Challenging Libertarians

I am a Rand fan. But still strongly agree with this.

Apple Cake

and my own whipped cream

Reckless Driving

It is not about how good you are at your wheel.

It's about how bad/tired/distracted/unprepared everybody else is.

So, please, just use your turn signal.

European Art at the High Museum

Friday night Jazz at the High is quite fun, though not necessarily for the concert. They offer a nice set up but the acoustics are not up to par.

However: the music is in the internal courtyard, beyond the first bridge. The floors above are open to an internal open staircase/ramp. In other words: the music carries to all the floors above.

This was a pretty good setting in which to discover the European art collection at the High. I went a little loopy at two pieces by Niccolò di Segna, this here by Giovanni Francesco da Rimini, this German St. Andrew and several more. The impressionist and modern collection was also a noteworthy, as was the Tiepolo, below

Snack - Nonna style

Happy Birthday Arwen

And matching lollies.

Memphis Belle

In late February, the Memphis Belle came to Atlanta.

Ok not THE Memphis Belle. But an original B-17 which is named Memphis Belle as it is the plane used in the film.

And it is pretty cool.

Faust

Another wonderful evening at the Atlanta Opera.

For a city without a dedicated opera house, the Atlanta Opera company deserves huge praise. Note, for example, the cast for the current production of Faust.
With particular mention to Vinogradov here, who played the dandy Mephistopheles to a T.

The opera orchestra and choir are consistently flawless and the theatre is a pleasure.

And yes, I may have sung along a little to numerous numbers, including Ais des Bijoux, Et Satan Conduit le Bal, Anges Purs and one of my favourites in this opera: Gloire Immortelle!

KR Steakbar

This

And then: "Do you have ketchup?"

Coca Cola Museum

Giuseppe bottled his own coke. Like a true hunter-gatherer.

Four Leaf

I love my Loopstra-Jorgensons! 

RIP Lief

Speaking of Self-Interest

A good quote:

Rational self-interest means long-term self-interest, not short-term greed. Greed comes back to haunt you, as certain bankers will testify. It is interesting that about the only US bank to come out of the financial crash unscathed was BB&T, run by John Allison – an adherent of Rand’s principles and last year’s lecturer. There are only two stable relationships, Allison insists: win-win or lose-lose. You don’t need self-sacrifice or even altruism. You benefit yourself by benefiting others.

Why helping yourself is the key to helping others

Self-Interest

Self-Interest and Morality can and often do co-exist.

It puzzles me that people think they can not. It's a little like when people think drugs should all be illegal because otherwise everybody would be on drugs. I always want to say: "No, it's because you think you would be on drugs". You are basically telling me you are a closet addict.

Your judgements tell the world who you are, not who others are.

So when you think others can not be moral unless they are being forced to work in another person's interest... well... I learn something about you.

Sentences I like

"The little lie contained in the words “for your comfort” irritated me, though I admit that my propensity to irritation (not entirely unpleasurable, for it gives me a sense of moral superiority) increases with age. "

From Protecting Everyone from Themselves