Haim and Feldman No Longer Friends

SHOCKING COREY NEWS!--<--This is a link

Ok, this just kind of made me chuckle and I was going to write a little blurb about it...but on the OMG web page, the comments at the bottom are so hilarious, I had to post the link- go check it out.

If any younger people wonder why Lisa Simpson (of The Simpsons hee) is in love with a "Corey" it's because of these guys. I love that episode where she gets addicted to calling his recording and Marge has a coronary when she sees the phone bill. I remember my sister's HUGE crush on Corey Haim back in the day...and we called a number just like that and paid HIM to leave him a message. Yeah.

And here's my two cents about this important news...Haim is a spazz, but who's spazzier...him, or Feldman's high-maintenance witchy wife? All these people are borderline retarded and they need to read some books. Have they gone to college? Becuase they might enjoy that. They should go. Another reality show, The Coreys Have Class.

Hilarious Cheney Obama Cartoon

This cartoon of Cheney and Obama has me rolling. Good stuff from Bill Schorr!
And in case you haven't heard: They're distant relatives. Fox news has been trying a long time to get an Obama- Muslim connection going. This development wasn't what they had in mind, I'm sure. Ironicly, I wonder if *this* will hurt Obama! LOL as they say online. ["It's funny because it's true!" ha ha]

Dear Josh Grossberg,

Open letter to Josh Grossberg:
Dear Josh Grossberg,

I hope you google yourself (ew!) and find this. I just read an article about George Lucas' TV projects that you wrote, and I wanted to tell you that I enjoyed your writing! Perhaps you're a fan? [Um, not of yourself...I mean of Star Wars] I realize that I might lose all credibility when you see my screen-name is 'jedimasterbooboo'...but I loved the article- thanks!

I tried to find a picture of you for this entry. I used Yahoo search and clicked "images" Wow! I didn't know you were a changling. I couldn't decide which one to use, you take on so many forms.

More Photos

Wherever they went, they rode on top of the vehicles. Rain or shine. There's Abel. And there's an interesting sign.

A Couple of Photos From Gyu and Abel's Adventures

I have a bunch more, but I'm concerned about loading my page with photo after photo and making it hard to load. In the second picture, those are hanging coffins on the side of the cliff.

Sad

This is a Korean actress who's father is American. I guess people in Korea recently found out about this and now her life is bad. I don't know the details because I can't read Korean, but one of my students told me the news story says that sometimes she wants to die. Nice.

Students read my blog now and again, so I won't be completely candid about how I feel. End Entry.

They Rule

www.theyrule.net

Go here, it's a flash program from 2004 that can map connections between corporations. It's TRIPPY.

I was on that site, I didn't really understand how it worked...I clicked "find connection" on the side and two boxes appeared allowing me to choose two companies from a list of hundreds. I randomly chose Ford Motor Company and Dow Chemical.

It quickly came up:
Ford Motor Company-Ellen R. Marram- Eli Lilly-Martin S. Feldstein, PH.D. -HCA- Harold T. Shapiro- Dow Chemical.

This is ...what? 5 degrees of separation?
Go play with it. Of course, know that it's from 2004 and all these board members and associates change constantly. In fact, the path that they move along is fascinating in itself. Some of them will wind up on government boards and committees, into fox/henhouse situations.


Then I found this- my old job is connected to Exxon

Exxon Mobile- Wells Fargo- Target -UPS
There's a person in between each company.

Then we have
Exxon Mobile- Pfizer- Time Warner

That's interesting.
I'm going back to play with it.

I'm back...

So here's a quick post that reminds me of me circa 1999, 2000. I don't have a whole lotta time to re-visit all this stuff, but I wanted to check on my good ole friend Monsanto and see what they've been up to. I found this information linked to it.

Corporations richer than countries- Here's the link. Here's the info:

Of the world's 100 largest economic entities, 51 are now corporations and 49 are countries.

(It looks like this info comes from 2000 and I'm wondering what it looks like now.)

