SherryTX

If someone asked me "well, how do I know I even exist?" I would simply respond "If you don't know that there is no point in further discussion" Yes - I said that to my oldest two daughters today (not exact words of course).

Oh I am all for getting children to learn to use their mind to it's fullest capacity, but questioning existence is not a method I would use. You have a valid point. The reason I did this is because I was curious. When I was younger, I did actually wonder about this (not too seriously) and I have encountered people the past few years (when we were meeting atheists/humanists in the area) that actually would say things like "well, how do I know I even exist?" To me it is a silly question, absolutely. However, I have to admit it was a question on the fly. Thanks everyone for the comments! =)

Last night, my 7 year & 9 year old daughters were riding with me to pick up a friend. We were on our way to the Tea Party in Dallas, and were talking about the signs that I printed up at home. (They were drawing their own in the van.) We talked a little bit about why we were doing this, etc. - and someone how the subject of Objectivism came up. I think it was because one of my daughters asked what the acronym of our local Oist group meant. ANYHOO....I told them that a very important part of the philosophy was about existence. I asked them - "you know you exist right?" and they both said well - duh - yeah! I asked them "well, how do you know that?" My 7 year old said thought for a few seconds and then said "My 5 senses!" (The 9 year old proceeded to be obnoxious in her funny way - saying "it's an illusion!" but then reassuring me she was kidding because she did the whole thing dead pan.) I thought one of them would say something more specific - I guess I wasn't sure what to expect. Olivia, the 7 year old really surprised me. We talk about the philosophy and Ayn Rand, etc., all the time, but we haven't sat down and done a mini-OPAR with them or anything hahah. I think she was just reasoning it out on her own. I was very pleased. =) (Hopefully my new avatar picture is showing - that is Olivia at last night's Tea Party in Dallas.)

I haven't seen anything on this - but I will look.

Sorry I didn't see this sooner. Neither of us were. Travis had a brother that was a Marine, would died when he was 19 (car accident, unrelated to his service), and wanted to join, but decided not to because it would have been to hard on his mom after his brother died. There were a group of about 10 ACORN folks there early on. I didn't seem them, but a friend we met up with told me about it. He said they didn't stay long, and apparantly were not able to bait anyone, as he implied they were trying to do. It was totally peaceful and very uplifting. Only two of our girls made it with us. My 11 year old was sick, so the 13 year old volunteered to stay home with her since my son would be back from his class later. My 11 year old was really upset - she was so excited about it. My 13 year old was glad to stay home - despite all our discussions, I guess I wasn't clear, because she thought it was going to be an actual tea party with snacks and such. Not sure why the others got it and she didn't- but just a reminder that I need to be more clear when talking to the minions! Olivia (7) and Rebecca (9) made there own signs, and I made a couple. I didn't have a chance to get any flags after all, nor the t-shirts. However, my husband printed up a couple hundred fliers for the CRC group here in Dallas and we handed those out, and I believe others were handing out ARI and TAS fliers. Donovan had a HUGE sign that said "John Galt Lives!" on one side and had the logo for CRC on the other. There were a LOT of people that had Atlas and John Galt signs - people that didn't belong to any local Objectivist related club that I am involved. The speakers mentioned the book several times through out the night. It was an extremely positive experience, and I am really glad at least two of our kids could make it with us. Here are the signs we had: Olivia's : drew a picture and had "Obama stop making me pay for your mistakes" Rebecca's: A picture of Hamtaro with a old judge's wig on saying "Start Listening to the constitution" - they both made these in the van on the way to the protest hahah. So spelling was exact, but they were their words, not anyone else's so I that warmed my heart. The three other signs that the girls alternated holding were: "Who is John Galt? USA needs him NOW!" "Government is bankrupt. Only FREEDOM can bail us out." "Obama: Stop bankrupting my generation!" Several of my friends from CRC and NTOS were there - it was just great! =)

HAHA. =)

Bill, thanks for your comments. Yes - I agree - things need to be kept on track. I am working on writing up some questions for Bernstein's book, and will share it with others. I also have the same concern - to make sure everyone has a chance to participate. At the CRC, for example, Donovan is very good about gently making sure those of us that talk a lot, give others a chance. My group will no likely be smaller, but this is a very important point to keep in mind. Most of the people I think that will come I already have all their contact info, but good point, I will ask someone to help me with that part. I wouldn't go so far as to call myself charismatic, but am working on it. =)

I changed it - hopefully that is less annoying. Sorry, I have been having a hard time reading some things online lately, so figured I would make it bit bigger, and didn't think it would be hard to read. Thanks for pointing that out.

