I don't want to make this long or sentimental. Given the previous announcement, the quiz, today's video and now this, I can see how one who isn't particularly moved by my departure could conclude that I'm milking this a little. But I still think a proper farewell is called for, as I have a few things to say and people to thank.

First of all, I am very excited about the new gig. Those of you who aren't from America may not be able to see it this way, but when you grow up in the America I grew up in, studying American journalism and dreaming of being one of those people whom everyone reads, there are basically five lodestars: The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Time and Newsweek. They're still the biggest brands in US print news. And that makes "columnist for Newsweek" a well-nigh impossible position to turn down. Besides which, The Daily Beast is a pretty tasty morsel in its own right, I have always thought as a reader. And an opportunity to work for Tina Brown is a chance to work for one of the great editors of our time.