Davos 2

In Davos, Shunting Controversy in Favor of Restrained Debate” in the International New York Times.

In other words, dulling down?

That appears to be the case. It’s confirmed in the INYT article with comments like one from a former editor of The Economist who wrote, “They have made the event safe — safe from surprises ad controversy. things are arranged to avoid argument, confrontation provocation.

As it takes place in Switzerland, a fitting comment is that it’s “programmed to tick like a Swiss watch.”

One thing they did to avoid controversy was revoking the invitation they had sent to North Korea’s foreign minister, Ri Su-Yong. We expect the gatherings will be duller by not have one of those jet-setting hellraising party goers from North Korea attending them.

Davos 4

Davos 5

Davos arms spread

Davos 1

DAVOS, SWITZERLAND - JANUARY 23: French President Francois Hollande speaks during a session of the 45th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) on January 23, 2015 in Davos, Switzerland. (Photo by Dursun Aydemir/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

France’s “Mr. Normal”

DAVOS, SWITZERLAND - JANUARY 23: Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Christine Lagarde

Christine Lagarde, Managing Director of the International Monetary

read of International Monetary Fund holding her adding machine

Christine holding her adding machine

US Secretary of State also holding an adding machine

US Secretary of State also holding an adding machine

Davos Egypt applauding

Egypt applauding

North Korea — uninvited

North Korea — uninvited

Not having North Korea there contributs to dulling down:

•  None of their new hangerover-free liquor, “Koryo Liquor”

B Korean Liqour

North Korea has invented hangover-free alcohol (says North Korea)” – CNET

North Korea says it’s invented ‘alcohol which doesn’t give you hangover” — CNN

•   No exotic aroma from kimchi

B kimchi1-765x1000

B kimchi stinks