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!
I’ve never reblogged before. Only heard of it. But heat stroke is deadly, and a serious threat this weekend. A few days ago, it killed former NFL player Mitch Petrus. He was just 32 years old. If he’s not immune, then who is? This post is from his former boss when he went into TV … Continue reading Larger Than Life Personality: Remembering Mitch Petrus — Austin Kellerman
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
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
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
If you want to do something well, watch someone else do it. That’s the way to improve in most skills in life. That’s one reason I read Scott Jones’ blog, FTVLive.com. Say what you want about him or his spelling, but he’s usually right on the money when it comes to facts, and won’t make … Continue reading Reports: Nexstar says no to WPIX-NY, WSFL-Miami
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
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!
THANK YOU! I don’t know what else to say. There’s nothing special about hitting 20,000 blog page views except that it’s a big round number. The blog is a hobby and will be four years old next month. It’s just a way for me to practice writing, learn better use of the web in blog … Continue reading Blogging better in 2019 after hitting 20,000 views in 2018
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
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
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
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
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
It’s a great day in broadcasting, or as great as things can get in this day and age. There will be no merger between Sinclair Broadcast Group and Tribune Media. Today, according to Axios, Tribune announced it “terminated its $3.9 billion merger agreement with Sinclair Broadcasting and that it has filed a lawsuit for breach … Continue reading Tribune to Sinclair: Judge’s gavel instead of merger’s handshake
There’s something to be said for waiting before starting to write. That’s not my nature. I want to get things out first. I type very well but nobody can do it as quickly as my brain, so I often dictate into a phone and email myself. Then, I make any corrections and additions, and create … Continue reading Sinclair sinks, Trump’s temper, Cox’s cash value
I’ve had a lot on my mind lately. There’s too much going on, between job stuff, the news and that last blog post I wrote. It was about being attacked on Facebook by someone who was angry I don't think Barack Obama is my favorite president and made nasty knee-jerk comments when I simply asked … Continue reading More moderation in politics, not so in casting calls
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
First, I want to thank you for all your reading. This is my 99th blog and so far there have been more than 14,100 page views. Dozens of you are reading and clicking more than once, even when I don't post anything, and the numbers have really been going up. Reading above what's above would good … Continue reading Follow-Up Friday, plus David Hogg defeats Publix
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?
I hope you’ve had a terrific Tuesday! I have a few thoughts (just a few) I figured I’d get out today. This morning, Axios reported several news websites “launched new paywalls within the past year.” Sorry! (But not this one.) It named Bloomberg, Vanity Fair, Wired, Business Insider and The Atlantic, and added, “Legacy institutions like The New York Times, The Wall … Continue reading Paying for news, one candidate’s free airtime and asking for your comments
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
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
I’m actually going to start optimistically and thank you for reading. The blog is getting very close and may have 12,000 hits after this post. (It's at 11,927 as I start formatting at 7:11pm). Please, if you haven’t, subscribe with your email address or WordPress account. There are places on the right side of your … Continue reading Salaries, senators and a spat between a Fox News host and the A.P.
It's nice when Americans exercise their First Amendment rights (freedom of religion, speech, the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances) with good intentions, and that should be encouraged. Last Saturday, many in the country were shocked after March for Our Lives rallies were … Continue reading Tiffany Trump’s trouble, what unions could do to Amazon and the media
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
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
I didn’t plan on writing two blogs in two days completely from scratch, but the news calls for it. Yesterday, around this time, I was cramming on another blog and then dragged out even though I couldn’t care less about St. Valentine’s Day. Despite personal protests as long as I can remember, it’s not my … Continue reading Killing kids and desecrating the name of Marjory Stoneman Douglas
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
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
Time for the obvious, yet again. News organizations post their news on Facebook and other social media sites. Those articles, videos, slideshows, etc. also get picked up on search sites like Google, Yahoo and Bing (Microsoft). If they use the correct SEOs (Search Engine Optimization words) and have a little luck (or pay a … Continue reading Don’t post your content on Facebook if you don’t want readers getting it for free!
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
I got up extremely early this morning to take Pedro to work, since he didn’t get the holiday off. Soon after getting home, I noticed my Facebook friend Mark Segal -- founder, owner and publisher of the renowned Philadelphia Gay News -- had posted his column from last week. I'm two weeks behind in reading. … Continue reading More details on Israel after the gay paper
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!
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!
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
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!
The kitchen is done so it's blog time again! You'll remember, we had to do the work because the new dishwasher went a few inches past the edge of the counter. It took this long because the backsplash was delayed. Luckily, that wasn't a big deal. It's wasn't like going without a shower. On the first … Continue reading Kitchen complete! At least for now…
This blog was not supposed to be about home improvement, but we all go through phases. The bathroom is done and we're happy with it. In fact, I took two baths over the weekend! Now, onto the kitchen. The main reason for this work is that the dishwasher we had installed in the fall goes … Continue reading And now, the kitchen!
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
The holidays are always a busy time. Finishing a major construction project while working everyday meant chaos and a delayed post. So here it is, the last steps to the final product! By Friday, way back on Dec. 18, the bath tub was finally installed. Bob the contractor could finish what was delayed. Saturday, Dec. … Continue reading All done! New year, new bathroom
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
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
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