Features
Interview with Cecil Rosner, author of “Manipulating the Message: How Powerful Forces Shape the News”
By MARTIN ZEILIG “In a career that has spanned more than forty-five years, I have worked as a reporter, a researcher, an editor, a television producer, a senior producer, an executive producer, a bureau chief, a managing editor, and a news director,” writes award-winning investigative journalist Cecil Rosner in the Preface of his important and most readable new book, “Manipulating the Message: How Powerful Forces Shape the News.”
“Throughout this time, I have spoken to thousands of people and helped to create thousands of stories. The aim has always been to search out facts and report the truth.”
Mr. Rosner, who lives in Winnipeg, agreed to an email interview with The Jewish Post & News to discuss the book.
JP&N: Why did you feel it necessary to write this book?
CR: I wanted to share my experience with people about how the profession is practiced and how it has evolved. The main point I try to make is that there are powerful, well-funded forces, who are constantly pressuring the media to cover certain stories and cover them in ways that benefit them. Whether it is politicians, corporations, the police, the military, intelligence agencies or others, there is continuous pressure placed on the media to repeat particular narratives. This has always been the case, but it has been getting worse over the years, because the ranks of journalists are shrinking.
One pertinent statistic I note in my book is that Canada, in 1991, had about 13,000 reporters and about 23,000 PR and communication specialists. That’s a ratio of about two to 1. Thirty years later, in 2021, there are 11,000 journalists and nearly 160,000 people working in PR and communications. So for every journalist, there are 14 people trying to massage the message for that person. Because conventional newspapers and broadcast outlets are shrinking, due to the loss of advertising revenue to the likes of Facebook and Google, mainstream journalism is in crisis.
JP&N: Has the internet been a positive force overall in the field of journalism?
CR: Like most things, there are positives and negatives for every new technology or innovation. Overall, the Internet has made it easier for more voices to be heard and for more people to publish their views and opinions for a worldwide audience. For investigative journalists, the Internet presents an opportunity to research deeply into people and institutions. Of course the ease of communication has its downside when bad actors get involved. Similarly, social media has been both good and bad.
It’s now very easy to disseminate fake news and disinformation to a huge audience, but at the same time the Internet affords the tools to debunk fake claims if you are knowledgeable enough to use them. In the era before the Internet, powerful companies and entities served as gatekeepers of news flow, and today this is no longer as strong a force. But it is still the case that people and companies with lots of money can exercise a dominant influence online and manipulate messages in a more powerful way than ever before. The advent of AI will also produce both positive and potentially negative consequences for the same reasons.
JP&N: In your long and distinguished career as a journalist, what are the most significant changes you have seen?
CR: I have mentioned the Internet. The rise of advanced research methods, such as data and computational journalism, is another significant factor. Huge amounts of data can now be analyzed to discern trends and stories in ways that journalists could never do before the advent of computers. The same is true of visual techniques, and geo-locational tools that allow journalists to find stories in places they never could before.
Consider, for instance, satellite imagery and tools like Google Earth. By examining the world from the sky, journalists can now observe topographical changes over time, and draw conclusions about climate change, deforestation and other things. These techniques can also be used to verify competing claims about what happened during conflicts.
On the negative side, I have seen journalists stretched thinner and thinner, having to feed more and more platforms, and therefore not having sufficient time to verify claims and seek the truth. Another disturbing trend, which I discuss in my book, is the rise of so-called Influencer Marketing. This involves paying people with social media followings to propagate a particular message, or sell a product, or boost a policy. It’s one of the ways rich and powerful forces can manipulate ordinary people.
JP&N: What sort of improvements would you like to see in journalism?
CR: In my book I point to many things, but just to mention a couple: I think journalists need to wean themselves off press releases, which manipulate them into covering things others want them to. A press release will always be a necessary tool, but far more attention needs to be paid to investigative journalism, which aims to determine the truth of what happened.
I also think people should pay attention to the new start-up companies that have entered the news digital space over the last few years. These are small but nimble operations that have been doing some good work and breaking important stories. As mainstream outlets shrink, they have the potential to grow and do good stories.
Journalists also need to do a more thorough job of eliminating racist, sexist and colonial attitudes that have infected the industry, and all of society really, and damaged the way they have treated particular communities. I am thinking about racist attitudes that were reflected in the media and directed towards minority communities, Black, Indigenous communities and different peoples of colour. Journalism organizations need to better reflect the communities they serve, both in who they employ and the content they produce.
JP&N: What else would you like to share with our readers?
CR: If journalists are being misled, then the general public is being misled as well. It doesn’t have to be this way.
“Manipulating the Message: How Powerful Forces Shape the News”
by Cecil Rosner
(Dundurn Press 263 pg. $26.99)
Features
Skipping breakfast: Does it help you lose weight or is it bad for your health?
