Ed Hudgins

Guys -- A couple of quick points: 1. If anyone has something to say about TAS or some problem, just call me at 202-AYN-RAND. The number is easy to remember! 2. Yes, we have our priorities and a business plan and channel our limited resources accordingly. There are many worthy projects that individual Objectivists can devise but TAS can't be all things to all people; trying to be has been one of our problems in the past. 3. I'm always on the lookout for individuals who both understand Objectivism and are highly competent to do specific jobs at TAS. It's not enough to be able to recite catechisms. 4. Mike, if you'd like a speaker for your club, I'd be happy to oblige. I might try to get out to speak to the Phoenix-based club sometime and it's a easy drive to your area. Maybe we can arrange something!

Thanks Michael! It will be tough to outdo ourselves with events like Atlas 50. In the meantime we'll have a steady flow of New Individualists, op-eds and other output in our attempt to spread Objectivist ideas and actions. By the way, thanks for you nice summary of the event, complete with photos! Thanks Chris! And by the way, CSPAN had a lot of audience shots and Q&A coverage so that those who attended could be part of the show!

Yes, they had atlassociety.org at the end. Also we did get some podium shots with 202-AYN-RAND on our sign. And CSPAN started the broadcast at 2:54pm rather than 3:00 so they included my plug for The New Individualist! (Set your video recorders for 2:54am Sunday morning if you missed recording it!)

[Here's the article for those of you too busy to click through. Enjoy!] Atlas Shrugged at 50 Edward Hudgins The Washington Times -- October 11, 2007 Two important events occurred in October 1957. First, the Soviet Union launched the first artificial satellite, named Sputnik, into orbit, causing many to speculate the West was losing to the superior technology and, possibly, inevitable ideology of communism. Second, the novel "Atlas Shrugged" was published. Its author, Ayn Rand, had fled the tyranny of Soviet communism in 1926 for freedom in the West. Today communism in Russia and its satellite countries is dead. "Atlas" and Miss Rand's other works continue to sell millions of copies. A 1992 Library of Congress survey found it to be the most influential book in the country after the Bible. It helped launch the modern free market and libertarian movement. Miss Rand's ideas, which provided an effective counter to Marxist collectivism, are needed even more today to provide the philosophical basis for a much- needed culture of principled individualism. Miss Rand's life was as heroic as her characters. She came to America not speaking English but mastered the language to achieve her goal of becoming a writer. In the following decades she wrote plays, scripts for Hollywood movies and her first two great novels. In "We the Living," published in 1936, Miss Rand offered a damning indictment of communism. The book stood in stark contrast to the self-blinded romance that the political left and Tinsel Town had with the 1930s evil-of-the-day: Josef Stalin's concentration-camp-of-a-country. Nothing much has changed. In her 1943 best-seller "The Fountainhead," which was made into a major Hollywood movie, Miss Rand showed the soul of a true individualist, architect Howard Roark, who held to his own ideas and ideals, in stark contrast to those who surrender their dreams simply for the empty approval of others. When one acquaintance asserted it was Miss Rand's duty to expound upon the ideas in that book, she provocatively asked what would happen if she went on strike, if she refused to serve others. That was the spark that ignited "Atlas Shrugged." In "Atlas," Miss Rand presented her ideas in a story, not in a philosophical treatise. We confront a mystery: Industrial America is collapsing and the most competent and productive individuals who can save the world seem to be disappearing. When Miss Rand was writing - this is still true - it was safe for novelists, media, moviemakers, politicians and preachers to bash businessmen and -women. But in "Atlas," the heroes were in business. Miss Rand showed us characters like railroad vice president Dagny Taggart and super-steel producer Hank Rearden who loved their work; who created innovative products and services by exercising their reason, honesty, integrity and independence; who traded their products with voluntary customers; who became rich through their own efforts; and who took pride in their profits and achievements. She contrasted these heroes with pseudo-businessmen, looters who were more interested in appearance than products; who used government to extort wealth from others; and who were guilty and ashamed of their prosperity. "Atlas" was an exciting story of the consequences of such suicidal ethics and, even more important, an outline of a true ethics of life. Miss Rand's revolution in "Atlas" was to define the standard of all value as man's life; the means of our survival as the exercise of our rational minds, not our adrenal glands; and our proper goal as individuals as our own lives, joy, happiness. Miss Rand taught that it is because we must be free to think and act in order to survive and flourish that we should deal with one another based on mutual consent and never through the initiation of force - such a social system is called capitalism. And for these reasons governments should be limited to protecting the rights of individuals to life, liberty and property. Today "postmodernists" claim there are no standards, no right or wrong, and that everything is a matter of opinion and interpretation - except their own bizarre theories and leftist agendas. We see the results of that nonsense around us every day. But the antidote is not a moral code based on religions or traditions that are often arbitrary, contradict one other and set individuals at each others' throats. What is needed is an unapologetic defense of the rational, responsible and principled individualism, as is found in "Atlas Shrugged." We should each pursue the goals we love, whether nurturing a child to maturity or a business to profitability; whether writing a song, a poem or a business plan; whether laying the bricks to a building, designing the building or arranging its financing. The result would be a society in which we are each enriched, entertained, educated, enlightened and inspired by our fellows. That is the vision Miss Rand offers, the vision of a true Atlas society. ------------ Edward Hudgins is executive director of the Atlas Society (www.atlassociety.o rg), the center for Objectivism, which celebrates human achievement.

