To All My Dear Friends here on DU: Sad News

[CaliforniaPeggy]

I haven't seen it posted, but I just got an email from Jeff Matson's sister. Jeff passed away suddenly, last Saturday. I am in tears...

[benburch]

1. I was waiting for some guidance from the Mods before posting this.

Nostamj will be missed by all here, I think.

[Renew Deal]

6. What?

Nostamj was a NYer right? He did the off broadway show last year?

[benburch]

14. Yes. The very same.

I am literally shocked.

[Renew Deal]

Fuck!

What happened?

[Panda1]

151. I am so sorry.

I did enjoy reading his posts.
This is tragic. What a loss to DU!
And to the planet!

[thedailyshow]

2. no! tell me it isn't so!

This is unbelievable!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

19. HOw I wish it weren't true.

His sister told me it was a sudden illness. I have no idea what. I can hardly think straight or type correctly. I am overwhelmed...

[Skinner]

3. Oh My God! That is terrible.

I can't believe it. I am so sorry.

RIP, nostamj. :cry:

[MuseRider]

4. Oh no.

Just oh no.

[Richardo]

5. That is horrible news.

I wish peace and strength to all who knew him. We'll miss him terribly here.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

32. Oh God, isn't that true?

I only had a little contact with him, and this is such a godawful blow to me, and to all of us. So much talent, so much caring and intelligence. And I don't think he was very old, either...What a waste of a wonderful life.

:cry: :cry:

[BurtWorm]

7. Is that nostamj?

PS: I see from other posts it is. I'm just stunned. I can't believe it. I don't know what to say.

[benburch]

10. Yes.

:(

[Renew Deal]

15. What happened?

[benburch]

27. All his sister-in-law said...

Was that he was hospitalized a week ago, unexpectedly, and passed on Saturday.

[Beetwasher]

100. That Sucks! For Those Of You Who Don't Know, Jeff Was Instrumental In

putting on an anti-Bush musical in NYC the "Question W Revue" that was running before the election, among numerous other endeavors.

He was a good guy and I met him on several occasions. His spirit and energy will be missed.

RIP Jeff.

[BiggJawn]

157. Damn... I'll miss you, Jeff!

Oh, the fun of the song parodies...
Comix collator extrordinaire...

[KittyWampus]

20. Yeah, Nostam Is Matson Spelled Backwards.

:)

:(

[JohnKleeb]

8. I didnt even realize who you were talking about at first

Thats sad, really sad.

[LynneSin]

9. No!!!

:cry:

[KittyWampus]

11. Oh NO! Rest In Peace, Jeff.

[Misunderestimator]

12. OMG... What happened?

That's just awful. :cry: How horrible.

[Minstrel Boy]

13. Christ, no!

:cry:

[Dookus]

16. oh, that's awful

I'm sorry to hear that.

[bertha katzenengel]

17. .

RIP nostamj

[ET Awful]

18. I'm at a loss for words :(

:cry:

[fudge stripe cookays]

Oh no.....

I loved Jeff's stuff. Fare thee well, brother.

What a sad day.
FSC

[Nite Owl]

21. I just don't know what to say.

So sorry. Much peace to all his friends and family.

[Lisa0825]

22. That is so sad!

I enjoyed his posts, and cheered for him from way down in Texas when he was putting the show together.

Condolences to his loved ones.

:cry:

[gollygee]

23. Oh no

I'm very sorry to hear that. How awful.

[newyawker99]

24. Oh no.....

Rest is peace Jeff. :cry:

[flvegan]

25. Oh, no. Oh, no.

RIP...

Terrible, terrible news.

[Bonhomme Richard]

26. That's terrible. Condolences to his family and friends. n/t

[comsymp]

28. Shocked and saddened

He'll definitely be missed.

[supernova]

29. Oh, how sad, so sorry California Peggy

I loved reading nostamj's posts. :-(

My condolences to his family and friends.

How shocking to lose another beloved DUer so soon.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

51. Thanks for your very kind words. I just couldn't believe it when I

opened the email I thought was from him. It was from his sister, instead. I had emailed him that first week when he hadn't posted the TOON page, and I wondered what had happened to him...So today, his sister answered my email to Jeff. This is what can happen when you get close to people. There is so much sorrow now, but when Jeff and I were communicating, there was so much joy. Still I would not change one little thing. We had some great emails back and forth, and even though I am now suffering, those emails were worth it. When you care for someone, there is always the possibility of loss. But the caring makes it worthwhile. I had hoped to meet him one day...Now that hope is gone. And not just for me; I hardly count. For all you DU'ers who've known him for a long time, the loss is much greater. My condolences to everyone here, and to his family especially.

[Stew225]

137. I emailed him once to compliment him on a

writing. He was nice enough to email me back and we shared some memories of Michigan. I was struck by what a nice person he was to have written me. I'm used to people to whom I email compliments to simply ignore them.

I'm very sorry to hear about his passing.

[Ladyhawk]

311. He answered my private messages. He also used a couple of my...

...ideas for his shop. The last idea I sent him sucked. :)

He was kind enough to respond to my PMs. When he died, he was really busy working on some big project. Who knows what we're missing? :( I feel as if the progressive movement has suffered a huge blow. He was really an activist, wasn't he? :(

[Momgonepostal]

145. I just realized he's the TOON guy

I can't say I knew him personally, but loved the 'toons he collected and posted. What a sad thing.

[HeeBGBz]

30. Oh how sad! I saw his posts often

My prayers go out to his family and friends.

[immoderate]

31. Nostamj is one of the DUers I would most like to have met in person.

I am so saddened by this.

--IMM

[librechik]

189. me too! What a blow!

his imagination and sense of humor was suck a boon to us--what a shock to hear this--

Condolences and blessings to all who knew and loved Jeff.

(Tears--and I'm not even recovered from Khephra)

[progmom]

33. Holy shit.

This is terrible news.

:cry:

[RBHam]

34. Jeff, if you can help us here on this mortal plain...

...from your new posting in the ether....please do.

Rest In Eternity, you were a much loved voice here...

[wicket]

kick

[RandomKoolzip]

35. Shit.

No more toons, eh?

Fuck, this is sad. RIP nostamj

[Bluebear]

36. Political cartoon collector & master song parodist

Thanks for the laughs, Jeff

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

37. Is this true???

Holy crap!!!!!!!

[demnan]

38. Terrible

to lose someone so young. He will be sorely missed. His family must be devastated.

[miss_kitty]

39. Rest in Peace, Nostamj

I liked your stuff...my condolences to his family and friends

[LisaM]

40. This is awful news

I can't believe it. I always read his posts.

[sniffa]

41. how oLd was he?

RIP nostam

[Bluebear]

50. 49 :(

[JimmyJazz]

42. I am so sorry.

My condolences to his family and friends. How terribly sad.

[FizzFuzz]

43. NOOO! Oh no, ..... this is too hard to believe!

I am in shock!

Toons!!!

Ohhno; and I was so certain that I'd meet him sometime, next time we visit NYC, I just knew I'd send him a PM and have a beer or coffee.....

I'll miss him--what a good, good guy.

:cry:

[eek]

44. He was such a nice man,

even taking the time to provide advise beyond these boards.

Seemed to be a real mensch.

[hippywife]

197. Yes, he was.

I sent him a PM about where to find all the TOONS he had posted so I could print some off for my father-in-law who is suffering the first stages of Alzheimer's. He really likes political cartoons. Jeff let me know exactly where to find them. He was very sweet and helpful. Extremely creative, too.

This is very, very shocking. First Kephr, now Jeff. If there is one thing this points out is that all the infighting that goes on around here sometimes is not worth it. You never know when someone is going to be gone forever and you may not have the time to reconcile. We take everyday for granted and shouldn't.

Peace to both Jeff and Keph.

[Ladyhawk]

312. He was always kind and helpful.

It seems like he took the time to talk with everyone. What a great guy. What a huge loss. :cry:

[Walt Starr]

45. I am very saddened

Rest in Peace, Jeff.

[RagingInMiami]

46. May he rest in peace and remain in our memories

[Beware the Beast Man]

47. How horrible...

May he be in eternal peace.

[pinto]

48. He will surely be missed here.

RIP nostamj, Jeff.

[Ron Green]

49. Bad news. A shock. This was a good young man.

Rest in Peace, Jeff, and fare Thee well.

[Tsiyu]

52. A beloved DUer passes over

This is sad news.

Jeff rocked and earned a lot of laughs and admiration here. He will be missed as Kephra is missed. Unbelievable.