Rank Country / Corporation GDP / sales ($mil)
1 United States 8,708,870.00
2 Japan 4,395,083.00
3 Germany 2,081,202.00
4 France 1,410,262.00
5 United Kingdom 1,373,612.00
6 Italy 1,149,958.00
7 China 1,149,814.00
8 Brazil 760,345.00
9 Canada 612,049.00
10 Spain 562,245.00
11 Mexico 474,951.00
12 India 459,765.00
13 Korea, Rep. 406,940.00
14 Australia 389,691.00
15 Netherlands 384,766.00
16 Russian Federation 375,345.00
17 Argentina 281,942.00
18 Switzerland 260,299.00
19 Belgium 245,706.00
20 Sweden 226,388.00
21 Austria 208,949.00
22 Turkey 188,374.00
23 General Motors 176,558.00
24 Denmark 174,363.00
25 Wal-Mart 166,809.00
26 Exxon Mobil 163,881.00
27 Ford Motor 162,558.00
28 DaimlerChrysler 159,985.70
29 Poland 154,146.00
30 Norway 145,449.00
31 Indonesia 140,964.00
32 South Africa 131,127.00
33 Saudi Arabia 128,892.00
34 Finland 126,130.00
35 Greece 123,934.00
36 Thailand 123,887.00
37 Mitsui 118,555.20
38 Mitsubishi 117,765.60
39 Toyota Motor 115,670.90
40 General Electric 111,630.00
41 Itochu 109,068.90
42 Portugal 107,716.00
43 Royal Dutch/Shell 105,366.00
44 Venezuela 103,918.00
45 Iran, Islamic rep. 101,073.00
46 Israel 99,068.00
47 Sumitomo 95,701.60
48 Nippon Tel & Tel 93,591.70
49 Egypt, Arab Republic 92,413.00
50 Marubeni 91,807.40
51 Colombia 88,596.00
52 AXA 87,645.70
53 IBM 87,548.00
54 Singapore 84,945.00

55 Ireland 84,861.00

56 BP Amoco 83,556.00
57 Citigroup 82,005.00
58 Volkswagen 80,072.70
59 Nippon Life Insurance 78,515.10
60 Philippines 75,350.00
61 Siemens 75,337.00
62 Malaysia 74,634.00
63 Allianz 74,178.20
64 Hitachi 71,858.50
65 Chile 71,092.00
66 Matsushita Electric Ind. 65,555.60
67 Nissho Iwai 65,393.20
68 ING Group 62,492.40
69 AT&T 62,391.00
70 Philip Morris 61,751.00
71 Sony 60,052.70
72 Pakistan 59,880.00
73 Deutsche Bank 58,585.10
74 Boeing 57,993.00
75 Peru 57,318.00
76 Czech Republic 56,379.00
77 Dai-Ichi Mutual Life Ins. 55,104.70
78 Honda Motor 54,773.50
79 Assicurazioni Generali 53,723.20
80 Nissan Motor 53,679.90
81 New Zealand 53,622.00
82 E.On 52,227.70
83 Toshiba 51,634.90
84 Bank of America 51,392.00
85 Fiat 51,331.70
86 Nestle 49,694.10
87 SBC Communications 49,489.00
88 Credit Suisse 49,362.00
89 Hungary 48,355.00
90 Hewlett-Packard 48,253.00
91 Fujitsu 47,195.90
92 Algeria 47,015.00
93 Metro 46,663.60
94 Sumitomo Life Insur. 46,445.10
95 Bangladesh 45,779.00
96 Tokyo Electric Power 45,727.70
97 Kroger 45,351.60
98 Total Fina Elf 44,990.30
99 NEC 44,828.00
100 State Farm Insurance

This says that these are the 100 largest economic entities in the world. It seems hard to believe that there aren't other countries that would be in the top 100 besides Bangladesh and The Philippines. I guess they're not doing too bad overall (?)
Sources: Sales: Fortune, July 31, 2000. GDP: World Bank, World Development Report 2000
I was surprised at where Ireland sits.
So yeah, I listen to the nuts that scream about corporate responsibility. I think it's interesting.

Balot or Balut

Many have heard of Balot...a delicacy here in the Philippines. It's a partially formed baby duck. I don't eat this because there's blood in it.

Some students are grossed out by it, some try it. Some like it some don't.
Photo by Abel. This duck is 18 days old and you can see his little head in there.

More Dancing Philippinos!

This is video that my student Abel shot at Robinson's Mall.

People ask me if I'm in danger of terrorism here. I say no, but there's a danger of people breaking out into a spontaneous song and dance musical.

Vincent

This is Vincent, he wasn't one of the students that went spelunking this weekend, but he just gave me this photo so I had to post it.

Interesting! Cave Survivors.

I'm reading Yahoo news and one of the top stories is: "Student cave explorers are found safe."

That reminds me of my guys here. They saw alot of things this weekend, one of the most exciting was the cave tour. The cave was a real Indiana Jones type experience. (Actually their travel just to get to these spots was pretty Indiana Jones!)

At some points they had to crawl...at some points they were in water up to their chests holding their backpacks over their heads. Gyu said he saw a crab with no eyes. There were a gazillion bats (actual number)and meters of bet guano underneath. At some points the rock was so slippery that they had to crawl, so they got nice juicy bat guano on their hands.

