Diary of a Network Geek

Apparently, from suicide.
I have to admit, I’ve never read any of Dr. Thompson’s books, but I have read some of his other writing in magazines and was suitably impressed. Also, it didn’t hurt that he was a good friend of Warren Zevon, who I admire greatly. Dr. Thompson, father of “gonzo journalism”, was the basis for another of my favorite characters, Doonesbury’s Uncle Duke. He was an icon of Americana that simply cannot be replaced.
This article at MSNBC.com has details, scant though they may be, regarding his death. No word on a suicide note, but his death was caused by an apparently self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
You may not agree with his politics or his journalistic style, but you cannot deny the profound influence he had on the publishing landscape of the 20th century. Good luck on the other side, Doc.

Well, this is a little too timely…
But, it could come in handy, so, for all you out of work computer geeks out there, here is the Survival Guide to Homelessness. It’s a blog done to promote a book that is all about surviving on the street. Though, the blog gives plenty of good advice. In fact, it brought home for me just how important getting my tire fixed really was! I had no idea how important a car could be if you’re homeless.

Okay, okay, I’m probably not ever going to be actually homeless, but it is something I’ve had nightmares about since moving down to Texas from Chicago. I mean, I didn’t really know anyone when I moved to Houston, so I was almost all on my own. I left all my family behind and almost all my friends, too. It was scary as Hell. Well, the worst has happened, or is happening, and I’m still making it by, with a little help from my friends. Some new, some old, but all friends that I’ve come to rely on. Thanks youse guys!

Advice from your Uncle Jim:
"The whole purpose of religion is to facilitate love and compassion, patience, tolerance, humility, forgiveness."
   --Dalai Lama