Piracy and Economic Localization

Piracy is on the rise (see here, here and here for more.) Not only do these attacks capture the imagination, they also offer an opportunity for some Tom Friedman-esque analysis. As one might expect, shipping insurance is more expensive these days. Shippers are even hiring security consultants, and I doubt it will take long for some companies to start adding professional muscle to vessels traveling certain routes. Obviously, all this requires substantial investment, and, as is always the case, these costs are passed along to the consumer.

Here's the other angle: that broccoli that was grown in the county next door, it's not getting hijacked by pirates on the way to the local farmer's market.

Eating local has plenty of environmental, economic and health-related benefits. I say we add diminished risk of pirate attack to the list. Plus, looks like the price gap between mass-produced food and the local stuff just narrowed.

Attack Shark

This is as depressing as it is poetic. I am thinking about Vonnegut:

When the last living thing
has died on account of us,
how poetical it would be
if Earth could say,
in a voice floating up
perhaps
from the floor
of the Grand Canyon,
“It is done.”
People did not like it here

While I disagree with the last sentiment, I think the first few lines are brilliant. Granted, poetry was not Vonnegut's strong suit.

Upside of a Downturn

I can't say I would be sorry to see the Hummer die. Granted, this means more than a handful of good, American jobs tossed to the wayside, but that's nothing new. Let's hope when bust turns to boom again, sound ecological thinking trumps over-consumption.

They probably aren't too upset about it, but these folks might be in the market for another pet peeve.