Yet he's the author people who don't pay attention to the world turn to for an update

FLATHEAD - The peculiar genius of Thomas L. Friedman by Matt Taibbi

The first time I read this a while back, I was crying I was laughing so hard. Even now, on the third or fourth time through, I still can't hide a smile. Out of everyone in the entire world, Tom Friedman is my very favorite clown.

You must read this, and that goes double for anyone who actually reads Friedman's books or columns for other than their unintentional-humor value.