Articles written by Robert Gillis

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Politics, News & Issues > Constitutional & Contract Law The American flag: Love it or burn it: 1 of 23
In the summer of 2006, by a single vote, the Senate failed to pass a proposed constitutional amendment to ban desecrating the American flag. Many Americans would agree that the issue was far more political than patriotic. CNN reported that, "The measure was the latest in a series of controversial election-year votes engineere... More..
Entertainment > Movie News & Previews Essential classic Christmas family movies: 2 of 20
There have been countless adaptations of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" over the last century. One of my annual Christmas traditions is to watch several of them. This is one of my very favorites...Version: 1984 (CBS)Scrooge: George C. ScottCast:David Warner (Bob Cratchit), Frank Finlay (Marley's Ghost), Angela Pleasence... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Memoirs: What my dog means to me: 70 of 429
WARNING: If you're a dog owner, please read on. The information I'm about to share may save your dog's life and it's not generally known to most dog owners. I should also warn that some readers may find the following graphic or disturbing I don't recommend reading this one while you eat. If you don't own a dog, you might want... More..
Entertainment > Movie Reviews Movie reviews: Superman II - The Richard Donner Cut: 1 of 6
Starting in 1977, director Richard Donner filmed SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE and SUPERMAN II simultaneously. In order to make the deadline for SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE, at some point in production it was decided to postpone filming the remaining scenes needed for SUPERMAN II until after SUPERMAN: THE MOVIE was finished.However, between 50... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Testimonies: Reuniting with long lost parents: 1 of 4
The scene was completely ordinary. Looking at it, you wouldn't know the event was of any significance. A sunny Saturday morning, a favorite breakfast nook, and a young couple having breakfast with an older couple.At one point over a fluffy omelet, the older gentlemen at the table asked the waitress, "Can you guess what the re... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Politics in the Middle & Near East Reactions to Saddam Hussein's execution: 11 of 40
Title: Two world leaders; two very different deaths: Saddam Hussein and Gerald FordThis past Friday evening, the entire world was glued to the coverage of theexecution of Saddam Hussein. The dictator's hanging is a true historical event,putting a firm end to an unimaginable rein of terror and hopefully bringing somesmall meas... More..
Computers & Technology > Phone Technologies & Issues How cell phones create new issues of public rudeness: 14 of 46
While I am generally not prone to murderous rage, I think one day I'm just going snap and bludgeon a cell phone user to death, and I think I have a fair chance that a jury will be sympathetic.The general public has taken a technological marvel (a cell phone) that was supposed to make our lives more convenient and accessible,... More..
Creative Writing > Reflections Reflections: September 11, 2001 and beyond: 22 of 54
Ground zero.Until a few weeks ago, this area was called the World Trade Center.New York City. Corner of Ann and Broadway, one, maybe two blocks from where the planes crashed into the World Trade Center.Saturday, September 22, 2001."I have to help," my wife Sue said. "I have to do something. I have to be there."So we drove dow... More..
Entertainment > Album Reviews Album reviews: Magic, by Bruce Springsteen: 1 of 2
MAGIC is Bruce Springsteen's new studio recording and his first with the E Street Band in five years. It's a solid rock/pop offering; Springsteen has left the folksy styles of THE SEEGER SESSIONS and TOM JOAD behind (for now) and from the first notes it's obvious this album is intended as a sequel to THE RISING solid rock & r... More..
Creative Writing > Memoirs Testimonies: Going to see the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium: 1 of 2
As the New England Patriots take their dominating play against the 2007 Superbowl Champion Indianapolis Colts today, I recall their opening season match-off last year.The office phone rang the afternoon of September 9. Sue said we were going to the Patriots against the Colts opening game. And despite my initial automatic repl... More..