Author: Tom Purcell

Ah, St. Patrick’s Day is upon us – which means it’s time for retailers, and too many other Americans, to perpetuate the “drunken Irishman” stereotype. Here’s what three typical St. Patrick’s Day T-shirts available at Amazon.com say: “Half Irish, Half Drunk” “Irish Today, Hungover Tomorrow” “I’m So Irish, I Bleed Whiskey” IrishCentral reports there are…

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I’m so unhappy with my cable TV and internet services that I’m going to do what I’ve long dreamed of doing: Cancel my subscription! I’m not alone in my unhappiness. Consumer Reports says cable providers “have consistently rated below average among services we cover.” A 2014 Consumer Reports survey of 81,848 customers “found almost universally…

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In these heated, divisive times, all of us sure could use more kindness. This coming Sunday, Feb. 17, offers us a reminder to embrace kindness. Feb. 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day 2019. It’s a day when humans around the world pay homage to the simple art of being kind to their fellow humans.…

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While organizing my home office a few weeks ago, I came across a letter my grandfather wrote back in 1924. He wrote that eloquent letter to his best friend’s wife, consoling her on the loss of her mother. His cursive handwriting was artful – perfect penmanship. He wrote the letter when he was 21. Since…

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My Uncle Jimmy would’ve hated the late-model SUV I rented for a recent trip to New Jersey. I sure did. You see, this modern SUV boasted “smart” technologies designed to keep me safe and happy. It made me miserable. Every time I switched lanes,…

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Relax, People! They’re Just Cookies Just as my annual diet has begun showing promise, my greatest obstacle to success is upon me: Girl Scout Cookie season has begun. My problem with Girl Scout Cookies is personal. But, like everything else i…

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We’ll celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and legacy next week. In these angry and divisive times, we all could benefit by reminding ourselves of his words’ truth, civility and wisdom. Too many of us are consumed with hatred and anger, w…

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Is technology innovation doing us more harm than good? My family offers proof that it is. My parents recently got Amazon’s supposedly “intelligent” personal assistant, Alexa. Ask Alexa to play a song and she will (through her speaker). Ask he…

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Celebrating the holidays with friends and family the past few weeks was great, but I m tired, bloated and crabby. The New Year is upon us! What a great opportunity to start fresh and resolve to do great things in 2019. How about I share s…

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I love Christmas. I love it because my mother has worked hard to make the day magical and eventful for her family for more years than she will permit me to share! My mother has six children, 17 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren – and co…

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