North Korea moves missile to launch pad

Now that the World Baseball Classic is over, we need some excitement. And the North Koreans, God bless 'em, are willing to oblige.

Spy satellites have detected what appears to be a Taepodong-2 missile moved into place on Tuesday at a launch site in Musudan-ri (무수단리/舞水端里). At that point it takes three or four days to fuel the three-stage rocket, which reportedly could reach Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and Saipan. (BBC story, with picture of launch pad here.)

Washington, Tokyo, and Seoul have all warned against a launch, which would violate United Nations sanctions. Like Eujin at the Marmot's Hole, I wouldn't mind seeing Japan use its Self-Defense Force to shoot down whatever North Korea launches, when it's over Japanese territory.

Next year I hope North Korea gives up brinkmanship for Lent.

Here's where it's located, just in case you want to drive by. Or order the rocket scientists a Hawaiian pizza with mushrooms, the very best kind of pizza.