Time to have a trawl around Asia's blogs to see what's going on in the neighbourhood.

Firstly Harry has directed me to one of the funniest sites on the net: the Korean Central News Agency (North Korea's news). For example in its piece titled "US Branded as Worst Violator of Human Rights" comes "The U.S. hue and cry over the "human rights issue" in the DPRK which truly guarantees the people dignity and freedom is nothing but sophism to veil its undisguised human rights abuses. Yankees have turned Iraq into the chasm of death." That's good. IA has some more funnies from the KCNA. Jeff in Korea notes the futility in dealing with North Korea.

Chris points out the fuss over Gwyneth Paltrow's Apple (baby, not computer) isn't really news here. He also points to Expat@Large, who has discovered the joys of HK taxis. He should add to the guide. UPDATE: Shaky has spent his weekend in Tokyo redesigning his site and 'twas him who first found E@L. My apologies.

ALN has taken a photo from E@L and finds a lesson for the construction industry in HK in it.

Mister Tall from Batgung.com has an interesting second article on domestic helpers in Hong Kong.

Conrad finds an alternative for those looking to help the world. He also notes a potential redeployment of US troops from South Korea to Iraq. Given North Korea now has nukes, troops on the ground make less of a difference. Flying Yangban has more, as does Marmot.

At the same time China's newest fist-shaking at Taiwan, means the Americans are sending a gift to Taiwan President Chen's inauguration: the USS Kitty Hawk.

Adam links to a Columbia Political Review article on Chinese bloggers: check the comments for the generally negative reactions to it. Fons reflects on 10 years of internet in China.

China Letter sees predictable propaganda churns out by China now Tibet is hitting headlines again, thanks to the Dalai Lama's world trip.

Shanghai Eye reports on improving China's population. If Joseph's conversation with one local woman is anything to go by, there isn't any need to worry. Interesting thoughts on the process of opening China up to democracy.

The Ruck (who's excited about NFL coming to China even though it is the stupidest game in the world) looks at the Anna Mae He custody case.

Lastly John has a useful Chinese vocab guide.

As usual if you have entries you think should fit in or if you'd like to be a part of this simply leave a comment, send them by email to simon[at]simonworld[dot]mu[nu] or link back to this post. That especially means everyone in the now blocked (at my workplace) Sinosplice network.