Seven years is far too short a time to blog among such excellent and admirable folks as yourselves. Many thanks to John for elevating me from the minors in 2005, even if he did it just to give his conservative readers a more appealing target to gripe at. It was odd as a diehard loony leftist to write with a guy who helped found Red State and still wrote there for a while after I joined. It felt a bit more odd to realize that I could find maybe one thing in a hundred that we disagreed about.
It’s been a few years of semi-retirement and I still spend too much time online, so it seems like I should put a finer point on it. Here’s a last vintage pic of Max.
Ash Can
What? You’re taking your Max and going home? Say it ain’t so!
Johnk
Max: Pine needles, nom, got ball?
Mary G
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Will miss both you and the gorgeous Max. All the best to you.
rikyrah
Wish you all the best.
debit
I didn’t always comment on your posts, but always enjoyed reading them. Will miss your insights and, of course, the gorgeous pictures.
Gus
Nooooooo, it’s bad enough that you haven’t beer blogged in so long, but now you’re taking Max with you. :(
JPL
OH, NO…
Please visit often.
Comrade Mary
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! We’ll miss you so much, and that Tim guy on the other end of your leash, too.
But I hear you about too much time online. Enjoy your romps in The Outside, and thanks so much for being a part of the history and the evolution of this blog.
geg6
NOOOOOOOOOOO! You must do a drive by and post MAX! pics now and again.
Thank you, Tim, for all you did during the ACA. You got us all calling and faxing and emailing and I believe that you had an effect on that vote. I’ll never forget that and I will miss you much.
ETA: Maybe now Cole will come to the Burgh and have a meetup with us. I really want to thank you personally for rallying us all during the ACA.
Comrade Mary
OH GOD YES THE ACA WRANGLING! Major kudos for that alone, Tim.
Culture of Truth
Fleeing when Obama is on the ropes, eh… :)
I do hope you post your dog pictures elsewhere.
SuperHrefna
Pretty please won’t you send us a few Max pix now and then?? You’ll be missed.
gogol's wife
I can’t live without Max.
Svensker
Wait, what? You’re leaving? And taking Max with you? Please say it ain’t so.
chopper
stay for moar dog pics pls.
a hip hop artist from Idaho (fka Bella Q)
Can Max come for visits, please? Seriously, you did lots of heavy lifting here on the ACA, for which I remain in your debt. And the beer blogging. And MAX! Please do wander by with a post now and again, man.
SiubhanDuinne
Oh, no, I’m very sad to hear this. Love Max and always enjoy reading your posts, Tim F. Please at least stop by as a frequent commenter, and send your Max pix to Anne Laurie regularly — you know she’ll frontpage them.
Cheers and FSMspeed.
SP
U oh, are you also on death watch due to bathing of pet?
Lit3Bolt
We love you Tim. You’ve always been the true voice of common sense sliding the dagger into the ribs of conservatism time and time again.
Thank you for biting John Cole on the neck one night and draining him of his red, red conservative blood and infecting him with the vampiric disease known as liberalism.
You will be missed (and Max too, woof!).
General Stuck
Since I’m building an arc to deal with the current flood of bullshit, I could use a couple of Max’s to rebuild America with handsome doggies. Otherwise, I hear ya. It’s all in the hands of voters now, and Allah. Not to mention my blood pressure goes from 170/110, down to 114/74 yesterday, after a week of little internet. Take care dude, youze too Max. Someday, all this will be yours.
kc
Noooooo!!!
Libby
Let’s not say goodbye but rather, till we meet again. Best to you always and thanks for all the wise insights and Max pix.
Ben Cisco (onboard the Defiant)
Appreciated your work. Don’t be a stranger.
1badbaba3
Loony leftists rule! Stay cool, baby.
Taylormattd
Why?
Anya
I am not a pet person, but I really adore Max! Max and the Bo (Obamas’ dog) are the only two that make me consider getting a dog. He’s stunningly gorgeous and seeing his pictures make my day. So, I will trully miss those gorgeous pictutes.
Tim, you’ll be missed too. You’ve done an incredible job during the ACA fight. Organizing the troops to call their reps and senators. We will miss your guidance in that area.
Punchy
Quitting this close to the election? Who are you, Romney’s best advisors?
