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This page contains a single entry from the blog posted on July 6, 2008 3:42 AM. The previous post in this blog was Proud day for America. The next post in this blog is More "Gordon Smith is moderate" pap from the O. Many more can be found on the main index page or by looking through the archives.

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Sunday, July 6, 2008

Anniversary

Exactly six years ago, I wrote the first post on this blog. Since then, I've written more than 7,300 additional posts, drafted and then deleted hundreds of others, drawn more than 2.4 million unique visits (by SiteMeter's count), been graced by more than 66,000 online comments, and had a heck of a lot of fun.

Among many other things that have come with the blog, I've met all sorts of people whom I never would have known, been reunited with friends and family from more than half a lifetime ago, had various new and enriching experiences, gotten an occasional good deal, blown off a lot of steam, played some games, gotten answers to a bunch of questions, learned new skills, had quite a few belly laughs, cried a little, and gotten to where I've nearly broken even on the thing in money terms.

This seems as good a time as any to express my gratitude to my beautiful bride and our wonderful daughters, who cheerfully put up with this endeavor as well as with my many other quirks. I also owe a real debt to my cyberfriend Jake Ortman, who has masterfully guided the technical side of this site through all sorts of gnarly transitions.

I suppose this is the time that I'm supposed to say something like, "Readers, this blog wouldn't exist without you." But as most of you know, that would be a lie. Even when my readership was in the single digits and my old Blogger site didn't have comments (they didn't arrive until I jumped ship to my own domain in August '03), a blog fit me like a glove.

Of course, readers do play an important part in what goes on here. The other night, a fellow I was introduced to asked me, "What's your blog about?" I mumbled something about "local politics," but I should have a better answer than that ready. It's really more just what's running around my brain at any given time. Fortunately, that content is greatly expanded by tons of interesting leads sent to me by readers every single day. A lot of professional pundits wish they were so lucky.

Anyway, so much for the blogiversary observation, and on with year 7.

Comments (20)

As a new regular reader of your blog I congratulate your unembroidered pugilistic efforts to keep our local hacks on the up and up. The breadth of your curiosity results in bringing information both entertaining and engaging. Your reader’s comments add flavor and perspectives that enrich this site. Keep up the good work.

Happy Anniversary.
Your blog fulfills a crucial need. Let us hope more voters learn of your blog and vote with more scrutiny.

Happy Blogiversary, Cousin Jack! A small thing I always meant to share with you, and this seems like a fitting occasion to do so: It was so exciting for me, when Jimbo & Kenny drove our friend T & me through Newark a few months ago, to see all those places in person that you had so nicely, and lovingly, written about. Those are my favorite posts of yours. In the coming years, I wish you more readers, more friends, more learning experiences, and many more happy blogiversaries.

Congrats Jack! You have a great blog here. The first thing I check every morning is my Jack Bog feed! Thanks for all the great info you provide. Keep it up!

I don't know how you make the time for the blog, Jack. But I'm glad you do.

I would say "local politics" -- especially government's inevitable failure when they overreach -- is only half the story; the other half are the stories and memories that catch your eye and warm your heart.

The blog is a window into your life experience and your joie de vivre.

Congrats on 6 years.

Congrats Jack!  I am a bojack addict...my wife knows who you are now.  I am always talking about what you are saying.

Jack,

I think I've been checking-in daily since 2003 when I moved back to Portland after college in the Bay Area. I've been in Bend now for almost 3 years, and your blog - more than any other source - keeps me abreast of what's happening in Portland.

I probably disagree with your take on things 25% of the time, but I sure appreciate what you do.

To the future...

My kids say there is a six in that mess of dot's. I will take their word.

That's in honor of my late dad, who never could see the number, either.

Many congrats to you!! I enjoy reading and learning from your blog every day.

I didn't know what blogs were until 2 yrs ago. A good friend of mine turned me on to this one--now I'm a junkie. Happy B-day bog blog.

You enlighten and inform more than local politics. Thank you.

When I grow up, I want to be just like you! Coongrats Jack!

Congrats, Jack! I'm glad you decided to do this 6 years ago. Thank you!

My pleasure. Thank you all for the kind words.

Jack,
The birth of your blog almost precisely coincides with my political activism, which only came about when I questioned why the city couldn't get the water bills right. I've enjoyed reading and weighing in on your blog ever since, but I have to say... I used to have a happy life.

Ignorance really is bliss, you know?

Congrats, Cuz.

Jack, may you have many more years to come!

As a red-green colorblind man, I will assume there is a number 6 there. I'm part of that 10% that can't see it there. D'oh!

After reading the comments, I see you did that for your dad! Very cool, Jack.

What is this 'meanderings' you speak of?

Congratulations, Jack. 6 down, 3 to go, (it seems), make 'em count, slugger. Be a hitter. It only takes 1.

