Friday, October 05, 2007

Korean leaders sign peace pledge


SEOUL, South Korea (CNN) -- North Korea and South Korea on Thursday agreed to begin work on a peace plan that would officially put an end to the Korean War.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il and South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun signed an eight-point agreement in the North Korean capital, Pyongyang, pledging to replace the cease-fire accord signed at the end of the Korean War.

"South and North Korea agree on (the) need to end the current armistice and establish permanent peace," the fourth point of the agreement says. In addition, the two sides will push "for a declaration of the ending of the Korean War in cooperation with neighboring nations."

The nations have remained technically at war for 54 years; an armistice was signed on July 27, 1953.

The pact also calls for a "smooth implementation" of the six-party nuclear agreements inked earlier in the year that will lead to the shutdown of North Korea's nuclear facilities and disable them.

The reclusive communist nation has agreed to disable nuclear facilities at its main Yongbyon reactor complex by December 31, according to a joint six-nation agreement released Wednesday by China.

A U.S. team, including technical experts, will head to North Korea next week and take the lead in making sure the nuclear facilities are disabled, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill said Wednesday.

The reconciliation pact also calls for North and South Korean leaders to meet often for discussions on "pending issues," including a meeting between Korean prime ministers in Seoul in November.

Military ministers for the two Koreas will meet in Pyongyang on Friday.

Economic cooperation and a proposed exchange of video letters between families separated by the divided Korean peninsula also featured on the long list of agreements reached during the summit.

South Korea declined a request by Kim for Roh to extend the summit one day, according to South Korean reporters covering the summit in Pyongyang.

According to the South Korean press corps, Kim said, "How about returning to Seoul on Friday after having a leisurely lunch tomorrow and do the things originally planned for this afternoon?"

The formal talks between Kim and Roh, which opened on Wednesday, marked the first summit between the split nations in seven years.


On Tuesday Roh became the first South Korean leader to walk across the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone between the two countries. His predecessor, Kim Dae-jung, flew to Pyongyang for the first Korean leaders summit in 2000.

"As president, I'm crossing this forbidden line this time," Roh said. "After I'm back, I hope that more people will follow suit, and then this forbidden line will eventually be erased."

Thursday, October 04, 2007

What I've Done Today

1. CNN Student News - Oct. 2, 2007
2. Sight Translation "The Supreme Court agrees to examine excutions by lethal injection"
3. ABC World News, 10.03.07

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

What I've Done Today

1. NBC Nightly News (video) - 10-01-2007-164713
2. NBC Meet the Press (video) - 09-30-2007-080612

Monday, October 01, 2007

What I've Done Today

1. CBS Evening News, 09.27.07
2. NBC Nightly News (video) - 09-26-2007
3. CNN Student News - Sept. 25, 2007
4. 523 - 524 The One in Vegas
5. President's Radio Address : Sept. 29 Budget
6. The Guide to Military Strategy, Operations and Tactics. (160-218)

Saturday, September 29, 2007

1. Never turn off a cell phone.

2. Never cut myself off.

3. Never break away from where I belong.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

a million little pieces

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

i did feel really badly about what happened yesterday probably in a different way you did. but it hit me so hard that i actually lost control and said something that hurt you. i don't think i didn't mean what i said, because at the very moment that was what i felt and i was trying to tell you how i felt and what i thought. i should have been more cautious about the words i chose and the way i said it. i don't exactly what convinced me to talk you into believing in what i believe. i was under the impression that if i told you something that i am pretty sure about and passionate about, you'd feel the same way i do. i can't take back what i said.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

I remember the moment my life changed, the moment I finally said,
"I've had it!" I knew I was much more than I was demonstrating mentally, emotionally, and physically in my life. I made a decision in that moment which was to alter my life maybe forever. I decided to change virtually every aspect of my life. I decided I would never again settle for less than
I can be.

so true.

Monday, September 17, 2007

“I believe life is constantly testing us for our level of commitment, and life's greatest rewards are reserved for those who demonstrate a never-ending commitment to act until they achieve. This level of resolve can move mountains, but it must be constant and consistent. As simplistic as this may sound, it is still the common denominator separating those who live their dreams from those who live in regret.”

- Anthony Robbins

Sunday, September 16, 2007

"One can express themselves only with the vocabularies they know."

I don't quite agree with that quote.

There are unlimited ways of expressing you inner voice.

You can define things not only with words but simply with gestures.

Open your eyes. Feel them at firsthand.

Otherwise you might end up judging things without knowing what they really ever were.

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Interpreters and Translators


Short Description

Some members of the military must be able to read and understand the many languages of the world. Information from foreign language newspapers, magazines, and radio broadcasts is important to the nation’s defense. Interpreters and translators convert written or spoken foreign languages into English or other languages. They usually specialize in a particular foreign language.

