I've been waiting to write this post so I could get my mind around how I really feel at this point. My mind hasn't even come close, and I don't know if it ever will, so I blog to begin some kind of healing process. I hate to call it that, because I'm not hurting necessarily and in all honestly I have far greater things on my mind than Hunter S. Thompson's suicide. I guess I should explain that Dr. Gonzo is/was my favorite writer. He was the first person I read who made me stop and think. I read and reread the things he wrote and even went as far as highlighting passages that I enjoyed. I've read a lot of his stuff, but not all of it. His works are still dispersed in my ever growing stack of recreational reading. Thompson will always be the first writer that changed something in me and therefore will always be important.It is a weird feeling when someone you don't know personally, but has had some influence in your life dies. This is especially the case when it is the first writer that influenced you. I feel as if I am going through some weird rite of passage. I really don't know what I feel. Am I sad? Yes, I wish HST was still around to keep America on its toes. I'm also sad that he felt bad enough to take his own life. I feel more pissed than anything else. Pissed that he took a chicken way out. Pissed that he justified all of those people who wrote him off as a drug fiend who was more crazy than brilliant. Pissed that he left when he might have had one more important thing to say. Maybe Raoul wanted it that way, for us to be pissed, not sad, because the American Dream ain't dead yet bubba, but it sure is close.
Thompson will always represent the part of me that I wish I could let out more often. Irreverence is a comfortable coat of arms and if used often can make you numb to most of the crap in the world. Sometimes I want to load up a rented convertible with as many illicit drugs that I can find and ride off into the sunset with a newly lit cigarette dangling from my lip. I never will, and I don't have to, because Doc did it for me. When it comes down to it that is what really pisses me off. He's not around to do the things I won't and more importantly say the things that I can't. So long Hunter, keep it strange.
Well, it has been a long time since I have posted and a long time since I have drank scotch. So I decided to combine the two and see what happens. I really like to have a nice glass of scotch every once in awhile. It doesn't take much for me anymore to feel really relaxed after a glass. There isn't a much better feeling than a glass of scotch on a cold night. That warm feeling that you get as it slides down your throat just warms you right up. Now, if you are interested, there is a right and wrong way to drink scotch. First, you do not gulp down scotch. Not only is it going to hurt like hell, but there is no way that you are going to be able to really capture the full flavor. You can either drink it neat (no ice) or on the rocks (with ice). I prefer on the rocks, but that can tend to water it down just a little bit. Now, take just a little bit for that first drink and put it right underneath your tongue. Let it sit for just a little bit until it starts to burn. Breathe in just a tad and really get the full flavor. Slowly, as if you don't really want to, swallow. Scotch is an acquired taste, so be patient. It will take a while for you to become accustomed to the burn. I suggest starting off with a 12 year old, either Glenlivet or Glenfiddich would be a good start. After that, go as far as your wallet will take you.
I am a "West Wing" nut. I can't get enough of the show and if you call while I'm watching, I'm not going to answer. Now, I am not one of the naysayers that thinks the show is horrible since Aaron Sorkin left. I will admit that it has been lacking some of the original punch of the first few seasons, but ladies and gentlemen, this show is back. If you have since abandoned the series, come back and give it another chance. The writing is better, the storylines are interesting and the characters, from President Bartlett to Donna Moss, are going through some major soul searching. There have been some outstanding episodes. The beginning of the season was a little rough, but good nonetheless. Once the show got over the whole "solving the Mideast Peace crisis in two episodes", it has really hit its stride. Starting with "A Change is Going to Come" the show started off a impressive run of episodes. "Faith Based Initiatives" was extremely impressive, and written by Bradly Whitford (Josh) too! Now the show is switching back and forth between the primaries and the last year of the Bartlett administration, and while this might seem annoying at first glance it actually gives the show life. I have one problem, Donna seems to be acting completely against character this season. I don't really buy the choices she has been making, but I'm sure that she is going to come around. I have one request that would make this season amazing, bring back Sam to help with Santos' campaign. I know it isn't very likely considering Rob Lowe's messy divorce with the show's producers, but come on; Sam swinging in to help Josh and Santos win would be fantastic!!! BRING BACK SAM!
