The need to train, equip and set up an eastern African patrol fleet seemed to be one the most sensible thing to do, but there are no indications that the worldwide Northern Somalia Diaspora who support development rather than conflict , would grant funds to effectively launch such a program, along with the UNs mandate to the EU, a proposal which seeks to encourage the coastal inhabitants of northern Somalia and not to knock sideways the fishermen turned pirates completely out of the water.

Pirates of the Caribbean had caught the imagination of many in the movie world, taking us back to swashbuckling maritime adventures, seizing ships and loot to their delight and off loading their get rich scheme on Caribbean surrounding islands, Jamaica of course was most famous for its Port Royal antics, capital of the 17th century pirate kingdom.

Today's pirates are the latest force of outlaws challenging the big powers in this unequal contest, the pirates have consistently struck at will off Yemen, which has just nine operational boats to patrol the coastline of nearly 1200 miles, equally nine other countries have put their vessels in the area to help elevate the problem, among them are the visible presence of Russian, French, Denmark , and Malaysian fleets, with a minor victory to their credit, going to the Indian frigate for sinking a pirate ship, the pirates seemed unstoppable, have simply extended their range.

The pirates are armed with typically automatic weapons, antitank rocket launchers, and grenades weaponry that are easily accessible throughout Somalia. The scheme for redistributing wealth is crude and desperate, but highly effective, as a result, the hostages are not killed but well taken care of, they are getting food and refreshment with some sobering thoughts to chew on, the loot that has been illegally taken has also been invested in new restaurants, fancy villas and flashy cars, the pirates are throwing their money around in a way that has won them widespread support.

Ironic how history has repeated itself, with 1,000 happy go lucky Somalia's creating modern piracy in the Indian ocean, the mayhem created by the piracy is astounding, with limited resources, they have succeed in drawing the world's attention to some extraordinary daring outlaw raids on ships passing through their vicinity, the Saudi Arabia supertanker been their most prize possession so far, requesting a paltry $25m ransom demand for return, the supertanker is carrying over two million barrel of oil, and the impact of what the pirates have done is scarcely credible.

Now authorities of the world's leading carriers have started to think wisely, and rather than dreaming up ways of defeating the hijackers, they are rerouting ships to thousands of miles out of the pirates way, with war style convoys, Russian frigate are been used as escort to safe passage, expensive but possibly the best form or retaliation at the moment. Ransom worth $150 has already been paid out this year so far; each payment dropped in sacks from helicopters, or floated on skiffs towards the recipients in waterproof suitcase.

With almost a quarter of the entire Indian ocean turned into a maritime badlands, the pirates are living lavishly, and the law of the sea is powerless to stop them, they have no renown captain jack sparrow leading them, but they have guts, a bit of cheek, and nerves of steel in creating such chaos, the whole bunch of rough necks put together, who are causing trouble are no bigger than an average small village, but with glee pleasure they have seized 39 ships this year so far.

The pirate's motives seemed to be addressing the equilibrium of poverty in their native country; perhaps if the wealth of the world was share out more equally, there would be less of this kind of marauding taking place in poorer states, and as we look out the window of trouble, copy cats are ready and will be looking on how best to capitalize on similar ideas, while the government will not negotiate with the pirates, owners of the seize prizes will have to find a way around the niggling problem.

The pirates and their back up teams of renegade computer experts , have within the lawless state of Somalia creating nothing less than a real piracy kingdom, with the port of Eyl as the epicenter, it's a place where municipal government has function for over 20 years, the authorities are also corrupt operators honeycomb in their enforcement of law, with no banking system the piracy have a crucial edge over detection, without any renown names, anonymity is their best form of defense, they do not need to launder their proceeds, merely spend everything in public view without the need to disguise .

Their motto ushers in what others are feeling, “we're just poor people like yourself;” hooked on a saga of hefty ransom, the crumbs of what a rich society has left behind, the only insurance premium are valuable cargo and tales of seaman caught up hijacking, most of them only earn about $100 a month, Islamic extremes are no better, they may even join up with the pirates, not only to get a cut in the spoils for funding their exploits, but to create a likeable renegade state.

This is what I saw:

A blockade in Gaza. No food, no flour, no electricity and no water. No hope. Just a few small words from the international community trying to put a bandage on the gash of a fragile humanitarian situation.

A Knight named “Peres” in a Queen's Palace. Upholder of a cause, a defender? I wondered as I looked at his own tiny nation who sometimes confuses night for day and war for peace.

Ay mate, pirates are back! Seizures of oil, capturing of sailors. Hijacking on the high seas. Nothing has changed. People still stealing what belongs to others.

Brother can you spare a dime? Emaciated children dying daily in the Western Hemisphere's poorest country. Hurricanes and Tropical storms can devastate and cripple any nations' food production. Another losing battle being fought by aid workers in Haiti.

Cars collapsing in car wars. Bailouts are only for Wall Street. Carmakers continue to cry.