[ZenLefty]

53. That's sad news.

I'm very sorry to hear this. He was a good guy, and I hate to see him go. :(

[NoPasaran]

54. Damn

What a terrible shock.

[Technowitch]

55. A sad day, for certain

Jeff will be missed by many.

[southpaw]

Sad, sad news...

healing thoughts to friends and family

[Cleita]

56. OMG no!

He was one of my favorite DUers. Oh, this makes me so sad. Please tell his family how well loved he was. Is it okay to say why?

[greatauntoftriplets]

57. This is such a shock.

RIP Jeff.

[steve2470]

58. so sorry to hear it Peggy

:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

77. Thank you, Steve for the much needed hug!

I am overwhelmed. Sitting here at my computer, crying etc...How do we recover from such an awful loss? I just don't know...



:cry:

:hug:

[steve2470]

158. just keep crying and talking to us

one day it just fades away :hug:

[Ladyhawk]

313. ((((((((((( CaliforniaPeggy )))))))))))

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

321. Blessings on you, Ladyhawk!

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: for you as well...

[RevolutionaryActs]

59. That's so sad!

My condolences to his family.

:cry:

[asthmaticeog]

60. That's awful news.

His 'toon roundups were a highlight of every DUer's week. And he was a nice guy, to boot. He will be missed. Condolences to his friends and family.

[rene moon]

61. RIP

You'll be missed

[lavenderdiva]

62. I am so sorry to hear this news...

my sympathies and hugs go to his family and loved ones. May he rest in peace. :grouphug:

[calico1]

63. I am so sorry to hear this.

Very sad news. :cry:

[dr.strangelove]

64. Tears and sadness

I only had a few exchanges with him, but they were very enjoyable. I wish his family the best and will be thinking of them.

[Paradise]

65. Very sad news :( n/t

[cmf]

66. I am so sorry to hear this

Sad news indeed. RIP nostajm.

[bear425]

67. Jeff will be greatly missed!

He always brightened up the place with his wit and humor. Rest in Peace Nostamj!

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

68. My deepest condolences to his family

...including his DU family. What a tragic loss. Rest in peace, nostamj.

[qanda]

69. Oh, good Lord...

I was hoping this wasn't real. RIP Nostamj! I will certainly miss you and the toons.

[WilliamPitt]

70. No words

[Andy_Stephenson]

87. OMG I am bawling here

No words is right!

[Cassandra]

131. I'm remembering the evening we all had after the revue...

after enjoying his brilliant talent. I'm so sad.

[Andy_Stephenson]

153. Oh I know the sadness...

He was such a kind person. Brooks must be tore up over this.

I'm tore up over this.

[Ladyhawk]

314. (((((((((((((((((((((( Andy ))))))))))))))))))))))))

Big hugs, Andy. It's good to see you posting, though. I think about you a lot. :hug:

[UdoKier]

71. R.I.P. nostamj

nt

[MissMillie]

72. A loss for DU, my condolences (n/t)

.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

73. Oh no! This is so sad.

I'm so sorry for his family and everyone who was close to him. He had such a wit here on DU.

[ScreamingMeemie]

74. I am stunned....and sorry.

...and guilty feeling over one of our last exchanges. It's true what they say about telling people how much they mean to you while they're still around to hear it. :cry:

[Ladyhawk]

315. MrsGrumpy, I nearly had the same thing happen to me.

I'm sure that Jeff didn't hold it against you personally.

I wrote him a PM to explain why I had behaved in a certain manner, didn't hear back from him, then worried he was angry with me. Here's a very short exchange between us:

>I hope you are just busy and not angry with me. I've sent
>you a few PMs lately and haven't received a response. I'm
>going to assume you're just very busy. :) OK?
>
>If you're angry with me, I'd like to make amends somehow.
>
>Thanks,
>
>LH


no No NO... not angry at all. just 'busy'

very sorry. i tried to do a 'boxer boxers' but, didn't like it, not yet. actually had 'real' work to focus on.

j

______________

MrsGrumpy, I'm sure if you asked him if he were angry with him, he would say, "no, No, NO...not angry at all." :) He was that kind of guy. So, don't feel badly. I'm sure he was OK with you. :hug:

In our dealings with one another, we all tend to behave as if life is eternal. It's not. People die. Our little minds have a hard time grasping the notion of someone no longer being there. I still feel like I could click on the PM icon next to "nostamj" and expect an answer.

[ScreamingMeemie]

344. We always got along really well...

until the banning of a member here, and my defense of a good friend of mine. I really enjoyed nostamj's lyrics. He will be missed. :(

[Ladyhawk]

380. (((((((((((((((((((((( MrsGrumpy )))))))))))))))))))))))

That whole incident was obviously upsetting for Jeff. I thought he was angry with me over something I wrote to him during that whole "banned member" thing. I was trying to explain why I felt the way I did and that I was sorry if I had upset him. I didn't want him angry with me because I really liked him. :)

Of course, he was a very busy fellow, but he assured me he wasn't angry. I'm sure he felt the same way about you. :) I don't think Jeff was the grudge-holding type. (I wish I could say the same for myself...sigh.)

[tjdee]

75. Oh no.

Not again...rest in peace, Jeff.

My thoughts are with his family.

Geez.

[redqueen]

76. ...

:cry:

Rest in peace, Jeff... you'll be so missed.

[Beaverhausen]

78. Oh no. I can't believe it

:cry:

[Spider Jerusalem]

79. Sad news...

he'll be missed.

[AnneD]

80. how sad

I always enjoyed his posts...My condolences to the family.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

81. Oh No! He will be sorely missed...

:cry: He contributed so much to DU, and I always looked forward to hearing him call in from brooklyn on the Guy James show.

My condolences to his friends and family...

[mark414]

82. ya made us proud bro

you'll be missed

[Enraged_Ape]

83. My condolences to all his family and friends

I am so sorry to hear about this.

It is not that the good die young; it is only that we miss them more.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

128. What a graceful and lovely sentiment: "it is only that we miss them

more." How very true. Thank you for saying it. It helps me, and all who read it.

:hug:

[johnnie]

84. Sad news

I hope this is OK to do. I found this in the archive. This was nostamj's post on Will Pitts tribute to khephra. Please excuse me if you think that this was wrong to post.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=2382509&mesg_id=2382857

It is a poem I believe that nostamj wrote, and I find it fitting right now:

We are shocked by the suddenness.

Can I boil today's rice
With more joy,
Respecting that it may be
The last bowl?

Most of us will not be warned
Before we are swept out
Of this life.

Will we hold to hope
And spit the bitter out?

That's the daily test.

Most of us will not be warned.
We should not be shocked by the suddenness.

Warning or challenge,
We should not be shocked.

January 8, 2005

[yewberry]

101. Not inappropriate in the least.

I appreciated finding it here. Thanks, johnnie.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

117. My dear johnnie,

This is the best tribute you could post for Jeff. It is VERY appropriate, IMHO. He certainly speaks for us again today. How ironic it is, too. Horrifyingly sad. Thank you so much for your huge contribution. It will help me heal, and I'm sure, many others as well. I hope it will also help you.

:hug:

[paula777]

143. Beautiful poem... very prophetic.

[Ladyhawk]

316. Thanks johnnie.

Of course someone like Jeff had contemplated death very deeply. It's like he's speaking to us, reminding us that death is inevitable and usually unexpected. He knew that. Why is it so hard to wrap one's mind around the concept?

[Guaranteed]

85. See ya on the other side, Nostamj.

I'll keep the 'toons kicked for ya till then.

:hug:

[Andy_Stephenson]

86. OMG more bad news today

I can't stand it.

I adored Jeff. He was a good friend...

[GreenPartyVoter]

93. Hey, Andy *big hugs* Been thinking about you lately.

[supernova]

105. .

:hug: :hug:

[juajen]

257. I didn't know him, Andy; but, I never missed one of his threads.

I will so miss him. You keep on keeping on. We are all sending the best thoughts we can to you, and then, this. What a terrible loss to DU; but it must be horrific for his friends and loved ones.

We will miss you, Nostamj

[silverweb]

88. So sad!

I always looked forward to reading his posts and loved his toons collections. His personal website was one of the few I had bookmarked and enjoyed checking periodically.

Heartfelt condolences to his family and all the other DUers who will miss him.

:cry:

[swag]

89. Very sad

A very bright light has gone out.

[ronnykmarshall]

90. Oh my god!

This is awful.

