Articles written by Stanley W. Shura

What is Helium

About me - Stanley W. Shura

I am very much enjoying writing again. I seem to gravitate toward the short form, which makes online writing a very good fit. I am primarily a poet and essayist, and dabble occasionally with the short story. I am verbose in my non-writing life as well, but

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Entertainment > Celebrity Gossip & News Britney Spears: Who cares: 1 of 51
Britney Spears is a victim of her own success. This whole phenomenon that is Britney Spears, is no longer the fault of the person who sought fame and fortune and has, at least currently, found infamy and misfortune. Oh, she certainly made some poor choices in her post-pop-success life. And, yes, she has most certainly - and r... More..
Education > Educational Philosophy Personal philosophies of education: 3 of 149
The first and ultiimate goal of formal education, as well as the informal learning that occurs for all of us empirically, is to gain some knowledge, insight and/or aesthetic fulfillment from the experience. It is the deepest and fullest living that comes from letting one experience inform and enrich the next. Education should... More..
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: Why are people so judgmental?: 1 of 40
I WAS CALLED "SILLY" THE OTHER DAY... And I'm still a wreck. How can that be. How can I allow myself to be so vulnerable to the whimsical utterings of another? I am a grown man. I have endured a lot. I have been knocked down many times before and gotten back up. Why is my story not just another cliche' among the "been kn... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Political & Economic Theory The concept of justice: 2 of 59
I'm going to file this under 'typical example of the law being a lie". How else can it be explained? Carmen "The Cheese Man" DiNunzio, who was once the (reputed) boss of the Boston mafia, was sentenced today to 6 years in the federal slammer for his bribery conviction for allegedly trying to nail a $6M Big Dig contract by nu... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Writing: 18 of 505
All or NothingFree-write experiment, stopping for naught,it's meta-poeting in which I'm now caught.Doing what, or not doing? Can I stop? I cannot.Free-write experiment, stopping for naught.Immune from no feedback, but fearing it some,do no editing now, 'though my id might go numb."Always keep the pen moving" - 'tis thee rule... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Tell me why: 1 of 28
I Wonder...Why I Wonder Why Tell me why I wonder why.Tell me why we do this by and by.What of this seeking to satisfyour impulse to destroy mystery? Is this ego's trip to master will?Is our urge to render questions still?Is the query's need one we must fill?Is wonder's thirst passion's final kill? We fathom guesses that beck... More..
Entertainment > Music (Other) Is listening to music at work calming or distracting?: 3 of 66
Music at work can be a calming and/or uplifting emotional, social, and motivational lubricant as conducive to serene productivity and professional service delivery as a comfortable pair of shoes, a couple of timely and reliable daily breaks, and a properly controlled indoor climate. On the other hand, it has the p... More..
Other The randomness of luck: 1 of 22
Is luck random? I, um, *bet* that luck is nothing but the lack of intent. Well, more accurately, the lack of a causal relationship between actions and results. I wonder if we can ever really have, achieve, or even witness such a disconnect. I mean a complete and utter separation between deeds and circumstances. As you can see... More..
Politics, News & Issues > US Military (Other) Should soldiers be allowed to opt out of wars they disagree with?: 1 of 22

This is a sticky matter - a soldier asking not to, or refusing to, participate in a particular conflict akin, is it not, to a prizefighter saying that fighting is wrong, at least sometimes. It is rife with implications on our very ideas of duty, responsibility, and even, some might argue, moral relativism. The questions that ... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Alone: 15 of 276
A Quintessential FarewellAmidst the light that I could never see,I now embark to quit, and foresake Thee.By silent roar, I silence my own fearwith bitter grief for music I can't hear.The air floats smallest bits of earthen scentjust remnants now of life that came and went.I taste an envy for gifts unbestowed,My haste, my impu... More..