What a week for the Russian Far East

So, first the Russian Coast Guard shoots and kills a Japanese fisherman for allegedly straying into Russian territorial waters, the first death in 50 years of arguing about the Kuril Islands. The Kurils are another long story, seized by the Soviet Union in the last days of World War II, the spoils of about a week's worth of war in the Pacific Theatre. The dispute over the islands has prevented a peace Treaty between Russia and Japan since 1945.

Then, a 6.0 earthquake hits Sakhalin and northern Japan. Fortunately, it sounds like no one was hurt.

Also, Vladivostok seems to be a shining example of crony capitalism at its worst.

This whole region used to seem so idyllic 10-15 years ago. It must have been my rose-colored glasses--good thing my prescription changed.