We knew that the London Times was coming to invade the United States, but we were less aware of the Guardian's plans to expand oversees. Yet, now that we know the Brit paper is coming, we guess we should announce its new editor at large (is that British for EIC?) Michael Kinsley.

Yes, you've heard of him. He's had his ink-stained hands in every fringe publication from Slate (which he launched) to the New Republic (which he helped edit). His most recent stint has been as a columnist for the Washington Post — a job we assume he won't have time for come September, when his sole duties will consist of eliminating words like "bloody" and "cheerio" from his newly Americanized edition of Guardian.

The Guardian editor, Alan Rusbridger, said: "Mike Kinsley is a brilliant editor, an inspired commentator and one of the smartest thinkers about the digital future.

"From his days editing the New Republic to his launch of Slate Magazine, he has constantly set trends and challenged mainstream assumptions and media.

More liberal journalism that can expand into the digital market? We bet Peter King is going into cardiac arrest as we speak.

Michael Kinsley to join Guardian as US editor at large [Steve Busfield, Media Guardian]