Jason DeRusha, how does it feel to be a poster boy for the Minneapolis Nerd Herd?

And of course, calling a group of people "Nerd Herd" is one of the best compliments I can give myself and other people like me.

Seriously, Jason.

You're everywhere. Everywhere cool, that is.

I still remember the first time I met you online. I don't watch the news much, so therefore, I had no clue who you were. But the moment was magic...I said something, you said something, and then I asked you to be my Flava-Flav. Not in a creepy "I don't care if you have a wife and a kid" way but in an "Aww. You're neat." way. And you're still my favorite commentor on there.

Now, posting and commenting on MNspeak.com...that's one thing. And you have your own blog, which is cool and fun. But seriously...have you realized how you've become a sort of icon for the late twentysomething/early-thirtysomething "thinker" crowd of Minneapolis? People love you. They post banners of you on their blogs and websites. They talk about you when you're not around.

Now, me...like I said, I don't really watch the news all that much. Not because I don't want to be informed, but because I'm usually busy working or studying or hanging out or drinking when the news is on. I do admit, though...I have tuned into the news a little bit more now that I know about a certain journalist; a certain journalist who covers stories that are important to me, like how much time at work I can waste on the internet without getting fired, or why coffee breaks make me more productive and smart, and who's funny, witty, smart, and interesting, unlike those douchebags at Fox News.

So here's to you, Jason. You're super ultra-cool. I'm not the only one who realizes it. I hope that all of us don't get all possessive "He was MY favorite reporter before he was YOURS!" on you when you blow up big-time on the national news circuit (only a matter of time, esp. now since I'm talking about you on here).