New Excavations at North Korean Nuclear Test Facility

Recent satellite imagery has exposed new tunnel entrances which are being excavated at the Punggye-ri nuclear site.  This is the same location that North Korea used to test nuclear weapons on two occasions in the past.  Discovery of this new activity is leading to speculation as to when (not if) a new test will take place.

Cover art debate

Recently, I experienced some debate over the magnitude of high-quality book covers.  It is my belief that quality cover art is a critical component of the overall novel packaging.  Is the value of the writing and the packaging (cover art) on the outside of the book not equally important?  I know that a poor cover can be overlooked if the writing is superior, but how does a newer writer get noticed.  Unless you are already listed as a bestseller you have little recognition and must find a way to standout among the masses.  

Is it not the packaging that draws the reader in and encourages them to pick up the book?  There are thousands of books contained on the shelves of a bookstore – how do you demand a potential reader’s attention?  I surmise that it is through the cover art and professional look of the product that holds your masterpiece within its bindings.  What are your thoughts on this?  What draws you to pick up a new book?  

North Korea sending spies into overseas restaurants?

North Korean women sing at a North Korean restaurant in Dandong, China. (AP)

U.S. and Western Intelligence Agencies reported today that North Korea restaurants (most in China) are espionage hot beds.  These spy operations have placed tens of thousands of agents overseas which help bring in more than $100 million per year to Pyongyang.  

According to North Korean defectors, these restaurants have become important in bringing in additional currency for the nation.  These restaurants are making payments annually to Pyongyang with amounts ranging between $10,000 and $30,000.

Gives you something to think about next time you order some samgye-tang.

North Korean Cargo Ship Caught with Missiles

When all seems quiet on the North Korean front - they must be up to something.  A North Korean cargo ship, the Chong Chon Gang, was carrying "undeclared military cargo" from Cuba and was intercepted in Panama.  It was reported that the ship was carrying sugar, but was turned in as a drug vessel.  Upon seizure in the Panama Canal it was discovered that the vessel was actually carrying "sophisticated ballistic missile equipment".  The Panamanian president was kind enough to Tweet this picture of their cargo.

North Korea Fooding

Over the last three days, North Korea has been pounded by rain which has caused extreme flooding.  The already impoverished population 24 million has been starving for decades and this recent catastrophe is only making their situation dire.  Current reports are that hundreds are homeless and two have been killed by this flooding.

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Pardon my rant....

Who’s driving…

Pardon My Rant, but…  who is driving the cars out there today?  I know it isn’t the people sitting behind their steering wheels.  Screw Gun Control, let’s exercise Driver Control!  Everybody is so concerned about the dangers of my guns or the multitudes of drunk drivers, but nobody seems to be talking about the risks posed by the masses of stupid people with (and sometimes without) driver’s licenses.

Just today, I counted twenty-eight ‘drivers’ actively engaged in tasks that were NOT driving.  In a thirty+ minute drive, that is just under one driver per minute that I personally witnessed aiming two ton bullets at anything near them.  Frankly, I’m disgusted by the drivers I see on the roads during those trips.  I’m fed up with texters.  I’m tired of left-lane sitters.  I’m enraged by merge lane cutters.  The rules of the roads are simple.  Pay attention, be courteous, and follow them.  If you can’t, then stay off the roads.

My recommendation is that any driver caught texting/applying makeup/doing touchdown celebrations/cutting into merge lanes/sending emails/driving in the left lane two miles under the speed limit/reading newspapers/tossing cigarette butts/watching movies/eating five-course meals/or any other general act of idiocy should be required to stand out on the middle stripe of a busy two-lane road to take their chances with their fellow distracted and dumb drivers. 

So…  if you have to talk, then buy a Bluetooth device and CALL.

If you are bored, buy a sports car.

If you missed your daily comics, read them at work.

And…  if you wear a lot of makeup, DON’T.

Let’s hear your rant on Distracted Drivers.

Another tantrum from North Korea

Some days I feel like Kim Jong-Un is channeling Whitesnake's song Here I Go Again,  from the 'hair band' era.  When I read yesterday's news, it appeared that maybe China would be able to reel in the rogue North.  Unfortunately, today it seems as if they are going on a tirade again against South Korea's president by slamming their leader by calling her a "confrontation maniac" and will face "deadlier retaliation" if she doesn't stop slanderous talks about the Northern regime.  Sometimes the North makes my head hurt - much like the hair band era did.  

China encouraging new talks with North Korea

China has informed North Korea that they need to participate in nuclear talks again.  This push for renewed talks is an encouraging sign that maybe with China on board North Korea will participate in a peaceful resolution and stop its nuclear proliferation programs.  The North has a tendency to follow the road less traveled - so it's anyone's guess how they will proceed.  

