The New York Times has kicked Bill Keller upstairs to be its new executive editor. At least, that's what it says in The Times, but you know, sometimes they make things up -- ha ha ha!

Good for The Times, but maybe not so good for us readers. I for one have been an admirer of Keller's writing ever since the days he was covering the former Soviet Union. More recently, his op-ed columns and longer pieces have spoken to me on several occasions.

Whether you loved or hated his politics, the guy can think and write up a storm.

Little known fact: Keller was a reporter for The Oregonian from 1970 until 1979.