Author Archives: Robert Basil

My Weekly Substack Reading

Posted on March 7, 2026 by Robert Basil

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 →

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Share Yourself

Posted on February 26, 2026 by Robert Basil

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 →

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“Managing Access”

Posted on February 5, 2026 by Robert Basil

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 →

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Journalism “bloodbath”

Posted on February 4, 2026 by Robert Basil

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 →

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More on Sacks

Posted on January 10, 2026 by Robert Basil

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 →

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Kristi Coulter

Posted on December 31, 2025 by Robert Basil

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 →

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Oliver Sacks

Posted on December 16, 2025 by Robert Basil

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 →

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Happy American Thanksgiving

Posted on November 27, 2025 by Robert Basil

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.

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Our friendly tour guide

Posted on October 23, 2025 by Robert Basil

From my point of view as a prof and as a writer/editor, Ethan Mollick has been the best and most sensible guide through the world of AI since the dawn of ChatGPT. His article “An Opinionated Guide to Using AI: … Continue reading →

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Jay Rosen

Posted on October 8, 2025 by Robert Basil

NoContest Communications readers know all about Jay Rosen, the marvellous analyst of media and journalism who recently retired from his position as Professor at NYU. His new gig is working to promote News Creators Corps. He writes: For the last … Continue reading →

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