The Korea Daily Los Angeles

[Student Repoters] Governor's Challenge

On May 1st 2009 the 2009 Governor's Challenge Competition held by the Governor's Council of Physical Fitness and Sports officially began among the many schools that were willing to participate in a month of active exercising. The students of numerous elementary middle and high schools around the country were given a May calendar to take home on which they were to mark an X in the boxes corresponding to each day that they were physically active for 30 minutes or more during the challenge period. The contest was announced as an optional event but many students were eager to participate and help their schools move closer to winning one of the competition's great prizes. Schools participating in the contest are able to vie for prizes including one of the three $100000 fitness centers and everyone who takes the Governor's Challenge can qualify for an individual incentive or reward. Last year this competition inspired more than 158000 students from over 1200 schools to get active healthy and fit. It also helped the parents because as they were physically active with their child while taking the Challenge it not only improved their own well-being but it re-enforced the importance placed on health and fitness. Many parents may be negligent or ignorant about the issue of the lack of physical activity in their child's lifestyle. However this is actually a very important issue found in many households today. Research shows that regular physical activity during childhood and adolescence helps build healthier bones and muscles increases self-esteem and reduces the risk of diabetes and obesity. In addition physical activity and fitness have been shown to be highly correlated with academic success. Research also shows that children are more likely to be physically active if they see their parents being physically active too and that's why the contest encouraged all the parents to take the Governor's Challenge along with their child and join in on the fun! "The Governor's Challenge was more of an experience than a challenge. It inspired me to be active everyday with the notion that I and only I could beat the Governor's Challenge" a participant of the challenge commented. Many participants were satisfied with the results that they received and it encouraged many people to continue following this routine of exercise whether it was after school for students during work for parents or even on weekends for the whole family. Through this challenge many students have experienced what it was like to actually have fun exercising. A student of Walter Reed Middle School who participated in the challenge commented: "Ever since I started this project I actually lost 7 pounds and I even grew a little taller!" Many students were able to watch their own bodies become lighter and stronger throughout the month and see the positive changes that were developing. This project helped many people gain a new productive hobby as well as an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with their families.

[Student Reporters] Governments

"Hate the sin not the sinner" says Chun Soon-im of Seoul Korea in response to the country's recent loss: former President Roh Moo-hyun. At 62 Roh hurled himself down a mountain while out hiking on May 23rd and died a few hours later due to fatal head injuries at a nearby hospital. Reporters claim that the suicide stemmed from the ex-President's frustration of his "corruption scandal." Governments have long been dubbed as the corruption centers of each nation yet the human rights lawyer turned President claimed to be what many people called an oxymoron a clean politician. This all changed when allegations that Roh accepted $6 million in bribes from a businessman led to a 10-13 hour interrogation of Roh and his family. Asking to be cremated Roh truly expresses in his suicide note his disappointment in himself and his shameful actions. He explains that not only were his actions burdensome to the people of South Korea but also that this whole incident including his death were destined to happen. Although he denied the accusations Roh apparently could not undo the heavy and lengthy shadow he cast upon himself or compensate for the stretched scandal. During his Presidential tenure Roh was entangled in many controversial scenes including that of his partnership with North Korean President Kim Jong Il. Supporters called him the most democratic President South Korea has ever seen while opponents claimed he was too pro-North Korea as he sent aid to facilitate the single-party nation. His policy of distancing South Korea from the United States also troubled skeptics of his "reckless" policies. Although current South Korean President Lee Myung-bak is shocked and deeply distressed over his predecessor's death he too faces troubles with his economic policies as North Korea is growing more hostile toward him. Lee's forceful policies toward Pyongyang clearly contrast those of Roh which assisted the country with extensive aid. Riots broke out and Roh supporters trashed a bouquet of flowers that Lee had sent to pay respects for Roh's family. Roh's death has reminded South Koreans as well as North Koreans the change in strategy and policy in just one year. The North Korean nuclear test have many people worried about the outcome of Lee's Presidency. Mourners for a memorial service gathered in large crowds shocked doubtful saddened or angry and grieved for hours. Many held in their hands a white chrysanthemum to show their respect and sorrow for Roh. His red-draped coffin was followed by his children and the guaranteed line of mourners. Like Roh many South Koreans are disappointed by his actions but also for his unwillingness to face the consequences of his deeds. Trying to measure the degree of corruption in any government is like trying to count all the fish in the sea arduous and time-consuming. People who are unexposed to the almost-expected crimes of government may see one bribe as an immoral and wicked deed while from another politician's point of view it is a good business deal.

