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- 39
Irish Boxer's Dignity Restored in Yonkers After Half a Century
Irish lightweight boxer Shamus O'Brien aka Michael J. Hogan, buried in an unmarked grave in 1959, now rests in Yonkers beneath a beautiful tombstone -- his dignity restored by the boxing community.
- 32
Atlas Foundation Acts to Restore Yonkers Boxer’s Dignity
Lightweight Shamus O'Brien was touted as "Yonkers Favorite" when the popular Irish champion traded blows with the likes of Benny Leonard and Mickey Walker. He died in 1959 without a grave marker.
- 44
Still More Grampa's Favorite Songs, Singers -- With 38 Music Videos
Here's a compilation of some of the great songs and singers that your grandfather knew and loved a few decades ago. If you're not familiar with these artists, you have a treat in store for you.
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More Grampa's Favorite Songs, Singers -- With 41 Music Videos
Here's a compilation of some of the great songs and singers that your grandfather knew and loved a few decades ago. If you're not familiar with these artists, you have a treat in store for you.
- 78
Your Grampa's Favorite Songs, Singers -- With 34 Music Videos
Here's a compilation of some of the great songs and singers that your grandfather knew and loved a few decades ago. If you're not familiar with these artists, you have a treat in store for you.
- 62
Bing Crosby: Not Only 'White Christmas' -- With 19 Music Videos
Many think of "White Christmas" when they hear the name of Bing Crosby, but Bing was a far greater entertainer and star than youngsters today realize. This hub offers several youtube videos as proof.
- 37
Torpey's Favorite Vocalists -- With 23 Music Videos
My favorite vocalists reflect the fact that I was brought up in Yonkers, N.Y., in the 1940's, but the fabulous music of the '20's, '30's and '40's still ring in my ears. Enjoy the youtube videos.
- 105
On Living Longer: A Fun Look at Life and Death Decisions
How long would you like to live? How much would you sacrifice if you could live an extra day, an extra month, an extra year, an extra decade or even an extra quarter century -- or longer?
- 29
Bouquets, Brickbats, Ramblings
A large bouquet goes to charitable organizations that donate their time to help the homeless. A brickbat goes to those childless citizens who balk at paying their share of taxes to fund our schools.
- 40
Equal Justice: Not Equal, Not Justice
Crime and punishment has always been complex. It has rarely been administered well. Dungeons and torture chambers have disappeared, but a solution to the problems we face today needs to be found.
- 31
Being Good Ought to Be Good Enough
What's wrong with being good? I've always felt that being good is, well, good enough! Apparently others don't feel the same way. It seems that many people have a congenital urge to be "the best."
- 18
We're Doing Great, But We Can Do Better
It's great to be alive, especially here in the good old U.S.A. But while most of us are far from wealthy, we tend to focus more than we should on "things" and less on family, friends and neighbors.
- 17
Press Should Report News, Not Make It
NBC reporter Jim Gray's controversial interview with Pete Rose during the 2000 World Series is a perfect example of the press acting irresponsibly: making the news instead of reporting it!
- 40
Spurn the Tyranny of the Majority
A few decades ago, Americans enjoyed a kinder, gentler society. Attitudes changed in recent years. There's a mean-spirited tendency today as illustrated by the current outlook on smokers.
- 22
Privacy: A Noun Now Believed to Be Obsolete
You can run, but you can't hide. Big Brother is alive and well. If there were ever any doubt that the society George Orwell foretold has come to fruition, there can be little or none today.
- 53
True Charity: Selfless, Not Self-serving
Charity should be selfless, not self-serving. The wealthy, too often, use charities for something other than soliciting thanks. The big givers reap large rewards -- both financially and socially.
- 12
Who's Really Watching the Stock Market?
The Federal Reserve Board and the U.S. Treasury are not doing enough to protect the growing number of sheep-like investors from the financial wolves. "Big money" plays the market like an accordion.
- 28
Sources Go With Facts
If I know something to be a fact, that's good enough for me. Not everyone agrees. Often, when I state what to me is a fact, someone wants to know: Where did you hear that? Answer? Today in History!
- 21
History Often Depends on Who Writes It
I was just a boy during World War II, but I have many memories. It's been said that the history of the world will be written by the victors; if we lost that war what would history books be saying now?
- 3
Golf in Connecticut: 'The Wheel' Keeps Rolling On
This is the last of four "playing" reports on Norwalk, Conn., area golf courses -- this one is on D. Fairchild Wheeler or The Wheel, a Bridgeport municipal course. It was written for The Hour in 1999.
- 0
Sterling Farms Has a Private Golf Club Air
This is the third of four "playing" reports on Norwalk, Conn., area golf courses -- this one on Sterling Farms Golf Club, a Stamford municipal course. It was written for The Hour newspaper in 1999.
- 12
Oak Hills Golf Course: A Jewel in Norwalk
This is the second of four "playing" reports on Norwalk, Conn., area golf courses -- this one is on Oak Hills, a 'crown jewel' municipal course. It was written for The Hour Newspaper in 1999.
- 5
Golf in Norwalk: Oak Hills Idea Merits a Thumbs Up
Property owners are right to protect their homes whenever they're threatened, but in 1999 they may have looked at the forest but failed to see the trees when golf course improvements were proposed.
- 41
Pennies Don't Fall From Heaven
The hue and cry we hear from government officials and banks over the shortage of pennies may be vexing to those who have to cope with the effect of the problem but I find the situation laughable.
- 9
The Hour Newspaper: What's in It for Me?
There's a lot of talk these days about the myriad problems newspapers have in keeping up with the times in these days of the Internet. The industry has been slow in adapting to the new environment.
- 71
Coping With Loss: Surviving the Death of a Spouse
Linda Palucci lost her husband, Gene, to a brain tumor and cancer on March 21, 1992. She kept a diary during those trying days and shares her feelings in her book titled "Out of the Slippery Pit."
- 11
Congress: Give Back Our Country
In 1998 our country was in trouble because of the manufactured attacks on President Clinton. Too many Americans were hoodwinked by right-wing extremists trying to steal the White House. They failed.
- 26
Freedom of Speech: Our Right to Be Wrong
It isn't mentioned in the Bill of Rights -- the U.S. Constitution -- but it's one of our inalienable rights. It has a kinship to freedom of speech, but I call it: The right to be wrong.
- 36
Big Brother Rearing His Ugly Head
It seems Americans are determined to solve their 21st Century problems by giving up rights that were won in the 18th Century. If it were put to a vote, would we really cast away our right to privacy?
- 6
Starr Probe of President Clinton Really Scary
Americans have seldom witnessed such abuse of power at high levels of government than the Watergate probe by Special Prosecutor Kenneth Starr. Citizens must always be alert to any abuse of power.
- 34
Realism in Movies: Oxymoron ('Gunga Din')
Gratuitous violence and sex in movies can be attributed to a lack of talent among writers, producers and directors. If producers demand well-written scripts we'll end up with better quality movies.
- 20
Obesity: Enforce Law With a Little Compassion
A California mother faced serious criminal charges when her 680-pound, 13-year-old daughter died "on a filthy bed sheet." Was she at fault? What could she do? Where could she have gone to find help?
- 59
Poverty: The Poor Get Poorer, and Poorer
Gus Kahn penned the phrase, "There's nothing surer, the rich get rich and the poor get poorer." Today it's just another cliche, but like most cliches, it has considerable basis in fact.
- 17
Politics: My Vote Goes for Character
Some of our nation's best and brightest people have been attacked for missing votes. A perfect voting record is not all it's cracked up to be! Often there are much better ways to spend your time.
- 6
Going Postal: Violent Video Game Raises Questions
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!
- 8
Who Says I Can't Vote?
The 21st Century could usher in a new age of enlightenment . 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?
- 5
Congress: Keep a Lid on the IRS
Even in America it's a little scary to say anything critical of the dreaded IRS (Internal Revenue Service.) But I've done it before, and here I do it again. As of now, somehow, I'm still a free man.
- 5
Welcome Home Stew Leonard Sr.
The entrepreneur whose business prowess was world acclaimed in the dairy business is out of prison after serving 44 months on a tax-fraud conviction. Stew Leonard Sr. has paid his debt to society.
- 2
Little Things That Rattle in My Mind
The world is full of little things that are not significant enough to attract attention. Lots of these "little" things rattle around in my mind. How about you? I'll bet you have a few of your own.
- 19
Injustice! Look Up 'Volunteer' in Webster's
My dictionary defines "volunteer" as one who "offers himself for a service of his own free will," but in 1997 Congress considered "requiring" public housing residents to "volunteer" community service.
- 4
Attention Military: Riddick Bowe? About Face!
Why would a boxer who can make millions for a single prize fight want to give up his income, and his freedom, to become a Marine recruit? Riddick Bowe did just that! But it didn't make sense to me.
- 0
Questions, but No Answers
Ever see newspaper or TV reports and wonder about the "rest of the story?" I'm always wondering about such things, especially when they portray problems that need attention but aren't getting any.
- 22
Rail Transportation: One Vote for Taking the Train
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 may think by taking an Amtrak sleeper train.
- 6
Rules of the Road: Light Reading at the DMV
Believe it or not a visit to your local Department of Motor Vehicles can be quite educational. It was for me. I recommend it to everyone. The next time you visit the DMV take a good look around.
- 6
Talk About Rushing to Judgment!
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark," the famous quotation from Shakespeare's "Hamlet," may very well apply today to the United States. Defendants should be innocent until proven guilty.
- 0
Norwalk Politics: Counsel for the Council
When Norwalk's city fathers wrote the their charter in 1913, they did a good job! I didn't think so when I began covering politics for The Hour newspaper in 1968, but I've long since changed my mind.
- 14
Just a Few Rambling Thoughts (Pet Peeves)
If you're anything like me -- although it's 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 a few pet peeves over the years.
- 8
Politics: Vote Your Conscience
Politicians, like lawyers, have become the butt of everybody's jokes -- whether they are Democrats or Republicans. One reason: The two-party system is falling out of favor among many voters.
- 79
To Any Dog That Bites: Bite the Dust
It's a rare bird indeed who doesn't like, or love, domesticated animals, especially pets. But, naturally, animals often behave as animals. Incidents of dogs biting people, however, must be addressed.
- 17
For Retirees: Here Are Some Things to Do
While facing retirement is not exactly like awaiting a triple bypass or entering a nursing home, it can be a source of great stress. Here's some ideas that could help relieve such forebodings.
- 17
Corporate Surveillance: Hi, Friend, I've Got My Eye on You
We were just kids during WW II. To a man, though, we were patriotic, almost jingoistic. Today we feel threatened by questionable appeals to spy on and report our neighbors' violations to authorities.
- 4
Politics: Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa, Mea Culpa
I learned early in life that if you're a Democrat, you can't sit by and see people suffer. On the other hand, if you're a Republican, you just declare, "If I made it, so can you; fend for yourself."
- 42
O.J. Simpson Verdict Reaction Deplorable
The O.J. Simpson murder trial in 1995, although clearly unlike any other trial in history, revealed an urgent need for reform of America's judicial system -- something I've been urging for some time.
- 8
Politics: Let Parties Pick Their Candidates
Years ago political parties were closely knit units in which the leadership and the membership pretty much agreed on the basic issues facing the city, state and country. That isn't always true today.
- 13
Don't React, Look Ahead at Problems
Arguably, the Great Depression and World War II were among history's most dreadful times. Yet, many of us who lived through those sorrowful times remember them as pleasant, sometimes bittersweet.
- 7
Is It Avenue Or Street, Or Who Cares?
On a short street in Darien, Connecticut, the name of the street was spelled differently on either end. In Norwalk stores adjacent to one another in the same shopping center list different addresses.
- 9
Mysteries, Puzzles, Enigmas
Remember the bromide about the husband who makes all the big decisions in his family -- on war and peace or on capital punishment? His wife only decides whether to buy a new car or vacation in Hawaii.
- 3
It's Time for All-Out War on Criminals
When we hold something sacred, we're not likely to abuse it. Our best chance of fighting crime is to help all Americans build a greater respect for themselves and for our democratic institutions.
- 5
Justice: Is It Wise to Let Stew Leonard Stay in Prison?
As a society, we haven't given much thought to the way we punish criminals; we go along with the same old way it's been done for centuries; throw them in jail and forget about them.
- 20
Poverty: Let's Give the Poor a Break
The rich and even the middle class are always blaming everything on the poor. They get away with it because the poor have no lobby, advertising money, newspapers or magazines to speak for them.
- 19
Changing Times in Yonkers: It Ain't Like It Used To Be
None of us is getting any younger, of course. As we age we tend to become a little nostalgic. We long for "the good old days." We notice how things have changed. Here I muse about a few changes.
- 9
Capitalism: Let's All Be Part of the Solution
Capitalism -- or at least what's left of it -- has something good going for it. It relies on the initiative and ingenuity of people to devise their own way of beating the odds. Anyone can "succeed."
- 14
Gosh I Hope I Never Get To Be Too Rich
Wealthy people often say that money that money can't buy happiness. Strange as it may seem, I agree. I wouldn't want to be one. In fact, I look upon rich people with pity; I feel sorry for them!
- 9
No Answers, but Lots of Questions
It was my intention to present a number of startling, puzzling, insightful questions followed by some studied, reasoned, enlightened answers. Alas, time and space permits only the questions.
- 16
Michael Torpey, Operatic Tenor and Classical Vocalist -- With Music Video
Here's a guy who can really sing: Michael Torpey. He just happens to be my cousin. Michael is a classical vocalist who trained professionally as an operatic tenor. He can be heard here on youtube in his role as Frank Sinatra performed on a cruise ship.
- 8
Highway Signs: All That Traffic Allows
Poor highway engineering and careless placement of traffic signs has, in my opinion, led to many accidents. I'll bet you can spot several poorly placed signs the next time you're out for a drive.
- 12
Objectivity Is Possible and Vital
The view that objectivity is impossible is just plain wrong. It's not your point of view that determines objectivity, rather it's integrity, heart, conscience, professionalism, devotion to duty.