RIP Jeff

[BigMcLargehuge]

91. very sad news

[Junkdrawer]

92. RIP. Jeff...

:cry:

[UCLA Dem]

94. So sorry to hear. Peace and prayers to his family.

[sinkingfeeling]

95. Such terrible news. I loved his 'toons'. Jeff will be missed by all.

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

102. G-d rest his soul. :(

[ewagner]

96. Damn!

Just damn, damn damn....

A shining talent
lost to us
far too soon

RIP Nostamj :cry:

[LynzM]

97. I don't know what to say....

I had the chance to meet him and see the show in NYC last year... a great, funny, and truly inspired mind. He will certainly be missed :cry:

[Duncan Grant]

98. I am so sad to hear this.

Deepest sympathies to his friends and family. :cry:

[flygal]

99. I'm so sad to hear this

I'm sorry for those who knew him personally and are grieving - his posts were wonderful. Damn - what a loss for us all!!

[proud patriot]

103. NOoooooooooooooo!

:cry: Darnit

[skygazer]

104. Oh, no. How terribly sad.

Another Du'er gone too soon. :cry: My sympathy to his friends and family.

[derby378]

106. We'll miss you, nostamj

Rest in peace.

[Amaya]

107. So sad!

damn :(:(:(

Rest in peace, Jeff.

[SarahB]

108. My condolences to his family.

He will be missed. :(

[Coventina]

109. I am deeply saddened. He was a great person.

Wow. I can't believe it.

My personal memory of him is that he helped me with a paper I had to write for one of my classes. It was March of 2003, just before we attacked Iraq.

RIP.

My deepest condolences to his friends and family.

[annabanana]

110. Damn...

I was just going to pester him for the toon thread. What a terrible shock. Please post if you get anymore details about what took him from us so suddenly.

Has anyone collected the parodies he posted here?

Sincere condolences to his family and particular friends.

[6000eliot]

111. I hope Jeff was aware of how much joy, comfort, and hope

he brought to so many here on DU. His toons helped me through some of the darkest days after the last election. RIP Jeff.

[NoSheep]

112. This is so very sad. In the blink of an eye. RIP Nostamj.

:grouphug:

[Lex]

113. Oh sweet Jesus. No!

That is terrible news.

First Kef, now nostamj. :cry:

[VelmaD]

114. how awful

I hope someone will pass along all out condolences to his family. He'll be missed around here.

[Taxloss]

115. Oh, no, that's awful.

His collections were wonderful, a real pleasure. I'm so sorry.

[democrank]

116. So sad.

Peace, Nostamj.

[ProgressiveFool]

118. RIP

He'll be missed :(

[demwing]

119. Nostamj Links

As a service to fellow DUers...

Goodbye nostamj. Wherever you are, there isn't a George W. Bush fucking things up.

[demwing]

123. A critical look at Nostamj's "Question W Review"

http://www.m-l-p.com/suematsuki/reviews/SueMatsuki_QuestionW.html

[demwing]

125. His Blog

http://progressiveblogs.org/index.php?blog=5

[demwing]

127. Nostamj's last DU thread

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

[Stephanie]

170. link is cut off - won't work

thanks for posting these

[Bossy Monkey]

212. I think this should be it

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=3349658
So sad that when he said "horrible flu" he wasn't exaggerating.

[Ladyhawk]

317. I wanted to reach across time and reply. :(

Why won't the concept of "death" sink in? :cry:

[demwing]

Jeff Matson's Website

http://www.jeffreymatson.com/index.html

[loro mi dicevano]

120. Oh no. I never had a chance to talk to him, but I always enjoyed reading

his posts. It's so sad. :hug:

[Bossy Monkey]

121. A fine funny man. He made all the right friends and all the right enemies.

There is no greater tribute than that.

[xultar]

122. I was wondering where he was! OMG I'm so SAD!!!!!!

:cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry:
:cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry:
:cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry::cry:
:cry::cry::cry:

[MissB]

124. Rest in peace, Nostamj

:cry:

[Beaverhausen]

126. from his blog- "You're Full of Shit, Tom Delay"

TOM DELAY
(To the tune of "Tom Dooley" with the usual apologies!)

YOU'RE FULL OF SHIT, TOM DELAY
YOU'RE FULL OF SHIT AND LIES
YOU'RE FULL OF SHIT, TOM DELAY
BUG BOY DESERVES TO FRY.

TOMMY'S UNFAZED BY ETHICS
HE'S ABOVE ALL THAT
WE'LL JUST RE-WRITE THOSE ETHICS
AND HE'S A SWEET POLECAT

YOU'RE FULL OF SHIT, TOM DELAY
YOU'RE FULL OF SHIT AND SLEAZE
YOU'RE FULL OF SHIT, TOM DELAY
DELAY, JUST SHUT UP, PLEASE!

YOU CANNOT DENY IT
HEARD YOU ON TV
PROVED YOUR WERE QUITE UNFIT
THE PRINCE OF LUNACY

YOU'RE FULL OF SHIT, TOM DELAY
YOU'RE FULL OF SHIT, YOU STINK!
YOU'RE FULL OF SHIT, TOM DELAY
AND WHO CARES WHAT YOU THINK?!

ON SCHIAVO'S CORPSE YOU'LL
FEED ON LIKE A ROACH
BUT THE MAIN STREAM MEDIA
KNOWS YOU'RE BEYOND REPROACH

YOU'RE FULL OF SHIT, TOM DELAY
YOU'RE FULL OF SHIT AND LIES
YOU'RE FULL OF SHIT, TOM DELAY
BUG BOY DESERVES TO FRY.

http://progressiveblogs.org/index.php?blog=5

[murielm99]

347. He posted that here.

I commented to him about how it had made me laugh out loud.

He posted a nice reply. He was such a gentleman, and wit. He will be missed.

RIP

[deutsey]

129. Aw, damn

RIP. :evilfrown:

[ClintonTyree]

130. My condolences to his family....

and friends. We lose yet another brother. ;(

[Borgnine]

132. Oh no!

I didn't know him personally, but his semi-daily political cartoon roundups helped me stay sane during the build-up to the Iraqi war.

Damnit. Billy Joel was right. Only the good die young.

[crispini]

133. Oh, wow, nostamj !

I can't believe it. The TOON threads were always a favorite.

Sad day. Condolences to friends and family. :(

[Terran]

134. Damn

My condolences to his family. I really only knew him from the cartoon posts, but he will be very badly missed here.

Dirk

[Window]

135. Too sad for words.

Rest in peace Nostamj.

[JohnnyCougar]

136. What happened to him? How old was he?

Grrrr....this just doesn't seem fair!

I'm sorry to his family and friends.

[Bossy Monkey]

293. Rare blood disease; 49, respectively. See here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=2991174&mesg_id=2992009
Or rather the link contained therein, but I wanted to give slutticus the credit. If the Link function didn't work (I've never tried it before) just look up on this thread for a post by slutticus.

[Jack Rabbit]

138. Nostramj, this one's for you, guy

Steve Bell in the Guardian Unlimited

[NC_Nurse]

139. Damn! How awful!

I loved his posts and his toon threads....I'm so sorry to hear he's gone....

RIP, Nostamj.

[Ladyhawk]

140. Oh no...oh shit!!!!! I really liked Jeff a lot!!!! SHIT!!!!

:cry:

[FunkyLeprechaun]

141. I know...

that I haven't been here long but I've always looked forward to nostamj's toons even before I signed up for a DU sn. That and the Top Ten were my highlights of the week. Nostamj was the reason I signed up.

RIP nostamj, I didn't know you that well but you sounded like a great guy. I will miss your toons.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

150. Dear Zenzic, I always like to welcome the new DU'ers.

I am sorry that this very sad occasion is the reason I'm aware of you! I wish it had been something way more joyful. But anyhow, WELCOME TO DU! This is the best community, and you are seeing it at it's very best right now, coming together to support each other in thiis awful grief.

:hi:

:hug:

[DinahMoeHum]

142. Rest in peace, Jeff Matson (aka Nostamj)

O8)

[Red State Rebel]

144. Too sad for words....rest in peace, Jeff

[Lavender Brown]

146. I wish I had been able to meet him

To all his friends and his family - :hug:

[CAcyclist]

147. Oh no! I am so sorry!

:grouphug:

[slutticus]

148. R.I.P. nostamj

:(

I found this story about it on Google.

http://www.svhamstra.com/SadNews2005Matson.shtml

<snip>In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the National Necrotizing Fasciitis Foundation, (NNFF,) 2731 Porter SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49509.<snip>

[JitterbugPerfume]

162. such a sweet and funny man

he will b missed

[TXlib]

246. Man, what a horrible way to go.

That is very sad.

