Jan
12
2026

On the LFOD Watch

Found thanks to my Google LFOD News Alert, which pointed to this Times of India story. Specifically, from their Sports Desk!

French No. 1 chess grandmaster Alireza Firouzja gained global attention after a social media post. The post on X (formerly Twitter) read, “Long live Iran.”

The message spread quickly online. Many fans linked it to unrest in Iran. Firouzja also shared the monarchial-era Iranian flag with the caption: "Live free or die". Many see this flag as a sign of resistance. Many also see it as a symbol of hope.

I am impressed with the multi-culturism involved: an Indian newspaper with a story about a French chess champ pleading for the liberation of Iran, using our state's motto. (Which, in turn, probably derived from a French revolutionary motto: "Vivre Libre ou Mourir".)

Firouzja is originally from Iran. According to Wikipedia, he "left the Iranian Chess Federation in 2019 because of the country's longstanding policy against competing with Israeli players." And he became a French citizen in 2021.

It appears that Iran is having a deadly-serious LFOD period, its citizens putting themselves in actual peril in protest against their tyrannical regime. Hundreds have been killed in response.

In contrast, I'm safe and snug here at Pun Salad Manor, content with displaying the motto on my Impreza's plates. Iran puts that in perspective.

Also of note:

  • I used to raise my eyebrows, now I just roll my eyes. Like me, Virginia Postrel isn't a fan of the New Crudity:

    I'd add "politicians" to that.

  • But enough seriousness. I replied to @GovernorAnne, who tweeted about a Mexican restaurant in Phoenix with an interesting name:

    I don't often drive through Gonic on NH's Route 125, but I usually smile a bit when I pass by Just Oil and More. I've never stopped by, though. Maybe I should pop in and ask if they have tacos.

  • He is 82, but Michael Palin can still make me laugh. A recent appearance on the "No Such Thing As A Fish" proved it:

    In which he reveals the word the BBC would not allow on-air during the All England Summarize Proust Competition.