Blogs
A compilation of my favorite type of copywriting. Blogs are notoriously informal and down-to-earth which is my favorite way to be.
The Sensationalization and Hysteria of Right-Wing Media on Transgender Youth in Sports
If we look at gender objectively, we learn quickly how fluid and non-binary the experience of being gendered is. In many species, the white-throated sparrow, for instance, 4 genders exist. Or the anemonefish, AKA Finding Nemo, which switch sexes.
So, why, despite the fact that gender fluidity exists abundantly in nature, do some humans call this unnatural and demonize it in the human species? Why are our children the bull’s eye of this target? Why are girls’ sports the breeding ground for this predatory behavior?
And what about the media? Do they get some of the blame for the spread of blatant lies and creation of biased fear? What is their role and how much responsibility can they take in the dehumanization of our nation’s children?
A Look at the Numbers
Per this 2022 UCLA School of Law press release, the number of trans youth aged 13-17 in the U.S. is an estimated 300,000 total compared to the 17.3 million overall number of high school students. Of that, trans girls in sports are a whopping 5 for all ages. Yes, that’s right. The time, resources, and fear dedicated to erasing transgendered citizens are because of 5 whole girls playing in youth sports. A number so inconsequential that you have no choice but to wonder why the media is dedicated to covering this day in and day out as if these 5 children are going to somehow ruin the country and turn us all into deviants.
As this article, How Journalists Can Responsibly Report on Transgender Athletes, points out, “the ACLU reports that nearly 500 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced in state legislatures this year. So far, 22 states have passed laws that prevent transgender athletes from competing on sports teams that match their gender identity — even though in many of these states, trans kids wanting to play school sports are in the single digits.”
The evidence pointing to transgender people posing no threat is a stark contrast to the baseless conservative rhetoric of “transgender lunacy” as Donald Trump casually puts it.
Transgender Bans Affect Cis Women and Girls Too
With all the coverage and political tactics to discredit the humanity and autonomy of trans youth, much of the information, fear, policies, and bans negatively affect cis-gender individuals as well. Cis-gender girls are faced with the humiliating and traumatic experiences of having to prove their gender, as was the case for a 16-year-old high school student who was falsely accused of being transgender by a member of the school board, Nancy Cline.
There are also legislative actions with dire consequences. In Kansas in 2023, legislation passed barring all transgender girls and women from playing athletics and, shockingly, allowing genital examination of children. Not only is that invasive and inappropriate, but it has a direct correlation with sexual predation. And it doesn’t take any critical thinking skills to realize cis-gender girls are targets of these asinine policies, pathetically disguised as the “protection” of girls and women. So, the very policies they enact, the propaganda heralded by right-wing media, are in fact dehumanizing and harming girls.
Women and girls in sports already face many challenges and roadblocks. They don’t need more obstacles placed in their way because of the false narrative of transgender girls and women having an advantage while also being deviant predators. Let’s be clear—the facts explicitly state the real predators are cis-gender straight males, not the 6-year-old “boy” who wants to play girls’ volleyball. But the fearmongering and media coverage of blatant lies has created hysteria among those who fear what they don’t understand. Therefore, girls and women, no matter what their assigned gender at birth, suffer the consequences.
The Media’s Responsibility
This entire debacle is rooted in the God-fearing, close-minded ignorance of men in power, perpetuated by the media’s need to sensationalize and get the story no matter the cost. And, unfortunately, that cost is human lives, human autonomy, and human happiness. The media has done nothing to stop the lies or reduce the hate. For those calling the shots, this is juicy gossip that sells. Humanity is so lost that it doesn’t even dawn on these people how their sisters, wives, mothers, and daughters suffer because they lack integrity and courage. In a Fox News article, John Kennedy made false claims that biological males in women’s sports “has cost them victories, scholarships and even their health.” This information was not challenged by the journalist who wrote the article, nor did it likely occur to her that those who were cost victories, scholarships, and their health were the transgender athletes she helped villainize.
“Humanity is so lost that it doesn’t even dawn on these people how their sisters, wives, mothers, and daughters suffer because they lack integrity and courage.”
The existence of transgender athletes has always been there and has done little to hinder the success of cis-gender athletes. Those are the facts. So, why are the scare tactics, stereotypes, and fear the driving force behind media coverage of this human rights issue? After all, these are just children trying to exist as their authentic selves. When will humanity prevail and we let kids play ball?
The Effects of AI on Copywriting: Is it killing an industry or helping it flourish?
Artificial intelligence has taken the world by storm. We’ve seen incredible advancements in nearly every industry, but has it gone too far? Are we on the precipice of one of our greatest achievements bringing us to our knees?
