Sunday, November 28, 2010
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Departmental Review
The "Let's Blow Shit Up" Dept.:
Breaking News!!
North Korea, wigging out over South Korean military exercises off the west coast of the Korean Penisula, dropped a truckload of artillery shells on the tiny island of Yeongpyeong yesterday afternoon. Following closely on the heels of the Cheonan incident last spring (Korean Navy corvette sunk by DPRK torpedo with the loss of 46 ROK sailors), this latest incident has inflamed tensions to an all time high. Needless to say, there is much hand-wringing and consternation across the penninsula. I'm sure that the photos and news footage of the burning island town has brought back some unwanted memories amoung the survivors of the last Korean war.
While this is a serous crisis, I really don't feel that there is that much to worry about. All the parties involed are acting consistently with past inter-Korean crises. In other words, the DPRK propaganda machine continues to spit bile and brain-torturing hyperbole, while the ROK calls for action and restraint at the same time. The western community, mainly the US, "condemns" the action in "the strongest possible terms" while China calls for more restraint. I would love to be a fly on the wall in one of the Chinese defense meetings whenever the DPRK pulls one of these stunts. They must feel that North Korea is like the recalcitrant child who is too old to spank but not responsible enough to move out of the house.
In the meantime, until the North lobs a few shells into Seoul or Incheon, I see no reason for undue concern.
The "Where did THAT come from?" Dept.:
The Redskins managed to pull off a gritty, impressive 19-16 OT victory against the Tennessee Titans Sunday. This is impressive for a number of reasons; the first of which is that the Skins managed to regroup after getting their asses handed to them by the Eagles last Monday night. However, the most impressive thing was that the Skins accomplished this feat with after losing 12, count 'em, 12 players to injury during the game. The Skins used a patchwork O-line made up of 2nd and 3rd stringers (at one point considering playing a 4th string rookie tight end at guard) that put up one of the most impressive performances of the year. Donovan McNabb, despite being sacked three times, was provided with some of the best protection he's seen all year, and Keiland Williams, the third string running back was given decent running room for a change.
Hopefully, the passion and drive shown against the Titans will carry over to this weeks game against the reeling Vikings. The Vikings worry me because this will be there first game after Brad Childress got fired. If the dallas Cowboys are any indication, the Skins could be up against a fired up Vikings team looking to impress a new coach. Can you say "trap" game?
The "Total Waste of Time" Dept.:
It's almost 6:30am, and I need to get ready for my first class, which is at 7:00. I'm not really in any big hurry simply because these days NONE OF THE DAMN STUDENTS ARE BOTHERING TO SHOW UP!!! This, of course, burns my ass because I have to be there at Oh Dark:Thirty for a one hour class after which, I have no classes until 4pm. ARRRGH!
Breaking News!!
North Korea, wigging out over South Korean military exercises off the west coast of the Korean Penisula, dropped a truckload of artillery shells on the tiny island of Yeongpyeong yesterday afternoon. Following closely on the heels of the Cheonan incident last spring (Korean Navy corvette sunk by DPRK torpedo with the loss of 46 ROK sailors), this latest incident has inflamed tensions to an all time high. Needless to say, there is much hand-wringing and consternation across the penninsula. I'm sure that the photos and news footage of the burning island town has brought back some unwanted memories amoung the survivors of the last Korean war.
While this is a serous crisis, I really don't feel that there is that much to worry about. All the parties involed are acting consistently with past inter-Korean crises. In other words, the DPRK propaganda machine continues to spit bile and brain-torturing hyperbole, while the ROK calls for action and restraint at the same time. The western community, mainly the US, "condemns" the action in "the strongest possible terms" while China calls for more restraint. I would love to be a fly on the wall in one of the Chinese defense meetings whenever the DPRK pulls one of these stunts. They must feel that North Korea is like the recalcitrant child who is too old to spank but not responsible enough to move out of the house.
In the meantime, until the North lobs a few shells into Seoul or Incheon, I see no reason for undue concern.
The "Where did THAT come from?" Dept.:
The Redskins managed to pull off a gritty, impressive 19-16 OT victory against the Tennessee Titans Sunday. This is impressive for a number of reasons; the first of which is that the Skins managed to regroup after getting their asses handed to them by the Eagles last Monday night. However, the most impressive thing was that the Skins accomplished this feat with after losing 12, count 'em, 12 players to injury during the game. The Skins used a patchwork O-line made up of 2nd and 3rd stringers (at one point considering playing a 4th string rookie tight end at guard) that put up one of the most impressive performances of the year. Donovan McNabb, despite being sacked three times, was provided with some of the best protection he's seen all year, and Keiland Williams, the third string running back was given decent running room for a change.
Hopefully, the passion and drive shown against the Titans will carry over to this weeks game against the reeling Vikings. The Vikings worry me because this will be there first game after Brad Childress got fired. If the dallas Cowboys are any indication, the Skins could be up against a fired up Vikings team looking to impress a new coach. Can you say "trap" game?
The "Total Waste of Time" Dept.:
It's almost 6:30am, and I need to get ready for my first class, which is at 7:00. I'm not really in any big hurry simply because these days NONE OF THE DAMN STUDENTS ARE BOTHERING TO SHOW UP!!! This, of course, burns my ass because I have to be there at Oh Dark:Thirty for a one hour class after which, I have no classes until 4pm. ARRRGH!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Faith Alone
Bad Religion - Faith Alone
Heard a sermon from a creaky pulpit with no one in the nave
I paid a visit to the synagogue and I left there feeling blame
No one could tell me what to do, they had no the capacity to answer me
What the world needs now is some answers to our problems
We can't buy more time 'cause our tender isn't valid
If your soul needs love you can get consoled by pity
But it loks as though faith alone won't sustain us no more
Watched scientist throw up their hands conceding, "progress will resolve it all"
Saw the manufactureers of earth's debris ignore another Green Peace call
No one could tell me what to do, no one had the ability to answer me
Whet the world needs now is some accountability
We can't buy more time 'cause time won't accept our money
If your soul needs love, you can always have my pity
But it looks as though faith alone won't sustain us no more
What the world needs now is some answers to our problems
We can't buy more time 'cause our tender isn't valid
What the world needs now is a\some accountability
If you soul needs love, you can get consoled by pity
But faith alone, won't sustsain us any more.
Heard a sermon from a creaky pulpit with no one in the nave
I paid a visit to the synagogue and I left there feeling blame
No one could tell me what to do, they had no the capacity to answer me
What the world needs now is some answers to our problems
We can't buy more time 'cause our tender isn't valid
If your soul needs love you can get consoled by pity
But it loks as though faith alone won't sustain us no more
Watched scientist throw up their hands conceding, "progress will resolve it all"
Saw the manufactureers of earth's debris ignore another Green Peace call
No one could tell me what to do, no one had the ability to answer me
Whet the world needs now is some accountability
We can't buy more time 'cause time won't accept our money
If your soul needs love, you can always have my pity
But it looks as though faith alone won't sustain us no more
What the world needs now is some answers to our problems
We can't buy more time 'cause our tender isn't valid
What the world needs now is a\some accountability
If you soul needs love, you can get consoled by pity
But faith alone, won't sustsain us any more.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Beyond Embarrassing
Washington 28 - Philadelphia 59
Monday night, QB with a whopping new contract, and coming off a bye week to play a hated divisional rival at home. This is a game that, as a team, you would get up for. A game that you'd be fired up and ready to prove a point after being manhandled by a podunk loser like Detroit two weeks ago. This is about Redskins PRIDE! This is to show all those discontented haters that the team is for real. This is to put all the insanity of the bye week in the past.
If "ifs" and "buts" were candy and nuts...
What happened? 35-0 by two minutes into the second quarter. 42-14 by the half. The Redskins didn't even get a first down until about halfway through the second quarter. I've never seen anything like it. The Redskins run twelve plays, the Eagles score FIVE TOUCHDOWNS!!!!! If I'm not mistaken, the Redskins fielded a defense today, but I'm not quite sure because IT WAS FUCKING INVISIBLE!!!
Who knows what's going to happen to the rest of the season? I predicted 8-8 when the season started, but I think I might have to revise my estimate. We still have to face a rejuvenated Dallas team once more, the Giants twice, and the Titans, Vikings, Bucs, and Jags. I'm beginning to think it might be a miracle if the Skins actually win one more.
