US SIGNALS SECURITY BLUNDER
The world found out shortly before 2 p.m. eastern time on March 15 that the United States was bombing Houthi targets across Yemen.
I, however, knew two hours before the first bombs exploded that the attack might be coming.
The reason I knew this is that Pete Hegseth, the secretary of defense, had texted me the war plan at 11:44 a.m.
The plan included precise information about weapons packages, targets, and timing.
This is going to require some explaining.
Senior members of Donald Trump’s cabinet have been involved in a serious security breach while discussing secret military plans for recent US attacks on the Houthi armed group in Yemen.
In an extraordinary blunder, key figures in the Trump administration – including vice-president JD Vance, defense secretary Peter Hegseth, Marco Rubio and the director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard – used the commercial chat app Signal to convene and discuss plans – while also including a prominent journalist in the group.
Signal is not approved by the US government for sharing sensitive information.
Others in the chat included Trump adviser Stephen Miller, Trump’s chief of staff Susie Wiles and key Trump envoy Steve Witkoff.
The breach was revealed in an article published on Monday by Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor of the Atlantic magazine, who discovered that he had been included in a Signal chat called “Houthi PC Small Group” and realising that 18 other members of the group included Trump cabinet members.In his account, Goldberg said that he removed sensitive material from his account, including the identity of a senior CIA officer and current operational details.
The report was confirmed by Brian Hughes, a spokesman for the National Security Council who told the magazine: “This appears to be an authentic message chain, and we are reviewing how an inadvertent number was added to the chain.”
Hughes added: “The thread is a demonstration of the deep and thoughtful policy coordination between senior officials. The ongoing success of the Houthi operation demonstrates that there were no threats to troops or national security.
”The incident is likely to further raise concerns over the Trump administration’s trustworthiness with intelligence shared by erstwhile allies – not least as Hegseth boasts at one stage of guaranteeing “100 percent OPSEC – operations security” while a celebrated journalist is reading his message.
The discussions seen by Goldberg include comments from Vance, who appeared unconvinced of the urgency of attacking Yemen, as well as conversations over what price should be expected of Europeans and other countries for the US removing the threat to a key global shipping route.
Security and intelligence commentators in the US described the breach of operational security as unprecedented – both for the use of a commercial chat service and for the inclusion of Goldberg.
“The account identified as ‘JD Vance’ addressed a message at 8:45 to @Pete Hegseth: ‘if you think we should do it let’s go. I just hate bailing Europe out again,’” Goldberg wrote. (The administration has argued that America’s European allies benefit economically from the US navy’s protection of international shipping lanes.)
Goldberg continues: “The user identified as Hegseth responded three minutes later: “VP: I fully share your loathing of European free-loading. It’s PATHETIC. But Mike is correct, we are the only ones on the planet (on our side of the ledger) who can do this.“
Nobody else even close. Question is timing. I feel like now is as good a time as any, given POTUS directive to reopen shipping lanes.
I think we should go; but POTUS still retains 24 hours of decision space.”
BLESS YOU & GESUNDHEIT
Early spring might be excellent for trees and flowers, but it can be awful for allergy sufferers.
Spring has arrived two weeks earlier than usual in several states in the Midwest this year, according to the USA National Phenology Network at the University of Arizona.
In the mid-Atlantic and northeastern regions, it occurred just over a week ahead of schedule. In the western U.S., depending on your location, spring can arrive anywhere from two weeks earlier to a week later in California, Arizona, and Nevada.
According to the Climate Prediction Center, much of the country's southern and eastern regions are expected to experience temperatures far above average, which means an increase in pollen levels due to blossoming trees.
That’s terrible news for people with seasonal allergies ‒ about 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 5 children in the U.S.
According to a recent study by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, eight cities in California saw significant increases in their allergy rankings due to a "grass and weed pollen explosion," which the foundation says was intensified by heavy rains that year that spurred plant growth.
New Orleans also jumped considerably, going from 34th place the previous year to second in 2025.
GEORGE FOREMAN 1949 - 2025 RIP
George Foreman has one of the most remarkable life stories in sports history — a journey from Olympic gold medalist and world heavyweight champion to minister, grill entrepreneur, and beloved public figure.
Early Life & Amateur Boxing Career
Born: January 10, 1949, in Marshall, Texas, raised in Houston.
Tough upbringing: Grew up in poverty and dropped out of school by 15.
Turned his life around after joining Job Corps, where he learned to box.