Robert, et al., thanks for your kind words! Here's the panel with Rob Bradley, Ed Snider, Ed Younkins and Robert Bidinotto!

The Washington Examiner ran a short account of the event in its Monday, Oct. 8, 2007 paper with a photo of Stossel. Check it out! --------------- 'Atlas' ' 50th brings out filmmakers October 8, 1:34 AM Shrugging (Photo by Carrie Devorah/For The Examiner ) Lovers of libertarianism and individualism gathered Saturday at the Renaissance Hotel downtown for a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Ayn Rand’s novel “Atlas Shrugged.” Among those on hand were several principals involved in bringing the book to the big screen: Michael Burns, the vice chairman of Lionsgate, which is producing the film (he also attended Rand’s funeral 25 years ago); producers Howard and Karen Baldwin (the team that worked on “Ray”) and executive producer John Aglialoro, who happens to be a trustee of the Atlas Society, which sponsored the event. Director Vadim Perelman, who directed “The House of Sand and Fog,” talked about how he wanted to bring the film to the screen in the way Rand would have wanted it. A “safe estimate” for the film’s release is early 2009, said the Atlas Society’s Ed Hudgins. ABC’s John Stossel and libertarian scholar Charles Murray provided the keynotes.

Kyrel -- It was great meeting you! Sorry I didn't have much time to chat; quite busy as you gathered. Since there were people in town with whom I had business I had meetings all day Sunday and am only now chilling out a bit. Yes, it was a long, somewhat exhausting day, like a good workout that ultimately leaves you healthy and energized! Robert's report is right on the mark and you will be seeing a lot of follow-up. Another highlight to mention: David Kelley closed the event by reading the passage from Atlas where Dagny is asked what she'd say to all the great individuals of the past if she met them in some heaven. She's told the right answer is, "Well done." On the 50th anniversary of Atlas, David raised a toast to Ayn Rand saying, "Well done!"

By the way, I'll be sleeping right through Columbus Day!

Actually the registered attendance was pushing 300, a very good turnout with a packed room, our biggest event since the one 10 years ago. Barbara Branden's reflections were also a highlight. Anyone else who attended have any thoughts? We'll be posting more on the event and will be letting you know about further Atlas Shrugged at 50 media coverage. Thanks to all who attended. MSK and Kat, great to see you, along with Chris and others!

Chris -- I haven't heard him mention Rand before. By the way, here's Miller's exact quote: "There’s a great moment in the Fountainhead when the art critic approaches Howard Roark near the building that he could have built if he had given in, and the guy said, 'I’m the one who stopped you from getting that building Mr. Roark, what do you think of me?' And he said, you know, 'I don’t think of you'.”

On the O'Reilly Factor Oct. 3, comedian Dennis Miller was talking about recent attacks on O'Reilly and Limbaugh. He referred to The Fountainhead, saying that when the architect was approached by the villain who asked what did he think of all that he'd done, the architect responded, "But I don't think of you."

Here's another photo of the photogenic Robert with the award!

I sincerely hope that Atlas Shrugged is as big a "failure," using Ba'al's definition, as Lord of the Rings: Critically acclaimed by all (except Ba'al), $1.2 billion in domestic revenue, 10 Oscar wins--tied for the all-time record--for Return of the King alone!

Atlas Movie and Conference Update As reported in Variety magazine, we can confirm that Lionsgate studio has tapped Vadim Perelman to direct the movie version of Ayn Rand's novel, Atlas Shrugged, which will star Angelina Jolie as Dagny Taggart. The director of House of Sand and Fog and In Bloom, scheduled for release this year, Perelman is working with writer Randall Wallace, the screenwriter for Braveheart, to finalize the script. Co-executive producer and Atlas Society trustee John Aglialoro tells us that, "There are still a few details to work out but the project is moving along well. The script has been given conditional approval. I'm optimistic that the movie will be completed in 2008." Aglialoro will be at our Atlas Shrugged 50th Anniversary Celebration to give the latest movie updates. Also producing Atlas will be Howard and Karen Baldwin, who produced the Oscar-winning movie Ray, and Geyer Kosinski, who most recently produced The Astronaut Farmer. Further, if you're planning to attend our Atlas event and to stay at the event venue, the Marriott Renaissance Hotel, the deadline to receive discounts on hotel rooms has been extended to Thursday, September 13. Please book soon while rooms are still available. You can call 1-800-468-3571 or 202- 898-9000 or go online and mention user group code ATSATSA for your Atlas Society discount. You should register separately for the full event itself, which includes a reception at the Cato Institute and a gala banquet. Details here.