Gyu was a bit concerned because the guide had a gas light that he held with one hand and nothing else. If that gas light hit the ground and broke, that was it they were in a pitch black cave miles from the opening. Hopefully the guide would have bat vision and super bat-guide skills if he dropped the lantern.

There was also a waterfall. The guide cost was 800 pesos, so 400 each, which is almost 10.00 dollars each. Pretty good. Their entire weekend cost each of them 60.00.

Oh, the hospital bill: Gyu just went to the hospital this morning because this weekend a bug flew into his ear and lived overnight at least and may have flown out the next day, we don't know. But the "damned insect" as Gyu calls it...may have laid eggs, so he's getting that checked out. That story was funny because I think Gyu thinks that the name of the bug is "damned insect"...because he says it without inflection and he says it every time, the whole time he's telling the story. "So I go hospital second class check damned insect. Damned insect may have laid eggs." "I sleep then at 4am damned insect started crawl." He was just relaying the facts.
At lunch maybe he'll update me on the damned insect.

UPDATE: It was still there. One of the teachers told me the doctor removed it. Gyu didn't save it, and they didn't film it! Rats!

Gyu is Alive!

Ok, major blog entry coming! Right after I wrote the previous blog entry and was sad... Gyu and Abel came in to school looking a bit worn but with huge smiles.

They took a very risky trip this weekend, and I wondered if they'd come back alive. He just spent almost two hours telling me about it. Abel has photos and video, I'm going to do whatever I can to tell the story and get the pictures up here.

A LOT of our students are not the adventurous types. Once in awhile we get the back packers in here and I love it. Them: least likely to complain, most likely to experience things here and then talk about it. Also: least likely to stare at you blankly during class. ME: I like them.

Once, Gyu took off to Manila by himself and ended up getting drugged and robbed by a local. That was an interesting story and proved all the other overly cautious Koreans here right. I found it strange because hundreds of students come and go, they do lots of things here and ride jeepneys freely, but this particular group is like; "Jeepneys not safe for Koreans.", I'm like: "What?" This particular group thinks they're going to get killed as soon as they walk outside. I roll my eyes.

So what happens? Ugh! Gyu, why?!? He ends proving them right (kind of). Anyway, that didn't deter him from planning other adventures.

Gyu and Abel went to the north of the Philppines to see the rice terraces and some caves, and it's something that the local teacher here said he wouldn't do. It's quite a story.

I love this picture...he's so tired, but it was all worth it.

Here's Abel.

People Die

I was reading some biographies of former high school classmates and I saw one that really made me sad. There's a girl from our graduating class that got married and had children and step children, then her husband got cancer and died last year. Now I have to go to class and I feel down. Death is a sad thing. Jesus cried when people died, he didn't say, "hey it's all my plan!" The bible says that death is the enemy. It's a horrible thing to go through and I feel for that person.

Evan Almighty- Ramadan

One of my students brought this movie in and we watched it in class. I thought it would irritate me because the ark was a huge box the size of a football field- not a boat- and yes there were pairs of animals, but 7 pairs of each...also God promised no more flood, he'd never do it again and he actually felt regret... that's what he promised with the rainbow covenant.

That's why when people said hurricane Katrina was a punishment from God, I was like...yeah you're full of KKKrap! and like all phony baloney religious types, the people saying that don't have a clue what the Bible says...

...and blah blah blah. But it was a pretty cute movie anyway. It was fun to watch with the students.

It's Thursday now, but tomorrow we have no school because here in the Philippines, Ramadan is a national holiday.

Ireland Abstains From Potato Vote

GMO HOT POTATO ISSUE
The European Union can't agree on allowing the new genetically modified potato to be used as animal feed. As usual, these stories don't provide enough information for the average person to get a feel for the whys behind GMO controversies. Around 1999 I did a bunch of research on this, and it's actually pretty interesting.

Several EU countries voted on the issue...
Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland and Portugal abstained in the vote.

Also, if you love potatoes...go to www.potatonews.com

In related news
New potato chips from Golden Flake coated with caffeine
BIRMINGHAM (AP) — For a generation already buzzing on energy drinks, here's a new snack — potato chips coated with caffeine.
Potato Buzz

That doesn't sound good to me at all.

JC and Autism

So I walked in the door from work the other day and my oldest son said he saw Jenny McCarthy on Larry King Live and she said that Jim Carrey was her boyfriend and that he's got a knack for communicating with her autistic son. Doesn't surprise me.

