The Dragon's Belated Xmas Cracker & 2009

Hey guys,

Sorry I've been so lax these past couple of weeks, but I needed a break.

Work pretty intense, what with the oilprice crisis, GCC, end of year, credit crisis, ....


Plus staff reviews, invoices, visiting families, massive parties to organise, pay for and participate of; relatives to escort to and from airports, beaches to be sat on, books to be read, taxes to be filed, lawyers and bankers to be consulted, presents to select and receive, teenagers to be controlled,...

all topped by the consumption of a hedonistic display of food, ethyl alcohol,
and all the other good things in life




(such as spending time with your kids, your wife, and your parents, naturally)

The Dragon works to live, not lives to work, if you hadn't guessed.

You know. You too I bet.








This pic sort of sums up many parts of my Xmas break. Like the local bootleg guy delivering my stash of Champagne and caviar for the holidays, or the stuff for under the tree.







So, wow, 2009.

Hey, just like to point out that Obama is soon the new President. That is soooo totally great. I still like that joke from last year:

One sunny day in 2009 an old man approaches the White House from across Pennsylvania Avenue where he’s been sitting on a park bench. He speaks to the U.S. Marine standing guard: “I would like to go in and meet with President Bush.” The Marine looks at the man: “Sir, Mr. Bush no longer is president, and no longer resides here.” The old man says, “Okay,” and walks away.

The following day, the same man approaches the White House, says to the same Marine, “I would like to go in and meet with President Bush.” The Marine again tells the man, “Sir, as I said yesterday, Mr. Bush is no longer president and no longer resides here.” The man thanks him and, again, just walks away.

The third day, the same man approaches the White House and speaks to the very same U. S. Marine saying “I would like to go in and meet with President Bush.” The Marine, somewhat irritated at this point, looks hard at the man and says, “Sir, this is the third day in a row you have been here asking to speak to Mr. Bush. I’ve already told you that Mr. Bush is no longer President and no longer resides here. Don’t you understand?”

The old man looks at the Marine: “Oh, I understand, all right. I just love hearing you say it.”

The Marine snaps to attention, salutes, and says, “See you tomorrow, sir.”

And a lot happened over the break.

The GCC. (BTW, not a story I've seen anywhere yet but ....)
Well Fcukin done to Oman Military Intelligence, ROP Internal Security, ROP Coast Guard, ROP Important Installations Security, and, those who can't be named. Oh, yeah, and Saudi/UAE, etc etc security and their associated mercs, who tended to get in the way.

As far as I'm aware, all the principals got out OK, and no-one noticed a single security incident. Nope, not even a thrown shoe. (LOL)

I'm sorry, but in the current security environment, when it's hard to even stop Afgani refugees swimming onto HM's beach at night thinking its Dubai, that is a hell of an achievement, and its one that didn't happen without a lot of work, IT and money. Thank you guys and gals. I doubt anyone else will be able to thank you in the Omani media. But I can. Well done.

Hey, and now you can unleash all that training and simulation stuff on the throngs of hooligans during the Football cup!!! Please?


Israel bombing the crap out of Gazan children. Hamas launching Iranian pop-rockets back. Everyone else [and I'm afraid that includes Barack Obama for now, but he doesn't actually run anything yet, remember] neither willing and/or able to do anything.

And some nice editorials and comments from that ol' faithful of Omani Fourth Estate, Times of Oman. (I think the comments are still running on that one).

So, thanks to all, especially Muscati (who I know is sort-of-shy, but his comments are often a recommended side bar note to the unreliable ramblings on Muscat Confidential); thanks for the reading and the comments. Especially the comments - engage in civil debate, and try to bring externally sourced facts where possible, and (I'm afraid to say this kids, but it's true) do a bit of bloody reading of some essential history a little bit before mouthing off. Try to read back your comments before hitting post, even though I often can't manage that with my own posts.

Please, please for christ-almighty's sake, pick a totally anonomous nickname like even Ahmed can do.

And lets have a great 2009 in Oman.



There is no better place on the planet for 18 months, IMHO.

Just wait till we win the football cup!!!!!!

May 2009 bring you and us all peace, prosperity, health and happiness,

The Dragon