A Dissertation.: July 2007

Friday, July 27, 2007

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Nostalgia: Wonder Years Intro

The Wonder Years Biography Part 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Video Vault: Into the Wild Trailer

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Excerpt from Branden’s “The Benefits and Hazards of…”

"...and perhaps that is why her books have had such a powerful impact on the young, on those still fighting to protect themselves against the world of adults and against the cynicism and despair of their elders, on those fighting to hang onto the conviction that they can do better, that they can rise higher, and that they can make more of their life than those who have gone before them, especially, perhaps, their parents and relatives. One cannot understand the appeal of Ayn Rand if one doesn't understand how starved people -- and especially young people -- are for a celebration of human efficacy and for a vision that upholds the positive possibilities of life. The Fountainhead in particular has served as an incredible source of inspiration for the young. The Fountainhead gave them courage to fight for their own lives and for their own integrity and for their own ambitions."
--Nathaniel Branden, Ph.D.

Monday, July 23, 2007

Randomness: Pointless

The old man looked like life had won: his face was defeated: the wear and tear tore: he was done. I couldn't, for the life of me, understand how anyone could get to such a place. We all get kicked around by life--loved ones die, people disappoint, temptation aims to dominate--but (at least in this country) we're all given choices: what to do after we wake up in the morning; are we going to approach the day with a purpose? are we going to be respectful? are we going to get mad, but stay rational?

Why do people give up? Why are we surrounded by weak people who repeatedly throw in the towel for a quick fix or a cheap grin? Everyone is worried about what everyone will think; nobody is thinking about thinking anymore; nobody is taking the time to stop. Stop. Values, integrity, and passion have been replaced with minimizing goals, complacency, and apathy. The same song and dance--whatever. Find a point if life is getting to the point of pointless. Be great or get out of the way. You're wasting my time.

Where Do You Stand?

While an impeachment would be most ideal, it looks like we are going to have to wait until 2008 for new leadership. Oh, who to vote for...
Candidate Quiz
Candidate Table

Monday, July 16, 2007

Video Vault: J.J Abrams Untitled

Video Vault: Falling Slowly

While similar to the Once trailer, the full song, Falling Slowly, deserves a separate post:

Saturday, July 14, 2007

"Goodbye, Harry" by Stephen King

All great stories come to an end. I can't wait for the next one to come along.
Entertainment Weekly article by Stephen King

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

"The Benefits and Hazards of the Philosophy of Ayn Rand"

I recently stumbled across what is proving to be an interesting article written by Dr. Nathaniel Branden, a close friend of Ayn Rand for 18 years. More to come after I finish reading.