We're experiencing a problem with our comment filter program--apparently, it's blocking innocuous comments about mandatory minimum sentences and guidelines, to name a few topics. We should have it fixed soon, we apologize for the inconvenience.

Update: Fixed now. Somehow the filter blocked all comments with the letter "n." Let us know if you still have problems.

It's our second Blogiversary. We began daily blogging at TalkLeft on June 15, 2002. According to SiteMeter, since then we've had 2,700,000 visitors and 4,500,000 page views. We've written more than 6,800 entries which have generated more than 63,000 comments. We're currently averaging more than 8,000 unique visitors daily.

Thanks to all of you readers for making us feel like you care what we have to say.

Another big thanks is due TChris, who has been contributing posts on TalkLeft for the past several months. And our advertisers. And Markos of Daily Kos who re-designed TalkLeft in its current form. And Eric Alterman, Instapundit, Atrios and VodkaPundit for linking to us early on. And Skippy, who mentions us far more often than we deserve.

We're just beginning to hit our stride, so please, stick around.

We've increased our contributions options on the left side of TalkLeft. We've reinstated our Amazon "Wish List." We're really hoping to be able to get a MAC notebook and big screen monitor to be used for blogging. Too many people tell us that for graphics and ease of use, Apple is the way to go. So if you really like TalkLeft, and MACS, and would like to see us switch, feel free to buy us one. Otherwise, we're still in need of a flat screen lcd monitior for our Windows' computers. There's one of those on the wish list as well. And a couple of books we'd like to read. No need to buy us anything, only if you want to.

Then, if you do, go here. You can even buy us something we didn't ask for. TL appreciates all gifts.

Sean Paul's The Agonist is the latest weblog to move to scoop. Fix your bookmarks, so you won't miss a day.

Wonkette rules DC....the LA Times has the latest profile on the D.C. blogger who's hotter than hot. We read her every day and you should too.

Netlaw Tools, an internet service providing tools and tips for lawyers, has named TalkLeft as the MVP site of the month for May. A big thanks to Netlaw Tools blogger Jerry Lawson for selecting it.

TalkLeft is the Netlawtools MVP Site for May. Developed by Denver-based criminal defense attorney Jeralyn Merritt, TalkLeft is intended for the public, journalists covering crime-based news and politics, policy makers and the criminal defense community. It is an exceptional example of how one person can use the Internet to make a difference. Other features of the site are the unique newsfeed, updated several times a day with crime-related news and commentary, and the comprehensive list of links to major progressive political and media sites. The Netlawtools site has an archive of previous MVP picks.

We're very honored.

Say hello to MoveLeft Media, a new blog by Eric Jaffa. We especially like the photos and other graphics. The articles are good too, check out this one reporting that the simulated acts at Abu Ghraib weren't just simulated, some were real and forced.

Also say hello to War and Piece, by journalist Laura Rozen who reports on national security and foreign policy issues.

Daily Kos has initiated a new project, the DKospedia.

....a collaborative project of the DailyKos community to build a political encyclopedia. The dKosopedia effort was started in April of 2004 and currently consists of 616 articles. Please see our Policies before contributing. Articles are written from a left/progressive/liberal/Democratic point of view while also fairly acknowledging other sides' take.

Readers are invited to contribute original material.

Say hello to BrownWatch--news for people of color.

The 8th Edition of the Rocky Mountain Blogger Roundup is now available at Freedom Sight. Lots of good entries. And, last reminder, the third annual Rocky Mountain Blogger Bash is Friday night at the Denver Press Club. Details here.

The New York Times has a feature Thursday on bloggers who can't stop blogging. Ezra at Pandagon responds. We're torn: Should we show the world we're not addicted by not blogging for 24 hours? Or should we say, who gives a damn, this is what we do in our spare time because it's fun, it gets our message across and it keeps us aware, connected and on top of world events? Easy answer.....see you all first thing in the morning.

Blogger Oliver Willis has started his new paying gig at Media Matters. Here's his first post on the torture scandal.

In other Media Matters news today, check out their press release (pdf) charging that Rush Limbaugh is endangering our troops:

Media Matters for America has sent a letter to Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld asking that he consider removing Rush Limbaugh’s radio show from the taxpayer-funded American Forces radio network. MMFA has also created a petition you can sign, urging Secretary Rumsfeld to remove Limbaugh’s show from the network.

And don't forget to get a copy of Media Matter's chief David Brock's new book:

The Republican Noise Machine :
Right-Wing Media and How It Corrupts Democracy