Rene Mullen

Rene Mullen

Freelance writer, but a political theorist by trade (M.A. from UW-Milwaukee)and traveler by night. I volunteer and have worked with those who have experienced mental illness and am a current CASA volunteer. My partner and I live by the mantra of Be! See! Do! by travelling and seeing the country and living life to its fullest.
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Contributor since
9/23/2009

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AA: Aims Community College; BA: University of Northern Colorado; MA: University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee

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Displaying Results 1 - 77 (of 77) for All Content
  • First Person: How I Deal With $80,000 in Student Debt
    Married and dealing with a combined student debt of $80,000 is tough. Adding to that unemployment and underemployment makes it tougher.
  • First Person: We Have $80,000 in Student Loan Debt
    Though federal loans gave us access to education, our end of the month income suggests another story. How much we owe and how we cope with our student loan debt.
  • There is No Longer a Question of Race in the U.S.
    Recent events surrounding race in the U.S. show that, in fact, race as a legal identity is dead.
  • We've Learned Nothing Since Columbine Massacre
    Another school shooting, this time in an Ohio high school, brings back painful memories of Columbine. But after more than 10 years and dozens of school shootings later, the true cause most school shootings, bullying, remains neglected.
  • Novelist Jose Saramago
    Orwell is child's play compared to Saramago's "Blindness" and follow up "Seeing". A truly prophetic author opens one's eyes to the true nature of government.
  • Google Goes Offline, Takes on Microsoft Office
    Google announced August 31, 2011 that their popular Gmail, Calendar, and Docs are going offline in an ever present attempt to unseat Microsoft's control of the office suite market.
  • Albuquerque Breweries You Might Not Know
    New breweries keep popping up in Albuquerque. Several this year alone. So, head over to Tractor, Bad Ass, Nexus and especially La Cumbre Brewing.
  • Zany ways to save on gas that work -- at least in my head
    With gas prices climbing up the walls like a toddler with a double espresso, any gas saving trick is worth a try. Here are the ways I pinch my hard earned MPG pennies.
  • Best New Mexican Food in Albuquerque
    With most restaurants claiming the best, and most authentic New Mexican food in the Duke City, it can be difficult to separate the truth. Here are some of the best places one should not miss when it comes to green chile.
  • Google Revolution in the Middle East? Hardly
    Some, like Glenn Beck, are concerned Google is over stepping boundaries by directly affecting the Egyptian and other social revolutions in the Middle East. This fear is not necessarily overstated but is brushing over the larger picture.
  • Egypt: Democracy is Not the Answer
    Western political leaders have demanded Egypt's social revolution lead instantly to democratic elections. However, to keep violence at bay and further unrest in a volatile situation, democracy is not the answer.
  • First Person: Coping with an Economy that Doesn't Want You
    With recent reports out claiming the U.S. unemployment rate dropped from 9.4 to 9.0% in January 2011, I wonder why my wife and I, though well-educated with impressive resumes, still have found no end in sight to our hidden joblessness.
  • Best Free Travel Apps for Android
    Most travel app lists for Android focus on big production travel requiring travel itineraries, translators, and airline arrival/departure times. This list focuses on free apps for Android phones that focus on tight budget, small town America traveling.
  • Riots in Egypt and Around the Region
    With recent riots and government crackdown on civil unrest, Egypt has been compared to Tunisia's Jasmine Revolution. But is this comparison warranted? Are other episodes of unrest around the region caused by or causing Egypt's current predicament?
  • Travel Guide to Breweries in Albuquerque, New Mexico
    In the Midwest, great crafted beer is as American as apple pie. Albuquerque has many breweries but several stand out as true gems that are likely to be overlooked.
  • Great Desserts in Albuquerque
    From ice cream to cake, there's something here for your sweet tooth that is unique to the greater Albuquerque, NM area.
