Attenzione, si prega...
I am retiring the blog.
Today.
I have now written over 3,000 posts and been visited - if ever briefly - by over 135,000 people.
It's been fun, but it's time to move on.
I am 66 and I don't feel old, but I do feel different. Some sea change has occurred.
I read the paper and barely react to most stories. Afghanistan, Israel, Gordon Campbell, Carole James, the RCMP "managing" information, Iggy Pop...yawn.
The blog takes up one to two hours of my energy every morning.
I've decided that I need that energy for my work and for other things I am writing.
I have now written two drafts of a book about my years in the drug rehabilitation business. Good, as far as it goes, but I need a third draft.
I'm blessed.
A month after heart surgery, I'm playing tennis, swimming, riding my bike and walking. I have a lovely home, great friends and two wonderful grown children.
Baruch Hashem.
You folks who have been reading the blog and writing in have been wonderful. Your comments have been exactly what they should - funny, incisive, argumentative, spirited.
Time for some of you to entertain and inform us with your own blogs.
May we keep our eyes on the prize - good health, companionship, love, community, the spirit.
Books, movies, art, sport, gardening.
"Do unto others" will not be going out of fashion.
Sayonara, auf vederzein, shalom, ciao, baby, ciao, kum sumnida, taijian, au resevoir...
Thanks for listening, and goodnight.
39 comments:
David,
Don't say goodnight, the show has yet to begin....
Say you will be a guest writer on my blog.
Or a mystery writer.
Thanks David. I will miss your insightful commentary on so many things but understand your need to move on as well.
Via Con Dios Amigo
Say it ain't so!
You will be missed. Another victory for the Asper press and the dark forced of evil.
Take care!
David,
I know you're a Brett Favre fan, so I'll hold out hope that your retirement is short-lived and merely the first of several. Perhaps if we could get some NFL money put up, we could encourage you to suit up as early as this coming season, yeah?
Your thoughts and insight are needed. Those around you, beyond cyberspace, are the lucky ones.
All the best always, in all ways...
Bentley
David,
I am looking forward to reading about your experiences in the addiction rehab world. I expect that you have much to offer and I hope that those in positions of power will pay heed to your insights.
I'm sure I wouldn't have got involved in the blogging life if it hadn't been for your spirited commentary on world and local events.
Stay healthy. You have been blessed with many talents.
Dave C.
Thanks David for this blog and for the hours of entertainment and thoughtful reflection that you stimulated by your communication works through the years.
Your broad range of interests, mixed with a degree of unpredictability, made this blog worth reading. It stimulated me to begin my own contribution to the blog world, not necessarily to influence others but to organize my own thoughts about things that matter in the world around us.
Have you considered slowing the blogging pace rather than terminating? Instead of 15 or 20 pieces a week, maybe just one? It could be a compendium of your joys and rages but mostly a reminder that life is to be enjoyed and respected and we shouldn't keep repeating the failures of the past.
Zay gezunt.
David:
Yours is the one blog I read religiously just for the purpose of getting my gander - which needs to be gotten on a regular basis.
Don't go too far, keep up with the Langara Dialogues, if you can, and good luck with the book.
David... Haven't always agreed with you but I sure enjoyed reading what you thought....you will be missed.
Now go and enjoy life!
thank you
Gerald
Best wishes to you. I'll miss my daily dose of Berner. You always seemed to pick the right nail to hit on the head each day.
What can one say? I'll miss you but I understand.
Take good care - be well - thank you.
June
I'll miss reading your blog but certainly understand your reasons for wanting to move on.
Good night and good luck.
*sigh* To everything there is a season...
We'll all miss your lively wit, your provocative without being obnoxious style (how do you do that?)... ribbing you, all of it. As I've stated before - a day without a little Berner is like a day without ...
Looking forward to your book. All the best, Sir David.
First we lose you from the radio waves, now this. OK, I get it and I too understand, but couldn't you at least give us a farewell tour -- cold turkey is damn difficult.
All the best David, keep living the good life.
Mo.
I missed you when you left radio and then I found you on line. Now I will miss you again. It was a slice. You were the best.
Frank H.
David,
As regards your blog....I hope it's "so long for now" not good-bye forever. Maybe the suggestion of one post per week might be appropriate, however it's your health and state of mind that is most important and only you know what's best. I'll see you soon and most importantly, stay being David Berner.
I sensed a change, we all need to move on.
Best wishes and a long life. Ciao Keith
David,
You'll be back!
Jonathan
Now what the hell am I supposed to do with my life now I don't have your blog!
Thanks for making it fun while it lasted!
