Things I Used to Do: A Backwards Glance

By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)
Commentaries like this one — published on the final day of the calendar year — sometimes includes a reference to “the clock ticking down …” But in this digital age, how many people still have a clock that actually ticks?

That question could be the metaphor of sorts that defines the focus of this post. Rather than address important or relevant accomplishments or memories of the year about to end, I will point out three things I used to do over the past few decades but no longer do. Or in some cases, do less frequently or in some modified state. I’ll follow up each category with thoughts on what’s on the agenda for 2023 and perhaps beyond.

Let’s get started on this journey.

Listen to the Music: If memory serves correctly, I received my first guitar when I was 12 (or thereabouts). Since then, I’ve had eight guitars, some of which I strummed only at home and some were strapped on during practices and gigs with the two rock cover bands I performed with over the past 40-plus years. Since I unplugged (figuratively and literally) three years ago from the band noted in this 2016 post, I’ve not performed in front of a crowd, aside from a birthday celebration two summers ago; and, haven’t plugged in my Strat Plus for more than two years.  Why? Well as a line noted in this 1960s classic song, “I ran out of songs to play,” or from another perspective, I wanted a rest.

Rest assured, currently my fret board chops and the callouses on my left hand are not what they once were; but I’ve made a commitment in the New Year to: a) Play at least 15 minutes per day. b) Join an ensemble course offered by the Old Town School of Folk Music. c) Write at least one new song per quarter.  Stay tuned.  (Couldn’t resist the pun.)

Because the Night: Ah the memories of reveling in late-night music at a packed rock nightclub and later hearing the bartender yell “last call!” Over the past two decades or so, my club hopping routine has shifted to listening to music at sit down venues where performances end well before midnight and last call. Susan and I have even subscribed to a concert series at the Chicago Symphony Center! Yes, I miss the vibe, the drama, the excitement, the people. But I don’t miss waking up drained and somewhat disillusioned about how to get through the day ahead.

In the year ahead, I’ll make a commitment to catch an early set — even on a weekday — at local music venues that feature rock and roots music. One that stands out is the Montrose Saloon, an awesome, no-frills tavern that includes a spacious outdoor patio; what’s more, it’s just two miles away from home and they have a great beer selection. Plus, I’ll lock in tickets to catch another form of evening entertainment — live theater, especially shows that feature music.

You Get a Line and I’ll Get a Pole: My first memory of fishing was with my family at Aunt Helen and Uncle Eddie’s small resort on Silver Lake, Wisconsin. (Loyal readers know I’ve visited the Dairy State regularly, and as noted in this 2011 commentary, am a fan of the state in all seasons.) That was more than 60 years ago. Since those first casts, hoping my submerged bobber would let me land a perch or bluegill, I’ve fished all four seasons in Wisconsin, as well as here in Chicago along the river downtown, back before the development of the successful Chicago River Walk and invasion of tour boats. And, I have fond memories of trips to Ontario, where I landed a magnificent five-pound smallmouth bass. For some reason, I failed to throw a cast in 2022.

This is no fish story: On the first mild day in spring 2023, I’ll cast a line in the closest body of water near our home; no, not the Chicago River or Lake Michigan, but the Humboldt Park Lagoon, a mile-plus directly south. This modest body of water does hold fish, and as noted in this news story from earlier this year, once was home to a reptile named after a famous musician. And, I will commit to regular visits to — you guessed it — Wisconsin, where my good friend Tom and I will take excursions to the small town known as the “White Bass Capital of the World.” 

As a counter-point to the thoughts above, I also could project thoughts on things I plan to do or want to do in 2023 and beyond. These are better known as “new year’s resolutions.”

But hey, I prefer to take the road less taken.

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So, This is What Constitutes “News” These Days

By Edward M. Bury, APR, MA (aka The PRDude)

Got a few minutes? Open a browser and google “what is news?”

You’ll get lots of results, of course, from a general dictionary definition to this more inclusive article that offers eight solid “factors of criteria” designed to guide development and dissemination of news.

As a former newsman and public relations professional bound by ethical standards, I’m distraught and bewildered by what’s presented as news today.

An analysis of recent news reports led to the conclusion that in these digitally-driven days, virtually any action by some individuals, most notably celebrities of some sort, becomes “news,” regardless of the lack of significant or notable newsworthy aspects presented. 

Or from another perspective, how how hurtful, untrue or bizarre.

Some examples include:

• Regular comments by a first-term member of Congress, an elected official who garners more news coverage from vitriolic and non-sensible comments made at rallies and receptions than legislation introduced. (With the majority party switch in the House, one can only ascertain this person will have an even broader platform in the years ahead.)
• The ongoing antics of a billionaire businessman who purchased a social media platform espousing free speech, yet last week suspended accounts from journalists covering his actions. (The next day, the billionaire reinstated the accounts of the reporters who he maintained “doxxed” him.)
• A litany of truly uncalled for comments by a pop celebrity regarding one of the most horrific mass murders in history by arguably the most horrific human being to take a breath on planet Earth. (A somewhat positive sidebar: The celebrity reportedly has lost hundreds of millions of dollars in endorsements.)
• And, the seemingly endless spigot of lies, nonsense and outright cruel messages from a person who once held the most significant job in the world. (A prediction: Be prepared for an avalanche of comments from the person in question once final results from a Congressional committee are released tomorrow.)

Let me offer an analogy to the incidents cited above: There’s something wrong when a person of note — an elected official, an entertainer, a business person, or an athlete — make more news outside of politics, the stage or screen, the board room, or the court or field of play than inside the venues and examples cited.

So, what’s the solution? What can rational people do to address what can be considered by some highly irrational activities as not worthy of being called “news?” Why does a clearly egregious tweet or disparaging comment uttered at a conference become “news?”

If you have an answer, please share. I don’t.

But I, like everyone, has the ability to click the delete button, switch to another channel, or turn the page.