Pirates!

The U.S. is going through turbulent times. An out-of-control economy, an unpopular war, an upcoming election. But we should all take a moment to be grateful. Why? Because at least we don't have PIRATES.

Yes, pirates, who are apparently making a good living off the coast of Somalia. The New York Times has a great article about a recent pirate hijacking near Kenya. Apparently these hep cats like taking ships hostage and demanding insane ransoms. In this case, they are asking for $35 million for the ship full of Soviet tanks and weapons that they are holding.

This begs the question, how was a speedboat full of otherwise unemployed scalawags able to seize a ship stocked with Soviet tanks and weapons?

Also interesting to note is that while they are asking for $35 million, the average ransom they receive is $1-2 million. If any HR professionals want to consult with the pirates on their negotiating skills, this would be a killer opportunity.

The pirates stole my will to eat.