This weekend my hagwon is hosting a small debate workshop for all of the students. On Friday, we are teaching about debate and on Saturday and Sunday we are hosting a small tournament. As part of the workshop on Friday the teachers are doing a demonstration debate.
I am going to be Prime Minister.
Those of you who have known me as a debater will understand why I am so thrilled. For the rest of you... Let me see if I can explain.
In Parliamentary debate there are two teams with two people on each team. The members of each team have specific titles and speak in a particular order. Debaters often take great pride in their position because they have to develop specific skills and abilities in order to fulfill their role and support their partner. On the government team (or the pro team) there is the Prime Minister and the Member of Government. On the opposition team (or the con team) there is the Leader of Opposition and the Member of Opposition.
I was always Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is the first person to speak. They develop a case in support of the resolution and it is their job to set the parameters for the debate by offering definitions and a criteria for weighing the arguments in the round. If the Prime Minister fails to establish a prima facie case (a complete and defensible case) then the debate round is already lost. The Prime Minister is the first impression and must be eloquent, believable and thorough. In addition to being the first speaker, the Prime Minister is also the last speaker in the debate. They give the final rebuttal, having the responsibility of summarizing the entire debate and selling the government case. They are the government team's last hope.
I have always been Prime Minister.
But, just so I don't sound so arrogant... Let me explain the real reason why I have always been PM. It's because I am barely a mediocre Member of Government. After the Prime Minister sets up the case the Leader of Opposition spends eight minutes tearing it shreds. The LO will offer counter plans, critiques, disadvantages, procedural arguments and counter definitions... Pretty much anything they can think of to punch holes in the government advocacy. And once the brutal Leader of Opposition sits down it is the job of the Member of Government to repair the damage. They don't have fifteen minutes of prep time (like the Prime Minister has) to set up their defense. They have to be ready to respond immediately, impulsively and strategically. They must respond to every opposition argument and in some cases, develop entirely new arguments in order to attack the opposition case. I've seen MG's stand at the podium and run entire arguments with only three words worth of notes. They don't have time to be eloquent, they are too busy plugging the holes in the government case. They have to be vicious and efficient... A really good MG is hard to find, but I've been unbelievably lucky.
Just a quick shout out to all my MGs. I've had three different partners and each has been smart, strategic and bad ass! A PM is nothing without her MGs!
So, like I said... I'm thrilled to step back into my PM shoes. I loved debate. I still love debate. I was captain of my team (Capt'n Jack) and I watched the team grow from four debaters and a whining, apathetic coach, to 20 debaters and a zealous, do-anything-for-the-team coach. I know what debate can do for a person. It took me around the world. It made me a more socially responsible person. It challenged me, even in an arena I thought I'd already mastered. And most of all... It gave me confidence and independence.
I'm teaching debate now. And tomorrow I'm going to show all my kids how I used to debate. I was practicing earlier today and I felt that old feeling. I remembered how I'd step up to the podium, roll up my sleeves, wipe the smile off my face, grasp the edge of the podium, take a calming breath, make brief eye contact with the judge and begin to speak. But, tonight I had to pause before I began because I wanted to smile. It felt good to be behind the podium. It felt good to be PM.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
The New Black...
I am not a big Hillary Clinton fan. She has integrity problems that I just can't overlook, but I do adore Tina Fey... the hair, the glasses, the smart and irreverent sense of humor. What's not to like? Tina is a Hillary fan and last week while hosting SNL, Tina made a return to the Weekend Update desk to support Hillary. If you haven't seen it... You need to make that happen. www.nbc.com. After all, "Bitch is the new black."
Onto other news...
1. I rode in a Korean police car. In order to complete some paperwork I needed to get fingerprinted. I arrived at my local police station, had a Korean friend explain my situation to the police officer over the telephone and then waited naively, thinking that I would be able to accomplish my task. After an hour and half and being driven to three different police stations around town, I was told that they can't fingerprint foreigners. Despite my frustration, I just had to smile and laugh to myself after I left. There must have been half a dozen police officers trying to figure out if they could fingerprint me. And instead of calling or determining a plan, they just piled me in the back of the squad car and hauled me around town. I've heard the saying "Korea is where logic comes to die." And if that isn't proof enough, just keep reading!
2. My school has been losing Korean teachers. Many of the Korean teachers are tired of the disorganization and have decided to quit. The worst part is that the school hasn't made any changes to accommodate the loss of staff. Last week two of the most important Korean teachers for the high school program quit. Instead of hiring more teachers, reassigning their classes or reorganizing the existing classes, the supervisors just hoped it would all work out. And today, five minutes before the class the supervisor said "I don't know who is going to cover Cathy's class." I pleasantly looked at him, pasted a smile on my face and said "Haven't you known Cathy would no longer be teaching since last week?"
This is pretty standard in hagwons. Nonetheless, I'm just rolling with the punches. In about 10 minutes another class starts that was suppose to be taught by Cathy. I absolutely know that the supervisor will appear within the next 9 minutes and ask me if I can teach the class. I've never taught the class. I have no idea what Cathy was teaching. And all the other teachers have gone home for the day. But, that is just the way it works around here. I could tell the supervisor "No way" and there is nothing he could do about it. But, instead I'll just gather the notes I prepared earlier this afternoon (when I first realized that I would be stuck in this predicament) and simply do my best... Then play a game for the rest of the class! Like I said, just rolling with the punches.
3. It snowed yesterday. It was lovely. I still can't believe I live in a place where it snows.
4. I went on the US military base last week. Very cool. A couple of my military friends needed to be back on base my curfew (1am), so we decided to go drink at the bar on base. People used American currency to pay for their drinks and everyone spoke English. It was a bit startling... and a bit fantastic!
5. While on base one of my friends bought me the latest issue of The Economist! It was the best part of my night. For the rest of the night we danced and drank, but I have to admit that a secret part of me wanted to order a beer and find a quiet spot to read my magazine. (These are the moments when I just have to hide my inner nerd!) Despite all my google news alerts and online updates, I miss being able to read a newspaper or a really good news magazine. I like the tangible news sources to the point-and-click online versions. They always have letters to the editor (Dear Sir,), political cartoons and articles on things I wouldn't read about unless the story was right in front of me.
Total nerd. I know. I know. I know.
Alright... I'd love to write more, but my supervisor just came in and asked me to cover Cathy's class. Surprise, surprise.
Rolling with the punches. Just rolling with the punches.
Onto other news...
1. I rode in a Korean police car. In order to complete some paperwork I needed to get fingerprinted. I arrived at my local police station, had a Korean friend explain my situation to the police officer over the telephone and then waited naively, thinking that I would be able to accomplish my task. After an hour and half and being driven to three different police stations around town, I was told that they can't fingerprint foreigners. Despite my frustration, I just had to smile and laugh to myself after I left. There must have been half a dozen police officers trying to figure out if they could fingerprint me. And instead of calling or determining a plan, they just piled me in the back of the squad car and hauled me around town. I've heard the saying "Korea is where logic comes to die." And if that isn't proof enough, just keep reading!
2. My school has been losing Korean teachers. Many of the Korean teachers are tired of the disorganization and have decided to quit. The worst part is that the school hasn't made any changes to accommodate the loss of staff. Last week two of the most important Korean teachers for the high school program quit. Instead of hiring more teachers, reassigning their classes or reorganizing the existing classes, the supervisors just hoped it would all work out. And today, five minutes before the class the supervisor said "I don't know who is going to cover Cathy's class." I pleasantly looked at him, pasted a smile on my face and said "Haven't you known Cathy would no longer be teaching since last week?"
