Myrtle Corbin, the Four Legged Woman. Myrtle Corbin, người phụ nữ bốn chân

Myrtle Corbin, the Four Legged Woman.	Myrtle Corbin, người phụ nữ bốn chân
While at a glance one could plainly see four legs dangling beyond the hem of her dress – only one pair belonged to her, the other set to her dipygus twin sister. Born in Cleburne, Texan in 1868 – her condition was incredibly rare. The tiny body of her twin was only fully developed from the waist down and even then it was malformed – tiny and possessing only three toes on each foot. Myrtle was able to control the limbs of her sister but was unable to use them for walking and she herself had a difficult time getting around as she was born with a clubbed foot. Technically, the ‘Four-Legged Woman’ only had one good, usable leg.	Thoạt nhìn qua, người ta rõ ràng có thể nhìn thấy bốn cái chân lủng lẳng dưới váy cô – nhưng chỉ có một đôi chân thuộc về cô, đôi chân kia là của người em sinh đôi ký sinh của cô. Sinh tại Cleburne, Texas vào năm 1868 - tình ttrường hợp của cô là vô cùng hiếm. Cơ thể nhỏ bé sin của cô em sinh đôi chỉ phát triển đầy đủ từ thắt lưng trở xuống và thậm chí sau đó nó cũng bị biến dạng và chỉ có ba ngón chân trên mỗi bàn chân. Myrtle có thể để kiểm soát hai chân của em gái mình nhưng không thể sử dụng chúng để đi bộ và chính cũng gặp khó khăn khi đi lại vì cô được sinh ra với một bàn chân gập vào trong. Trên thực tế, người phụ nữ bốn chân này chỉ có một, chân có thể sử dụng.
Myrtle was a popular attraction with P.T. Barnum, and later with Ringling Bros. and Coney Island. Her popularity was likely linked to her showmanship – she would often dress the extra limbs with socks and shoes matching her own and this gave her a truly surreal appearance. Myrtle was so popular that she was able to earn as much as $450 dollars a week.	Myrtle là một nhân vật hấp dẫn nổi tiếng của công ty P.T. Barnum, và sau đó là Ringling Bros và Coney Island. Cô nổi tiếng có lẽ bởi khả năng trình diễn - cô thường mặc vớ và giày cho hai chân thừa cùng kiểu với hai chân kia của mình và điều này đã cho tạo cho cô một hình ảnh siêu thực. Myrtle có tiếng đến mức cô có thể kiếm được đến $450 đô la một tuần.
At the age of 19 Myrtle married a doctor named Clinton Bicknell. It was then that other aspects of her bizarre anatomy became evident. It seems that her twin sister was also fully sexually formed – thus Myrtle possessed two vaginas. She had four daughters and a son and it has been rumored that three of her children were born from one set of organs and two from the other. Whether this is true or not; it is medically possible. In Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine by George M. Gould and Walter L. Pyle it was observed that both vaginas menstruated – thus indicating both were possibly sexually functional.	Năm 19 tuổi, Myrtle kết hôn với một bác sĩ tên là Clinton Bicknell. Chính lúc đó các khía cạnh khác về giải phẫu học kỳ lạ của cô mới trở thành hiển nhiên. Có vẻ như người em sinh đôi của cô cũng phát triển hoàn thiện về mặt sinh dục, do đó, Myrtle sở hữu hai âm đạo. Cô có bốn con gái và một con trai và người ta đồn đại rằng ba đứa con được sinh ra từ một âm đạo và hai đứa khác từ âm đạo kia. Cho dù điều này là đúng hay không, thì về mặt y học là có thể. Trong cuốn sách Bất thường và Sự lạ trong Y học George M. Gould và Walter L. Pyle đã quan sát thấy rằng cả hai âm đạo đều có kinh nguyệt – điều đó cho thấy cả hai đều có thể có chức năng sinh dục.
Myrtle passed on May 6, 1928, surrounded by family and friends.	Myrtle qua đời ngày 06 tháng năm 1928, xung quanh là gia đình và bạn bè.

Natural Collagen Types - Các loại Collagen tự nhiên

Natural Collagen Types

Collagen occurs in many places throughout the body. The 29 types of collagen have thus far been identified and described in literature. Over 90% of the collagen in the body, however, are of type I, II, III, and IV.

• Collagen One: skin, tendon, vascular, ligature, organs, bone (main component of bone)
• Collagen Two: cartilage (main component of cartilage)
• Collagen Three: reticulate (main component of reticular fibers), commonly found alongside type I
• Collagen Four: forms bases of cell basement membrane
• Collagen Five: cells surfaces, hair and placenta
• Collagen Six: stomach membrane, skin and cartilage
• Collagen Seven: skin, lungs, cornea
• Collagen Eight: unknown
• Collagen Nine: cartilage
• Collagen Ten: produces chronodrocites during ossification
• Collagen Eleven: cartilage, intervertevral cartilage and bone enamel
• Collagen Twelve: ligaments, tendons and tooth enamel

The following table presents the occurrence in organs of a selected collagen types - the results of immunologic studies show that the synthesis of this collagen type in skin takes place not only in fibroblasts, but also in the keratinocyte layer - epidermis.

The following table represents the skin layers and their definitions:

The stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the epidermis, composed of large, flat, polyhedral, plate-like envelopes filled with keratin, which is made up of dead cells that have migrated up from the stratum granulosum. From the Latin for horned layer, this skin layer is composed mainly of dead cells that lack nuclei. As these dead cells slough off on the surface in the thin air-filled stratum disjunctum, they are continuously replaced by new cells from the stratum germinativum (basale). In the human forearm, for example, about 1300 cells/cm²/hr are shed and commonly accumulate as house dust. This outer layer that is sloughed off is also known as the stratum dysjunctum.

Cells of the stratum corneum contain keratin, a protein that helps keep the skin hydrated by preventing water evaporation. These cells can also absorb water, further aiding in hydration, and explaining why humans and other animals experience wrinkling of the skin on the fingers and toes ("pruning") when immersed in water for prolonged periods. In addition, this layer is responsible for the "spring back" or stretchy properties of skin. A weak glutenous protein bond pulls the skin back to its natural shape.