Mad Cow Disease. Canada has found it AGAIN. Britain still has it. They find it because they test for it. Most of the world doesn't test, which leads us to this question: Who else has it but doesn't know it?

Plague of locusts? Swarms devouring crops in Australia. Drought in Ethiopia. Potential famine in North Korea? The United States is saying it's the first year in over a decade that North Koreans will be unable to feed themselves. Who knew?

Helping but hurting at the same time. Missile strikes and air raids violating Pakistan's sovereignty. Drones and suicide bombers. The price of war but, at what price?

One nuclear weapon too many. Iran on track to build it's first nuclear weapon. There are over 20, 000 nuclear weapons on earth already. Do we really NEED one more?

A collapsed health system. Can that be possible? Possible under the government of Robert Mugabe. Power can blind the mighty and it is always the seemingly insignificant ones who must suffer. Instead of compassion, there is chaos. Instead of mercy, there is madness.

Tumblin' dice. Dow Jones dives. European stocks slumping. Global recession. Merry Christmas everyone!

At the end of the day, it is hope that drives us. Hope gives us the spirit to move on and puts the notion within us that tomorrow will indeed be a better day. (sigh)

Well a couple of days ago I almost choked on my delicious dark elixir (my coffee) when the reporter on channel 13 announced that modern day pirates from Africa had taken over a ship.

Now I don't know about anyone else, but when I think of Pirates, I think of Black Beard, Captain Hook, and Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean. All the makeup, striped shirts, a patch over the eye, and of course the almighty hook! Steeling woman and anything of any value at all.

With seeing the news the past few days all they are talking about is the Pirates from Africa taking over huge modern day tanker ships. I am a bit confused by all of this. Arrrr... matie is there any gold on that ship or woman we can rape or capture? Crazy stuff our world is going through. How on earth did they breech the ship in the first place is my question. How can someone just walk onto a monster ship and take over the massive thing? These tanker are not small in any respect.  They must employee hundreds if not thousands.

There must be many many pirates to succeed in this venture is all I can say or they have giant weapons. Where did they come from? The Pirates that is, did they just wake up one day and after watching a movie from years past decide there new found job was to be a Pirate? Where did they find all the other pirates to join in their adventure? Maybe I am a bit slow, but none of this makes much sense to me.

And now we come to the folks trying to capture those darn pirates, It seems many countries was in on this chase, but only one made the cut. The Indian Navy!  Wow, what an incredible feat they have accomplished. No one else seemed to be able to control these sea Jekyll's, but they sunk their damn ship! How proud all Indians are for this feat and as they should be.

Who knows maybe we should take some tips from them to help us conquor Iraq and Afganistan. It only took them a couple days to rid the Indian Ocean from these vilians, maybe with a month we could have world peace.

The first time that I really experienced a clear understanding that the world has changed was the day after the terrorists flew planes onto the World Trade Buildings on 9/11. National Security policies and rules were strengthened and personal privacy of the citizens of nations around the world, but especially in the United States of America were compromised in the guise of Homeland Security. Airports militarized their properties and passengers were (is) subjected to providing deeper personal identification before they could board the plane. Schools increased security and students were required to provide ID cards upon request or before entering a building or classroom.

The second time that the world was shaken and the world changed again, was the day that the housing market crashed and burned. Seriously, how the so-called financial experts and superstar economic gurus did not see this coming…should be a crime. Of course, the first blame and taking of responsibility should be the homeowners that knowingly knew they could not afford buying the house that they now are facing foreclosure on. Equally to blame are the mortgage brokers and the lending companies for rigging the market to ultimately benefit the corporate executives, shareholders and politicians over the homeowners that trusted that their mortgage brokers and real estate agents to lookout after their (the client) best interest. The government must owe up and take some responsibility the most, because by refusing to let companies fail and bailing them out with taxpayers' money (taxes) only will bankrupt the country.

The most recent change to the world was the declaration that Senator Barack Obama had won the President of the United States on November 03, 2008. The world on just about every level and profession and class has flipped out of their minds about the former-US State Senator of Illinois, Barack Obama. World leaders lining up to congratulate him before he has even been sworn into office and “citizens of the world” as Obama cited in a speech he gave in Berlin, from every race, religion, citizenry class, royalty, clergy and tongue have concreted their mutual support for him like nothing seen before in election history. Why?

What has he accomplished during his public service as either an Illinois State Senator or as the US State Senator of Illinois? There is less known about this future 44th President of the United States of America than any other former or current President or Presidential Candidate. His Harvard College records have been sealed and his birth certificate has been legally challenged recently and is being reviewed in the courts. Why would anyone feel so confident that Barack Obama has the abilities to solve America's problems (much less the world's problems) when there does not seem to be any supporting evidence that he has ever done anything of major importance during his elected public service record?

How can anyone place so much trust in a person that has no major accomplishments except for his winning the office of President of the United States?

