I am cat-sitting fro Jen and Dean who are back in the states for a few weeks. They teach at public schools, so they didn't have the same vacation dates as the rest of us who teach in hagwons. But that meant that they wouldn't have to try and board their cat while they were gone, because I volunteered to take care of him. I really miss Amelia so I thought it would be nice to have a cat around, and I'd be doing them a favor .. so win, win, right? Not so much. He is a DEVIL!!! Jen named him Blue Diablo, and he really lives up to it. I now understand why some people aren't cat people, and miss Amelia a lot more!! He's still a kitten so he is reeeeaaaaaally hyper. He attacks my hands and my arms whenever he gets a chance and he's just destroying everything he can get his little claws on. Even right now, he is ATTACKING me.. I am kind of afraid to go to sleep tonight.
Jen, come back to Seoul soon!!!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
My Thoughts About Heath Ledger
As I am sure everyone knows by now, the actor Heath Ledger was found dead in his home earlier today (or yesterday, if you're not in Korea). If you haven't heard, read about it here.
I know that there are a lot of people out there that think "So what? He's just another celebrity... there is a lot of suffering in the world that deserves your attention more." If you're of that mind, that's fair, but you ought to stop reading.
Fact is, he was an artist, a father, a mentor to some (no doubt), and most importantly, a person. So the subject should be treated with at least respect if not reverence. As an actor I find his death extremely tragic. I admired his career and as you all know have been eagerly waiting to see his performance in 'The Dark Knight.' I am deeply disturbed that the cause of his death appears to be an overdose of sleeping pills, considering how impressed I was with the fact that his character work for the Joker apparently resulted in insomnia. He was a tremendous actor with what critics called a very promising career. To the public he seemed extraordinarily genuine and, honestly, happy. It is sad that we'll miss out on what would have continued to be a brilliant career. But it's definitely sadder to think of his friends and family that are personally touched by this loss. WB hasn't made a decision on if, when, and how they plan on changing their marketing of the latest Batman movie, which has so far been focused primarily on Ledger and his character.
Heath Ledger 1979-2008
I know that there are a lot of people out there that think "So what? He's just another celebrity... there is a lot of suffering in the world that deserves your attention more." If you're of that mind, that's fair, but you ought to stop reading.
Fact is, he was an artist, a father, a mentor to some (no doubt), and most importantly, a person. So the subject should be treated with at least respect if not reverence. As an actor I find his death extremely tragic. I admired his career and as you all know have been eagerly waiting to see his performance in 'The Dark Knight.' I am deeply disturbed that the cause of his death appears to be an overdose of sleeping pills, considering how impressed I was with the fact that his character work for the Joker apparently resulted in insomnia. He was a tremendous actor with what critics called a very promising career. To the public he seemed extraordinarily genuine and, honestly, happy. It is sad that we'll miss out on what would have continued to be a brilliant career. But it's definitely sadder to think of his friends and family that are personally touched by this loss. WB hasn't made a decision on if, when, and how they plan on changing their marketing of the latest Batman movie, which has so far been focused primarily on Ledger and his character.
Heath Ledger 1979-2008
Monday, January 21, 2008
San Diego 12 - New England 21
Well, as almost everyone expected, the Chargers were defeated by the now 18-0 New England Patriots on Sunday in Foxburough. It's more than a little disappointing that the Chargers were held to only 12 points - ALL of which were field goals. But the shocking part is the new revelation that Rivers was playing with a partially torn ACL. He underwent some mini-surgery on Monday, didn't practice all week, and then played - really well, considering.. I guess - on Sunday. We had a slim chance of winning as it was, but with a beat up quarterback and no LT, I can't say I am surprised we didn't win (as much as I would have LOVED to throw it in the face of sportswriters across the nation!!!). I have to give it to New England; they played really well, and actually DIDN'T run up the score (although I don't know if I sould see that as class, or an insult).
The real upset came in the NFC game with New York winning in overtime with a 47 yard field goal. So it will be a rematch of the regular season finale for the Pats and Giants as they face off in the Superbowl in 2 weeks. I am conflicted. Who to root for? The team that makes the game seem so easy and (in my opinion) doesn't play with much passion or humility? Or the underdog, with a Manning (who insulted San Diego in the '04 draft..) for a quarterback. Which is better? Eli Manning winning before the Chargers do - but also insulting his brother by doing it much earlier in his career and ending the Pats' run at perfection on top of it? Or watching the rich get richer, seeing Eli Manning cry like a baby and waiting around till next year? ... rock and a hard place my friend, quite the rock and hard place.
To die-hard New England fans I have to say this: Congrats, and shut up. Tom Brady is a Yankees fan.
And for everyone else, there are 7 short little words that can cheer up any sports fan the day after their team is eliminated from the post season: 3-1/2 WEEKS TILL PITCHERS AND CATCHERS REPORT!
Think blue, baby.
The real upset came in the NFC game with New York winning in overtime with a 47 yard field goal. So it will be a rematch of the regular season finale for the Pats and Giants as they face off in the Superbowl in 2 weeks. I am conflicted. Who to root for? The team that makes the game seem so easy and (in my opinion) doesn't play with much passion or humility? Or the underdog, with a Manning (who insulted San Diego in the '04 draft..) for a quarterback. Which is better? Eli Manning winning before the Chargers do - but also insulting his brother by doing it much earlier in his career and ending the Pats' run at perfection on top of it? Or watching the rich get richer, seeing Eli Manning cry like a baby and waiting around till next year? ... rock and a hard place my friend, quite the rock and hard place.
To die-hard New England fans I have to say this: Congrats, and shut up. Tom Brady is a Yankees fan.
And for everyone else, there are 7 short little words that can cheer up any sports fan the day after their team is eliminated from the post season: 3-1/2 WEEKS TILL PITCHERS AND CATCHERS REPORT!
Think blue, baby.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
San Diego SUPER Chargers!
The Chargers face off against the Patriots tomorrow to battle for the AFC Championship. The Chargers had a sort of rough season, especially compared to their 14-2 performance in 2006. We struggled early, going 5-5, but ran the table and finished the season 11-5; entering the playoffs as the #3 seed. But in all sports, your regular season record doesn't mater much if you can't get the job done in the post season. And this year, Norv Turner and the Bolts finally got it done, rallying to beat the Titans in the Wild Card Round and upsetting the Indianapolis Colts in the Division playoff. Now they're set to put up a fight... and it's clear which team the media will be supporting tomorrow. If you have caught any sports news lately, they won't tell you about how the Chargers defense caused the most turnovers in the league this year. They will play up the Chargers record and compare it to the Patriots' undefeated one, but conveniently leave out the mid-season acquisition of Chris Chambers - who was still playing for Miami when the Chargers and Patriots met in week 2 - and the major affect it had on the team. All we've heard this week is about how Phillip Rivers is immature, and how the Chargers don't have a chance. The only reason people are attacking Rivers for smack talking on the sidelines is because there isn't anything else to criticize him for it. They make it sound like he is picking fights with fans instead of focusing on the game - and that's not the case. He just plays with a lot of heart, and gives the fans right back what they give him. It doesn't bother me at all, and I like that he has a sense of humor about it!
Long story short, I'm sick of no one - ESPN especially - giving San Diego the respect they deserve. Instead of reporting how the team fought back from a rough start, they're just a soft, warm-weather team, that doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell in Foxburough this weekend. I'm not an idiot, I'm not predicting a win for San Diego. The Patriots are a really good team, but so are we!!! I am predicting that it will be a good game, and hoping we win.
GO BOLTS!!
Long story short, I'm sick of no one - ESPN especially - giving San Diego the respect they deserve. Instead of reporting how the team fought back from a rough start, they're just a soft, warm-weather team, that doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell in Foxburough this weekend. I'm not an idiot, I'm not predicting a win for San Diego. The Patriots are a really good team, but so are we!!! I am predicting that it will be a good game, and hoping we win.
GO BOLTS!!
Friday, January 18, 2008
Stay Tuned, Folks!
There two posts that I have been meaning to write, but haven't becasue first, I am lazy, and second, I've sort of had a social life (GASP! I know). I want to write about the way the Chargers have played during the pat two weeks, and the ever-present problem of band wagon and fair-weather fans... so that one will come soon. (I want to write it before the game on Sunday.) The other one is to chronicle my cutest day yet at SLP which was yesterday. Photos and (God willing) some video are coming soon too - so despite the lack of Korea-realated updates, don't go anywhere!!!