Copywriting has been a big topic in the AI space and justifiably so. Anyone can hop on ChatGPT and create an eloquent email or write an entire blog post without breaking a mental sweat. In fact, one doesn’t even need to free up enough brain power to think of an idea for said blog post; ChatGPT, and many others like it, can do that for you. But will that be sufficient for people reading these carelessly thought-out words, or will there be something lacking? Can AI decimate the landscape of the copywriting industry, or will our emotional intelligence yearn for something deeper and human-like?
Pros and Cons of AI in Copywriting
AI can’t match the complex human emotions and inflection that course through the written word. It doesn’t have feelings and will never be able to connect to a human the way another human can. That is the holy grail tethering copywriters to their jobs. ChatGPT just doesn’t have that human touch. How can a piece of machinery that doesn’t feel joy write on their behalf about the joys of nature? Quite simply, it can’t… Yet, it’s still stealing their jobs and they’re having to settle instead for the soul-crushing work of editing the robotic cadence and fluff of a machine for a fraction of the pay.
AI, specifically ChatGPT and its counterparts, when it’s not threatening the livelihoods of creatives, can be a very useful tool to help ideate and simplify copywriting, making space for writers to do what they do best- write. Instead of needing to generate ideas, check grammar and spelling, and analyze data, copywriters are freeing up time to dig into the creativity of their writing. In effect, they can level up their writing now that AI has taken over the low-level menial tasks.
Success Going Forward for Copywriters
For copywriters to continue to be the innovators of the written word, they will need to continue to have something AI doesn’t have – emotions. In the words of ChatGPT itself, “While AI can generate text and even mimic certain writing styles, there are still several aspects of copywriting that require human creativity, intuition, and understanding of complex emotions and cultural nuances.” AI simply cannot compete with those who created it. So, until ChatGPT and the like develop feelings and can cry over poetry with us, they cannot erase the future work of copywriters.
AI, as it pertains to writing, is not inherently creative, nor can it write in brand voice, a vital aspect of any copywriting work. You can’t command ChatGPT to “write a newsletter in the Ulta brand voice,” and it delivers. AI can’t create the subtle nuances and cadence that make up the fun, youthful, flirty copy all over Ulta’s website. Nor could it replicate the luxurious tone of Cartier, examining the brand’s signature Love bracelet and write about the art of its design. This level of depth is beyond AI, so as long as copywriters continue to be human and evolve their craft, AI will not evolve past them.
AI has already taken the job of some wordsmiths, but it can be argued that those who lost their jobs to machines spitting out words were not masters of the craft. They are simple content-mill creators, writing words without much skill, easily overthrown by the intelligence of a machine that does the same shoddy work in mere minutes. That’s not to say it’s okay for humans to lose jobs to machines, but low-skill writers are going to either put effort into getting better or be replaced. That’s the fundamental truth of having a job.
So, are we on the precipice of one of our greatest achievements bringing us to our knees? I don’t think so. At least not in the creative copywriting industry. However, it’s up to the writers to decide if it helps or hinders their craft, limits their abilities to create masterpieces or hands them the pen. If AI goes too far, it’s because writers gave their pen to the machine and became the masters of their own demise.
How to Choose the Type of Wood for Your DIY Project
There are thousands of wood species to choose from for your DIY projects and it gets a little overwhelming. Since it's a LOT to take in when you just want to make a cute rustic crate, I'm going to narrow it down for you and go over 6 fairly common and readily available species that will cover all your woodworking DIY projects.
Hardwoods vs Softwoods
This is not terribly important to know, but on the off chance you're standing in front of a boat-load of wood and your entire DIY education flies out the window, you can at least dig deep in your brain and pull this little nugget out-- hardwood doesn't necessarily mean hard and softwood doesn't necessarily mean soft. BOOM. Mind. Blown. Aside from that, just know that softwoods are better for lumber uses since they generally grow at a quicker pace and hardwoods usually have stellar grain patterns and color which makes them go-to choices for furniture.
Types of Hardwoods
WHITE OAK
This type of hardwood is known for its wide grain pattern and light creamy color. It's great for trims and flooring indoors and I recommend it for outdoor furniture. It takes stain and clear finishes well (my favorite and recommended for all projects here), but don't paint it. Be sure to have sharp tools when cutting and sawing this type of wood to avoid splintering and tear-out (what happens when your tool literally tears out an extra slice or chunk of wood). It's the most expensive of our three hardwoods, but well worth the price!
