Rejection. Nobody likes it. So many fear it they never set out to attempt anything, held back by trepidation of possible failure or facing scorn and ridicule. Nothing dampens would-be writers spirit more than fear of rejection. I know because of the folks who in the past approached me at writers conferences, cowering as they…
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A friend who has since moved elsewhere used to keep a group of us in stitches doing exaggerated voice and facial imitations of customer service operators who were often likely to be outside the U.S. Since he made his living trouble-shooting email problems from his home (making him a pioneer in remote work), “Jack” had…
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With more than one Artificial Intelligence company placing Super Bowl ads this year, it’s clear AI has reached the big leagues. Recent stories show why. One in early February on NBC News told of a stunning AI breakthrough: a man from Long Island paralyzed by an accident is able to speak and move again, thanks…
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When I tell you that I’ve been on Medicare for nearly nine years, you will recognize that I’m no spring chicken. But thanks to folks like David Letterman and Larry Fink, I’m no longer seen as an oddity—some old guy who doesn’t know when to quit. After spending 22 years on CBS’s The Late Show,…
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If you’ve cruised through Facebook, Instagram or other social media, you have probably seen a declaration along the lines of: “Writing has never been easier!” That always makes me scoff: “If it were that easy, everyone would be doing it.” Which they aren’t. At least, not with the style and skill required to turn mere…
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Just over two weeks ago, I received an assignment to interview a chaplain who has been ministering to firefighters on the frontlines of the wildfires devouring the Los Angeles area. But even before that, I had been thinking about the contrast between the hysterical finger-pointing and blame-casting surrounding the wildfires … and the essential work…
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As 2024 was drawing to a close and my income poised to decline slightly over 2023—amid fears that Artificial Intelligence is already eating freelancers’ lunch—I needed a good laugh. I got one, thanks to a story in Time magazine about the basic errors in OpenAI’s new, advanced AI model. The company touted it as including…
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With the second half of January upon us and New Year’s resolutions already starting to fade, I have a suggestion for those hoping for an improved 2025: go to church. Such an idea is sure to draw scorn amid the fading attendance of recent years. The trend was accelerated by 2020-21 lockdowns, like the kind…
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With the recent hysteria about mysterious drones circling the country and predictions of conflict amid a new presidential administration, it’s worth reflecting on a comment made two-plus centuries ago. It came from legendary British spiritual leader John Wesley, whose impact on America includes credit as the founder of Methodism. In a letter to a friend…
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As we head into a new year, it’s common to read of resolutions for the coming 12 months, wishes for world peace, or prayers for blessings. I have a simpler aspiration. I would dearly love to see the end of blister packs. You know, those irritating, nearly impossible to crack, nasty creations that cause more…
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