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William Torpey - EzineArticles.com Expert Author
I am a retired newspaper reporter and editor, having worked for The Hour newspaper of Norwalk, Conn., for 32 years. I am a 1964 graduate of New York University where I majored in journalism and minored in marketing under a public relations program. I served three years in USA Army in Public Information in Germany and Colorado, 1954-57. I currently hold the position of Adjutant with the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Robert F. Garrison ... [More]
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- Help! It's Me Against Them
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] Whoever said "You can't fight City Hall" was right. I found out the hard way. The state of Connecticut bilked me out of $6, but gave me the cold shoulder when I cried "foul." Runaway government can do whatever it wants with impunity!
- Just Say No to the Urge to Impeach
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] President Ford was right in 1998: Impeachment is whatever Congress says it is! But our founding fathers were uncommonly wise. They made the impeachment process difficult, thus making frivolous charges unlikely to stick.
- A Bold Step in the Right Direction
[News-and-Society:Politics] Former Connecticut Gov. John Rowland, having stirred high emotions in southern Fairfield County after proposing to shut down the Metro North Norwalk-Danbury rail line, had something of a metamorphosis a year later and proposed that train fares on the line be free -- for a while.
- Transition Process is Party Time
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] The peaceful transition of presidents is something to marvel at in this country. While tradition and the Constitution play important roles, the temperament and good judgment of outgoing presidents can be vital.
- Reaching For the Stars
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] Perhaps the noblest goal for anyone to pursue is simply to attain an education. Few may argue with that simple statement, but, perhaps, few would see the goal in the same light. We are all constrained by the need to make a living, but we can still reach for the stars.
- Just a Few Rambling Thoughts
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] If you're anything like me -- although that seems unlikely in view of the fact that my "friends" all tell me I'm "one of a kind," if you know what I mean -- you've stored up over the years a few pet peeves, or observations, that you'd be happy to tell the world about if only you had a forum. I've accumulated a long list of "pet peeves" I'd like to shout from the rooftops, and every now and then, new observations are added.
- All the Names If You Please
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] Withholding the names of women who make accusations of rape became a widely discussed issue when the Smith case surfaced. Most electronic and print media declared they would protect the accuser by not revealing her name and by not showing her face. The trial, and events connected with it, drew unbridled media attention.
- Overdue Tribute to Bing Crosby
[Arts-and-Entertainment:Music] Bing Crosby, the man who "crooned" his way into the hearts of millions in "Pennies From Heaven" in the mid-1930s was "Swinging on a Star" by the 1940s. His "White Christmas" inspired GI's on the battlefields of World War II as well as their loved ones at home. He was the biggest radio and movie star of the first half of the 20th Century and was the inspiration for such singers as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.
- Mysteries, Puzzles, Enigmas
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] Remember the old bromide about the husband who makes all the big decisions in his family -- on war and peace or capital punishment. His wife only decides whether to buy a new car or vacation in Hawaii. What decisions do you find yourself pondering?
- Oscar's No Award Winner
[Arts-and-Entertainment:Movies-TV] Movies have gotten much worse since in the last several decades. I went to the movies three times last year, and after watching the dizzying kaleidoscopic scene changes every two seconds I pledged never again to torture myself by going to see another "new" movie.
- Naked Emperor
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] The words of that old familiar song bring memories, to me, of the wartime 1940s in Yonkers, N.Y. -- known by its natives in those days as "The City of Gracious Living." That city, more hilly than the "city by the bay," boasted trolley cars until the early '50s when buses took their place.
- Gosh, I Hope I Never Get to Be Too Rich
[Self-Improvement:Success] Wealthy people often say that money isn't everything; that money can't buy happiness. Strange as it may seem, I agree. In fact, I actually look upon rich people with pity; I feel sorry for them!
- Let's Be Kinder, Gentler
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] When George (H.W.) Bush ran for president he said he wanted "a kinder, gentler" nation. He said he wanted to be the "education president" and the "environmental president." Unfortunately, none of these things happened.
- Why It's Vital to Vote For Your Party
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] "I don't belong to any political party; I'm Independent. I vote for the best man." Chances are, like me, you've heard this statement from friends and foes alike on many occasions. But, in reality, voting for the "best man" is a formula for disaster.
- Where is the Crisis?
