Should Auld Connections Be Forgot ...

As their somewhat wonky way of celebrating New Year's, President Clinton, Hillary Rodham Clinton and their daughter Chelsea joined about a thousand other people on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, for the "Renaissance Weekend," an annual gathering the Clintons have attended for a decade, at which successful liberal yuppies talk about policy and personal growth and make contacts. To be included in the Renaissance Weekend, one must promise not to discuss publicly what happens there, but despite this vow of omerta, some information could be gleaned:

What Bill Talked About in His Speech: You've got to be persistent.

What Hillary Talked About in Her Speech: Making choices -- I made the choice to follow Bill to Arkansas, and I've never regretted it.

Bill's Favorite Activity: Golf.

Hillary's Favorite Activity: Hanging out with friends, including FDIC nominee Ricki Tigert, attorney Renee Ring, and Patsy Davis, wife of lawyer Joel Klein, who replaced Vince Foster.

Zoe Baird Moment: In audience when Bill said you sometimes end up hurting people.

Dress Code: Ultracasual. Hillary in jogging suit and no makeup.

How This Year Was Different from Last Year: No printed, networker-friendly list of participants' professional affiliations.

Cost: About $1,000, not including air fare and hotel room.

What Rush Limbaugh Was Doing over the Same Weekend: Sailing in the Virgin Islands with Bush Commerce Secretary and millionaire Robert Mosbacher and his wife Georgette.