Frequent D.C. fliers could benefit from having more long-distance flight choices.

Since 1966, Reagan National has limited long-haul flights — originally 650 miles, then increased to 1,250 miles in 1986 — landing and taking off from the airport. The 2023 Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization bill, up for consideration in September, contains a reasonable bipartisan provision to add 28 more in-perimeter and beyond-perimeter flights. In can weigh in since Congress created the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, the body overseeing Reagan National and Dulles International airports. Congress’s decision will determine whether Reagan National will be able to compete.

The airport shouldn’t continue to settle for “short-haul” airport status by ceding that advantage to Dulles. Both can accommodate market demand while equally servicing their communities. Reagan National adding more long-haul flights, exceeding 1,250 miles, hasn’t undercut Dulles’ growth and won’t — even with continued expansion.

Continue reading at InsideSources.com

The post InsideSources: D.C. Metro Will Benefit from DCA Slot and Perimeter Reform appeared first on Gabriella Hoffman.

Prop. 22 is a 2020 ballot measure designed as a direct rebuke of California Assembly Bill 5 (AB 5) which forcibly reclassifies the majority of the Golden State’s independent contractors, including rideshare drivers, as W-2 employees under an onerous ABC test that makes it harder for workers to prove they aren’t default traditional employees. The measure proposes to protect the independent contract status of rideshare app drivers, and was approved by 58% of California voters.

Nevertheless, in November of the same year, a trial court ruled Prop. 22 unconstitutional. Had the trial court successfully rejected the measure, rideshare app drivers would have been subject to the full AB 5 regulations as well as worker exemptions established by the subsequent AB 2257.

But on March 13, a three-judge panel in San Francisco invalidated the trial court decision, contending that AB 5 is unconstitutional because it singles out certain industries but exempts others. Prop. 22 will live to protect contractors’ status for another day.

Continue reading at OC Register.

The post OC Register: Rideshare drivers want to remain independent contractors. California should get out of their way appeared first on Gabriella Hoffman.

With 19 years of operation under its belt, the festival has grown into “one of the largest fly-fishing events in the country,” drawing thousands of people from the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. Anglers and exhibitors came from near and far – Washington D.C., Virginia, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and other surrounding states. The festival was held January 12-13 of this year.

The Old Dominion State is replete with innumerable trout waters, and our wine selection isn’t too shabby either, often rivaling that of California’s. It makes for the perfect location for a festival centering around fishing and vino.

“We work hard to demystify fly fishing,” said Festival Director Beau Beasley. “Many are simply too intimidated by fly fishing and fly tying to even give them a try. We believe that the quiet sport is for everyone, so we find casting and tying experts who make it simple and fun. Because of our unique approach, our event draws, on average, several times more women than similar sporting events.”

Sponsors for this year’s show included the Recreational Fishing and Boating Foundation, Temple Fork Outfitters, Fish Partner, Green Top, Mid Valley Press, Virginia Sportsman, Reilly Rod Crafters, American Angler, Fly Tyer, Gray’s Sporting Journal, Alaska Magazine, Harman’s Luxury Cabins, Blue Ridge Outdoors, and Steam Bell Beer Works.

Continue reading at Sporting Classics Daily.

The post Sporting Classics Daily: Virginia is for Lovers of Fly Fishing and Wine appeared first on Gabriella Hoffman.

The 41st annual Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT) drew nearly 60,000 attendees to the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, this year. For those of you that didn’t attend the event, Here are 15 Twitter reports about the most interesting things you missed out on, posted by people who were on the show floor.

The post Outdoor Life: 15 Cool Things You Missed at SHOT Show 2019 appeared first on Gabriella Hoffman.

In 2012, under the purview of the Endangered Species Act (ESA), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) declared 1,500 acres of property owned by the landowners and Weyerhaeuser Company a “critical habitat” for the dusky gopher frog.

However, it was determined that the dusky gopher frog hasn’t been found anywhere in Louisiana for the past 50 years. It actually resides 70 miles away in nearby Mississippi, therefore not making the land owned by Weyerhaeuser “critical habitat” for a species that hasn’t resided there.

Continue reading at CFACT. 

###

What did you think of this piece? Am I on-target or off-mark?

As always, I recommend you follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to stay in the loop with my musings. Subscribe to my newsletter–now LIVE. Chime in below with your comments!

The post CFACT: Weyerhaeuser a Win for Sportsmen and Conservation appeared first on Gabriella Hoffman.

Writing is a skill that you’re born with, supposedly. For me, I wasn’t always the best writer. (I know, shocking!) In fact, early in my writing career, I sucked.

