Green Room

My fond farewell to HotAir

posted at 1:42 pm on October 25, 2012 by

Some years ago, in a previous life (I seem to have had many), I was very briefly a writer-editor for a college literary magazine. In that capacity, I reviewed books old and new. When I completed my first assignment there, a critique of a novel, a friend jokingly asked, “Which one, Portnoy’s Complaint?” I was pleased to be able to answer with a straight face, “No, Howard’s End.”

Today, I announce with some sadness another Howard’s end. This will be my last day as a contributor at HotAir.com. I expect to write at least one more column, but at the end of the day I’ll be off on new adventures.

I can’t begin to describe the pleasure I’ve derived or count the many great friends I’ve made in my three-plus years at the site. I like to imagine that in my time here I’ve provided at least a nibble for thought and elicited the occasional chuckle from readers. If it’s not obvious by now that my philosophy is “Laugh first, aim later,” then I have failed at the primary task I assigned myself.

I can say with conviction that I have received at least as much as I have given by way of ideas and insights, and I thank you all for your thoughtful and thought-provoking commentaries.

I won’t be going far, for those interested in knowing. I will continue to hold court, as I have done during my tenure here, across the Internet, at Examiner, where I write two political columns (one here and one here).

I hope you’ll stop by and visit. There’ll always be a light in the window.

–Howard

 

Recently in the Green Room:

Blowback

Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.

Trackbacks/Pings

Trackback URL

Comments

Comment pages: 1 2 3

Sorry to see you go. Your contributions were always good for a laugh. Place won’t be the same without you.

CurtZHP on October 25, 2012 at 1:48 PM

Bummer, now I will have to add another link to my bookmarks.

Farewell, and expect many snarky victim type comments in the future.

cozmo on October 25, 2012 at 1:49 PM

I’ve enjoyed your stuff, Howard. Godspeed.

Farmer_Joe on October 25, 2012 at 1:50 PM

Your contributions were always good for a laugh.

Even when they weren’t meant to be, I suppose. ;-) Anyway, thank you for your kind words Curt.

Howard Portnoy on October 25, 2012 at 1:51 PM

Fare thee well, have enjoyed your writings here. Will stalk follow you across the intertubes. Unless some cats get in the way. Dang intertubes is full of them.

rbj on October 25, 2012 at 1:52 PM

Dang!..Sorry to see you go Howard. Good luck in your new endeavors success in all you do.

Mimzey on October 25, 2012 at 1:52 PM

cozmo on October 25, 2012 at 1:49 PM
Farmer_Joe on October 25, 2012 at 1:50 PM

Cozmo, looking forward to it. Joe, thank you.

Howard Portnoy on October 25, 2012 at 1:53 PM

Good luck and Godspeed Howard!

melle1228 on October 25, 2012 at 1:53 PM

Good luck Howard…

pain train on October 25, 2012 at 1:55 PM

Damn. Good bye to my favorite Green Room Contributor.

livefreerdie on October 25, 2012 at 1:55 PM

Howard,

I have enjoyed your posts very much. It won’t be the same going to the GR and not see your posts.

Good luck with your new adventure and stop back some time to post on others who post here!
L

letget on October 25, 2012 at 1:55 PM

rbj, primo comment, as usual.

Mimzey on October 25, 2012 at 1:52 PM
melle1228 on October 25, 2012 at 1:53 PM

Thanks.

(Why do I feel like I’m in a reception line?)

Howard Portnoy on October 25, 2012 at 1:56 PM

You will be missed. First Doc Zero, now you.

I enjoyed your insights and cogent apologies….

Opposite Day on October 25, 2012 at 1:56 PM

Best of luck in your new gig, Howard. I’ve always enjoyed your columns here at HotAir. Looking forward to your columns at the Examiner.

PatriotGal2257 on October 25, 2012 at 1:56 PM

Even when they weren’t meant to be, I suppose.

