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We Need to Stop Warrantless Spying on Americans. Here’s How.

In history, National News, News Media, Opinion, Politics, Uncategorized on April 17, 2026 at 9:38 am

COURTESY: The New York Times – April 17, 2026

A photo of a blurry surveillance camera, in the foreground, against a sharper-focused seascape in the background.
Credit…Grade Solomon

By Mike Lee and Dick Durbin

Mr. Lee and Mr. Durbin are senators.

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This article was updated to reflect news developments.

We disagree on many issues. One of us is a longtime Democrat, the other a conservative Republican. But both of us are deeply concerned about warrantless government surveillance of the American people.

In 2008, Congress enacted Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to allow the government to gather vital intelligence about foreign governments, terrorists and spies. The problem is that it has also allowed agencies like the F.B.I. and the National Security Agency to regularly gather and search through the private communications of American citizens without a warrant. That is a clear violation of rights protected by the Constitution.

It’s true that Section 702 doesn’t allow the direct targeting of Americans, but their communications are still often gathered during the warrantless surveillance of foreigners abroad. Once the government has this data, agencies then have the ability to search through it. And they do: Transparency reports reveal that thousands of such searches are performed every year. A federal court previously found that some the F.B.I. had conducted had violated the Fourth Amendment.

Predictably, without a requirement for court approval of these searches, abuses have been rampant. As a recent report from the Brennan Center for Justice highlighted, F.B.I. agents in recent years have searched for the communications of “protesters across the political spectrum; members of Congress; a congressional chief of staff; a state court judge; multiple U.S. government officials, journalists and political commentators; and 19,000 donors to a political campaign.” In a time of extreme partisanship, these abuses have provoked bipartisan outrage.

Congress should have a serious and informed debate on these issues rather than ramming through a reauthorization of Section 702 with minimal reforms yet again, sidelining Americans’ constitutional rights in the process.

That’s why the two of us have proposed the Security and Freedom Enhancement (SAFE) Act, a compromise that would reauthorize the valuable core of this tool while enacting reasonable safeguards to protect the Fourth Amendment rights of all Americans.

The government would still be able to check its databases to uncover connections between targeted foreigners and Americans. But it would have to get court approval in the small number of cases in which these searches have generated results and the government has a proper basis for gaining access to the contents of the communications. Importantly, our warrant requirement also contains robust exceptions for legitimate emergencies, so that we can balance civil liberties with legitimate security needs.

Our bill would also cut off another form of warrantless surveillance: the widespread practice of circumventing the Fourth Amendment by purchasing Americans’ sensitive information from data brokers.

The Department of Justice (including the Drug Enforcement Administration and the F.B.I.), the Department of Homeland Security (including ICE, Customs and Border Patrol and the Secret Service) and the Defense Intelligence Agency have purchased cellphone location information for millions of Americans. Such information is highly sensitive and can reveal intimate details of that person’s life. Even more troubling, artificial intelligence could supercharge such surveillance, allowing the government to harvest and analyze mass quantities of highly personal and sensitive information about Americans without court approval. Our legislation would close these loopholes — again with pragmatic exceptions to accommodate legitimate safety and security needs.

Congress should not take an all-or-nothing approach to reauthorizing Section 702. We have the time and the responsibility to get this right. Members may disagree about what reforms are required — that’s why we have debates and amendments. But simply extending the law without any changes to protect Americans’ privacy should be off the table.

We owe it to the American people to meet this moment and do our jobs to protect both national security and civil liberties. Our bill offers a bipartisan solution to do just that.

Mike Lee, Republican of Utah, and Dick Durbin, Democrat of Illinois, are senators.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips. And here’s our email: letters@nytimes.com.

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Xenia Daily Gazette Launches Inaugural Holiday Short Story Contest

In Children and Family, Local News, News Media, Print Media, Uncategorized on November 25, 2025 at 10:00 am

COURTESY OF OUR PARTNERS AT THE XENIA DAILY GAZETTE

The Xenia Daily Gazette is inviting local writers and storytellers to take part in its first annual Holiday Short Story Contest, which is going on now. Sponsored by McIlvaine Realtors, the contest encourages community members to put their holiday reflections into words under this year’s theme: “What the holidays mean to me.”

The inaugural contest is open to anyone age 12 and older, and entries may be up to 800 words in length. Stories should be sent as attachments or pasted into the email body to editor@xeniagazette.com by December 15, 2025. All entries must include the writer’s name, address, phone number, and email address.

The winner will receive a $50 VISA gift card, courtesy of McIlvaine Realtors, and their work will be published in both the Xenia Daily Gazette and the Fairborn Daily Herald during Christmas week, giving the author a special spotlight during the holiday season.

To help select the winning story, the Gazette has brought in a familiar local voice: Gery Deer, longtime contributing journalist, columnist, and author of the Gazette’s “Deer In Headlines” series, who will serve as one of the judges. Deer is participating courtesy of GLD Communications in Jamestown, which has supported Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) for the last three years through its national literacy initiative.

Deer said the contest offers the community an exceptional opportunity to reflect on what makes the season meaningful. “This is the time of year when family means the most, memories become stories told to new generations, and sharing seems to be at the heart of the season,” he said. “We hope people will share their stories with us and maybe even inspire others to write something as well.”

The Gazette hopes the new contest will become a cherished annual tradition, welcoming writers of all skill levels—from students and first-time storytellers to seasoned creatives looking for a festive way to express themselves.

Entries will be judged on originality, clarity, and how well they capture the holiday theme. While participation is open beyond Greene County, organizers are especially hopeful for strong involvement from area schools, families, and aspiring writers eager to share what the holidays mean to them.

McIlvaine Realtors, known for their long-standing support of community programs, expressed enthusiasm about sponsoring the first-ever contest and encouraging a new generation of local storytellers.

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Speechless Freedom

In Local News, News Media, Opinion, Uncategorized on September 27, 2025 at 3:37 pm

Deer In Headlines II

By Gery Deer

(Listen to the accompanying Deer In Headlines Podcast episode.)

I have been a freelance journalist since 1988, and the level at which we are losing our right to speak fact to power is deeply concerning. I don’t care what side of politics you happen to be on, but if you can’t see that free speech is under attack in our country right now, you must be living under a rock or so brainwashed by the status quo that you don’t care. Well, you should care. Our founding fathers put our guarantee, free speech, a free press, and freedom of, and from, religion – all right there in the First Amendment of our Constitution.

The current political machine grinds out endless column inches, social media posts, and lawless proclamations to spew freedom at every possible moment. And yet, the first things they did when they took over was restrict the freedoms of anyone “he” didn’t like – and now it’s extending to those who speak out against their “cause.” Supposedly, that cause was freedom at all costs, with the caveat that you must go along with everything they say or do.

We’ve heard all of this before, in other countries, from communists, fascists, dictatorships, you name it. So here we are, in arguably the most powerful country on the planet, now controlled by people who have simply decided that free speech is fine, so long as it’s state-approved. Don’t get me wrong, our country is not perfect; we’ve got blemishes on our history all the way back to day one. However, I’d like to think we’ve improved some things since then.

Now I’m not so sure. The people in power want to eliminate any shred of evidence that the United States of America is not as star-spangled awesome as they’d like you to believe. They are all hard at work scrubbing books, museum exhibitions, and historical data of any references to the horrors of slavery, government corruption, and anything else that doesn’t serve their crazy idea of democracy. Let’s be clear, it’s not democracy they want, but totalitarianism.

Every move they make implies a state-sanctioned religion, a theocracy, and brainwashed ideology that is not only bigoted and corrupt, but downright criminal. This administration has violated the Constitution so many times that even the press has begun to normalize its behavior. Are you kidding me? That’s what we’re supposed to do now?

Why else would massive corporations like CBS Paramount, or ABC, which Disney owns, suddenly drop some of the most influential and award-winning television hosts? Sure, companies have regulations within their business, and they’re allowed to set the tone by which employees are expected to behave. However, when the government threatens a broadcaster with revocation of their broadcast license over a freedom of speech issue, rather than a regulation or violation of the airways, we’ve reached a point of ridiculousness and danger.

Can you imagine if the other side of the aisle had done any of this? The same people who are doing it now would have literally lost their minds. They would have been breaking their arms to wave flags and scream about trampling on the Constitution. But now, so long as you say what they like, you’re good to go.

Book bans, an attempt to force the “free press” to report only what the administration approves, and a laundry list of other incomprehensible and subjugating tactics are all part of their method of operation. The country’s second in command recently issued warnings to the public not to say anything against the recently assassinated vocalist of this right-wing banana factory – or else.

No government official in the United States of America has the right to restrict the free speech or opinions of any citizen – or any non-citizen, for that matter. If our laws don’t apply to everyone, if our freedoms and civil liberties don’t extend to all, then they’re complete nonsense. Americans on both sides of the aisle are feeling the strangle hold on their rights, but virtually no one on the right will speak out for fear of “his” wrath.

I say this again – free speech is under attack. But the more we all speak up, the less they will be able to suppress our voices.

 

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Exploring Radio Independence at Dayton Hamvention 2025

In Dayton Ohio News, Local News, National News, News Media, Technology, Uncategorized, World News on May 20, 2025 at 4:12 pm

By Gery Deer

Courtesy Xenia Daily Gazette

Editor’s Note:

An update from the Dayton Hamvention officials on May 28th reads as follows: The 2025 Hamvention set a new high attendance record with 36,814 attendees. The general chair, Brian Markland, said he felt fabulous about watching large crowds of amateur radio enthusiasts from all over the world enjoying exhibits, forums, and the flea market. 

XENIA — Before cell phones or the internet, there was amateur, or “ham,” radio.

Once a year, thousands of enthusiasts descend on the Greene County Fairground and Expo Center in Xenia for the largest amateur radio convention in the world – Dayton Hamvention. Although final numbers will not be tallied for some time, organizers estimate that this year’s turnout exceeded the 35,000 attendees of 2024.

During Dayton Hamvention, participants from as many as 30 countries had the opportunity to see and buy the latest technology, attend educational and informational forums, sit for radio license exams, and take part in youth activities. This year’s event also included groups of young radio enthusiasts, organizations from all over the country made up of young people interested in both the analog and digital nature of amateur radio.

Jim Gifford, call sign N8KET, is the chairman of the media committee for Dayton Hamvention. He shared this year’s theme – Radio Independence – noting that what makes this event so important and impactful to the amateur radio community is the people. One of his favorite moments of this year’s event happened on Friday. “We had 73 students of the Community STEAM Academy (Science Technology Engineering Art and Math) in Xenia here,” he said. “They were really excited to learn how amateur radio relates to science and even space communication.”

With some 800,000 licensed ham radio operators in the United States alone, there is a remarkable sense of community among radio operators, regardless of geography. “It’s so nice for all of us in the local area to be able to come to Hamvention, but then you have to stop and think, this is a big ham fest,” said Glenn Rodgers, WI80, assistant chairman of the event’s media committee. “This is the biggest ham gathering in the world, and we’re so fortunate to be able to come to something like this in this area and it’s an honor to work here.”

Amateur radio enthusiasts, vendors, and organizations from around the world converged at the Dayton Hamvention. Here’s a promotional booth for Tokyo Hamfair.

With such widespread interest, one might expect the world’s current geopolitical tension would hamper those relationships. According to Gifford, it does not. “We have a multitude of political views here,” he said. “But we’re ham operators, we take care of each other.”

“Because you meet people,” Gifford continued. “We talk to people all over the world. Just the other day, I spoke to somebody from Norway, and somebody from Italy, and it crosses barriers. It really does.”

Most amateur radio enthusiasts are known on the air, and to each other, only by their call sign, an alphanumeric identification given to each license holder by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Jesse Walker, N8XC, is U.S. Navy Veteran, and business development manager with Aegis Protective Services in Eaton. He’s been involved in amateur radio since the age of 15. He explained that, although the call signs are assigned, they become part of your identity.

“Many of us only know each other by our call sign,” Walker explained, who is a member of the Preble Amateur Radio Association in Preble County. “Coming here, we get to meet face-to-face often for the first time.”

Both Rodgers and Gifford also noted that, apart from being a hobby for some, ham operators play an important role in the community during emergencies. “Amateur radio groups work as sky spotters during severe weather, they work with and support our area first responders, providing backup communications and volunteers during local emergencies,” Gifford said.

“Essentially, the Preble Amateur Radio Association is involved in public service,” said Jesse Walker. “We work with the Preble County emergency management agency. Our motto in amateur radio emergency service is, ‘when all else fails.’”

Other amateur radio convention organizers also attend to promote their own events. Huntsville Hamfest, held annually in Huntsville, Alabama, is one such organization. Mark Brown, N4BCD, is the chairperson for the Huntsville Hamfest Association. “Ours is the third largest Ham radio convention in the country, behind Dayton and Orlando, Florida,” Brown said. “We all cooperate and help support each other’s events.”

Mark Brown, N4BCD, and Kelley Johns, W4VPZ, (pictured) provided information about the Huntsville Hamfest in Alabama.

Brown suggested the consistent growth of these events and interest in amateur radio is due in part to younger people learning about its technical diversity. “I think to attract kids, we’ve got to show different aspects of the hobby, like the satellite communications, the youth on the air, and the parks on the air,” he said. “Get youth involved in it. That’s one thing these events do is bring all ages together.”

Planning for next year’s Dayton Hamvention is already underway. For more information visit hamvention.org.

Glenn Rodgers and Jim Gifford, media committee
Jesse Walker, N8XC, is U.S. Navy Veteran, and business development manager with Aegis Protective Services in Eaton.
Flea market area had booth after booth of high tech and vintage technology.
“Handiham” program provides connection for radio enthusiasts of limited physical ability.

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Booker: Truth to Power

In history, National News, News Media, Opinion, Politics, sociology, Uncategorized, World News on April 11, 2025 at 1:57 pm

Deer In Headlines II

By Gery Deer

Last week, we saw an incredible example of unmitigated patriotism to provide a voice for those who have none in the face of a president who runs roughshod over anyone who dares oppose him. Cory Anthony Booker, the senior senator from New Jersey, took and held the Senate floor for 25 hours and 5 minutes in a marathon speech in opposition to President Trump’s haphazard and potentially illegal actions during the first three months of his term.

Until now, congressional resistance toward the president has been lackluster, to say the least. This is understandable considering the GOP’s control in both houses and the way this administration has reacted to any opposition, as a petulant child would on a playground when denied an ice cream cone. It’s embarrassing and troubling. Congressional town hall meetings across the country have been disrupted by constituents demanding that Trump be held accountable for the repercussions of his actions.

Most disruptors are ushered out or jailed for the disturbances, but their point is well taken. This president has been actively, deliberately, and defiantly testing the limits of his office and the ability of the other branches of government to keep him in check as designed.

In 1787, the men governing the 13 original American colonies had been through a great deal. They’d declared independence from the most powerful country in the world, fought them in a bloody revolution, won, and finally managed to cobble together a set of laws to live by, unlike anything seen before. The newly minted Constitution was the single most important document ever drawn up to that point – and still is today. The Preamble and Bill of Rights (the first 10 amendments for those who slept through fourth grade) are the gold standard for governing a democratic republic.

It’s doubtful the Founding Fathers ever imagined their fledgling country, still in its infancy today by European standards, would end up being tested, not by a foreign enemy, but by a power-mad oligarch occupying the president’s office. And, until today, very few have had the courage or opportunity to openly stand up to him.

Monday, March 31st, Booker took to the Senate floor and stated he’d remain there as long as he was “physically able,” and that he did – and it was no small feat, even for a former football tight-end. To hold the floor, whoever is speaking must keep talking and can’t stop, sit, lean on anything, or leave the floor for any reason. Fellow Democrats helped out, though, per Senate rules, allowing them to interrupt and ask him questions.

Over a day later, the 55-year-old senator finished speaking and limped off the floor. But, during his time, he held nothing back, walloping Trump on everything from his sweeping cuts to social services to what he called the impending “constitutional crisis” created by the president’s authoritarian actions.

To be clear, several Republicans have taken the same long-winded action on various issues over the last few years, most unsuccessfully. Such a speech isn’t a liberal or conservative move but that of a legislator committed to being heard on behalf of their constituents or the country.

