Articles written by Stuart Kantor

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About me - Stuart Kantor

I teach senior English (British Literature) and Creative Writing as well as coach Track & Field. I have a passion for stand-up comedy, although I've never actually performed it in front of a night club crowd.

I write quite a lot and also run several websites:

www.taoofcomposition.homestead.com

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Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Heaven & hell: 3 of 59
Where Is That First Drop?Where is that first drop?Has it evaporated like an impoverished dream?Perhaps it's in the minds of churchgoers and mysticsPerhaps it's in men's prayers during a moment of silenceIndeed, it's in the sweat of the brow during an outburst of violenceHow far has it traveled?Through Jesus' cup and Lennon's ... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Baseball Should the Chicago Cubs end the practice of the 7th inning guest conductor of "Take Me Out To The Ballgame?": 1 of 16
The Chicago Cubs should keep the tradition alive. There are so few traditions in professional sports that carry a fun, collegiate atmosphere, that to eliminate any of them would be a shame. Harry Caray immortalized "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" for Cubs' fans and all baseball fans, and the string of singers during the 7th inn... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Events that happen in an instant: 3 of 30
Kick the EarthI want to kickthe Earth,not a clod the whole planet,one single swinglike the powerfulright leg of the kidwho smashes thered ball on theplayground at recessuntil the Earth sailsthrough the air andover the fence fora home run, or possiblya ground-rule doubleif it bounces first More..
Politics, News & Issues > Baseball Should women be allowed to play on Major League Baseball teams?: 1 of 10
There is absolutely no reason for women's participation on men's Major League Baseball teams. Every professional sport has its female equivalent; for women to play professional baseball, a women's league needs formed and funded.There is a professional female soccer league.There is a professional female golf circuit.There is a... More..
Health & Fitness > Nutrition & Health Issues Should genetically altered foods be banned?: 1 of 10
Until a good reason to ban them arises, there's absolutely no justification for doing so. Some may argue that genetically altered foods may turn people into androids or something crazy; this is not Frankenstein! Food scientists aren't creating Monsters that will return and haunt us and kill our families. It's food, for goodne... More..
Arts & Humanities > Writing Tips Tips for testing a writing story idea: 4 of 26
"Let it percolate."Harry Crews, my professor at the University of Florida, stated that all creative writing must be given a chance to "percolate." In other words, you must either:1. let the idea stir in your head for a day or two, or2. write the first sentence or paragraph and put it aside for a day or two.After 48 hours or s... More..
Health & Fitness > Exercise Tips How to avoid blisters on your feet: 2 of 13
Blisters are inevitable upon beginning any physical regimen, especially if you've been sedentary for a while. It's a fact of life; it's something you have to deal with. But they can be prevented in the future. Preventing them is actually quite simple.First and foremost, make sure your feet are dry. And cover them with fresh, ... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Money: 11 of 68
Loyalty For a MillionCome over here, sonAnd sign your nameIt's a multi-year contractTo fortune and fameSo you've never played a minuteOf professional ballHow about a millionFor showing up at all?There's no need to worryIt's all guaranteedHave your lawyer look it overIn case you can't readIt's loaded with incentivesAnd clauses... More..
Food & Drink > Dining Etiquette Should cell phones be banned in restaurants?: 42 of 207
Cell phones should be banned as food items, yes, but not for their intended use inside a restaurant. My use of my cell phone infringes upon no one else's right to enjoy his or her meal at his or her table. Sometimes I long for the days prior to the invention of the cell phone, but I wax nostalgic. Cell phones are as common as... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Political Issues Are high taxes on cigarettes fair?: 14 of 66
Why should taxes on cigarettes be outrageously higher than any other commercial product legally sold in the United States? Because they're addictive and have been proved to kill people? That's hardly rationale for high taxes. Everyone in the world knows there's a warning label on each packet of cigarettes telling them of impe... More..