Going viral?!

Last week I checked on the number of times some of my recent columns had been viewed online. Typically anywhere from 150 to 400 people take the time to click on the link to my column posted on the Boone County Journal's website. Surprisingly, a column I wrote for the November 16 edition has exceeded that average--by quite a bit.

As of the time of this posting, the column I wrote about the lack of civility following the election has now been viewed online over 1,100 times! Factoring in the 2,000 or so print copies of the paper circulated each week, that particular column has now been read over 3,000 times. That may not come close to the numbers a New York Times column is read, but for a relatively unknown writer in rural Missouri, it's not nothing.

Thank you for your support and readership over the past five years. I'm glad that there are people like you who take the time to consider the opinions, rantings, and exasperations of a hack like me. I truly appreciate you. I am currently working on compiling a second volume of selected columns to be published sometime in the new year, just in time for you to have something to buy with the money Santa leaves in your stocking.

Keep reading, and Merry Christmas!

On Monday, December 5, from 5 to 9 pm, if you eat at McAlister's Deli in Columbia, 10% of your bill will be donated to the Brain Balance Foundation of Missouri. This non-profit organization, for which I am a board member, gives financial assistance to families in need of the life-changing services provided by Brain Balance--owned by my dear friends Todd and Carolyn Pridemore. Brain Balance helps children who struggle with behavioral, developmental, and cognitive difficulties caused by an imbalance between the two halves of the brain. I personally know children who have benefited from this program and the results are real and miraculous. Please consider eating at McAlister's tomorrow and also consider donating to The Brain Balance Foundation through comogives.com during the month of December. Thank you!