[myrna minx]

149. We will miss you Jeff.

May you rest in peace. :cry:

[underpants]

152. Very sad

:cry:

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

154. What a loss!

RIP Nostamj..

[smirkymonkey]

155. How shocking and sad!

Another DU institution to mourn. This news always hits me like a punch in the stomach - even though you have never really met the person, you feel like you know them just by their presence on DU.

:cry:

[Maestro]

156. Horrible news

My thoughts are with his family and friends.

[RAF]

159. Rest in Peace nostamj

I always looked forward to his comic strip postings as I lurked. May you rest in peace and God Bless.

[Lone Pawn]

163. Welcome to DU, though I wish it could be said under happier circumstances.

[RAF]

165. Thank You and

and I wish also it was under better circumstances. Sad indeed.:-(

[DeepModem Mom]

160. To his family: I'm so sorry for your great loss, and for ours here...

among the DU community.

[Lars39]

161. ~

:cry: He was so kind and talented. He will be greatly missed. :(

[lateo]

164. Whaaaaaat?

No fucking way...

So sad.

[undergroundrailroad]

166. My deepest condolences to the family, friends and acquaintances of

Nostamj. I have so many memories of Nostamj and he made many contributions to DU.

I will miss him very much.

Undergroundrailroad :cry:

[fob]

167. Damn. Just. Damn.

Rest in Peace.

I posted an idea for a bumpersticker just a week or 2 ago and he not only replied but made it up and put it in his cafepress store before I got a chance to even thank him for making it in the first place! I gave away 2 but still haven't got around to what I'm gonna do with the other 3 I bought. I can't believe it. I hope it wasn't a painful experience.


Damn.

[Ladyhawk]

320. He was great about using others' ideas...seemed like a team player.

I kept threatening to buy some of his stuff and never did. :( Money has been so tight.

[Donailin]

168. holy crap.

dammit. very sorry to hear this.

[lancdem]

169. That's horribly tragic news

I loved nostamj's posts. My condolences to his family. :cry:

[donheld]

171. I'm very sorry to hear this

[peacefreak]

172. This is so sad.

Thank you Jeff, we all benefited from your humor, insightfulness & kindness. Rest well. You will be missed.

[tishaLA]

173. I'm so sorry to hear this

((((nostramj))))

[Maeve]

174. Another kick for nostamj

I have been kicking his threads for so long...I am truly saddened to be doing so for a last time.:cry:

[Dyedinthewoolliberal]

175. I am going to miss his contributions to this forum

and his collections of cartoons. This is shocking and shows us the fragility of life........ :(
May you rest in Peace, Nost

[Lydia Leftcoast]

176. This is too sad: first Khephra, now nostamj

:cry:

My condolences to his family and friends.

[ps1074]

177. Very sad news

Condolences to his family and friends...

R.I.P. Nostamj

[THUNDER HANDS]

178. omg, that's horrible!

RIP man, I loved your toons. You will be sorely sorely missed. :(

[BlondieK143]

179. That's so sad!!

Jeff will be so very missed!! Thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

[Junkdrawer]

180. nostamj, Thanks for the Memories...

maybe the 'blackest' humor I've written. but, this is NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT about the abused prisoners! it is about the RW apologists (like Rush, Hannity and *almost* all repukes) who have tried to happy talk this atrocity away. it is meant to ridicule the 'bad apples' and 'blowing off steam' and 'frat pranks' outrages.

on the Guy James Show today, we talked about whether this 'issue' could be used in my revue. I said I didn't think I could make it "sing" and Guy offered, off-hand "Thanks for the sodomy" and I took it from there.

again, this is about outrage not ridicule. hope you 'get' it. (and no, I don't plan to use it in the show)


THE ABU GHRAIB FAMILY SINGERS PRESENT:
"Our Favorite American Songs"

THANKS FOR THE SODOMY
(To the tune of “Thanks For The Memory”)

THANKS FOR THE SODOMY
WHILE WE WERE COLD AND WET
YOU HAD A CIGARETTE.
THE INTERNET
WILL NOT FORGET
THE PRESIDENT’S “REGRET”
WE THANK YOU, SO MUCH

AND THANKS FOR THE BROOMSTICK PROBE
YOU MADE US FIRST DISROBE,
WE’VE BEEN SEEN ‘ROUND THE GLOBE
WE THOUGHT HOODS AND ELECTRODES
SURE MADE A CHIC WARDROBE
HOW CLASSY, YOU WERE

WHILE YOU ABUSED EACH TABOO
WE WERE AFRAID FOR OUR LIVES
NOW YOU CAN GIVE RUSH YOUR HIGH-FIVES–
NOTHING MEAN, JUST BLOWING OFF STEAM

AND THANKS, FOR THE PHOTO OP
OF STANDING ON A BOX
WHILE YOU POINTED AT OUR COCKS
WE WEREN’T DEFILED BY PIGGY PILES
BECAUSE YOUR SMILES INSIST
IT WAS JUST “FRAT PRANKS”

THANKS FOR MY NEW NIGHTMARES
ALTHOUGH SADDAM HUSSEIN
SEEMED TO BE INSANE
YOUR "LIBERTY"
IS NEW TO ME
I WISH YOU WOULD EXPLAIN
HOW LUCKY WE ARE



http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=104&topic_id=1559966&mesg_id=1559966

God's speed, Jeff... :cry:

[nonconformist]

181. I'm in shock

Nostamj was a great guy. :(

[Auntie Bush]

182. Bless you and your family Jeff.

An awful lot of people are going to miss you. R.I.P.

[mcscajun]

183. Damn, damn, damn...

I'm in shock. I didn't know him personally, but in the few months I've been here, I'd gotten used to seeing him around here and I enjoyed his posts.

A very talented man, taken far too soon. :cry:

RIP, Jeff.

:grouphug: to all who knew him

[scarletwoman]

184. Oh, what sad and terrible news...

:cry:

After years on DU, you come to *know* people -- people you may never meet in person, but who are completely REAL to you, nevertheless.

Jeff, nostamj, was one of the standout presences on DU; he was, just like Kephra, one of the people who truly had a major hand in making DU the special place that it is.

This is heartbreaking news, just heartbreaking...

sw

[brainshrub]

185. I liked his posts.

I'll miss him.

[Renew Deal]

186. Me too.

His contribution is irreplaceable.

[wryter2000]

187. So tragic

I posted on the other thread. But I might as well add my condolences here, too. What a loss for all of us.

[StaggerLee]

188. There is a light that never goes out

You will be missed but never forgotten.

-Mourning in East Lansing-

[Loki]

190. Oh my

I so looked forward to his posting of the cartoons of the week. I have many of them saved on my computer. To his family, I wish you comfort in this time of extreme sadness and loss. Words fail me right now, I'm just so sorry.


Peace+

Lee

[July]

191. I am so sorry to hear this.

We will remember him and his great talent.

My condolences to Jeff Matson's family.

[antigone382]

192. No!

How horrible for his family!

What will we do without him?

First the king of LBN, now the king of GD...it's just too much.

Rest in peace, Nostamj.

[The Doctor.]

193. I was a little concerned when There was no roundup...

but I didn't expect this.

He will be missed.

[hunter]

194. AAAAAARRRRRRGGGHHH!

Primal scream.

[Alpharetta]

195. That is just the worst news

He had just started a side project to do a logo for my company. He had some brilliant ideas.

I am SO bummed.

[Old and In the Way]

196. A talented guy and a class act.......

The DU will be a lesser place without your presence....RIP my unknown friend.

[bigwillq]

198. Just terrible news.

I feel so badly for his family. My thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

He will be missed.:cry: :hug:

[bobthedrummer]

199. Rest in eternal Peace, Jeff.

O8)

[peekaloo]

200. Very depressing news. RIP Jeff Matson.

I really enjoyed his song parodies. He will be missed.

[Deb]

201. Heartbreaking, utterly heartbreaking news

My condolences to his family and friends. He will be missed.

[Kindigger]

209. Condolences to his family, friends, and all at DU

:(

[kohodog]

202. A very very sad moment.

His toons were always a brught spot, and his posts were great too.

He was one of the good ones and will be sorely missed.

[masshole]

203. shitty news

I enjoyed his posts immensely, and I bought some great items from his cafe press site.
He won't be forgotten.

shit shit shit ;(

[bloom]

204. I am shocked.

My condolences to his family.

:cry:

[WillyT]

205. God Dammit !!!

:wtf:

Man...

Rest In Peace, Jeff.

