Jesus Christ.

Well, Larry, I dunno if you'll be able to read this (perhaps at a library, or internet cafe, or relative's house?), but next paycheck I'll earmark you some funds. When it comes to fires that destroy vast quantities of possessions, I've been there.

In the meantime, keep your chin up. It's a hell of a thing to happen, and no doubt overwhelming. But rest assured that this, too, shall pass.

Hang in there, Larry. Kharma may have ran over your dogma, but better days are ahead.

Larry, all the best for your getting back on your feet. However painful the loss of your stuff, no doubt some of it irreplaceable, I'm thankful you weren't home or were able to escape unharmed. Stuff will accumulate once again.

Wow. That SUCKS.

I wish you all the best, Larry.

It's dorky, but there's a line from MacBeth I've always remembered for the worst situations.

Come what, come may, time and the hour run through the roughest day.

Well, I'm living at my sister's place now. She says she may be able to find me a job working maintanance here in the apartment complex, and depending on how that goes, I might be able to get an apartment here.

As the day progressed yesterday, the shock and adrenaline wore off, and it really started to hit me. By the evening, I was very much traumatized. I didn't want to talk to anybody, I didn't want to watch TV or listen to music.

I just wanted to see Trisha.

I realize why I was so obsessed with that. It's not because I'm desperately in love or anything, but because suddenly everything in my life had changed, and she was the one thing left that I could get back, and I so desperately wanted to see her so I could have one thing from my life to hold on to.

She came to my sister's at 7:30 last night, and I grabbed her and hugged her and cried like a baby. I immediately felt better, a lot of the trauma was relieved by seeing her (she actually lost some stuff in the fire, too; her wedding album and lots of pictures of her friends, and a lot of her favorite books). We went out and bought some cheap liquor, came back here and got wasted.

This is going to be really tough, but everyone's been so generous I think I can get back on my feet relatively quickly. The trauma is going to take a little longer to recover from.

Thank you all for your kindness.

Larry, hang tough.

Larry, I'm glad you're OK. And you deserve better than what has befallen you.

Money, meet mouth. $100 via PayPal coming your way. Put it toward a new laptop... or perhaps renter's insurance for the same.

OK, Primates. Only you can make my donation seem paltry. For just pennies a day, you can buy him a new chair to throw. For as much as the price of a cup of coffee each day, you can buy Larry... well, you can buy him a cup of coffee each day.

But seriously, I'm assuming he needs clothes, furniture, a place to stay for a little while, perhaps front rent for a new apartment. There's a lot to replace, and a lot of new expenses he'll need to cover in the short run. Let's help him out.

I can relate Larry. Our apartment was destroyed in the earthquake in Taiwan in 1999. We all got out safely, literally running for our lives, but then authorities would not let us back in the building to reclaim our posessions. That was tough, a family of 4 losing all that stuff.

I am glad to hear you are getting so much support. Don't underestimate what PTS can do. Keep talking to people when it gets to you. It really does help.
(You don't seem like the kind of guy to bottle it up though ;)

And he's going to need more cheap liquor, too.

Where in MY was this? Not where the firefighters were killed, I hope. (Not that anything changes, either way. Just wondering.)

This was in Fairport, NY

No firemen were harmed in the destroying of Larry's home.

I guess you'll be bunking down in Sofa City for the near future...

(It's always uplifting when you can make a a "Sixteen Candles" reference.)

Best wishes, Larry.

I hasten to point out that my contribution to Larry's blog does not in any way reflect support of the New York Yankees Major League Ballclub.

I would also suggest anyone who wants to help Larry out but can't donate via Paypal for whatever reason at least click on the ads on his site every day. Every little bit will help.

Awful news, Larry. Hang in there.

I would also suggest anyone who wants to help Larry out but can't donate via Paypal for whatever reason at least click on the ads on his site every day. Every little bit will help.

Actually, that doesn't help. Those are pre-paid ads, though I suppose higher click traffic will help me get a renewal.

If you can't help... that's perfectly fine. Your sentiment is more than enough.

Larry, you should buy nothing but Jeter stuff with any donations you get, then take pictures and post them for everyone to see where their money went.

I'm sure my parents will buy me all the Yankee stuff I need.

This money probably goes towards a new apartment and furniture.

Oh, and porn. Lots and lots of porn.

I was joking in the police car with my neighbors as the fire was being fought, I said, "Boy, I hope they can save my porn."

If anyone can afford to sponsor a b-ref page or be in SABR or anything else like that, there's no reason you can't send money here.

How are you set for clothes, Larry? Would it come in handy if anyone could send you some, um, unwanted "extra" clothing they have?

