Streets of Seoul ready for football celebration

1. Streets of Seoul ready for football celebration Red Devils in Seoul will have plenty of chances to make their excitement heard when the national football team faces Greece in its first match of the World Cup tomorrow night - the city is giving them a choice of outdoor venues at which they can watch the game and chant “Dae Han Min Guk!” - “Republic of Korea!” Seoul Plaza and Gwanghwamun were regarded as the most desirable spots from which to cheer during the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups, but this year several other big venues will also accommodate large crowds: Banpo Han River Park, Seoul Race Park, Gyeongbokgung Station, Sangam World Cup Stadium and COEX.

2. SK Telecom, Korea’s No.1 mobile carrier, will host a concert featuring singers from its commercials at 6 p.m. at Banpo Han River Park, followed by a large-screen broadcast of the game beginning at 8:30 p.m. Streets between Samseong Station intersection, where the game will be shown on big outdoor screens, and Bongeun Temple will be used as a cheering space. Another free concert, this one featuring the singer Insooni, will brighten the atmosphere at Seoul Race Park in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi, at 6 p.m., before the match begins.

3. That’s not to say that Seoul’s ritual venue, Seoul Plaza, won’t see its share of fans. SBS, which has the exclusive right to air the World Cup in Korea, will feature a concert at the plaza at 5:40 p.m., and the city government will distribute free bottles of Arisu, the city’s drinkable tap water. In another effort to show football fans a good time - and encourage street cheering - the city is extending subway hours to 1 a.m. on Sunday and on June 18, after Korea plays Argentina, and until 2 a.m. on June 23, when Korea faces Nigeria at 3:30 a.m. Traffic will be banned at Seoul Plaza, Cheonggye Stream, COEX and Daehangno on those days, in order to ensure fans’ safety, the government said.

6. Naro-1 explodes after takeoff What started with cheers turned into suspicion and then dismay - all in the course of minutes.The Naro-1, the first Korean-made rocket, fell into the sea in pieces only 137 seconds after its launch yesterday, according to the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, dashing Korea’s hopes of becoming the world’s 10th country to shoot off a satellite. The rocket - Korea’s second attempt to get a satellite in space, after a failed liftoff last August - failed a day after a glitch with a fire-extinguisher system suspended the Naro-1’s planned launch.

7. In a briefing, the ministry said the satellite is estimated to have exploded at an altitude of 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) only 137.19 seconds after liftoff at the Naro Space Center in Goheung, South Jeolla. “Based on a flash caught on a camera installed on the upper part of Naro-1 at the time when communications with the satellite were cut off, we believe that the rocket exploded when the first-stage rocket was in the process of combusting,” said AhnByong-man, minister of education, science and technology.

8. “As soon as the exact cause is determined, we will announce it and then prepare for the third trial for the launch.” it and then prepare for the third trial for the launch.” Ahn said Korea and Russia will form a joint investigation squad to look into what brought the rocket down. Naro-1 was designed in Korea with Russian help, and the Russians built the first stage of the two-stage rocket. The Korean government spent 502.5 billion won ($402.6 million) to develop it.

9. The explosion marks the second failure to launch the Naro-1, after a technical glitch during the Aug. 25, 2009, attempt kept the rocket from releasing the Scientific and Technology Satellite 2. The rocket’s protective shields (called fairings) failed to open on command. Experts said that at an altitude of 70 kilometers, where Naro-1 exploded yesterday, the fairings would not yet have opened. Had the launch succeeded, it would have been the 12th Korean satellite to lift off. Korea entered the space race when it launched the Woori 1 research satellite in Latin America in August 1992. Experts said failure is not uncommon during rocket launches. According to local data, the five space science powerhouses - the United States, Russia, Europe, China and Japan - have failed to lift off satellites around 400 times in the past.

