I have installed the MT-Blacklist plugin today; here's hoping it eliminates the comment spam problem. It isn't nearly as bad for me as it has been for some folks, but still annoying enough to be worth corrective measures.

The plugin apparently works by blocking comments that include links that are likely to be spam. So for the record, please avoid links to cheap pharmaceuticals and Viagra in your comments on this site or the car diary, as they will be blocked. Thank you!