Booker’s record-breaking speech was patriotic because he spoke for more than just those in his voting district. He voiced the fears not just of New Jerseyans but Americans nationwide. His words begged for compassion, kindness, and common sense – from those on both sides of the aisle. After all, when Trump’s own party doesn’t stand up to him, knowing his actions are questionable at best, someone else must.

The real question is, will Booker’s speech fuel a more dauntless anti-Trump resistance? Possibly. For more than a day, the New Jersey senator knocked the president’s agenda off the front page of every news outlet website, here and abroad. Not to mention the 350 million “likes” during the live stream on TikTok.

One thing is sure. Democrat or Republican, people must realize that Trump’s actions prove his agenda is to serve himself and his billionaire friends, not the country. So, to quote Senator Booker, “These are not normal times in America,” he said. “And they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate” or anywhere else.

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News Incredulity

In Economy, Local News, News Media, Opinion, Politics, Print Media, Technology, Uncategorized on March 15, 2025 at 3:38 pm

Deer In Headlines II

By Gery Deer

I’ve been a freelance journalist for most of my adult life, going back to my days as a staff writer on a college newspaper. Since then, I’ve been published hundreds of times in everything from weekly newspapers to regional trade magazines. Much of my work consists of feature stories, opinion columns, and a few hard news pieces.

I was trained by an old-school newspaper editor who demonstrated consistent ethics and integrity. I was taught never to take a story to press without three primary sources and on-the-record statements from those directly involved to back up the information.

As the Internet became an easy way for the citizen journalist to publish news and information, credibility and fact gave way to sensationalism and uninformed opinion. Click bait replaced proper headlines. Soon, what was once referred to as “the press,” was suddenly renamed, “the media.” In this reporter’s humble opinion, they are not the same.

Webster’s Dictionary defines media (plural of the word medium) as a means of communication, such as radio, TV, newspapers, social, the internet, and so on. In other words, it refers to the delivery system rather than the content or its source.

For example, social media is a primary source of news for many Americans. Unless the information originates from a reputable news source, the content may have no oversight, no editorial integrity, no fact-checking, nothing.

You may have no idea where the information came from or how it may have changed. Think of it as a game of telephone. The more the word spreads, the less accurate it becomes. To reiterate, the social media platform (or app), such as Facebook, X, or Instagram, is just the vehicle – the medium. Reputable or not, the message originates elsewhere.

“The Press,” on the other hand, is guaranteed by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Like the three branches of government, it’s literally set up right there in black and white – which is why it’s called the Fourth Estate.

The Press should serve as a watchdog to help hold those in power accountable and provide the public with the information they need to make informed decisions. Trained Press journalists gather facts, verify information, and present it objectively across a variety of media.

A functional and qualified Press works within the realm of fact – not truth (that’s for philosophers). It should present information without bias or commentary (there’s a page for that and you’re looking at it now) and demonstrate integrity in the process.

Before I have people shouting at the screen or tearing up the paper, I agree the problem of misinformation spread by so-called news outlets is in epidemic proportions. Unfortunately, many news agencies have traded integrity for revenue, to say nothing about a complete disregard for journalistic expertise.

Cable news programs often fall into this category. They base their content on current news stories, targeting the biases and interests of a single segment of audience to grow advertising revenue. This is not news – it’s entertainment.

Even worse is when a news outlet censors content to favor the business or political interests of their owners. For example, once a paragon of investigative journalism, “The Washington Post” is rapidly losing credibility because of interference with its newsroom by its owner, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Between social media, so-called citizen journalists, bloggers, and whatever else is out there, unvetted, unqualified, and often false content is cranked at an alarming rate. Their goal is to spread as much click bait as possible and deliver customers to advertisers – it’s all about money. That makes it hard to sift through the noise for qualified, factual news.

In the end, the Press should be rooted in ethics and accuracy. Sadly, many news outlets now prioritize profit, sensationalizing content to stay competitive in digital media. That’s muddied the journalistic waters, making it harder for the public to distinguish between fact and opinion.

My only advice is to check the source and remember that perspective isn’t the same as bias. News should be factual and accurate, not “fair.” There is no such thing as “fair and balanced” news. Fairness suggests compromise, whereas facts stand alone. The standard should be: is it factual, or not?

