There are plenty of elements that comprise creativity, but sometimes the most important one is the inspiration created by a deadline. The professional writer’s gift is that we know that if we just sit down to write, we can push through and come up with something that is, at the […]
When I became aware of the new trend of Forest Bathing, I had only one question: What is it? Friends explained that it is the practice of walking in a region of trees while inhaling the essence of nature. Of great value, according to adherents, are the essential oils exhaled […]
I have promised myself I will start blogging again. For a while I was busy and even when I had time to write for myself, I spent it doing other things, like mowing the lawn. The lawn is looking good now and I have realized that even when I am […]
ELECTION DAY Even those of us who love our jobs dread some tasks that we can’t avoid. For many politicians, it’s the interview with the local newspaper’s editorial board. The horror is over for at least another two years, but I imagine a lot of candidates will relive the scene […]
I happen to be a fan of the San Francisco Giants, who happen to have won three of the last five World Series. But since my team is not in the playoffs this year, and I live in Metsland, I’m rooting for the New Yorkers. I’m generous that way. Also, […]
During a conversation with a group of writers, artists and other creative types one of the participants asked if I could handle a specific assignment. Can you write for women?” she asked. I answered with an enthusiastic “Yes!” The one other guy in the group literally harrumphed. “There’s no writing […]
A university is a wonderful place to work if you like the energy of young people and smart coworkers. The excitement that the combination creates sometimes also creates misunderstandings of intent, centered on the use of language. Complicating the situation, colleges and universities are often at the forefront of trends […]
Too often, the things we need most to talk about go unsaid, like the way we look and differences in our cultures. Usually, we settle into our customs and prejudices and leave it to someone else to question orthodoxy. The good thing about working at a university is that the […]
I have not published a blog for four weeks – four weeks! A farce, a failure — an injustice to my many fans! This is despite my belief that regular communication through blogging is essential for all who wish to be known as thought leaders in their fields. The act […]
Twitter was alive last week with crabby writers complaining about people they wanted to interview. This information can be valuable to those who want to build good relationships with reporters and therefore get publicity for themselves or their businesses. It turns out that what sounds reasonable and time-saving to you […]
