Articles written by Josh Wilde - Page 4

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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

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Entertainment > TV Show Reviews TV show reviews: Amos 'n' Andy: 1 of 1
There is a very good chance you have never heard of Spencer Williams Jr or Tim Moore but they were among the most gifted comedians in the early days of television. Unlike some of their contemporaries, like Lucille Ball, they did not make multi-millions from royalties from decades of syndicated re-runs of their show and today... More..
Creative Writing > Satire Satire: Travel: 4 of 7
Gamble Air, which has been advertising the lowest fares in the sky, asked me to stop by their offices so that they could explain their "Casino Flight" program. "I'm Baron Manfred von Richthofen, the president of Gamble Air," the company's CEO said as I entered his office. "Not THE Baron Manfred von Richthofen?" I asked in sh... More..
Politics, News & Issues > US Elections Archives 2008 Republican presidential candidates and the black vote: 7 of 12
The Black vote, for the most part, is lost to Republicans for 2008 - but that doesn't mean that the GOP won't be able to make serious inroads in the future. It may seem like ancient history today, but from the end of the Civil War until the 1950's, it was the segregated "Solid South" which went for the Democrats and the Blac... More..
Creative Writing > Humor Humor: Reflection on the trials of airplane travel: 15 of 24
While trying to kill some time today while waiting for my flight out of Tel Aviv, I wandered through the city and was very surprised to see my old friend, Herbert, sitting at a cafe. The last time I saw Herbert was in high school, where he had failed the written examinations for gym class. "What are you up to these days?" I ... More..
Relationships & Family > Coping with Divorce How do I cope with an ex that is constantly around?: 2 of 3
I don't believe that anyone can truly get divorced - especially when your ex lives near by. Of course, not everyone will find himself in the same unique position that I am. I live in a small community along Israel's northern border - which is shared with Lebanon. In May, 2006, a few katyusha rockets were fired in our general... More..
Religion & Spirituality > Comparative Religion Does the Jerusalem cross have significance for different religions?: 2 of 3
No, the simple fact of the matter is that the Jerusalem Cross has very little meaning to any religion at all - it is merely of historical interest and a boon to the city's tourism industry. True, it represents Jerusalem - but not to that city's own residents. To be certain, while (almost) all crosses can trace their roots ba... More..
Politics, News & Issues > Presidential Elections 2008 US elections 2008: Advice for presidential hopeful John McCain: 2 of 3
For some unfathomable reason Sen. John McCain has not bothered asking my advice on how to run his campaign, but I am going to give it him anyhow. 1. Until the Democrats have decided who is going to be their nominee, he should keep a fairly low profile. He is going to need money for the general election, so he should concentr... More..
Travel > Travel (Other) Best international destinations for the US dollar: 19 of 27
If you are looking for a top-rate vacation at a cut-rate price, you are basically hoping for a miracle - and what better place to find one than in the Holy Land? In fact, by careful planning you can put together your own package which will include not only Israel, but also Jordan, Egypt, and the Mediterranean isles. In one v... More..
Food & Drink > Spices, Herbs & Condiments Vegemite: An Australian favorite: 5 of 7
Not too long ago, an Australian friend gave me a jar of Vegemite, which the manufacturer calls a "concentrated yeast extract" but which non-Australians describe in much less friendly terms. I tasted it one time and after having my stomach pumped did a little research on its history: 1. In 1922, Vegemite was invented by a mad... More..
Travel > Travel (Other) Keep your sense of humor when you travel: 18 of 25
The single most important thing to pack when you travel overseas is your sense of humor. In fact, keep it in your hand luggage - because you may well need it while you are still on the plane. Minor annoyances, if you don't let them get under your skin, can often be lemons which you turn into lemonade. Even when you don't suc... More..