Kim Jong Hammer?

I am beginning to think that Kim Jong-Un might be channeling his best MC Hammer.  He's beginning to sport the 'hammer pants' with that harem style look, but more concerning than his fashion choices are his continual 'hammer time' attitude.  Does he realize that if he continues to shoot missiles off the coast, as he did again today, that someone will show them that they 'can touch this'.  

North Korea - another case of Wile E. Coyote?

North Korea fired three short-range missiles off its eastern coast on Saturday.  Today the most secluded nation fired another projectile off of its eastern coast yet again.  It hasn't been confirmed if today's incident was artillery or an other short-range missile.  Sounds like another instance of Wile E. Coyote trying out their Acme explosives.  

North Korea will not prevail if US/South Korea remains united

South Korea's president informed Congress that as long as the bond between the United States and South Korea remains strong and unified that the North will not succeed in any of their plans.  She stated that although the North continues to make threats and bully the South; the South remains calm in their reactions.  However, the South continues to be ready by remaining at their highest level of preparedness.  

North Korea to Try American

Kenneth Bae, an American who was born in South Korea, was captured in North Korea in November.  Mr. Bae is described as a devout Christian who was also interested in trying to assist the orphans in the North.  Apparently, the North's security forces were offended by pictures that Mr. Bae had on his computer of the orphans.  

The isolated nation is charging him on conspiracy to overthrow their government.  Bae is from Washington state and traveled into China with a group of businessmen last November and then into Rason which is a North Korean special economic zone.  This was where he was arrested.  The North reports that they have already performed an investigation and Mr. Bae has plead guilty to these charges, which could result in the death penalty.  The police state has not set an official date for the trial.  I wonder if Kim Jong-Un will use this to gain some type of world wide focus for the nation again - just like in 2009 and 2010 when President Clinton and Carter both went to the North to bargain a release for captured Americans.  

South Korea Pulling Last Workers from North

In light of the continued war rhetoric out of North Korea, the South has made the decision to pull its remaining 175 workers for the safety of its citizens.  The factory is located in a jointly operated industrial park which is located in Kaesong in the North.  

New day, New threats

Welcome to Tuesday.  A new day with new threats from North Korea.  Apparently, the North has it panties in a bunch because South Korea had protests yesterday - the same day the North was celebrating its founder.  So in continuing the 'Kim' style, the rhetoric flowed from the country stating that if they don't receive apologies from the South they would vow "sledge-hammer blows".  Maybe they intend to invite Peter Gabriel over now?  I mean Dennis Rodman did a great job being a peace advocate.  I don't know about anyone else but sometimes this drama makes my head hurt.  

Things could become messy with North Korea

Things really may get messy with North Korea.  :)  

North Korea Refuses Talks with South Korea

North Korea refused to talk with South Korea today.  In attempt to reach out, the South tried to restart dialogue with their Northern cousins by helping resolve and discuss the rising tensions.  The North has dismissed this proposal as another "crafty trick" by the South.  There is still a heightened concern that North Korea will test fire a missile which can reach Guam or other military installations.  Now we have to  see what evil lurks inside the youngest Kim's deranged mind.  

Photo of North Korean Air Force

I saw this today and wanted to share it with you out in blogger land.  Enjoy!

Long-Range Missiles Moved for a Possible Launch

South Korea has asked China to help assist with reigning in the hermit North.  South Korea has also increased its surveillance over North Korea and has discovered movement of long-range missiles for a possible launch.  

Southerners are Encouraged to Leave Peninsula Ahead of Nuclear War

North Korea has announced today that foreign businesses and tourists need to leave the Korean peninsula ahead of a nuclear attack.  Reportedly the isolated nation feels the peninsula is on the verge of nuclear war.  Is this more rhetoric from the Kim Jong Un or is it of real concern?  Analysts believe that this is more 'talk' and saber rattling by the youngest Kim, who feels he has big shoes to fill.  Maybe he's just trying to boost his image within his own country, which could lead to grandiose tales of him defeating the South through mere words.  What do you think?

Embassy Diplomats Ordered Removed by North Korea

North Korea has just announced that all diplomats need to be moved out of the country by April 10.  Britain's foreign office has no plans to move its diplomats out and states that this is continued rhetoric by the isolated North.   The Polish embassy also states that it has no plans to move its staff out of the embassy and feels as though there is no threat outside North Korea.  Russia is currently considering the request to move out its diplomats.  What do you think about this 'warning' ~ more rhetoric or prepping for conflict?  