Unbelievably pathetic.
Monday night, QB with a whopping new contract, and coming off a bye week to play a hated divisional rival at home. This is a game that, as a team, you would get up for. A game that you'd be fired up and ready to prove a point after being manhandled by a podunk loser like Detroit two weeks ago. This is about Redskins PRIDE! This is to show all those discontented haters that the team is for real. This is to put all the insanity of the bye week in the past.
If "ifs" and "buts" were candy and nuts...
What happened? 35-0 by two minutes into the second quarter. 42-14 by the half. The Redskins didn't even get a first down until about halfway through the second quarter. I've never seen anything like it. The Redskins run twelve plays, the Eagles score FIVE TOUCHDOWNS!!!!! If I'm not mistaken, the Redskins fielded a defense today, but I'm not quite sure because IT WAS FUCKING INVISIBLE!!!
Who knows what's going to happen to the rest of the season? I predicted 8-8 when the season started, but I think I might have to revise my estimate. We still have to face a rejuvenated Dallas team once more, the Giants twice, and the Titans, Vikings, Bucs, and Jags. I'm beginning to think it might be a miracle if the Skins actually win one more.
Unbelievably pathetic.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Be careful what you wish for; you just might get it.
I've been following the political news with the jaundiced eye of one who has come to the realisation that participating in the system is just about pointless. Don't get me wrong, I participate, but mostly to claim my right to bitch about stuff.
The Republicans and Tea Party folks are busy congratulating themselves and crowing about how they are going to change everything back to the way it was (which "was" they're shooting for is not quite clear, but they seem pretty happy). Hopefully, now that the Teapublicans have control of the House, maybe we, the people, will see some sort of shift towards compromise and progress. Progress of course meaning that Congress actually gets something, ANYTHING, accomplished. I'm not confident that this will happen. The fact is, in eighteen months, the very same people who voted for this new batch of congressional clowns are going to be screaming for the candidates heads because not a Goddamned thing will get done.
Now, for my completely partisan moment (Can you guess which side I'm on?):
If you voted conservative and are unemployed, I hope you saved those unemployment checks you've been getting. Unemployment benefits are going to be the first thing to go. Find yourself a nice comfy refrigerator box.
If you voted conservative, are unemployed, and uninsured. Don't get sick. Your local Tea Party rep. ain't gonna help you pay for your perscriptions. Provided, of course, you can afford to go to the doctor to get the perscription in the first place.
If you are unaffiliated with any political party, poor, and a minority (especially you pesky Muslims), run!
If you are a really rich, white, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant, NRA supporting, big business fat cat, congratulations pal! You just won the lottery!!!
...and so it goes!
The Republicans and Tea Party folks are busy congratulating themselves and crowing about how they are going to change everything back to the way it was (which "was" they're shooting for is not quite clear, but they seem pretty happy). Hopefully, now that the Teapublicans have control of the House, maybe we, the people, will see some sort of shift towards compromise and progress. Progress of course meaning that Congress actually gets something, ANYTHING, accomplished. I'm not confident that this will happen. The fact is, in eighteen months, the very same people who voted for this new batch of congressional clowns are going to be screaming for the candidates heads because not a Goddamned thing will get done.
Now, for my completely partisan moment (Can you guess which side I'm on?):
If you voted conservative and are unemployed, I hope you saved those unemployment checks you've been getting. Unemployment benefits are going to be the first thing to go. Find yourself a nice comfy refrigerator box.
If you voted conservative, are unemployed, and uninsured. Don't get sick. Your local Tea Party rep. ain't gonna help you pay for your perscriptions. Provided, of course, you can afford to go to the doctor to get the perscription in the first place.
If you are unaffiliated with any political party, poor, and a minority (especially you pesky Muslims), run!
If you are a really rich, white, Anglo-Saxon, Protestant, NRA supporting, big business fat cat, congratulations pal! You just won the lottery!!!
...and so it goes!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Oh man, that was bad.
Washington 25 - Detroit 37
I've seen some ugly games from the Skins in the past couple of years, but today's game against Detroit was horrifying. The defense wasn't too bad getting a couple of turnovers and keeping the team in the game most of the way, but also got flagged for some stupid penalties in clutch situations which directly led to Detroit points.
I don't know if words can describe the offense. McNabb was under siege since the first snap, and the running game was once again non-existent. In the strangest turn of events, when the game was winding down, 1:45 left, the Skins down by six McNabb gets pulled for Rex Grossman who immediately fumbles the ball and ends the game. Grossman????? There should be tons of speculation about THAT move. Anyway, the Skins lost a game they should have won.
Only good thing is that the Redskins have a bye week coming up. Maybe they can find a solution for whatever it is that ails them, but I'm not holding my breath.
I've seen some ugly games from the Skins in the past couple of years, but today's game against Detroit was horrifying. The defense wasn't too bad getting a couple of turnovers and keeping the team in the game most of the way, but also got flagged for some stupid penalties in clutch situations which directly led to Detroit points.
I don't know if words can describe the offense. McNabb was under siege since the first snap, and the running game was once again non-existent. In the strangest turn of events, when the game was winding down, 1:45 left, the Skins down by six McNabb gets pulled for Rex Grossman who immediately fumbles the ball and ends the game. Grossman????? There should be tons of speculation about THAT move. Anyway, the Skins lost a game they should have won.
Only good thing is that the Redskins have a bye week coming up. Maybe they can find a solution for whatever it is that ails them, but I'm not holding my breath.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Sick and Tired...
I'm sick and tired of a political system that no longer allows for actual governing to take place. Where vitriol, hate, and simple pig-headedness trump reason and rational discourse. A system where how much money is raised for a campaign is more important than the issues.
I'm sick and tired of the gun lobby which has so much power it can prohibit the ATF from forcing gun dealers and manufacturers to TAKE INVENTORY despite a record number of guns "gone missing" from stocks. All this because the NRA says taking inventory will add unreasonable costs to businesses and consumers. Huh? How much does it cost to send an employee into the stock room with a list and a clipboard to count stuff?
I'm sick and tired of rude people. I'm sick and tired of people who constantly offer unsolicited advice. I'm sick and tired of bureaucrats that don't have a clue what they're doing. I'm sick and tired of stupidity and misplaced arrogance; of people talking when they have absolutely nothing to say.
I'm sick and tired of, well, being sick and tired. I'm on my second cold in three weeks, and it's pissing me off. I'm sick and tired of taking handfuls of pills (8 pills three times a day at the moment) and HOPING they work. I mean, what ever happened to the good old shot in the ass with an antibiotic blast that would cure you and the person sitting next to you?
I'm sick and tired of the gun lobby which has so much power it can prohibit the ATF from forcing gun dealers and manufacturers to TAKE INVENTORY despite a record number of guns "gone missing" from stocks. All this because the NRA says taking inventory will add unreasonable costs to businesses and consumers. Huh? How much does it cost to send an employee into the stock room with a list and a clipboard to count stuff?
I'm sick and tired of rude people. I'm sick and tired of people who constantly offer unsolicited advice. I'm sick and tired of bureaucrats that don't have a clue what they're doing. I'm sick and tired of stupidity and misplaced arrogance; of people talking when they have absolutely nothing to say.
I'm sick and tired of, well, being sick and tired. I'm on my second cold in three weeks, and it's pissing me off. I'm sick and tired of taking handfuls of pills (8 pills three times a day at the moment) and HOPING they work. I mean, what ever happened to the good old shot in the ass with an antibiotic blast that would cure you and the person sitting next to you?
I'm just sick and tired.
So it goes.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Start stocking up on Non-perishable goods because the end is near!
WASHINGTON 16 - GREEN BAY 13
I predicted after the debacle against the Rams in week 2 that the Redskins were going to need basically an act of God to win even two of their next six games. Somehow the Redskins have managed to pull of wins against the Eagles, and even more mind boggling, a win today against Green Bay.
I think the new Redskins motto is "WIN UGLY!" Both against the Eagles and Packers the offense did just enough to keep things interesting, and the defense gave up yards but no points. In fact, the Redskins D played pretty inspired ball today. You have to give any defense that holds the Packers to a measely 13 points some credit.