This is pretty standard in hagwons. Nonetheless, I'm just rolling with the punches. In about 10 minutes another class starts that was suppose to be taught by Cathy. I absolutely know that the supervisor will appear within the next 9 minutes and ask me if I can teach the class. I've never taught the class. I have no idea what Cathy was teaching. And all the other teachers have gone home for the day. But, that is just the way it works around here. I could tell the supervisor "No way" and there is nothing he could do about it. But, instead I'll just gather the notes I prepared earlier this afternoon (when I first realized that I would be stuck in this predicament) and simply do my best... Then play a game for the rest of the class! Like I said, just rolling with the punches.
3. It snowed yesterday. It was lovely. I still can't believe I live in a place where it snows.
4. I went on the US military base last week. Very cool. A couple of my military friends needed to be back on base my curfew (1am), so we decided to go drink at the bar on base. People used American currency to pay for their drinks and everyone spoke English. It was a bit startling... and a bit fantastic!
5. While on base one of my friends bought me the latest issue of The Economist! It was the best part of my night. For the rest of the night we danced and drank, but I have to admit that a secret part of me wanted to order a beer and find a quiet spot to read my magazine. (These are the moments when I just have to hide my inner nerd!) Despite all my google news alerts and online updates, I miss being able to read a newspaper or a really good news magazine. I like the tangible news sources to the point-and-click online versions. They always have letters to the editor (Dear Sir,), political cartoons and articles on things I wouldn't read about unless the story was right in front of me.
Total nerd. I know. I know. I know.
Alright... I'd love to write more, but my supervisor just came in and asked me to cover Cathy's class. Surprise, surprise.
Rolling with the punches. Just rolling with the punches.
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Seriously...
What is with Clinton?
I have been trying to determine why this video bothers me. I usually appreciate the strategy and gamesmanship of a campaign, but this clip has gotten under my skin in a way that seems to escape successful articulation. Nonetheless, my preliminary conclusion is that I am annoyed and disappointed by Clinton's lack of plausible sincerity. Her condemnation of Obama as a political maneuverer, is in itself, a political maneuver. Making her righteous indignation as disappointing as it is transparent.
I'm not impressed.
I have been trying to determine why this video bothers me. I usually appreciate the strategy and gamesmanship of a campaign, but this clip has gotten under my skin in a way that seems to escape successful articulation. Nonetheless, my preliminary conclusion is that I am annoyed and disappointed by Clinton's lack of plausible sincerity. Her condemnation of Obama as a political maneuverer, is in itself, a political maneuver. Making her righteous indignation as disappointing as it is transparent.
I'm not impressed.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Hooters...
I danced with the Hooter girls last night.
I was sitting in Hooters drinking and watching the South Korea v. North Korea football game with some new (very fun) friends. As usual, the Hooter girls start dancing. I laughed with my pals since I recognized the song as one I danced to in my exercise class back in the States.
Then, out of nowhere, one of the Hooter girls came over and grabbed my hand, pulling (and persuading) me to go dance with them. (I still don't know what I did to attract her attention!) My friends just about fell out of their chairs Iaughing while I danced in front of the whole restaurant with the Hooter girls. However, I have to say... I knew all the steps! I guess, if this whole "teacher" thing doesn't work out, at least I know I have a fall back option.
Other fun news....
I was in a pub yesterday afternoon, drinking a beer and practicing my Korean letters. (I still get some of the last letters of the alphabet wrong.) One of the Korean bartenders asked me if I knew how to read Korean. When I explain that I was just learning, he asked if he could help me. To make a long story short, I had two of the Korean bartenders quizzing me on my letters and helping me read words from the newspaper. Very cool!
I'm never coming home. This is just too much fun.
I was sitting in Hooters drinking and watching the South Korea v. North Korea football game with some new (very fun) friends. As usual, the Hooter girls start dancing. I laughed with my pals since I recognized the song as one I danced to in my exercise class back in the States.