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TCN Behavioral Health Announces Annual School Supply Distribution Events

In Dayton Ohio News, Health, Local News, News Media, psychology, Uncategorized on July 8, 2024 at 10:36 am

TCN Behavioral Health Services, Inc. announces their annual School Supply Drive Distribution Events. TCN annually collects school supplies and donations for the children in their service areas. In 2023 they provided supplies to over 300 children and hope to expand that reach in 2024. The five distribution events listed above will include free pizza and beverages as well as school supplies while supplies last.

“Every year, TCN provides supplies to more than 300 students within our local communities. This helps ensure a successful beginning to the school year for these students, alleviates some of the financial strain on parents and caregivers, and supports educators who frequently contribute their own resources to support classrooms,” says Tasha Jones, TCN’s Executive Administrative Assistant. “This wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our donors and volunteers.” The five events will be held from 4-6 PM at the following TCN office locations:

Wednesday July 24 – 1825 Commerce Center Blvd, FAIRBORN

Friday July 26th – 1522 E. US Hwy 36, URBANA

Thursday July 25th – 1021 N. Market Street, TROY

Tuesday July 30 – 118 Maple Avenue, BELLEFONTAINE

Wednesday July 31 – 452 W. Market Street, XENIA

TCN accepts donations of school supplies at all locations, or donors can shop the School Supply Drive Amazon Wishlist at https://a.co/i3dO9iF to have supplies shipped directly to TCN for preparation and distribution. The organization also accepts monetary donations at tcn.org or https://tcn.jotform.com/202296368911965 by selecting “school supply drive” in the dropdown menu. Volunteers can sign up to help at their local events here: https://tcn.jotform.com/223056028945962.

Founded in 1990, TCN Behavioral Health Services, Inc. is a comprehensive behavioral health agency dedicated to improving lives by providing clinically excellent and accessible behavioral health services. TCN provides mental health, substance use and psychiatric services for adults and youth in Champaign, Greene, Logan, Miami, and Montgomery counties. For more information or to donate to TCN call (937)376-8700 or visit www.tcn.org.

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Editorial series Deer In Headlines extended to a new podcast

In Local News, Media, News Media, Technology, Uncategorized on April 23, 2024 at 3:05 pm

The long-running Xenia Daily Gazette editorial series “Deer In Headlines” has expanded to meet the evolving needs of its audience and is now available as a podcast. Produced by GLD Communications, the weekly column made the leap to digital airways in early April. Listen free – https://deerinheadlines.podbean.com/

Gery Deer is a prolific freelance journalist, award-winning copywriter, editor, and the founder and creative director of GLD Communications, a public relations media agency based in Jamestown, Ohio.

Deer has written for dozens of publications and private clients, providing feature stories, business articles, and three long-running syndicated newspaper columns. The most prominent, “Deer In Headlines,” was a hard-hitting, award-nominated weekly op-ed series from 2008 to 2018.

After a five-year hiatus, Deer revived the series by popular demand, and it is currently published weekly, in print and online. Aptly titled “Deer In Headlines II,” the current series holds a mirror up to the world in a more personal, conversational approach. It has already gained three award nominations.

The podcast, an extension of the newspaper column, offers a unique experience. It not only covers similar topics but also provides a personal touch. Some episodes feature author readings, offering a glimpse into Deer’s process and the stories’ takeaways. This distinct approach sets the podcast apart, making it an attractive sponsorship opportunity.

Deer believes the audience will find value in the podcast’s intimate connection with the author. “Deer In Headlines was never supposed to last this long, but I’m always gratified to hear that people enjoy it and find something useful in my words,” said Deer. “On the podcast, I’ll be talking about the origin of some of the topics, and we’ll discuss writing and books, and, later on, even hear from some guests.” This value proposition makes the podcast an appealing platform for sponsors.

Each episode will run for 15 to 30 minutes. The series is free and available on most streaming platforms, including iHeart Radio, Apple Podcast, Podbean, Google Podcasts, and Amazon Music Podcasts, with more platforms coming soon. A video version of select episodes is also available on YouTube. Just search “Deer In Headlines,” and remember to subscribe for instant notification of new episodes and bonus material.
Deer values his readers’ support of his mission to promote literacy and quality journalism. Therefore, he is offering sponsorship opportunities for the podcast, with a portion of the proceeds going to promote literacy through Reading Is Fundamental.