  • How Traveling Can Save Your Relationship from Going Sour
    One of the most important things I've learned in my traveling is that the act of traveling has actually strengthened my relationship with my partner and brought us closer together.
  • Duke City is Nuts About Pinon
    Though Albuquerque is known for Route 66 burger joints and green chili, a lesser known food fetish in the Duke City is their fascination with pinon nuts, a type pine nut grown mainly and natively in New Mexico and surrounding areas.
  • Christmas Traditions: 'Silent Night' and the Bologna Sandwich
    On a cold and snowy night, there was a knock at the door. This father was a Scrooge if ever there was one. But on this Christmas Eve night, his heart opened up to a stranger. Today, "Silent Night" remains a testament to his good heart in our family.
  • Travel Guide to Yellowstone Trail
    One of the first coast to coast byways in the U.S., the Yellowstone Trail packs in weeks worth of road trips and hundreds of small town stops and surprises.
  • Turquoise Trail in New Mexico's Sandia Mountains
    The Turquoise Trail in New Mexico on Highway 14 between Santa Fe and Albuquerque is well known as a biker route because its such an amazing scenic byway. However, there are a few lesser known tidbits about this beautiful ride.
  • Coming to Grips with 'Harry Potter' Coming to a Close
    Such long term relationships as we have with Harry, Hermione, and Ron, its a difficult thing to watch our love grow stronger and our time grow weaker. But, Deathly Hallows Part 1 has eased me, and many others, into that transition.
  • Black Friday and Cyber Monday Shopping Tips
    With after-Thanksgiving Day sales coming up fast, do what you can to gain an edge on the Black Friday deals you want. Follow these tips and tricks and you will get what you want and have fun doing it.
  • First Person: Confessions of a Smoker and a Quitter
    With the Great American Smokeout days away, learn how I quit smoking and how I have helped many of my colleagues quit smoking.
  • 5 Wishful "Bones" Transplants
    Fox Network's "Bones" has maintained a consist fan base since it first aired in 2005. But not everything that happened was loved.
  • Opinion: How Obama can succeed in the next two years
    Talk is abound over Republicans bouncing back in the midterm elections and what it says about President Obama's party's prospects. However, as the 1994 midterm elections showed, this does not necessitate Obama as a lame duck.
  • Finding a Cheap Place to Stay when Traveling
    Hotel costs can easily double the cost of any trip. To minimize your costs, and to have a little more fun while traveling, try hostels and friends, even small motels, before you reach for those pricey hotel chains.
  • Things to Do in Albuquerque
    Looking around Albuquerque, you may be wondering what there is to do. The Duke city has plenty of cheap finds if you only look hard enough. This article looks at hikes at open spaces, microbrews in the area, and little known ice cream shop.
  • Cities to Travel to on a Budget
    Traveling on a budget is easy in these 5 cities. This article explains some of the best ways to get the most out of your money in Denver, Fort Collins, Albuquerque, Milwaukee, and Indianapolis.
  • Cat Man
    Justin just wants to be a kid, but while the family carpet is cleaned, he encounters someone he is unlikely to forget.
  • Wikileaks Founder Walks Out of Interview
    With Wikileaks back in the media spotlight, rape allegations against its founder, Julian Assange, prompted an altercation in a CNN interview where Assange walked out.
    Also published on:
  • Bountiful Persimmon Bread Recipe
    Persimmons are the fruit of the gods, according to the ancient Greeks, but you'll find yourself agreeing once you try this delicious recipe with simple ingredients, short prep time, and tasty results; that's my quick Bountiful Persimmon Bread recipe.
  • Best Computers Under $500
    Many sites have lists of the best computers under $500, but most of these sites only give you a list of laptops or computer towers. This list comprises laptops/netbooks and a full desktop.
  • Politician Speaks Out on Bullying
    Joel Burns stirred up media attention with his moving speech on bullying. Though Joel Burns is one of few to speak on bullying, he is not alone in moving speeches in recent memory.
