“Your rights in Philadelphia as it pertains to anti-discrimination in your employment are solid”

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

Really? There’s something about catching up on a newspaper or magazine when you’ve fallen behind in your reading. This past weekend, I read both last week’s and this week’s editions of PGN, Philadelphia Gay News. (Yes, it’s the same paper I freelanced for in the beginning of this year.) http://www.epgn.com/news/local/15312-city-raises-more-color-more-pride-flag-to-kick-off-outfest In the Oct. 18-24 edition, … Continue reading “Your rights in Philadelphia as it pertains to anti-discrimination in your employment are solid”

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Haven’t been in touch for a while. This is partly the reason.

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

To those of you eager to read more blog posts here (this is blog #150!), and news on ThePhillyFiles.com, I’m temporarily sorry. No, I haven’t been sitting around, doing nothing. I’ve been coming up with new ideas for sections and on a separate note, going out trying to make a living. This is the email … Continue reading Haven’t been in touch for a while. This is partly the reason.

ThePhillyFiles’ six-week milestone!

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

I sent the following to subscribers of ThePhillyFiles on Mailchimp: It’s hard for me to believe but today marks *six weeks* since the kickoff of ThePhillyFiles.com! Of course, it’s not like there was nothing on July 3, and everything suddenly appeared on July 4. I spent time experimenting with issues on the navigation, which articles to … Continue reading ThePhillyFiles’ six-week milestone!

The war on guns, from Philadelphia to the feds

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

It’s almost a week since gunmen killed 31 people in mass shootings, 13 hours apart, and nothing concrete has been done to reduce the risk of gun violence in the U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) says the Senate won’t be taking up any gun bills for another month. He decided to wait, despite … Continue reading The war on guns, from Philadelphia to the feds

Netroots Nation’s national conference in town, and how I heard of it

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

Lots of people interested in politics and next year’s Democratic presidential nomination will have their eyes focused on the Pennsylvania Convention Center through Saturday. Netroots Nation is holding its annual convention there. The group’s website says, “For more than a decade, Netroots Nation has hosted the largest annual conference for progressives, drawing thousands of attendees … Continue reading Netroots Nation’s national conference in town, and how I heard of it

Lenny’s update, and the writing and posting you may have missed

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

You may have actually looked at the homepage of this blog, http://www.CohenConnect.com, and thought I hadn’t been writing. It may have looked that way, but it sure wasn’t the case. Not at all. Actually, I’ve been writing – a whole lot! I let you know I took a job working for a local weekly newspaper … Continue reading Lenny’s update, and the writing and posting you may have missed

Thinking about religion, belief and recent violence

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

Vacation time is up. We’re into May and I haven’t written a “real blog post” for you in a month and a half, since mid-March. I plan to explain “real blog post” tomorrow but if you can’t wait, see the new material to read. It’s in the menu on the right side of this page … Continue reading Thinking about religion, belief and recent violence

Anniversary means time to start something new

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

It’s Jan. 11 and that means today marks four years since my very first blog post at http://www.CohenConnect.com. Back then, when I started, I was still in Florida. Being new in Bristol & the Tri-Cities  March 8, 2015 Getting settled at home  March 14, 2015 Getting settled at work  March 15, 2015 Getting settled in Bristol  March 16, 2015 I hadn’t yet moved … Continue reading Anniversary means time to start something new

Odds, ends and new beginnings

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

It’s always good to be remembered, and hopefully being your last new year’s message of the year will keep some of my thoughts on your minds. (I’d be embarrassed to post something like this more than a week late, even by a few minutes!) Let me start with the most important: that I became an … Continue reading Odds, ends and new beginnings

Banned from Facebook pages twice in 2 days!

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

Sometimes, interesting things happen when you read friends’ Facebook pages. I’m not talking about going to look on purpose, which I’ve done before. I’m just referring to seeing something on your news feed and clicking on it. That got me, as the title clearly says, banned from Facebook pages twice in 2 days! The one … Continue reading Banned from Facebook pages twice in 2 days!