I don't know what the Skins are going to do about their offense. They couldn't run for shit and if McNabb doesn't spend at least part of this coming week in traction it'll be a miracle. The biggest play of the game was the play where Packer OLB Clay Matthews went out with a hamstring injury. Up until that point, Matthews and the Packer's D had been in McNabb's face and were beating him up pretty good. After Matthews went out, McNabb seemed to have a bit more time to throw, and the Skins started moving the ball a bit (not much, but enough. Anyway, the Skins managed to score 10 oints in the 4th quarter to send it into overtime.
A missed Packer field goal, a brilliant interception by LaRon Landry, and a couple of runs by McNabb in OT, and the Skins staggered away with a victory.
The Redskins face Indy, Chicago, and Detroit in the coming weeks, and, after today, I haven't a clue what's going to happen.
GO REDSKINS!!
I predicted after the debacle against the Rams in week 2 that the Redskins were going to need basically an act of God to win even two of their next six games. Somehow the Redskins have managed to pull of wins against the Eagles, and even more mind boggling, a win today against Green Bay.
I think the new Redskins motto is "WIN UGLY!" Both against the Eagles and Packers the offense did just enough to keep things interesting, and the defense gave up yards but no points. In fact, the Redskins D played pretty inspired ball today. You have to give any defense that holds the Packers to a measely 13 points some credit.
I don't know what the Skins are going to do about their offense. They couldn't run for shit and if McNabb doesn't spend at least part of this coming week in traction it'll be a miracle. The biggest play of the game was the play where Packer OLB Clay Matthews went out with a hamstring injury. Up until that point, Matthews and the Packer's D had been in McNabb's face and were beating him up pretty good. After Matthews went out, McNabb seemed to have a bit more time to throw, and the Skins started moving the ball a bit (not much, but enough. Anyway, the Skins managed to score 10 oints in the 4th quarter to send it into overtime.
A missed Packer field goal, a brilliant interception by LaRon Landry, and a couple of runs by McNabb in OT, and the Skins staggered away with a victory.
The Redskins face Indy, Chicago, and Detroit in the coming weeks, and, after today, I haven't a clue what's going to happen.
GO REDSKINS!!
Monday, September 27, 2010
Want to look like a Super Bowl caliber team? Play the Redskins
Redskins 16 - Rams 30
I'm...I'm...hell...I don't know what I am. I guess stunned might be a good word. Stunned but not surprised. I knew the Skins were going to lose the minute the Gano booted the opening kick out of bounds. How did I know? I knew because the Redskins havea history of making bad teams look like Super Bowl contenders. Against the Skins a struggling rookie QB, in this case Sam Bradford, can look like Joe Montana. Against the Skins, a struggling team, in this case the St. Louis Rams (who have won maybe 5 games in the last three seasons), can look like The Greatest Show On Turf.
This game was simply ugly from the beginning as the Rams quickly went up by 14 points. There was some spark in the Skins but a weird sputtering, "there's a short in the wiring" kind of spark. In one of the strangest moments of the game, Clinton Portis broke of a 29 yard run, but then simply fell down as defenders closed on him. Since when did CP, who has been know to throw himself bodily at defenders twice his size in pass protection, suddenly become gun shy? This team is going to make me a crazy person this year. Whether the level of crazy remains the usual "What the F*** are they doing" crazy or ratchets up to true Redskins psychosis is yet to be seen.
At the beginning of the season I felt that the Skins might be an 8-8 team at best. I have to revise that prediction. The Skins schedule leading up to the bye is as follows: Eagles, Packers, Colts, Bears, and Lions. In an alternate universe, the Skins win two for sure (Bears and Lions), maybe take the Eagles, and play well but lose to the Packers and Colts. In this universe it is perfectly possible for the Skins to head into the bye at 1-8. I'd count it as a major miracle if the Skins come away with victories against Chicago and Detroit. If they win against Philly, Green Bay, or Indy, I'm stocking up on canned goods and building a fall out shelter because, face it folks, if that happens, the end is near.
I'm...I'm...hell...I don't know what I am. I guess stunned might be a good word. Stunned but not surprised. I knew the Skins were going to lose the minute the Gano booted the opening kick out of bounds. How did I know? I knew because the Redskins havea history of making bad teams look like Super Bowl contenders. Against the Skins a struggling rookie QB, in this case Sam Bradford, can look like Joe Montana. Against the Skins, a struggling team, in this case the St. Louis Rams (who have won maybe 5 games in the last three seasons), can look like The Greatest Show On Turf.
This game was simply ugly from the beginning as the Rams quickly went up by 14 points. There was some spark in the Skins but a weird sputtering, "there's a short in the wiring" kind of spark. In one of the strangest moments of the game, Clinton Portis broke of a 29 yard run, but then simply fell down as defenders closed on him. Since when did CP, who has been know to throw himself bodily at defenders twice his size in pass protection, suddenly become gun shy? This team is going to make me a crazy person this year. Whether the level of crazy remains the usual "What the F*** are they doing" crazy or ratchets up to true Redskins psychosis is yet to be seen.
At the beginning of the season I felt that the Skins might be an 8-8 team at best. I have to revise that prediction. The Skins schedule leading up to the bye is as follows: Eagles, Packers, Colts, Bears, and Lions. In an alternate universe, the Skins win two for sure (Bears and Lions), maybe take the Eagles, and play well but lose to the Packers and Colts. In this universe it is perfectly possible for the Skins to head into the bye at 1-8. I'd count it as a major miracle if the Skins come away with victories against Chicago and Detroit. If they win against Philly, Green Bay, or Indy, I'm stocking up on canned goods and building a fall out shelter because, face it folks, if that happens, the end is near.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Snatching Defeat from the Jaws of Victory
WASHINGTON 27 - HOUSTON 30
In an amazing football juxtaposition, the Redskins managed to look better and worse at the same time. The offense stepped up and the defense stepped down.
It is beyond obvious that Donovan McNabb makes the Skins instantly better and that he is definitely not "done" as the Eagles seem to have thought. Find him a running game, and the Skins might actually have something.
The real surprise was the Skins D. While no one was expecting them to totally stop the high flying Texans offense, neither did anyone expect them to give up 500+ yards to Matt Schaub and company. A perennial top 10 defense, the Skins, with the exception of LaRon Landry, Brian Orakpo, and London Fletcher, looked decidedly pedestrian.
Both the Skins offense and defense had chances to win the game, but, as has been the case for too many years, couldn't come through in the end. Despite the loss, it was a fun game to watch. If this is a Redskins team truly on the mend, then I pity the St. Louis Rams next week.
...And so it goes.
In an amazing football juxtaposition, the Redskins managed to look better and worse at the same time. The offense stepped up and the defense stepped down.
It is beyond obvious that Donovan McNabb makes the Skins instantly better and that he is definitely not "done" as the Eagles seem to have thought. Find him a running game, and the Skins might actually have something.
The real surprise was the Skins D. While no one was expecting them to totally stop the high flying Texans offense, neither did anyone expect them to give up 500+ yards to Matt Schaub and company. A perennial top 10 defense, the Skins, with the exception of LaRon Landry, Brian Orakpo, and London Fletcher, looked decidedly pedestrian.
Both the Skins offense and defense had chances to win the game, but, as has been the case for too many years, couldn't come through in the end. Despite the loss, it was a fun game to watch. If this is a Redskins team truly on the mend, then I pity the St. Louis Rams next week.
...And so it goes.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Typhoon Kompasu and the Apathy Blues
It's coming on 6am in the Land of the Morning Calm, although it's not very calm as Typhoon Kompasu is rolling through, rattling the windows and doors and basically being a nuisance. The first big blast woke me around 4:30. Been up ever since.
I've been thinking about my posting something here for a while but just couldn't find the inspiration.
There's certainly a lot to get worked up about in the news these days. The politics of hate are alive and well in the US these days. The problem being that everyone's so focused on who they hate and why they hate them that no one's actually getting anything done. The US was built on compromise. The Constitution is a shining beacon to the value of compromise. It's what Americans are supposed to do well. When did the population become so blinkered and uncompromising? Of course, you can also check out the reader comments section in any online article about politics these days and be left wondering when the population got so terribly stupid.
I suppose you could blame the Republicans (fascist, right-wing, psychotic, religious nutbags) and their "Just Say No to EVERYTHING because Obama's President and We don't have Control of Congress" campaign. They make an easy target, but only because the mouth pieces of the conservative movement happen to be the ones screaming the loudest these days.
