New Year-Round Fitness Center In Killdeer, ND -- July 24, 2015

From The Dickinson Press, some data points:

• 14,500-square-foot, year-round facility
• a multi-depth indoor pool
• a party room
• room with light exercise equipment
• locker rooms, including one designed for families 

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Above The Law

Saudi Arabia borrows money:

The Saudi budget deficit will be more than twice its own forecast, a leading research firm has said, forcing the kingdom into the debt market for the first time in more than a decade.

Hit by plunging crude prices, the world's biggest oil exporter will post a deficit of $106 billion, compared with a government projection of $39 billion.

The kingdom that exports 7.0 million barrels per day on average will see oil revenues fall by 35 percent to $171.8 billion in 2015.

Total revenues are forecast down 33.7 percent at $185 billion, while public spending is expected to remain almost unchanged at $290.9 billion.

Jadwa said the government is highly expected to return to the debt market for the first time in around 15 years despite its massive reserves.

Seattle bends over backwards (maybe forward) to follow Sharia law when arranging mortgages: 

A proposal in Seattle meant to increase homeownership among Muslims by offering financing compliant with strict Islamic law -- known as Sharia -- is gaining ground in the latest test for local leaders trying to accommodate diverse religious beliefs.

"We will work to develop new tools for Muslims who are prevented from using conventional mortgage products due to their religious beliefs," Seattle Mayor Ed Murray said during a press conference July 13.  

"Sharia," which comes from the Koran and means "the right path," prohibits the payment of interest -- the primary way lenders earn. Many of Seattle's 30,000 practicing Muslims, therefore, are hard-pressed to find Sharia-compliant financing options when buying homes, making large purchases or starting a business. 

I guess if you are a Muslim in the US you abide by Sharia Law, but not if you live in Saudi Arabia -- or maybe the princes are some how "above the law," like our own political leaders.

By the way, buying a house under Sharia Law is not that difficult. You simply determine the amount of money one would pay over 360 months of mortgage (a standard 30-year mortgage) at the going interest rate, and then price the house at that amount, and then Sharon or Muhammed simply pays for the house in 360 "installments." This is not rocket science. 

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Speaking Of Rice Bowls

I mentioned to my apartment complex neighbor this morning that as I get older the more I hate mankind but love people.

He replied that Henry David Thoreau said that. I couldn't find the quote.

But I did find this quote:

The only time you look in your neighbor's bowl is to make sure that they have enough. You don't look in your neighbor's bowl to see if you have as much as them. ―  Louis C.K.

I guess the Germans looked into the Greek bowl and saw they did not have enough.