That's all.
That's all.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
The Dark Knight
PS: If you know me then you know how excited I am for the next Batman movie. Batman is by far my favorite (and the best) super hero, and I have been a fan of Christian Bale for as long as I can remember. (Newsies, anyone??) On top of that, The Dark Knight looks like it's going to be an amazing movie. I love the direction that Christopher Nolan has taken the franchise in and I'm eager to see what he does next. At the end of 'Batman Begins' we were left with a teaser of the next installment, when GORDON (thanks Matt) lets the caped crusader know that Gotham's latest villain seems to have followed his lead by creating a theatrical alter ego and leaving a calling card... The Joker. (Only one of the best villains ever!)
Now any Batman fan could be nervous by this ambitious move, because who can ever come close to Jack Nicholson's brilliant performance? I've always had faith in the casting of Heath Ledger (his mouth is gigantic, so he's got the creepy smile down), and I've only grown more confident in his performance as previews of the movie have come out. But after reading the following, not only do I admire Heath Ledger even more, but I am positive, if nothing else, fans will not be disappointed by a "poor man's Nicholson"-like performance:
The Joker's character is based on his first two appearances in the comic books, as well as his portrayal in the graphic novel "The Killing Joke." To prepare for the role, Heath Ledger lived alone in a hotel room for a month researching the character and developing his performance, which he claims is based upon Sid Vicious and the character of Alex in A Clockwork Orange (1971). Ledger found the role extremely difficult, and suffered insomnia as a result.
Wow. Major dedication. I bet he does a really good job. How can you NOT be excited?!
Now any Batman fan could be nervous by this ambitious move, because who can ever come close to Jack Nicholson's brilliant performance? I've always had faith in the casting of Heath Ledger (his mouth is gigantic, so he's got the creepy smile down), and I've only grown more confident in his performance as previews of the movie have come out. But after reading the following, not only do I admire Heath Ledger even more, but I am positive, if nothing else, fans will not be disappointed by a "poor man's Nicholson"-like performance:
The Joker's character is based on his first two appearances in the comic books, as well as his portrayal in the graphic novel "The Killing Joke." To prepare for the role, Heath Ledger lived alone in a hotel room for a month researching the character and developing his performance, which he claims is based upon Sid Vicious and the character of Alex in A Clockwork Orange (1971). Ledger found the role extremely difficult, and suffered insomnia as a result.
Wow. Major dedication. I bet he does a really good job. How can you NOT be excited?!
I'm a Barbie Girl, apparently..
Sorry for the lack of updates since I've gotten back to Korea. The flight was fine, the bus ride was ...ok, and getting back to work has been normal. Two exciting things (you could say) happened this weekend, and I realized that I seem to be a hot commodity in Korea (well, as long as the Koreans are drunk or crazy. Or both.)
Last Friday night the CUA crew met up in Itaewon to exchange Christmas and New Years stories over dinner at Santorini's (a VERY good Greek restaurant). After dinner we were walking to a bar to for a drink and this drunk Korean girl comes from behind us and shouts "Hello Barbie Girl! Happy New Year!!" ... So I waved and said hello thinking she'd leave, no harm done. Nope. Then she came up, shouting "Wow! Beautiful! Really Barbie. Really!" And then asked to touch my hair. Thinking it would make her leave I had a moment of weakness and said sure.. she SCRATCHED my head, gave me a hug, and started kissing me on the cheek. She wouldn't leave till I kissed her on the cheek. yea. It was strange to say the least. But hey, she was happy.