:cry:

[Plaid Adder]

206. SHIT! NO!!!!

That's...that's...that's just awful. Poor nostamj!

I will go read the thread before I ask a bunch of stupid questions, but...SHIT!!!

Condolences to everyone who knew Jeff better than I did,

The Plaid Adder

[Turn CO Blue]

207. My condolences to his friends, family & the DU community. nt

[tibbir]

208. Gosh, I'm so sorry for his family and all of us.

I really looked forward to his roundups.

[RetroLounge]

210. Damn. Not another one.

This just sucks...

:cry:

For Jeff:



RL

[Dudley_DUright]

211. A great loss to our DU family

Not only was Jeff a passionate voice for progressive causes, he was a talented lyricist and a collector of political cartoons with themes that never failed to hit the mark (usually Bush). Also for those Guy James Show fans out there, Jeff was affectionately known as the "New York Bureau" for his many funny and informative calls to the show. He and Guy would get going on some great impromptu riffs. He was by far my favorite caller to the show. He will be missed greatly. :cry:

[matt819]

213. This is getting out of hand

nostamj's contributions have been fantastic. As far as I can tell, no one else has shown his dedication in getting the message out to all of us via his collection of toons.

Condolences to his family and friends. Another tremendous loss for this virtual community.

[Tektonik]

214. RIP

[LiberalCompassionate]

215. Damn

I often looked forward to his toons. He will be sorely missed. It seems that people of good heart are the first to go,...I am so saddened by this terrible news. :cry:

[Plaid Adder]

216. Does anyone have a link to the DU poetry slam from 2 years ago?

Jeff wrote some really nice poems for that and I can't remember now where it went. I think Uly archived it but I don't know where. Anyone?

This is just awful. I remember when we were corresponding about the poetry slam I said something about how he was 'so much more than just cartoons.' He liked that. I know he will always be remembered here for the toons threads, and he should be; I always went to those first when I saw them come up. But he was also just a good writer, a creative spirit and someone who was never afraid to go after his dreams. He had a kind of courage that way that I really don't have, and which I always admired.

My heart goes out to everyone who knew him in person. I will miss him a lot.

Damn, damn, damn, damn, damn,

The Plaid Adder

[Bossy Monkey]

253. Aren't bloggers great?

The Google search didn't get the thread itself, but did get this:
http://www.newtonsbaby.com/dupoets/ (and if it isn't actually a blog, don't sue me)
which yields the link to the thread:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/cgi-bin/duforum/duboard.cgi?az=show_thread&om=746&forum=DCForumID62&omm=0

I'll ask somebody with a better ear for rhythm to select which of nostamj's contributions to that thread would be appropriate for this thread.

Edit: I guess newtonsbaby IS Uly; it's a trifle confusing. Anyway, the first link appears to feature all the poems from the thread (even seventhson's).

[no name no slogan]

217. Oh man...

Damn, that's a shame. I only talked to him a couple times, but as Yogi Berra would say, "his reputation preceded him".

So long Jeff ;(

[Ivory_Tower]

218. What? Jeez, that's terrible...

I don't usually post anymore, but I had to add my condolences and thoughts. Jeff's ?W idea was such fun, and he was the one DUer who most appreciated the photoshops I did that incorporated the ?W concept. (Sadly, it appears the ?W website is gone now.)

Man, his TOONS roundup will be sorely missed. It was the main thing that could make me smile each week after days of rotten news.

I miss him already.

Damn.

[Historic NY]

219. I am very sad and will miss his cartoon postings.............

I always looked forward to finding just the right one to burn my Repuke friends with. He amazed me with all the ones he gathered.

RIP......

[Catt03]

220. So sorry to hear this

didn't correspond with him but got to know the name and check out his posts.

Condolences to all who knew him

[flamingyouth]

221. I am very sorry to hear this

Gone much too soon.

Rest in peace, Jeff. You will be missed. :(

[Ann Arbor Dem]

222. Damn Damn Damn

I can't believe it. Jeff was one of the most compassionate and generous people I've ever known.

RIP Jeff

:cry:

[David K.]

223. See Jeff's picture here...

http://www.cafepress.com/nostamj.19292082

[jdj]

270. that's the first thing I thought of, cafe press.

even before the toons, which I enjoyed immensely.

RIP Jeff.

this sucks.

[Cha]

224. First Khephra ..now

Jeff..this so heartbreaking! Rest In Peace, Jeff Matson..you will be so missedO8) O8)

[winga222]

225. So sorry to hear

I loved his posts - toons and others. I hope when they're ready perhaps his family can get comfort from the amazing outpouring at DU. The best that any of us can hope for is that we make a difference and he did.

Very sad.:cry:

[baldguy]

226. shit.

bon voyage, Jeff. Say hi to Karol for us.

[dolo amber]

227. Unbelievably sad

My best to those who loved him...present company included. :cry:

[slor]

228. Rest in Peace Bro!

My prayers go out to his family and friends.

[ultraist]

229. Oh...how...sad...

My condolences to his family and friends, including all who loved him here at DU.

I've just been here a few months, but new of his posts. He sounds like he was a wonderful, talented and creative person. And only 49...:cry:

[proud2BlibKansan]

230. How tragic

I really enjoyed his toons threads and his song lyrics.

He will be missed.

[donheld]

231. Fragile - Sting

If blood will flow when fresh and steel are one
Drying in the colour of the evening sun
Tomorrow's rain will wash the stains away
But something in our minds will always stay
Perhaps this final act was meant
To clinch a lifetime's argument
That nothing comes from violence and nothing ever could
For all those born beneath an angry star
Lest we forget how fragile we are

On and on the rain will fall
Like tears from a star like tears from a star
On and on the rain will say
How fragile we are how fragile we are

On and on the rain will fall
Like tears from a star like tears from a star
On and on the rain will say
How fragile we are how fragile we are
How fragile we are how fragile we are

[eyesroll]

232. RIP Jeff...

He helped with the DU Congressional campaigns last year...he will be missed.

My deepest condolences to the family.

[Bake]

233. RIP, nostamj. Terrible news.

I never met Jeff, but I appreciated his contributions here. He will be missed.

A big :kick: for the TOONS man. And of course, he was MORE than that!

Bake

[Wapsie B]

234. RIP Jeff.

See you on the other side.

[latebloomer]

235. I can't believe it

What a horrible loss. I am so sad.

Treasure every day, and the ones you love, for our time here is so brief.

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

236. God damn it

god damn it,
god damn it.

We had typed back and forth many times. We were Kindred spirits and I will truly miss him.

Peace and condolences to all those who grieve.

[KamaAina]

237. Most Hawai'i cargo shipments will be honoring Jeff

actually "Matson" happens to be the name of the dominant shipping line here. About three-quarters of everything we need here (like cartoons and song parodies) comes on a Matson ship.

:cry:

[Straight Shooter]

238. Oh, God. Another light in the heart of DU has gone out.

Jeff was one of the kindest, most compassionate people I've ever corresponded with. I loved his toons, his dedication to choosing and sharing them with us, and always kicked 'em just because he asked us to.

Farewell, sweet prince of wisdom and laughter. You taught us well.

:cry:

[newsguyatl]

239. i'm so saddened by this

nostamj was one of my very favorite du'ers...

i'll truly miss his posts and spirit around here.

rest in peace, my dear du friend

:-(

[Imalittleteapot]

240. Nostamj. So talented. So young.

I will miss his posts.
:cry:
:cry:
:cry:

[Dan-W]

241. My condolences to his family. He is missed in this heart already. n/t

[Not_Giving_Up]

242. This is awful!

RIP Jeff.

[jaysunb]

243. RIP ......

You'll be sorely missed.

[LWolf]

244. Jeff Matson:

One of the best. I will miss him.

:cry:

[Skittles]

245. I had so much hope that this would be a better year

I find the loss of Scott and Jeff unbearable. *sniff*

[mike_c]

247. OMG-- that's terrible....

RIP Jeff. Nostamj was one of the folks who give DU it's special character. He'll be very sorely missed!

[Adams Wulff]

248. There are a few names on this board that make me smile...

...when i see them.
Jeff was one of them.

There are still more out there, I hope you don't mind if I cherish those who are still with us a little more than I usually do.

Jeff, Thanks for everything.

I'll miss you.

:cry:

[The Magistrate]

249. What Horrible News, Ma'am

He was a great fellow: a splendid ornament to the board, and wonderfully entertaining. It is a great loss. He will be hugely missed.

[stilpist]

250. Sincere condolences to those that knew and loved him.

I hope it comforts them a little that those of us who knew him only through his DU posts will miss him greatly also.