TaMara (BHF)
But, but, but….Nooooooo! I say take a nice break, but come back to us with your beautiful photos, your lovely Max and your sensibilities and calls to action.
Please.
Emma
At least come back from time to time and report on your doings. And pics of Max!
(notice I’m trying very hard not to snoop!)
Bnad
I’ve enjoyed your posts. Hope you come back from time to time.
flukebucket
I am really sorry to see this. I will miss your contributions. I do hope you continue to comment and give your opinion from time to time. It is a valued opinion. Whatever it is going forward I hope it is only happiness and success for you and Max.
lankyloo
Really sorry to see you go! You’re ACA work was awesome, and the pictures were always stunning. All the best going forward, and hope you’ll still drop in!
peorgietirebiter
The wind at your back and all that. Lucky dog, lucky owner, funny how that works.
catclub
Bilbo’s Farewell Birthday Party! I knew I recognized that first phrase. Cheers and farewell.
WereBear
I will miss your thoughtful posts. But if you are leaving to spend more time with Max, I understand.
CorbinDallasMultipass
Thanks for sharing such beautiful thoughts and pictures.
jeffreyw
Been nice having you around. Don’t be a stranger!
Cervantes
Thanks for everything.
Including all the great work you’ve done and never told us about.
All the best to you and yours.
Raven
Happy trails to you
Until we meet again. . .
Omnes Omnibus
Cheers, and all the best to you.
Violet
NOOOOOOOOOOOOO! You’re leaving? But you’re such an important part of the blog. Your work on the ACA was essential. You got me involved and it felt great to be part of something that important. I truly believe your work here made a difference. Thank you so much for that.
And Max. Won’t you update once in awhile with a photo? They are always so gorgeous and Max is such a sweetie.
You will be missed. Best to you out in the real world.
Felinious Wench
Tim, it is because of you and Max that I’m no longer scared of Dobermans. Seriously.
Come back and visit, Bilbo.
Raven
I guess he doesn’t need a lecture on proper radio procedure.
Felinious Wench
Duplicate post. FYWP.
Elizabelle
Best to you in your endeavors, whatever they be.
Please pop back as a guest sometime, definitely with teh awesome Max.
Never say never!
Cain
awww. Tim. I hate to see you go. I hope as others have said that you’ll at least do a drive by from time to time. We will miss your Max pics ! Best of luck for the future.
Steve
Tim, you can’t leave, I am still waiting for the end of several of your sentences!
Tenzil Kem
Thanks for everything you did during the health care reform/pass the damn bill days. This site was nothing less than inspiring then.
Kristine
Best of luck to you. I understand the need to live a a life away from the keyboard.
But the odd Max pic would not go unappreciated.
Angela
I’m going to miss you, and those pics of Max. Best wishes in your travels of life and please, come back and see us sometime.
Betty Cracker
Damn, that sucks! I will miss you and Max. I was hoping to hit you up for pet photography tips. Please visit often!
CaseyL
Hard to imagine this place without you and Max. Thank you for all the wonderful writing, gorgeous doggie pix, and your terrific motivational and organizing work during the ACA fight.
I hope all is well, and that you’ll stop by from time to time to say Hi and let us see more Max.
c u n d gulag
OH NOOOOOOOOOOO’S!
You WILL be missed!
What, no guest spots?
joeyess
You’re leaving us? Fine, then. Take your stinky dog and get out…..
;^)
jeffreyw
@Raven: Heh, it’s been over 40 years but I still can hardly bring myself to say “repeat”.
Pen
Well dammit, now I don’t have a BJ front-pager home brewer to prompt me to brew anymore? Say it’s ain’t so! Peace and long life Tim, you’ll be missed.
Trinity
I has a sad.
You have been great to read and I’ve shared your photography insights with my husband. Please don’t be a stranger Tim. And an occasional pic of Max will always be welcome. Best wishes. :)
PaulW
So, there’s a vacancy now.
…is this a paying gig?
Where do I send mah resume, friends?
Tim F.
Thanks everyone.
