ACT Blog

• The Ball Sisters

  Published on April 23, 2015.

  In my formative years working at The Philadelphia Inquirer City Desk (from the ages of 17 to 25) I learned … I learned. And one of the actualities I learned was: “There’s a story in everybody. For quite a while, my sisters have been asking me to write a column about them … I have three sisters. And it will please

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• Mentors, Providers of “Degrees” For Living

  Published on December 15, 2014.

  Recently I read that those applying for jobs in fields including marketing are often asked: “Do you have a Master’s Degree?” I have a question: “Is a Master’s Degree, possibly even a lesser degree, necessarily beneficial?” For college students, there is a many-years payback of huge student loans, plus a minimum of four years of no real on-the-job experience. Is

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• Personal Thoughts: An Open Diary On Getting Older

  Published on June 16, 2014.

  Have you ever thought you’re getting older, but then shrug it off because you just don’t qualify- – in your mind. To help you to know where you are in life, consider the following: You have already lived many years, when… …Your younger siblings move into a retirement community. …You begin to walk, not for pleasure, but to stay healthy.

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• Struggling with sudden loss of an old, dependable friend

  Published on June 4, 2014.

  There was a death in my immediate family recently. It ended a close relationship of more than 11 years. My Mercury Grand Marquis, which joined my household in 1996, died suddenly after 90, 000 miles. No warning. No sputtering. Just dead. My last time with the car was a solo drive from Philadelphia to Ventnor, N.J., down the Atlantic City

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• Musing

  Published on March 24, 2014.

  The recent bitter cold, ice and snow during “The Winter That Seemed Never to End”, had me at home on normal office days. I had time to think about things other than news releases, marketing approaches for clients, lining up of guests for our four radio shows, coordinating coming business events, and teaching new personnel. I decided to list what

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• Desk Drawer Opens Memories

  Published on December 12, 2013.

  I’ve had the same office desk for over 40 years. It was a hand-me-down gift from my father-in-law, Laigh M. Cohen, after he had retired. He formerly used it for unknown years at his Aldine Manufacturing Co., 117-121 Chestnut St. When I moved my advertising agency and related businesses into 117-121 Chestnut St after he had retired, the desk was

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• My Belongings … Longing To Be Kept

  Published on September 30, 2013.

  I’m a collector. All my life I’ve held on to things that I’ve felt would be of interest in the distant future. Now, I’m thinking “the distant future” is around the corner. I’m a senior citizen.  And to use a cliché I’ve read,   I’m in the “Winter of my life”. What to do with the space-taking things I’ve held on

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• My Children & Grandchildren Remember…

  Published on July 15, 2013.

  What is a good anniversary gift for a couple celebrating 55 years of marriage- -to each other. They’re at an age where they want to get rid of “stuff.” Clothing? Have enough. Trip? Been there. And they’re at an age where candy and cookies are verboten. My daughter Nan had an idea, “Put memories into writing.” So, for the 55th

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• Sight to Behold By: Joe Ball, Publisher

  Published on April 30, 2013.

  I looked like I had a raccoon face recently.

  My eyes were surrounded by large blotches of swollen tissue and in a vibrant red.

  I was the recipient of surgery to lift my eyelids.

  They had dropped as part of the aging process.

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• Crime Victim By: Joe Ball, Publisher

  Published on February 6, 2013.

  Embezzled!

  Our business was the victim of a new employee recently. She stole checks
  from the back our checkbook … forged my name … then – – interesting is …

  How she was able to have the checks cashed.

  It bewildered me. And at the time wasn’t clear to our internet –experienced staff.

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