Ed. here. Sometimes I wish I were editor of the Times (of London). They get excellent letters to the editor, so well-written, so witty, and frequently so odd. At least one book has been made of such interesting letters.
The Economist gets its share as well. This week's number includes one which I can't not share with you.
A new word order
Sir - I must object in the strongest terms to the use of the oxymoronic neologism, "bottomless shallows", in a Banyan column (August 27th). Please inform your Mr Banyan that oxymorons must be stamped out wherever found, and are particularly galling in a newspaper of your standing and heritage. I am certain that Messrs Samuel Johnson, Walter Bagehot and Henry Watson Fowler are all spinning in their respective graves at this slight, albeit at different speeds.
You know well how lapses like this affect school truancy, foment social disorder and encourage a preference for margarine on one's scones. Sin not again.
Ernie Jurick
Portland, Oregon
I cannot but admire Mr Jurick for his forthright stand against the dire effects of bad grammar. Good on yer, Ernie.
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