my friend!

That was beautiful DC.

"Then you must not grieve so sorely,
For I love you dearly still;
Try to look beyond earth's shadows,
Pray to trust our Father's will"

We love you dearly still too Paul. Happy Birthday!!!!

Are you looking down upon me?
Are you proud of who I am?
There's nothing I wouldn't do
To have just one more chance
To look into your eyes and see you looking back.

I remember the last time I held Paul's hand, and although he could hardly speak, I know that he was aware of who I was. These lyrics to Hurt always make me think of Paul, and what a wonderful friend he was. I do miss him so, and I was thinking of him and of his son today. As difficult as this day is for us, I can't imagine what it's like for him. Those "firsts" are always so painful when you've lost someone you love.

Happy Birthday, my prince! Your Babe loves you!!

DC,

Thank you for that beautiful poem. Reading those words are really comforting.

My thoughts are with his son and girlfriend and the rest of his family today.

I didn't remember that today would have been Paul's birthday, nor did I realize SC's and Paul's were only a day apart.

I wasn't fortunate enough to know him as well as Geoff, SC,DC and some of the others, but still do consider myself extremely fortunate to have known him.

Before our last BB meet, he e-mailed me and wanted to ride into NYC by bus, if he was up to going at all. I was so hoping to see him again, but knowing the circumstances, didn't get my hopes up. Even we we talked on the phone from the restaurant at the convention, as weak as he sounded, he truly sounded happy to hear from all of us. You could just tell from his voice he wanted to be with us.

As everyone knows, I go to the sports section next to never, but I think Paul is flattered and honored by the title "The House That PLAW Built." What an appropriate honor to someone who will always be remembered as a valued friend.


Yes, I too have recently thought about what some of his replies might have been to recent topics. I miss his intelligent, straightforward comments, especially in the political threads.

Paul, you will not be forgotten my friend.

TIS

I decided to wait until the fantasy baseball draft tonight to post. I do miss having all of my picks second guessed by Paul, and not so much second guessed as "what the hell is wrong with you?" type questions.

I don't remember if I had a chance to talk to him on his birthday last year, but like everyone else I do miss him, and like many others I still haven't signed on to yahoo since his passing

DMC, was it you or Don Sicilia (or both)that PLaw always teased, as far as the sports betting?? I mostly read remarks he'd make on general discussion, and know nothing about who usually "won", but it seems like I remember him teasing you two in particular. Ha ha, I got the impression that Paul won most of the time and when he didn't win, I sensed he'd jokingly get on your case.


TIS

TIS, Plaw was the best at everything and on the odds on favorite to win everything (in his own mind) lol. Every sport we'd play, he would rank himself number one to win. It could have been any sports, baseball, football, tennis....heck it could have been a sport where the concept of the game is to win by not having the name Paul, wanna guess who would have been ranked #1? lol

So true DMC. I remember when I asked him to join my fantasy hockey league. He replied that he really didn't know much about hockey --- and then came the big BUT "I'll come in first place anyway" reply!

I can tell you this; the man knew his sports. And when it came to numbers, being it odds or stats, he was right on the money.

He was missed at last night's draft, but I do believe he was screwing around with some people's picks.

How else do you explain Soriano?

Or my picking of Derek Lee in the second round when I already had Pujols in the first round.

Joking aside, we miss you buddy.

Looking at the ps for today's fantasy baseball league and seeing Johan Santana's name made me think of Paul. A few years ago he was the first one to jump on the Johan bandwagon, and never ceased to make the rest of us aware of it. Watching opening night's game last night made the fact that Paul wasn't around for baseball this seaason all the more real. It was like a kick in the gut.

[OT]Aside from my posts in the YouTube thread, just wanted to say hello again to everyone. I've had a lot of personal shit to deal with in the last few months so apologies for the absence. I hope to contribute a bit more from now on. Nice to see all the familiar faces are still here. [/OT]

I just wanted to once more give my respect to Plaw's memory. I didn't know him as well as you guys but whenever I read his posts, or he replied to mine, I sometimes didn't agree with him but I sure as hell respected his opinion. I carry fond memories of him and this place is much poorer for his loss.

Having said that though, kudos to you, all of his friends, for keeping his spirit alive. Apologies if this is a bit hokey, but a quote from one of my favourite films applies perfectly here:

'If the people we love are stolen from us, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them. Buildings burn. People die. But real love is forever.'

Miss you, Plaw.

I don't even know how long it's been but I know I haven't even posted any kind of reply to this thread. I never knew what to say back then.

What drew me back here was that I went to see Bob Dylan on Saturday and something clicked in me through the show that reminded me of him. He had to sell his tickets last year.

Still miss you Plaw.

Yeah, him having to sell his tickets was very sad. Especially since it would have been a father/son outing for him and his son. Everytime I hear a Dylan or CS&N song on the radio I think of him.

I went and saw Dylan back in August. Plaw would have loved it, I know he would have. RIP buddy.

I went to a party for my brother tonight. The cocktail hour was served buffet style and there on the buffet - fried zucchini. That was Paul's absolute favorite. I had a second helping, just for him.

With graduation season upon us I've been thinking of him and his son Steven. I believe he graduates this year. I know he turns 18. I wonder how Steven is doing, and thinking how much of a proud moment this would be for Paul. He was teaching his son to drive and he hadn't yet gotten his license. It's these moments ascending into manhood that brings a father and son together. I'm sure Paul is up there with that 1000 Watt smile on his face thinking of it all.

I should've worn the Nets cap that Plaw and Steven got me one time at a game... maybe they would've won tonight. Sorry, Plaw - maybe next year!!

Sorry Paul. There's always next year.

Watching the "Sopranos" last night, I was reminded of Plawrence's avatar of Paulie. It was the episode where Paulie and Christopher went to collect on behalf of Silvio from a Russian guy. Things got out of hand and they went to kill the guy in the woods of South Jersey in the middle of winter. Paulie and Chris go through some trials and tribulations in this episode.

Yeah, I watched it as well. I can never see Paulie Walnut's face again without thinking of him. But I thought Paul struck a real life resemblance to Ritchie, so he reminds me of him as well.

Watched the Sopranos last episode on Sunday as well and it reminded me of this website and I thought I would re-visit it. I surprised myself and remembered my login and password - there is something to be said for consistency, I guess.

I was surprised and saddened to hear about PLawrence - always a voice of reason and a wonderful source of sports and trivia knowledge. Somewhere there must be a master plan for us all - I just wish I understood it sometimes.