I chose this picture because this is my family's favorite Jim Carrey movie.
I don't really like reading things about Austism. It's the same stuff over and over again. Irony?

What?

Matt Damon went to Harvard? What?
I don't know anything about celebrities, and I think that Oceans is the only Matt Damon movie I've seen. But I saw him on Larry King once with Angelina Jolie. (I have never seen an Angelina movie by the way.)

They both act like uppity types. I thought wow, this room is big enough for both of them? I was surprised to hear Matt Damon talk, he used a LOT of words, and I love words and uppity-type things, and even I was like whoah, dude...

Trash

Let's talk about trash which is what the show 'Desperate Housewives' is.
Recently, they had a line in their show disparaging medical schools here.

Newsflash for everyone! Human beings in other countries have medical care, doctors, hospitals, etc. It's not a joke that someone went to med school in the Philippines, but what can you expect from a show like that anyway? Nothing but stupidity.

"MANILA (AFP) - Makers of hit US television series "Desperate Housewives" have apologised for a slur against Filipino medical workers that caused an uproar in the Southeast Asian country.
The apology was sent to Philippine broadcaster ABS-CBN's bureau in the United States and aired in the Philippines on Thursday following protests by the Manila government.

"The producers of 'Desperate Housewives' and ABC Studios offer our sincere apologies for any offense caused by the brief reference in the season premiere," cable news channnel ANC quoted the statement as saying.

"There was no intent to disparage the integrity of any aspect of the medical community in the Philippines," it said.

The episode showed actress Teri Hatcher, who plays Susan Mayer, asking during a medical consultation to check "those diplomas because I want to make sure that they're not from some med school in the Philippines."

The apology was made a day after chief aide to Philippine President Gloria Arroyo said the line of dialogue appeared to be a "racial slur."

Philippine Senators said the apology was not enough, and urged their Foreign Affairs Department to lodge a formal protest with the US government.

"I am mortally offended by the statement because it betrayed the racial prejudice and denigrates the excellent performance of world-class Filipino doctors in the US," said Senator Miriam Santiago, whose sister is a doctor working in Los Angeles.

--------
It's not racial prejudice, it's prejudice against a country the US feels superior to.

Question From Students

A student asked me today, "Is tweety a boy or a girl?"
Um... Anyone...?

Finally!

Years ago I read about conflict diamonds, or blood diamonds and found the whole thing fascinating so I really wanted to see the movie when it came out. I knew what it was immediately when I heard the title. It's taken me a long time, but today I finally got to see it. Not the whole thing, we'll finish it tomorrow.

WOW, I love it. I like true stories. A lot. Leonardo DiCaprio is one of the very best actors in hollywood, off the top of my head, I can't think of someone better really. His first movie was What's Eating Gilbert Grape and he played an autistic kid! My son is autistic and his portrayal is dead on. I remember telling my older son, the guy who plays "arnie" is an actor, he's just acting. Seems hard to believe. I don't swoon over Leo's looks, I just think that the range he has as an actor is amazing, he does a great job. So far I'm glued to the movie. I can't wait to finish it.

I own one diamond and I found it on the ground one day and tried to find the owner. I left my phone number with the building that I found it in front of...they just laughed at me. It fit me perfectly and my ring finger is really small. I wear it on my right hand, but it turns out that lots of guys are dyslexic or something and thought I was married on several different occasions. Yay ring! I hope nobody died for you.

They call this one...

"Cheney's Got A Gun". A while back in the news, it was reported that Dick Cheney shot this guy while hunting, and then the guy apologized to him. Kinda bizarre, but then...

It wouldn't be on my blog had I not found this super-cool lego replica of the incident.

It's Tuesday Now

Just keeping you updated.

There was another Wisconsin shooting among young people, very tragic. I don't have much to say about it. Peace out.
------
From the story:
CRANDON, Wis. - A young sheriff's deputy who opened fire on a pizza party and killed six people reportedly flew into a rage when he was rebuffed by his old girlfriend, and others at the gathering called him a "worthless pig." - Yahoo News Link to shooting article.

Ok, I have a little something to say. The news keeps talking about how he was a "police officer", which...I don't think he really was. He was a little deputy trainee. His choice of occupation has very little to do with this tragedy, in my opinion. And I'm not one for giving cops a break.

More Evidence That It's Monday

I typed in "unicycle accident" on Yahoo, and this guy's picture came up. Whatever.

Monday

It's Monday here. I know for a lot of you out there, it's still Sunday. Well, I'm here on Monday, just looking around a bit...and...you can stay in bed if you want, there's nothing good going on here. Some grumpy people acting weird, some bad food, a sappy movie...

