writing Archives - CohenConnect.com

May 1, 2020

Is Facebook facing the fact its Community Standards struck out with me 3 times in one night?

If you’re a longtime reader, then you’ve probably seen the phase I went through, ending articles with this phrase: If you appreciate what you…

April 15, 2020

A blogger’s job is never done, especially after a migration

I haven’t blogged for a while because I’ve been working hard, but I’ve been on this updated website, fixing lots of problems that started…

March 7, 2020

New and improved website!

I’m happy to report the blog CohenConnect.com is new and improved, with a different web host, and more to see at first glance if…

August 15, 2019

ThePhillyFiles’ six-week milestone!

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…

July 20, 2019

Larger Than Life Personality: Remembering Mitch Petrus — Austin Kellerman

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…

June 13, 2019

Adding my own few points to Nexstar’s ‘Digital First’ strategy

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…

May 3, 2019

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

You may have actually looked at the homepage of this blog, CohenConnect.com, and thought I hadn’t been writing. It may have looked that way,…

May 2, 2019

Thinking about religion, belief and recent violence

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…

March 16, 2019

Control of the media after the mosque attacks in New Zealand

THANK YOU to the two new followers from over the past week, bringing the total up to 116. I hope you like what you…

I’ve had another busy week with some big stories I had to write quickly. Reminds me of old times. Notice here, four stories on…

January 15, 2019

Reports: Nexstar says no to WPIX-NY, WSFL-Miami

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…

January 11, 2019

Anniversary means time to start something new

It’s Jan. 11 and that means today marks four years since my very first blog post at www.CohenConnect.com. Back then, when I started, I…

January 7, 2019

Odds, ends and new beginnings

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…

January 2, 2019

Banned from Facebook pages twice in 2 days!

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…

December 6, 2018

Blogging better in 2019 after hitting 20,000 views in 2018

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…

October 28, 2018

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

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…

October 10, 2018

The case against us all paying for private schools

Several times a year, before elections, a man in Florida emails me about who to support in elections down there. The goal is to…

October 2, 2018

News starting out good but going downhill fast

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…

September 14, 2018

Eric Trump and his shekels

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…

September 3, 2018

Labor Day weekend leftovers

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…

August 9, 2018

Tribune to Sinclair: Judge’s gavel instead of merger’s handshake

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…

July 27, 2018

Sinclair sinks, Trump’s temper, Cox’s cash value

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…

July 17, 2018

More moderation in politics, not so in casting calls

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…

June 2, 2018

Sign, sign, everywhere a sign

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…

Fox 29 was one of the two places I should’ve seen red flags, rather than accepting the job, but I still respect several people…

May 29, 2018

The lousiness of laziness and liars

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…

May 25, 2018

Follow-Up Friday, plus David Hogg defeats Publix

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…

May 17, 2018

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

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…

May 8, 2018

Paying for news, one candidate’s free airtime and asking for your comments

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…

April 19, 2018

Sanctuary cities judges show they know justice, not politics

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…

April 17, 2018

Comey comes alive with tough talk against Trump

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…

April 10, 2018

Salaries, senators and a spat between a Fox News host and the A.P.

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…

March 30, 2018

Tiffany Trump’s trouble, what unions could do to Amazon and the media

It’s nice when Americans exercise their First Amendment rights (freedom ofÂ religion, speech, the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and…

March 20, 2018

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

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…

March 11, 2018

Call to action: Help stop Sinclair from taking over Tribune

First, I want to go thank and apologize to everyone who read my last post. It was way too long. Yes, it contained what…

March 7, 2018

Flakes and facts, lots on my mind

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…

February 15, 2018

Killing kids and desecrating the name of Marjory Stoneman Douglas

I didnâ€™t plan on writing two blogs in two days completely from scratch, but the news calls for it. Yesterday, around this time, I…

February 14, 2018

Your JOB is to read well past the headline

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…

February 2, 2018

Eagle eye: Most Philadelphia media ignore possibility of local terrorism

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….

January 23, 2018

Don’t post your content on Facebook if you don’t want readers getting it for free!

Time for the obvious, yet again. News organizations post their news on Facebook and other social media sites. Those articles, videos, slideshows, etc. also…

January 18, 2018

Sad stereotypes too strong to silence (for now)

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…

January 16, 2018

The rights of TV station owners vs. the public

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…

January 15, 2018

More details on Israel after the gay paper

I got up extremely early this morning to take Pedro to work, since he didnâ€™t get the holiday off. Soon after getting home, I…

January 11, 2018

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

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? 🙂)….

January 8, 2018

The news where I used to work: Unbelievable!

