Five Years Ago Today

The Valley came into existence. It started with pushing the CREATE BLOG button on Althouse's Blog. This was the first post:

"In the book, The Great Game by Peter Hopkirk he describes the history of the British and Russian Empires during the 19th and early 20th Century (Pre-October Revolution). The British Empire during that time faced their own Waterloo at the Khyber Pass. Your journeyman for this blog is experiencing a transition, not unlike the British in 1919. I am between many things, covered only by the shadows of the San Fernando Mountains; I am between jobs (and looking for a new career), between beliefs (a Jew who enjoys going to Bel Air Presbyterian Church) and worried about my own purpose in life. Through this blog, I hope to find my way, out of the pass and out of the Valley of the Shadow."

So much has changed and so much remains the same. I am now even more firm in my beliefs as a Jew. I still believe in Wilsonianism and even stronger in my defense of Conservatives and Republicans.

The Valley has grown through many iterations:

1st Iteration: Speaking into the wind and marking many deaths;

2nd Iteration: Small Conversation between Malcot, Chessnovice and I;

3rd Iteration: Defending my words and having the Valley turn into a meeting place between Jason, Aurora, Malcot, Chessnovice and I. Yes, I miss those days sometimes;

4th Iteration: Discussing the 08 Primaries with Jason;

5th Iteration: The return and the beginning of the Beltway links (Thank you Dan Riehl!);

6th and current Iteration: I, as the only Conservative Jewish Goth Blogger TM and my words affecting the Beltway, either on the Hill or hitting the target (Sullivan and Friedersdorf). Linked by great Bloggers from the East, Midwest and West Coast and using the Valley as a clearinghouse for the Southland Fundraiser. I enjoy this version too.

I have grown as a person and a Blogger. Through the Valley, I have met many great people: Jason Buckley, Aurora, Malcot, Chessnovice, Donald Douglas, Ann Althouse, Smitty, Dan Riehl(who is on fire tonight), Aaron Proctor, the lovely, talented and inspiring Pamela Geller, Gary Aminoff and Gonzo Journalist Robert Stacy McCain.

Because of the Valley, I will be meeting Mr. Schumsky, chief of staff to the Chairman of the California Republican Party this week to discuss the Southland Fundraiser/Great Right Wing Hollywood Blogger Meet Up, my role in it and at the Magnolia Office.

Personally, I enjoy writing policy posts; But during election years, playing politics is prolific in the Valley. Outside of the Blogosphere, I would love to work in Politics and Policy full time (I am arranging a "Moneybomb" for a candidate out here, more details later), especially on Capitol Hill, Lobbying or a Think tank.

My question: Which posts and iterations did you enjoy reading? What do you hope to see here?

So, to harken back to those early days of the Valley, here is a song from 2006, "Dani California," by the Red Hot Chili Peppers: