Author Archives: Robert Basil

Communications Strategy

I’ve been given a communications strategy “capstone” class for the upcoming term. My students and I will be scanning for examples from around the world starting day one. Expect more frequent posting from me going ahead!

Posted in Robert's posts | Tagged , | Leave a comment

This will be worth an outing

I don’t want to miss this. Unsurprisingly, I could not find any list of distributors, tables, events, etc., anywhere. It will be a surprise! — Addendum:

Posted in Robert's posts | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

My Weekly Substack Reading

Danielle, “Grief Casseroles” (‘grief literacy’) David Scherer Water (Olympia, Washington) Kristi Coulter, “Loose Cannon” (on film) Tina Brown, “Fresh Hell” (‘news dumpster fire’) Lawrence Weschler, “Wonder Cabinet” (arts and culture) Sarah Kendzior, “Newsletter” (it’s worse than you thought …) Kathy … Continue reading

Posted in Robert's posts | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Share Yourself

On a recent train trip I listened to a young computer whiz give a remarkably agile and lucid explanation to his aunt of AI’s probable future role in his industry. Seated two seats behind him, I was too rapt to … Continue reading

Posted in Robert's posts | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

“Managing Access”

The ways Vancouver’s authorities typically address the city’s Downtown Eastside neighbourhood lie on the continuum connecting problematic to harmful. Jamming up the media is commonplace: An inquiry by B.C.’s Office of the Human Rights Commissioner has found that news media … Continue reading

Posted in Robert's posts | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Journalism “bloodbath”

I had a good interview with the Washington Post‘s Sunday magazine a very long time ago. I didn’t get the job, but I learned a ton – and got to walk around that newspaper’s hallowed newsroom a bit. We all … Continue reading

Posted in Robert's posts | Tagged | Leave a comment

More on Sacks

Lawrence Weschler wrote And How Are You, Dr. Sacks: A Biographical Memoir of Oliver Sacks. I remember it being a very fine book. I was wondering how Weschler would address the revelations published in Rachel Aviv’s New Yorker piece. I … Continue reading

Posted in Robert's posts | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Kristi Coulter

The editors at No Contest Communications have long admired Kristi Coulter for her brilliant writing and depthless wit and insight. Read her marvellous new piece in “Business Insider”: “I was an ambitious Amazon exec who solved my burnout without skipping … Continue reading

Posted in Robert's posts | Tagged | Leave a comment

Oliver Sacks

I remember the bookstore in Buffalo where I found “The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat” in 1985. I finished the book before I went to bed. Starting the next day, I relied on the work of Oliver … Continue reading

Posted in Robert's posts | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Happy American Thanksgiving

Even though I live in Canada, there is no holiday more meaningful to me than American Thanksgiving, having been raised south of here. I always obey the name, and spend the day reflecting in gratitude.

Posted in Robert's posts | Tagged , | Leave a comment