Jerry Watch: A stirring look inside the dark and mysterious world of green stripes". DAY ONE

I made sure to bring my camera today to see if Jerry was wearing a green striped shirt. It was a wild story.

I walked in the door and looked for him, but he was not to be found. I thought he might be sick or something, but the school had not been notified. That meant he was wondering the halls, trying to turn other kids on to the dark world of green stripes.

I called a quick teachers meeting to discuss the threat, but it was too late. The bell had already rang and, like the students, we have to go to class.

I nervously ascended the stairs; gun in one hand and camera in the other. I saw some stripes in the corner of my eye and shot wildly, but when I gained control of my senses, I saw that it was only blue stripes. Phew!

The sweat was pouring down my forehead. My heart was beating fast. I stopped and tried to calm down. Green stripes can sense fear and I knew that if I was too close to him that that would be the end of me. I turned the corner and there he was. He was too far away to identify what kind of stripes he was wearing, but I could tell by the stench that there was a good chance of green. I cocked the trigger under my shirt in an attempt to muffle it and turned the camera flash on.

I stayed low so he couldn't see me. Green stripes are known for their vision. I had to stay low. He paced back and forth outside of the classroom. I looked away for only a moment and then, just like that, he was gone.

I looked around me and frantically starting checking my body as if there was a spider on me. I was clean and safe, but not for long. I approached a door. The smell was putrid, so I knew that this must be his classroom. I sat there for a moment pondering if this was worth it. After twenty minutes or so of crying and trying to win votes (Oh, how did that get in there?), I decided that if I didn't do this then 고's and my kids would be living in fear of green stripes or even worse, they might even cross-over and wear green stripes themselves. I had a duty to stop this. At least I had to try.

I backed up a few steps and took one last look at the door.

"This is for you, 고!!!" I screamed as I ran towards the door.

My life was flashing before my eyes, but it was not my past, but my future. This confused me because popular mythology suggests that my past is supposed to flash before me. I stopped and decided to give the flash one more try.

I changed my war charge this time.

"This is for 고 and our kids!!!

I hit the door with such power that the door flew right of the hinges. The power from my thrust made me loose grip on the gun and it fell into the darkness that surrounded me. It was quiet expect for the echoed drip of water in the distance. I fumbled around looking for the gun, but it was no good. I couldn't see a thing. I knew that my camera was my only chance. If I couldn't kill the great beast, then at least I could show the world its face.

I could smell stripes. I walked towards where I thought a wall was, but I tripped on what I hoped was an animal carcass, but I knew what it was. Finally, I found a wall. I clawed at it hoping to find a light and maybe even locate my gun.

Although I couldn't see it, I knew I was bleeding. The dampness was heavy and think on my abdomen. The cracking of my fingernails on the wall slowed me down, but I continued clawing for the switch.

Then, I found it. My adrenaline was so high at that point that I flipped on the switch without giving any thought.

Right before my eyes was the great beast. He hair was black as night. He peered at me with his empty, black eyes. I couldn't see his shirt. The mist was too thick, but those eyes I'll never forget. It was like looking into a sharks eyes. Black as death.

He didn't attack me though. He just sat there. Staring. Waiting. This gave me time to take a picture and, if I was lucky, escape with my life. I cautiously raised my camera.

*click*

I got the shot. He still didn't move; not even an inch. I couldn't figure it out. Then, I looked at the picture.



It was hideous. It was something out of a nightmare. His eyes pierced my soul and I found myself struggling to catch my breath. I looked closer. The beast before me was not wearing green. He was in purple!

I lunged at him in attack, but it was deflected. He grabbed me as if he was trying to choke me. I was surprised. Purple stripes shouldn't be this strong! As he was tossing me around like I was a pool toy, he paused. Then I saw it.

]

His collar was green! He had discovered that I was trying to study his habits and camouflaged himself. He started to tire and without any notice, I dropped me from his grip and faded into the mist.

I made it to the door, turned to handle and was out. I sat there crouching with my back against the wall and my head drooped between my legs. My blood-soaked shirt was ripped and smelled of the green striped beast. The bell rang and I stood up and limped down the hall.

I hurried because I had to check the New Hampshire totals.

What is Obama?

I was quite sad all day. So, instead of being depressed and potenially mean to some of the students, I decided to vent my frustrations and let the students discuss why they support Obama.

It was quite thought-provoking. I mean, it wasn't anything we haven't heard before, but there was some real thought in there.



Did you hear when one rather quick student said, "Teacher, what is Obama?" What do I say? He's a man; a Democrat; the next American President?

I couldn't answer. I froze. I panicked. That kind of question is too deep for me to even comprehend. I was so stunned by the scope of the question that I wasn't sure if I was happy or sad that he lost.

I also think I was dazed by the tear that rolled down the Hillary supporter's face. I mean, I understand though. She just doesn't want to see the country fall under the false-hope of an inexperienced junior senator with only three years of public breakdowns for votes instead of seven. It's hard. It's hard to appear like a strong woman who will can handle the job on day one with a tear rolling down your cheek. I'm pretty sure world leaders see that as a sign of strength.

I did gain composure though when I told the kids to "Say good-bye" and they really did walk out the door to go and vote for Obama. He even got the Hillary supporter out the door. And that last kid in the green didn't think that I said "Close the door". No, he thought I said, "Close the polls!" Obama motivated him so much that he wanted to ensure that voting stations were fair and tamper-proof!

This is what Obama does best! He crosses party lines! He motivates people of all ages and nationalities! This is just the start!

Obama! Obama! Obama!

New Hampshire Reaction

I'm at a loss of words. However, instead of attacking Hillary which I want to so bad, I will focus on Nevada and South Carolina. Two big states that can easily go to Obama.

Why he lost? I assume the women and the older people came out in higher numbers than anticipated. That, I credit Hillary for. She got her base. I wonder how her a tears changed people's image of her? I hope it didn't too much.

I want the media to stop sensationalizing Obama and level the field, because a contest is on now and I want them to let us do the thinking and the voting. Chris Matthews really needs to be taken off this election coverage. He is hurting Obama with his intolerant anti-Hillary punditry. I can be intolerant because I'm writing a blog. He can't be.

