Good Things, Please

[piz 0]

I've been thinking about taking a break from THE FORUM, for at least a while if not permanently. It's not the fault of anyone here, it's just that the subject matter of the overwhelming majority of posts is either infuriating or depressing, or the posts are hostile in tone. Right this moment, after reading the posts since my last visit, I'm feeling discouraged and angry about the world and my chances in it. Hell, my heart rate is up and I'm having trouble concentrating to get this written, let alone remember what I'd planned to do today. And this is far from the first time.

I don't suppose there's anything that can be done about it, because even though the "The Good" topic area already exists and there are plenty of other areas where good (or, for that matter, even neutral) things can be posted, there is, of course, no guarantee that anything will be posted there. And it's not as though good things are never posted, it's just that they're so few and far between compared to the black news on things like the election, the growing stranglehold of environmentalism, disintegrating culture, the stupidity and horror of the media and academia, etc. Add to that the number of posts that argue (I won't say "discuss") without respect and only a veneer of civility, and I find myself skipping a lot of threads altogether just to avoid all that. (I know I'm also guilty of this, which bothers me the most.)

So, actually, I don't know what it is I'm putting in as a suggestion here. THE FORUM has been, for me, my "one month in the valley," in the form of a little bit of time each day where I can at least think like a real human being, if not live like one entirely. Maybe the problem is mine, but it's becoming that less and less for me.

[Mercury 0]

I've been thinking about taking a break from THE FORUM, for at least a while if not permanently. It's not the fault of anyone here, it's just that the subject matter of the overwhelming majority of posts is either infuriating or depressing, or the posts are hostile in tone. Right this moment, after reading the posts since my last visit, I'm feeling discouraged and angry about the world and my chances in it. Hell, my heart rate is up and I'm having trouble concentrating to get this written, let alone remember what I'd planned to do today. And this is far from the first time.

I don't suppose there's anything that can be done about it, because even though the "The Good" topic area already exists and there are plenty of other areas where good (or, for that matter, even neutral) things can be posted, there is, of course, no guarantee that anything will be posted there. And it's not as though good things are never posted, it's just that they're so few and far between compared to the black news on things like the election, the growing stranglehold of environmentalism, disintegrating culture, the stupidity and horror of the media and academia, etc. Add to that the number of posts that argue (I won't say "discuss") without respect and only a veneer of civility, and I find myself skipping a lot of threads altogether just to avoid all that. (I know I'm also guilty of this, which bothers me the most.)

So, actually, I don't know what it is I'm putting in as a suggestion here. THE FORUM has been, for me, my "one month in the valley," in the form of a little bit of time each day where I can at least think like a real human being, if not live like one entirely. Maybe the problem is mine, but it's becoming that less and less for me.

Although I don't see much "hostility"on the FORUM, I understand why you're getting depressed. The world seems to have gone crazy ("global food shortage"; farm bill passed; polar bear protections; high gas prices; carbon tax coming; there is no viable right-wing political alternative to conservatives in any Western country; etc.).

So, your sense-of-life is under attack. Defending that sense-of-life is the domain of art, and I think you may need to seek out good art, or at least as close to it as you can get. When was the last time you saw a movie? and which one?

[Lady Brin 0]

I've been thinking about taking a break from THE FORUM, for at least a while if not permanently. It's not the fault of anyone here, it's just that the subject matter of the overwhelming majority of posts is either infuriating or depressing, or the posts are hostile in tone. Right this moment, after reading the posts since my last visit, I'm feeling discouraged and angry about the world and my chances in it. Hell, my heart rate is up and I'm having trouble concentrating to get this written, let alone remember what I'd planned to do today. And this is far from the first time.

I don't suppose there's anything that can be done about it, because even though the "The Good" topic area already exists and there are plenty of other areas where good (or, for that matter, even neutral) things can be posted, there is, of course, no guarantee that anything will be posted there. And it's not as though good things are never posted, it's just that they're so few and far between compared to the black news on things like the election, the growing stranglehold of environmentalism, disintegrating culture, the stupidity and horror of the media and academia, etc. Add to that the number of posts that argue (I won't say "discuss") without respect and only a veneer of civility, and I find myself skipping a lot of threads altogether just to avoid all that. (I know I'm also guilty of this, which bothers me the most.)

