According to the old adage, beggars can't be choosers. But North Korea breaks most rules, and it has long been an exception to this one. Leader Kim Jong-il's policy of militant mendicancy - panhandling with menaces; both beggar and mugger - has served him well. It's hard to credit, but not so long ago North Korea was the top recipient of US food aid in Asia - via the UN World Food Programme - after a man-made famine killed a million or more in the late 1990s.
Such aid saved lives. But it also freed up resources for Pyongyang to expand its nuclear, missile and other noxious arsenals. Parlaying economic dependence into political leverage is a knack that has so far eluded successive governments in both Washington and Seoul.
Now both allies are hanging tougher, especially since Mr Kim raised a finger to the world with his July 4 missile tests. The US is squeezing every North Korean bank account it can find. South Korea, in a reversal of usual practice, maintained business ties with the North but suspended its usual aid of 500,000 tonnes of rice.
That couldn't last, especially after nature's latest blow deepened North Koreans' misery. In July, Typhoon Ewiniar caused flooding that killed hundreds of people - maybe thousands - and washed away vital crops.
In post-missile grouch mode, Mr Kim at first rebuffed offers of help - but has now graciously condescended to accept aid. South Korea is sending 100,000 tonnes each of rice and steel.
Pyongyang, typically, released no exact casualty figures. But it did praise one victim, Kim Sung-jin. Stranded on his roof with his family, when rescuers approached Mr Kim 'gave them the portraits of ... the leader, not his children', according to the Korea Central News Agency. With less grotesque priorities, ordinary South Koreans swiftly rallied round, donating thousands of clothes and other items.
Is the Dear Leader grateful? Not a bit of it. According to the Seoul news agency Yonhap, all these garments must be carefully screened. A lot, though quite serviceable, can't be used.
