WASHINGTON, D.C. — Why were we here, besides for our writer friends and some sightseeing? To get better. Speakers at the 2014 conference of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists discussed politics, government and history, but the focus was on development of our skills. Hence, two wrap-up pieces. I tried to live-tweet a lot except […]
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Speakers at the 38th annual conference of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists could be separated into two general topics, with overlap: Some focused on Washington and capital news, and others on developing of crafting and marketing columns. Hence, two stories. I took a lot of notes and live-tweeted, except when I […]
Categories
Puttanesca Off Line
This pasta sauce says summer to me louder than gazpacho soup. If you’re desperate for hot weather, this’ll be almost as good with canned tomatoes and dried basil. The temperature contrast between room temperature sauce and steaming pasta is deliberate. Here’s a quote from a 1985 newspaper recipe by Arthur “Food Maven” Schwartz: “Some uncooked […]
Categories
Principles of Journalism Pay
I have a real full-time job, near ideal actually, its long title notwithstanding. On June 12, I signed a formal offer to serve as 2014-15 Interim Assistant Director of the University of Arkansas Center for Ethics in Journalism and Instructor of Journalism. It comprises the same responsibilities and term as assistant director, without the “interim,” […]
Categories
A C Note
We asked for it so I can’t complain. We dined out to celebrate. It would so kill the mood to ask what’s an add-on and what comes-with on each and every item, so we didn’t. Boy, did I pay for it. Here is a caution to near-vegans and vegans, like My Beloved and me. All […]
Categories
Fingerholds on a Slippery Slope
It’s a business meeting with two 30-something women I’ve never met, the wrong place to bring up anything personal. I know that. The hour is nearing an end. Nearly all the serious stuff is done. This is actually a delicate moment. Things can be screwed up moments before all is said and done. One of […]