I am entirely horrified.

"A North Korean court convicted two American journalists [Euna Lee and Laura Ling] of illegal entry and hostile acts and ordered each to prison terms of 12 years, the North's state media reported Monday, further aggravating its hostile relationship with the U.S."(link to article)

Negotiating with a country led by a dictator fixated on amassing nuclear power is dangerous, but at this point it may be the only option. I wish this was an issue that could be resolved at The Hague, but it seems unlikely that North Korea would relent to an outside power "interfering" in its affairs.

My heart goes out to these brave women and their families.

Update: Here is one way you can help: Petition to free Euna and Laura

Entirely Unrelated

Two random topics to post about. One will be a rant. Beware.

How stupid is Dawn Ostroff? Why in the world is there another vampire series coming to air? What is the CW’s obsession with remaking TV shows that are better off left in the past while their impact on pop culture and the television landscape can still be appreciated? Ok, I’ll get to the point. Basically, when CW’s fall lineup was revealed, one show that I had been greatly looking towards – Body Politic (with Logan Echols (Jason Dohring))!!) – was not on the list. This show, also starring FNL’s Minka Kelly, Gabrielle Union, and Jay Hernandez, revolved around young staffers and reporters on the Hill. While not quite the West Wing, it had the potential to add a bit of drama, a bit of politics and Jason Dohring to CW’s scheduling.

First Veronica Mars, then Aliens in America, then Privileged and now this. Can we get a smart-show-friendly network?

Topic #2: Suz and I and my friend Kim, went to the Blind Pilot concert tonight. Now, despite my lack of musical prowess and education, BP is a band that makes me believe that I can actually pick up and play an instrument. Their beautiful harmonies and gorgeous lyrics are something that Suz and I have obsessed about for many a night. But, this post isn’t quite about them. It’s actually about the opening band – Local Natives. After their song Airplanes, my obsession for their music was officially established. The fun that they were having rocking out on stage was contagious – and the innovative ways with which they built the beats and created the percussion (drumming on the rims and the sides of the drums, strumming the violins) continued to heighten my appreciation for them. Go listen.