@Taylormattd: As I alluded to above, I mostly retired when I finished my Ph.D. and started my postdoc work. There just wasn’t time in the day. Time management is not my greatest skill, and even now I’m spending too much time reading and writing about things not related to finding a stable job in science. I need a good excuse to trim my RSS reader way down and focus on the stuff that pays bills.
It helps quite a bit to know that we have a superb crowd to manage things when John is traveling, sick, hung over, overworked, peevish, gaming, stumped by ennui or slowly bleeding to death.
Raven
@jeffreyw: Hard wired.
Gin & Tonic
Good luck with your future endeavors, and here’s hoping that the Rich & Dan’s Rye IPA is making it out your way, now that it’s year-round.
Mary
I will miss you Tim F. You really helped get healthcare passed and inspired me to call Congress every day for months. I won’t ever forget that. Best to you.
chrismealy
Tim F, you were a hero of the ACA! You’ll come back when we need you, right?
Raven
@Tim F.: You retired and are now looking for a job?
Lowkey
Tim, I’ve really enjoyed your posts, your rabble-rousing, your pix, and your dog.
Don’t be a stranger, now, ya hear?
Violet
@Tim F.: Best wishes, Tim. I hope you find the job of your dreams. Maybe if you do and you’re a bit more settled, you’ll be able to find a little time to stop by and post from time to time. And if another key piece of legislation comes up, I hope you’ll either reprise your ACA role or coach someone else. You did a lot of good for the entire country with your role here. I hope you feel proud of your contribution.
BGinCHI
All the best to you, Tim. Enjoyed your posts and the pics of that handsome dog.
amk
Best wishes to you. Of course max is going to do fine one way or another. :)
SatanicPanic
What no- I don’t know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ? Thanks for your work on the ACA, for me at least it felt good to actually do something, even if it was only pick up the phone.
kindness
Max is eating pine needles. Digestion issues? My dogs eat grass when they want a cleansing.
He’s such a beautiful dog. I’m thankful you didn’t crop his ears. My preference is for Dobies to have their full tails as well.
machine
Best of luck with everything that follows. I’ll miss your posts.
Hugh
I looked forward to your posts very much, rare as they were. I came to BJ late so I missed your higher output days. Too bad for me. All the best to you :-)
Hugh
Forum Transmitted Disease
Godspeed to both you and your dawg.
Mnemosyne
I have a feeling that being a front-pager here is a lot like being a Corleone (“I try to get out …”) but best of luck to you as you concentrate on your life in meatspace. And don’t forget to swing by in comments from time to time with Max updates!
cbear
Happy Trails to you and Max, Tim. Wish you both all the best.
RosiesDad
Best wishes Tim. Haven’t felt this sad about losing a blogger since Hilzoy hung it up in 2009.
WaterGirl
@Tim F.: I will miss you. Max, too.
I imagine it’s cold turkey, or nothing, but I am very sorry to see you go.
Edit: I blame Cole. Was it his “this may be my last post on this site” thread that made you decide to do this today?
The Ancient Randonneur
Aarrrrrrrrrr! Bon voyage, mate!
Paul B.
I have fond memories of Ethiopian food in DC when you were in my neck of the woods. And you do pithy better than anyone else here. And let me add my thanks to the chorus for your ACA work. You made it easier for me to call and bitch at my reps, which we all should do more often.
srv
I just wanted to say that it all started going downhill once you made the front page:
https://balloon-juice.com/2005/10/29/kudos-to-john/
Kidding. It was Doug’s fault.
GregB
Fare thee well good soul.
SBJules
@Svensker:
No. I don’t want you to leave & isn’t all about me? And Max of course. Please come visit.
Patricia Kayden
That’s a beautiful doberman. Never knew JC was a founder of Red State. WOW! What an evolution.
Good bye and good luck.
Ms. D. Ranged in AZ (formerly IrishGrrrl)
I sincerely going to miss your posts. They had a depth that so few in blogging are able to achieve. Hope to see you in the comments as a visitor. Best wishes to you and yours.
Derp
What the fuck is this shit? You’re not retiring. Just so we’re clear– when John made you get that BLOGGER LIFE tat on your stomach, it was a promise and a threat. No one retires from this job. You think Billmon is enjoying life as a straight? Think again, That motherfucker is buried in the desert somewhere with three in the dome.
