Diagnosing News Commentary

Diagnosing News Commentary

In my last post, I wrote about distinguishing between two kinds of journalism: (1) news reporting and (2) news commentary/analysis. Then, focusing on reporting, we looked at red flags. News reports should seek to inform, not to influence. By contrast, the very purpose...
Red Flags in News Reports

Red Flags in News Reports

There’s fake news, and then there’s people confusing opinions with news. As unethical tactics for influencing people go, truly fake news is the easiest to uncover. In Feb. 2017, Donald Trump gave a 77 minute press conference that many people saw as rambling and...
A Different Kind of War Memoir

A Different Kind of War Memoir

Decades ago, I took notes from my dad on his experiences in the US Navy in World War II. I intended to turn them into a book. In rereading my notes, I realize that Dad used some of the same skills I now teach. He kept sight of his primary interests. When things didn’t...
Count to Fifteen

Count to Fifteen

One of the most useful things I ever learned is that, when I ask a class of trainees a question, the time it takes them to think of their answers seems longer to me then it does to them. Even if my question is, “Any questions?” it can take up to fifteen seconds for...
Mind Power & Word Power, Part II

Mind Power & Word Power, Part II

Last time, I wrote that Counterclockwise—Mindful Health and the Power of Possibility by Ellen J. Langer reinforced my belief that the words we think, speak and write can become self-fulfilling prophecies. [If you have not yet read that last post, please do so now.]...
Mind Power & Word Power, Part I

Mind Power & Word Power, Part I

Once in awhile, I discover a book I want everyone I care about to read. Counterclockwise: Mindful Health and the Power of Possibility by Ellen J. Langer not only changed my ideas about health and aging, but inspired me to broader applications in the areas of influence...