Articles written by Carl Conrad

What is Helium

About me - Carl Conrad

Educationally: Master's Degree in Economics from Western Michigan University. Bachelor's Degree in Economics, minor in Philosophy; Western Michigan University.

Career background: 18 years as Economics instructor at Davenport University; 7 years in banking in

+ more bio information

RSS Feed

Entertainment > Movie Reviews Movie reviews: Snakes on a Plane: 1 of 17
Trapping Samuel L. Jackson in a classless movie like this was the one saving grace of this otherwise chaotic case of plotless drivel. Full of face, neck, penis, and breast biting, as well as a much deserved python squeezing death of the pompous first-class traveler, Paul (Gerard Plunkett), this movie neither brought out that ... More..
Arts & Humanities > Literature (Other) Classic book recommendations: 2 of 32
Here is a list of six novels that you may not have read - but should! They are my favorites, of the many that I have read, and I offer the following insights into the reasons that you should read them. 1. To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee. This book, published in 1960, opens a door to the racial bigotries and stereotypes o... More..
Arts & Humanities > American Literature Book reviews: The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger: 1 of 11
Written in the conversational patchwork of a 17 year old boy, filled with the musings, trepidations, and often banal interests that strike his fancy, this book has propelled the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, into the front row of American novels by the interplay of interesting characters, novel situations, and classic adoles... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Political & Economic Theory Should the United States abandon the Federal Reserve?: 2 of 20
The Federal Reserve gives us the freedom to buy things now, that we would otherwise have to wait for. In looking at the Federal Reserve, it is important to note that this is a money system, not just a group of men sitting in a conference room controlling everything having to do with the US dollar. The Fed is a system just li... More..
Politics, News & Issues > US Politics (Other) Are teenage Americans influenced by conservative pundits like Limbaugh, Beck, and O'Reilly?: 4 of 30
With Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity leading the way, talk radio has become as indispensable to the Republican Right as frothy foam is to latts. And, frothy foam may not be restricted to coffee when we think of the rabid mouths of this group of glorified gabbers who use half-truths, selective phrasing, and bombastic innuendo ... More..
Style & Beauty > Style & Beauty (Other) Older, wiser, and absolutely stunning: Why this is the woman of the future, and how to be her: 13 of 77
She does not prance on stiletto heels or scuff along in motorcycle boots. She does not mix her leggings with a short skirt or wear the kind of fashion in which the slightest misstep can turn a statement into the need for an explanation. There are no visible tattoos or piercings; her hair is tasteful, trimmed, always appropria... More..
Relationships & Family > Couple Communication I like sports; he doesn't: 11 of 58
"Jim, will you bring me another one of those Fuzzy Navels in the fridge, please?" I had to get his attention before he popped those cookies in the oven or I'd have to wait until the next timeout. After all, this was the AFC championship game, and the Ravens were ahead! Of course, here I sit with my Ravens jersey on, my Ravens... More..
Entertainment > Movie Reviews Movie reviews: Rocky Balboa: 6 of 30
Rocky Balboa - A Fitting Conclusion. The Rocky series slugged its way through five previous movies beginning in 1976 with "Rocky", then adding Rocky II (1979), Rocky III (1982), Rocky IV (1985), Rocky V (1990) and, sixteen years later, ending with "Rocky Balboa" which was released in 2006. All the movies stir the emotions of ... More..
Creative Writing > Short Stories Short stories: Valentine's Day story: 11 of 53
It was to be a dinner party at Bill and Janet Cohen's. We had been to their home several times before, but this was the first that involved a Valentine theme. All that I could think of was Cupid, hearts, and a quiver of arrows. Yet, I knew that Bronson would think that it was pretentious and insulting. He hated when racially ... More..
Travel > United States Top five tourist attractions in the USA: 18 of 77
Trying to pick the top five tourist attractions in the USA is like trying to pick your favorite puppy from a litter of dozens. It depends upon what criteria you use, and what kind of attraction you're looking for. In my case, I've chosen five for the awe they inspire, the majesty they possess, and the memories that remain aft... More..