Rant from the Rock

This Week's Objectivist Roundup

2012-02-02T09:31:00.001-07:00

It's over at Rational Jenn's blog. Go check it out!

This Week's Objectivist Roundup

2012-01-27T11:06:00.001-07:00

It's over at Erosophia. Go check it out!

Driving Tip #2 - Maintaining Speed

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

I doubt I will be posting these driving tips daily, but I just started yesterday and I have a few stored up due to recent encounters with bad drivers. When I say bad drivers, I'd like to be clear about what that means. It doesn't mean a bad person is driving the car, it means they are a bad driver.

People are bad drivers for a variety of reasons. They're either not paying attention to what they're doing (distracted drivers yelling at kids, about to fall asleep, applying make up, reading (!), talking on the phone, texting, etc.), or they're scared (the elderly, those who are inexperienced or who literally don't know how to drive, or those who are easily intimidated), or perhaps they're drunk or physically impaired in some other way. The specific reason for bad driving really doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is that you've got to survive maneuvering about them.

Today I'd like to discuss maintaining proper speed in normal driving conditions. (Please note I said NORMAL driving conditions. Obviously, it's difficult to maintain speed on the highway during rush hour when cars are jammed on the freeway, bumper to bumper.)

You are not the only one on the road. That sounds easy enough, but evidently, many people have forgotten that. In order for other drivers to lead, follow or get out of your way, they need to have some clue as to what it is you're doing. For example, if you're in the passing lane (you know, that far left lane of the freeway that is FOR PASSING ONLY, NOT DRIVING SIDE BY SIDE WITH THE CAR NEXT TO YOU), other drivers expect you to pass the other cars so they can then have their turn to pass.

If you want to drive slower than the rest of traffic, that is fine, but you are supposed to keep to the far right lanes of the road. This lets other drivers know they need to pass you on the left to get where they need to go.

When you pull out of a driveway or side street into traffic, you should pull out and GO! Press your gas pedal and bring yourself up to the speed of the traffic you are pulling into, otherwise, wait a few more seconds and pull out when you feel comfortable.

You should also be aware of speed limits and try to drive around those speeds when the roads are dry and conditions are NORMAL. I'm always baffled by drivers who do 35mph in a 55mph zone, then turn onto a 35mph street and proceed to take off, obviously going more than 35mph. It's so frustrating that when it was safe to speed up, they hold me and everyone else back, but now that we're on a residential street, for example, it's Indy 500 time!

Under normal driving conditions, maintaining a proper speed not only helps traffic flow, but helps other drivers know how to behave around you. So do us a favor and help us, help you!

Annoying Drivers and Driving Tip #1

2012-01-19T15:16:00.000-07:00

We all complain about other drivers, some of us more than others. It doesn't look like they're going away anytime soon, so I thought about starting a blog where I rant about bad drivers and provide driving tips. (Because you know, I'm NEVER one of those bad drivers!)

Then I got to thinking, well, I already have a neglected blog devoted to ranting, so why not use it? So when drivers annoy me, I'm going to rant about it here and feature a driving tip to help the poor sap. We'll call this feature, Driving Tip #1 and so on.

I should probably start off by asking the question, why be a courteous driver? I honestly don't think many people have pondered this question or they'd be better drivers. We seem to have these blinders on when we get in our vehicles and instead of seeing other drivers as other people, we see them as obstacles that are frustratingly in our way. There are living creatures in those other cars and they'd appreciate it if you'd lead, follow or get out of the way! They'd also appreciate surviving their encounter with you. If we follow proper driving etiquette, traffic will flow better and we can all get where we need to go in one piece. You can also avoid making all other drivers hate you.

Today I will start with a post I made to Facebook a week or so ago. I was annoyed because I had to sit at a light three times (despite being only the second car in line) during a snowy morning commute because the woman in front of me did not know how to establish herself in an unprotected left turn lane. Traffic was stacking up behind us and she was literally creating a traffic jam on our side of the intersection as the left turn lane backed up into the other lanes. She was making a snowy, dangerous situation much more worse and frustrating.

Driving Tip #1: "When the light turns green, not the green arrow, but just plain old green, you pull your jalopy OUT INTO THE INTERSECTION. You don't go to the center of the intersection, that would cause trouble for a left turner on the other side, but you get your ass out there! MOVE IT!"
From: http://my.opera.com/slackwrdave/blog/2009/03/29/driving-101-the-unprotected-left-turn

Once you've established yourself in the left turn lane, you may proceed with your turn when the oncoming traffic breaks enough for you to make it through the intersection. If oncoming traffic does not cease until their light turns yellow or red, because you've established yourself in the unprotected left turn lane, you are allowed to complete your turn on a yellow or red light. BY LAW, all the other traffic in the intersection must yield to you at that point, so for the sanity of those waiting patiently behind you, complete your left turn!

This Week's Objectivist Roundup

2012-01-19T09:05:00.001-07:00

It's over at Try Reason! Go check it out!

This Week's Objectivist Roundup

2012-01-12T10:37:00.001-07:00

It's over at Rule of Reason. Go check it out!

This Week's Objectivist Roundup

2011-12-29T13:44:00.001-07:00

It's over at the Parenting Is… blog. Go check it out!

This Week's Objectivist Roundup

2011-12-22T09:17:00.001-07:00

It's over at Rational Jenn's blog. Go check it out!

New Article About Abortion and Rights is Well Worth a Look

2011-12-20T10:41:00.001-07:00

One of the free articles available in this month's Objective Standard is well worth a look whether you're for or against the right of a woman to have an abortion. It should give any freedom-loving American some food for though.

"The Assault on Abortion Rights Undermines All Our Liberties"

Here's the opening paragraph:

In recent years, antiabortion activists have stepped up their attacks on a woman’s right to abortion and have achieved a series of victories in their efforts to outlaw the procedure. This increasing assault poses a major threat not only to women’s right to abortion, but, more broadly, to individual rights as such. Rights form a logical unity, and to the extent that any are threatened, all are threatened. The antiabortionists’ war on a woman’s right to her body is ultimately a war on all our rights, including our rights to property, free trade, and freedom of speech. To demonstrate this, we will briefly survey the goals, methods, successes, and rationale of today’s antiabortion movement; we will then turn to the reasons women seek abortions, to the nature of rights and the positive case for a woman’s right to abortion, and finally to the reasons why any restriction on abortion rights necessarily clears the way for violations of other rights.

Buy Pablo's Holiday CD!

2011-12-09T11:07:00.001-07:00

My dear friend, Pablo Romero, is selling his new CD of holiday music. You

can listen to sample tracks or download the album via Amazon, or you can purchase the CD here. I just purchased a copy earlier this morning and have been enjoying the music thoroughly! Help out my friend and buy your copy today!

This Week's Objectivist Roundup

2011-12-08T12:16:00.001-07:00

It's over at The Playful Spirit. Go check it out!

This Week's Objectivist Roundup

2011-12-01T12:56:00.001-07:00

It's over at Parenting Is…. Go check it out!

Last Week's Objectivist Round Up

2011-11-28T13:11:00.001-07:00

Due to the holiday, I'm a little late in posting last week's Round Up. It's over at Jason Stotts' blog. Go check it out!

This Week's Objectivist Roundup

2011-11-17T08:54:00.001-07:00

It's over at Rational Jenn's blog. Go check it out!

This Week's Objectivist Roundup

2011-11-10T15:59:00.000-07:00

It's over at The Playful Spirit. Go check it out!

This Week's Objectivist Roundup

2011-11-03T13:28:00.001-06:00

It's over at John J. McVey's blog. Go check it out!

This Week's Objectivist Roundup

2011-10-27T12:02:00.001-06:00

It's over at Parenting Is… Go check it out!

NYOS Conference

2011-10-26T12:26:00.001-06:00

The New York Objectivist Society will be holding a conference with a fabulous lineup of speakers next weekend -- Friday, November 4th to Sunday, November 6th. It looks like you can still register to attend -- just check out the web site for details.

Also, you can help students attend by providing them with scholarship money. Nathan Fatal of the New England Objectivist Society was kind enough to put together this announcement:

As many of you may be aware, the New York Objectivist Society is hosting a conference on the weekend of November 5th. The conference will include a series of unique lectures by fellow Objectivists, including Andrew Bernstein, Shoshana Milgram, Jean Moroney, Yaron Brooks, Eric Daniels, and Harry Binswanger.

For students with valid photo IDs, NYOS is offering a reduced price of $300. There are many students who would likely love to attend this conference but would have a difficult time affording the expense.

Anyone willing to help a student of Objectivism to attend the conference would be helping fellow renaissance men to learn more about Objectivism and how to apply and promote it (you’ll also be supporting ARI, which supports student groups around the country). By attending this conference, students will gain a better understanding of Objectivism generally, and more specifically as it applies to emotions, history, psycho-epistemology, the nature of evil, the judicial system, and the debate over the role of government. It will also give them the opportunity to meet more people who share their values and live happily and selfishly. The value of meeting people one’s own age, who have embarked on the same journey, cannot be overstated.

It looks like the only method of payment for this event is by check, which can be made payable to New York Objectivist Society, Inc. To sponsor a student completely or in part, mail a check to the following address:

A. Benlian
c/o NYOS
P.O. Box 939
Bronxville, NY 10708

More information on New York Objectivist Society and their 2011 conference, including speakers and lecture topics, can be found here: www.newyorkobjectivistsociety.org...

This Week's Objectivist Round Up

2011-10-20T09:08:00.001-06:00

It's over at 3 Ring Binder. Go check it out!

This Week's Objectivist Roundup

2011-10-06T11:06:00.001-06:00

It's over at John J. McVey's blog. Go check it out!

This Week's Objectivist Roundup

2011-09-22T13:57:00.001-06:00

It's over at Erosophia. Go check it out!

The Week's Objectivist Roundup

2011-09-15T10:22:00.000-06:00

It's over at Roberto Sarrionandia's blog, go check it out!

Reminder: Help Fund The Undercurrent's New Programs

2011-09-13T14:14:00.001-06:00

I thought I had posted about The Undercurrent's fund raising activities and Paul and Diana Hsieh's generous offer to match funds, but now I don't see the post anywhere. The good news is, there's still time to donate and have your funds matched! From Diana:

Back in August, I posted about the exciting new programs planned by The Undercurrent. Paul and I are enthused about these efforts -- particularly because TU has such a great track record. In our original announcement, Paul and I offered $1000 in matching funds to anyone who donates to them using our links.

Here's the unexpectedly awesome news: as of last Monday, we'd raised $1075! Thank you, thank you to every donor! You rock! We're delighted that you've cost us so much money already!

