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BTI 2010 | North Korea Country Report
Key Indicators
Executive Summary
North Korea faces numerous serious challenges. First and foremost, the country continues to be a nuclear headache for its neighbors and the world at large. At present, North Korean authorities are preparing a satellite launch against the expressed warnings from friends and foes alike. In addition, U.N. agencies report that North Korea's food situation is critical. Meanwhile, relations with South Korea under the Lee Myung-bak government have deteriorated and Japan remains antagonistic. It is too early to judge whether or not the new U.S. government under President Obama will significantly change the country's approach to North Korea.
North Korea continues to pose an extremely difficult challenge to the international community. The state's ideology is driven by the goal of autarky, in other words trust in its own strength and independent capacities in economic, military and political affairs. Though North Korea bears some similarities to China or the former Soviet Union, it is still fundamentally distinct. In the final analysis, North Korea challenges both our common sense and our understanding of how "normal" societies function.
More than ten years after the North Korean government asked for international humanitarian assistance, the country is still partially dependent on foreign donors. Moreover, the problems that brought North Korea into this precarious situation remain unresolved. The collapse of the Soviet Union and the fundamental changes in the Chinese economy shocked the North Koreans, who had depended on their two great neighbors. China and the former Soviet Union provided North Korea with partners for barter trade, energy support at friendship prices, and technical and economic assistance to develop the North Korean energy sector, all of which played key roles in North Korea's successful development from the mid-1950s to the mid-1980s. The transformations of Russia and China, along with their satellite states, have forced North Korea to live up to its own declarations of autarky. Thus far, the country has failed to do so.
History and Characteristics of Transformation
Post-colonial North Korea became a semi-Marxist, semi-nationalist state that followed a development ideology aimed primarily at maintaining independence while building good and profitable relations with the country's two most important neighbors, the Soviet Union and China. After a devastating war from 1950 to 1953, which destroyed much of the country's cities and infrastructure, North Korean authorities pushed for socialist modernization. They prioritized heavy industry at the expense of light industry and consumer goods, and reorganized agriculture into cooperatives or state farms, a process that included increasing mechanization and developing irrigation for the paddy fields. Until the 1980s, North Korea did well from a development point of view.
Before the sudden crisis that hit North Korea in the early 1990s, reform or liberalization had never been considered. The Juche ideology, considered the expressions of a superhuman being and the greatest leader ever known in Korea or elsewhere, was thought to prescribe the right path. This ideology depicted the northern part of Korea as closer to paradise than any other country on earth. In accordance with this ideal of infallibility, North Korea condemned the reforms that the Soviet Union enacted in the late 1980s.
The North Korean leadership also considered and economic liberalization policies implemented in China to be a departure from its foundational ideology.
The regime realized, however, that it needed to broaden its international relations, and in 1984 it passed a joint venture law. Though the North Korean leadership acted in order to attract foreign capital and technology, it did not initiate a general reform process. On the contrary, the North Korean authorities, like the Chinese in the early phase of their transformation, were anxious to keep foreign influence out of the country. It was not until South Korean companies engaged in economic activities in the North that changes started to happen, although still at a rather slow pace. Foreign influence remains a hot-button issue. The South Korean projects in the North, such as a tourist resort area on the east coast at Kumgang-san and the Kaesong Industrial Complex across the demarcation line in the vicinity of the old capital of Kaesong, are behind fences. Free exchange between locals and foreigners is not allowed. In 2008, a North Korean soldier shot and killed a South Korean tourist because she had entered a restricted area. The slowly but steadily growing industrial complex has also caused problems in relations between North and South.
Extreme poverty and difficult conditions during the first half of the 1990s made people struggle to endure, and the authorities, who were unable to provide what was necessary for the population to survive, grew increasingly lenient and began accepting practices that had once been forbidden. Petty trade and local markets have since developed. It has been a short step from farmers' markets to local markets and the beginnings of a market economic system. In this simple way, and over a short period of time, money became an important means of survival for ordinary people. Some people eventually were able to buy luxury products.
These capitalistic developments also affected the state's economy. The state has introduced a sales tax, which will increase state revenues. On a larger scale, state-owned production and trading companies are increasingly operating as if they were private, and company leaders are enjoying an enhanced freedom of action. The transformation process, however, occurs randomly, and steps forward are often followed by two steps backward. One overriding consideration seems to guide the transformation process: whether reform will enhance or weaken the regime's chance of survival
The BTI combines text analysis and numerical assessments. The score for each question is provided below its respective title. The scale ranges from 1 (worst) to 10 (best).
Transformation Status
I. Political Transformation
1 | Stateness
Korea is a divided country, and as such competition has always existed between the political authorities north and south of the demarcation line about who represents the Korean nation. The two states, North and South Korea, have coexisted during 60 years of partition, most of the time as enemies. During this time, each side has solidified its legitimacy over its half of the peninsula during.
There are no known challenges to state authority in North Korea, but, until recently, the fear of an attack from outside (a fear that became paranoia after Iraq) contributed to the leadership's legitimacy.
Koreans are a homogenous people. No significant ethnic minority group exists in North Korea. Devoid of ethnic and religious cleavages, the North Korean authorities have created artificial cleavages that divide people according to their level of loyalty. The extent to which this typology has actually affected the whole population remains an open question, as do the the consequences of belonging to a certain strata. There is a general consensus, however, that the country's extreme preoccupation with security causes difficulties for people with relatives in South Korea.
The country is basically atheistic, though it does tolerate some Buddhist activities and permits some Christian churches in the capital of Pyongyang. These institutions are primarily for foreigners, diplomats and representatives of aid organizations. The government closely monitors their activities. Although the state is secular and atheistic, its own ideology can be characterized as quasi-religious.
The North Korean administrative structure is organized as a net of hierarchically interconnected levels, from the central state administration to county and municipal administrations, down to village and cooperative administration, and ending with neighborhood groups of five families that constitute the lowest "administrative" level in the state. Before the early 1990s crisis, state farms and cooperatives delivered a fixed amount of products to state storehouses, from which grain and other products were distributed to families according to fixed quotas. In recent years, the same Public Distribution System (PDS) has distributed international food aid to people in need without much criticism from the donors.
2 | Political Participation
According to Article 67 in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) Socialist Constitution, adopted in 1998, citizens are guaranteed the freedoms of speech, press, assembly, demonstration and association. The state, in theory, also guarantees the conditions for the free exercise of democratic political parties and social organizations. In practice, however, North Korea operates as a "hereditary republic." The extraordinary position of the supreme leader renders popular consent and elections irrelevant. North Korea does hold elections, in which citizens have the right to vote and to be elected from the age of 17. The Workers' Party of Korea dominates the political process. The state held the latest parliamentary election in March 2009, which was basically a ritualistic expression of support for the existing system.
In North Korea, the de facto ruler is not democratically elected, but he is assumed to have effective power to rule. Since he declared the "Songun Chongch'i" or Military-First Policy on 1 January 1995, Kim Jong Il has, as chairman of the National Defense Commission, secured his position as the supreme commander of the country. The country remained stable during several months when the supreme leader was reported to be in ill health.
North Korea does not allow for any alternative movements to nominate independent candidates with autonomous political platforms. Political participation is more a duty than a right; it is a centrally directed activity that aims to inform people about the policies of the party and to secure their understanding and support. Mass campaigns involve a huge proportion of the population, but these should not be confused with independent political actions. Election results, which always show the Workers' Party with an absolute majority, demonstrate that the system has been successful in making people understand and support its goals.
The mass media are state-run and completely controlled by the political authorities, who do not even pretend that the country has any press freedom. The regime uses the mass media to praise the supreme leader, explain the party's policies, condemn enemies and to instigate mass campaigns. No channels exist for popular expression.
3 | Rule of Law
The separation of powers with checks and balances is not a part of the North Korean idea of good governance. Although Article 161 in the 1998 constitution stipulates that the Central Court supervises the trial activities of all courts, and Article 162 stipulates that the Central Court is accountable to the Supreme People's Assembly, the judiciary branches operate in support of the system and not as a possible refuge for people in opposition to the system.
The political authorities maintain complete control of the judiciary.
The secretive regime does not publicize cases where it punishes cadres for abusing their position, and such penalties could well be a by-product of political purges. It is not likely, however, that corruption resulting in personal profit goes unnoticed, and since opportunities to earn private money are growing, ideology-based frugality will increasingly collide with personal greed.