1968 Olympics (Mexico City): Won gold in heavyweight boxing, famously waving a small U.S. flag after the win.
Professional Boxing Career – First Phase (1969–1977)
Turned pro in 1969 and quickly gained a reputation for his ferocious punching power.
By 1973, Foreman had a 37–0 record, almost all wins by knockout.
World Heavyweight Champion
1973: Knocked out Joe Frazier in 2 rounds to become the WBA, WBC, and lineal heavyweight champion.
1974: Defended his title against Ken Norton and José Roman.
“Rumble in the Jungle” – 1974
Lost the title to Muhammad Ali in the iconic fight in Kinshasa, Zaire.
Ali used the "rope-a-dope" strategy to tire Foreman out and knocked him out in the 8th round.
Retirement & Spiritual Awakening
In 1977, after a loss to Jimmy Young, Foreman experienced a spiritual epiphany in the locker room.
Believed he had died and been brought back by God.
Retired from boxing and became a born-again Christian and an ordained minister.
Spent a decade preaching, working with youth, and running a church in Houston.
Comeback – Second Boxing Career (1987–1997)
Incredibly, Foreman returned to boxing at age 38, initially to raise money for his youth center.
Fought much younger opponents and slowly worked his way back into title contention.
Oldest Heavyweight Champion in History
1994: At age 45, defeated Michael Moorer to regain the heavyweight title, becoming the oldest world heavyweight champion in history.
He wore the same red trunks he had worn against Ali 20 years earlier.
The George Foreman Grill & Entrepreneurial Success
In the 1990s, Foreman became a pop culture icon, thanks to his endorsement of the George Foreman Lean Mean Fat-Reducing Grilling Machine.
The grill became a massive success, selling over 100 million units.
Foreman reportedly made over $200 million from the grill — more than he ever earned in boxing.
Personal Life
Known for his humor and humility.
Has 12 children, including five sons named George (George II, III, IV, V, and VI).
Enjoys preaching, fishing, and family life.
Legacy
Two-time world heavyweight champion.
Olympic gold medalist.
Revered comeback story.
Successful businessman and motivational figure.
Inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2003.
HAPPY SPRING: HOOTED BY DRUIDS
Modern Druids follow a nature-based spiritual path. They often celebrate the cycles of the seasons, honor the Earth, and seek wisdom through poetry, meditation, ritual, and study.
While they don’t claim direct lineage from ancient Druids (since ancient teachings weren’t written down), they revive the spirit and philosophy of Druidry in meaningful ways.
Core Beliefs & Practices
Connection with Nature: Respect for all living things, ecosystems, and the land.
Celebrating the Wheel of the Year: Observing eight seasonal festivals (like the solstices, equinoxes, and cross-quarter days such as Imbolc and Samhain).
Personal Spiritual Growth: Emphasis on introspection, creativity, and inner wisdom.
Ritual and Ceremony: Frequently performed outdoors, occasionally in circles or within sacred groves.
Peace, Justice, and Balance: Many modern Druids are deeply concerned with social harmony and ecological sustainability.
Some well-known groups include:
The Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (OBOD) – One of the most prominent modern Druid organizations.
The Druid Network – Recognized as a religion in the UK.
Ár nDraíocht Féin (ADF) – A modern Druid group based in the U.S. with a scholarly and inclusive approach.
While there’s no exact global census of Druids, estimates suggest that there are between 30,000 and 60,000 modern Druids worldwide, though the number could be higher depending on how broadly you define Druidry.
United Kingdom:
Druidry is officially recognized as a religion in the UK.Groups like the Order of Bards, Ovates and Druids (OBOD) and The Druid Network are based there.
There are estimated to be thousands of active members.
United States:
Druidry is growing steadily, especially under organizations like Ár nDraíocht Féin (ADF).The U.S. has one of the largest populations of practicing Druids outside the UK.
Canada, Australia, Ireland, and parts of Europe:
Smaller but vibrant Druid communities are active here, often tied to local pagan or nature-based spiritual movements.
FLOSSI STARS IN TOTAL RECALL
Tesla's recent recall of approximately 46,000 Cybertrucks due to the potential detachment of exterior panels is significant for the company but relatively modest compared to the most extensive automotive recalls in history.
Notable examples include:
Takata Airbag Recall: Over 65 million vehicles were recalled due to defective airbags that could explode upon deployment, causing injuries or fatalities.
Ford's 1996 Recall: Approximately 22.7 million vehicles were recalled due to faulty ignition switches that posed fire hazards.