The next day, I was walking to the bus stop to meet Andrea, Kirsten and Liz at a travel agent. While I was waiting to cross the street I noticed a scruffy looking Korean man sort of twirling on and off of the curb. So, as one does with strange people on the street, I ignored him. Well, that seemed to really amuse him and, I kid you not, he began to follow me. And I don't just mean he went to the bus stop and hung out. I mean he was like my SHADOW. I believe he really was harmless but if nothing else it was so aggravating. He was in my face and shouting God knows what at the top of his lungs. I don't know why, but none of the Koreans around me were even trying to stop him. I missed my bus because I was trying to avoid him (you really have to flag them down here) so that meant I had another 15 minutes to spend with him while I waited for the next one. Well he really loved that and sat right down next to me. It got to the point where I couldn't hold it in and I finally yelled "Ka!!" which means go in Korean. That only got him more excited and he shouted some more. I actually tried to shoo him... which didn't work. One younger girl did try to help me and distracted him when my bus came, but he noticed, and GOT ON THE BUS AFTER ME! I wasn't too shocked when he got off at my stop, he'd come this far already. I couldn't help but laugh when I saw my friends and told them, "So here's the guy that's following me." It was so awkward. He was sure excited to now have four girls to follow around and started playing shadow again. I knew that just going into a coffee place or something wouldn't work because he was likely to just sit down next to us! So we went into a police station and explained our situation to the officers, which they found pretty amusing. We waited a while and when he didn't leave, the cops told us that we could go, and they would make sure he didn't follow us. The whole time we were inside the crazy man was standing outside with a huge grin on his face, seemingly pretending to be on of the cops and standing in rank with them ...?! As two cops held him back while we left he shouted back at us, I'm sure saying goodbye or something .... strange.
Both of these incidents are only more funny when you factor in that they happened to me - the person who hates making friends with strangers. I'm sorry, I don't know you, nor do I care to, I don't feel obligated to chat with you while we both wait for ... anything. And these two whackjobs I met only SUPPORT me in that decision as they were both crazy and best to be avoided. Good grief. Only in Korea!!
Last Friday night the CUA crew met up in Itaewon to exchange Christmas and New Years stories over dinner at Santorini's (a VERY good Greek restaurant). After dinner we were walking to a bar to for a drink and this drunk Korean girl comes from behind us and shouts "Hello Barbie Girl! Happy New Year!!" ... So I waved and said hello thinking she'd leave, no harm done. Nope. Then she came up, shouting "Wow! Beautiful! Really Barbie. Really!" And then asked to touch my hair. Thinking it would make her leave I had a moment of weakness and said sure.. she SCRATCHED my head, gave me a hug, and started kissing me on the cheek. She wouldn't leave till I kissed her on the cheek. yea. It was strange to say the least. But hey, she was happy.
The next day, I was walking to the bus stop to meet Andrea, Kirsten and Liz at a travel agent. While I was waiting to cross the street I noticed a scruffy looking Korean man sort of twirling on and off of the curb. So, as one does with strange people on the street, I ignored him. Well, that seemed to really amuse him and, I kid you not, he began to follow me. And I don't just mean he went to the bus stop and hung out. I mean he was like my SHADOW. I believe he really was harmless but if nothing else it was so aggravating. He was in my face and shouting God knows what at the top of his lungs. I don't know why, but none of the Koreans around me were even trying to stop him. I missed my bus because I was trying to avoid him (you really have to flag them down here) so that meant I had another 15 minutes to spend with him while I waited for the next one. Well he really loved that and sat right down next to me. It got to the point where I couldn't hold it in and I finally yelled "Ka!!" which means go in Korean. That only got him more excited and he shouted some more. I actually tried to shoo him... which didn't work. One younger girl did try to help me and distracted him when my bus came, but he noticed, and GOT ON THE BUS AFTER ME! I wasn't too shocked when he got off at my stop, he'd come this far already. I couldn't help but laugh when I saw my friends and told them, "So here's the guy that's following me." It was so awkward. He was sure excited to now have four girls to follow around and started playing shadow again. I knew that just going into a coffee place or something wouldn't work because he was likely to just sit down next to us! So we went into a police station and explained our situation to the officers, which they found pretty amusing. We waited a while and when he didn't leave, the cops told us that we could go, and they would make sure he didn't follow us. The whole time we were inside the crazy man was standing outside with a huge grin on his face, seemingly pretending to be on of the cops and standing in rank with them ...?! As two cops held him back while we left he shouted back at us, I'm sure saying goodbye or something .... strange.
Both of these incidents are only more funny when you factor in that they happened to me - the person who hates making friends with strangers. I'm sorry, I don't know you, nor do I care to, I don't feel obligated to chat with you while we both wait for ... anything. And these two whackjobs I met only SUPPORT me in that decision as they were both crazy and best to be avoided. Good grief. Only in Korea!!
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