The Idea Farm's Blog

  Monday’s Supreme Court showdown in NetChoice v. Paxton and Moody v. NetChoice will determine whether states can forbid social media companies from blocking or removing user content that goes against platform rules. The state laws at issue also allow individuals to sue tech companies for alleged violations. The Florida and Texas laws are loosely written, but officials from both states say the laws will keep social media sites from unfairly muting conservatives and others. Social media platforms have insisted for years that they don’t discriminate against right-wing speech. Signed in 2021 by Gov. Ron DeSantis, Florida’s SB 7072 prohibits tech platforms from suspending or banning the accounts of political candidates in the state, with violations carrying steep possible fines of up to $250,000 per day. It also allows individual social media users to sue platforms if they believe they have been unfairly censored or “deplatformed.” The Texas law, signed in 2021 by Gov. Greg Abbott, m...

Poetry has been used as a glorious expression of sentiment, an avenue for creative idiom, and a of sharing thoughts and emotions throughout the ages. Today, through online communities and blogs, a collection of stanzas can unite people all over the world. Whether you’re a aficionado of classic poetry or more into the modern age, here are blogs and communities perfect for taking pleasure in verse. Deep Underground Poetry This free platform lets you share and publish poems, lyrics, short stories, spoken word and performance poetry. You can also meet other poets, writers and spoken word artists, get critique and improve your writing, take part in poetry competitions and host your own. Every comment you make has a link to your own submissions. Leaving interesting, helpful critique is a great way to get more people to read your work. My poetic side My poetic side was created for the poetry community. Select the "Community" tab to read full poems written by other community members ...

Writing is a means to communicate with a global audience. But how does one manage to write successfully for a broad audience when creating content? Below are some strategies or tips to correct common errors when creating content. The Hurried Edit Everyone has time management concerns and maybe you’ve reread your piece so many times that you’re confident you’ve caught all the mistakes. But taking enough time to thoroughly proofread your post or article is critical. It is essential to good writing. Understand the importance of formatting The structure of your post is important in holding a reader’s attention. Many readers scan or skim articles rather than read them word for word. A big block of text makes this habit difficult and may repel readers.  Tips:  Use bullets and numbered lists when appropriate. These formats are easy to scan and keep readers engaged with the text. Edit to ensure you have relevant information in your article Format links effectively Keep paragraph...

Kevin Palomino - Journalism Scholarship Winner WASHINGTON, Dec. 14, 2023 -- The National Press Club, the leading professional organization for journalists, has chosen  Kevin Palomino  of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, as the recipient of its Lewis Scholarship for Spring 2024. The scholarship provides housing and a $4,000 stipend to support a student journalist of color interning at a news media outlet in Washington, D.C. Established in 2022, The Lewis Scholarship was founded by the family of former Washington correspondent Robert "Bob" D.G. Lewis. It is awarded to one undergraduate student journalist of color each fall, spring, and summer semester. Students must secure a journalism internship in Washington, D.C., to be eligible, along with  other requirements . "The Lewis Scholarship provides me with an opportunity to grow as a journalist," Palomino said. "During my internship this spring, I plan to use my lived experiences as a first-generation DACA student to diver...

Holidays for Heroes program s preads cheer by sending messages of support and thanks to service members.  SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA, October 27, 2023 -- Spread holiday cheer this season by sending messages of support and thanks to service members, veterans, and military families through the American Red Cross 'Holidays for Heroes' program. We’re accepting cards and large banners that will be distributed to service members and families around the world. This season’s 'Holidays for Heroes' campaign will officially start on Monday, October 30, 2023 . Cards and banners are due no later than Thursday, November 30, 2023 . Card and banner making is fun and easy. Families, schools, universities, Boy and Girl Scout Troops, libraries and local businesses have all participated in this unique program, and many community members choose to host card and banner making events with friends, neighbors, or colleagues. Cards and banners will be delivered to military units, family groups, the VA ...

Parents Anonymous® Launches Podcast "Breaking the Stigma" Featuring Unfiltered Conversations Surrounding Today's Mental Health Crisis. Parents Anonymous Inc ., a national organization offering free mental health programs and a helpline for both parents and youth, announces the launch of its podcast Breaking the Stigma . The podcast highlights candid conversations with individuals who have battled mental health obstacles and their journey to wellness. Breaking the Stigma  podcast premiered on, Tuesday, July 11, featuring an interview with R&B singer and songwriter Amina Buddafly, and is co-hosted by DJ Mike Gdnss. Breaking the Stigma is hosted by Dr. Lisa Pion-Berlin, a licensed hypnotherapist and CEO of Parents Anonymous, Inc. with over 30 years of experience helping those with mental health challenges. "The mental health epidemic is something that needs to be talked about especially when it relates to parents and children of all ages and young people," say...

  Rather than 'speaking' about using a trauma-informed approach with children in foster care, " The Seven Core Issues Workbook " aid parents in understanding what that means and how to better implement those techniques in daily life. It's the perfect vehicle to understand their own elements of loss and trauma and strengthen their parenting knowledge about children experiencing trauma and loss. It's also a great resource for those anticipating fostering or adopting, and for parents already on their life-long parenting trip. Therapists will find the workbook useful in working with clients or as weekly assignments so clients can better understand what they bring to their parenting. This workbook is a companion to the authors' original book, " Seven Core Issues in Adoption and Permanency ." It's intended as a hands-on tool to guide families through the healing process as they learn what they bring to the parenting experience so that they have a d...