North Korean Documentary Films

CNN interview with Nicholas Bonner

This is a cool CNN site, the Talk Asia segments are up. This documentary film-maker guy is awesome. He made this movie about two girls in the NK mass games that blew me away. I realized as I watched him answer questions that I know quite a bit about this topic, and I knew how Bonner would answer. I have less experience with North Korea, only through my interviews with South Koreans, but I would have answered the same way. I had more simpatico with the interviewee than the interviewer and that made me realize how much I've taken in on this subject. From the State of Mind website:

Welcome to the a state of mind website: http://www.astateofmind.co.uk/
The story of two North Korean schoolgirls and their families in the lead up to the Mass Games – the biggest and most elaborate human performance on earth. You may be interested in our new documentary on the last of the US defectors still living in North Korea, http://www.crossingthelinefilm.com

I recommend taking a peek at the "crossing the line" movie site also. I guess that film is narrated by Christian Slater.

Anyway, just a warning, this stuff is NOT boring by any stretch of the imagination. I need to see all this guy's work. I found it fascinating that Bonner, the British chap, was involved with film festivals in NK and said they brought in "Bend It Like Beckham" and they loved it, and they also brought in Mr. Bean's disaster movie and they love that humor.

I tell ya what, there's really nothing like watching Mr. Bean with people on the other side of the earth that don't speak your language. There's just nothing like it. Rowan Atkinson should get some kind of award or something. I've already blogged about this, I know.

Anyway Nicholas Bonner- check him out. Go to the link. Now. Thank you, and goodnight.

Stuff That Makes Me Happy

I first saw the British version of the Office, in fact I got the whole DVD set including the special based on word of mouth, and I was like, yeah this is the funniest show I've ever seen in my life.

Then the announcement that there would be an American version. NO.
I was one of the ones going WHY? What? Blasphemy! They can't do it! Why change it?
You know, you can't blame us we've seen American television!

But this US version is even better. Yup. They are apples and oranges, but the US series I can watch with my son. He gets so excited about this show. It's really one of the joys in my life, it's so funny. Steve Carell is great. I don't know how to spell his name.

Desperate Cry For Help

Hey there! I feel like starting another blog called desperatecryforhelp because all my entries lately have fallen way below my usual standard. Really the reason is that I seriously feel ill and I want to get over here to the internet cafe and make sure that the blog doesn't die, but I have nothing to post except "yuck" and "woe is me".

I'm failing everyone except the kids, they like me being home.

There's so much going on in the news that really if I had a computer at home, there's be constant updates. But, as I sit here in the IC, I just feel like a fish out of water, and slightly nauseous. On the upside I've GOT to be losing weight, because I hardly eat a thing. Yay me!

If I feel up to par today I'm going to start getting rid of personal belongings, I have way too much junk, and I always have. I should be able to get what we own down to a couple of boxes, which won't count books because I have shelves and shelves of them.

I miss everyone.

I can't sleep at night. I have anxiety attacks all night long now. Lots and lots of memories. One after another. They don't sell over the counter sleeping pills here. Getting something means a whole nother doctor's appointment. Can't do that.

Ok, that's enough for now.

One Time...This Guy That I Worked With Said...

"It's always about you isn't it?"

And I said, "I have to be that way."
What I meant was, I'm the head of my house, I'm the man, I'm the guy, I'm the only one who really cares about or watches after me...so yeah, I can get a little self-absorbed. But I can't help it.

So...this leads me to do these surveys and post them, Like anyone cares.

1 - Why are you best friends with your best friend?
My best friend spot is always open, whoever wants to pivot to the top can have a spiritual coversation with me about something that matters, and then boom, they're number one. This position is always open and inter-changeable.

2 - What bothers you the most about other people?
Shallowness

3 - Would you ever marry for money?
Yes. (True, but looks funny after answer number 2). The thing is, I say that but there's only certain people I would marry for money, if that makes any sense. I would marry anyone who *really* loves me. ME. It's all about me.

4 - Do you prefer to text message or talk on the phone?
NO TEXTING

5 - Do you believe that 30 really is the new 20?
YES 40 is the new 30. This is really going on.

