"Hotels of Pyongyang," not Summit Springs.

 

The book is Hotels of Pyongyang, by James Scullin and Nicole Reed. I may need to get this one for Christmas.

   

The curious design features of North Korean hotels at The Economist

A book of photography offers an offbeat look at a little-seen city

...the book’s main interest is in the unique design features of the hotels. Even those few Westerners who have ventured to North Korea are unlikely to recognise most of them (the vast majority of visitors to the country are Chinese). Because of the pandemic, North Korea has been off-limits to overseas tourists since the end of January. So, for the moment, those tempted to go—and the many more who never will—can get no closer to a Pyongyang hotel than Ms Reed’s engrossing pictures.

Both Koreas can agree on the virtues of the hangul alphabet.

A second fascinating article for the day, courtesy of The Economist.

South Korea’s hangul alphabet|Superscript: The country celebrates an ingenious writing system

... As North Koreans were preparing this week to mark the 70th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party with the usual display of bellicosity, the South had a day off to celebrate something indigenous, brilliant and pacific — their alphabet.

Speaking of South Korea, just in case Mike Bryant is reading ... sorry, but I've yet to uncover any solid information about homebrewing supplies in your current country. I haven't forgotten. It may take until after the election, but I'll find something.

North Korea and The Red Chapel.

We watched The Red Chapel in 2011, and I posted the trailer upon the death of Kim Jong-il late the same year. It's tough viewing, and for more than one reason, but provides an excellent accompaniment for essays like Amanda Beam's.

BEAM: Getting to know North Korea, by Amanda Beam (local newspaper columnist)

Take their leader Kim Jong Un, the grandson of the man who came to power in 1948. Sure, we all think we know about the little despotic leader with the chubby baby face and the equally childish attention-seeking behavior. Let’s face it. Jong Un looks more like a comic book villain that runs around with Boris and Natasha after a moose and a squirrel than the man who could start World War III.

But that’s just it. He can start World War III.

For perspective on the late Kim Jong Il, watch "The Red Chapel."