Reasons why today is a good start to the week:
1. My absinthe arrived this morning. Finally!!
2. I've just returned from a relaxing vacation, so I feel fresh (down there...)
3. The Panchero manager punched my frequent-Panch card twice for what he called "Good for my business"
4. Steve is wearing that blue shirt that I like so much.

Highlight #1 of my trip: Hunter S. Thompson
We went to a book signing/social engagement for HST, which we found out afterwards was an invitation-only event. There were about 30 people there and the room was a small living room of sorts, nicely furnashed with couches and carpet. Plus there were free drinks and snacks, which we abused with utmost resolve. HST was a mess. But an entertaining mess! He was ordering drink upon drink, but only sipping them before ording two more. After awhile he became surrounded by a semicircle of water, coffee, gatorade, fruity drinks and whisky. He'd let out a "Whoooo!!" or slam the table with his fists every so often for no reason. He grabbed someone's gatorade, slammed it down, then yelped and pounded the bar as though he had just done a shot. He smacked some guy in the nuts as the host was relating a story of HST smacking some other guy in the nuts. A lady asked him to read a poem from her book, but instead he grabbed the book and began smashing it into the edge of the bar. Another lady gave him a pen to use for signing a book, which he grabbed and then jabbed her breast with it. Another time he signed a guys book, then turned away, then turned back to find a new person there...which made him jump and scream. He later grabbed some guy on the shoulder then hollared "Vote Goddamnit!" Someone asked him to sign a CD, but instead of signing the insert or something he tried to sign the CD case, but couldn't and then just stabbed the CD a few times in anger.

My brother and I both got yelled at once. HST refused to make out to my parents a signature with To Ann and Greg because, as he said, "Nope, too many letters."

After a mumbling rant about terrorism my brother asked him, "Anyone in Aspen that needs terrorizing?"
"Here?", HST replied, looking around and sounding just like Johnny Depp from Fear and Loathing, "Everyone."

Pretty entertaining event overall.