You could, I suppose, also blame the Democrats (Commie-pinko, Godless, liberal, tax and spend, tree-hugging scumsuckers) for...well...whatever it is that conservatives blame liberals for (I'm trying to be objective, but it's difficult). They make an easy target simply because they're so damn wimpy these days.
Regardless of who you blame, the fact remains that neither side could agree on the color of shit if it got dumped on their heads. It's getting old, and I'm pretty much beyond caring.
Even sport is without its clarion call these days. It's football season. Usually my favorite time of year. However, the Skins have been down so long that it's hard to work up any real excitement. Realistically, what's the best the Skins can do this season? I say 8-8. It's difficult to get hyped about 8-8. We ave yet ANOTHER new coach; yet ANOTHER new offensive and defensive scheme; yet ANOTHER off-season soap opera (Albert Haynesworth). Yawn.
The Nationals keep hope alive to a certain extent. The future does seem to be fairly bright. However, with their record at 57-76, which amazingly enough is an improvement over last year, is not something to inspire much of anything, really. The only thing Nats fans can hope for this season is that the team doesn't end up in LAST place in the entire league. Sigh
Well, it appears the wind has died down, so I can go back to bed and see if there is any inspiration buried in my sub-conscious.
...And so it goes.
I've been thinking about my posting something here for a while but just couldn't find the inspiration.
There's certainly a lot to get worked up about in the news these days. The politics of hate are alive and well in the US these days. The problem being that everyone's so focused on who they hate and why they hate them that no one's actually getting anything done. The US was built on compromise. The Constitution is a shining beacon to the value of compromise. It's what Americans are supposed to do well. When did the population become so blinkered and uncompromising? Of course, you can also check out the reader comments section in any online article about politics these days and be left wondering when the population got so terribly stupid.
I suppose you could blame the Republicans (fascist, right-wing, psychotic, religious nutbags) and their "Just Say No to EVERYTHING because Obama's President and We don't have Control of Congress" campaign. They make an easy target, but only because the mouth pieces of the conservative movement happen to be the ones screaming the loudest these days.
You could, I suppose, also blame the Democrats (Commie-pinko, Godless, liberal, tax and spend, tree-hugging scumsuckers) for...well...whatever it is that conservatives blame liberals for (I'm trying to be objective, but it's difficult). They make an easy target simply because they're so damn wimpy these days.
Regardless of who you blame, the fact remains that neither side could agree on the color of shit if it got dumped on their heads. It's getting old, and I'm pretty much beyond caring.
Even sport is without its clarion call these days. It's football season. Usually my favorite time of year. However, the Skins have been down so long that it's hard to work up any real excitement. Realistically, what's the best the Skins can do this season? I say 8-8. It's difficult to get hyped about 8-8. We ave yet ANOTHER new coach; yet ANOTHER new offensive and defensive scheme; yet ANOTHER off-season soap opera (Albert Haynesworth). Yawn.
The Nationals keep hope alive to a certain extent. The future does seem to be fairly bright. However, with their record at 57-76, which amazingly enough is an improvement over last year, is not something to inspire much of anything, really. The only thing Nats fans can hope for this season is that the team doesn't end up in LAST place in the entire league. Sigh
Well, it appears the wind has died down, so I can go back to bed and see if there is any inspiration buried in my sub-conscious.
...And so it goes.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Not smoking and the trip through the looking glass.
I have not smoked in one full month (applause). This, according to everyone living: smokers, non-smokers, men, women, young and old, is a good thing. Well, let me tell you something. For something that is supposed to be good, I certainly feel like shit. I mean really, it's been a month. What gives? I figured I'd see some change; feel some positive difference. No. I feel worse.
Being the rational person that I am (stop snickering), I did a search on the side effects of quitting smoking cold turkey. I visited several sites, and they all pretty much said the same thing. Intial symptoms of nicotine withdrawal are irritability and depression. Well, FUCK YOU! I'm happy as a fucking clam! Goddamnit! The sites mention that sleep and even dreams can be affected. Death has stalked my subconscious literally since the day I stopped smoking. My dreams are a nightmare collage of plague, famine, and war with fields, bogs, and cities strewn with piles of bloated, decaying corpses. Needless to say, I'm not getting the rest I need. Couple this with the fact that I can't breathe anymore (?!?), and I'm having a grand old time.
What solution do these sites propose? Drink lots of water and be patient. Oh. Well, thanks for that. That will help my irritability issues for sure!
Being the rational person that I am (stop snickering), I did a search on the side effects of quitting smoking cold turkey. I visited several sites, and they all pretty much said the same thing. Intial symptoms of nicotine withdrawal are irritability and depression. Well, FUCK YOU! I'm happy as a fucking clam! Goddamnit! The sites mention that sleep and even dreams can be affected. Death has stalked my subconscious literally since the day I stopped smoking. My dreams are a nightmare collage of plague, famine, and war with fields, bogs, and cities strewn with piles of bloated, decaying corpses. Needless to say, I'm not getting the rest I need. Couple this with the fact that I can't breathe anymore (?!?), and I'm having a grand old time.
What solution do these sites propose? Drink lots of water and be patient. Oh. Well, thanks for that. That will help my irritability issues for sure!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
D-DAY!!
I have spent the last few weeks getting my head around the idea, testing theories, methods, and feasibility. Well, D-Day has arrived:
TODAY I QUIT SMOKING!
To be honest, this isn't really a health decision as much as a financial one. I simply can't justify complaining about how broke I am while spending $30 a week on smokes! Sure, the health thing is a perk and coincides with the second part of my plan, which starts on D+3 when I start swimming.
The cigarette thing might not be that difficult this time around. I managed to survive this week, which was arguably the longest week of my life, with only one, count 'em, ONE, cigarette. That's down from two packs a day, so I figure I'm doin' pretty good.
My resolve will be sorely tested this weekend, as I plan to go into Daejeon and meet Ian for a night of decadence and debauchery. It's payday, and I haven't been out in three weeks. GAME ON!!! If I get through this weekend with my new-found virginity intact, I think I'll be good to go!
...and so it goes!
TODAY I QUIT SMOKING!
To be honest, this isn't really a health decision as much as a financial one. I simply can't justify complaining about how broke I am while spending $30 a week on smokes! Sure, the health thing is a perk and coincides with the second part of my plan, which starts on D+3 when I start swimming.
The cigarette thing might not be that difficult this time around. I managed to survive this week, which was arguably the longest week of my life, with only one, count 'em, ONE, cigarette. That's down from two packs a day, so I figure I'm doin' pretty good.
My resolve will be sorely tested this weekend, as I plan to go into Daejeon and meet Ian for a night of decadence and debauchery. It's payday, and I haven't been out in three weeks. GAME ON!!! If I get through this weekend with my new-found virginity intact, I think I'll be good to go!
...and so it goes!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
She's gone. I'm bummed.
I just got back from an interminably long, hot bus ride back from the airport after seeing Rebecca off. So, with the help of some really loud music and a few beers, I shall assuage my loneliness. Ok. Ok. That was terribly maudlin (and yes, I am listening to cheesy love songs), but I AM bummed.
We had a great week together. Rebecca hasn't been to Korea before so I had great plans to do some touristy stuff, which included seeing some of the temples and mountains and hiking around a bit. These plans were rather quickly dashed when Rebecca told me that the only hiking she wanted to do was up the escalator at any given department store or around the streets of shopping districts. I was fine with this because a) department stores are air conditioned and it's summer here in Korea, and b) Rebecca's idea of shopping with me was to to sit me down in a coffee shop or some such place and go off by herself! Hell, she left me in the Seoul Pub to go wander the stores of Itaewan! That's my kind of shopping. I LOVE this woman! We also went to see NANTA, which, if you live in Korea and haven't seen it, or you are coming to Korea, IT'S AN ABSOLUTE MUST! The show is so much fun. This was my third time seeing the show and it was just as great as the first.
We also did some exploring around Gongju and Daejeon. We went to Santa's of course because she wanted to see that hallowed temple of beer and good times. We spent a lot of time walking around, taking busses from place to place and, amazingly enough, have NOT ONE SINGLE PHOTO from the whole trip. Go figure!
