dim sum diaries

Sad news. The Edmonton Journal Life editor has opted to end my regular columns. I've been with the paper for 3 happy years, and I had a blast writing the columns, but I always knew that the ride would end at some point. I had an inkling I was going to lose the gig when I saw the Life section chopped down from its own standalone section into an add-on at the back of the Friday City section. The reality is that internet media has wiped out the relevance of today's print newspapers, and forced media chains to find places to save money. I love the internet and I hate the internet for the exact same reasons. Sigh.

Anyway, I have one column coming out this Friday, and another one coming out October 24. Then there's one more in November. After that, I'm done.

The editor kept the door ajar and invited me to pitch ideas that were either seasonal or something that might be relevant to readers. But the truth is I can't expect to be in the paper every couple of weeks any more because of the budget.

Part of me is sad to end the ride, but the truth is I started the column because I was just trying to drum up publicity for the launch of one of my books. I had only expected to write one column and be done with it. The fact that I was able to stretch the series into three years was just a bonus.

So, keep your eyes out for the last set of the regular columns. If I find funny things to say about the world, I might make a cameo in the paper in 2009, but no promises. To all the readers who enjoyed my columns over the last three years, thanks! It's been fun. Bon Voyage!