Fly another day

Mark Twain once wrote that ‘truth is stranger than fiction’. It’s also considerably cheaper (seeing as it – usually – doesn’t entail fees for printing, marketing, warehousing or consulting editors) and contains a surprisingly large supporting cast.

In a great example of unlikely truths, a vulture is currently being held in custody in Saudi Arabia, under suspicion of spying on behalf of the Israeli secret service. The decision to capture the bird was made following the discovery of a GPS transmitter around its ankle with an accompanying tag from Tel Aviv University. Avian specialists have claimed that the bird is not, in fact, a covert operative but merely involved in a study of the species’ migration patterns.

I’m inclined to believe them. I mean, can you imagine a spy-vulture?



If actual espionage bears any resemblance to the books, films and games of the Bond franchise, then dinner jackets are to be worn at all times, by all parties.



It’s not just a matter of sartorial convention.



Red wire?
Blue wire?
It’s entirely academic.

(As ever, roll over images for alternative punchlines).