Welcome back, Don Marco.... its good to see you here again.

Welcome back Don Marco. Seems like this is gangsterbb old timers week!

Yes, we were all saddened with the passing of our good friend Plawrence. He was an integril part of these boards, and they haven't been the same since his passing.

Hope to see you posting on these boards again more often.

I disappeared from a variety of reasons - one was that the company I worked for blocked everyone from accessing bulletin boards. I rarely go online once I am home.

A bigger reason was a tragedy in my family a little over 2 years ago and I find that I am just recently getting back into the swing of things.

There are a lot of new names here, but still a lot that I remember. The last time I was on here I didn't have HBO and hadn't even seen an episode of the Sopranos!

Well I hope that things are getting better for you as time moves on.

Welcome home.

Happy Father's Day Paul.

You are in our hearts today and always.

I got a new cellphone the other day. I was transferring over all my Contacts, and I came to Plaw's name. I didn't know what to do. I've never had the heart to delete it from my Contacts, but I felt foolish to put it in my new phone. I missed him so very much at that moment!!

I know exactly what you mean, SB. I went through that when I got a new phone in January. I didn't transfer his number (to the new phone) and felt kind of guilty about it.

I still have his number on my cell phone. I have a fairly new phone, so don't have the worry of wondering if I'd copy his number onto a new phone. I often find myself thinking of dialing the number just to see who now has his number.

I never had his cell phone number, but I can tell you this, as far as instant messenger goes, I was never able to sign on after Paul passed away. I can't bare to see his name, and I'd never delete it from my contact list.

There is a song by Kenny Chesney called "Who You'd Be Today" and the first time I heard it I thought of Paul. I don't know why, it seems to be about this person who died when he was a kid growing up with him but for some reason it just reminds me of Paul. He died way too young, and I don't know how this sounds but anyone who knows me will know what I mean. I think "Who You'd Be Today" because when I met him, he was already into the later stages and was just a fraction of the man he used to be, and I think any man alive would have killed to be just that fraction that Paul was, I can't even imagine what he was like before that.

I have never gotten back on IM either. He was just one of a few that I talked to on IM. Since I saw him online every morning when I got into work I couldn't bear it loading up and not seeing the smiley face next to Paul's name. I don't think I'll ever get back on it again.

I'm so mushy that every song that even remotely mentioned death made me a basket case. I could barely turn my radio on for awhile.

I remember one time we were on IM and for some reason one of us hit the "voice" activation function. Neither of us had a microphone, s we couldn't talk to each other. But I had a cd playing in my computer and Paul said for some reason he heard this song. I don't remember what it was, but it was the song I was playing. We found out the with that function activated we could hear music if the other had it on their computer. Paul got a kick out of that. He would find a song he had on cd and play it and ask me if I knew it. Of course, they were mainly CSN&Y or Dylan. We were doing that for a good hour or so. It was very freaky..haha.

The 3 things I remember most about IMs with him were

1) I'd stay up until his 2 a.m. "Pee Break" which was only 15 minutes, but SOMEHOW we'd play online poker until 4 a.m. lol

2) At around 5 p.m. when his girlfriend would get home he'd always say something about being the King of the Castle and then having to get off to see his girlfriend lol

3) When we'd talk sports from 8 p.m. until 4 a.m. the next morning lol He'd mention players and teams, and I'd be googling them as fast as he can talk about them. Some infielder in Double-A thats going to be huge in 5 years and he's talking about him as if he's Alex Rodriguez..I could barely talk about A-Rod and he knows about all of those people.

And for some reason, staying up that late talking to him I'd get up the next morning and I'd be fine. Other times I'd stay up that late I wouldn't be able to function the next day.

While in Yellowstone, I was walking on one of the trails and I noticed a little chipmunk so I started to watch it. Someone taps me on the shoulder so I turn around and some man asks me what I am looking at and I swear this man is the spitting image of Neal before he got sick. Same hair color same skin color same moustache same smile. I was freaked out for a couple minutes.

I didn't know plawrence very well, but I did read his threads/replies very often and I was a fan of his writings (My Godfather Sequel) and I thought he contributed a lot to Gangster BB.

Rest in peace, plawrence.

I miss you PL, and I'm sorry I wasn't visiting these boards during the time you were ill. But I love you and I will pray for you.
Rest in Peace.
Love,
Maira

I've been heavily re-drafting a novel recently, one which was originally "For Sarah". But no, I think it's enough that the novel is about her; and if I think of people who have made encouraging reference to "knowing me in the future" should I become famous, I think it's only fitting that, should I get published, the prefixing line reads: "To Plawrence."

How nice Capo!! What a kind gesture that would be.

I can't believe it's coming up on a year since he's been gone. Just the other day I was thinking of the remarks PLaw made about his "friends on the BB being as much a friend/s and friends he sees regularly" and then I was thought about Geoff's post saying that they left a printout of all of our comments and good wishes with PLaw. It made me teary eyed.
Yet, look what he left us. He's unique and one of a kind personality, that we all grew to love. And, for most of us, in a very very short time.

In the past year I have a few topics where I felt certain that if Paul were here he'd intervene with either his fair and balanced analysis, an intelligent disection of the situation, and/or a down right witty/clever comment. He truly was one of a kind wasn't he?


TIS

A perfect example of the kind of impact that he had on many of us and these boards is that here we are almost a year after his passing, and we're still talking about him. Still thinking about him. Still wondering what he would have said in regards to this discussion or that debate. Almost a year later and we still miss him as much, if not more than we did when he first passed away.

And now one of the members of this board, Capo, has decided to pay tribute to Plaw by mentioning him in the pre-fixing line of a novel that he hopes to get published.

That's the kind of impact, the kind of influence that this man had over us.

Although he may be gone in body, he sure as hell is alive in spirit and in our hearts.

The proof is right here.

It's a great testament that the BB family really cares about each other.

Mick, that is so great of you to do that.

I visited Plaw in the hospital just about a year ago (I know because it was my daughter's birthday, which is next week). I can't believe that it's been a year. I do miss his presence and his humor and his ability to inject a smile into each and every conversation (online or in person) that we ever had.

October 5th. It was one year ago today that Paul lost his battle with cancer and passed away.

Its hard to believe that an entire year has come and gone already.

The memories of his humor, intelligence and friendship will remain with me forever, but I wish so much that he was still here with us.

R.I.P. Paulie Boy

10/5 will be an unhappy anniversary for the rest of my life, but Plaw would mock me for that. He'd also mock me for my poor showing in fantasy baseball this year, and he'd most likely be leading in fantasy football. I REALLY miss him, the person, but also the life he added to the fantasy sports threads (and other threads, of course)...

