The following is the Last Post on the Rittenhouse Review. July 4, 2007.

SO LONG, FAREWELL
Auf Wiedersehen, Good-bye
The sun has gone/ to bed and so must I/ So long/ Farewell/ Auf wiedersehen/ Goodbye/ Goodbye/ Goodbye/ Goodbye! - From "The Sound of Music," Rodgers & Hammerstein

Jim died last night, and I'm lost. Who do you talk to about losing your best friend when the person you lost is your best friend? I only hope he's right about this heaven thing, and that angels were there to greet him at the door.

His friend Susie told me something I didn't know about him: He loved "The Sound of Music" and, much to the horror of the onlookers, once sang the entire score with her sitting outside Tangier, the bar where they met each week for Drinking Liberally.
I kind of like the image of Jim singing and dancing until he's just out of view, going somewhere else to sleep. Sweet dreams, Jim. I miss you so much already.

- Lynn Haddock

Today marks the one year anniversary of the passing of Rittenhouse Riview blogger Jim Capozzola.

::more::

Since Bill has finally agreed to put his pants back on and climb down from the bar, we are actually able to stare at him again. (Without jaws dropped)

After several days of vacation bliss, I thought this would be a good time to get to the truth. The truth, dammit, about Bill in Portland Maine.

Yes, the beauty and tranquility of the morning, the complimentary champagne, and the relaxed atmosphere may seem like an underhanded way to get to the truth, but no one can accuse us of using torture! (Even though it now appears to be perfectly legal and USA Approved, thank you VetoBoy.)

CHICAGO, IL - Thousands of Kossaks will spend the morning pulling the finger of Bill in Portland Maine in celebration of Bill's 43rd birthday.

After Sam Seder let the news of the birthday pootie out of the bag last evening, there was an actual dip in the kiddie pool, and an unfortunate trip through the dancing waters in the convention center lobby.  But I'll let Bill tell you all about that. I wouldn't want to spoil his story.

So, how about signing the Kossak Birthday Card for Bill in Portaland Maine. He's turned coming out of one's shell into an artform!

It was Rum & Coke Saturday in Key West. Bacardi & Coke, to be precise. We met at Aqua, Bill in his YearlyKos T-shirt, Michael smartly attired in white linen.

Hugs. Niceties. Then, as often happens, we're quickly old friends.

When I read they were coming to Key West, I sent an email to see about a meetup. (Translation:  Cocktails!) Michael wrote back almost instantly, saying, "Yeah!"

This was my first meeting with any Kossaks - I know, about time. Bill is as hilarious in person as he is in his diaries, and Michael has really got that Key West vacation relaxation thing down pat. I'm looking forward to our next Rum & Coke day when much laughter will ensue, and I'll remember to get permission to post the incriminating pictures I have standing by.

We even had a Markos look-alike in our midst!

They're here sans computer, so I can get a jump on the Key West reportage. Any words for the boys?  We'll be "meeting up" again, so I'll convey your thoughts.

(Psst:  Not everything that happens in Key West stays in Key West!)

Cheers!

So I'm getting ready for work and a couple of sweet old ladies come to the door, bibles and tracts in hand.  I try to be respectful and polite and let them begin their conversation by complimenting my cute dog and conciously avoid looking at my watch.

The first lady takes a breath and starts to hand me a tract. She mentions that she has some words about how people are starting to notice the growing violence in the world.......

"Stop. You do not want to engage me on this. Christian Fundamentalists are at the root of most of the violence," says I.  "It's faith-based hate!"

-more-

I just got a call from a Beverly with the DCCC. Honey, I went blank for a moment, then off I went.

After finishing an instinctual, hysterical laugh, I said, "Write this down, Bev." I told her not to ask me for money till I see some damn action on the Hill. "Some balls!" I told her. "And as for the DSCC, the same goes for them."

It was made clear that any campaign contributions I made would be done on an individual-candidate basis, without any dictum from the beltway. Yadda, yadda, yadda.

"And when the time comes," I demanded, "the DCCC better get behind some candidates that will have the temerity to stand up to the establishment and speak truth - and from the heart. No more stinkin' DINOs, thank you very much.  AND, I'll send you a contribution as a reward for good behavior, if and when I see it."

Click.

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