As long as that porn is Piazza free. Awfully sorry to hear that, Larry. There were a few fires in the city (NYC) over the last few days and I thought for a second that you were affected by one of them. I wish you the best recovering from this hell. At least you're alive and healthy, thank god.

I'm going to be okay for clothing. The Red Cross gave me $110 for clothes and $30 for shoes, my sister spent $150 buying me some new clothes yesterday, I assume my mother is going to buy me some clothes today, too when she gets here (she's driving up from PA right now).

Larry,
Check your e-mail. Spend it all in one place: your insurance agent!

Best of luck to you. But not your team.
DB

The enormous generosity of the online community blows me away.

You know one thing I haven't lost?

My Godfather DVD collection. I had loaned it to my Dad, and he hadn't returned it yet.

Just wanted to express my well-wishes, Larry.

The enormous generosity of the online community blows me away.

How much will it take for you to renounce your allegiance to the Yankees?

The enormous generosity of the online community blows me away.

Really? They're really just giving you money? Because, well, it's the damnedest thing....my house burned down, too. Yeah, that's it. And I lost my ID, so just go ahead and send cash...small, unmarked bills. Thanks in advance. ;)

Maybe it's the Piazza references upthread but:

The enormous generosity of the online community blows me away.

Hee hee!

if there is a Jeter, how could he let this happen?


</thoughtless attempt at humor>
</reaches for checkbooK>

My Godfather DVD collection. I had loaned it to my Dad, and he hadn't returned it yet.

I pledge my ever-ending loyalty.
For your on line purse.

Luca Brasi Scoriano

Are you sure Godfather III wasn't destroyed in the fire? Check again.

if there is a Jeter, how could he let this happen?

HAHA! That was great.

Larry, sorry to hear about your loss.

larry -- I had to watch carter's HR in the '93 series on a crappy hotel room TV because my apartment bldg. had just burned down. so -- I'm in on villageidiom's $100 paypal challenge.

and buy all the yankee stuff you want.

(for the clueless like me, there's a paypal link on larry's blog, linked in the intro. you don't need a paypal account; a credit card will do. took me a while to figure that out.)

Best of luck, Larry. FWIW, I feel bad about the anonymous quote you have on the side of your blog...

Larry, I currently have $17.69 in my Paypal account. Well, scratch that, I now have $0.

Larry, whose cig started the fire?

[Larry and Trisha lay back in bed post-coitus.]

Trisha: Larry, do you smoke after sex?
Larry: I don't know, baby. I never looked.

~sigh~

I'm an atheist and a starving grad student.

At this point I can't offer money or even prayers, but I tell you that I'm sadder to hear this than I was of Carson's passing.

And that made me very sad.

Best wishes, Larry. Your work here and at Hardball Times has done a lot to cheer me up over many long, dark hours for the last couple of years. It has been a real pleasure, even luxury to read.

This news actually hit me harder and prompted action on my part more quickly than the tsunamis of last month.

I know that just isn't right - no one died at Larry's thing, for starters. But I "know" Larry quite a bit better than I know anyone directly affected by the Thailand thing.

I'm an atheist and a starving grad student.

By the way, Transmission, I would demand my money back from the seminary if I were you.

That's not even funny.

It made me laugh, at least.

Seriosly, all I can offer right now is a couch in Wisconsin and a warm meal, but if you're ever in Wisconsin and looking for the one or the other...

My Godfather DVD collection. I had loaned it to my Dad, and he hadn't returned it yet.

Procrastinators rock!

I know that just isn't right - no one died at Larry's thing, for starters.

Well, I disagree, I think that's perfectly right. I'd rather help out someone I "know" than someone I don't know.

Jay Jaffe , David Pinto and Alex Belth chime in...

Just an FYI, Larry does accept Pay Pay credit card payments for those who don't have a bank account set up.

I know because I put my money where my
mouth, fingers, er, typing fingers were.

And I agree with villageidiom, renter's insurance is a must, since Primates can't bail everyone out.

It's generally pretty cheap- renter's insurance that is.

I've posted something over at NetShrinewith the hope that it helps too.

Hang in there Larry. Stuff is stuff and it can be replaced. You cannot be replaced. I'm glad you're here to tell us about this - even if it is bad news.

It's generally pretty cheap- renter's insurance that is.

We discussed this in yesterday's Lounge in some detail - the best idea from yesterday (I don't remember the poster - sorry) is calling the company that insures your car and asking about renter's insurance. Most times, they'll give you a big price break for doing both.

Even some homeowners can take advantage of this - I live in a condo, and the Condo Association insures the structure and such. So all I need is "renter's insurance".

And I agree with villageidiom, renter's insurance is a must, since Primates can't bail everyone out.

Disclaimer: I work in the insurance industry. I should have the least amount of pity for Larry's circumstances.