On the phone he'd always call me his "Don"... but he'll always be MY Don... despite his bad driving directions

I'll always despise the fact that Cingular (now AT&T) used to delete saved voicemail after 14 days. Because if it was today, I'd still be able to hear his voice (I think it's 30 days now)... but luckily I still can, in my head...

We love you, Plaw! I'm sure you're giving them "hell" up there!

I'm very saddened that I didn't get to know Plawrence personally the way many of you did. I clearly missed out on quite a person. I used to read his posts and felt like I knew him, but I never interacted with him the way so many of you did on here and in person.

His life makes me look at my own and makes me wonder, how will people see me when I'm gone? I then think, I need to be more like Plaw, or at least more likeable!

I miss reading Plawrence's post's...

He was one of the most intelligent posters here. Too bad he is no more I miss him...

I really don't know what to say. I still remember getting the call about it, I don't think that will ever leave me.

I miss him so very much, his wit, his charm, his intelligence. He made my life so much richer for having known him.

Geoff, thank you again for this wonderful place that has brought me so many terrific friends.

To my friends here, friends that I know will be sharing my sadness today, let me at least have learned a lesson from losing my Prince Paul and not neglect the chance to tell you that I love you guys.

xxooxx

I will always have him in my thoughts and in my heart. SB is right, we need to tell the people we care about how we feel.

I love you guys

My wife died suddenly and I never got the chance to say, "goodbye". Similarly, I didn't get to say, "goodbye" to my father before he died. I was determined not to let that happen with Paul. The last time I saw him in the hospital we both knew that his death was somewhat imminent. As I was leaving, I told him that I loved him. He looked up at me, kissed me goodbye and said, "I love you, too". Those were his last words to me.

I wish I didn't have to hear them for another 30 years or so, but I'm comforted somewhat that I DID hear them. I find myself telling my loved ones that I love them more often now. Its not from any superstition or fear, and I'm comforted from just saying those words (and consider myself lucky that I have friends/family to whom I can say those words).

Calls like that never leave us.

I can still hear Vickie's voice as she left me a message that Paul had passed away. I WANT to forget it, but I can't.

No, they don't leave us, do they?? Ever.

Hard to believe it's been a year.

I too can't get the moment of getting that phone call out of my head. I remember the pain, the tears and the dread that came over me. We can say we were "prepared" for the news, but are we ever really?

The memories of our friendship are still as vivid as ever. The tears may have subsided some, but sadness still remains.

My goodness.

I miss you, Plaw. I hope you won your league up in heaven.

A whole year.

Wow!

I sure miss you my friend. I really do.

I havent been on for a long time but I had a funny feeling to log on today and I'am glad I did. I guess Paul was telling me to log on. Its been a whole year since Paul passed. WOW! I didnt know him the way DC or some of you did but every time I met him he was a sweatheart to me. He was a special person and I must say I miss him a lot. He added a smile to my face everytime I logged on and read what he wrote. A lot of times we would go back and forth at each other argueing about different topics but in the end we always had respect for each others views.

You are truely missed my friend. I just hope that when I pass on from this earth and go to heaven you will be waiting for me at the pearly gates. God Bless You.

ds

"We all know that something is eternal. And it ain't houses and it ain't names, and it ain't earth, and it ain't even the stars - everybody knows in their bones that something is eternal, and that something has to do with human beings.

"There's something way down deep that's eternal about every human being."

Thornton Wilder
Our Town

That's a wonderful quote. Thank you, SV...and Thornton.

I think sometimes we think (well at least I do) that we are all just a little speck/a little insignificant grain of sand in this enormous universe in which we all live. Yet, although it might have a ring of truth to it, it's not really accurate. Look how significant one person on one internet site, not to mention outside of the "web" became endeared and loved by everyone who's life he touched.

I've thought about Paul a number of times this year and still miss not seeing him around.

Geoff, I think naming the sports section "The House That PLaw Built" is so cool; a true tribute. What a great way to keep his spirit alive here on the BB.


I miss you Paul!
TIS

I knew there was something drawing me back here.....

I recently developed an interest in poker, when a friend from school introduced me to it and taught me how to play. I enjoyed watching 'live games,' and I got into the World Series of Poker shows on TV...then I also got into Full Tilt Poker, an online game that allows you to play with other gamers.

I'd never before given any consideration to poker, but once it hit me like this as a new obsession, I thought of Plaw. I know it would've been such fun to discuss it with him and get his opinions on the game.

Not to mention, I still have trouble understanding the strategy that goes with poker, and I know he would've been able to help on that.

He would have LOVED it, Gi, especially being given a chance to teach, teach, teach!!

Hell, I wish *I* asked for his advice, even tho I know how to play... I swear, I just get dealt bad hands all the time, and when I do get a good hand, someone always has a better one ( )

This Thanksgiving I give thanks for having known him to begin with... he's sorely missed!

I've been sort of laid up with some minor foot surgery (sorry, SC!!) and I've been online more than usual. I've been thinking of Paul so much, how sick he was for so long, and how much he depended on the internet. Or maybe it's because of the approaching holidays, and I'm getting nostalgic. Whatever it is, he's been on my mind lately.

Btw, it is now a Christmas Eve tradition to pass around his Godfather version of Twas The Night Before Christmas.

One of his favorite comedies, "A Night at the Opera" is on TCM now. It just started at 6:00.

Paul does remind me in a way of Groucho Marx. I was just noticing the resemblance while watching the movie.

I think they were from the same tribe right?

I was looking back at some of the old posts in the sports forum - some really great stuff there to reminisce about, especially involving Plaw.

You Know You're A Bit Too Into Fantasy Sports...

That IS some funny stuff. I had all but forgotten about that.

It wasn't until I joined BBC that I figured out who he was.

This one cracks me up - I love the "a bit knowledgeable" part.

He'd do that all the time.

Check out the last post in this thread...
Example

As much as Paul loved discussing sports, he loved the competition of betting on them more. He liked to push his knowledge to the limits and was happiest when there was a large group involved (and he invariably was always among the leaders).

All you had to do was say you watched sports, knew what a sport was or lived near a stadium and Paul would invite you to play fantasy sports.

And then he'd curse you if you didn't stay up until 2:00AM to get all the sports news from the night before.

THE NIGHT OF THE HIT ATTEMPT

-by Plawrence

That really did take an enormous amount of talent.

By the way, DC, you just passed Plawrence in total posts.