The thickness of the stratum corneum varies according to the amount of protection and/or grip required by a region of the body. For example, the hands are typically used to grasp objects, requiring the palms to be covered with a thick stratum corneum. In a similar manner, the sole of the foot is prone to injury, and so it is protected with a thick stratum corneum layer. In general, the stratum corneum contains 15 to 20 layers of dead cells. The stratum corneum has a thickness between 10 and 40 μm.

In reptiles, the stratum corneum is permanent, and is replaced only during times of rapid growth, in a process called ecdysis or moulting. The stratum corneum in reptiles contains beta-keratin, which provides a much more rigid skin layer.

The stratum lucidum is a layer of the epidermis found throughout the body, but is thickest on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet. Located between the stratum granulosum and stratum corneum layers. It is composed of three to five layers of dead, flattened keratinocytes. The thickness of the lucidum is controled by the rate of mitosis of the epidermal cells. In addition, melanocytes determine the darkness of the stratum lucidum.

The stratum granulosum (or granular layer) is a layer of the epidermis found between the stratum corneum (and possibly stratum lucidum) and stratum spinosum. In this layer, keratinocytes are now called granular cells, and contain keratohyalin and lamellar granules.

The stratum spinosum (or spinous layer) is a layer of the epidermis found between the stratum granulosum and stratum basale. This layer is also referred to as the "spinous" or "prickle-cell" layer. This apearence is due to desmosomal connections of adjacent cells. The cells in the stratum spinosum produce and secrete bipolar lipids which prevent evaporation, helping to "water-proof" the skin. Keratinization begins in the stratum spinosum.

The stratum germinativum (or basal layer, stratum basale) is the deepest layer of the five layers of the epidermis, which is the outer covering of skin in mammals. The stratum germinativum is a continuous layer of cells. It is often described as one cell thick, though it may in fact be two to three cells thick in glabrous (hairless) skin and hyperproliferative epidermis (from a skin disease).

The basal cells of the stratum germinativum can be considered the stem cells of the epidermis. They are undifferentiated, and they proliferate. They create 'daughter' cells that migrate superficially, differentiating as they do so. The keratinocytes of the stratum germinativum undergo mitosis continually throughout the individual's life.

Melanocytes, the pigment producing cells of the epidermis, are primarily found in the stratum germinativum.

Integumentary System

Skin - epidermis: stratum corneum, stratum lucidum, stratum granulosum (or granular layer), stratum spinosum (or basal layer, stratum basale).

Basement membrane zone: basal keratinocyte, lamina lucida, lamina densa.

Dermis: papillary, reticular

Subcutaneous Tissue: panniculus adiposus, panniculus carnosus, stratum membranosum, loose connective tissue, superfacial fascia

Andexa

Glands: sweat glands, apocrine, eccrine, sebaceous

Hair: outer rooth sheath, inner root sheath, shaft (cuticle, cortex, medulla, bulb with matrix cells, hair papilla)

Muscle: arrector pili

Nail: matrix, lunula, nail plate, eponychium, paronychium, hyponuchium

Other: skin flora

The Integumentary System (Elimination) is the skin, which is the largest and most important organ in the body. It is the first barrier of defense. Its function is to maintain body temperature and protect the body from bacteria and foreign substances. Some diseases affect the general skin tone, color, and health. Many physicians evaluate the skin to determine general health and to diagnose illness. Healthy skin function as a protective covering for our bodies in several ways. Because our skin is almost completely waterproof, it prevents the escape of special fluids that bathe body tissues. Our skin prevents many bacteria and chemicals form entering parts of our bodies. Firm, moist skin also protects underlying tissues form the harmful rays of the sun. The skin weight (in most adults) 20 lbs or more, accounting for about 16% of total body weigh making it the heaviest organ. Its function is to protect the body. Within these layers of tissue are cells, glands, blood vessels, and fatty tissue.

The Function and Structure of the Skin

The skin has three layers of tissue:

• The Epidermis - the outermost layer of tissue of covers most parts of the body. The epidermis has four layers. From the outermost to the innermost, they are the horny, granular, spinous and basal layers. The horny layer consists of about 15-40 rows of dying cells. These cells are filled with a tough, waterproof protein called keratin. The granular layer consists of one or two rows of dying cells that contain small grains of a substance called keratohyaline. The spinous layer is composed of 4-10 rows of living cells that have spine-like projections where the cells touch one another. The basal layer is also made u of living cells, including cells called melanocytes. These cells produce a brown pigment called melanin. The basal cells divide continually and form daughter cells. Some daughter cells remain in the basal layer. others move toward the outer surface of the skin and eventually form the upper layers of the epidermis. These cells are called keratinocytes, and they produce keratin which is found only in the epidermis, hair and mails. Keratin makes the skin tough and also prevents fluids and certain substances from passing through the skin. As the keratinocyetes move upward through the epidermis, the become filled with more and more keratin. By the time these cells reach the surface of the skin, they have died and become flat and dry - eventually they are shed in thin flakes.
• The Dermis - the middle layer tissue is between 15-40 times thicker than the epidermis. It is made up primarily of blood vessels, nerve endings and connective tissue. The blood vessels nourish both the dermis and the epidermis . The surface of the dermis has many tiny elevations called papillae that fit into pits on the undersurface of the epidermis. They help connect the dermis to the epidermis. The papillae contain nerve endings that are sensitive to touch. The nerve endings are specially numerous on the palms and fingertips.
• Subcutaneous Tissue - is a much thicker than the epidermis and the dermis. In addition to these layers of tissue, the skin includes hair, nails, and certain glands. it consists mainly of connective tissue which helps protect the body form blows and other kinds of injuries. It also helps retain body heat. The amount of fat in the subcutaneous tissue may increase after a person overeats. If the body needs extra food energy, it breaks down this stored fat. The hair and glands in the skin are called Epidermal Appendages. They are formed form the basal cells of the epidermis.

