We Interrupt This Hiatus to Take Note of Some Sad News

R.I.P., Al Weisel, A.K.A. Jon Swift. I never had the pleasure of Mr.s Weisel's company, but I admired and enjoyed his work and felt flattered last year when he extended an invitation to me to submit a favorite post for his annual link-fest where he used his site to draw attention to a few of the many, many lesser-known bloggers squeaking loudly to be heard, like puppies in a pet shop with their paws pressed against the glass. Thanks again, sir. Your friends and relatives are weighing in elsewhere, but know that you will also be missed by many strangers.