Thanks to some brilliant Mass. Eye and Ear doctors, my 86-year-old father recently got a cochlear implant, an amazing device that provides sound to the profoundly deaf. Unlike a hearing aid, the implant includes a small round gizmo that attaches to the side of the head via a surgically implanted magnet. Dad was on the T headed to MEE for a checkup when a teenager asked him “What’s that?” to which he replied, “It’s the latest iPod.” Dad was still chuckling about the kid’s stunned expression as he got off the train.
Libby Roberts / Brookline
Playing for Keeps At breakfast the other morning, I’m reading the Globe article about the Sox re-signing Josh Beckett, and I say to my 13-year-old son, Ben, “It looks like we have Beckett, Lackey, and Lester for the next few years.” Ben, not paying attention, says, “Huh? What? Beckett lacks luster?” I nearly spit my Cheerios all over the kitchen.
Allen Rutberg / Holliston
Got a story? Send it to us at tales@globe.com. 