- stil

[bonito]

251. I didn't know him personaly

but, from these post, I know him now, he's still here, and more, now in each and every one of us. peace.

[stevedeshazer]

252. Oh no, not now

RIP, nostamj.

That ain't right.

I'm really shocked.

:(

[CC]

254. I looked forward to

his toons. Though I never talked to him I will miss him from his toons and post. My sympathies to his family, friends and the rest of us on DU that will miss him.

[YellowRubberDuckie]

255. That's awful...I'm so sorry...

My Condolences to anyone who was close to or knew him.
Duckie

[Left Is Write]

256. I didn't know him, but my condolences to those who knew and loved him.

[mdmc]

258. It is amazing how close we can become on line

I got to see the question w revue over the summer. I always enjoyed the toon threads. I feel a great loss for a person that I never met.
I also feel a great strength as well. I feel empowered to become a memorable force here at du. I feel like taking up the fight, getting the message out. Creating. Picking up where Jeff left off.

peace and low stress,
:~)
,
,
,

[intheflow]

259. I lived for those toons!

I'm also a political cartoon junkie, and nostamj always found many I hadn't seen before. Those posts were one of the things that made me fall in love with DU. I'll miss you, Jeff! :cry:

My deepest condolences to his family!

[fluffernutter]

260. how heartbreaking. rest in peace, jeff.

[Magrittes Pipe]

261. He was a good man. He helped me.

That's all I have to say.

[Mikimouse]

262. Rest in Peace, Jeff, you will not be soon forgotten...

:cry:

[Kat45]

263. That's terrible. I'm sorry to hear that.

I enjoyed reading his posts. Another sad loss for DU.

[never cry wolf]

264. damn...

damn... i didn't know him personally but his presence here on my favorite web site was huge...

deepest condolences to his family and friends...

[Sugarbleus]

265. I'm very sorry to hear this..

Wasn't he the one who posted all the terrific political cartoons?

Another bright light goes out, how sad.... RIP Jeff M.

[gardenista]

266. Oh God. I just can't believe it.

I hope his work on the Question W Revue lives on.

Peace, brother.

You were one in a million.

[gardenista]

267. From his blog: The poem about the tsunami

When he first posted this, I realized the depth of Matson's heart.

a four year old boy survives for two days in a tree following the Indian Ocean tsunami

Two days in a tree–
This is not the world I knew.
I am four years old.

Where is the sea's smell?
Dead rats make a stink like that.
I am four years old.

I am four years old.
She always had time for me.
Tell her I'm not lost.

Two days in a tree–
I thought I heard birds crying,
But heard friends crying.

Tell her I'm not lost–
After two days in a tree,
Now, I'm in a bed.

I am four years old–
And I can only tell them
The name I answer to.

I am four years old–
Should I smile for the bright lights?
Do I have more tears?

Tell her I'm not lost
And surround me with cousins
While I'm in this bed.

It stinks, underneath.
Outside of the room, rats rot.
Where's the sea's smell?

Two days in a tree–
This is not the world I knew.
I am four years old.

[lostnfound]

300. That one really touched me, too.

God rest his good heart in some place beautiful.

[TwilightZone]

268. Damn....

Too young and too soon. The DU community will miss you dearly, Mr. Matson.

O8)

[NMDemDist2]

269. oh no oh no oh SHIT

oh no

crap

Jeff you will be sorely missed

this sucks

:cry:

[SalmonChantedEvening]

271. RIP

His weekly cartoon postings are one of main reasons I come to DU.

Reading these loving tributes and heartfelt condolences shows his work here, in politics, and in the theater moved people and endeared him to so many.

Thank you and goodbye nostamj....

[Sydnie]

272. I can't believe this has happened

Jeff,

Your cartoons and your posts got me through times when I didn't think I could stand it one more minute. You always knew how to put the "spin" on it to make it bearable. I often thanked you, but not often enough for you to know just how deeply you touched me, without even trying.

I saved many of your best finds. I saved the link to your site for those times when I needed a refill inbetween your weekly posts of toons. You will never know just how much those "islands" helped me to cope.

Thank you Jeff. Thank you for sharing so much of yourself and asking so little in return. I will miss you more than I can express.

For Jeff's family, please know that he was very much loved by many here and will be missed beyond even his wildest dreams. Perhaps this poem (not one of Jeff's, sadly) will help to convey what I am feeling. My thoughts are with you and my graditute for sharing him with us is as well.

----
Miss Me -- But Let Me Go
Unknown

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little--but not too long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared,
Miss me--but let me go.

For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone.
It's all a part of the Master's plan,
A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss Me--But Let me Go!

-----

RIP dear Jeff. :loveya: :grouphug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

275. Dear Sydnie,

Thank you for the wonderful poem. It surely expresses what many of us are feeling/thinking right now. It truly doesn't matter who wrote it; the feelings are right on...It's just that we'll have so much trouble letting go of him.

:grouphug:

[JohnnyRingo]

273. Sadly missed

He was one of the best.

[jakeplays]

274. Message from Jeff's brother in law

Dear CaliforniaPeggy and everyone else who has shared their wonderful thoughts and comments about Jeff:

I just joined DU in order to respond to your kind words about Jeff. He frequently discussed his on-line activities while visiting my family. Thank you very much for all that has been said tonight. I do not have the time to personally respond to everyone, but I know that this will be posted and circulated among all of his on-line friends at DU.

I am married to his sister Jenny and have had the pleasure of knowing Jeff for the past 18 years or so. He was a very passionate and caring man who loved his DU activities and spending time with my children, especially during the Holidays. We will miss his Santa letters to my kids and the late night gift wrapping at Christmas time. He was also a very talented writer and director as many of you already know. Much of his work can be seen on WWW.jeffreymatson.com if you're interested. I was completely impressed by his recent show--Question W--and very much looking forward to his next piece of work. He will be missed by all of us.

Thanks again for your kind words. Our family is doing as well as can be expected under the circumstances. Your kind words are being read by many family members right now so you are helping us get through the pain.

Enjoy the evening and keep up the good work.

Jim

[CaliforniaPeggy]

279. Thank you so much, Jim,

for your very kind remarks. We are all in shock as you can see; I only hope that Jeff knew how much we all love him. He will be a positive force for good here on DU forever, and whereever people remember him. This loss will be felt for a very long time; I don't even know how we will recover. Such a shining bright light, someone said earlier. And how true.

All our deepest condolences to you and your family,

CaliforniaPeggy

[jakeplays]

281. thanks again

Thanks again for getting the word out. I only wish that it was news of another great show by Jeff and all of his talented friends in NYC than news of his passing.

It is amazing how much love and respect is out there for him. We knew that he touched many people in his life, but we did not realize how broad it was. I guess that is the power of the Internet.

I hope that you doing well. It has been a rough week for all of us.

Have a good evening.

Jim

[Sydnie]

280. Thank you for posting Jim

Please let us know if there is anything that we can do for you.

And ... welcome to our great big DU family.

My thoughts are with you and your family. :hug:

[jakeplays]

284. you're welcome

Have a good night.

[Liberty Belle]

276. I'm so sorry to hear of this.

His wit and wisdom will be missed.

[Ferretherder]

277. First Keph, now nostamj...

...goddammit!...

...this truly sucks.


RIP, Jeff.

[Floogeldy]

278. I don't remember the poster

But he must have been a hell of a guy with all of this outpour.

Rest in peace, Jeff.

[rbnyc]

282. I can't believe this!!

Man, he walked the WALK! This is too much. This is just a terrible loss. I'm overwhelmed. I just lost my cousin last night. She was 33. What the fuck is going on?

[Ladyhawk]

322. That's what I'm thinking, too. WTF is going on?

We were supposed to have nostamj forever, right?

[cal04]

283. You will be very much missed

Rest In Peace, Jeff

[Catshrink]

285. No! I am stunned.

I will miss him so much -- what a great and talented guy. I'll miss hearing from the "New York Bureau" on the Guy James Show.

[IndianaGreen]

286. I am very sad to hear of nostamj's passing

He was one of the real oldtimers in this board.

My condolences to his sister and family. This is a very sad day indeed!

:(

Thank you for posting this, CaliforniaPeggy.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

301. You are so welcome, IndianaGreen.

After I received the email this morning from his sister, I immediately came over to DU to see if I could find out anything. I was surprised to see that no-one had posted anything on it. So I thought I have to do this; everyone will want to know. And you know the rest. I never expected to get onto the Greatest Page; normally, I'd be thrilled to be there, but this time...I'd rather have forgone the honor. Just to keep Jeff among us. I am just NUMB.



