Articles written by Jeff Vidrine - Page 2

What is Helium

About me - Jeff Vidrine

Writing for me is the fruit of my love of reading. Born in New Orleans in a hospital called Hotel Dieu, translated from French as God's House, I've always been close to God. Mom's family were sharecroppers, raising cotton in southwest Louisiana. My Dad's uncle

+ more bio information

RSS Feed

Creative Writing > Essays Essays: Life: 18 of 127
"Live each season as it passes; breathe air, drink the drink, taste the fruit, and resign yourself to the influences of each." Henry David ThoreauEach year has its seasons in much the way a natural human life has stages of development. Spring is the season for birth and rebirth. Trees, bare branches braced against a wintry sk... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Lessons in life: 36 of 200
Brazen LeavesO, brazen leaves, boldly rustling in the north breeze.Will not quite give it up!Life ebbing; dry, wrinkled, lifeless looking.Yet the will to be remains.O, brazen leaves, resisting the autumnal prerogative.Hanging on! Resisting the forces of time,Somehow hoping time will stop; a moment frozento keep forever, like ... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Baseball Are there too many Latino players in baseball?: 2 of 11
This is an absurd question. It is a question born of narrow-minded thinking or perhaps no thinking at all. So, let us think for a moment about why baseball teams acquire players. Baseball's player personnel managers want the best bang for their buck, that is, players with talent, drive and a determination to win. It is the re... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Economic News The housing bubble and credit crisis not caused by "the poor": 11 of 57
The housing bubble and credit crisis has multiple causes but it definitely is not the result of actions by "the poor". One reads and hears about how under-capitalized borrowers are the cause of our current financial woes. While it's true that loans were made outside normal lending practices, "the poor" were not the cause of t... More..
Health & Fitness > Nutrition & Health Issues Is chocolate good or bad for your health?: 1 of 5
This is a subject fraught with controversy, inaccurate information and scientific double-talk. I love chocolate! Who doesn't love the rich, bittersweet delight of a fine chunk of dark chocolate? Or the anticipation as one inhales the warm aroma of baking chocolate brownies? This love affair with chocolate extends into, well, ... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Justice System Should there be privatized prisons?: 3 of 11
Privatized prisons have a checkered history in the United States. The theory is that private, for-profit corporations can incarcerate felons at a cheaper rate than public institutions. As you will see, cost is very important but before you jump on the private bandwagon there are other considerations. A disclaimer at the outse... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Self-Awareness & Realization Advice on the journey of life: 21 of 74
A Return to Simplicity: Observations The best advice comes from someone with personal experiences to share. So one should look to someone who has lived to learn about life. The adviser that comes to mind is a man who taught simple living as a means of stripping life bare, to simplify life's day to day details in order to app... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Prison: 12 of 39
The WalkThe facade presents a stoic exterior.Officiousness imprinted in the bricks and imposing entry edifice.Institutional architecture, rising in front,as one walks the walk.I go voluntarily; many others do not.Through sally ports, clanging automatic heavy metal grills.Then, a hush; contrasting quiet to the cacophony of cla... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Help wanted: 28 of 79
The ice cold beer soothed tothe background of an old Cat Stevens' song,"It's hard to get by just upon a smile."Can't get by upon a smile? We'll justsee about that. After I finish my beer.The smoky haze, half-darkness and the crack at the pooltable make me linger. Willa Mae says they're hiringat the paper mill. Maybe I could b... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Conversation: 12 of 30
A couple is talkingWords are exchangedNot heard, each speakingSimultaneous perorations.At bedside, the daughter holds his hand.He speaks no words.None are needed, for in the silence,The deepest of conversations.Why must a wondrous momentBe invaded by spoken words?Souls, in a mysterious way,Converse without speaking. More..