With the news that Roger Ebert has passed, I thought I would republish one of my favorite diaries, written almost exactly four years ago.
It's not much of a diary, but I could barely contain myself from laughing out loud at the office when I read Roger Ebert's memo to Bill-O, so I thought I would share it for those who may not have seen it.
I ran a few searches, but didn't see that anyone had posted anything on this. If somebody already has, please let me know, and I can delete.
I've always liked Roger Ebert, though I've often thought he was a little pompous (but hey, that's part of what it takes to be a film critic, I guess). But there are times when having a solid regard for one's self can be an advantage, especially when responding to criticisms from witless wonders like Bill-O.
Ebert is responding to this:
We believe the following media operations have regularly helped distribute defamatory, false or non-newsworthy information supplied by far left websites:
The St. Petersburg Times
MSNBC
The New Yorker Magazine
Newsday
US News & World Report
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Syracuse Post-Standard
Kansas City Star
Roanoke Times
Barre-Montpelier Times-Argus
Chicago Sun-Times
We believe these are the worst offenders and are not worth your time and money. In the months to come we expect to add more names to this list. We recommend that you do not patronize or advertise with the above.
This is Bill-O's
"Media Hall of Shame."
Roger is sooo disappointed to have lost the good opinion of an, ahem, towering figure like Bill-O:
Dear Bill: Thanks for including the Chicago Sun-Times on your exclusive list of newspapers on your "Hall of Shame." To be in an O'Reilly Hall of Fame would be a cruel blow to any newspaper. It would place us in the favor of a man who turns red and starts screaming when anyone disagrees with him. My grade-school teacher, wise Sister Nathan, would have called in your parents and recommended counseling with Father Hogben.
He goes on to critique Bill-O in comparison with "Lord" Conrad Black, who is in prison for mail fraud and obstruction of justice; and Bill-O comes up, shall we say, short.
Finally, Roger finishes with a humorous little allegory:
Bill, I am concerned that you have been losing touch with reality recently. Did you really say you are more powerful than any politician?
That reminds me of the famous story about Squeaky the Chicago Mouse. It seems that Squeaky was floating on his back along the Chicago River one day. Approaching the Michigan Avenue lift bridge, he called out: Raise the bridge! I have an erection!
Perhaps Squeaky really just needed one of those, what do you call them, falafel things . . . .
Oh, how I do hope Bill-O responds -- with Ebert's wit, it could be better than the whole Bill-O v. Olbermann match.
Update: In Honor of Feeny:
Update 2: Thanks for all the fun, folks! Won't be responding to any more comments, time to go pick up the kids. 3 cheers for Roger Ebert!
2013 Update:
I wanted to include the whole letter, but haven't been able to find it. Regardless, Roger, you will be missed.
Thu Apr 04, 2013 at 1:30 PM PT: trying to republish this