Articles written by Joseph Branch

What is Helium

About me - Joseph Branch

Living on the Central Florida Space Coast, I find solace in reading books, writing and playing on-line games with my friends. I enjoy writing about various topics, dabble in a bit of fantasy and science fiction but for fun rather than profit.(Which is probably

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Politics, News & Issues > Political Issues Are high taxes on cigarettes fair?: 1 of 66
Imposing higher taxes on cigarette smokers, along with anyone that uses tobacco products is an injustice because it focuses taxation to generate income from a specific portion of the general public to be used toward projects and services that benefit the whole.It would be much easier to swallow the idea of higher tobacco taxe... More..
Hobbies & Games > Video Games (Other) What makes a great game: Graphics or gameplay?: 2 of 41
Although graphics are an important element in many of today's computer and console games, it is the gameplay that truly makes the game worth playing. A common error gamers make when they review the merits of a game is to treat graphics and gameplay as separate features. The reality of the matter is that graphics are merely a ... More..
Politics, News & Issues > War in Iraq Should Bush relent on Iraq and announce a plan for troop withdrawals?: 1 of 16
It is an irrefutable fact, we are a world at war. I find it strange to know this while going through my day to day life as I watch it go on as if we were in a nation at peace. Having grown up in an era when going to war was not only unpopular but treated with disdain was a difficult time. Especially while my father, voluntari... More..
Parenting & Pregnancy > Parenting Methods Should parents use corporal punishment to discipline children?: 4 of 52
Since the beginning of known history, corporal punishment has been used as a method of disciplining children who engage in unacceptable behavior. However, in todays world of a growing need for political correctness, corporal punishment is seen as violent and unacceptable behavior in itself. In my opinion, this is one of a num... More..
Hobbies & Games > Video Game Trends & Genres Stress issues linked to Multiplayer Online Games (MMOGs): 2 of 15
That Multiplayer Online Games, (MMOGs), encompass a vast amount of online activity on the Internet is truly an understatement. As an online gamer myself, it is easy to understand the attraction for some as well as the "Addiction" for others. While I don't necessarily agree that this form of entertainment is addictive in the c... More..
Jobs & Careers > Office Politics The consequences of sloppy writing at work: 1 of 5
There are many facets in business that can either lead a career to great success, or doom it to miserable failure. High on the list is the impact of written communications. Writing well is often overlooked as a way to stand out in the crowd of competitive players struggling to climb the corporate ladder.In the dog-eat-dog wor... More..
Hobbies & Games > Video Game Consoles & Accessories Which is the better video game platform: Console or PC?: 7 of 30
PCs and Gaming Consoles are both valuable resources providing many hours of entertainment value to the gaming community. Each have their pros and cons but using the PC undoubtedly provides greater value along with a broader gaming experience.From a technical standpoint, consoles can provide a more stable gaming environment. T... More..
Hobbies & Games > Video Game Culture & Community Why older gamers are forming guilds and communities based on age: 2 of 6
A common confusion about Old Timers wanting to be part of a gaming guild based upon age has to do with maturity. Children who play such games tend to have very different motives as to why they play. While older folks see the socialization aspect of gaming an opportunity to make new friends they can relate to: kids tend to be ... More..
Computers & Technology > Computers & Technology (Other) Does technology impoverish the mind?: 20 of 53
Does technology impoverish the mind? Generally I would have to say no to this question, however, with the concept of "technology" being a broad descriptive term that encompasses pretty much any thing that we might use to accomplish work, I find it difficult to simply leave it at that. It would be much more appropriate to cons... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Government & Policies Should Congressional representatives be allowed to add earmarks to appropriations bills?: 2 of 5
While the addition of earmarks into appropriation bills seemed like a good idea at the start, it has become one of the most abused privileges afforded to Congress in our countries history. Every year billions of taxpayer dollars are wasted on idiotic programs which make little sense or are completely unnecessary.First let us ... More..