Skin Types

• Normal Skin - has n average amount of oil, giving the skin a smooth appearance. Normal skin does not have acne, and wrinkles usually occur later in life.
• Oily Skin - has an abundance of oil production giving the skin a "greasy" or shiny appearance. Oily skin has larger pores, blemishes, and is prone to acne. Wrinkling is retarded due to the extra surface oil, which protects the skin from pollutants in the environment.
• Dry Skin - has an average to below average amount of oil, thus giving the skin a dull appearance (i.e. flaky) . Dry sin is irritated by hot, dry climates and unprotected exposure to the sun and the environment.
• Combination Skin - characterized by generalized normal skin with areas of oiliness. These oily areas are usually on the lower forehead, nose and sometimes the chin. Fine wrinkles seldom occur until later in life.
• Sensitive Skin - a new term used to describe skin that is allergic to certain substance (foods, cosmetics, or drugs). Usually the allergic person knows what products cause the allergic reaction. In cosmetics, many allergic reactions are caused from fragrances and show up as changes in the skin (e.g. burning, itching, or red blotches on the skin). In addition some people who have allergic reaction to certain foods, cosmetics or drugs find that the sun, coupled with the allergen causes the reaction to be worse.

The skin is the outer covering of the body. In humans, it is the largest organ of the integumentary system made up of multiple layers of mesodermal tissue, and guards the underlying muscles, bones, ligaments and internal organs. Human skin is not unlike that of most other mammals except that it is not protected by a pelt and appears hairless though in fact nearly all human skin is covered with hair follicles. The adjective cutaneous literally means "of the skin" (from Latin cutis, skin).

Because it interfaces with the environment, skin plays a key role in protecting (the body) against pathogens and excessive water loss. Its other functions are insulation, temperature regulation, sensation, synthesis of vitamin D, and the protection of vitamin B folates. Severely damaged skin will try to heal by forming scar tissue. This is often discolored and depigmented.

In humans, skin pigmentation varies among populations, and skin type can range from dry to oily. Such skin variety provides a rich and diverse habit for bacteria which number roughly a 1000 species from 19 phyla.

Collagen produced by the keratinocyte layer freely moves in the extracellular space. Basement membrane and proper skin are built of type I collagen. Skin is the largest organ on our body, made up of several different components, including water, protein, lipids and different minerals and chemicals. Throughout your life your skin will change. Proper care and treatment is essential to maintain the healthy and vitality of your skin.

Skin performs the following functions:

1. Protection: an anatomical barrier from pathogens and damage between the internal and external environment in bodily defense; Langerhans cells in the skin are part of the adaptive immune system.
2. Sensation: contains a variety of nerve endings that react to heat and cold, touch, pressure, vibration, and tissue injury; see somatosensory system and haptics.
3. Heat regulation: the skin contains a blood supply far greater than its requirements which allows precise control of energy loss by radiation, convection and conduction. Dilated blood vessels increase perfusion and heatloss, while constricted vessels greatly reduce cutaneous blood flow and conserve heat. Erector pili muscles are significant in animals.
4. Control of evaporation: the skin provides a relatively dry and semi-impermeable barrier to fluid loss. Loss of this function contributes to the massive fluid loss in burns.
5. Aesthetics and communication: others see our skin and can assess our mood, physical state and attractiveness.
6. Storage and synthesis: acts as a storage center for lipids and water, as well as a means of synthesis of vitamin D by action of UV on certain parts of the skin.
7. Excretion: sweat contains urea, however its concentration is 1/130th that of urine, hence excretion by sweating is at most a secondary function to temperature regulation.
8. Absorption: Oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide can diffuse into the epidermis in small amounts, some animals using their skin for their sole respiration organ (contrary to popular belief, however, humans do not absorb oxygen through the skin). In addition, medicine can be administered through the skin, by ointments or by means of adhesive patch, such as the nicotine patch or iontophoresis. The skin is an important site of transport in many other organisms.
9. Water resistance: The skin acts as a water resistant barrier so essential nutrients aren't washed out of the body.

Skins proteins

1. Collagen: it's the most abundant protein in the skin, making up 75% of your skin. Over time, enviromental factors and aging diminish your body's ability to produce collagen.
2. Elastin: this protein is found with collagen in the dermis. It's a protein, responsible for giving structure to your skin and organs. As with collagen, elastin is affected by time and the elements, diminished levels of this protein cause your skin to wrinkle and sag.
3. Keratin: dominant protein in your skin makes up hair, nails and the surface layer of the skin. Keratin is what forms the rigidity of your skin.

Organ of sight

1. Hydrated collagen can be found in lenses, toghether with polysaccharides it forms the optic disc. Natural Collagen enhances visual acuity when applied on eye-lids.

Hair

1. Collagen constitures the supporting material of hair follicles. Collagen pigment is identical with hair pigment.
2. Natural Collagen restore beauty to the hair - gray hair gets darker, brows and eye lashes start growing again.

Bones

1. Together with calcium and phosphorus salts type I collagen constitutes the bone building material, it forms 95% of bone matrix. It undergoes all physiological changes, life biological cycles, diseases and diets.
   

Nerves and vessels

1. Collagen is a component of nerve fiber myelin sheath, spinal cord, brain meninges, and nerve cell basement membranes. Vessels - arterial, venous, lymphatic.

Alimentary tract

1. Type II and III Collagen is the scaffold supporting stomach, intestine and esophagus parietal cells.

Collagen and menopause

1. The decrease of collagen turnover in women in perimenopausal period causes a number of diseases of the bone system and genitals. In urinary-genital system the disturbances of genital and urinary tracts trophiecs and statics are most common.
2. C. Falconer advises that commonly used hormone replacement therapy results in the increase of hydrated type II and III collagen store in the urinary-genital system. Falconer has also shown that a number of collagen quantity and quality. The lack or small production volume of type II and III collagen by connective tissue cells cause the deficit of hydrated collagen in extracellular space. In such case the supply of estrogen results in dramatic improvement.