I may have quantity over him....be he had the quality!

plawrence and don cardi are both great men!

While I appreciate your compliment DS, and know that what you say comes from the heart, great is a bit too strong of a word to use in reference to me.

So please, let's keep this thread totally dedicated to the memory of our great friend Plawrence.

Although I did not have the good fortune to get to know plawrence as well as some others on the board, in what little interaction we had he was always a gentleman. Plaw, used to rag on me on how I'm a Toronto homer and as usual he was right. At the same time him complimenting me on my writing meant an awful lot to me.

Plaw's wry, razor sharp wit and quality of writing will most definitely be missed by myself and the others that he interacted with on the boards. I only hope that we can live up to the high standards set by plaw on these boards and in our daily lives.

God bless you Plaw, I'll see you when I get there brother.

Rest In Peace

I'm amazed at how someone whom many people have never met, myself included, could have such an impact on others. He really was a brilliant person. I know I've been absent from the board for a long time but I still think of him from time to time.

Some people come and go in your life with hardly a notice. Not so Paul. He left an indelible mark on all lives he touched, even if it was only conversations with someone on the internet. That was the kind of guy he was. Everyone who met him or chatted with him online is better off for having done so.

I think of him often and just a few days ago I turned on the light in my bedroom and it burned out. The last time this happened was on the day Paul was buried. I surprised myself by instantly calling out his name, as if to ask if he was there.

I wish he was.

I know what you mean, SC. There are days that I can't believe he's gone. I miss him so much, especially with this presidential campaign. He loved politics so much, I often wonder what he would he would be making of this race.

I am reminded of PLaw today, as I read a story about new items "found" regarding the JFK assasination. He was very knowledgeable on the subject that's been a hot topic with me since day one. I can imagine he'd be an eager participant in the discussion.

Miss ya PLaw.

TIS

Thats the kind of stuff Plaw loved to talk about. God Bless him.

SC's birthday yesterday means something else: the anniversary of Plaw's birth today. It's been almost 1.5 years since he left us, and the reverberations still carry on, especially in the Sports forum. I miss our friend, who'd be carrying on and on at even the thought of a "weekly" fantasy baseball game. And I'm sure he's watching over us keeping Uber standings for us all, and surely I've disappointed him this year lol. God bless, Plaw - and "happy birthday"!

Paul would have been 59 today. I would have loved to have been able to tease him about his last year in his 50's.

Happy Birthday in heaven, PaulieBoy.

Happy birthday Paul!

There are so many days when I miss him, and wish he were here to talk to. I sometimes talk to him in my head, telling him a funny story about what happened during my day. I wish he were here to blow out his candles.

Happy Birthday Paul. I miss you.

Plawence, though I wasn't a member when you were here, seeing your posts, and everybody's stories of you, I fell like I knew you, and when I found out, I cried. So Happy Birthday buddy

I didn't realize (or forgot) Plaw's birthday was this time of year. Happy Birthday Paul.

I still think of him, and just the fact that all of us coming back to this thread from time to time shows just how much he was loved on the BB.


TIS

I really thought I once saw someone saying you and Paul only differ one year in age. Yet in the other thread you said you turned 57 today?

Paul, I could really use you in those political threads. Thinking of you ...

Happy birthday wherever you are, old friend.

Paul was two years older than me.

Because Paul's been on my mind so much, I went back and looked at some of his old posts. I especially enjoyed reading the debates that he either started and/or was responding to.

He was such a witty and intelligent man. I realized how much I came to depend on our daily chats, and what a hole their absence has left in my life. Rereading those posts made me want to simultaneously weep and smile.

I know exactly what you mean, SB. Every time I read his old posts its a good trip down Memory Lane but I feel sort of empty at the same time.

I remember a good, kindhearted man who was very passionate about his views. God Bless him.

ds

My dad's been watching the Sopranos on A&E lately, so I've caught a few episodes. I'm ashamed to admit I never used to watch it - at first was too young, and later had missed too much. But now, I especially like the Paulie Walnuts character, and I think it's because seeing him makes me immediately think of our good friend Plaw.

I remember at one of the BB Coventions when I introduced him to my wife and daughter. He was so happy for me. He talked to me about my family. How I should always love them. I will always remember that.

ds

It is amazing how someone you've never met in real life, would make such a great impression on you. I remember he always argued that internet communities aren't any less real than life out there.

I know he wouldn't have liked these sort of mushy comments, but I miss him. I really do! *Sigh*

this was one of the funniest things I have ever seen

Does anyone remember the Christmas Carol that Plawrence put on the boards with all of our names mixed in it? i was thinking about it the other day and started to laugh! He was a very smart person.

ds

I went to the hospital to visit him this time of year, just before he died. I miss him so much.

he was very nice not only to me but also to my family. When my family met him at one of the BB Conventions he was so nice to them. God Bless him.

ds

Has anybody kept up with his family since he passed away?

I corresponded with Steven, his son, a few months ago. He's doing well, and in college now (now in his 2nd year).

SC, thanks for letting us know. Since I have a daughter about the same age, I often wonder how Steven is doing.

Glad to know he is doing well. Thanks for the update SC.

It's hard to believe that we are coming upon two years since the passing of our friend Plawrence. It seems that no matter how much time goes by, everytime I log onto this site I expect to see a post from him on the boards!

How I wish he were around just to witness and debate what will be probably the most historic Presidential election in the history of this country. How I wish he were around just to talk to and hang out with once again.

These boards have NEVER been the same since his passing.

I sincerely miss our friend.

Two years ago today.

I can't believe it's been that long; it seems like yesterday.

I miss his calls, his company, his friendship.

I can't believe it, either... We miss you, Plaw!

I haven't wanted to face this fact. I've sort of been avoiding it. I miss him every day - his wit, his wisdom, his charm, and his completely obstinate nature. He could be more stubborn than a mule, especially if you disagreed with him. He loved to try to sway you around to his POV, if it took hours. Nothing made him happier than to sink his teeth into a good debate.

I miss you so much, my prince.

I think of him escecially with two of our active threads right now. I just know he'd be all "logical" and make all kinds of sense while discussing the OJ verdict. Can you just hear him? No what I mean???

Oh, and the political threads????? I so admired how he knew his stuff and could put it in words so eloquently. I'm so glad to have known him.


TIS

Hehe, I can actually see that. He had an amazing persuasive ability, never arose to aggression but loved his debates.

