Drones and Pirates

Here is a link to the use of drones to combat Somali pirates. It is a good article, but fails to mention that a limited number of drones have also been deployed that are capable of accurately shooting the powerful .338 Lapua cartridge. These are typically shot by snipers for especially long range sniping, but putting them aboard a drone provides a significant capability not previously available.

It is sometimes claimed by the pirates that they are forced to take revenge for foreign fishing in their waters. That claim, believed only by gullible westerners, is both false and specious. The pirates are not the people harmed, the ransom money goes to wealthy patrons. Further, the foreign victims of piracy are innocent and are almost never fisherman nor dumpers of pollution. The entire claim is just an excuse for greed by the wealthy patrons. The low level pirates are indeed unemployed otherwise, but so are many people who don't engage in crime.

Change

As a worker in the executive branch it is an incredible relief to no longer be part of the Bush administration. Above is my picture from inauguration...a spot so good that, with binoculars, I could actually see Obama give the inaugural address. I am really hoping we are not going to just nibble 'change' around the edges when real change seems to be what we need.

Witness to History

By luck, I have scored tickets to the Obama inaugration!!! I was planning on showing up anyway, but as one of the unwashed masses. Now I just have to worry about how to keep warm and, since you have to show up so early, how to pack the right all day supplies in the limited size purse (8 x 6 x 4) that they are allowing.

Our foreign relations have improved already

Kenya has declared a national holiday. The world is celebrating.

Pumpkin Idea

A friend sent me this link today, and I thought I should share it with my more artistic relatives:

http://yeswecarve.com/

I was also trying to think of a good Gordonesque set of labels, but find that my creativity is lacking...