Independent Wales – 2026/01/05

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To begin at the beginning…

Does Independence for Wales Make Sense?

The question of Welsh independence, “Cymru Annibynnol”, is a multifaceted one, blending cultural pride, political aspirations, and harsh economic realities. As of January 2026, it’s a topic of growing debate, especially with the Senedd elections looming in May 2026. Support for independence has fluctuated but remains a minority view. However, it’s rising among younger demographics. This support could gain traction if Plaid Cymru (the pro-independence party) performs strongly. I will draw from recent polls and expert analyses. I will outline a balanced, non-partisan assessment based on key dimensions. These dimensions include political viability, economic feasibility, cultural significance, and public sentiment. Whether it “makes sense” ultimately depends on priorities (self-determination vs. stability) but the evidence suggests it’s theoretically possible yet fraught with challenges.

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Meet the Euro Press – 2026/01/04


Meet the Press and Press the Meat

Right, picture this: the Reuters Institute has just dropped its Digital News Report 2025 like a particularly boring bombshell. The verdict is that overall trust in news is stuck at a miserable 40% globally. In Europe, it’s a patchwork quilt of smug Nordics and suspicious Southerners.

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Nine Absurd AI Use Cases We Don’t Need

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Am I Funny, Yet?

Nine things that really, really shouldn’t be use cases for AI. Delivered by slowly dismantling a bad idea like it’s a poorly constructed IKEA wardrobe. Rant about bourgeois nonsense with surreal fury. Explain why the whole thing is politically ridiculous. Just stare at the absurdity until it cracks. This is like Marnie Listicle Barr on crack.

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An Open Letter to Doctor Azi Dagan

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How easily people lose their moral compass

On Friday, the 9th of January 2026, Captain (Israeli Navy, Reserves) Doctor Azi Dagan posted a short video on the LinkedIn group IOSI: Counter-Terrorism and Geopolitical Security, accompanied by the text: The Iranian regime is slaughtering the protesters. To which I replied: It’s truly terrible, a foul crime. But what did you have to say about the slaughter of more than 20,000 innocent children? The reply to that was: We would say that it’s Hamas propaganda!

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A Question of Taste: The Epic Dilema of Writing Styles – 2026/01/02


A Question of Taste: The Epic Dilemma of Writing Styles – 2026 Edition (Now with Extra Sass!)

Picture this: Back in 2020 (feels like ancient history now), I unleashed Laughing @ Big Data upon the world. It was a gloriously unhinged, freight-train-of-a-book. The book steamrolled through the Big Data hype machine. Polemic? Check. Combative? Double check. Irreverent sarcasm dripping from every page? Oh yes. I called out the acolytes. I also highlighted the snake-oil salesmen. And I criticised the dimwitted data disciples who thought throwing more terabytes at problems would magically solve them. It was me, in full warrior mode, swinging a verbal battle-axe.

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Weaving the Dragon’s Data: A Welsh-Inspired Tale for Enterprise Architects in the New Year – 2026/01/01

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Martyn Muses – 2026/01/01

Weaving the Dragon’s Data: A Welsh-Inspired Tale for Enterprise Architects in the New Year – 2026/01/01

The calendar turns to a fresh page in this crisp January of 2026. We, enterprise data and information architects, stand at a new threshold. Another year welcomes us, brimming with digital transformations. Data lakes swell like the River Taff after a storm. Information architectures evolve like the ancient mountain tops of Snowdonia. But amidst the algorithms and schemas, let’s pause for a moment of whimsy. What if we drew inspiration from the misty realms of Welsh myths and legends? Wales, that land of dragons and bards, offers a tapestry of stories. These stories mirror our quests: taming chaotic data into structured wisdom. They are about preserving cultural legacies in vast repositories. They ignite innovation from the sparks of history. In this Happy New Year ode, we’ll begin a narrative journey through Welsh lore. It is infused with the spirits of its iconic figures. Dylan Thomas, Dannie Abse, Richard Burton, Shirley Bassey, Paul Robeson, and Gwynfor Evans are part of this infusion. These spirits illuminate the art of data stewardship.

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Debunking the Myth: Zionism vs Judaism Explained

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David Jacobs wrote the following comment on X:

“Many on this platform still believe that they can tease Zionism away from Judaism. That’s not possible. It’s time for me to repost my previous explanation. And yes, if you use ‘Zionist’ as a slur, or rage against Zionists, you are indeed a Jew hater.”

This is a considered and measured response to that tweet and associated tweets.

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Future Data Trends: Insights for 2026 Leadership

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Top 5 Trends Shaping the Future of Data, Analytics, and AI Leadership in 2026

I’ve had the privilege of leading a groundbreaking global study in partnership with a strategic client. During this study, I spoke with many key Chief Data Officers (CDOs). I also engaged with Chief Data & Analytics Officers (CDAOs) and AI executives across industries and geographies. The insights reveal how organisations are changing their data and AI strategies. They aim to drive real business value in an increasingly complex world.

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