HUNTER AND THE CURSE OF MUSICAL DISCUSSIONS - BY N.L. BELARDES February 22, 2005 11:21 pm You know, I was just in a conversation about Hunter Thompson outside of Bakersfield's Gigantic clothing store; it was two nights before he died. I had been asking Gerhard Enns of the Dalloways about his creative background--just what makes him tick. He'd spent years working on creative writing degrees at my arch nemesis Fresno State, rubbing noses with the Fresno Poets and their ilk. Oh, I shudder to think of it, that such a talented and kind man was... oh forget it. He is indeed helping me to be less bitter about my charasmatic behavior regarding such a lewd institution. Anyhow, a few nights later we were sitting in my favorite Thai restaurant, and Nico Rhodes was there too and we all talked about writing and movies and bands... She was dashing as ever in her funky Dalloways shirt, and Gerhard, just as kind as ever. In a strange parallel, I was in a conversation about Marlon Brando the night before he died too, and the person I was in the conversation with, well, he died over Christmas, and he was my mentor. I think what I'm trying to say is that I'm feeling cursed and that everywhere I turn, a legend is passing. Goodbye Hunter, I understand what it is to fear and loathe in Las Vegas; maybe one day I will tell those stories. -N.L.