Oh no, it's not you, it's more like the combined force of everyone's comments in any Ayn Rand thread anywhere. I just get irritated by people who want to dismiss her as a writer because they were "brainwashed" by her thinking at an early age. I found your comments to be quite interesting and insightful. I posted my response in the thread, because I meanwhile got annoyed by the people whose argument against Rand is "Well, I've never read her books, but I don't like the people who like her writing, so I don't like her either. Her fans are stupid".

Good books lately... I just started reading Bukowski's Hollywood, so far it seems pretty good. I just finished Like Water for Chocolate, which I didn't enjoy nearly as much as I thought I would. I just finished school, so now I'll have time to read again. So while I haven't read many good books lately, I have a whole stack that oozes potential.

Edited to make it more clear: I thought that what you said about being brainwashed by her book made a lot of sense, as opposed to most of the other peoples' complaints about it. I can understand the sense of repulsion you describe. But I don't think that her having "tricked" you into feeling a certain way (which is what you imply by saying that you were brainwashed) makes her a bad writer. In fact, it is probably an indication of the exact opposite...

[Edited on May 20, 2004 11:50AM]

Hi there! Thank you for allowing yourself to be added as a friend! At the moment, I'm simply trying to find time to even think about writing. It's no excuse, really. I need simply to go do it and stop my procrastination. To that end, I've set myself a challenge to get something down on paper by the end of the week. How about yourself? Any current scribblings you'd like to share?

Hey man! How's things in the world of Trogdor? Goodie, good, good, I hope.

Your book list sounds quite interesting. Right now I'm so angry and fed up with what passes for "politics" in this country, I could scream. Grrrrrrrrrrr! *struggling to maintain my sanity under the current "administration".* Gah!!!!!

I'm reading three different books on Buddhism and Jung on dreams. stari is traveling in very metaphysical and astrial realms right now. It is helping to keep my spirit aloft.

Thanks for the compliments on the pics. I credit oregon with being so damn beautiful. I just want to share everything I see. So amazing and glorious! Yay spring! Yay for upcoming summer! Yay oregon!

Life is pretty dang good at the moment. *glows* Hope that the same is visiting you.

PS~ Of course I would have you back as a friend, silly! You were my very first SG friend, which still means alot to me. *squish!*

PPS~ How did the Bowie concert with Mom-in-law go? Good times?!?

I'll pick up some of that hippie stuff this weekend. I almost slept the whole night thru, but my phone rang at 2:45 in the morning. Caller ID says: BLOCKED. Ex boyfriend calling. I didn't answer, but couldn't get back to sleep after that.

At least the weekend is here! Looking forward to sleeping late!

Have a good weekend...is your girlfriend's mom gone yet???

Hello,

I "enjoyed" (= agreed with!) your recent comments on Ayn Rand in the lit group!

Have a great weekend
l*P!

Hey, I've been almost sleeping better! Just constantly interrupted. The goddamned storm sirens went off at midnight, there's one right at the end of my block. Those fucking things stayed on FOR TWENTY MINUTES. And nothing happened. Just a little rain and thunder, no bid deal. Fucking national civil alert system or whatever the hell it's called.

Hey, but besides that, I had a great day! Seriously, I am in a good mood. More friends coming down this weekend. Then I'm visiting my P's in Oak Park, eating their food, watching their tv, spending their money. You know, quality time.