Articles written by Mark Murphy

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About me - Mark Murphy

I am 38 years old and currently living in Colorado Springs, CO. For the last 18 years I've been in the USAF, serving in a number of places. I married my lovely bride in 2001 and we have three cats, Gizmo, Petey and Thomas. I've lived in the Springs area on

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Politics, News & Issues > Football Are football players paid too much?: 1 of 117
The answer to this question depends on where you stand. As a spectator, I'd say they were paid too much. There are teachers, cops and firefighters who make just a fraction of what most NFL players make yet they perform vital functions in our society. Football players make millions of dollars playing a game to entertain us whi... More..
Pets & Animals > Pet Ownership Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat?: 5 of 150
As much as I love dogs, I think a cat makes a better pet. Of course, not every cat makes a good pet, but the average cat beats out the average dog every time. From cost to cleanliness they are cheaper and easier to care for.Most house cats are mixed bred. You can find them on the street, people give them away in the paper eve... More..
Pets & Animals > Animal Facts & Resources Animal facts: Armadillo: 1 of 28
Most Americans are familiar with the Nine-banded Armadillo. Did you know that there are over 19 other extant species of armadillo as well? This article will give brief overview of the general characteristics of all armadillos then a breakdown of the different types. After reading this, I'm sure you'll find the armadillo as fa... More..
Relationships & Family > Marital Conflicts Should spousal consent be required before a married woman has an abortion?: 2 of 47
Normally, I would say that a person has the right to do whatever they choose with their body. There are a few times in which I take a different position and abortion within a marriage is one of them. Barring such cases as incest, rape or abuse a married woman should be required to receive consent from her husband before abort... More..
Society & Lifestyle > Mythology & Folklore Is the Loch Ness Monster real?: 2 of 38
As much as I would like to believe it, I have to say the Loch Ness Monster is not real. Let's look at the logistics for a moment. Nessie is supposed to be big. Really big. It takes a lot of food to feed an animal of such size. The loch couldn't support such a beast for very long before it was simply cleaned of food.The Monste... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Soldiers & Veterans Testimonies: My first military promotion: 1 of 10
I had gone half a year with nothing on my sleeves. I was an Airman Basic (AB); some liked to call us Airman Barely or Airman Baby. In any event, I was a slick-sleeved bottom feeder. In the Air Force, you receive your first promotion from Airman Basic to Airman at six month, as long as you keep your nose clean. That means I we... More..
Health & Fitness > Health Risks How charcoal grills can lead to cancer: 1 of 10
Over the last few years there has been a lot of talk about charcoal grilling and cancer. The plain fact is there are links between certain types of grilling and cancer. Some methods of grilling are more risky than others. The same is true for the kid of grill you cook with.The type of charcoal used in your grill can have a bi... More..
Relationships & Family > Dating Commentary Dating horror stories: 10 of 86
So there I was in Guam. The year was 1996 and I was an enlisted man living in the dormitory. We just had a new Airman get assigned to the base and she moved in down the hall from me. Her name was Kelly and I was smitten. I'm decent looking but I've never been too smooth with the ladies. Good looking women simply made me nervo... More..
Computers & Technology > Phone Buying Tips Tips for buying a cell phone as a gift: 1 of 8
If you're planning on buying a cell phone as a gift there are a few things you need to know. Most importantly, if this is an upgrade to their current phone, you need to know what provider they are using. You'll also need to know how they'll use the phone and what functions they'll need. Once you have this information, everyth... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Environmental Awareness The most polluted places in the US: 2 of 15
Big environmental organizations like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the American Lung Association measure pollution three ways. They measure it by ozone pollution, short-term soot exposure and year-round soot exposure. Ozone pollution is caused by things like vehicle exhaust and factories releasing nitrogen oxi... More..