Yesterday was a slow day for news, and when I returned from my errands, I did some research and took a long nap. I’m current with replies. Today I shall cook a big meal and meditate on a very important holy day for the Church of the Ellipsoid Orb, but the meditation between the Broncos and the Chiefs will nit be televised here.
Jig Zone Puzzle:
Today it took me 3:56 (average 4:45). To do it, click here. How did you do?
Short Takes:
From USA Today: Iraq’s prime minister hailed the end of the American military presence in Iraq as a new dawn for his country and urged Iraqis to preserve the unity of a nation still under attack by insurgents and beset by sectarian divisions.
I see nothing good from that nation any time soon.
From ABC: Iran said Saturday it has proposed a new round of talks on its nuclear program with six world powers that have been trying for years to persuade Tehran to freeze aspects of its atomic work that could provide a possible pathway to weapons production.
The country’s top nuclear negotiator, Saeed Jalili, said he has formally called on the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany to return to negotiations.
I certainly hope Iran intends to negotiate seriously.
From Think Progress: A recall of controversial Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker now appear inevitable. In just 28 days, activists collected 507,533 signatures. Organizers have until January 17 to collect 540,208 signatures, which is equal to 25% of the state’s 2010 general election turnout. To be safe, recall advocates have set a new goal of 720,277 signatures by the deadline.
Here’s excellent news to start the new year!
Cartoon:
9 Responses to “Open Thread–1/1/2012”
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Don’t forget that the Church of the Ellipsoid Orb will be holding additional services tomorrow in Pasadena.
John, please note the cartoon in the Open Thread for 1/2. 🙂
Getting rid of at least one repubican clown – it’s a good start for 2012 …
Love it Nameless but the colours are too mild. Almost makes him look friendly. Either way though I guess, he’s still a clown, one that needs to be kicked outside the circus tent!
Amen to that, Nameless!
Iraq — “. . . urged Iraqis to preserve the unity of a nation still under attack by insurgents and beset by sectarian divisions.” It is interesting to see the PM of Iraq refer to ‘the unity of a nation’. This country has not been unified except in appearance only. Saddam was a Sunni but kept such tight reins that the majority Shi’ites and the Kurds couldn’t move. Before that over the centuries (since about 700 CE), people came under one form of Islam or another as migrations of peoples and ideas flowed over the land. Until Iraq recognises the rights of all, and until Sunni and Shi’ite solve their differences, I don’t think there can be a ‘unity of nation’. There has to be a strong will for unity, but what I see is an anti-west or anti-US will.
Iran — “. . . Saeed Jalili, said he has formally called on the United States, Russia, China, Britain, France and Germany to return to negotiations.”
Is this to negotiate or is it to dictate Iranian terms? Iran has a long history of trying to dictate, and a very short history of negotiation. If I recall, it was Jalili who was spouting off previously and creating havoc around the intended visits of the IAEA.
Wisconsin — A stretch target of 720,277 signatures, a 33% increase! Go for it. If Wisconsin intends to show Walker the door, or more fittingly give him the boot, do it with style. They can’t have any worse representation than they all ready have. Nothing to lose, everything to gain.
Cartoon — I have seen this cartoon so many times and love it. Has to be a male cat because it is sitting with the remote control like it owns it, and of course has a beer. My 2 male cats try to own the remote control too, but they lie on it as if to try and hatch it!
I think that when he says unity, he means his own power. I preferred dividing Iraq into three different nations.
I guess we need to start talking to find out.
The extra signatures is to cover their butts over duplicates and Republican insertions of bogus signatures.
That works. I used to have one and now there are three.
3:40. Good way to start the new year…even though I am a day late.
Another win for you!