Michael Socolow
@michaelsocolow.bsky.social
Communication & Journalism, University of Maine.
2019 Fulbright Scholar, University of Canberra.
Posts speak only for myself, not my employer
https://cmj.umaine.edu/faculty-staff/michael-j-socolow/
2019 Fulbright Scholar, University of Canberra.
Posts speak only for myself, not my employer
https://cmj.umaine.edu/faculty-staff/michael-j-socolow/
“Britain and Western Europe are not interested in the unification of Germany. The words written in the NATO communique may sound different, but disregard them."
-Margaret Thatcher to Mikhail Gorbachev, September 23, 1989.
47 days later: Berlin Wall fell
linttrapofhistory.substack.com/p/a-digital-...
-Margaret Thatcher to Mikhail Gorbachev, September 23, 1989.
47 days later: Berlin Wall fell
linttrapofhistory.substack.com/p/a-digital-...
November 9, 2025 at 2:46 PM
“Britain and Western Europe are not interested in the unification of Germany. The words written in the NATO communique may sound different, but disregard them."
-Margaret Thatcher to Mikhail Gorbachev, September 23, 1989.
47 days later: Berlin Wall fell
linttrapofhistory.substack.com/p/a-digital-...
-Margaret Thatcher to Mikhail Gorbachev, September 23, 1989.
47 days later: Berlin Wall fell
linttrapofhistory.substack.com/p/a-digital-...
In 1951, Edward R. Murrow had an idea to use succinct and memorable 3-minute radio essays, about belief, to heal a polarized nation in a tense political era.
"We do not wish dogma, editorializing, lecturing to the listeners or selling a hobby...”
linttrapofhistory.substack.com/p/this-i-bel...
"We do not wish dogma, editorializing, lecturing to the listeners or selling a hobby...”
linttrapofhistory.substack.com/p/this-i-bel...
"This I Believe": Radio Broadcasts to Heal a Polarized Nation (... in 1951)
The radio program originated by Edward R. Murrow featured famous public figures and respected intellectuals "We do not wish dogma, editorializing, lecturing to the listeners," Murrow instructed.
linttrapofhistory.substack.com
November 9, 2025 at 2:44 PM
In 1951, Edward R. Murrow had an idea to use succinct and memorable 3-minute radio essays, about belief, to heal a polarized nation in a tense political era.
"We do not wish dogma, editorializing, lecturing to the listeners or selling a hobby...”
linttrapofhistory.substack.com/p/this-i-bel...
"We do not wish dogma, editorializing, lecturing to the listeners or selling a hobby...”
linttrapofhistory.substack.com/p/this-i-bel...
Somewhere, John Peter Zenger's chuckling about the Sandwich guy's acquittal.
It's an All-American outcome.
A nice thing about the U.S.A.: Sometimes the law can be defined by just 12 regular folks... not the President, nor Congress.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/rcn...
It's an All-American outcome.
A nice thing about the U.S.A.: Sometimes the law can be defined by just 12 regular folks... not the President, nor Congress.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/rcn...
Jury acquits D.C. 'sandwich guy' charged with chucking a sub at a federal agent
Sean Dunn faced a single misdemeanor after federal grand jurors refused to indict him on the felony charge sought by prosecutors.
www.nbcnews.com
November 6, 2025 at 9:07 PM
Somewhere, John Peter Zenger's chuckling about the Sandwich guy's acquittal.
It's an All-American outcome.
A nice thing about the U.S.A.: Sometimes the law can be defined by just 12 regular folks... not the President, nor Congress.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/rcn...
It's an All-American outcome.
A nice thing about the U.S.A.: Sometimes the law can be defined by just 12 regular folks... not the President, nor Congress.
www.nbcnews.com/politics/rcn...
Rep. Jared Golden's career arc in 15 months, in two Bangor Daily News Op-eds.
I wonder if he regrets his Op-ed saying "Democracy will be just fine" if Donald Trump won the 2024 election?
He's apparently quitting now because democracy isn't "just fine" (polarization, violence).
I wonder if he regrets his Op-ed saying "Democracy will be just fine" if Donald Trump won the 2024 election?
He's apparently quitting now because democracy isn't "just fine" (polarization, violence).
