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FOT Community => General Discussion => Topic started by: Smelodies on June 30, 2010, 08:39:43 PM

Title: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Smelodies on June 30, 2010, 08:39:43 PM
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/06/30/christopher-hitchens-canc_n_631429.html
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Jason on June 30, 2010, 09:32:55 PM
Maybe there is a God.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: fonpr on June 30, 2010, 10:14:13 PM
Maybe there is a God.

Dick Cheney doesn't have cancer (I don't think).

Bob Marley did.

Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Smelodies on June 30, 2010, 10:46:14 PM
Doesn't sound good.  Shame, I was hoping Scharpling would land him someday.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: thom on June 30, 2010, 11:02:02 PM
This is upsetting. I wish him well.
If only he could dismiss esophageal cancer in the same manner he dismisses almost everything else.

A recent gem:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2E01jA-H6A
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Smelodies on June 30, 2010, 11:17:15 PM
Let's post our favorite Hitch clips.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7aS7m3odqI

"Strategic what?"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5INo7W2P-Jk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRR49qG_8C4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeGeM0gYvEI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=doKkOSMaTk4
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Christina on July 01, 2010, 07:53:15 AM
Jesus - I only have time right now to watch a few minutes of these, so I picked the Falwell one ...

1) What a pussy Colmes is. Embarrassing.

2) Ralph Reed called Falwell an "Agent of Change". Embarrassing.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: put_it_away on July 01, 2010, 09:24:53 AM
I keep waiting for a Pat Robertson type to state that this is God punishing Hitchens. Because that's the kind of god I want to believe in, the one that strickens people with disease because they don't believe in him.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Smelodies on July 01, 2010, 10:02:14 AM
Hitchens vs. Mos Def:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ew9CngVeFA

Hitch on religious solipsism:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0AtXvKBGdw

Pascal's Wager:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X94YffpUryo&feature=related
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: mahgeetah on July 01, 2010, 12:32:10 PM
Hitchens vs. Mos Def:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ew9CngVeFA

I used to think Mos Def had half a brain in his head, but now I know better. Oy.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: SJK on July 01, 2010, 01:26:47 PM
Hitchens vs. Mos Def:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ew9CngVeFA
I saw this some time ago. I like Hitchens, don't always agree with him. I like Mos Def's music. I don't like Mos Def trying to talk about politics. He shouldn't tangle with the likes of Hitchens and Rushdie, there's no match. I was embarrassed for him just watching it.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Lothar_Brightblade on July 01, 2010, 07:16:10 PM
We had Hicthens speak at our school a few months ago, and, while I agree with previous posters who don't always agree with him, I do have to say that in person he's extremely likable.

We had a small reception afterwards where about 20 or so of us drank and ate with him at a Prof's house; he entertained my questions about Iran for 45 minutes. He offered me a cigarette, which I didn't accept since I don't smoke, but I almost wish I had now since I doubt that I'll have that opportunity again.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: nec13 on July 01, 2010, 08:02:28 PM
This saddens me. Whether you agree or disagree with Hitchens, he does possess a keen intellect, and he is able to logically defend his positions (unlike many other pundits). For me, these are admirable qualities. As such, I'm usually interested in hearing what he has to say, even if I disagree with what he is saying.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Smelodies on July 01, 2010, 08:31:44 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4rF5mspaVk

Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Smelodies on July 04, 2010, 12:02:26 AM
According to this article published today:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/theobserver/2010/jul/04/christopher-hitchens-profile

"Last year, on a visit to Beirut, he came across a poster for the Syrian Social Nationalist party, a Nazi-style group with a fondness for armed henchmen.

Finding it impossible to tear down the poster, he took out a magic marker and defaced it with some frank and unflattering graffito. Moments later, a group of thugs tried to wrestle him into a car. In the ensuing attempt to flee, he was punched, bloodied and knocked to the ground."

That's gangsta!
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Paul DePhiladelphia on July 04, 2010, 10:30:49 AM
That Mos Def  thing is a classic example "Wrong place at the wrong time." Though maybe it's better to say "wrong place at any time." I don't think I'm far off in assuming that a lot of his debates end with him saying "you don't know me" over and over again.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Smelodies on July 04, 2010, 11:28:12 AM
NSFW:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swJbelp1IG0
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Smelodies on July 04, 2010, 12:01:29 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgDI9bGQbCg

I can vouch for the sheep story.  When I was in Cairo, the streets were filled with goats being led to their ceremonial slaughter.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Chris L on July 04, 2010, 12:46:06 PM
That Mos Def  thing is a classic example "Wrong place at the wrong time." Though maybe it's better to say "wrong place at any time." I don't think I'm far off in assuming that a lot of his debates end with him saying "you don't know me" over and over again.

He came off just as stupid on another episode with Cornel West.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Tor_Hershman on July 04, 2010, 02:01:44 PM
(http://alkaspace.com/is.php?i=101731&img=GorgosVacationJ.jpg)
Tor's TV Tomb
(http://alkaspace.com/is.php?i=101755&img=TorTvTomb_Jpeg..jpg)

Stay on groovin' safari,
Tor
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Smelodies on July 04, 2010, 08:18:04 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rULu5amC8g4
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: shotzi on July 05, 2010, 10:43:41 PM
We had Hicthens speak at our school a few months ago, and, while I agree with previous posters who don't always agree with him, I do have to say that in person he's extremely likable.

