Articles written by James Spiller

What is Helium

About me - James Spiller

Half English, half Bolivian, all American. My extensive world travels, penchant for competition, and my love of writing have given me the skills and the motivation to express myself through words.

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Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Drug addiction: 1 of 52
Sorrow in the City A reddish-orange blanket enveloped the cityscape as the sun slowly dipped below the horizon. The last vestiges of the daylight glimmered and glared against the thousands of windows housed by the hundreds of urban buildings. Though night was quickly approaching, the city teamed with people. Some walked. Some... More..
Hobbies & Games > Card Games Effective bluffing at poker: 1 of 10
Bluffing: A Beginner's GuideAn extremely common misconception held by players who are new to the game of No Limit Hold Em is the idea that bluffing is a risky tactic which should be used sparingly. Many don't understand the nuances of the technique so they are afraid to use it. When they do, its usually a disaster. They will ... More..
Travel > Travel Diaries & Adventures (Other) Travel experiences: Adventures into the unknown: 6 of 51
Travel Diary: Agra, IndiaOnly when we are alone can we find true peace. Only when we forget humanity around us and their stringent rules, when we forget our own preconceived notions of what others should think about us, can we begin to look introspectively and subjectively at ourselves. Only then can we understand who we are.... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Mystery: 21 of 119
A Gypsy's Luck The accounts that I am about to retell will undoubtedly draw skepticism. There is no logical explanation for the events that occurred on that warm, summer day, and try as I might, my mind comes to no reasonable conclusions. The worldly laws of science and nature disintegrated before my very eyes and left me que... More..
Hobbies & Games > Card Games Ways to improve your Texas Hold 'Em poker game: 4 of 20
The Losing AttitudeI recently busted out of a cash game when my opponent hit his inside straight draw on the river after we both got our chips all in. As soon as I saw that fifth card, my stomach turned. I could feel all the blood leave my heart and rush to my head. It was as if someone had suddenly turned the heat up well pa... More..
Entertainment > Music Genres, Trends & Scenes How rap music is destroying our future: 9 of 38
When I need to take a time out to think, when I need to escape this world for an hour, I turn off all the lights, slip on some headphones, close my eyes, turn up the volume, and allow hip-hop's soul and rhythm to float through my ears and infiltrate my mind. I listen to the ghost of Tupac Shakur tell me vivid stories of the s... More..
Hobbies & Games > Card Games Which is the better card game, poker or blackjack: 2 of 8
"Better" is such a subjective word. It could mean anything, especially when comparing two fun and exciting cards games. Sure blackjack is easy to learn and play, but poker offers more in-depth strategies. Blackjack promises instant results, while poker takes time and patience. It's more a matter of preference than anything el... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Chance happenings: 12 of 38
Passing PietyThere was really nothing extraordinary about that Tuesday afternoon. I mean, sure, I was in a terrific mood, the sun was glaring down on my black 3-Series Beamer without a single cloud available to block its rays, but I couldn't complain, even though I felt like a sweaty slab of bacon, slow cooking in my jet blac... More..
Arts & Humanities > Horror, Mystery & Suspense Book reviews: Cell, by Stephen King: 3 of 9
It seems like everyone has a cell phone these days. No matter where you go, you just cant escape the abrasive and annoying rings, inconsiderately loud chatting, or horribly distracted drivers. They have become such a part of our daily lives that we, as a society, have become utterly dependant on them. We don't leave home with... More..
Entertainment > Music Genres, Trends & Scenes Real hip hop versus mainstream rap: 3 of 8
Underground Hip-Hop Decimates the Competition If you were to turn on your radio right now and tune into your local rap station you would most likely be appalled. At least you should be. Unless you're entranced by the recycled canned beats, meaningless lyrics performed by vapid rappers, redundant and monotonous mono-syllabic c... More..