Between the Lines - November 2024

In this issue of Between The Lines:

??? The SG After Story - Many have a strained relationship with science and medicine post-pandemic

?? The Great Read - A study from NYU?reveals that it's not just the brain that contains memories

?? PR Moments of Greatness - Land O'Lakes expertly launched their flexible work initiative for manufacturing employees

?? This & That - Identify the false headline and a helpful webinar on email deliverability

?? #WhatsTrending - Trending hashtags for November

The SG After Story ???

Much of what is news today is the story that takes shape after the breaking story, the “After Story,” as the SG team likes to call it. The After Story is where we end up spending far more time learning about the context, characters and background of a news story. So we’ve decided to add an entire section to the SG newsletter where we can highlight interesting and compelling After Stories that we see in the news. We think readers will learn just how important this After Story era can be in adding context and even altering the news we consume regardless of platform. So join us as we take a closer look at the winding path of a story as it continues to unfold.

You can learn more about what inspired this section in a recent LinkedIn post from our CEO, Lesley Gold.

Whats the story??In 2020, the world-wide COVID-19 pandemic changed everything about day-to-day life. It was one of the few truly universal experiences of our lifetimes, and the world waited with bated breath to see how and when we could move forward from it.

What's the SG After Story?

As the far-reaching effects of the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, people largely fell into two camps: an unwavering trust and abidance in the science being presented to the public, and increasing skepticism towards the science and discoveries surrounding COVID-19. As the pandemic carried on long beyond what many of us thought would be a two-week lockdown, the science continued to evolve, rendering a lot of initial best practices and safety protocols moot. But the division between these two factions remained sharp, with blame and shame poisoning relationships between families, friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc. And contrary to popular belief, shame is a highly ineffective communication tool.

As a result, more and more people are finding their relationship with the scientific community strained. In a recent Wall Street Journal story, “How Science Lost America’s Trust and Surrendered Health Policy to Skeptics,” RFK Jr. sums up the pent up frustration people felt when they were shamed or chided. “‘Trust the experts.’ But that’s not a thing. Trusting experts is not a feature of science. It’s the opposite of science.”

That said, the After Story here is not that science has a trust problem. It’s that science has a communication problem. “Everybody has been tempted by the slam dunk. It’s not an effective way to communicate science. It’s just not,” said epidemiologist Jessica Malaty Rivera in the same Journal story. Perhaps the takeaway here is that the way discoveries are communicated and disseminated is just as important as the discovery itself.

The Great Read??? - Think of this as?great cocktail party fodder, handpicked by the SG team

Scientists Just Discovered That Some Memories Don't Live in Our Brains

Popular Mechanics

A groundbreaking study from NYU reveals that memory isn't confined to the brain; other cells, such as kidney and nerve cells, also store "body memory." These cells follow the same "spaced repetition" principle as neurons, where learning improves through periodic reinforcement rather than prolonged exposure. This discovery could revolutionize approaches to treating diseases and enhancing learning, as well as understanding how non-neuronal cells adapt to patterns in their environment. It underscores the biological advantage of consistent, spaced learning over last-minute cramming.

PR Moments of Greatness ?? - PR professionals doing outstanding work

Land O’Lakes’ communications team launched an industry-first flexible work initiative for manufacturing employees, aligning internal collaboration and external storytelling. By leveraging data and emphasizing employee voices, the program gained significant media attention (including placements in The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, and Inc.), enhancing recruitment efforts, and positioning the company as a leader in innovative workplace practices.

What was done well: identified the right internal partners to accurately communicate the launch acknowledging anticipated challenges, active listening to their workforce and their desire for more flexible work environments, consistent and cohesive internal and external messaging

This & That ?? - We have fun here at SG

Two Truths and a Lie ???♂??- Which of these headlines is false?

The New York Post:?Woman delivers baby at airport in American Airlines ticketing area: 'We got a boy!'

NPR: They told insurers a bear damaged their car. But it was actually a person in a costume

Food Network:?Survey finds that 1 in 3 families actually get sushi for Thanksgiving Dinner

What's on the Web ???- Helpful and interesting webinars according to the SG team

The Top Email Deliverability Tips You SHOULDN'T Follow (And What to Do Instead)

Marketing Profs

This webinar unpacks and debunks some of the most common myths about email deliverability and how marketers can be sure to land where they intend: in your inbox. This was a well-delivered, conversational approach to a topic that could be quite tactical and in the weeds.

#WhatsTrending ?? - Trending hashtags for this month

#Thanksgiving ?? - People prepare for Thanksgiving with many posts around cooking, family dynamics, and gratitude. Also keep an eye out for #BlackFriday, #CyberMonday, and #GivingTuesday

#Movember ?? - Awareness campaign?every November to helps raise awareness and funds for a range of men’s health causes

#Diwali ?? -?Hindus around the world celebrated the new year on November 4

#ElectionDay ??? - The US presidential election took place on November 5?

#VeteransDay ???? - November 11 acknowledges those who have served in the armed forces

#MissUniverse ?? - On November 16, Miss Universe 2024 took place, with?Victoria Kj?r Theilvig?of Denmark taking the crown

#Boxing ???- The viral boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul took place during November

#Hanukkah??? - The Jewish Festival of Lights starts on the evening of November 28 this year

Contact Us ??

Feeling inspired? Have thoughts and opinions on anything above? Want to contribute to the next edition of Between the Lines? Reach out to our team here.?