Atlas Movie and Conference Update As reported in Variety magazine, we can confirm that Lionsgate studio has tapped Vadim Perelman to direct the movie version of Ayn Rand's novel, Atlas Shrugged, which will star Angelina Jolie as Dagny Taggart. The director of House of Sand and Fog and In Bloom, scheduled for release this year, Perelman is working with writer Randall Wallace, the screenwriter for Braveheart, to finalize the script. Co-executive producer and Atlas Society trustee John Aglialoro tells us that, "There are still a few details to work out but the project is moving along well. The script has been given conditional approval. I'm optimistic that the movie will be completed in 2008." Aglialoro will be at our Atlas Shrugged 50th Anniversary Celebration to give the latest movie updates. Also producing Atlas will be Howard and Karen Baldwin, who produced the Oscar-winning movie Ray, and Geyer Kosinski, who most recently produced The Astronaut Farmer. Further, if you're planning to attend our Atlas event and to stay at the event venue, the Marriott Renaissance Hotel, the deadline to receive discounts on hotel rooms has been extended to Thursday, September 13. Please book soon while rooms are still available. You can call 1-800-468-3571 or 202- 898-9000 or go online and mention user group code ATSATSA for your Atlas Society discount. You should register separately for the full event itself, which includes a reception at the Cato Institute and a gala banquet. Details here.

Atlas Shrugged Movie & Conference Update As reported in Variety magazine, we can confirm that Lionsgate studio has tapped Vadim Perelman to direct the movie version of Ayn Rand's novel, Atlas Shrugged, which will star Angelina Jolie as Dagny Taggart. The director of House of Sand and Fog and In Bloom, scheduled for release this year, Perelman is working with writer Randall Wallace, the screenwriter for Braveheart, to finalize the script. Co-executive producer and Atlas Society trustee John Aglialoro tells us that, "There are still a few details to work out but the project is moving along well. The script has been given conditional approval. I'm optimistic that the movie will be completed in 2008." Aglialoro will be at our Atlas Shrugged 50th Anniversary Celebration to give the latest movie updates. Also producing Atlas will be Howard and Karen Baldwin, who produced the Oscar-winning movie Ray, and Geyer Kosinski, who most recently produced The Astronaut Farmer. Further, if you're planning to attend our Atlas event and to stay at the event venue, the Marriott Renaissance Hotel, the deadline to receive discounts on hotel rooms has been extended to Thursday, September 13. Please book soon while rooms are still available. You can call 1-800-468-3571 or 202- 898-9000 or go online and mention user group code ATSATSA for your Atlas Society discount. You should register separately for the full event itself, which includes a reception at the Cato Institute and a gala banquet. Details here.

Here's Pavarotti in the great sextet, "Chi mi frena in tal momento" from Donizetti's .

Pavarotti brought the beautiful sounds of Puccini, Verdi and so many others to us and opened the ears, minds and souls of a wide audience beyond traditional opera circles to those sounds. I heard Pavarotti once in person, in the early 1990s at a large, packed sports arena (the first Pres. Bush was in the audience). But I've known him from recordings, TV shows and videos since the early '70s. It's with pain that I think of a world without him but with joy that I listen to his voice and music today and know that we'll have them with us always. Ciao Luciano!

This three-minute clip pretty much summarizes the nature of religious debate. Hysterical! http://www.aish.com/jewlariousMultiMedia/j...reat_Debate.asp

This three-minute clip pretty much summarizes the nature of religious debate. Hysterical! http://www.aish.com/jewlariousMultiMedia/j...reat_Debate.asp

Yes, there will be updates at the Atlas Shrugged 50th celebration!