The the results tonight will force all of the Dems to appeal to Dems and Dem values. Obama will have to do what he should have already and start fighting. Hillary started already with her "teary" response. Obama needs to follow. I don't think he will risk losing his independent support and this way he can appeal to us all. A fight does not mean smearing people and hurting the other Dem chances. A fight means being strong, resolute and sending a clear message to Dems.


The righteous wind is at our backs! The Korean Obama wagon is only tightening up and the party is just beginning! The show must go on!!!

A New Look... Again.

I decided that a new name and new look was needed. I will explain the new title, "Morning Calm and Arirang" is the morning!

I'm very excited about New Hampshire and will have a hard time sleeping tonight.

I might be playing the sing a lot during the course of this political season, but it's going to happen! Obama! Obama! Obama!

Dixville Notch

Dixville Notch is best known in connection with its longstanding middle-of-the-night vote in the U.S. presidential election.


They handed Obama a victory. While it's NOT anything big at all at this point, he still won.

Obama: 7
Edwards: 2
Richardson: 1
Clinton: 0

I understand that Clinton wants to be president, but she doesn't do anything except make people angry. Edwards might be bracing for another VP run as well. By defending Obama to the extent that he does by railing into Hillary, he is helping Obama increase his lead and therefore widen the gap. This is fine with me and I think it is wise of him. If he places third in New Hampshire, I think he should watch himself and subtly join the Obama push and help squash Hillary.

Watch this clip from a focus group who was rating their opinion of the candidates as they spoke. Hillary can not defeat the right. She is just too polarizing.

Photo Hunt

I have a student named Jerry. He likes, no wait, he LOVES to wear green stripes. I don't know why, but he does and it has struck me that I need to find out just how much he sports this look.

So, besides the daily posts, I am going to add "Jerry Watch: Am in-depth look inside the dark and mysterious world of green stripes".

I will include pictures and some over-analysis of why this boy chose stripes and why they are green. Stay tuned...

Give Me a Break, Hillary!

Does anyone buy this? This is the kind of stuff that drives me crazy about this woman. She has got to stop acting like she's seen it all and is the only one who can offer political wisdom.

I don't have time to say much, but here's her pseudo-emotional plea for votes.

"More Touching!"

Some people love the thrill of the big city subway. The millions of different people with different backgrounds all coming together to use the same mode of transportation. Maybe people will talk to a stranger and make a new friend. Maybe they'll sleep or at least close their eyes in order to avoid eye contact with an older person who they should relinquish their seat to without a fuss. I'm not one of those people. I do not like the subway, but sadly with Seoul traffic it's the fastest way to get around. No matter what your train-riding style is, people are all on it and, in my opinion, we're all equally unhappy about being on it.

I'm just complaining about the idea of the subway. That makes me agitated enough. However, in Seoul, there is a small, but highly visible group of older woman and sometimes men, who have been riding the rails for so long, that they're either hostile or the greatest crowd navigators ever. I'll go with the latter...maybe.

고 and I are walking to the station. We have decided to save the two dollars that we sometimes pay for the three minute cab ride to the station. As we walk through our little neighborhood, a passerby probably hears me moaning about my distaste for the crowded and oftentimes insanely hot subway ride that awaits us. I can't do anything about it and that makes me furious as well. Luckily 고 and I were having a good discussion about how great Obama is and the walk went by quickly. So, we get to the station, swipe our cards and wait in line for the doors to open on the next train.

Finally, the bell rings, the Korean and then English translation tells us where it's going and we get on. It's hot. The guy in front of me and behind me happen to be wearing leather jackets and their body heat is being transferred right to me and this only increases my potential to get quietly angry and complain yet again to 고 about how much I hate the train. The voice again comes over the PA and tell us where we are. The train starts to slow. I reach for the handle so I'm not the guy who falls over and then BAM!

I feel a huge force behind me that's relentlessly pushing its way towards the door. I turn around expecting to find a twenty-something male or maybe an older guy who is in a hurry, but certainly a man. To my surprise, it was a tiny little Korean lady with a sweet face and that trademark old woman hair. I was stunned. This woman could probably beat me up. She made it past the great wall that I am and continued in her pursuit for the door. She made it out and ripped a phone book in two. Seriously.

This was not the first time that this happened. It seems very common and in fact happens to me and everyone all the time. I would assume that an "Excuse me" would be appropriate even if it was in Korean. I'd understand and even if I didn't I would know what is needed of me.

This is an example of a culture that is more hands on. The general idea in America is that we are all expected to respect the idea of privacy and what's mine is mine. I think that ideology probably leads to more problems than it prevents though. Public transportation is just a quick example, but the facets of privateless space extends deeper into the core of Korean memes and mores. I think it's quite fascinating.

The dinner table is representative of this as well. As you might recall from a previous post, that I described eating dinner at 고's moms house. Her mom is a GREAT cook and I really enjoy our time there and if you look at the picture or read the post, I mention that there was one bowl of soup and most of the food is served on individual communal plates, dishes or bowls and we all eat directly from there. I really enjoy this way of eating. I think it increases conversation and overall appreciation for the dinner and brings people closer together. There are also some little rules governing how to eat and take food. There is a wonderful history that delves into the niceties and quirks of eating and how to eat with certain types of people.

Here's another aspect:

It was getting late, so 고 and I decided we needed to go home for the night. We were in one of the bustling business districts of Gangnam and surrounded by hofs, clubs and other bars. We grabbed our bill and make our way through the sea of suits and tables full of salary-men with that one boss who always positions himself at the head of the table. The were having a great time; laughing and carrying on like anybody would expect them to do. We stepped into the frigid air. It was cold. As we usually do, 고 and I began our walk with a kiss and the seemingly automatic motion towards the hand-hold. It seems normal to us and to everyone else. We were walking, but our stride was interrupted by two middle-aged Korean men. After a few drinks, they weren't really paying close attention and didn't see us. However, 고 and I did see them. We slowed our pace and the two men were directly in front of us were laughing, holding hands and having a great time. That's right. They hand-hold was just like the one 고 and I were sporting. And it wasn't what someone could call casual. It was the full blown lock. I was taken back, but 고 didn't think twice.