Anyway, it was wonderful to have her here, even if only for a week. I'm going back to my beer and songs like this:
BABE - Styx
Babe, I'm leavin'
I must be on my way
The time is drawing near
My train is going
I see it in your eyes
The love, the need, the tears
But I'll be lonely without you
And I'll need your love to see me through
So please believe me
My heart is in your hands
And I'll be missing you
'Cause you know it's you babe
Whenever I get weary and I've had enough
Feel like giving up
You know it's you babe
Givin' me the courage and the strength I need
Please believe that it's true
Babe, I love you
Babe, I'm leavin'
I'll say it once again
And somehow try to smile
I know we're feeling
We're trying to forget
If only for a while
'Cause I'll be lonely without you
And I'll need your love to see me through
Please believe me
My heart is in your hands
'Cause I'll be missing you
Babe, I love you
Babe, I love you
...and so it goes.
We had a great week together. Rebecca hasn't been to Korea before so I had great plans to do some touristy stuff, which included seeing some of the temples and mountains and hiking around a bit. These plans were rather quickly dashed when Rebecca told me that the only hiking she wanted to do was up the escalator at any given department store or around the streets of shopping districts. I was fine with this because a) department stores are air conditioned and it's summer here in Korea, and b) Rebecca's idea of shopping with me was to to sit me down in a coffee shop or some such place and go off by herself! Hell, she left me in the Seoul Pub to go wander the stores of Itaewan! That's my kind of shopping. I LOVE this woman! We also went to see NANTA, which, if you live in Korea and haven't seen it, or you are coming to Korea, IT'S AN ABSOLUTE MUST! The show is so much fun. This was my third time seeing the show and it was just as great as the first.
We also did some exploring around Gongju and Daejeon. We went to Santa's of course because she wanted to see that hallowed temple of beer and good times. We spent a lot of time walking around, taking busses from place to place and, amazingly enough, have NOT ONE SINGLE PHOTO from the whole trip. Go figure!
Anyway, it was wonderful to have her here, even if only for a week. I'm going back to my beer and songs like this:
BABE - Styx
Babe, I'm leavin'
I must be on my way
The time is drawing near
My train is going
I see it in your eyes
The love, the need, the tears
But I'll be lonely without you
And I'll need your love to see me through
So please believe me
My heart is in your hands
And I'll be missing you
'Cause you know it's you babe
Whenever I get weary and I've had enough
Feel like giving up
You know it's you babe
Givin' me the courage and the strength I need
Please believe that it's true
Babe, I love you
Babe, I'm leavin'
I'll say it once again
And somehow try to smile
I know we're feeling
We're trying to forget
If only for a while
'Cause I'll be lonely without you
And I'll need your love to see me through
Please believe me
My heart is in your hands
'Cause I'll be missing you
Babe, I love you
Babe, I love you
...and so it goes.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
The Bears of Gongju
In order to put this little story into some perspective, I figure a little history is in order.
Gongju came into being during what is known as the Three Kingdoms Era (57 BC - AD 668) in Korea. The Goguryeo Kingdom controlled the northern part of the peninsula including what is now present day North Korea as well as parts of China above the Yalu River. The Silla Kingdom controlled the southestern portion, and the Baekjae Kingdom controlled the southwest. In AD 475, Goguryeo overran the Baekjae capital near Seoul. The new capital Ungjin (meaning Bear Port) was established on the Guemgang River where present day Gongju now stands. Ungjin remained the capital of Baekjae until AD 538 when the capital was moved to Buyeo. Baekjae was eventually destroyed by Silla in AD 660.
Bears are an enduring part of Korean mythology beginning with the origin of the Korean people in which a bear and a tiger pray to Hwanung, the son of Hwanin, the "Lord of Heaven", to make them human. Hwanung gives them a task to perform. The tiger gave up before the task is complete, but the bear stays the course and is eventually turned into a woman (there's a "why bears hibernate" thing in this too, but we won't get into that). The bear-now-woman, Ungnyeo, makes offerings of thanks to Hwanung who decides to marry her. They have a son named Dangun Wanggeom, and thus the Korean people come into being.
Gongju has its own bear legend which I'm stealing basically verbatim from the VisitKorea website. it goes like this:
One day, a female bear, lonely after years of watching humans go about their business, kidnapped a local fisherman to make him her husband. At first, the fisherman was afraid and refused to become the bear's husband, so the bear kept him trapped in her cave by blocking the mouth with a large boulder. The bear took good care of the fisherman and, after a few years, their relationship improved to the point they had two cubs. Deciding she could now trust the husband to stay, the bear left the cave unblocked as she went off hunting for food. The fisherman, seeing his opportunity, took off. Upon returning and finding the fisherman gone, the bear, consumed by grief, jumped into the Geumgang River with her two cubs and drowned
After the bear's death, the Guemgang River became rough and the fisherman couldn't work. To calm the bear's spirit, other fisherrman built a shrine to the mother and her cubs. This shrine gives Gongju its original name, Ungjin or Bear Port.
Thus I give you, The Bears of Gongju!
Gongju came into being during what is known as the Three Kingdoms Era (57 BC - AD 668) in Korea. The Goguryeo Kingdom controlled the northern part of the peninsula including what is now present day North Korea as well as parts of China above the Yalu River. The Silla Kingdom controlled the southestern portion, and the Baekjae Kingdom controlled the southwest. In AD 475, Goguryeo overran the Baekjae capital near Seoul. The new capital Ungjin (meaning Bear Port) was established on the Guemgang River where present day Gongju now stands. Ungjin remained the capital of Baekjae until AD 538 when the capital was moved to Buyeo. Baekjae was eventually destroyed by Silla in AD 660.
Bears are an enduring part of Korean mythology beginning with the origin of the Korean people in which a bear and a tiger pray to Hwanung, the son of Hwanin, the "Lord of Heaven", to make them human. Hwanung gives them a task to perform. The tiger gave up before the task is complete, but the bear stays the course and is eventually turned into a woman (there's a "why bears hibernate" thing in this too, but we won't get into that). The bear-now-woman, Ungnyeo, makes offerings of thanks to Hwanung who decides to marry her. They have a son named Dangun Wanggeom, and thus the Korean people come into being.
Gongju has its own bear legend which I'm stealing basically verbatim from the VisitKorea website. it goes like this:
One day, a female bear, lonely after years of watching humans go about their business, kidnapped a local fisherman to make him her husband. At first, the fisherman was afraid and refused to become the bear's husband, so the bear kept him trapped in her cave by blocking the mouth with a large boulder. The bear took good care of the fisherman and, after a few years, their relationship improved to the point they had two cubs. Deciding she could now trust the husband to stay, the bear left the cave unblocked as she went off hunting for food. The fisherman, seeing his opportunity, took off. Upon returning and finding the fisherman gone, the bear, consumed by grief, jumped into the Geumgang River with her two cubs and drowned
After the bear's death, the Guemgang River became rough and the fisherman couldn't work. To calm the bear's spirit, other fisherrman built a shrine to the mother and her cubs. This shrine gives Gongju its original name, Ungjin or Bear Port.
Thus I give you, The Bears of Gongju!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Justice Korean Style
Here is yet another mind boggling example of the down right weirdness of the Korean judicial system. A young Korean couple, who, due to their addiction to a computer game, allowed their 3-month old daughter to starve to death last September, were sentenced by the courts last week.
The father was sentenced to TWO YEARS in prison while the mother was given a suspended sentenced because...wait for it...she's giving birth to their second child in three months and PROMISED the judge that she'd take better care of this one!!!!
WHAT THE FUCK?!?!?
The twisted irony of all this is that the couple let their actual baby starve while obsessively caring for an online baby!
It calls to mind another great moment in Korean Justice that happened a couple of years ago. Two Korean men, grandfather and uncle to a 12 year old mentally challenged girl, were arrested for repeatedly raping the girl over the course of several years. Neither of the men received any jail time mainly because the older of the two was deemed too ill to go to prison and needed to be cared for by the other guy. That's bad enough. The real kick in the head is that the judge in the case gave the two men custody of the girl because...get this...SHE HAD NOWHERE ELSE TO GO!!!
...and so it goes.
The father was sentenced to TWO YEARS in prison while the mother was given a suspended sentenced because...wait for it...she's giving birth to their second child in three months and PROMISED the judge that she'd take better care of this one!!!!
WHAT THE FUCK?!?!?
The twisted irony of all this is that the couple let their actual baby starve while obsessively caring for an online baby!