Though North Korean authorities claim that they are striving to protect, among others, workers' rights, equal rights for women and the rights of children, these claims are unsupported by the country's human rights track record. In times of relative prosperity, the country has upheld some social rights, but a private person would not have any place to go in order to seek redress if the authorities violated his rights or those of his family.
4 | Stability of Democratic Institutions
The central political institutions of North Korea are facing a chronic challenge because of the crisis that erupted in the mid-1990s and brought to the precipice of total collapse. After the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the serious changes in China's economy and foreign trade policies, North Korea conducted a great leap backwards. From 1995 and until now, North Korea has been dependent on foreign aid. A positive side effect of the presence of foreign aid workers in the country is the small but steady impact they have on the people with whom they interact.
One difficult aspect of describing the political system in North Korea is that although it scores among the least democratic countries on earth, the system and its institutions are basically accepted by a majority of the population. At present, the slow but unavoidable reform process has actually been met with reluctance, if not outright resistance, by older bureaucrats who have great difficulties in changing their mentality. In order for the reform process to gain momentum, a transformation in this type of bureaucratic thinking needs to take place.
5 | Political and Social Integration
The Workers' Party of Korea (KWP) does not mediate between society and state but is nonetheless the state's representative among the people. Because the KWP is a mass party, however, and thus to some extent is socially rooted, one can conclude that local party branches actually articulate social interests, but in this case probably only local interests that resonate with those of the state. The party's organizational and decision-making principles preclude it from aggregating and articulating societal interests.
Interest groups outside of and independent from the state system do not operate in North Korea. Some institutions, which must be considered part of the state system (such as the Public Distribution System), have, according to foreign observers in North Korea, demonstrated extraordinary efforts toward helping vulnerable groups in their area of responsibility. Some observers maintain that the difficulty of the current situation promotes a degree of autonomy among organizations and institutions, especially those located far from the capital. It is not likely, however, that this independence will grow to become a challenge to those in power.
It is not possible to assess North Korean citizens' consent to democratic norms and procedures based on hard evidence. Apparently, a strong majority of people in North Korea are socialized to function in the given system, and few consider that there may be alternatives.
Social self-organization is anathema to a system that claims to follow the leader as a monolithic entity. Society, from this perspective, is viewed as a big and united family without internal conflicts. The present situation has nevertheless promoted self-organization among people, because the state has failed to provide even the minimum of daily necessities. Farmers' markets and more comprehensive markets with imports from China and other countries in the region are outcomes of such self-help organizing. Trading people may prove to be an important foundation for social organization during the reform process.
II. Economic Transformation
6 | Level of Socioeconomic Development
The level of social exclusion is low in North Korea, although the country has been poverty-stricken since the beginning of the 1990s. Observers agree that the elite are comprised of a very small number of people around the supreme leader. Although the population in the capital is seen as privileged in comparison with people in the countryside, this inequality does not amount to the social exclusion of the latter. In normal times, the North Korean population is comparatively equal in terms of living standards and access to social benefits, thanks to a broadly distributed health system, compulsory and free education, distribution of food and clothing, job security, and housing.
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7 | Organization of the Market and Competition
Market competition is embryonic. Since North Korea runs a planned economy (Article 34 of the constitution), the newly established farmers' markets and other markets have an experimental character and exhibit a sense of accepting the inevitable, as long as the old system fails to deliver. Some larger companies have developed a market-oriented approach in production and trade, although they are still state-owned. Competition remains more dependent on political links than on economic efficiency.
Safeguards against economic monopolies and cartels are irrelevant for the time being. One should remember, however, that the South Korean economic miracle was based on the establishment of huge conglomerates and close cooperation between government, capital and military forces. It is possible that larger state-owned companies, as well as companies owned and managed by the military, may eventually achieve monopoly status in some areas.
Foreign trade with North Korea is minimal. The country's main trading partners are South Korea and China, but often trade and aid are confused. Japan is another trading partner, although trade is sporadic. Some state-owned trade companies operate quite independently, but only because they have been given the authority to do so, and this is subject to change at any time.
The banking system is one of the weakest points of the embryonic North Korean market economy. Until now, banks have been state-owned and there is no capital market. A potential sign of change is that several economic experts have recently been dispatched to foreign countries to join educational programs focusing on the banking system and its international standards.
II. Market Economy
8 | Currency and Price Stability
In the recent past, money played a minor role in the North Korean economy, since salaries were basically seen as pocket money, the state provided what people needed "free of charge," and trade with other communist countries was mainly barter. There were few outlets where money could be used. The current crises and the development of markets have changed this situation. The economic reforms of 2002 contributed to this trend by regulating prices and salaries, and by implementing currency reform. The regulation of prices seeks to balance between state and market prices, and the stipulation of the exchange rate is politically motivated. It is a common perception among foreign observers that because the system is unable to control the money flow, inflation may ruin what is left of the North Korean economy.
The government's fiscal and debt policy is quite unorthodox. Little information is available about it. What is known is that the country has old and unsettled debts to several of its former trading partners, such as China, Russia, Germany and Sweden.
9 | Private Property
Private property is guaranteed by the constitution, but the main property holder is the state. Cooperatives may own the land they are cultivating and their means of production, but the Ministry of Agriculture regulates their activity. An individual person has property rights over the products from his own "kitchen garden," which he can bring to the officially sanctioned markets. Commodities are available for sale at such markets, especially from China, and it might be that this trade and these outlets are slowly creating the basic conditions for a group of people to become the new entrepreneurs of a growing market economy. Private property, such as apartments, can be inherited, but, according to law, may not yet be sold. According to recent information, there is nevertheless an incipient trade in houses and apartments.
Hardly any genuine privately owned companies operate in North Korea, but companies established on a joint venture basis with foreign partners act in a manner consistent with market principles. Such companies may form the backbone of a new phase in the economic development in North Korea, since they, compared to the actors on the local private markets, are gaining experience with foreign companies and foreign trade, including the banking sector. Some state-owned companies might develop hybrid forms of business management and become the training ground for the future market economy.
10 | Welfare Regime
The North Korean system is highly focused on welfare provisions, but in a different way than other known welfare systems. The introduction to the constitution stipulates that the government's goal is to turn the whole society into a big and united family. The political leadership and the people take this idea literally, and before the economic collapse, this system worked quite well, especially in relation to the economic strength of the country. A nationwide health care system exists, and according to international aid agencies, this system has been functioning well; it remains impressive how much the country can do with scarce resources. All children are taken care of in crèches and kindergartens at public expense (Article 49 of the constitution). Laws prohibit children from entering the workforce before they are 16 years old, and equality between the sexes is also guaranteed by law. "At public expense" means that the state withholds some part of the salary to finance the system, but the amount of this withholding is not known, since there is no transparent tax system. Cooperatives and state factories have some welfare offerings for their employees, and families and clans may make up informal networks that provide some welfare provisions.
The majority of the North Korean population has equal opportunity to take part in society. Education is free and for all, and gender and wealth are not relevant criteria in the system. The authorities do, however, promote the development of elite schools and institutions, which explains the search for gifted children around the country. Family networks and connections may foster inequality by providing informal channels of social advancement in similar ways to what happens in other East Asia countries. The elite support the elite in more or less subtle ways. The state views some families, on the other hand, as politically problematic, because of family relations in South Korea or because a great-grandfather once belonged to the landowner class. These families may find out that even if all people are formally equal, in practice some are more equal than others.
11 | Economic Performance
A main problem with the North Korean reform process can be characterized as too little and too late. The authorities are reluctant to take any action unless they are forced, and then they do only the minimum necessary.
12 | Sustainability
North Korea has failed to take environmental concerns into account in the development process. Due to shortages of arable land, hillsides have been cultivated, and due to shortages of firewood, scrub and small trees have been cut down. This has caused huge environmental problems. The land no longer absorbs water without causing landslides, which have worsened the effect of floods. The economic sectors of North Korea have been developed in tandem so that industry serves agriculture, and agriculture also produces for industry. The availability of oil at friendship prices allowed the planners to neglect the problem of oil pricing until it suddenly becomes extremely acute. At present, the authorities have voiced strong interest in sustainable energy.