The guy was incredible and two years on it still shows how much impact he had on us - especially those of us that never actually knew of him in person. I remember when I first heard the news, it took me months and months before I could join in this thread. I didn't know how to feel or what to say. But now I'm just glad that I got to know at least a wee part of his life. He's a legend.

Turi, Of all the posts written here, I have to say that yours is the first in a long time that made me cry. That's only another testament to how loved Paul was, I guess.

that's really sad to hear may he rest in peace

Thinking of Paul today. It is his birthday and he would have been 60 today.

Miss you Paulieboy.

I didn't remember this til you just posted, but a couple years ago, Paul was pinpointing me to an exact birthdate because we evidently were so close in age and born the same year. I told him mine was August. I think he was happy to annoint me as the oldest. I do miss him even still. He was always forthright and honest, whether you agreed with him or not.

Happy Birthday PLaw.


TIS

I miss my Paul all the time. I often find myself reading a book that he might like, or eating at a restaurant he would enjoy, and thinking that I have to tell him about it.

True friends like him, the ones that always have your back, are so rare and difficult to find. They truly are gems, and Paul was one of the most precious.

Happy Birthday my friend. A sincere friend! You still are and will always be missed!

Yeah, it's always around this time of year I especially think of our friend Plaw. Because a long-ass season of fantasy baseball is about to start. And his birthday.

Happy belated bday, plaw.

Don C. How are you? Last I remember you were going to school in O.C. right? Hope you are well. Nice to see you around.


TIS

Hey TIS...I was going to school in Los Angeles. Graduated in 2007, so I'm back in the working world, still out here in L.A.

Popped in GF2 the other day and it reminded me of this message board, so I thought I'd come by and see who was still around from the old days.

Hey, DC.

Tonight's the beginning of baseball season. One of Paul's favorite times of the year. It brings smiles, and some tears, at this time of year knowing Paul's not hear to give his Fantasy BB predictions.

I'm sure he still picks himself as #1 in that big Fantasy Baseball roster in the sky.

For sure. And he would be cringing at all the DNPs going on in Baseball Challenge right now.

Good thing I'm not playing.

Nice to see you around, DC! I hope all is well with you.

Hey Plaw,

This is my first post in the forum after 2 years of absence. I feel so guilty for not writing in the longest, and surely my next post will be a big hello in another thread, but I just wanted to stop here first and let you know that as thrilled as I am to chat again with all the great members here, it also bothers me to know that you will not be posting as well. I've been here long enough to see you join this forum, and long enough to see you slippin down that horrid slope. But that time in between was no less than a privilege.

I just miss you Plaw...always will

Rest in peace, plawrence.

It's been a while since I've been to this forum and I was greatly saddened to hear of your passing. Looking back at some old posts I started to recall all the great conversations we had about many things, including both of our love for poker. I just wanted to pay my respects to a great forum member and I hope he wasn't in too much pain.

Rest in peace, plawrence.

I joined in 2005 and wasn't a big poster and reader in the last few years of his life. I don't know anything about PLawrence other than he posted some great stuff and everyone that knew him loved him and that's he a Legend here on GangsterBB. Can you tell me a little about him? Family life, What restaurants he like to eat at, what books he liked to read, music, etc. Thank you

The fortieth anniversary of Woodstock is upon us. I don't know if Paul attended; my guess, he did. He and I were close in age and musical taste. We mused over a particular song for its lyrical alliterations; Helplessly Hoping, by Crosby Stills and Nash who were a big hit at Woodstock. (Helplessly Hoping her harlequin hovers nearby.......wordlessly watching he waits by the window and wonders....). So, I thought I'd pay homage to our friend with my version of Helplessly Hoping - pitchy notes and all.
Helplessly Hoping

That's you singing? Bravo. Great job.

Take a big bow, MC, VERY VERY NICE!!!!

WOW!!! Excellent job my friend! Outstanding!

I'm sure that our friend Paul is looking down and appreciating this tribute that you've given to him.

Very nice, MC!

MC,

That is great! Nice job! I swear PLaw mentioned he was a Woodstock. It just seems we had the conversation at one time on the BB. Regardless, I'm sure he is looking down smiling at such a nice tribute.


TIS

Thank you! I really enjoyed it.

That was very powerful, MC.

I especially like this video of a young Stephen Stills and Buffalo Springfield, which I posted in Afsaneh's shout-out thread after the Iranian revolutions broke out. In this performance David Crosby was invited by Stills to stand in for the absent Neil Young, and it was shortly thereafter that Crosby, Stills & Nash was formed.

You did really good by both he and Plaw with that tribute!

MC,
That was a wonderful tribute to our friend Plaw. You did a great job.

Grade-A, MC! Take a bow! Wow, do we have talent here!

Paul definitely would have appreciated that, MC. He was a man of taste. He showed it in his choice of restaurants, food and wine, in the way his condo was decorated--and in his demeanor. The last time all of us had dinner together, Paul asked if I could bring a Sixties Bordeaux from my collection. I brought a '66 Chateau Latour, and we all shared it. That was the last time I saw him.

3 years ago today, and still (and always) missed.

And loved.

Seriously missed indeed.

I'm very lucky to have known him here, he changed the way I look at so many issues for the better.

Miss you, my prince.

I can't believe it's been 3 years. Where has the time gone?

I miss you my friend. I'm sure you've been watching all the craziness that's been going on.

I never knew you Plaw, but from what I heard, I wish I had.

3 years, how quickly those years have passed.

3 years! My goodness!

Yes, it is sad that we lost a very valuable member of these boards. It's even sadder that we lost a very good and sincere friend.

But I do know this. Paul did not and still would not want us to be saddened when we think of him.

Instead he wanted and still would want us to remember the good times and the happy times that we shared with him both on these boards and in his presence.

He wanted us to remember him - not with tears in our eyes - but with a smile on our face.



"Remember me with smiles and laughter,
for that's how I'll remember you.
If you can only remember me with tears,
Then don't remember me at all."

Though Lord knows Plaw & I did not get along on the Board...(thanks in large part to my obstinate attitude because he did try)...I'll always recall his jovial, easygoing and friendly demeanor at the one BB dinner in which I took part (just about 4 years ago).

Plawrence, while your close friends on the BB suffered a far greater loss than I did...I do salute you & your memory for the legacy you've left. It is a testament to you that your presence will ALWAYS be felt on the Gangster BB!!



Apple

I cant believe its been 3 years. God Bless him.

Just saw the picture of Plaw and his dad on here, and it almost made me cry. I only knew him after he was sick, and it was so sad to see him tanned and healthy and what he became.

He was a special man. I miss him to.

