Articles written by Dallas Spires

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About me - Dallas Spires

Writer, musician, animal lover, and former retail-guy-turned-teacher, I've been writing for as long as I can remember. I also enjoy cooking, eating, and spending time with my son.

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Society & Lifestyle > Racism Racism in America: 16 of 93

What is it with you people? You racists, that is. Granted, I haven't been around for all that long, but it really puts things in perspective when I think that in my lifetime, the federal government has had to force several states to observe Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday. We all saw the first African-American president g...
Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Nostalgia: 8 of 45

"Where All This Started" Memories start here: No sun light, always shadow, always the weeds standing and listening and watching, always the trees in grey and black, whispering in dead breezes, always the voices in the creaky boards of this porch, behind the boarded windows and locked doors, on the other side of a bone white ...
Relationships & Family > Romance & Sexuality Why young people separate love and sex: 2 of 11

In our society, sex is a hot topic. It's treated as if it's somehow set apart from every day life, something extra, not part of the normal way of things. In fact, it is part of the norm. Young people separate love and sex for several reasons, none of which are their fault. The blame for this rests very heavily on outside inf...
Food & Drink > Drinks (Other) The pros and cons of bottled water: 3 of 16

Bottled water is an interesting phenomenon. Water covers about 75% of our planet's surface and is recycled by the water cycle - evaporation, precipitation and runoff (surface water, ice, etc.). However, much of the earth's surface water isn't safe for drinking. Water must be chemically treated to be "safe" enough to drink. T...
Jobs & Careers > Job Search (Other) Job-finder services and resume resources: 1 of 4

When I moved to Norcross, GA, a few years ago, it was with Dollar Tree. I transferred to a store up there that needed an assistant manager who would actually work. Unfortunately, I was only there for a week (after being with the company for 3 years at the time). Needless to say, I had to find a job. I discovered quickly that...
Entertainment > Movie Genres Zombie movies: Which are more effective, fast zombies or slow zombies?: 11 of 37

I can appreciate the fast, cracked out zombies of the contemporary zombie film. They definitely have a place. They appeal to a younger crowd, and they inspire sheer panic. Run! They're coming! I think everyone can relate to the fear of something that is difficult to outrun. Add to that the already dead and difficult to kill ...
Arts & Humanities > Writing Tips When writers should take a break: A case for waiting on inspiration rather than forcing writing discipline: 5 of 15

For some writers, writing may not be an automatic thing. It is understandable to wait for the inspiration to start a piece, or to step away from something already in progress to get your head clear and organize your thoughts. At the same time, you should never stop writing just for the sake of inspiration. You should write e...
Arts & Humanities > Thoughts on Writing What causes writer's block?: 2 of 6

Writers' Block may have different sources for different writers. Some writers may be afraid of what they will say or of the time-commitment needed in order to write. Some may not have a clear enough idea of what they are writing before sitting down. For some, they may just be in a dry period, attempting to force something ou...
Society & Lifestyle > Racism Racism against white people: 10 of 27

I will never understand why racism against white people is treated like a shocking revelation. Maybe it comes from the "politically correct" idea that racism exists only in the majority; that is, only the majority - the rule-makers and law-makers by default - can practice racism. After all, that is the accepted definition of...
Creative Writing > Essays Essays: Prayer: 13 of 28

For many years I denied myself the benefits of prayer because, growing up, prayer was a Christian thing. It was tangled up with Jesus and the people who preached so many values in conflict with my own. I could not allow myself to take part in it. Then, it became a guilty pleasure. I found myself raising my face to the sky on...