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Two Idiots -- Rush Limbaugh & Brett Favre
Josh, I'll throw you an olive branch and admit that I'm making too much of a simple typo. I did like your idea about enrolling the homeless for eating contests, and I mean that sincerely. In fact, since the first time I read your "Crasher" column, I've always thought you had some good ideas going. The idea of writing about crashing parties on an ongoing basis, for instance, was good enough to sell to the Reader. I remember thinking, "why didn't I think of that first? I spend enough time at parties and would thoroughly enjoy writing about it." You've done great with the theme. I see that sometimes your stories raise controversy in the Letters section. That's not a bad sign at all. It means you're making people think, or at least react to your stories. So kudos for getting the job done on time and mostly well. By the way, "Brett" is spelled with two t's.— July 5, 2008 10:58 a.m.
Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest
Josh, that's a brilliant idea. Seriously. We could even have online gambling to pick a winner to raise funds for the event to make it cost-neutral. This could be better than the California state lottery. Ponzi, that's not a problem. We can do it with pints of apple sauce.— July 5, 2008 10:30 a.m.
Two Idiots -- Rush Limbaugh & Brett Favre
Fred, I was actually nagging on spelling, not grammar. More so than that, I was pointing out that it makes Josh look silly to criticize others as "idiots" while not taking particular care in the quality of what he's writing. Nagging is such a strong word, Fred. I would call it a nudge. I'm actually on Josh's side and would like Josh to hold himself to a higher standard of quality. Surely you don't find that objectionable, do you? Josh, I meant no offense by encouraging you to rise above the level Fred Williams considers acceptable. I am simply a person that is growing tired of the lack of love people show for the English language. I am not a professional writer, I have a career in another field I'm perfectly happy and satisfied with. I'm not an ex-girlfriend or ex-boyfriend. I have no beef with what you do, I would like to see all of you writers do more for the English language. Think George Carlin, for example. You mention Dennis Miller in your story -- I don't agree with him most of the time, but at least the guy can turn a phrase. My girlfriend and I are both avid readers and share our appreciation for the craft of writing. We think it's terrible that electronic media seems to be causing a lowering of the standards for the masses. I read a lot of material on the printed media and online that is truly embarassing. Still, I have never made a comment to anyone about it before Josh. Josh asks a very valid question: what compelled me to do so with him? When I saw the headline about Rush Limbaugh being an idiot, it reminded me of Al Franken's book, so it caught my eye because I think Al Franken is a great writer. Josh's story is not bad, but I decided to play Devil's advocate and push him to do a better job of skewering Limbaugh, a worthy cause, so that those that believe in that douchebag can't dismiss his point by simply stating "oh yeah, well you can't even spell syntax!" With regard to Favre, I may add that it's exactly that kind of "itch" that makes elite athletes stand out. The word "quit" is abhorrent to people that really believe they can be the best at what they do. Favre is a shoe-in for the hall of fame just as much for his mental disposition as his physical ability. Besides, his head may still be ringing from the concussions. I don't think he needs the money. Josh, you can be a total Brett Favre of the publishing industry. Push yourself to run that spell checker and stay up those extra five minutes. Good things will come out of it. Don't let Fred vex you with the siren's song of mediocrity.— July 5, 2008 9:05 a.m.
Two Idiots -- Rush Limbaugh & Brett Favre
No, Josh, I can tell you I'm not a Rush fan. Nor do I think he’s a good journalist. My point is that you should rise to a higher standard than those you deride. I’d like to think just about anyone, including you, could do better than that two-faced, multi-chinned blowhard. What I'm reading in your reply is that you don’t get paid enough to exercise some quality control on your own work. Could it be that you don’t get paid more precisely because of the flippant shoddiness of your work? Come on, Josh. Professional pride is a virtue that will lead you to a brighter future. Please set a better standard for those who admire your work. Regarding your restraint on the “Tittle” joke, I empathize yet I must point out that by even mentioning your restraint you failed to restrain yourself. You knew that. It’s got to be torture for all of you in the broadcasting industry (TV, radio, print, web, etc.) to make sure you don’t stumble into becoming the next Jimmy the Greek. I wonder how long they had to drill the talking heads on ESPN to learn the “proper” pronunciation of “Kosuke Fukudome”. My heart goes out to all of you.— July 4, 2008 10:56 a.m.
Two Idiots -- Rush Limbaugh & Brett Favre
In the sixth paragraph, second line of your article, you made a reference to Rush Limbaugh's "syntex". From the context of the paragraph, one would have to surmise that you meant "syntax". A simple spell check would have caught that. It's probably considered a good journalistic practice to check your spelling, grammar and yes, even the syntax before you click on the "Publish" button. This would be particularly true in the case of a story arguing that other persons are "idiots". Besides, I would suggest that one reason the reporters did not make the crass, boorish and juvenile statement about the cheerleaders giving Favre an itch may be the same reason they know how to spell "syntax": They have been better educated in their profession of choice. Please don't make Rush Limbaugh seem couth and articulate by comparison to yourself. Strive to improve your craft and your "talent" in whatever endeavor you choose in life, even if it's just crashing parties and typing anything that oozes out of your stream of consciousness.— July 4, 2008 7:15 a.m.
Booze Ban Driving Homeless Inland?
I've got an idea that should please everybody. Since we have beaches that are designated for special purposes, such as exercising dogs, why can't we have a specific beach area that allows regulated consumption of alcohol? Regulations would include the usual and obvious, such as a ban on glass containers, and could contain other regulations to prevent abuse, such as not allowing anything larger than a quarter keg on the beach. This is pretty much how the smoking issue is handled and it seems to work well. In Ocean Beach, I would suggest that the area on the south side of the pier and going north to the lifeguard station would be perfect. The area in front of that beach is a surfing-only area, so swimming under the influence would be discouraged. The area north of this allows swimming and body boarding, which families would be more inclined to enjoy. By the way, I'm 49 years old, self-employed, and it's MY BEACH too. I don't see why I have to deprive myself of any rights to indulge the narrow-minded prejudices of others. Treating bad behavior by a minority of people with a full ban for everyone is tantamount to treating dandruff by decapitation.— July 2, 2008 2:14 p.m.