Collagen is the most powerful protein in our system (from Greek - means healing, bonding). Its highest quantities occur in the skeletal system, skin, organ of sight, kidneys, liver, alimentary tract. The extracellular fluid in which we are submerged consists of collagen, which flows around the organs, supplementing existing structural defects.

Collagen is produced in the cells of connective tissues, fibroblast and in chondrocytes of the bone tissue. Sexual hormones, the growth hormone and growth factors, adrenal cortex and thyroid hormones participate in its biosynthetic process. The turnover of collagen occurs throughout our lives. Shortages are being replaced and in the aging process degeneration dominates over its synthesis in the skeletal system.

Colway is not responsible for any damages incurred as a result of storage and transportation of the product at a temperature other than 5-28°C, in the light of the sun or in conditions, which could enable the penetration of bacterial fauna into the vials.

Persons or businesses interested in the distribution of Natural Collagen and other natural products, which are offered by Colway please contact us by email: CustomerService@ElizabethsBargainBin.com

Please note: Not known to cause side effects.

Warning:

Natural Collagen not to be used in conjunction with chemotherapy, collagenoses or a low protein diet.

Note. The collagen hydrate may differ in color and density. This is due to the characteristics of the raw material and is typical of natural products.

Certificates:

• The National Information System of Cosmetics Lunched On the Market - Register number RK/83374/2003
• National Institure Of Hygiene - Certificate number HZ/7849/01/2003
• Republic of Poland Patent Office - patent documentation, marked by number P373879
• All products are made in Poland for Colway Unlimited

Please allow 4-6 weeks for the delivery.

THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL CÔ BÉ BÁN DIÊM

THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL	CÔ BÉ BÁN DIÊM
A Christmas Story	Câu chuyện giáng sinh
WALT DISNEY	WALT DISNEY
On a cold New Year's Eve, a poor girl tries to sell matches in the street. She is freezing badly, but she is afraid to go home because her father will beat her for not selling any matches. She takes shelter in a nook and lights the matches to warm herself. In their glow, she sees several lovely visions including a Christmas tree and a holiday feast. The girl looks skyward, sees a shooting star, and remembers her deceased grandmother saying that such a falling star means someone died and is going into Heaven. As she lights her next match, she sees a vision of her grandmother, the only person to have treated her with love and kindness. She strikes one match after another to keep the vision of her grandmother nearby for as long as she can. The child dies and her grandmother carries her soul to Heaven. The next morning, passers-by find the dead child in the nook.	Vào đêm giao thừa lạnh lẽo, một bé gái nghèo đi bán diêm trên đường phố. Cô bé lạnh cóng, nhưng không dám về nhà vì sợ cha đánh nếu không bán được que diêm nào. Cô bé trú mình trong một hốc tường nhỏ và đánh một que diêm để sưởi ấm mình. Trong ánh sáng của que diêm, cô bé nhìn thấy những hình ảnh đáng yêu trong đó có một cây Giáng sinh và một bữa tiệc linh đình. Cô gái ngước nhìn lên trời, và thấy một ngôi sao băng, nó nhớ người bà đã mất từng nói nói rằng một ngôi sao rơi xuống có nghĩa là một ai đó qua đời và đi vào Thiên đàng. Khi cô bé bật que diêm tiếp theo, nó thấy hình ảnh của bà ngoại, người duy nhất đã đối xử với nó bằng tình yêu và lòng tốt. Cô bé bật một que diêm khác để giữ cho hình ảnh của bà ngoại gần gũi lâu chừng nào nó có thể. Cô bé chết và bà ngoại mang linh hồn của cháu lên thiên đường. Sáng hôm sau, người qua đường tìm thấy cô bé đã chết trong cái hốc tường đó.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2012	Giáng Sinh Vui Vẻ - Chúc Mừng Năm Mới 2012
Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo 2012 Hristos se rodi i Srecna Nova Godina С Новым Годом и Рождеством Христовым! Светлого и счастливого Рождества! Gesëende Kersfees Gezuar Krishtlindjet dhe Vitin e Ri عيد ميلاد سعيد وسنة جديدة سعيدة Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah Shenoraavor Nor Dari yev Pari Gaghand Zorionak eta Urte Berri On! Bon Nadal i un Feliç Any Nou. Veselé Vánoce a Šťastný Nový Rok 圣诞快乐，新年快乐 Subha nath thalak Vewa. Subha Aluth Awrudhak Vewa 기쁜 성탄과 새해 복 많이 받으세요 Sretan Božić i Nova godina Glædelig Jul og Godt Nytår Zalig Kerstfeest en Gelukkig nieuw jaar Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taon Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année MIR BOZIJI - HRISTOS SE RODI Nadolig Llawen メリークリスマス＆新年おめでとう Καλά Χριστούγεννα και Ευτυχισμένο το Νέο Έτος Mele Kalikimaka Selamat Natal dan Tahun Baru LINKSMŲ ŠVENTŲ KALĖDŲ IR LAIMINGŲ NAUJŲJŲ METŲ! Среќен Божиќ и Среќна Нова Година God Jul og Godt Nyttår Vrolijk Kerstfeest, Gelukkig Nieuwjaar Wesołych Świąt i Szczęśliwego Nowego Roku Feliz Natal e Feliz Ano Novo Crăciun Fericit şi un An Nou Fericit Счастливого Рождества и Нового года VESELÉ VÁNOCE A ŠŤASTNÝ NOVÝ ROK Vesel božič in srečno novo leto Feliz Navidad..Feliz Año Nuevo God Jul och Gott Nytt År Frohe Weihnachten und Happy New Year YENI YILINIZ KUTLU OLSUN Щасливого Різдва! Kellemes Karácsonyi Ünnepeket és Boldog Új Évet Giáng Sinh Ngọt Ngào - Khổng Tú Quỳnh Milad Majid Nollaig Shona Nollaig Chridheil Merii Kurisumasu Felix Dies Nativitatis .

