Clayton News Daily

Flushing away our freedom — Tom Purcell

For nearly 20 years now, the government has mandated that new U.S. toilets use only 1.6 gallons of water per flush, down from the robust 3.5 gallons per flush Americans had enjoyed since we perfected the art of indoor plumbing.

Cool, but not for spending — Tom Purcell

I wonder how many government programs dreamt up during the Great Depression era might not have happened had federal government buildings been made unbearable by hot, sticky air.

Time to police the government — Tom Purcell

The balance between the police and the policed is getting way out of whack — and we better restore it now.

If Obama told the grads the truth — Tom Purcell

President Obama was going to bridge the political divide, bring people together, get America's fiscal house in order, get the economy going and cut our massive deficit in half by the end of my first term. You elected him. Suckers!

Only label that counts — Tom Purcell

The only way people should be classified is this way: American-minded or not American-minded.

The life of JimboBob — Tom Purcell

While everyone’s been talking about “The Life of Julia,” I’ve been investigating her “missing years.” Julia, you see, is the title character in an online slide show created by the Obama re-election campaign that explains how the president’s policies give Julia a better life.

Easy life in France just a dream — Tom Purcell

In the face of high taxes, high unemployment, poor economic growth, massive government spending and powerful public-sector unions that are gobbling up tax dough, the French people just voted against austerity measures to get their finances in order.

What are America's pet owners thinking? — Tom Purcell

If you didn't think American civilization was in trouble already, this ought to worry you: Americans are hiring psychics to communicate with their pets.

Jackpot win is no tax win — Tom Purcell

If Obama wants to fix our messy tax system, he could embrace the recommendations of his self-appointed Bowles-Simpson deficit commission. It recommends that taxes be simplified, that rates be lowered and that most deductions be removed — which would result in the "rich" paying more.

Discovery’s last flight -- Tom Purcell

All things considered, the space shuttle Discovery's work was victorious

America’s most desirable jobs — Tom Purcell

A good job these days is almost any one that pays

President Obama’s health-care soliloquy -- Tom Purcell

President Obama, distraught over recent Supreme Court oral arguments which do not appear to bode well for his health-care plan, gathered his inner circle. Inspired by Shakespeare’s tragedy “Hamlet,” he recited a tormented health-care soliloquy.

Baby Boomers dying to help the economy — Tom Purcell

Now that boomers are nearing 70 and beginning to pass on in sizable numbers, the funeral industry is one of the few to thrive in our struggling economy.

What a concept for U.S. automakers — Tom Purcell

I'm an American, and I love cars. I'd love to see American automakers earn back a reputation for making the world's finest and coolest cars.

Sexes’ differences good for Valentine’s Day — Tom Purcell

Italian researchers concluded there are significant differences between the sexes. And in my humble opinion, nothing illustrates those differences better than Valentine's Day.

Hey Canada, how about a trade? — Tom Purcell

Canada, with its proud history of big-government initiatives such as health care, is now led by a pro-capitalist conservative, whereas America is led by a fellow who's trying to turn his country into Western Europe.

A hair behind — Tom Purcell

In the modern era, in which the roles of men and women are blurry and changing, bald fellows don't have a prayer.

Digging for dirt on Romney — Tom Purcell

The name is Spade. Sam Spade. I've been a private investigator a long time, but my last assignment was a dud. I was hired to find "scandalous" actions or personal failings committed by Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney. The worst thing I could pin on Romney was the alleged use of a company phone to make a personal long-distance call to his wife.

Confusion vs. my Nest Egg — Tom Purcell

After a volatile 2011, the stock market is off to a relatively good start in 2012 –– at least as I'm writing this –– though I'm still plenty confused about my retirement savings.

Tips for government teleworkers — Tom Purcell

Smart employers know employees are able to access important company information anywhere and anytime. The idea is so sensible that even the feds are catching on, passing the Telework Enhancement Act of 2010.

Why we need better Bull — Tom Purcell

Spouted by politicians, pitched by product spokesmen, modern life is manufacturing an unprecedented amount of it bull crap, and we could do with less of it in 2012.

Nuns best example for teaching — Tom Purcell

Unlike so many schools today, where some teachers fear their students, we feared the sisters.

Toy Story: Back to the basics — Tom Purcell

One of the great ironies of modern times is that no matter what trendy toy you buy your kids, you'll soon find them playing with the box it came in.

Our taxing mess — Tom Purcell

President Obama doesn't appear to have any interest in leading broad tax reform –– one of the few issues on which he could rally bipartisan support –– and so it is dead. Which is why our tax system is –– still –– in a mess.

Me vs. Mother Nature — Tom Purcell

This is one thing that puzzles me about the tactics of some environmentalists. They try to scare us into believing that Mother Nature is feeble and weak. But anybody who has faced the wrath of Mother Nature knows that isn't entirely so.

Unfortunate reality (TV) — Tom Purcell

"Do you know what I want to be when I grow up, Daddy?" "I am so proud of my little girl. You want to be a doctor? Or maybe a medical researcher?" "Don't be silly, Daddy. I want to be a reality-TV star." "Huh?"

Circus of family values — Tom Purcell

Bil Keane's death put a lump in my throat.

The real American Dream - Tom Purcell

I am living the American dream. You remember what that is, surely. It involves buying a home, holding on to it long term and paying it off. It involves a great deal of appreciation in value over time — so that when you retire, you can sell the house and bank a bunch of dough. Well, a lot of Americans aren't living that dream anymore.

Millionaire myths - Tom Purcell

Boy, you can't count on anything anymore — not even the rich.

Anti-bullying bullies - Tom Purcell

Some kids are more popular than others. Some are bigger. Some are dumber. Some are bullies and others are bullied. Regardless, all kids have to learn their own strengths and weaknesses and how to fend for themselves.

Mancession an opportunity - Tom Purcell

The recession that began in December 2007 hit male-dominated industries, such as construction, harder than female-dominated industries. The male unemployment rate hit 10.4 percent in November 2010, whereas the female unemployment rate hovered around 8 percent. This "mancession" has resulted in some interesting domestic changes for some guys.

An experience to avoid - Tom Purcell

I wonder what the Great Depression was really like. All we really know about it comes from old news reports and what our older family members told us.