The weekly print and online column is available by subscription to the Xenia Daily Gazette, Fairborn Daily Herald, and Beavercreek News Current. It is also available free online at www.deerinheadlines.com on a two-week delay.

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The Carriage Returns

In Business, Local News, News Media, Opinion, Technology on April 20, 2024 at 1:22 pm

Deer In Headlines II
By Gery Deer

You may not believe it, but I’m writing this week’s edition of “Deer In Headlines” on an antique manual typewriter. Remember the typewriter? The truth is, I just bought this machine a few days ago at TB Writers Plus, a startup typewriter shop in Dayton, Ohio.

(Check out the Bonus Video and the Deer In Headlines Podcast episode that accompanies this piece!)

I have three manuals, but this is a sleek 1945 Smith-Corona Clipper, matte black, with a textured chassis and gold-lettered, enameled keys. It sounds like I’m describing a classic car, doesn’t it? That’s exactly how some people see it.

Your next question is obvious, and I’ve heard it a dozen times already – why? I’m a technically savvy person with a significant digital presence. So why would I sit down to write on an old typewriter? That’s a great question. I’ll try to answer as we go. Let me first say I’m not alone.

Over the last twenty years or so, interest in typewriters has been on the rise. That sharp, rhythmic clickety-clack has charmed a whole new generation of writers, collectors, and nostalgics. It’s commonly known that actor, author, and director Tom Hanks is a long-time typewriter collector. Whole communities of typewriter enthusiasts share photos and samples from their beloved machines online and in person.

Many attend type-ins, where people gather at typewriter shops, homes, libraries, or anywhere else to, well, type. I often refer to them as cruise-ins for typewriter enthusiasts. There’s even an activity called type-casting, where you create something on a typewriter, scan it as an image, and post it online. (Learn more about the so-called “Typewriter Insurgency” here.)

As a Gen Xer who hit high school during the 1980s, modern office tech was still coming of age. We barely had reliable copy machines. Most schools and businesses had a mix of PCs and typewriters (mostly electric), so I learned both almost simultaneously. I’m comfortable with either.

In the background, Gery’s 1964 Royal Safari. (Photo by Hue12 Studios, Dayton, OH)

I bought my first manual typewriter while I was in college, mostly for its portability. A good bit of my earliest writing was done on that machine. It was—or rather is—a 1964 Royal Safari, light blue with off-white keys and accents. It still sounds like I’m describing a ‘57 Chevy. And yes, I still have it.

Aside from nostalgia and mechanical admiration, I think digital overstimulation may have contributed to some people’s leaving the computer behind. I can relate. I’m so immersed in the continuous urgency of the digital environment that I just want—no, need—the quiet of the old ways.

I know the typewriter can be noisy, but I wasn’t referring to “quiet” in that sense. When those keys snap against the paper, I am fully engaged and undistracted from my writing. The slower pace allows me to choose my words more carefully, and there are no pop-ups, email messages, or social media nonsense. It’s kind of freeing.

I’ve also heard some people turn to the typewriter out of paranoia. Privacy has become a real concern in the digital world, and viruses can’t infiltrate typewriters, nor can your printed pages be hacked. You’re most definitely off-grid. But there’s a price to pay for that: time.

You will probably still have to transfer whatever you type into a digital file. Since my column is delivered to the publisher electronically, what you’re reading now was scanned and cleaned up in digital form before being emailed to my editor. All told, it probably added an extra two hours to my process. Plus, I can’t type as fast on a manual as I can on a laptop – yet. That said, I highly recommend hand-strengthening exercises.

There is also something to be said for durability and workmanship. These machines were built to last. This old Clipper, made at the end of World War II, was clearly well-cared for and properly serviced by its last seller. It still works beautifully. How many laptops make it even five years, let alone 80? None.

Unfortunately, however, unless some manufacturer starts cranking out new parts or whole typewriters, once the remaining machines are used up, they’re gone. That really will be the end of an era. No backspace, no return. Just silence.

Until then, you’ll find this reporter parked behind my Safari or the old Clipper, banging out the next great works by Yours Truly.

(See the gallery for photos of the typewriters mentioned in this piece and more.)