:cry:

[AlFrankenFan]

287. omg....

I'm absolutely speechless. This is just...oh my god. RIP.

:cry:

[MrScorpio]

288. Rest in Peace Nostamj

[Feathered Fish]

289. Condolences

I didn't know him that much, but I sure got a kick out of those toons. He will be missed.
:grouphug:

[seeker4ever]

290. Rest in Peace friend.

[lonestarnot]

291. I hope you are in a better place...you will be missed....

:cry:

[Jilly Beans]

292. I'm so sad about this. Jeff was our cartoon guy...

I remember a couple of weeks ago he said he wasn't feeling well. Never did I think I'd never read another post of his.

To his family, we share your pain, although we cannot feel the depth of your pain, because we did not know him personally. We did not share hugs and the kind of love families share.

But we loved him as a fellow DUer. As much as any of us can care for another, we loved your brother.

:cry:

[daveskilt]

294. shit

[sonias]

295. So incredibly sad

I really loved his postings. Jeff you will be missed, but make sure you check in with Kephra, he'll show you the way.

Take care our dear departed brothers.
:cry:

Sonia

[Blue_Roses]

296. this is so sad

geeze..I don't know what to say

I loved his posts and always thought he was not only fun but always very fair in discussions...this is so sad. It's weird how even though you never meet someone on this board you feel like you know 'em... Geeze...:cry: I will miss him...

damn...

[NJCher]

297. I can hardly believe this

I was so shocked when I signed in today and saw the news. I am in a state of disbelief.

Nostamj and I exchanged thoughts on Photoshop and on getting new freelance business. This was after he left his job and was embarking on ?W.

I am so sad. Who would think, in this day and age of medical accomplishment, that one could pass away of such a thing.

What a sad, sad time for all of us here at DU.


Cher

[Gloria]

298. A real shock...unbelievable.

Condolences to his family. It must be terrible for them.

[DulceDecorum]

299. Goodbye Jeff,

I will miss you.

[mvd]

302. Oh my - terribly sad news

RIP, Jeff. :-(

[slybacon9]

303. just think

he knows the truth about everything now...

peace.

[NightOwwl]

304. I am so very, very sorry.

My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.

[illini]

305. I read many of his post.

I cant say I always agreed but I can say I enjoyed all of them.

Later Man!

P.S. Jeff if you read this in the ethereal come back and haunt *.

[opiate69]

306. Damn. Rest in Peace, nostamj.

And my sincerest condolences to all of his friends and family, both here on DU, and "in the real world".

[IronLionZion]

307. damn, he was just on here the other day

Jeff always enlightened us with his wit and wisdom, here and on the show.

RIP Jeff aka nostamj

Check out Jeff's website:
http://www.jeffreymatson.com/

[NightOwwl]

326. Oh god.

He had so much talent and energy and goodwill. It hurts to look at it.

[progressivebydesign]

308. Heartbreaking... Rest in Peace Nostamj - Jeff.

What a tragedy. I looked at his website and it seems so surreal that there is a button to email him. It's as though he's still out there with us in cyberspace. His toon collection was my #1 reason for sticking around DU. My condolences to his family and friends... what a loss.

[underseasurveyor]

309. Who didn't click on Jeff's Toon posts,

Who could pass up a DU "TOON" thread? Not too many I spoze.

This just isn't fair or right :-( Why is it the good ones leave us too soon:cry:

Jeff Matson RIP
:cry:Damn!:cry:

[kurtyboy]

310. Damn! damn! damn! damn! damn!......

I've been staring at this composition form for some time. I can't find words---

Blow my nose, take another sip of beer, and know that we are all connected, and we all suffer from the loss.

When I was younger, I thought that age would eventually provide more solace and understanding about loss.

It hasn't happened yet.

Go with goodness, grace, and joy, brother Matson. We hope to rejoin you when our time comes...

[cry baby]

318. Goodbye and thank you, Jeff.

Thanks for your humor and intellect. Thanks for your insight. You will be missed here at DU and by your family and friends.

[malmapus]

319. Sad news

Thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, loved ones. He really did touch alot of our lives.

Afriad I only knew him as the 'toon guy'. Always loved the toons he would collect and put together. Just last night at work I realized that hadn't seen them in a week or so.

Rest in peace Jeff.

[Lone_Wolf_Moderate]

323. I am sorry to hear that. My condolences.

[Catamount]

324. I am shocked, saddened and somewhat suspicious.

Thank You CP for the difficult notification.

[VTMechEngr]

325. Damn. RIP NostamJ

I'm so sorry. I will indeed miss your great cartoon collections. May the next world bring you peace.

[Freebird12004]

327. I'm so sorry that he is gone.

My condolences to both you and his family.

:hug: He will be missed by all !

[baron j]

328. may he find his paradise..

:cry:

[Hissyspit]

329. So sudden! His username was one I always looked for...

:(

[GalleryGod]

330. VAYA CON DIOS, JEFF!

O8) Rest well, friendO8)

[Festivito]

331. Condolences to all of us. nt.

[HamstersFromHell]

332. Jeff, I hardly knew you, yet I did...

from your postings here. And who could resist your comics roundups?

May your God go with with you, and my sincere condolances to your family and friends.

Hammies/Doc

[Rhiannon12866]

333. Oh, no. This is just so sad, what can I say?

;(

[salin]

334. How awfully terrible.

And terribly, terribly sad.

RIP Jeff.... you will be greatly missed. You added so much spark to these forums - and inspiration as you were kicking off the revue - and other avenues to successfully keep you out of going back to the corporate leashed in world (my words attempting to reflect your sentiments that I recall from a recent post/thread.)

Peace be with you, Jeff.

[RFKHumphreyObama]

335. My deepest and most profound thoughts, prayers, sympathies and condolences

are extended to all those who knew and loved Jeff. While it is true that I did not know Jeff personally, I do know that he profoundly moved, touched and influenced the lives of so many people on this forum and I can only presume that he did the same in the real world. I know that we’ll all miss his presence and contributions immensely. He was one of those who made DU what it was today and that we’ll never forget his contribution and his passion for what he believed in and I am profoundly thankful that we had the honor and privilege of having him play a part in our lives for what was altogether too short a period of time. The fact that he touched the lives of so many people around the nation and around the world through his time on this message board perhaps provides a great testament to his character and personality

To all who knew and loved Jeff, once again I offer my deepest and most profound thoughts, prayers, condolences and sympathies. I’m so, so, so very deeply sorry. I will be thinking and praying for you in the days ahead

[jakeplays]

338. Thanks

Thank you for the kind words about Jeff. So many people have been saying such wonderful things about him since the news of his passing. Our family is doing pretty well given the circumstances. Your kind words have been helpful. We will be sharing your comments with family and friends this weekend along with everything else that has been posted to the original message.

Have a nice day.

[merh]

368. He was a good man and we will miss him.

:cry: He touched many of us, with his art, with his humor, with his passion and with his love.

:hug: Thank you for sharing with us. May your family find solace in knowing that he made many laugh, cry and glory in love and caring.

:grouphug: Our DU family has lost a valued member.

Rest in Peace Sweet Jeff! :hug:

[bunk76]

336. R.I.P

I Dont Wanna Grow Up.

When I'm lyin' in bed at night.
I dont wanna grow up
Nothing seems to turn out right
I dont wanna grow up
How do you move in a world of fog
That's always changing things
Makes me wish that I could be a dog
When I see the price that you pay
I dont wanna grow up
I dont ever wanna be that way
I dont wanna grow up....

Tom Waits/K.Brennan

[The White Tree]

337. I would like to add my condolences to everyone who knew him

and especially his family.

I loved his posts and looked forward to them. He will definately be missed.

I'm so sorry for you loss.

To the man - So Long and Thanks for all the Toons. :applause:

[fortyfeetunder]

339. Sigh.

I always looked forward to his TOONs they were my source of comic relief.

Here's a hug to DUers today in honor of Jeff!

:grouphug:

[russian33]

340. Geez! Rest in peace!

[DeposeTheBoyKing]

341. Terrible news

This is very distressing. RIP, nostamj.

[NewJeffCT]

342. I am so sorry

his username was one of the few that i consistently recognized in my limited time on DU. He will be missed. All of his friends and family have my thoughts and deepest sympathy.

