Pronunciation Battle Rages On

Sun., March 21, 1999

D.F. Oliveria The Spokesman-Revi

Even some locals called to challenge the notion that the second syllable in Gonzaga should rhyme with “bag” rather than “bog.” After all, the college’s patron saint, Aloysius Gonzaga, was a southern European and would have pronounced his name differently. However, I opt for the local pronunciation for personal reasons. My surname looks like it should be pronounced O-liver-e-a. In Portuguese, it’s All-i-vae-da (though dad misplaced the final “i” years ago). I say it, All-a-vera. Who’s right? I am, of course. And so are the Portuguese. Ditto Gonzaga.

Mayor shoots off mouth, film at 11

At a news conference Thursday, Steve Judy, Coeur d’Alene’s publicity-hungry mayor, snarled and snapped at the local media for shining a spotlight on last summer’s Not-So-Great Aryan Hate Parade. Then, he called Richard Butler a “nasty old man” and wished the racist was dead. And Judy wonders why the cameras keep rolling? … How can the Toronto Blue Jays fire manager Tim Johnson for lying about his Vietnam era war record? His personal life shouldn’t count if he’s doing a good job, right? … Sandpoint should give Mayor David Sawyer a raise, so he can seek re-election. I’d rather see him do that than go back to work as a telemarketer. Heaven knows, there are too many people willing to annoy their fellow (wo)man during supper - and too few good mayors.

Altogether now: “I am Mr. ED”

If Elizabeth Dole wants to be taken seriously as a presidential candidate, she’d better tell hubby Bob to knock off those TV ads about E(rectile)D(ysfunction) … Do I really have to remind Post Falls to pass its $700,000 supplemental levy? The old high school needs a heating and ventilation system. Do it. … Quote of the Week: “There are a lot of teams at home with better basketball ability. We got through with great chemistry and character.” - Coach Dan Monson, discussing Gonzaga’s Elite Eight run … Hmm. Spokane County Prosecutor Steve Tucker could find no legal basis for executing Robert Wood if he’s convicted of Murder 1? This, after Wood allegedly killed his son, 11, and then torched his house to hide the crime? Seems that’s OK if you don’t pause to ask, “Mother May I?”

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