So, actually, I don't know what it is I'm putting in as a suggestion here. THE FORUM has been, for me, my "one month in the valley," in the form of a little bit of time each day where I can at least think like a real human being, if not live like one entirely. Maybe the problem is mine, but it's becoming that less and less for me.

Although I don't see much "hostility"on the FORUM, I understand why you're getting depressed. The world seems to have gone crazy ("global food shortage"; farm bill passed; polar bear protections; high gas prices; carbon tax coming; there is no viable right-wing political alternative to conservatives in any Western country; etc.).

So, your sense-of-life is under attack. Defending that sense-of-life is the domain of art, and I think you may need to seek out good art, or at least as close to it as you can get. When was the last time you saw a movie? and which one?

Thanks for the excellent reminder. I'm *feeling* just like Piz. Everything I've tried watching lately has been the pits. Sometimes A Knights Tale or Under Siege helps, but Seagal's latest movie is an viro nightmare. Maybe The Thomas Crown Affair would help today? I wish I had a John Lautner home in which to escape. I was all set to make some money today in the market, and it has turned ugly and south. I missed $10,000 by about 4 seconds. Boy that hurts.

Piz, I have part of dark chocolate Hershey bar (60% cacao) I'll share with you.

[JRoberts 0]

I've been thinking about taking a break from THE FORUM, for at least a while if not permanently.

Piz,

This has been on my mind for a few months as well. I especially agree that a lot of posts have lost any sense of civility and have turned into dirty attacks or smear jobs. What has kept me going, however, having been involved in a lot of posts like this, is that I try to keep remembering that these certain threads which contain such incivility also contain a lot of insight which is worth reading. I have also discovered that, because Objectivist are very passionate about their ideas, people tend to "get ugly" when they do not necessarily mean to, mostly because they are so passionate, and discussing ideas that are so important and of intense value, that they do not mean to come across as uncivil as they do. So, I tend to brush aside the incivility when I realize this fact, and I realize that the people who are being uncivil (which does at times include me too) are not meaning to hurt or belittle other Objectivist, and that ultimately (I hope) their intentions are good.

[RickWilmes 0]

My wife has been out town this week on business so I took the days off that I work to watch my daughter. My daughter and I have both been sick. I recommend watching the Disney Channel. My favorite is the Higgly Town Heroes My daughter likes to dance to the theme songs to the shows and wants me to participate. A brief 30 second dance to The Bunny Town Hop does wonders to your mood.

I'm also going to get my haircut at HairM this afternoon. A couple of beers and a head massage with a hair cut once a month is one of the best things I do for myself.

[Mercury 0]

I've been thinking about taking a break from THE FORUM, for at least a while if not permanently. It's not the fault of anyone here, it's just that the subject matter of the overwhelming majority of posts is either infuriating or depressing, or the posts are hostile in tone. Right this moment, after reading the posts since my last visit, I'm feeling discouraged and angry about the world and my chances in it. Hell, my heart rate is up and I'm having trouble concentrating to get this written, let alone remember what I'd planned to do today. And this is far from the first time.

[...]

So, actually, I don't know what it is I'm putting in as a suggestion here. THE FORUM has been, for me, my "one month in the valley," in the form of a little bit of time each day where I can at least think like a real human being, if not live like one entirely. Maybe the problem is mine, but it's becoming that less and less for me.

Although I don't see much "hostility"on the FORUM, I understand why you're getting depressed. The world seems to have gone crazy ("global food shortage"; farm bill passed; polar bear protections; high gas prices; carbon tax coming; there is no viable right-wing political alternative to conservatives in any Western country; etc.).

So, your sense-of-life is under attack. Defending that sense-of-life is the domain of art, and I think you may need to seek out good art, or at least as close to it as you can get. When was the last time you saw a movie? and which one?

Thanks for the excellent reminder. I'm *feeling* just like Piz. Everything I've tried watching lately has been the pits. Sometimes A Knights Tale or Under Siege helps, but Seagal's latest movie is an viro nightmare. Maybe The Thomas Crown Affair would help today? I wish I had a John Lautner home in which to escape. I was all set to make some money today in the market, and it has turned ugly and south. I missed $10,000 by about 4 seconds. Boy that hurts.