Being from a highly homophobic nation, this strikes me as... well... gay. It's not, but you know it's pretty gay. And it's obvious that these two men were nowhere close to being gay. They're just buddies. Girls can do this and it is a bit more tolerable, if not normal, but this particular man-hold situation is very foreign.

Since this, I've seen old men to young boys holding hands for fun. I will add that homosexuality is not really thought of here. Sure, there are homosexuals somewhere in Korea, but it's not very common and if it is present, I doubt that one would notice it because it would be masked or hidden.

One of my previous posts titled, "A Friendly Face", discusses a man that owns a nearby 711. He was very guilty of being very friendly and affection. While some of us went along with it to be nice, others joined in on the man-love. Of course, I think foreigners joining in on it intentionally, might actually make it gay.





So, in the end, a couple questions and thoughts: Would two Korean men see two Western men holding hands and assume they are friends or that they are gay? And furthermore, would the two hand-holding Korean men see two Western male friends drinking, but not holding hands, as odd?

I think the Western idea of the right to property trickled down a little too far. We see this type of resistance with taxes and social programs, but for some reason not with Women's Rights. (Hmmm... another post!) Maybe that fact that I see two men holding hands and immediately assume that they are gay is a little insane. I think personal space is an issue that too many people take way too seriously. I'm okay with a nudge or two as long as it's in jest or accidental. I have friends (Coug) that will physically freak out if they feel that their space has been "invaded". This seems odd to me hence the quotes, but it's how some people are wired.

I've been here for a year and half and still discover little quirks that I love: A communal bowl of soup that makes perfect sense; a pushy old woman who knows the ropes of subway navigation; and two men that are such good friends that they feel locking hands is the best way to publicy express it.

The best part is that 고운 is always by my side and helping me steer through the culture on this fascinating Asian peninsula.

Here's to those happy people who love holding hands...




By the way, the title "More Touching" is a quote from the great TV show Arrested Development...

Back to School

Vacation is over and now it's time to head back to school. I'm not looking forward to it at all really. I'm tired although I got plenty of sleep this week. I guess I'll have to deal with this type of thing for the rest of it, huh?

Here's a tune for back-to-work-blues...

Stew Culture

I sit down on the heated floor and position my legs so my knees are just slightly under the low wooden square table. I'm not great at sitting cross-legged for a long period of time, but I usually start this way. The rest of the family gathers around and picks up their chopsticks.






There isn't any space on the table top as it is filled with rice, meat, fish eggs, kimchi, vegetables and one big bowl of soup. The communal feast is a facet of Korean eating culture. The usually banter and dinner chat begins and, these days, the family has been studying English a lot, so much of the conversation inlcudes me.

The food is always so delicious, but as I sit there, I notice that so few meals I have eaten in Korea exlude a soup or stew. There is always rice, kimchi and soup. Asian cultures consume a ton of rice and Korea is no different. Kimchi is my favorite side-dish and everytime I open the refrigerator at home the strong and intoxicating smell bellows out and our place will smell of it for some time. However, the soup is a little more perplexing to me for some reason. I know that many clutures eat stews and soups, but it's not as common and the few cultures that do eat as much soup cannot claim the same heartiness as Korea soups.

This soup and stew culture is interesting, so after some unsuccessful sleuthing, I came up with an idea. I'm not sure that this is accurate because I'm not sure what Korean cuisine included pre-occupation.

Due to the general scarcity of food and the severe social stratification that exsisted on the peninsula, food was taken very seriously. There were and still are many rules dictating food consumption in regards to speed, quantity and demonstrative appreciation. With this in mind, it seems the best way to maximize a small ration of food, is to make a hot stew out of it.* Not too interesting really, but if the stew culture grew out of the Japanese occupation then it becomes a little more interesting because stew is so prevalent here now.

So I challenge myself to discover pre-occupation cuisine and compare the two.

* Carl Weathers discusses his appreciation for a good stew in Arrested Development.

Harmony

In Korea, there exists a connection to the past. It's a harmonious bond that holds on to the past while allowing the pace of modernity to remain constant.



Amidst the backdrop of fashion, people, buildings and globalization, stands an older Korean Buddhist monk. He's clad in the traditional Korean Buddhist red and grey robe. Calmly he walks past old movie posters that are on display in the subway station. He has not seen nor heard of any of the movies. It's a world that he has chosen not to be a part of.




He reaches into his robe and reveals a card which he then proceeds to swipe as he slowly walks through the subway turnstile. He has a clean shaven head, thick glasses and a grin that speaks without words.

He is one of the millions of observing Buddhists in Korea and here he is, riding the backed subway amongst the millions of businessmen, teachers, students, artists, and doctors. The subway doors open and he waits his turn to board. A seat opens, but he just stands there watching the vacant seat. He does not sit. He does not move.

The train comes to a stop and he calmly exits. No one noticed him. No one thought twice about what his presence meant, but he was there and he is part of this society.

A mother and her daughter get out of their new BMW. Mom, in her fashionable pant-suit, is hurrying her nine year old daughter who is typically more reluctant to practicpate in the weekly visits to the temple. It's a dreary day and the sounds and sights of the city are in the background washing away any natural sounds that might be coming from the small patch of nearby trees. She takes her daughters hand and together they walk towards one of the many Buddha statues. The closer they get, the more serious they both get. The whining has stopped and both of them have a more serene expression on their face. They stop in front of a very large white stone Buddha. I watch.



They remove their shoes and bow. It's silent. They're silent. They stand up and walk towards a small monastery where a resident monk is chanting. Inside they bow, light incense and worship. Some time later, they open the decorated wooden doors, walk to their car and join the Seoul traffic that never seems to end and head back to their busy lives.

Korea has an interesting way of blending the new with the old. Many people like to taunt or say that Korea is only 50 plus years old and if they were discussing the political South Korea, then they would be right. South Korea was formed in 1948. However, the Korean people have been here for thousands of years. Koreans are believed to be descendants of Altaic speaking tribes, linking them with Mongolians, Tungusics, Turkics, and other Central Asians. Like most, they started as small hunter and gatherer kin groups. They developed indepently from other peoples and, from that, have an earned deep and rich sense of pride.

