Lying Politicians/Feet to the Fire

Lying About Brexit

Politicians stretch the truth all the time. Sometimes they out-and-out lie...repeating the lie over and over. What if we could really hold them accountable, especially when their lies lead to dire consequences?


A private prosecutor in Great Britain is accusing Boris Johnson of lying in the run-up to the Brexit vote. Apparently it was a whopper. Johnson has repeatedly claimed that Britain paid £350 million a week to be in the European Union. A claim that was rebuked by the head UK's Statistics Authority, calling it a clear misuse of official statistics.

Johnson, who is running to replace Theresa May, must now face charges of misconduct in public office.
There's more on this from NPR.

Boris Johnson Is Ordered To Face Accusations That He Lied To The Public

Imagine what it would be like if we could do that here?

Nagging Questions/Public Radio

It's  A Personal

Medium

Does it make sense to replace regular programming with specials (lots of 'em) in and around holidays?

I like to think I've become a pretty typical listener. I tune in when convenient for me with the expectation I'm going to find what I come to expect. Instead, at times, I'm getting specials. It's not what I want. So...I tune out.

What's the Point?

I used to program that way. Specials in and around holidays used to give the regular staff a day or two off. It also gave producers a shot at airtime for their content. What's missing in this equation is the listener. 

Is there an assumption the listener is going to listen from beginning to end? If so, it's false. It's not the way we use radio. The listener's expectation is consistency. That consistency leads to loyalty. If you're measuring with PPM, it's easy enough to tell if the one-off special is having an impact.

I don't think it's working. 

Editorial Choices

Perhaps, if there was more promo real estate for fewer specials, the programming might work. Your gambling the content is of sufficient relevance to be appealing to your audience. Instead, focus on one or two specials, promote the hell out of it and see what happens. Your promotion strategy should include all platforms. After a few of these attempts you'll get a good idea of what works and what doesn't. I'm not hearing that. I tune in because something your scheduling consistently meets my needs. Then, out of the blue, it's not there. The special just seems to be filling space. I didn't know it was coming, I didn't hear the opening, and I have no clue as to what this is.

Ask yourself if you would replace All Things Considered for a special on the snail darter? If you program music, would you replace an hour with a special on crafting or decoupage? Why not? It's art, right? Would you program music so far outside your format that a listener tuning in halfway through would think they have found the wrong station or wonder, what's happening? 

There's nothing wrong with special content. Think audience first. Does this enhance the experience of my listeners? The answer has to be yes. Then, let them know what's coming.

Nagging Questions

Solving Life's Mysteries

If it really is evaporated milk, why is there liquid in the can, and if all the milk evaporated, what is that in there?

I found this:

Evaporated milk, known in some countries as "unsweetened condensed milk", is a shelf-stable canned milk product with about 60% of the water removed from fresh milk. It differs from sweetened condensed milk, which contains added sugar.

 I think it would be more intriguing if you spent a dollar on a can of nothing. It could have been like freeze dried water...just add water.

Are You Sharing Too Much On Social Media?

When does it get to be too much?

Is there a limit? Is there a point when posting becomes an obsession? Is it all about the likes? Then, how come you're not getting as many as before?

The answer may be editorial choice.

Here are some signs you may be posting too much in a posting from 2017 by Jane Danes.

1. You're posting four or more times a day.
2. Updates for the sake of updates.
3. Sharing luxury items. Never mind that you're inviting thievery, it's way too much information.
4. Hourly updates of your vacation.
5. Only posting about yourself. Social media is supposed to be about connecting...listening. Reconnect with your friends by reacting to their posts.
6. Sharing too many posts of your children. Be selective. 
7. People are disappearing from your feed. Maybe they got bored and just moved on.
8. Sharing intimate details. Somethings are just not right for social media.

Are You Sharing Too Much On Social Media? Here Are Some Signs That You Are


Because everything we post is being mined for information, some caution is required. Instead of quantity...look for quality. 

Stand

voice of the day I believe that words are easy. I believe the truth is told in the actions we take. And I believe that if enough ordinary people back up our desire for a better world with action, I believe we can, in fact, accomplish absolutely extraordinary things.  - Jody Williams Voice of the Day is a regular feature of Sojourners

Blind Faith

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. 

- Romans 12:2 (NRSV)

So many people stop reading at the first comma. So it seems blind acceptance is not an option. We're supposed to use our minds.

Oh yeah...I like the album too.