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MARSHALLESE LIFE: JOURNEY TO HEALTH
Today, following a three-hour test, I received my black belt in karate. But, that's not the whole story.
The story is really about a journey -- from illness to health, from despair to hope. By sharing what I went through, I want to encourage those who face the same challenges.
In December of 2003, I was overweight, and my diabetes was out of control.
The following March, I made two decisions that changed my life: to eat right and exercise. I joined a karate class, and under the direction of Sensei Jason Stanley (4th Dan), began to move through the traditional karate program. Exercise that began with a simple walk, turned to a full-fledge routine of karate, working with weights, and cycling.
On May 3, 2008 I tested for my black belt in karate. But, as I said, that is not the whole story. I worked hard, not for the belt, but for my health. I encourage fellow Marshallese, not to wait, but begin on their own roads to health, today.
- (Photos by Jessica Rowa; story & graphic by Aenet Rowa)
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 Marshall Islands at the Olympics: The Roman Cress Story
Jay Weiner, of the Minneapolis Post, began his Olympics coverage today with the story of local south Minneapolis boy, who was born in the Marshall Islands. Roman Cress competed at South High and went on to set track records at the University of St. Thomas, all the while fantasizing about becoming an Olympian, said Weiner. Now, he will be one of five athletes competing for the Marshall Islands at the Olympics.
"It's the country of his ancestors, and all things considered, he deserves it."
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| Read full article: 'Marshall Islands at the Olympics: The Roman Cress Story' |
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 Marshallese in the News at Home and Abroad
Della W. Nakamoto, originally from the Marshall Islands, is Vice President and Account Executive Insurance Services for the Bank of Hawaii. Her article, "Are You Insured Against Employee Lawsuits?" is featured in this month's Hawaii Business Magazine. Read more about this and other Marshallese updates:
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| Read full article: 'Marshallese in the News at Home and Abroad' |
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Marshallese Life: Black Belt a Bonus on Journey to Health
Today, following a three-hour test, I received my black belt in karate.
But that's not the only focus of this article. This story is really about a journey -- from illness to health, from despair to hope. By sharing what I went through, I want to encourage those who face the same challenges.
I'm from the Marshall Islands, born on Ebeye, raised on Majuro, and predisposed to certain lifestyle diseases.
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| Read full article: 'Black Belt a Bonus on Journey to Health' |
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 Marshall Islands Report Emphasizes "Holistic" Approach in Education
A summary report and action plan of last year's Rethinking Education in the Marshall Islands conference was submitted to the Marshall Islands Government by Secretary of Education Biram Stege in February 2008. Conference participants agreed that skills and knowledge are needed to be globally competitive in the 21st century, but equally important was education that promotes and preserves the Marshallese identity.
"Several projects are expected to start soon, including incorporating Marshallese skills into our regular academic programs in elementary and secondary schools, and major improvements to the materials provided for our Marshallese Language Arts classes," reported Secretary Stege on behalf of the Conference Committee.
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| Read full article: 'Marshall Islands Report Emphasizes "Holistic" Approach in Education' |
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 Marshall Islands Organization Formed to Support Soldiers
A new non-profit organization will be chartered in the Republic of the Marshall Islands in the upcoming days. The non profit, Mije which is an old Marshallese word that means "to stand behind or support", will provide a support network for all the Marshallese soldiers serving in all branches of the U.S Armed Forces, their families, and friends.
Mije's first event will be a benefit concert, featuring various local bands, scheduled for May 17, 2008 at the RRE Marketplace.
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| Read full article: 'Marshall Islands Organization Formed to Support Soldiers' |
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 Bikini Atoll Attorney Provides Updates on Appeal Process
On Friday, April 25, my legal team filed our 36-page reply to the U.S. Government's 62-page brief in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit urging reversal of the decision of Judge Miller of the US Court of Federal Claims. No more briefs are due to be filed, although the court can, at any time, direct the parties to file briefs on specific questions, as Judge Miller did after oral argument earlier this year.