I just started a new group on FaceBook, in order to manager a new lit discussion group I am starting in Plano TX: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=69565594095 Here is what I posted: "Rational Literature Discussion Group This book discussion group is designed to discuss works of various authors writing about (or influenced by) Ayn Rand or her philosophy Objectivism. This can include a complete book (fiction or non-fiction), or short stories, essays or articles found in compilations. The only requirements for participating are: 1. The willingness to read the material selected, and be able to participate in discussions in a respectful manner. Of course, a sense of humor is always helpful in any group, and welcomed. 2. Purchase something from the coffee shop or restaurant that we will be meeting in so we are not taking up space for free. The point is twofold: to not take up space without compensating the business for it; and also so that we are welcomed back each week. 3. At this time, it is requested children be left at home. However, if you have an older child that wishes to participate with you and has read the material, and is able to participate in meaningful discussions, please contact me to discuss your child joining us. Goals: 1. To share ideas, comments, even constructive criticism on what we read with others. 2. Socialize and have fun! Location, Time, etc: The goal is to meet every other Sunday afternoon, or at least two Sunday's a month in the Plano area. The exact location and time will be determined in the coming 2 weeks, as I find a good location depending on the number of people interested. Works to explore together: The first book I would like to select is Andrew Bernstein's Objectivism in One Lesson. While a short book, it does a good job giving an overview of Objectivism, and I think would be a great start to the group. The book is an easy read for those new to Objectivism, and I think has enough depth to satisfy those that are already familiar with the philosophy. A sample of some others books/writing I would like to consider for the future are: Ayn Rand Three Plays (Night of January 16th, Ideal & Think Twice) The Early Ayn Rand: A Selection from Her Unpublished Fiction Tara Smith's Ayn Rand's Normative Ethics The Girl Who Owned A City Of course, there are many more to consider, and I am open to suggestions after we finish Bernstein's book." We probably will add rational poetry to the mix, as well as the occasional movie review in between books. My motive is this: The current groups I belong to are wonderful - however, I want something geared specifically to literature, and not necessarily just Ayn Rand's work. I also wanted something in my neck of the woods, since I do a lot of driving to go to various events. Plus, I want something in place so that as my kids get older they can join us. Fortunately, they all love to read, and have discussions about what they read. Lastly, while I enjoy all my Objectivist friends, sometimes there are pretty reasonable and Objectivist friendly folks out there that share my love of reading, but may feel that they are not compatible with the other groups I attend. I was curious as to any thoughts, suggestions, etc. people here may have - and if any of you have done this before, and how were you successful? Edited: to make the font easier to read.

Michael - Many thanks for all of your efforts. The personal messages capability is highly valued. And, more generally, thanks to you and Kat for creating and managing Objectivist Living. Bill P What Bill said. Edited to add: oh - and it appears to be working now! All is right in the world.

Ha, that's a good one. It just so happens I do php-mySQL programming myself. I don't think programmers are attracted to objectivism for the "logic" thing though, I suspect it's more to do with individualism, economics, etc. I think people are attracted to programming for the logic thing though. Hmmm...you know what, the more I think of it, I think you are correct! Michael - thanks for taking care of it so quickly! I will get back on later tonight and send my message. =)

Hmmm...is it Seinfeldian or Seinfeldic, or possibly Seinfeldish? Hmmmm....HHHHMMMMMM...I will have to mull over that one.

Absolutely. I find it all very "Seinfeldian".

Thanks Michael! If all else fails, don't forget you can resort to the time old Etch-A-Sketch protocol. (Pick your computer and shake it.) By the way I have a buddy that is very good with PHP MYSQL - you probably already know a ton of people who are - but if you are ever looking for some help with that, let me know and I will put you in contact. Very bright young man, and very keen on Rand and Objectivism. I find that Objectivism is something a lot of programmers find very interesting and make sense to them. Must be the whole logic thing. In fact - my husband has often joked that he wants to write a book called "The Objectivist Oriented Programmer" hahah.

