Dagny

1. Fight Club 2. Notorious by Hitchcock 3. Princess Bride 4. Inherit the Wind 5. Philadelphia Story 6. Iron Monkey 7. Count of Monte Cristo 8. Life is Beautiful 9. Trainspotting 10. Saw (since I no longer believe in God this has replaced the Exorcist as the best horror movie...not for the faint of heart) ooh ..almost forgot Memento!

suicide is the worst thing a person could possibly do to themselves and their family. unless they are about to be literally tortured to death (or some other very special case) ....one who values life should never even consider it. while its true that once you're dead you feel nothing there will always be people who love you and care about you and its them that you would hurt by committing suicide. death might seem like a simple way out ....but it is cowardly . it doesnt matter if you've been dumped or raped or physically abused....whatever.... a person has to be strong....life is worth living. No one ever asked to be born... but they should appreciate the wonderful opportunity they have to live. Life - you either throw it away, misuse it or make the most of it. ~Isabel

that was a great reply Ed. i'd been wondering what to tell my friend who's in Med School and having the same thoughts as Flash.

All his new paintings look wonderful but my two favorite are Motive Force and Self Absolution of the Titan. ~Isabel

I can totally relate. I was never religious...but was brought up with a Catholic background. When I was younger I read the Bible ...I read all about Catholicism and Christianity...rules and things. I even considered becoming a nun when I was older (i was very young and not completely serious). I didn't like the way you could have been a sinner all your life and then ask for forgiveness right before you died. I can't say I ever wanted to be part of religious group though. My first experience with a priest was when my mother took me to get my first communion class, the priest asked her if I'd been baptized and my mother replied no. At this, the priest frowned and gave me a look as if scolding me for being a bad child (i was about 8). I didn't like the way he seemed to judge me without even knowing me and told my mom I didn't care to be baptized. I was attracted to Protestant church for a bit because of the whole "you dont have to go through a priest to be close to God" bit. Anyhow, in the end ...like you...I was dissatisfied with any religion (including eastern ones)....and found Objectivism. The fact that I had studied so much about religions gave Objectivism that much more validity. It is only thing that truly makes sense to me.

I did find it strange that California...while having a Republican governor can be a Blue state. My husband jokes that a lot people just voted for Arnold cause they thought it would be cool to see him on TV.

well I just put my photo as my avatar again so anyone can recognize me if they're going. I was going to update the photo but i'm so busy right now I probably wont get around to it for a few weeks. its only a couple of years old so I dont think I look that much different (except shorter hair). I"m attending with Doug (my husband)....I'll be carrying my copy of Atlas Shrugged. I have been wanting to get a gold dollar sign pin or bracelet but will have to wait for xmas. Can't think of any other distinguishing things. Hopefully more people from the forum will be attending. It will be interesting since there'll probably have supporters for the other speaker as well. This will be my first Objectivist event and I look forward to meeting other Objectivists as well. p.s. if anyone approaches me with "who is...?"...i'll answer "John Galt".

Just received this in my email. I will definitely be attending. DEBATE: CAPITALI$M: Is there a Moral Alternative? Laissez-faire Capitalism Dr. Andrew Bernstein Pace University Professor of Philosophy Senior Speaker and Writer for the Ayn Rand Institute After roughly 250 years of capitalism, 80 years of socialism and millennia of statism more broadly, the historical verdict is in. Capitalism ? the system of individual rights ? has wrought vastly greater freedom and prosperity than has ever previously existed in the world. Whether in Western Europe, North America or the ?Asian Tigers,? the system of individual rights has protected citizens? freedom of speech, of intellectual _expression, of the press, of religion and of the right to own property and seek profit. Not surprisingly, such freedom of the human mind has led to the highest general living standards of human history by whole orders of magnitude. The system of individual rights and limited government must be implemented in 3rd World nations for! them to overthrow political oppression and rise out of the resultant destitution. Vs. A Moral Alternative Dr. Peter Robertson USC Professor of Social Policy Planning and Development Expert on Organizational Development and Change Laissez-faire capitalism, as practiced in today's global economy, is dysfunctional for the planet and for human society. Despite all the benefits this economic system has generated throughout the modern era, the logic underlying capitalism is incompatible with the conditions of our post-modern, post-industrial, Information Age world. The result is that capitalism is now doing as much harm as good, threatening the long-term sustainability of the global village. Fortunately, an emerging set of frameworks, proposals, and applications are establishing the basis for some fundamental changes in the rules of the game by which capitalism is played. Such changes can and should be made, and while we might continue to cal! l the revised system capitalism, it will most certainly be a moral alternative to the contemporary version of laissez-faire capitalism. Friday, November 12 6:30PM SGM-123 sponsored by The USC Objectivist Club [email protected] Further Details: There is no fee to attend the event. I think it will last 2 and a half hours. As far as the building location, punch in this address on mapquest: 3667 Mc Clintock Los Angeles CA 90089 This is parking structure A which is diagonally across from SGM Or if you don't like mapquest, breifly: Get off Adams Blvd from the 110. Head south on Figureoa (sp?) turn right on Jefferson. Left on McClintock and enter USC at gate 5. Go most of the way down McClintock. Pass two stop signs, turn right to enter Parkign Sctructre A. Parking is 6$. Street parking is possible but probably not a good idea if you have a nice car.

http://www.cnn.com/2004/LAW/07/07/dorf.scotus.elections/ Found a great article explaining this very topic for anyone interested.