The educational system in North Korea is widespread and solid. Education is, from cradle to university, open and free, and everybody reads and writes in North Korea. The state has developed a system of elite schools, and at present computer science and software development are top priorities. This notwithstanding, the whole school system is old-fashioned, with outdated textbooks and antiquated pedagogical theories and methods. North Korea has undertaken some cooperation with UNESCO to revitalize education, but the fear of being contaminated by foreign ideas and viewpoints has hindered progress. This fear is even more disruptive in the R&D sector, where it hinders research, including software engineering. The usage of the Internet is officially prohibited.
I. Level of Difficulty
The structural constraints for the leadership's governance capacity are first and foremost psychological, in that ingrained ideological constraints seem to prevent the leadership from taking necessary actions. Speculations abound about the role and capacity of the supreme leader, Kim Jong Il. Although most observers believe that he is in political control, not least after the "military-first" line was secured, opinions differ about his position with regard to continuity or reform. By definition, he represents continuity as his father's heir, but he is also perceived to be a reform-minded leader. A host of other structural difficulties also exist. The very slow and uneven recovery from the economic collapse acts as a constraint on the government's capacity. The inadequate educational level of the workforce is, from a reform perspective, another difficulty, although traditional education and ideological indoctrination may, from the government's ideological point of view, be seen as an advantage. North Korea's geographical location is problematic, since it is a divided country squeezed between the more successful South Korea and China, its former ally, now a reluctant and half-hearted savior. The country's infrastructure is poorly developed and inadequately maintained, and in many areas the infrastructure needs to be totally rebuilt.
Civil society, at least as this concept is understood in a Western context, does not exist in North Korea. The regime, which aims at developing the country into a big, harmonious family, does not tolerate non-governmental, independent organizations.
Ethnic or religious conflicts have never been reported from North Korea. Social conflicts accompanied by violence may have occurred from time to time, but this is seldom reported. People fleeing the country because of poor living conditions may be viewed as signs of serious social conflicts with potentially violent outcomes.
II. Governance Performance
14 | Steering Capability
The present and ongoing economic crisis, marked by low or no productivity in several sectors of the economy, continued dependency on foreign aid, and wavering attitudes towards the reform process leaves little room for strategic priorities. The first priority of the leadership is undoubtedly its own survival. It is still unclear whether the strategic aims of the North Korean leadership are to revitalize the planned economy or to move forward in the direction of a market economy without giving up the political command, a process that has been explored by the Chinese leadership in recent years. With a political system based on benevolent, patriarchal leadership, it seems far-fetched to expect developments in the direction of constitutional democracy, but it may be possible to envisage a socially responsible market economy as a future goal. This may be the outcome of a modernized and rationalized 1998 constitution that stresses welfare as a political priority. Based on the expectations that the North Korean population have towards the leadership of the country, welfare provisions may be the key justification for the survival of this leadership. Contrary to speculation, the Public Distribution System has apparently sought to provide food as justly and equitably as possible, which may reflect central policy priorities or the priority of local personnel. The nature of the present leadership in Pyongyang is to shun external influence and to in no way compromise what has been established as fact in the state ideology. A change in the state ideology, political priorities or leadership practices will probably not happen as the result of foreign pressure. It might, however, come as a consequence of the leadership's realization that reform is needed.
Reform has been a non-concept in North Korea. For years, the state referred to its cautious reform policy as an "adjustment policy" in order to stress that the new policies were not a critique of the old. In the political vocabulary of the leadership, a revolutionary action was by definition good, a reform by definition bad. Furthermore, the leadership tries to isolate reforms in special developmental zones to avoid "negative" impacts on the rest of society. If more projects identified as parts of the reform prove successful, however, it is doubtful that the regime will continue to be present reform in this negative light.
To admit errors and mistakes is not easy for a leadership elevated to a superhuman status, which is why this never happens. As a substitute, the regime emphasizes the impact of global factors, changes in alliances and new power relations. The Juche ideology leaves some room for a pragmatic approach to the given circumstances, and this has been utilized in recent years. A culturally sensitive interpretation of the ideological statements, however, can detect change, and possibly a more flexible and innovative position than was the case in the past. Change, including reforms, which can be rationalized within the Juche ideology, may have an easier way from idea to implementation.
15 | Resource Efficiency
The centralized style of management, combined with its ideological bent on important economic considerations, makes the government inefficient. Decisions regarding military expenditure and the erection of huge monuments, for example, are highly questionable from an economic perspective, though they have a political function. Planning and administrative arrangements regarding new economic zones are also, from an economic point of view, problematic. The lack of coordination between different government agencies and between their ongoing projects is detrimental to the efficiency of the overall system. This top-down decision-making process contributes to a general lack of efficiency. Resource efficiency can only be found on the smaller scale of both agricultural and industrial projects. Reportedly, local hospitals have been able to function with minimal resources, farmers have managed to repair machinery considered to be beyond repair, and factories have invented ways of coping with scarce energy and raw materials, as well as a lack of spare parts for the machinery. There seems to be a pool of creativity among the people that is not utilized because of political and ideological considerations.
Coordination is a weak point in the North Korean system, although as a planned economy it should theoretically be the other way around. Coordination was a main consideration when the postwar government established their development strategy by simultaneously focusing on heavy industry and agriculture. Both sectors experienced impressive growth rates, but this was due to international economic and technical support and assistance (first from the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, and later from China) as well as efficient North Korean leadership. Moreover, the combined strategy depends on energy delivery from friendly nations, which in the 1990s proved fatal for the entire system.
Corruption has not yet been a huge problem for North Korea for different reasons. First and foremost, the system closely monitors people who have opportunities to cheat. Secondly, it has been very difficult to get access to financial means or other valuables, even for elite groups in North Korea. Thirdly, the official norm of frugality has made it problematic to administer illegal assets. Recently, with the development of markets and a growing commodities trade with China, a new situation has developed in North Korea. The selection of luxury commodities at different markets and department stores in Pyongyang is impressive, and there are visibly people with purchasing power. The number of private cars, often second-hand cars from Japan, is steadily growing, and women's fashion has improved considerably in just a couple of years. If the regime more or less accepts, or at least tolerates, that people earn money and publicly exhibit their purchasing power, then this could signify a new situation with regard to corruption. This new situation could be reflected in massive personal importation of high-tech and luxury articles by Korean travelers returning by air to Pyongyang.
16 | Consensus-Building
The known major actors in North Korea, namely the top leadership and the military establishment, agree on rejecting both democracy and a market economy as a strategic, long-term aim. As far as any foreigner knows, this position is shared by a majority of the carefully indoctrinated population. The crisis may have started a process that, in the long run, will considerably alter the present consensus. Because of a general scarcity of resources, the authorities have been forced to accept that people find their own way to survive. Trade has been a preferred way for many people in North Korea, and many more people have realized that their fate would have been even worse without the local private markets, where food and daily necessities are available even when they are not in state shops. This development will likely have an impact on the population's worldview. On a higher level, the establishment of joint venture businesses and the capitalistic management (at least in practice) of some state-owned companies point in a similar direction: the market appears to provide solutions where the state fails. Leaders of such companies seem to have more freedom to act and interact in a private economy, like their colleagues in real private enterprises.
In the case of North Korea, the reformers and the opponents of reform are both part of the government system. Some have speculated that the military establishment hinders reform, though this idea may be based on traditional, Western perceptions of an antagonistic relationship between the military and civil society. This is not the case in North Korea. The military establishment is already engaged in private business, as are the party and state apparatuses. The core question is whether reforms will be successful and thus change North Korea, or whether they will fail and inevitably start a reverse movement that will end in the re-establishment of some sort of planned economy. In this difficult balancing act, foreign actors will play an important role. If the neighboring powers continue their engagement with North Korea, if the European Union continues to play its positive although not central role and if the United States changes its approach from hostility to accommodation and brings Japan on board again, then North Korea will find it very difficult, if not impossible, to maintain its anti-foreign posture. The conservative Lee Myung-bak government in South Korea (2008) has for some time reversed relations with the North by distancing itself from the policy of the two former presidents (Kim Dae-jung 1997-2003, and Roh Moo-hyun 2003-2008). This seems to have negatively affected the reform process in the North.
Political cleavages are for the time being impossible to envisage in the monolithic North Korean system. A slow but inevitable softening of the leadership cult may have already started in the context of North Korea's first steps toward economic reform.
