Articles written by Paul Drockton

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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

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Creative Writing > Satire Satire: Self awareness: 1 of 9

Softball, Sean Connery and Schlitz Malt Liquor There 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 ...
Entertainment > Celebrity Commentary Hollywood and politics: What makes movie stars political experts?: 13 of 36

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 ...
Politics, News & Issues > Political & Economic Theory Discussing money and ethics: 2 of 4

The Mafia in My Driveway Its 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 a...
Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: Rules: 1 of 2

The Rules of Late Night T.V. As a kid, we weren't allowed to watch much television. Our mom banned certain programs like "The Three Stooges" and "The Ghoul" (a show where some psycho dressed up with a weird hat and broken sunglasses blew up model cars and interrupted his D horror movies with insults and animal noises.) Howev...
Entertainment > Characters & Performances Johnny Depp or Gene Wilder's version of Willy Wonka: 18 of 30

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, so...
Personal Finance > Financial Planning Understanding inflation and how it can affect your future: 4 of 6

As a Financial Consultant with more than 20+ years experience I can tell you that inflation is a double edged sword. First, let's look at the pros: 1. If I buy a house for $200,000 and the cost of building a new one also increases, it makes my mortgage of $200,000 feel like $100,000 or less depending on the rule of 72s and t...
Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Despair: 2 of 3

Stacked Cards There 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, host...
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: What friends are for: 23 of 33

The Unexpected Friend As 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 window. In my ...
Food & Drink > Candy & Desserts Do you like sweets?: 11 of 14

Jujubes 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, somewhere in my c...
Personal Finance > Stock Market Obama-related investing: 15 of 19

Traditionally, the Democrats have appealed to the Working Class and Their Unions. Thus, the big three automakers: (GM) General Motors, (F)Ford Motor Company and Daimler Chrysler (DCX.BA) should all benefit from "relief" legislation and stronger protective tarrifs. Ideally, the Democratic Party should be more "Protectionist" ...