Didn't P. Law publish a "Night Before Christmas" poem about The Godfather? If so, I wish one of the moderators could find it and put it up for the season.

Yes he id DT. I see it's on the 2nd or 3rd page or so of this thread, but when I click to open it, the link is dead.

Anyway, that is a great poem. Good enough to be published if you ask me. He was a master of words, let alone a GF Christmas poem.

TIS

That poem has become a Christmas Eve tradition in my family. I printed it out and we pass it around every year.

I've not posted here for wayyyyyy too long and was very saddened to hear of Plawrence's passing. May he Rest In Peace

Happy birthday Paul. Miss you buddy.

I didn't remember it was his birthday. Happy Birthday Paul!!!!! He is missed. Boy, would he ever be active politically right now, don't you think?

I think we are the same age. Yet he use to have to rub it in that I was the oldest because if I'm not mistaken I am a few months older.


Annie

Although you are so far away,
our hearts have kept you near.

The pain has eased a bit I guess,
yet it has not really gone away.
It will always stay a part of us,
until we are with you again one day.

Happy Birthday in heaven friend,
from all our hearts to yours.

Very nice, DC!

Miss ya, Plaw!

He never dies in my heart.

I miss my friend so much. Happy Birthday, my prince.

With fantasy football coming up, I remember the time Plaw and I spent an inordinate amount of time chatting on the point system for kickers (although it didn't surpass the amount of time we spent discussing the point system for a blown save in baseball).

Fun times

Yeah, those were some fun times. I think he would have liked to create his own league with his rules...they way it SHOULD be played according to him.

I would have loved to have heard his take on the 2010 political scene.. the Tea Party etc. For whatever reason I know he would have had an insght the rest of us overlooked.

It was four years ago today that Paul died.

Four years.

Where does time go?

I miss my friend.

Yeah, really. It's hard to believe it's been a high-school-career since we last saw our friend. And he'll be no less missed 4 years, or 40 years, from now.

All I know is he'd be very disappointed in my fantasy baseball placement the past couple years, but at least pleased that I've half-ruled football. I am glad he didn't witness the Nets recent woes, tho.

Love and miss you, Plaw!

I miss him.

I can't believe how quickly the time has passed and yet I have a feeling the memory will always be much closer even as years go by.

I would just love to read what his comments would be, especially during this "hot" political season.

TIS

I wish I'd known him better. RIP

So strange. Since most of our time together was either on the phone or on the internet, it sometimes seem that knowing him was a dream. What a lovely dream, though, my prince! Your babe misses you and thinks of you often.

This past week I went out to lunch to get a slice of pizza. When I sat down to eat it as I folded the slice it actually broke because the crust was overcooked and too thin.

Instead of getting annoyed I began to laugh thinking about the story Paul once told me about the time he had a fight in a pizza place because his slice of pizza broke in half becoming unfoldable. While he was telling me the story I could hear in his voice that he was getting himself work up all over again!

A classic Plaw moment...
Response to JG leaving fantasy sports

Elvie! I was only kiddin'!!


Thanks for bringing that back up, GG

Classic Plaw!

That almost brought a tear to my eye as I could picture Plaw sitting typing that and his reaction. This Thanksgiving I am truly thankful for his friendship.

And I'm thinking of him today because of the anniversary of JFK's assassination. He had a ton of books on the topic. I've never really met anyone else with that same level/depth of knowledge.

Xmas tradition...read again and again:


http://www.gangsterbb.net/threads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=140795#Post140795

Miss you buddy

Whenever I watch GOODFELLAS, and the Billy Batts scene starts, I immediately think of Plaw's chance meeting of Frank Vincent at a basketball game. I always get a good chuckle thinking about Plaw being completely starstruck, and putting his foot in his mouth when he tells him "I bet I'm the only person here who knows who you are!"

Today is Paul's birthday.

He's gone 4½ years and is missed every day.

R.I.P. PaulieBoy

I can't believe so much time has passed. He was one of the nicest and smartest here on the BB. Happy Birthday Paul.

I didn't realize his birthday was the day after yours SC.


TIS

I'll be thinking of Plaw during baseball season. I think basketball was his favorite sport to watch. But fantasy baseball season was brutal. Even this year's thread, and the season hasn't even started yet. haha. Plaw I'm sure is somewhere watching and reading it and shaking his head.

oh yeah, fantasy baseball... that's a never ending source of fun for me, and for me, fantasy baseball and plawrence run side by side. the point system he came up with for blown saves still puzzles me (I think it's genious) and even though I still have fun with our league, I know we'll never match those days when plaw supplied a daily chart with owner's stats and such.

I'm relatively young and haven't had to deal with that many occasions when a dear friend has passed away. have to say I still don't know how to deal with it and that's why it took me a long, long time to read this thread as well as plaw's Godfather sequel. a short while ago someone started a thread saying that these boards were dying and I remember thinking "no, it's alright; it's just that we don't have plaw anymore". I always thought he was the one who made these boards a special place with his insightful, active posting. just a quick peek at this page of this thread and there are some good plaw stories. RIP plaw

I think that's exactly it. The BB has not, and will never be the same, without him.

4.5 years, though... WOW! How can that be?? Miss you, Paulie!

Today marks five years that Paul is gone. Five years!?!

R.I.P. Paul

Unbelievable, isn't it? Then again, the older we get, the faster time seems to fly by.

Miss ya, Plaw!

I can't believe how much it doesn't seem like five years. There have been so many discussions here that I wish he were able to respond to. He was so smart, interesting and fun.

Miss you PLAW - RIP

TIS

I'm thankful to have known him. I think we gather bits and pieces of people's ideas we come to know, and I cherish what I took from him the most.

I remember the last time I saw him, just a few weeks before he died. He was so happy that all the women here were asking for him, he was such a dog! Miss you, my prince.

Plaw,

Didn't have the chance to meet you on this earth , but what has been said hare you were one hell of a family member. RIP my friend.

After reading about Plaw and Austin , and being on this board for only a short time I can feel it is a family. And what ever age the member might be it becomes family, personal. And we can laugh, cry, get pissed, and say what is on our hearts. As long as we aren't butt heads.

I have this feeling that Plaw, and Austin are looking down and getting a chuckle because they don't have to worry about the stuff anymore.

Unh , said

Thought of Plaw 2nite as I watch my Sixers take on his Nets...RIP buddy

Thinking of you on your birthday, Paulie!

Miss u buddy!