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In Vino Veritas

Falset, Garnacha Rose, Montsant 2006
Castello di Bossi, Chianti Classico 2004
Domaine Chandon, Pinot Noir, La Riviere Sonoma 2006
Brazin, Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi 2006
B.R. Cohn, Silver Label Cabernet 2006
Casillero del Diablo, Cabernet 2007
Gentil Hugel, Alsace 2006
Mesoneros de Castilla, Ribero del Duero, Rosado 2008
Cor, Momentum 2007
Santa Margherita, Pinot Grigio 2006
Rubico, Lacrima di Morro d'Alba 2007
Gilstrap Brothers, Reserve Merlot 2003
Conundrum 2007
Chandler Reach, 36 Red
Santa Rita, Reserve Cabernet 2005
Marietta, Old Vine Red Lot 47
L'Ecole No. 41, Recess Red 2006
Dom Martinho, Red 2004
Beaulieu, Georges Latour 1994
Caymus, Cabernet 1995
Columbia Winery, Merlot 2005
Bergevin Lane, Columbia Valley Cabernet 2005
Savigny-les-Beaune, Les Lavieres 2003
David Hill, Reserve Merlot, Rogue Valley 2006
Educated Guess, Cabernet 2006
Maquis Lien, Red 2005
Charles Smith, Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2007
David Hill, Farmhouse White
Robert Mondavi Solaire, Cabernet 2005
Castello Monaci, Liante, Salice Salentino 2006
Ricardo Santos, Malbec 2006
Quinta da Espiga, Tinto 2006
Charles Smith, Holy Cow Merlot 2006
Charles Smith, Boom Boom Syrah 2006
Charles Smith, The Honorable Pinot Gris 2007
Santa Rita, Cabernet Reserva 2005
King Estate, Pinot Gris 2007
Gloria, Douro, Tinto 2002
Bogle, Petite Sirah Port, Clarksburg 2005
Cardwell Hill, Pinot Noir 2004
Silkwood, Red Duet Cabernet-Syrah 2004
Portuga, Vinho Branco 2006, 2007
Osborne, Solaz 2004
Santa Rita, Cabernet, Reserva 2005
Penfold's, Koonunga Hill, Shiraz Cabernet 2006
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Cabernet, Indian Wells 2004
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills 2004
Hannah Nicole, Red 2004
Penfold's, Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet 2005
Protocolo, Red 2005
Woodbridge, Chardonnay 2006
Portuga, Vinho Branco 2006
Beaulieu, Cabernet, Rutherford 1998
Beaulieu, Cabernet, Rutherford 1996
Kirkland, Roogle Shiraz 2004
Garda, Classico Chiaretto
A to Z, Oregon Pinot Gris 2005
I Giusti & Zanza, Nemorino 2006
Treana, Marsanne-Viognier, Central Coast 2005
Fife, Syrah, "Stanford" 2000
B.R. Cohn, Silver Label Cabernet 2005
Marques de Casa Concha, Cabernet 2005
Santi, Sortesele Pinot Grigio 2006
Al Muvedre, Tinto Joven 2006
Layer Cake, Shiraz 2006
Gritti, Ca' Andrea, Umbria red 2005
Altos de Luzon, Jumilla 2004
Thomas Leithner, Zweigelt 2004
Cain Cuvee NV 3
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Merlot 2003
Meridian, Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Canoe Ridge, Merlot 2003
Paringa, Shiraz 2005
King Estate, Pinot Gris 2005
Canoe Ridge, Merlot 2003
Maculan, Pino & Toi 2005
Kris, Pinot Grigio 2006
Silvan Ridge, Pinot Gris 2006
Fife, Mendocino Syrah, "Stanford" 2000
Castle Rock, Cabernet, Paso Robles 2005
Willakenzie, Pinot Gris 2006
The Show, Cabernet 2005
Essencia Valdemar, Rioja Rose 2006
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Merlot, Horse Heaven Hills 2004
Beaulieu Vineyard. Napa Valley Cabernet 2004
Irony, Cabernet, Napa Valley 2003
Rosenblum, Petite Sirah, Heritage Clones 2005
Fra Guerau, Montsant 2002
Barefoot Chardonnay
Kana, Syrah 2004
Castell Salegg, Chardonnay, Alto Adige 2004
Fetish, The Watcher Shiraz 2004
Gold Note, Fair Play Zinfandel 2005
Chateau Ste. Michelle, Canoe Ridge Estate Cabernet 2003
Ponzi, Pinot Noir 2004
Red Diamond, Merlot 2003
Mateus, Rose
Benton Lane Pinot Noir 2004
Penya Cadiella Vins de Comtat 2003

The Occasional Book

Ivan Doig - Bucking the Sun
Penda Diakité - I Lost My Tooth in Africa
Grace Lin - The Year of the Rat
Oscar Hijuelos - Mr. Ives' Christmas
Madeline L'Engle - A Wrinkle in Time
Steven Hart - The Last Three Miles
David Sedaris - Me Talk Pretty One Day
Karen Armstrong - The Spiral Staircase
Charles Larson - The Portland Murders
Adrian Wojnarowski - The Miracle of St. Anthony
William H. Colby - Long Goodbye
Steven D. Stark - Meet the Beatles
Phil Stanford - Portland Confidential
Rick Moody - Garden State
Jonathan Schwartz - All in Good Time
David Sedaris - Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim
Anthony Holden - Big Deal
Robert J. Spitzer - The Spirit of Leadership
James McManus - Positively Fifth Street
Jeff Noon - Vurt

Road Work

Miles run year to date: 26
At this date last year: 13
Total run in 2008: 28
In 2007: 113
In 2006: 100
In 2005: 149
In 2004: 204
In 2003: 269
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