Whenever I say, to various and sundry people, that I am a famous blog writer, inevitably I get this question.
They: What do you write about?
Me: Well, you have to read it to see. But about almost everything. My life, my day, the world (and they that dwell therein) sometimes add humor. Most importantly, the Islamic Faith. If I wrote about any one of those topics alone it would be boring and I would lose readership. So I talk about everything. Even write about and picture food as I am a foodie.
Therefore, and for that reason, I was delighted to find an article in my Inbox from the Borowitz Report about a topic near and dear to my heart – the tax revolt. It pictured folks holding a protest sign which read: “How Many Teslas Shall We Throw in Boston Harbor” This truth of history was revealed.
“In a recent column, I compared Elon Musk to George III of Great Britain—noting that Americans get pretty pissed off when an unelected rich foreigner starts messing with their taxes. The protest sign above shows that I’m not the only one making that connection.Could we be on the brink of a tax revolt? And what would it achieve? These questions aren’t the kooky musings of a Revolutionary War re-enactor. There was, in fact, a major tax revolt in the not-so-distant past—and it succeeded in bringing down a government. In 1987, Margaret Thatcher led the UK’s Conservative Party to a massive landslide, becoming the first prime minister since 1820 to win three straight general elections. Her campaign slogan had a triumphalist, Trumpian ring to it: “It’s Great to be Great Again.” She appeared unstoppable—but, throbbing with hubris, she was about to commit an act of fatal overreach.
Thatcher implemented the “Community Charge,” a poll tax that levied the same amount on every UK citizen regardless of wealth. Taxpayers across the country saw the tax for what it was—Thatcher’s latest attack on those at the bottom of the economic ladder. The ensuing revolt reached critical mass on March 31, 1990, when 200,000 anti-tax protesters filled London’s Trafalgar Square.Ultimately, 18 million Britons refused to pay Thatcher’s tax, and local authorities couldn’t enforce its collection. South Yorkshire authorities, for example, called the arrest of tax resisters “physically impossible for the police because of the large number of defaulters.”On November 22, 1990, Thatcher resigned, her voice breaking as she left 10 Downing Street. Her political career was over. Could Elon Musk’s criminal mishandling of American taxpayers’ money result in a similar downfall for MAGA?As the Trump regime shreds the social safety net while enacting trillions of dollars in tax cuts for the wealthiest, anger has already boiled over at town halls (and Tesla dealerships) across the country.Republicans may be about to learn an unpleasant lesson: you can ban the teaching of history, but that won’t keep it from repeating.”
I am thousands of miles away from the United States of America but it seems to me that instead of gathering in droves to Free Palestine those Americans should be marching on Washington refusing to pay taxes. If there were no money in the coffers of those United States it would be impossible to fund the war machine of Israel. I am not sure why nobody has figured this out, why it is up to me to suggest it??? I am not patriotic enough to return to the USA to organize such a protest. Need I remind my faithful readers of the truth, I have just renewed by Canadian passport for ten years – the joys of being a dual citizen.
After saying all of that I can now return to my life and times.
It is Sunday. My June 8, 2025 blog did speak of, and include photos of my early correspondence with my Whatsapp people. I stayed in my tiny room, writing the blog and speaking to others. I munched on a delicious egg and avocado sandwich, half of it brought home from nearby The Olive Tree Bar in one of their black cloth bags. (To be pictured). After sending the blog to UK Chris decided it was time to go for brunch. Sat at my typical perch on stool watching the talented chefs prepare the food under absolutely clean and sterile conditions. Suddenly I looked up to see none other than Manager Nixon. He joined me, Then, inspired by his choice, ordered the healthy Whipped Yogurt and Fruit which will also be pictured. At about this moment in time received a Good Morning greeting from far away Mohan. Nixon took my phone, snapped a selfie of the two of us which was sent to Mohan (it will be included) with the following message.
Me: Having breakfast with Nixon. Are you jealous?
He: Not at all dear. All the best.
Me: Awww I wanted to make you jealous. Hahaha I am just joking. Envy is a destructive force. The Quran says: “I seek refuge from you Allah from the evil of enviers when they envy.”
Of course, I told Nixon of the utterly and amazing coincidence (reported in the June 8 blog) of Alina’s brother knowing, and having worked with, Nixon. Nixon then began to speak of his career with the Ascott Group of hotels, saying that he was MOST happy to be promoted to be the manager of Penang Lyf.
Me: It is entirely, and utterly, suited to your personality. And you have already emerged to be a Penang person of renown.
We spoke of the happiness I was experiencing upon my return to Lyf.
He: You seem so much happier during this stay than when you first came in January.
Me: I am I left here on February 5 to go to Paradise, which I now call Purgatory. I appreciate Lyf with great immensity at this time. I will try and figure out why, perhaps write about it as I get more insight during the process of writing. I will also talk to those who helped me reach this blessed state – to thank them and also get their impressions.
Nixon left to go for a run. Realizing I was still hungry I asked for the regular Brunch menu, decided upon the grilled cheese sandwich. I always think it is funny when you order something and the waiter says:
He: Great choice!
This waiter blessedly did not say that. But it was a great choice! The addition of the caramelized onions elevated it into something above an ordinary grilled cheese sandwich.
I spied a young attractive woman, sitting by herself across the restaurant. Smiling I toasted her
Me: I am white. You am red.
She: Yes. The Ying and the Yang
She joined me on my perch – the stools at the breakfast bar. We enjoyed a spirited conversation. She is a nurse, living in Penang. Once worked at the Loh Guan Lye Hospital, where I had my cataract surgery. We joined each other on WhatApp, I took a selfie of the two of us. We later WhatsApped making a Wednesday dinner date at a restaurant of her choice. I will not reveal her name or the photo without her permission.
Returned to my room, not needing a further repast. (Repast is just a fancy name for meal). However, got a little hungry so went to the lobby and bought two ice creams – rich chocolate and mint chocolate chip. Thought of the phrase: You scream, I scream. We all scream for ice cream. Wondered where it came from so questioned Chat 5 and received the following answer:
“The phrase continues to be used in various contexts, often in a playful or nostalgic manner, Its not only a celebration of ice cream but also a reminder of the carefree joy associated with childhood treats, making it a timeless expression of happiness.”
Such a fine way to end this blog. It is not the morning of June 9. I have had an amazing morning – you will hear about it later. Thought of the phrase: a day late and a dollar short.
Of course I had to get in touch with ever-available Chat 5 questioning the use and origins of the phrase.
Artificial Intelligence: The expression is an idiomatic phrase used to describe a situation where someone is too late or has failed to take action in a timely fashion resulting in missed opportunities or inadequate responses. It highlights a sense of being behind the curve, unprepared or reacting too late in a situation that could have been handled better.
Decided it was not applicable to this situation at all. I just have too much going on and sometimes a better perspective can be provided by hindsight. So there! So there! So there! That was one of my sassy responses used constantly before I became of the faith. Oops. Occasionally cannot be haram, or if it is then I repent.