Of course, I work in the insurance industry; everyone should have pity on me.

Larry,

I'm just a long-time lurker who hardly ever contributes to this amazing community, but I just wanted to express my sadness that something like this would happen. PayPal's got something for you from me.

And don't hesitate to let people know if you need clothing or books or anything like that. I've got an old Red Sox cap....

Larry, I'm so sorry to hear about this. I'm really glad to hear you were unhurt and wish you all the best in getting back to some semblance of a normal life as quickly as possible.

We discussed this in yesterday's Lounge in some detail - the best idea from yesterday (I don't remember the poster - sorry) is calling the company that insures your car and asking about renter's insurance. Most times, they'll give you a big price break for doing both.

These days companies are starting to offer only 5% back on the renter's insurance, which is not much. Some companies used to offer a big discount on your auto insurance, until they realized that a 10% discount on your auto policy is greater than the entire renter's insurance premium. Yes, some companies were effectively paying you to buy renter's insurance with them.

If your auto insurer still offers that kind of deal, take it.

Larry, I'm so sorry to hear about this. I'm really glad to hear you were unhurt and wish you all the best in getting back to some semblance of a normal life as quickly as possible.

Spoken by someone who knows from personal experience!

larry, i visited paypal for you, sorry it couldn't be more ...
if you are in nyc on friday night, and in the neighborhood of cafe de bruxelles between say, 8 and 9, i would be happy to buy you a drink.
look for a little bald guy with round glasses and a brunette girlfriend.

Larry I'm a long-time lurker and non-Yankees fan who has nevertheless enjoyed reading your posts and website. I wanted to express my condolences and you are definitely getting something via Pay Pal from me. Its truly heartwarming to see all the support you're getting.

Shocked, shocked I am that as a true blue Yankee fan, you choose to go by Larry instead of Donny. I mean, come on.

Best of luck (from this point forward),

b

Good luck, Larry -- I've already sent something through Paypal and I wish it could be more.

I'm sure all the Met fan primates would be happy to buy you a new wardrobe as well. Maybe a Felix Heredia jersey?

Hold strong buddy. You are one of my favorite writers. One of the few Yankee fans I know that has a fandom based in reality. PayPal payment coming shortly, Larry. Also, I have a huge case of brand new sweaters that were going towards eBay. If you want any, let me know your size. I'll gladly send a care package your way.

Larry, my usual glib poetastery can't express my sympathies. I can think of a thin ray of upside. I think you'll find, as I did when I was diagnosed with cancer, that you have a lot of friends you didn't know you had. That's not a home, it's not your comic book collection, and in my case it didn't save me from fun with radiation therapy, but it did help speed me on my way to recovery. I hope these inadequate but well-meant wishes do the same for you. --Steve

There's something about tragedy that makes us all appreciate what we didn't lose. When I had my first car accident (I was hit by a pickup truck and my roommate's Escort was totaled) I caught a ride home with my friends after the accident got cleaned up.

Friend 1: "At least DCA's not hurt"

Friend 2: "You know, 9 times out 10, DCA avoids getting hit, pulls over to the side of the road, takes a deep breath, and continues on his way. If he did get hurt, how long would it be before we'd say 'At least DCA's not dead?' "

So Larry, while I should feel bad that you lost your home, and I do, the stronger feeling is that I'm happy you're not hurt; as with so many other things we take for granted, it never occurred to me to celebrate your health before there was a very real danger -- and now, with the danger averted but the possibility still very close, it's what's closest to the heart.

A modest donation is all I can offer -- it may help you out a bit, but I doubt it will bring any comfort. But hopefully these words might, that by your enthusiasm here, you've made strangers like us into friends who care deeply about you.

Larry,

I think I posted on one of your comment threads at RLYW that I woud have to pass on buying your latest book because Ms. Socrates was with child and discretionary spending would be curtailed for a while.

Well, your situation kind of changes that, so effective February 16th (so it goes on my next credit card statement), I'll paypal you as much as I can at the time....

BTW - I don't know what you're into in re: comics, but I have a couple of extra things lying around which I would gladly mail to you (I have some extra copies of some Sandman issues around, ditto with Bone. And I have an extra Right Hand of Doom if you want it).

You guys are amazing. Keep this up and I'll be able to kick him out of my house quickly, uh, I mean, he'll be out on his own real soon.

I know your kind words mean even more to him than any donations you've made.

Larry:

Spend the paypal on anything you need, up to and including Jeter porn.

If you find yourself need ing additional help down the road, don't be shy to ask again.

Larry I made a small donation- I wish I could do more, but am not exactly well to do myself.

Best wishes in getting this straightened out.

Very sorry to hear that Larry, I'll send you what I can.

Nice use of "<strike>", Larry's sister.

