Articles written by Patrick Corcoran

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Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Funny pet stories: 2 of 44
With the exception that there was no loss of life and it wasn't Valentine's Day, it was an incident that could easily have surpassed the Valentine's Day Massacre. My wife likes birds as pets. That in itself is hard for me to understand. I'm not into pets that don't perform a function or contribute to their upkeep. For instan... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Animal humor: 5 of 68
George and Gracie Goose A long, long time ago in a land far, far away. . . Actually it was in the summer of 2005 at our farm in Kentucky. My wife and I (which really means mostly my wife) decided that horses, cattle, ducks, a kennel full of dogs, a shed full of chickens, four goats, a parrot and a donkey weren't enough anima... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Economic Values The lessons to be learned from the poor: 1 of 10
He was old I think, it was hard to tell. He seemed happy but how could he be, standing in the street, hawking newspapers? He was part of the intersection that he stood in. It was normal to see him there, just like the light standard and the fence along the parking lot it borders. His diligence and tolerance for the mundane c... More..
Celebrations & Holidays > Celebrations & Holidays (Other) 4th of July cookout: Dos and don'ts: 7 of 40
On June 10th 1776, the First Continental Congress commissioned five men to compose a document declaring America's independence from England. On June 11th the five men entered a candle-lit room in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to take on a task that could cost them their lives and fortunes. They were going to draft a document de... More..
Pets & Animals > Dog Training Are choke and prong collars useful or should they be banned?: 3 of 14
When I read the question I looked closely at the words, "useful" and "banned." I have trained dogs professionally and for a police department and I believe that both of these training aids can be useful in the right hands. First of all I'd like to change the words here from "choke collar" to "slip collar" and "prong" to "pin... More..
Jobs & Careers > International & Government Jobs Considering a career in law enforcement: 4 of 10
Ever since I was old enough to put thoughts together I wanted to be a police officer. Growing up I admired my older brothers and grandfather who were cops. I watched and observed uniformed officers wherever I happened to see them. I read every book or article I could get my hands on that described what it was like to be a co... More..
Society & Lifestyle > North American Culture Recognizing people from different places in the US: 2 of 5
THE WAVE The northern-most part of Delaware lies in the I-95 corridor between Baltimore and Philadelphia. It is one of the busiest, most congested, mass of concrete and steel in the country. My wife and I spent most of our lives in this region and we have always lovingly called it home. In 2005 we both retired from our caree... More..
Relationships & Family > Communication (Other) Sharing personal experiences that may benefit others: 17 of 39
I'm sure most people have heard common phrases such as, "It was so beautiful it took my breath away!" When I was a child and heard that phrase and similar ones uttered by adults, I assumed they couldn't really happen, it was just an adult expression. Surely nothing could take your breath away just by looking at it! As I beca... More..
Creative Writing > Novel Excerpts Novel excerpts: The Wild West: 7 of 16
It was rare not to see a quirley hanging from the corner of Phil West's mouth, so as soon as he was sure he wasn't being followed he stopped the gray to rest, rolled a smoke, inhaled the first tobacco vapors mixed with the sulfur of the match and then relaxed. Phil always dressed like a vaquero, wide brimmed hat, leather cuf... More..
Sports & Recreation > Football Players Does Michael Vick deserve a second chance in the NFL?: 4 of 9
Let's put it right out there in the beginning, "I don't like Michael Vick." The question here is, "Does Michael Vick deserve a second chance to play in the NFL?" Not, "Do you like him or agree with what he did?" No one or practically no one could abide with the acts he committed but can a person ever redeem themselves for pa... More..