10. But yesterday’s failure could disrupt the government’s ambition to join in space exploration, experts said. Earlier, The government had said that it plans to develop the Naro-2, or Korea Space Launch Vehicle-2, using all domestic technologies, by 2018. It has earmarked more than 1 trillion won for the project.Economic damage from the failure would be not insignificant, experts said. In a report released Wednesday, the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade said the economic benefit from the launch could reach 2.4 trillion won.

11. World Cup Group B - Argentina, Greece, Korea and Nigeria ARGENTINADiego Maradona has kept Argentina out of sight, or at least thought he had, since their arrival in South Africa on Saturday. But television crews and photographers found a gap in the cover at the University of Pretoria where Argentina are preparing for the finals, and managed to get shots of a practice that Maradona had barred them from attending.Maradona, who had the gap closed once it was discovered, is not expected to open the doors to media until tomorrow.

12. GREECEThe defensive tactics that helped Greece beat Ukraine in the World Cup playoffs last year are the key for the side to advance past the group stage, according to defender SokratisPapastathopoulos.“In every single game we have to play a very tactical game, we have to play smart,” the Serie A-based central defender told reporters at their training camp in Austria.

13. “We have shown we can play this sort of game very well. In the crucial games we have to have a very strong defensive tactic and we can always create chances up front.”Greece stunned hosts Ukraine 1-0 in the second leg, scoring on a quick break, to send them through to the World Cup with a 1-0 aggregate win.

14. NIGERIANigeria named six players with World Cup experience on Monday in their final 23-man squad for this month’s tournament in South Africa.NwankwoKanu will captain the side at his third World Cup, the Nigerian Football Federation said on Monday. Coach Lars Lagerback, who made his choice after just two games in charge, also included RabiuAfolabi, Vincent Enyeama, Austin Ejide, John Utaka and Joseph Yobo from the squad that took part in the 2002 finals.

15. The Swede cut Everton’s Victor Anichebe and winger Ike Uche, who was Nigeria’s top performer in the qualifiers, from his preliminary squad.Both had recently returned from long-term injury and although they played in the warm-up games, officials said Lagerback had decided against taking any chances on their fitness. Also left out was Nice defender OnyekachiApam, who had not been able to train over the last two weeks because of a knee injury.But Lagerback did include Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, who has recently returned from knee surgery.

16. Four reasons why you should drink milk Milk is a wellness beverage provided by nature. It's an excellent, naturally-rich drink that helps a person grow and stay healthy. Since milk is so important, there's even a day dedicated to it. Called World Milk Day, it's celebrated all over the world on June 2. Milk contains nine essential nutrients including calcium, vitamin D and protein. Calcium makes the bones stronger, vitamin D helps maintain a healthy heart and protein helps build muscle. Every single nutrient in milk is necessary for human growth and development.

17. Despite the health benefits, youngsters today tend to choose other unhealthy drinks like soda or flavored drinks instead of milk. This is because other drinks taste sweeter and have stronger flavors -- both appealing to young people. People of all ages, especially growing children and adolescents, should drink plenty of milk. And in order for people to start getting into the habit of drinking it, they first have to realize why they have to choose milk over other unhealthy drinks.

18. It provides calciumMilk is a great source of calcium. Calcium plays a crucial role in keeping the bones strong and healthy. You've probably heard your parents tell you that milk makes you taller. Although experts and professionals disagree on this claim, they all agree on the fact that calcium makes the bones stronger. Facilitates sleepIf you have trouble falling asleep at night, drinking a warm cup of milk can be a solution. Milk contains a sleep inducing amino acid called tryptophan. So after drinking milk, you might start feeling sleepy and drowsy. Besides, warm milk can help you feel relaxed by easing nervousness and providing a feeling of comfort. These two reasons combined can facilitate sleep.

19. Helps lose weightA recent study conducted at McMaster University in Canada showed that drinking two cups of milk after exercise helps cut fat and build muscles in women. As for men, drinking two cups of milk helps their muscles grow stronger. Whether a man or a woman, more muscles is always a plus. Also, another study revealed that drinking milk for breakfast helps maintain weight as well. Drinking milk in the morning has the same effect as eating breakfast, helping people stay lean. Skipping breakfast is one of the main causes of weight gain because if you don't eat breakfast, you tend to overeat for lunch.