Breakfast is known to be an important meal – and yet many people leave the house without it. But what are the consequences for your health if you skip breakfast?
Whether it’s because of time pressure, to lose weight or because you’re not hungry yet – many people skip breakfast in the morning. There are different opinions. But to really have full energy for your next round at Betamo casino Canada you better not skip this very important meal.
Skipping breakfast: A good idea to lose weight?
Skipping breakfast is a common weight loss tip. Provided that you save the calories for breakfast and don’t eat them with another meal. This assessment is supported by studies:
A meta-analysis from 2023 found a significant correlation between skipping breakfast and a reduction in body weight.
A study from 2020 shows similar results: Skipping breakfast had a slightly positive effect on weight loss.
Another analysis from 2019 also shows that the study participants who skipped breakfast had a small – but significant – weight reduction of just under half a kilo.
However, these studies only show slight effects on weight and appetite. What’s more, some of the scientists also point to negative effects.
Skipping breakfast: What speaks against it
There are many voices that clearly speak out against skipping breakfast. For example, Anja Bosy-Westphal, President of the German Society for Nutritional Medicine, told Zeit magazine that skipping breakfast does not help to maintain lost weight in the long term. “People who skip breakfast for a long time are more likely to be overweight,” explains the expert. The effect persists even if other unhealthy habits are ruled out as the cause.
Skipping breakfast increases the risk of diabetes and obesity
In order to maintain your weight and eat healthily, you should therefore eat breakfast. Bosy-Westphal goes on to explain that glucose and energy metabolism work less efficiently in the morning. “If I eat the same meal once for breakfast and once for dinner, the blood sugar level rises less in the morning.” On the other hand, more calories are burned immediately after eating.
In the evening, the effect is reversed and we store more energy. The expert is generally in favor of never skipping a main meal. However, if someone “absolutely” wants to do this, for example because they are intermittent fasting, she says it should ideally be the evening meal.
Eating breakfast regularly has a positive effect on blood sugar levels and prevents diabetes. Conversely, according to Bosy-Westphal: “The more often you skip breakfast, the higher the risk of developing diabetes”. This is because eating early in the day helps the body to adjust the metabolism correctly and reduces the risk of obesity and metabolic diseases.
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
Another negative effect associated with skipping breakfast is an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. A study from 2023 shows: A late first meal of the day (for example, by skipping breakfast) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Every hour later (9 a.m. instead of 8 a.m.) increased the risk by 6 percent.
Skipping breakfast to lose weight: A good idea?
Whether skipping breakfast really helps you lose weight is controversial – some experts even suspect the opposite. At the same time, the scientists point out that breakfast is not the only thing that matters. This is because the participants who ate late drank more alcohol, went to bed later and ate more irregularly compared to those who ate early.
Skip breakfast: This is the recommendation of the DGE
The overall study situation is not clear. The results are partly limited by methodological weaknesses such as small study sizes and the fact that physical activity was not recorded. The German Nutrition Society (DGE) therefore does not currently give a clear recommendation as to whether skipping breakfast helps with weight loss or not:
At present, no scientifically validated statement can be made regarding the relationship between meal frequency and body weight regulation in healthy adults, so the German Nutrition Society (DGE) makes no recommendation in this regard. The energy balance is decisive for the development of body weight.
Features
How often you should cycle per week to get fit
Cycling is an excellent way to get or stay fit. But how often, how long and how intensively should you cycle to achieve this?
What does it actually mean to be fit? The word “fit” means nothing more than “suitable”. However, we generally understand “fit” as a certain level of training that is not only healthy, but also makes many everyday things easier for us – for example, just catching a streetcar or playing tag with the children. Last but not least, basic fitness can be a basis for more ambitious training or sporting goals (a long bike ride, a 10-kilometer run or similar).
Cycling is basically a very good way to get or stay fit, as it trains our endurance and most major muscle groups, is easy on the joints and, in terms of intensity, is easy to control. Numerous studies also show that cycling is healthy and a good option for building up fitness. But who should cycle how often and for how long is very individual and depends above all on the current state of training and health. So you will be calm after and can focus completely on National Casino.
This is how often and how fast beginners should (be able to) cycle
Let’s assume that you want to do something for your fitness again after a long break from sport. The best way to start is to take stock: grab your bike and go for a ride to see how long you can keep going and at what pace. If you haven’t exercised for a very long time or have never done so regularly and/or suffer from pre-existing conditions, you should check with your doctor beforehand whether and how much strain you can put on your cardiovascular system.
After taking stock, you should start training slowly. In the beginning, it is enough for beginners to cycle on flat terrain for 20 to 30 minutes about three times a week.
Now for the right intensity and the right pace: For (re)beginners, the following applies: If you still have just enough air to keep yourself entertained while riding, then you’re on the right track. If you want, you can of course also train with a heart rate monitor, where the target heart rate for most people is around 120 to 130 beats per minute. However, as the exercise heart rate is very individual and depends on many factors such as age, training condition, etc., intensity control via the “conversation test” works at least as well.