[BlueEyedSon]

343. Bye Jeff, thanks for all the toons.... nt

:cry:

[ulysses]

345. DAMN.

Very sorry to hear that. RIP, Jeff. :(

[TreeHuggingLiberal]

346. Words cannot express the joy that Jeff brought to me through his posts...

even in the hardest of times, I would venture on DU and find his cartoon roundup to help me laugh my way through the pain. Jeff you will be greatly missed, but one can only hope he has moved from this current morbid plain onto another of true beauty.

Rest in peace dear Jeff.

[Jo March]

348. Oh, this is so horrible

One of the last posts of his that I read was the one where he was coming out of a bit of a bad year.

I said something that I thought offended him and his reply was rather nice.

This is awful. I always looked forward to his 'toons review.

God bless him.

[ima_sinnic]

349. oh no, oh no, RIP nostamj

you will be missed . . . :cry:

[Sparkly]

350. I am SO sorry to hear this!!

Such a creative, sharp wit... Terribly sad news. :(

[Toucano]

351. Farewell, Jeff

I will miss you. We are lucky to have known you.

[Mr. Jinx]

352. Farewell, Jeff.

Another loss to the DU community- I'll miss your wit and insight.

[Mari333]

353. what? omg

Im speechless. he did so much for me..my heart hurts now.
be at peace, my dear friend.

[Desertrose]

354. NOOOOOO!!!!!!!! NO.......

I am so sorry and blown away to hear this....damn damn damn.....


I was the last post to his last post!

I am so sad to find this news this morning...

Bless you Jeff, you will be missed by many.....I hope you are at peace and in a happy place.....I just don't know what to say.

You will be missed.
:hug:
DR

[connecticut yankee]

355. Terrible news

How sad for all of us and for Jeff's family. My deepest sympathies to them and to his companion.

He will be missed.

I always looked for and enjoyed his 'toon roundups. They were so enlightening.

:cry: :cry:

[OneBlueSky]

356. oh, wow . . . I just now found this thread, and I'm stunned . . .

I always looked forward to Jeff's posts . . . a great DU contributor who will be profoundly missed . . . RIP, Jeff . . .

so sad . . .

[ooglymoogly]

357. human kind is one less good person

using his talents to better mankind.....this world will miss you nostamj

[woofless]

358. So sad.

Ever get a phone call from afar with the news a friend has passed? I did not know Jeff but he was my friend. Peace upon you Brother.

[Pithlet]

359. That is sad news

I can't believe it. We've lost another :cry:

[Pallas180]

361. Wow.Unbelievable.Nostamj used to post with us astrologers in Meeting Roo

m. And we talked about his leaving his regular job and putting his art works on cups to sell at the republican and dem conventions -

it's inconceivable.. a nice guy.

Can someone find out what happened?

[jakeplays]

362. Strep B infection

Hi:

I am Jeff's brother in law. He passed away from a massive infection caused by the Strep B bacteria, known as Necrotizing Fasciitis. It took just over one week for this to happen. Per Jeff's wishes, we did not take any extraordinary measures since his resulting quality of life would not have been very good. He was a very independent man who would not react well to 24 hour nursing care. He would not have been able to Blog nor correspond with all of his DU friends on a regular basis.

Sorry to pass along the news, but it is probably helpful to know rather than guessing.

Have a nice day. We appreciate all of the kind comments that you and others are sharing with us. We will be passing along your condolences to other family members and friends this weekend when we get together to honor Jeff and celebrate his life.

Jim

[jus_the_facts]

365. Thank You for posting more about the circumstances Jim....

....he'll be missed...my heart goes out to ya'll.....may he rest in peace in knowing he'll live in all our memories as he touched us all here too with his wit and concern. :hug: :loveya:

[geniph]

378. Dreadful news. My sincere condolences

to his family, friends, and loved ones. May his memory live on in all our hearts.

[mdmc]

392. RIP

peace and low stress...

[Flaxbee]

360. This is terrible news

I didn't know him very well, but he was definitely one of those I remember very distinctly. I'm very sorry to hear this, and my condolences to his family and friends.

[MessiahRp]

363. Horrible news...

:cry:

This really sucks.

Any word on what he died from? :-(

Rp

[jus_the_facts]

364. Sigh.....my most heartfelt condolences....RIP Jeff....

...Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on the snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush,
Of quiet birds in circled flight;
I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die.

-Author Unknown

:loveya:

[phoebe]

366. Really sorry to hear this - always made sure to look for his posts

whether cartoons or otherwise. He'll be a hard act to follow..

Best wishes to his family both at home and here at DU..he will be missed..

[Sweet Freedom]

367. Thank you Jeff

for educating so many through humor. You will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.

My last kick for you: :kick:

[Nik Jam]

369. Aw, that's heartbreaking

I'm really saddened to hear that.

R.I.P.

[madrchsod]

370. "another man`s done gone"

condolences to his family and he will be missed around here...

[soleft]

371. Just no. No, no, no. Heartsick

[kimchi]

372. Terrible terrible news.

Please send my condolences to his sister and family.

A great talent and genuinely nice person is gone. DU and the progressive movement will be lesser without his toons, wit, and creativity.

[Buns_of_Fire]

373. Vaya con Dios, Jeff.

You will be missed. My sincerest condolences to all... :cry:

[go west young man]

374. This is sad news...he will be missed.

He sounds like a really cool guy who obviously had a tremendous effect on those around him. My heart goes out to you and all who knew him. I think all of us here at DU want a better world with more peace, love, and understanding in it and Jeff seems like he was a DU'er who was willing to go that extra mile for the cause. God speed to Jeff. Peace.

[Crunchy Frog]

375. I'm just reading through this whole thread, and tearing up.

I literally can't imagine what this place will be like without his Toon threads, which were such an institution here. Looking at his various sites and seeing his artwork and his brilliant song parodies has been an eye opener. What an amazingly talented man.

I wish that I had known him on a personal level, but I still feel like I've lost someone important whom I knew and cared about.

I hope that wherever he is, he will still find some way of giving the Bushies hell.

RIP Jeff.

[Liberal Veteran]

376. I am truly saddened by this news....

My heart goes out to his family.

[cynthia]

377. this kind and talented man will be missed

I loved his toon threads.

They made me laugh when I thought things couldn't get much worse. I would recommend DU to my friends if only for the humor to keep us from becoming totally depressed. Jeff was an important part of that by posting his collection of toons each week.

"when I die, hallelujah, bye and bye, I'll fly away" Missing nostamj

[icymist]

379. Oh no! 49 is way too young!

Godspeed nostamj. I'll miss your cartoons.

[BrklynLiberal]

381. This is such sad news! Jeff's humor and wit were an integral part of

DU. His toon thread was one of the highlights of the week.
Condolences to Jeff's family.
He will be missed.

[Iterate]

382. So sorry, the loss...

My condolences to his family and good friends. I hope he knew how he brightened the lives of people he never could have met.

[ornotna]

383. This is so sad

So sad. Rest in peace Jeff.

[montana_hazeleyes]

384. I'm so sorry to hear this.

I first saw it in Plaid Adder's letter on home page.

Hugs for all his family and friends. And for us here at DU. I can't believe we've lost another wonderful DUer and so soon.:grouphug:

[bling bling]

389. Thanks for mentioning that.

I missed that on the home page.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=105x2996319

[Blue Diadem]

385. Adding additional condolence thread link from GD

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x3428798


RIP Jeff We will always remember you. Say hello to Keph for us.

[papau]

386. I was away when you posted this sad news - rest in peace Jeff

May the Lord bless you always.

[flyarm]

387. hos sad..he will truely be missed..may the

sweet angels care for him!!

god bless you jeff!

fly

[Lorien]

388. OMG...this is horrible news

he was one of my favorite posters here; wonderful wit and insightful posts. Quite a creative talent, too. He will be greatly missed. :cry:

Rest in Peace, Jeff

[Garbo 2004]

390. I just learned of his passing tonight when I read this and other threads.

Such a shock. My condolences to his friends and family.

[calimary]

391. Yeah, me, too. It's not yet 9am, Thursday, here in L.A.

I'm just learning about this now. I am SO sad.

I emailed him last year, asking when his Revue would come to L.A. because I wanted to go see it, but he answered that it was pretty much a fixture in his neck of the woods for the time being.

I'm SO sorry to hear about this.

I'm SO sorry to witness losing another good fighter.

I'm SO anguished to see that another bright, glittering creative light has been put out.

Maybe by now he's run into Khephra. Perhaps they're starting a DU enclave in heaven?

Thanks for sharing this, even though it's horrible news. Bless your heart. Bless his.

[Libby2]

393. Oh please NO

Not another one.

Rest in peace, you will be missed dearly.