Tell your boss and loved ones I said you can sit this one out.

Friday

I don't know what this means, but that makes it cool.
My students on Fridays will do anything to watch a movie in class. So far today I've watched two movies halfway through. Our classes are long, but the students are coming REALLY LATE. They brought me Oceans 12 for the first period. I couldn't hear it because of the notebook computer volume...but if there's a movie that I can't hear...it's good that Brad Pitt is in it...something to look at.

Second period they brought me "The Holiday". It has Cameron Diaz and Jude Law, and I don't care for either of them. It's also got Kate Winslet and Jack Black. The first half of the movie is cute, but also reminded me how much I hate men, and how serious a problem it's becoming. Maybe Monday I can see the rest.

Next class will be a famous Korean movie called "Tatja" which is about gambling. Its English title is called "The Hoodwink".

My last class can't have a movie because it's got a certain format to it...they don't need one anyway.

YESTERDAY: So I'm laughing at my post from yesterday, as if NO NEWS can come from Marinette or Peshtigo...like it's just not possible! But beyond that I think it's pretty interesting that Hmong Chinese live there. I can't imagine how they do it. I know that they came from Laos, but I'm wondering what Chinese they speak, if it's Mandarin or Cantonese.

The only way I would ever ever ever ever even consider moving back there ....the only way I would allow that thought in my head for longer than 30 seconds is to think about the possibility of teaching ESL to the Hmong. That sounds interesting. I'd love it.

Marinette Wisconsin??!?!

I'm reading Yahoo news and I see a headline for Marinette? This is where I grew up! People are murdering eachother while hunting. This is a Hmong Chinese issue. The story is bizarre.
People killing each other near Peshtigo...Squirrel hunting!

James Nichols, 29, is accused of shooting and stabbing Cha Vang, 30, after the two got into a dispute while hunting separately for squirrels Jan. 5 in the Peshtigo Wildlife Area.

Vang's death rekindled racial tensions in northern Wisconsin, where a Hmong deer hunter fatally shot six white hunters three years ago.

------
"fatally shot"...SIX hunters? How does one accomplish that?
I know some people from around that area read my blog. What's up? Do you know anything about this? Probably just what's in the news? I'm not reading local news, this came up in national Yahoo news.

The Following People Look Like Mick Jagger To Me

Yes, the middle one IS Mick Jagger, I'm just saying that these other people look like him, too.
On the left is Christine Amanpour, who I like, but she reminds me of Mick Jagger. I wonder what Jerry Hall thinks. That other dude has some silly name like..."Thomas Hayden Church" or something.

Amen

Yes, I wish women had more sense about the way they dress ( I know I've made some mistakes), but there's no accounting for taste. The taliban claims that women should be covered from head to toe, because if we're not it's like an uncovered piece of meat. I hate to say this, but American men act the same way, they just don't demand the head to toe burka with just the eyes showing. They do send the same message though. You know what? I'm not a piece of meat. I believe in the middle ground. Modest dress, but why should I bend over backwards either way- skanky or completely covered- for a species that considers me meat?

I've been around the opposite sex in situations that really made me understand why I might want to be completely hidden from head to toe with only eyes showing, and then...worry about the messages the eyes are sending...is the burden ALL on me? Can the opposite sex please stop, please understand?

Please, alot of us are people. OK, some of us aren't- but I can't help that a lot of women don't act like people. Please don't paint us all with the same brush. I'm a person, not a thing.

Commendations

I was checking out local news from back home, and I found this story. There's a lot of news lately, why put this on my blog? Because I think sometimes people wonder why I'm hard on police, and soldiers and the like.

It's because I've seen what happens when they do THE RIGHT THING. Outsiders tend to think that a police officer or a soldier always just does what they have to and if something tragic happened, oh well.

But really...this story shows a high level of competence and compassion that should be commended, regardless of what happens to the individual. It's possible he needs to be committed. It's rarely for certain whether someone should be murdered.

I believe that in another city, with the suspect being another race we may have seen another outcome. But I'm not complaining, just commending. This is a job well done.


Fake Gun or Look Alike?
The man waving a gun at a local grocery store on Friday gave everyone a scare. A local SWAT team worked to figure out if Ralph Provident had a real gun or a fake. This answer could make the difference between life or death for any suspect in a similar situation.
Police have only moments to figure out if a weapon is authentic before a potential disaster occurs.

Provident is now facing misdemeanor charges for the one hour spectacle which backed up traffic but didn't cause any injuries. Officials shot him with a bean bag after one hour of negotiations and finding out he had a pellet gun.
KEY NEWS Reporter John Palminteri speaks with law enforcement to figure out key signs to show if a gun is real or not.

