2012 highlights

Here's what we got up to on this blog in the year of the end of the world:

* I finally got around to doing some writing on military and security issues. In March, I looked at the possibility of a new Falklands war in light of Britain's decision to temporarily scrap her carrier aviation, and at the threat of a nuclear Iran. I also wrote about Finland's collapsing national defense, a topic I've written much more on in my Finnish-language blog, and finally, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

* We set up and disbanded a Blood Bowl league. Some entertaining games were played, and I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all my fellow coaches. Special kudos to both my co-blogger and our resident Ravens fan for some first-class game recaps! Given that I'd only played Blood Bowl once in this millenium before putting this league together, I'm quite happy that I was able to get my high elves to play a fairly good frustrating defense.

* Speaking of co-bloggers, I managed to get one of our less frequent contributors to chip in with a post on Mass Effect, which she delightfully illustrated with pictures of hot naked alien chicks.

* In keeping with our blog's tradition of at least some political activism, we went to a demonstration against Finland's insane trans sterilization law.

* I also wrote a couple of longer pieces on language, humor, racism and transphobia, and an ice hockey goaltender; I also participated in the argument over Julian Assange.

* The biggest argument on this blog, though, was over aliens, because back in April, I put forth that Ancient Aliens is a ridiculous pack of lies. SPOILER: I haven't changed my mind.

All in all, it was fun, and the world didn't end. What more can you ask for?