I am a journalist, which means that I have tried to report facts in a way that both advances my self interest and garners me more readers than my professional peers. That is why I find no problem saying the following about Kurt Vonnegut: He's up in Heaven now. But then, who really knows? I could have made that up.
And while those two short paragraphs parodying God Bless You, Dr. Kevorkian probably won't win me the gag gift (pun intended) awarded to the winner of the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs' Kurt Vonnegut Depreciation Essay Contest, they at least pay homage to the most prolific sci-fi satirist of the last century.
By the time you read this, dear audience, the contest will be closed, but you can still join in today's 1:11 p.m. Kurt Vonnegut Appreciation Celebration at the Tattered Cover LoDo, featuring two-minute Vonnegut readings by Denver celebs, readings of the top four contest submissions and eulogies from the public, should they (you) feel so inclined. The highlight of the after-party at the Wynkoop Brewing Company tickets will be available only at the Celebration is a fresh tapping of Kurt's Mile High Malt, a German-style lager first brewed back in 1996.
The Tattered Cover is at 1628 16th Street, and the Wynkoop is at 1634 18th Street. Get more information at www.denvergov.org/DOCA or by calling 720-865-4320.
Sun., Nov. 11, 1:11 p.m., 2007