Today's News..

1. KOSPI closed above 2,000-point level for the first time yesterday, as investor sentiment was buoyed by news that Moody's Investors Service upgraded Korea's soverein credit rating one notch to A-2..

*soverein credit rating국가 신용 등급..

2. Unionized metal workers called off their strike yesterday, after management agreed to raise minimum wages and consult with labor before making any decisions that could affect job security..

*minimum wages: 최저임금..

3. The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to select 15 districts as "Global Zones" where many foreiners reside and to support them with foreinger-freindly adminstrative services in order to develope Seoul into a global city.

4. Korea was defeated 3-4 in a penalty shootout in a Asian Cup semi-final match against Iraq, ending the hopes of claiming the title for the first time in 47 years..


Waistline Reflects Risk of Heart Disease and Diabetes..

Being overweight is not all the same.. A new study shows that a high amount of fat in the waistline and high triglyceride levels signals a substantial increase in risk for heart disease and diabetes, regardless of body mass index or BMI. BMI a ratio between height and weight, and is often used to measure obesity. The amount of fat in the belly is a bigger indicator of future risk that overall fat. In addition, a healthy heart and lungs were found to have a strong correlation with less belly fat. The study shows the need for physical activity to trim belly fat in order to reduce the risk for hearth disease regardless of factors such as BMI. Instead of focusing on lowering BMI as the main goal of excerise, look for a shrinking waistline..



A car at your beck and call..

Near San Francisco, a car is slowly driving down the street, but no one is in the driver's seat. At the 2007 Darpa Challenge, to be held October, artificial intelligence will be put to the test, navigating, avoiding other cars and following traffic rules, all by themselves. With over half a million dollars worth of sensor on the roof, Junior is a clear favorite. It can scan its vicinity and reach current average speeds in the city. Cars can now stay on the road and avoid crashing into objects, but the main challenge is programming the cars not to be overly cautious. The cars break too often, even when they detect the falling leaf but in the end, statistics show that these cars may be more reliable that human driving..



From Morning Special..