North Korea mourns dead leader, son hailed as "Great Successor" - Bắc Triều Tiên khóc lãnh tụ qua đời, con trai được vinh danh "Người thừa kế Vỹ đại"

By David Chance and Jack Kim

SEOUL | Mon Dec 19, 2011 10:51am EST

(Reuters) - North Koreans poured into the streets on Monday to mourn the death of iron leader Kim Jong-il as state media hailed his untested son as the "Great Successor" of the reclusive state whose atomic weapons ambitions are a major threat to the region.

Earlier a tearful North Korean television announcer, dressed in black and her voice quavering, said the 69-year old ruler died on Saturday of "physical and mental over-work" on a train on his way to give field guidance -- advice dispensed by the "Dear Leader" on trips to factories, farms and the military.

Security concerns over the hermit state, that in 2010 shelled civilians on a South Korean island and is blamed for the sinking of one of its warships earlier that year, were heightened after Seoul said the North had test-fired a short range missile prior to the announcement of Kim's death.

It was the first known launch since June and in a bid to calm tensions, South Korea's defense ministry said it might abandon plans to light Christmas trees on the border, something the North has warned could provoke retaliations.

North Korea's official KCNA news agency lauded Kim's youngest son, Kim Jong-un as "the outstanding leader of our party, army and people."

"We have esteemed comrade Kim Jong-un," KCNA led a dispatch that said North Koreans from all walks of life are in utter despair but were finding comfort in the "absolute surety that the leadership of Comrade Kim Jong-un will lead and succeed the great task of revolutionary enterprise."

But there was uncertainty about how much support the third generation of the North's ruling dynasty has among the ruling elite, especially in the military, and worry he might need a military show of strength to help establish his credentials.

"Kim Jong-un is a pale reflection of his father and grandfather. He has not had the decades of grooming and securing of a power base that Jong-il enjoyed before assuming control from his father," said Bruce Klingner, an Asia policy analyst at the Heritage Foundation in Washington.

"(He) may feel it necessary in the future to precipitate a crisis to prove his mettle to other senior leaders or deflect attention from the regime's failings."

Video from Chinese state television showed residents weeping in the North Korean capital Pyongyang. KCNA reported people were "writhing in pain" from the loss of the man who in 1994 assumed the leadership of the totalitarian state from his father Kim Il-sung, the North's first, and officially eternal, president.

Large crowds gathered at a massive memorial of Kim's father and state founder Kim Il-sung in central Pyongyang mourning the death of the "Dear Leader." Kim will be laid to rest next to his father, KCNA said.

The funeral of Kim, turned into a demi-god by his propaganda machine, will be held on December 28.

News of the death of the man whose push to build a nuclear arsenal left the North heavily sanctioned and internationally isolated, triggered immediate nervousness in the region, with South Korea stepping up its military alert.

China, the North's neighbor and only powerful ally, said it was confident the North would remain united and that the two countries would maintain their relationship.

"We were distressed to learn of the unfortunate passing of (Kim) ... and we express our grief about this and extend our condolences to the people of North Korea," Foreign Ministry spokesman Ma Zhaoxu was quoted by Xinhua news agency as saying.

"We are confident the North Korean people will be able to turn their anguish into strength and unify as one," he said.


While his father had 20 years as official heir, Kim Jong-un only became successor by taking on official titles last year, months after Kim Jong-il suffered a stroke around August 2008.

He takes over a hermit state whose economy has been ravaged by years of mismanagement under Kim Jong-il, who only briefly flirted with economic reform, preferring to stick with central planning and the brutal crushing of any opposition.

Under Kim Jong-il's rule, an estimated 1 million North Koreans died during famine in the 1990s. Even with good harvests, the state cannot feed its 25 million people.

Little is known of Jong-un, who is believed to be in his late 20s, studied for a short time at a school in Switzerland.

KCNA said Kim Jong-il died on Saturday after "an advanced acute myocardial infarction, complicated with a serious heart shock."

South Korea, still technically at war with the North, placed its troops and all government workers on emergency alert, but said there were no signs of any unusual North Korean troop movements.

The United States said it was committed to stability on the Korean peninsula as well as to its allies. There are some 28,000 U.S. troops on the divided peninsula. Across the heavily armed border, the North maintains an estimated 1 million troops, one of the world's largest standing armies.

Japan, too, said it was watching developments closely.

"We hope this sudden event does not have an adverse effect on the peace and stability of the Korean peninsula," Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura told a news conference after a hastily called ministerial meeting on security.

SHARES FALL

The fear of what might happen next in North Korea unsettled financial markets, with Asian shares and U.S. index futures falling. South Korean stocks tumbled as much as 5 percent, and the U.S. dollar gained. The Korean won fell 1.8 percent.

Kim Jong-un was at the head of a long list of officials making up the funeral committee, indicating he would lead it, and a key sign that he had taken, or been given, charge.

Zhu Feng, Professor of International Relations at Peking University, said it was clear the mechanism for transition was in place and working.

"The issue of primary concern now is not whether North Korea will maintain political stability, but what will be the nature of the new political leadership, and what policies will it pursue at home and abroad.

"In the short-term, there won't be new policies, only a stressing of policy stability and continuity. So soon after Kim Jong-il has died, no leader will dare say that an alternative policy course is needed," Zhu said.

But Chung Young-Tae at the Korea Institute of National Unification said there was "a big possibility that a power struggle may happen."

UNCHALLENGED HEAD

Kim Jong-il also promoted his sister and her husband, Jang Song-thaek, to important political and military posts, creating a powerful triumvirate.

Jang is seen as effective regent for the younger Kim. He holds a top position in the powerful Worker's Party providing some balance to the generals who have been seen as more hardline in pushing the North to develop an atomic arsenal.

Earlier this decade, Jang was forced into exile for what is thought to have been conflict over his push for economic reform.

Experts say Jong-un has the intelligence and leadership skills that make him suitable to succeed his father. He is also reported to have a ruthless streak that analysts say he would need to rule North Korea.

