CohenConnect.com, Honest, accurate & outspoken: Lenny's thoughts on this world of ours
"These are the times to remember" (Billy Joel lyrics pluralized)
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 phrase “Digital First” is nothing new. Managers in TV station news departments have been saying it for years, but they really hadn’t practiced what it means. Years ago, news directors thought viewers getting information sooner would not feel the need to watch TV newscasts, which was where the money was made and so was … Continue reading Adding my own few points to Nexstar’s ‘Digital First’ strategy
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
THANK YOU to the two new followers from over the past week, bringing the total up to 116. I hope you like what you read, or at least feel strongly enough to comment. I don’t think people realize there’s something in it for them! Go back over previous posts and you’ll see the subjects I’ve … Continue reading Control of the media after the mosque attacks in New Zealand
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
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
My interest started when I was looking at my Facebook feed over the weekend and saw this post from a former coworker. Obviously, we’re Facebook friends. Otherwise, his post wouldn't have come up. He’s a former Marine. We’d always worked well together and even though he is the most right-wing person I know, he’d never … Continue reading Exposing hate, close to home (as if acceptable anywhere)
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)
Today, I found out some news about someone who went to school with me, pretty much since kindergarten. In fact, I think he lived two blocks away. I probably haven’t seen him since junior high, which is what we called middle school in those days. He was very smart and probably could’ve done anything. Eventually, … Continue reading Thinking about teacher’s child porn trouble and my old school’s website
Several times a year, before elections, a man in Florida emails me about who to support in elections down there. The goal is to receive money (Isn’t that everyone’s?) for private schools. In this case, it’s Jewish religious schools. And that’s despite public schools being free for everyone – Jews too – and paid for … Continue reading The case against us all paying for private schools
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!
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
NOTE: Shortly before publishing, Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy announced he'll retire effective July 31. According to Axios, that'll give President Donald Trump “a chance to pull the court significantly to the right for decades to come. This is seismic — for politics as a whole, for the court and, ultimately, for the millions of Americans … Continue reading The necessity of public unions, now no chance for compromise
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
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
I hate lazy people (and stupid ones, but that’s a blog for another time). I can understand being sick. Last year, I showed up to work sick for three weeks since I wasn't contagious and learned two lessons. First, I wasn't appreciated and second, going to the doctor instead of assuming the bug would go … Continue reading The lousiness of laziness and liars
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
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?
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
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
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
They haven’t been “Fair and Balanced” in a while but stating Monday, Fox News will be marketing itself as “Real News. Real Honest Opinion.” Yesterday, Ad Age magazine made the announcement. It’ll start with Fox’s own properties and then perhaps go elsewhere. The change follows the huge “revelation of sexual harassment allegations” that got Fox … Continue reading Fox News: Really ‘Real News. Real Honest Opinion’?
First, I want to go thank and apologize to everyone who read my last post. It was way too long. Yes, it contained what I think was good information on several subjects. It happened to be on a snow day and I had nothing better to do then let out some of what I was … Continue reading Call to action: Help stop Sinclair from taking over Tribune
Gotta love a snow day if you don’t have anywhere to be. Yes, I have a busy week ahead and things to prepare, but they don’t require going out. The TV people were right this time. It’s almost 1pm and I’m supposedly getting 3 inches of snow an hour, which should end up as 6-10 … Continue reading Flakes and facts, lots on my mind
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….
What’s famous to you obviously relies on where you’ve been and what you’ve noticed, but these people have had national exposure for at least part of their long working lives. It took longer than a New York minute, but Howard Stern would be happy to hear Warner Wolf is suing Don Imus -- and it has … Continue reading Famous man, 80, suing famous man, 77, for age discrimination
OK, I may be a day late (and I’m definitely a dollar short, these days), but I read three articles on jobs, yesterday morning -- on companies we all know -- and they were a whole lot different when I read between the lines. First, Yahoo reported in “Dollar Stores hammered by Trump proposal to … Continue reading Your JOB is to read well past the headline
Last night, I did something I rarely do: open a Facebook post to the public, rather than just friends. Today, I'm blogging about the online battle that followed, something I hadn't planned to do. The story was about one of the hosts of a show on the DIY Network -- part of Scripps Networks Interactive … Continue reading Sad stereotypes too strong to silence (for now)
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
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?
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, it was Matt Lauer. Some of you want the newest, shocking details. The Miami Herald called the accusations against him “crude misconduct.” Less known, it was a two-fer. Well-known Minnesota Public Radio host Garrison Keillor won’t be showing up for work anymore. Last week, Charlie Rose went down, fired for alleged sexual harassment over … Continue reading Hey, you accused! Would Mom say, wait until your father gets home?
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!
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
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
Every situation is different, but death always seems to be a hard topic. We could be talking about a close relative, an acquaintance from years ago, a pet, or a famous person. How people respond is unique and usually understandable. Usually. And I will say it. Tom Petty’s younger daughter seems to be an exception. … Continue reading Disgraceful daughter
I've mentioned the sad state of the U.S. broadcasting industry these days, with big companies eating up smaller ones like never before. There are too few independently-owned stations left -- run by business people, some better meaning than others -- who actually live in the market they are supposed to serve on the public airwaves. Decisions … Continue reading No more newscasts, but what a farewell!
25 years ago today, this was nothing. It’s hard to believe so much time has passed, not that I ever forgot a Hurricane Andrew anniversary. We were lucky -- awake with curiosity that night, except for my brother Josh who slept through it -- but lucky. Above was a look to the left after walking … Continue reading Hurricane Andrew, after a quarter century
The spring of 1997. It was pretty much my first time away from home. Steve and Tom hired me to produce the 11pm news at WFSB-Channel 3 in Connecticut. I got there, but anchor Denise D’Ascenzo was on maternity leave for the first month or two. We'd only met during my interview. (Thanks to Dennis … Continue reading Dinner in my honor: A favorite memory
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
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!