Prior to the introduction of Buddhism by the Chinese in the third century, Koreans were mostly Shamanistic. While Korean Buddhism initially enjoyed wide acceptance, even being supported as the state ideology during the Goryeo period, Buddhism in Korea suffered extreme repression during the Joseon dynasty, which lasted for several hundred years. During this period, Neo-Confucian ideology overcame the prior dominance of Buddhism.

The Koreans out-Confuciast the Chinese and as a result Confucianism left it's mark on Korea and is deeply rooted in all facets of Korean culture and stratum.

The pictures I have posted on here show the contrast between the fast-growing Korea and its past.



The hotel in the background in the one that mom will be staying at in May.



It's interesting to me to see a mother and daughter bowing and worshiping like this. Buddhism to me has always been very mysterious, solemn and for some reason, only practiced by those in the rural mountains of Asia. Seeing young people and families practicing their Buddhist faith is so contrary to what I always imagined. The monk walking through the busy subway station is the last location one would expect to see a monk, but there he was.

I think that Korea has an amazing and facinating history. There are so many elements to it and so much has happened on this small peninsula. The Korea that the world knows now really amazes me. Korea melds their history with their future and does it so well. They use the wisdom of the past to guide them through these often treacherous times.

Themes...

Each candidate has a theme and they mold their platform around that. Many of them choose tour bus songs, but I don't think they are very accurate. So, I will give each on a song that they need to use instead.

Huckabee claims to be the Jesus guy; the bass playing social conservative with backwoods roots and a clean slate. He needs this:



And Mitt gets one for his handsome look that he so desperately hopes gives him an advantage. I think it might be too much though.



If only he was too sexy for Mormonism...

McCain likes to tout the fact that he was in Vietnam and has impeccable foreign policy credentials. So, let's bring him back and let him remember what war was like. I'm sure it will do well with all the homeless vets.



Richardson is the governor from Arizona and loves to bring up his race indirectly, so why not showcase it and see where is can take him?




To our older Tennessee candidate, Fred Thompson. McCain has him beat somehow, but I couldn't resist. The video says it all.



Edwards, our populist and working man. He is the working class hero that happens to be a multi-millionaire attorney, but still. He's not bad though.



And then there's Hillary. The first she-male, I mean woman, who has a chance to be president. She has the "experience to lead"... somewhere.



Rudy Giuliani is the only man to personally drink the blood of terrorists. He's so tough that he doesn't even need the love of his family. He also might be the first GOP candidate who gets laid (if you don't count all the congressional pages and airport bathrooms). So, to our conservative base that thinks this man is a family man, here's a song for his previous lovers and wives (one of which was his second-cousin). Keep it up, Rudy!



Of course, I have left one man out. The best man for the job. The man I trust and apparently so does Iowa. He can do it. As he says, "Out of this long political darkness, a brighter day will come." I truly believe that we can wake up from history and change the world. Barack will do it and finally we are watching the world wake up from history!

He did it!

Obama picked up 38% and won Iowa! Edwards got second and Clinton got third. Obama carried the womens vote, the young vote, the issues voters and the first-times caucus goers. He has the momentum now and let's take it all the way!

The race is on to Super Tuesday and I know we can do it!!!

Here's to all of my fellow Obama supporters!! Disregard Freddy Mercury's pants...

Interactive caucusing

Wolf Blitzer took over, so I feel a little better. I'm going to be watching this all morning, so I'll give you my minute by minute reactions and feelings. I'm going to only cover the Dems...


10:00am The rules are being read to the Dems and the best ways to cheat are being read to Repubs.

10:10am The entrance polls are showing a close race between Obama and Hillary with Edwards closely trailing. Huckabee and Romney are close to.

10:15am Record numbers in Des Moines. I hope the young voters are in there

*** I just found out the a registered Repub can caucus with the Dems if they change their alignment prior to entering the room and then the following day they can change back to a Repub. That is not right. ***

10:25am 2% of precincts in and Edwards 42%, Clinton 35%, Obama 25%. It's only two precent.

10:30am 5% reporting. 31% Clinton. 29% Obama. 22% Edwards. Record number of first-time caucusers.

10:35am 10% reporting. 34% Edwards, 32% Clinton, 31% Obama. . Pick it up Obama!!

*** I'm feeling good still. Obama is doing fine and most of the reporting precincts are hick towns...***

10:45am 17% reporting. Still, 34% Edwards, 32% Clinton, 31% Obama. I'm getting the nervous election feeling.

10:50am 23% reporting. 33% Edwards, 32% Obama, Clinton 32%, Richardson 2%. Here we go!!!

*** A record number of young caucusers participating and 5:1 are voting Obama. Huchabee seems to be winning, with Romney, ***

10:57am Huckabee projected to win Iowa caucus!!! Hahahahahaha!!!

*** This is great! This guy will be the easiest of all of them to beat! This is a huge setback for Romney. McCain has coast of this for a while. ***

11:00am 37% reporting. 34% Obama, 32% Edwards, 32% Clinton. That's right! He's on FIRE!!!!

11:10am 57% reporting. 34% Obama, 32% Edwards, 31% Clinton, 2% Richardson. I'm so nervous!

*** Over half reporting. I'm liking the results. ***

11:15am 59% reporting. 35% Obama, 31% Edwards, 31% Clinton, 2% Richardson. This is great!

11:20am 66% reporting. 35% Obama, 31% Edwards, 31% Clinton.

*** Obama seems to be winning the majority of the counties and some that Edwards carried in 2004. Obama has Des Moines and Polk county where University of Iowa is. ***

11:25am 69% reoprting. 35% Obama, 31% Edwards, 31% Clinton. .

*** I know that 31% still needs to come in, but I'm feeling good. Obama is doing it. People want something different and fresh.

11:30am MSNBC projects that Obama wins Iowa. I'll wait for CNN International to project something. That sounds good to me!!!!