General Motors' 2014 Recall: Around 30 million vehicles were recalled because of defective ignition switches that could unexpectedly shut off engines and disable airbags.
In this context, the Cybertruck recall is relatively small.
However, it's noteworthy that this is the eighth recall for the Cybertruck since its release in late 2023.
The recalls address various issues, such as sudden loss of drive power and tire pressure warning light failures.
Tesla Recalls Nearly All Cybertrucks Due to Detaching Panels
Since its release in late 2023, the Tesla Cybertruck has been subject to eight recalls addressing various safety and performance issues.
Here's a chronological overview:
January 29, 2024: Instrument Panel Visibility
Issue: Warning lights are displayed in a small font, making critical safety information hard to read and increasing the crash risk.
Solution: Software update to enhance display readability.
April 16, 2024: Accelerator Pedal Malfunction
Issue: The accelerator pedal pad could dislodge and become trapped in the interior trim, potentially causing unintended acceleration.
Solution: Replacement of the pedal assembly.
June 18, 2024: Loose Trim Panels
Issue: The trunk bed trim sail could come loose, creating a road hazard for other motorists or pedestrians.
Solution: Reattachment using improved tape or adhesion methods
June 18, 2024: Windshield Wiper Failure
Issue: Windshield wipers could fail, reducing visibility and increasing the crash risk.
Solution: Replacement of the wiper motor.
September 25, 2024: Rearview Camera Delay
Issue: A delayed rearview camera image could increase the crash risk while backing up.
Solution: Software update to reduce image delay.
November 24, 2024: Drive Inverter Fault
Issue: A fault in the drive inverter could cause a sudden loss of drive power, increasing the crash risk.
Solution: Replacement of the drive inverter.
December 17, 2024: Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Issue: A malfunction in the tire pressure monitoring system could prevent drivers from being alerted to low tire pressures, significantly raising the risk of a collision.
Solution: Over-the-air software update to address the issue.
March 20, 2025: Detaching Exterior Panels
Issue: A defect where a cant rail, a stainless-steel trim panel, can detach from the vehicle, posing a road hazard.
Solution: Replacement of the faulty part at no cost to owners.
TESLA OWNERS OUTED BY HACKERS
Elon Musk-hating hackers have doxxed Tesla owners in the United States, releasing an interactive map showing their names, addresses, phone numbers and emails.
The website, DOGEQUEST, also provides the locations of every Tesla showroom, charging station and the known residences of Department of Government Efficiency employees.
It even lists FBI Director Kash Patel's home and uses a symbol of a Molotov cocktail as its cursor.
The site's operators said they would only remove identifying information about Tesla drivers if they provided proof that they sold their electric vehicle amid a national boycott of the carmaker.
It is unclear where the hacker got the information about the Tesla owners, but it has caused a lot of concern - with Musk labelling it 'extreme domestic terrorism.
''Encouraging destruction of Teslas throughout the country is extreme domestic terrorism!!' he wrote on X Tuesday night.
The website says it 'neither endorses nor condemns any actions.' 'If you're on the hunt for a Tesla to unleash your artistic flair with a spray can, just step outside - no map needed,' it reads.
'At DOGEQUEST, we believe in empowering creative expressions of protest that you can execute from the comfort of your home.
The site's operators said they will only remove identifying information about Tesla drivers if they prove that they sold their electric vehicles during a national boycott of the carmaker.
PUTIN AGREES 30-DAY HALT ATTACKS ON UKRAINE’S ENERGY GRID, MAYBE
Vladimir Putin has agreed to a limited ceasefire that would stop Russia from targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure after a high-stakes phone call with Donald Trump.
However, the Russian leader declined to commit to a 30-day complete ceasefire, a plan Trump pitched that Ukraine agreed to last week.
This dented the US president’s hope of quickly ending hostilities. The Kremlin said Putin demanded that the West halt all military aid to Kyiv before it could implement such a plan.
Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, spoke after the call. He said Ukraine was favourable to both sides halting attacks on each other’s infrastructure, but he was waiting for “details” of what had been agreed upon first.
Trump interpreted the discussion positively, writing on his Truth Social platform shortly after the call ended that he had had a “very good and productive” conversation with Putin.
“We agreed to an immediate Ceasefire on all Energy and Infrastructure, with an understanding that we will be working quickly to have a Complete Ceasefire and, ultimately, an END to this very horrible War between Russia and Ukraine,” he added.
