Posts from — January 2016

Somali Islamic militants Al Shabaab use Donald Trump’s ‘Muslim ban’ speech in recruitment film. I don’t think the people who said this was going to happen can be classed as “liars” any longer.

Update: Saudi Arabia breaks off ties with Iran after al-Nimr execution. Well, a few angry Shi’ia did, kind of … abuse the Saudi embassy in Tehran, by setting fire to it.

Iran says Saudi Arabia will ‘pay a high price’ for execution of Shiite cleric Nimr al-Nimr. People seem to forget or miss the fact that almost all of the oil production around the Persian Gulf are in majority Shi’ia areas, even when the countries are majority Sunni. If Saudi Arabia’s Shi’ia population reacts badly to the execution of Nimr al-Nimr, oil production will be affected. The Saudis are experiencing deficit budgets because of low oil prices, so the government will be in even more trouble.

Update: As expected Donald Trump defends Muslim ban call after al-Shabab film.

The BBC provides a background piece: Sharks explain Australia’s year in news. All of the names except one are leaders of the two major Australian political parties. The single exception is Mick Fanning, a world-class surfer.

If you are tempted to say that this is silly, Donald Trump is the leading candidate for nomination for President of one of the two major US political parties – Americans have forfeited the right to make fun of other countries and their political systems.

С Новым годом
Prosit Neujahr
Feliz Año Nuevo
Bonne Année
Felice Anno Nuovo
Gelukkig Nieuwjaar
Gott Nytt År
Sehe Bokmanee Bateuseyo
Blwyddyn Newydd Dda
Onnellista Uutta Vuotta

May you be safe from the idiots who think gravity is just a theory and fire off guns, failing to understand that what goes up will come down.

Given the prevalence of accurate timekeeping devices, it is amazing that the explosions that are supposed to signal the new year extend for hours beginning four hours before and extending well after the actual event. Anyone who thinks alcohol and gunpowder is a recipe for a long life should be avoided by insurance agents.

The new year brings new opportunities, so here’s hoping that the good wins out and the world is made a little better. It hasn’t happened yet, but there’s always a chance.

Oh, and a happy 15^th blogiversary™ to Steve Bates at the Yellow Doggerel Something.