I never imagined that we'd raise more than $1000 so quickly, and I'm so thrilled that we've done so. Since we want to encourage more donations, Paul and I are pleased to raise our matching funds to $1500.

So if you've not yet donated, please consider doing so. Even just $25 or $50 is money well-spent to promote Ayn Rand's ideas on college campuses.

Here's a link to Diana's previous post which includes the PayPal link so you can contribute!

New Modern Paleo Email Lists

2011-09-13T11:59:00.000-06:00

Diana Hsieh of Modern Paleo has created new email lists for those of us who are interested in a paleo-type approach to nutrition and fitness. I am moderating the PaleoParents list since I am trying to start a family and Santiago and I plan to follow a paleo approach with our kiddo. If one of the lists sounds interesting to you, sign up and give it a try!

Here's Diana's announcement:

I'm delighted to announce the launch of three new Modern Paleo E-mail Lists: PaleoCooks, PaleoFitness, and PaleoParents. These new lists are just gathering subscriptions this week. They'll open for discussion on Monday, September 19th.

PaleoCooks: PaleoCooks is an informal private mailing list for people who eat a broadly paleo diet to discuss paleo-friendly cookery. Its basic purpose is to facilitate communication about cooking and eating paleo -- such as favorite recipes, better and worse ingredients, good suppliers, useful techniques, and more. Its broader purpose is to help paleo-eaters eat more a healthy, varied, and delicious diet. PaleoCooks is managed by Julie Campbell of the crankin' kitchen. For more information and to subscribe, click here.

PaleoFitness: PaleoFitness is an informal private mailing list for people who eat a broadly a broadly paleo diet to discuss paleo-friendly fitness. Its basic purpose is to facilitate communication about fitness from a paleo perspective -- such workout methods, lifting techniques, pre and post workout nutrition, preventing and healing from injuries, enjoyable sports, and more. Its broader purpose is to help paleo-eaters enjoy productive and enjoyable workouts. PaleoFitness is managed by Tammy Perkins. For more information and to subscribe, click here.

PaleoParents: PaleoParents is an informal private mailing list for parents and others interested applying a a broadly paleo approach to nutrition, fitness, medicine, and supplementation to kids. Its basic purpose is to facilitate communication about paleo as applied to kids and families -- such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, kid-friendly recipes, dining out, supplementation, kids sports, and more. Its broader purpose is to help paleo parents raise healthy and happy kids. PaleoParents is managed by Kelly Valenzuela of Mother of Exiles. For more information and to subscribe, click here.

Of course, Modern Paleo's three other e-mail lists are open to new members any time. Those lists are:

PaleoBloggers: PaleoBloggers is an informal private mailing list for bloggers who adhere to and advocate a broadly paleo approach to nutrition, fitness, medicine, and supplementation. Its basic purpose is to facilitate communication about matters of mutual interest -- such as blog worthy links, the paleo carnival, upcoming events, posts of interest, and best blogging practices. Its broader purpose is to help paleo bloggers more effectively advocate and promote the paleo approach. PaleoBloggers is managed by me, Diana Hsieh of NoodleFood. For more information and to subscribe, click here.

PaleoThyroid: PaleoThyroid is an informal private mailing list for adherents of a broadly paleo diet with diagnosed or suspected thyroid disease. Its basic purpose is to facilitate the sharing of information, resources, and experiences about thyroid problems amongst independent-minded people already eating paleo. PaleoThyroid is managed by me, Diana Hsieh of NoodleFood. For more information and to subscribe, click here.

SousVide: SousVide is an informal private mailing list for people who cook sous vide, particularly home cooks. Its basic purpose is to facilitate the sharing of information, resources, recipes, and tips related to cooking sous vide. (This list is not limited to paleo-eaters.) SousVide is managed by Shea Levy of Shea's Blog. For more information and to subscribe, click here.

Non-paleo lurkers are welcome on all of these lists, except PaleoBloggers.

This Week's Objectivist Roundup

2011-09-09T11:26:00.001-06:00

It's over at Ego. Go check it out!

This Week's Objectivist Roundup

2011-09-01T09:09:00.000-06:00

It's over at The Morality War. Go check it out!

Yes sir! May I have another?

2011-08-30T15:12:00.000-06:00

I noticed yesterday that the temporary plates on my new Ford Edge were going to expire at midnight, so I called the dealership to find out what was going on. I was told that the state had just rejected my paperwork (despite having had it for two months) because the name on my driver's license, Kelly McNulty Valenzuela, did not match the dealership paperwork, Kelly M. Valenzuela. Really, Colorado?

The dealership said the quickest way to get my plates would be to take the paperwork to the DMV myself. They FedEx'd me all the forms (including a one and the same signature form), I requested and received time off work and took everything to the DMV earlier today.

Upon arrival, the place was bursting at the seams. I drew number 103 and they were serving number 68. Fortunately, Santiago wasn't busy this morning, so I'd scooped him up on my way over to keep me company. He'd wisely packed us a lunch, which we sat outside and ate.

After lunch, I noticed the back parking lot (where we were waiting) wasn't nearly as crowded, so I moved my car around, cracked the windows and put up the sun shade. No sooner had I gotten out of the car, than the old lady running the barber shop next to the DMV comes out and starts complaining to me about parking in front of her store. There were no signs indicating that I couldn't park where I was, and I was there to shell out a bunch of money to the state, so I sure as hell didn't feel guilty for parking right up front in a mostly-empty back lot. Plus, the lady was less than friendly to me, so I told her I wasn't moving again. She muttered something about the fact that I'll be in there for hours and shuffled back into her shop.

Santiago came back from getting coffee just as the scene was ending, so I told him what happened. He said he didn't mind moving the car, so he moved it, literally 20 feet to another spot.

Later, the old lady came out again and explained that she's been there 40 years and the DMV has been a constant headache since they moved in. She said they lock the hallway doors at 4:30 which is not only an inconvenience to her customers, but is a fire hazard (which she reported and now the doors are unlocked), and some days they do take up all the parking for hours and her customers, many of which are elderly, have to walk quite far. She also explained that building management won't allow her to put up two signs marking the two spots in front of her shop.

Now this I can sympathize with! Had she been polite to me in the first place, I would've moved my vehicle, but I can certainly sympathize with her frustration at the state (for running its shoddy operation) and with her building management for not allowing her to have two lousy parking spots after 40 years! The whole thing is ridiculous and I felt her frustration. Basically, we apologized to each other, complained mutually about the DMV for a moment and she went back inside.

Just when I was thinking things couldn't get more frustrating, they did. They were displaying numbers in the upper 90s now, so Santiago and I decided to go inside and keep an eye out for number 103. I found myself getting excited as the numbers got higher and higher, then I became disgusted. How sick is it that I'm feeling happy and excited that it's almost my turn to give the government a bunch of my hard-earned money, after having already waited nearly two hours?!

Finally, it was my turn. I went to the counter, gave the man the papers from the dealership and told him what happened. He started processing all the forms, asked to see my insurance and driver's license, then asked for a check in the amount of $660. $660?! What for?!

Before now, I'd only purchased new vehicles in Texas. In Texas, a new car registration is less than $100 (I think around $65-80 or so.) It's all part of the new car paperwork and the dealership calls you once your plates are in, you go over, they take off the temporary plates, install your new ones, thank you for your business and you drive away.

The man at the window tells me it's otherwise in Colorado. He tells me that had the paperwork been processed, I would've received a post card in the mail telling me my plates were ready to be picked up at the DMV. The dealership included a check for my sales tax, but no registration fee had been paid, so I now owe them $660 or I don't get my plates. Furious, I wrote the check for $660 as another sickening thought entered my head.

When I first moved to Colorado with my one year-old Ford Explorer, it cost me $585 to get Colorado plates. The next year, it went down a little to $535, and it went down a little each year until 2009 when the governor (in the middle of the economic downturn) increased the registration rates. Gee, thanks. So my 2009 registration was about the same as my 2008. Each year, as the value of your car decreases, so does your registration, usually.

After buying this car, my husband and I speculated the registration fees could be upward of $800-$900 since this car is worth a bit more than my Explorer and is newer. We knew we wouldn't have to worry about this until next summer though. Or so we thought.

Anyway, as I was writing the check for $660, it occurred to me how that amount was less than we were anticipating, so I guess that's good news!? How sick is that?!

So after writing the check and getting my plates, I left in disgust. I told Santiago what happened in the car, then he too was disgusted. Now we're both in a foul mood, much like the barber shop lady.

THIS is precisely why people treat each other with disrespect. THIS is why people can barely make a living when they make what should be plenty of money. THIS is why statism sucks. THIS is why people start to buy into the malevolent universe premise. THIS is unhappiness.

Capitalism creates incentives for people to treat each other with respect. Capitalism creates jobs and allows people to earn enough to not only survive, but thrive and save money for a rainy day, pay for their own health care, retirement, etc. Capitalism means freedom and it encourages the benevolent universe premise. Capitalism is key to men pursuing their own happiness.

After returning to work, my coworker and boss told me they've never had to go pick up or pay for their plates like this. Maybe the law has changed in the two years since they bought their vehicles? I left a message for the dealership to call me back, because I certainly don't want to pay $660 to the damn government twice! Maybe I'll get it back. Who knows? And who could do anything about it if it was a state error? The state is only there to restrict my freedom and steal my money. It's certainly not interested in my well-being, much less justice.

This Week's Objectivist Roundup

2011-08-25T16:01:00.001-06:00

It's over at Erosophia. Go check it out!

Buy Tori's Awesome Poster!

2011-08-25T09:43:00.000-06:00

Tori Press is selling a limited edition run of "Life Lessons from Ayn Rand" posters. These posters are professionally designed and printed, with six quotations from Ayn Rand laid out in beautiful typography. The poster is 11" x 17" and suitable for framing.

Quotations featured include:
"A is A."
"Happiness is that state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values."
"Man is an end in himself. As man is a being of self-made wealth, so he is a being of self-made soul."
"Productive work is the central purpose of a rational man's life."
"To say 'I love you' one must know first how to say the 'I.'"
"The purpose of morality is to teach you, not to suffer and die, but to enjoy yourself and live."

The cost of each poster is $15, plus $5 shipping unless you are in the Atlanta area. 20% of the sales price of each poster will be donated to ATLOS, the Atlanta Objectivist Society, to help fund its events and outreach.

Please contact Tori at tori@redqueenstudio.com if you are interested in purchasing a poster or would like more information.

Could Most Government Programs be Voluntarily Funded?