I have to start off by saying this blog post is late. I warned you when I was finishing the last one. It wasn't entirely my fault. We got the bed for my brother and sister-in-law's visit, and that took a while. We got it upstairs, but that took a while. And then we were too tired … Continue reading A better bedroom (and bigger blog)
Took long enough, until the second half of January, but it finally came. Took long enough, but I’m actually writing about it! Remember, in my field, snow means work rather than a day off. Also, I was getting ready for a visit from my brother and sister-in-law. More on that within a few hours. (Yes, … Continue reading We got snow!
It's a big day in Cohen Country. I posted my first blog one year ago today. A year ago, I was living in Florida, deciding what I wanted to do with my life (and not much else). I wanted to go back to doing news on the web and had considered blogging. I hoped it … Continue reading One blogging year in review
It took way too long for Mother Nature, the holiday season and me, but it finally started feeling like winter. Monday, Jan. 4, was the first snowfall of the season. It wasn’t much, at least in Bristol. There was one burst for a few minutes. (You see the view from the newsroom. That's the Bristol train … Continue reading Getting into the season
It's not the most appetizing title, but I realized you were craving pictures of the house before the first major renovation. I should also point out it's before the first major cleaning of the house. That can't come soon enough. Neither can the rest of the unpacking. Tomorrow morning, workers are going to … Continue reading Big bathroom news!
I love being back in news. Sure, the hours are long, especially when you don’t have a boss. (My new one starts November 30th). But obviously it’s true when news breaks. Friday, I was coming off a tough week. Again, no boss. Demands from the sales and weather departments. Plus, lots of plans, work, and … Continue reading Past time to stop terror once and for all, not necessarily for the French
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’
I had a long and hard day, and accomplished a lot... including my second blog in 2 days! But don't expect a daily dose of Lenny. Actually, you can (just not on this blog), and I’ll get to that in a moment. I'm getting my act together with this blog and realize not every post … Continue reading Lots of Lenny on the Web
It's me again. I have to write more often. It doesn't have to be a book. Saving stuff up is too time-consuming, anyway. I’d be thrilled with something simple, once or twice a week. I'm just back from New York. Was there for my cousin Danika’s bat mitzvah. Had a great time. Was nice seeing … Continue reading From the Tri-Cities to the Tri-States
I haven't posted anything in about 3 weeks. (I also haven’t heard from you asking for a post. Unbelievable! What’s up with that?) I haven’t been relaxing at the beach. Been doing plenty of writing. Just very busy at work and home. My parents’ visit has come and gone. Went very well. Wasn't sure for … Continue reading Odds & ends from 3 weeks
This is my 22nd blog. I hope you’ve enjoyed them as much as I’ve enjoyed writing them. I didn’t think I could come up with so much material. I was thinking last week’s edition would’ve been a review, an update, because I had 20 previous under my belt and so much has changed since I … Continue reading Lots of updates in a few short months
There are certain things in every town you have to do at least once, and that’s what I did yesterday in Bristol. It’s car racing weekend, one of two big events every year (as I’m told). The Food City 500 is being held. Food City is the local grocery store. You’ll be able to catch … Continue reading It’s Bristol (this weekend), baby!
It’s April and there’s a lot of spring cleaning going on in the Tri-Cities and other places. Garry and I really aren’t doing any of it because we’ve only been here for a month and are still putting stuff I paid to move away. (Or trying to find space for it all!) But I digress. … Continue reading Spring cleaning and Passover food
Spring is often thought of as a time of renewal, the first season. I’ve had some firsts over the past week or so. Starting at home for a change, I can walk to back of the den without having to step over a box, for the first time. It’s a major accomplishment and I’m very … Continue reading A week of firsts
I'm noticing a trend, that a lot of my blogs have to do with work. That's not surprising because most of my waking hours are spent at work. There have been lots of accomplishments: getting video on the Web, a better understanding of what this market is interested in on social media, live streaming of … Continue reading Taking things a lot too seriously?
I think I've said it here before, but I love sitting at my desk and going through wire copy. It's not that I didn't keep up with the news. I always have, but it was delayed, whether by a few hours or days. Wednesday afternoon, ETSU (EAST Tennessee State University, and I'll explain the caps in the … Continue reading ETSU & cutting someone some slack
I've been in Bristol for about ten days and work for a week, so it's time for an update. This blog wasn't intended to be an update on my life. It was supposed to be my thoughts on the world, but the change is okay considering the circumstances. Yesterday, you read about work, and before … Continue reading Getting settled in Bristol
Following up on yesterday's post, my computer is not hooked up. I thought it would be, but the movers kept bringing in more and more boxes, so it may be a little while. No big deal. It's good to be using the laptop on a desk, rather than the floor or a box. The movers … Continue reading Getting settled at work
It's my 4th day in Bristol. I start work tomorrow. Very exciting times! It’s making up for the drive up, which was very unpleasant. First, we waited for the movers to arrive in Miami. They did their job, but a move never really goes smoothly. I thought I would stay in Riverwood forever. My father … Continue reading Being new in Bristol & the Tri-Cities
Yes! You read right! It finally happened! I’m going to be the next digital manager at WCYB-Channel 5 in the Tri-Cities, TN/VA (one letter off from WCVB-Channel 5 in Boston, but a world apart), working roughly 11-8, but you know news. More on the station and location in a moment. You probably know I’ve been holding out for the … Continue reading I got a job – and I’m moving!
3 years without a problem shouldn’t be too much to ask.