11:33am CNN projects that Obama wins Iowa!!!

11:35am 75% reporting. 35% Obama, 31% Edwards, 31% Clinton..

*** Edwards is finished. Hillary is in a little trouble now. Not because she lost Iowa, but because he's a black man that won white Iowa. Awesome. Can I feel the wind of change? ***



11:35am 84% reporting. 37% Obama, 30% Clinton, 30% Edwards. .

11:45am 86% reporting. 37% Obama, 30% Clinton, 30% Edwards..

11:50am 89% reporting. 37% Obama, 30% Clinton, 30% Edwards..

11:50am 91% reporting. 37% Obama, 30% Clinton, 30% Edwards..

*** I really hope Clinton places third. And if I hear he refered to as the "Comeback Kid" one more time I'll scream. She lost the woman vote. Give it a rest, talking heads. ***

12:10pm 94% reporting. 37% Obama, 30% Clinton, 30% Edwards.. Not much change, but I really want Edwards to pull ahead.

*** The canidates are getting ready to talk.***

Edwards first:

Main points:

* Status quo lost and change won.

* You can't buy votes in Iowa.

* I'll fight the corporations.

* Sad poverty, homeless, healthcare stories and a push for reform.

* It's not over!!!

It was a very typical Edwards speech. His voice cracked though. It was funny. Still, it was the same speech I heard in Knoxville in 2004. He does inspire people and I think he'd be a great VP.

12:20pm 96% reporting. 37% Obama, 30% Clinton, 30% Edwards..

12:20pm 97% reporting. 38% Obama, 31% Edwards, 30% Clinton, Richardson 2%.. Booyah!!!

Hillary's turn...

Main points:

* Warm welcome from the crowd. Albright and Bill behing her..

* Hillary continues ripping off Obama's theme of change. Get real.

* Plays up her experience and get's "Hillary! Hillary" chants.

* Takes a jab at Liberman and his independancy.

* Reclaim the nation for our children bit.

* "Ready to lead" theme is her thing.

* Engergy, healthcare, global warming, education, military and war speech.

* Ends with thanks and "I want to be your Champion" (really just a plug for her book, "It Takes a Village to Raise a Child.")

It was a crowd pleasing speech, but just as dull and empty as ever. I'm not sure why people go wild for her.


12:40pm Chris Dodd just dropped out of the race after a very poor showing in Iowa. Too bad, too. I hope he endorses Obama.


Here's Huckabee:

Exact quote, "I from Hope, Arkansas in case you forgot. Look at Chuck Norris. These are my kids, John-Mark, David and Sarah. I wanted four biblical names, but only had three kids. So I made named this guy John-Mark. He's what we Baptists call a "super-Christian". I'm so pleased that all of you average, I mean ordinary, people voted for me. I have the conviction to be a great president. This isn't about me though. It's about the people, the white people -the deserving people. The ruling people. Our creator gave us inalienable rights, like having me as president. Thanks and God Bless me!"

* Crowd went wild for Chuck Norris, the bible and weight-loss...

Obama Time:

He walks in with his family and is greeted by a wild crowd.

Main Points:

"They said this day would never come. You have done what the cynics said couldn't be done. You have done what America can do in this new year! You came together to stand up and say our time for change has come! We are choosing hope over fear! Change is coming to America!"


The chants for Obama were soooo loud. It was amazing!

My Predictions

Okay, I hate to do this, but I'm pretty sure that I can't curse anything since I'm in Korea. Afterall, the midterms went to the Dems while I was here.


The Dems:

Obama will get the first spot. The young people, first-timers and educated will turn out for Obama.

Edwards will come in second. His populist, working man chant will pay off and those dedicated Dems he has been pandering to will support him and I'm okay with that.

Hillary will finish third. Iowa will punish her for being the frontrunner as they always do. They also realize that she is kind of scary and not going to do a damn thing in office.

Richardson will come in fourth. A loss in numbers, but really a win. This will give him that boost that will help him compete. I know that he has said he doesn't want to leave his post as govenor, but he would be a fine VP.

Dobbs will be our number five. He is personally my number two and I would love to see a Obama/Dobbs ticket. He doesn't have much of a chance, but it will give him some press.

Biden, Kucinich and Gravel can give it a rest. I like Kucinich and Gravel though. They have heart, but the country is not ready for that yet.



The GOP:

Who cares?

Romney will land at number one. He's has the look and the price tag. With the amount of money he spent there, he better win.

Huckabee is number two. This is a joke. Really? These two guys are the top contenders; a Mormon and a Baptist?

Paul would be great and I'll give him number three. I like this guy a lot. He's a Repub, but still, he's got balls.

Either way, the GOP has a laughable stock of canidates and it'll be a wild race!

Stupid Lou Dobbs

First of all, I'm watching this on CNN International and I usually like the anchors they have on here, but for Iowa coverage they have Lou Dobbs. This guy is a douche. I watched him at home and, of course, he is always highlighted on cnn.com. All he talks about is immigration and the "menace" that they are. He never cites anything beyond his own commentary on videos no doubt recieved from the Minutemen. Between his opinions and coverage on immgration and the volatile language he uses when discussing China, I am confident that he is a xenophobic douche bag.



Classic!

Caucus Countdown

It's morning here and obviously time for Iowa to caucus. This will be a closs race and I REALLY hope it goes to Obama. I have a good feeling about it. So, hopefully I'll be writing a post in a few hours about how happy I am and that he has the wind in his sails.

However, I have to admit that a measly and unrepresentative state like Iowa really should not have this influence. I know that Clinton lost Iowa, still went on to win and earned the title of "The Comeback Kid", but that does not always happen.

Really, I'm hoping that Hillary loses. I don't like her. I don't trust her. She has not done one thing that I have been proud of and she is the definintion of a politician. If her husband was not a successful president, then she would not have made it this far. If she gets the nomination, I will SERIOUSLY have to think about vote. Let's hope her pandering to middle-aged feminists who still think a woman is the only way to change their current "plight".

Fingers are crossed in Korea!!

It's time to fly!!!!

