“Waaah” is a sound not sought by most, but there are some who seek it nightly. They head outside, after sunset, specifically listening for a low pitched “Waaah” sound. It is …
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By Michelle Mercure
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4/17/25
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April showers bring May flowers — and floods. For this, there is a solution. A rain garden offers both curb appeal and a way to use the excess water in a functional way. And the Eastern Rhode …
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By Michelle Mercure
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4/16/25
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Sand is a curious substance — soft yet gritty, smooth underfoot but rough to the touch. It’s fun to play with at the beach, yet impossible to fully shake off afterward. Now imagine a sand …
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By Michelle Mercure
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4/15/25
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A garage often becomes the “junk drawer” of the exterior of the home. But when spring arrives, and garden tools or bikes need to be found, the clutter that of stuff hidden away for the …
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By Michelle Mercure
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4/14/25
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The American dream is often associated with homeownership, family, and living a “good life.” One historic home in Bristol, Rhode Island, offers a unique twist on this ideal, bringing a …
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By Michelle Mercure
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4/10/25
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Kids hiding under desks isn't usually a good thing, but sometimes it is. As the countdown to the wind turbine experiment at Rockwell Elementary School in Bristol neared its climax, the fourth-grade …
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By Michelle Mercure
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4/9/25
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Popcorn contains a small amount of natural sugar — just a little, but it’s there. When toppings like butter, cheese, or caramel are added, even more sugar is introduced. While this might …
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By Michelle Mercure
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4/8/25
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The “dog ate my homework” excuse doesn’t work in adulthood. But paper clutter sure does multiply, effectively making it easier to lose track of where important papers are in the …
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By Michelle Mercure
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4/2/25
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Anything can be considered art. A chair, the way something sounds, or how it moves can all be seen as forms of art. For a Portsmouth artist whose work is heavily influenced by (sometimes …
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By Michelle Mercure
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4/1/25
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The smell of dirt is intoxicating. It is said to be a natural antidepressant. It’s spring, and it’s Earth Month — the perfect time to get dirty. The Eastern Rhode Island …
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By Michelle Mercure
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3/26/25
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School buses have turned into tiny houses on wheels. Vans have become synonymous with a nomadic existence that enables travel. And one local camper has turned into a mobile art studio. Turning …
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By Michelle Mercure
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3/20/25
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Some people just want to sit down. Rhode Island’s foodie culture calls for more than just chain restaurants and drive-throughs that cater to the fast-paced, on-the-go lifestyle many have …
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By Michelle Mercure
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3/19/25
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Most traditional summer camps send kids outdoors for most of the day, but not all kids want to spend the entire day outside. Finding a camp that isn’t primarily focused on outdoor activities …
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By Michelle Mercure
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3/14/25
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Stepping into the unknown is often terrifying. Sometimes, the outcome is worth that fear. Taking a chance on opening a brick-and-mortar bookstore at a time when Amazon can deliver almost anything to …
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By Michelle Mercure
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3/12/25
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In today’s tech-driven world, a day without technology is becoming increasingly rare for children. Imagine a whole summer spent without a phone, computer, television, or gaming device. As …
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By Michelle Mercure
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3/12/25
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Finding a “following” is often associated with social media these days. However, there are other, more intimate and personal types of followings to be had. Rhode Island is small, and …
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By Michelle Mercure
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3/11/25
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The year is 2025, and the United States has yet to see a female president. In the first-ever Girls Report in Rhode Island, a panel of young girls posed a crucial question to the audience — …
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By Michelle Mercure
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3/5/25
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Cats are said to have nine lives (though not literally). This myth suggests that cats possess a special ability to survive even the most perilous of situations. Ralph Marziale seems to have a similar …
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By Michelle Mercure
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3/4/25
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Grapefruits tend to be useful. They can be eaten, used to make DIY cleaning products, and (interestingly) used as cat repellent. Or, they can be used to poke and prod with a needle to practice the …
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By Michelle Mercure
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2/27/25
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In one of Shakespeare’s plays, Hamlet is asked, “What do you read, my lord?” He responds with the iconic line, “Words, words, words,” seemingly suggesting that the book …
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By Michelle Mercure
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2/26/25
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The word “little” often carries a negative connotation, but bigger isn’t always better. The town of Little Compton, sometimes called the “hidden gem” of Rhode Island, is …
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By Michelle Mercure
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2/25/25
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March is celebrated as National Reading Month, honoring Dr. Seuss’ birthday on the second day of the month. As spring cleaning season begins, many people wonder what to do with old books that …
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By Michelle Mercure
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2/24/25
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Death is unavoidable. The grief that follows for loved ones can be raw, unpredictable, and overwhelming. People cope in different ways: some break down in tears, others scream in frustration, while …
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By Michelle Mercure
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2/20/25
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Falling asleep on the job is typically a fireable offense. Maybe that’s why office chairs tend to have wheels — so no one gets too comfortable. A more comfortable chair might invite a …
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By Michelle Mercure
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2/19/25
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A realtor stands at the end of the driveway, directing traffic, curtailing arguments, and bracing herself for the showing. It’s open house day. The house up for sale has so many prospective …
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By Michelle Mercure
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2/19/25
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