Level-headed moderation needed now in The Birthplace of America

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

Philadelphia is a great place to live. It has so much, so close-by: history, museums, sports. It’s walkable, livable, has green space. No, it didn’t get Amazon’s HQ2 and yes, it’s often overshadowed by New York and Washington. Too bad it has people in charge who don’t care about serving the public. This goes along … Continue reading Level-headed moderation needed now in The Birthplace of America

The end of an era, and beginning of this one (Part A of this one)

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

It was 20 years ago tonight. Not exactly. It was actually four days off, on Nov. 25, but what really matters is it was the night before Thanksgiving in 1998. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuVRhuk8kmQ I had been producing the 11pm news at CBS affiliate WFSB-3 in Connecticut. It was my last newscast there, before moving to Philadelphia – … Continue reading The end of an era, and beginning of this one (Part A of this one)

Not a good day for political thoughts, the USA as a whole

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

I’ve known I had another blog post “due” before the election, if you know how I think, but too much on my mind and so much going on – personally and in the news – to actually do it. After this morning’s attack in a Pittsburgh neighborhood where I have family and have been to … Continue reading Not a good day for political thoughts, the USA as a whole

News starting out good but going downhill fast

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

It’s a happy moment at CohenConnect.com. (Online definition of moment: “a very brief period of time.” The italics are mine.) September’s blog numbers were high with more than a thousand views, despite the fact I only published four posts. (I know. I have to do better on that. And I can’t complain about the time, but … Continue reading News starting out good but going downhill fast

Clarence Thomas, Brett Kavanaugh, justice and becoming a Justice

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

President Trump's Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh will be giving the Senate Judiciary Committee calendars from 1982 to back up his continued denial of sexually assaulting Christine Blasey Ford. That’s according to The New York Times, late Sunday afternoon. The year 1982 was 36 years ago. Do you have your calendar from back then? Heck, … Continue reading Clarence Thomas, Brett Kavanaugh, justice and becoming a Justice

Eric Trump and his shekels

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

I try not to go more than a week without posting something. Unfortunately, it has been 11 days dues to holidays that won’t be letting up anytime soon, and also my IT support specialist classes. (Last night, I finished Course 2, Week 1, out of 5 courses.) I just don’t like blogs that give a … Continue reading Eric Trump and his shekels

Labor Day weekend leftovers

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

I don’t know, but I’m pretty sure you’ve had a busy week, between getting used to having your kids in school or planning what to do on this long holiday weekend. Sorry for the folks in “sunny Florida” with plans ruined while dealing with Tropical Storm Gordon. (But you're welcome for this souvenir to help … Continue reading Labor Day weekend leftovers

Not the typical pet, not the typical vet appointment

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

What a morning, and I hadn’t even gotten to the vet’s office! It was time for Frisky’s first annual physical. That’s not counting the office visit she had a year ago, after I adopted her from Morris Animal Refuge on Clear the Shelters Day. Frisky has always been a tough one. She was only four … Continue reading Not the typical pet, not the typical vet appointment

Big merger, big problem, big surprise!

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

This was starting to get a little hard to keep track of, and I wrote most of this last night. Good thing I waited to publish, because I had to really rewrite today! It’s looking like the big media merger I’ve been writing about so frequently may not happen! Even better, it looks like one … Continue reading Big merger, big problem, big surprise!

You may be right but don’t let some on the left know (and vice versa)!

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

I tend to stay away from politics that I really, really care about -- simply due to my background as a journalist and the habit it created over all these years. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ncv7QZqwxc But yesterday, while waiting for the final Bastille Day celebration at Eastern State Penitentiary which we ended up not even waiting for because … Continue reading You may be right but don’t let some on the left know (and vice versa)!