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] President Clinton had been in office five years when his political opponents instigated investigations against him for everything and anything. Although there was no credible evidence against him, TV commentators drummed up a phony "Crisis in the White House."
- All That Traffic Allows
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] Poor engineering of highways and the careless placement of traffic signs has, in my opinion, led to many major and minor accidents over the years. I'll bet you can spot several poorly placed signs the next time you're out for a drive.
- Being Good Ought to Be Good Enough
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] What's wrong with being good? I've always felt that being good is, well, good enough! The more I read, listen to the radio and watch television, the more I see that others don't feel the same way. It seems that many people have a congenital urge to be "the best."
- How to Get Things Done - Compromise
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] To paraphrase Winston Churchill, the great World War II allied leader, human beings are a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. Churchill was speaking, of course, of Russia, but I think his colorful description applies to the behavior of people everywhere as well.
- Bouquets, Brickbats, Ramblings
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] A large bouquet goes to all the charitable organizations that donate their time and energy to give the homeless a helping hand. At the same time, a brickbat goes to those childless citizens who balk at paying their share of taxes to fund our schools.
- The Bottom Line is Usually Below You
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] The idea may be good, but you've got to look at the bottom line. Business is proficient at coming up with pithy little adages to justify what they do. But it's not always what the bottom line shows that counts; sometimes it's what the bottom line doesn't show.
- Congress Deserves the Blame
[News-and-Society:Politics] In May of 1998 there was no longer any rational scenario that could lead an impartial observer to the conclusion that Special Prosecutor Kenneth Starr was objective. But, then again, it was not all his fault. The real culprit was the U.S. Congress.
- Clinton Deserves a Break
[News-and-Society:Politics] Dirty politics is as old as Moses, Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar. But when it rears its ugly head, it's always dirty pool. President Clinton, in 1994, was a victim of such tactics, but he was in good company -- Harry Truman, for one.
- Those Lessons They Never Taught Us in School
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] My late brother Don spent his formative years, as I did, on the streets of Yonkers, N.Y., during World War II and throughout the 1940s. He dropped out of school early. He never made it to high school. But, despite my high school diploma and college degree, he was quick to point out the many gaps in my education. He had a great deal more wisdom than I'll ever have.
- Here's a Candidate That Promises to Keep Promises
[News-and-Society:Politics] Forget McCain, Obama and Clinton, here's a presidential candidate whose campaign promises top them all. His positions are clear, forthright and uncontroversial - and he promises to keep his promises!
- Educate Parents, Not Kids
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] Before we entered the "modern" age, it was not uncommon to differentiate between education and job training and propaganda. Today, it seems, people (and specifically educators and government officials) consider these three things to be all the same.
- For Retirees - Here Are Some Things to Do
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] While facing retirement is not exactly like awaiting a triple bypass or facing the prospect of entering a nursing home, it can be a source of great stress. After all, everybody has to do something! Here's some ideas that could help relieve such foreboding.
- One Vote For Taking the Train
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] It's only an illusion that flying gets you "there and back" in no time. It takes hours on either side of the flight. You don't lose as much time as you think by taking an Amtrak sleeper train -- and that time can be used to read, listen to music and meet interesting people.
- Is it Safe to Invest in Stocks?
[Investing:Stocks] Financial pundits can tick off dozens of strategies for winning in the market. Such advice ranges from the astrological alignment of the stars to environmentally correct stocks or mutual funds. I say, if you have spare funds, take the plunge -- but be careful!
- Surviving the Death of a Spouse
[Self-Improvement:Grief-Loss] Linda Palucci lost her husband, Gene, to a brain tumor and cancer on March 21, 1992. She kept a diary during the trying days of his illness, and its aftermath. She chose to share her innermost feelings in an ebook called "Out of the Slippery Pit" in the hope it will help others.
- Questions, But No Answers
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] Ever see a newspaper or television report and wonder, as Paul Harvey often does, about the "rest of the story?" Yours truly is always wondering about such things, especially when they portray problems that need attention but aren't getting any.
- To Any Dog That Bites - Bite the Dust
[Pets:Dogs] It's a rare bird, indeed, who doesn't like, or love, domesticated animals, especially pets. But we need laws that will protect unsuspecting children, and adults, from unknowingly walking into a booby trap in the form of a crazed animal - whatever its kind or breed.
