Dot… Dot… Dot…

Herb Caen
April 3, 1916 – February 1, 1997
Written Works:
Baghdad-by-the-Bay 1949
Don't Call It Frisco 1953
Columist, San Francisco Chronical/Examiner 1938-1997
Awards: Pulitzer Prize Special Citations and Awards

I’m not about to try and add on to the many works written about this man.
I never got the opportunity to shake his hand, but I did catch a glimpse of him once.
Its one of those things where I can tell you… you had to be there!

Anticipating the arrival of the newspaper, with few exceptions; shuffling through all the other pages of headlines, arriving at his daily column, easing back in you chair with a cup of coffee… Ah, life was good and no matter what the issues of the day, it would be okay in a little while.
I could honestly say, his column made the price of the paper, or a subscription, well worth the money spent!

As much an icon to San Francisco as its many landmarks… I still miss his three-dot journalism.

One has to wonder, what he might think of today’s journalistic endeavors?
I’ve watched and read quite a few, hoping to stumble across that simplistic perspective, that dry wit, the intimacy of knowing the topic on which was being reported… and I’ve come up short.
Everything today seems to drama, debate and inciting the issues.

You probably wouldn’t see him on the myriad of talk shows…
You might catch him on Letterman or Leno!

Being “Politically Correct” was more an explored gray area, then the template on which he built his column. One can only imagine his take on the swing towards being too politically correct in his beloved San Francisco and the nation.

His influences to my generation were many… He allowed us to explore social and political issues, not trying to impose his thoughts… Have a look at the pulse of “The City by the Bay” via his eyes… Laugh at ourselves and ask questions… All this and more, from the comfort of our kitchen tables and morning coffee.

You sir, were ahead of your time.

“I tend to live in the past because most of my life is there.” Herb Caen