Right then here we are again. It’s that spell now between Christmas and the New Year where you get all wheels spinning and decide what might be different in the New Year. I’m genuinely excited about the arrival of 2010 as I’ve got a fundamental hope that I’m capable of learning new and better ways to do things.  I’ve also gone back to taking supplements and fish oil and reduced my caffeine intake by about 75% and tried to get on a better schedule. Anyway, whatever works for you…..do it!! After all of which I figured why wait for January 1st to do what I know needed to be done. I also know I need to communicate better so that’s a goal…for the blog…and overall.

So….bringing this back to The Clash Blog, I started this up just over six months ago with a rough idea of what I hoped the blog might become. Its taken me that long to realise that I can’t do everything as often as I’d like to so I’m going to spend some time between now and the New Year making some pencil plans for the blog so it can accomplish more and be a better resource for Clash fans and still give me a chance to chirp on about music, politics, culture, getting older and whatever comes into my noggin. Its been a great ride so far and the most inspiring part has been the willingness of others to share ideas, contribute and try and spread the word. The viral nature of the internet is something else to watch take place, that coupled with the fact that people from almost every country on the planet have visited the blog makes it all worthwhile. I had a feeling that The Clash community (is that trite?) would support something that was current, varied and interactive. Its the interactive piece I want to work on in 2010, so if you want to submit your own story, review, column or opinion piece so we can get more Clash news and ideas out there all the better. I want to add features to the blog that are good and eliminate what doesn’t work. I’ll use polls in January or February to try and establish that a bit further.

I also want to thank those who’ve offered so much support and time in spreading the word about the blog. Special thanks go out to Pete, Shannon, everyone at Strummerville, Angela, Strummernews, Catherine, Joannie, Alan Miles, Carbon Silicon, David, Jessica,Charlie, Mark, Gail (I’m sure I’ve missed a few) plus the numerous excellent music/culture blogs that are so free with positive encouragement and suggestions. Amazingly we’ll have had our 100,000th visit in the middle of January – which makes my head spin.

Right, thanks for reading this far!! I also wanted to make sure that everyone in or near Boston gets along to the Middle East in Cambridge, MA for a special Clash event. Boston band Destroy Babylon will be playing every track from London Calling to honour the 30th anniversary of the albums release. Details are here – but essentially 8pm Jan 1st, tickets $12 on the night or $10 in advance. Get along!!

I’m also keen to hear from anyone who attended any of the Joe Strummer events in Chicago, Glasgow, Bologna to name just a few. I’ve got to be better prepared next December!! I’ve got some photos from the Phoenix event to post very soon (thanks Brandon).

Tim