2011-08-22T13:05:00.000-06:00

I think so, but I meet many people who don't. As evidence, I point to examples such as toll roads and private charities. As further evidence, I saw this blog post over at Carpe Diem today about New York City's Central Park.

Perhaps the most amazing thing about Central Park is how little tax money goes into maintaining it. Though it is still ultimately the city’s responsibility, the park has been managed since the 1980s by the nonprofit Central Park Conservancy, and it relies on private donations for most of its budget.

In my best Johnny Carson voice, "I did not know that!" Click through to read the whole story. It's very interesting!

This Week's Objectivist Roundup

2011-08-18T12:52:00.001-06:00

It's over at Parenting Is… Go check it out!

This Week's Objectivist Roundup

2011-08-11T10:04:00.001-06:00

It's over at Rational Jenn. Go check it out!

This Week's Objectivist Roundup

2011-08-04T09:15:00.001-06:00

It's over at 3 Ring Binder. Go check it out!

This Week's Objectivist Roundup

2011-07-28T12:35:00.000-06:00

This week's roundup is over at Parenting is… Go check it out!

Email from Planned Parenthood

2011-07-07T09:52:00.000-06:00

In response to my blog post, Pregnancy (and Rights) Lost. My Experience with Miscarriage, Planned Parenthood and the Government, I received the following emails from Planned Parenthood. (Posted with permission.)

Dear Ms. Kelly McNulty Valenzuela:

As President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, I was deeply touched by your recent blog post detailing a personal and emotional experience you had at one of our health centers. I’m glad you found our staff welcoming, professional, comforting, and accepting during a time of great need.

I’d also like to commend you for recognizing that Planned Parenthood is pro-family and pro-life – everyday we work to ensure that women have access to affordable health care and are able to plan their families for when they are ready. We also recognize that each woman’s circumstance is unique and we are here to support any choice she makes.

I would, however, like to clarify a common misperception. In Colorado, Planned Parenthood does not receive state or federal family planning grant funds. Rather, we provide preventive family planning services to those who need our services with support from private donations. As a Medicaid provider, we also are able to provide preventive services to Coloradoans most in need of affordable health care. Simply put, we do not receive government subsidies. Furthermore, we strictly follow state and federal laws that prohibit public funding of abortion (with exceptions only made for cases of rape, incest or the life of the woman).

Again, I thank for your support of our mission and please feel free to personally contact me if you would ever like to get more involved with Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains. In the meantime, I encourage you to sign up for our free political affairs email newsletter to stay up to date on local news and events impacting reproductive health.

Again, thank you for your remarks in support of Planned Parenthood and the women we serve.

Vicki Cowart

President & CEO

Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains

7155 E. 38th Ave | Denver, CO 80207 | 303.321.7526

Someone you know counts on Planned Parenthood.
Please consider supporting Planned Parenthood today by visiting www.pprm.org.

I thanked Vicki for emailing me, clarifying the government subsidies aspect and asked for her permission to post her email, which she graciously gave. In her response, she also included the following:

One other thing – while I was speaking from the perspective of PPRM [Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains], which receives no public funding for family planning in Colorado, I also know that across the US, even if they receive public funds, all Planned Parenthood affiliates “strictly follow state and federal laws that prohibit public funding of abortion”. That strict compliance is something we have in common in all of our locations.

Again, I thank Vicki for this clarification and for writing to me, and I thank Planned Parenthood for helping me when I needed help.

Objectivist Roundup

2011-06-30T15:48:00.001-06:00

This week's Objectivist Roundup is over at Erosophia. Go check it out!

Pregnancy (and Rights) Lost. My Experience with Miscarriage, Planned Parenthood and the Government.

2011-06-24T13:05:00.000-06:00

As some of you may already know, I lost my first pregnancy. They say you should never get too excited during the first trimester and you shouldn't announce your pregnancy to anyone because so many things can go wrong, but that's just not how it works. Not for me anyway.

My hormones were raging, I was endlessly tired and hungry, my boobs got huge and hurt, and I was nauseated. Basically, I tested positive, I felt pregnant and I was pregnant. I dreamt baby, I thought baby, I wondered and worried about the future, and I was basically obsessed whether I wanted to be or not. Never mind the fact that I'm an extrovert and could never keep something like this secret anyway.

Anyway, at eight weeks, Santiago and I went to my OBGYN's office for my first ultrasound. They say you will see something (I assumed a blob of some sort) and you'll be able to hear the heartbeat. How can you not get excited about that?!

As the ultrasound began, we watched the screen anxiously. The woman doing the ultrasound told us she'd look around, take some measurements and then explain to us what we were seeing. She kept coming back to this dark blob, measuring it, then moving around again. After a few moments, she said, "Well, I'm afraid I don't have good news."

I was diagnosed with a blighted ovum. Basically, fertilization and implantation had occurred (thus triggering hormones and all the pregnancy symptoms), and the gestational sac had been growing, but there was no embryo growing inside. I can't say I was devastated because I knew this was a possibility, especially with my age, but I was more upset than I imagined I would be. We consulted with the doctor, they did some blood work and we left the office feeling a little bit shocked and ripped off.

A week later, I was feeling much better about everything, but there was no sign of the inevitable miscarriage. Since I'm almost 38 years old and because I'm generally impatient, I decided to wait no longer for the miscarriage to happen naturally.

My doctor had two options for me. First, she could prescribe me a cream to try and bring on the miscarriage. It has a 75% success rate, but is quite messy, painful, could last a week or more and you may have to use two doses. Second, I could have a D&C procedure at an out-patient surgical center. Santiago and I decided we'd rather have this taken care of sooner rather than later, and with as little discomfort as possible, so I called my health insurance company to find out if the D&C would be covered.

The insurance company told me the D&C would be covered, but only after I met my $3000 deductible. Then they'd cover 80% of everything after that, and that's assuming all providers involved are in-network. I know from experience that they'd find plenty of out-of-network expenses, so I'm certain to be out more than the $3000 deductible. I also learned a D&C runs about $5000.

Not wanting to wreck our savings account over a failed pregnancy, I wondered what the difference was between an abortion at Planned Parenthood (PP) and the D&C procedure. After calling PP, I learned, not much.

I told my OBGYN of my plans to use PP, she had no problem with it, and in fact, was all for me saving the money since the procedures essentially provide you with the same end result and have equal risks. I called PP to make the appointment.

Despite having already had two ultrasounds in two weeks and all the appropriate blood work, PP was required to do both by law and could not accept a transfer of my OBGYN's records. That got me thinking, the government has been involved in my choices from the beginning of this mess!

If the government weren't regulating the health care and health insurance industries, not only would my monthly premiums be less, but I wouldn't have to opt for such a high deducible. Furthermore, my health providers wouldn't have to charge so much for their services and my health insurance company would likely cover more procedures. I'd likely be able to afford the D&C my doctor wanted to do in the first place.

Now I find myself going to PP for an abortion procedure which is subsidized by the government with our tax dollars, plus I'm being forced to pay for yet another ultrasound and blood test because of stupid laws! If the damn government would've just stayed out of it, I could've made the choice that was best for me and paid for it all myself!

I was also a bit worried about subjecting myself to the protesters at PP. They're horrible people with horrible beliefs and they literally want to violate my individual rights and tell me how to live. I was told the protesters are there from about 9:30am - 1:30pm every day and that PP's policy was to not engage them. That'd be hard for a loud-mouth like me not to do! (I later learned from PP staff that the protesters are paid by various anti-abortion groups and churches. Ugh!)

When I was a conservative (yet not very religious) Republican, I was pro-choice, but I thought using abortion as a birth control method was immoral and irresponsible. After reading my friends' awesome paper about the Personhood Amendment being proposed in Colorado a few years ago, all of that changed. Here is a link to that awesome paper and I highly recommend everyone, on both sides of the issue, read it. It's very informative and covers many aspects of the abortion debate. I'm so thankful to Diana and Ari for writing this paper and opening my eyes. Particular the section called The Morality of Abortion. It's powerful stuff!

We arrived a little early for my appointment and were very pleased to find NO protesters! Yea!!! The facility was very nice and appeared relatively new. There was lots of thoughtful landscaping such as trees lining the fence to provide privacy and flowers. Inside, the front desk was staffed with armed security personnel who buzzed us in. As we entered, I noticed the following awesome quote painted above the entry way:

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. ~ Margaret Mead

The receptionist was behind bullet-proof glass, we signed in, she confirmed we had an appointment, then she buzzed us into the main clinic waiting room. There was only one other couple there with us so far, but as we waited for about 15 minutes or so, several others arrived.

The demographics were interesting to me. Some people looked clearly impoverished, but most looked like those of middle-class means. I couldn't help but wonder why they were there. Were they being tested for STDs perhaps? Maybe some of the men were getting their HPV vaccines? Perhaps some women were there with wanted, yet nonviable pregnancies like me? Perhaps others were desperate to get rid of their viable pregnancies? Who knows? PP sees many people for a variety of reasons, which is yet another reason the protesters are so ignorant, foolish, cruel and evil.

Once my name was called, I said goodbye to Santiago who had waited with me, but was not allowed into the rest of the facility. I would have plenty of time to call him from recovery when it was time to come pick me up.

(As an aside, when Santiago left the clinic, he saw the small group of pitiful protesters. He said they'd taken baby dolls, dismembered them and strewn their body parts about the sidewalk. Then they had their standard issue gross signs and were chanting and yelling stupid slogans that were, of course, totally inappropriate.)

Back inside, a nurse took me into the ultrasound room where she again apologized for making me have another ultrasound. I told her it was no problem, not her fault and I understood she was just abiding by some really stupid laws. She said she had to ask me, if she saw evidence of twins, would I like to know. I told her, "If you see anything alive in there, please let me know right away and I am so out of here!" We both laughed and she proceeded with the ultrasound which, for the third time, confirmed my blighted ovum.

I was then taken to a smaller waiting room in the back of the facility. Through the windows, I could see the beautiful, warm, sunny day. The breeze was blowing all the lovely trees along the fence and a nice patio area had been set up with tables, chairs and umbrellas. I could see no way to access it from where I was, so I just waited inside and read my book.

After another few minutes, a nurse came out and took me in for a consultation. She apologized, but said she was required by law to ask me a lot of questions that she realized did not pertain to my situation. I was asked whether or not I needed birth control education, birth control, STD education, STD tests and a bunch of other silly, irrelevant stuff. I then filled out some forms, consented to the procedure and the nurse told me about all the details and the risks. She was very nice, informative and professional, as everyone else had been.

