Conflicting Reports
read Jennifer Savage’s recent piece about tipping (“Before You Stiff Your Server,” Feb. 6), with her use of the The irreducible essence of life is distilled word “motherfucker,” I in the pattering of rain on leaves, had to write. I use what many from the evensong of birds at dusk, would consider “dirty” through an elusive shadow of cloud over a mountain lake, words in my daily life in the pinwheel, phosphorescent dust of the galaxies. sometimes and usually When we cleave to the essence, we stop hurting each other; don’t give it a thought. But I don’t use it where we are humbled by our mute insignificance. it is not considered The Essence is sufficient if we let it be. appropriate. If I am speaking to fellow hu— Paul Mann mans that I don’t know, I assume that they may be offended by such that my reaction to reading a journalist’s language until I get to know them personwork who uses this casual style of writing, ally. But seeing this trend in the Journal’s is that I take what they are saying less seriwriting has made me realize that I prefer ously. Motherfucker? Really? at least semi-formal speech in my public Tim Gray, Eureka discourse. (I was actually a bit surprised at
Editor: I agree that Eureka seems to be perceived as a crime-ridden place. As a regular walker of the Hikshari’ Trail, I was dismayed by Sandra Lingle’s comment (“Conflicting Reports,” Feb. 6) that “all kinds of unsavory activity” occurs there during the week, none of which I’ve witnessed. Yes, there are homeless people there — the public restrooms and actual places to sit naturally draw people who have limited options. I walk that trail any day of the week and hour of the day and see dog walkers, families, kids on tricycles, bicyclists, joggers, roller skaters — it’s been a boon to this city. The “crime” I see regularly is dog walkers who seem to think the county leash law doesn’t apply to their dog. I’ve been nipped in the leg by one off-leash dog and subjected to a hostile encounter from another (much to the chagrin of the owners, which doesn’t help). I’ve never my own reaction at first.) had an unpleasant encounter with a huDo I think the Journal should make a man being there; on the contrary, people policy curtailing this kind of behavior? are friendly or at least polite and civil. Absolutely not. Free speech has to be Clearly it’s a much-needed place to get free. Am I offended by the use of this fresh air and exercise and enjoy the wildlanguage? No, I’m really not. I’m just saying life and the view. Despite that, many of my friends refuse to go with me because they’ve heard there are “bad people” on that trail, and unfortunately, your article adds to that perception. “The report cites a ‘culture of fear’ which Jan Andersen, Eureka
Comment of the Week
Well, Fudge
Editor: During the past several years, I have noticed the North Coast Journal’s general writing style loosening up, perhaps unconsciously moving in a more casual or “folksy” direction. When I
is a polite way of saying that Caltrans is run similarly to a criminal enterprise where bullying is the norm ...”
— Patrick Shannon, commenting on Caltrans’ Richardson Grove and other woes on the Journal’s website.
CUTE AND TIDY
Essence
Editor: “… Utilize social media to bring the motherfucker down.” Really? I’m certainly not a prude or anything and I’m not personally offended by use of colorful language, but this is just poor taste. Stuff like this just distracts and detracts from an issue that otherwise included a fairly well-considered and timely cover article by Thadeus Greenson. I always consider the NCJ a worthy news outlet but silly things — like gratuitous use of words that a large percentage of the population sees as offensive — leave me having to defend the paper. Right or wrong it affects the integrity of the paper and staff of the NCJ as a whole. Maybe be a little more judicious, huh? Drew Redden, Eureka continued on next page
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northcoastjournal.com • NORTH COAST JOURNAL • THURSDAY, FEB. 13, 2014
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