November 5, 2025 at 8:19 PM
Rep. Jared Golden's career arc in 15 months, in two Bangor Daily News Op-eds.
I wonder if he regrets his Op-ed saying "Democracy will be just fine" if Donald Trump won the 2024 election?
He's apparently quitting now because democracy isn't "just fine" (polarization, violence).
I wonder if he regrets his Op-ed saying "Democracy will be just fine" if Donald Trump won the 2024 election?
He's apparently quitting now because democracy isn't "just fine" (polarization, violence).
Big news up here: Incumbent Democrat Jared Golden is dropping out of the election for Maine Congressional District 2 (CD-2).
www.bangordailynews.com/2025/11/05/o...
www.bangordailynews.com/2025/11/05/o...
Jared Golden: I won’t seek reelection. Here’s why.
"What I could accomplish in this increasingly unproductive Congress pales in comparison to what I could do in that time as a husband, a father and a son."
www.bangordailynews.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:05 PM
Big news up here: Incumbent Democrat Jared Golden is dropping out of the election for Maine Congressional District 2 (CD-2).
www.bangordailynews.com/2025/11/05/o...
www.bangordailynews.com/2025/11/05/o...
How I discovered Dick Cheney [like many of us] used to pilfer hotel soaps.
The latest in the Lint Trap, with a hat tip to The Smoking Gun website.
linttrapofhistory.substack.com/p/dick-chene...
The latest in the Lint Trap, with a hat tip to The Smoking Gun website.
linttrapofhistory.substack.com/p/dick-chene...
Dick Cheney's "Backstage Rider"
From an old favorite website, The Smoking Gun, a peek inside the required preparations for when Vice President Dick Cheney visited your hotel.
linttrapofhistory.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 1:36 PM
How I discovered Dick Cheney [like many of us] used to pilfer hotel soaps.
The latest in the Lint Trap, with a hat tip to The Smoking Gun website.
linttrapofhistory.substack.com/p/dick-chene...
The latest in the Lint Trap, with a hat tip to The Smoking Gun website.
linttrapofhistory.substack.com/p/dick-chene...
I think too many people are dismissing Marjorie Taylor Greene's appearance on "The View" as a joke or oddball curiosity, largely because it's "daytime" (read: women's) programming.
Yet it's a pretty good model of civil interchange and dialogue unavailable elsewhere in 2025.
Yet it's a pretty good model of civil interchange and dialogue unavailable elsewhere in 2025.
November 4, 2025 at 11:48 PM
I think too many people are dismissing Marjorie Taylor Greene's appearance on "The View" as a joke or oddball curiosity, largely because it's "daytime" (read: women's) programming.
Yet it's a pretty good model of civil interchange and dialogue unavailable elsewhere in 2025.
Yet it's a pretty good model of civil interchange and dialogue unavailable elsewhere in 2025.
The Smoking Gun website never disappoints.
"Dick Cheney's Backstage Rider" includes:
"All Televisions tuned to FOX news"
[also, hilariously: "Extra soaps" - like all of us, Cheney liked to pocket a few for back home?]
www.thesmokinggun.com/backstage/po...
"Dick Cheney's Backstage Rider" includes:
"All Televisions tuned to FOX news"
[also, hilariously: "Extra soaps" - like all of us, Cheney liked to pocket a few for back home?]
www.thesmokinggun.com/backstage/po...
November 4, 2025 at 3:37 PM
The Smoking Gun website never disappoints.
"Dick Cheney's Backstage Rider" includes:
"All Televisions tuned to FOX news"
[also, hilariously: "Extra soaps" - like all of us, Cheney liked to pocket a few for back home?]
www.thesmokinggun.com/backstage/po...
"Dick Cheney's Backstage Rider" includes:
"All Televisions tuned to FOX news"
[also, hilariously: "Extra soaps" - like all of us, Cheney liked to pocket a few for back home?]
www.thesmokinggun.com/backstage/po...
In American politics, it's somewhat difficult to get the vast majority of *both* Democrats + Republicans to repudiate your legacy.
Even Nixon and Sen. Joe McCarthy had die-hards and
dead-enders (and even vindicators).
Yet Dick Cheney managed this.
Even Nixon and Sen. Joe McCarthy had die-hards and
dead-enders (and even vindicators).
Yet Dick Cheney managed this.
