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September 24, 2010· scvtalk.com · WordPress (SCVTalk 3.0) · Wayback capture

No Daily Brief today, but a Thank You

What is the best thing in the world?

Genghis Khan said the best thing in the world is “to crush your enemies, to see them fall at your feet — to take their horses and goods and hear the lamentation of their women. That is best.”

Far be it from me to dispute the 12th century Mongol war chief, but I think the best thing in the world is being honored as a 40 under Forty “Honoree” by my peers and contemporaries. And seeing many of them -people like Aleks, Allison, Ryan, Jackie, Andrea and many others to numerous to mention- also being honored as honorees last night is also the best thing.

For a moment, actually 45 seconds or so, my name was in lights. Okay so I was just slide 40 in a 40 slide Powerpoint, but still, my name was in lights. At the exclusive Robinson Ranch. In front of the SCV’s best and brightest.

And the award itself- wow! A nice plaque with my picture to hang on the wall. Not to mention a Congressional certificate signed by Congressman Buck McKeon himself delivered at an event one SCVTalker likened to a “Republican Death Star.” Fate has a great sense of irony no?

I’m a bit hungover this morning (from the beer or intoxicating sense of power, I can’t tell at this point) so I can’t write up a Daily Brief for you, but I can thank all of you, SCVTalk’s loyal readers, contributors (Mike, NickelDime, and Tim Myers), and commenters, for making this place a fun and interesting site. And of course my wife, who helped name the site, and my parents who instilled in me a sense of civic duty and love for current events and news.  Without you readers and commenters, I’d pretty much be talking to myself, so thanks!

No Daily Brief today, but a Thank You

Comments (59)

