Howlett said the number and style of the pirate attacks in 2008 had been "totally unprecedented".

CNN: Hostages to spend Christmas with pirates

In that post, I mentioned that along with an increasing number of home invasion-style robberies and residential fires, household energy use in those areas has spiked dramatically.

FORBES: Written by Matt Hickman

First, winner Will Young's debut single stormed to number one in record-breaking style.

BBC: Syrupy debut for Pop Idol's Rik