Tuesday, May 29, 2007
'I Love Those Guys'
Embedded journalists in Iraq are having their minds changed left and right by U.S. soldiers.:
"'No matter what you think of the war, or what has happened here, you cannot be around the soldiers and not be completely affected. They are amazing people, and they represent themselves and the Army better than anyone could ever imagine.' "
"'No matter what you think of the war, or what has happened here, you cannot be around the soldiers and not be completely affected. They are amazing people, and they represent themselves and the Army better than anyone could ever imagine.' "
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Ethanol's Bitter Taste
Congress is choking on corn-based fuel.:
"Corn ethanol seemed unstoppable, but a remarkable thing happened on the road from Des Moines. Just as the smart people warned, the government's decision to play energy market God and forcibly divert huge amounts of corn stocks into ethanol has played havoc with key sectors of the economy. Corn prices have nearly doubled, which means livestock owners can't afford to feed their animals, and food and drink manufacturers are struggling to buy corn and corn syrup. Environmentalists are sour over new stresses on farmland; international aid groups are moaning that the U.S. is cutting back its charitable food giving, and many of these folks are taking out their anger on Congress. "
"Corn ethanol seemed unstoppable, but a remarkable thing happened on the road from Des Moines. Just as the smart people warned, the government's decision to play energy market God and forcibly divert huge amounts of corn stocks into ethanol has played havoc with key sectors of the economy. Corn prices have nearly doubled, which means livestock owners can't afford to feed their animals, and food and drink manufacturers are struggling to buy corn and corn syrup. Environmentalists are sour over new stresses on farmland; international aid groups are moaning that the U.S. is cutting back its charitable food giving, and many of these folks are taking out their anger on Congress. "
Friday, May 11, 2007
Atlas Shrugged, at age 50
For most people [including John!], reading Atlas Shrugged is an unforgettable experience.
"The story is gripping, involving numerous mysteries and unexpected but logical plot twists. The characters are unique – what other book contains a philosopher-turned-pirate? And the writing is that rarest of combinations: at once clear and deep.
But for many readers, Atlas is even more: it's life-changing. Fifty years after its publication, how can a novel still exert this powerful an effect? Because in its pages Ayn Rand forces you to look at the world anew."
"The story is gripping, involving numerous mysteries and unexpected but logical plot twists. The characters are unique – what other book contains a philosopher-turned-pirate? And the writing is that rarest of combinations: at once clear and deep.
But for many readers, Atlas is even more: it's life-changing. Fifty years after its publication, how can a novel still exert this powerful an effect? Because in its pages Ayn Rand forces you to look at the world anew."
