http://www.artipot.com/authors/6180/maxine-clarke/ Latest articles by Maxine Clarke from Artipot - your one-stop resource for free articles. http://www.artipot.com/articles/367309/the-greatest-of-all-time.htm On June 7, 2009, millions of spectators worldwide tuned in to see Roger Federer finally secure victory in the French Open, cementing his place as one of the greatest tennis player of all time. Tue, 09 Jun 2009 04:17:41 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/367309/the-greatest-of-all-time.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/361138/twenty-seven-a-great-age-to-die.htm There are a number of iconic figures with a spot in the special '27 club'; a club reserved for those successful artists whose untimely death only heightened their worth. This article takes a look at five of those who met their maker at the height of their powers. Fri, 29 May 2009 19:57:50 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/361138/twenty-seven-a-great-age-to-die.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/347460/the-top-five-writing-jobs-for-the-average-joe.htm We all have a dream of being a rockstar, a movie star or a footballer, but deep down we all know that such a opportunity will present itself to just a lucky few. For the average Joe, there is never the opportunity to attain such greatness, so what can we do to join the workforce and enjoy our positions to the max? Mon, 11 May 2009 23:03:33 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/347460/the-top-five-writing-jobs-for-the-average-joe.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/268804/i-literally-cannot-imagine-how-random-that-is.htm The English language is one of the most expressive and evocative in the world, yet is also the most bastardised and abused by its native speakers. How often do you find yourself being subjected to throwaway, non-sensical terms which add nothing to the substance of a conversation? The sad thing is, more than you probably realise. Mon, 19 Jan 2009 03:07:38 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/268804/i-literally-cannot-imagine-how-random-that-is.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/267823/footballing-wages-going-beyond-kaka.htm The recent publicity concerning the future of Kaka, the Brazilian midfield superstar currently playing for AC Milan, has re-ignited the indignation of the hard-working populace for the reverential status afforded to athletes. But why should we bemoan an individual who is, as is patently clear, one of the best at his job? Fri, 16 Jan 2009 06:35:09 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/267823/footballing-wages-going-beyond-kaka.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/266661/martin-luther-king-meets-barack-obama.htm Since 1983, the third Monday of each January has been observed as Martin Luther King Jr. Day across the United States of America. Nowhere is the day held in such reverence as in King's hometown of Atlanta, Georgia. Wed, 14 Jan 2009 04:40:16 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/266661/martin-luther-king-meets-barack-obama.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/258924/whats-so-great-about-angkor-wat.htm Travel websites, magazines, brochures and television shows are often preaching to us about the latest 'must-see' destination or the '101 places to see before you die'. But are these reviews simply funded by the relevant destination's tourist board or are we really getting a true overview? Wed, 31 Dec 2008 16:29:59 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/258924/whats-so-great-about-angkor-wat.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/257966/you-know-what-really-grinds-my-gears-about-office-work.htm As a homage to Family Guy's Peter Griffin, this article takes a look at five reasons why working in an office environment can has a detrimental affect to employees sanity. Tue, 30 Dec 2008 02:09:08 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/257966/you-know-what-really-grinds-my-gears-about-office-work.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/253790/you-know-what-really-grinds-my-gears-about-christmas.htm Fans of hit animation Family Guy will be familiar with Peter's news-time regular 'You Know What Really Grinds My Gears?' Inspired by this hilarious diatribe on pet hates, and with the festive season well and truly upon us, I felt it necessary to share details of what really grinds my gears about Christmas. Mon, 22 Dec 2008 02:51:18 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/253790/you-know-what-really-grinds-my-gears-about-christmas.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/244582/bargains-and-battles-a-short-history-of-the-department-store.htm The January sales are a winter institution in Britain, like fireworks in November and turkey at Christmas. Barely has the wrapping paper hit the floor when we're tramping off to the high street again demanding more stuff for less cash. Fri, 05 Dec 2008 05:47:27 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/244582/bargains-and-battles-a-short-history-of-the-department-store.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/234752/who-would-win-a-cheetah-or-gazelle.htm From a young age we all learn that the cheetah is one of Earth's speediest land mammals, but if you have ever spent time in pursuit of a gazelle, you will know that they too have the ability to easily show you a clean pair of heels. As such, I have been plagued for some time but the poser: who would win in a race between a cheetah and a gazelle? Wed, 19 Nov 2008 09:39:24 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/234752/who-would-win-a-cheetah-or-gazelle.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/233003/is-there-a-specific-ocean.htm Without doubt, one of the biggest gripes I have is the pronunciation of the word 'specific' as 'Pacific'. Geography may not be my strong point, but I'm pretty certain there is no Specific Ocean, so why the confusion when asking somebody to do something in a precise and clearly identified manner? Mon, 17 Nov 2008 06:09:26 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/233003/is-there-a-specific-ocean.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/228321/the-mamma-mia-phenomenon.htm The critics hate it, the music is 30 years old, it's full of embarrassing middle-aged people cavorting about, it's painfully uncool. And it's the highest grossing British film of all time at the UK box office. What the Benny and Bjorn is going on? Sun, 02 Nov 2008 17:21:59 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/228321/the-mamma-mia-phenomenon.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/226843/top-five-bands-beginning-with-h.htm 'Music makes the world go round, the world go round, the world go round. Music makes the world go round, all day long'. Ne'er a true word spoke than this timeless nursery rhyme. But what music is responsible for making the world go around? Fri, 31 Oct 2008 01:30:17 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/226843/top-five-bands-beginning-with-h.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/226767/top-five-bands-beginning-with-g.htm It is often said that 'music has the charms to soothe a savage beast', and certainly there are a great number of musical greats to please the masses. Yet for many, the need to uncover an hitherto unheard of artist is something that excites and inspires. Thu, 30 Oct 2008 22:22:49 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/226767/top-five-bands-beginning-with-g.