A few days ago, I was drawn into yet another Facebook political debate. I can't help it. I'm a political junkie and off my meds. The debate was about the 2020 presidential campaign, and I made the comment that I identify as a "right-leaning moderate" Within a few seconds after writing that post, some guy … Continue reading Joe Biden: The Comeback Kid?
Outrageous Fortune
Every time I start to feel a bit of optimism about the future, the reality hammer drops on my head. Today, we learned that restaurants in southern Maine will not be able to re-open as originally scheduled because of ongoing concerns about the Cov-19 epidemic. The social media reaction to this news has been swift … Continue reading Outrageous Fortune
The war of the words
I am 56 years-old. I am a white man. I live in the suburbs. I have two healthy sons and an amazing wife. I have nothing to complain about. But still I have a knack for finding political fights on social media platforms. I used to be a journalist, and then a columnist. I put … Continue reading The war of the words
A sheep speaks out
I wear a mask when I go to the grocery store or any other place where large numbers of people congregate. I am not a sheep. I am not afraid of Covid-19. I do not wear a mask to keep myself safe. I wear a mask because it may lower the odds (if only a … Continue reading A sheep speaks out
Pandemic sheds light on media bias
As we continue coping with the Covid-19 pandemic, it is now more important than ever for the media to take extra steps to ensure that their news stories are fact-based, without hype, without speculation and a minimum of bias. Wait. Did I just say “a minimum of bias?” Conservative news consumers on the right of … Continue reading Pandemic sheds light on media bias
Here Comes the Sun
(previously published in Saco Bay News) It seems ironic that this is “Sunshine Week.” No, it has nothing to do with Daylight Saving Time, but as the world grapples with the Covid-19 pandemic it becomes even more important for the media to “keep a check” on our government whether federal, state or local. Sunshine Week … Continue reading Here Comes the Sun
Climate Change: what your parents never told you
‘In the absence of science, religion flourishes . . .’ -Unknown One of today’s most hotly debated public policy matters is the subject of Climate Change, formerly known as “global warming.” Before I go any further with a blog post that will surely divide my followers and Facebook “friends,” let’s get right to the meat … Continue reading Climate Change: what your parents never told you
Wag the dog
If I had any doubts about the increasingly dominating role of new media over traditional media, they were vanquished yesterday while watching ABC’s World News Tonight. In the A-block of the evening news program (ranked second between NBC and CBS) Anchor David Muir told us a story about a tweet that Donald Trump sent earlier … Continue reading Wag the dog
Dealing with the media
Do you know the definitions of "lede," "nut graf" or "B-roll?" These are common terms used by members of the media. Reporters and editors have their own jargon and their own way of doing things, but it's important to remember that they are also human beings. They value honesty, courtesy and respect. I've said it … Continue reading Dealing with the media
Advocacy: The power of testimonials
How do you build support for your project, business or campaign? There are a lot of tools at your disposal, but one of the most effective tools is garnering support via third-party testimonials. Third-party voices reinforce your own messaging and they build credibility for your project. The most powerful persuader in the marketplace, apart from … Continue reading Advocacy: The power of testimonials
NOTES TO CARL | LESSONS IN MEDIOCRITY 