From Philly? How your neighborhood (or one nearby) got its name

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

Philadelphia may be one of the biggest cities in the country and arguably the most historic, considering it is the birthplace of our country. However, it's a whole lot more than Old City and historic places like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall that attract tourists from all over the world. Philadelphia is also known … Continue reading From Philly? How your neighborhood (or one nearby) got its name

Certification expiring, definitely done teaching

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

The first thing I have to say is this blog was planned for today. It doesn't have anything to do with Wednesday's Supreme Court decision on public unions. Instead, it has to do with the calendar. The reason, as you see in the picture, is that my Florida teaching certificate expires tomorrow and since tomorrow will … Continue reading Certification expiring, definitely done teaching

Grave situation for hours outside Detroit

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

Aug. 26, 2018 UPDATE: Grave marker raised and leveled, in early August. I may be back in a few weeks. I don't go on many vacations and didn't plan to write a blog on this one, but the most unusual thing happened while trying to visit my grandfather's grave at the cemetery in Royal Oak, Michigan. … Continue reading Grave situation for hours outside Detroit

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

Who would’ve thought of me as some type of music expert? Definitely not anybody who knows me! I’ve been planning this blog for a little while and the lyrics immediately came to my mind as the headline. (Of course, I’ve never heard of Five Man Electrical Band. They sang Signs in 1971.) It’s actually pretty … Continue reading Sign, sign, everywhere a sign

The Big Bang Theory’s wedding episode succeeded where Publix failed

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

Most of us strive for perfection. Some of us do it too hard, and it can affect our well-being. On the other hand, there are people who just don’t know any better, or worse, don’t care. I don’t watch TV nearly as much as I used to, especially newer shows, shows not on network TV, … Continue reading The Big Bang Theory’s wedding episode succeeded where Publix failed

Forget Laurel and Yanny. Did Cecily call Adam a moron?

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

I don’t know about you but yesterday, I couldn’t stop “hearing” about what the people who listened to a certain audio file heard. Most insisted it was one thing: just not the same thing. That became the Yanny-Laurel debate. What you think you heard became the side you were on. Sometimes listeners even switched teams. … Continue reading Forget Laurel and Yanny. Did Cecily call Adam a moron?

In defense: The good Facebook can do when used by the right people

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

First, happy Mother's Day to everyone to whom that applies. I hope you're having a great day! Second, today is also the celebration of Yom Yerushalayim, or Jerusalem Day. It's the Hebrew anniversary of when the Israelis recaptured the eastern/holy part of the city in the Six-Day War of 1967. It's where no Arab country's leader … Continue reading In defense: The good Facebook can do when used by the right people

Who says everything I write is negative (but correct)?

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

This is my 90th blog post and like most journalists, I identify mistakes all over and somehow -- often through publicity -- try to get them fixed. But not on this milestone. There's too much good to write about. I also want to point out the page CohenConnect Headlines Sitemap has a list of all the blog … Continue reading Who says everything I write is negative (but correct)?

Sanctuary cities judges show they know justice, not politics

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

I’m not writing to take an opinion on the issues of sanctuary cities or illegal immigration, but have to say I’m pleased a gang of Republican-appointed federal judges were willing to rule against a president from their own party. Philly.com reports from the Associated Press that this afternoon, “A federal appeals court in Chicago has … Continue reading Sanctuary cities judges show they know justice, not politics

Comey comes alive with tough talk against Trump

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

I didn’t know much about James Comey until about two years ago. Since then, I thought pretty highly of the guy and that really hasn’t changed. Arguably, Comey was the big political story of the week – so far. Today, his new book A Higher Loyalty: Truth, Lies, and Leadership was officially released and Sunday, … Continue reading Comey comes alive with tough talk against Trump

Villanova Victory, Volume III

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

They did it again! Villanova University’s men's basketball team is celebrating its second national championship in three years.   According to the school’s president, Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, “In 2016, it had been 31 years since our last national championship for basketball, and now, just two years later, Villanova is once again the national … Continue reading Villanova Victory, Volume III

