Well, hello there, stranger. It's been some time.

No, it's not you. You've been great. It's me. You've been trying to chat, and I've been quiet here.

You've been visiting plenty. Thanks. I like to think we've made it worth your time.

We've been doing a lot with the place, as I'm sure you've noticed. The Daily Collegian is now video-savvy, and improving every day. It helps that the football team has been giving us plenty to chat about.

We've added a few new blogs, too. Check out our Icers blog, Between the Pipes, our politics blog and our food blog.

Keep an eye on our Venues Web site, which we'll be bulking up throughout the semester. Our movies page now includes trailers for all the upcoming shows. (Personally, I can't wait for Choke.) Think the ever-popular Sexy Meter is gone? Think again.

Our increased focus on the Web isn't taking away from our roots, though. Our reporters have been working tirelessly to produce the best content possible for the paper.

Heading to Purdue for the second Big Ten game? Check out Ben Skalina's piece on away-game travel. Did you hear that Penn State students might have to spend a little more to pay for PSU's electricity? Check out Aubrey Whelan's story. And don't miss Paul Nordeman's column, which explains why Philadelphia is superior, statistically, to its western neighbor.

This has been a whisper of a conversation for too long. Check back here often for my picks in the paper and online. See something you like? See something you hate? Let me know. I'd be happy to post some of your thoughts on here, and respond to your questions.

Welcome to the conversation.