November 4, 2025 at 3:16 PM
In American politics, it's somewhat difficult to get the vast majority of *both* Democrats + Republicans to repudiate your legacy.
Even Nixon and Sen. Joe McCarthy had die-hards and
dead-enders (and even vindicators).
Yet Dick Cheney managed this.
Even Nixon and Sen. Joe McCarthy had die-hards and
dead-enders (and even vindicators).
Yet Dick Cheney managed this.
President Gerald Ford allowed the idea to emerge that 34-year-old Dick Cheney was running the White House (as his Chief of Staff) as a young Machiavelli.
Yet, as we know today, behind-the-scenes Ford kept Cheney on a tight leash (to everyone's benefit).
Yet, as we know today, behind-the-scenes Ford kept Cheney on a tight leash (to everyone's benefit).
November 4, 2025 at 3:09 PM
President Gerald Ford allowed the idea to emerge that 34-year-old Dick Cheney was running the White House (as his Chief of Staff) as a young Machiavelli.
Yet, as we know today, behind-the-scenes Ford kept Cheney on a tight leash (to everyone's benefit).
Yet, as we know today, behind-the-scenes Ford kept Cheney on a tight leash (to everyone's benefit).
Dick Cheney will be remembered for the Iraq War.
Nothing in his life had such serious and long-lasting consequences. It is his legacy.
Which is why it was so dumb for Harris to campaign with Liz Cheney in 2024, when her opponent correctly called the Iraq War "a disaster."
Nothing in his life had such serious and long-lasting consequences. It is his legacy.
Which is why it was so dumb for Harris to campaign with Liz Cheney in 2024, when her opponent correctly called the Iraq War "a disaster."
November 4, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Dick Cheney will be remembered for the Iraq War.
Nothing in his life had such serious and long-lasting consequences. It is his legacy.
Which is why it was so dumb for Harris to campaign with Liz Cheney in 2024, when her opponent correctly called the Iraq War "a disaster."
Nothing in his life had such serious and long-lasting consequences. It is his legacy.
Which is why it was so dumb for Harris to campaign with Liz Cheney in 2024, when her opponent correctly called the Iraq War "a disaster."
Nice to see the launch of "Replay Booth" a new sport history podcast by @joshuablevin.bsky.social (formerly of
@slate.com ).
There's space for the kind of thoughtful, engaging sport stories the old "Only a Game" on NPR used to run, and this could be it.
www.replaybooth.show/p/replay-boo...
@slate.com ).
There's space for the kind of thoughtful, engaging sport stories the old "Only a Game" on NPR used to run, and this could be it.
www.replaybooth.show/p/replay-boo...
Replay Booth, Episode 1: Wilbur Huckle for President
Two mysterious Mets-related buttons kick off a 60-year journey, with stops at the Republican Convention, a tiny town in rural Texas, and the courtroom where Donald Trump got fined $355 million.
www.replaybooth.show
November 3, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Nice to see the launch of "Replay Booth" a new sport history podcast by @joshuablevin.bsky.social (formerly of
@slate.com ).
There's space for the kind of thoughtful, engaging sport stories the old "Only a Game" on NPR used to run, and this could be it.
www.replaybooth.show/p/replay-boo...
@slate.com ).
There's space for the kind of thoughtful, engaging sport stories the old "Only a Game" on NPR used to run, and this could be it.
www.replaybooth.show/p/replay-boo...
Who is Robert Cornelius, and why are so many people making AI animations [and posting them on Youtube and Tik Tok] of a man from Philadelphia who took a photograph of himself in 1839?
The latest in The Lint Trap.
linttrapofhistory.substack.com/p/american-t...
The latest in The Lint Trap.
linttrapofhistory.substack.com/p/american-t...
American Treasures at the Library of Congress
For a decade (1997 - 2007), the "American Treasures" exhibit existed in the Library of Congress. When it ended, it was made digital and accessible - and now people are experimenting with the treasures
linttrapofhistory.substack.com
November 2, 2025 at 2:12 PM
Who is Robert Cornelius, and why are so many people making AI animations [and posting them on Youtube and Tik Tok] of a man from Philadelphia who took a photograph of himself in 1839?
The latest in The Lint Trap.
linttrapofhistory.substack.com/p/american-t...