WALNUT
Walnut is a beauty and is very versatile for DIY projects. It has a straight, fine grain, and colors vary from dark brown to almost black, so it's no big thing to find a piece that has the color you're looking for. It's a great species for indoor use, from furniture to carved tchotchkes. I haven't seen a piece of walnut furniture that didn't wow me, so I recommend this as your first choice and ole' faithful in all situations. It's also an easy-to-cut and hard-to-burn species, making this a great option for beginner DIYers and projects. However, if you don't want to DIY that side table, you can purchase one similar to what's in my office here! Walnut is also moderately priced, so it won't break the bank!
POPLAR
The grain pattern is straight and wide on poplar with colors that can appear tan, grey, or green. This species is best for secondary indoor uses like crates and furniture frames, or as a veneer. It's an easy-to-work-with species but make sure your tools are super sharp and be sure to drill pilot holes before nailing or screwing. Poplar is not chosen for its beauty, so I recommend this for painting projects. Most importantly, it's inexpensive-- an important factor when you're not in the mood for shelling out your grocery money.
Types of Softwoods
REDWOOD
A beautiful straight, fine-grained softwood, this species stands out because of its reddish-brown color. It's immensely versatile in outdoor use, from furniture to fencing and siding. I highly recommend it when you upgrade that dingy deck. It takes stains and clear finishes well while also being easy to sand and machine. It's a moderately expensive species but holds up to the wear and tear of life, so it's worth it.
CEDAR
This lightweight species has a straight grain of varying thickness and color, so it's a crapshoot when buying this for a seamless look. As you well guessed already, it's THE perfect choice for closets and chests ( this one is perfect for your sweaters) due to its resistance to moths, but is also a good choice for outdoor uses. It's a finicky species and some types will cause irritation, so please wear a mask and goggles while sawing and sanding. It's also common to have tear-out and splinters on the end grain, and will 100% bleed through when painted. It's inexpensive which is the main reason it makes this list. I do NOT recommend this for beginners for all of the reasons listed above.
PINE
We all know this species and have worked with it or own something made from it. Pine has a straight grain and even texture with light tan and yellow coloring. It's most commonly used for construction lumber but has uses indoors; You'll find it in a lot of country-style homes and will instantly recognize it in furniture sets (buy my favorite nesting tables here). Pine is a great choice for its ease of use in sawing and sanding but is best suited for clear finishes and painting projects. It's also super inexpensive, so go hog wild with this species!
Final Thoughts
As with all projects and purchases, it's always best to do some research before checking out. You may discover a different species that tickles your fancy much more than any of the ones I covered. You could also stumble upon pictures of exotic species in your Google search, but I didn't include those here since you're going to have to WORK to find them in person. Which reminds me-- Don't forget about plywood! It gets a bad rep but it's super stable, relatively inexpensive, and comes in various veneer faces to suit your needs. The famous Eames Chair was made using this easy to find option, so don't knock it 'til you tried it!
I'm curious to know what projects you're working on. Let me know in the comments below what is on your DIY plate!
Happy shopping, woodworkers!
Top 3 Things to Do in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a truly fascinating city. There’s no shortage of activities to entertain. But what are the best when it comes to discovering what L.A. has to offer? We’ve narrowed down the top three things to do outside of conventional tourist attractions. Pack these three experiences into your trip to Los Angeles and still have plenty of time left to explore!
Food Tour
L.A. has one of the most diverse populations in the country and therefore some of the most diverse food options. There’s no reason you can’t pick a different cultural theme each day and eat your way through the city. Koreatown, in addition to amazing food, has a big karaoke fanbase. So, if that’s up your alley, start there. Regional cuisines of Mexican origin are peppered throughout the city, but Olvera Street is a mecca of activity and food for you to explore. Ethiopian and Filipino food is uncommon throughout the country, so don’t skip out on these while you’re there. The coffee at Little Ethiopia Restaurant is touted for its traditional flavor while the designated Filipino district is jam-packed with options!
Visit Buddhist Temples
The second largest population of Buddhists in the country are in L.A. with some incredible temples waiting for you to meditate and ponder life’s many mysteries. Check out this jaw-dropping temple in Hacienda Heights or this one near the Arts District. You’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for L.A.’s beautiful spiritual offerings.
Visit the Hooker 100” telescope at Mt. Wilson Observatory
This famous telescope helped Edwin Hubble discover the expansion of the Universe. We now know galaxies exist beyond the Milky Way thanks to this astronomical finding! A true piece of history not to be missed.
There are so many things to do in Los Angeles that you’ll never be bored. But these top three are top tier and should be on your list!