It calls to mind another great moment in Korean Justice that happened a couple of years ago. Two Korean men, grandfather and uncle to a 12 year old mentally challenged girl, were arrested for repeatedly raping the girl over the course of several years. Neither of the men received any jail time mainly because the older of the two was deemed too ill to go to prison and needed to be cared for by the other guy. That's bad enough. The real kick in the head is that the judge in the case gave the two men custody of the girl because...get this...SHE HAD NOWHERE ELSE TO GO!!!
...and so it goes.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Departmental Review
Insert Foot In Mouth; Chew Vigorously Dept.:
Rand Paul, the new darling of Tea Baggers and ultra-right conservatives everywhere hit the talk show circuit after handily winning the Kentucky Republica primary. This, of course, is where the wheels fell of the wagon. Paul, in a display of circular logic that will make you dizzy, came out both for and against the 1964 Civil Rights Act. While adamantly opposing segregation in any form, Paul stated that he believes the government should not tell private business owners whom they can and cannot serve. Asked to clarify his statement Paul again asserted his anti-segregation stance but said that under the first amendment rights of free speech, etc., private businesses should be able to refuse service to those people they don't want to serve.
Naturally, civil rights activists of all stripes went ballistic. More telling, however; was the Replican response. First there was a collective, "Huh?" Then there was collective "I-think-he-might-have-the-plague" three steps backwards followed by a dash to the press room to say Rand Paul did not speak for all Republicans because the party is all about inclusiveness and deplores segregation in any form.
My head is spinning!
That's Using Your Head Dept.:
Mark Lerner, owner of the Washington Nationals, apparently enjoys putting on a Nats uniform and going out on the field with the team to shag fly balls during BP before games. It also is apparent why Lerner is the owner of the team and not a player. While chasing down a fly ball the other day, Lerner circled under the ball, put up his glove, and got hit square between the eyes with the ball opening up a cut on his face that required 30 stitches. It's nice to see Mr. Lerner out there takin' one for the team!
Religion Does Have Its Place Dept.:
Buddha's the MAN! Hapy birthday buddy, and thanks for the day off! :-D
Rand Paul, the new darling of Tea Baggers and ultra-right conservatives everywhere hit the talk show circuit after handily winning the Kentucky Republica primary. This, of course, is where the wheels fell of the wagon. Paul, in a display of circular logic that will make you dizzy, came out both for and against the 1964 Civil Rights Act. While adamantly opposing segregation in any form, Paul stated that he believes the government should not tell private business owners whom they can and cannot serve. Asked to clarify his statement Paul again asserted his anti-segregation stance but said that under the first amendment rights of free speech, etc., private businesses should be able to refuse service to those people they don't want to serve.
Naturally, civil rights activists of all stripes went ballistic. More telling, however; was the Replican response. First there was a collective, "Huh?" Then there was collective "I-think-he-might-have-the-plague" three steps backwards followed by a dash to the press room to say Rand Paul did not speak for all Republicans because the party is all about inclusiveness and deplores segregation in any form.
My head is spinning!
That's Using Your Head Dept.:
Mark Lerner, owner of the Washington Nationals, apparently enjoys putting on a Nats uniform and going out on the field with the team to shag fly balls during BP before games. It also is apparent why Lerner is the owner of the team and not a player. While chasing down a fly ball the other day, Lerner circled under the ball, put up his glove, and got hit square between the eyes with the ball opening up a cut on his face that required 30 stitches. It's nice to see Mr. Lerner out there takin' one for the team!
Religion Does Have Its Place Dept.:
Buddha's the MAN! Hapy birthday buddy, and thanks for the day off! :-D
Monday, May 17, 2010
Ronnie James Dio - 1942 - 2010
Heavy metal lost one of its greatest voices over the weekend. Ronnie James Dio, who died of cancer this past Sunday, has been defining part of the metal scene since its inception. Whether with Elf, Blackmore's Rainbow, Black Sabbath, or on his own, the diminutive singer's voice reigned supreme. Dio's legendary prickliness with is bandmates was greatly overshadowed by his love and appreciation for the fans, and they in turn loved him back.
I wasn't much of a metalhead when I was younger until I heard Black Sabbath's Heaven & Hell. I'd heard earlier Sabbath with Ozzy, but it didn't really grab hold of me like the Dio era Sabbath. I, of course, went on to listen to Dio's albums with Rainbow and grabbed his solo stuff as soon as it came out. That, in turn, led me to start exploring other metal bands. The rest, as they say, is history!
I was lucky enough to see Dio twice: in San Francisco on the Sacred Heart tour in '86 and again with a reunited Black Sabbath in Maryland in '89 or '90 (it's a bit fuzzy. Gimme a break! I'm old! lol). Both shows simply rocked!
Dio - Holy Diver
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqn34CGO-1U&feature=related
Dio w/Black Sabbath - Heaven & Hell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wwqe27et28A&feature=related
Dio w/Rainbow - Kill The King
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkSHHK7WlAw&feature=related
My personal favorite:
Last In Line - Ronnie James Dio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy6URlmeUpk&feature=related
We're a ship without a storm
The cold without the warm
Light inside the darkness that it needs, yeah
We're a laugh without a tear
The hope without the fear
We are coming - HOME!
We're off to the witch
We may never never never come home
But the magic that we'll feel
Is worth a lifetime
We're born upon the cross
The throw before the toss
You can release yourself
But the only way is down
We don't come alone
We are fire, we are stone
We're the that writes
Then quickly fades away
We'll know for the first time
If we're evil or divine
We're the last in line
We're the last in line
Two eyes from the east
It's the angel or the beast
And the answer lies between
The good and bad
We search for the truth
We could die upon the tooth
But the thrill of just the chase
Is worth the pain
We'll know for te first time
If we're evil or divine
We're the last in line
We're the last in line
We're off to the witch
We may never never never come home
But the magic that we'll feel
Is worth a lifetime
We're all born upon the cross
The throw before the toss
You can release yourself
But the only way to go is down
We'll know for the first time
If we're evil or divine
We're the last in line
See how we shine
R.I.P. Ronnie! We'll miss you!
I wasn't much of a metalhead when I was younger until I heard Black Sabbath's Heaven & Hell. I'd heard earlier Sabbath with Ozzy, but it didn't really grab hold of me like the Dio era Sabbath. I, of course, went on to listen to Dio's albums with Rainbow and grabbed his solo stuff as soon as it came out. That, in turn, led me to start exploring other metal bands. The rest, as they say, is history!
I was lucky enough to see Dio twice: in San Francisco on the Sacred Heart tour in '86 and again with a reunited Black Sabbath in Maryland in '89 or '90 (it's a bit fuzzy. Gimme a break! I'm old! lol). Both shows simply rocked!
Dio - Holy Diver
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uqn34CGO-1U&feature=related
Dio w/Black Sabbath - Heaven & Hell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wwqe27et28A&feature=related
Dio w/Rainbow - Kill The King
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkSHHK7WlAw&feature=related
My personal favorite:
Last In Line - Ronnie James Dio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy6URlmeUpk&feature=related
We're a ship without a storm
The cold without the warm
Light inside the darkness that it needs, yeah
We're a laugh without a tear
The hope without the fear
We are coming - HOME!
We're off to the witch
We may never never never come home
But the magic that we'll feel
Is worth a lifetime
We're born upon the cross
The throw before the toss
You can release yourself
But the only way is down
We don't come alone
We are fire, we are stone
We're the that writes
Then quickly fades away
We'll know for the first time
If we're evil or divine
We're the last in line
We're the last in line
Two eyes from the east
It's the angel or the beast
And the answer lies between
The good and bad
We search for the truth
We could die upon the tooth
But the thrill of just the chase
Is worth the pain
We'll know for te first time
If we're evil or divine
We're the last in line
We're the last in line
We're off to the witch
We may never never never come home
But the magic that we'll feel
Is worth a lifetime
We're all born upon the cross
The throw before the toss
You can release yourself
But the only way to go is down
We'll know for the first time
If we're evil or divine
We're the last in line
See how we shine
R.I.P. Ronnie! We'll miss you!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
A Good Night Out.
A couple of my students took me out for Teacher's Day last night, and it turned out to be a very good time. I've gone out with a lot of students over the years, and there is usually a point in the evening (generally when the meal is wrapping up) where I'm looking at my watch and contemplating escape strategies, but last night was actually quite pleasent.