We had a small reception afterwards where about 20 or so of us drank and ate with him at a Prof's house; he entertained my questions about Iran for 45 minutes. He offered me a cigarette, which I didn't accept since I don't smoke, but I almost wish I had now since I doubt that I'll have that opportunity again.

Whoa, are you saying that Hitchens was smoking again? He had supposedly quit a few years ago. Not that I don't understand how hard it can be to quit, just sort of disappointing to read.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: ian on July 05, 2010, 11:17:09 PM
there's such a thing as being correct and not being right at the same time
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Smelodies on July 05, 2010, 11:33:57 PM
Explain.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Lothar_Brightblade on July 05, 2010, 11:43:05 PM
We had Hicthens speak at our school a few months ago, and, while I agree with previous posters who don't always agree with him, I do have to say that in person he's extremely likable.

We had a small reception afterwards where about 20 or so of us drank and ate with him at a Prof's house; he entertained my questions about Iran for 45 minutes. He offered me a cigarette, which I didn't accept since I don't smoke, but I almost wish I had now since I doubt that I'll have that opportunity again.

Whoa, are you saying that Hitchens was smoking again? He had supposedly quit a few years ago. Not that I don't understand how hard it can be to quit, just sort of disappointing to read.

I don't want to damn the man, but, from the day that I got to spend time with him, it would seem that much of what I've read about his cutting back on smoking and drinking was just a statement and not fact. I know he was approaching the finish of his book, so the pressure their might have had something to do with it. It was also St. Patrick's Day.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: shotzi on July 05, 2010, 11:48:19 PM
We had Hicthens speak at our school a few months ago, and, while I agree with previous posters who don't always agree with him, I do have to say that in person he's extremely likable.

We had a small reception afterwards where about 20 or so of us drank and ate with him at a Prof's house; he entertained my questions about Iran for 45 minutes. He offered me a cigarette, which I didn't accept since I don't smoke, but I almost wish I had now since I doubt that I'll have that opportunity again.

Whoa, are you saying that Hitchens was smoking again? He had supposedly quit a few years ago. Not that I don't understand how hard it can be to quit, just sort of disappointing to read.

I don't want to damn the man, but, from the day that I got to spend time with him, it would seem that much of what I've read about his cutting back on smoking and drinking was just a statement and not fact. I know he was approaching the finish of his book, so the pressure their might have had something to do with it. It was also St. Patrick's Day.

Huh. Interesting. I hadn't heard he cut back on drinking, just that he quit smoking a few years ago. It's definitely not an easy task.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Pat K on July 07, 2010, 01:18:55 PM
Won't miss this guy at all.   Just like George Carlin, another dude who wanted everyone to know how much he hated everything is finally getting what he always wanted - no life. 
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Sarah on July 07, 2010, 01:23:11 PM
Even if that's true, esophageal cancer is a really unpleasant way to get that wish.  As cancers go, it's one of the nastier ones. 
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: masterofsparks on July 07, 2010, 02:18:00 PM
Won't miss this guy at all.   Just like George Carlin, another dude who wanted everyone to know how much he hated everything is finally getting what he always wanted - no life.

Classy.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Pat K on July 07, 2010, 02:28:04 PM
Just sayin' - he was always very open and vocal about how even though he knew cigarettes took years off your life, he was more than happy to make the trade.  Now that the universe is taking him up on his offer, I can't feel that bad for him.  Esophageal cancer is horrible, but for a guy who advocated letting children smoke, I'm sure even he agrees that it's sort of his just desserts. 
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Sarah on July 07, 2010, 03:47:02 PM
Perhaps, but first he'd have a good smirk over that "desserts."

When it comes down to it, I wouldn't wish esophageal cancer on anyone, regardless of what he or she did to make it happen.  It is a vile way to go.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Pat K on July 07, 2010, 03:55:16 PM
Perhaps, but first he'd have a good smirk over that "desserts."

LOL. Aw man. I wish esophageal cancer on myself for not catching that. Touché , good lady.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Smelodies on July 07, 2010, 07:36:27 PM
At least you put him in Carlin's camp.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Smelodies on July 13, 2010, 11:45:53 PM
Hitchens gave an interview today:

http://www.hughhewitt.com/transcripts.aspx?id=33f20ad0-458a-44ff-812a-2c464060d131
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Pidgeon on July 15, 2010, 05:14:54 PM
Carlin was awful, that's a given, but I don't understand why you guys don't like Hitchens. I guess he's a little more condescending than a Richard Dawkins or Sam Harris, but I never want to punch him in the face to relieve his bitterness.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: cavorting with nudists on July 16, 2010, 12:46:30 AM
I don't care about his condescension, and I totally honor his work in the atheist cause, but my problem with him is well exemplified by his giving the likes of Hugh Hewitt legitimacy by appearing on his wankfest.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Bryan on July 16, 2010, 08:04:53 AM
His cheerleading for the Iraq war was pretty disgusting, in my opinion.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: cavorting with nudists on July 16, 2010, 09:39:56 AM
Haw, on one of the blogs I see that the Hewitt interview includes this exchange:

    HH: Do you believe on weapons of mass destruction that we know the story completely, or that we ever will?

