Gary Conkling

The holiday gift we hope you won't need to use – the CFM Crisis Ebook. Be happy. Be prepared. cfmcrisisebook.com

@davidaxelrod It's troubling that a man who has an economics degree but doesn't understand economics questions the intelligence of a man who led the Harvard Law Review and has a public record of respecting the law.

How smart is it really to repeatedly brag about your cognitive tests?

Americans disagree on almost everything but after 250 years they still agree they don't want a king or someone acting like one. wp.me/p3vuOO-4c7

Dream girl Jessica Foster wears military uniforms, hangs with President Trump and serves on a battleship. She has 1 million online followers. And she is fake. wp.me/p3vuOO-4bM

Reflecting on your life can be healthy. Reflecting on your life’s work can be revealing. For me, it explains why after decades I still like working. wp.me/p3vuOO-4av

Parallel sentence structure has ancient roots that still romance modern readers by turning syntax into melodies and transforming words into memories. wp.me/p3vuOO-4bq

In a world spun up by social media and festering with distrust, public relations must deliver more than publicity. It also must inform, engage and build trust. wp.me/p3vuOO-4a8

OBC President John Tapogna identified five policy changes Oregon to reverse its economic decline. He overlooked investing in innovative research at Oregon's universities. wp.me/p3vuOO-49x

Most people turn down the radio during commercials. When Terrell “Lucky” John breaks into an unscripted TopDog Law commercial, many people turn up the volume. wp.me/p3vuOO-483

Negotiating can be harrowing. Mediator Alexandra Carter offers strategies to improve odds of getting what you want. Her strategies can apply to the world of public affairs. wp.me/p3vuOO-49a

Trump defenders scoff at predictions of growing authoritarianism in America despite mounting evidence in plain view following the Project 2025 playbook. wp.me/p3vuOO-48r

From the first time I saw Steve Martin strumming a banjo with a fake arrow through his head, he became my comedic hero. He is a testament to the value of professional foolishness. wp.me/p3vuOO-47K

The most powerful tool in the crisis communication toolbox is an issue audit that reveals the crisis you can avoid. wp.me/p3vuOO-473

Portland faces a choice between renovating Keller Auditorium or approving a new venue on land owned by PSU. New can be glitzy. Abandonment can be permanent. wp.me/p3vuOO-47p

British astrophysicist Brian Cox can talk about the stars in a university classroom and on Joe Rogan's radio show with an audience of science skeptics. wp.me/p3vuOO-42k

Being naturally good as a presenter is great. Being prepared is even better – and more likely to ensure coherent presentations that inform and inspire audiences. wp.me/p3vuOO-45O

The Supreme Court ruling on tariffs last week affirms the timeless wisdom of James Madison's constitutional architecture that relies on separation of powers as the lasting defense of democracy. garyconklinglifenotes.wordpress.com/2026/02/23/the…

@washingtonpost A disgrace.

Christian nationalist pastor Doug Wilson, who has argued that women should be denied the right to vote and Christian slaveowners were on “firm scriptural ground,” led a worship service at the Pentagon at the invitation of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. wapo.st/3ZFRn1Y

Familiarity may breed contempt, but couples working from home appear to be collaborating to boost the nation’s birthrate. 'You can't get pregnant by email.' wp.me/p3vuOO-466

Some writing assignments require diligent research. Others demand a quick turnaround, which requires writing with accuracy and speed. It's a skill worth learning. wp.me/p3vuOO-459

As American voters clamor for affordability, President Trump is fixated on tributes to himself. His presidential graffiti is everywhere. wp.me/p3vuOO-45t