Articles written by Josh Wilde - Page 3

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About me - Josh Wilde

I am a former newspaper and wire service journalist who has been writing professionally for 40 years - although today I do mostly satire, fiction, and short articles.

While working in the US, I specialized in covering politics, state-level government, and the

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Creative Writing > Satire Satire: Las Vegas: 1 of 2
Once upon a time, there was a magical city which was light throughout the night, where people became rich without having to work, and where giant meals where given away free at buffets: It was called Las Vegas. Las Vegas was the home of many beautiful women, who were called "show girls". They were even called show girls when ... More..
Arts & Humanities > History Mysteries Humor: The real purpose of Stonehenge: 1 of 2
For centuries, men have wondered about why Stonehenge, that great circle of incredibly large stones in England, was created. Some said it was a giant Bronze Age calendar created to honor the sun and moon gods. Others said it was a Druid temple. Last week, however, the noted Oxford professor of archeology, Dr. Milton Furbisher... More..
Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Family heritage: 1 of 2
Believe it or not, this was the first time I had ever met my own grandmother! She moved down South in 1946, right after Grandpa died, and for some reason I had never gotten around to making the trip. But as her 100th birthday is not all that far away, I decided to fly to Florida to visit Grandma Mildred.I asked for her at the... More..
Arts & Humanities > History (Other) This week in history: Jan. 14-20: 1 of 2
This week in history (January 14-20):January 15, 1559: Elizabeth I was crowned Queen of England.January 16: 1919: Prohibition went into effect in the United States.January 18, 1919: The peace conference which formally ended World War I opened in Paris.January 17, 1942: Actress Carole Lombard was killed in an automobile accide... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Religion & Spirituality (Other) Modern Biblical parables for children: 1 of 1
The Woodcutter and the PrincessThe young woodcutter from the Galilee tried not to gape as he walked through Jerusalem, but he was overwhelmed when he reached the temple that King Solomon had just completed.It had been a long ride from his home on Mount Shekania for Eliahu to visit Jerusalem. Some of the trees he had cut had b... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Politics, News & Issues (Other) Comparing the Israeli and the US armies: 1 of 1
Imagine, if you would, the United States military giving up saluting; paying very little attention to uniforms; putting all members on a first name basis to each other (including privates addressing generals); allowing every soldier to debate any order he gets (outside of combat situations); and setting up an MP corps which c... More..
Travel > Air Travel & Airlines Baggage rules for commercial airlines: 1 of 1
Little-known provisions in baggage rules can wind up costing you a very hefty price tag - and may well ruin your entire trip. Let's say, for example, that you want an inexpensive flight from New York to Israel and find that Alitalia, with a connection in Rome, offers the best fare. Wonderful! Now you can spend a day or two in... More..
Travel > Travel Planning & Advice Gift shopping in Italy: Unique items you won't find anywhere else: 1 of 1
For truly unique Italian gifts, I suggest heading to the country's Northeast - to a triangle bordered by Venice, Verona, and a small town by the name of Brunico. Venice - more particularly its island of Murano - is known for its hand-blown glassware and the more generic items are sold worldwide, but by browsing through the sp... More..
Creative Writing > Satire Satire: The Sopranos: 1 of 1
Pussy: What's happening, Tony?Tony: Pussy, what are you doing here? We knocked you off! You were shark bait in the Atlantic!Pussy: Yeah, but that only happens in Episode 26. This station is still showing earlier re-runs.Junior: This isn't like the good old days at all. Back when I was a hit man, when you did somebody, he stay... More..
Celebrations & Holidays > Celebrations & Holidays (Other) The history of Groundhog Day: 1 of 1
My non-American readers will doubtlessly believe that I am putting them on, but Feb. 2 is really and truly Groundhog Day, an American institution wherein a small furry animal looks around, spots (or does not spot) his shadow, and as a result the country prepares either for Spring or six more weeks of winter.This momentous eve... More..