Saturday, February 26, 2011

Somalia and the Pirates

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On the news recently was the report that four Americans that were hijacked in Somalian waters by Somalian pirates were killed during a rescue attempt. Obviously, this is a great tragedy.

But even though the waters are patrolled (ineffectively, apparently) by various nations to protect shipping from pirates, I keep wondering why Somalia hasn't been invaded by U.S. (or other) troops, and occupied, until the pirates are eliminated.

And the only reason I can think of is that Somalia doesn't have any oil reserves. It doesn't matter that scores of ships have been hijacked, and the crews killed, or imprisoned until some kind of ransom can be paid.

No oil - no strategic importance. If it were Iran or Iraq who were sending out pirates, then there would be no hesitation to invade them.

No, wait! That's already been done, and they have oil.

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Saturday, February 19, 2011

Somali Pirates

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I read in the newspaper this morning that four Americans on board a yacht were captured by pirates . . . off the coast of Somalia!

Now I'm not the smartest guy in the world, but even I know that you don't travel in, or even anywhere near, someplace where pirates are operating!

I'm sure these people are scared and possibly have been harmed, but maybe, just maybe, they are getting exactly what they asked for.

Use some freakin' common sense for a change!

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Sunday, February 13, 2011

Fairly Legal


I started watching a new show lately on the USA network on Thursdays at 10 pm ET called "Fairly Legal" starring Sarah Shahi who plays Kate Reed, a former lawyer who is now a legal mediator. I know, I never heard of her either (unless you watched "The L Word" - she played Carmen).

Anyway, it is a pretty darned good show - some good drama, some good humor, and so far some pretty good stories.

And the cast is pretty good too. Besides Kate (Sarah) there is her young ex-mother-in-law Lauren (Kate's father died leaving the firm to Lauren) played by Virginia Williams (who I never heard of either), a co-worker Leonardo (Baron Vaughn; ditto on not knowing him) and Kate's ex-husband Justin - someone I know! Michael Trucco (he played Sam Adams on Battlestar Galactica).

Sarah is very good in the role, but I have to admit I only started watching because in the previews she looked damned hot - and she IS! (Check out the link - the "Fairly Legal" title.)

Don't know how long it will be on the air, but from what I've read it's getting good ratings so maybe it will last a few years. Here's hoping.

The official site - http://www.usanetwork.com/series/fairlylegal/