December 24, 2003

The Softer Side

Over the last 18 months, I've been called any number of derogatory names by those who, in their obviously misguided and very special ways, have chosen to disagree with me. Granted, I've not particularly helped matters with my smug, abrasive, self-righteous style of posting; fear not, I have no plans on changing that and I wear the insults as a badge of honor, or at least as confirmation that I'm making somebody think. Even if doing so pisses them off. It usually does.

However, as it's the season of the birth of Binky Magic the Space Clown - He who encourages us to honk the big red nose of love in unity, to wear the giant floppy shoes of prosperity and peace, and to celebrate His coming into the world via nooky in the backseat of a little circus clown car - I thought I might take a few moments to send out Season's Greetings to people near, far, close to my heart, and those who would rather have it served to them on a silver platter. And here we go:

• Tom and Jon - my fellow, albeit rather lax, contributors who help make this site what it is (that's right, one of the 666 layers of blogHell) on a daily basis (or less than daily, since saying they post daily would be a lie, and we all know what Binky thinks of liars). Anyway, thanks for your help and your continued support in the fight against a world full of idiots (not you, dear reader, obviously). I should also mention that Tom was my best man and is the godfather of the World Wide Runt!

• Jo - she who used to seethe and who needs to get back to it. She was one of the first regular readers of the World Wide Rant, back in the day when we felt like celebrating seven hits, even if four of them were our own. She's a bleeding-heart liberal, but she's has moments of rational clarity too, so I'm happy to call her my friend. Jo, we've always been able to debate to the point of being terribly frustrated with one another, but we always come back to being friends - and you've supported me in some of my crazier notions (like being a writer). Thank you.

• Vicky - being fond of liquid courage of the beer variety myself, how could I not like her blog? Little did I know that blogrolling would lead to e-mail correspondence that would lead to our meeting and hitting it off, resulting in a great and - I hope - enduring friendship. One that inspires me everyday to be a little bit more of a better and caring person. I'm not saying I follow through on the inspiration - just read this blog, for Binky's sake - but at least I feel that stirring in my soul.* Regardless of the idiocy that our pal Rev Mykeru once spewed, you are an amazing woman - and my best friend.

• Michele - the keeper of A Small Victory, who is always happy to send traffic my way or support me in ridiculous blog popularity contests, and then insinuate that I've either provided monetary funds or sexual favors to obtain it. One of these days I'll get back out to the East Coast and let you buy me a beer or ten. I'm a giving sort. I look forward to much more hit whoring in 2004.

• To my newly, or not-so-newly, married friends (Steve and Melissa, and Sean and Carmenza) and the going-to-be-married-sometime friends, Matt and Ali, may 2004 see your relationships flourish, and perhaps a Vodkababy in the oven. Matt, kick my ass to remind me to get up there for a day sometime soon. Beer. Big City Burrito. Mmm. And Steve, make a point to link to me randomly and without good reason.

• Josh Claybourn - there's something inherently wrong about a semi-militant libertarian atheist showing up in the blogroll of a conservative Christian, and vice-versa, but it happened. Josh is a breath of fresh air and other cliches when one is used to reading the likes of Mark Shea or Peter Friedrich. Despite our differences, Josh has always been an admirable opponent for debate and an upstanding gentleman. Ladies, land him and quick - just be sure to make little atheist babies with him!

• Matt Moore, head honcho at TBOTCOTW, we need to play trivia more often. It's so much fun to dominate the wee people, you know. Don't worry, your cat will be fine in my care. And thanks for introducing us to Beth - she's a great gal.

• Glenn Reynolds, alter ego of the Instapundit, you'll probably never see this but thanks for the Instalanches. It's a delight to have your spirits soaring on a torrent of inbound visitors, only to become the ancient god Blogarus whose SiteMeter wings melted when he flew too close to the top of the Ecosystem.

• Dave Cullen, of whose existence we finally have conclusive evidence and Tiffany Trott (blog here), for getting the World Wide Rant mentioned in 5280 and The Denver Post Online, respectively.

• Jody, who writes naked. Ya big homo. Good luck with your screenwriting and movie-making.

• Mark Shea, invincible magical defender of the Catholic faith. Thank you for reminding me time and time again why I turned my back on the Church (with lesser thanks to commenter S.F. for the same thing). Each day confirms my knowledge that I made the right choice in thinking about where the Pope can put his dogma.

• Zombyboy, my apologies for putting you and your blog after the comment above, but I'm typing this in no particular order. You're another example of what a Christian ought to be - we need more like you. Especially if they buy shots at the Rocky Mountain Blogger Bash.

• Walter, a die-hard libertarian who isn't a complete kook. Refreshing! And don't forget to join my investment club and good luck with the upcoming arrival!

Ah hell, the list could go on and on, and probably should because I don't say thank you enough to people. However, that'll have to wait until January 1, 2004 as part of a New Year's resolution. If you weren't mentioned above, but should be, consider yourself thanked, hugged, and otherwise non-monetarily compensated.

In particular, I would like to thank everyone who sent some funds my way when I was laid off in July. I do this for the fun of it (although that doesn't mean you shouldn't feel compelled to hit the Paypal button frequently and with great zest), and was touched that people actually wanted to help me and my family. Times are much better now at WWR Global HQ, and I hope to pay it forward, if only to spend time with Helen Hunt.

Here's hoping your holidays go well, that you get to spend quality time with friends and family, and that the hangovers in the coming days are bearable (but if they're not, just drink more - nothing like a little hair of the dog). I'll be here off and on continuing to entertain or befuddle as time permits - do check in.

May the Magic Space Clown bless you with the holy water of His squirting flower and hold you in the palm of His ridiculously over-sized white-gloved hands. -- Ancient proverb

* Note: A figure of speech. I do not have a soul. Not even one that is black and like a lump of coal.