REGIONAL THREAT

North Korea, which tested a nuclear device in 2006 and again in May 2009, is seen as one of the greatest threats to regional security.

Last year, the secretive North unveiled a uranium enrichment facility, giving it a second route to make an atomic bomb along with its plutonium program.

Victor Cha, a Korea expert with the Center for Strategic and International Studies think-tank in Washington, said communication among China, the United States and South Korea was vital.

"Because these are the three key players when it comes to instability in North Korea. And the Chinese have been reluctant to have any conversations on this," he said.

"Now the situation really calls for it. It will be interesting to see how much the Chinese will be willing to have some sort of discussion."

(Additional reporting by Seoul, Washington and Asian bureaux, Editing by Jonathan Thatcher)

Why China’s Navy is a Threat Hải quân Trung Quốc là mối đe dọa?

Why China’s Navy is a Threat	Hải quân Trung Quốc là mối đe dọa?
Mandip Singh	Mandip Singh
The Diplomat	The Diplomat 16-12-2011
News that China is considering a Seychelles offer of a base for its ships means a new strategic headache for India’s military planners.	Tin tức cho hay, Trung Quốc đang xem xét một đề nghị của Seychelles cho phép thiết lập một căn cứ tại đảo quốc này để phục vụ cho các tàu Trung Quốc, điều này tạo ra vấn đề chiến lược mới, hóc búa đối với các nhà hoạch định quân sự của Ấn Độ.
There’s been much talk in the media of an apparent offer by the Seychelles of a base for Chinese ships deployed to the Gulf of Aden and the West Indian Ocean, to help combat piracy. While it’s not yet clear if the offer has been accepted, Chinese media reports suggest that Beijing is actively considering it as a “resupply” base.	Có nhiều cuộc thảo luận trên truyền thông bàn về đề nghị rõ ràng của Seychelles, liên quan đến việc lập một căn cứ cho các tàu Trung Quốc được triển khai đến vịnh Aden và Tây Ấn Độ Dương, giúp chống nạn cướp biển. Trong khi chưa rõ liệu đề nghị này có được chấp thuận hay không, thì các bản tin của truyền thông Trung Quốc ngụ ý rằng Trung Quốc đang tích cực cân nhắc, xem đây như một căn cứ “tiếp tế” [cho các tàu Trung Quốc].
China’s Foreign Ministry was quick to state that Beijing isn’t contemplating a military base in for the Seychelles, adding that it wouldn’t “violate” its traditional policy of “not stationing troops abroad.” Still, China's quest for a foothold in the Indian Ocean isn’t a recent development – and it’s one that India needs to watch carefully.	Bộ Ngoại giao Trung Quốc nhanh chóng tuyên bố Bắc Kinh không dự tính lập căn cứ quân sự tại Seychelles, và cho biết thêm Trung Quốc sẽ không “đi ngược lại” chính sách truyền thống của mình là “không đóng quân ở nước ngoài”. Tuy nhiên, việc Trung Quốc tìm kiếm chỗ đứng trong vùng Ấn Độ Dương là một hành động không chỉ có gần đây – và đó là điều Ấn Độ cần theo dõi một cách thận trọng.
China began pursuing its so-called “String of Pearls” strategy in the Indian Ocean in 2001 via the commercial route, constructing the Gwadar port. Subsequently, China won contracts to construct ports at Hambantota on the southern tip of Sri Lanka, Chittagong in Bangladesh and Kyaukpyu on the east coast of Burma in the Arabian Sea.	Trung Quốc đã bắt đầu theo đuổi cái gọi là chiến lược “Chuỗi ngọc trai” tại Ấn Độ Dương từ năm 2001, thông qua các tuyến hàng hải thương mại, giúp xây dựng cảng Gwadar [tại Pakistan]. Sau đó, Trung Quốc trúng thầu xây các cảng tại Hambantota, nằm phía mũi cực nam của Sri Lanka, Chittagong tại Bangladesh và Kyaukpyu thuộc bờ biển phía đông Miến Điện, trong vùng biển Ả-rập.
The Seychelles is a small island country in the Indian Ocean comprising a group of 115 small islands covering an area about 450 kilometers square. The country has a population of just 87,000, but has a huge Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 1.4 million square kilometers. The country’s strategic importance can be traced back to the Napoleonic era, when Britain gained control over the island. Much more recently, the U.S. originally intended to develop a base on the Seychelles’ Aldabra Island, but intense pressure from conservationists prevailed, and the United States instead went with Diego Garcia.	Seychelles là một đảo quốc nhỏ ở Ấn Độ Dương, gồm một nhóm 115 đảo nhỏ, bao phủ một diện tích khoảng 450 km vuông. Dân số chỉ 87.000 người, nhưng Seychelles lại có một Vùng Đặc quyền Kinh tế (EEZ) rộng lớn, với diện tích 1,4 triệu km vuông. Tầm quan trọng chiến lược của đảo quốc này có thể nhận thấy khi ngược dòng thời gian trở về thời Napoleon, lúc đó Anh Quốc nắm quyền kiểm soát hòn đảo này. Gần đây hơn, Mỹ lúc đầu dự định triển khai một căn cứ trên đảo Aldabra của Seychelles, nhưng trước sức ép lớn và áp đảo từ phe bảo thủ, Mỹ phải tiến hành lập căn cứ trên đảo Diego Garcia để thay thế.