North Korean Missiles Moved Close to the Coast

Today the North moved missiles in "considerable range" of its east coast.  South Korea's defense minister reports that these missiles are not capable of reaching the United States and there are no signs they are preparing for a full-scale conflict.   How sure can anyone be about North Korea's intentions though?

Over the last week the threats coming out of the North Korean nation has continued to escalate.  Have their threats and actions entered an area of no return?  Will they be forced to act on their rhetoric?  So little is known about the youngest Kim and he still has so much to prove.  What will happen next on the Korean peninsula?  

Waiting with bated breath...

North Korea has cut the last bit of communication left between its southern cousins.  This last link between the two nations was severed because the North believes that war could break out "at any moment".  What will this mean for the future of peace on the peninsula?  Only time will tell.  We must continue wait with bated breath.  

New day, New threats

New day, new threats.  North Korea today has issued an alert to be on its highest level of combat readiness and has taken it one step further by issuing new threats against U.S. military bases in Hawaii, Guam, and mainland America.  Pyongyang has warned that these facilities will be "reduced to ashes and flames the moment the first attack is released".  Wonder what Dennis Rodman thinks of his BFF now?  

Agreement of Protection between U.S. and South Korea

An agreement between South Korea and the United States was signed on Friday.  In this agreement, the two nations vow to remain allies in the event North Korea decides to attack.  This agreement will obligate the United States military to aid and defend the South Korean nation in such an event.  No specific details have been released on the contingency plans, but we will continue to wait and see how the North behaves in the weeks and months ahead.  

New thriller? North Korea threatens to take U.S. hostages

North Korean paratroopers fall from the sky into the South Korean capital, American citizens taken hostage,  North Korean helicopters ascend on Seoul.  Sounds like the making of the next great thriller.  Unfortunately, it is the latest video out of the North depicting the invasion of South Korea and taking American hostages.  In the video the narrator says, "stormtroops will occupy Seoul and other cities and take 150,000 US citizens as hostages".  

North Korea to attack Pacific U.S. military bases

Here we go again....  North Korea has threatened to attack U.S. military and their bases in the Pacific if we (the United States) make even the slightest movement.  Of course, this threat also includes annihilation of South Korea too - I'd hate for anyone to think we are riding alone on the North's hatred train.  Choo!  Choo!  We must wait to see where the next stop is on this wild ride to the looney bin.  

White House hit by long-range missile in new North Korean Video

New propaganda video was released by the Uriminzokkiri agency (which is a semi-official agency) and in the video it shows the White House being hit by a long range missile.  

According to South Korean's Yonhap news agency the caption is translated into:  "The White House is caught in the panoramic sight of a North Korean long-range missile.  This hotbed of war is the scope of a nuclear bomb blow."  

Who's the Bigger Threat?

In light of recent behaviors and rhetoric coming out of the North Koreans, who do you feel is a larger threat - North Korea or Iran?  

North Korea has a nuclear weapons programs and has tested its weapons in '06, '09. and '13.  It also has the ability to enrich uranium and produce plutonium.  Even as of yesterday, the North was deploying short-range missiles, however they also have medium-range ballistic missiles in its arsenal.  The North also fired off a long-range rocket in 2012.  Additionally, Pyongyang withdrew from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons in January of '03 and is also not a member of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty.  They are also not a party to the Chemical Weapons Convention and it is believed they possess a large quantity of chemical weapons.  Within the last two weeks, the world also heard the rhetoric from Pyongyang about their withdrawal from the armistice which ended the Korean War. 

Iran, on the other hand, has been a party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons since the 1970's.  They do contain an extensive nuclear weapons program, however, it is for 'peaceful' purpose.  It is reported that Iran does enrich its own uranium.  Iran is not a member of the Missile Technology Control Regime and is working diligently to deploy ballistic missiles and space capabilities.  Within the last four years, Iran began making its own nuclear fuel and even began a second uranium-enrichment plant.  Of late, Tehran's behaviors have led many to worry that Iran is really trying to gain nuclear capabilities in order to use these weapons for non-peaceful purposes.  It is reported that Washington believes that Iran has the capabilities of producing enough weapons-grade uranium for five nuclear bombs.

North Korea Needs a Timeout

North Korea continues to act like a four year-old having a tantrum in order to gain attention from everyone in the room. 

 South Korea reported today that the North fired off two short range missiles.  When will the tantrums stop?  

I think they need more than a timeout, maybe a quick smack on the ass?  

North Korean Language

Ever wonder how to speak the North Korean language?  

This says it all!