We also talked about pain medication. I could opt for nothing, which would mean the procedure would feel like anything from mild to very strong, awful menstrual cramps (no thanks!), or I could opt for IV or pill pain medication. Since I hate needles and am pretty tough, I opted for the pills.

After the consultation, we went to the lab where she took my blood for the unnecessary-but-required-by-law-at-my-own-expense Rh Factor and anemia tests which I'd already had at my OBGYN's office. As we already knew, I was Rh positive and my iron levels were awesome (thanks to the paleo diet!)

I was then taken to the payment desk where I paid $425 for the entire appointment, then I was sent back to the smaller waiting room again. I sat there for a long time.

About an hour and a half later (perhaps a legally required wait time, I'm not sure??), a nurse arrived with a cup of water and a cup of four pills. There were two valiums and two pain pills. She said she had to watch me take them, which I did, and said she'd be back in about 20-30 minutes. After about 15-20 minutes, my crossword puzzle started getting very difficult to focus on and within another minute or so, the nurse arrived to take me back for the procedure.

Feeling pretty loopy and dizzy, I disrobed from the waist down and sat on the bed with a blanket. The doctor came in, introduced himself and started the procedure. The whole time, the nurse kept making small talk with me about whether or not we planned to try again, where I got my hair cut and who knows what else?

The procedure felt weird, but not too bad. It felt like moderate menstrual cramping. After only 5-10 minutes, the doctor announced, "You're all set!" and told me to follow the discharge instructions, take it easy and on his way out the door, wished me luck. And that was it. The nurse helped me off the table and I dressed.

I was then led to the recovery area which consisted of some reclining chairs, heating pads and blood pressure monitoring equipment. Since I was having some pretty good, but very manageable cramps, I put the heating pad on my abdomen and tried to relax and breathe slowly. (Thanks yoga classes!) The nurse checked my blood pressure, which was excellent and said it was okay for me to call Santiago.

After about 20 minutes or maybe a bit more, she had me go to the bathroom to check my pad. I was bleeding, but not an alarming amount and I was definitely on the lighter side of what the chart in the bathroom indicated were my choices. After about another 15-20 minutes, the nurse again checked my blood pressure, then said I was okay to go.

She escorted me out to a very small waiting room, opened another door and called for Santiago. He was next to me before I had time to turn around and I don't think I've ever loved him more than I did in that moment.

Not only do I have a deeper connection with him than I've ever had with any other human being, but in that moment, there was just no doubt whatsoever about how we feel for each other or that our decision to have a child together is the right choice. As difficult as this situation has been, he's been there for me every step of the way, making me laugh when I needed to laugh, allowing me to cry when I needed to cry and constantly providing me with love and hope.

And he had brought the apple I'd asked for. I was hawngry! =)

We left through a discreet side door that went straight out to the parking lot. My cramping was feeling much, much better already and although still loopy and a little dizzy, the drugs were starting to wear off. I called my mom to let her know that everything went fine and I was heading home, as I'd promised. I ate my apple as Santiago drove us home.

I felt really good! I felt happy and ready to start anew. I also felt really thankful that PP exists and that there are people in this world who are rational and intelligent and willing to do the right thing even when it's not the popular thing to do. Planned Parenthood is definitely PRO-LIFE!!!

That being said, it is important to note that I don't think PP should be government-funded or regulated. I'm a capitalist and I know people will voluntarily pay for things that are of value to them. I certainly would've paid PP more for the services I received, and I will also voluntarily donate money to their cause on a regular basis now. (Of course, it would be nice if the government allowed me to keep more of my income to spend or donate as I see fit.)

Two days later, I'm back at work, I'm feeling really good, really strong and really hopeful. I'm ready to get back on the bull that threw me and take life by the horns. If this experience has reminded me of anything, it's that I'm tough and I can overcome adversity. I'm confident, rational, intelligent, principled and not bad looking either.

And you know what? I think I'll make a great mom. ;-)

Objectivist Roundup

2011-06-02T09:52:00.000-06:00

This week's roundup is over at Rational Jenn. Go check it out!

Objectivist Round Up

2011-05-19T10:05:00.001-06:00

It's over at The Playful Spirit. Go check it out!

Chicago Objectivist Society - Conference!

2011-05-11T10:33:00.001-06:00

From their website:

The Chicago Objectivist Society is pleased to announce the presenters and presentations planned for our inaugural Chicago Objectivist convention, which will take place over Labor Day weekend (September 3rd & 4th). If you can join us, please preregister here.

I wish we were able to go, but we already have other travel plans this summer. That being said, I was fortunate enough to go to OCON last summer and SnowCon in January, and these Objectivist conferences are a great way to mingle with other like-minded people, learn new ideas and learn how to apply Rand's philosophy to your daily life. If you aren't able to make it to AtlosCon or OCON, try it make it out to one of these other mini-conferences that are popping up all over the place. It's an exciting time to be an Objectivist! =)

Peace Corp Volunteers Raped

2011-05-11T09:50:00.000-06:00

File this under, "And you expected…what?!"

Today, Ms. Smochek is among a growing group of former Peace Corps volunteers who are speaking out about their sexual assaults, prompting scrutiny from Congress and a pledge from the agency for reform. In going public, they are exposing an ugly sliver of life in the Peace Corps: the dangers that volunteers face in far-flung corners of the world and the inconsistent — and, some say, callous — treatment they receive when they become crime victims.

John Lewis Dinner Lecture

2011-05-09T13:44:00.000-06:00

Front Range Objectivism (FRO) is pleased to announce supper talk with historian John Lewis on "Government Medicine: The Metaphysical Attack on a Profession" on Saturday, May 14th. If you'd like to attend, you must register by this Monday, May 9th!

When: Saturday, May 14th, 2011, 5 pm cash bar and social, 6-7 pm dinner buffet, 7:15 lecture with Q&A and more socializing afterward, wrap up by 10 pm
Where: Landry's Seafood, 7209 South Clinton Street, Englewood
Cost: $65 for regular attendees; $35 for students
RSVP by Monday, May 9th using the form on this page. Payment is due upon registration. We cannot accept payment at the door for this event.

About the lecture:

Many people agree that government control of medicine is a vicious attack on individual rights, and that the use of force against doctors is immoral as well as unconstitutional. But, this talk will maintain, the attack is far deeper: it is directed at the very nature of man as a thinking, goal-directed being. Government control of medicine undercuts the ability of doctors to use their minds in a first-handed way, and makes it impossible to project long-range goals on every level. This hard-hitting talk, motivated by first-hand personal experiences in medicine, will ask every thinking person to consider whether they want the United States to stay on a path leading to government control of their own personal health care.
Dr. Lewis is visiting associate professor in the Philosophy, Politics, and Economics Program at Duke University. He is an Anthem Fellow for Objectivist Scholarship, and adjunct associate professor of business at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His recent book is Nothing Less than Victory: Decisive Wars and the Lessons of History (Princeton University Press, 2010).

Space is limited, so register now! The deadline for registration is Monday, May 9th. After that, we may or may not be able to squeeze you in!

ATLOSCon

2011-04-04T08:58:00.000-06:00

The Atlanta Objectivist Society is thrilled to announce that it’s time to register for their second annual conference, ATLOSCon! The conference will be held on Memorial Day weekend, May 26-30, 2011. They have many different classes to choose from, ranging from Objectivist epistemology to swing dancing, including business, philosophy, art, exercise, sex, parenting, and science. They also have a large variety of social events planned, including hiking, eating, partying, and working out together. Many of the classes have limits on the number of attendees, so if you are coming, they recommend that you sign up as soon as possible.

They can house a limited number of out-of-towners, so if the cost of lodging would keep you from coming, please email Kelly Elmore for more information. If you are under the age of 25, they have a 20% discount available. Email Kelly Elmore for more details about how to get the young ‘uns discount (before you register).

For more information, see the conference schedule, class descriptions, and speakers at http://www.atlantaobjectivists.com/atloscon-schedule/. The registration page can be found at http://www.rsvpbook.com/event.php?403563.

Heroic Story from the Rubble of Japan

2011-03-17T09:54:00.001-06:00

I am so in love with this story I found on Twitter today. It's full of heroic gems such as:

Whereas many Japanese have adopted the nation's unofficial mantra: Shou ga nai, or, more politely, Shikata ga nai, loosely translated as, "What can you do?," "It's beyond our control" or "It's out of my hands," Akaiwa stands out as a virtual live-action hero.

And this:

Not willing to wait until the government or any international organization did, or did not, arrive to rescue his wife of two decades — whom he had met while they were surfing in a local bay — Akaiwa got hold of some scuba gear. He then hit the water, wended his way through the debris and underwater hazards and managed to reach his house, from which he dragged his wife to safety.

And this:

Finally, he adjusts the grip on his bicycle and heads off in search of other trapped survivors.

"Sorry, I have to get going," he says as he navigates around the dead fish, through a puddle and around the corner.

Click here to read the whole, awesome story.

This Week's Objectivist Roundup

2011-03-04T09:58:00.000-07:00

It's over at Reepicheep's Coracle. Go check it out!

Last Chance to Register for SnowCon!

2011-03-03T09:04:00.001-07:00

Today is your last chance to register for SnowCon -- or just its keynote FROST Supper Talk on Saturday, March 12th.

At the FROST Supper Talk, you'll learn valuable skills for managing your relationships with friends, family, and co-workers better. (I know that from personal experience... their techniques have even helped me train my dogs better too!)

The FROST talk is by Jenn Casey and Kelly Elmore on "Effective Communication: How Objectivists Can Use Positive Discipline Tools In Their Adult Relationships." Here's the abstract:

In our talk, we will present a set of parenting principles called "Positive Discipline" that is compatible with teaching our children to use the Objectivist virtues while behaving virtuously ourselves. Positive Discipline techniques include respectful communication, problem-solving skills, and limit-setting that is both kind and firm. Positive Discipline techniques do not include reward systems, praise, punishments, behavior modification techniques, emotional manipulation, shaming, or logical consequences.

The focus of the talk will be on the communication and problem-solving tools used in Positive Discipline, tools that are essential not only to parenting but to all healthy relationships, at work, at home, with friends, with romantic partners, and on the phone with the customer service representative at your credit card company. The talk will be dynamic and interactive, and you will walk out with at least one new skill to try the next time you are in a difficult situation with your spouse, your coworker, or your child.

If you're unsure about attending, we recommend that you listen to their podcast about the lecture, available here.