- 6
Wall Street: Chasing After Stocks
Playing the stock market can be fun, but it isn't a game for sissies. Keep a close eye on earnings, buyouts, splits, balance sheets, etc. But after you study all that and more hang on to your wallet!
- 7
No Opinions, No Negatives, Never Again
I'm often accused of being opinionated -- or I'm castigated for being negative. The truth is I'm neither negative nor opinionated. I only make observations. I'm definitely not negative. No. Never!
- 18
The (Good) Old Days in Yonkers Weren't So Bad After All
Yonkers, N.Y., was a bustling community in the '30s and '40s when I grew up. It was once "The City of Gracious Living." Recently it was referred to in the New York Times as "Beirut-on-the-Hudson."
- 9
Movies: Oscar's No Award Winner
Chances are you watch the Oscars on TV every year, and, if you're like most people, you probably found the show a little long and a little boring.
- 2
Consumers: Let's Press for a Public Commission
You may not have noticed, but just about everyone has been putting his hands into your pockets lately, and they're coming out a lot richer. Isn't it time we do something about it?
- 7
Those Rights Include Right to Disagree
There's more issues dividing us than uniting us. It's the story of humanity. The issue of Gay rights is one of those divisive issues that played a prominent role in President Clinton's first term.
- 4
Politics: Presidential Transition Process: Party Time
The peaceful transition of presidents is something to marvel at. While tradition and the Constitution play important roles, the temperament and good judgment of outgoing presidents can be vital.
- 4
Fighting Crime: Let's Not Look for Short-Cuts
Too many Supreme Court justices decide cases on what disrupts "the system" the least. The way to change a bad law is to pass a new law not to come up with a new interpretation of the Constitution.
- 1
Watching the Stock Market Can Be Fun
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 if you have a yen for risk.
- 49
An Overdue Tribute to Bing Crosby -- With 11 Music Videos
Bing Crosby who crooned his way into the hearts of mllions in "Pennies From Heaven" in the mid-1930's was "Swinging on a Star" by the 1940's. He won a 'Best Actor' Oscar for 'Going My Way' (1944.)
- 12
Better Cars, Not Slogans, Get Buyers
Many Americans have been snookered into believing it's patriotic to buy an "American" car. We should be buying the best product -- hopefully it's made in America.
- 34
Those Lessons They Never Taught Us in School -- Yonkers, N.Y.
This story tells how a big brother who didn't make it to high school taught his college-educated little brother (through his own innate common sense) more than any teacher or professor he ever had.
- 4
Lotto: Help! It's Me Against Them
Whoever said "You can't fight City Hall" was right. 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!
- 94
Here's A Candidate Who Promises To Keep Promises
Here's a presidential candidate whose campaign promises to top them all. He's got the answers that appeal to everybody regardless of political party. He's a sure winner!
- 18
Preserve Our U.S. Constitution
Why is it that so many of us feel that the rights and responsibilities we inherited from our forefathers may be, despite our reverence for the U.S. Constitution, in serious jeopardy?
- 2
City Buses: So Why Not Ride Free?
Want to create a thriving, popular bus service? Almost anyone can tell you how: Operate lots of clean, efficient buses over a wide range of routes on a full schedule with well-paid and happy bus drivers.
- 0
Police: Break Off the Chase (for Safety Sake!)
To their credit, some police departments have established detailed policies covering high-speed chases in an effort to avoid the often undesirable and sometimes fatal consequences of some car chases.
- 6
William Kennedy Smith Case: All the Names If You Please
Withholding the names of women who accuse men of rape became widely discussed when the William Kennedy Smith case surfaced. Most media would not reveal the accuser's name or face. Were they right?
- 0
On Education: Reaching for the Stars
Perhaps the noblest goal for anyone to pursue is simply to attain an education. We are all constrained by the need to make a living, nevertheless it's important that we always reach for the stars.
- 4
The Two-Party Political System
The two-party system is not a one-party idea contrary to popular belief. One does not have to go to France or Italy to find an example of how coalitions can lead to inaction and disaster.
- 15
Big Brother: George Orwell Revisited
Big Brother seems to be breathing down my neck. I may be a little paranoid but "1984" and George Orwell had it right. The police, the state of Connecticut and the IRS are all watching me -- and you!
- 2
U.S. Constitution: Let's Not Convene
Conventional wisdom has it that the American people if asked to vote on the Bill of Rights in a referendum would vote it down. It is my fear that -- sadly -- this is true.
- 29
Naked Emperor: Trolleys in Yonkers
"Clang, clang, clang, went the trolley ..." The words of that old familiar Trolley Song bring memories, to me, of the wartime 1940s in Yonkers, N.Y. The city boasted trolley cars until the early '50s.