The next step will be oral argument before the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. These arguments are typically short. It's much too early to predict, but my guess would be that the most we could hope for would be 30 minutes for Bikini, 30 minutes for Enewetak, and one hour for the government including rebuttal time. It may well be that the argument will be shorter than that.
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| Read full article: 'Bikini Atoll Attorney Provides Updates on Appeal Process' |
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 Approved Omnibus Bill Includes Compact of Free Association Amendments
Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed, S.2739, the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008, which includes provisions impacting Northern Pacific Islands. After forty minutes of debate, on motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, the House voted 291 - 117.
The omnibus package, approved by the Senate earlier this month, combines bills supporting programs and activities in the Department of the Interior, the Forest Service, and the Department of Energy. Also, included in S. 2739, are The Northern Mariana Islands Immigration, Security and Labor Act (ISLA), the Northern Mariana Islands Delegate Act, and a bill to amend the Compact of Free Association Amendments Act of 2003.
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| Read full article: 'Approved Omnibus Bill Includes Compact of Free Association Amendments' |
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Oregon Marshallese Community Announces May Day Plans
The Marshallese community of Oregon are delighted to open this invitation to all Marshallese brothers and sisters from other state to attend the annual May Day celebration.
The 2008 events, which commemorate the 29th anniversary of RMI’s Consitution, will be held, Saturday, May 24th and Monday, May 26th, at Crossler Middle School, Salem, Oregon, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day.
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| Read full article: 'Oregon Marshallese Community Announces May Day Plans' |
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Writing Contest Promotes Marshallese Culture
The Oregon Marshallese Community (OMC) is proud to announce to all parents and students in grades 4 through 12 that OMC will host a writing contest named “Jeje Kapeel.” OMC extends a hearty welcome to all students meeting the class criteria (4-12) to submit an essay for this writing contest, “Jeje Kapeel.”
"It’s mainly to help students learn about the Marshallese culture and to encourage dialogue with children and the older generation," said Maria Green, OMC Health and Education Director.
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| Read full article: 'Writing Contest Promotes Marshallese Culture' |
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Marshall Islands Tourism Agency Announces Upcoming Events
Last week, the Marshall Islands Visitors Authority (MIVA) announced its programs and tourism-related events for April through June. Highlights include the nation-wide Constitution Anniversary (May Day) Festivities on May 1-3 and the famed Ailinglaplap Canoe Race and Fishing Tournament on May 9-10. The Marshalls will also host several meetings, eco-tourism groups, and media visits.
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| Read full article: 'Marshall Islands Tourism Agency Announces Upcoming Events' |
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Taiwan Dispatches New Medical Team to Marshall Islands
A new medical team from Taiwan arrived in the Marshall Islands on April 21 for a two-week mission with the Ministry of Health and hospitals on the main urban centers of Majuro and Ebeye.
Medical services were provided to the Marshallese residents of Ebeye, Kwajalein, before the team flew to the capital atoll of Majuro. Services for Majuro residents are scheduled to begin April 28, according to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Embassy.
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| Read full article: 'Taiwan Dispatches New Medical Team to Marshall Islands' |
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 Introduction to "Marshall Islands String Music"
Marshallese string band music returned to center stage with the release last year of a new, 23 track, audio CD entitled “Moonlight Leta Volume I: "Musical Transitions."
Now, Marshall Islands Music & Arts Society has provided an introduction of string music favorites to Yokwe Online. Clips of all 17 original string band story “bwebwenato” and love “iakwe” songs and 6 contemporary tunes by 3 Majuro ukulele boys bands are included in this special presentation.
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| Read full article: 'Introduction to "Marshall Islands String Music"' |
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Majuro Co-op to Open New High School Program
Majuro Cooperative School, in Majuro, Marshall Islands, will offer a high school entrance exam for its new ninth grade this Friday, April 26. The new High School will open in August 2008, with high school programming offered to ninth graders. Tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grades will be added over the course of the next three years.
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| Read full article: 'Majuro Co-op to Open New High School Program' |
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