The Weather Channel’s new owner, a real controversial person

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

There are two big changes in weather: The snow has stopped and The Weather Channel is being sold. Also, you can say the owner is a real person for two more reasons: The new owner is not a partnership between three corporations, like in the past – and he was one of the stars of the … Continue reading The Weather Channel’s new owner, a real controversial person

Be nicer to Mike Jerrick, and other thoughts on what’s making news

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

People who know me can never, ever say I’m not loyal to people I like and respect. You’ll see that in a moment, along with an example of the opposite. (Is your mouth watering yet?) Yesterday, one of Philadelphia’s daily newspapers published an article called “Is the morning news format that fuels Mike Jerrick's 'weird … Continue reading Be nicer to Mike Jerrick, and other thoughts on what’s making news

WSVN without Fox? It’s possible if….

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

Surprisingly, I haven't seen this reported at all by South Florida media. Yes, they’re still consumed and reeling from the massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on Valentine’s Day, but this involves THEM, darnit, and they know it. There was nothing in the Miami-Herald, Sun-Sentinel, or New Times about it, nor TV stations WSVN … Continue reading WSVN without Fox? It’s possible if….

Got cable, satellite? You’ll foot the bill for Fox’s Thursday Night Football

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

How many of you watched the Super Bowl this year? Of course, in Philadelphia, that's a loaded question with the underdog Eagles in the game and beating the seemingly perennial winners, the New England Patriots. Same thing in New England. Their team was in the Super Bowl and they don't get sick of Tom Brady … Continue reading Got cable, satellite? You’ll foot the bill for Fox’s Thursday Night Football

School out, Eagles’ championship parade on!

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

I really didn’t know what to make of school districts cancelling classes for a parade and celebration for Super Bowl LII champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. That’s probably because I’ve never been in this situation before. And it’s certainly historic, not just for me but for everyone around here. The Birds have won championships before, but … Continue reading School out, Eagles’ championship parade on!

Eagles’ fans give April the Giraffe an ‘F’

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

Talk about ungrateful and too much attention for a minor story. The only thing major was the size of the animal.   About a year ago, you’ll probably remember all the interest that started to be given to a giraffe named April, that was pregnant at a small zoo called the Animal Adventure Park in … Continue reading Eagles’ fans give April the Giraffe an ‘F’

Eagle eye: Most Philadelphia media ignore possibility of local terrorism

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

You would think anytime there’s a possibility of terrorism in Philadelphia, the Philadelphia media would report it. Apparently that wasn’t the case this week. Maybe hysteria over the Eagles in the Super Bowl is to blame. By all reported accounts, Khalil Lawal of Arlington, Va., drove a car into a pedestrian in South Philadelphia. It … Continue reading Eagle eye: Most Philadelphia media ignore possibility of local terrorism

Facebook, Twitter, and Fox (Fox x 14)!

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

Two articles got my attention as I recover, tonight. You'll remember yesterday, I couldn't read or even think. Now, look how far I've come -- and for how many hours! The first, called How Facebook Can Grow Its Media 'Likes' by Harry A. Jessell on TVNewsCheck continues the discussion I wrote on Rupert Murdoch saying Mark … Continue reading Facebook, Twitter, and Fox (Fox x 14)!

The rights of TV station owners vs. the public

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

By now, I'm sure you realize I'm a fan of the underdog. Fly, Philadelphia Eagles, fly! I also strongly believe in holding people in high positions accountable for their acts, even off the clock. Can’t deny that after the recent string of sexual harassment allegations and confessions from some of the smartest and most talented people in … Continue reading The rights of TV station owners vs. the public

Follow-up, fewer watching TV news, future president?

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

First, I have to thank everybody who looked at Monday's blog post. The analytics were incredible, the best ever (and that's all that counts, right? :)). If you haven't seen it yet, it gives a brief overview of the place I worked for 15 months until August. Feel free to comment below it, or on my Twitter … Continue reading Follow-up, fewer watching TV news, future president?

The news where I used to work: Unbelievable!