SWEDISH MEATBALLS UP IN RUSSIAN FLAMES
Lithuanian prosecutors state that Russia's military intelligence service, the GRU, was responsible for an arson attack on an Ikea furniture store in the Baltic state's capital, Vilnius, last year.
Two Ukrainian suspects have been arrested – one in Lithuania, the other in Poland – over the attack, which prosecutor Arturas Urbelis called "an act of terrorism".
He said an investigation of intermediaries had established that "this is connected with military intelligence, with the security services."
Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Lithuania had "confirmed our suspicions that responsible for setting fires to shopping centres in Vilnius and Warsaw are the Russian secret services."
"Good to know before negotiations. Such is the nature of this state," he wrote in a post on X.
Russia has denied repeated allegations by Nato countries that its secret services are engaged in sabotage operations across Europe.
Security experts see it as a systematic campaign of "hybrid warfare" to undermine European support for Ukraine's defence against the Russian invasion that began in February 2022.
The arson attack in Vilnius last May did not cause casualties, but that month a similar attack destroyed a huge shopping mall in the Polish capital Warsaw.
Prosecutor Urbelis said the two suspects - both teenagers - had held a secret meeting in Warsaw and agreed to set fire to shops in Lithuania and Latvia for a reward of €10,000 ($11,000; £8,400) and a BMW.
FLOSSI SAYS, “MEASURE TWICE, BUY ONCE”
Swiss Government’s $117 Million Jet Faces an Embarrassing Reality Check
In what might be the aviation equivalent of buying a yacht for a backyard pool, the Swiss government is learning the hard way that bigger isn’t always better.
Their shiny new Bombardier Global 7500 business jet, purchased for a cool 103 million Swiss francs (about $117 million), was supposed to symbolize Swiss precision and efficiency. Instead, it has become an oversized, overpriced lesson in basic spatial awareness.
The problem? The jet is too big for Bern-Belp Airport, where Switzerland usually parks its official aircraft.
Like a gold-plated SUV that won’t fit in the driveway, the Global 7500 now sits awkwardly 40 kilometers away at Payerne Air Base, the closest facility that can accommodate it.
Officials, presumably adjusting their ties and avoiding eye contact, have admitted that the aircraft won’t be able to move to Bern until a new hangar is built—a project at least two years away.
But wait, it gets better. Even if the Global 7500 did fit in Bern, it still couldn’t take off with a full tank. The runway is too short for the aircraft to reach takeoff speed when fully fueled.
This means that whenever Swiss officials need to jet off on a long-haul diplomatic mission, they must first take a short-haul flight or a scenic train ride to Zurich or Geneva, where they can actually board the aircraft.
Yes, that’s right: their private jet needs a connecting flight.
As if things weren’t already veering into government sitcom territory, a recent trip to South America exposed yet another glaring oversight.
When a Swiss delegation needed to reach La Paz, Bolivia, they discovered—rather inconveniently—that their multi-million-dollar aircraft wasn’t certified for high-altitude airports.
The solution? The officials had to switch to a regular commercial flight, rubbing elbows with economy-class passengers, a scenario that likely wasn’t in the original sales brochure.
The new jet replaces the much smaller, more sensible Cessna Citation Excel, which served Switzerland faithfully for two decades.
While the Citation lacked its successor's prestige, range, and price tag, it did have one slight advantage: it actually fit in the hangar and could take off from Bern.
For now, the Swiss government will continue using its Dassault Falcon 900 and two Bombardier Challenger 604s for official travel.
At the same time, the Global 7500 sits in airplane purgatory, awaiting both certification and the installation of its self-protection system (though, frankly, the biggest threat to this aircraft so far has been poor planning).
Despite its current Goldilocks-level "too big for the house" dilemma, the Bombardier Global 7500 is undeniably an impressive piece of machinery.
Stretching 33.8 meters long with a 31.7-meter wingspan, it’s designed as the flagship of ultra-long-range private jets.
The four-zone cabin accommodates up to 19 passengers in ultimate luxury, with perks including a full-sized kitchen, a dedicated crew rest area, and—presumably—a tape measure never used before this purchase.
Capable of reaching speeds of Mach 0.925 and cruising at 51,000 feet, the Global 7500 is an engineering marvel that—ironically—still hasn’t managed to take off properly in Switzerland.
Moral of the story?
Measure twice, buy once.
MONSTER STORMS HIT DEEP SOUTH
Violent tornadoes ripped through parts of the U.S. and proved deadly as well as destructive Saturday as whipping winds moved east into the Mississippi Valley and Deep South, with at least 17 people killed and scores of homes decimated.