Then, out of nowhere, one of the Hooter girls came over and grabbed my hand, pulling (and persuading) me to go dance with them. (I still don't know what I did to attract her attention!) My friends just about fell out of their chairs Iaughing while I danced in front of the whole restaurant with the Hooter girls. However, I have to say... I knew all the steps! I guess, if this whole "teacher" thing doesn't work out, at least I know I have a fall back option.
Other fun news....
I was in a pub yesterday afternoon, drinking a beer and practicing my Korean letters. (I still get some of the last letters of the alphabet wrong.) One of the Korean bartenders asked me if I knew how to read Korean. When I explain that I was just learning, he asked if he could help me. To make a long story short, I had two of the Korean bartenders quizzing me on my letters and helping me read words from the newspaper. Very cool!
I'm never coming home. This is just too much fun.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Too much good news for one day...
THE OFFICE IS RETURNING!
April 10, 2008
Toby. Oscar. Jim. Pam. Dwight. Angela. Darrel. Michael. Jan. Ryan.
Oh, how I miss them!
April 10, 2008
Toby. Oscar. Jim. Pam. Dwight. Angela. Darrel. Michael. Jan. Ryan.
Oh, how I miss them!
What goes around comes around...
In high school I hated science class. It was my first class of the day and I was always late. Sometimes I would just find something else to do so I wouldn't have to go... Leadership. Debate. Student government. My friend and I would sometimes go to Noah's Bagels and get chocolate chip bagels. ANYTHING so that we could miss the boring class. And after nine years I thought I got away with it... But, I was wrong!
What is my latest class assignment at my hagwon.... Earth Science!
Who says God doesn't have a sense of humor?
Here are a few questions I now have to answer and then explain to my new science students...
1. Two cities are separated by 300 miles. City X has a temperature of 42 degrees Fahrenheit and city Y has a temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Calculate the temperature gradient between the two cities.
2. Name the major layers of the Earth and their functions.
3. Erosion typically wears the Hawaiian volcano Mono Loa down about 20cm in 5 years. Lava flows build the volcano up about 10cm every time there is an eruption. Mono Loa erupts about once every two years. Is the volcano growing or wearing down?
This class is a disaster waiting to happen!
What is my latest class assignment at my hagwon.... Earth Science!
Who says God doesn't have a sense of humor?
Here are a few questions I now have to answer and then explain to my new science students...
1. Two cities are separated by 300 miles. City X has a temperature of 42 degrees Fahrenheit and city Y has a temperature of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Calculate the temperature gradient between the two cities.
2. Name the major layers of the Earth and their functions.
3. Erosion typically wears the Hawaiian volcano Mono Loa down about 20cm in 5 years. Lava flows build the volcano up about 10cm every time there is an eruption. Mono Loa erupts about once every two years. Is the volcano growing or wearing down?
This class is a disaster waiting to happen!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
6am...
I got off work at 10:00.
I met up with my friends at 11:00.
I was dancing by 12:00.
I stopped dancing at 6:00.
The Koreans in the club can't speak English. But they sing every word of "In Da Club."
This is very fun.
I met up with my friends at 11:00.
I was dancing by 12:00.
I stopped dancing at 6:00.
The Koreans in the club can't speak English. But they sing every word of "In Da Club."
This is very fun.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Bribes...
In order to get my kids to finish their in-class essay assignment I promised them that we would do two in-class debates next week.
How cool is that? My kids like debate so much that in order to get them to do more work... I only have to promise them more debate!
These kids are my favorite! Favorite!
How cool is that? My kids like debate so much that in order to get them to do more work... I only have to promise them more debate!
These kids are my favorite! Favorite!
Valentine's Day...
Happy Valentine's Day!
Korea celebrates Valentine's Day, but with about 1/8 the intensity of the United States. There are hearts and chocolate, but the stores don't turn into pink and red vortexes, sucking you in and forcing you to buy stuffed bears and wilted flowers. Instead, a few days before V-day candy displays become slightly more prominent and bakery windows seem to showcase significantly more chocolate.