It wasn’t until ninth grade Advanced English I with Mrs. Sue Willett at Tesoro High School that my love for writing blossomed. Perhaps I always had it in me but was a late bloomer? I largely credit this teacher for helping me realize I could write well. I credit her impeccable teaching style for making the art of writing enjoyable, not simply a task to check off. I had that a-ha moment in my writing career then, and you will too if you haven’t already.

In the 12 years I began my writing journey, I’ve had op-ed’s published in some of the country’s most notable conservative and mainstream publications. I’ve co-written an ebook. I’ve won awards for my political work. In addition to writing, editing, and revising my work, I spent a lot of time reading books, articles, magazines, and related works to compare writing styles and mirror them—in the hopes I could get printed. (Though I added my own unique voice!)  Studying writing guidelines is essential to getting printed. I’m happy to say I’ve only put my name to articles I’ve written by myself or added my perspective to. You’ll never see me enlisting the help of a ghostwriter or claiming an article as my own that I didn’t write. I’d feel dirty if I did…

There are plenty of books out there to read on the subject of improving your writing skills, but I’ve narrowed it down to three recommendations for those pondering. Here they are:

1) The Elements of Style by William Shrunk and E. B. White

Looking to polish your prose, master syntax, and improve your diction? This book is essential for any budding or seasoned writer. It was first published in 1918 by Shrunk. E.B. White modified the book, and the Shrunk and White version was born in 1959. Given its influence, it was named one of the top 100 influential nonfiction books in 2011.

The gist:  it hones on 49 words and expressions commonly misused and a list of 57 words often misspelled. It also instructs readers how to construct readable, understandable sentences and paragraphs.

I first came across this book the summer leading up to my junior year of high school, when I saw it was mandatory, pre-requisite reading for AP Language. That was 2007. My teacher, who also served as my tennis coach and obnoxiously sarcastic, assigned the Shrunk and White 4th edition version to our class. He pounded the book into our minds and always told us to defer to it for our writing, especially in preparation for the Advanced Placement test that spring. Looking back 11 years ago, despite qualms with my teacher’s/coach’s attitude issues, I’m glad he assigned it to us. While I don’t read it regularly, this little book is the gold standard for any writer. In fact, I’ll be re-reading it again soon to refresh my memory.

2) Writer’s Digest Guide to Magazine Article Writing by Kerrie Flanagan

I was recommended to read this book by outdoor communicator Tom Keer of The Keer Group. He, along with my friend and fellow outdoor writer Debbie Hanson, were featured in the book. Tom urged me to read the book to better learn the process of publishing  storytelling writing in the outdoor space. While the target audience is more broad — anyone interested in magazine writing — both established and aspiring writers should read it.

The author explains that you don’t need a journalism degree or a lot influence to be published in a notable magazine. Drawing from her 20+ years of experience, Flanagan offers a step-by-step approach to the planning, pitching, and publishing process of magazine articles. She helps readers decide on niche topics to focus on and pinpoint which magazines to target. She also explains how to craft a perfect query for pitching, ways to organize writing topics, how to negotiate pay rates or contracts, and how to build rapport with editors/publishers.

She provides personal examples and expertise from some of the leading freelance writers in the U.S., which readers will find to be helpful. It’s an easy read too. Highly recommended!

3) Read a newspaper, magazine, or book

The key to becoming a better writer is simple: Read more.

How? Diversify your reading material and read more on a regular basis.

I’ve spent the last few years setting yearly reading goals for myself, in the hopes of finding an escape despite the ever-present distractions found in society today. I’ve read non-fiction, autobiographical books. I’ve read political and outdoor memoirs. I’ve read How-To’s and self-help books. And I’ve read fiction. I’ve enjoyed reading most of the books that came my way, and hated some I picked up. It’s natural to come across both good and bad books.

Reading the work of a successful author will motivate you to improve your writing—whether in print or digital format. Study an author’s style and prose. Write down words you’re unfamiliar with, find them in a dictionary, and later incorporate them into your writing. Read a book high atop the Amazon Bestsellers List or New York Times Bestsellers List. Read stale, boring books. Heck, even read books that challenge your views. The more you read, the better off you’ll be. And don’t simply read on a Kindle. Pick up a physical book for that authentic reading experience!

Have you read these books or plan to add them to your list? Let me know!

###

What did you think of this piece? Am I on-target or off-mark?

As always, I recommend you follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to stay in the loop with my musings. Subscribe to my newsletter–now LIVE. Chime in below with your comments!

The post 3 Essential Books for Honing Your Writing Skills appeared first on Gabriella Hoffman.

