We are the champions my friend...

Truly, I'm humbled...

When I first began blogging in October of this year I had no idea of what awaited me. As I began meeting the good people who participate each day in the marvelous world of the blogosphere I knew that I’d become a part of something important. Actually, it was more than important, it was something good.

It quickly became apparent to me that someone needed to draw attention to the many wonderful people sharing their hopes, dreams and daily lives on the great tapestry of personal blogs. I took on that task and began sharing with the world the many amazing stories I encountered in my travels along the Internet Highway.

Before Time Magazine found the goodness of what so many of us already knew was happening here, I was already naming many of you “Individual of the Year.” You deserved it! Each and every one of you...

Of all the awards I’ve received this year this one came as the biggest surprise. Hell, I didn’t even know I’d been nominated. But, in all humility I can not accept this award as an individual. This has been a team effort. I couldn’t have been named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year without the help of those in the trenches.

It was you who made me the Dirk_Star I am today.

As this year comes to an end and we stand together upon the precipice of new one, I promise to continue performing at the top of my game in the coming days and make you proud. I will not consider Time Magazine's award a burden, rather; I will consider it an inspiration to do my very best in each and every word that I post.

Again, I would like to thank all of the small bloggers who helped me get to where I am today. On behalf of you all, I accept this award.

Thank you, Time Magazine; you couldn't have picked a better person.

Back in black...

"The Nameless One."

"Wait, don't hit that button!"

I tried to stop him but you know how strong the Nameless One is when he’s in a rage. It all happened so fast. I mean, he appeared out of nowhere. One minute I’m merrily working away in my blog-shop and then bam, like magic he stood there wearing a pointed blue hat decorated with yellow stars and crescent moons on it.

(He claimed he "borrowed" it from the Wizened Wizard.)

He was carrying a weapon; a really big axe like one of those you see in that World of Warcraft game. His eyes were wild with hate and he was foaming at the mouth. He started screaming, “I’ve met Frank Zappa! I know Frank Zappa! And you, sir are no Frank Zappa!”

I was like, “Dude, chill out. Put down the axe and let’s talk this thing out.” My words were of no avail. He whirled around and began chopping and hacking at the HTML of my blog. I was shaking in my avatar and fearing for my virtual life.

“Wait, don’t touch that button!”

And then everything went blank...

It was horrible.

Then, there was a bright white light and I heard a sound like the voices of a thousand Bill Gates singing hosannas to the highest. I saw all of my former web pages coming to greet me. It was wondrous to behold. I was going home...

Just when I was about to enter that great bitmap in the sky, a voice called out to me. It was faint at first, but it kept growing stronger and more insistent. “Dirk_Star, don’t go into the light! Turn away from the light and look at me!” Ruefully I turned my head and there she was, the Pixie.

“Follow me!” she cried, “We can fix this; trust me, it’s not your time yet.” She stretched out her hand and my fingers entwined in hers and suddenly I was back in the blog-shop.

The Nameless One was gone but the devastation of his visit remained. Everything lay in ruins around us; all of my links were gone, my wonderful award lay shattered and in ruins on the floor. My psychedelic graphics were nothing more than a colorful memory.

“It’s alright, Dirk_Star. Do exactly as I say. I want you to click your ruby-red-slippers-of-reset together three times and shout, “There’s no place like home, there’s no place like home.”” Pixie smiled and her radiance lifted my spirits. “Believe those words in your heart and everything will be as good as new.”

Even though my heart was still heavy, I did as she instructed and as you can see with your very own eyes, everything was magically set to rights and again the “Yellow Blogarine” has returned to the waters of the Internet.

It was a miracle!

Yes, I once was lost, but thanks to the Pixie, I now am found.

Why oh why does the Nameless One hate me so? He is determined I must perish. If ever you come here and find that I am missing, please send Scotland Yard to his blog immediately.

If your link is absent from the list of good vibes please tell me and I will replace it as soon as possible. Again, this is no fault of my own.

Blame the nameless one...

He’s trying to kill me!