------------------------------------

Good Stuff.
EDIT: OOOPS ACTUALLY, I FORGOT...THIS DID HAPPEN IN FLINT MICHIGAN, A BLACK MAN WEARING A CAPE, WHO CLEARLY WAS IN NEED OF MENTAL HEALTH HAD A PLASTIC RIFLE HE WAS WAVING AROUND AND THE POLICE JUST SHOT HIM DEAD AND THEN SNEERED ABOUT HIM TO THE CAMERAS. This was caught on film all by chance during the filming of "Roger and Me", which is a documentary about trying to talk with the CEO of General Motors. They just left ithe footage in the documentary because it was interesting.

Divorce

I'm really sad. My friend back home in the states just blurted out that she's getting a divorce. It seems like all these bad things are happening at once. I don't think people should think about divorce when they're angry. I'm sad, and headed back to class...gotta cheer up...

Mad as #$%%!

I've had it!
I just saw a video from the BBC World about a North Korean defector who has commit suicide. I'm so angry with all the tragic stories of these defectors, it's so unjust. What they go through is horrid. To put up this blog entry I searched for photos of "North Korean defectors" and I found this terrible photo of a woman in China trying to make it through the gates of an embassy and the Chinese gestapo, two of them pulling her down, one has her from behind, the other is blocking the gate. On the other side of the fence is her tiny little girl who made it through watching the whole thing. If you type in North Korean Defectors on Yahoo and click images you can see it, but I couldn't steal it for the blog, it didn't work.

That woman in the photo is likely dead now. She was sent back to NK, and usually there is an excecution. Yeah, I'm pissed at China, but they're quite open about their stupidity. I'm mad at South Korea which is where the defectors go to commit suicide after being treated like shit by South Koreans. I'm mad at the USA, but to know why one would have to follow the involvement of the US in the situation. South Korea is like the little brother who can't make a move without the US big brother, and big brother is kind of an ass. The US doesn't even treat South Korea with that much respect, especially when compared to Japan.

HELP these people...anyone...
I mean how much sense does it make to condemn North Korea if we don't Let The People GO!?!

Taegukgi

The students found a way to get this on their notebook computer WITH English subtitles. It's usually an ordeal here in the Philippines to download stuff.
ANYWAY

So I got to see this WOW! What a great movie, this is my first Korean film ever. Taegukgi means flag blowing in the wind...but the movie has a different English title, it's called The Brotherhood of War. One of the students said that this is the South Korean Saving Private Ryan. Um, it's really good.

The Courtship of Eddie's Father

It's pretty common for male students to tell me that their fathers don't really talk to them. Their mothers communicate their father's wishes. There are plenty of American tv shows and movies that could make a Korean guy jealous. I think that the Courtship of Eddie's Father might be one.

One student I had said he only got to have conversations with his father when he was drunk. They drank together, got drunk, had conversations. Interestingly, this student is an alcoholic.

5.18

The U.S.A. has 9-11, Koreans have 5-18, May 18th, 1980. When the students bring it up, they simply ask, "Do you know 5-18?"

Loads of my students come from Gwanju, South Korea and have told me plenty about it. So, when I heard the massacre story it touched me. Recently, we're sharing information about movies and the subject came up again. There's a movie called- in the English translation "Splendid Vacation". It's a fictional account of a few people's lives who were massacred on that day.

What happened? Well, basically it was a democracy movement. We know how well those go over, even in the USA.

I looked it up on the web, and there are some critical voices out there who say the movie overblows the incident, but then one person who said that strangely said that photographs of the incident are more gruesome than the movie. The particular blog that I read sounds really nit-picky if you ask me.
Here's photo from the movie and here's a link to an article in Seoul Times about it. The person who wrote the article was actually there.
Movie Review

Marathon

Director: Jeong YunchulCast:

Cho Seungwoo, Kim MisookGenre:

Feb. 23, 2005

Homepage: http://www.run2005.co.kr/

This movie, Koreans sometimes call Malaton. I think that's Konglish for Marathon, although sometimes they adopt strange new words into their language. This might be a real word over there.

UPDATE: The students said that the autistic guy in the film says "malaton" and that's why the name...

This is a true story. "Cho-won's intelligence is still that of a five-year-old boy. He farts everywhere, bows to his younger brother, and dances to music wherever he is. However, his mom dedicates herself to training him to accomplish a 'Sub-3-Hour,' which is completing a marathon below three hours, a dream for amateur runners." -Movie review website.