You're welcome. Sorry to hear about the $10,000. Disappointment has never sounded so impressive!

Piz, I have part of dark chocolate Hershey bar (60% cacao) I'll share with you.

Piz, not to sound presumptuous but, I think you should take the beautiful lady from Corinth up on her offer. You guys could see Thomas Crown together.

[PhilO 0]

I was all set to make some money today in the market, and it has turned ugly and south. I missed $10,000 by about 4 seconds. Boy that hurts.

Daytrading?

[RickWilmes 0]

A brief 30 second dance to The Bunny Town Hop does wonders to your mood.

I just discovered you can listen and dance here. If you're in a particulary fowl mood I recommend the move that allows the bunny to stick his butt at you.

[piz 0]

So, your sense-of-life is under attack. Defending that sense-of-life is the domain of art, and I think you may need to seek out good art, or at least as close to it as you can get. When was the last time you saw a movie? and which one?

Good point. The last film I saw in the theater was American Gangster. The last film I watched at home was The Producers, a couple of days ago.

Maybe it's time for another night out.

[piz 0]

I'm *feeling* just like Piz. Everything I've tried watching lately has been the pits. Sometimes A Knights Tale or Under Siege helps, but Seagal's latest movie is an viro nightmare. Maybe The Thomas Crown Affair would help today? I wish I had a John Lautner home in which to escape. I was all set to make some money today in the market, and it has turned ugly and south. I missed $10,000 by about 4 seconds. Boy that hurts.

Piz, I have part of dark chocolate Hershey bar (60% cacao) I'll share with you.

Hm, Thomas Crown (1999) always seems to lift my spirits. Good call.

I remember when I was in the market; I did extremely well. Then my success was extorted from me. Now...well, let's not go there.

I'll see your Hershey bar and raise you a bottle of excellent raspberry wine from a winery in my area.

[Cometmaker 0]

I've been thinking about taking a break from THE FORUM, for at least a while if not permanently. It's not the fault of anyone here, it's just that the subject matter of the overwhelming majority of posts is either infuriating or depressing, or the posts are hostile in tone. Right this moment, after reading the posts since my last visit, I'm feeling discouraged and angry about the world and my chances in it. Hell, my heart rate is up and I'm having trouble concentrating to get this written, let alone remember what I'd planned to do today. And this is far from the first time. [...] THE FORUM has been, for me, my "one month in the valley," in the form of a little bit of time each day where I can at least think like a real human being, if not live like one entirely. Maybe the problem is mine, but it's becoming that less and less for me.

Scott A. wrote in Objectivism & Happiness:

" I hope you'll excuse the presumption, but I wrote in the aforementioned essay [Criticism & Personality], “To me, Objectivism is meant above all to help people live their lives productively, happily, and confidently." This is the point that recent events have brought into much sharper focus: it is my life to which Objectivism is important; it is how I apply it to my life that matters most of all.”

[piz 0]

This has been on my mind for a few months as well. I especially agree that a lot of posts have lost any sense of civility and have turned into dirty attacks or smear jobs. What has kept me going, however, having been involved in a lot of posts like this, is that I try to keep remembering that these certain threads which contain such incivility also contain a lot of insight which is worth reading. I have also discovered that, because Objectivist are very passionate about their ideas, people tend to "get ugly" when they do not necessarily mean to, mostly because they are so passionate, and discussing ideas that are so important and of intense value, that they do not mean to come across as uncivil as they do. So, I tend to brush aside the incivility when I realize this fact, and I realize that the people who are being uncivil (which does at times include me too) are not meaning to hurt or belittle other Objectivist, and that ultimately (I hope) their intentions are good.

I realize that, and it's not the tone of the posts that's my major concern, it's the subject matter. Makes me wonder if there's anything good left in the world.

[piz 0]

My wife has been out town this week on business so I took the days off that I work to watch my daughter. My daughter and I have both been sick. I recommend watching the Disney Channel. My favorite is the Higgly Town Heroes My daughter likes to dance to the theme songs to the shows and wants me to participate. A brief 30 second dance to The Bunny Town Hop does wonders to your mood.

I'm also going to get my haircut at HairM this afternoon. A couple of beers and a head massage with a hair cut once a month is one of the best things I do for myself.

