It's been a few hours beyond 365 days since I last hosted Call for Help on TechTV. That streak is about to be broken. I've been invited to “fill in the blank” for a couple of non-live shows on Monday; these recordings will air on Wednesday and Thursday. My schedule was clear, my mind was ready, and my heart is willing. There has been much speculation as to what happened to me – even though most Gnomies know that I've been here all along, long before the first ZDTV broadcast. I don't know if I'll be asked to help them again in the future, but I'll welcome this opportunity (and any others) with open arms. Take it for what it is: another chance to say 'hello' to millions of old friends. No doubt, this bit of news will shock a few faithful viewers, but I'm doing what I can do to ensure that the show (proverbially) goes on until Leo can return. I promise to cut my coffee consumption in half that morning, just to be on the safe side. Not nervous, just very excited – overjoyed, actually. If you can tune in, please do. If you can send feedback, it's most welcome.

I'll probably photoblog my fingers off, since I won't be staying in SF for much longer than a day. I hate saying this because it sounds incredibly trite, but this is a dream come true. Yes, I've had nocturnal visions about returning to the set I once called 'home base.' Just for grins, I'll be active in the official CFH chat room when the episodes are first run – a luxury one host can afford when everything's produced to tape. Perhaps we'll be able to break a few records before all is said and done? They don't really make LPs anymore. I wonder if busting a cassette tape is just as good? Regardless, a fun time is set to be had by all involved. From director to production assistant, it takes a lot of hands to make one hour come off without a hitch. To some, I'll be a new face. To others, old hat. To everybody else, the same little guy who fell off a 14' camper when he was in the seventh grade. True story, and I've got the slightly-curved spine to prove it. I'd tell you more about that, but… I've got an overnight bag to pack. FYI, I'll be on David's show to talk about this whole thing in a few hours.