But, there are no valentines and candy hearts passed out at schools. No expensive flowers on desks. There are no sexy women in store windows beckoning men to buy uncomfortable lingerie in the hopes their significant other will actually turn into Gisele Bundchen once they (figure out how to) put it on.
It is just a nice holiday. A day when I got a great e-card Valentine from my Dad (which made my whole day!) and treated myself to an ice cream cone on my way home from work.
Onto other observations...
I may have mentioned this before, but there is something incredibly fascinating about the confidence I've gained while in Korea. There are a variety of factors which have led to my increased sense of empowerment, so let me throw out a few random, loosely related thoughts...
1. I don't have to try to be unique.
In high school and college I used to wear thick black rimmed "emo" glasses for fun. I loved them. I used to call them my "thunder glasses." However, I had perfect vision and didn't need glasses. I just liked being different. And even in moving to South Korea... I wanted to be different. Simply spending three months touring Europe or rushing right off to a corporate job after graduation would be too stereotypical. I'd be just like every other 20-something college graduate. The desire to be different often plays a significant (something too significant) role in my decision making calculus. Often serving as both my greatest strength and weakness. But, here in Korea, I am already different. Korea is one of the most homogenous regions in the world with about 1% foreigners. I am different than 99% of the population without even trying. I can hardly describe how radical and empowering it is to feel wholly unique without having to make any effort.
2. I don't have a peer group.
I exist in a place without other women who look like me. When I open magazines, turn on the television, walk down the street or observe models in store windows... I don't see women who look like me. And I am amazed by how comfortable I feel.
In the United States there is a general consensus that women can be vicious and competitive with one another. (Just watching how women interact in American bars or dance clubs would be enough to substantiate my claim.) But, I live in a place where I don't feel threatened or even competitive. I wear jeans and my favorite Converse tennis shoes to the bar and out dancing. (And I go home without any blisters!) I don't feel the need to be skinnier, sexier or more seductive than the other women. I'm just out to have a good time. And I do! In fact, I spoke with another foreigner here who made a similar observation. A Muslim woman commented that she feels totally comfortable wearing her hijab at the bars and clubs because she doesn't feel judged. And when surrounded by people who feel comfortable with themselves it creates a new type of peer group and pressure. But, that is the type of group I'm willing to join.
Onto other news...
I met a really cool group of people a couple nights ago. I'm going to hang out with them again tonight and on Saturday. How cool! In fact, that wasn’t my only interesting experience. On my way to meet this group, I ran into another guy on the subway. He thought I looked lost (I probably did) and he asked if he could help me find the train. We chatted for a few minutes, exchanges numbers and he's going to email me some cool websites. He wasn’t hitting on me, just helping me out. How often does that happen in the US?
And finally, I've saved the very best for last....
My (not-so) little brother turns 21 on Feb 17th. I won't be there. I think that might be the most disappointing part of my entire trip to Korea. Nonetheless... He is the coolest brother anyone could ask for and I am so glad he has great friends who will take good care of him. Happy Birthday Mike! I love you very very much.
In honor of Mike's birthday I am posting one of my all-time favorite pictures of the two of us...
(P.S. Mike, if you are reading this... I wanted to post the picture Mom took of the two of us from back in high school when you are giving me a piggy-back ride out in the back yard. You know the one I'm talking about, right? I just can't find it on my laptop. It is my all-time favorite pictures of the two of us!)
Korea celebrates Valentine's Day, but with about 1/8 the intensity of the United States. There are hearts and chocolate, but the stores don't turn into pink and red vortexes, sucking you in and forcing you to buy stuffed bears and wilted flowers. Instead, a few days before V-day candy displays become slightly more prominent and bakery windows seem to showcase significantly more chocolate.
But, there are no valentines and candy hearts passed out at schools. No expensive flowers on desks. There are no sexy women in store windows beckoning men to buy uncomfortable lingerie in the hopes their significant other will actually turn into Gisele Bundchen once they (figure out how to) put it on.