Best wishes, Larry. I can't even begin to imagine ...

Larry - please know I'm thinking about you and hoping that the coming days and weeks are as tolerable as they can be, and that you can get back on your feet soon. I'll be sending a donation.

Godspeed Larry. I know when my primary livestock barn burned down I thought my livelihood was ruined. But thanks to good folks, hard work, and some luck I recovered.

You seem to be awash in "good folks".

I am also glad that this is one of those rare instances where I know my contribution is going to a truly excellent cause.

Despite you being a Yankee fan and all. :)

Spend the paypal on anything you need, up to and including Jeter porn.

I think the term he prefers is "Erotic Jeter Fan Fiction."

What Harvey said, at least the Yankee fan part. I was glad to contribute.

So sorry to hear about the fire, Larry. I was reading somewhere that, according to some study, January 24th is the lousiest day of the year. Well, looks like it was for you at least. I hope somebody over at the Yankees reads this thread and does something nice for you.

I'm always proud to be part of this community, but never more so than today.

Trying to help a friend in need is another way of admitting that you could be the person in need next time, IMO.

And selfishly, it's nice to know that if I ever have the difficulties that our friend Larry has had recently, there are people who are willing to empathize and help.

Could somebody e-mail me an address where I can send something? I can't use paypal (I don't use credit cards) so I've got to snail mail it.

I can be reached at jkbrattain@sympatico.ca

It won't be much, but it'll be enough to buy something to dull the pain a bit ;-)

Best Regards

John

Hang in there, Larry.

And I'll echo what others have said about renters insurance. All it takes is a phone call, and it's a small price to pay for peace of mind.

Just sent in a little something to help, Larry.

Good luck to you. Any Yankee fan who is classy enough to congratulate Sox fans after the World Series is OK in my book.

Larry, I'm more of a lurker 'round these parts, but I've enjoyed your writing, here and elsewhere, as well as the Yankee chatters.

I sent you a small token via PayPal. It isn't much, but I hope it helps.

Hang in there.

I would just like to create a public record of the following:

My donation to the Larry Mahnken Fire Relief Fund should not be construed as in any way an endorsement of the New York Yankees, pinstripes, Derek Jeter, monuments in or near center field, Phil Rizzuto, Michael Kay, Mystique, or Aura. I will still root, as ever, for a perfect Yankee season: 0-162.

Sam - That was beautiful. :-)

JB, did you let Treder know his handle is available again?

For a price--he can send the money to Larry ;-)

Best Regards

John

I can't send a dime until payday, but I was thinking, everyone who sends via paypal should send a quick email to the customer service team asking that their fee be waived in this instance due to the situation.

If they get enough letters, they may do it for everyone, ensuring the full donation gets to Larry.

I can't send a dime until payday, but I was thinking, everyone who sends via paypal should send a quick email to the customer service team asking that their fee be waived in this instance due to the situation.

Or you could do what I'm doing - e-mail Larry, get his mailing address & send a check.

What a terrible loss. Best wishes, Larry.

Bump.

Sympathies from another lurker/sox fan. I sent what I could via paypal, best of luck.

Good luck, Larry. Look at it this way: Many of your problems can be solved with money, and the people around you won't allow you to become destitute. That speaks well of you, to have surrounded yourself with good people. I have no doubt you'll be back on your feet soon.

My only request per my donation is that you never, ever try and pay me back.

My only request per my donation is that you never, ever try and pay me back.

Whoa whoa whoa, I thought this was a LOAN, not a GIFT!

I charge interest, by the way.

Like others, I just chipped in -- best wishes, Larry, and hope you can put my donation to good use (even for cheap booze).

--Mike McCullough

Larry, was this the fire?

I think I am going to quit smoking again.

Jeez, I'm sorry to hear that, Larry. Good luck.

Larry, I will paypal you some money soon. I'm glad you are ok. Great to see you have not lost your sense of humour.

When I am in the US, I hope to be able to then buy you a beer.

Larry, you deserve every kind word and every penny you're receiving today. But you deserve those for entertaining us and enriching our lives with your writing and participation in this community. It's sad that it takes a fire for us to return the favor to you.

How is it this thread hasn't been hijacked by Met fans yet?

(BTW, donation coming. Good luck to you -- my sister went through this a few years ago, without insurance. She lost about $20K in professional clarinets that she's never been able to replace, and it breaks her heart to this day.)

I just read the whole thread, bloody awesome effort for Larry.

When someone tells me I spend to much time on "that baseball chat site". I'm going to send them this thread and tell them to blow me.

I love this place.

Just wrote out the check & stamped the envelope. Larry you should get it as soon as the US Postal Service can move across one time zone. . . . So, by about May 2008 I'm guessing.

Merry Christmas Bedord Falls!