[Student Reporters] Congratulations, to the class of 2009!

In Princeton it is time to say Adieu to seniors And welcome back alumni! It has been the most exciting and the busiest time of the year in New Jersey for the past week. As high school and university graduations have been held Princeton University Reunion an annual event that brings back 20000 alumni in campus celebrating with unique costumes was held in May 29th to May 30th at Princeton University in New Jersey. The massive P-rade invigorating fireworks and the performance of the Princeton Triangle Club have attracted many students from the Lawrenceville School to watch the event. Dr. Funkhouser who joined the Princeton faculty in February 1998 and recipient of the National Science Foundations Award research in computer graphics and a father of a 9th grader student at the Lawrenceville School Paige has given a tour for two 9th grader Lawrenceville Students. The Princeton Reunion highlights the importance of school spirit and the unity of current Princeton students and the alumni. Although orange and black do not seem to be the most attractive colors to wear together these two colors represent school spirit and sense of fidelity of Princeton alumni classes and students. Princeton's trustees adopted orange and black as the official colors for academic gowns in 1896. Since 1912each year when Princeton University students graduate the graduating class designs their own apparel for their year that portrays current events and school spirit with the colors orange and black. When it becomes their 25th year of anniversary the students wear blazers and jackets with the pattern of their year. Therefore around the Princeton Campus there are more than 30 different kinds of pattern of apparel worn that are based on orange and black. Another most remarkable events that happen in the Reunion is the performance of the Princeton Triangle Club. Princeton Triangle Club is the oldest collegiate musical-comedy troupe in the nation and the only college group that creates a student-written musical each year. This year they present "Stark Raven Mad" in Mccarter Theatre. The Princeton Triangle Club has dealt with social cultural economic political theories such as women's rights war protests. There have been remarkable member of the Princeton Triangle Club such as F. Scott Fitzgerald '17 Joshua Logan '31 James Stewart '32 Jos? Ferrer '34 Wayne Rogers '56 and many Congratulations to the class of 2009 and good luck!

[Student Reporters] Band[Aid] Convert Presents Bands and Aid

A concert took place at Oxford Academy in Cypress California that grabbed a hold of music fans in the greater Orange County area. The ten artists that were featured at the Second Annual Band[Aid] Concert on Friday May 22nd were AJ Rafael Cathy Nguyen Jane Lui Jumakae Yodraj Kris Mark Push Push Pull Seriously the Band Sue Jin Kim The Adrian William Project and Poreotics a dance crew. Most of these independent artists were already popular through Youtube videos and Myspace pages but the audience was surprised to discover new talent in other artists as well. "I went to Band[Aid] looking forward to AJ Rafael Cathy Nguyen Jane Lui and Poreotics but I also found new artists that were really talented like Sue Jin Kim and Seriously the Band" said Michael T. While most artists performed acoustics rock bands and surprise guests like guitarist Jesse Barrera also heightened the excitement that filled up the gym. With the wide variety of music that was available at the concert each member of the audience was able to pick and choose his or her own favorites. "For me Seriously the Band had the most exciting performance because they played really upbeat songs and had really upbeat showmanship" said Linda C. "Their music was really new to me. They usually don't play music like that on the radio" she added. Tim M.'s favorite performance of the concert was AJ Rafael's medley of Disney songs from movies such as The Little Mermaid and Mulan. The screams of "I love you!" that came from all corners of the audience during AJ Rafael's performance of his hit song "Showstopper" also made his soaring popularity obvious. The Adrian William Project's version of James Morrison's "You Give Me Something" Poreotics' clever dance moves and Jumakae Yodraj's heart-wrenching lyrics were also pointed out as favorites. After the show fans were able to see their favorite artists to take pictures or receive autographs. They scrambled in line to have their backpacks shirts and even arms signed. Band[Aid] was not only a night of incredible music and fun. It was also a night of incredible giving. The benefit concert was organized by the Oxford Youth Philanthropy Worldwide (YPW) and all proceeds from ticket and t-shirt sales went to the Two Brothers Foundation (2bros) and Instituto Dois Irmaos (i2i) sister nonprofit organizations that offer educational opportunities in Rocinha in Rio de Janeiro Brazil. The city still possesses shantytown characteristics like the lack of adequate water and electricity supply and houses packed irregularly along the slopes of hills. For over ten years 2bros and i2i have been providing art classes computer training language instruction and much more in Rocinha the largest favela in Brazil. The organizations stand strong in their position to aid the 60000 to 150000 residents that call Rocinha home and the Oxford YPW and Band[Aid] audience stood strong in helping them out through the concert. Anna K. said "I think it was a great way to get a large number of people thinking about organizations like the Two Brothers Foundation and Instituto Dois Irmaos. It was a fun night but more than that I'm glad it was a meaningful night as well".

