Articles written by Paul Drockton

What is Helium

About me - Paul Drockton

I was born in 1962 as the first emergency baby at the new "Parma, Ohio" hospital. I graduated in 1979 at the age of 17 (skipped a grade) and joined the United States Air Force. I served as a Paramedic, ICU Technician and managed an Aeromedical Evacuation Wing

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Relationships & Family > Dating Commentary Dating humor: How to keep the spark alive: 1 of 4
Love Beyond the Grave?St Charles was a two story brick building. One day a week a group of girls would stay inside and help clean the classroom. To make matters easier, they would simply open the windows to clean the chalkboard erasers by pounding them together.In the courtyard below, a few friends, my brother Dan and myself ... More..
Entertainment > Celebrity Commentary Hollywood and politics: What makes movie stars political experts?: 12 of 47
Who knows what makes something popular one day and the source of ridicule the next? Is it a numerical equation that specifies when 51% of Americans have it imprinted on their tee-shirts that something is "popular"? Does it then become unpopular after 90% of Americans have it on their T-Shirts?Here we will try to define "15 mi... More..
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Conscience: 2 of 7
An Issue of ConscienceOne day, I forget how, Dan and I lucked into a handful of what appeared to be $20 bills. In reality, they were nothing more than advertisements on one side, with a fake $20 bill printed on the other. Although not a rarity today, the concept was unique in 1970s Parma. This of course, gave me an idea. Cons... More..
Entertainment > Movie Characters & Performances Johnny Depp or Gene Wilder's version of Willy Wonka: 18 of 59
Who Needs Gobstoppers? When funds were tight, the only economical choice for a 10 year old was a good ol box of jujubes. Willy Wonka could keep his "Everlasting Gobstoppers" as far as I was concerned. If Charlie Bucket wanted a candy that lasted forever all he needed was a box of jujubes.Looking back, I now realize that, some... More..
Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Despair: 1 of 3
Stacked CardsThere were two sports that mattered to the bungalow residents of Parma, Ohio. One was softball. The other was bowling. I have since come to believe that both sports appeal came from the fact that they could be played while somewhat incapacitated from drinking massive quantities of beer.Parma, had in fact, hosted ... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Economic Values Discussing money and ethics: 3 of 8
The Mafia in My DrivewayIts no secret that "The Godfather" was one of the more popular movies of the 1970s. It is also no secret that every few days, a mysterious, black, Lincoln Continental....I mean a real mysterious black Lincoln Continental, would appear in my driveway; much to the consternation of the Bungalow Posers and... More..
Creative Writing > Satire Satire: Self awareness: 2 of 5
Softball, Sean Connery and Schlitz Malt LiquorThere were two sports that mattered to the bungalow residents of Parma, Ohio. One was softball. The other was bowling. I have since come to believe that both sports appeal came from the fact that they could be played while somewhat incapacitated from drinking massive quantities of... More..
Entertainment > Musical Instruments Getting started with a musical instrument: Tips for beginners: 7 of 16
The Curious Case of the Broken ViolinAs a man of letters, I knew that my reputation could only be enhanced; by either: A. Smoking a pipe like Sherlock Holmes, or B. Playing the violin.I pictured myself sitting in front of our picture window, violin in hand and silhouetted by the sheer white satin drapes that would adorn the w... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Personal Morals & Values Never give up on what you love: 13 of 28
Persistence Pays Off:Everyone has a favorite pet. I think that I was our cat's favorite pet. Titus was the cat's name. Every day, in the morning, we would watch him as he sat in the the front picture window watching a bluejay that loved to tease and torment him through the glass.It was a battle of wits I tell you. The bluejay... More..
Sciences > Chemistry Fun chemistry experiments: 3 of 6
Chemistry Sets and Wet Poodles:http://journals.aol.com/pdrockton/paul-a-d rockton-there-and-back-a/Before the internet, knowledge came from three different sources for a pre-adolescent aspiring scientist that resided on Kenilworth Ave.1. Instruction Manuals: Never really an option because of the time involved. Usually discard... More..