Over the years, many people have asked me how I got started with commentary writing. “How can I get famous or well known like you?” is what I’m usually met with. (First off, I’m not famous but just a diligent worker who’s worked very hard to get published.) The science behind crafting the perfect op-ed is not magic; it’s actually quite simple and easier than one would believe.

I’ve been writing since summer 2006, when I was about to enter sophomore year of high school at Tesoro High School in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. In the 12 years I’ve been writing, I’ve had my share of successes and my share of failures. I’ve helped start or co-found blogs and publications—many of which was met with immense success when they were in circulation. (RIP Counter Cultured.) I’ve had articles accepted and published, while many other submissions were tossed into editors’ inboxes. I’ve been published in a whole host of online and print publications— ranging from the Orange County Register to Richmond Times-Dispatch to The Hill. I’ve also been published in Townhall.com, Times of Israel, Yahoo News!, Washington Times, and The Resurgent.

So what has allowed me to see this amount of success in the 12-year span of writing? I started local. Here’s why starting local and gradually working your way up the writing ladder will ensure you longevity as an opinion writer in an increasingly crowded space:

Just starting out? Find opportunities to contribute to your community paper

When I was first exploring writing opportunities around me — specifically Southern Orange County in Trabuco Canyon / Rancho Santa Margarita— I looked no further than our community paper, The Coto Voice. It was in this publication, however small its circulation (5,000), that I got my start. I looked for a contact person and found the editor. It was then and there I boldly reached out and pitched my idea of a column discussing issues that would resonate with my fellow teenagers in my area. The editor didn’t bat an eye and said, “Yes, that would be a great idea!” It was then and there that my first column “Teen Beat” was born. I wrote for The Coto Voice until my senior year of high school.

If you live in a major city or rural town, chances are there are newspapers or blogs in your area seeking contributors. Most of these gigs will be unpaid. However, if you’re just starting out, you want every opportunity to build up your portfolio for future use. Start local.

Find a niche locally and expand from there

Everyone opines on national stories by offering their take on the latest news story of the day. It’s frankly exhausting to read the same piece about the same topic over and over again—even if it’s articulated differently. Where are the unique, groundbreaking stories? When starting out local, see what’s relevant to your neighborhood, county, or congressional/state district. Is an issue getting sufficient or any coverage? If not—and you have an interest to blog or report on it—seize upon this.

When building up your portfolio and authority as a subject matter expert, original content is more memorable than recycled and repackaged news story. If you live in Northern California, which is being pummeled by wildlife after wildlife, write about the heroes working to rescue people or about the bravery about those surviving and thriving there in spite of conditions there. If you’re in Southwest Florida, write about the red tide and toxic algae blooms that are hurting tourism and people’s livelihoods there. Find a local story and make it national. That’s where many of us have had success in the writing realm.

Not getting op-eds published? Start with Letters-to-the-Editors

Opinion sections of newspapers, both local or national, are typically swamped with op-ed submissions. Due to the nature of this, your op-ed may be rejected or ignored. (Don’t fret!) Maybe you had a brilliant piece, but someone else covered it? That’s a common problem. Maybe the publication wasn’t seeking commentary on the subject matter? That’s another reason for editors to reject submissions, and they are within their right to do so.

Alternatively, consider writing and submitting letters-to-the-editors. Why? It’s much easier to have them published. When I was a sophomore at Tesoro High School in Advanced English II with Mr. Milton Rouse (who was quite the eccentric fellow), one writing exercise he required of us was to incorporate weekly vocabulary words into Letters-to-the-Editors to be submitted to the OC Register, our major newspaper. If we incorporated a vocabulary word into a letter that was successfully published, we got extra credit. Challenge accepted! Being the curious girl I was, I was up for the challenge and within a short time, I had four Letters-to-the-Editors printed and published online in the OC Register during my sophomore year of high school. Woot woot!

In order to be successful with getting published locally, there are several things to keep in mind:

1) Read and study news topics that are trendy

2) Figure out which pieces you want to respond to – keep them timely

3) Learn the rules for submission (be mindful of word count + tone requirements)

4) Build rapport with the editors.

5) Most importantly, have fun!

Are you more motivated to build up your writing career? Let me know! And if you’re eager to have an op-ed edited and circulated — or want to employ a more aggressive media campaign for your business or campaign — get in touch to learn about my services and pricing.

###

What did you think of this piece? Am I on-target or off-mark?

As always, I recommend you follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube to stay in the loop with my musings. Subscribe to my newsletter–now LIVE. Chime in below with your comments!

The post So You Want to Get Op-Ed Articles Published? Start Local appeared first on Gabriella Hoffman.