The blog upgrade – platform move is about to get underway today, as we transition from the ever-deteriorating Movable Type over to WordPress. The goal is to keep the blog as close to the original in design and layout as is possible, but with improved commenting and publishing function.

It may go well, it may go… badly. In all likelihood the old content of SDA will be archived, and we’ll start anew with a clean database. But, I don’t know. At any rate, cross your fingers all goes well. If the blog goes dark, it’s because we’re working on it. If it’s unreachable for a few days, it’s because we broke something. If that happens, I’ll keep you all updated through my twitter account

Thanks to everyone who’s contributed their time and donations towards SDA over the past few months — your support is appreciated, and it’s long past time we provided you a site with cleaner functionality.

Wish us luck, because we’re going to need it.

Commenters have likely noticed a message that Captcha is being discontinued at the end of March. No new version is available, so this may interrupt normal service for a time while we come up with a solution.
As best as we can determine, that solution involves a transition to a new platform, along with archiving the old content. (The database has ballooned to 26,170 entries along with 784,454 comments.)
Which is a good thing. We’ve limped along on Movable Type for much longer than we thought we could, but it’s becoming suckier with every passing year. But I’ll update when I have more information, likely in a week or two.

Euan Mearns and Roger Andrews do some of the most important work in the blogosphere today, and are a valued contributor to SDA — go hit the tip jar if you have a few bucks to spare. (I’m a couple of days late to the fundraising party, but I’m sure they won’t mind.)
Speaking of blogs, there’s a newcomer to check out — Torches and Pitchforks

Two batches and transfer another. Call me if the Norks launch.
Update:
20 minutes left in the boil of the Bitter, flavour hop addition added.
70 minutes left in the mash of the Porter.
Update:
Bitter is in the primary carboy
Almost done sparging the Porter.
Update:
And done. 11 hours. Not bad.

Family.
See ya all on Tuesday.

Just to be clear. When I delete your comments from polluting a thread, that isn’t me being a janitor. That’s me telling you to stop it.
At that point you have two options. The first, correct, and acceptable response is, “Ah. Okay. Time to go for a walk.”

SDA is hosted by Hosting Matters out of Jacksonville, FL.
I note that the mayor has now ordered an evacuation of vulnerable areas.
I am completely unfamiliar with the area, so I can’t say if SDA will be affected, but in the event SDA goes down in the next while, there’s probably a really good reason.

Two greenhouses cleared out. Fan installed. Nine trays of annuals planted, 650 kms. One Rider game. Copious amounts of beer.
Apologies for the lack of content, I had life to do, Kate is in Texas and everyone else is enjoying their own long weekends.
We’ll try and do better for Ms. Jane next week, but I should remind her that if she feels the service levels here at SDA are not up to the standards expected for the price, there is a alternative solution.

Work commitments tonight and tomorrow so posting will be light from me. Fill up and enjoy the Reader Tips thread that’ll be popping up at turn o’clock.
If you’re interested in Kate’s progress: she got Select on Friday with Raylen, Award of Merit on Saturday and then won the AMSC National in the Great Western Terrier Specialities on Sunday. She took that win into the group and got Group Second. A very good day for Raylen.
She is also handling an Australian Terrier and he won the breed on Sunday.
A good California trip. She’s on the road now to the next destination.

We’re spending most of the weekend with family, and so blogging will be slow. Push back from the computer and go enjoy it. The lousy politicians will still be here when we get back.
Well, maybe not Theresa May.

Fixed the missing closing script tag that was mucking up the site.
It’s going to be a slow weekend. I have work commitments through Monday, Kate is away. We’ll try and keep stuff up, but don’t rely on it. Fill up the Reader Tips!
Have a great weekend.

For all intents and purposes, it’s spring here.
Yard work, brewing beer, smoking meat.
Go outside, I am. Expect posting like yesterday.

I got in from New York City late last night and still have some work to do before I can pick up blogging for the day. Sorry for the down time!

Another big “Thank You” is owed those of you who’ve contributed to SDA through your donations throughout the year and especially in the run-up to Christmas, when expenses rise and works slows. I’d also ask that you check out our advertisers on the sidebar — if you need a book for Christmas or a little investment advice, check them out! These folks aren’t just random advertisers, they’re nearly always loyal members of the SDA Nation. Please support them if you can.

An early icon of the blogosphere, Steven DenBeste has passed away.
for those who arrived here later in the game, here’s a taste.

More canning today so don’t expect many posts.