Missouri recorded more fatalities than any other state as it withstood scattered twisters overnight that resulted in at least 11 deaths, authorities said. The State Highway Patrol also reported that multiple people were injured.
The deaths included a man who was killed after a tornado ripped apart his home.
The average annual number of reported tornadoes in the U.S. has remained relatively stable, with approximately 1,000 tornadoes occurring each year.
Regional Shifts:
Decreased Activity in "Tornado Alley": Traditionally referred to as "Tornado Alley," the central U.S., encompassing states such as Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas, has experienced a decline in tornado frequency.
Increased Activity in the Southeast and Midwest: Conversely, tornado occurrences have risen significantly in regions such as the Southeast, Midwest, and Northeast. States such as Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, and Kentucky have reported heightened tornado activity.
Intensity Trends:
While the total number of tornadoes has remained stable, the frequency of strong to violent tornadoes (rated EF3 or higher) has declined significantly over the past few decades.
Influence of Reporting Practices:
Advancements in detection technology and increased public awareness have led to more comprehensive reporting of weaker tornadoes (EF0 and EF1). This improvement in reporting practices contributes to the perception of increased tornado frequency in certain regions.
POP GOES THE BUSINESS
The U.S. alcohol and wine industry significantly contributes to the nation's economy, supporting millions of jobs across various sectors. Here's an overview of employment figures within this industry:
Overall Alcohol Beverage Industry:
Total Employment: The alcohol beverage industry sustains over 4 million jobs nationwide.
Tax Contributions: This sector generates nearly $70 billion in annual tax revenue.
Wine Industry:
Direct Employment: The wine industry directly employs approximately 1,007,459 people.
Ancillary Employment: Suppliers and ancillary industries related to wine production and distribution support an additional 364,234 jobs.
Total Employment Impact: In total, the wine industry supports around 1.84 million jobs across the country.
Beer Industry:
Total Employment: The beer industry supports nearly 2.4 million American jobs.
Economic Contribution: It contributes more than $409 billion to the U.S. economy.
Distillery Industry:
Employment Growth: From 2001 to 2021, the distillery industry added 14,786 jobs, marking a 214% increase over two decades.
Total Employment: As of 2021, the distillery sector employed over 21,700 individuals.
Retail Sector (Beer, Wine, and Liquor Stores):
Employment Figures: As of 2024, there were 207,774 people employed in beer, wine, and liquor stores across the U.S.
Economic Impact: In 2018, beer, wine, and spirits retailers created approximately 2.03 million jobs and had a direct economic impact of over $122.63 billion.
HERE COMES THE JUDGE
There have been instances in U.S. history where a president has defied or ignored a federal judge's ruling.
Andrew Jackson (1832) – Ignored Supreme Court in Worcester v. Georgia
What Happened? The Supreme Court ruled in Worcester v. Georgia (1832) that the state of Georgia could not impose its laws on Cherokee territory.
Jackson’s Response: He reportedly said, “John Marshall has made his decision; now let him enforce it.”
Impact: Jackson refused to enforce the ruling, leading to the forced removal of Native Americans, culminating in the Trail of Tears.
Abraham Lincoln (1861) – Ignored Habeas Corpus Order
What Happened? During the Civil War, Lincoln suspended habeas corpus (the right to appear before a judge) to arrest suspected Confederate sympathizers.
Chief Justice Roger Taney’s Ruling: In Ex parte Merryman (1861), Taney ruled that only Congress, not the president, could suspend habeas corpus.
Lincoln’s Response: He ignored the ruling and continued suspending habeas corpus.
Franklin D. Roosevelt (1942) – Japanese American Internment
What Happened? FDR signed Executive Order 9066, forcing Japanese Americans into internment camps during World War II.
Legal Challenge: Federal courts upheld the order at the time (Korematsu v. United States, 1944), but later rulings criticized the decision.
Impact: The order was seen as unconstitutional, but it wasn’t defied in the traditional sense.
Dwight Eisenhower (1957) – Defied a State Judge, Enforced Federal Law
What Happened? After the Supreme Court’s ruling in Brown v. Board of Education (1954), Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus used the National Guard to block Black students from entering Little Rock Central High School.
State vs. Federal Conflict: A federal judge ordered desegregation, but Faubus ignored it.
Eisenhower’s Response: He overruled the state judge and sent federal troops to enforce school desegregation.
Richard Nixon (1974) – Refused to Hand Over Watergate Tapes
What Happened? During the Watergate Scandal, a federal judge ordered Nixon to hand over White House tapes.
