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The COVID-19 pandemic and governance in the West
The COVID-19 pandemic-induced losses in human lives and economic well-being have recently led many authors such as Nicholas Christakis, Scott Galloway, Ivan Krastev, John Micklethwait, Adrian Wooldridge and Fareed Zakaria to write books in which they worry about the causes of and the solutions to the presently raging pandemic. In their own ways, these authors […]
A call for backup for human services
The human services field is a collective of helpers; some have formal licenses; some are peers with lived experience and unmatched empathy; some have what seems like endless patience; and some are drained from weeks, months, or years of supporting others in crisis. My colleagues and I thrive and struggle alike, from the top of […]
Social media makes starting a small business easier than ever — even in a pandemic
2020 was full of surprises, but starting my own hand-crafted jewelry and fashion accessory line amid a global pandemic is one surprise I never saw coming. But all thanks to social media, I learned that starting a small business during a pandemic is possible. I have no prior business experience, but I’ve always had a […]
Do we gain or lose by using social media?
The term social media refers to websites and applications or apps whose general objective is to permit people to share content speedily, efficiently, and in real time. Although many people now access social media through a variety of smartphone apps, the term social media can refer to any internet communication tool that permits users to […]
A new opportunity for Rochester’s students
In spring 2020, Rochester, like the rest of our nation, was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nine months later, the impact of COVID-19 on our city’s most vulnerable families, students and schools has presented us with extraordinary challenges and uncertainty. At the same time, the pandemic has also created a unique opportunity for those […]
Marketing planning for when it’s ‘normal’ again
Many businesses are struggling with the uncertainty of whether and when they can reopen and resume their operations. With the COVID-19 pandemic still present, state and local governments keep setting new directives in order to ensure public safety. For businesses such as restaurants and indoor entertainment, perhaps just as bad as the pandemic itself is […]
Rapid turnaround COVID-19 tests offer promise to assisted living communities
During the first wave of COVID-19 in the spring of this year, assisted living communities across New York state reacted swiftly and comprehensively to minimize the spread of the virus within. Adult Care Facilities were mandated to test all staff every week and this will likely remain in place for the foreseeable future, and at […]
Rochester small businesses deserve truth in lending
Here in Rochester, small businesses are doing all they can to stay afloat during the pandemic, changing their product offerings and taking out loans. Unfortunately, too many small businesses are still in the dark on the true cost of predatory lending. The federal Truth in Lending Act (TILA) requires standardized disclosures for consumer lending, including […]
Profits uber alles: Milton Friedman on business, Disney and Mulan
Fifty years ago, in September 1970, the prominent economist Milton Friedman famously argued that the social responsibility of business was to increase its profits. This was a remarkable statement because it suggested very plainly that corporate executives did not really have to worry about paying high wages, taking steps to protect the environment, or, for […]
Carbon plan deserves support
A bipartisan bill recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives has the potential to help the U.S. make significant strides on carbon emissions while also helping the economy. The Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act— sponsored by Rep. Ted Deutch (D-Fla.), Rep. Francis Rooney (R-Fla.), Rep. Charlie Crist (D-Fla.), Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.), Rep. […]
Next step for self-driving cars
The autonomous vehicle revolution, if it ever happens, will be a slow, lengthy process. But the next step in that process may have taken place this week. Waymo, Google’s self-driving car spinoff, on Wednesday started offering small-scale ride hailing service in the Phoenix area. Waymo has been testing its autonomous vehicles for nearly 10 years, […]
Kudos on giving; more needed
Rochester has always been a philanthropic community, following the example George Eastman set with his gifts that shaped and sustained many organizations. That spirit of generosity was on display yet again this week for the eighth annual ROC the Day, a 24-hour online giving event run by United Way of Greater Rochester. This year’s effort […]