Sounds like your daughter is at a really fun age. That would work for me - put me in a room with a bunch of approximately 4-year-olds, then point at me and say, "Get 'im!" and I'll be happy again in no time.

[piz 0]

Piz, I have part of dark chocolate Hershey bar (60% cacao) I'll share with you.

Piz, not to sound presumptuous but, I think you should take the beautiful lady from Corinth up on her offer. You guys could see Thomas Crown together.

Well, if I could get there. Stupid reality.

[Lady Brin 0]

I remember when I was in the market; I did extremely well. Then my success was extorted from me. Now...well, let's not go there.

I'll see your Hershey bar and raise you a bottle of excellent raspberry wine from a winery in my area.

Mine wasn't extorted; I stupidly panicked during the tech bubble. But I learned and am slowly coming back. BBT has really helped this year. This quarter I've qualified as a day trader, and I may continue - if my nerves can hold up. You don't have to pay Social Security, which is what I never want to pay another cent of.

I've never had raspberry wine. I love raspberries with cream, though.

[Betsy Speicher 0]

I realize that, and it's not the tone of the posts that's my major concern, it's the subject matter. Makes me wonder if there's anything good left in the world.

So skip the "Current Events" and politics forums and just read the "Performing Arts" and "R+R" forums. It would be similar to what Andy Bernstein does when he reads a newspaper. He skips the news and editorials and just reads the sports section.

[B. Royce 0]

Piz, I have part of dark chocolate Hershey bar (60% cacao) I'll share with you.

Piz, not to sound presumptuous but, I think you should take the beautiful lady from Corinth up on her offer. You guys could see Thomas Crown together.

Well, if I could get there. Stupid reality.

Cheers, Piz.

Raspberry Wine said to Hershey Bar,

"If I could take one tiny bite,

I promise you I won't get tight.

And if you take a sip of me

You won't get drunk, but feel so free."

Then her, she pulled her wrapper back

And 'berry popped his cork,

And they did dance the table round

With lifting glass and fork!

[piz 0]

Cheers, Piz.

Raspberry Wine said to Hershey Bar,

"If I could take one tiny bite,

I promise you I won't get tight.

And if you take a sip of me

You won't get drunk, but feel so free."

Then her, she pulled her wrapper back

And 'berry popped his cork,

And they did dance the table round

With lifting glass and fork!

Thanks, Brian, that just made me laugh out loud with joy.

And thanks everyone else, too. You can mark my spirit down as lifted.

[B. Royce 0]

Cheers, Piz.

Raspberry Wine said to Hershey Bar,

"If I could take one tiny bite,

I promise you I won't get tight.

And if you take a sip of me

You won't get drunk, but feel so free."

Then her, she pulled her wrapper back

And 'berry popped his cork,

And they did dance the table round

With lifting glass and fork!

Thanks, Brian, that just made me laugh out loud with joy.

And thanks everyone else, too. You can mark my spirit down as lifted.

You're welcome, Michael. I also recommend Shirley Bassett in the Performing Arts section.

[B. Royce 0]

Excuse me, that's Bassey.

[Lady Brin 0]

Raspberry Wine said to Hershey Bar,

"If I could take one tiny bite,

I promise you I won't get tight.

And if you take a sip of me

You won't get drunk, but feel so free."

Then her, she pulled her wrapper back

And 'berry popped his cork,

And they did dance the table round

With lifting glass and fork!

This is just the happiest thing I've read in a long time! It made me squeal with delight again this morning.

Do these little diddies just sit in your brain, Sir Brian, waiting to pop out? I can clearly visualize the cutest picture of the raspberry and chocolate bar dancing around the table - I wish I could draw.

Have you ever published cute ones like this with illustrations? I use to love reading my Mother-goose (?) book because the accompanying pictures were so delightful.

[B. Royce 0]

Raspberry Wine said to Hershey Bar,

"If I could take one tiny bite,

I promise you I won't get tight.

And if you take a sip of me

You won't get drunk, but feel so free."

Then her, she pulled her wrapper back

And 'berry popped his cork,

And they did dance the table round

With lifting glass and fork!

This is just the happiest thing I've read in a long time! It made me squeal with delight again this morning.

