Articles written by Jerry Curtis - Page 5

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About me - Jerry Curtis

I am a retired U.S. Navy officer, former Economic Development Analyst, ex-community college vocational education adviser, and erstwhile computer office software instructor. My wife and I live quietly in the south of Denver, CO, in the beautiful front range

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Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Bird humor: 2 of 21
The Parrot The parrot was perched in Delhi On a sizzling hot summer's day. He said, "Sahib, will you please buy me?" I was stunned, didn't know what to say. Said the parrot, "I speak more than one language. "Spanish and a bunch of fran-say. "Italian, Hindi, Afghani "And a touch of Swahili, they say." "Why, certainly!" said I... More..
Personal Finance > Budgets & Saving The basics of personal budgeting: 5 of 51
Do you have more and more month left at the end of your money? Are you using your credit card to buy things that in the past you paid cash for? When that credit card bill comes each month, do you only pay the minimum required? If the answer to those questions are "yes," you are heading for big trouble, and need to stop and t... More..
Arts & Humanities > 20th & 21st Century US History The legacy of John Kennedy: 1 of 10
The legacy of John F. Kennedy's (JFK) short presidency is one of hope, rather than lasting accomplishment. His short 1,000 days in an often turbulent, but always vibrant, presidency began in a particularly dangerous time in our history. The cold war between the U.S. and the U.S.S.R. was becoming more confrontational and bell... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Party Politics & Ideology Hillary Clinton's foreign affairs positions: 1 of 10
When Hillary Clinton spoke before the Council on Foreign relations in 2003, Saddam Hussein had just been captured, and it looked as if things were going well in the world of U.S. foreign policy. In a return engagement three years later, she could not say the same. In her own words: "I return today one week before an historic... More..
Politics, News & Issues > War & Peace Why countries go to war: 7 of 69

World War I offers a classic example of how narrow nationalism can lead to local conflicts and then explode into world conflagration. At the beginning of World War I the major nations of Europe were aligned into two potentially hostile alliances, with Germany and Austria in one and France, Great Britain, and Russia in the ot... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Football People love to watch football because...?: 6 of 59
If there is a game that ritualizes the American experience and ethos it is football. For two hours both men and women can enjoy sanctioned warfare away from the decor,forced politeness, and feminization of everyday life. Two teams defend their territory and violently tackle those who would encroach. Back and forth they strug... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Presidential Elections 2008 US elections 2008: A critical appraisal of the candidates for US president: 4 of 38
We deserve better candidates! Barack Obama versus Hillary Clinton versus John McCain: Are those three best and most qualified candidates for president in the United States today? What do we have here? Hillary Clinton is a prime example of the idea that some people are born to greatness, while others receive it as part of a p... More..
Entertainment > Movie Remakes & Adaptations Evaluating movie remakes: 2 of 19
The Day the Earth Stood Still starring Keanu Reeves, Jennifer Connelly and Kathy Bates (December 2008) The remake of "The Day the Earth Stood Still" is out as of December 12, 2008. Having seen the original with Michael Rennie way back when I was about the size of Beaver Cleaver, and several times on television, I did not lik... More..
Politics, News & Issues > US Leaders (Other) Should former US presidents speak out against a current president?: 3 of 28
Former U.S. presidents should not speak out against a current president. They occupy a unique position among retired elected officials: that of having occupied the most powerful and difficult job ever. Having endured criticism, second guessing and in charge of the vast domestic and foreign policy apparatus of our country, fo... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Night: 35 of 321
If days are shallow Then nights are deep Where we practice death Each night we sleep With fits of dreams We see a life Where reason flees Replaced by strife We toss and turn And feel our core Our world we start To one day more To greet the dawn With sudden feel Night's practiced death Is somehow real With day's new spark And... More..