If you are riding on flat terrain, you will probably reach a speed of around 18 to 20 kilometers per hour in calm conditions.
Building fitness means building new habits
This training area is called the foundation area, by the way, and this is precisely your most important goal: laying a solid foundation for your fitness. Continuity is crucial, especially at the beginning – so really try to cycle three times a week – even if it’s only 15 minutes, that’s still better than not cycling at all. This will help you get into a steady rhythm and each time you cycle it will be easier for you to get going.
According to studies, it can take up to three months for new habits to become so integrated into your life that you find them as easy as brushing your teeth – so keep at it!
If you then have no problem sticking to the basics for around 30 to 40 minutes three to four times a week, you will have built up a solid base level of fitness. This will also help you achieve the WHO’s recommended exercise target of at least 150 minutes of exercise per week. Once you have reached this basic level of fitness, you can of course always increase your training, depending on your goals.
Combining cycling with strength training
Cycling is very good endurance training. However, it is also important for our health and fitness to train our strength. Otherwise, as we get older, we lose muscle mass, which can lead to back pain and the like, but also promotes weight gain – because muscles use energy and therefore calories even at rest. Strength training also improves your performance on the bike.
All it takes is 10 to 15 minutes two to three times a week. And you don’t have to go to the gym or buy any equipment. Classic exercises such as push-ups or squats are very effective and anyone can easily do them at home.
Tip: There are many practical apps with short workouts that strengthen the entire body, for example the free app Seven – 7 Minute Workout (for Apple or Android devices). It gives you suggestions for exercises and – especially important for beginners – shows you the correct exercises to do.
Features
Sleepmaxxing: Sleep better with these tips
Sleepmaxxing is trending on social media: targeted tricks and habits are designed to make your sleep as restful as possible. We explain what the hype is really about.
If you’re active on social media, you’ve probably heard the term “sleepmaxxing”. At the end of 2024, this tag already had 98.6 million posts on TikTok. This term, which literally means “maximizing sleep”, i.e. “getting the most out of your sleep”, is all about getting the perfect night’s sleep. From an optimized sleeping environment to the ideal evening routine, nothing is left to chance with Sleepmaxxing – all for the purpose of perfect nightly rest for your next round of TonyBet Canada.
Sleepmaxxing – what really works?
As is so often the case with health tips on social media, the Sleepmaxxing methods should also be taken with a grain of salt. Most of the popular tips for better sleep are not scientifically proven and will definitely not be the panacea they are promoted as on TikTok and the like.
However, some behaviors can actually help you improve your sleep quality or fall asleep faster. Here are some tips that can help you sleep better.
1. evening routine for better sleep
Fixed bedtimes and other rituals can benefit the quality of your sleep. Regular rituals help your body to adjust better to sleep. You can try out these methods, for example:
- Fixed bedtimes: If possible, go to bed at the same time every day and get up at the same time – even at the weekend. This stabilizes your sleep rhythm and the hormone balance that controls your tiredness.
- Avoid screens in the evening: The blue light from cell phones, laptops and televisions inhibits the production of the sleep hormone melatonin. Put your cell phone away at least an hour before going to bed and try using blue light filters if you like.
- Relaxation rituals: Reading, meditation or a warm shower can help you to calm down more quickly.
- Sleeping tea instead of caffeine: Avoid coffee or energy drinks in the evening. Instead, opt for herbal teas with valerian or lavender.
2. create the ideal sleeping environment
Your sleeping environment can have a major impact on the quality of your sleep. Your environment has a big impact on the quality of your sleep. With a few adjustments, you can significantly improve the conditions for restful sleep:
- Darkness: Sources of light at night disturb your internal clock. Darken your bedroom as much as possible or use a sleep mask.
- Quiet: Noise can interrupt your sleep. Earplugs or a white noise app can help combat noise.
- Cool temperature: The optimum sleeping temperature is between 16 and 19 degrees Celsius. You should briefly air your bedroom twice before going to bed.
- Comfortable mattress and pillow: A sagging mattress or the wrong pillow can massively affect your quality of sleep. Make sure your back and neck are well supported and find the right type of mattress for you.
3. diet and exercise for better sleep
Those who live healthily also sleep better: diet and exercise can influence your sleep. Diet and exercise also have a major influence on your sleep. The following tips can contribute to a healthier sleep:
- No heavy food before sleep: fatty or highly seasoned foods can put a strain on your digestion and disrupt your sleep.
- No alcohol to help you sleep: Although alcohol makes you tired, it worsens the quality of your sleep and makes for restless nights.
- Regular exercise: Exercising helps you to sleep better – but intensive training directly before bedtime can keep you awake. It’s therefore better to schedule your workout for the morning or afternoon.
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