- Enforce Law With a Little Compassion
[Health-and-Fitness:Obesity] A California mother faced serious criminal charges when her 680-pound, 13-year-old daughter died "on a filthy bed sheet, surrounded by empty food cartons, feces in the folds of her body." Why do we wait for tragedy to strike before taking necessary action?
- True Charity - Selfless, Not Self-Serving
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] Charity should be selfless, not self-serving. The wealthy, too often, use charities for something other than soliciting their thanks. Arise from tax breaks, the big givers, especially, reap large rewards, both financially and socially.
- Chasing After Stocks
[Investing:Stocks] This piece is a lighthearted treatment of the trials and tribulations of playing the stock market by a nonprofessional. The uninitiated small investor with no experience will find dabbling in stocks to be inexplicable. If you're looking for something logical, forget it. The market will fool you every time!
- OJ Verdict Reaction Deplorable
[News-and-Society:Crime] The O.J. Simpson murder trial in 1995, although clearly unlike any other trial in history, revealed an urgent need for reform of the American judicial system -- something I've been urging for some time.
For a while, I didn't think anyone could top the "Trial of the Century," but that didn't last long.
- Death Penalty in OJ Trial? Unthinkable!
[News-and-Society:Crime] Few Americans favor capital punishment; what they favor is the execution of faceless lowlifes they'll never see, never know or come face-to-face with. But, put a face on the person to be executed, the face of a friend or relative, and capital punishment becomes unthinkable.
- Jury System Guilty of Complexity
[News-and-Society:Crime] Americans too often favor throwing the book at someone accused of a grievous crime -- long before the evidence is in. Wouldn't it be wiser to wait until a person is proven guilty?"
- It's Time For All-out War on Criminals
[News-and-Society:Crime] When we hold something sacred, we are not likely to abuse it. Whatever our age, financial status, religious beliefs, education or even ethical and moral standards, few of us are apt to bite the hand that feeds us, or to dishonor what we hold in high esteem.
- The Jury System Could Use an Overhaul
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] We should take a serious look at the way we select juries as well as the laws and guidelines we have developed pertaining to evidence. I think the Simpson trial showed the system is rife with rules and precedents that no longer serve us well.
- Jury System in the US Put on Trial
[News-and-Society:Crime] The American judicial system, strained by rising crime rates over the last few decades, has become a hot topic of conversation. The O.J. Simpson murder trial and the crime bill Clinton signed into law have put the system on the front burner -- and on trial.
- Analysts Know What They're Doing
[Investing:Stocks] Stock prices are affected by many things, such as earnings and potential, sales outlook, competition and the quality of management. Nevertheless, one soon learns that the way stocks behave is inexplicable. That behavior makes one wonder, "Are the regulators doing their job?"
- Who's Really Watching the Stock Market?
[Investing:Stocks] The Federal Reserve Board and the U.S. Treasury are not doing enough to protect the growing number of sheep-like investors from the growing number of financial wolves. "Big money interests" are playing the market like an accordion.
- Watching the Market Can Be Fun
[Investing:Stocks] You don't have to be rich to follow the ups and downs of the stock market, but it helps. It's fun to try to figure out what the market's doing; and it can be profitable for anyone with a few dollars -- and a yen for risk.
- Ask Not For Whom the Bell Tolls
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] Our justice system hasn't progressed much over our more than two centuries since the founding of the United States. Our prisons are overflowing, and those convicted of a capital crime sit on death row often for years. New DNA technology has revealed many to be "not guilty." The conduct of an execution, witnessed by a newspaper reporter, brings the bizarre process into reality. His first hand reaction to the execution he witnessed demonstrates the inhumanity of the death penalty.
- History Often Depends on Who Writes It
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] I was just a boy during World War II, but I have many memories, both good and bad. It's been said that the history of the world will be written by the victors; if the Axis powers had won that war, who knows what the history books would be saying now?
- Better Cars, Not Slogans, Get Buyers
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] Many Americans have been snookered into believing it's patriotic to buy an "American" car, not a foreign car sold by one of those unfair, greedy capitalists overseas. In truth, when Americans buy inferior products we encourage inefficiency, poor engineering, poor design.
- Big Banks Are Getting Out of Touch
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] If you ask me, bigger is definitely not better! Anybody who has a checking account -- and that's virtually all of us -- or anybody who reads the business pages of his daily newspaper, is aware of our country's "merger mania."