6 - If you had a crush on someone would you tell them?
NO!

7 - What is one of the toughest things you ever had to do?
Blow the whislte on someone knowing that no matter what, I would be the one getting decapitated.

8 - Name a challenge you are faced with on a reg basis?
Name a challenge that I am NOT faced with on a regular basis. Ok, that's a cop out. A challenge that I'm faced with on a regular basis is not letting political stuff get to me. It's all going to come out in the wash.

9 - Do you cry a lot?
Yeah, but it's ok.

10 - Do you have a plan?
The Devil doesn't give a %&$* about my "plans" buhwhahwahah

11 - Do you think its possible to only love one person for the rest of your life?
Yeah, but it's also possible to meet another possiblity that's for real, but the right thing to do is stay with the commitment unless there are REALLY deep resons to switch. For example, the new person believes in god more, which is irony, but life is delicious like that.

12 - Are you close with your family?
Kinda

13 - Name one thing that you are good at?
Listening

14 - Name one thing that you are bad at?
Numbers

15 - Your thoughts on Karma?
Everyone should watch My Name is Earl. It's not what I believe, but it's hilarious and thought provoking, and I love it.

16 - What does the 5th text message in your inbox say?
My cell phones are dead.

17 - What did you reply to it?
N/A

18 - What do you do for a living?
Talk Show Host (without the cameras)

19 - Do you honk your horn at old people when they are driving bad?
I don't drive in the Philippines.

20 - Why do you do myspace surveys?
I'm in love with myself. And you should be too.

Orange County Choppers and Australia and the Rabbit Ohs

Wow, one of my favorite shows went to Australia! They did a great job, it was so interesting. In fact, I found out that Australia has the highest population of wild camels in the world. Who thinks of Australia and CAMELS? Come on now, I didn't learn that from Jeff Corwin, folks.

We got a kick out of this journey and I'm not one for liking Russel Crowe. I haven't seen any of his movies, wait...I saw A Beautiful Mind. Yeah, over-rated. Anyway, one of the things we laugh about in our family is the names of some Rugby teams. One of them is named the Rabbit-Ohs. Why? Well, I don't know, but in this episode of American Choppers aired on Discovery Channel Aisa, I discovered that the Rabbit Ohs are owned by Russel Crowe. Interesting.

[I'm just now reminded of something my students tease me about. I guess I say "interesting" alot. They mock me, so I guess I'm a real teacher now. After one student says something, another one will turn to them and say "interesting" and everyone will laugh...yeah that's hilarious...and interesting.]

Paul Jr. wore a Rabbit-Oh rugby jersey to the motorcycle event that night and the crowd went wild...in a bad way. Paul said that the team is one that people love to hate, or something, so he took it off. Interesting!

They did one thing that's one of my dreams, they went diving in a shark tank those lucky stinkers!

Anyway, just had to mention that...we really enjoyed this trip. I'm actually thinking about joining the fan club...for the kids, of course.

Yes, there's no number 16.

Here's one of those MySpace surveys, since I can't do my regular posting. Thanks for staying tuned anyway.

1. When you want to have "you" time, what do you do?
Read, read read...everything really.

2. Are you comfortable with answering personal questions?
Depends on who’s asking. Here in this country it's not uncommon for a complete stranger that doesn't even know my name to question me about my money and my husband. Where is your husband, "I'm divorced"..."Why?" I'm not kidding, it drives me nuts.

3. Have you ever cried and didn't know why?
Yes. I think every woman does this.

4. When is the last time you were truly happy with your life?
My answer is going to sound like a religious testimony, so I'm not going to write it. The simple answer is...I'm happy even when I'm not happy. But before, I was unhappy even when I was happy.

5. Have you ever found someone of your same sex sexy?
One time, but not completely. I think that person had a lot of male hormones and the problem was with them, not me...I know I wouldn't be able to act on it no matter what the alcohol intake...I'm just totally hetero...I already know.

6. Do you think long distance relationships are ever really worth it?
It depends. With technology now you can really keep up BUT it should only be temporary until you can get together.

