Matthew Arnold Stern's Blog, page 51
July 26, 2015
What Donald Trump can teach you about communication
Let’s talk about Donald Trump. Everyone is, and that’s what he intended. Whether or not you agree with his views — and I don’t — he clearly knows how to get attention. In a crowded field of Republican presidential candidates who mostly have the same views, he has been able to stand out and overshadow the rest. He has …
July 6, 2015
Humor: What will Germany do?
Now that Greek voters rejected the referendum, what will Germany do?
June 27, 2015
With liberty and justice for all
These have been great days to be an American. The Supreme Court made marriage equality the law in all 50 states as well as upholding the Affordable Care Act and fair housing. We also determined as a society that a flag that represents a defense of slavery and resistance to civil rights is not a symbol …
June 22, 2015
“Something needs to change, and it’s probably me.”
If you are in the grips of a drug or alcohol addiction, there are many resources available to help. But what if your self-limiting behavior is less obvious? What if it is an addiction to perfectionism, anger, or martyrdom? For addictions conspicuous and covert, Gratitude and Trust by Paul Williams and Tracey Jackson can help. …
June 17, 2015
Who are you really?
The question of identity has become a hot topic in the news. The particular issues involve difficult questions about ethnicity and gender. Are we limited to how we are formed biologically? Or can we redefine ourselves to match our self-image? And what do we do if those around us find our redefinition unacceptable? Or are there …
June 12, 2015
What’s better, robots or writers?
Just a bunch of high school kids playing with robots. From a robotics competition at Reseda High School in November 2014. I read a wonderful speech from Reseda High School‘s 2015 valedictorian who was a member of the school’s award-winning robotics club. This got me thinking: If I went to Reseda today, would I have gotten into robots instead …
June 7, 2015
What a Prius can teach you about change
My brother writes about cars in our family. However, I learned a valuable lesson about change from the purchase of a new car — and the reason for buying that car. The hardest part of learning is unlearning what you already know. Change is about letting go of the familiar and embracing something new. Most cars …
May 24, 2015
What do you say when you talk to yourself?
I don’t only talk to myself when I’m writing dialogue. I had to work late in the office one night. I thought I was alone, so I talked to myself as I added some new information to a manual. It turns out that I wasn’t alone in the office that night. The next day, I chatted …
May 11, 2015
Why you should write a marketing plan before you write your book
Publish Your Book: Proven Strategies and Resources for the Enterprising Author by Patricia Fry is a must-read for authors. It addresses a challenge we all have: How to write a marketable book that attracts readers. Fry’s book recommends that you write a book proposal and query letter before you start writing. A book proposal is a must …
May 3, 2015
Leaving Line
Not long ago, I had to end a friendship. I’m not going to name names or divulge details except to say that it was something I needed to do. Still, ending any relationship — whether it is professional or personal — is difficult and painful. I usually turn to music to cope with situations like this. The …