I’d also like to point out that TBogg has reconsidered his ill-advised ‘retirement. Just sayin’.
slag
But you’re the only one who ever even tries to get us to do anything! You’re valuable!
gbbalto
Tim –
Thanks for everything and good luck. I’ve really appreciated your work.
comrade scott's agenda of rage
@Tim F.:
In other words: Cole 24/7/365.
Thanks for being here and good luck down the line.
satby
@geg6: Absolutely: you didn’t just blog, you issued a call to action that got people moving who might not have (as much anyway).
The only things of value we actually leave behind when we shuffle off this mortal coil is the friends we’ve made and the things we’ve done to leave it better than when we started. On both counts, you are a wealthy man. Thanks Tim!
Splitting Image
Just wanted to add my thanks to everyone else’s for all of your posts over the years and especially for the ACA phone-banking. It wasn’t only crucial to getting the bill passed, it was a good example for others to follow.
Best of luck in everything and come back often.
YellowJournalism
Aw, no. Is this a joke like John’s murdering animals post?
Wait a minute. Has anyone heard from John? Is he alive?
Ruckus
Sorry to see you AND Max go.
Being selfish for a minute. I hope this is see you soon, not goodbye.
I always hope to learn from people smarter than me and for sure I learned much from you.
ThatLeftTurnInABQ
Thanks for everything Tim. If John ever gets around to creating a Balloon-Juice Medal of Freedom (“medal” in the loose sense, since it would most likely be a multi-colored balloon animal tied up in the shape of Tunch), you should be first in line to get one.
Tim F.
@srv: Hah! My first commenter. It is great that you and a few other guys are still around. Even gaz. Believe it or not I miss everyone on that thread.
hep kitty
Damn, I haz sad now. :(
neil
Well, dang. I’m normally just a lurker, but I very much enjoy your writing and want to wish you bon chance.
Bon chance!
Soonergrunt
Wait, what?
Seriously, you can’t let life get in the way of blogging.
Anyway, thanks so much for being an example that I will strive for, but probably not reach for a long time.
Do come back and see us, from time to time, and let me know if there’s anything at all I can do.
BarbCat
The two Tims! Now what? All the best to you.
Yutsano
@Tim F.: We’ll leave the light on for you and a snack in the fridge. Do be sailin’ back ta these waters soon matey!
ExurbanMom
Thanks for the ACA rallying. Thanks for the MAX! pics. Please come back once in awhile…even once a month would be helpful with a Max fix. All the very very best to you and yours.
Dee Loralei
Best of luck Tim. Thanks for everything. Especially the ACA Pass the Damn Bill rallying. And for Max pics.
MazeDancer
May joyful things abound for you! (And Max, too, of course.)
Jewish Steel
@Tim F.: Good luck on the market, old boy. You have one oversized Maxmouth to feed, as we all know.
Maybe you will find retirement like Obi Wan did? You shall become more powerful than we can possibly imagine? Report back if this is so.
Snowwy
Like Arthur of legend, Tim will return in the nation’s hour of greatest need. Until then, may his name live in fame and his life in other worlds be bright.
Cain
@Tim F.:
The best thing is that you’ll always have the keys. So when you do find a job and steady paycheck, swing on back and blog. We’ll be waiting for you. :-)
catperson
Best wishes, Tim. I’m sorry to see you go.
Jacquie
I delurk only very rarely, but wanted to echo all the sentiments wishing you good luck. And Max really is a gorgeous dog.
karen marie
I’m unclear why Tim is leaving — something about “too much time on the internet blah blah blah” — but I am flabbergasted by this:
Wait, what? Seriously? OMG! I knew John Cole had considered himself a member of the conservative club but I had no idea he was in that deep.
The people at Red State are insane. Perhaps some time Mr. Cole could talk about what RS was when it began and how it differed from the current feverish nightmares.
Excuse me, I have to get some duct tape to keep my jaw off the floor.
(Also, too, I think it’s silly for Tim to say he’s going to leave and leave BJ Max-less.)
Jebediah
Since no one else is willing to say it, please don’t leave us without the pix of the gorgeous Max.
If you check the fine print, you will see that a seven-thirds majority approval of the commentariat is required before any retirement can be approved. It appears that ain’t happening.