China, though, despite having diplomatic relations with the Seychelles dating back to 1976, showed little interest in the country until President Hu Jintao visited in 2007. During Hu’s trip, no less than five bilateral agreements were signed on economic and technical cooperation, education and investment promotion. Hu’s visit for the first time clearly signaled China’s strategic interests in the region.	Dù có quan hệ ngoại giao với Seychelles từ năm 1976, nhưng Trung Quốc tỏ ra không quan tâm mấy đến hòn đảo này cho đến khi Chủ tịch Trung Quốc Hồ Cẩm Đào có chuyến thăm Seychelles vào năm 2007. Trong suốt chuyến công du này, đã có không dưới năm hiệp định song phương được hai bên ký kết về hợp tác kinh tế, kỹ thuật, giáo dục và xúc tiến đầu tư. Chuyến thăm của Hồ Cẩm Đào lần đầu tiên đã phát đi tín hiệu rõ ràng về lợi ích chiến lược của Trung Quốc trong khu vực [Ấn Độ Dương].
Last week, Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Liang Guanglie led a 40-member military delegation to the Seychelles – a big enough group to suggest that Beijing is keen to shore up plans for an active presence for the People’s Liberation Army in the near future. As part of developing military ties, China gifted the Seychelles People's Defense Forcestwo Y-12 aircraft for surveillance and anti-piracy duties. China is also reportedly training 50 SPDF soldiers in China as part of a military cooperation agreement signed in 2004.	Tuần qua, Bộ trưởng Quốc phòng Trung Quốc, Lương Quang Liệt dẫn đầu đoàn đại biểu quân sự gồm 40 thanh viên đến thăm Seychelles – một phái đoàn đủ lớn để hàm ý rằng Bắc Kinh rất mong tạo dựng kế hoạch phục vụ cho sự hiện diện tích cực của Quân giải phóng nhân dân Trung Quốc trong tương lai gần. Một phần trong kế hoạch phát triển quan hệ quân sự, Trung Quốc đã trao tặng Lực lượng Phòng vệ Nhân dân Seychelles (SPDF) máy bay Y-12, với chức năng trinh sát và chống cướp biển. Tin cho hay, Trung Quốc cũng đang huấn luyện 50 lính SPDF tại Trung Quốc theo thỏa thuận hợp tác quân sự ký năm 2004.
All of this will be of particular interest to India. India has actively supported the Seychelles by helping train the SPDF, and has provided a Dornier aircraft, two Chetek helicopters (1981 vintage) and a fast attack craft. Indian ships regularly visit Victoria, and have been active in combating piracy in the waters around the Seychelles. The Indian foreign and defense ministers, meanwhile, visited the Seychelles in 2010, underlining the importance New Delhi places on having friendly relations with the country.	Các hành động nói trên sẽ là mối quan tâm đặc biệt cho Ấn Độ. Phía Ấn Độ đã tích cực giúp Seychelles huấn luyện lực lượng SPDF, cung cấp một máy bay Dornier, hai trực thăng Chetek (loại cũ, sản xuất năm 1981) và một tàu tấn công nhanh. Các tàu Ấn Độ thường xuyên ghé thăm Victoria (thủ đô Seychelles), và tích cực chống cướp biển ở các vùng biển quanh Seychelles. Trong lúc đó, bộ trưởng ngoại giao và quốc phòng Ấn Độ, trong chuyến thăm Seychelles năm 2010, đã nhấn mạnh tầm quan trọng mà New Delhi đặt vào mối quan hệ thân thiện với quốc gia này.
With this in mind, it’s clear that the Chinese naval presence in this part of the Indian Ocean is not in India's interest. But what’s China’s interest in establishing a base in the Seychelles?	Với mối quan tâm như vậy, rõ ràng là sự hiện diện của hải quân Trung Quốc ở khu vực này của Ấn Độ Dương là không có lợi cho Ấn Độ. Nhưng lợi ích của Trung Quốc là gì khi lập căn cứ tại Seychelles?
For a start, it satisfies China’s hunger for a firm foothold in the Indian Ocean. The Seychelles provides the PLA Navy an ideal platform from which to counter any threat to its sea lines of communication from Africa by the U.S. Navy operating out of Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean region. In addition, to assist with the resupply, rest and refit of PLAN ships undertaking anti-piracy duties in the region, China requires a large logistics depot, which can be supplied by air and merchant/naval ships. The Seychelles base could therefore eventually be developed into a permanent naval base.	Bước đầu, căn cứ này sẽ giúp Trung Quốc thỏa mãn cơn thèm muốn có được chỗ đứng vững chắc tại Ấn Độ Dương. Như vậy, Seychelles cung cấp cho hải quân Trung Quốc một trạm dừng chân lý tưởng, có thể chống lại bất cứ mối đe dọa nào bởi hoạt động của hải quân Mỹ bên ngoài căn cứ Diego Garcia trong vùng Ấn Độ Dương, ảnh hưởng đến các tuyến giao thương trên biển của Trung Quốc từ Châu Phi. Thêm vào đó, để hỗ trợ việc tiếp tế, nghỉ ngơi và sửa chữa của các tàu hải quân của Trung Quốc đang làm nhiệm vụ chống cướp biển trong khu vực, Trung Quốc cần một trạm hậu cần lớn, có thể tiếp vận được bằng đường không, bằng tàu buôn/ tàu hải quân. Do đó, căn cứ [của Trung Quốc] tại Seychelles sau cùng có thể phát triển thành một căn cứ hải quân trú đóng lâu dài.
And there are other possible motives. For a start, China has large investments in mining, minerals and infrastructure in Africa, and the Seychelles is ideally located to help protect these Chinese interests, as well as ensure the smooth evacuation of the large Chinese expatriate population on the continent if need be. Militarily, the Seychelles provides an ideal location for setting up listening posts to monitor the U.S., Indian and other navies operating in the region. Perhaps most significantly, the Seychelles is equidistant from sea lines of control carrying oil from the Middle East and Africa to China, enabling the PLAN to effectively support its merchant vessels in times of crisis.	Và có thể còn những động cơ khác. Đầu tiên, phải kể đến việc Trung Quốc đã đầu tư rất lớn vào ngành khai thác mỏ, khoáng sản và cơ sở hạ tầng ở châu Phi, và Seychelles trở thành nơi lý tưởng để bảo vệ các lợi ích này của Trung Quốc, cũng như để di tản nhanh số dân Trung Quốc đang sống và làm việc xa xứ tại lục địa châu Phi khi cần thiết. Về mặt quân sự, Seychelles cung cấp một địa điểm lý tưởng để xây dựng những trạm ra-đa theo dõi tín hiệu, nhằm giám sát các hoạt động hải quân của Mỹ, Ấn Độ và các nước khác trong khu vực. Có lẽ, điều quan trọng nhất là Seychelles có khoảng cách địa lý bằng nhau đối với các tuyến kiểm soát đường biển, vận chuyển dầu từ Trung Đông và Châu Phi về Trung Quốc, cho phép hải quân Trung Quốc yểm trợ hiệu quả các tàu buôn của mình khi xảy ra khủng hoảng.