Supreme Court Ruling: In United States v. Nixon (1974), the Court unanimously ruled that Nixon must comply.
Nixon’s Response: He delayed but eventually complied before resigning.
Donald Trump (Multiple Cases)
Travel Ban (2017): Federal judges blocked Trump’s travel ban, but his administration continued fighting in court until the Supreme Court upheld a revised version.
Jan. 6 Records (2021-2022): Trump sought to withhold White House documents from Congress, but courts ruled against him.
Gag Orders (2023-2024): Some judges issued gag orders on Trump in legal proceedings, which he openly criticized and sometimes violated.
FLOSSI: DOG SHOOTS MAN
A dog shot its owner in Tennessee after jumping on a gun trigger, causing it to discharge.
Memphis Police responded to an emergency call from a man who told them he was lying in bed with a gun when his dog jumped up, causing the weapon to fire.
Jerald Kirkwood was in his bedroom when his one-year-old pit bull, Oreo, leapt onto the bed and got his paw stuck in the trigger guard of his gun.
As a result, the gun went off, and a bullet grazed the top of Mr Kirkwood’s left thigh, according to local news station WREG.
Following the incident, a woman who had been in bed with Mr Kirkwood allegedly left the house with the gun, while the injured man was ferried to hospital in a non-critical condition.
The Memphis Police Department said that officers were able to locate “one spent shell casings on the front room floor”, according to People Magazine.
The woman, who was not named, told Fox 13: “The dog is a playful dog, and he likes to jump around and stuff like that, and it just went off.”
FLOSSI IS SHEEP SHAPE
Algeria's president has announced plans to import a staggering 1 million sheep ahead of this year's Eid al-Adha, the holiday during which Muslims worldwide purchase livestock for sacrifice.
The number of sheep consumed during Eid al-Adha varies each year based on global Muslim populations, economic factors, and livestock availability. However, estimates suggest that:
Tens of millions of sheep (along with other livestock such as cows, goats, and camels) are sacrificed during the festival worldwide.
In 2023, around 10 million sheep were sacrificed in Algeria alone.
In Pakistan, over 8 million animals (including sheep, cows, and goats) are typically sacrificed.
In Turkey, over 3 million animals are sacrificed.
In Saudi Arabia, where many pilgrims perform Hajj, around 1-2 million animals are sacrificed annually.
Determining the exact number of sheep sacrificed globally during Eid al-Adha is difficult. Still, estimates suggest well over 100 million animals, with sheep accounting for a significant portion.
The purpose of Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is to commemorate the Prophet Ibrahim’s (Abraham's) willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. According to Islamic tradition, at the last moment, God provided a ram to be sacrificed instead, symbolizing divine mercy and faith.
The meat from the sacrificed animal (sheep, goat, cow, or camel) is divided into three parts:
One-third for the family.
One-third for relatives and friends.
One-third for the poor and needy.
Eid al-Adha dates back to Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), a central figure in Islam, Judaism, and Christianity. The tradition is rooted in the story found in the Quran (Surah As-Saffat 37:102-107), where God commands Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as a test of faith. When Ibrahim was about to comply, God replaced the son with a ram, signifying divine mercy.
Sacrificing an animal to commemorate this event was established as an Islamic tradition by Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century CE. After the Hijra (migration) to Medina, it became an official Islamic holiday, and its observance has continued annually.
Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the 10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah, the 12th and final month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The exact Gregorian calendar date varies each year because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle (which is about 10–12 days shorter than the solar year).
In 2025, it is expected to be on June 6.
FLOSSI: ABOVE ALL, STOCK FALL
The time it takes for the stock market to recover to previous highs after a large sell-off depends on several factors, including the severity of the crash, economic conditions, policy responses, and investor sentiment. Here are some historical examples of major market crashes and their recovery times:
Historical Stock Market Recoveries
1929 - The Great Depression
Crash: The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) lost nearly 90% of its value from 1929 to 1932.
Recovery Time: 25 years (1929 peak regained in 1954).
1987 - Black Monday
Crash: The Dow fell 22.6% in a single day (October 19, 1987).
Recovery Time: Less than 2 years (returned to pre-crash highs by September 1989).
2000-2002 - Dot-com Bubble
Crash: The NASDAQ fell 78% from its 2000 peak.
Recovery Time: 15 years (NASDAQ regained its 2000 highs in 2015).
2008-2009 - Global Financial Crisis
Crash: The S&P 500 fell 57% from its 2007 peak to its 2009 bottom.
