METH

"The Meth Epidemic Summary":
Meth is the most addicting illegal drug in America. Meth cooks have found ways around the laws passed and pharmaceudical companies are fighting them.

Byker, Carl. "The Meth Epidemic." PBS. PBS, May 2011. Web. 07 Feb. 2014. <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/meth/etc/script.html>.

 "Big Pharma And Meth Cooks Agree: Keep Cold Meds Over The Counter" Summary:
 Law enforcement's efforts to stop the problem by limiting access to pseudoephedrine (a key ingredient in meth) have been opposed by the large pharmaceutical companies. The "shake and bake" method of cooking meth has put production in the hands of addicts but also has tremendous risks. Wherever meth labs are found, there are bad gases and byproducts left over. Burn victims from meth accidents have tripled because meth addicts are now cooking. Oregon has successfully made pseudoephedrine a prescription drug, and the number of meth labs in the state has fallen over 90%. CHPA in Kentucky set a new lobbying spending record. This group spent it's money to fight against over the counter medicine. 24 states have tried to follow Oregon's lead by making access to pseudophedrine difficult by putting it behind the counter. 23 out of these 24 states have failed.

 "Big Pharma And Meth Cooks Agree: Keep Cold Meds Over The Counter." NPR. NPR, 26 Sept. 2013. Web. 06 Feb. 2014. <http://www.npr.org/2013/09/26/226476602/big-pharma-and-meth-cooks-agree-keep-cold-meds-over-the-counter>.


 "Candy-Flavored Meth Targets New Users" Summary:
During an investigation, police officers found materials used to cook meth in a trash can. Digging deeper, they were surprised to find strawberry-flavored children's drink next to it. This "designer meth" can be cu with lollipops, soda, drinks, and a variety of candy that makes is easier for first time users to try. This new marketing trick was created to increase Meth's market share. Cutting meth with something sweet also helps cut down the burning sensation when snorting powdered meth. Changing the color or the taste just lowers the intimidation factor, seeming less dangerous and luring in a new customer base.

Vries, Lloyd. "Candy-Flavored Meth Targets New Users." CBSNews. CBS Interactive, 2 May 2007. Web. 07 Feb. 2014. <http://www.cbsnews.com/news/candy-flavored-meth-targets-new-users/>.

NoKoBloPo

Using internet, Brief History of North Korea since WW2. (1-2 Paragraphs)
Summary of Current state of affairs in Korea (1-2 paragraphs)
Do you think there will be regime change/ state change/ Neither/ Both? (It's what the movie was about) and why (1 paragraph).

Korea was ruled by Japan for nearly six years. However, following Japan's collapse after WWII, Korea was liberated in 1945. The Soviets occupied the north while the Americans were in the south, splitting the country down the 38th parallel. The two countries agreed to temporarily occupy Korea as a trusteeship in order to establish a Korean provisional government that would be free and independent. Kim Il-sung began he rule of power in North Korea as the Prime Minister in 1948 and then became President in 1972. Kim Il-sung led the communist North to invade the democratic South, starting a war in 1950 that lasted for 3 years and killed over 1.2 million people. Kim Il-sung remained in power until his death in 1994.  

In 1994, Kim Il-sung's successor, Kim Jong-Il, came to power and tried to gain support and allies to help and unite Korea under a communist government. In April 2009, North Korea's constitution was amended to refer to him as the "supreme leader". After the Cold War and the Soviets were defeated, North Korea became subject to severe UN sanctions. In 2011, Kim Jong-Il died and his son, Kim Jong-un came to power.

North Korea is in a state of highly controlled dictatorship under the rule of Kim Jong-un. All televisions are tuned to state-controlled domestic programming, the internet is virtually non-existent and cell phone use is highly restricted. Some North Koreans go to very far measures to try and smuggle entertainment or other illegal use of technology, risking not only their life, but the lives of their entire blood related family. The country is suffering from severe famine. The World Food Program estimates that almost 6 million out of 25 million are in need of food.

I think that eventually, there will be change in North Korea. I think that either poor leadership will lead to the the country's downfall, or the citizens will grow tired of oppression. Kim Jong-un's rule is maintained through his ability to limit the amount of information that can enter the country. Once the Korean people discover what is happening outside of their border, they will be eager to force change in their country. 

I believe that there will indeed be change in North Korea eventually. The execution of North Korea’s second-most powerful leader, Jang Song-thaek, is an example of the dangers associated with being next in line of command in an authoritarian society. This reflects just how unstable and insecure Kim Jong-un really is. I think that this poor leadership will lead to the the country's downfall. That or the citizens will grow tired of oppression. Kim Jong-un's rule is maintained through his ability to limit the amount of information that can enter the country. Once the Korean people become more defiant, they will start discovering what is happening outside of their border, they will be eager to force change in their country. I also believe that this will eventually lead to a regime change.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/secret-state-of-north-korea/

http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/fighting_words/2010/02/a_nation_of_racist_dwarfs.html

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2013/12/19/2003579334