Hey Steem Friends, How's the Water?

After much need slate wipe al la this guy :

I am moving back into writing daily, and I'd like to return to Steem as my chosen medium.

Just wanted a pulse check from the boots on the ground....

Have the flag wars died down or is this as heated as ever?
Also is there anything new and awesome that I should be aware of (the last new and awesome thing I remember was Hive account@dustsweeper , so it's been a few months)?

And lastly just a "Hello" and here's to getting those mental juices flowing :)