PatriotResistance
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Sustainable development
PatriotResistance replied to 0096 2251 2110 8105's topic in Political Philosophy
Hmmm, a pellet stove is good green technology! $15k sounds way, way high even for a big house. I think if you shop around you'd find that "one" contractor who knows his stuff and has it priced right. But no matter, for an existing house with a pellet stove that works well it would make no sense to retrofit with radiant tubing anyway. Ah well, we've probably strayed far enough off topic. -
Sustainable development
PatriotResistance replied to 0096 2251 2110 8105's topic in Political Philosophy
Solar will have a better future. Everyone has a horror story from the 70's and 80's. Those systems weren't very good. And the solar hot water industry is still plagued by charlatans from the 80's who came out of the woodwork to cash in on, you guessed it, government incentives! The fact is that solar hot water technology has come a LONG way since then and it actually works well today. And systems last a very long time. In many areas of the country an 8x8 panel (don't fall for the evacuated tubes) can supply a home with domestic hot water AND heat the home with in-floor radiant tubing. The panels are super easy to make compared to solar PV panels and the manufacturing process doesn't involve nasty chemicals like solar PV. Solar PV, on the other hand, has come a very long way also. There are now many different types of PV that are getting more efficient all the time - from building integrated PV, to solar film technology, to printable panels. Imagine your typical glass skyscraper. Well over 50% of those glass panels are spandrel panels (the building occupants don't look through them). With efficient, spandrel PV panels those building surface areas can product electricity while blocking building heat gain. But yeah, the technology isn't there yet, especially when conventional energy remains relatively cheap. -
Sustainable development
PatriotResistance replied to 0096 2251 2110 8105's topic in Political Philosophy
You shouldn't. I agree with you. -
Sustainable development
PatriotResistance replied to 0096 2251 2110 8105's topic in Political Philosophy
Are you including independence from the power grid in your evaluation? How about self-reliance, an important part of individualism? Not saying you should, just that some would value those things. As an architect who's done some solar design I understand your concerns. In fact, realistically the first step to designing a system is to ask the user if they are interested or would be willing to reduce their electricity requirements. If the answer is no, the evaluation need not go any further. But if yes, and assuming a lifespan of thirty years, solar PV should be about the same cost as getting power from the grid. Only government incentives make it a net gain. -
Reworked the famous Obama Hope poster. Ayn Rand Reason Poster I think it turned out well. Bob Patriot Resistance
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Sustainable development
PatriotResistance replied to 0096 2251 2110 8105's topic in Political Philosophy
Thank you, Zedic. You said what I wanted to, and in much more detail. I think people in this thread are reacting to historical environmental extremism, without a good understanding of what sustainable development is about. In fact, it's such a huge topic that I think we would all struggle to find a good all-encompassing definition. There is no doubt that the movement has it's share of e-wackos involved. But on the other end of the spectrum is building technology, materials and processes that create new industries and jobs. Would you rather work in a building with stale air and the constant hum of mechanical equipment, or one with high quality fresh air that is cheaper to operate. The free-market is working here, guys. Oh, and here's an example of one of William McDonough's most famous projects, the Ford Rouge Dearborn Truck Plant. There's much to like and hate about sustainable development. One of my pet peeves (as an architect) is LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design). LEED won out over a number of other systems for implementing and documenting sustainable practices in building construction. And, IMO, they suck. It's a hugely bureaucratic, consensus-based system that, IMO, stifles sustainable development. And it's unaffordable for any but the most elite clients. -
post your favorite you tube videos here
PatriotResistance replied to The Wrath's topic in Miscellaneous Topics
Here's a cool little animated commercial for Areva (nuclear power) set to "Funky Town". I can watch it all day! -
Fox Valley Objectivists Club
PatriotResistance replied to Steve Hathway's topic in Milwaukee Metro Area
That's my hometown! Next time I visit the folks I'll look you up. Good luck guys. Bob Patriot Resistance Galts Gulch Gifts -
Marine Let's Congressman Baird Have It at Townhall
PatriotResistance replied to Thales's topic in Current Events
When Obama says you can keep your current plan it is only a sales job to hide his true intentions. MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT. If they can get any part of this plan at all in place, they will cause it to evolve over the years into a 100% socialistic government run health care system. And here is just a small part of the proof: Montage of public statements Obama and Barney Frank spell it out See you in Galts Gulch! Galts Gulch Gifts -
Thank you for saying it. I, for one, agree. Can we get a third, fourth.........? It could be expounded on further, but why bother?