Howard Portnoy on October 25, 2012 at 1:51 PM

Sometimes, it’s all you can do.

CurtZHP on October 25, 2012 at 1:57 PM

pain train

Thank you.

livefreerdie on October 25, 2012 at 1:55 PM

Thank you, livefree. That’s what the kind of praise a writer lives for.

letget on October 25, 2012 at 1:55 PM

I will be back for sure, but come by and say, “Hey.”

Howard Portnoy on October 25, 2012 at 1:58 PM

(Why do I feel like I’m in a reception line?)

Howard Portnoy on October 25, 2012 at 1:56 PM

Hey, you brought this on yourself! You could’ve stuck around and avoided this.

CurtZHP on October 25, 2012 at 1:59 PM

You will be missed. First Doc Zero, now you.

High praise, indeed, Opp.

PatriotGal2257 on October 25, 2012 at 1:56 PM

I’ll be looking forward it, PatriotGal.

Howard Portnoy on October 25, 2012 at 1:59 PM

I’ve enjoyed your writing here. You always brought some interesting stuff we might not have seen otherwise.

Best of Luck to you!

HumpBot Salvation on October 25, 2012 at 2:04 PM

Well, Howard , you are an exceptional wordsmith.

You will be missed.

Best to you.

coldwarrior on October 25, 2012 at 2:05 PM

We’ll see you over at the Examiner, HP. Thanks for all you do; it’s been a blast.

J.E. Dyer on October 25, 2012 at 2:05 PM

Hey! I can’t find the comments button over there.

Grumble grumble…open media my a…grumble grumble.

cozmo on October 25, 2012 at 2:08 PM

HumpBot Salvation on October 25, 2012 at 2:04 PM

Thanks, HumpBot.

coldwarrior on October 25, 2012 at 2:05 PM

From the “Well, Howard” I would thought you were tjeek. Thanks, CW.

J.E. Dyer on October 25, 2012 at 2:05 PM

Thanks, J.E. I’ll be by to visit.

Howard Portnoy on October 25, 2012 at 2:08 PM

Happy trails, Howard! If you ever need a proofreader let me know :)

Marcola on October 25, 2012 at 2:09 PM

Hey! I can’t find the comments button over there.

The “Comments” field appears relatively far down the page. For first timers, best practice is to do a page search for “Comments” (or just keep scrolling).

Howard Portnoy on October 25, 2012 at 2:10 PM

Happy trails, Howard! If you ever need a proofreader let me know

Thanks, Marcola. I don’t know what I would have done (will do) without you!

Howard Portnoy on October 25, 2012 at 2:11 PM

Good luck to you, Howard. You’re a hard-working writer, and your quality is consistent.

MadisonConservative on October 25, 2012 at 2:12 PM

Good luck, Howard! Sorry to see you go.

Sekhmet on October 25, 2012 at 2:13 PM

MadisonConservative on October 25, 2012 at 2:12 PM

Thanks, Mad.

Sekhmet on October 25, 2012 at 2:13 PM

Thanks, Sekhmet

Howard Portnoy on October 25, 2012 at 2:19 PM

Fair winds and following seas, Howard!

catmman on October 25, 2012 at 2:22 PM

Thank you Howard

Its been a pleasure

Many blessings

cmsinaz on October 25, 2012 at 2:22 PM

I’ll buck the trend and say, GOOD RIDDANCE. That being said in jest, I sincerely say I have enjoyed your take on world events and will keep an eye on your future rants. Not that you don’t have a brain, but, “I think I’ll miss you most of all!” ~ Dorothy, Wizard of Oz. ~ RD

RumblinDurango on October 25, 2012 at 2:23 PM

This is just as sad as when the Boss Emeritus left HA. You are one of the writers I can count on to make me laugh and provide a cogent argument. I will definitely be visiting the Examiner to read more of your witty, spot on analyses. Godspeed, Howard.

College Prof on October 25, 2012 at 2:23 PM

catmman on October 25, 2012 at 2:22 PM

Thanks, my friend.

