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Month: March 2016

For better or for worse

March 30, 2016Ed Ackerman Leave a Comment

The David Brooks interview on the Charlie Rose Show on PBS will become a future Ed Ackerman column in Greater Pittston Progress, I’m sure. But for now, allow me to pass along one of his comments. It’s something that could… Continue Reading →

Charlie Rose, David Brooks, Marriage, Selfish spouses, Selfishness

On Good Friday

March 24, 2016Ed Ackerman Leave a Comment

Somehow the thing that struck me most in Bill O’Reilly’s book Killing Jesus is his account of Christ’s executioners on the morning of the day of the crucifixion, Good Friday as we now call it. He depicts these powerful men,… Continue Reading →

Good Friday

A gentle giant

March 23, 2016Ed Ackerman Leave a Comment

My wife got the call Wednesday. Our friend and neighbor Bobby Waitkevich had died. The call came from his sister Margaret (Zellner). It reminded us of the day she called to say her mother was gone. That was close to… Continue Reading →

Bob Waitkevich

Tying one one

March 18, 2016Ed Ackerman Leave a Comment

I don’t drink during Lent, but that did not stop me from tying one on for St. Patrick’s Day. And several people at the 102nd annual Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Dinner Thursday night complimented me for doing… Continue Reading →

Tying a bow tie

On the eve of St. Paddy’s Day

March 16, 2016Ed Ackerman Leave a Comment

Surrounded on a daily basis by Watson, Feeney, Cosgrove, O’Donnell, Carmody, Corcoran and McAndrew, the first 23 years of my newspaper career had all the Irish influence a lad could ask for … or stomach. And that from a guy… Continue Reading →

Irish blessings, St. Patrick's Day

Blarney, at its best

March 11, 2016Ed Ackerman Leave a Comment

With the Pittston St. Patrick’s Day parade behind us, two more gala parades this weekend and St. Patrick’s Day, itself, still six days away, “going green” seems to have taken on a whole new meaning. At least in March. Which… Continue Reading →

Irish wit, Spot O'Donnell, St. Patrick's Day, The Blarney Stone

Don’t worry, be happy

March 9, 2016Ed Ackerman Leave a Comment

By now you’ve heard Pennsylvania has a new slogan. Pennsylvania, Pursue Your Happiness It’s inspired by the Declaration of Independence’s “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” Inspired, yes. Inspiring? Well … How many of you can name the last… Continue Reading →

Pennsylvania Slogan

March Madness starts here

March 4, 2016Ed Ackerman Leave a Comment

It comes down to logistics, plain and simple. And logistics means pretty much where to park the car. You don’t wade into the St. Patrick’s Day extravaganza in downtown Pittston without careful consideration as to where to park the car.… Continue Reading →

Cooper's Waterfront, March Madness, Pittston St. Patrick's Day Parade, The Gramercy Restaurant

Watson, Sr.

March 2, 2016Ed Ackerman Leave a Comment

I’ve known one “Leap Year Baby.” William A. Watson Sr. came into the world one February 29. “Bill” to his longtime friend and newspaper colleague Dick Cosgrove, “Dad” to his son “Pidge,” who worked right alongside him at the Sunday… Continue Reading →

Leap Year, Leap Year Babies, William A. Watson Sr.

About the Optimist

Ed Ackerman Ed Ackerman, a consulting editor and columnist for the Greater Pittston Progress, has served the people of Greater Pittston for 48 years, starting in the newspaper field at age 17. The Pittston resident will share his thoughts in this blog and in a weekly column published in the Progress. greaterpittstonprogress.com

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