We must give the final head count to the Rio Grande restaurant tomorrow morning, so you must register for either SnowCon or just the FROST talk today, preferably by noon.

http://www.frontrangeobjectivism.com/snowcon/frost.html

http://www.frontrangeobjectivism.com/snowcon/registration.html

If you attend the FROST lecture, and you'd like to attend another SnowCon event or two à la carte, just send Diana Hsieh an e-mail.

(Note to students: Thanks to contributions from generous FRO supporters, we can offer deeper student discounts than just the student rate. Please e-mail Diana -- ASAP! -- if you'd like to attend but you can't afford the regular student rate.)

Also, everyone is welcome to join us for Friday night's SnowCon Happy Hour at Landry's. It's free, but you'll be responsible for your own food and drinks. Please RSVP via e-mail to Diana if you plan to attend.

SnowCon and FROST welcome all friendly people with a serious interest in or honest curiosity about Ayn Rand's philosophy, regardless of their level of knowledge.

Please e-mail Diana Hsieh if you have any questions!

Smart is Bad, Dumb is Good. Deceitful Preferred!

2011-03-01T09:10:00.001-07:00

This story coming out of the NFL today makes me sick.

…McElroy's brainpower still has the potential to be taken as a negative around the league, as explained by Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio:

That said, scoring too high can be as much of a problem as scoring too low. Football coaches want to command the locker room. Being smarter than the individual players makes that easier. Having a guy in the locker room who may be smarter than every member of the coaching staff can be viewed as a problem — or at a minimum as a threat to the egos of the men who hope to be able when necessary to outsmart the players, especially when trying in some way to manipulate them.

So while McElroy, who was unable to work out due to injury, may be really smart, he perhaps would have been wise to tank a few of the answers.

What kind of sick and distorted society do we live in where people are so stupid and insecure as to be intimidated by someone smarter than they are?! Smart people still need to be managed and still have new things to learn, so why would a coach be intimidated by a player like this?! Then to suggest that the player should've lied on the test to pretend he's dumber than he is takes the story from disgusting to pure evil, as if being dishonest and dumb are some sort of virtues! Ugh!

I embrace those who are smarter than I am, and I try to learn from them. I look up to and respect them and desire to work with them. And if my job is to manage or coach them, well, all the better for me! Hopefully, they'll make my job delightful and easy!

This Week's Objectivist Round Up

2011-02-24T09:36:00.000-07:00

It's over at The Secular Foxhole. Go check it out!

This Week's Objectivist Roundup

2011-02-17T09:18:00.000-07:00

It's over at The Playful Spirit. Go check it out!

Announcing SnowCon!

2011-02-17T08:56:00.001-07:00

Front Range Objectivism is pleased to announce the full schedule and to open registration for SnowCon -- our March mini-conference. The core of the conference runs from Friday, March 11th to Sunday, March 13th in Denver, but you can also join us for three days of winter play in the beautiful Colorado Rockies beforehand.

You can view the full schedule of lectures and events on the SnowCon web site: http://www.frontrangeobjectivism.com/snowcon/

Or you can watch/listen to my preview of it: http://www.frontrangeobjectivism.com/snowcon/webcast.html

Colorado is a wonderful state to visit, and SnowCon will be good intellectual fun! So please join us!

To attend SnowCon, you must register by noon on Thursday, March 3rd. If you register by noon on Thursday, February 24th, you'll save $20, paying only $140 rather than $160. (That price includes two buffet meals.)

Here are some more details from the SnowCon web page:

The core events of SnowCon will be held in Denver on Saturday and Sunday. Lectures include Dr. Paul Hsieh on the morality of carrying firearms, Dr. Diana Hsieh on moral character, Santiago Valenzuela on immigration, and Joe Collins on America's founding. Saturday night's keynote FROST lecture will feature Jenn Casey and Kelly Elmore on applying the principles of positive discipline to adult relationships.

SnowCon also offers a workshop on activist writing with Ari Armstrong, a discussion and performance of Beethoven by pianist Hannah Krening, a workshop on Atlas Shrugged Reading Groups, a demonstration of Liberty Toastmasters, and more. Other optional events include a tour of Denver microbreweries, a hike in Roxborough Park, a tour of the Denver Museum of Art, and a trip to a local shooting range.

For details, see Denver Activities and Schedule.

In addition, SnowCon attendees can enjoy three relaxed days of skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and other winter activities together in Breckenridge before the weekend in Denver -- from Wednesday to Friday.

For details, see Breckenridge Activities and Schedule.

SnowCon welcomes all friendly people with a serious interest in or honest curiosity about Ayn Rand's philosophy, regardless of their level of knowledge.

Santiago and I will be attending the Breckenridge and Denver conference days and we hope to see you there!

This Week's Objectivist Round Up

2011-02-10T09:14:00.000-07:00

It's over at Erosophia. Go check it out!

Objectivist Round Up - February 3, 2011

2011-02-03T10:01:00.003-07:00

Welcome to the February 3, 2011 edition of the Objectivist Round Up!

Ayn Rand's birthday was this week on February 2nd. I love birthdays because they celebrate the individual. Happy birthday, Ms. Rand! =)

Jared Rhoads presents Berwick on a one-way path posted at The Lucidicus Project, saying, "Donald Berwick has been renominated to head up the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. Unfortunately, he is on a one-way path to greater government intervention and unlikely to consider free market reforms."

Benjamin Skipper presents Why I like Dragon Ball Z posted at Musing Aloud, saying, "Lately I've been watching Dragon Ball Z Kai, and I was surprised to find it has very good philosophical elements. It isn't just a show with cool fighting, but also a display of authentic heroism and villainy. If you've been following my views on why I like conventional villains, then you should be able to tell there's something unique about these heroes."

C.W. presents INFLATION PRIMER posted at Krazy Economy, saying, "An Inflation Primer. Some prices have risen. Does that mean inflation? Keep your causes straight. Blaming the wrong thing means that you will be caught off guard by what is actually happening."

Edward Cline presents The Perils of a Siege Mentality posted at The Rule of Reason, saying, "What bothers me endlessly about the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is that they operate on the policy that defeat by our enemies is implicitly conceded. That is the policy adopted by our government, and one can trace it all the way back to President Ronald Reagan’s failure to retaliate against the murder of nearly 250 Marines in their bunker-like barracks in Lebanon in 1983 and the policy that sent them there. Instead of striking a mortal blow at Iran and Hezbollah, we indulged in a wave of maudlin mourning and shameful self-pity."

Andy Clarkson presents The Ultimate Cause of the Triumphs and Tragedies of Jewish Culture posted at The Charlotte Capitalist, saying, "Imagine a relatively small culture brimming with influential intellectuals (Ludwig von Mises, Ayn Rand, Baruch Spinoza, etc.), ground-breaking scientists (Albert Einstein, Richard Feynman, Jonas Salk, etc.) and highly successful businessmen (David Sarnoff, Michael Dell, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, etc.) And then imagine the punishment of that culture not for its faults, but for its values and virtues. It is punishment that occurred not just once, but throughout time. It continues to this day. It sounds like the backdrop for an Ayn Rand novel. But this is not fiction, this is history. It is the story of the triumphs and tragedies of Jewish culture -- and their causes."

Rory presents Constituting a Union posted at A Matter Of Mind To Matter, saying, "A short diatribe of mine on the moral dilemma of forming the Union whilst allowing slavery."

Peter Cresswell presents The inevitable conflagration in Cairo posted at Not PC, saying, "Scott Powell's history course helped me make sense of the chaos in Cairo. The insights are his; the mistakes are mine; but this might help you make some sense of it all. It boils down to which side integrates their ideas best . . ."

Jared Rhoads presents Twead #7: Silent Cal's Almanack posted at The Lucidicus Project, saying, "Some highlights and tidbits from David Pietrusza's book on Calvin Coolidge."

Thomas Hochmann presents The Welfare State in Education posted at The Objectivist Voice, saying, "A great guest post by Morgan Polotan illustrating today's welfare state as extended to education."

Paul Hsieh presents ACOs: Repackaged HMOs? posted at We Stand FIRM, saying, "The latest "hot" proposed health care reform is Accountable Care Organizations. But are these just a new twist on an old bad idea?"

Julia Campbell presents pot roast posted at the crankin' kitchen!, saying, "An easy, warming pot roast with winter root vegetables for these cold February nights!"

Stella presents My workout, not theirs posted at ReasonPharm, saying, "With CrossFit, I'm learning to be firsthanded about fitness."

Ari Armstrong presents Why Ayn Rand Trumps Sam Harris on Ethics posted at Free Colorado, saying, "While Sam Harris's utilitarian premises lead him to sanction sacrifice in some circumstances, Ayn Rand showed that one's life is the ultimate standard of 'well-being.'"

Edward Cline presents Burning the Koran is Self-Defeating posted at The Rule of Reason, saying, "Burning a book is basically an emotional expression of the contempt, anger, or fear one harbors for the book. It is fundamentally cathartic in nature; it begins with the flames and ends with the ashes. The emotion is indulged and expended, privately or in public. It is certainly a species of freedom of speech, or of expression, but what does it accomplish beyond the satisfaction of having committed the action?"

Rational Jenn presents I am a Productive Mommy posted at Rational Jenn, saying, "Is parenting productive in the virtuous sense? I say yes, and here are some of my reasons."

Morgan Polotan presents Obamacare: Making Enemies of All | Morgan Polotan's Blog | Defending the Individual Since 2010 posted at Morgan Polotan's Blog.

Diana Hsieh presents Seafood Curry posted at NoodleFood, saying, "Here's my easy recipe for seafood curry that's a sure winner!"

Ron Pisaturo presents Happy Ayn Rand’s Birthday posted at Ron Pisaturo's Blog.

Jason Stotts presents The Republicans are Still Our Enemies posted at Erosophia, saying, "Even in light of the Republicans helping to push back against Obamacare, we need to remember that although we share a common enemy in the Democrats, the Republicans are still our enemies."

Jason Stotts presents Formspring: Sleep Sex posted at Erosophia, saying, "A reader asks about the moral implications of sexsomnia (sleep sex)."

Santiago and Kelly Valenzuela presents A Tale of Two States posted at Mother of Exiles, saying, "Is illegal immigration really to blame for California's awful economy?"

Kelly Elmore presents Crossfit and Body Image posted at Reepicheep's Coracle, saying, "In this post, I explain how Crossfit is helping me to develop a better attitude about my body."

Stephen Bourque presents President Obama and the State University of Baloney posted at One Reality, saying, "It is instructive to juxtapose two recent news events to consider which is more likely to cause harm."