Recovery Time: 5.5 years (reached previous highs in 2013).
2020 - COVID-19 Crash
Crash: The S&P 500 dropped 33% in just over a month (February-March 2020).
Recovery Time: 5 months (returned to previous highs by August 2020).
Factors That Influence Recovery Time
Severity of the Sell-Off – Mild corrections (10-20% drop) typically recover within months to a year, while major crashes (40%+ losses) can take several years or decades.
Economic Conditions – Strong economic fundamentals, low interest rates, and stimulus measures can accelerate recovery.
Government & Central Bank Actions – Aggressive monetary policies (e.g., Federal Reserve rate cuts, quantitative easing) help markets bounce back faster.
Investor Sentiment & Confidence – If investors remain cautious, recovery can be slow. If optimism returns quickly, markets may rebound faster.
Technological & Business Cycles – Certain sectors (e.g., tech) tend to recover faster than others (e.g., financials in 2008).
General Recovery Expectations
Small sell-offs (5-10%) – Weeks to months
Moderate corrections (10-20%) – Months to a year
Bear markets (20-50%) – 1 to 5 years
Severe crashes (50%+ losses) – 5 to 25 years
Bottom Line
Every market crash is unique, and while some recover quickly (e.g., COVID-19 in 2020), others take decades (Great Depression). Historically, the stock market always recovers over time, but the speed depends on economic resilience, policy actions, and investor confidence.
FLOSSI, THE MOOSE & 1,462 CANS OF LAGER
Moosehead Breweries Introduces the “Presidential Pack” Amid Trade Tensions
Canada’s oldest brewery, Moosehead Breweries, is making a bold statement in response to trade tensions sparked by President Donald Trump. The New Brunswick-based brewery has launched the “Presidential Pack”, a massive case containing 1,461 cans of its Canadian Lager—one for each day of Trump's four-year term.
Moosehead’s Director of Marketing, Karen Grigg framed the promotion as a lighthearted response to political uncertainty. "If the start of 2025 has taught us anything, it will take determination to weather four years of political uncertainty—and what better way to make it through each day than with a truly Canadian beer," she said.
The Presidential Pack retails for CAD 3,490 ($2,428 USD) and is available in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Ontario. Trevor Grant, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, revealed that the idea emerged as Moosehead’s team discussed tariffs and trade challenges with the U.S. administration. "Obviously, it's a bit of a difficult situation, so trying to maybe have a little bit of fun with it," he explained.
Grant also noted that Canadian shoppers are increasingly looking for locally made products and that Moosehead sees this as an opportunity to strengthen local support. "We do think this is a real opportunity for us," he said. He emphasized the company’s deep community ties, adding, "We operate in a small community here in St. John, New Brunswick, and we like to stay connected to our community and give back. We'd like to see Canadians do the same thing and buy local."
The Presidential Pack is the latest act of Canadian defiance against Trump's tariffs, which have affected Canada, Mexico, and China. Trump has also insulted Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, referring to him dismissively as a "governor".
Meanwhile, the U.S. liquor and spirits industry is already feeling the pushback.
Lawson Whiting, CEO of Jack Daniel’s parent company, called the removal of American-made alcohol from Canadian stores “worse than tariffs.” "It's literally taking your sales away," he said, calling the response "very disproportionate" to Trump’s 25% tariff.
Following Prime Minister Trudeau’s announcement that Canada would impose retaliatory 25% tariffs on $155 billion worth of U.S. goods, the Kentucky Distillers’ Association warned of “far-reaching consequences” for the bourbon industry, as 95% of the world’s bourbon comes from Kentucky.
Moosehead Breweries CEO Andrew Oland, in an interview with CTV News, described the tariffs as a “disappointment” and lamented the deteriorating trade relationship between the two nations. We've always had such a close relationship with the United States, and so it's really sad to see this relationship going in a different direction," he said.
With rising trade tensions and a renewed focus on buying local, Moosehead’s satirical marketing move highlights how Canadian businesses creatively respond to these issues—with humor, community pride, and beer.
HOT ROBOTS & UNFAZED FLOSSI
The use of service robots, especially in the food service industry, has rapidly increased in recent years.
Food Delivery Robots: Companies like Serve Robotics have expanded their autonomous delivery services. In the past year, Serve Robotics has announced the addition of new cities to its network and a doubling of its user base.
Restaurant Automation: Chains like Sweetgreen have integrated automation into their operations. In May 2023, Sweetgreen launched its first robot-driven "Infinite Kitchen" location in Naperville, Illinois. Automation is utilized to assemble food, but not for preparation.