The latest in The Lint Trap.
linttrapofhistory.substack.com/p/american-t...
"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart."
A. Bartlett Giamatti "The Green Fields of the Mind "
mason.gmu.edu/~rmatz/giama...
A. Bartlett Giamatti "The Green Fields of the Mind "
mason.gmu.edu/~rmatz/giama...
Giamatti: The Green Fields of the Mind
Joan Daugherty's personal home page.
mason.gmu.edu
November 2, 2025 at 4:21 AM
"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart."
A. Bartlett Giamatti "The Green Fields of the Mind "
mason.gmu.edu/~rmatz/giama...
A. Bartlett Giamatti "The Green Fields of the Mind "
mason.gmu.edu/~rmatz/giama...
I'm just watching this on TV thousands of miles from where it's taking place...
... and my heart rate is skyrocketing.
I'm sweating.
This is some great TV.
... and my heart rate is skyrocketing.
I'm sweating.
This is some great TV.
November 2, 2025 at 4:14 AM
I'm just watching this on TV thousands of miles from where it's taking place...
... and my heart rate is skyrocketing.
I'm sweating.
This is some great TV.
... and my heart rate is skyrocketing.
I'm sweating.
This is some great TV.
To be the man, you got to beat the man.
This game shows just how incredibly difficult it is to retain a championship and repeat (in any sport).
This game shows just how incredibly difficult it is to retain a championship and repeat (in any sport).
November 2, 2025 at 4:11 AM
To be the man, you got to beat the man.
This game shows just how incredibly difficult it is to retain a championship and repeat (in any sport).
This game shows just how incredibly difficult it is to retain a championship and repeat (in any sport).
Announcer just mentioned Cardinals' Grover Cleveland ("Pete") Alexander who won Game 6 and came in to Game 7 in relief to win.
Ronald Reagan starred in a movie about it.
But the part that's forgotten: Babe Ruth caught stealing ended a one-run game. Biggest bone-headed play in World Series history.
Ronald Reagan starred in a movie about it.
But the part that's forgotten: Babe Ruth caught stealing ended a one-run game. Biggest bone-headed play in World Series history.
November 2, 2025 at 4:01 AM
Announcer just mentioned Cardinals' Grover Cleveland ("Pete") Alexander who won Game 6 and came in to Game 7 in relief to win.
Ronald Reagan starred in a movie about it.
But the part that's forgotten: Babe Ruth caught stealing ended a one-run game. Biggest bone-headed play in World Series history.
Ronald Reagan starred in a movie about it.
But the part that's forgotten: Babe Ruth caught stealing ended a one-run game. Biggest bone-headed play in World Series history.
The challenge by the Dodgers stepped on "Crazy Train" going into the commercial.
What else is cued up?
What else is cued up?
"Thriller" ....after Pages makes the catch and we move to the 10th inning.
That's the most brilliant bumper selection in a World Series telecast filled with amazing music.
That's the most brilliant bumper selection in a World Series telecast filled with amazing music.
November 2, 2025 at 3:55 AM
The challenge by the Dodgers stepped on "Crazy Train" going into the commercial.
What else is cued up?
What else is cued up?
The two greatest Game 7s in World Series history were 1924 (Senators over Giants, 12 innings) and 1991 (Twins over Braves, 10 innings).
This is close.
This is close.
In case you’re wondering, the longest Game 7 in World Series history was 12 innings (1924).
November 2, 2025 at 3:48 AM
The two greatest Game 7s in World Series history were 1924 (Senators over Giants, 12 innings) and 1991 (Twins over Braves, 10 innings).
This is close.
This is close.
"Thriller" ....after Pages makes the catch and we move to the 10th inning.
That's the most brilliant bumper selection in a World Series telecast filled with amazing music.
That's the most brilliant bumper selection in a World Series telecast filled with amazing music.
November 2, 2025 at 3:40 AM
"Thriller" ....after Pages makes the catch and we move to the 10th inning.
That's the most brilliant bumper selection in a World Series telecast filled with amazing music.
That's the most brilliant bumper selection in a World Series telecast filled with amazing music.
I'm really appreciating Substack Notes these days.
I hope it continues its growth and emerges as a real alternative, because the downsides of both X and Blue Sky seem to be intensifying.
