Bobby Van the man.

Bobby Van Velsor has died. He at one time owned the Booby Van's restaurant that was once a literary watering hole in Bridgehampton to the likes of Kurt Vonnegut, Truman Capote, Willie Morris and also the wealthy denizens of the area. He sold the restaurant back in the eighties and wanted to get back to his classical music career. At the time of his death he was driving a cab because he liked the flexible hours. Here is the money quote from the New York Times obit:
"In an interview with The New York Times in 1987, Mr. Van talked about his gradual disenchantment with the saloon business and his desire to reclaim a classical music career.
“I’m still not sure about what I want to do,” he said. “I know what I don’t want, and that’s to return to playing in cafe society. I don’t enjoy it. I don’t want to have to mix my music with that clamor and din. I don’t want to share the spotlight anymore with people eating and talking.”

Remembering Kurt Vonnegut

I once ran into Kurt Vonnegut back in the early 90's and had a conversation with him. I remember asking him a question. He paused placed one hand against the wall and bowed his head you could just see how deep in thought he was. As a POW in World War II he survived the firebombing of Dresden by his own country which certainly must have given him a different perspective on life but, unlike many people who go through the daily routines until death takes them. Vonnegut truly had a life!

"New knowledge is the most valuable commodity on earth. The more truth we have to work with, the richer we become. "-Kurt Vonnegaut