What They Do

Interpreters and translators in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

- Translate written and spoken foreign language material to and from English, making sure to preserve the original meaning
- Interview prisoners of war, enemy deserters, and civilian informers in their native languages
- Record foreign radio transmissions using sensitive communications equipment
- Prepare written reports about the information obtained
- Translate foreign documents, such as battle plans and personnel records
- Translate foreign books and articles describing foreign equipment and construction techniques
- Install, operate, and maintain electronic equipment used to intercept foreign communications

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include speech, communications, and foreign languages.

- Helpful attributes include:
- Interest in reading and writing
- Interest in working with people
- Talent for foreign languages

Training Provided

Job training consists of classroom instruction including practice in interpretation. Training length varies depending on specialty. Longer training is necessary for specialties that do not require foreign language fluency prior to entry. For these specialties, foreign language training for 6 to 12 months is provided. Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses. Course content typically includes:

- Interrogation (questioning) methods

- Use and care of communications equipment

- Procedures for preparing reports

Work Environment

Interpreters and translators normally work on military bases, aboard ships, or in airplanes.

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian interpreters and translators work for government agencies, embassies, universities, and companies that conduct business overseas. Their work is similar to the work of military interpreters and translators.

Saturday, September 08, 2007

Park life began under Hiddink


Korea Republic and Manchester United star Park Ji-Sung has told FIFA.com that he would not have achieved the levels of success he has enjoyed so far in his career without the guidance of Dutch coach Guus Hiddink.

In an exclusive interview with the official website of the FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007, the industrious midfielder also challenged young players to follow his lead and move to Europe to complete their footballing education.

Born in Suwon, one of the venues for Korea 2007, Park began playing football at the age of 11, winning various awards for his precocious talent. After being rejected by a host of clubs in Korea, he attended Myung-Ji University to continue his footballing career. Yet it was not until Hiddink was appointed coach of the Taeguk Warriors in the year 2000 that his career began to blossom.

"When I was young, I always tried to play at a club that was more advanced than my level, so I was continually challenging myself to attain higher goals," he said. "Fortunately for me, I was selected by the national team while I was still at university. Then I went to Eindhoven and gained European experience. But it was Guus Hiddink who turned my career around. By believing in me, he made me believe in myself. That is such an important thing for a young footballer."

Park, an integral part of the Korea Republic team that finished fourth at Korea/Japan 2002, moved to PSV Eindhoven in 2003 before completing a dream move to Manchester United in 2005. In the Old Continent, he has witnessed at first-hand the benefits of state-of-the-art training facilities for youngsters and feels that emerging talents from Asia must move to Europe's elite clubs if they want to realise their potential.

"The facilities for young players are better in Europe than in Korea," he continued. "Here, they play on grass, whereas back home they play on hard surfaces or artificial turf. Generally, young professionals in the Netherlands and England belong to a club which has great facilities in order for them to develop their talent. In Korea they only play for their school and are not part of a club.

"Football in Asia is improving, but it will take time to reach European standards. For me, it's important for Asian players to come to Europe's top-level teams to learn how to play. But If I could give one piece of advice for the young players in Korea, it would be: enjoy playing the game and don't give up on your goals."

Sir Alex a mirror image
Having benefited from the tutelage of a Dutch master for club and country, Park is now learning from another of Europe's leading managerial lights, Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford. "Yes, I see similarities between the two," he smiled. "Both are excellent coaches and they always encourage me and my team-mates to show our abilities. I find that players who play under their management always give 100 per cent in every game."

United's No13, who underwent surgery on a troublesome knee injury during their title-winning campaign of 2006/7, has been a frustrated spectator on the sidelines over the past six months, but has been heartened by the Red Devils transfer activity. The 26-year-old has also pencilled in a comeback date of early 2008, with his return eagerly anticipated by fans in England and the Far East.

"I'm confident that we can retain the Premiership title this season," he said. "We've got a good squad and the manager has brought some good players into the team to improve it even further. The new signings have all impressed me in different ways. Nani is very quick, Owen [Hargreaves] works hard and Carlos [Tevez] has great vision. Anderson hasn't played much, but I am looking forward to seeing more of him. Hopefully, I'll be playing again early in the New Year. My knee is getting better; it's a case of so far, so good."
watching a glow in the sky in fall makes me

feel like i should share it with you.

