Come for the politics, stay for the snark.

Everything is totally normal and fine!!!

Give the craziest people you know everything they want and hope they don’t ask for more? Great plan.

There are no moderate republicans – only extremists and cowards.

Baby steps, because the Republican Party is full of angry babies.

Mediocre white men think RFK Jr’s pathetic midlife crisis is inspirational. The bar is set so low for them, it’s subterranean.

Good lord, these people are nuts.

Seems like a complicated subject, have you tried yelling at it?

If America since Jan 2025 hasn’t broken your heart, you haven’t loved her enough.

Never give a known liar the benefit of the doubt.

Incompetence, fear, or corruption? why not all three?

You cannot shame the shameless.

After dobbs, women are no longer free.

President Musk and Trump are both poorly raised, coddled 8 year old boys.

“In the future, this lab will be a museum. do not touch it.”

Never entrust democracy to any process that requires Republicans to act in good faith.

“What are Republicans afraid of?” Everything.

T R E 4 5 O N

… pundit janitors mopping up after the gop

One way or another, he’s a liar.

Fight for a just cause, love your fellow man, live a good life.

The republican speaker is a slippery little devil.

The Giant Orange Man Baby is having a bad day.

If you cannot answer whether trump lost the 2020 election, you are unfit for office.

We are builders in a constant struggle with destroyers. keep building.

You are here: Home / Open Threads / Over and out

Over and out

by | 135 Comments

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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.

Max 1

Reader Interactions

135Comments

  5. 5.

    debit

    I didn’t always comment on your posts, but always enjoyed reading them. Will miss your insights and, of course, the gorgeous pictures.

  6. 6.

    Gus

    Nooooooo, it’s bad enough that you haven’t beer blogged in so long, but now you’re taking Max with you. :(

  8. 8.

    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.

  9. 9.

    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.

  11. 11.

    Culture of Truth

    Fleeing when Obama is on the ropes, eh… :)

    I do hope you post your dog pictures elsewhere.

  17. 17.

    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.

  19. 19.

    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!).

  20. 20.

    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.

  26. 26.

    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.

  28. 28.

    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.

  29. 29.

    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!)

  31. 31.

    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.

  32. 32.

    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!

  38. 38.

    Cervantes

    Thanks for everything.

    Including all the great work you’ve done and never told us about.

    All the best to you and yours.

  41. 41.

    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.

  42. 42.

    Felinious Wench

    Tim, it is because of you and Max that I’m no longer scared of Dobermans. Seriously.

    Come back and visit, Bilbo.

  45. 45.

    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!

  46. 46.

    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.

  48. 48.

    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.

  50. 50.

    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.

  51. 51.

    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!

  52. 52.

    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.

  56. 56.

    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.

  57. 57.

    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. :)

  59. 59.

    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.

  61. 61.

    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.

  62. 62.

    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.

  65. 65.

    Lowkey

    Tim, I’ve really enjoyed your posts, your rabble-rousing, your pix, and your dog.

    Don’t be a stranger, now, ya hear?

  66. 66.

    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.

  69. 69.

    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.

  70. 70.

    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.

  72. 72.

    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

  74. 74.

    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!

  77. 77.

    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?

  79. 79.

    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.

  83. 83.

    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.

  85. 85.

    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’.

  88. 88.

    comrade scott's agenda of rage

    @Tim F.:

    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.

    In other words: Cole 24/7/365.

    Thanks for being here and good luck down the line.

  89. 89.

    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!

  90. 90.

    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.

  91. 91.

    YellowJournalism

    Aw, no. Is this a joke like John’s murdering animals post?

    Wait a minute. Has anyone heard from John? Is he alive?

  92. 92.

    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.

  93. 93.

    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.

  96. 96.

    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!

  97. 97.

    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.

  100. 100.

    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.

  101. 101.

    Dee Loralei

    Best of luck Tim. Thanks for everything. Especially the ACA Pass the Damn Bill rallying. And for Max pics.

  103. 103.

    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.

  104. 104.

    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.

  105. 105.

    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. :-)

  107. 107.

    Jacquie

    I delurk only very rarely, but wanted to echo all the sentiments wishing you good luck. And Max really is a gorgeous dog.

  108. 108.

    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:

    a guy who helped found Red State

    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.)

  109. 109.

    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.

  111. 111.

    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.

  115. 115.

    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?

  118. 118.

    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

  119. 119.

    A Humble Lurker

    The Pretentious Art Douche is leaving us!?!?!?!? NO!

    Good luck, guy. Thanks for everything, and stop by again in the future.

  120. 120.

    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.

  121. 121.

    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.

  123. 123.

    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.

  124. 124.

    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!

  125. 125.

    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.

  126. 126.

    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. :)

  127. 127.

    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.

  128. 128.

    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!

  131. 131.

    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.

  132. 132.

    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.

  135. 135.

    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.

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