Articles written by Ron Tocknell

What is Helium

About me - Ron Tocknell

When I look at that photo of myself I feel an almost irresistible urge to smack that smug grin off my face. I can't think of a more fitting photo that puts me so succinctly in a nutshell. I'm a self-opinionated old git.... in fact, worse than that.... I'm

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Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Snow: 3 of 207
In cutting windsThe bare trees swayThe snowdrifts building higherWe've fuel enoughBut for two daysYet I'd give all to see a blazeSo put another chairleg on the fireTwo days of gazingAt the orange glowOf embers that will dim and tireAnd surrender toThe frost and snowBut, for now, let's not feel lowjust put another chairleg on ... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Death: 21 of 693
Cold and wet, the slanting rainChills right to the coreSo every step is cursed with painThat binds the limbs like iron chainsAnd for every tread of ground I gainThere still remains ten thousand moreNow Rest, my weariness demandsTake shelter from the night!But where amid these barren lands?Where trees like gnarled, upreaching ... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Religion & Spirituality (Other) What is religion and what is it all about?: 2 of 41
I wasn't actually around when religion was invented (I seem to remember the re-invention of religion in the 60s but I'm sure it had been going on for longer than that) so this is pure speculation.I see the birth of religion as a natural extension to Man's inclination to control his environment.Not having claws or spines or bu... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Animal humor: 6 of 68
I first encountered Brian in a cage in our local pet shop. I've never been one for caged pets; life imprisonment for the heinous crime of being cute strikes me as a little stiff. However, the moment our eyes met I knew our destinies would be intertwined.He was larger than the other hamsters with whom he shared his cage and h... More..
Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Self reflection: 10 of 72
For much of my life I've known that something was...... well, if not WRONG exactly, certainly not quite right. I've never fully felt a part of the human race. It wasn't until I reached my mid teens that I started to recognise the signs: I'd been fascinated with ants for quite a while and assumed that I was probably developing... More..
Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Maturity: 2 of 13
As I approach my 60th year with the realisation that, unless I have an above average chance of reaching 120, I can't really call myself "middle aged" any more. I soften this realisation by inventing a new category of age groups: "Early Mature". Anything to postpone the inevitability of having to identify myself as "Old".Old a... More..
Computers & Technology > Internet Tips Common errors in grammar and spelling on the Internet: 1 of 6
Spelling, punctuation and grammatical errors are now so common on the Internet that it is becoming acceptable. This is a great pity. Adhering to the rules of spelling, punctuation and grammar does not restrict the creativity of writing. On the contrary, they are valuable tools for effective expression and communication.I can ... More..
Creative Writing > Humor Humor: The development of modern language: 3 of 8
Having already written articles criticising (no I haven't spelled it wrong. I'm English. If I spoke to you in an American accent, you'd probably think I was being sarcastic. For the same reason, I'll carry on spelling in English) improper use of language, I think I should redress the balance a little by speaking up for the ev... More..
Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Family conflict: 7 of 17
Turtles have figured out how to avoid family conflicts. Mr. Turtle meets Mrs. Turtle and, after a little flirting, throw caution to the wind (or probably tides) and indulge in around 45 seconds of frantic passion. Then Mr. Turtle swims off to feature in a David Attenborough documentary or a Japanese Restaurant menu or simply ... More..
Food & Drink > Meat & Poultry The dangers of eating undercooked meat: 6 of 14
All things seem to follow a fashion and food is no exception. A prawn salad that would have been delicious in the 1970s is no longer fit to put in one's mouth. It's not enough that our food has to be nutritious, low fat, high in poly-unsaturates etc. it also has to be cutting edge!Presentation is everything, we are told by th... More..