Gery Deer’s 1964 Royal SafariPhoto (c)2024
GLD Communications
Gery’s 1945 Smith-Corona Clipper Photo (c)2024
GLD Communications
Photo (c)2024
GLD Communications
Gery at his desk, typing Deer In Headlines “The Carriage Returns.”
The actual typed pages of this column.
Gery’s 1938 Smith-Corona Sterling. A copy of Richard Polt’s “The Typewriter Revolution” and a card featuring his Typewriter Manifesto are on the desk!
August 2024 – Gery’s most recent find, a 1955 Royal De Luxe purchased from an antique mall in Logan, OH.
Another “beauty” shot of the Safari on the bench at TB Writers Plus after her refit.

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Socially Unacceptable News

In Local News, National News, News Media, Opinion, Uncategorized on March 17, 2024 at 9:33 pm

Deer In Headlines II

By Gery Deer

According to recent surveys, nearly 80 percent of Americans have at least one social media account, and the total number of global users is nearly 5 billion worldwide. I happen to be one of the masses. I use it to promote my work and stay in touch with family, friends, and clients. But social media as a news source? I’m afraid not. Unfortunately, Pew Research reports that 6 of every 10 Americans rely on social media as their main resource for news. As a veteran freelance journalist, that’s an unsettling statistic.

I guess it wouldn’t be so bad if people followed qualified news sources, but that’s the exception rather than the rule. Most simply accept everything posted on social media as fact or truth (not the same things and more on that later). What’s worse, a great deal of that junk is created by “bots,” automated programs designed to post incendiary content and drive online traffic. 

Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter, or “X,” or whatever it’s called now, are not, I repeat, not news outlets. The most accurate way to describe social media is to compare it to the bulletin board at your local grocery. Anyone can post anything, unmoderated and unvetted. You, the consumer, can choose whether to look and believe what you see.

I understand that nowadays there is a growing tendency for Americans to mistrust news media. It’s even more prevalent among those belonging to extremist groups. Unfortunately, both the far right and the far left are not interested in objective facts. Their sole purpose is to twist and manipulate information to achieve one goal – chaos. They have no interest in journalistic integrity anyway.

I intentionally use the word “facts” instead of “truth” since the concept of truth is entirely subjective, and you shouldn’t find it in the evening news. To paraphrase Indiana Jones, if you’re interested in truth, take a philosophy class. Our news media should present accurate and objective reports, with no subjective notions of truth. 

Speaking of facts, how about those headlines? Headlines shouldentice you with a piece of the story. After all, the whole idea is to get you to read. But extreme and fake news producers create misleading, AI-driven headlines. Algorithms determine what words are more likely to lead readers down an endless and manipulative rabbit hole of advertisements and more deceptive content.

Here’s a great example. Everyone loves Betty White. As so many of her contemporaries passed on, fans hoped she’d live to 100. Sadly, that wasn’t her fate. But a couple of years before she died, there was a headlined story going around social media that read, “Betty White dyes at home.” Do you see anything wrong with that headline? If you don’t, you need a vocabulary lesson, not a philosophy class.

The headline was written to trick gullible fans into clicking on the tragic tale of their beloved Betty’s passing. Eventually, they would realize it was a fake story about White “dying” her hair, at home. By then it was too late. Duped readers were bombarded with unstoppable pop-up ads and the website made a fortune from the pay-per-click fees they were charging advertisers. 

Once again, the story wasn’t posted by any legitimate news agency, but it was well camouflaged. Yes, people should know the difference between the words, “dyes” and “dies,” but even the best proofreader may have missed that if they happened to be Betty White’s biggest fan. Fake and misleading news only gets traction because people share it, and the next story might not be a harmless joke.

You don’t need to fear social media but remember the bulletin board analogy. These platforms can be effective marketing tools. They can help friends and families stay in touch or offer an outlet for creative expression. But every day, social media is also being used to manipulate more people, disseminate misinformation, and spread hate, aggression, ignorance, and fear.

My advice is simple. Get your news from legitimate outlets – like this publication. Ultimately, you have the choice of whetherto believe what you see. Although social media may offer you a road sign on the information superhighway, you are still the onestill steering the car.