Commanding Heights on PBS

I hear that the Commanding Heights miniseries is pretty good — and now it’s all online. The book has been gathering dust on my shelves for a while, so I think I’ve give the video version a try. Stay tuned for a review..

Update: I saw the miniseries, and I have two words for you: SEE IT. The series is a must-see for anyone who shares an interest in economics or want to learn about the economic history of the 20th century and the issues surrounding “globalization.”
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Why Objectivists Shouldn’t Be “Atheists”

Relax, I still think that Jesus is nothing but a dressed-up Santa for adults. What I realized after debating with Christians during the last few days however, is that presenting yourself as an “atheist” or making atheism the focus in a debate is not a good idea. The obvious reason is that I am not primarily an advocate of atheism, but of reason and individual rights. However, this fact alone does not explain how one should present these issues to theists, who happen to be the great majority of the students at my school. As I found out, there are three good reasons to avoid making God the focus or even a starting point of your arguments.
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Et tu, Arnold?

Druge reports that Schwarzenegger’s top economic adviser Warren Buffett wants to raise taxes. Buffet is a democrat and a vocal critic of Bush’s tax cut. This is the man Arnold picked for his economic advisor? I know he wants some credibility, but this is not the way to get it. Does anyone remember seeing Arnold with Milton Friedman on the “Free to Choose” videos praising free-market policies?

NY Blackout Special Edition

Quick Quiz: What is the media’s most likely take on the blackout:

  1. The “complexity” and “chaos” of the market is unsuitable for an “essential” need like electricity.
  2. The blackout was caused by America’s over-reliance on fossil fuels – we need to reduce our electricity use and move to renewable energy sources.
  3. The minor looting and small number of deaths caused by the blackout is a sure sign that we can trust the government to protect our lives.
  4. The Democrats haven’t found a way to blame the Bush administration for it, but they’re going to have something soon.
  5. The blackout is an inevitable consequence of a heavily regulated, price-controlled, forcibly monopolized, and eco-crazed power industry.

Prostitution vs. Organized Religion

My Heinlein quote did not go unnoticed. I was challenged on Hobbes, a local forum, to defend the charge that religion is the “oldest, largest, and least productive industry in all history.” As if I didn’t have better things to do, I stayed up half the night writing a 3000 word response on the topic of “Prostitution vs. Organized Religion: Which is more productive?” Enjoy – if you dare.
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