New Years

New Years Eve has always been a fun time. From wild parties, to chalets in the mountains, from bombings in Thailand and now in the spectacularly crowded streets of Seoul, they always show me a great time.

We started the night out with wine, beer, soju and tequila. Some people came over to our place and we started watching the fight. It was an MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) fight and Choi Hong Man (최홍만) was fighting the world best fighter Fedor Emelianenko
in Japan at the Yarennoka tournament. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yarennoka%21
He had no business fighting Fedor really. Fedor has only lost once and that was just because the doctor called it. It went like this.



After the fight, we headed to what is comparable to Times Square only there is about three times as many people here. We got off the train and walked out into the already crowded street. At this point, we were pretty loose, but needed a few more bottles of booze before the countdown.



We came to the main street and immediately we saw the fireworks and heard the drums.



The drums were from several groups of Koreans who were wearing traditional clothes and dancing and playing traditional music. We walked past those guys and made it to the insanely tightly packed crowd. We pushed and got pushed and got smashed and finally made it as far as we could go. Music and dancing and drinking and yelling and all the typical NYE stuff was going on.

I have a bunch of pictures to post here. Enjoy!



This is the stage where all the people were dancing and singing.



After the countdown...



My 김!!!

It was loud and wild and a lot fun! Here's a video that someone took last year.

Songs For Rodge

In college, Ryan and I developed the groundbreaking and now world famous "Songs For Rodge" music compilations. After college, they all seemed to disappear and, since I had most of them, they were all scratched anyways.

However, the moments that stemmed from those wild, carefree and amazing times will always live on and I will always cherish those songs. Each one takes me to a special place at a special time with friends that are always going to be there, even if I'm 2000 miles away...

This is one of my favorites from an earlier volume. His voice sounds just like Rodges...

Seoraksan

Vacation has started and we're off to the mountains!!!

Christmas at Wonderland

Happy bunch, huh? For some reason, Koreans (especially men and children) don't smile in pictures. I don't know why, but I might try to figure it out in an upcoming post.

We had a Christmas party and all that at school on Christmas Eve. I know, we had to work on Christmas Eve, but the day was still fun. In the morning, the kids had a caroling competition. Each of my classes sang one song. One class sang "Must Be Santa" and the other sang "All I Want For Christmas is My Two Front Teeth". My "Must Be Santa" class won and they got a pizza party for it. Both classes were very cute.

We took pictures and opened presents. Most of the kids got Transformers or other currently popular toys and gadgets. Some kids got clothes and they were visibly devastated. The parents should have more sense than that though. Can't they save the sweaters for home and buy their kid something that kids like and can play with.

You know, like this...



I was thrilled to see guns in school again. Since Korea basically doesn't have guns and they have even less murder, this is not a shock.



That's Violet, one of my favorites, and Santa Dave. He looks a little like Chanukah Harry dressed at Santa. She looks thrilled, huh.



There they are with Santa Kaz . He's the world greatest British-Indian Santa.



She a little happier there. Why? Just look at that stache! Wouldn't you be happy to be that close to it?



And finally, Jennifer, Eric and my mustache.

The kids actually didn't want to take a picture with me. They wanted to take it with my mustache, but since I attached to my mustache, I was allowed to be in the picture.

How did that happen?

We had all planned to go caroling on Christmas Eve. The group was large at first, but as the hour approached it turned into five of us. Micah, Dave, Glen and I were singing and 고 was filming.

We had wanted to go to the huge apartment buildings that blanket Seoul and just sing "at" them. We were just going to be drunk and it didn't really matter to us. However, 고 suggested we go to a more high-traffic area and sing to them with a box for donations in front of us. We agreed. We drank a few beers and clad in our sweaters and Santa hats, we set up.

We didn't think we would make much money really. So, we started singing in front of Hyundai Department Store first.



We made some money there, but decided to set-up right in front of the exit at at Samsung station. We sang and sang. Large groups of people gathered around, some clapping, some singing, but mostly they were in the spirit of the season and donated money. We decided to give all the money to a Salvation Army guy that was ringing his bell nearby.



After awhile we just decided to sing next to the Salvation Army people and we made hundreds and hundreds for them.



A night of drunk caroling for fun turned into a night of drunk caroling for charity. How did that happen?

The Google School of Medicine

I am a proud graduate of GSM. I worked hard and now every time I get sick, I use my vast knowledge of medicine to diagnose my illness. It's simple. All I do is type in one symptom into Google search, and just like that, I have diagnosed myself.

A few days ago, I had a bad headache, so I typed in headache and viola, I have a tumor. Wait...I have a sinus infection. No, it's an ear problem. Hmmm...

The tendency to self-diagnose myself is so great and the chance that I'm way off is even greater. I know GMS is a tier-three school, but I thought that they would at least be able to see me through a headache.

I wonder how common this is though. I bet millions and millions of people are doing this and, while they may not be directly physically hurting themselves, they are doing some serious damage to their psyche. I went to the doctor and found out all I needed was a sinus decongestant. However, my headache was so strong and lasted for so many days that I thought I had a real problem because of my unqualified medical Internet search.

I understand that people will do this no matter what and since there is limited time that we get when we actually do see the doctor, being prepared does not hurt, but there is a difference between self-diagnoses and preparation. It could also be helpful to search AFTER the appointment and AFTER you have the facts.

I'm not too sure why I thought about this, but I assume many of you have done the same thing many times. Be careful, I guess...

Stachedate

It's been three weeks since I started my stache and let's just say it been full of ups and downs. People tend treat you differently when they see you.

For instance, I was trying to catch a cab and the driver slowed down just enough to see my stache and then, with a squeal of his tires, he drove off yelling and cursing in korean. My students are finding it harder to pay attention to me and seem to only want to talk to my mustache. They direct their questions to it, leaving me bored and helpless. And just yesterday, I caught my mustache trying to peak at my unopened Christmas presents.

It's not all bad though. In the subway, some Korean guy was trying to give 고 the eye. She alerted me, so I turned my head towards him and exposed the stache. He left. Also, I get all my drinks for free too. If you remember Teen Wolf when Michael J. Fox needed "a keg of beer" and his eyes turned red, that's pretty much what it's like for me.