Yes. When I was younger I wanted to study microbiology and had a crush on a future doctor. I then met a physicist who changed his major to computer science which has so many applications. I have always considered the idea of someday employing the skills of my husband to my career and have him write a program which would better accurately forecast the economy. If you really love the person its inevitable that you'd be interested in their career and want to learn more about it. I'm taking a programming course in C++, for example, ...just to learn the basics. My husband is taking an economics course and is coming to realize how important a role it plays. We both admire each other for our abilities and support each other. ~Isabel

thanks for your reply. i'll still vote for Bush. I was just having election day jitters. Thoughts of prayer at public schools, ten commandments in courts and limits on scientific research made me shudder....but like i said it was just jitters.

Just heard a news reporter say that up to four new Supreme Court Justices could be appointed by the newly elected president. They of course will hold office for about 25 years impacting many of our future laws. Up to this point I've been a Bush supporter but I don't agree with his domestic issues of anti-abortion, anti-cloning and his religious views. Most of my vote for him was based on national security. Now, what if the terrorists aren't much of a problem anymore. I just recently read an article saying Al Queida hasn't attacked because they don't have the ability to attack that they did before. If this is no longer a threat then it would put more weight on the other issues. Is this true? Has anyone else heard about how likely the Supreme Court Justices are retiring? If this has been discussed already ....my apologies ...could someone direct me to the thread?

ohmygosh...angelina jolie is exactly who I pictured playing Dagny when I read the book! I also pictured Jim Caviezel playing Francisco ...just because I thought he could look the part of a spanish aristocrat...but hell will probably freeze over before he picks up Ayn Rand. (pardon my expression) ~Isabel

In high school we were all required to take the Golden State Exams for all our subjects. For history our test essay question was whether or not the United States was correct in going to Vietnam. At first I was ready to spew all the stuff my history teacher had infiltrated our minds with...peace protests...etc. But then I thought that I wanted to express my own thoughts on it and for the first time asked myself what I really did think of it. I wrote an essay saying that the United States was completely correct in going to Vietnam. That to uphold its ideals against Communism was the correct thing to do ...especially since it was in danger of spreading. It was the only state test I didn't get High Honors on. I always thought I hadn't made my point clear enough but now I wonder if it was because it was a state test probably graded by very liberal test examiners. I'm sure everybody else wrote how awful the United States was for going to Vietnam.

Wal-Mart is awesome for doing that...great strategy to lure customers in. I wish I had one close by....local businesses keep protesting every time Wal-Mart wants to put a store in Los Angeles region. just thinking of all the bargains I'm missing makes me sick.

thanks! that was a great explanation.

I didn't see this thread yesterday so I posted my reply about the same topic in another thread. i've been pretty undecided for this election and this forum has provided excellent points for both sides. I have been leaning towards Bush slightly because of his strong convictions on defense (willing to go at it alone). However would prefer if he wasn't so religious. The new Al-Queda tape does bring interesting questions to floor. Why did they single out Bush? does that mean they are afraid of him? would the terrorists actually consider it a victory if kerry won? i certainly dont want terrorists feeling victorious like they did after Spain's election. but of course i'm not basing my decision on that. still, it is something to think about.

funny ...yet scary at the same time...i am so voting for Bush

I drive a 95' Toyota Corolla. Dream car is an Acura TL with all the trimmings.

GREAT SITE! I just emailed it to all my friends who support Kerry. p.s. its possible Yes was using a public computer. earlier today I was at my college computer lab when I clicked on the link and they have the sound turned off them (as i found out) so that you cant hear anything unless you're wearing headphones. I too thought i had to register at first but didnt bother because I figured I could do it later at home.

i've been pretty undecided for this election and this forum has provided excellent points for both sides. I have been leaning towards Bush slightly because of his strong convictions on defense (willing to go at it alone). However, like the originator of this thread would prefer if he wasn't so religious. The new Al-Queda tape does bring interesting questions to floor. Why did they single out Bush? does that mean they are afraid of him? would the terrorists actually consider it a victory if kerry won? i certainly dont want terrorists feeling victorious like they did after Spain's election. but of course i'm not basing my decision on that. still, it is something to think about.

That was beautifully written. You're a great writer and I often enjoy reading your replies on the forum. The last paragraph is great too because it gives one something to think about. In my own life there were only two men I ever loved one was my high school crush who went on to Stanford and study medicine. The other my husband who very intelligent and studying computer science. I never understood those who would fall easily in love with just anyone. My values and standards were always so high...well so far only two men I've met in real life have reached them. Though I must say the great thing about this forum is that its given me the opportunity to find others with my same values. ~Isabel

yeah, i have been wondering about that myself lately. In biology class we were discussing Darwin and his thesis about natural selection. Our professor went on to say that if he had not had the background knowledge of previous scientists to build upon he would not have been able to formulate his theory. There were no patents on knowledge in his time. Of course one should be able to benefit from one's knowledge...but like you I wonder when is it taken too far? According to her science would advance a lot faster if wasn't kept private and hidden as they often are.

#7 What was the tennis match all about? Could someone please answer this... I think I know but I'm not quite sure. In high school i had heated debates with my crush ...verbal tennis matches (if you please) and it seemed the more we had them the more i was attracted to him even though we were always on opposing teams. is it some kind of power struggle that young people go through? or the fact that Francisco made Dagny feel suddenly aware of herself the way that no one else did that made her upset at him for that moment. Someone please explain!

i had someone ask me a similar question. or rather his statement was that if there weren't any cops then if someone didn't like you or got upset at you the first thing they'd do (as there are no cops) is shoot you. I told him that first of all not everyone would do that....certainly I wouldnt nor anyone else who had morals and principles. He went on to say that he didnt think most people had any. He had told me earlier that he believes in psychics and things and that was why I was trying to convince him of reason in the world when he said that. Well I just told him he had a very pessimistic view of the human individual. I told him I thought most people have the capacity to reason and be moral...whether they choose to use those is up to them. Funny, he doesn't approach me to talk anymore.