Articles written by John Petty

What is Helium

About me - John Petty

I really hate writing these things. The concept of condensing one's life and person into an easily-digestible "sound bite" like this is tough, but here I go:

I've been reading and writing for about as long as I can remember. Both my parents are journalists,

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Politics, News & Issues > Constitutional & Contract Law Should a woman have the right to choose abortion?: 13 of 428
This should be a very simple issue. Since it's not possible, and may never be possible, to strictly determine when life begins, the only way to decide this question in a fair and balanced manner is to let each woman decide for herself. Deciding the issue on religious grounds simply complicates matters, as we live in a heterog... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Being trapped: 7 of 115
The bars of my cage are thick and fast,For I am trapped,My will is sapped,Cold steel to bind me at the last,And I am prison pent.Caged like some poor tragic beast,I cower here,Consumed by fear,Of all God's creatures, I'm the least,My time on Earth is spent.And as my cage grows smaller still -The bars move inTo scourge my sin ... More..
Hobbies & Games > Antiques & Collecting (Other) Best comic books: 2 of 27
I think that any list of "Best Comic Books" should actually be a list of those books or stories that should be required reading for anyone wanting to get a taste of what the field has to offer. Certainly, there is a modicum of personal preference and bias inherent in the following list, but it should serve as a general introd... More..
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Wishing for quiet: 1 of 13
The voices cry loudly and echo with pain,But no one will listenAnd no one will careThe horrible howling that rattles my brainComes on in a momentAnd lays my soul bare.The screaming I hear drives a knife through my soul,It twists and it grindsAnd there is no reliefI want to take refuge, to find a dark hole,But that one thing's... More..
Relationships & Family > Gay & Lesbian Issues Marriage should be a sacred institution between only a woman and a man: 35 of 317
Years from now, I fully believe that this debate, so heated and contentious today, will be viewed with the same disdain as "Should women be allowed to vote," and "Should slavery be abolished," are currently. No one today would ever argue the negative side of those questions, and hopefully this issue will soon join them as one... More..
Entertainment > Directors & Film Makers Frances Ford Coppola and The Godfather: 1 of 8
Based on Mario Puzo's bestselling 1969 novel, "The Godfather" is a true cinematic epic. From its compelling story to its top-rate cast, the film, along with its sequel, "Godfather II," is widely recognized as one of the greatest movies of the twentieth century, an incredible triumph for director Francis Ford Coppola. However,... More..
Entertainment > Movie Genres Do adult TV cartoons, like the Simpsons, undermine cultural values?: 3 of 21
In 1545, church leaders convened in Italy for what would be known as the Council of Trent, a gathering whose explicit purpose was to reform the perceived moral laxaties of the Roman Catholic Church. One of these serious issues facing the Council, an issue that was seen to be undermining spiritual and cultural values throughou... More..
Entertainment > Hollywood & Movie Industry Company profile: Hammer Studios - The House That Horror Built: 1 of 7
In 1931, Universal Studios rocked the movie-going world with the release of "Dracula," starring Bela Lugosi, and "Frankenstein," with Boris Karloff in the title role. These landmark movies launched a new cinematic genre - gothic horror - that propelled the studio to the heights of Hollywood success.However, all good things mu... More..
Entertainment > Directors & Film Makers Directors and film makers: John Carpenter: 2 of 13
Considered one of the reigning kings of the modern horror genre, John Howard Carpenter was born in Carthage, New York on January 16, 1948, and was attracted to movies from a very early age. As a youngster, Carpenter was drawn to the Westerns of such classic directors as John Ford and Howard Hawks, as well as to the booming ge... More..
Entertainment > Directors & Film Makers Films by Alfred Hitchcock: 2 of 11
"Psycho." "The Birds." "Rope." "Rear Window." "North by Northwest." All of these classic films have one thing in common: the strong guiding hand of one of history's most successful directors, Alfred Hitchcock.Cinema's undisputed master of suspense, Alfred Joseph Hitchcock was born in Leytonstone, England, on August 13, 1899 t... More..