
It is with a heavy heart that I announce the closing of yet another Bay Ridge blog – this time, it’s my own. As Roy Hawkins first proclaimed in some recording studio out in California in 1951, “The Thrill is Gone”. I am committing internet harakiri; self-immolation, falling onto my own sword, throwing in the towel, dying with my boots on, doing the unstuck. Alright, so the last one is just the title of a song by The Cure, but it sounded like it fit in with the rest.
I never fully realized the vision I had for this enterprise when I started it last winter. I had originally planned to bring you more interesting and regular features, but the reality of my laziness set in and ultimately those plans were scrapped. It is nice to dream though, isn’t it?
The vision included the eventual formation of my own media empire, complete with my own
Cry not for me, Bay Ridgites - I stand before you today as a proud man. I'm proud to have accomplished a secondary goal of mine, which is what the blog ultimately became – a place to leave my snarkiness as a thing of public record. So in that regard, I was successful. Top o’ the world, Ma.
Instead of mourning my passing, remember me for what I was - a warm, glowing beacon in the foggy, murky ocean that is the internet. I fought for your rights, and I made you laugh. I poked fun at things that deserved it, and some that didn't. I introduced you to new music, and brought back memories of some music you'd forgotten. Most of all, I spoke highly of myself, and almost believed it, too.
Anyway, before moving on to bigger and better things; to greener pastures; to the great gig in the sky; and before I leave you in the capable hands The Phantom, Lefty, the Journal, and whomever else I am forgetting, I will leave you with an old Irish blessing (which I just made up):
May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back.
May your days be filled with merry,
And may you all have loads of craic.
And may your cereal ne’er be soggy (or boggy, for that matter).
Bhi craic agus ceol againn.
Peace and chicken grease,
WIBR





