James, Arizona Wants You!.

James Lileks reports in today's Bleat that the management of the Star Tribune has decided that his talents are best used not in writing a daily or even weekly humor column, but instead in covering "straight local news stories." The news has draw a lot of blog attention.

Now, granted, James has himself strongly recommended that local newspapers do local coverage. Local, local, local. Section "A" should be local, and section "B" should be national and international, he has said. That does not mean that James' talents are best utilized as a beat reporter. You wouldn't expect the Miami Herald to put Dave Barry on assignment doing "straight local news stories," would you?

James recently dropped his longstanding contract with Newhouse News Services because of the speed of today's world. A piece that he wrote a week ago might no longer be relevant by the time Newhouse placed it. I have no doubt, however, that he will be receiving offers from other outlets for his services.

Which brings me to Arizona. On more than one occasion, James has made noises about moving to Arizona - the Prescott vicinity if I recall correctly. Apparently his wife's family lives in the area.

C'mon down, James. We'd love to have you as a neighbor.

Dan of Jackalope Pursuivant concurs - with a link to a pertinent Lileks piece, and another link to another Arizona blogger who wants to make the invite official. Suggestion: Don't forget to mention Jasper in that invite!