My son is autistic, but I don't know if they recommended this film because of that. The particular students in class didn't seem to know that fact when I mentioned it. Anyway, it's not hard to imagine how badly I'd like to see this movie. It sounds great. All the students interviewed gave it a 4, or 5 out of 5 rating, and all who had seen it cried.

Spot the Difference.

Konglish Alert!
So my students yesterday were telling me that they saw a movie starring Colin Powell.
ME:"Really?"

THEM: "Yes! Colin Powell!"

ME:"The General?"

THEM: Laughing.

They know who Colin Powell is and suddenly realized their mistake. A student went out to the lobby to look it up on the internet and came back, "Ahh, Colin Farrell!" It was pretty funny.I tried to get a picture of Colin Powell without his shirt on to make the comparison, but there were none available.

Hey, did you notice they both have beverages, though?

Creepy Cheney revisted

I know this is old, but last night my son said something like..."teenagers lurking in the bushes..." and I said, "like Dick Cheney" and we were both cracking up remembering this video. For some reason this is so funny to me, and I can't even make a joke about it or funny commentary, it just is what it is...and his facial expressions, so funny!

So here, enjoy. And I don't care if Radiohead hates their own song now, and cool people don't like it anymore...I love it!

Thanks, you...

So Ed made a graphic for my quote. Nicest thing ever. Thanks Ed.

And, Dearly "Beloved", guess what? I'm compiling information about Korean movies and coming quite soon will be several posts dedicated to Korean movies. I'm so excited.

Risky Business

"I think that it's very very risky behavior to not throw caution to the wind sometimes."- ME

KIMCHEE UPDATE: They now have kimchee again in the cafeteria. Whew! We're all breathing more easily now!

It's Funny

Because if people just click into my blog and see the following two posts, they would really glean almost no idea about me as a person whatsoever. The following two posts are a TAD out of character for me.

Just to reiterate, this is still a blog about teaching English to Koreans in the Philippines, and stuff...and I do have intelligent interests.

I Love Amanda Bynes!

Has anyone ever seen The Amanda Show? It was this Saturday Night Live type show for kids, Amanda Bynes was the star and she played lots of different characters. She's really a comic actress and lets it all go for comedy, like Lucille Ball and other women comic actresses that I admire.
Well she's growing up now and has a couple of movies out. Today one of my students brought in their notebook computer to show me She's The Man, which I've seen many advertisements for. I probably would have really turned my nose up at it had I not known it was Amanda Bynes. And I knew it would be a pretty formula teen flick with typical girl versus boy humor. You know what though...I really enjoyed this movie.

I can't believe how loud I was laughing, maybe it's because I was watching it with two guys, I don't know, but it's pretty cute. I love her character. I had already told my son I want him to marry a girl like Amanda, and he didn't even get mad. Now I'll have to tell him that She's The Man is good. We've been seeing lots of trailers for it.

The film is predictable and formula at the end (and silly), but I really liked the beginning and the middle. Amanda is the cutest thing. I want her to always be in the business of entertaining me. She's one of the good ones.

Help! I'm getting dumber!~

Here in the Philippines we have a station called ETC that has all the insipid shows on, and some that I like (Parental Control for one). Usually I've flipped through the channels, landed on the Tyra Banks show and lasted watching it for maybe ten seconds, and then I exclaim, "I can feel myself getting dumber!" and then I turn the channel, my son laughs. BUT then something happened...

I got sick and ended up watching things that I wouldn't normally. It turns out that Tyra Banks does plenty of interesting shows, or um...interesting enough anyway. I've completely reversed my opinion on her. 1. She reminds me of my sister. When I watch Tyra, I actually miss my sister. They have the same personalities and mannerisms.

2. Trya's cool. She does a lot of things for people and she likes interesting things and issues. She's concerned about unrealistic body images and tackles that on her show. I like her.

I think that America's Next Top Model is her baby and she could be doing a lot worse than that. Of course, project runway is better, but...I like the choice of Carrie D for cycle 7. Man I miss Project Runway. I guess Tim Gunn is a huge star now. He was mentioned on an episode of 30 Rock. Someone told Tracy Jordan, "We have a surprise for you." and he blurts out, "Is it the gay guy from Project Runway?" We were laughing at that one. I think Tyra should merge with that show.

Speaking of that...my kid and I are endlessly making up fake merged reality shows for kicks...and then one day I saw an episode of Miami Ink where they went and did tatoos at Orage County Choppers. We laughed.

What? No Kimchee!?

