Monday, February 13, 2017

Always be humble and kind

I used to say to my kids when they were growing up, don't lie, don't cheat and don't steal and you'll grow up to be a good person, and when Lori McKenna put all the lyrics together and handed the song off to Tim McGraw it became one of my favorites. Hold the door, say please, say thank you Don’t steal, don’t cheat and don’t lie I know you got mountains to climb, but Always stay humble and kind When those dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you When the work you put in is realized Let yourself feel the pride, but Always stay humble and kind. In my latest rant I talk about the humbling experience the news of my leaving the newspaper business brought about.

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

Times Herald editor (me) retires from newspaper business, heads to Elmwood Park Zoo

After 21 years in the newspaper business, which has transformed into the multimedia business, I'm leaving the industry. It's actually 23 years if you count the two years I spent as a correspondent for the Daily Local News in West Chester when I was new to PA and the journalism field. While the story on my departure is quite lengthy, I did leave out one tale worth retelling. I received a tip one day that two of our three county commissioners were meeting regularly at a local restaurant, discussing county business and then coming to the regularly scheduled commissioners' meeting fully prepared to vote on everything on the agenda. I sent a new reporter to the restaurant because I knew she wouldn't be recognized. She wasn't. They were doing a lot of talking and the ensuing stories led to an overhaul of the state's Sunshine Law, upping the ante from $100 per incident to $1000 per incident for those in power who believe the law does not apply to them. So, I'm heading to Elmwood Park Zoo where I'm going to do my very best Dr. Dolittle impression, and also help with the incredible plans they have in the works, including the soon to be open big cat exhibit.