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/223502/family-things-to-do-in-london-this-autumn-and-winter.htm As it gets chillier and the days get shorter, those of us with young families will want to plan some exciting escapes from the house. Happily, the capital is brimming with events and activities to warm up those cockles and entertain the most objectionable child. Many of these events are free too. Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:33:24 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/223502/family-things-to-do-in-london-this-autumn-and-winter.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/222819/swap-your-bible-for-the-side-of-a-bus.htm As the British Humanist Association announces details of its forthcoming poster campaign, this article looks at why such a move should be seen as a giant leap in positivity. Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:47:33 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/222819/swap-your-bible-for-the-side-of-a-bus.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/222702/five-ways-to-pass-the-time.htm Ever been placed in the situation where there is an incredible amount of time to kill and very little to keep you entertained? Perhaps on a flight or long car journey, waiting in hospital or even during a lunch break at work? Wed, 22 Oct 2008 07:38:07 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/222702/five-ways-to-pass-the-time.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/222050/five-ways-to-annoy-people-you-work-with.htm We've all worked depressing jobs and know how difficult it can be to stay enthused in our roles. As such, it is often up to you, and those around you, to find a way in which to keep entertained in those hours between 9am and 5pm. Tue, 21 Oct 2008 06:43:22 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/222050/five-ways-to-annoy-people-you-work-with.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/222049/top-five-bands-beginning-with-f.htm If you have ever been sitting around with little else to do, you may have suddenly asked yourself: "Who are the best five bands beginning with the letter F?" Should that be the case, this article is perfect answer to that question. If, however, you have never thought of asking yourself that, then you have clearly never had a boring job! Tue, 21 Oct 2008 06:43:17 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/222049/top-five-bands-beginning-with-f.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/221930/old-versus-new-a-fair-comparison.htm How often do we see comparisons made between the sportsmen of yesteryear and those of the modern era? At a time when Sachin Tendulkar has achieved the monumental achievement of scoring over 12,000 runs in test cricket, some have already declared that no-one - not even the prolific Tendulkar - will compare to the likes of Sir Don Bradman. Tue, 21 Oct 2008 01:43:08 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/221930/old-versus-new-a-fair-comparison.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/221325/why-i-prefer-atheism-to-religion.htm There are many reasons to praise the good that religion has done for the world throughout history, but in a world where, for some, religion is no longer a necessity, this article takes a look at just a few of the reasons why Atheism should replace religious faith. Sun, 19 Oct 2008 22:51:04 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/221325/why-i-prefer-atheism-to-religion.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/221008/top-five-bands-beginning-with-e.htm It was William Shakespeare that said in Twelfth Night: "If music be the food of love, play on". Like Duke Orsino many of us may be more than familiar with unrequited love, so what better way to purge this feeling than by indulging in music? Sun, 19 Oct 2008 01:18:02 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/221008/top-five-bands-beginning-with-e.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/220330/top-five-bands-beginning-with-d.htm Do you find yourself scouring your record collection or scrolling through your iPod playlists and struggling to find something to listen to? If so, you are not alone. Fri, 17 Oct 2008 20:02:59 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/220330/top-five-bands-beginning-with-d.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/219068/top-five-bands-beginning-with-c.htm There are thousands upon thousands of bands and artists out there, but who are the best? One of the solutions for breaking down musical artists into groups is to categorise them by genre. Another may be by era. This article takes the opportunity to list them in a simpler way - by recommending bands to listen to beginning with the letter C. Wed, 15 Oct 2008 19:01:28 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/219068/top-five-bands-beginning-with-c.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/215545/top-five-bands-beginning-with-b.htm A number of essential bands' names begin with the letter B, prompting me to point readers in the direction of just a small selection of accessible and unforgettable groups in this category. Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:53:40 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/215545/top-five-bands-beginning-with-b.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/213967/top-five-bands-beginning-with-a.htm The first in a series of articles brings music fans a listed of recommended rock, indie, punk and metal bands to look out for and reminisce over. And what better place to start than by recommending five essential bands and artists beginning with the letter A. Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:08:28 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/213967/top-five-bands-beginning-with-a.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/209445/halloween-chills-and-thrills.htm Pumpkins, gory costumes, spiders and E-numbered-up kids hammering on your door. Are you ready for this year's Halloween-fest? The supermarkets have been since the last Bank Holiday in August, so what's it all about? Fri, 26 Sep 2008 22:07:13 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/209445/halloween-chills-and-thrills.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/206480/working-from-home-is-it-all-that.htm In this article, we will take a look at just five reasons why employees prefer an office environment to the surroundings of home. Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:55:36 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/206480/working-from-home-is-it-all-that.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/204760/five-must-see-sights-of-the-eternal-city.htm If you are planning a trip to this magnificent destination, or are stuck for an idea of where to explore on a city break, this article provides a rundown of the five must-see sights to visit. That's not to say there isn't much much more to see, but for a first visit to the city, these five sights are unmissable. Fri, 19 Sep 2008 07:56:49 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/204760/five-must-see-sights-of-the-eternal-city.htm