Exactly how the decision-making process works in North Korea is probably a state secret. What we know is that the system is extremely hierarchical and top-down oriented, political debates are not conducted publicly, and civil society is nonexistent, which is why popular participation in the political process only happens when the masses carry out the instructions of the leadership.
Issues of reconciliation between victims and perpetrators of past injustices in North Korea have to do with the peninsular war and subsequent partition. The war and division, followed by almost 60 years of mutual animosity between the two Korean states, affected all Koreans. The state's leadership has only partly addressed this issue. The North Korean leader has met a number of former enemies and their representatives, and these meetings at least signal a willingness from both sides to address the past injustices.
17 | International Cooperation
Since the appeal for international aid was sent out from Pyongyang in 1995, relations between local authorities and international actors have been steadily growing. The reasons for the appeal were not a conscious policy shift of the Juche leadership, but rather pressure to find a solution to the sudden eruption of crisis. As a result, the relationship between North Korean authorities and foreign organizations began with mutual suspicion and misinterpretations of intentions. This difficult relationship has improved, although it is still not smooth. Practical cooperation and aid that makes a difference convinces local people that foreign aid can be necessary and extremely helpful. Whether and how this perception and the ensuing positive attitude will affect the leadership in the long run is a difficult question. Public support for foreign aid might convince the authorities that foreign cooperation is necessary, but it might also affect the authorities in a negative way, convincing them that foreign actors are their competitors, and that the success of every aid organization is a blow to the North Korean system. If the North Korean authorities can see it as their role to find ways of adapting external advice to domestic realities and can learn how to integrate international assistance into a domestic agenda of reform, then one could envision the present leadership steering a genuine reform process.
As long as the North Korean government remains secretive and refrains from informing partners and other actors about their economic performance, they will not be considered reliable in the international community. The main open question with regard to North Korea is whether the present leadership is moving away from isolation and their so-called self-reliance policy. The nuclear controversy has revealed the leadership's stubbornness, which observers see as a negative development in the reform process. The 2007 agreement between the representatives of the six party talks created cautious optimism among the participants. For a while, North Korea seemed to live up to its side of the agreement. The process, however, only just got started before it stalled. The content of the deal, which aims at a denuclearized North Korea, also consists of very important and necessary offers that will bring North Korea into the world. If the process can be brought back on track and given some momentum, something that is under consideration by the new U.S. administration, North Korea will be in a position to gain a reputation as a more credible and reliable international partner than it has been in the past.
Historically, North Korea has balanced between its northern neighbors Russia and China in order to avoid dependence on either and to receive support from both. At the same time, it has maintained and aggravated its hostile relationships with powers in the south (South Korea, Japan and the United States). Pyongyang's self-inflicted and self-imposed isolation notwithstanding, the country's reconstruction and modernization can hardly be accomplished without massive economic and technical aid from neighboring countries, as well as from the United States and the European Union. North Korea has expressed interest in joining some regional and international organizations, including some of the larger international financial institutions. Until now, the United States, as the major stakeholder, has blocked such moves, though it has also been hindered by North Korea's lack of transparency and poor economic statistics.
Strategic Outlook
International relations with North Korea have been dominated by the nuclear issue since the country tested its nuclear bomb in October 2006. Nothing much can be done before this issue is settled. External efforts at promoting regime change in North Korea have clearly had counterproductive consequences, including possibly increasing North Korea's determination to join the nuclear club.
The regime in Pyongyang is not likely to embrace democracy soon, nor is it likely to collapse, no matter how much pressure it confronts. For many different reasons, North Korea has developed a peculiar system, far from models of democracy and market economy, but not as different as is usually maintained from earlier political experiences in neighboring countries. The present regime has been unsuccessful in economic terms, but it has been quite successful in psychological engineering, and because of isolation and massive indoctrination, a majority of the population remains loyal. The authorities in North Korea maintain that they are the next target of the United States. This has created an atmosphere of fear in the country and a pervasive mentality among the people that the country is on the brink of war. Security issues override all others. Although outsiders know very little about the inner thinking of the people in this isolated country, it is safe to say that this siege mentality promotes suspicion, fear and a strong reluctance to engage with foreigners. A first and very important step to change this state of affairs would be to convince the North Korean leaders that no powerful external actor means to topple their government. A second step would be to escalate, improve and coordinate massive external aid to North Korea, an activity not only meant to keep people alive, but also to fundamentally rebuild the country. A change from humanitarian aid to development assistance is a must, if the international community hopes to encourage change in North Korea.
In the meantime, the world should not remain idle while waiting for the agreement between the six parties in the nuclear talks to be implemented. A main obstacle in these talks, as in other diplomatic relations between North Korea and other countries, especially the United States, has been mutual misunderstanding and a lack of trust. Before the significant and tangible differences between the parties can be discussed with the aim of reaching a solution, however, the parties have to develop at least a basic level of trust in each other.
Practical cooperation is a main provider of trust, which means countries involved in the six party talks should continue to improve the overall level of engagement. Increasingly robust engagement is the best method of supporting the preliminary agreement. Some North Korean students and experts are taking part in educational programs at foreign universities. This type of exchange should be nourished and expanded in hopes that if the program becomes widespread enough it could at some point affect both society at large and the existing political system. Accordingly, to reach a sufficient number of North Koreans, a majority of the EU countries and others should open their educational institutions to North Korean students. The European Union could also present to the North Koreans a turnkey educational facility, which focuses on subjects relevant to their future participation in the global market economy.
North Korea Country Report
- Executive Summary
- History and Characteristics of Transformation
Transformation Status
- I. Political Transformation
- II. Economic Transformation
- Governance
- Strategic Outlook


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2nd Nature Skate Park
1 Highland Industrial Park
Peekskill, NY
Rules: - No bikes - No graffiti - No glass containers - No fighting or shoving - Please dispose of your trash properly&nbs...
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35 Commerce Avenue
Albany, NY
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21 South Broad Street
Westfield, MA
Amelia Park is an ice arena/sports complex and memorial garden, financed by the late Westfield philanthropist Albert F. Ferst (1919-2011), in memor...
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Andy Kessler Memorial Skatepark
108th Street and Riverside Drive
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Joseph D Spencer Lane
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Astoria Park
19th Street between Astoria Park South and Ditmars Boulevard
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Russia's Czar President Vladimir Putin has taken another draconian step to crush democracy.
To bring in the Red Edomite Sofiet Noahide anti-Christ Demonicrazy of the KGB, as in China, Amaraka, Britain, France Germany, orchestrated by the fourth Reich beast the Nasi of Sanhedrin in that Whore city Jerusalem of the Bloodlust of their father the Murderer from the beginning, that Old wannabe god, the Dragon and Satan
The law mentioned in this report was mentioned here last year during the tumult over the expulsion of Moscow's chief rabbi, a Putin (and Chabad) enemy. Now, the law has been passed. The New Yok Times reports:
…The new law, strongly backed by President Vladimir V. Putin, created extensive new filing requirements, which in some cases the [non-governmental] organizations, [primarily charities, educational and human rights orgs and schools] said had been so tedious and lengthy as to be almost impossible to fulfill. The groups have also expressed apprehension over the rules' vagueness, which could allow any group to be audited, and perhaps closed, on a pretext.
They and their supporters have said that how the law is enforced will be a test of whether Russia will allow foreign organizations that it dislikes to continue to work in the country. The first deadline, and its effects on Thursday, were accompanied by a strong sense of concern, even fear.
See Bushwhackers Military Commission and Torture signing on Monday October 16, 2006.....Surprise
"My fear is that their intention is to shut us down," Josh Rubenstein, a director at Amnesty International, said by telephone. Amnesty International has had an office in Russia since the days of the last Soviet leader, Mikhail S. Gorbachev, he said.
The Justice Ministry posted a list of 73 organizations that were not yet approved, and thus were suspended. At least 38 of those were listed by the ministry as American or had a clear American affiliation, including the American Bar Association, the American-Russian Business Council, the American Trade Chamber and Johns Hopkins University.