The students, Eun-sook and Young-koo, attend my early morning (7 am) class and are the only two who consistently show up. They are pleasent folks and chatty, so it makes the class itself enjoyable. Also, they are also close to my age, so I can relate to them a bit better than I can with college age students. Also, while their English is far from perfect, they both possess enough confidence in speaking that you can avoid the sometimes uncomfortable silences that invariably accompany any language barrier.
We met up at 8 pm after my last class and went to an absotlutely FABULOUS Korean restaurant here in Gongju. I don't remember the name of the place, but I definitely remember where it is and will go back again. The food was some of the best I've had in Korea, and that's saying a lot. Everything was really fresh and there were lots of great side dishes to go along with the mok-sal (pork neck). Se we ate a ton of food, drank a few bottles of soju and chatted away.
After dinner we headed over to a place called the J-in "Live" Bar where Young-koo, who is a musician in his spare time, likes to hang out. "Live" bars in Korea are places that have live music usually performed by some hack with a guitar and a drum machine singing cheesy Korean ballads, and J-in was no exception.
We ordered a couple of pitchers and sat back to chat and watch the show. The most entertaining part of the night was watching these two drunk-as-stink ajosshis trying to dance. When they weren't slow dancing with each other (!), they were doing this awkward, stiff, I-have-a-2x4-strapped-to-my-ass solo dance thing all the while clapping so completely off the beat that I had to wonder if they were listening to the same music I was.
The third performer of the night opened up the mic for people to do a little karaoke. Both Young-koo and Eun-sook got up and sang songs, so, keeping with the spirit of things, I got up and sang as well (my version of House of the Rising Sun brought the roof down, lol). After the last performer finished his set, we decided to wrap up the evening ourselves. Eun-sook and Young-koo headed for home, and I went off to meet some of my friends to complete what the soju and beer had started.
All in all, it was a very good night.
The students, Eun-sook and Young-koo, attend my early morning (7 am) class and are the only two who consistently show up. They are pleasent folks and chatty, so it makes the class itself enjoyable. Also, they are also close to my age, so I can relate to them a bit better than I can with college age students. Also, while their English is far from perfect, they both possess enough confidence in speaking that you can avoid the sometimes uncomfortable silences that invariably accompany any language barrier.
We met up at 8 pm after my last class and went to an absotlutely FABULOUS Korean restaurant here in Gongju. I don't remember the name of the place, but I definitely remember where it is and will go back again. The food was some of the best I've had in Korea, and that's saying a lot. Everything was really fresh and there were lots of great side dishes to go along with the mok-sal (pork neck). Se we ate a ton of food, drank a few bottles of soju and chatted away.
After dinner we headed over to a place called the J-in "Live" Bar where Young-koo, who is a musician in his spare time, likes to hang out. "Live" bars in Korea are places that have live music usually performed by some hack with a guitar and a drum machine singing cheesy Korean ballads, and J-in was no exception.
We ordered a couple of pitchers and sat back to chat and watch the show. The most entertaining part of the night was watching these two drunk-as-stink ajosshis trying to dance. When they weren't slow dancing with each other (!), they were doing this awkward, stiff, I-have-a-2x4-strapped-to-my-ass solo dance thing all the while clapping so completely off the beat that I had to wonder if they were listening to the same music I was.
The third performer of the night opened up the mic for people to do a little karaoke. Both Young-koo and Eun-sook got up and sang songs, so, keeping with the spirit of things, I got up and sang as well (my version of House of the Rising Sun brought the roof down, lol). After the last performer finished his set, we decided to wrap up the evening ourselves. Eun-sook and Young-koo headed for home, and I went off to meet some of my friends to complete what the soju and beer had started.
All in all, it was a very good night.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Departmental Review
1. The Constitution as Toilet paper Dept.:
After signing the "Brown is Bad, White is Good Immigration Law" and costing her state millions of dollars in tourism revenue, Jan Brewer, Facist in Chief of the State of Arizona is at it again. Brewer signed a law that is designed to prevent people from taking Ethnic studies programs in Arizona schools. It would seem that there are three programs: Mexican-American Studies, Africa-American Studies, and Native American Studies which have offended the sensibilities of Brewer and State Superintendant of Public Instruction, Tom Horne. According to the law written by Horne (who happens to be running for state attorney general), these classes are bad because they:
a) Promote the overthrow of the United States government
b) Promote resentment toward a race or class of people (read white folks)
c) Are designed primarily for students of a particular ethnic group
d) Advocate ethnic solidarity instead of the treatment of students as individuals
**info from this WaPo article**
If you ask me, I think Brewer and her cabal should be required to take these classes in order to get a better understanding of the people who live in their state. Maybe they'd be happy if the schools added a White Anglo-Saxon American Studies class...oh...wait...that's every high school U.S. history class in America. Funny that.
2. From Doormat to Divine Dept.:
HOW 'BOUT THEM NATIONALS!!!! The Washington Nationals are 19-15 and in sole posession of second place in the NL East!!! Timely hitting and some great defense have catapulted last year's 103-loss joke into a serious team. Think about these little tidbits for a moment: last year, the Nats didn't win their 19th game until mid-June. Last year at this time, the Nats were 2-10 in one run games. This year they are 9-2. While their starting pitching this year has been a tad inconsistent (except for Livian Hernandez, he of the 80 mph fastball and the 1.04 ERA), the rest of the team has been playing lights out baseball.
GO NATS!!!
After signing the "Brown is Bad, White is Good Immigration Law" and costing her state millions of dollars in tourism revenue, Jan Brewer, Facist in Chief of the State of Arizona is at it again. Brewer signed a law that is designed to prevent people from taking Ethnic studies programs in Arizona schools. It would seem that there are three programs: Mexican-American Studies, Africa-American Studies, and Native American Studies which have offended the sensibilities of Brewer and State Superintendant of Public Instruction, Tom Horne. According to the law written by Horne (who happens to be running for state attorney general), these classes are bad because they:
a) Promote the overthrow of the United States government
b) Promote resentment toward a race or class of people (read white folks)
c) Are designed primarily for students of a particular ethnic group
d) Advocate ethnic solidarity instead of the treatment of students as individuals
**info from this WaPo article**
If you ask me, I think Brewer and her cabal should be required to take these classes in order to get a better understanding of the people who live in their state. Maybe they'd be happy if the schools added a White Anglo-Saxon American Studies class...oh...wait...that's every high school U.S. history class in America. Funny that.
2. From Doormat to Divine Dept.:
HOW 'BOUT THEM NATIONALS!!!! The Washington Nationals are 19-15 and in sole posession of second place in the NL East!!! Timely hitting and some great defense have catapulted last year's 103-loss joke into a serious team. Think about these little tidbits for a moment: last year, the Nats didn't win their 19th game until mid-June. Last year at this time, the Nats were 2-10 in one run games. This year they are 9-2. While their starting pitching this year has been a tad inconsistent (except for Livian Hernandez, he of the 80 mph fastball and the 1.04 ERA), the rest of the team has been playing lights out baseball.
GO NATS!!!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Fantasy Artist Frank Frazetta dies at age 82
Ever since I first read Tolkien's Lord of the Rings and Michael Moorcock's Elric series and then started playing Dungeons and Dragons, I've been a fan of Frank Frazetta. His larger than life characters graced the covers of fantasy/sci fi and comic books and rock & roll albums and inspired sword and sorcery freaks around the world. He will be missed.
RIP Frank!
RIP Frank!
These are just a few of Frank Frazetta's more well known pieces:
Friday, May 7, 2010
Song of the day.