Well I eluded to some issues with the Admin here at this school in my earlier post, here's more. The students put up with a lot here, and the Administration ignores them basicly. In fact, they're not even here today which is fun for the teachers, but there's nobody for the students to go to if they need something.

Here's the latest development that blew me away. They now have NO KIMCHEE in the cafeteria downstairs. Koreans eat kimchee morning, noon, and night. In Korea every family has two refigerators, one for stuff and one strictly for kimchee. The food at the college here is terrible, and the fact they had kimchee was one of their few redeeming qualities. Now...no more. The guy that makes it is in Korea, but the guy that makes it KNEW he was going to Korea, and this stuff is made WAY in advance, in fact that's how you have to do it. The older the better. Also, drum roll...it's sold here in the supermarket and they have a good relationship with Korean resstaurant owners here, and could get some that way also.

It's just one more middle finger to the students.
Plus, I'm pretty sure some of them are going into withdrawls. Some Koreans only travel on package tours with companies that can provide kimchee while they are abroad. It's a big deal.

OK, everyone will survivie, but I just hate what these guys go through when they get here. Thankfully, they almost without exception love the teachers and the classroom part of it all. My class that was acting up the other day not only apologized and did a complete 180...but they also love me to pieces. Nyah.

Russian Chopsticks

One of my students has been to Russia, touring St. Petersburg and Moscow, which the Koreans call Moscaba. He said there are Korean restaurants there, so he ate Korean food in Russia. I said to myself, Ok, new dream. I still want to go to the Great Wall, but add Korean food in Russia to the list. Kimchee and vodka baby.

The Korean language is actually related more to the Russian language than to Chinese, except for the written characters. Koreans are closely related to Mongolians,and not as close to the Chinese as one might assume.

They also drink a clear beverage called soju, not as strong as vodka. It's interesting to listen to Koreans from Kwangju or Busan talk after slamming shots of soju. Their speech is strong and slavic sounding, I picture these guys in furry hats when I see them drunk on the clear stuff.

Surprise Apology! Wow!

Yesterday I had to do one of our big group highly structured classes and it was my first day in there. I found out at the last minute I'd be doing it, which is OK, I remember how to do that format no problem, but we had no power yesterday, so we had to open the windows and it's SO noisy in there. The traffic outside makes everyone talk in unnatural volumes and tones, so it's pretty uncomfortable. The format of that class is pretty intense, too. Yesterday was basically a warm-up class for me.

A lot of the students came in late, and then they were...um...rude. I was thinking is this my imagination? Korean style rude is ignoring and passive aggressive non-compliance. So not only were they doing tons of things they weren't supposed to be doing, but then afterward they- no two of them- complained about me with the stupidest comments ever, that I won't get into or I'd have to explain the whole format. I was pretty sure that their dissatisfaction wasn't about me at all. Sure enough...

I had a surprise today when in my first class before our time was up, a student who has my other class brought up the issue quite naturally and wowed me by saying that their behavior yesterday was terrible and they apologize. I was like...OK it wasn't just me. He promised today would be better. I really like these people. Sometimes even when they're bad, they're good.

The bottom line is there are alot of issues with the admin at this school and sometimes the students lose it. I figured that was the deal.

I wish I looked this good...

This is one of my student's (Jack's) dog.
Someday I'll make the post about the Boshintang which will be long and gruelling. Yes, Koreans eat dogs, the dish is called Boshintang, but they do not eat their pets, and huge vast amounts of Koreans don't eat any dog at all. It's a long topic. I promise I'll get to it in the future, it's quite interesting.

Anyway, this dog looks better than I do right now, and that sweater is nicer than anything I might own at the moment. Jack tells me that the choker the dog is wearing is silver. Rats! I forgot the dog's name, I'll ask him later and edit this entry.

I came back to work for one day last week then our whole family, on that day, came down with a strange local sickness that I will not explain here. It's not pretty. Now I'm back to work with one consecutive day under my belt, and I feel like posting something fun on my way out.

I hope you all are doing great. I miss everyone.

This IS the Philippines!

I forgot to post this!

I saw on the news about the You Tube video of the Philippine prisons. What you need to understand is this IS the Philippines. This is such a true slice of how the people are here. Worldwide there seems to be an amazement that the prisoners would submit to this, we just laugh. They LOVE it.

Walking down the street here, there's always singing coming from somewhere. Shopping in the grocery stores the clerks sing loudly, and this is the place where a spontaneous musical could break out at any momment. The most popular TV show here is Wowwowee where people just sing and dance. Don't get me started on that show, I can't stand that theme song.



And here's Jumbo Hotdog! That's the name of the song.

Anyway, here, enjoy.

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.