The Washington Post may have added some literary flair to its account of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke's last words, according to the State Department. Did he ominously whisper, "You've got to stop this war in Afghanistan," or was it just banter?

Richard Holbrooke, the longtime U.S. diplomat and current special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan, has died at age 69, apparently of a torn aorta. He had been admitted to the hospital over the weekend, and underwent surgery on Saturday.

New York's epic article about Annie Leibovitz in this week's issue is well worth a read, particularly since it sheds a little light on how it is one of the world's highest-paid photographers now finds herself on the brink of financial ruin. (If the only person you'll allow to repair your air-conditioner has to…

The Observer has a round-up of some of the New York-based FOB's (or Friends of Barack) who are expected to have a major voice in Washington if the Democratic nominee wins the election next week. Who, exactly? Bob Rubin, Larry Summers, and Richard Holbrooke should all have a place at the table, assuming any of them…

♦ David Tolley, a senior managing director at Steve Schwarzman's Blackstone Group, paid $8.94 million for two units at The Majestic. Located on the building's 31st and 32nd floors, Tolley's new neighbors will include Conan O'Brien and Abby Joseph Cohen. [Cityfile]
♦ Jurgen Friedrich, founder of Esprit's European…