Jane2
Thank you, Tim (and Max!).
NorthLeft12
What a great picture. It perfectly captures that “dog look” that makes them so lovable.
I think I will print it and claim this dog as my own. Best wishes to yourself and Max.
am
Tim, I hope you’ll pop in the comments now and then. Best of luck with your research.
asiangrrlMN
@Tim F.: Aw, man. Good luck to you; you (and the gorgeous Max) will be sorely missed. Don’t be a stranger!
Currants
@Comrade Mary: Yes. That was important and long lasting. Thank you!
ranchandsyrup
Tim F quits. TBogg tries to quit. Did Soros send out a newsletter with his sweet Soros bucks that he pays the entirety of the liberal blogosphere that detailed that the Mayans are right or something?
elftx
Live Long and Prosper !!!
Baquist
Will miss you. All the best in your future!
A moocher
As an academic who has wasted way too much time just lurking, I can understand….I will miss you though, and the majestic lovemuffin that is Max.
Maybe, when the worst of the Jonesing is over, you could come back once every couple months and just post some photos of the wee lad?
Best wishes,
PIGL
A Humble Lurker
The Pretentious Art Douche is leaving us!?!?!?!? NO!
Good luck, guy. Thanks for everything, and stop by again in the future.
A Humble Lurker
You’re…Angry Black Lady, right?
Nah, you’re the ACA and crazy-awesome dog pictures guy. Hope non-blogging serves you well.
Kay
Thanks, Tim. The ACA call organizing was great, and best of all it was a break from the helplessness/craziness of that whole thing. It was fun.
Brachiator
Best wishes to you.
Josie
All the best to you and Max. He is the first doberman I have actually wanted to hug. Send us pictures ever now and then.
humbert dinglepencker
Good travels and give the guy a hug for me. And Max…honey…ditch the stems. Makes you look like a hayseed, and therefore a Rethuglican. Youse smahter than them!
greenergood
Thanks Tim. it must be hard to let go, but have really appreciated your posts, esp during ACA and my mom in NY going all ‘communistsochalistkenyan’ on me. Hope you and the gorgeous MAx continue to have good times together, and that you come back and do surprise posts on BJ every few months, or even just once a year at Christmas, like the Queen does.
taylormattd
@Tim F.: Well, good luck to you. I have a feeling John would be beyond happy to have you back when you successfully complete your search, and find yourself in need of a way to waste a couple of hours. :)
SectarianSofa
Crap. What? Damn. Well, it’s been a fine time with you here. Good travels!
@humbert dinglepencker:
Nah, hayseeds and wheat-chompers et al. can be good liberals, too. Your biodiesel mileage may vary.
Anne Laurie
Ave atque vale, Mr. F… or should that be Nos morituri te salutamus?
Thanks for all you’ve done, for the blog and the larger community, and here’s my best wishes that you’ll have that ‘stable job in the sciences’ very soon.
Meanwhile, if you can’t risk actually reading this blog for a while, you have my email and yes I will post photos even if they are NOT portraits of Max, just in case you have shots you want to brag on!
notoriousJRT
I am sorry to hear this! But, I wish you (and the handsome Max) well.
MMM
Is this all because Mr. Cole said he was finally ready to meet you in person?
Commish the First
Tim – was that a goodbye? I hope not! If so, thanks for all the insight and motivation you shared over the years. You’re one of my favorite reads on this or any blog.
tBone
Damn, seven years? I still remember when you were just a peon commenter like the rest of us. I’ve officially Wasted Too Much of My Life at Balloon Juice.
Best of luck on the job search, and thanks for being one of the few level-headed, relatively sane people in this joint. God knows it needed it, what with all of the naked mopping co-bloggers, Darrell
threadsclusterfucks, and Scrutator conspirators running around back in the day.Radon Chong
Thanks, Tim F. You did a good job!
stinger
You’ll be missed. Good luck with your real life!
MLRjr
Tim – I will miss you. In onepost you illuminated so much about this Balloon Juice – which I only started reading daily about six months ago. I think I am still a bit flummoxed by the antecedents but…perhaps now more makes sense. I feel I had made a new friend in your and now you are moving out of town. Best of happiness in your ventures.