Do these little diddies just sit in your brain, Sir Brian, waiting to pop out? I can clearly visualize the cutest picture of the raspberry and chocolate bar dancing around the table - I wish I could draw.

Have you ever published cute ones like this with illustrations? I use to love reading my Mother-goose (?) book because the accompanying pictures were so delightful.

My Lady Brin, the secret of these little "diddies", as you dub them, is that they never sit at all, but are constantly acrobatting about alone waiting a connecting will and desire. As for drawing, you can draw, you DO draw, in the coloring pages of your imagination. Illustrations would serve only to dull your mind's delineations. So, my Lady, draw yourself into independent delight and your mind will be your own pure knight.

[Lady Brin 0]

Raspberry Wine said to Hershey Bar,

"If I could take one tiny bite,

I promise you I won't get tight.

And if you take a sip of me

You won't get drunk, but feel so free."

Then her, she pulled her wrapper back

And 'berry popped his cork,

And they did dance the table round

With lifting glass and fork!

This is just the happiest thing I've read in a long time! It made me squeal with delight again this morning.

Do these little diddies just sit in your brain, Sir Brian, waiting to pop out? I can clearly visualize the cutest picture of the raspberry and chocolate bar dancing around the table - I wish I could draw.

Have you ever published cute ones like this with illustrations? I use to love reading my Mother-goose (?) book because the accompanying pictures were so delightful.

My Lady Brin, the secret of these little "diddies", as you dub them, is that they never sit at all, but are constantly acrobatting about alone waiting a connecting will and desire. As for drawing, you can draw, you DO draw, in the coloring pages of your imagination. Illustrations would serve only to dull your mind's delineations. So, my Lady, draw yourself into independent delight and your mind will be your own pure knight.

I hope *diddy* didn't offend you; I didn't mean it derogatory. I really admire how effortless it seems for you to create. I didn't inherit any sort of talent, and I seriously doubt my IQ is any higher than the normal range.

Are you saying the words just begin to flow with will and desire? The reason I mentioned illustration is because I thought it would be a cute reminder to lift my spirits when my sense of life seems to ebbing downward.

[B. Royce 0]

Raspberry Wine said to Hershey Bar,

"If I could take one tiny bite,

I promise you I won't get tight.

And if you take a sip of me

You won't get drunk, but feel so free."

Then her, she pulled her wrapper back

And 'berry popped his cork,

And they did dance the table round

With lifting glass and fork!

This is just the happiest thing I've read in a long time! It made me squeal with delight again this morning.

Do these little diddies just sit in your brain, Sir Brian, waiting to pop out? I can clearly visualize the cutest picture of the raspberry and chocolate bar dancing around the table - I wish I could draw.

Have you ever published cute ones like this with illustrations? I use to love reading my Mother-goose (?) book because the accompanying pictures were so delightful.

My Lady Brin, the secret of these little "diddies", as you dub them, is that they never sit at all, but are constantly acrobatting about alone waiting a connecting will and desire. As for drawing, you can draw, you DO draw, in the coloring pages of your imagination. Illustrations would serve only to dull your mind's delineations. So, my Lady, draw yourself into independent delight and your mind will be your own pure knight.

I hope *diddy* didn't offend you; I didn't mean it derogatory. I really admire how effortless it seems for you to create. I didn't inherit any sort of talent, and I seriously doubt my IQ is any higher than the normal range.

Are you saying the words just begin to flow with will and desire? The reason I mentioned illustration is because I thought it would be a cute reminder to lift my spirits when my sense of life seems to ebbing downward.

Offend? Of course not. In fact, quite charming praise. Thank you. I didn't inherit talent either, I hope! And I never even faintly wonder about IQ. There's things to do! Don't let an irrelevant idea dissuade you from anything.

I was being a little too fanciful, perhaps, about my long-held internal order to be on the lookout for things out of which to make delight. When I see just a hint of something my subconscious is ready, and all that's then required is my focused attention and my desire.

As for your sense of life, don't let facts and trivia of the world crowd you out. Nothing and no one is more important than you.

[Henryk 0]

Piz,

Nothing will make you happier than to learn a few Boogie Woogie riffs on the keyboard.

Rasberry wine?-forget it ! Yea, if you want a headache. Small vodka is the go !