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Showing posts from April, 2025

Objectivists and Objectivism

In 1987 I attended a summer conference of Ayn Rand’s philosophy called Objectivism. The conference was held at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) in La Jolla and was attended by the Who’s Who of Objectivism. It was organized by George Reisman and his wife, Edith Packer. George Reisman was an economics professor at Pepperdine University and a prominent Objectivist. The UCSD campus was high up on a rock overlooking the ocean. It was a beautiful and clean campus. Perfect weather. It was great to be there, and to be alive. I was only 22 years old then. I didn’t have much of an education, but I had a great interest in ideas after reading The Fountainhead .
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Is Monaco the 'Village' From 'The Prisoner'?

  Patrice Pastor in the Village of Monaco: A Real-World Reflection of Patrick McGoohan's 'The Prisoner' After arriving underground by train from Nice, I walked up the stairs, stepped into Monaco, and immediately noticed how clean the streets were. I looked up at the buildings and saw how perfectly maintained they were. Everything around me seemed new and fresh.
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The Crane Birds of Monaco: A Poem

The crane is the most common bird in Monaco The Inspiration Behind the Poem This poem explores the changing landscape of Monaco, contrasting the literal construction cranes dominating the skyline with the political atmosphere surrounding the palace. It touches upon themes of modern development, privacy, and the hidden tensions within a famous monarchy. The air in Monaco is always clean Sometimes a raven can be seen But the crane bird is everywhere Buildings rising here and there All the cranes bear the same name From a family with great fame They rule the skies of Monaco Better to be their friend than their foe In the distance is the palace Where the Prince is pacing with malice Another day another scandal The priest shook his head and lit a candle Who had leaked the dirt? To cause the monarchy so much hurt Who made the man with the crown Look like such a clown? Surrounded by the wrong men Punished by a poison pen Though he still has his crown Many greet him with a hidden frown In Mona...
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Professor Pim and the Evil Queen of the Neverlands: A Poem

  The History and Themes Behind the Satire This satirical poem draws inspiration from the dramatic events surrounding Dutch politics, specifically mirroring the tension and sudden tragedy of historical political assassinations. By using a fairy-tale motif ("Mirror Mirror" and "The Neverlands"), the poem provides a biting commentary on the relationship between systemic corruption, the monarchy, and political silencing. "Mirror Mirror on the wall Who is the most popular of them all" "Professor Pim" the mirror said The man the Queen wanted dead The Queen hated Professor Pim For he had called her son dumb and dim With only a few days away Professor Pim would have a say The Queen's ministers had warned her The election was around the corner If Professor Pim would become the Prime Minister of the Neverlands He would hold her future in his hands Without a poison apple around A useful idiot had to be found The Queen's men found such a man And qui...
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