1. Here's a long-over due "thank you" to those people who have commented to me how much they like the improved look of the magazine. At concerts and through letters sent to me, people have been kind in their words. But all the credit goes to the production staff at Singing News: Dawne Shew, Allyson Lyons and Scott Clontz. (You really didn't think Jerry Kirksey and I could do that, did you?) These three are charged with the task of taking everything and making it presentable.

The biggest comment I'm hearing today is "It's so much easier to read." I'll admit that that comment comes mainly from our older readers, but if the enhancements that have been made make them happy, then roll on!

2. I'm still having quite a few people who will e-mail me, I'll send a response, and then I'll get another e-mail that tells me that my response was undeliverable. Then often I'll get another e-mail from that person, just wearing me out because I didn't respond. Long story short, make sure your e-mail address is correct or your filters will allow incoming mail with a singingnews.com address attached.

3. Fan Awards. Many of you have written to say how much you appreciate this year's inclusion of some awards that were previously dropped. Well, you spoke, we listened. Now do your part and vote for your favorites and get your ballots in on time. We hope to see a record number of ballots turned in this year.

4. NQC & Fan Awards. Some people are still concerned why the announcement of the Fan Awards moving to Saturday night was not made prior to their purchase of '08 tickets during the '07 NQC. The answer is very simple: there was nothing to talk about during '07 NQC. The move was not discussed until after the event. But as soon as plans were made, press releases were issued quickly, trying to give as much time as possible for everyone to make or change their plans. (I think this was somewhat addressed in "Your Views," either in the January or February issue of the magazine.) We realized that the change might disrupt some plans, so that's why we announced it just as soon as we knew everything was confirmed. Hopefully, this clears up any confusion that might exist.

5. The Conversation feature of Singing News. I'll admit this is one my favorite features of the magazine (and no, it's not because I'm the one who generally writes it). This is where you really get to know an artist, away from the stage. Recent conversations with Janet Paschal, Debbie Bennett, Kyla Rowland and others have really shown the "person" more-so than the "celebrity" (for lack of better word). It brings maturity to the magazine and allows us deal with true-life issues. There are more good ones on the way, so keep watching. (By the way, if you've got an idea for a Conversation feature, feel free to e-mail me.)

6. The Chip off the ol' Block. Thanks to those of you have said it was good to see my son, Greg, introducing "Minor Details" in the March issue. Many of you know that Gregory's spent his entire life in Southern Gospel music, so, yes, it does make me feel old when you come up to the Singing News table and say, "I remember him when he was still in a stroller." Nonetheless it does thrill me to see him take a genuine interest. He's a junior in high school and like so many other teens he's working on getting a grip on what he wants to do with his life. He's trying to make a college (University of Georgia, son) decision (University of Georgia, son) and while I'm thrilled that he is getting a lot of attention from many schools (including the University of Georgia, son) I do have my pick (University of Georgia, son). But I'll let him make his own decision (University of Georgia, son).

I think that covers it all for now. In the meantime, as always, thanks for reading Danny's Diary, Singing News and singingnews.com.

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A little post script: Today, February 22, marks the second anniversary of the passing of pianist Anthony Burger. Also, today would have been the 78th birthday of George Younce. May they safely forever rest in His arms.