7. What did you do at your lowest point in life?
Tough question. I did attempt suicide when I was 17.

8. What brought you back from that?
Being allowed to be in the hospital for a month away from people.

9. Have you ever envisioned your own wedding?
Not completely, I know that I would like to get married, and I would like to do it by running otf to Vegas very cheaply. I cannot stand big weddings, I'm allergic to them, they totally make me sick. That money could be spent on investments or a trip or something. And NO expensive ring, no way.

10. When is the last time you personally made someone else cry?
Probably my kid. I don't know.

11. The last time you were kissed, where were you?
I seriously don't remember.

12. Do you eat a healthy diet?
No, one thing I hate about it here in the Phils, it's hard to eat healthy.

13. What part of your looks are you the most complimented on?
Nothing.

14. Do you believe exes can really ever be "just friends?"
Yes, ex's can be friends, but all people and situations are different.

15. Would you attend each of your ex's funerals?
I would love to attend my ex's funeral! Since he doesn't pay any child support, it means the kids would get SSI. Sorry but my ex's life is pretty worthless.

17. Would you be able to date someone who had a kid with someone else?
I trust parents more than non-parents. Parents know what it's like to have someone they would jump in front of a bus for...without even thinking. People without kids THINK they would do that hypothetically, but parents know they would do it and couldn't be stopped.

18. When is the last time you were on a vacation?
Yikes, what a depressing question.

19. Do you make your bed every day?
I roll up the blankets that are on the floor and put them in the corner. We sleep on the floor.

20. Are you too shy to tell people when you're developing feelings for them?
YES

21. Do you use the Internet or television more?
I don't have internet at home...so...

22. Have you ever worn black nail polish?
No.

23. How much older than you is the oldest person you've kissed?
Don't remember.

24. How much younger is the youngest?
Don't remember.

25. Which celebrity have you been compared to most?
Nevermind.

26. Do you have romantic feelings for anyone, and if so, do they know?
I try not to. I don't like being disappointed.

27. What are your plans for your future?
Raise my kids. Try not to die.

28. Do you want to be in a relationship right now?
I think that would be nice, but it's impossible for me. The male genetic programming would have to change for someone to involve themselves with me and my family. I don't think men are capable.

29. If you could to pack up and leave your life now to move away, would you?
Yes, I would to take care of some business...and I'd like to come back.

30. Have you ever done any acting on stage?
Yes.

31. Do you like being in pictures?
I hate it. The only good pictures of me are ones I have taken of myself, people don't know how to look at me.

32. Do you cry easily?
Yes.

33. Have you ever been more attracted to a significant other's sibling than them?
No

34. What is the last fun, free activity you did?
hang out with my kids, they're hilarious.

35. Do you enjoy romance?
I would like to.

36. Do you tend to fall for people easily?
Yes,

37. Have you spent more time in your life single, or in a relationship?
Single

38. What person in your family are you the most like?
My dad, he's a loner, got a divorce from my mom when I was a baby and has been single ever since. That's a lot of years.

39. Are you quick to start a fight?
No, there are times when I should have been a lot quicker, things wouldn't have gone on for so long.

40. Have you ever put anything other than cheese in your grilled cheese?
OF COURSE! What kind of question is this?

41. What are you studying in school?
I study a lot of stuff, you don't want the list.

42. Do your parents really know YOU?
I think perhaps they could if they paid attention, but I think that they don't really pay attention. It's possible that Tom Brokaw's "greatest generation" gave birth to the most self absorbed generation.

43. Have you ever felt invincible?
Yes, and MAN did I land myself into some issues.

44. How many cars have you owned?
Can't count.

45. Do you get along well with your siblings?
Yeah, love them and miss them.

46. Would you rather be cheated on with or on?
What a sad terrible question.

47. Do you feel like you've got some growing up to do?
Always, and I love it.

48. Do you like to dress up?
Variety is the spice of life, I can be totally drab and then dressed up, whatever. .

49. Who is last person to say (other than your family) I love you to you?
Possibly my son, but I don't remember, it's not a common thing. Other than family??? Never!

