NORTH KOREA PICS

via an Italian journalist. Nothing terribly revelatory but it is useful to be reminded of material conditions in the DPRK from time to time.

NOW I KNOW HOW TAYLOR SWIFT FEELS

sort of ....

NEW PRIME MINISTER, NEW ERA

in Japan. Says Mr. Hatoyama:

“I am trembling with deep emotion over this moment of historical change, while at the same time I know I have taken on an immense responsibility...We are entering the realm of the unknown.”

Will change of party in government be enough to successfully grapple with Japan's enduring economic woes, looming demographic dilemmas, and security concerns? One can only hope.

THE CAPITALIST WHO LOVES NORTH KOREA

Interesting article about one James Kim and his efforts to open a university in North Korea.

Things in the DPRK are seldom if ever as black and white as they seem.

THIS CAN'T BE GOOD

An interesting article about a "ghost fleet" off of Singapore.

Here, on a sleepy stretch of shoreline at the far end of Asia, is surely the biggest and most secretive gathering of ships in maritime history. Their numbers are equivalent to the entire British and American navies combined; their tonnage is far greater. Container ships, bulk carriers, oil tankers - all should be steaming fully laden between China, Britain, Europe and the US, stocking camera shops, PC Worlds and Argos depots ahead of the retail pandemonium of 2009. But their water has been stolen.