The suspended Western organizations also included the Danish Refugee Council and the French and Belgian offices of Doctors Without Borders.…


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Posted by Admin in General | 10 Comments
Years back, before the arrival of the Internet, it was simple for entrepreneur and supervisors to see specifically how their workers were hanging around throughout work hours.Check out this website https://www.refog.com/ for further details about employee monitoring. Memos and reports were typed out on either a typewriter or a word processing program and paper copies were dispersed and hidden in file cabinets for future recommendation. If workplace products were required, a worker needed to call a regional workplace supply business or finish an order kind and fax it in.
If deliveries of items or producing parts had to be tracked, an employee needed to make a telephone call to the shipping business and ask about the status. Simply puts, every relocation that a staff member made throughout the day might quickly be kept an eye on by the employee's manager. Telephone call might be overheard. If memos or reports weren't being finished on time, it was apparent because there were no paper copies produced.
Posted by Admin in General | 10 Comments
Do you wish to keep track of staff member web activity? In this post we are going to discuss learning if workers are "browsing" throughout work.Although you wish to think that you have the very best individuals working for you even the very best have actually been understood to break down and browse the internet while they were expected to be working. The call of the social networking websites and learning exactly what their buddies or their preferred online video game is doing can be enough to own a male (or female) crazy! Exactly what is going on?
If you wish to keep an eye on staff member web activity it's most likely best that you do not let them understand that you are doing it or they might alter their habits simply for your advantage. Let's talk more about discovering if staff members are "browsing" throughout work.While I expect you might place a watch guard over them to see exactly what they are doing I discover it's a lot more expense efficient and less time taking in simply to rapidly put a little piece of software application on their computer system. Readmore
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YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- A group of Marines from Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni got a taste of the samurai life Sunday during the annual Kuragake Castle Festival in Kuga.
The festival honors local samurai from the 16th century who urged the lord of their castle to take one last stand against a large enemy force. The Marines donned authentic samurai armor, paraded through Kuga's streets and took part in a re-enactment of the famous battle.
"The Marines are so professional with their behavior and marching," festival participant Nobuhiro Higuchi said in a Marine Corps statement. "All of the Marines looked like they enjoyed being in costume, and I heard a lot of chit-chat out in town of people saying, 'I want to take a picture with them,' or 'they look so cool.'"
After the re-enactment, the American "samurai" took off their armor and enjoyed food and drinks with Japanese locals in the Kuga community.
Officials encourage more Marines to participate in Japanese celebrations, the statement said.
"The community cherishes the traditions here," event coordinator Tatsumari Fujioka said. "I hope more Marines come out to this community and enjoy our culture. It's a nice community with nice people as well."


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|Hooded Mergansers, Lake Wallace, Belchertown, MA, June 14, 2014
|Great Blue Heron, Quabbin Park, MA, June 14, 2014
|Hooded Mergansers, Quabbin Park, MA, June 14, 2014
|Looking north toward baffle dams, Quabbin Park, MA, June 14, 2014
I spent the morning around the south Quabbin area with stops at Winsor Dam, Quabbin Park and Lake Wallace. The low clouds and fog made visibility a bit poor at times but at least most of the water at quabbin was viewable (even if there was not much on it). Although I had faint hopes of finding something unusual brought down by the rain yesterday or overnight, even those hopes were too high. I spent some time trying to track down a Sharp shinned Hawk I'm fairly certain is nesting in Quabbin Park but didn't have any luck. It is becoming the time of year to find waterfowl families and I had some luck finding Hooded Merganser, Wood Duck, Mallard and Canada Goose young. As I was stopped along the Swift River checking out some Mallards I heard an odd sounding bird that I'm still trying to ID....I have a couple ideas but it doesn't sound exactly right for either of them. I managed some recordings but never was able to view the bird. The mammal highlight of the day were a couple River Otters at the route 9 marsh.


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This week our courses and travel expert Joe Passov answers your questions on where to find the best rounds in Myrtle Beach, Boston, Phoenix and Palm Desert. Got a question about courses, travel or resorts? Visit our Facebook or Twitter page to send them our way.
I'm going to Arizona in January. Do you have any recommendations for two 70-year-olds that don't hit it that far anymore but want a fun course to play? Preferably in the Phoenix area. —Ron Brandt, Facebook
Lost amid the fanfare of the newfangled desert, target-style tracks are the old-fashioned pleasures of the Arizona Biltmore Country Club's courses, Adobe and Links, in Phoenix. Both are centrally located, no matter where you're staying in town, and both offer views, variety and value — as well as a somewhat gentler experience than many of its neighbors.
Adobe is Arizona's third-oldest course, dating to 1928. Clark Gable once lost his wedding band on the Billy Bell design, but an alert Arizona Biltmore Hotel employee found it and turned it in. Flat as a cookie sheet, the Adobe excels in other areas, with wall-to-wall grass lined with truly handsome homes, mountain vistas (the 18th heads straight at Piestewa Peak) and many bunkers restored by Forrest Richardson to their classic origins. Its sibling, the somewhat misnamed Links, is a sporty, 6,300-yard layout from the late 1970s. The shortish front nine winds through houses and office buildings (though they never intrude). The back nine is surprisingly hilly, its showpiece the 183-yard, par-15th, which plunges 75 feet downhill over a ravine brimming with desert brush to a green ringed with a trio of traditional, deep oval bunkers. Pick the right set of tees and you'll enjoy stress-free fun on either course. $100.[gallery:13665108]
I'll be visiting Tamarindo, Costa Rica soon on a VERY limited budget. I'm looking for reasonably priced courses to play. —Steve Clark, Facebook
C'mon, man! If you've got the wherewithal to find yourself on the Costa Rican Pacific Coast, spend a few extra coins to play somewhere special. To be fair, there aren't a ton of choices. If you don't want to pay the freight at the region's best, most spectacular course, the Arnold Palmer-designed Papagayo Peninsula at the Four Seasons ($150-$240), the best values among excellent courses are Reserva Conchal ($85-$125), a Robert Trent Jones Jr. creation, and Hacienda Pinilla ($125-$150, with a $65-$75 Nine-hole/Twilight rate). Lakes, lagoons, Banyan trees, rainforest and beachside holes characterize Reserva Conchal. Hacienda Pinilla bears the architectural imprint of Georgian Mike Young, who routed holes through tropical forest and along the Pacific in an Audubon-certified, eco-sensitive setting. If you absolutely must play bargain golf in the vicinity, Vista Ridge will suffice, at roughly half the price. Take note, that several tee time services can assist with fee reductions. Our own golf.com/tee-times was offering Hacienda Pinilla this coming weekend for as low as $63. Now that's reasonable.
I'll be in Boston soon for vacation. Where should I go sneak a round in? —James Marsh, Instagram
If by "soon" you mean in the next two weeks, bundle up. The mercury is scheduled to stay south of 50 degrees for the next fortnight—14 days, if you're keeping score at home. If someone is willing to let you onto the first tee, or should you try and reschedule, sink your pickaxe into Granite Links at Quarry Hills in suburban Quincy. Designed by John Sanford, who also co-authored (with Jack Nicklaus) the Trump Ferry Point course in New York, Granite Links is a 27-hole championship layout draped atop an old quarry. Brilliant white bunkers, granite outcroppings and sensational views of the Boston skyline form the aesthetic appeal. And as a 19th hole experience for food, drink and ambiance, public golf doesn't get much better. Current rates are $90; $50 for nine holes, while in high season, it'll cost you $125-$150. For a true taste of Boston and a true bargain to boot, sample George Wright Golf Course. Situated in Hyde Park, this 1938 Donald Ross design won't be confused with his work at Pinehurst Number 2, but its proximity to Beantown makes it an attractive option to urbanites and sightseeing vacationers alike. It's $39-$45 to walk, another $20 for a cart, and pullcarts are $11.
My friend is getting married in Myrtle Beach in January. I know there's a lot to choose from in the area, but where should we play prior to the big day? —Jude, Facebook
I'm torn between two tracks and you can't go wrong with either choice. If a bunch of you are coming in from way outta town, pick Caledonia, because it's short enough to be playable by all, tough enough to stimulate good players and is drenched in Lowcountry regional ambiance. Stands of hardwoods, lakes, wetlands and imposing live oaks make this 1994 Mike Strantz design a visual and shotmaking delight. An antebellum clubhouse and an 18th hole that borders an old rice plantation and the Waccamaw River completes a stirring picture.