It is just a nice holiday. A day when I got a great e-card Valentine from my Dad (which made my whole day!) and treated myself to an ice cream cone on my way home from work.
Onto other observations...
I may have mentioned this before, but there is something incredibly fascinating about the confidence I've gained while in Korea. There are a variety of factors which have led to my increased sense of empowerment, so let me throw out a few random, loosely related thoughts...
1. I don't have to try to be unique.
In high school and college I used to wear thick black rimmed "emo" glasses for fun. I loved them. I used to call them my "thunder glasses." However, I had perfect vision and didn't need glasses. I just liked being different. And even in moving to South Korea... I wanted to be different. Simply spending three months touring Europe or rushing right off to a corporate job after graduation would be too stereotypical. I'd be just like every other 20-something college graduate. The desire to be different often plays a significant (something too significant) role in my decision making calculus. Often serving as both my greatest strength and weakness. But, here in Korea, I am already different. Korea is one of the most homogenous regions in the world with about 1% foreigners. I am different than 99% of the population without even trying. I can hardly describe how radical and empowering it is to feel wholly unique without having to make any effort.
2. I don't have a peer group.
I exist in a place without other women who look like me. When I open magazines, turn on the television, walk down the street or observe models in store windows... I don't see women who look like me. And I am amazed by how comfortable I feel.
In the United States there is a general consensus that women can be vicious and competitive with one another. (Just watching how women interact in American bars or dance clubs would be enough to substantiate my claim.) But, I live in a place where I don't feel threatened or even competitive. I wear jeans and my favorite Converse tennis shoes to the bar and out dancing. (And I go home without any blisters!) I don't feel the need to be skinnier, sexier or more seductive than the other women. I'm just out to have a good time. And I do! In fact, I spoke with another foreigner here who made a similar observation. A Muslim woman commented that she feels totally comfortable wearing her hijab at the bars and clubs because she doesn't feel judged. And when surrounded by people who feel comfortable with themselves it creates a new type of peer group and pressure. But, that is the type of group I'm willing to join.
Onto other news...
I met a really cool group of people a couple nights ago. I'm going to hang out with them again tonight and on Saturday. How cool! In fact, that wasn’t my only interesting experience. On my way to meet this group, I ran into another guy on the subway. He thought I looked lost (I probably did) and he asked if he could help me find the train. We chatted for a few minutes, exchanges numbers and he's going to email me some cool websites. He wasn’t hitting on me, just helping me out. How often does that happen in the US?
And finally, I've saved the very best for last....
My (not-so) little brother turns 21 on Feb 17th. I won't be there. I think that might be the most disappointing part of my entire trip to Korea. Nonetheless... He is the coolest brother anyone could ask for and I am so glad he has great friends who will take good care of him. Happy Birthday Mike! I love you very very much.
In honor of Mike's birthday I am posting one of my all-time favorite pictures of the two of us...
(P.S. Mike, if you are reading this... I wanted to post the picture Mom took of the two of us from back in high school when you are giving me a piggy-back ride out in the back yard. You know the one I'm talking about, right? I just can't find it on my laptop. It is my all-time favorite pictures of the two of us!)
Monday, February 11, 2008
Miserable...
http://promo.realestate.yahoo.com/americas-most-miserable-cities.html
That's right... Stockton beat Flint, Michigan!
Who could possibly wonder why I am glad I moved to South Korea?
That's right... Stockton beat Flint, Michigan!
Who could possibly wonder why I am glad I moved to South Korea?
South Gate...
I was there three days ago.
This is a tragedy.
The Guardian
Feb 11, 2008
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/feb/11/heritage
South Koreans mourned the loss of the country's most important cultural monument today after a fire devastated the 610 year old Namdaemun gate in the heart of Seoul.
Police suspect arson or faulty wiring could be to blame for the blaze, which turned the structure's magnificent wooden roof into a pile of smoking ashes.
