Articles written by Brian Mckenzie

What is Helium

About me - Brian Mckenzie

I am a teacher, reader and administrator. My first love has always been reading and writing - and though I hate writing I love having written.

In my current job I get to rely very little on the knowledge and content of my education but a lot on my skills and

+ more bio information

RSS Feed

Arts & Humanities > William Shakespeare Literary analysis: Hamlet, by William Shakespeare: 5 of 55
"Hamlet" is not the literary masterpiece many have made it out to be, nor is it a difficult, mysterious, or profound work. At its heart is a domestic tragedy wound in a typical Renaissance revenge tragedy. Shakespeare, as he did in many of his plays, attempted to join together two separate dramatic conventions ("Romeo and Jul... More..
Travel > Travel Planning & Advice Best winter getaway to satisfy the activity fiend: 2 of 15
You X another day off your calendar, impatient for the beginning of your vacation. You've checked and rechecked your supplies. The post office is holding your mail, the paperboy your morning paper, and the neighbour is watering your plants. Outside the snow is starting to fall. Your colleagues are headed south, but you are he... More..
Education > School Bullying & Violence School discipline: The case for suspension: 2 of 9
A suspension is most simply defined as a definite period of enforced separation from school as a consequence for undesirable behaviour. Typically, school administrators use suspension as a disciplinary response to such conduct as swearing, defiance, fighting, smoking and even truancy. The notion of separating a student from t... More..
Health & Fitness > Alcoholism Common myths about alcoholism: 4 of 17
The prevailing myth of alcoholism is that it has something to do with alcohol. The name came about when excessive alcohol consumption was the most commonly recognized substance abuse problem. However, what we commonly call alcoholism is really a closely matched pair of disorders that, when manifest together, give rise to ster... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Magicians: 1 of 4
PrestidigitationYou roll up your sleevesto show me there's nothing thererub and clap your delicate handsfan out the deck and tell metake a card, any card,all the while your smilesays I have nothing to feargo ahead, it says, take your pickI know there's a trick to thisyou'd like to pretend it's magicsome forcethat guides my ha... More..
Law & Legal Information > Lawyers & Legal Advice Simple tips to prevent a DUI: 22 of 78
In an age where we can extend life, replace lost limbs, prevent disease, and even replace organs with artificial replacements we still see thousands of people die needlessly every year due to DUI car crashes. We are a civilized society that spends billions every year looking after the poor, yet we continue to risk lives by ge... More..
Arts & Humanities > Ethics The conflict between sacred law and moral truth: 2 of 7
Sacred Law is best defined as a body of precepts consistent with the divine will irrespective of divinity. Those subscribing to any religious faith that includes a God or pantheon understand and accept the laws, restrictions and requirements peculiar to that faith as a demonstration of their discipleship. Judaism, for example... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: My first love: 20 of 66
The Girl Out of ReachShe strides down the hall ahead of you, behind you, beside you, just out of your reach. She seems to be aware of few things: her friends who move around her as satellites in her orbit; her clothes, which bear her scent like something sacred. She looks vaguely at you when you say hi, her response plastic a... More..
Arts & Humanities > William Shakespeare Theatrical analysis: Hamlet, Shakespeare: 4 of 12
A central element of Shakespearean tragedy is the soliloquy, a speech delivered by a character directly to the audience. The purpose of a soliloquy is to give the audience a glimpse into the thinking, emotions, and plans of the character. In Macbeth, for example, the "If it were done when 'tis done" speech, we witness Macbeth... More..
Arts & Humanities > William Shakespeare Literary analysis: Macbeth's 'tomorrow' soliloquy, by William Shakespeare: 2 of 5
Macbeth's soliloquy in V, v implies that he views life as meaningless. Because this speech comes in Act V, we are tempted to think that it marks some kind of final conversion of Macbeth from hero to villain. Such a reading misses the mark somewhat. Instead, in this speech Macbeth comes to his deepest understanding and affirma... More..