Metering is ON

lost

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After 8 years, rosary still missed

I believe in miracles. In fact, I was praying for one when the Mega Million jackpot was through the roof. Apparently, the “higher powers” don’t work that way. On the subject of miracles, Denise Dome of Braidwood dropped me a line a couple of weeks …

Check every Nook and cranny for lost e-reader

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My brother gave me a Barnes & Noble Nook last Christmas. It’s a curious little device — a plastic little nothing with a screen. Call me a literary snob, but at first glance, the Nook had none of the appeal of a bona fide book. …

Too many drivers living life in the left lane

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Is it my imagination, or was this past week the longest week in history? I have to ask, what is it with folks who get on the interstate, make a beeline for the left lane and stay there until a quarter-mile before it’s time to …

A miracle in name only?

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Since my April 10 column, which featured a missing Medjugorje rosary, I’ve had a couple of calls about the so-called “Medjugorje Miracle.” One reader — a woman whose name I didn’t catch — called the day the column appeared to chastise me for buying into …

Invisibility a good thing

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I have an idea of how Harry Potter felt in his invisibility cloak. You see, I own a pale gray Pontiac Vibe. I suspect the moment I slip behind the wheel I become instantly invisible. And judging by the times I’ve whizzed by squad cars …

Man taxed by losing tax documents

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It’s Tax Day. To many, this day serves as a reminder that the middle class soon may be lost. As you’re making out that hefty check — payable to Uncle Sam — here’s something to ponder. While most of us rue Tax Day, certain well-heeled …

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Lost and Found: Bible makes its way back home

‘When God tells me to do something — I don’t question it — I just do what I’m told.” These wise words were spoken by Dee Witten of Joliet on the day she brought in a Bible and memorial card she discovered in Pilcher Park. …

‘Something old’ an irreplaceable heirloom

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Of all days of the year to marry, wouldn’t you think St. Patrick’s Day would be among the luckiest? That’s probably what Laura Gosewisch and her husband-to-be, Clayton Norberg, thought as they meticulously planned their St. Paddy’s nuptials for March 17. From the dawn of …

Child’s backpack contains  treasure beyond measure

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When the day seems long and the daily routine darkens my outlook, I harken back to the salad days of Tony “Clint Eastwood” Lisy. I met Lisy years ago when our offices were on Caterpillar Drive. As a matter of fact, Lisy was an integral …

A tale of two wallets: one lost and one found

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This is the tale of two wallets: one lost and one found. With Sarah Smith of Joliet, it was an old-fashioned identity theft. The adventure began on Jan. 4 as Smith was wandering Westfield Louis Joliet mall in hopes of scoring a leather coat for …

Weather predictions way off

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Heads are rolling all over the country, but one group appears to be amazingly immune to downsizing: meteorologists. For folks who are wrong more than half the time, you never hear of mass meteorologist layoffs. Take the fine folks at Accuweather. Way back on Oct. …

Dog reward raises questions

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Last week, I shared the story of Ernie the English bulldog, who escaped from home Jan. 28. A $2,000 reward was offered for Ernie’s safe return. Hundreds of kind-hearted individuals — many of them strangers — pitched in to raise the reward money. A mysterious …

Lost canine returned for ransom

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Bill Garland and Vickie Glowczynski of Shorewood lost their English bulldog, Ernie, on Jan. 28. He was returned Saturday. It’s safe to say it was the longest week of their lives. “My girlfriend, Vickie Glowczynski, was home alone with our two dogs, Ernie the bulldog …

Camcorder loss takes memories from mom

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I’m not a particularly sentimental individual. I’m not a big fan of most chick flicks. I don’t cry at weddings, and I do not collect any variety of porcelain babies — in fact, I find them frightening. Despite my lack of mush, I will confess …

Reader spots a scam — and avoids losing cash

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Computer owners have become pretty savvy about “phishermen”: Those scoundrels who attempt to bait us into sharing financial information using e-mail messages that trick us into revealing account numbers and passwords. It seems that “phishermen” are now using text messages to steal our information. This …

Loss of pearl ring ruins woman’s 2011 resolution

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A new year always inspires folks to make resolutions. I once bought into the idea of working toward a new, improved self, but I’ve finally given up. Years ago, I shared the resolution I made to stop swearing — to lose my “potty mouth.” My …