It's funny how the most unexpected things can make you think of someone. I remember when Rickie Weeks first started playing in the majors, Plaw was the guy who gave us "scouting" info on him, and now, every single time I hear Weeks' name or see him play, I think of our old friend.

Yeah, Gina... When I drafted Ty Wigginton this year, I immediately thought of Plaw, cuz at one point he had him, and he kept saying, "My guy, Ty" whenever he did well.

Im new here but my condolences especially to the people that knew him. I read his hypothetical gf novel and thought it was good. RIP

PLaw was the best. We all miss him that's for sure.

Btw welcome aboard the BB Camarel!



TIS

So weird. I made garlic bread today, and I thought of Plaw and how much I still miss him. And then MC posted something about him over in Valuable Vinyl.

Plaw liked to eat at a restaurant in Jersey City (can't think of the name of it) and they had the best garlic bread. He used to order loaves and loaves of it, and it was never enough.

I think of him every time I see fried zucchini on a menu (Carmine's) ... and of course when I think of The Nets! Gonna be 6 years Oct 5th.

It is very easy to tell you all loved this man and are truly a family over here, sorry for this loss as well as all other losses im sure you all have been threw over the years.

It is very easy to tell you all loved this man and are truly a family over here, sorry for this loss as well as all other losses im sure you all have been threw over the years.

where is this

http://www.gangsterbb.net/threads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=30246#Post30246

It was six years ago, today, that Paul left us. R.I.P. Paulieboy.

Wow, six years! It sure feels longer to me. There's a lot that I want to say about him, but it would be repeating myself year after year, and it would sound mushy, something he hated the most. But since I can't help it, I'd say again that he'll always have his corner in my heart.

How is it possible that six years has gone by?? Dear friend, I miss you so much, your humor, your smarts. I used to tease you all the time about what a chauvinistic pig you were, but nobody celebrated women the way you did. You were a wonderful friend, those
"sit-downs" we all had were the best, and I will always be grateful to this place for bringing us all together.

Really? Six years? Wow, I can't believe it. Like everyone else, I miss him as well. He was such respected presence here on the BB and knew a much about many topics (especially politics). Damn, I wish he was around this election season. Can you imagine?



TIS

Wow 6 years, only seems like yesterday that i saw the thread on Paul's passing..

It kinda does for me, too! Perhaps because he's left such an empty void here and in our hearts.

Even though i'm in and out of these boards for long periods of time, i still do remember Plaw. He was one of a handful of members who was ALWAYS consistent with what they said! He was a stand up guy!

I remember meeting him for the first time at a restaurant one night with some of the guys and gals from the boards. He was a beautiful man. I remember at another restaurant one evening I brought my wife and daughter. We met again and he was just as charming and wonderful that night as well. He was so nice to my family that day! God Bless u my friend!

He wrote a Christmas poem once with everyone's names in it. I know sometimes u post his night before Christmas poem but the one iam talking about was his other Christmas poem. Does anyone remember it? Awesome! Classic! Genius!!!

If any good came of it, he did not live to see how badle things have deteriorated in the General Discussion section. He would not have stood for it.

Have to say i just came aboard and u people are alright...I will check his posts if it lets me...RIP

How can it be 7 years already??

Hope Plaw's still kicking butt in Fantasy Sports up in Heaven. Still, and always, will be missed!

I never frequented the Fantasy Sport sections, but I wish he was still here, kicking butt in the general discussion threads. Wow, seven years without Paul here, and there's not a day that I visit here, read something and wouldn't wish he would pop up and give his opinion on some issues here. I miss him so so much.

We all do, afs.

Happier days. September, 2003.

And while remembering the friend we lost, I cherish those I still have the privilege to be with here. {{}}

Likewise

I remember visiting him in the hospital that September. He was very happy to hear that all the ladies were asking for him, especially you, Afs.

He was a good friend, a funny and dear man. It's amazing how someone, no matter how briefly, can have such a profound and lasting impact on your life that way.

His favorite thing was to sign into Windows Messenger when I was doing homework with the girls at the kitchen table so he could try and solve their math problems before they could. He also loved what we termed the stupid assignments, like naming five countries that begin with the letter Z.

The first time that we turned on the computer to do homework after his death, I'm not sure who missed him more - me or the girls.

Thanks for sharing that SB!

Wow, 7 years..

Happy Birthday in heaven, Paul.

A couple of memories of Paul:

--He and I went round and round over a bit of GF trivia: I claimed that Rocco Lampone was sitting with Michael, Sonny, Tess and Clem when they were eating Chinese food and planning the hits on McCluskey and Solozzo. He said it wasn't Rocco. We went through that scene on the DVD, frame by frame, but Paul was unconvinced.

--He always said he wanted to drink a vintage Bordeaux: Chateau Latour. I brought a bottle of Chateau Latour 1966 from my collection to our last GF Italian dinner together. I'm glad he wasn't too ill to enjoy it.

I remember both, TB - the debate and the wine.

Funny, I was thinking of Paul tonight. We drove my daughter back to school via the Lincoln Tunnel. Paul was always trying to push Seacaucus over staying in the city, citing how close it was and how relatively inexpensive it was vs. staying in Manhattan.

And as always, he was absolutely right!

RIP Buddy!

Eight years ago today Paul made his last post on these boards.

I miss him.

Paul's Last Post - CLICK HERE

Oh, made me teary eyed. I hadn't read (or remember specifically) that post in a long time. I can't believe it's been 8 years.

Paul would OFTEN say how the friends he made here were every bit a friend as those off the internet. Glad I had the pleasure of meeting him.


TIS

Miss him all the time.

How is it 8 years already..Time flies..

8 years today, now... this board hasn't been the same since, and probably never will return to those days at this point. He was such a huge part of it -- more than even I am, probably! So missed!

Just realized that my brother and Plaw died on the same day (8 years apart).

Two great guys, taken far too soon.

I miss them both.

Nine years ago Paul left us. I don't think a week has gone by that I don't think of him in some manner. I miss him a lot.



Happier times:

WOW!! Nine years. God, it doen't seem like it. He really contributed to this site. I miss him too.







TIS

Miss ya Buddy .....

Smitty! Hope things are well. Miss you and the rest of the gang's dinners!

10 Years

It is unbelievable how time flies, whether you're having fun or not. It sure doesn't seem that long ago -- being talked into trading him Lebron in fantasy basketball, losing to him in most games lol, reading his in-depth GBB stories and arguments, perusing his conspiracy theory book collection, hitting Nets games, noshing on fried zucchini strings in NYC, him giving the world's worst driving directions (pre-GPS)... I sure miss all of it! God bless ya, Plaw! RIP

It is now eleven years since plaw left us. I think about him often and miss him.

