Dr. Gonzo honoured

Legendary "gonzo" journalist Dr. Hunter S. Thompson was honoured yesterday, 3 days after what would have been his 70th birthday, by his former hometown newspaper, the Aspen Daily News:

"DENVER - The hometown newspaper of the late Hunter S. Thompson published a tribute edition Saturday, three days after what would have been his 70th birthday, celebrating the champion of "gonzo journalism." Contributors to the "Gonzo Edition" of the Aspen Daily News included Ralph Steadman, a longtime friend; the writer’s widow, Anita Thompson; Walter Isaacson, president of the Aspen Institute; and newspaper owner David Danforth. 'An adrenaline rush shared with these independent local journalists at the Daily News reminds me of Hunter’s balancing act between fear and freedom,' wrote Anita Thompson, who edited the issue."

HST, who referred to himself as "Doctor" because of the title he bought from the Universal Life Church, was one of the most influential writers to emerge from the sixties drug culture. His exuberantly descriptive and slightly paranoid first-person style has been often imitated, never duplicated. One of my literary heroes, for sure.

Dr. Gonzo died in February 2005, and according to his wishes, his ashes were fired out of a cannon 6 months later.

"Res ipsa loquitur. Let the good times roll."