20. Prevents diseasesMilk helps prevent many diseases by strengthening the immune system. If you have a stronger immune system, it means that your body is able to fight back viruses and bacteria much faster. One major disease prevented by milk consumption is osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is when your bones become brittle and fracture easily. Since the calcium in milk makes your bones stronger, it's less likely that you'll come down with osteoporosis.

21. National dishes of the world What country instantly pops up in your mind when you hear the word sushi? What about pizza? If you've answered Japan and Italy, you've got them right. Like sushi of Japan and pizza of Italy, most countries are represented by national dishes that are well-liked and commonly eaten by the people of that country. Take a look at kimchi, one of the most popular Korean side dishes, eaten by almost every Korean.

22. Sometimes national dishes go international and become favorite cuisines. For example, Korea's kimchi, bibimbab and bulgogi are popular around the world. Kimchi was even picked among the "World's Healthiest Foods" by Health magazine in 2006. Which foreign foods are popular in Korea?

23. Pizza Pizza originated from Italy. It probably ranks at the top when it comes to popular foreign foods among Koreans. It's so popular that it's hard to count the number of pizzerias across the nation. In Korea, there are many different variations of pizza that diverge from the original Italian style. For example, the bulgogi pizza, a popular variation here, would be something unfamiliar to Italians. Popular American pizzerias in Korea include Pizza Hut, Domino's and Papa John's Pizza. Popular domestic brands are Mr. Pizza and Pizza Etang.

24. Kebab Kebab restaurants have recently grown in number in Korea. The kebab is a multicultural food found in many countries, but the Turkish kebab is probably the most popular. A kebab can either be chunks of meat wrapped in thin bread or chunks of meat served on plates. The meat used in a kebab can be grilled, roasted or stewed. Popular Turkish kebab restaurants include Mr. Kebab and Pasha.

25. Curry Many South Asian countries eat curry, but the Indian style is the most widely known curry in the world. Indian curry is different from Korean curry in several ways. Most importantly, they taste differently because Indian curry has many flavors and tends to be stronger and spicier. Many Indian-style curries usually have meat in them, but the main ingredient of Korean curry is vegetables. Also, Indian curries are typically eaten with a traditional flatbread called naan or sometimes rice, but Korean curry is eaten with only rice. Koreans have always liked curry and many people seem to enjoy the Indian variation as well. One of the most popular Indian restaurants is Ganga.

26. 94-year-old woman graduates from college A 94-year-old woman received her degree at Mills College in Oakland, California on May 15. "It's taken me quite a long time because I've had a busy life," said Hazel Soares. "I'm finally achieving it, and it makes me feel really good." Soares was born in California in 1915. She graduated from high school in 1932, but was not able to enter college due to the Great Depression. She enrolled in college after retiring from work and finally received her degree. "We are really amazed and very proud of my mom," Associated Press quoted Regina Hungerford, Soares‘ youngest child, as saying.

27. Rain, Kim Yu-na included on Time magazine list Two Korean superstars -- Rain and Kim Yu-na -- were included on Time magazine’s poll for the 100 most influential people in the world in 2010. Other candidates include U.S. President Barack Obama, U.S. pop and style icon Lady Gaga and talk show host Oprah Winfrey. Rain has appeared on the list since 2006. This is Kim’s first time on the list. As of April 6, Rain and Kim was ranked No. 3 and 2 respectively.

28. Oldest American dies at 114 Mary Josephine Ray, the oldest American, died at the age of 114 at a nursing home in Westmoreland, New Hampshire, United States. According to Ray’s granddaughter, Ray was energetic until two weeks before her death. “She just enjoyed life. She never thought of dying at all,” said her granddaughter. “She was planning for her birthday party.” Ray was born on May 17, 1895 in Canada and moved to the United States when she was three. She is survived by two sons, eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.