The value of historical context when writing community news. Case in point, the meteoric rise of a local politician, Ryan Fecteau
All The Young Dudes, Redux
Category: BLOG POSTS
Commentary that has not been published elsewhere.
Reporters are not supposed to be friends with the people they cover — especially government officials . . . I broke that rule
Bill took me under his wing and offered me advice with his warm grin and elder-statesmen sense of discipline. He was always quick to smile and had a deep laugh.
An Open Letter to My Daughter
Dearest Marlee, There is an old saying in journalism that you should never bury the Lede (lead). You should always say the most important stuff at the top. I have broken that rule time and time again, most notably -- and regretfully -- when it comes to my communication with you. I hope someday that … Continue reading An Open Letter to My Daughter
We’ve lost a journalist’s journalist
According to a recent feature story in the Aspen Daily News, Robinson was a journalist’s journalist: “dogged and irreverent kind of journalist — the type who wouldn’t take BS if it was served on a silver platter and knew a government meeting was good material if you could write about it with verve.”
Keep on rocking in the free world
In a nutshell, the First Amendment does NOT allow you to publicly demonstrate how big of a moron you are and how few active brain cells you possess.
Unsolicited advice for a young candidate
Although I am no longer working as a political/PR consultant (Thank Christ), I still find the subject matter intriguing, especially when it's literally taking place in my own back yard. Today, I am pretty much consumed with running the Biddeford Gazette, a non-profit media outlet hyper-focused on covering the city of Biddeford. As part of … Continue reading Unsolicited advice for a young candidate
‘Nooner’ sleeps with the fishes
Dammit! Feeling devastated. I just learned (via social media) that my best friend in Oregon, Tim "Nooner" has died. This one really hurts It was the early 1990s. I lived alone in Portland, and often felt isolated, nearly 3,000 miles away from my family and friends. Tim and I were co-workers, he was a semi-reformed … Continue reading ‘Nooner’ sleeps with the fishes
The NFL lied. You’re not special
Ordinary people can – and often – do special, extraordinary things. But we’re not all special. Special is not a birthright. It’s something you have to work for
Christmas Chaos 2025: You’re Invited!
The Christmas holiday is right around the corner. What does that mean? For a lot of people, it means stress, extra work and financial strains. For others, it means awkward obligations to attend family events. On the other end of the spectrum, many people are facing the prospect of being alone with no place to … Continue reading Christmas Chaos 2025: You’re Invited!
I’ve got a Golden ticket
Once again, it would seem that many of Maine’s most ardent Democrats cannot see the forest for the trees. And that’s saying something, especially since Maine is the most forested state in the country. Matt Dunlap, Maine’s former secretary of state, decided to end his four-day titillating tease, ceasing the media foreplay --- will he … Continue reading I’ve got a Golden ticket
