For about 15 seconds last week after I heard film critic Ken Tucker was fleeing New York Magazine for his ex over at Time Warner, I fantasized about sending a resume over to NYM's Madison Avenue offices. I mean, Jesus--Ken Tucker's shoes could not be so hard to fill, could they? Even a blogger could do it, right?

Well, no and no. NYM unceremoniously snuffed out my dream Tuesday with a fairly amazing hire:

New York magazine editor-in-chief Adam Moss announced today that David Edelstein will be New York magazine's new film critic. Edelstein will join New York magazine's staff and begin writing reviews in January 2006. ...

"I am wild about David's film criticism and couldn't he happier that he's agreed to join our magazine," said Moss. "And I'm equally excited about David's ability to put his talents to work on our website, nymag.com. As we re-launch and grow this important piece of the company, David will be a critical player in the expansion of our online cultural authority."

Whoa. "Online cultural authority." Formidable shit. Does this mean I should avoid applying for Edelstein's vacancy at Slate? I would hate to be on the receiving end of whatever Moss has up his finely tailored sleeve.

Which reminds me: This week's NYM has a catty revelation about Noah Baumbach's alleged, um, recycling talents. No matter! Baumbach remains The Reeler's front-runner for 2005 NYC Cinema MVP, even if he was as "arrogant, obnoxious, smug, successful, and self-aggrandizing" 20 years ago as his high school chums recall.