Leave it to the Wonder Chicken to put his gouda where his mouth is: not only does he compare unfettered life away from the wife to “gnawing on a block of cheese the size of a car battery,” but he offers photographic evidence to back up his claim.

More on the Iraqi death count from Greg Mitchell: “The AP report by Malcolm Ritter called the study ‘controversial’ right in its first sentence, then went on to cite Cordesman as the only critic. Ritter also noted that the invaluable Web site, Iraq Body Count, which has tried to keep a running tally, places the number of dead at 50,000. At least he admitted that base their count strictly on confirmed media reports. But, as I said at the top, media reports have been scattered, partly due to disinterest (in the beginning) and the dangers of investigating (later on).”

Web 2.0. Cinema 2.0. The Novel 2.0.

Since so many people are interested in things that are “2.0,” I have decided to take the plunge and declare Return of the Reluctant, a “litblog 2.0 in tenebrous standing.”

What does 2.0 mean? Ostensibly nothing, outside of a second grade arithmetic lesson on decimals. But every concept needs a buzz marketing term. And I’m looking for any edge I can get. No matter how dubious.

So why should litblogs be any different? This is an exciting time where people must stand atop a numerical dais of self-importance.

So I’ve laid down the gauntlet. This is a Litblog 2.0.

If I’ve learned anything from watching the blade wars in disposable razors, it’s this: If another litblog goes “Litblog 2.1,” then I’ll go “Litblog 2.2” or even “Litblog 3.0” if I have to. We’ll keep on upping the ante until we get into ridiculous four-digit territory (Litblog 1526.0? If that’s what it takes, baby.).

Of course, like a childhood game, I expect this all to dissolve once one litblogger declares, “Infinity!”

But for the moment, I am Litblog 2.0. It doesn’t mean anything to anyone outside of Chris Anderson. But that’s the way the cookie crumbles, vernacular-wise.

10/11/06 is 9/11/01 upside down! Contact the Department of Homeland Security! Head to the hills!

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