Articles written by Martin J. Stephens

What is Helium

About me - Martin J. Stephens

My passion for reading began at an early age, and by the time I reached 5th grade I was reading the likes of Mark Twain, Arthur C. Clark and J.R.R. Tolkein. This hunger for story, however, was not quenched, and I found myself often writing short stories and

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Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Love gone wrong: 3 of 137
The BalconyCoffee in hand, I sit alone.A gentle breeze lifts my spirits briefly.Aloft my thoughts spin and whirl,And settle on two stories above succinctly.I force my gaze to look away,To better places and better memories.For it is a sunny day, is it not?Life thrumming beneath the trees.A movement catches my eye,Curtains draw... More..
Personal Finance > Credit Cards Saving on credit card debt: 1 of 35
Credit cards can be a powerful tool, or a deadly one. Wielded correctly, they can boost your credit score. Used poorly, they can severely damage it. Why not avoid it altogether? For the average American, this is not an option. Buying a new car or house demand good credit - something that can be built by using one's credit car... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Thoughts: 9 of 310
Baking Brain CakesSmile that's phony,Self loathingAgony, groaning.Broken bones moaning.Ripped heart bleeding,Internal demons feeding,Lost love still needing,Self-pity seething.Flesh consuming,Anger still brooding,Violence blooming,Death is looming.Muscles straining,Heart that's breaking,Brain that's baking,Smile that's faking... More..
Law & Legal Information > Lawyers & Legal Advice Wills and trusts: The proper way: 1 of 10
According to the National Center for Health and Statistics, 2,420,000 people die every year* in the United States. Roughly 40% of these are unexpected. How many of these people made proper provisions for their loved ones?Most people procrastinate making plans for their death, leaving it for old age, or terminal illness. Yet i... More..
Personal Finance > Smart Spending How to save money at the bar: 1 of 6
There I sit nursing a beer at the crowded bar, the music drowning out all hope of conversation, compliments of yet another DJ spinning some forgotten 80's tune into some kind of techno-babble. Feeling a tap on my shoulder, I turn, and a beautiful lady whispers in my ear."Can you order me a drink? I can't seem to get the barte... More..
Personal Finance > Managing Credit Do credit counseling services really help?: 7 of 31
Thinking of filing for bankruptcy? Leary of credit card counseling services? Here are a few points you may wish to consider before making your decision.Bankruptcy1) To file for bankruptcy, you will first need to obtain the legal services of an attorney. Legal fees can be excessive, and in many cases it will take up to 6 month... More..
Computers & Technology > Business & Office Software Software reviews: Norton 360: 2 of 8
Great for a kid's PC!Having purchased 3 different security suites, I found Norton 360 to be adequate for my needs. Some of the features include auto-protection from viruses, spy-ware and other risks, a firewall, a live update feature, virus and spy-ware scanning, e-mail scanning, protection from intrusion attempts, a weak pas... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Pain in life: 175 of 594
Silent PleaThorny roses wrapped amid razor wire,Mirrors the thoughts twisting within my head.Eyes blazing with such great pain,As holes of fire awash in dread.The only feature that cracks my face,Is not smile, laughter or even mirth.A tortured sneer engulfs my lips,Cold and barren as the Edmund Fitzgerald.Such pretty faces do... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Armageddon: 9 of 30
Isn't my name Adam?Blink.There it is again,The flash in the corner of my eye.I look carefully around,But see nothing in the sky.Blink.With crystal clarity,I see the after-image of one;White horseman galloping,Eyes fierce like the sun.He's gone.Blink.There it is again,But I think I now see a red,Horseman sword in hand,Feeding ... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Moments of clarity: 16 of 40
Amaia's Phantom GripThe sun shimmered on a breezy Miami Sunday afternoon, but Amaia didn't care about the weather; she was furious with her husband, Howard. She had seen him leave Victoria's house. What possible reason did he have to see his ex-wife? At home they fought and she left with her daughter in tow. A hundred miles l... More..