    CH: I think there’s more to be found, and more people haven’t testified yet.

Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Smelodies on July 16, 2010, 01:22:57 PM
His cheerleading for the Iraq war was pretty disgusting, in my opinion.

Still you can't pin him down, politically.  He's also an advocate of public option health care and reparations for slavery: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MNu2GNx-kQ (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MNu2GNx-kQ)

Fox News dropped him as a frequent guest when he wouldn't play ball.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Chris L on August 05, 2010, 05:55:38 AM
Vanity Fair update (http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2010/09/hitchens-201009)
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: SJK on August 05, 2010, 06:16:08 AM
Thanks for posting that. The picture was shocking and sad...so is his sober analysis.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Omar on August 05, 2010, 10:25:00 AM
"In the war against Thanatos, if we must term it a war, the immediate loss of Eros is a huge initial sacrifice." -- Hitch.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Pidgeon on August 05, 2010, 09:37:24 PM
I do wonder about the guy's fanbase. On his wikipedia page, a description for one of the pictures taken is "Christopher Hitchens speaks to a nigger."
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Smelodies on November 28, 2010, 06:42:15 PM
Hitchens's best debate since being stricken:

(2/9) Munk Debates: Tony Blair vs Christopher Hitchens (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JDCHPF8m7g#)

Hitchens vs. Tony Blair

Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Sarah on November 28, 2010, 08:26:36 PM
That moderator be Canadian.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Lothar_Brightblade on November 29, 2010, 04:10:57 PM
Hitchens's best debate since being stricken:

(2/9) Munk Debates: Tony Blair vs Christopher Hitchens (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JDCHPF8m7g#)

Hitchens vs. Tony Blair

I was amazed at how well he looks and sounds. I really hope he sticks around for a while.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Sarah on November 29, 2010, 04:27:49 PM
Hitchens won the debate, I see.  Good.  (Sorry, believers.)
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Kormod on December 16, 2011, 12:34:23 AM
R.I.P.

http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2011/12/In-Memoriam-Christopher-Hitchens-19492011 (http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2011/12/In-Memoriam-Christopher-Hitchens-19492011)
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: nec13 on December 16, 2011, 12:34:25 PM
R.I.P.

http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2011/12/In-Memoriam-Christopher-Hitchens-19492011 (http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2011/12/In-Memoriam-Christopher-Hitchens-19492011)

I'll miss Hitchens. I may not have agreed with everything he had to say, but he possessed an amazing intellect, and he was always engaging and thought-provoking. Hitchens was the last of a dying breed, a man who could thoughtfully articulate and defend his positions without stooping to the empty-headed partisan rhetoric that is so commonplace today. We could use more pundits like him now.

RIP Hitch.
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Smelodies on December 16, 2011, 12:44:26 PM
Looking forward to reading Chomsky's and Vidal's quotes on this.  If they have anything to say, it will be acidic, just as Christopher would have wanted!
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: Smelodies on December 20, 2011, 12:46:51 PM
Hitchens scrapping on a Malcolm X panel (he comes in at :45):

Malcolm X, The Movie: Cinema as History (7/9) - Christopher Hitchens vs. Peter Balley (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKE2wgBLLx0#)

And a wonderful swan song clip:

Christopher Hitchens Drops the Hammer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbBVB66DC5k#ws)
Title: Re: Hitchens has cancer
Post by: cavorting with nudists on December 21, 2011, 10:25:54 PM
I'm not as inclined to piss on Hitchens' corpse as much as some in the left blogosphere--I think he was an obnoxious asshole with some genuinely good points. But this is really funny:  http://www.salon.com/2011/12/20/i_knew_christopher_hitchens_better_than_you/ (http://www.salon.com/2011/12/20/i_knew_christopher_hitchens_better_than_you/)

Quote
Christopher Hitchens and I were friends for 40 years, plus another five when we were enemies. He took ideas so seriously that if he disagreed with you on a matter that he deemed important, he’d literally throw you in a ditch. It was 1972, the height of our mutual virility. He and I went to a pub to celebrate his most recent intellectual victory over the establishment press. I intimated that sometimes women could be funny on purpose. Even back then, the thought enraged him. Hitchens threw a drink in my face, pressed a lit cigarette into my neck, and hit me over the head with a barstool. The next thing I knew, it was two days later and I was lying hogtied and naked beside the M5. Hitch had already severely damaged my reputation in a vicious essay in the Guardian. But that’s how he operated, and that’s why we loved him.

More at http://www.salon.com/2011/12/20/i_knew_christopher_hitchens_better_than_you/ (http://www.salon.com/2011/12/20/i_knew_christopher_hitchens_better_than_you/)