Kate Yoak presents Catholic school teacher who chooses action posted at Parenting is..., saying, "A catholic school teacher chooses to teach sex ed, keeping it a secret from the school. But is her choice wrong?"

Victoria Genther presents Now Taking Orders for the February 2011 Print Edition! posted at The Undercurrent Blog, saying, "This edition features exciting articles on Obama and idealism, drug prohibition, green energy, and government spending. Order your copies by February 9th!"

That concludes this edition. Submit your blog article to the next edition of objectivist round up using our carnival submission form. Past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page.

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This Week's Objectivist Roundup

2011-01-28T10:53:00.001-07:00

Better late than never! It's over at 3 Ring Binder. Go check it out!

Vacation

2011-01-12T05:00:00.000-07:00

As we embark on a lengthy road trip to Texas, posting may be light over the next few weeks.

This Week's Objectivist Roundup

2011-01-06T09:11:00.000-07:00

It's over at Amy Mossoff's The Little Things. Go check it out!

Objectivist Roundup

2010-12-30T12:59:00.001-07:00

This week's Objectivist Roundup is over at Uncommon Sense. Go check it out!

SnowCon 2010

2010-12-27T10:59:00.002-07:00

Come on out to beautiful, sunny Denver, Colorado, and participate in Front Range Objectivism's SnowCon 2010! There will be winter activities such as skiing and snow shoeing, plenty of opportunities to mingle with like-minded people and dinners and/or lectures in the evenings. Please see FRO's SnowCon 2010 webpage for more info and to indicate your level of interest.
Update: Here is a post by Diana Hsieh with more info as well... http://blog.dianahsieh.com/2010/12/announcing-colorados-march-minicon.html

Anti-Gun Senator Shoots Intruder

2010-12-16T09:49:00.001-07:00

He’s allowed to defend his life and property, but we’re not.

Long time Anti-Gun Advocate State Senator R.C. Soles, 74, shot one of two intruders at his home just outside Tabor City , N.C. about 5 p.m. Sunday, the prosecutor for the politician's home county said.

This is my favorite part of the blog post:

It has prompted some to ask if the Senator believes his life and personal safety is more valuable than yours or mine.

But, this is to be expected from those who believe they can run our lives, raise our kids, and protect our families better than we can.

This Week’s Objectivist Roundup

2010-12-16T09:30:00.001-07:00

This week’s Objectivist Roundup is over at Erosophia. Check it out!

White Supremacist and Neo-Nazi Groups Funding Immigration Reform Groups

2010-12-10T12:35:00.001-07:00

If you haven’t checked it out already, now is a great time to follow my immigration blog, Mother of Exiles. My husband, Santiago, has been on a roll lately, uncovering and exposing the immigration reform groups FAIR, Center for Immigration Studies and Numbers USA for what they really are, neo-Nazi, white supremacist hate groups! His first two posts of a multi-part series can be found here and here.

When I was a conservative Republican, I used to forward around Numbers USA’s scary videos and emails. I’m so glad that I now know better! Not only have I learned more about individual rights and immigration, but I’ve learned more about who is behind these evil groups trying to stop immigration to the US.

Please take the time to educate yourself on the issues and make sure you’re not parroting the evil, racist trash of these hate groups! We all need to think for ourselves, make up our own minds and understand the nature of individual rights.

This Week’s Objectivist Roundup

2010-12-09T10:58:00.001-07:00

It’s over at The Playful Spirit. Go check it out!

Bacha Bazi

2010-12-08T15:35:00.000-07:00

I was disgusted today to read this article in the Houston Press Blog about one of the recent Wikileaks:

Another international conflict, another horrific taxpayer-funded sex scandal for DynCorp, the private security contractor tasked with training the Afghan police.

While the company is officially based in the DC area, most of its business is managed on a satellite campus at Alliance Airport north of Fort Worth. And if one of the diplomatic cables from the WikiLeaks archive is to be believed, boy howdy, are their doings in Afghanistan shady.

The Afghanistan cable (dated June 24, 2009) discusses a meeting between Afghan Interior Minister Hanif Atmar and US assistant ambassador Joseph Mussomeli. Prime among Atmar's concerns was a party partially thrown by DynCorp for Afghan police recruits in Kunduz Province.

The party was allegedly a Bacha Bazi. Frontline did a story on Bacha Bazi and you can watch that documentary in its entirety here. Basically, Bacha Bazi is a way for corrupt, powerful, wealthy, nasty, perverted old men in Afghanistan to purchase young boys for sex. The boys are taught how to sing and dance at a young age, they are dressed up (sometimes in women’s clothing and make up) and made to perform at “parties” for adult men, where they are frequently auctioned off for sex, or just purchased outright.

If it’s true that DynCorp participated in that sort of activity as a recruiting method, then the responsible parties should be prosecuted criminally. Furthermore, DynCorp should be made to repay all the taxpayer funding it’s received (plus interest and penalties) and their government contract should be immediately cancelled.

This is not only another waste of taxpayer dollars, but it’s not ensuring our safety in the war on terror and it’s actively funding not only human trafficking but child rape! This is disgusting, people need to be imprisoned and my tax dollars need to stop funding it!

This Week’s Objectivist Roundup

2010-12-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

It’s over at Reepicheep’s Coracle. Go check it out!

Who is “poor” in this country?

2010-11-29T12:20:00.001-07:00

Notice that the minimum wage earner is the “winner” >:-(

http://granitegrok.com/blog/2010/11/talk_about_redistribution_of_wealth_seem.html

Listen to Your Doctor!

2010-11-15T10:08:00.000-07:00

I received the following email from my therapist. I am reposting the message here in its entirety with his permission. Thanks, Dr. Hurd!

PO Box 1554
Rehoboth Beach DE 19971
302-227-2829

ObamaCare: You Get What You Pay For

Contact: Michael J. Hurd, Ph.D.
Phone: 302-227-2829

DATE: November 12, 2010

One of the dirty little secrets of Obama’s health “care” debacle is that Medicare reimbursement rates are set to go down for all health care providers effective December 1. This means that the medical professionals to whom you trust your health, and, indeed, your very life, are having a 20-30 percent pay cut forced upon them in less than a month. Imagine, say, the autoworkers--or the teachers’ unions--having to take such a pay cut. The indignant outrage would be swift and immediate. The simple fact is that doctors, whose training and wisdom often stand between us and pain or death, are more important than autoworkers or even teachers.

Doctor's rates are going down to pay for ObamaCare. ObamaCare seeks to nationalize health care by placing so many restrictions and unfunded mandates on private insurance companies that they will go out of business. Government will then step in to “manage” Medicare for the entire population, rather than only the elderly. The government monopoly on health care will most surely go just about as well as the monopoly on the post office or public education. Medicare, even if kept only for the elderly population, is going bankrupt. The only question is when, not if, Medicare (along with Social Security) will run out of money.

So how is the federal government, who has been busy creating a national deficit stretching into the trillions of dollars, supposed to sustain a program for the entire population that can’t even sustain for the elderly? Obama’s supporters glaze over and mumble, “Well, it's Medicare. It cannot go away. So stop talking about it."

The psychological process required for a catastrophe to mentally "settle in" usually comes in stages. A catastrophe such as the future implosion of entitlement benefits in America will come in stages. The first stage is happening on December 1: The decrease in reimbursement rates for doctors under Medicare. Congress might reverse the fee reductions for another month or so, but then what? The rate cuts in the legislation prove that members of both parties are aware that the government cannot continue to finance Medicare as we know it--even before the mandates imposed by ObamaCare go into full effect when government becomes the primary payer for all medical care.

Perhaps you think doctors make "too much." Specialists working outside the third-party reimbursement system (plastic surgeons, for example) can do fairly well, but general practitioners who accept Medicare do not earn as much as the liberals would like you to think. So, by what formula do you determine the right amount? Do you trust the private marketplace to set the prices by negotiation between individuals and their doctors? Or do you trust politicians in Washington, DC to determine a "one size fits all" price? If you actually believe the latter, remember that "you get what you pay for." If you think doctors, who spent thousands upon thousands for their training, are going to work twice as hard for 30 percent less pay (at least), then you had better think again. Would you? If not, then why would a doctor?

Our only hope for maintaining the quality and availability of competent doctors is the possibility that ObamaCare will be torn apart by the new Congress, or struck down by the Supreme Court before it does too much damage. Of course, this doesn’t change the fact that Medicare, not to mention the entire federal government, is long since bankrupt and wallowing in ever-increasing debt. By pumping money into the financial system, the Federal Reserve is risking the greatest run of hyperinflation since the Weimar Republic of Germany, the failed government that gave rise to Adolf Hitler in the 1930s. And bigger problems are looming. The massive course reversals required of our government, and needed by the entitlement-addicted American people, are much bigger than the Tea Party or anything stated in the recent election campaigns.

Don't just feel sorry for your doctors, who will be paying for our “free” health care. Feel even sorrier for yourself—whether you’re currently a patient, or might need medical care in the future. Our lives will be in the hands of doctors who have been told that they don't matter and that they are employees of the state. Their incentive will no longer be to provide excellent care. Their incentive will be to simply clock in, clock out, go through the motions and retire as soon as the government pension kicks in. Not all that different from many existing government employees.

The solution? Restore the free market, where doctors who work harder will earn more for their skill and dedication. Patients will once again be consumers who choose from competing practitioners for the best care possible. The government must get out of the way, and let people purchase their own health care in the open market--no different than how we buy computers, cars, airplane flights, food and everything else produced and delivered by people who compete for your dollar.

The transition to the free market might be uncomfortable at first. But what's the alternative? If doctors work for the government, then medical care will no longer be a profitable profession. The best and the brightest will no longer be compensated for their efforts. As with anything the government touches, the mediocre will thrive, but the brilliant will not. Innovation (the cornerstone of our medical industry) will end. Oh, yes, medical care "for all" will exist on paper. But it won't be worth the paper it's printed on.

Sincerely,

Michael J. Hurd, Ph.D., psychotherapist/mental health care professional in practice since 1988; author of GROW UP AMERICA! and (the forthcoming) BAD THERAPY GOOD THERAPY: AND HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE, and other titles, PO Box 1554 Rehoboth Beach DE 19971, 302-227-2829,drhurd@drhurd.com, host www.DrHurd.com

Guest Blog Post at Modern Paleo

2010-11-10T09:58:00.001-07:00

I have a guest blog post over at Modern Paleo today if you’d like to check it out. Here’s a taste:

Some of you may have seen my Facebook status a week or so ago about my experience after eating a Sonic Blast. I rarely eat ice cream, much less ice cream from a fast food joint with whipped "topping" and Reese's Peanut Butter Cup bits in it, but I thought I would treat myself to dessert while I was out running errands. A treat it was not!