So how about you MSK and Kat? How about a romantic, intellectually stimulating and spiritually renewing weekend in Washington, D.C. to celebrate 50 years of Atlas Shrugged? Hope to see you there! -- Ed ----- Atlas Shrugged 50th Anniversary Hotel Registration Reminder If you're planning to attend the Atlas Shrugged 50th anniversary celebration on October 6 in Washington, D.C. and to stay at the event venue, the Marriott Renaissance Hotel, please try to book your rooms by Thursday, September 6, to guarantee the lower price. You can call 1-800-468-3571 or 202-898-9000 or go online and mention user group code ATSATSA for your Atlas Society discount. You should register separately for the full event itself, which includes a reception at the Cato Institute and a gala banquet. See details at Atlassevents.org. Since its publication half a century ago, Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged has inspired millions. At our celebration you will hear leading scholars, experts and achievers discuss the literary, philosophical, moral, economic and political aspects of this great novel and its impact on our world--past, present and future. Our keynote speakers are John Stossel of ABC's 20/20 show and Charles Murray, libertarian scholar. Hear updates on the upcoming Atlas movie! Celebrate with others who love the book! Don't miss the excitement! If your life and thinking were changed by Atlas Shrugged, this is a day you won't want to miss! You can get further information, updates and register online at Atlasevents.org. When: Saturday, October 6, 2007, 8:00am- 9:00pm. Conference and banquet location: Merriott Renaissance Hotel, 999 Ninth Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001. Afternoon Reception: The Cato Institute, 1000 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001 Seminar costs for entire day, reception at the Cato Institute and gala banquet: $210 before September 21; $250 after September 21; $150 student rate. Hotel: $199 per night at Renaissance Hotel by September 6. Hope to see you all there!

Atlas Shrugged 50th Anniversary Hotel Registration Reminder If you're planning to attend the Atlas Shrugged 50th anniversary celebration on October 6 in Washington, D.C. and to stay at the event venue, the Marriott Renaissance Hotel, please try to book your rooms by Thursday, September 6, to guarantee the lower price. You can call 1-800-468-3571 or 202-898-9000 or go online and mention user group code ATSATSA for your Atlas Society discount. You should register separately for the full event itself, which includes a reception at the Cato Institute and a gala banquet. See details at Atlassevents.org. Since its publication half a century ago, Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged has inspired millions. At our celebration you will hear leading scholars, experts and achievers discuss the literary, philosophical, moral, economic and political aspects of this great novel and its impact on our world--past, present and future. Our keynote speakers are John Stossel of ABC's 20/20 show and Charles Murray, libertarian scholar. Hear updates on the upcoming Atlas movie! Celebrate with others who love the book! Don't miss the excitement! If your life and thinking were changed by Atlas Shrugged, this is a day you won't want to miss! You can get further information, updates and register online at Atlasevents.org. When: Saturday, October 6, 2007, 8:00am- 9:00pm. Conference and banquet location: Merriott Renaissance Hotel, 999 Ninth Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001. Afternoon Reception: The Cato Institute, 1000 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001 Seminar costs for entire day, reception at the Cato Institute and gala banquet: $210 before September 21; $250 after September 21; $150 student rate. Hotel: $199 per night at Renaissance Hotel by September 6. Hope to see you all there!

Atlas Shrugged 50th Anniversary Hotel Registration Reminder If you're planning to attend the Atlas Shrugged 50th anniversary celebration on October 6 in Washington, D.C. and to stay at the event venue, the Marriott Renaissance Hotel, please try to book your rooms by Thursday, September 6, to guarantee the lower price. You can call 1-800-468-3571 or 202-898-9000 or go online and mention user group code ATSATSA for your Atlas Society discount. You should register separately for the full event itself, which includes a reception at the Cato Institute and a gala banquet. See details at Atlassevents.org. Since its publication half a century ago, Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged has inspired millions. At our celebration you will hear leading scholars, experts and achievers discuss the literary, philosophical, moral, economic and political aspects of this great novel and its impact on our world--past, present and future. Our keynote speakers are John Stossel of ABC's 20/20 show and Charles Murray, libertarian scholar. Hear updates on the upcoming Atlas movie! Celebrate with others who love the book! Don't miss the excitement! If your life and thinking were changed by Atlas Shrugged, this is a day you won't want to miss! You can get further information, updates and register online at Atlasevents.org. When: Saturday, October 6, 2007, 8:00am- 9:00pm. Conference and banquet location: Merriott Renaissance Hotel, 999 Ninth Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20001. Afternoon Reception: The Cato Institute, 1000 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20001 Seminar costs for entire day, reception at the Cato Institute and gala banquet: $210 before September 21; $250 after September 21; $150 student rate. Hotel: $199 per night at Renaissance Hotel by September 6. Hope to see you all there!

Krauthammer is always a thoughtful commentator. And he's hit the right on things like creationism. By the way Judith, I've seen him a couple of times at concerts at the Kennedy Center, so we know he has good taste in music. And I hope to see you, Judith, as well as MSK, Kat and the whole gang in DC on Oct. 6 to celebrate Atlas Shrugged at 50; Barbara Branden will be offering reflections on this great occassion!