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Interview Skills

Job Interview Questions About the New Job and Company

What interests you about this job? - Best Answers
Why do you want this job? - Best Answers
What applicable attributes / experience do you have? - Best Answers
Are you overqualified for this job? - Best Answers
Why are you the best person for the job? - Best Answers
Why should we hire you? - Best Answers
What do you know about this company? - Best Answers
Why do you want to work for this organization?
What challenges are you looking for in a position?
What can you contribute to this company?
Are you willing to travel? - Best Answers
Is there anything I haven't told you about the job or company that you would like to know? - Best Answers

Interview Questions: The Future

What are you looking for in your next job? What is important to you?
What are your goals for the next five years / ten years? - Best Answers
How do you plan to achieve those goals? - Best Answers
What are your salary requirements - both short-term and
long-term? - Best Answers

DURING THE INTERVIEW

1. Start it off like a winner. Offer your hand, and give a firm
handshake, a pleasant smile and a positive confident attitude.
Introduce yourself.

2. Be comfortable. Take a seat facing the interviewer,
however, slightly off center. Be sure you are not facing into
direct sunlight or some other uncomfortable situation.

3. Listen attentively. Look at the interviewer directly, but don't get into a stare down! Sit up straight. Try to relax. It's okay to
take a few notes if the questions are lengthy, or you need to
remind yourself of something you want to stress.

4. Avoid nervous mannerisms. Pay attention to nervous
mannerisms you might have such as clicking your pen, jingling
change in your pocket, twisting your hair, biting your nails.
Control these impulses! Everyone is nervous to some extent,
the key is to appear calm and collected.

5. Speak clearly. Use good grammar and a friendly tone. Never
answer just "yes" or "no" to a question. Always clarify, expand
on your answers. Be sure not to ramble on.

6. Be positive and enthusiastic. You want to outshine all other
candidates so "turn it on" during the interview! No matter how
sterling your credentials are, you won't be hired if the
interviewer isn't sold. Pump up your enthusiasm prior to the
interview. Never whine, gripe or complain about past
employers, jobs, classes etc.

7. Ask pertinent questions. Be prepared to ask a few
questions. Do not monopolize the interviewer's time,
particularly if you know they have appointments scheduled
following your interview. Do ask thoughtful questions. Don't
ask about salary and benefits, this can be discussed when
the company is definitely interested in you!

Monday, August 27, 2007

jinx ?!

Why are all of these things happening to me today ?! I just wasted 3 hours of my life doing something worthless.

But meeting you totally made up for all of them. :P

I was sooooo bored that I decided to give myself a chance to look around this newly built language center located just right in front of our old building. I am SO jealous, though. I hope the future SNUT students will efficiently utilize all the equipment and fully enjoy this new atmosphere. For a second there I was thinking about re-opening a study group and then the bad memories rushing in I was like "oh stop it, please...not again" But if anyone asks me to join their meeting I'd seriously consider that. :)

New Experience To Be

Having the perfect girlfriend gave me this excellent opportunity to perform my skills helping out foreigners who will be visiting Seoul, Korea for the 12th World Conference on Lung Cancer being held September 2-6, 2007 at COEX. But that's not the best part. The best part about it is that we are going to do it together !! hehe :) I guess what Sammy and I are going to be in charge of is assisting together with ICS staff whenever help is needed and also making good impressions of Korea to foreign visitors. She will definitely put a big smile on visitors' faces by her kind hospitality, which Sammy specializes in. I'm really looking forward to this conference. Sam made fun of me getting all excited about getting complimentary food & beverage during volunteer shifts. But doesn't matter kk I hope it's going to be a buffet. :P

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Let's push myself to the limit !!!

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

8.15 The Independence Day of Korea

Yoon Bong-Gil (21 June 1908, Yesan, Korea - 19 December 1932 Kanazawa, Japan) was a member of the Korean resistance movement fighting the Japanese occupation of Korea. He was involved in an attempt to assassinate the Japanese Emperor.

On 29th April, 1932, he carried out a bombing attack using a bomb disguised as a package of food at a Japanese army celebration of Emperor Hirohito's birthday in Shanghai. The bombing killed Yoshinori Shirakawa, a general of the Japanese Imperial Army, and Kawabata Sadaji, a Government Chancellor of Japanese residents in Shanghai. It also seriously injured Ueta Kenkichi, Division 9 commander of the Japanese Imperial Army, Kuramatsu Murai, Japanese Consul-General in Shanghai, and Shigemitsu Mamoru, Japanese Envoy in Shanghai.

Yoon was arrested at the scene and convicted by Japanese military court in Shanghai on 25th May. He was transferred to Osaka prison on 18th November, and executed in Kanazawa on 18th December. He was buried in Nodayama graveyard.

In May 1946, his remains were excavated by Korean residents in Japan, transferred to Seoul and given funeral rites. He was then reburied in the Korean National Cemetery. In 1962, the government of South Korea's Second Republic praised his bombing attack, and posthumously bestowed the Republic of Korea Cordon (Grand Cordon) of the Order of Liberation Merit on him.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoon_Bong-Gil

“I make this oath as a member of Korean Patriotic Association to kill the military leaders of the enemy who are invading China in order to redeem the independence and freedom of our country."

http://yunbonggil.or.kr/language/english.html