  • Jack and Sally
    The house is claimed to be haunted, but Sally knows better. Sally knows because her and Jack live there...
  • Best Fried Parsnip Recipe - Guaranteed Aphrodisiac
    Homemade comfort food that's easy, fast, and tastes just like Grandma used to make. Pan-fried parsnips are a tasty fall and winter treat and a great way to use some of your fresh local produce! Try it!
  • Protester Throws the Book at President Obama, Literally
    On Oct. 10, 2010, at a rally in Philadelphia, someone threw a book at President Obama. This assailant is not the first nor the strangest attack on a president.
  • The Economy of Bullying
    Because of increased attention to, and continued lack of intervention by school administrators and political leaders, perhaps its necessary to refocus the argument into something these leaders understand: economic impact.
  • Clown Wins Election, for Real
    In Brazil, Tiririca won a national election. What makes this interesting is that Tiririca is a comedian, running on a comedic platform. Funny thing is, Brazil is not alone; the U.S. has seen its share of fringe candidates.
  • What Not to Do If You Get Pulled Over
    We will all get pulled over at some point, be it DUI checkpoint or not coming to a complete stop at a controlled intersection. Here are some tips if you really want a ticket or just a free ride to jail.
  • Do Your Own Laundry for Less
    Easy ways to save money making your own homemade laundry detergent and reusable dryer sheets for much less than you pay for brand name products. Not only is it easy and cheap, it doesn't take a lot of time to create.
  • Common Driving Mistakes of Common Drivers
    Nearly everyone is guilty of at least one of these common driving mistakes but they are highly dangerous and easily avoidable.
  • Why Kids Kill Kids
    Recent national attention has raised awareness of bullying again. However, like before, the focus remains on the victim as a broken individual. Like rape victims, bullying victims are told to suck up. This article dispels many of these myths.
  • Google is Speeding Things Up Slowly
    Google's use of new technologies like Instant, WebP, False Start, among others, is causing some to suggests Google is focusing on speeding up slow Internet rather than focusing on the Internet itself. This is not a bad thing.
  • "It Gets Better" Gives LGBT Teens Hope
    A YouTube channel that asks for submission of success stories from the LGBT community tells the untold story of the life after high school for young adults in the LGBT community.
  • The 2010 New Mexican Gubernatorial Race is Set to Be a Game Changer
    Because Bill Richardson (D) is term limited, the New Mexican gubernatorial race is garnering most of New Mexicans' political attention, and with good reason. Read on to find out more.
  • Finding Entertainment in Small Towns
    Everyone says there's nothing to do in their small town, except leave it. I beg to differ. No matter where you live, or how small your town is, there is always something fun going on or something fun to find
  • Another Teen Commits Suicide to Stop Bullying
    Seth Welsh, 13, died more than a week after an attempted suicide. Seth committed suicide in response to bullying. Bullying has claimed three teenage lives this month alone. Will anything be done? No.
    Also published on:
  • FDA Approves Fat Freezing Technology
    The FDA approved the use of fat freezing technology developed by Zeltig that allows fat to be pinpointed, killed, and absorbed by the body.
  • Chattanooga to Offer 1 GB Internet Speeds
    As Google and Chattanooga talk the talk about bringing super-fast Internet to the US, we wonder why it should matter and why other countries are beating us at Internet speeds.
  • 2010 Denver Beer Fest
    The Denver Beer Fest gets the city geared up for the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) later this month. If you're like most, you didn't get tickets, but here are some things you won't have to miss out on!
  • 'The Devil's Chair' - The Least Scary Scary Movie Since 'Sound of Music'
    Though the plot gets the slasher and horror geek excited, it delivers like a comedian with no funny bone.
  • Google's Newest Game-Changer
    Google Instant shows us that Google management and developers still know what consumers want, though the technology, or at least the gadget itself, is still clunky. Here is a review of Instant and its implications.