  1. ScottESeptember 24, 2010 at 7:17 am
    Congratulations Jeff. Well deserved. The site has really come along and you have much to be proud of.
  2. ScottSeptember 24, 2010 at 7:45 am
    Congrats brother! Now if only there was a 30 under 30 club, then I could say I’m waaay better than you! I think you have me beat… this time. Anyways, I am proud to be the little brother of a badass blogger such as yourself.
  3. TimBen BoydstonSeptember 24, 2010 at 7:57 am
    Congrats Jeff. You are a vital source of news and opinion here in the SCV. Thanks for everything you do.
  4. Need for Involved CitizenrySeptember 24, 2010 at 8:04 am
    Congratulations Jeff. This site has been a great alternative to the press releases we typically see ‘written” by the Signal staff and the commentary and contributions by others can often times be very insightful. SCV Talk is one of the most if not the most relevant community information site currently in the SCV. Keep up the good work!
  5. mikecSeptember 24, 2010 at 8:21 am
    If this was a 30 under 30 award, the DB would’ve still been done…hangover and all! Congrats Jeffrey! Hope you had a wonderful time. Also, when did Robinson Ranch instead of the Hyatt, become the place to be?
  6. mikeSeptember 24, 2010 at 8:42 am
    RR was a little tight and the food was horrible. But good times were had. Congratulations to all.
  7. GauchoSeptember 24, 2010 at 8:26 am
    Thanks for keeping me filled in on SCV happenings and entertained at work!
  8. Need for Involved CitizenrySeptember 24, 2010 at 8:34 am
    Jeff: Was that Sheriff’s car sitting at the bottom of Robinson Ranch this morning lookin for you?
  9. lvogelSeptember 24, 2010 at 8:52 am
    Congratulations Jeff….well deserved! And may I say, one of my ‘best things’ is this blog. You do an awsome job and I thank you for your creative and hard work in providing us a place to hang. It keeps us busy and off the streets;so you’re actually doing a major public service to boot!
  10. CastaicClaySeptember 24, 2010 at 9:20 am
    Thank you for all the time and work you put in Awesomedude.
  11. KellySeptember 24, 2010 at 9:20 am
    Thank for all you do! Fabulous Forty under Forty for sure…
  12. CCSeptember 24, 2010 at 9:40 am
    Thanks a bunch Jeff and Congrats on your achievement. I think we should ask your readers for suggestions on how to display your plaque. Now, when’s the iPad app coming?
  13. Berta González-HarperSeptember 24, 2010 at 9:46 am
    @Jeff I believe scvtalk.com has become more relevant for news and information than the Signal newspaper. Information is shared more rapidly, thoroughly and from a wider pool of sources. False information can also be debunked faster before it has time to spread further. Personally, I enjoy not having a 300-word limit (I know, I know) as sometimes it really is impossible to convey all of the pertinent background information within that restriction! While I frequently do not agree with others on this site, I think it is very important that liberals and conservatives, youngsters and oldsters and everyone in between maintain this dialogue. How can we understand each other and work together to solve common concerns if we do not scvtalk to each other? Jeff congratulations on your award!
  14. lvogelSeptember 24, 2010 at 9:57 am
    Well stated, Berta Gonzalez-Harper! (sorry, can’t make that doo-hickey above the a)…… and it was under 300 words…;)
  15. Berta González-HarperSeptember 24, 2010 at 11:06 am
    @lvogel, thanks see we can agree! Since you mentioned not knowing how to do accent marks I thought I should share how you do can do it if you have a Microsoft Word compatible keyboard. Use your alt key concurrently with your number to get your letter or symbol 160=á, 130=é, 161=í, 162=ó, 163=ú, 164=ñ, 168=¿, 173=¡. Have a great weekend!
  16. mikeSeptember 24, 2010 at 11:30 am
    Get å Mác, it’s müçh êasier. #optionkeyftw
  17. Berta González-HarperSeptember 24, 2010 at 12:05 pm
    @mike I have my Dell laptop keyboard set up for “international” so I just use my alt key and the actual letter to get my Spanish letters, symbols, and accents but I also write in Spanish frequently. For the occasional user my previous suggestion works fine. I used Mac’s extensively when I was an advertising executive. I prefer IBM compatible, more software available etc but I know some folks swear by their Mac’s.
  18. Whiskey Tango FoxtrotSeptember 24, 2010 at 10:06 am
    I enjoy my daily dose of SCV Talk. The honor is well deserved!
  19. Tim MyersSeptember 24, 2010 at 10:36 am
    Thanks for letting someone in excess of the age “demographic” participate in this forum.
  20. Bill ReynoldsSeptember 24, 2010 at 10:52 am