Howard Portnoy on October 25, 2012 at 2:23 PM

HP is a decent writer. “Consistent” according to MC. Stipuliated. Now, try to remember any critical information Howard Portnoy reported. Exactly.

HotAir needs reporters. Michelle Malkin was awesome in that regard.

Enough with the self-proclaimed “writers.”

Capitalist Hog on October 25, 2012 at 2:26 PM

It was always a pleasure and frequently a hoot to read your columns. Hot Gas will be poorer for the loss of your content and character.

Vaya con Dios.

Joe Mama on October 25, 2012 at 2:27 PM

Make sure you wander back over the pass from time to time.

TexasDan on October 25, 2012 at 2:27 PM

A blessing from my ancestral roots:

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Howard, your writings have been my favorite. Always looked forward to your latest missive. You will be missed here. I guess I will be visiting the Examiner to get my ‘Portnoy fix’.

Jack Slade on October 25, 2012 at 2:28 PM

G’bye, Howard. Always enjoyed your writing. Best of luck in the future.

1921 C DRUM on October 25, 2012 at 2:29 PM

Best wishes and Godspeed! Hopefully the new gig pays better and has a better pension plan! Love your columns.

kringeesmom on October 25, 2012 at 2:30 PM

Capitalist Hog on October 25, 2012 at 2:26 PM

Thanks, Capitalist. Very kind.

Joe Mama on October 25, 2012 at 2:27 PM

Thanks, Joe. Hope you’ll come visit.

TexasDan on October 25, 2012 at 2:27 PM

Will do, Tex.

Jack Slade on October 25, 2012 at 2:28 PM

Jack, I’m not Irish, but that verse always makes me wish I were. Thank you so much for your kind words.

1921 C DRUM on October 25, 2012 at 2:29 PM

Thank you, C.

Howard Portnoy on October 25, 2012 at 2:32 PM

Best wishes and Godspeed! Hopefully the new gig pays better and has a better pension plan! Love your columns.

Wonderful! Thank you, kringeesmom.

Howard Portnoy on October 25, 2012 at 2:33 PM

What? How will I know about the latest outbreak of “bath salts cannibalism”? I dont want to subscribe to the Gawker/TMZ/National Enquirer Online. :|

Jeddite on October 25, 2012 at 2:35 PM

cmsinaz on October 25, 2012 at 2:22 PM

Thank YOU, cmsinaz!

RumblinDurango on October 25, 2012 at 2:23 PM

Thanks, Ramblin (kinda).

College Prof on October 25, 2012 at 2:23 PM

You give a much-needed good name to college profs, College Prof. Thank you for your kind words.

Howard Portnoy on October 25, 2012 at 2:35 PM

What? How will I know about the latest outbreak of “bath salts cannibalism”? I dont want to subscribe to the Gawker/TMZ/National Enquirer Online.

Hahahaha!! You won’t find mention of it in my other columns. They’re DEAD serious. I even wear a stiff collar when I write them.

Howard Portnoy on October 25, 2012 at 2:37 PM

Best of luck to you Howard! I’ve enjoyed reading your posts (I don’t comment often, but I do read Hot Air all day), and will also amble over to the Examiner to continue to follow your columns.

JoAnn

JoAnn1965 on October 25, 2012 at 2:39 PM

JoAnn1965 on October 25, 2012 at 2:39 PM

Thanks, JoAnn. I’ll sense your presence, I’m sure.

Howard Portnoy on October 25, 2012 at 2:41 PM

Godspeed.

Abby Adams on October 25, 2012 at 2:41 PM

Abby Adams on October 25, 2012 at 2:41 PM

Thank you.

Howard Portnoy on October 25, 2012 at 2:43 PM

Fantastic job, Sir. Blessings for your future endeavors.

thebrokenrattle on October 25, 2012 at 2:44 PM

Comment pages: 1 2 3