Yet, on a wedding occasion, it's equally compelling to choose an absolute classic, one soaked in history, aura and scenery. This would be the Dunes Golf and Beach Club (the dunesclub.net), an early Robert Trent Jones Sr. masterwork from 1948. Host to multiple big-time events, from the U.S. Women's Open to the season-ending Tour Championship on the Senior Tour, the Dunes oozes shot values and beauty from every pore, with holes 11. 12 and 13 edging the marsh- and alligator-filled Lake Singleton. Rack rates can nudge the $200 barrier for both courses, but venture online and find rates that can run $60 lower.
BTW, January is the chilliest month of the year in Myrtle Beach, with average highs ranging from 51-59 degrees, average lows in the thirties. Dress in layers.
I'm going to Cabo San Lucas next month. If I only have time to play one course, what should it be? —Warren, Instagram
Tell the folks at Diamante that you're really, really interested in their real estate offerings, and perhaps they'll grant you a tee time at the Dunes course. Ranked Number 36 in the World, this Davis Love III design soars through massive sand ridges and touches the Pacific Ocean down the stretch. Still, there's no better finish in town than at Cabo Del Sol's Ocean course ($150-$375). This 1994 Jack Nicklaus design features back-to-back oceanside par-3s on the front side and a seaside closing trio that's Mexico's best. Cactus-covered hillsides and Sea of Cortez backdrops are highlights.
The most spectacular south-of-the-border experience since the original Cinco de Mayo is another Nicklaus creation, Quivira ($227-$370). The cart ride alone is worth most of the green fee, but rest assured, there's a fistful of holes that will wow you for the rest of your days, notably the par-4 5th, the par-3 6th and the par-3 13th. If the "one course" you want to play needs to be under $200, shoot for Club Campestre. Opened in 2007, this Gary Nicklaus/Nicklaus Design effort is the closest golf to the Los Cabos Airport, so it's extremely convenient as a first or last vacation round. That said, it's a good enough course to play during the middle of your stay as well. Desert accents, vast, shallow bunkers and handsome mountain and ocean vistas highlight play. Campestre isn't the region's must-play — unless you factor in value. $100-$190.[gallery:13664509]
I'm getting ready to start planning a trip to the Palm Desert. Problem is, I don't know where to start. What do you recommend as a starting point? —Segyz, Instagram
You're probably referring to the group of southern California desert communities collectively known as Palm Springs, which includes Palm Desert. Or, it's possible I'm simply misunderstanding you. Either way, start with my colleague Jessica Marksbury's recent article as a good guide.
All of the major golf-oriented cities, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, La Quinta, Indian Wells and yes, Palm Desert serve up superior courses and resorts, many of which have hosted PGA Tour events. For course conditions and facilities, I like Classic Club in Palm Desert, with the two nearby courses at Desert Willow right alongside. PGA West's TPC Stadium course in La Quinta and La Quinta Hotel's Mountain course remain at the top of the area's must-play list. Marriott's Shadow Ridge in Palm Desert is the most underrated course around town. At $69-$129, Escena in Palm Springs is an outstanding value. That ought to get you started. Oh, and the region's cities are often collectively called the Coachella Valley. They throw a little music party there each year that I've heard is pretty good.


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What are the guys at FighterHaybusa.com think of the Over the Limit matche?…
WWE Champion John Cena vs. Batista ("I Quit" Match)
*Puma – Cena wins. He never loses…does he?
*MDF – Would much prefer Batista but Cena "never quits" so… there is that.
World Heavyweight Champion Jack Swagger vs. Big Show
*Puma – Swagger retains. As great as Big Show's promos were, Swagger is barely hitting his stride as an over-confident World Champion. Hopefully, this feud will continue for a few more months.
* MDF – Swagger. Great way to build the new champion by putting him over the much bigger Show.
Intercontinental Champion Drew McIntyre vs. Kofi Kingston
* Puma – Kofi wins the IC Title. This is purely a mark pick since I doubt the WWE will finally allow Kofi a championship run. Not sure if one of McMahon's favorite boys can lose a PPV match. Hopefully, they'll do this match right and give Kofi some love.
*MDF – Drew. They are pushing him down are throats while we fight it off. They aren't getting it any time soon.
Rey Mysterio vs. CM Punk (S.E.S. Pledge vs. Hair Match)
*Puma – CM Punk. I'm pulling this out of a hat really. I don't care who wins. I just want to see these guys wrestle each other for the next 10 pay per views – with their blow off Hell in the Cell match taking place at next year's Wrestlemania. Wishful thinking. Seeing Rey as part of the S.E.S. would be a refreshing turn for his character. He can still be a huge face while being part of a heel faction.
*MDF – Punk. It's the only way they will can continue this feud which I think everyone wants them to do. Lets hope they listen, these guys are money together. Match of the night.
Randy Orton vs. Edge
*Puma – Orton wins. Just look back in history and see if Stone Cold Steve Austin lost any matches at the beginning of his mega-push.
*MDF – Orton. Too damn bad too.
Unified Tag Team Champions The Hart Dynasty vs. Chris Jericho & The Miz
*Puma – The Hart Dynasty retains. The Harts need this win to cement them at the top of the tag team food chain. Both, Jericho and the Miz, are already established stars that don't need a belt. Their revenge on Big Show should be something that's built over a long time. Hopefully, this feud will continue and the JeriMiz can win the belts in a later match…just not this one.
*MDF – MizShow – I hate to see the Hart's lose so soon but I think they are going to have MizShow continue this thing on Show but that means they need these belts to do so.
Divas Champion Eve vs. Maryse
*Puma – Eve retains. The WWE is just beginning to give Eve a Trish-like push. If anything, Maryse should come off as a strong heel contender for future matches. Hopefully, they'll give these two at least 6 minutes to show off Eve's technical prowess.
*MDF – Maryse. She's pretty to look at…
R-Truth vs. Ted DiBiase
*Puma – R-Truth wins. I'm sure R-Truth gets the PPV win, while Ted DiBiase will dominate him on cable for the next 4 weeks to keep his character strong. Sometimes the WWE likes to send PPV audiences home happy.
*MDF – DiBiase. They want to build steam for him so he'll go on a little bit of an undefeated streak.
Tags: Big Show, CM Punk, Jack Swagger, John Cena, Over the Limit, Randy Orton, Rey Mysterio


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"You couldn't have a starker contrast between the multiple layers of checks and balances [at '60 Minutes'] and a guy sitting in his living room in his pajamas writing."
-Jonathan Klein, former CBS Executive
posted by LAGuy @ 11:01 AM
"According to our mother you're our father, and that's good enough for us."The presence of genius.
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Pierce Pump is in the business of providing expert flow control solutions and services.
Our team of experienced pump and compressor professionals is focused on providing the best customer experience. We pride ourselves in taking time to really listen and learn about our customers' needs so we can design the proper solution which leads to less downtime.
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Click to open site
Deal Details
The Shops at the Prudential Center website advertises a "PRUferred Card" savings program. Become a PRUferred Card Program member (it's FREE!!) and in addition to many discounts throughout the mall, you will receive $2.00 off adult regular admission to the Skywalk Observatory.
Visit the Prudential Center website for more information
photo credit: SignalPAD


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|Head Golf Coach
|ZIP Code:
The Northeast Mississippi Community College men's golf team will be in the capable hands of a successful alumnus when it returns to action one year from now.
Derek DeVaughn has been selected as the eighth head golf coach in program history. His duties begin immediately with the initial signing date for the high school senior class of 2019 upcoming in November.
DeVaughn is in charge of resurrecting a program with a lot of tradition. The Tigers boast two region titles, four All-Americans and 12 players that qualified for the national tournament as individuals.
DeVaughn knows first-hand about Northeast's past achievements on the links. He was a member of the Tigers' back-to-back National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Region 23 championship teams from 2007-08.
The Marietta native quickly made an impact by securing all-tournament recognition at Northeast's second event of the 2007 season at Hinds Community College's Eagle Ridge Golf Club.
DeVaughn was a key piece to coach Craig Lauderdale's five-man lineup during his inaugural campaign on the Booneville campus. Among his regular season scores was a two-day total of 157 at Mallard Pointe Golf Course in Sardis.
He pieced together a solid scorecard of 86-82--168 to help the Tigers capture their first-ever regional crown in school history at Copiah-Lincoln Community College's Wolf Hollow Golf Club.