  • 2010 Great American Beer Festival: What to Expect in Denver
    With the 2010 GABF just around the corner and people coming from all over the world to experience it in Denver, CO, its important to know what to expect in and around the Colorado Convention Center. So, here it is.
  • Emmys Awarded
    "Glee" walked away with three Emmy Awards; "Breaking Bad," "Dexter," and "Mad Men" walked away with two; and Conan O'Brien got another snub. All in a night's work.
  • Former GOP Chair Comes Out as Gay
    Outing himself in a recent article in The Atlantic, former Republican National Committee Chairman Ken Mehlman has caused a stir in the media. However, it is completely unwarranted, as this article will explain.
  • Ground Zero Mosque
    A look at some of the misconceptions about the Ground Zero mosque and President Obama surrounding Islam and the mosque in particular.
  • Indie Coffee Shops on the Colorado Front Range
    A review of Mandolin Cafe, Jamoka Joe's, Margie's Java Joint and The Human Bean; my favorite indie cafes in Northern Colorado.
  • Great Short Story Collections
    An overview and review of two of Richard Matheson's thriller/horror story collections: The Box and I am Legend and Other Stories.
  • 10:26: A Short Story Suspenseful Thriller
    Jessie attempts to convince Dr. Hayward of the other people in his life. However, Dr. Hayward has her own plans for Jessie. Follow this trainspotter as he tries to prove his innocence.
  • Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
    Top 10 reasons everyone should be as excited as I am about the new Harry Potter movie opening November 19, 2010.
  • Colorado Primary Election Results and My Vote
    This article explains the winners and losers but also explains why the Colorado primary matters both to Coloradans and to the general U.S. public.
  • China's Game Changer
    An editorial about why China's new DF 21D missile does not really change political interaction between the US and China.
  • West Allis' 24-hour Diner
    Johnny V's is a great little 24-hour diner out where you would not expect such things. They do everything from pizza to burgers to meatloaf and shakes. They also deliver until 9 pm
  • Free Things to Do in Milwaukee
    A long (but not exhaustive) list of things to do for free in Milwaukee. Everything from free music to river walks, lakefront walks, local attractions, and amazing architecture.
  • Best Places to Find Cheap School Supplies
    Where to find the best deals for school supplies from paper and markers to binders, laptops and netbooks to Microsoft Office and anti-virus software
  • Local Bookstores in Milwaukee
    A review of several locally owned and operated bookstores throughout the Milwaukee area.
  • How to Save Money Without Giving Up Your Life
    Tips to leave you more money at the end of the month without going hungry, giving up your cell phone or feeling guilty about eating out
  • How Twitter Almost Saved My Life
    Twitter, though a massive time waster, can and should be used by local governments to help speed up emergency alerts
  • Milwaukee's Best Belgian Bars
    Though Milwaukee is best known for German and Irish brews, the Cream City is not devoid of Belgian beers and bars!
  • Flooding in Milwaukee
    An account of the flooding on July 22, 2010 on Milwaukee's East Side, including the resultant sinkhole at the corner of North and Oakland Avenues.
  • Optic Nerves
    Narrator finds out there is more to this flea market than trinkets
  • Top 10 Worst Comic Books Turned Movies
    10 worst movies ever made from comics. From Ben Affleck to Macaulay Culkin, and Clooney to Kilmer.
  • Nuclear Weapon Proliferation as a Rational Choice
    An essay arguing political leaders are acting rationally when most claim they are not, changing the rules of the game.
  • Grand Avenue Club, Milwaukee, Wisconsin: A Community that Works
    GAC is a nonprofit designed to help those with mental illness reintegrate back into society and the work force.
  • Milwaukee's Hoan Bridge
    A brief history of the politics that brought together the Hoan Bridge in Milwaukee.
  • National Health Care
    A short and sarcastic essay about why you don't deserve health care in the US.

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