Ow, the jaws

"A man was hospitalized after firefighters used the jaws of life to get him out of his car early Christmas morning. "

I know, I know, using "after" does not mean "Using the jaws of life led to the man being hospitalized." But in my view, lazy writing can lead to mis-messaging.

Stragglers Strangling

[protest against Shell ship "Fennica," arctic drilling]

"...So the ship has passed the St. Johns Bridge, but there are still some strangler kayaks out there..."

[and later]  "...the ship is now well on its way up the river..."  [I know we are just being picky, but the ship is going downriver.  If it wants to get the the Pacific Ocean, it works better that way.]

New Updates

"We'll keep you informed of new updates as they happen."  [as opposed to old updates; KOIN-6 TV}

Car uses crosswalk

"Pedestrian struck by car crossing crosswalk in Gresham"

When I think about it, this is technically correct, in that the car was crossing through the crosswalk. But it feels awkward, like the car was using the crosswalk, right?

Gasp, a deputy faces arson charges

"Linn County man accused of threatening mother, deputy also faces arson charges, police say"

Okay, so I know what the headline writer MEANT to say. But I shouldn't have to read the headline twice, right?

Another example of violating the old guideline for headlines: no more than eight words.

Might I suggest: Man threatens mother, deputy; now faces arson charges

Sports tattoos

"...has a history of violence and sports tattoos across his face and neck." [Oregonian, 10/14/2013]

Maybe it's just me, because I am really really tired. And my ongoing excuse is I think I left my brain in ICU -- subject of another blogsite. But my first thought was "This guy, a Gypsy Joker has a history of wearing sports tattoos? Blazers and Seahawks?"

The CDC staff are sick?

Foster Farms salmonella-tainted chicken: CDC calls back staff, many hospitalized 

Admit it, you thought the same thing I did, right? The CDC is calling back staff, of whom many are hospitalized. Or became hospitalized after the call back. Or something...