Although obviously scary for captives and family,
nonetheless quite captivating:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...l?hpid=topnews

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/12/wo...omalia.html?hp

Apparently it is cheaper for shipping companies not
to arm their vessels (insurance and such) and just pay
these ransoms. Cost benifit analysis says the Somali
pirates have found a money niche.

Also rather sad. The US ship detained was carrying food
bound for Kenya to be transported to starving in Somalia. It has
made its way to a Kenyan port.