And yay Malaysia! (Europe prefers to play it safe)

(though I'm not at all happy with some of Malaysia's religious policies)

EU force says piracy raids endanger hostages

Yay South Korea!

South Korean raid frees hostage crew from pirates

Semi-random thoughts

• I discovered I can set the level of sensitivity of my pop-up blocker. Now it's on High. Much better.
• In previous years the 1098 tax form showing the mortgage interest I paid was sent with my January bill, and I failed to notice it a couple times. This year they sent it in a separate letter. Bravo, CitiMortgage.
• At the moment I'm writing this the recent visitors map shows hits on my blog from three different cities in Africa. This is a first.
• I am now officially old. I just got my first Social Security check, er, direct deposit.

Plat du jour--guest submission

Sixteen grandchildren is a lot for a grandmother.

Found by Joanne, as usual.

Public service announcement

Estimated taxes are due tomorrow.