I hope it continues its growth and emerges as a real alternative, because the downsides of both X and Blue Sky seem to be intensifying.
November 1, 2025 at 3:32 PM
I'm really appreciating Substack Notes these days.
I hope it continues its growth and emerges as a real alternative, because the downsides of both X and Blue Sky seem to be intensifying.
I hope it continues its growth and emerges as a real alternative, because the downsides of both X and Blue Sky seem to be intensifying.
The so-called "ceasefire" celebrated on "60 Minutes" with the Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff interview apparently didn't actually result in the cessation of any firing.
I wonder how CBS News will revisit this issue now that the story's changed.
I wonder how CBS News will revisit this issue now that the story's changed.
October 30, 2025 at 2:49 PM
The so-called "ceasefire" celebrated on "60 Minutes" with the Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff interview apparently didn't actually result in the cessation of any firing.
I wonder how CBS News will revisit this issue now that the story's changed.
I wonder how CBS News will revisit this issue now that the story's changed.
Complacency is the place where MAGA + the Democratic Party mirror each other.
Both pretend to not know (or wilfully ignore) just how unpopular they are.
There exists a massive opportunity for politician who rejects both [but the huge obstacle is no institutional support or party structure].
Both pretend to not know (or wilfully ignore) just how unpopular they are.
There exists a massive opportunity for politician who rejects both [but the huge obstacle is no institutional support or party structure].
October 30, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Complacency is the place where MAGA + the Democratic Party mirror each other.
Both pretend to not know (or wilfully ignore) just how unpopular they are.
There exists a massive opportunity for politician who rejects both [but the huge obstacle is no institutional support or party structure].
Both pretend to not know (or wilfully ignore) just how unpopular they are.
There exists a massive opportunity for politician who rejects both [but the huge obstacle is no institutional support or party structure].
Only $1 million?
To accelerate the process of automating K-12 education that'll ultimately put schools like Penn's Graduate School of Education out of business?
That's a very cheap bribe for an Ivy League school. The conversation should've started at $100 million.
To accelerate the process of automating K-12 education that'll ultimately put schools like Penn's Graduate School of Education out of business?
That's a very cheap bribe for an Ivy League school. The conversation should've started at $100 million.
Penn’s “Grad School of Education has won $1M to train teachers + administrators in PA, NJ, + DE on how to best integrate AI into their schools. The new grant [was] awarded by Google’s philanthropic arm… ‘We are hlpg to shape a future where AI enhances lrng + promotes equity in every classroom.’” 😬
More AI training is coming for Pa. N.J. and Del. schools, thanks to a $1M grant Penn got from Google
Penn is already piloting a "Pioneering AI in School Systems" program in Philadelphia. Five more school systems across the region will be chosen to get the program for free.
www.inquirer.com
October 29, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Only $1 million?
To accelerate the process of automating K-12 education that'll ultimately put schools like Penn's Graduate School of Education out of business?
That's a very cheap bribe for an Ivy League school. The conversation should've started at $100 million.
To accelerate the process of automating K-12 education that'll ultimately put schools like Penn's Graduate School of Education out of business?
That's a very cheap bribe for an Ivy League school. The conversation should've started at $100 million.
"Tom Wolfe couldn’t even get published today...Who would publish his attack on William Shawn and the New Yorker? How about the Flak Catchers? No way. Maybe 'Frank Sinatra Has a Cold' wouldn’t be published either. Too long!"
- 93-year-old legend Gay Talese
www.metropolitanreview.org/p/the-last-l...
- 93-year-old legend Gay Talese
www.metropolitanreview.org/p/the-last-l...
The Last Literary Lion of New York, Gay Talese
It is the rarest of gifts to have lived long enough to survey both a life and a century in its greatest breadth; even rarer still to be both an active participant and shaper of the currents, to have w...
www.metropolitanreview.org
October 28, 2025 at 7:12 PM
"Tom Wolfe couldn’t even get published today...Who would publish his attack on William Shawn and the New Yorker? How about the Flak Catchers? No way. Maybe 'Frank Sinatra Has a Cold' wouldn’t be published either. Too long!"
- 93-year-old legend Gay Talese
www.metropolitanreview.org/p/the-last-l...
- 93-year-old legend Gay Talese
www.metropolitanreview.org/p/the-last-l...