The celebrations are over; let the carnage resume.

After all of the fireworks, the massive gatherings in cities around the world, and the annual hoopla surrounding the hopeful beginning of a new year, this morning’s headlines proved that, in reality, January 1st is just another opportunity for humanity to get it all wrong.

And, in the “getting-it-wrong” department, we’re off to a rip-roaring good start.

First and foremost in today’s news is an apparent terror attack (possibly of the home-grown variety) on iconic Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana. Ten people known dead, dozens more injured when a white pickup truck — flying the flag of terror group ISIS — intentionally plowed into a group of partygoers in the wee hours of the morning, with the driver simultaneously shooting into the crowd. He was killed in a shoot-out with police on the scene. Early investigation revealed at least two IEDs (improvised explosive devices) in the area, and authorities have indicated the shooter may not have been acting alone.

Condolences, New Orleans.

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— And here are just a few of the headlines from CNN:

Five killed and emergency workers targeted as firework chaos mars Germany’s New Year celebrations.

Breakaway Moldovan region cuts heating and hot water after Russia stops gas flow.

After a quarter-century in power, Putin faces a new test: The return of Trump.

— From BBC News:

The struggle to reunite children with families in war-torn Gaza.

The wars of 2024 brought together rivals — but created new enemies.

What to know about string of US hacks blamed on China.

— And RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty (RFE/RL):

Russia Targets Ukraine With Scores of Drones; Kyiv Says 63 Downed.

Volunteers Race To Clean Oil Covered Coastline After Tanker Accident In Kerch Strait.

Tajik Migrants Being ‘Held As Slaves’ On Russian Farm.

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Enough now.

I prefer to close on a somewhat . . . well, not exactly lighter, but certainly more bizarre, note. This involves the latest from Elon Musk. Not content with having changed the name of Twitter to “X” when he acquired the company, he has now changed his own name on X to . . . are you ready? . . . Kekius Maximus.

Don’t ask why, or what it’s supposed to mean . . . it will never make sense to anyone with a rational mind. But I’m thinking “Freakius Maximus” might have been more apropos. Just my personal opinion.

God certainly does work in mysterious ways. And this guy is one of the biggest mysteries of all.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
1/1/25