And how does the PLAN presence in the Seychelles affect India? First, it allows China to directly confront the Indian Navy, the largest in this region. Second, the PLAN’s permanent presence is a direct threat to India’s western seaboard and Indian sea lines of control leading to the Indian Peninsula. Third, PLAN proximity to the Pakistan Navy lends credibility to the possibility of a combined naval threat at sea. Hitherto, a combined Sino-Pakistan threat was limited largely to the land frontiers. Now, Indian planners will have to factor in the sea dimension. Fourth, as in the past, the PLAN will be able to establish listening posts to actively monitor the Indian Navy in the region. Finally, a PLAN presence, however small, will inevitably divert significant Indian Navy resources from the Western Fleet in the event of conflict. This threat would be exacerbated if the PLAN were to gain access to an airfield, which would provide a big boost to its maritime reconnaissance capabilities in the Indian Ocean.	Sự hiện diện của hải quân Trung Quốc tại Seychelles ảnh hưởng thế nào đến Ấn Độ? Thứ nhất, điều này cho phép Trung Quốc đương đầu trực tiếp với hải quân Ấn Độ, lực lượng lớn mạnh nhất vùng. Thứ hai, sự hiện diện lâu dài của hải quân Trung Quốc là mối đe dọa trực tiếp đối với vùng ven biển phía tây Ấn Độ, và các tuyến kiểm soát hàng hải dẫn đến bán đảo Ấn Độ. Thứ ba, quan hệ gần gũi giữa hải quân Trung Quốc và hải quân Pakistan làm tăng độ tin cậy lẫn nhau, có thể tạo nguy cơ phối hợp hải quân giữa Trung Quốc và Pakistan trên biển. Cho đến nay, mối đe dọa do sự phối hợp Trung Quốc-Pakistan đa phần giới hạn ở khu vực biên giới trên bộ. Giờ đây, các nhà hoạch định Ấn Độ có thêm yếu tố phải đối phó từ hướng biển. Thứ tư, như đã từng xảy ra trong quá khứ, hải quân Trung Quốc có thể lập các trạm ra-đa do thám tín hiệu nhằm chủ động theo dõi hải quân Ấn Độ trong vùng. Sau cùng, sự hiện diện của hải quân Trung Quốc, tuy nhỏ, nhưng tất yếu sẽ làm chuyển hướng, điều động đáng kể nguồn lực hải quân Ấn Độ từ Hạm đội phía Tây trong trường hợp xảy ra xung đột. Nguy cơ này sẽ trầm trọng thêm nếu hải quân Trung Quốc được quyền tiếp cận một sân bay [tại Seychelles], lúc đó năng lực trinh sát đường biển Trung Quốc sẽ được gia tăng rất nhiều trong vùng Ấn Độ Dương.
So how should India respond? For a start, it needs to actively engage the island nations in the Western Indian Ocean, namely Mauritius, the Maldives, the Seychelles and Madagascar – diplomatically, economically and militarily – to prevent the Chinese footprint spreading. The Maldives, in particular, is of real significance as it acts as a strategic forward outpost against any developments along India’s eastern seaboard.	Vậy Ấn Độ nên ứng phó như thế nào? Trước tiên, Ấn Độ cần tích cực gắn kết với các đảo quốc trong khu vực Tây Ấn Độ Dương, gồm: Mauritius, Maldives, Seychelles và Madagascar – về ngoại giao, kinh tế và quân sự, nhằm ngăn chặn sự lan rộng các cứ điểm dừng chân của Trung Quốc. Riêng Maldives, đây là nơi có tầm quan trọng thật sự, đóng vai trò như một tiền đồn chiến lược, chống lại bất cứ cuộc triển khai quân sự nào đe dọa bờ biển phía đông của Ấn Độ.
In the case of the Seychelles, India must neutralize any economic or commercial advantage that China offers to that country, thereby limiting its use for the Chinese as a “resupply” base. In addition, India could consider greater military assistance in the form of supplying naval equipment and training for the SPDF to fight piracy and poaching in its EEZ.	Trong trường hợp Seychelles, Ấn Độ phải vô hiệu hóa những lợi thế kinh tế-thương mại mà Trung Quốc dành cho đảo quốc này, bằng cách đó sẽ hạn chế Seychelles cho Trung Quốc sử dụng nơi làm căn cứ “tiếp tế”. Ngoài ra, Ấn Độ có thể xem xét trợ giúp quân sự nhiều hơn cho Seychelles dưới hình thức cung cấp các trang thiết bị hải quân, huấn luyện lực lượng SPDF chống cướp biển và chống đánh bắt trộm hải sản trong vùng đặc quyền kinh tế của Seychelles.
Whatever New Delhi decides, one thing is clear – the scope and deployment of the Indian Navy and its air arm should be increased considerably in the West Indian Ocean.	Dù New Delhi có quyết định bất cứ điều gì đi nữa, thì một điều rõ ràng – phạm vi và quá trình triển khai của hải quân, không quân Ấn Độ nên được gia tăng đáng kể trong vùng Tây Ấn Độ Dương.
Mandip Singh is a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (www.idsa.in) in New Delhi.	Mandip Singh là thành viên cao cấp của Viện Phân tích và Nghiên cứu Quốc phòng tại New Delhi. (www.idsa.in)
	Translated by Nguyễn Tâm
http://the-diplomat.com/2011/12/17/china-base-a-threat-to-india-navy/?all=true