The Red Jacket Diaries blog

Sue Horner is a freelance writer in Oakville, Ontario, who blogs about writing, newsletters, communications and running an independent business in The Red Jacket Diaries blog.

New words for two dictionaries

Talk about a never-ending job! Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary (Eleventh Edition) recently added some new words, chosen among submissions from readers for their favourite word not in the dictionary. Sadly, one of the top choices was...

Whatever happened to longevity?

While catching up on my reading after being away, I ran across an interesting article in Saturday’s Toronto Star. In “The tyranny of residual media,” freelance writer Ryan Bigge talks about the iPhone and how consumers chase the new and improved. As...
Networking can be enjoyable

Networking can be enjoyable

Many people are intimidated by the thought of networking. They feel they need a properly rehearsed elevator speech summing up what they do. They expect to sell their company or their business, or maybe the boss expects that to justify paying for the event. Networking...
We have much to learn from dogs

We have much to learn from dogs

One of the enjoyable aspects to working in a home office (and there are many!) is the loyal dog snoozing at my feet. He makes sure I get some fresh air at noon so I get back to work with a clear head, and he’s just good company. Of course, there are times when...

10 tips for enjoying Las Vegas

After a recent trip to Las Vegas, I didn’t come home with a suitcase full of money. The good news is I didn’t leave a suitcase full of money behind, either. Here are my tips for having fun in Vegas, whether you gamble or not,: 1. Have a plan. Get a map of...

Moms worth our weight in gold

Last night at a meeting of IABC independent communicators (AIP), a colleague mentioned the Reuters news item that said: If the typical stay-at-home mother in the United States were paid for her work as a housekeeper, cook and psychologist among other roles, she would...