This Week’s Objectivist Roundup

2010-11-04T10:02:00.001-06:00

It’s over at The Playful Spirit. Go check it out!

This Week’s Objectivist Roundup

2010-10-28T08:58:00.000-06:00

It’s over at 3 Ring Binder. Check it out!

This Week’s Objectivist Roundup

2010-10-21T09:55:00.001-06:00

It’s over at Reepicheep’s Coracle. Check it out!

Aiding the Enemy

2010-10-15T10:43:00.000-06:00

If ever there were a story appropriate for the name of this blog, this is it. I’m ranting, raving, furiously mad over this article, NATO Allowed Taliban Official to Kabul: Patraeus:

NATO-led forces facilitated the passage of a senior Taliban commander to Kabul to hold talks with the Afghan government, the commander of U.S. and NATO troops in Afghanistan said on Friday.

U.S. General David Petraeus, commander of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), said the move was part of U.S. and NATO support for President Hamid Karzai's reconciliation discussions with the Taliban.

Reconciliation discussions with the Taliban?! What the hell is going on?! Shoot them! They’re the enemy!

It’s hard to believe our government could be anymore corrupt, irresponsible or flat-out gawd awful than it is already, but I know it can be. (See USSR, North Korea, Nazi Germany or Venezuela for examples.) >:-(

Beauty Pageants

2010-10-14T12:46:00.001-06:00

A friend of mine pointed out this blog post about beauty pageants on her Facebook page. I decided to comment about my personal experience.

After posting the comment, I liked what I’d written and it reminded me of a great time in my childhood, so I decided to repost my comments here.

I was in three pageants when I was about 10-11 years old. They were so much fun! And while reading my account, keep in mind I was a very skinny, tomboyish type who would rather play football in the front yard with my dad and brother than play dolls with the girls.

Our next door neighbor’s kids had become involved in pageants when they were 7 and 9 years old and were quite successful. (They were great singers and dancers, and the youngest was particularly beautiful and charismatic.)

One Saturday, my mother and I went with them to one of their pageants. While their mother was getting them ready, my mother and I helped out by going to the registration table to check them in and pay the modest entry fees.

At the table, one of the women asked why I wasn’t going to participate. My mother and I laughed and said we were just there to watch our friends. The woman told us her daughter had won the pageant in my age group last year, so she was not eligible to compete in this year’s competition. She said her daughter was about my height and she had an extra dress in her car.

I had been playing around with my neighbor friends, helping them rehearse and I knew exactly what to do, so my mom asked me if I wanted to do it. She said I didn’t have to, but she thought it would be fun and she reminded me that I already knew what to do. I decided, sure, why not? So my mom paid the entry fee of about $20, the woman ran out to her car to get the dress and I was suddenly a contestant!

It was a very pretty red dress that went all the way to the floor. (Well, pretty for an 80s big, ol’ poofy dress.) I had no shoes but my tennis shoes, so I put on my mother’s white sandals (yes, white sandals with a red dress which fortunately, didn’t show since the dress went to the floor.) My mother curled my hair and put on a little bit of make up using our friend’s supplies and what was in her purse.

It was so fun! It was like playing dress-up with my friends, only it was with my mom! I had always admired my mother’s ability to style her hair and put on her make up in such a natural and beautiful way, and now she was sharing that with me!

I did not enter the talent or other portions of the contest since I was not prepared for that, but I went out there and won second runner up in the beauty contest. How about that?! I remember while on stage, I looked over my shoulder at my mother in the audience. She was smiling like she was so proud of me and having so much fun. I know it’s something we’ll never forget because we talk about how fun it was to this day.

We went to two more pageants over the next year or so and had a really great time. We had an affordable dress made for me by a local seamstress and I got some ballet slippers to wear underneath it. (Bye bye white sandals!) I won first place in one and didn’t place in the other, but both were fun and I got to spend more quality time with my mother. My dad and brother even came to one to cheer me on.

Then it was onto boys, music and other things that fill a teenage girls life, but I will never forget those pageants. Not only was it a fun way to spend time with my mother, it helped me learn how to fix myself up appropriately, have good posture and poise, be graceful under pressure and overcome the nerves of public speaking/performing.

Sure, we saw other mothers and children making themselves miserable at those pageants. Taking it way too seriously, spending way too much money, succumbing to pressure (that they put on themselves), wearing way too much awful makeup, caring too much what everyone else thought, etc., but me and my mother didn’t do those things. We loved spending time together, we loved being beautiful (not just looking that way) and most importantly, we had fun!

And one more thing, if you haven’t seen the movie Little Miss Sunshine, I highly recommend it. It’s quirky, funny and that last scene just kills me!

This Week’s Objectivist Round Up

2010-10-14T09:02:00.001-06:00

It’s at Amy Mossof’s The Little Things. Go check it out!

Great Blog Post by Eades on Cholesterol

2010-10-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

Dr. Eades had a great blog post the other day about cholesterol and a Times article that was published 30 years ago. Here’s an excerpt:

Although Mr. Shragai’s case is that of but one individual, since this vapid 1984 Time article came out launching the jihad against fat and cholesterol, the entire country became unwitting subjects in a long-term experiment testing the hypothesis that a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet is healthful. And in the intervening 26 years, obesity has skyrocketed and type II diabetes has reached epidemic proportions, leading me and many others to say that the low-fat diet has failed. At least as applied to large groups of subjects.

Tax the Rich?

2010-10-12T14:38:00.001-06:00

This article by Gregory Mankiw in the New York Times is interesting. He provides some food for thought to those who think taxing the rich will make the country a better place.

Maybe you are looking forward to a particular actor’s next movie or a particular novelist’s next book. Perhaps you wish that your favorite singer would have a concert near where you live. Or, someday, you may need treatment from a highly trained surgeon, or your child may need braces from the local orthodontist. Like me, these individuals respond to incentives. (Indeed, some studies report that high-income taxpayers are particularly responsive to taxes.) As they face higher tax rates, their services will be in shorter supply.

Read the entire article to find out why.

Edit: I just read this great follow up story to Mankiw's article. Atlas will shrug. We're leaving him no other options.

James Madison Quote

2010-10-12T09:48:00.001-06:00

James Madison writing in Federalist 62 (1788):

In another point of view, great injury results from an unstable government. The want of confidence in the public councils damps every useful undertaking, the success and profit of which may depend on a continuance of existing arrangements.

What prudent merchant will hazard his fortunes in any new branch of commerce when he knows not but that his plans may be rendered unlawful before they can be executed? What farmer or manufacturer will lay himself out for the encouragement given to any particular cultivation or establishment, when he can have no assurance that his preparatory labors and advances will not render him a victim to an inconstant government? In a word, no great improvement or laudable enterprise can go forward which requires the auspices of a steady system of national policy.

The Objective Standard - Fall Issue Released!

2010-10-06T09:31:00.001-06:00

The Objective Standard’s Fall Issue is now available and Craig Biddle’s excellent article The Ground Zero Mosque, the Spread of Islam and How America Should Deal with Such Efforts is not only fantastic, but available for free! Here’s an excerpt:

If we want to protect civilized society, we must unwaveringly uphold the principles of civilized society—no matter how justifiably outraged we may become about the irrationalities and injustices perpetrated by our enemies. If, in an effort to stop Muslims from destroying America, we trample individual rights and the rule of law, we will have surrendered the very thing we were supposed to be fighting to protect.

Oh Life – A Super Easy Online Journal Tool

2010-09-30T14:25:00.001-06:00

I've been using Oh Life for a few weeks now with great success. It's very easy to use. They send you an email each evening (or whatever time you specify) that basically asks, "How'd your day go?" and you reply to the email. It then keeps everything in chronological order and you can log in any time to read past entries.

Today, I thought of putting a twist on it that some of you may find helpful in trying to achieve your fitness and diet goals (or any other goals for that matter.) In the spirit of Atul Gawande's awesome checklist article, I'm going to leave a checklist near my computer so I can respond to the following each day:

1.) What happened today?

2.) What did I eat?

3.) Did I work out? If so, how and for how long? If not, why?

4.) How were my emotions and my psychological state today?

5.) How much money did I spend today and on what?

6.) Any other specific questions about long-term goals or projects I'm working on

I think this will be a great way to kill several birds with one stone. Experts always say to journal about this or that to introspect, stay on target, stick to your diet, watch your spending, etc. Why not do it all at one time and in one place?

This Week’s Objectivist Round Up (and a few other things)

2010-09-23T14:40:00.001-06:00

It’s over at Reepicheep’s Coracle. Go check it out!

I’d also like to bring your attention to Objectivist Answers via this Noodlefood post. If you’ve ever had questions about Objectivism, this is a great place to get those questions answered.

And finally, I know posting has been sparse lately, particularly over at Mother of Exiles, but things appear to be calming down in my life and I’ve got several ideas I really want to post about. Hopefully I’ll get that done very soon. Stay tuned!

Thank You, Obama!

2010-09-20T13:44:00.001-06:00

Thanks to the awful Obama administration and the thugs in the congress, our living expenses just went up when we can afford it the least!

First, my husband was laid off last Monday. That in and of itself is not necessarily bad since he disliked that company, was underpaid and under-appreciated, but what’s bad is that we lost our health care. (The fact that health care is tied to our employment is yet another government-caused problem.)

I am eligible for my employer’s plan (for which I must pay half the premiums, or about $180 per month), so I signed up for that to be effective the first of next month when the former policy lapses. Since it would be too expensive to add my husband to my policy, and since he is healthy and young (thankfully), we decided to apply for an HSA which will provide him with insurance coverage should anything too expensive or catastrophic happen.

The insurance agent told me that we should make his policy effective prior to the 1st of next month because that’s when the first phase of Obamacare kicks in and our premium for him will be significantly higher. Even though we have no children and I have my own coverage, my husband’s HSA is being forced to add provisions to his contract for children in order to comply with Obamacare, and that’s not all! There are all kinds of ridiculous terms being added to insurance policies as a result of this awful legislation. His premium is planned to be around $107, if we act now rather than next week.

So we’ve decided to have my husband’s new policy start before his old one expires in an attempt to get cheaper premiums at least for the next year. In case you haven’t kept count, now that my husband is unemployed, our health insurance will now cost $287 more per month, in premiums alone, than it did when he was employed.

In addition, my out of pocket expenses will be higher on my employer’s policy and Santiago’s HSA has a high deductible that we are subject to before the coverage kicks in. Basically, we are getting less coverage for more cost at a time when we need to be saving our money.

