Dear Jean Shepherd:

[mykpart]

Earlier today I watched the movie sequel to A Christmas Story. Can't remember the name now. Anyway, Ralphie goes fishing with his dad for crappie. Jean, the correct pronunciation of this fish is "croppy," not "Crappy." Every time you (the narrator) said the word, I had to grit my teeth.

[GoneOffShore]

1. You do know that Jean is dead?

[mykpart]

2. I hope when he got to heaven

God corrected his English. :) I seem to remember he passed away about two or three years ago?

[GoneOffShore]

3. Yes,

And his death was a great loss to the world of radio storytelling.

[mykpart]

4. Actually, I have to agree with you.

Guess that's why the crappie thing bothered me so much. I expected perfection from him.

[grasswire]

5. Isn't that the truth.

But you know what? I believe that Keith Olbermann carries a lot of Jean Shepherd in his writing and in his delivery. If you listen carefully, you'll hear it on occasion. I find that very cool.

RIP, Jean Shepherd. An American treasure.

[RushIsRot]

6. You can still listen to reruns of Jean's shows at this link:

http://www.flicklives.com/Mass_Back/mass_back.htm