    I admit it… I visit this Site almost everyday. And gee whiz, where would scvtalk be without such excellent content from The Signal, The Blaze, KHTS, Drudge Report, IHeart, West Ranch Beacon, Blazing Monk, Moveon.org, Huffington Post, etc. Thanks Master Blogger…
  21. mikeSeptember 24, 2010 at 11:02 am
    I’m just about Jeff’s biggest fan, but I think he would agree that much of what he does would not be possible without the hard work of the reporters at The Signal. I don’t think that praise for SCVtalk necessitates a dig at the Signal. He fills a gap that print media doesn’t occupy (in just about any city). If the Signal were twice as good, SCVtalk would be just as important. I know The Signal has a real problem with casting off good talent and the overall product has thinned considerably (like all newspapers), but there are number of good reporters doing good work with the resources they have.
  22. mikeSeptember 24, 2010 at 11:04 am
    OMG, did I just agree with Bill Reynolds? Minus the Beacon of course. And Drudge, he doesn’t do anything original anymore. Bill, why so humble? Your videos have been the subject or jumping off point for many posts over the years. You are part of the SCVtalk ecosystem, even if you don’t get a button on the bottom of the page.
  23. Bill ReynoldsSeptember 24, 2010 at 8:45 pm
    Mike, you’ve made many of erroneous assumptions but yes, I am a humble man.
  24. ScottESeptember 24, 2010 at 9:40 pm
    There you go again Mikey…making assumptions… Or did you?
  25. mikeSeptember 25, 2010 at 7:18 am
    Bill, will you deny, on the record, that you are behind NotAFerryFan?
  26. NateSeptember 25, 2010 at 11:12 am
    Bill bragging that he is a humble man! HAHAHA
  27. Bill ReynoldsOctober 2, 2010 at 8:24 am
    You don’t know me, Little Natie and Mike, who are you?
  28. mikeOctober 2, 2010 at 8:52 am
    Bill Reynolds, King of the non-denials.
  29. Bill ReynoldsOctober 2, 2010 at 3:19 pm
    Mike, Queen of the non-denials.
  30. mikeOctober 2, 2010 at 4:22 pm
    Bill, on the serious side, I have a great idea for a video. Ferry is at the nadir of his popularity. Strike while the iron is hot. Get at me.
  31. Bill ReynoldsOctober 3, 2010 at 12:20 pm
    Make that video, Mike…
  32. A good friend of PetzSeptember 24, 2010 at 11:55 am
    Petz told me to say hello and congrats . Also wants to remind you of the role he played in your success. With the radical left it always comes back to Alinsky. “To the organizer, imagination… is the dynamism that starts and sustains him in his whole life of action as an organizer. It ignites and feeds the force that drives him to organize for change…. “The organizer knows that the real action is in the reaction of the opposition. To realistically appraise and anticipate the probable reactions of the enemy, he must be able to identify with them, too, in his imagination, and foresee their reactions to his actions…. “The organizers searching with a free and open mind void of certainty, hating dogma, finds laughter not just a way to maintain his sanity but also a key to understanding life.”pp.74-75
  33. mikeSeptember 24, 2010 at 2:43 pm
    Please tell Petz that his chapter and verse knowledge of Alinsky make me laugh every time.
  34. booknerdSeptember 24, 2010 at 1:23 pm
    I didn’t know what to make of this site when I first happened upon it, and that’s what drew me in. I like that news is culled from a wide range of sources representing various perspectives, the topics are relevant and engaging, and the lively discussions are fun. I admit that for the past few weeks since I’ve discovered the site, I do visit each day. I feel more connected to my new home. Thanks a heap and congratulations!
  35. Bill ReynoldsSeptember 24, 2010 at 2:35 pm
    I know… just like the Drudge Report!
  36. Valencia MotherSeptember 24, 2010 at 3:36 pm
    Congrats & I agree you are more relevant than the Signal. My husband & I read your blog 1-2 times a day. We enjoy your info & wit. Thank you!
  37. David GaunySeptember 24, 2010 at 4:18 pm
    Well, I’m a little late to the party here but sincere congrats is definitely in order for you on your achievements, Jeff. Not just for your 40-Under-40 title but for your consistent ability to unearth relevant local and national stories that are obviously interesting to many of us… and for your humorous and insightful summaries of them! I may not always agree with you (and the reverse is obviously evident!) but I do respect your opinion, as well as your determination to support your views when the need arises. As mike said, you fill a critical gap in our local flow of information and I am personally grateful that you have found that niche. Our city is better for it. THANK YOU and CONGRATUALTIONS!
