Bill Swank, widely regarded as San Diego’s preeminent baseball historian, recently drew attention to a subtle but troubling linguistic habit: the casual use of the phrase “no problem” when a service is actually rendered to someone with a disability. In a recent piece, Swank recounted an encounter in which a blind individual was offered assistance, only to hear the well‑meaning but misplaced reassurance “no problem.” He argues that the expression, while intended to be polite, can unintentionally dismiss the very real obstacles faced by people with visual impairments.
The critique expands beyond that single idiom. The author points to a growing catalogue of everyday language slips that surface on storefront signs and public notices. A particular irritation is the misplaced apostrophe in “Lady’s Styles,” which should correctly read “Ladies’ Styles.” Equally common is the erroneous substitution of “less” for “fewer” on signs such as “8 Items or Less,” a mistake that blurs a grammatical distinction that has persisted for decades.
Literary Calendar Highlights
The KPBS San Diego Book Festival is slated for August 22 at the University of San Diego, running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature author talks, panel discussions, and a bustling marketplace of independent publishers. One vendor’s act of exchanging larger bills for smaller denominations at a convention booth was singled out as an example of going “above and beyond the call of duty,” illustrating the festival’s spirit of community generosity.
A cartoon from the “Dennis the Menace” series further underscores the point, depicting the same mis‑apostrophized sign and prompting a laugh from readers who recognize the everyday nature of these errors. Harriet Wolpoff of Clairemont, quoted in the piece, recalled a literacy caption that confused “less” with “fewer,” a mistake that still surfaces in local school materials.
The author concludes with a reminder that mental vitality can be nurtured through regular reading. Citing Dr. Seuss, the piece notes that books and newspapers not only entertain but also contribute to longer, healthier lives. The Union‑Tribune, which publishes more than two full pages of comics and cartoons each day, serves as a reminder that even the most playful content can carry a serious message about the value of staying informed.
The Role of Local Media
As the region’s oldest newspaper, the Union‑Tribune continues to champion both rigorous reporting and the quirky details of daily life, from baseball statistics to the punctuation of storefronts. Its pages provide a platform for voices like Swank, Lederer, Evans, and Wolpoff, ensuring that the conversation about language, literacy, and community remains vibrant.