So, will I shave it on January 2nd?

The Montero

The Montero. Mom has had a Montero for like 15 years. It's always referred to as "the Montero", although I think of the red one more than the new green one.

Our family has had many trips, rides, pick-ups, drop-offs, fender benders and more in the Montero.

Since most of those times were in the 1990's, the music that was being (over)played in that car by Mom really defines the times (according to Mom) and the attitude of that car. Here are some big ones...

Home for the Holidays

I'm on my second Christmas away from home and I know it's easier for me than my family back at home. Maybe if I was at home and everyone else was away, then it would be more difficult, but being away for Christmas isn't that bad and I'm only referring to location.

This year, I'll be with 고 and friends in Korea. I have never been in Korea on Christmas. Of course, I can walk down the street and see very few things that remind me that it is Christmas time, but Christmas is a mindset anyways. Last year, I was in Cambodia. That was great!

All I'm saying is having a Christmas away is fun and different. I'm sure it would be just as amazing in France, Singapore, Panama, Sweden, South Africa, Jamaica, or any place (except Atlanta) as long as you are prepared to make it that way.

I'm tired of cold weather anyways. These guys have the right idea...

Barack Obama!!!

I got excited and wanted to share some of these videos with you...

Want the chills? Watch the this speech.





Here's a video!

Boston Globe

Well, I saw that Obama got the nod from the Globe, but I can't seem to find out anything else. 고 and I are getting super excited about this election and the upcoming primary season. Obama seems poised to win a handful of key primaries and that is sweet, sweet music to our ears (and all of the readers of this blog).

He's going to do it! It's also great because the GOP has no one to run. Their best canidates; Paul and McCain, aren't close and the Reps are getting excited about people like Huckabee. I mean Huckabee? Give me a break!

Does Obama play an instrument? I would love to see this again!



I couldn't find him on the Arsenio Hall Show though...

Korea Goes to the Polls...

It's election time here! Tomorrow they go to the polls and elect the new president of South Korea. This will be South Korea's fifth presidential campaign since adoption of the "democracy constitution" two decades ago and it is roaring to a controversial climax in which the outcome appears pre-ordained but the aftermath extremely cloudy.

Lee Myung-bak is a shoo-in when voters go to the polls tomorrow to get rid of ten years of liberal leadership. Don't worry, conservative here does not mean war and loss of civil rights.

They have presidential elections every five years, so this is going to be crucial for South Korea and both of the Korea's. From what I understand, North Korea is willing to deal with Lee Myung-bak. That's good...

Here he is...




and just like anywhere, he is involved with possible scandal (bad subtitles)...

An Outsider

It's very difficulty to understand the full scope of something like Korean unification. My opinion on the subject has changed time and time again. Each time I talk to someone about this subject, a new perspective is revealed to me. The issue I want to address today is the outsider perspective that the world has on North Korea.

When people discuss or think about North Korea, I can guarantee you that they don't see the potential of the country. They see a dark figure that has continued the stronghold that his father, Kim Il-Sung, kept on the country and its people. While Kim Jong-il is a problem, he is also a solution. Whether you like him or not, it does not matter. He does not care what the US thinks (Does anyone anymore? -thanks Bush). He inherited a country that was in ruins and did the only thing he could to keep it somewhat orderly. His methods for that were monsterous and maybe he will be held accountable for that one day in a war crimes hearing or maybe even Amnesty International would take the case, but that does not help the North Korean people now.

Since most people see North Korea as one man and a man that must be stopped, crushed, ousted, killed or whatever people say they want to do to him, they don't see the greater picture. They don't see what is STILL a very pressing and crucial issue on the Korean Peninsula. They know that the countries are technically still at war and that's probably about it. What they don't know is how much people want to unify. They don't see how many families have been separated for 50 years. They don't see that just 30km north of Seoul there are people just as worthy and intelligent and loyal to their family and a unified Korea as there are in the metropolis that is Seoul and all of South Korea.

My point is that when people outside of Korea speak of North Korea and how to handle the situation, they only address one aspect on the peninsula. They think that Kim Jong-il is the end of North Korea's problems, but that's so niave. The way to solve the problem is to support the two countries efforts in unification by backing off and playing a supportive role rather than a authoratative role.

Korea knows what it needs to do and they are doing it already. They are slowly but firmly establishing close economic ties with North Korea. They are opening trade and rail lines to and from the two nations and re-opening disputed fishing waters. The two governments are in closer talks on many issues and only after this foundation has been laid, can they continue on to more discussion on the state of the peninsula.

This solution is internal. It is diplomatic and econimical.

I titled the post "An Outsider" because I know how most of the world wants to handle this situation and I also know how Korea should handle this situation. The outsider simply does not understand.

The framework is being laid and in the next post I will talk about the economic ties that are coming together everyday on the peninsula.



That is President Roh Moo-hyun. That was the first time someone legally walked across the border since the war began. This was in October.

Unification

I don't have time to write in any detail about this topic, but I wanted to mention it so I wouldn't forget it. The image above is the flag or symbol of Korean unification. This is becoming more real everyday and I want to talk about it from an objective position.

It's a large topic, but I will take it in chunks starting this afternoon. North Korean people are great people that will offer the world a lot.

Apathy Revisited...

I want to talk about a previous post about our generations apathy. Sid, a loyal reader and one of the greatest guys ever, commented on it. He said,

"I definitely agree to an extent, but in the end, it is the decision of the people we put in office. There is no doubt that the majority of Americans want this war to end, but we are being ignored. It really frustrates me when democrats are too afraid to stand up to the president and cut off funding. I realize this isn't the ideal way to go, but when our president leaves no other options; someone has to take a stand. So far, the democrats are too afraid they will lose votes if they go that route. I guess the only thing we can do is hope that Americans want to end this war enough to vote for a democratic president."

I agree. It is the decision of the people WE put in office. Once there, it is basically out of our control. That's horrible to stomach, but really is the nature of our politics.