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Quantum Physics / Quantum Mechanics
PatriotResistance replied to Praxus's topic in Metaphysics and Epistemology
Uhhh, that's what I said. Since an observer is not required to change the result of the experiment, rather a measuring device's presence or absence changes the outcome of the experiment, then that objective reality exists outside of human consciousness. The experiment seems to prove the Objectivist principle that you first stated - 'objective reality exists outside of human consciousness'. As I understand it, quantum physicists today still do not understand the mechanism of the wave-duality nature of sub-atomic particles, there is a lot of debate about just how it works. But the fact that we can observe it working each way does nothing to disprove that Objectivist principle. -
Three person intimate relationship?
PatriotResistance replied to mke's topic in Psychology and Self Improvement
Yes. So doesn't it come down to this question - can a person hold more than one person at a time in the highest value? If that is the question, IMO reality would suggest the answer is no. The highest value is just that - the highest. How can more than one person occupy that position? One or the other will always be of different value at different times. Now figure into the equation that it's not just whether one person can do so, but whether THREE people can do so at the same time. -
I believe the following is consistent with Objectivism, but I'm new at this and would appreciate comments. I also don't believe in AGW but that was not your question. Others are mentioning government but IMO this is not an issue for government. Their only duty is to protect my rights and the country from invaders. Assuming humans are negatively effecting the environment, I would expect men of reason to invent and produce products and systems that will have appeal in the market place. After all, whoever invents a viable clean power source could be the next Bill Gates time TEN. (Think Galt's engine) And if you think about it, isn't that exactly what is happening? The only problem is that none of the new technologies is exceptionally viable yet. Your question aside, the problem with reality today is that these technologies are being subsidized by government, which actually hurts them in the long run - they need to be financially viable on their own. And that they are being promoted as a moral requirement, which they are not. I like "green" technologies. I think they are a requirement for humans to survive on earth, but we probably have quite a bit of time yet to develop them. But if something truly viable comes along tomorrow, it will replace oil, etc. quickly - through the nature course of the free market.
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Quantum Physics / Quantum Mechanics
PatriotResistance replied to Praxus's topic in Metaphysics and Epistemology
This is simply a feature of quantum mechanics (wave-particle duality) that has been know since Einsteins day, and it involves sub-atomic particles not our physical reality. Additionally, you state that the difference in the experiment is the presence of a measuring device, not an observer. So the reality of the wave-particle duality of sub-atomic particles exists independent of a human consciousness observing it. -
The Brave One - What of revenge?
PatriotResistance replied to PatriotResistance's topic in Movies, Shows, and Theatre
The police found one of the killers through a ring they stole which ended up in a pawn shop. Rather than identifying the criminal in a police line-up, Jodie's character lied. Then she found the pawn shop on her own and exacted her own justice. So, in answer to your question, we can assume that had she identified the criminal in the lineup the usual arrest and trial would have been the result. -
Apologies is this movie has been discussed - it didn't show up in a search. I'm curious what Objectivists would have to say about Jodie Foster's character's journey in this movie. I think two of her violent engagements are clear self-defense (the convenience store and the pimp in the car). But what about her final revenge on the three thugs who killed her fiance? Is revenge ever justified? It clearly wasn't self defense, but she did not initiate the violence. I have to admit that on a strictly emotional level I found her final revenge satisfying and justifiable. Is that wrong? Bob
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I've posted a couple times and just found this introduction section, so HI. Really, I'm here because I've become severely angry and frustrated over US politics in the last year or so. We've been on a socialistic slide for 50 years or more, but this recent lurch to the left has to be defeated. (?) I feel by not being more active politically I am to blame (collectively ?) for allowing it to happen. I first read Atlas Shrugged about 20 years ago, so been a fan of Ayn Rand, free markets and limited government most of my adult life. Reread it recently, along with Anthem and am currently struggling through The Virtue of Selfishness. I don't think I can officially call myself an Objectivist yet. But I would like to connect, discuss and expand my understanding. Oh, and occasionally promote my objectivist zazzle products if that isn't out of line. Bob
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Obama’s Email Arrogance
PatriotResistance replied to Rule of Reason Blog's topic in The Objectivism Meta-Blog Discussion
That any America administration could request fishy comments be reported to the guvmint is so astonishing it makes my head spin! Have you seen the Flag Yourself movement? I flagged Obama and Barney Frank! lol -
Well designed Objectivist T-shirts and Posters
PatriotResistance replied to davidngo's topic in Marketplace
Davidngo, I think your Galt's Oath design is the best Objectivist product on zazzle. Really. But I think some of mine are pretty good too! My Objectivism Gallery Dollar Sign Symbol Good Luck!