Obama is not God or Jesus Christ or a god at all, because the Bible tells us so. Since he is not God or Jesus Christ and he has no major political accomplishments that supports his political promises and positions he claimed before winning the presidency, then really what do any of us know about Barack Obama and more importantly, his ultimate agenda?

It is foolish for a man to put his/her trust and faith in a mortal man, it is a wise for a man or woman to put their faith and trust in God (Jesus Christ - the Savior) who has created them and is all knowing in all things.

I also want to point out the breakdown in resources for the people of low income who are told that a resource is no longer taking applications because they have limited funding. Well If the Governor would do her job well, then maybe there would be more funding for help. I am proud to be an american but what I am not proud of is the fact the USA can be patriotic and pull together in a crisis but is it really necessary for the USA to help the people who hurt us,and instead helping those who are in need of assistance. For example, our economy, our homeless situation, the families struggling to keep themselves together.

           

With the Presidential elections just around the corner, Americans are faced with the dilemma of Obama or McCain.

In the 2007 Federal elections, Australia was faced with Howard or Rudd and now Australia is living the nightmare. 

 As an Australian, I have been watching the trends and what's going on and what isn't. In my mind I believe that what seems to good to be true, you can bet your bottom dollar it's not.

If I were casting my vote it would be for McCain even though he has as much appeal to me as Obama which is - none!

Neither one of them  in my humble opinion is worthy of the Presidency, and as an Aussie Observer it's a case of "Better the devil you know than the one you don't".

Any how, that's what I think.

 

Kevin Rudd

As for Australia, part of our nightmare is this. With the current world financial crisis, two of our largest investment companies Perpetual and AxaAsiaPacific, have frozen $5.5 billion of investors' money to prevent them from cashing out and putting their funds else where.

 This is wrong. No one has the right to stop anyone from having access to their hard earned money.

This is the same as stealing! And guess what? The Rudd government did nothing to prevent this from happening.

There are many here now who regret casting their vote for Rudd, and many safe to say would be investors!

       A giant Redwood tree, wider than a 2-way road, grows from a tiny sprout.  The Empire State Building, rose from a shovel full of earth.  A journey of a thousand miles, begins with a single step.  Therefore you must have integral virtue and not set about grandiose things, and you will be able to achieve great things.

       You must dissolve all contradictory concepts and images in order to maintain a natural state of simplicity.  Do not complicate things for the people, and they will be easy to manage.  If you lead others with a conditioned and complicated mind, you will be the source of calamity.  If you lead others with simplicity you will be the source of blessings.

       "How does the sea become queen of all rivers and streams?  By lying lower than they do!"  Therefore, humble yourself, and you will be able to serve the people.  By putting yourself last you will become our leader.  When someone of true virtue is set above the people, they do not see that person as a burden.  And when he stands in front of the people, they do not see him as an obstruction.  

       Remember, the world will always follow a leader of subtle virtue joyfully, and will never tire of doing so.

                             Evidence showed there was no connection. There wasn’t a meeting of the minds between Hussein and the nineteen hijackers. You tell me that they did in fact find those weapons of mass destruction. Baloney! They found nothing there! So how can these people honestly believe that this was a necessary invasion? It has done nothing but turn the world against us, and fueled the already intense hatred the terrorists have against us.

                             There’s a second group of people that need to be addressed. This is the group that sees destruction over the horizon for America if we don’t have a change in policy and administration. This group sees that this invasion has done nothing to bring the world closer to freedom, like our current President swears it was intended to do. In fact, it sucked us in further to catastrophe, like a supermassive black hole pulling stars and galaxies into the event horizon.

                             We have a nuclear armed Russia which in my humble opinion, would love to see its thousands of nukes shot at our country. We set up a missile defense shield in Poland, an act the Russians warned us not to engage in. We didn’t listen. We signed the pact, and now it seems we have angered those Russians to the point of Cold-War levels again. What’s next here in this growing saga of the Bush Administration? Tell us, Bush. What is your thinking? Are we really headed for world peace and freedom, or are we hurtling towards the ultimate catastrophe, World War 3?!

Objectives of World Food Day

1. The first and utmost important is to increase public awareness about the problem of hunger and malnutrition.
2. To encourage the attention to increase production and this can be done by promoting agriculture and promoting farmers.
   
   Our Government has done a great job in waiving 70000 Crores loan of the farmers and now farming may be a charming industry which was not considered earlier.
3. To fight jointly with other Countries against hunger and malnutrition and to encourage global production.
4. To exchange technologies to have a better yeild.]
5. To encourage economic and technical cooperation among all developing countries.
6. Last but not the least involvement of rural population as much as we can, as the agriculture at least in our Country is based at rural areas and without involvement of rural people the goal may remain unachieved.

The basic concept of World Food Day is to fight against hunger and poverty and its the duty of every individual to contribute. We are not farmers but we can contribute by increasing awareness, decreasing wastage and judicial utilization of food.

The God fearing people must understand that providing food to a starved person is one step nearer to God and if we can contribute in fighting against it then we can have several steps nearer to God.