Martino
David:
I used to listen to your late-night radio show with 'NW several years ago, and continued listening when you moved to evenings and then weekends. I was extremely disappointed by 'NW's decision to cut your weekend show. When I found this blog I was delighted, and I've read it almost daily since then.
I do understand that when the "fire" is no longer there then it's time to pack it in. I am, however, saddened by this news. You have, in some way, been a part of my life for well over a decade.
I wish you well. Peace be with you.
Craig Y.
OK Dave, Fuck you. I used to work with you in the 70's, which I always enjoyed. (Remember the Rocky Mountain Rally shoot?)
Now that I am in England, you have been my eyes and ears on BC, and you are leaving me in the lurch? Fuck you Dave.
I am a might PO'd, and I will remember this affront.
All the best buddy, and keep questioning. One day I'll come and whoop your ass at tennis.
Take care and Thank You for everything...
Tony
Be gentle on yourself David, and thanks a million!
David
Have enjoyed(been annoyed) agreed(and disagreed) with your blog.
I hope you enjoy your next phase of life.
Life is short and is meant to be treasured.
David, I will need someone to help me off of your blog. I am an addict. Ill need 12 or more steps to get over this. To tell you the truth I havent gotten over your departure from NW.
Razor blades how often to change?
Our pet Julliet
One of your first shows an interview with a Kennedy buff from the valley
Meaghan, your law school groupie.
Kick butt
First time callers alleliuia and you caving in to the RC
Your views on kits point
The NFL
Your singing/acting
If only there were people out there that could entertain and inform as you do I would not be so selfish as to hope that you change your mind
Doug from Coquitlam
David, I am losing you now for the second time (the first being from the airwaves) and I feel just as lost. Still, I appreciate that you have to do what's best for you. I wish you good health and time to pursue whatever gives you the greatest pleasure.
Ron H
Say it so!
How will I form my own opinions.
Will you still join me for brunch and order for me?
Ciao Davide
Dan
David! I am so sad , because I will miss the daily wit and keen observations about the life in this metropolis and the crazies who lead us. But I'm happy for you that you have so many terrific projects to come. Stay well, and we'll see you at the pool!
Judy
David,
Good luck with the next chapter of your life. I was an avid fan of yours when you had your show on CKNW and was delighted to stumble upon your blog a couple of years ago. I look forward to reading your book!
Regards,
Glen
Take care, David.
Thank you for providing great food for thought on a daily basis. All the best to you in your future endeavours.
Jason
All the best David! Thanks.
You will be missed, David. Thank you for being you. And for being who you are.
Best in all you do,your health, life and loves.
Wind at your back my friend.
Take care of yourself.
David,
This is not the end, but a new beginning, so I raise my tea cup to you my friend, and I will look for your book on the BEST SELLERS LIST..
We love you and we will all miss you.
Thank you for all the great insight and inspiration over the past few years, David. Though we haven't always agreed, it has always been a pleasure to interact with you.
If you ever have any computer questions, you know who to call!
Robert
I *know* you are not doing the blog any longer....so, why do I drop in each day? Just in case I suppose. Sure miss your news,views,music and all.... but hope you are well, content, happy, peaceful - and enjoying life.
June
Please take the time to get the help that you need. All the best and hope you overcome the issues that plaque you.
Hi David,
I know you're no longer blogging, however, I thought this panel discussion might be of interest.
Mo.
__________________________________
Please be reminded that next Wednesday, May 20 is the Health of the Homeless Panel
Discussion. The discussion is taking place at St. Paul's Hospital - New
Lecture Theatre from 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.
Mayor Gregor Robertson and Councillor Kerry Jang will both take part in this discussion.
Members of the Panel are:
• Mayor Gregor Robertson
• Councillor Kerry Jang,
• David Byres
Dr. Trevor Young
• Dr. Michael Krausz and others.
The panel will involve a few presentations providing an overview of homelessness in Vancouver and health related issues. The panel discussion
will then focus on necessary initiatives and how to overcome obstacles.
Please note that registration is not necessary for this Panel Discussion, as it is free and open to the public.
Please forward this email along to anyone who would be interested in attending.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. Otherwise we look very forward to the event and seeing you.
Kind regards,
Kirsten
Kirsten Marchand
Research Assistant to Dr. Michael Krausz
Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences (CHÉOS)
1081 Burrard St., St. Paul's Hospital
Vancouver, BC
Tel: 604-682-2344, ext 62942 Fax: 604-806-8210
Email: kmarchand@mail.cheos.ubc.ca
WHAT!
So I leave town and this happens!
אױ װײ'ז מיר
(Oy vey iz mir)
Darn, I always found your articles fun to read.
Oh well, enjoy your retirement.
Hope you do post updates once in a while.
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