I keep saying, "every day another week goes by" and it's becoming even faster than that. Wow.

I miss a bunch of folks from the Good Ol' Days (here and otherwise), and it only confirms that we need to live while we can (to the best we can) and not to take every little thing so seriously (despite the polite arguing and ribbing with Plaw on a few topics ;))

I had only been around for a few months when he passed. I hope people won't be offended, but this seemed a comparatively rough place for newbies in that day, and plawrence was always in good humor, always a gentleman.

Someday I hope to get my omnibus argument for why there are six New York families in the novel posted, and I hope he'll approve.

Only seems like yesterday when Geoff announced his passing, was a sad day..

I too can't believe how the time has passed. It DOES seem like yesterday. I can imagine what his political input would be these days. He was a knowledgeable and informed guy that loved being here on the BB.

I was fortunate enough to actually meet him once on my first trip to NYC. We ate at Carmines (remember guys?). He also called during one of our meets cause he was too ill to make the trip(Philly?) and several of us passed the phone around to speak with him. He heart was with us.

I remember him once posting how he considered his on-line friends on the BB to be just as important as the friends he has/sees regularly.

A great guy. RIP PLaw.


TIS

I can't believe it was 11 years ago. I remember reading the post that Plawrence had passed and - despite never having met him - feeling very sad. I always loved his Paulie Walnuts avatar. Although I didn't know Plaw well, I suspect he had a little of Paulie's feistiness inside.

Salute!

Of course I was thinking of my Paulie on that day. I miss him always. He was one of the smartest people I ever had the pleasure of knowing. One of his favorite things was to chat online with me and my daughters when they were doing their homework. He used to make fun of their assignments (name 5 places that start with the letter Z), but he loved to do math with them.

He loved politics, and I can't imagine what he would have thought of the world today.

God bless you, Paulie. You made my life richer simply by being you.

We bonded on these boards, and personally. He organized several memorable dinners at Italian restaurants for us, and they were all wonderful. RIP, Paul.

I'm late to the party but RIP Plaw. Never forgotten.

Hey guys, Plaw's (now 29 year old) son here. I just wanted to say how much I appreciate this thread and, more generally, this whole forum. It's been almost 12 years since he died -- roughly half of my memorable life -- and I've found his post history here to be an invaluable resource to connect with the past. Every once in a while I like to spend a couple hours sifting through old threads to read his posts on politics, movies, life, etc. I can always count on reading a several posts that bring a smile to my face. And 12-16 years later, I can't help but reflect on how much his way of viewing the world rubbed off on me.

I unfortunately didn't inherit his love for sports, aside from the occasional NJ Nets nostalgia... so I have no idea what he's talking about in 90% of his posts. I knew he was into fantasy sports when I was younger, but geez. Looking through his post history and seeing all those replies was really something else

But 12 years is a long time. Occasionally I have dreams where it turns out he faked his death due to mob-related reasons, and is still walking around out there. And I can't help but think that, while it's highly unlikely, I'd be okay with that in a certain sense. It sounds like a movie we would have watched together back in 2005. I often wish that, in lieu of something more emotionally fulfilling, I at least had the opportunity to grab lunch with him in 2018 so I could pick his brain for opinions on Uber/Lyft, the financial crisis, the Trump administration, and movies from the last decade.

Anyhow, I'm on the hunt for good anecdotes/stories about my father that he may not have been wary about posting on the internet, or telling me when I was 14. So if you know any good (or bad) ones, then drop me a line! And even if you don't, I'm happy to chat about whatever.

spike716@gmail.com (Email is best. If you DM me, there's a good chance I won't respond until 2021).

If you're too lazy to get in touch but want to know how I turned out, here's the TL;DR: I'm a fully functioning adult, graduated college, moved to Chicago for a few years to be a financial analyst, and then moved back to NY to be a software engineer. Now I live in Brooklyn, maybe a 10 minute walk from his childhood home in Crown Heights. And, of course, I love having a good argument.

Wow! What a pleasant surprise to see you here, Spike. It's so hard for me to believe that it's almost twelve years since he's gone. It was 12 years ago this week that he went into the hospital for the last time.

I think of your dad often and wonder how different these boards became after he died. He was always in the middle of something here, whether it was sports or politics or "The Godfather". He would have a field day with what's now going on in this country politically. I think of some of your dad's stories, and how he'd tell them. Some hysterical (like when he met actor Frank Vincent in Madison Square Garden), some just plain interesting (like when he happened on a bar in which Billy Joel gave an impromptu 'concert' for the patrons there). We were in the same line of work so I always appreciated his take on the industry (and its connection to the Mob).

You're ALWAYS welcome here, Spike.

Happier Days: (me, Geoff, your dad). This was taken in one of your dad's favorite restaurants, Lantana, a few miles from his apartment. Sometime in 2003.

Hello Spike,

What a very pleasant surprise. How nice of you to check in with us. I know you were young when your father passed and I know many of us old timers have wondered how you where doing. Sounds like you have done well for yourself. I have no doubt your father would be totally proud of you.

Even tho we only met once, we still communicated and conversed on the so many different topics here on the BB. He was always the go-to person as to where to stay/eat etc. I believe it was him who suggested Carmines for the 03 meet. Your dad was a smart and kind man. He was exceptional at politics. Just ask SC, TB, Geoff, SB etc. The Frank Vincent story (SC mentioned) your dad told us was hilarious. I know that was brought up more than a few times. He was always straight forward and when it came to politics he was wonderful. One time I posted so mething in disagreement with another poster and he PM'd me to ask why I was so easy on the guy. Ha ha.

In 2006 there was BB meet Your dad couldn't make it but all of us got to talk to him on the phone. He really wanted to be with us. I remember (and I'm sure others will) PLaw saying that he considered his BB friends just as the friends he saw regularly. That was so sweet.

Spike I saved a PM thread he sent me in 2006 regarding the BB meet that year. All these years later, I couldn't delete it. I will be happy to e-mail it to you if you like. Nothing lengthy or major BUT I have no doubt you'd like to see even small talk from you father


So nice to hear from you and I wish you the very best.

TIS

Yes, Spike, those dinners were memorable. I had a one-on-one lunch with him, after making his acquaintance here, at Scalini Fideli, the four-star Italian in Chatham, NJ. Thinking he might dress p as a gangster, I wore a big black hat and a black leather dust coat. But he dressed like a normal guy. We had some great conversations.