Collaborative Robots ("Cobots"): Chipotle Mexican Grill is testing collaborative robots, such as the Autocado prototype, which is designed to assist with tasks such as peeling avocados.
Market Expansion: Walmart has confirmed plans to use Richtech Robotics-powered robots to operate "ghost kitchens" in 20 restaurant locations within its stores in Arizona, Colorado, and Texas.
Technological Advancements: The development of more sophisticated robots, such as Miso Robotics' "Flippy 2.0," which is faster and more versatile than its predecessor, is expected to drive further adoption in the food service sector. Time magazine recognized "Flippy 2.0" as one of the best inventions of 2022.
In Japan, the integration of service robots in restaurants has been steadily increasing, driven by labor shortages.
Kura Sushi: This well-known conveyor belt sushi chain has integrated automation to improve efficiency and lower costs. Some locations use a robot called "KuraB the Kurabot" to deliver food, beverages, and other items directly to customers.
Pepper Robot: Developed by SoftBank Robotics, Pepper is a humanoid robot utilized in various customer service roles throughout Japan. In the restaurant industry, it greets and engages with customers, offering information and entertainment.
Haidilao Hot Pot: In collaboration with Panasonic, Haidilao launched a "smart" restaurant in 2018 that features full automation in the kitchen. Customers can place orders via tablet devices, while robotic systems manage food preparation and delivery, minimizing the need for human intervention.
Skylark Holdings, a prominent Japanese restaurant operator, has integrated service robots into its establishments to enhance efficiency and address labor shortages. In October 2021, Skylark announced plans to deploy floor service robots across approximately 1,000 of its restaurants, primarily focusing on its "Gusto" and "Syabu-Yo" brands, by April 2022.
These robots, particularly the cat-themed "BellaBots," are designed to carry multiple dishes at once, serving up to four people while assisting in clearing tables after meals. By October 2021, Skylark had already deployed these robots in 11 of its "Gusto" restaurant chains.
FLOSSI IS A ROCKET MAN
The European Space Agency (ESA) has achieved notable success rates with its primary launch vehicles over the years: Vega
Operational Period: 2012–2024
Total Launches: 22
Successes: 20
Failures: 2
Success Rate: Approximately 90.9%
Vega was designed for small payloads, primarily for scientific and Earth observation missions.
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NASA has utilized various launch vehicles over the decades, each with its success rate. Here's an overview of some of the primary rockets:
Atlas V
Operational Period: 2002–Present
Total Launches: 100 (as of June 2024)
Success Rate: 100% mission success; 99% vehicle success
Note: In June 2007, the Atlas V experienced an anomaly when the Centaur upper stage shut down early, leading to a lower-than-intended orbit. However, the mission was still deemed successful.
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Russia has developed and operated several prominent launch vehicles over the decades, each with varying success rates.
Soyuz-2
Operational Period: 2004–Present
Total Launches: 148
Successes: 143
Failures: 4
Partial Failures: 1
Success Rate: Approximately 97.0%
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China's space program has developed a series of launch vehicles, notably the Long March (Chang Zheng) rocket family, which has demonstrated a high success rate over the decades:
Long March 5
Operational Period: 2016–Present
Total Launches: 13 (as of December 16, 2024)
Successes: 12
Failures: 1
Success Rate: Approximately 92.3%
Note: The Long March 5 is China's heavy-lift launch vehicle, supporting missions such as lunar exploration and space station assembly.
FLOSSI & THE PLANET OF THE APES
The idea for the movie "Planet of the Apes" (1968) originated from the 1963 novel La Planète des Singes (translated as Planet of the Apes or Monkey Planet) by Pierre Boulle, a French author best known for The Bridge on the River Kwai.
Origins of the Idea:
Pierre Boulle wrote the novel as a satirical commentary on human nature, evolution, and social structures.
The book tells the story of astronauts who land on a planet ruled by intelligent apes, with humans as the primitive species.
Boulle was inspired by human behavior, evolution, and concerns about civilization's future.
How It Became a Movie:
Producer Arthur P. Jacobs obtained the film rights and pushed for an adaptation.
Rod Serling (creator of The Twilight Zone) wrote an early screenplay that reshaped the story into the 1968 film starring Charlton Heston.
Michael Wilson revised the final screenplay, adding the film’s famous twist ending: the ruined Statue of Liberty reveals that the planet is actually Earth in the future.
