Over43

Slots-O-Fun in front of Circus Circus has (or had) $1 shrimp cocktails (big ones) and $1 blackjack. The top of the Stratosphere is kind of a kick and the aquarium at the Mirage (I'm pretty sure that is the place) is excellent. Fremont Street is excellent as well. The Coke store on the Strip is a hoot. The Sea Food buffett at The Rio is a stop if you have time as well. In-n-Out is a good choice though. O.

There is a diet similar to this called the "Warrior Diet" develped by Ori Hofmekler. He claims it is the diet the Roman Army ate on the march. I forget the details, but quickly you have a couple of pieces of fruit for both breakfast and lunch, I think drinking a lot of water is involved, and then sit down to a large, late dinner, that takes a couple of hours to eat. A lot of meat and vegetables. It is the poster boy diet for the Kettlebell crowd and from what I can tell some MMAers. O.

This is actually quite an excellent dish. I would suggest, before you type your WTF's or think it is "bland" give it a try. And yes, it is a variation of Cincinnati Chili. The first time I had this dish was 20+ years ago in Chicago and my first thought was, "Chili on spaghetti?" I prefer angel hair.

This is an under current of the last few decades. Starting with the Fascist/Socialist movements of the 1930's, through WWII, the Cold War (possibly best dramatized by Ian Fleming), and continuing through the "War on Terror". How far does the President take his responisbbility to protect his citizens? I say it doesn't. However, I'm reading a lot that either: George Bush should admit to "War Crimes" and apologize, or be put on trial. I have a hard time believeing that people don't understand th ramifications of not pursuing protection of our citizens at all costs. Yet, many of our citizens seem to think that collecting information, possibly to save their arses is "immoral"? If one of government's functions is to protect its citizenry, then I'mm all for making sure the plane I am on, or the train I'm riding isn't turning into a ball of flames. And if it takes the FBI or CIA using "extreme measures" to do sso, then do so. I'm sure the other side has has no qualms about using such tools.

This months Atlantic magazine has an interesting article on the current recession, sub prime lending, and the connection to the Evangelical "Mega Churches" found in the Sun Belt. The article runs pg. 38-48. It touches on the "new" Gospel of Wealth, Seed Faith (originally promoted by Oral Roberts, i.e. send me money, God will bless you...pg. 41), loan companies pairing with mega churches for loan referals (ppg. 42-43) and apparently giving kick backs to these churches when loans were given, and the feeling among many evangelicals that spend now and God will miraculously help you pay later. It is an eye opening contrast between the realities of banking and interest rates and the thinking that "God will provide!"

The following comes from the now defunct "Best Life Magazine". Enjoy. By the way, it shouldn't be Mile's, typo. (http://www.bestlifeonline.com/cms/publish/nutrition/The_Literate_Gourmet_Collection_10Miles-Davis.php) Miles Davis's South Side Chicago Chili Mack ¼ lb. suet (beef fat) 1 large onion 1 lb. ground beef ½ lb. ground veal ½ lb. ground pork salt and pepper 2 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. chili powder 1 tsp. cumin seed 2 cans kidney beans, drained 1 can beef consommé 1 drop red wine vinegar 3 lb. spaghetti parmesan cheese oyster crackers Heineken beer 1 Melt suet in large heavy pot until liquid fat is about an inch high. Remove solid pieces of suet from pot and discard. 2 In same pot, sauté onion. 3 Combine meats in bowl; season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin. 4 In another bowl, season kidney beans with salt and pepper. 5 Add meat to onions; sauté until brown. 6 Add kidney beans, consommé, and vinegar; simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally. 7 Add more seasonings to taste, if desired. 8 Cook spaghetti according to package directions, and then divide among six plates. 9 Spoon meat mixture over each plate of spaghetti. 10 Top with Parmesan and serve oyster crackers on the side. 11 Open a Heineken. Serves 6

>>>On the contrary, I find it to be increasingly prevalent among Objectivists. We see everywhere—particularly on the Internet—the spectacle of supposed supporters of reason and free inquiry erupting in fury at the least provocation and hurling abuse at anyone who opposes—even questions—their convictions.<<< The Internet is a unique medium in that it allows its users to say things, and behave in ways that most would not have in the recent past. It is very easy, vie the Net, to say things, make accusations, etc. that are not followed by an immediate or natural consequence. Thank you for this article. O.

I found this quote in today's Financial Times to be a bit accurate: >>>Science may be objective; scientists emphatically are not<<< It was in an article concerning the recent faux paus concerning East Anglia University and the expose' in regards to their fudging "climate change" numbers. I believe in science, but it does bring up the question: which scientists can we believe? I don't believe in conspiracy theories. But I think scientists involved in this behavior (if the reports are accurate) should be held accountable in the same vein that financial swindlers are also held accountable. (Or should be.) The "science" of climate change is costing many people and communities big bucks due to carbon fees, taxes, recycling laws, "going green" businesses, political pressure to "be green", etc. This should be a issue that gets the microscopic treatment. O43

What's in a word? I discovered yesterday that people who eat meat and vegetables, but more vegetables than meat, are not known as omnivores anymore, they are "flexitarians". ??? O43