I would like to add a couple things though. Would we put these guys into office if we had not become so disenchanted with the whole process? If we had the fire and tenacity that this country used to have, would we just roll over our morals and re-elect such a man? I understand that this is a Republic and there is not much we can do when our elected officials sell us out (and boy, did Bush ever do that to his base), but our drive and focus should be on the front end.

The Dem's will do this country and the world a lot of good. I'm confident of that, but the root of our problems lie within us. We need to act like we care. We need to inconvenience ourselves to change the state of the union. And so, it's Christmas and we're having this "blog" discussion (or at least I am), but really, what have we done? Have we done all we could? Have I done all I could? We all know the answer.

The next year is crucial and potenially pivotal for America, Americans and the world. Next Christmas I would like to know that we all did all that we could to get get back on the right track.

John Lennon says it the best:

Here's to Kristin and the rest of you!!!

To a great sister who has been there for me so many times! You're the best, Da Goose!

Here is OUR whole Christmas classic:



3:50 is my favorite!!!








And this last one is something that we all need to work on. I have been guilty of making this more difficult, but please know that the holidays are sad for me. It's hard being away from family and hard being away from friends. Luckily I have 고, a Christmas tree and everything here and we can start our own traditions. Still, there is so better place in the world to be than in America at Christmas.



Merry Christmas!!!

Real quick!

Quick side note: If anyone (mom, dad, Kristin, Uncle John) has any good pics of Dad with his 20 year stache, I would love to have those. I'll never be near his, but maybe a tribute???

Mustache Update...

As we all know, I'm was not blessed with a hairy face. It's been about two weeks and my mustache is still not what I hoped it would be. Actually, it's just what I thought it would be... wimpy. I still have three weeks! I was happy to see that the stache is coming in black. Micah, my other hairless friend (besides Roger!!!), has a blonde stache, so I got that going for me.





I know, I know... I have a long way to go and did I have to have my shirt off? Well, yes!!! People with mustaches can do whatever they want to whoever they want. That is the beauty of the mustache. It's like being invisible or being able to walk through walls.

Just look at this guy. He's got a stache and look what he does.

Mallipo Beach

KoThere was a huge oil spill in Korea this weekend. It's about 2 hours south of Seoul. I've been here and it was a gorgeous part of Seoul.


http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/12/09/skorea.spill.ap/index.html

Of course, the biggest problem is the envirnomental damage done by these things, but the thing that gets me going is how no one admits responsibily and when they do (after an investigation) and apology is rarely issued.

We are the problem. Remember, this is not ours. It belongs to them...

Remember When...

It all seemed to be much easier then, didn't it?

Don Henley did some great stuff after he left The Eagles.

Different, but the same...

You know, if you look on Youtube for anti-war songs you can find thousands. And of those thousands, most of them are slideshows of war images set to different songs. They are moving. They are sad. They are gruesome. They are everything that is war. I know how Iraq is being depicted, but I wonder how Vietnam would have been depicted. That war was so destructive. Some people estimate that close to 5 million people died in that war (that inlcudes the French occupation to military advisors all the way Tet and the close of the war). Of course, that set Cambodia up for Khmer Rouge and Pol Pot to sweep in and kill over a million.

Back to the focus, Americans lost over 75,000 soldiers in that war. Even Winnie's brother was killed in Vietnam. It was all over the place. The question that I'm posing here is since we have media outlets like youtube, blogs, social networking sites and tons of other cyber applications, are we getting lazy? Do you think that the public forced Vietnam to come to a close by posting video slideshows?

I know this war will come to an end and hopefully it will be sooner than later, but what does it say about the power that the American publc has? Are we strong enough stand up or are we just going to change our facebook status to "liberal" and leave it at that. This worries me. Our generation is still motivated, but what about the next one and the next one?

Does this help?




No, and this is what most people leave it at. I can't say that I've done a lot more. I did go to many anti-war marches in college and even in Cincinnati, where we were spit on by people close to our age.

Do you think that would have happened here?



This seemed to work. It did because people of all ages got on board. They all bonded together. The were mad. They wanted it to end and they fought.


I know that my whole family and all of my friends are against this war and most of them have been since it started. However, who has done something about it? I barely did and that's it.

Is this what it takes? Do we have to see this again to get people moving? I hope not.



I understand that it was a different time for America. The idea of youthful dissent was rather new then and luckily it spilled into other generations, but it seems that we have so much more power to do that now and yet it is just not happening like it was then.

We are trying though...



So, maybe it takes time. Maybe we can do it, but we need to motivate the young and keep the master's of war out of power.

The Soundtrack to Our Lives...

Musicians inspire all sorts of people to do all sorts of things. That's nothing new. However, some musicians go further than that. I'm not talking about Bono or Manson or any of those douches. They inspire, but what they sing about is not moving in my opinion.

I prefer people that paint a little picture of the world for us. They frame it and most of the time these songs are not their hits. That's why there good though. No thought of sales was put into the song, only emotion.

I'm not a huge Elvis fan, but this one got me and from now on I will post and write about a song that strikes me in that way.



"Do we simply turn our heads and look the other way?"

Well said, Elvis...

We all have to take care of each other.

Early Mornings

Every morning, 고 leaves for Chinese class very early. Sometimes I get up with her and sometimes I don't. We do live in one room, so I feel bad if she has to sneak around the apartment in the dark. She gets up and leaves before the sun sets and never makes it home before 8pm.

This limits our fun time, but I try to get as much of her as I can when I can. So, when she leaves I pop my head out the window and watch her walk up the street and fade into the dawn. Sometimes, she knows I'm watching and turns and mouths "I Love You". Othertimes, the tasks of the day are weighing in on her beautiful mind and she just walks.

I see so much grace in her when she walks. I love watching her move. I love knowing that she has so much going on and yet she still manages to turn and watch me watching her.

There's something mystical about 김고운 and have my whole life to figure out just what that might be.

And we all have happy days...

The wonderful part of human emotions is that we all need to have blue days. It's these days that make us realize how great it is to have happy days. Sure, you feel bad and you really want the pain and sorrow to fade, but we need these days to check ourselves.

Sadness makes me feel human. Fear makes me feel human. And happiness makes me love being a human.

Cheers to happiness!