ABMB

Worried about the falling dollar? Historically, in times like these it has been prudent to put cash into something of value, and Miami Beach is making an offer you can't refuse.

The annual Art Basel Miami Beach, now the world's largest contemporary art show, is about to begin. CNN Money estimates that between 400 and 500 million dollars will change hands this week and described Miami Beach as "...the perfect setting for the orgy of conspicuous consumption...". Banks from other countries have representatives here just to help their clients' money transfer needs and the likelihood of being run over by a Bentley or Rolls is very high over the next few days.

House guests, too, have arrived; Tim and the exotic Felix flew in from Sante Fe on Saturday and more will be arriving during the week. Like the other visitors to the show, they will be immersed in the huge number of galleries available in posh hotels, tents, and even 18-wheelers. Artists, dealers, and just plain old art buyers will take up about every available facility; the value to the city in commerce is immeasurable and is one of the many things that make this city special and fun to live in. There will be many deals done in foreign laguages, too, so Tom Tancredo can make that complaint again. But, then, Tom probably couldn't afford a pencil drawing here this week.