Yes, I am guilty of rewriting history I guess haha. It wasn't technically an ARI question, but this seemed the most appropriate place. It wasn't intentional, but yes, I do find it deliciously ironic in a way. ;)

That argument doesn't hold. Solipsism doesn't necessarily mean complete passivity like watching a movie, it's more like acting in a dream. In a lucid dream you might realize that you're dreaming, and still "act" in your dream (like arguing with other people, even if you know that they're only figments of your imagination). When I was a kid, there was a movie on (I think) PBS where at the end, it was revealed that the world that was shown was just some guy's dream. I think it was by Mark Twain...anyone remember that? Sorry - a bit off topic, but it got me thinking about it.

Damn! So much for the good stuff! --Brant Not as exciting as one would imagine, I assure you! =P I just was suffering from a momentary lapse of reason, but then realized to publicly post the question may seem like I am showing disrespect to a person that I respect very much, so figured it would be better to send a private message. I have enough drama in my life with the 5 minions, so figured I didn't need to cause any more.

We don't need no stinkin' "Personal Message" function! BrantGaede@aol.com HAHA! Well, my friend, the question was not for you - but I will make note of your email address in case I do. =) Heh, heh, heh. Go ahead--send me one! --Brant

Hi - just wondering with the Private Message feature will be back up. I have a question for a member that I wasn't sure would be appropriate to post publically, but when I try I get this message: IPS Shared Hosting Server PM System Currently Disabled You have reached this page because the Personal Message system you are trying to access is currently unavailable while awaiting a software update. If you are the site owner/administrator, please login to the IPS client area for further information and to attain the software patch. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Now, the Technology Gods do have it in for me (as evidenced by dishwasher, 2 cell phones, one car and a can opener all going on strike in the last year), but I never imagined it would spread to the OL forums. Any idea when this will be up? Thanks!

I have been guilty of ending sentences with prepositions, but have been working more on making sure it does not happen. It irritates me a lot lately, so I have been making a concerted effort to not do this. I am not always successful of course. I think the reason is because I am going over prepositions with my 9 year old at home in her home schooling. The book hasn't stated NOT to end a sentence with a preposition, but all of a sudden I have flash backs of my English teachers in school telling me not to do this. Perhaps I suffer from some sort of preposition appropriateness disorder. Or maybe unearned preposition displacement guilt? ;)

Edited: I deleted what I had posted here. I re-read it about 10 or 15 minutes after I posted it, and decided it was probably a question better asked in a private message than on an open forum. So- nothing to see here...sorry - wasn't sure how to delete it entirely.

When I read Atlas Shrugged, I skipped it - but only because I had already read it. However, lots of times I hear (or read on messages boards all the time) people telling first time readers to go ahead and skip it. Well, at first I thought, sure that may be good advice. However, I don't believe that is the case any more. I don't want someone to put it down because they don't want to wade through it. However, I think there are a lot of people that skip it, and never go back to it. What's the point of reading the book if you don't read the speech. So, maybe it is better to tell them to read the speech first, and then read Atlas Shrugged. I don't think it would ruin the book for anyone if they did that first. At least it didn't for me.

by eating chocolate! Happy bunny day! HAHA! We decided to do the egg painting/hunt next weekend - too much going on this weekend for me to get out to the store. And hopefully everything will be half price hahah. I haven't even bought any candy yet - and I am a huge chocoholic. My kids are making egg Sramlets for us now for a light brunch, and we are looking forward to feasting on sushi with our friends tonight!

What great news. Even if President Obama authorized it... Michael YAY! I am so glad they were able to rescue him. I heard on the radio that the Navy told the pirates their choice was to be arrested, and they wouldn't let them go, but the pirates still wouldn't surrender. I am glad they weren't giving them the option of free passage, but of course saving the captain was the most important thing. I hope this sends a message out there to the pirates they face sure death if they keep this up.

Do we have any other DFW area folks here? I am curious, because there are a lot of Objectivist events going on in our area, especially in April, but I wasn't sure who here is in the area?