Tom Purcell's Blog

The Right to Cuss

2010-03-09T06:31:00Z

Cussing: Solution to the federal deficit?

Read about it here.

"Expert" Advice on Real Estate

2010-03-09T06:27:00Z

It's frightening, if you want to know the truth.

I speak of a "non-expert" anticipating and avoiding the housing bust.

Read about it here.

Fun Goes Downhill

2010-03-09T06:25:00Z

The record snowfalls in February mean one thing: sledding bans.

Read about it here.

Needed: More Snow in Washington, D.C.

2010-03-09T06:20:00Z

Washington, D.C. got walloped with record snowfall in February.

But that town could use plenty more.

Read about it here.

Understanding Presidents Day

2010-03-09T06:12:00Z

Presidents Day, Feb. 22, sure is confusing.

Did you know that, technically, we still celebrate George Washington's birthday that day?

Read about it here.

Interview with a Groundhog

2010-02-02T14:15:00Z

Every Feb. 2, Punxsutawney Phil is pulled from a tree stump.

The ritual, enjoyed by many, has long been a source of controversy for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

I sat down with Phil to discuss the matter.

Read the interview here.

Simplifying the Tax Code?

2010-01-25T22:05:00Z

President Obama would like to "simplify" the tax code.

Read about it here.

Government Work

2010-01-25T22:00:00Z

The $787 billion stimulus plan IS creating jobs for the unemployed.

Read about it here.

Risks & Frisks

2010-01-13T03:10:00Z

Now that a fellow with alleged ties to al-Qaida allegedly tried to set off a bomb in his bloomers, everyone is scared again.

I think I know what that means: middle-aged, Irish-looking fellows can expect even more patting down at the airport.

Read about it here.

New Year's Resolutions, Fed-style

2010-01-08T04:01:00Z

Get this: The federal government is offering tips on New Year's resolutions.

Read about it here.

A Truly Wealthy Man

2010-01-08T03:49:00Z

Every year about now, the media feature rich and famous folks who died in 2009.

Let me share the story of one of the wealthiest fellows I ever met.

His name is John Swiatek -- that's him above next to his wife Anna Mae, whom he married 57 years ago.

Read his story here.

Pollution a Solution?

2010-01-08T03:45:00Z

Though the earth has cooled in recent years, some say man's activity will still cause the earth to overheat.

Could pollution, pumped into the stratosphere, help solve the problem?

Read about it here.

Praying for a White Christmas

2010-01-08T03:43:00Z

It's never too late for a white Christmas. We could use one about now.

Read about it here.

Socially Conscious Toys for Tots

2009-12-02T01:31:00Z

Ah, the Christmas season is upon us.

What better time to make our children more socially and environmentally aware.

Read about it here.

Pass the Civility

2009-11-23T11:47:00Z

It’s bound to happen at Thanksgiving tables across America: Aprogressive liberal Democrat discovers he’s sitting next to aconservative Republican.

There’s no need for mashed potatoes to fly.

Read about it here.

Organ Music

2009-11-18T16:30:00Z

The Kimball organ my father bought in the '70s looked just like the one above.

It was technological advance that made it cheap enough for us to afford it.

If we were told then what organs would be able to do by 2009 -- and how little they would cost -- we wouldn't have believed it.

Read about it here.

For Veterans Day: Real Troop Support

2009-11-09T16:43:00Z

Ah, Veterans Day is upon us.

They sacrificed for us, so what better time to show our support for our men and women in uniform?

But have we really been supporting them?

Read about it here.

Bad Idea on Tap

2009-11-05T03:45:00Z

Pabst was my father's beer of choice back in the '70s -- when beer was cheap.

According to ABC News, states from Connecticut to Arkansas have been "eyeing higher taxes on cigarettes and booze" to make up for budget shortfalls caused by the recession.

State, county and government agencies are looking to raise taxes on beer.

Read about it here.

Haloween Trends

2009-10-28T21:27:00Z

Halloween trends are telling -- and Halloween satire and humor are on the rise.

Pop-culture expert Robert Thompson explains.

Pet Tax Breaks

2009-10-20T15:06:00Z

Americans have lost their heads where pet ownership is concerned; many pets live better than most humans.

Now a bill is floating on the floor of the US House to grant tax breaks to pet owners.

Read about it here.