Here's another link for this topic: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/06/29...-change-report/ O43

This might be a bench mark for a fellow who did the same thing where I live. Although he "only took" $60-100 million dollars, living in a fairly rural area, he has stymied the economy. A lot of half finished projects sitting around. He deserves the same. O43

I throw this out for your opinions. Apparently yesterday, NFL receiver Donte Stallworth received 30 days in jail, 2 years probation and paid an undisclosed cash settlement to the family of a man he killed while driving "under the influence" after a plea bargain. Had the case gone to trial, and had he been found guilty, he could have faced up to 15 years in prison. My question is, is this just? O43

Interesting post. Out of curiosity, is the house "under water", mortgage higher than any probable sales price? Have they thought about a chap 13 filing? Is is worth staying in that community for the kids schools? People with kids by schools not houses. Adam Behind on payments, as I earlier stated, and they can't sell the house and get enough to pay off the mortgage. O43

I meant work, but I guess pork or dork could be possibilities. O43

As I have been working my way through Leonard Peikoff's "Objectivism: The Philosophy of Ayn Rand", and have just finished the section of evasion, or non-thinking, non-reason, my wife just informed me her brother was losing his home. He and his wife took out a variable home lone to buy...toys. Then the variable loan went through the roof. They fell behind, tried to ork with the bank, etc. However, they have come to a point where they have given up. Now instead of trying to make payments, they have stopped due to an attorney telling them it will be at least a year before they can be evicted, they are traveling to the tropics, taking the kids to the Magic Kingdon, and so on. To me this would be an example of evasion. Don't face the problem, pretend A is not A, and maybe it will disappear. When my wife had cancer it made me face several issues: 1) Her mortality, and even mine. 2) The fact that insurance that pays 80/20 isn't very spectacular. 3) If I kept doing the same thing I'd go bankrupt. 4) What were my options? I took second job. It didn't pay much but it paid enough to buy food, which released money to pay otehr items. We didn't have credit card or car payments so we were fortunate there. But the one thing I didn't do, I didn't curl into a ball, pull a blanket over me, and hope I'd wake up and the world had changed. To that, I can truly say I have Atlas Shrugged to thank. O43

Not shocking in the least bit. Truly amazing though that they "make a press statement" about the President swatting a fly. I hope he washed his hands after he smashed the insect, they are filthy. O43

I forgot, I also enjoy the works of the English novelist Trevanian, "The Eiger Sanction", "Shibumi", etc. As well as Bernard Cornwell who wrote the "Sharpe" series, about a street gutter English boy who rises through the ranks of Wellington's army (as a rifleman) on grit, determination, and intelligence. Eventually Sharpe becomes Colonel, and not only has to fight the French on the battle field, but the entitled aristocratic English officers of lesser talent who are jealous of his leadership and combat skills. O43

http://hamptonroads.com.nyud.net/2009/06/p...dnt-swatted-fly I'll let you read the above link. I am without comment. O43

Can you expand? The books you mentioned except Herzog and the Bond novels (which I understand Rand read and liked) were not mentioned in wikipedia. Sorry, actually Running Scarred is not a novel, but an autobiography of Tex Maule, a former (now deceased) writer for SI who suffered two massive heart atatcks in 1965. The book recounts his subesquent recovery, and return to normal life by taking up running at the suggestion of Kenneth Cooper. Come to think of it Body by Science (just published) isn't a novel either, but a book consisting of research into the use of high intensity, low frequency weight lifting on improving an indiviuals health. So I brainfarted and read "novels" as "books". Anyway, the other books I do enjoy quite a bit. Regardless of their parody, or whatever else may be assumed. O43

The Agent of Chaos Herzog Running Scarred All the Ian Fleming Bond novels from Casino Royale to the Man with the Golden Gun Body by Science O43

Sure, depending on the student.

It has been about ten years since I had last picked up Atlas Shrugged and read it cover to cover. The topics presented in it then are more pertinent now than ever. Greed, feelings, mediocrity, apathy, its all in the book, and all around us. I even heard someone the other day mention the downside of heroes. Which made my head turn twice and look at them, it was almost as if they had quoted Boyle or Mouch, or James Taggart. It is incredible to watch art become reality. O43

I think it is a media over reaction and then Kellog's thinks they have to respond because people will eat fewer Frosted Flakes. The kid is a kid, kids do silly stuff. For those of us who have seen Pumping Iron I'm sure we all remember the end of the movie and the victorious Arnold Schwarzenegger toking away in the taxi cab. It is what it is. IF we were all "exposed" like Phelps for hitting a joint and hurling whiskey we'd all be losing our endorsements. (Well many of us...) O43

You don't even have to try and get her drunk! O43

One of the words that James Taggart always uses when he's ranting in Atlas Shrugged is "fair". This isn't fair, that isn't fair...most of you know. I was reading Forbes this afternoon when on page 13 (March 2nd issue) Forbes introduces the reader to the "Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act" which can hold a company responsible for pay discrimination based on gender or race for the last 20 years. (Italics are Forbes not mine...) As Forbes states personal injury lawyers are drooling. Apparently these cases can include people who are already deceased. It just gets nuttier and nuttier. O43