Joey Slinger

Joey Slinger (born John Edward Slinger, Jr. 1943 at Guelph, Ontario) is a Canadian journalist and author, particularly known as a long-standing humour columnist for the "Toronto Star".
He first studied at Queen's University but left there after three years without completing a degree. In 1965, Slinger was hired as a reporter for the "Guelph Mercury" and remained there for approximately two years. He then attempted to continue his education with journalism studies at Carleton University, but was dismissed by that institution by the start of the September 1967 term. After working with The Canadian Press he joined "The Globe and Mail" in 1970, later in the decade transferring to the Toronto Sun where he wrote a humorous gossip column. He later credited the Sun for allowing him to establish his comedic voice in print. Eventually, he joined the "Toronto Star" in 1979. He remained at the Star for almost 30 years, where his humour column (no longer a gossip column) was by-lined simply as by "Slinger".
Other career highlights included terms as producer and occasional on-air host at CBC Radio.
Slinger retired from the "Toronto Star" in April 2008.