Hunter S. Thompson as cannon fodder...it could happen!

So, Johnny Depp and some of Hunter's other friends say they are trying to find a cannon that they can use to blast Hunter's cremated remains into the sky. Depp says he may be able to get one of the stunt cannons from his Pirates of the Caribbean film. Sheriff DeSalvo (prominently featured in his book Hey Rube) says it probably can be done.



For the full Denver Post story on this, click here.

Mahalo.

The Death of Gonzo: Hunter Stockton Thompson (1937-2005)

As you can see 2 posts ago, I just finished reading his latest (final?) book. Well, this morning I wake up to this news. Shocking, to say the least.

I was aware of Thompson for quite some time but really started getting into his work around 1998 thanks to a professor of mine at the University of Florida by the name of Charles Burke. It was in a class entitled "Journalism as Literature," where we read the likes of Truman Capote, Tom Wolfe, and the Good Doctor himself. After reading Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, which I followed with seeing the film, I became curious for more of his writing. From there, I went to The Gonzo Papers, Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail '72, and lastly to Hey Rube. I think I shall journey to The Rum Diary next, since that is in the midst of being made into a film. If anything, today's events should inspire those working on said film to complete it more quickly.

Ol' HST was no doubt an inspiration to many and will continue to be for years to come. I'm sure Hunter's up there now enjoying a good cognac with some fine Afghan hashish. Mahalo, Hunter, mahalo...

One additional note: it seems that today, more people are concerned, at least online, about Paris Hilton's cell phone getting hacked and posted on the Internet than the death of one of the greatest literary journalists of our time. Is there any question as to why this country is in such deep shit? Someone pass me a shovel.

whoreculture's Still Got IT!

Michelle and I went to see the venerable Gainesville band whoreculture last night at Common Grounds. These guys can still rock and can definitely still pack a room! The crowd was great - some old school folks here in town I hadn't seen in quite some time. Rich, the singer, was commenting that it was great to see CG's throw a 30 and over night, which wasn't too far off the mark. Many of us had enjoyed these guys for years. Let's hope they continue with more shows soon! Rock!

Off the bookshelf...

Well, I finally finished Hunter S. Thompson's latest book, Hey Rube. It's a collection of his columns from ESPN.com's Page 2. A worthy read, needless to say. Now it's time to pick up George Lakoff's Don't Think of An Elephant. Howard Dean will most likely want is to do stuff, after all. ;-) Not like I'm sitting on my ass, anyway. I'm helping Rob Brinkman's campaign any way I can. After all, Mr. Godfather's Pizza has to go!

Well, I'm going to have some time off in the coming days, with President's Day and all. Let's take this time to remind ourselves where we are with our current one and what we need to do to make change happen for the future. If Iraq's not reason enough, just pick any other issue - you'll easily find something.

Back to yard work and perhaps some Miami-Florida baseball on Sunday. I talked myself out of going to tonight's game, especially since it's on TV. There's still plenty of opportunity to wear my UM shirt out to the ballpark and point and laugh at Chip Howard. After all, there's yard work to be done! Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....................

DD for V-Day: not as bad as you'd think.

Well, my wife and I got back from Jacksonville last night, exactly one week after Super Sunday, where we went to see Duran Duran at the Jacksonville Veteran's Arena. This was the Valentine's Day gift she wanted, so that made my life easy. I did forget my earplugs, because as I predicted, the women in the audience put forth the loudest shrieks they could muster once the band took the stage. Not only that, but a groups of women on the arena floor were waving a sign that said "Moms Gone Wild." Wow.

While not as entertaining as last month's excellent Camper Van Beethoven show at Common Grounds, the Durannies were not as bad as I thought. Yes, they were HUGE teen idols back in the day, but they can actually play their instruments. They're real musicians! If anyone's still in the dark as to why the music biz is in such horrible shape these days, just compare the current "hot" acts to these guys. There's really no contest for quality here. Clive Davis, are you listening?

Brinkman and Thrall for Gainesville City Commission!

Yes, last night's meeting has reminded me to bring this up. There will be elections next month for 3 of Gainesville's 7 City Commission seats. Most importantly, perhaps, is the at-large seat, which is voted on by all Gainesville residents. Rick Bryant, the encumbent, is up for re-election after siding with big business over his constituents time and time again, most notably in last year's Wal-Mart vote. Luckily he was out-voted and his vote was meaningless. Rob Brinkman is the challenger most fit to take his place this year. His ability to listen to the people and his tenacious concert for the future of Gainesville's environment make him a far-superior candidate than Rick Bryant and his faux-Democratic posturing.

Also up for election is the commission's arch-conservative Ed Braddy. This is a man who's got to go! UF geography professor Grant Thrall is the challenger here and the early returns are looking good on this one. Thrall has done many urban-planning consultations for the city and knows the meaning of responsible growth. Sad this seat is not in my district so I don't really have much of an effect here. (Our district commissioner, the superb Craig Lowe, is not up for re-election this year.)

The last seat up for grabs is a toughy. Most Dems get their ire up for a candidate like incumbent Tony Domenech, but I personally find it hard to do so. Out of all the times that I've emailed the commission on various issues, Domenech has been the ONE commissioner to respond, often showing sympathy to my cause. Plus, he was shown the error of his ways and voted AGAINST the Wal-Mart site at the headwaters of Hogtown Creek. The tough thing is that both of his challengers are great men as well. Mike Belle is determined to get the voices of the UF students heard, a highly admirable effort. Also, Jack Donovan, a former Reverend at the Gainesville Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, is a religious leader you can really get behind. He walks the walk instead of preaching hate. Pat Robertson he is not! This one I'll have to keep myself out of. May the best man win!

Speaking of Pat Robertson, I was flipping though the channels a few weeks back when I passed ol' Pat speaking the words "George W. Bush." "This oughtta be good," I thought as I clicked back to the 700 Club. Robertson went on to say that the recent Tsunami disaster in Asia was basically God's way of punishing the Muslims for their blasphemy. This guy needs serious mental help! Enough said.

In summary: VOTE BRINKMAN! VOTE THRALL!

Join the ACDEC? Me?

Well, I guess it has come to this. This country is in such a dangerous predicament that it cannot be avoided. I've put in my application to be an at-large member of the Alachua County Democratic Executive Committee. Tonight is yet another meeting, but they didn't receive my paperwork in time, no doubt. We'll see if I'm inducted next month. Bring it on! (Ooops, maybe a poor choice of words. Remember the last guy to use that as a slogan? Look where it got him!) Anyway, with Howard Dean poised to be the new chairman of the DNC, it looks like we're ready to kick some arse!