Articles written by Kim Harnett

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About me - Kim Harnett

I'm a stay-at-home mom, under siege by three small but lovely children. Wondering where the rest of my brain went, and yet strangely enjoying my life more than I would have thought possible. Love animals, especially horses. I love reading and writing, drawing

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Society & Lifestyle > Social Values & Norms How violence in entertainment affects our society: 7 of 51
Violence in entertainment has an adverse affect on our society. Think back to the '50's, and the TV show "Happy Days". Was there ever ANY violence shown on that show? If any at all, at most there was a possible fist-fight. TV shows today are literally spattered with blood and gore, and graphic scenes of rape, beatings, tortur... More..
Entertainment > Celebrity Commentary Why we care so much about celebrities: 21 of 131
We care about celebrities so much because of what we've done to ourselves as a culture: we have so much technology and are so obsessed with "cocooning" ourselves, we've lost contact with one another. Once upon a time, we lived in caring communities called neighborhoods, where everyone knew everyone else, and yes, we all knew ... More..
Arts & Humanities > Writing & Rating at Helium How to rate a Helium article: 7 of 31
I don't believe that rating a Helium article has anything to do with your personal interest or opinion of the subject of the article. You have to take a neutral stance when reading the article and determine its value in terms of the information it is trying to share. First and foremost, a well-written article will *usually* e... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Child Development Issues Why boys like "guns" and girls like "dolls": 11 of 20
This seems to me to be almost a "nature versus nurture" type of argument, and thus almost impossible to give a clear answer to, but please indulge me as I share my own personal experience. My firstborn is a daughter, whom my husband seemed determined to make into a little tomboy. Among her first toys were several "Thomas the ... More..
Relationships & Family > Communication Issues Technology's influence on interpersonal communication: 16 of 27
Technology has us all fooled; we believe that we are more connected with others, that the world is getting smaller. However, our contact with others is limited by its very nature. We shout at each other electronically over the walls we've created to keep ourselves safe. How strong is a friendship that is started and maintaine... More..
Celebrations & Holidays > Christmas Rushing the Christmas season: Reflections on business promotions and personal decorations: 13 of 19
I happened to be in the grocery store this Halloween - NO, I didn't forget to buy candy! REALLY! But to my shock, not only were the stock clerks putting away the Halloween candy, they were putting out Christmas candy. CHRISTMAS CANDY on Halloween?! MADNESS. Who, I ask, is going to buy red and green candy kisses for display th... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Childbirth & Labor Childbirth and the pain factor: 36 of 51
When I was pregnant for the first time, I was fairly certain that I didn't want anyone sticking a needle in my spine. Just the image is horrifying! The practice that I was currently with had several midwives and the one who taught the LaMaze classes was definitely against epidurals. She indicated that any drugs the mother rec... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Personal Morals & Values Your definition of happiness: 114 of 159
'Remember that happiness is a way of travel, not a destination.' - Roy GoodmanSo often, we get caught up in the snares of the "ifonlies"...if only I had a bigger house, I'd be happy. If only I made more money, I'd be happy. If only I was married, I'd be happy. We are so consumed by pursuing *elusive* happiness that we don't r... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Economic Values Money cannot buy happiness and love: 110 of 140
Money CAN buy happiness, to an extent, but cannot purchase love, that most priceless of commodities.Interestingly, there was just an article in a local paper about money and happiness, where it turns out that, in fact, there is scientific proof that people with money rate themselves as happier and more satisfied than people w... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: The Earth: 159 of 171
Lapis lazuli bluenestled in a heart of darknesswith a core of stoneshe should be strong,but she reliesupon a delicate balancewhich weunheedinglyare hellbent on destroying.She is our homea precious jewelone-of-a-kindin all the Universe More..