As the incoming editor, I’m so happy to be part of this site. Back when I was working on paperbound guides, I got to cover lots of interesting places and work with good people. But until Gridskipper arrived, the world of sexy stewardesses, extra-disgusting food, and a multitude of other important topics was relatively unknown to me. Way back in late 2004, when the site was still being planned, I can remember talking with one of its creators about just what he wanted the site to be. The explanation/scenario involved fancy hotels, drugs, alleys, and a couple other things. Was a reckless stripper or monkey involved too? To be honest, the relation between all these things was a little unclear to me then and it’s even hazier now, but it’s fair to say the site has given us all these items — and more, much more! — their due. And aren’t we all richer in spirit and poorer in pocket because of it?

I still look to Gridskipper to give me some sense of what’s going on outside, up in that overdone London hotel or down that bleak art-filled Berlin alley or in the backroom of that D.C. bar (if only!), and I know that you do too. Thank to my illustrious predecessor Chris Mohney for keeping the site so entertaining and useful, and to guest editor Katherine Spiers and Hunter Walker and Alisa Gould-Simon for keeping things going and preventing any dangerous accidents this week. On with the show.