Namdaemun, or Great South Gate, is designated as the state's number one national treasure. Dating back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), it is the oldest wooden structure in a capital and plays a central role in South Korea's cultural identity.
"People's hearts will ache," said president-elect Lee Myung-bak on a visit to the scene earlier today.
The culture ministry said the gate was one of the few links to Korea's heritage left in the capital city.
The loss of one of the few remaining ancient buildings in the concrete metropolis has prompted a bout of soul searching, with most of the initial criticism directed at firefighters.
According to the local media, the fire broke out on Sunday night and at one point appeared to be controlled by the 360 firemen who were hosing down the outside of the buildings.
But the firemen were so cautious about damaging the structure that they did not hack their way inside to extinguish the source of the blaze. It roared back out of control and after five hours, the ancient roof collapsed.
"Without doubt the fire could have been controlled in the early stage," said Professor Lee Su-kyung of Seoul National University of Technology, told the Reuters news agency. "Someone could have gone inside the structure. I just don't understand."
Investigators are looking into a witness description of a middle-aged man who reportedly climbed the stairs of Namdaemun with a shopping bag, ignited a spark, and then departed the scene as the fire took hold.
Firefighters found two disposable lighters at the origin of the fire, Yonhap news agency reported. But police have not found any closed circuit TV footage that shows a suspect in the vicinity at the time.
Kim Young-soo, head of the central Seoul police station, said an electrical fire had not been ruled out.
"We should investigate by considering all possibilities," he told reporters.
If arson if proved, it will raise questions about security. The gate, which was closed to the public for almost a century, was opened up in 2006.
Culture officials said the loss of the gate - which was built in 1398 as the main southern entrance of what was then a walled city - would be temporary. They believe it can be reconstructed using measurements made two years ago.
Rebuilding the structure with new materials will take at least three years and cost about 20 billion won (£10.8m), the Cultural Heritage Administration said.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Moments Like These...
"Isn't that the real secret? The simplest truth? Isn't that what the gurus and wise ones have been saying since before Jesus was a tingle in the loins of God? To be so present, so hotly, divinely connected to the moment you are in that time loses all relevance and age means nothing and opportunity shows up exactly as it should, and the real accomplishment, the real sense of achievement comes from celebrating each and every breath like it was a shot glass of molten meaning?
Yes. I'm going with that."
- Mark Morford
I'm starting to feel a bit... Hmm? I don't know the word. I think the word "lonely" would work, but it just doesn't quite convey the right emotion. I need a word that explains how it feels to be surrounded by people I hardly know. Nice people, but new people. Isolated... Maybe that is a better word.
Lucky for me, reading Morford's radical and poetic columns can be quite soothing in moments like these.
Yes. I'm going with that."
- Mark Morford
I'm starting to feel a bit... Hmm? I don't know the word. I think the word "lonely" would work, but it just doesn't quite convey the right emotion. I need a word that explains how it feels to be surrounded by people I hardly know. Nice people, but new people. Isolated... Maybe that is a better word.
Lucky for me, reading Morford's radical and poetic columns can be quite soothing in moments like these.
Friday, February 8, 2008
Mary Oliver...
"Still, what I want in my life
is to be willing to be dazzled--
to cast aside the weight of facts
and maybe even
to float a little
above this difficult world.
I want to believe I am looking
into the white fire of a great mystery."
- Mary Oliver
is to be willing to be dazzled--
to cast aside the weight of facts
and maybe even
to float a little
above this difficult world.
I want to believe I am looking
into the white fire of a great mystery."
- Mary Oliver
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Attempting to Learn Korean...
Having completed my second day of Korean class I am now downgrading my learning classification from "Learning Korean" to "Attempting to Learn Korean."
It is not a pretty sight!
But, when I left my class and walked home I started trying to read words. I didn't know what any of them meant, but I just kept trying to remember the sounds. And despite my complete inability to remember what this letter "ㅊ" or "ㅈ" (or about a dozen others) sounds like... I'm hanging in there!