[Student Reporthers] Former South Korean President Roh Commits Suicide

Bitter sorrow sweeps the nation of South Korea as unsettling news of former President Roh Moo-hyun's suicide continue to circulate. Roh who served as President from 2003-2008 leaped to his death from a 100-foot high cliff while hiking on Saturday May 23. He was sixty-two years old. Born and raised in a farming community in southern South Korea Roh never attended college yet he still managed to pass the nation's bar exam and become a renowned human rights lawyer in 1975. Determined to make a place for himself in the world of politics Roh was then elected as a lawmaker in the National Assembly in 1988. The pinnacle of Roh's political carreer occurred in 2002 when he gained the trust of most Koreans as a "common person" who could relate to citizens on matters ranging from taxes to the distribution of governing authority. In spite of his successes however Roh's life careened to a fatal change of pace when he was accused of accepting 6 million dollars in bribes from a businessman while in office. The accusations and the general public's disappointment were a burden like no other to Roh a man who built almost his entire political career upon an image as a staunch opponent of corruption in government. "I feel ashamed before my fellow citizens. I am sorry for disappointing you" Roh told supporters three weeks ago. Disheartened to the point of suicide Roh in a brief note on his computer wrote that "too many people are suffering because of me." He went on to write "What's left for me for the rest of my life is just to be a burden to others. Don't be too sad. Aren't life and death both part of nature? Don't feel sorry. Don't blame anybody. It's destiny." The former President's tragic and unfortunate demise is also a testimony to South Korea's exceptionally high suicide rate a rate higher than any other economically advanced nation in the world. President Barack Obama said that he was "saddened" by Roh's death. "On behalf of the government of the United States I offer my condolences to his family and to the Korean people" said Obama in a statement issued by the White House. And rightly so considering the fact that Roh's courageous and impressive climb to political success perfectly embodies the "American Dream"-a dream that is admired honored and cherished here and in Korea as evidence of the persistence and determination that define modern day society.

[Student Reporters] Valuin Family Time

Six thirty. The time Mr. Park usually comes home after a hectic day at work. Molly observed her pink princess clock ticking it's way to six fifteen. Running down the hall as quickly as she could Molly didn't want there to be even the slightest chance of missing her father's arrival. If she was lucky her dad would be home earlier than usual something that rarely happened yet still factored in as a possibility to young Molly. At the age of seven Molly's heart undoubtedly belonged to her father. Molly anxiously sat in her familiar window seat in her living room and couldn't control her excitement as the routine sound of Mr. Park's silver Porsche rolled into the driveway. Not permitted to leave the house without a parent as a guide Molly could only open the thin screen door that was keeping her from her father and wait. Mr. Park had made it halfway up the driveway towards his home when he paused. Molly unprepared for the action became even more attentive to what would happen next. In today's society parents are pushed to take on more hours or work days and in the end become obsessed with money. As a result children experience being replaced by cash or the materialistic items that can be purchased with it. Many times parents lose sight of their responsibilities and result to showing love with money. The desire to build a relationship with their children becomes a priority that can wait. "My dad was always away when I was younger" Jamie Lee 17 stated. "And I know that will somehow uncontrollably affect my relationship with my future kids. Parent-children relationships need to be handled better." The economy seems to give working parents an excuse to postpone catching up with their children in order to make a living. First generation Koreans are familiar with that kind of unfair treatment to their kids. Moving to a new country like America and being separated from a familiar lifestyle they look for a form of escape. Work becomes their life and their pastime. They begin to believe that supporting their kids through finances is the best way to live. But the first generation parents have been wrongly informed. "My parents are both from Seoul" Lily Park 17 said. "I know they care about me but sometimes its hard for them to show it because they aren't used to it. When they found out how much the time we were apart due to their work was hurting me they wanted to change."

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