Up Front With Martin B. Deutsch for 2008

December 4: TOWERING FIGURES FOR TURBULENT TIMES
Let's consider books about two of the most fascinating personalities in the 20th century. There's little doubt that the indomitable, tireless and brilliant Winston Churchill was one of the great leaders of recent times. And Albert Einstein has to rank as one of the most unorthodox and creative thinkers of any time.

November 20: HOLIDAY GIFTS THAT WON'T BREAK THE BANK
The year-end holidays are looming and just about everyone's thoughts are turning to the annual process of selecting gifts. How about books? They are cost-effective, portable for a life on the road and offer endless avenues of entertainment and enlightenment.

August 7: THE OLYMPICS BEGIN! THE TOURISTS STAY HOME!
The beginning of the Beijing Olympics brings to mind a long-held position, one I first expressed in anticipation of the Olympic Games in Rome in 1960. Rome built lavishly--and the tourists didn't come. And as Beijing is learning, travelers don't come to almost any Olympics. And it is always sad to watch cities spend billions on the Olympics only to be disappointed when travelers stay away.

June 26: GOOD FOOD AND FAIR PRICES IN NEW YORK
With inflation now a serious threat and restaurant prices climbing, I've been searching for decent New York eateries that provide a pleasing dining experience without bank-breaking consequences. I've recently found several such places, ranging from a chain of coffee shops to an above-average American eatery in a lavish complex to a Mexican restaurant that appears to be the best in its area.

June 5: TRAVEL IN HISTORIC ISRAELI TIMES
This week's speeches by the Presidential candidates before a major Israel lobbying group in Washington have brought back some vivid memories. I've visited that tiny country many times over the years, but most notably just after the Six-Day War in mid-1967 and several months after the conclusion of the 1973 Yom Kippur war.

May 8: ROME, 1966: A FARE WAR TO REMEMBER
Fares are done by computer now. I remember when fare changes were a matter of global import, secret discussions and glacial decision-making. Of course, that was when human beings, not computer programs, made fare decisions. Back in 1966, a fare change took 11 days and airline poohbahs convened in Rome to assess the situation. I was a bit player on that stage and it made for fascinating times.

February 28: INVEST IN TRAVEL? POPPY PICKS HOTELS.
About a year ago, I become so intrigued by the energy and sincerity that Poppy, aka David Lerner, exudes in the radio spots that I called David Lerner Associates, spoke to an investment counselor and ended up with a modest purchase in the company's latest Real Estate Investment Trust. Then I called Poppy himself and ended up in a fascinating discourse about protecting your money, growing it and enjoying a decent return on investment while you're doing it.

Copyright © 2001-2008 by Martin B. Deutsch. All rights reserved.