Crap Journalism! Do "Journalists" Even Bother Checking Facts, or Remain Neutral Anymore? An E-Crap Exclusive Journalism, for lack of a better term, has never been worse in this country. At one time, writing an article for the Associated Press, or one of the largest newspapers in a state used to have some prestige behind it. But as I read daily, the writing just keeps getting crappier and crappier. Here are two examples. Depleted? The Associated Press has reported that today (7/30/06) the New York Yankees acquired all-star outfielder Bobby Abreu from the Philadelphia Phillies in a trade. The AP journalist writes "Desperate for...a productive bat in their depleted outfield, the Yankees took on Abreu's hefty contract." And captioned under the picture of Abreu, it reads "Abreu will help a depleted lineup." Depleted? How can anyone under any circumstance call the Yankees lineup depleted? Other than perhaps owner George Steinbrenner or GM Brian Cashman. Even manager Joe Torre would never use that word. But the AP writer uses it TWICE! Depleted? Ask the Kansas City Royals how depleted their lineup is. Or the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Let's see, the Yankees have three all-stars on the injured list. That is a fact. Which means all they are left with on a daily basis are Johnny Damon, Derek Jeter, Alex Rodriquez, Jason Giambi, Melky Cabrera, Bernie Williams, Jorge Posada... and are expected to get Gary Sheffield and Robinson Cano back soon. Sorry, that's not depleted! I have no problem with Steinbrenner going out and buying every decent player, but I do have a problem with so-called journalists showing them any sympathy. Use the right word! Depleted is not it. Yearning? Since Forever? In late 2003, the hottest new place to open on the Jersey Shore since the first legal casino in Atlantic City some 25+ years ago finally unwrapped itself. Called "Elements," it is an upscale martini bar, the likes of which are usually seen only in swanky parts of Manhattan, or Europe. It is co-owned by Matthew Bongiovi, brother of superstar rocker (and local Shore resident) Jon Bon Jovi, and Bongiovi’s friend Vincenzo Rizzo. The writer covering the launch did a special feature on the place, and on the owners. She is one of the music editors for one of NJ's largest newspapers (owned by Gannett). I’m aware that everyone can have a bad day, or a bad article. Consider this her mulligan. She writes "Owners…(Bongiovi and Rizzo)…have been yearning to open a place like this since forever, since they were buddies at Holmdel High School." Yearning? Since forever? They were both 29 years old. One of them is named Bongiovi (Bon Jovi). The poor guy had to yearn for ten years to build a two story, upscale place on the ocean, with waterfalls, and 48 "private memberships." Does the writer have a clue as to what yearning is all about? How about the poor stiff who has to work in these restaurants his whole life, slaving in the hot kitchen so that other Bongiovi’s can realize their dream courtesy of a family relative selling a few records. Do you think he’s "yearning" to open his "dream" restaurant (unlike Bongiovi’s "dream" place), albeit one a bit smaller and lower key than Elements? Something with ten tables, perhaps, where he can put in twelve hours a day and feel good about being the boss for a change? And bringing home in a year what Bongiovi figures to bring home in a week. There’s more. The writer goes on to say "their savoir vivre stems, no doubt, from Bongiovi’s many years in the entertainment business." Of the six job titles she lists that Bongiovi has held, they include: Production Assistant for Bon Jovi Logistics Coordinator for Bon Jovi Tour Manager for Bon Jovi She also claims that Rizzo’s "experience in construction in New York" enabled them to "work through myriad technical and engineering details." Um, sure. That, and a couple million Bongiovi Bucks. I’ll stop here. I only wish the writer could have been a little less affected (unless her article got her one of those 48 private memberships).   Kaneman for E-Crap.com