- City Housing Rules Must Be Thought Out
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] "The road to hell," somebody once said, "is paved with good intentions." The Norwalk Housing Authority's Draconian proposal to require tenants to turn over their children's report cards is a lame-brained scheme.
- The (Good) Old Days Weren't So Bad After All
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] Yonkers, N.Y., was a bustling community in the '30s and '40s when I grew up. It was a great city, once known as "The City of Gracious Living." Recently, however, I read in the New York Times that it's now sometimes referred to as "Beirut-on-the-Hudson."
- Let's Give the Poor a Break
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] The rich and middle class are always blaming everything on the poor. They get away with it because the poor have no one to speak in their behalf; they have no lobby, no advertising money, no newspapers or magazines to take their point of view, no influence with politicians.
- Game Raises Questions
[Gaming:Video-Game-Reviews] In August of 1986 a U.S. postal worker in Edmund, Okla., killed 15 colleagues. In the decade following incidents of "crazed mass violence" by postal workers took place at an alarming rate -- They even made a game about it!
- Oak Hills - Jewel in Norwalk
[Recreation-and-Sports:Golf] This is the second of four "playing" reports on Norwalk, Conn., area golf courses -- this one is on Oak Hills, a Norwalk municipal course. It's part of a series written for The Hour newspaper in 1999. The city of Norwalk considers Oak Hills its "crown jewel."
- The Wheel Keeps Rolling On
[Recreation-and-Sports:Golf] This is the last of four "playing" reports on Norwalk, Conn., area golf courses -- this one on "The Wheel," a Bridgeport municipal facility that offers two courses, the Red and the Black. It's part of a series written for The Hour newspaper in 1999.
- Sterling Farms Has a Private Club Air
[Recreation-and-Sports:Golf] This is the third of four "playing" reports on Norwalk, Conn., area golf courses -- this one on Sterling Farms Golf Club, one of two Stamford municipal courses. It's part of a series written for The Hour newspaper in 1999.
- Longshore Golf Club - Short But Challenging
[Recreation-and-Sports:Golf] This is the first of four "playing" reports on Norwalk, Conn., area golf courses. This one on Longshore Golf Club, a Westport municipal course is open to residents and guests.
- Don't Test - Teach!
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] In the dozen or more years we spend in school, we spend thousands of hours taking tests -- quizzes, mid-terms, finals, SATs, aptitude, psychological, intelligence. Much of it is a waste of time. We'd be better off if we spent part of that time learning something new.
- Who Says I Can't Vote
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] There's a chance that the 21st Century will usher in a new age of enlightenment -- at least in the age of voting rights. Now that the Constitution allows blacks, women and 18-year-olds to vote, isn't it time that voting becomes the birthright that it truly is?
- Starr Probe of President Really Scary
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] The American people have seldom, if ever, witnessed such a sweeping abuse of power at the highest levels of the federal government than the Watergate probe by Special Prosecutor Kenneth Starr. American's must always be alert to any potential abuse of power.
- A Scary Peek Into the Future
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] I found myself leafing through the pages of a newspaper the other night. The paper was dated Nov. 13, 2027. While it was exciting to peek into the future, it was, overall, a sad experience. It was sad, not because the news itself was disheartening, but rather because society's standards, and the objectivity of journalism, had fallen so far in such a short time.
- Slash Taxes For Me, You - Us?
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] Sometimes it's not easy to separate politics from the politician, good rhetoric from good policy, the wheat from the chaff. Republicans want big tax cuts. Democrats want big tax cuts. Great! So what's the problem?
- Break Off the Chase
[News-and-Society:Crime] To their credit, some police departments have established detailed policies covering high-speed chases of suspects in an effort to avoid the often undesirable and sometimes fatal consequences. Police, of course, must make a judgment when faced with an immediate crisis: Break off the chase, take a chance that the criminal might escape, or press on. In any high-speed chase, both the policeman and the suspect represent a clear and present danger to anyone or anything in their path.
- So Why Not Ride Free?
[News-and-Society:Pure-Opinion] Public transportation should be free, that is, paid for entirely from tax funds. Labor leader Mike Quill made such a proposal many years ago. Unfortunately, transit systems, like the bus system in Westport, Conn., inevitably go in the opposite direction whenever they hit a budget speed-bump. Provide clean, efficient buses and offer good schedules and good routes with fairly paid drivers and you'll get all the riders you can handle.
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