01Feb

Some professional news for you: I have decided to move on

Note with the word UPDATE placed on a computer keyboard.

I’m leaving The Athletic and The New York Times Company. The decision is mine. My last day will be Feb. 2.

05Jan

So anyway, I’ll probably have some work news for you soon

Work from anywhere. Rear view of young woman, female freelancer in straw hat working on laptop, keeping arms raised and celebrating success while sitting on the tropical sandy beach at sunset.

Believe it or not, my job update wasn’t the biggest news of January 2021. And as hard as it is to believe, it’s now five years later.

24Dec

You might as well go to a mom-and-pop store

The inside of a Costco warehouse shows thousands of items but still only a small part of the overall inventory there. The warehouse is huge.

Focus on what will keep you employed and keep your news organization relevant — and in business. Let go of the rest.

15Dec

I sure hope his career ends soon so we’ll know if his ‘career long’ field goal is good

Temple kicker Brandon McManus kicks an extra point against Maryland on September 8, 2012 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA.

Have you ever wondered why announcers say, “This would be a career long if he makes it”? I’m pretty sure I know.

10Dec

Due to? Because of? Don’t sweat it, my favorite grammarians say

English colorful flashcards of conjunction words on white background.

I’m here, with professional assistance, to give you one less worry as you work your way through copy or your writing.

28Nov

The new Merriam-Webster dictionary has me remembering the kind Sue Brooks and her thoughtfulness

A big red 12th edition Merriam-Webster hardcover dictionary is on display in an apartment on a small bookshelf, with a tea mug on top of it that says Member of the Editors Tea Club.

This new dictionary has me thinking a lot about Sue and Jack Brooks and their children: Susan, Marilyn, Alison and John.

04Nov

What is a ‘journeyman’ in the sports world? Is that word in flux?

The band Journey's Hollywood Walk of Fame star in Hollywood, California

This might be it for a while as far as posts about my editing philosophy. More pressing matters are upon me.

03Nov

‘Those Oldies But Goodies’ remind(s) me of this

Bold yellow text reads 'Oldies but Goodies' on a light background. The phrase 'Oldies but Goodies' stands out in bright yellow, emphasizing nostalgia and classic charm.

I went back and forth on how to style the headline without breaking your brain, but I think I broke mine. Click to find out what’s up.

02Nov

‘They’re deep at the quarterback position’ is two words too many

American Football Player Holding Ball, Isolated Vector Silhouette. Team Sport. American Football Player Holding Ball, Preparing For Throwing. Isolated Vector Silhouette. Team Sport.

Unnecessary words? Sure, I can play that game. Let’s talk about “the quarterback position.” Writing “quarterback” is almost always sufficient.

30Oct

Was it twice in 12 days or twice in 13 days? Here we go again, counting

Calendar 2025, 2026. Week Starts From Sunday, Business Template. Isolated Vector Illustration On White Background.

Suppose a hockey team scored seven goals in a game on the first day of this month and did it again on the 13th.

CarlyJDubois.com

Tag: language

Some professional news for you: I have decided to move on

So anyway, I’ll probably have some work news for you soon

You might as well go to a mom-and-pop store

I sure hope his career ends soon so we’ll know if his ‘career long’ field goal is good

Due to? Because of? Don’t sweat it, my favorite grammarians say

The new Merriam-Webster dictionary has me remembering the kind Sue Brooks and her thoughtfulness

What is a ‘journeyman’ in the sports world? Is that word in flux?

‘Those Oldies But Goodies’ remind(s) me of this

‘They’re deep at the quarterback position’ is two words too many

Was it twice in 12 days or twice in 13 days? Here we go again, counting