Free Republic

He became famous for his love affairs, but Casanova was also a writer, diplomat and spy. Born in Venice 300 years ago, his name still resonates around the world. Giacomo Girolamo Casanova admires his tall, slender figure in the gold-trimmed mirror as he adjusts his wig. Everything needs to be perfect as his latest lover is on her way. Oysters, venison and champagne are ready. The beauty Casanova is waiting for is enchanted by the setting. After dinner, the seducer urges her into the bedroom, where they indulge in a night of lovemaking. "Feeling that I was born for the...

KINGS MOUNTAIN, N.C. --North Carolina retailers raked in an estimated $10 million Thursday, the first day of the state lottery. But that doesn't sway Robert Arey, who has no desire to sell the tickets at the 15 convenience stores he owns in the Charlotte region. "You work for what you get," said Arey, who runs the One Stop Food Stores. "You don't win it." Arey said he is morally opposed to the lottery, which he calls a "poor tax," and he doesn't expect his decision to cost him money. In fact, he said, his stores in South Carolina actually saw...

For education and discussion only. Not for commercial use. Although there was nothing wrong with the resolution to legalize a state lottery to fund education, there are also legitimate reasons to oppose it. Not that it matters: The Senate Judiciary Committee clubbed that baby seal last week. Senators said they worried the resolution didn't outline how the money should be spent, or that a state lottery would compete with casinos. Some said they worried poor people would be tempted to buy lottery tickets they couldn't afford in convenience stores. Good thing there's no video poker machines at 7-Eleven. Oh, wait......