Thanks Obama!

This Week’s Objectivist Round Up

2010-09-16T09:33:00.001-06:00

It’s over at Erosophia. Check it out!

This Week’s Objectivist Roundup

2010-09-09T08:34:00.000-06:00

It’s over at Rational Jenn. Check it out!

My Guest Blog Post at Modern Paleo

2010-09-08T09:54:00.001-06:00

Peachy Keen Pork Chops! Yum! http://blog.modernpaleo.com/2010/09/peachy-keen-pork-chops.html

Colorado’s Amendment 62

2010-09-03T13:11:00.001-06:00

Well, they’re at it again. Conservative Christians are trying to give a zygote full legal rights as a person, thus making me a criminal for using birth control, among other horrors. Unfortunately, this type of legislation is not isolated to Colorado and it may be coming to a state near you! Educate yourself and help fight for your rights!

You can read all about it here. http://www.seculargovernment.us/a62.shtml

This Week’s Objectivist Roundup

2010-09-02T10:21:00.001-06:00

It’s over at Shea’s Blog. Check it out!

Maggie Gallagher Tries to Get Into Heaven

2010-08-30T09:55:00.001-06:00

This is so hilarious!

Why I’m an Atheist

2010-08-27T09:58:00.000-06:00

From this news story about the trapped miners in Chile:

Another man displays what psychiatrists have said is a key trait to keeping the men motivated and optimistic — a sense that they have a role in their own destinies.

I do have a role in my “destiny” by living for my own happiness, living a moral life and making my future what I want it to be.

This Week’s Objectivist Roundup

2010-08-27T08:51:00.001-06:00

It’s over at Ego Blog. Check it out!

NomNom

2010-08-26T08:57:00.000-06:00

I’m a little bit scared at how entertained I am by this song and video. :-)

This Week’s Objectivist Roundup

2010-08-20T12:25:00.000-06:00

It’s over at The Crucible. Check it out!

Personal Stuff

2010-08-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

I am dealing with some issues in my personal life that are consuming quite a bit of my spare time. As such, posting over the next few weeks could be minimal, if any. Thanks!

Objectivist Roundup

2010-08-16T09:06:00.000-06:00

Sorry this is late, but it’s over at http://www.amymossoff.com/objectivism/3566/objectivist-round-up-161/ Check it out!

Cholesterol is GOOD!

2010-08-16T08:57:00.001-06:00

As many of you know, I am on a variation of the paleo diet. My friend Diana has outlined it well here: http://www.modernpaleo.com/principles.html

Someone on a paleo diet email list I subscribe to forwarded this Huffington Post article, that is actually quite good! Here’s a highlight:

Cholesterol and Inflammation - What's the Connection?

Inflammation has become a bit of a buzzword in the medical field because it has been linked to so many different diseases. And one of those diseases is heart disease ... the same heart disease that cholesterol is often blamed for.

What am I getting at?

Well, first consider the role of inflammation in your body. In many respects, it's a good thing as it's your body's natural response to invaders it perceives as threats. If you get a cut for instance, the process of inflammation is what allows you to heal.

Specifically during inflammation:

-- Your blood vessels constrict to keep you from bleeding to death

-- Your blood becomes thicker so it can clot

-- Your immune system sends cells and chemicals to fight viruses, bacteria and other "bad guys" that could infect the area

-- Cells multiply to repair the damage

Ultimately, the cut is healed and a protective scar may form over the area.

If your arteries are damaged, a very similar process occurs inside of your body, except that a "scar" in your artery is known as plaque.

This plaque, along with the thickening of your blood and constricting of your blood vessels that normally occur during the inflammatory process, can indeed increase your risk of high blood pressure and heart attacks.

Notice that cholesterol has yet to even enter the picture.

Cholesterol comes in because, in order to replace your damaged cells, it is necessary.

Remember that no cell can form without it.

So if you have damaged cells that need to be replaced, your liver will be notified to make more cholesterol and release it into your bloodstream. This is a deliberate process that takes place in order for your body to produce new, healthy cells.

It's also possible, and quite common, for damage to occur in your body on a regular basis. In this case, you will be in a dangerous state of chronic inflammation.

The test usually used to determine if you have chronic inflammation is a C-reactive protein (CRP) blood test. CRP level is used as a marker of inflammation in your arteries.

Generally speaking:

-- A CRP level under 1 milligrams per liter of blood means you have a low risk for cardiovascular disease

-- 1 to 3 milligrams means your risk is intermediate

-- More than 3 milligrams is high risk

Even conventional medicine is warming up to the idea that chronic inflammation can trigger heart attacks. But they stop short of seeing the big picture.

In the eyes of conventional medicine, when they see increased cholesterol circulating in your bloodstream, they conclude that it -- not the underlying damage to your arteries -- is the cause of heart attacks.

I highly recommend the entire article. It’s very important for any human that wishes to live a long, happy life. ;-)

Objectivist Roundup

2010-08-05T14:52:00.000-06:00

It’s over at http://reepicheepscoracle.blogspot.com/2010/08/objectivist-round-up-august-5-2010.html Check it out!

Westboro Church

2010-08-05T14:33:00.000-06:00

Here’s a great blog entry about the God-awful Westboro Baptist Church. Here’s a sample:

Now consider how this kind of situation could be completely avoided in a society where all property is privately owned—the fully capitalist society envisioned by Ayn Rand and most closely approximated in nineteenth century America. In such an ideal society, there would be no public streets or sidewalks. I know, it sounds impossible. But in fact, private property is practical, in streets and sidewalks no less than cars and houses, and it’s been proven so whenever it’s been tried.

Click on the link and read the rest of this great, short post!

Monkey Saves Dog From Explosion

2010-08-04T12:11:00.000-06:00

I love this!

http://www.bestweekever.tv/2010-08-03/monkey-saves-dog-breaks-hearts/

New Immigration Blog – Mother of Exiles

2010-08-04T08:00:00.000-06:00

My immigration blog, Mother of Exiles, is now up and running! A few of the pages are still under construction, so please pardon the dust, but the logo is up and the main blog page is going strong. I’d like to thank my friends Berenice and Diana for creating the logo and helping me with all the technical stuff.

If you have an immigration story to share or if you’d like to be a guest blogger for Mother of Exiles, please email me so we can make arrangements!

Soft Star Shoes

2010-08-03T08:00:00.000-06:00

Well, I just received notification that my Soft Star Shoes are being shipped today! Yea!

Not only are these shoes super comfortable and custom made for my long, skinny feet, but they’re so much better for my feet than much of the footwear on the market today. I can’t wait for them to arrive!

The FURminator

2010-08-02T15:19:00.001-06:00

Our good friends, Scott and Emily, are in town from Dallas, Texas for a visit. Last night, they bought us a gift to thank us for our hospitality. It was…THE FURMINATOR!!!

If you don’t own pets, this probably seems like an odd gift, but if you have pets or if you’ve ever experienced the FURminator, you realize what a valuable treasure our friends bestowed upon us.

We used it last night on Red Dog and oh.my.gawd! It looked like we’d murdered a medium sized animal on our porch! If you have pets, you need a FURminator!

An Awesome Self-Defense Story

2010-07-30T08:00:00.000-06:00

I found this great gun story over at the Not PC blog. Here’s an excerpt:

One gun isn't enough.

“That was what Linda Smith (a pseudonym) was thinking after two thugs broke into her Oklahoma apartment. One was holding a weapon … at her throat, and the other was pacing back and forth while holding her purse and demanding her money and valuables. She screamed, and was told if she screamed again, she'd be dead.

“She was doing as police recommend in robberies –- comply with a robber's demands. But her Lady Smith & Wesson .38 special, which she carries by permit, was hidden in her purse –- and the purse was being held by one of the attackers.

Click on the link to find out the exciting ending!

Call to Action: Colorado’s Awful Personhood Amendment

2010-07-29T11:20:00.001-06:00

From my friend, Diana Hsieh:

Do you want to fight back against the theocrats of the religious right? Do you want to help protect our rights to abortion, birth control, and IVF?

The "personhood" movement demands full legal rights for zygotes. Born in Colorado, it's growing in influence and spreading across America. If successful, these theocrats would destroy a woman's right to her own body.

You can help Ari Armstrong and me fight the push for "personhood for zygotes" by pledging for an updated policy paper on the "personhood" amendment on the ballot in Colorado this year.

You can pledge here -- http://www.seculargovernment.us/a62.shtml-- or keep reading for more details.

Please don't delay: pledges are due on Tuesday, August 3rd at noon.

***

Once again, Colorado has a proposed "personhood" amendment on the ballot this year: it would grant full legal rights to zygotes. If enforced consistently, it would ban abortion (except perhaps to save the life of the mother), the birth control pill (because that might sometimes prevent implantation), and the most popular forms of IVF. This movement is not limited to Colorado. "Personhood USA" reports on activity in over 30 states, and it's on the ballot in many counties in Georgia.

Ari and I want to substantially revise our policy paper from 2008. We want to improve and rework the paper, e.g. to discuss the GOP's embrace of personhood in Colorado, the spread of the "personhood" movement across America, and the new campaign strategy likening fetuses to slaves. We want to promote the paper like we did in 2008 -- with media releases, op-eds, letters to the editor, blog comments, interviews, etc.

Our 2008 paper was downloaded 4,000 times before the election. We want even better numbers in 2010.

Our 2008 paper was the most in-depth and substantive discussion of the right to and morality of abortion from an Objectivist perspective ever written. We want to make it even stronger and clearer with this update.

In 2008, Ari and I devoted many weeks of our lives to fighting "personhood" without any compensation. This time, particularly because we have so many other demands on our time, we're asking for your help. We expect the revisions to and release of the paper to require two solid weeks of work from each of us, then more time to promote it until the election. That's not trivial.

We're asking you to help us by pledging your money in exchange for our work.

We want to raise $2000 in pledges for the new policy paper by Tuesday, August 3rd at noon. In return, we promise to deliver the revised paper by August 31st, then promote it until the November election. If we raise less than that $2000 in pledges, we'll still revise the paper, but we'll scale back our efforts somewhat. If we raise more than that $2000 in pledges, we'll collect just $2000, pro-rating each pledge accordingly. Your pledge won't be due until we release the updated paper. That's because you're not pledging for effort but for results. If we don't release the paper for some reason, then you'll owe nothing.

Again, you can pledge here: http://www.seculargovernment.us/a62.shtml

You'll find further details on that page too, but please feel free to e-mail me and Ari with any questions.