Gideon Fidelzeid

This has been quite a week in the world of communications. Without having to strain very hard at all, we can identify four major stories with significant communications overtones and lessons.

Yet another GOP debate took place last night at Oakland University in Rochester, MI. And if one thing has become pretty apparent, it's this: If the Republican presidential aspirants are going to be on a stage together, there's a good chance Rick Perry will steal the show ­- and not in a good way for his White House hopes.

"I was so busy keeping my job I forgot to do my job." The line was spoken by Michael Douglas in his role as the fictional President Andrew Shepherd in the 1995 film The American President.

In PRWeek's August print issue, the focus of my column was the NBA lockout. As an observer of the PR industry, much of my attention was on the vast communications challenge the NBA would face if a work stoppage became prolonged, which at present is a reasonable possibility.

As this column is being typed on a Mac, the reminders are all around of the tremendous impact Steve Jobs had on our world.

The US Postal Service's woes are now center stage, as recent reports have noted it might have to shut down next year due to financial insolvency.

The challenges facing both political parties are historically daunting because a good portion of the target audience is apathetic - a toxic condition to any communications effort.

Brands have more avenues than ever to align with sports and activate fans' passion. Various leaders in the sector joined Gideon Fidelzeid in New York for this Catalyst Public Relations-sponsored roundtable.

The PR industry's positive momentum is evident among entry-level and junior-level pros. HR leaders joined Gideon Fidelzeid in New York City for a roundtable discussion on current trends in hiring and retaining young talent.

"All the cool kids have one." That was my rationale this past weekend when I explained to my wife why we had to get an iPad immediately.