50th Anniversary of Atlas Shrugged

[Chris Grieb]

On October 7 2007 the Atlas Society will honor the publication of Atlas with a daylong event here in Washington DC at the Renaissance Hotel.

According to the ARI website the actual date is Oct. 10th but the 7th is close enough. It would be a great idea to have a great celebration. There is a letter John Adams sent Abigail which has the right spirit for this great anniversary but I hope Objectivists can come up with ideas.

Edited June 6, 2007 by Chris Grieb

[Chris Grieb]

Correction; The 50th Anniversary of Atlas will be held on Oct. 6th.

There is more information on the Atlas Society website including a partial list of speakers. John Stossel and Charles Murray will be keynoters.

[Chris Grieb]

The full program information is at the Atlas Society web site. It looks like a very full day and evening.

For those who have not been to the DC area it sounds like a very full weekend.

[Barbara Branden]

I'll be speaking at the Atlas Society celebration, and I'm looking forward to it very much.

Barbara

[Chris Grieb]

Barbara; Your talk looks like one of the most important and I am really looking for it.

[Ed Hudgins]

Atlas Shrugged 50th Anniversary Celebration on October 6!

Since its publication half a century ago, Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged has inspired millions. Come 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. (See full schedule below.)

Hear any updates on the planned 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 or http://www.atlasevents.org/atlas_shrugged_fifty.html.

When: Saturday, October 6, 2007, 8:00am- 9:00pm.

Conference and banquet location: Marriott Renaissance Hotel, Washington, D.C.

Afternoon Reception: The Cato Institute, Washington, D.C.

Seminar costs for entire day, reception at the Cato Institute and gala banquet:

$210 before September 21. $250 after September 21. $150 student rate. $199 per night at Renaissance Hotel if registered by September 6.

The Program:

8:00-9:00am -- Registration

9:00am -- Welcoming Remarks: *Edward Hudgins, executive director, The Atlas Society

9:15-10:30am -- Panel One

*Anne Heller, author of an upcoming biography on Ayn Rand -- "Atlas and Rand's Life"

*Mimi Gladstein, author of Atlas Shrugged: A Reader's Companion -- "Atlas and Rand the Writer"

*David Kelley, founder and senior fellow, The Atlas Society -- "Atlas in Academia"

10:30-11:00am -- Coffee Break

11:00am-12:15pm -- Panel Two

*Tibor Machan, professor, Chapman University, philosopher and author -- "Atlas and Ethics"

*William Thomas, director of programs, The Atlas Society -- "Atlas and Loving Life"

*David Mayer, professor of law and history, Capital University -- "Atlas and the American Revolution"

12:30-1:45pm -- Luncheon speaker: Charles Murray -- "Atlas and Achievement"

2:00-3:15pm -- Panel Three

*Edward Younkins, professor of economics, Wheeling Jesuit University -- "Atlas and Economics"

*Ed Snider, chairman, Comcast Spectacor -- "Atlas and the Entrepreneur"

*Rob Bradley, president, Institute for Energy Research -- "Atlas and Business Ethics"

3:15-3:30pm -- Coffee Break

3:30-4:45pm -- Panel Four

*Fred Smith, president, Competitive Enterprise Institute -- "Atlas and Politics"

*Edward Crane, president, The Cato Institute -- "Atlas and the Fight for Freedom"

*Edward Hudgins, executive director, The Atlas Society -- "Atlas & the Future of Objectivism"

5:00-6:15pm -- Reception at the Cato Institute. *Reflections on Atlas Shrugged by Nathaniel Branden and Barbara Branden.

6:30-9:00pm -- Gala Banquet *Keynote: John Stossel, "Atlas and America Today." *Final Remarks: David Kelley

Register today!

[Neil Parille]

This looks excellent. Hopefully Anne Heller's biography will be out soon.

Edited August 16, 2007 by Neil Parille

[jordanz]

Just registered ;)

[Barbara Branden]

Jordan, please come up and introduce yourself.

Barbara

[Chris Grieb]

Barbara;

I am looking forward to seeing and hearing you again.

Jordan;

Not quite yet on registering but soon.

[Barbara Branden]

Chris, it will be good to see you again, too.

Barbara

[Ed Hudgins]

Jordon, Chris and, of course, Barbara, I look forward to seeing you all. And I hope we can get a good turnout from the Objectivist Living community. It you missed our Summer Seminar, this is your chance to have a great day with other lovers of Atlas and lovers of life! And if you did go to the Summer Seminar, well, the fun just keeps on coming! -- Ed

[jordanz]

Jordan, please come up and introduce yourself.

Barbara

Will do! Looking forward to it.

[Ed Hudgins]

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!

[Ed Hudgins]

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!

[Ed Hudgins]

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.

[Ed Hudgins]

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.

[Kat]

We're in!

:thumbsup:

[BaalChatzaf]

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.

I make a prediction. If the movie is made at all it will turn out to be a disaster like LOTR. After Peter Jackson finished LOTR a high pitch whining sound was heard throughout New Zealand. It was J.R.R.Tolkien turning in his grave. I predict there will be wailing, gnashing of teeth and rending of garments. Half of the folks will hate it and half will tolerate it and make excuses for it. And there is no way any actor is going to pin down the character of John Galt to most people's satisfaction. Even Ayn Rand, who created the character did not pin that character down. I have met the likes of Fransisco and of Rearden. I have met Eddie Willers more than once. But I don't think I would know John Galt if I met him.

In addition, the gradual insertion of John Galt into the event stream of the story cannot be captured by a motion picture (unless it ran for 50 hours). The clever plot work will be lost. For those of you who really want the move, I say in advance -- Brother, you asked for it.

There. I am on record.

Ba'al

[Bidinotto]

(guitar in background:)

...Where seldom is heard

A discouraging word,

And the skies are not cloudy all dayyyyyyy.

[Michael Stuart Kelly]

Robert,

Don't be discouraged by Bob (Ba'al). His dire predictions against the Atlas Shrugged movie are rooted in a frustrated actor's beef: he wants to play John Galt but doesn't think he'll get the part.

The reason he claims that the enormously successful Lord of the Rings trilogy is a failure is that he wanted to be Frodo and they wouldn't let him.

Michael

[Ed Hudgins]

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!

[Brant Gaede]

If only they had made Atlas into a movie 20 years ago, I might have gotten the part of Dagny's brother! What fun that would have been! Doing a number on poor Cheryl. Torturing Galt! Best role in the whole play!

--Brant

PS: Opps! I may have let the cat out of the bag about me!

Edited September 14, 2007 by Brant Gaede

[BaalChatzaf]

Robert,

Don't be discouraged by Bob (Ba'al). His dire predictions against the Atlas Shrugged movie are rooted in a frustrated actor's beef: he wants to play John Galt but doesn't think he'll get the part.

The reason he claims that the enormously successful Lord of the Rings trilogy is a failure is that he wanted to be Frodo and they wouldn't let him.

Michael

No suh! I want to play Pat Logan, the engineer of the Comet.

Ba'al Chatzaf

[Chris Grieb]

When I saw Return of the King I remember that I spent the last part of the movie wiping tears out of my eyes. It would be great to have the same feeling at Atlas.