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…

December 20, 2017

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

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…

November 29, 2017

Hey, you accused! Would Mom say, wait until your father gets home?

Today, it was Matt Lauer. Some of you want the newest, shocking details. The Miami Herald called the accusations against him “crude misconduct.” Less…

November 21, 2017

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

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…

November 9, 2017

What is conscience? Elusive in the media, unfortunately

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…

October 6, 2017

Update: Storing the car on the mean streets

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…

October 4, 2017

Tom Petty’s disgraceful daughter, wrong reports at end

Every situation is different, but death always seems to be a hard topic. We could be talking about a close relative, an acquaintance from…

May 25, 2017

Dinner in my honor: A favorite memory

The spring of 1997. It was pretty much my first time away from home. Steve and Tom hired me to produce the 11pm news…

February 3, 2017

The media: Certainly imperfect, definitely necessary and trying

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…

April 25, 2016

Moving back to Philly!

Yes, you read correctly! Iâ€™m headed back after more than 12 years. I didn’t really think it was going to happen, especially considering the…

March 3, 2016

Kitchen complete! At least for now…

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…

February 22, 2016

And now, the kitchen!

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…

January 30, 2016

A better bedroom (and bigger blog)

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…

8 tips for safely operating battery-powered tools July 9, 2020
Battery-powered power tools make it convenient and efficient to tackle chores around the house and job site. While batteries eliminate the risks associated with... The post 8 tips for safely operating battery-powered tools appeared first on The Philly Files.
Savory redo: The rush for rosé is back on July 8, 2020
Kathleen Inman remembers the time when she had to twist arms in her tasting room to get people to try her rosé. Too many... The post Savory redo: The rush for rosé is back on appeared first on The Philly Files.
Safety in the sky with emergency air ambulance transportation July 7, 2020
For many types of medical emergencies, time is a critical factor. The faster a patient receives critical care, the greater the chances for a... The post Safety in the sky with emergency air ambulance transportation appeared first on The Philly Files.
Mild Coronavirus case? 8 tips to recover at home July 6, 2020
Coronavirus is still infecting people across the globe, with most who develop symptoms exhibiting mild illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and... The post Mild Coronavirus case? 8 tips to recover at home appeared first on The Philly Files.
Business ownership appeals to vets seeking post-military careers July 4, 2020
Once their service ends, veterans often expect to start a new career. In many cases, the same skills and characteristics that helped make them... The post Business ownership appeals to vets seeking post-military careers appeared first on The Philly Files.
Snack hacks that really pop July 3, 2020
If spending more time at home than usual has you reaching for snacks more often, keep some quick, flavorful options on-hand to help fuel... The post Snack hacks that really pop appeared first on The Philly Files.
Philly officer, 2 relatives charged with robbing 15 gamblers July 2, 2020
PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia police officer is under arrest, accused of taking part “in the robbery and assault of multiple victims at a North... The post Philly officer, 2 relatives charged with robbing 15 gamblers appeared first on The Philly Files.
From 2nd generation, to reviving a winery after 6 decades July 1, 2020
One thing that gives us great comfort in the ever-changing wine industry is the survival of the venerable family-owned wineries. Too many of the... The post From 2nd generation, to reviving a winery after 6 decades appeared first on The Philly Files.
7 tips to save money and have fun shopping online June 28, 2020
Online shopping allows you the ease of getting items delivered directly to your door. Not only is online shopping convenient, but it also allows... The post 7 tips to save money and have fun shopping online appeared first on The Philly Files.
Philadelphia releases crime prevention and violence reduction action plan June 26, 2020
Friday morning, Philadelphia Police Comm. Danielle Outlaw announced a plan to prevent crime and reduce violence in the city. The idea includes District Attorney... The post Philadelphia releases crime prevention and violence reduction action plan appeared first on The Philly Files.

Flag DayJune 14, 2020

Flag Day is celebrated on June 14. It commemorates the adoption of the U.S. flag on June 14, 1777, by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. It stated: "The flag of the 13 United States be 13 stripes, alternate red and white; that the union be 13 stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." Flag Day is not an official federal holiday. In 1916, Pres. Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation officially establishing Flag Day, and in 1949, an Act of Congress established National Flag Day. The U.S. Army also celebrates its birthday on this date; Congress adopted "the American continental army" on June 14, 1775.

Independence DayJuly 4, 2020

Independence Day — also known by its date, the Fourth of July — is an American holiday commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence here in Philadelphia on July 4, 1776. The Continental Congress declared the 13 colonies were no longer part of Britain and were united, free, and independent states. The Congress had voted to declare independence on July 2, but it was not declared until July 4. Look for fireworks, parades, barbecues, concerts, family get-togethers and other ceremonies.