Northeast advanced to the NJCAA Division III National Tournament at Chautauqua Golf Club in New York and placed 11th overall. The Tigers rose to as high as No. 3 in the national rankings during DeVaughn's freshman year.
DeVaughn became one of Northeast's top leaders on the course as a sophomore. He finished fifth in the individual standings at the fourth Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) tour stop of the regular season at Co-Lin to earn all-tournament honors.
He later posted a cumulative score of 166 to lift the Tigers to their second straight NJCAA Region 23 championship at Forest Country Club and secure another trip to Jamestown, N.Y., for the national tournament.
DeVaughn, who was named to the NJCAA All-Region 23 team in 2008, was recognized as the most dedicated golfer during both of his campaigns at Northeast. He also received the prestigious Tiger Award in 2008 for his good standing both on and off the field of competition.
DeVaughn, who graduated from nearby New Site High School, is an industrial maintenance technology instructor at Northeast as well. He is married to Misty and the couple has two sons, Webb and Will.


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- Organelles are specialised membrane-bound regions primarily in eukaryotic cells
- The cell membrane is important in regulating cell shape and the selective transport of molecules in and out of the cell.
- The membrane is made up of a phospholipid bilayer, and also contains proteins and carbohydrates
- The nucleus contains the DNA which must be protected
- The nucleus is surrounded by a nuclear envelope, which contains nuclear pores and nuclear pore complexes which regulate the entry and exit of materials.
- Ribosomes can be free, or attached to the endoplasmic reticulum or attached to the nucleus
- Ribosomes synthesise proteins based on an mRNA template
Organelles are membrane-bound compartments that exist within most cell types. Organelle literally translates to 'small organ', reflecting their essential function in regulating the cell as a unit. A eukaryotic cell contains various organelles that carry out specific functions.
Plasma Membrane
Whist not technically an organelle, the cell membrane is an important feature of cells and organelles. The cell membrane acts as a structural boundary between a cell and its environment, regulating the entry and exit of oxygen, water, amino acids, and ions into the cell. The plasma membrane is a double-layered structure consisting of proteins and phospholipids. A phospholipid is a special type of lipid, made up of a phosphate head that is hydrophilic (water-loving), and two fatty acid tails that are hydrophobic (water-fearing). Phospholipids naturally form a double-layered structure with their hydrophobic tails pointing inward (towards each other, and away from any water) and their hydrophilic heads facing outward (towards the outside). This is called a phospholipid bilayer, and is found in many biological membranes.
The resulting structure is said to be selectively permeable, allowing the entrance/exit of some molecules into the cell in order to maintain optimal conditions inside. The phospholipid bilayer is an important structural component of the plasma membrane. However, most of the functions are carried out by embedded membrane proteins. These proteins carry out specific functions, such as transport of molecules into and out of the cell. Carbohydrates and cholesterol can also be found on the cell membrane. The presence of these additional components allows the membrane to carry out important signalling processes by sensing the external environment.
The cytoplasm
The cytoplasm is a thick semi-fluid substance that fills each cell. It is enclosed by the cell membrane, but excluded from the nucleus. It contains all the other organelles. Cytoplasm is mainly composed of water, and also contains salts, amino acids, nucleic acids and sugars. The high protein content of the cytoplasm gives it the gel-like texture. The part of the cytoplasm that is not contained within the organelles is called the cytosol (i.e. the space between the organelles). Although the liquid nature of the cytoplasm may suggest that it has no structure or organisation, it is actually highly regulated and specialised. A network of of protein scaffolds called the cytoskeleton provides the cytoplasm and the cell with structure, as well as providing mechanical support for various cellular processes.
The genetic information is stored in a large, spherical organelle named the nucleus. The tight regulation of the structure and function of the nucleus is very important in allowing the eukaryotic cell to have such complexity compared to prokaryotes.
Inside the nucleus, DNA is folded up into a complex molecule called chromatin, which is further organised into chromosomes. These chromosomes are stored in the nucleoplasm, which is a matrix similar to the cytoplasm. The nucleus is surrounded by double layered membrane called the nuclear envelope. This membrane is made up of two lipid bilayers: the inner nuclear membrane and the outer nuclear membrane, and provides a selective barrier between the nucleus and the cytoplasm.
The outer membrane is connected to the membrane of another organelle, called the endoplasmic reticulum, which is important in transporting proteins in the cell. The nuclear envelope is very important in keeping the DNA separated from the environment of the cytosol, in order to protect the important information contained within it. However, there is also the need for materials, such as proteins and ions, to enter and exit the nucleus in a regulated manner. To allow substances to transport in and out of the nucleus, small channels exist throughout the membrane. These are called nuclear pores, and span the nuclear envelope. To regulate what comes in and out of the nucleus, huge complexes called nuclear pore complexes are embedded within the envelope. Another important feature of the nucleus is the nucleolus. It is a large, prominent structure and is mainly involved in the synthesis of ribosomes.
Ribosomes are one of the few organelles found in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes. They are crucial for the function of practically every cell, because they are the organelles responsible for synthesising proteins. They consist of RNA and proteins, and are made up of two subunits, large and small. The large subunit sits on top of the small subunit, with an RNA template between the two protein components. Eukaryotic ribosomes may be either free, meaning that they are floating around in the cytoplasm, or bound, meaning that they are attached to the endoplasmic reticulum or the outside of the nuclear envelope.
The ribosome works like a machine, constructing long chains of amino acids together to form proteins based on the instructions coming from the nucleus in the form of an mRNA. When the ribosome makes the protein, the two subunits enclose the Mrna between them. The amino acids that are to be connected together by the ribosome are attached to tRNAs. The ribosome connects to specific tRNAs based on the instructions encoded in the mRNA. The tRNA detaches from the amino acid, and the ribosome links together many amino acids form a polypeptide chain, that eventually forms a mature protein. This process is called translation of the mRNA.
- The endoplasmic reticulum can be sub-divided into the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and is responsible for protein processing.
- The Golgi apparatus finishes folding and sorting of proteins, which are released in vesicles once completed
- Mitochondria generate energy for the cell through respiration
- Chloroplasts are the site of photosynthesis and are specific to plant cells, as is the plant cell wall.
- The components of organelles are distinct for different cell types that perform different functions.
Endoplasmic reticulum
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is an important organelle found in eukaryotic cells. It is a network of membrane-enclosed tubules and sacs called cisternae, and is crucial for the production of macromolecules such as fats and proteins. Often the products of the endoplasmic reticulum are transported to other organelles, or released into the extracellular environment.. Importantly, the membrane of the ER is continuous with the nuclear envelope, providing a streamlined point of access between the nucleus and the organelles of the cytoplasm.
There are two distinct regions of the ER, the rough endoplasmic reticulum and the smooth endoplasmic reticulum,. The rough ER is named as such because its outer surface is coated with ribosomes, and appears rough under a microscope. The smooth ER lacks these ribosomes. The smooth ER is responsible for a variety of metabolic processes in the cell, including synthesising and storing hormones, and breaking down drugs to remove their toxic properties.
The ribosomes on the rough ER are responsible for the synthesis of various proteins. After the amino acid chain is synthesised in the ribosomes, it is moved to the rough ER. The ER membrane keeps these proteins separate from the other proteins that are produced by the free ribosomes in the cytosol. The ER continues the process of protein synthesis, by adding modifications and packaging it into a more structured protein. The proteins of the ER are usually then passed onto the Golgi apparatus, through small sacs called transport vesicles. Different cell types with different requirements will have variations in how much of smooth/rough ER they have and different emphasis in their roles. For example, there is an emphasis on smooth ER function in the cells of the liver, which are important in removing toxins from the body.
Golgi apparatus
The Golgi apparatus (sometimes called the Golgi body, named after the Italian physician who discovered it) is important for processing, modifying, packaging and transporting macromolecules such as proteins and hormones. It is often thought of something similar to a sorting centre in a post office. The Golgi apparatus is also a membrane-rich organelle, continuous with the ER. Similarly, it also consists of cisternae and sacs, but these are fewer in number, disc-shaped, and prominent in the cell.
