Tag Archives: The Post-Standard

A 67-year-old man in a wheelchair dies, then gets smeared by internet trolls

Posted on January 30, 2015 by

The recent passing of Syracuse icon Gertis McDowell is instructive for two very different reasons. One, we can all learn from his upbeat attitude and the happiness he spread to strangers even when he was in pain. Two, we can try to … Continue reading →

Posted in college, Irish Investigations, language, poverty, Technology, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 31 Comments

Dear trolls who write nasty, ignorant comments: Identify yourselves

Posted on July 5, 2014 by

The past three days brought out the best — and worst — of my community. Neighbors of mine, 12-year-old twins with muscular dystrophy, were initially denied entrance into a popular July 4th 10-mile run. After a media and social media … Continue reading →

Posted in Irish Investigations, role models, running | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

Would you give ‘Hardcore Homeless’ James an apartment?

Posted on April 2, 2014 by

Like everyone else in Central New York, my homeless acquaintance James has been riding out a ridiculously long and bitter winter. He’s considered “hardcore homeless” because he refuses to go to a shelter, no matter how cold it gets. Every … Continue reading →

Posted in Homeless, hunger, Irish Investigations, poverty | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 14 Comments