50. Do you own a little black dress?
I used to. I think I don't own anything anymore.

Hey! And Apologies

Yeah, I was just commenting that I expected more messages, but yes, Steph I got yours! Don't worry, it's not a COMPLETE pity party. My dad takes the cake, I let him know I was ok, and he sent a one word email.


"Good."

Hey, I have a sense of humor you know.
My kids love me being home, son number one pretends that he doesn't - but he loves it. I'm still in bed most of the time.

So much going on in the news. But alas...I don't have the time to get down here.
I'm seeing shows I would never normally watch for two seconds, one of them called "The Bachelor" I don't know if this is popular in the US or not. This one is called "Paris".
Wow, what a horrible concept. There are two ways it can go...the people involved can be so thoroughly shallow and insipid that you don't care. OR they are real people in which case the competition could rip your heart out as real people get led along into a true love situation, only to be dumped on national television competing against another love interest.

GASH! The whole thing is just heart wrenching. Next week Dr. Travis picks the winner. I've only seen the last three episodes, which is fine because I wouldn't be able to tolerate the show when there were several women. I started watching when the last two were left standing. This show just makes me cry. I can't stand Travis, because he actually says things to the women he should NEVER say unless they're engaged or they're the last ones standing, and he's done this with both women left. "When I'm with you the whole world melts away." "I have a connection with you that noone else understands."

One of these girls is probably going to be in the hospital after this show, it makes me cry. Anyway, I think he should pick Mon, because Sara could date any Tom Dick or Harry, she's generic girl, but Mon needs the fairy tale. She's the one who's going to be devastated. But I don't think that's the way it's going to go. Personally, I don't like Travis, but nobody asked me, and that doesn't mean that others can't like him.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a woman that desperately needs to be exposed to positive male examples? Other than the Bible, is there anything I can see that doesn't just make me hate men even more? There's got to be something out there and I'm open to all suggestions. Good men are out there, I just can't see it, I need help.

Hey, that reminds me, The Daily Show is on tonight. Jon Stewart, now there's a great guy.
Maybe I just solved my own issue. Anything else?

CNN's blonde highlights of China.

Hey, I'm really dizzy right now, but I'll just post this one thing and log off...I've got to.

I was having a nice family time in front of the tv watching CNN, I was talking to my youngest son, playing with him, and my oldest was playing his game boy and CNN was on, the interviewer was on a split screen with Phelps, the olympic swimmer. I was half listening. Suddenly, my oldest son, still playing the game boy burst out laughing. Why? My son says,

"The interviewer just said that the olympic games are going to 'put Bejing on the map'."

No, it wasn't the Daily Show. No, it wasn't Conan O'Brien, it was a real interview.
I mean if my 13 year old, who's hardly a news analyst is going to burst out laughing while multi-tasking on a gameboy...CNN's got some blonde highlights going on, my opinion. I mean the Duck that waddles around on the set of the Conan O'Brien show might be more aware of Bejing than some of the people at CNN if you know what I mean.

That said, Kristie Lu Stout is awesome and they should just let her do ALL the reporting and stop embarassing themselves. The other thing that I saw that I'd like to blog about is Dr. Sanjay Gupta going to a medicine shop there in Bejing, it was just so rediculous.

I've been studying China for years, and I know all about the horrible things that go on there, I don't want to minimize their shortcomings; But watching this coverage at times has been like watching my grandma visit China bewildered with everything in her cute grandma way. I could really live my life comfortably without seeing another perspective from Dr. Sanjay Goofball.

Out of the hospital...

I had an emergency operation to remove the appendix. I also have gall stones, but they couldn't do those in the same op...and some other stuff going on.

ANYWAY. I've been recovering at home and this is really the first day I'm out and about it feels weird. I've been at home watching the news, and laughing hysterically. I want to blog some of this China coverage so badly, but sitting here even now, I'm dizzy and weak. I think also that this illness has caused some depression, which is scary and I hate it.

So, I'm dealing. Really, I expected to hit the computer to tons of messages and what not...NOPE. Nobody cares I guess. :)

More later.