Hunter S. Thompson, a unique writer until his suicide six months ago, will be remembered in an appropriately unique memorial ceremony at his Woody Creek home this Saturday. His cremated remains, about the size of a basketball, have been mixed with fireworks and packed into 34 mortar tubes that will be blasted by a cannon about 300 feet into the air. Guests should have those little drink umbrellas to keep the ashes from floating into their margaritas at this solemn occasion.

The service, the cost of which has been estimated at $2 million, is being covered primarily by Johnny Depp, who played Thompson in the 1998 movie "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." Lyle Lovett, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, a Japanese drum group, and someone with a flute will perform in this event being called "Hunterpaloosa." I guess the guests who can't perform will have to settle on bringing covered dishes.

Thompson once said, "I hate to advocate drugs, alcohol, violence or insanity to anyone, but they've always worked for me." Well, as some might say, whatever works. However, there are prices to pay and sometimes those prices are paid by the people who are closest.

Thompson had strong political beliefs and hated Richard Nixon. Given Hunter Thompson's values and death: if he thinks that Richard Nixon resides in hell, then maybe Thompson will join him--with his hell being stuck with Nixon through eternity. Now, that would be a fitting conclusion to this, but I wouldn't wish that on Nixon--nor Thompson either.

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