Bernie Madoff Finally Hears His Fate

A sentence was finally handed down today in a case that gained international attention as a symbol of the greed and corruption that sometimes go unchecked for long periods of time in our country. The packed courtroom and throngs of media waited anxiously to hear how long the mastermind of the largest Ponzi scheme in history, Bernie Madoff, would be spending in jail. Judge Denny Chin decided to give Madoff the maximum penalty of 150 years, as requested by the federal prosecutors in New York. Already seventy-one years of age, it is safe to assume that Bernie Madoff will spend the rest of his life behind bars. This will be a much different lifestyle than the one to which he became accustomed using all of his clients’ money.

Investigators have uncovered more than 1300 victims of Madoff’s investment scheme, with their losses totally more than $13 billion. This figure is likely conservative, as the damages are still being tallied and others who gave money to Madoff have until July 2 to report their own accusations of fraud. Judge Chin described Mr. Madoff’s crimes as being “extraordinarily evil” and a “manipulation of the system.” With this perspective, it is not surprising that the leniency of a twelve-year sentence, which was requested by the defense team, was not the decision of the court today.

While my three published novels center on the game of golf and the characters that spend their time at the Prairie Winds Golf Course, I also carry several ongoing commentaries and observations throughout my work. From the power grabs of local politicians to men who treat women as sexual objects to members of the banking industry who defraud their customers, I delve into some of the more unpleasant aspects of human nature. In fact, I believe you will find a few characters in Lifetime Loser, Finish Line, and Tuey’s Course who bear some resemblance to Bernie Madoff. I hope you will check out my work and let me know what you think of my social critiques!

Review of Tuey’s Course by James Ross

Ladies on the Tee Reviews
A Golf Community for Women by Sherry Tabb



Tuey’s Course is the 3rd novel in James Ross’ series of 3 that showcase the human spirit, flaws, resilience and frailties using a golf course as a backdrop and plot enhancer. I have already registered my opinion on Ross’ first 2 novels; Lifetime Loser and The Finish Line.

This 3rd novel was not my favorite of the three but that does not mean you should ignore it. Ross again displays his adeptness at showing how the world of golf mirrors life in so many ways. This story is about a hapless and downtrodden black businessman, WeWildapheet Ulisees O’Tweety, a.k.a. Tuey, who is targeted by the corrupt politicians at City Hall in St. Louis and a local bank president among others based on their personal greed and agendas.

Ross’ mastery of Tuey’s dialect is of note as it takes you deeper into Tuey’s mind and world. You really start to feel Tuey’s pain and frustration in a way that only his use of the special dialect can allow. At first the story line does seem encumbered with too many references of the key players’ physical characteristics to their animal counterparts. However, as the plot develops and the ending ensues it all seems to make sense.

The problem is that unless you hang onto the end you think Ross has gone down a totally bizarre path in Tuey’s Course. I am glad I kept reading as the ending clears up the confusion of the analogies and smacks you in the face with what Tuey does to deal with his discriminations and frustrations.

For an overall review of James Ross’ series, I rank Lifetime Loser as my favorite with its Grisham-like plot, The Finish Line is next but a close second to Lifetime Loser and that leaves Tuey’s Course coming in as my 3rd choice.