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Still not ready to jump on 'brand'-wagon

Commentary

Brand. Algorithms. Influencer. Viral. These words make me cringe every time I hear them. The concept of “brand” imposed itself on me recently. In an effort to promote my substack page, “Howard’s Hues,” I paid a consultant (a real person) a couple hundred bucks for a half-hour live video session. It seemed like a good investment if I was to ever reach a wider audience and make some money from my writing. The woman seemed very knowledgeable regarding the marketing process, and, having skimmed through a couple of my essays, she appeared enthusiastic about Howard’s Hues and its ...

An easy to follow formula for Fredonia’s NCWD project

Commentary

Some concerning statements were quoted in the front page OBSERVER article of Sept. 15, "District in red, open to talks with the city." North County Water District Chairman Dan Pacos was quoted as saying that the NCWD has lost $150k in the fiscal year through August. Pacos was also quoted questioning SUNY Professor Peter Reinelt’s formula for calculating the water rates that Dunkirk charges the NCWD and that are then up-charged to water customers. This is not the first time that Pacos has questioned Reinelt’s calculations and cautioned that having a sole individual calculating water ...

Relationships, love can impact 'recovery'

Commentary

In his book, “The Road Less Traveled,” Scott Peck defines love as “The will to extend one’s self for the purpose of nurturing one’s own or another’s spiritual growth.” He also states, “Love is the energy force for discipline.” During the 30-plus years that I was a chemical dependency counselor, the single greatest cause of relapses for clients was irrational relationships. Self-love also includes love for another. Since I am human and you are human, to love means to love myself as well as you. Some people may love their pets, but are incapable of showing the same kind ...

Town business proves its partnership

The OBSERVER’s View

It is not often that area residents see community improvements from agreements with the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency. While the businesses and employees remain inside the building — with maybe a bit of an expansion, it is often rare there is a trade-off. In the town of Dunkirk, that is exactly the case. Thanks to Supervisor Shari Miller voicing her objections to an Americold exemption agreement on behalf of herself as well as other members of the Town Board, the company is stepping up its contributions. "Since Americold has been in their location, we've had ...

With election nearing, make plans to vote

Commentary

With the November election approaching, many voters may be feeling a little overwhelmed by the steady stream of political news, competing claims and debates about elections and voting. That is understandable. But amid all the noise, there is something each of us can do: make a plan to vote. Voting does not have to be complicated. A little preparation now can help you avoid last-minute problems and make sure you are ready to cast your ballot. The League of Women Voters of Chautauqua County encourages voters to use reliable, nonpartisan sources of election information, including ...

Trump, tariffs and technology putting U.S. at risk

Commentary

I never in my life thought we would have a trade war with Canada. It’s shooting ourselves in the foot. It’s cutting off our nose to spite our face. it’s counterproductive besides being just plain stupid. We spent 50 years integrating our supply lines with Canada and Mexico. Parts for your Chevy truck are made all over the continent. They pass back and forth across the border a dozen times. Are we really going to throw a wrench into the machinery? Yes, apparently we have. The tariffs are like sand in the gears. I called U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy and left a message about my ...