David Sklansky

Trump Endorsement

david sklansky — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 23:52:46 +0000

Suppose your main consideration was not who you actually wanted to be president but rather to minimize the chances that your pick was not the nominee-while at the same time not appearing to wait until the result was a foregone conclusion (so you could claim credit). What date would you choose this election cycle? A few days before the Nevada primary seems about right to me.

Nancy Grace, Greta Van Sustern, John Walsh

david sklansky — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:20:14 +0000

These are three good examples of capitalism unjustly rewarding people. They are all quite wealthy not because of their great skills but rather because they happened to be in the “right” place at the right time. They are all obviously diligent competant people. But the reason they are multimillionires is not just “luck” but morbid luck at that. They needed someone to get murdered to attain their success. I wonder whether they ever think about that.

Celebrity Liberals

david sklansky — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 01:15:45 +0000

Why are so many celebrities endorsing higher taxes on the rich and thus themsselves? Surely the answer is obvious. Guilt. More specifically guilt about their good luck. Even those who work hard know that the biggest reason they are where they are is because they were born with extreme talent. And that in a capitalistic society, extreme talent is often rewarded way out of proportion to what it contributes. Most rich people “deserve” what they have because they worked super hard and do things to make the country stronger. But someone born with perfect pitch and thriving because of it can’t really say that. And they know it.

(One notable exception is Glenn Beck. He almost certainly thinks his wealth comes from the fact that he has great ideas. He probably won’t admit the truth which is that the main reason he does so well is that he has the talent of an entertainer and is therefore great in the presentation of the ideas. He could be a liberal and do just as well.)

Bet Huckabee Is Kicking Himself Now

david sklansky — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 01:57:32 +0000

It looks like he would be the nuts for the nomination if he had entered. Unlike every other candidates, he would appear to be at least palatable to all segments of the Pepublican party. Wonder if it is totally too late for him now.

My Smart Cat

david sklansky — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 09:14:49 +0000

They may be as smart as dogs after all. Simi, my bengal cat can open doors. That’s not a big deal. She opens doors by reaching up and depressing the door handle and then walks through them. Except lately. Now she opens doors for my bird. She will see my cockatoo standing by a door waiting patiently for help. And she proceeds to open that door even though she doesn’t walk through herself. Thus it is likely she understands that she is simply doing a favor for her bird buddy. I have now gotten used to this strange scenario but the first few times it happened it was really weird. I’m in the bathtub and I see the telltale turn of the door handle and expect to see Simi walk in to greet me, sometimes followed by my bird Baby. Instead only Baby walks in. I need to train both these girls to play eight or better.

Chip Of the Old block

david sklansky — Sun, 13 Nov 2011 09:03:05 +0000

Summer Stupak called me yesterday. She was living in Kentucky and hadn’t gotten back to Vegas for a while. I hadn’t seen her since her dad (Bob Stupak, original owner and builder of the Stratosphere in Vegas) died.

I gave her a copy of my book, DUCY, which among other things chronicles my exploits with him back in the day.

She started to pay me for it and I of course refused her offer. Then she asked me how much I would charge her for ten copies. I hesitated but then told her I would get her ten for nothing. At which point she gave me a check and said “well here’s $100 for twenty”.

It gave me a spooky feeling. Like Bob was sitting next to me again. Those who knew him know exactly what I’m talking about.

Cain Controversy Figures to Help Him

david sklansky — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 06:09:01 +0000

Unless its worse than it appears Sunday night. Do you see why?

Advice To Terrorists

david sklansky — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 23:35:05 +0000

Stop with the double wave bombings. The ones where the second wave is delayed and is targeted toward those who rush in to help the original victims. Do you really want to go out of your way to kill those who almost by definition, good people? That helps your cause?

Dumb Arguments From Both Liberals And Conservatives

david sklansky — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 21:41:23 +0000

It tilts me whenever I hear some conservative counter a rich person advocating higher taxes on the rich with the rebuttal “well nothing is stopping you from sending more money to the IRS”

Likewise I flinch whenever some liberal media makes a big deal over a Republican congressperson trying to get some stimulus money for their district even though they voted against the stimulus.

Both criticisms are moronic hogwash. The fact that someone does not pay extra taxes, or seeks out stimulus money that has already been voted for does nothing to negate their positions on these subjects.

If we could get people who don’t realize fallacies like this to go away, the country would be better off almost regardless of our political system.

Dumb Arguments From Both Liberals And Conservatives

david sklansky — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 21:41:23 +0000

It tilts me whenever I hear some conservative counter a rich person advocating higher taxes on the rich with the rebuttal “well nothing is stopping you from sending more money to the IRS”

Likewise I flinch whenever some liberal media makes a big deal over a Republican congressperson trying to get some stimulus money for their district even though they voted against the stimulus.

If we could get people who don’t realize fallacies like this to go away, the country would be better off almost regardless of our political system.