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

Most of you know I was a web producer for the Fox station in Philadelphia, but fewer of you know I haven't worked there since last August. The reasons are still to be discussed, and probably won't be public. However, I've come across some interesting and incorrect content from that station while working on my … Continue reading The news where I used to work: Unbelievable!

Today, Merry Christmas to Comcast! You’re welcome!

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

No waiting until Christmas on Monday. Comcast, you obviously consider yourself too powerful. Today, your hard-earned rate hikes take effect. Santa says you've been such a good company this year, only getting me concerned and wasting my time by forgetting when my Xfinity introductory offer ends. Does anyone reading this have suggestions for me for … Continue reading Today, Merry Christmas to Comcast! You’re welcome!

Special streets, signs in the City of Brotherly Love (and Sisterly Affection)

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

Philadelphia street signs are different than in much of the country. For example, there’s no downtown. Locals call that part Center City. If you’re driving, and I wouldn’t suggest tourists do, look for Central Philadelphia. Jan. 28, 2017: On I-676 (the Vine Street Expressway), just past the Broad Street “Central Philadelphia” sign. I was in … Continue reading Special streets, signs in the City of Brotherly Love (and Sisterly Affection)

Lessons on addressing, our government’s gift to you!

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

On Facebook? You're probably signed up for a lesson on mailing a letter, paid for by the U.S. government, like the one above. I was a little out of it, last Thursday, told I was sounding stuffy, so I didn't do much other than read. Part of that time was on Facebook rather than anything … Continue reading Lessons on addressing, our government’s gift to you!

What is conscience? Elusive in the media, unfortunately

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

It seems every day in the news, I read about another powerful man resigning, taking time off from a high-profile job, or under police investigation for inappropriate sexual conduct. The stories just keep coming, or the allegations against the men simply increase. CNN offered a list of recent cases more than a week ago, on … Continue reading What is conscience? Elusive in the media, unfortunately

Update: Storing the car on the mean streets

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

This blog post I found was written in mid-May, 2016, but never published. It was part of a series on the difficulties I had moving back to Philadelphia, and the new job got in the way. Since then, a lot has changed. My problems were eventually solved — step by step, as you’ll read below … Continue reading Update: Storing the car on the mean streets

Beating Welch’s un-kosher coupon policy

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

I don't get shocked too much anymore. Maybe that's from age, or having done a lot of things in a lot of places. Maybe it’s from having been in the news and teaching fields, where you see and experience a lot. But going through the weekly ads this week got me. I've never seen “non-Kosher” … Continue reading Beating Welch’s un-kosher coupon policy

The media: Certainly imperfect, definitely necessary and trying

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

This is my first blog in several months, and only my second since arriving back in Philadelphia. The first was shortly after my return, so it has been way too long. That’s why I'm happy the article Let Me Tell You How ‘The Media’ Really Works... really got me thinking and helped me gather my thoughts, some … Continue reading The media: Certainly imperfect, definitely necessary and trying

Not exactly a warm welcome

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

I got to Philadelphia and it rained. For a week. And it was much colder than normal for late April. And I saw my new apartment for the first time. Then, the movers couldn't get into little Quince Street. That was a disaster. Anything that could've gone wrong that day did. Read on. They called … Continue reading Not exactly a warm welcome

Moving back to Philly!

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

Yes, you read correctly! I’m headed back after more than 12 years. I didn't really think it was going to happen, especially considering the roller coaster my life has been over the past several years. I left Philadelphia for family issues back in 2004. Got a good deal on my house. (But would've never expected … Continue reading Moving back to Philly!

A great ‘day’ in Lenny’s ‘life’

Posted on by Lenny Cohen

When you've watched a daily TV show on and off for 20 years, even very rarely recently because work gets in the way, it becomes part of your life. There's no getting around that. So when I found out several members of the Days of our Lives cast were going to be two hours away, … Continue reading A great ‘day’ in Lenny’s ‘life’