Kansas - Two Cents Worth
Well I been drinkin' again
And I know it's a sin
but I just can't refuse an old friend
Cause Life is gettin' me down
And I've been two times around
And there ain't nothin' but pain 'round the bend
I'm not made for the time
I was born in the wrong century
There's too much craziness here
In twenty-five years I have used all the tears in my eyes
Now this old world is a fright
you know my future ain't bright
And I'd just crawl in a hole if I could
Or maybe live out in space
Or some other far away place
And not come back to this world till it's good
Oh but I'm dreaming again
I know that I'm here till the end (what a long time)
There's too much craziness here
In twenty-five years I have used all the tears in my eyes
Well you might think that I'm wrong
for the things I say in this song
I really wish I could see it your way
But there's a storm rollin' in
And it just might be the end
So I'm praying we'll all get away
Now my cup's running dry
The weight of the world gets me down
There's too much craziness here
In twenty-five years I have used all the tears in my eyes
There's nowhere to turn
So I'll just have to learn not to cry, no more
It's all I can do till I find something new
But I'll get by
You know I'll try
In twenty-five years I have used all the tears in my eyes
Well I been drinkin' again
And I know it's a sin
but I just can't refuse an old friend
Cause Life is gettin' me down
And I've been two times around
And there ain't nothin' but pain 'round the bend
I'm not made for the time
I was born in the wrong century
There's too much craziness here
In twenty-five years I have used all the tears in my eyes
Now this old world is a fright
you know my future ain't bright
And I'd just crawl in a hole if I could
Or maybe live out in space
Or some other far away place
And not come back to this world till it's good
Oh but I'm dreaming again
I know that I'm here till the end (what a long time)
There's too much craziness here
In twenty-five years I have used all the tears in my eyes
Well you might think that I'm wrong
for the things I say in this song
I really wish I could see it your way
But there's a storm rollin' in
And it just might be the end
So I'm praying we'll all get away
Now my cup's running dry
The weight of the world gets me down
There's too much craziness here
In twenty-five years I have used all the tears in my eyes
There's nowhere to turn
So I'll just have to learn not to cry, no more
It's all I can do till I find something new
But I'll get by
You know I'll try
In twenty-five years I have used all the tears in my eyes
Sunday, May 2, 2010
It seems that spring has finally sprung!
After weeks of unseasonably cold, wet weather, we've finally had a truly gorgeous weekend. Hopefully, this will continue for a couple of weeks without the sudden jump into summer that often happens. It would be nice to have a week or so where you're not either shivering in the wind or sweating to death.
I celebrated yesterday's fine weather by going to my first baseball game of the season. It was a great time despite the fact that Hanwha lost 8-5. Ian went with me, and I was surprised to find out that, although he's been here almost 12 years, it was his very first baseball game. Hanwha played with a stunning lack of hustle and showed convincingly why they are in 7th place (of 8 teams) in the standings. However, going to games here is less about the baseball than it is about finding a cheap, entertaining way to spend a Saturday evening.
As for the rest of my life these days, well, I can't really complain. I'm working, I have my health (such as it is), and things are rolling along at a steady pace.
I celebrated yesterday's fine weather by going to my first baseball game of the season. It was a great time despite the fact that Hanwha lost 8-5. Ian went with me, and I was surprised to find out that, although he's been here almost 12 years, it was his very first baseball game. Hanwha played with a stunning lack of hustle and showed convincingly why they are in 7th place (of 8 teams) in the standings. However, going to games here is less about the baseball than it is about finding a cheap, entertaining way to spend a Saturday evening.
As for the rest of my life these days, well, I can't really complain. I'm working, I have my health (such as it is), and things are rolling along at a steady pace.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
I've lost a good friend...
His name is: Peanutbutter
Much to my great dismay, it has become painfully (literally) obvious that I can no longer eat peanutbutter. I'm crushed. Although I've been in denial for the past few years, I can no longer recoil from the fact that PB has become my enemy.
I'm terribly surprised. Since my earliest childhood, PB has been a good friend. He has always been there when I needed him. Through crunchy times and smooth, whether the jam or bread on my plate failed to live up to expectations, I could always count on PB to pull me through. We laughed together. We cried. With a cold glass of milk we celebrated victories or commiserated in defeat. But those times are gone.
PB has betrayed me. His evil, oily nature has risen to the fore. Like Nightshade, he is beautiful to look upon but terrible to consume. He torments me at night with red hot iron in my stomach and Drano in my intestines. His evil chuckle can be heard as I toss and turn in fitful sleep. That chuckle becomes a howl as I dash to the temple of salvation to exorcise his demonic presence. When the possession has ended, I often look balefully at the shelf where he sits and curse his benign, comforting appearance. PB sings to me, but like the Harpies of old who lured unwary travelers to their deaths, I must ignore his siren song.
I will mourn the loss of my friend, but there comes a time in every man's life where they must cut the ties that bind.
Much to my great dismay, it has become painfully (literally) obvious that I can no longer eat peanutbutter. I'm crushed. Although I've been in denial for the past few years, I can no longer recoil from the fact that PB has become my enemy.
I'm terribly surprised. Since my earliest childhood, PB has been a good friend. He has always been there when I needed him. Through crunchy times and smooth, whether the jam or bread on my plate failed to live up to expectations, I could always count on PB to pull me through. We laughed together. We cried. With a cold glass of milk we celebrated victories or commiserated in defeat. But those times are gone.
PB has betrayed me. His evil, oily nature has risen to the fore. Like Nightshade, he is beautiful to look upon but terrible to consume. He torments me at night with red hot iron in my stomach and Drano in my intestines. His evil chuckle can be heard as I toss and turn in fitful sleep. That chuckle becomes a howl as I dash to the temple of salvation to exorcise his demonic presence. When the possession has ended, I often look balefully at the shelf where he sits and curse his benign, comforting appearance. PB sings to me, but like the Harpies of old who lured unwary travelers to their deaths, I must ignore his siren song.
I will mourn the loss of my friend, but there comes a time in every man's life where they must cut the ties that bind.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Dirty thunderstorm over Iceland's Eyjafjallajoekull volcano.
You simply have to check out these photo's from the volcano in Iceland. Spectacular!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
This has got to be an "Only in Korea" thing...
For years now, internet gaming has been THE activity in Korea. From Blizzard Inc.'s Starcraft, Warcraft, and World of Warcraft to Korean titles such as Lineage and Dragon & Fighter and many others, gaming has consumed Korean youth culture. There are at least three TV channels dedicated to online gaming, and pro-gamers are treated as heroes often making up to 300,000 won (approx. $3,000 US) in tournaments.
Recently, the Korean government has tried to introduce laws limiting the late night availability of online games to minors in an effort to stem the tide of internet addiction sweeping the country. This effort has been sparked by stories over the past year or so of a number of people dying in PC rooms after prolonged periods of time playing games, and a particularly shocking story of a young couple so wrapped up in their gaming that they let their 4 month old baby starve to death.
Now, it seems that internet gaming in Korea has taken another downward turn. According to a report from Geekosystem, current and former pro-gamers and team managers (who knew a pro-game team needed a manager?) have been accused of intentionally throwing games and selling game tapes to gambling organizations. Oh my!
I'll have to do a bit more research on this to find out what is up and the fallout that comes from it. Stay tuned!
Recently, the Korean government has tried to introduce laws limiting the late night availability of online games to minors in an effort to stem the tide of internet addiction sweeping the country. This effort has been sparked by stories over the past year or so of a number of people dying in PC rooms after prolonged periods of time playing games, and a particularly shocking story of a young couple so wrapped up in their gaming that they let their 4 month old baby starve to death.
Now, it seems that internet gaming in Korea has taken another downward turn. According to a report from Geekosystem, current and former pro-gamers and team managers (who knew a pro-game team needed a manager?) have been accused of intentionally throwing games and selling game tapes to gambling organizations. Oh my!
I'll have to do a bit more research on this to find out what is up and the fallout that comes from it. Stay tuned!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Photos from Taiwan
View from my apartment. Banciao by day.
Love this. Got it from a doctor for a cough: Brown Mixture Liquid (with Opium).
Rebecca, her sister, niece and nephew.
Cool detail from the temple. (I'll edit this once I find out what the name of this temple is)
Giant Buddha.
Simply can't get enough of the detailed carvings on some of these temples. Extraordinary.
Rebecca, her niece and nephew, and me.
View of Taipei from the Temple.
Temple (can't remember the name) during Chinese New Year.
Klaus the Exploding German.
Carnegie's.
Rebecca and me at Sun Moon Lake.
Sun Moon Lake
Taiwan has seven (?) major tribes. This is a performance from one of them. Think this was a hunting dance.
Totem poles. The similarity of Asian aboriginal art and pacific Coast Native American art constantly amazes me.
Ancient Aboriginal rollercaster!
Gondolas at the, you guessed it, Formosa Aboriginal Cultural Village.
Rebecca.
Some random shots of Beipu.
Random shots from Beipu.
Detail from the Beipu Temple
More detail from the Baipu Temple
Prayer wheels at Beipu
Taiwanese one-man band
Temple at Beipu
Fishing boat entering Danshui Harbor
Danshui on a cold, grey Sunday
Banchiao at night.
Food Stall at Raohe Night Market
Samshong Temple
Raohe Night Market
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