HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Happy New Year to everyone on the Turley blog. This has been an extraordinary first year of the blog which is approaching two million hits annually. The success of the blog is due largely to our regulars who continue to make this one of the smartest and most fun blogs on the web. Even with the invasion by trolls and a few uncivil moments, the blog has remained a special forum for intelligent, civil, and often witty discourse. Our impressive monthly growth (and the obvious irritation of trolls) is a testament to the fact that there remains many people who want to engage in such dialogue. 2008 was our first full year in operation and I am very grateful for the contributions of all of the regulars on this blog.

Recently, I was described as playing the role of the bartender at Cheers in hosting this site for the regulars. I thought that was a pretty apt description. This blog is primarily designed for the discourse among our group and the stories are merely topics for general consideration. This may not be “where Everybody Knows Your Name” (or at least your real name), but it is your virtual bar (cyber cabs are supplied to anyone who overindulges) and I am merely the (largely) passive management. (However, I refuse to date Whoopi Goldberg).

Now, I am off to make our traditional “Bowl of the Wife of the Kit Carson” Soup and wasabi Bloody Marys for our New Year’s celebration. I hope that everyone has a relaxing New Year’s Day and here’s to an even greater 2009!