I’m starting this week with some sad news that has nothing to do with LBI, nor surfing, nor the polar bears that have been reported smashing holes on the ice of Barnegat Bay looking for a meal. Last week, Jon Stewart announced he will be retiring as host of The Daily Show. I don’t think I have ever mentioned Stewart or the show here, but if you’re a regular reader of Liquid Lines, you have to know that he and that show’s staff are probably the biggest influence on my writing.

Most of the bands I like have already broken up, and eventually every charming house or business on LBI will become a…