When the ER has synthesised a protein, the vesicle can 'bud' off and make its way to the Golgi, which absorbs the product. The Golgi finishes the work of the ER by, for example, editing the addition of carbohydrates to glycoproteins or altering the composition of membrane phospholipids. The Golgi can also make certain macromolecules by itself such as polysaccahrides. Together, the Golgi apparatus and the ER are often referred to as the endomembrane system, reflecting their highly membranous structures.
A lysosome is a specialised vesicle that contains enzymes that breakdown macromolecules, ingested substances and organelles in an animal cell. The enzymes are created by the Golgi body, and the vesicle is pinched off and released into the cytoplasm, where the lysosome can carry out intracellular digestion. This works to digest complex sugars and proteins, as well as recycling the cell's own products such as damaged organelles.
Mitochondria are cytoplasmic organelles and the sites of cellular respiration. They generate energy by breaking down sugars and fats using oxygen. A cell usually has hundreds or thousands of mitochondria, depending on how metabollically active the cell type is. The mitochondrion has two membranes which are both phospholipid bilayers. The outer membrane is smooth, but the inner membrane is intricately shaped, with various foldings called cristae. The space between the two membranes is called the intermembrane space, the centre of the ribosome enclosed by the inner membrane is called the mitochondrial matrix, containing important enzymes for respiration, as well as the mitochondrial DNA and ribosomes. The enzymes that are found in the mitochondrial matrix are crucial in cellular respiration, and the folding surface of the cristae means there is a large surface area on which respiration can be carried out.
Mitochondria are interesting organelles because they act almost independently of the cell; they have their own genome, and even divide independently. In fact, mitochondria are thought to have arisen when an early version of a eukaryotic cell engulfed a prokaryote and utilised it to create energy for the cell! This is a way to explain how mitochondria are so similar to some modern prokaryotes.
Plant specific organelles
Chloroplasts are a highly specialised organelle almost exclusively found in plants. They are the sites of photosynthesis, where light energy is converted into chemical energy. Chloroplasts contain the green pigment chlorophyll, as well as other enzymes that are key to producing sugar. They are also surrounded by two membranes, similar to the mitochondria.
Cell wall
Another plant-specific eukaryotic cell feature is the presence of a cell wall. The cell wall exists to protect the cell, maintain its shape and regulates water uptake. The cell wall is much thicker than the cell membrane, providing an extra layer of protection. They are made of fibres of the polysaccharide cellulose, which is a structural carbohydrate
References and further reading
https://www.britannica.com/science/cell-membrane (Image membrane)
https://micro.magnet.fsu.edu/cells/nucleus/nucleus.html (Image nucleus)
http://journalofcosmology.com/Extinction101.html (Image animal cell)
https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/ribosomes-transcription-and-translation-14120660 (Image ribosome translation)


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Back in April, Zlatan Ibrahimovic may have feared his astronomical career was over after suffering meniscus and cruciate ligament damage to his knee.
Compounded by the predictions of medical experts he could expect to be out of the game for a minimum of nine to twelve months; his future looked extremely bleak.
Nevertheless, the former Swedish international rose like Lazarus and after being out for six-and-half months, he came on as a 77th minute substitute in Manchester United's 4-1 defeat over Newcastle United on Saturday evening.
"Now I just have to give back, and that's what I will do."@Ibra_official on repaying the support shown to him during his injury. #MUFC pic.twitter.com/IrrcbWg5ES— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 18, 2017
Reported by online soccer magazine Football 365, Ibrahimovic spoke about his journey back: "In my recovery I have not rushed anything.
"People may believe that because I have been out for six and a half months but I have been following protocol and my schedule day by day. The only secret has been working hard.
"Those close to me know what I have been doing – I was working five, six hours a day. When it happened I said to everybody giving up was not an option.
"My only focus was on coming back and coming back better. For that you need to work hard. I know when I'm back it's my head playing, not my knee. My knee has to follow.
"But this was not a one-man work, it was everyone's and it is thanks to them that I am back on the field and can play because if people really knew the real injury they would be in shock that I was even playing."
Not only having to deal with the uncertainty of his professional career, the prolific striker's future at Old Trafford was intensified as his contract expired during his injury lay off. In fact, it wasn't until this campaign started that a new one year deal was offered and then signed.
"It's fantastic to be playing. Jose said, 'Do whatever you want, I trust in you and you know what you have to do,' so I was not worried.
"The contract is all paperwork and I do the physical work. Even if I had a contract or not I needed to train. I knew I would stay because I wanted to stay. The numbers have never been an issue.
"I could have signed a deal after two months but didn't because I am honest with myself. I want to stay because I can perform."
Hopefully, his injury nightmare is now firmly behind him as his experience and undoubted quality could certainly help to spearhead United's challenge for domestic and European glory this season.


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The Community Helpers collection of dolls are the perfect gift for a childminder or pre-school. They are great for creative and imaginative play, and work wonderfully in a small world play area.
Each peg doll stands at 6cm high, and has been crafted using a single piece of solid wood. The community workers inspired designs have then been sketched and intricately handpainted by full-time peg doll artist Jules.
Due to the individual handmade nature of each doll, designs and colours may vary slightly.
Photo props are NOT included.
Please remember that all of my dolls are painted to order. If you need your order for a particularly date, please contact me.
For safety and peace of mind we advise that all Peggies items are kept away from those that like to mouth objects. If an item becomes damaged, please discontinue use. We have a recommended usage age of 3 years plus.


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Membership has its privileges! Sign up or sign in to gain full access to both All About Jazz and Jazz Near You. Learn more.
Updated: December 6, 2019
Born: July 23, 1964
Pablo Embon has released 18 albums to date. All his music is performed, recorded, mixed and produced by himself. Amongst the music tracks, there is a multitude of jazz stylings.
Pablo originally hails from Argentina, rich in its history of tango and Andean folk music, where he learned from famed classical guitarist Eduardo Isaac. Pablo played in several modern bands and as a single musician in his youth.
Embon started his music education at very young age. As a child he developed intuitive composition skills, adopting piano and guitar as his core musical instruments. Later on, he pursued advanced music education in the composition and harmonization fields and won recognitions in several public music contests in Argentina.
When later in life, Embon immigrated to Israel , its unique blend of world music and Middle Eastern music no doubt had an influence on the musician who at this point had already spent years creating and performing unique modern and alternative jazz compositions. He continued his education in music recording, production and orchestration, all including original composition and arrangements. His albums contain different music styles, such as alternative, smooth and fusion jazz, orchestral instrumentals and solo piano with some classical music influences.
Pablo Embon shows all of his experience in each one of his masterful albums On each and every of the tracks listeners are able to luxuriate over the rich instrumental notes which strike deep at the core of Pablo's riffs. They are able to transport themselves to different places, different moods, and immerse themselves in a wonderful jazz experience.Read more


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The bridesmaid gift is essential to the design of a wedding event. While many may believe that the wedding is all about the bride, individuals still vital that show appreciation to your bridesmaids. These are your right-hand ladies who've always already been through it for the person. They have taken period to be there and help you on your special day and what better to showing appreciation than getting them a bridesmaid gift. Just how do you avoid obtaining a generic bridesmaid gift or something that is that they will just throw away when they get home? Here are some bridesmaid gift guidelines that should help you in your pursuit of what are the perfect bridesmaid gift.
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Nubia Z9 mini was officially launched in India in May 2015 with Android 5.0.1 Lollipop. Today, the company has announced the VoLTE update for the phone with a new update of Android 5.1. This new update update will start rolling out for Z9 mini users starting from today itself.
The owners of Z9 mini must be relieved after getting this news, as this update was long awaited. Along with VoLTE support, this update also brings company's own Frame interactive Technology, which enables consumers to control their phones through the screen edges. The phone also gets some camera upgrade, new calendar app and new security features from Google along with this update. Users can download the update manually from the official website of Nubia. Where they have to navigate through Support → Download → ROM and select the device Z9 mini.
Talking about the specs, the Nubia Z9 mini sports a 5-inch Full HD IPS display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and gets a Corning Gorilla Glass 3 protection on top. It is equipped with a quad-core Snapdragon 615 processor coupled with 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. The storage is further expandable up to 128GB with a MicroSD card.
Coming on to camera front, it features a 16-megapixel rear camera LED flash and an 8-megapixel front facing camera for capturing selfies. The device packs in a 2900mAh battery.


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