  38. NateSeptember 24, 2010 at 4:26 pm
    Congrats to Jeff, Allison, Jackie, Andrea, The DRAKE, Amy, Maggie, Brendie, Stacie, Jessica, Seher and my lovely Olenka. I enjoyed hangin’ with you guys inside the death star. If you haven’t gotten a link to the pictures ask Jedi Jeff or myself and we can send you the link to the gallery.
  39. SFC PerezSeptember 24, 2010 at 4:40 pm
    Great job on the well earned award! There wasnt someone at the event in a dark hooded cloak attempting to coerce you to the Dark Side was there?
  40. Silence DogoodSeptember 25, 2010 at 9:44 am
    Was Hunt there?
  41. Coastal SageSeptember 24, 2010 at 5:03 pm
    Congratulations Jeff. You’ve been noticed. Now be prepared for people to try to influence you.
  42. cashSeptember 24, 2010 at 9:24 pm
    Jeff, congratulations from a guy who is over 60, that had loads of fun in the 60′s, and can still dig your blog. http://www.cacities.org/resource_files/29179.FinalSurveyResult92010.pdf
  43. GRAMPSSeptember 25, 2010 at 6:50 am
    Congratulations! You add much to our community. Please continue the effort.
  44. Gang FangSeptember 25, 2010 at 7:49 am
    Congrats to all on the award. Much deserved. The amount of work it takes to continue this here blog is impressive, and many thanks are in order. Besides, it gives swingin’ singles like Bill Reynolds, Berta, Sterling King, and Fred Butler a place to hang out besides Home Town Buffet. (I still say y’all deserve an award with a better name though.”40 Under 40″ sounds like a drunken cougar’s sexual checklist.)
  45. Berta González-HarperSeptember 27, 2010 at 10:39 am
    @Gang Fang, Sterling King is married. I don’t know about Fred or Bill but speaking for myself, I will say I am not the loser spending Saturday night posting “bitchy” comments about others on this blog. Seems to me you are the one without much of a social life and I can certainly understand why…
  46. john adamsSeptember 25, 2010 at 8:39 am
    Jeff, I believe we are political enemies and on the opposite side on most issues but my impression of you has changed dramatically in the last few months. You provide a valuable service daily (except today) to the residents of SCV. Any awards you recieve are well earned. Congratulations on your success and hope one day to actually meet. How about Nov 3? (lol)
  47. NateSeptember 25, 2010 at 11:10 am
    Enemies? Suddenly it all becomes clear.
  48. mikeSeptember 26, 2010 at 4:41 pm
    awwwww
  49. IHeartSCVSeptember 25, 2010 at 10:55 am
    Congrats, Mr. J-to-the-Wilson. I don’t think it’s hyperbole to say that SCVTalk is the center of Santa Clarita’s electronic galaxy.
  50. OlenkaSeptember 25, 2010 at 11:25 am
    Hey Jeff, wanna go get some Chick-fil-A on Sunday?
  51. WalkerSeptember 25, 2010 at 5:04 pm
    Congratulations Jeff
  52. JackieSeptember 25, 2010 at 7:11 pm
    Congrats, Jeff! Hey, I was just happy to be recognized as under 40 (tick, tick, tick, tick). I have to say, one of the highlights was hanging out with you guys! My SCV Talk/SCV Moms photo will go nicely blown up and over the mantle.
  53. SteveTSeptember 25, 2010 at 7:39 pm
    I have to speak up on behalf of Reynolds. There have been far too many disparaging remarks regarding his character that are completely false. This man worked very hard for the Summit community restoring our recreational centers that were poorly maintained for many years. He is a good hearted man.
  54. NateSeptember 25, 2010 at 8:56 pm
    Bill R has been showing a different side… We will see if it is an act or the real thing. What do you say Bill? Going to join the common sense team or Are you still going to believe the extrmist hype? We could use some conservative brains to keep these libs in line…
  55. Bill ReynoldsSeptember 27, 2010 at 2:53 pm
    Hey Nate, what extremist hype do you think I believe and I would sure appreciate an example of what you consider common sense. I’m serious…
  56. Bill ReynoldsSeptember 27, 2010 at 2:55 pm
    Thanks much for the good words!
  57. SusanSeptember 26, 2010 at 9:15 am
    Congrats Jeff and everyone else nomimated. What’s up with the love fest up here though..?? I read for the fights! Just kidding – its nice to see everyone agreeing on something for a change. SCVTalk is my Signal.
  58. SusanSeptember 26, 2010 at 9:15 am
    and i still cant spell……
  59. Jim FarleySeptember 26, 2010 at 3:28 pm
    Congrats Jeff. Sorry I’m now the latest to join in here. (too busy arguing with BGH on last post). You have the best forum for news and discussion in the valley hands down. Thanks for all you do.

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