If you want to get an idea of the new letters I am learning, you can play around with this online game.
http://www.genkienglish.net/speakkorean/koreanalphabet.htm
A few more details about my new class and new routine. My Korean class is from 10:00-12:00 everyday. In order to get to the class I have to walk eight minutes to the subway station. Ride the subway four minutes to Gangnam Station which is two stops away. I then have to walk four more minutes to the class. It costs me 1,800\ for the entire trip, about $2.00. (If I wanted to take a taxi it would cost me about 2,500\, not even $3.00. But, I like to walk.) Afterward, since my work starts at 2:00, I can stop and eat lunch at a little Korean restaurant near my school and get an entire meal for 4,000\, about $4.00. And, of course, I can study my Korean letters and words while I walk and eat. (In fact, I can study Korean just about everywhere... I'm in Korea!)
It is a nice routine.
Funny thing happened today. I was on the subway and an old man got up from his seat to stand next to me. He started asking me questions in broken English. He then pulled out a book from his pocket "Speed English for Beginners." He was trying to practice his English by talking with me. I've heard that it happens a lot, but this was a first for me. The best part was that I had him help me remember some of the Korean letters. I just pointed to a sign and had him say the word. It was a fair trade.
This morning I didn't want to wake up. Drinking last night (and the night before) was an unwise decision. But, I pulled myself out of bed and got ready for class. On my way to the subway station I was cold, the wind was blowing and I realized that I’d forgotten to re-charge my ipod. I was in an unpleasant mood. Then it occurred to me…I live in Seoul, an unbelievably cool city, and all I have to do to stay here is to go to work and talk about debate all day.
It's hard to maintain a foul mood when things are working out so well.
Debate rocks.
Korea rocks.
I rock.
It is not a pretty sight!
But, when I left my class and walked home I started trying to read words. I didn't know what any of them meant, but I just kept trying to remember the sounds. And despite my complete inability to remember what this letter "ㅊ" or "ㅈ" (or about a dozen others) sounds like... I'm hanging in there!
If you want to get an idea of the new letters I am learning, you can play around with this online game.
http://www.genkienglish.net/speakkorean/koreanalphabet.htm
A few more details about my new class and new routine. My Korean class is from 10:00-12:00 everyday. In order to get to the class I have to walk eight minutes to the subway station. Ride the subway four minutes to Gangnam Station which is two stops away. I then have to walk four more minutes to the class. It costs me 1,800\ for the entire trip, about $2.00. (If I wanted to take a taxi it would cost me about 2,500\, not even $3.00. But, I like to walk.) Afterward, since my work starts at 2:00, I can stop and eat lunch at a little Korean restaurant near my school and get an entire meal for 4,000\, about $4.00. And, of course, I can study my Korean letters and words while I walk and eat. (In fact, I can study Korean just about everywhere... I'm in Korea!)
It is a nice routine.
Funny thing happened today. I was on the subway and an old man got up from his seat to stand next to me. He started asking me questions in broken English. He then pulled out a book from his pocket "Speed English for Beginners." He was trying to practice his English by talking with me. I've heard that it happens a lot, but this was a first for me. The best part was that I had him help me remember some of the Korean letters. I just pointed to a sign and had him say the word. It was a fair trade.
This morning I didn't want to wake up. Drinking last night (and the night before) was an unwise decision. But, I pulled myself out of bed and got ready for class. On my way to the subway station I was cold, the wind was blowing and I realized that I’d forgotten to re-charge my ipod. I was in an unpleasant mood. Then it occurred to me…I live in Seoul, an unbelievably cool city, and all I have to do to stay here is to go to work and talk about debate all day.
It's hard to maintain a foul mood when things are working out so well.
Debate rocks.
Korea rocks.
I rock.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Learning Korean...
I'm learning Korean.
I started on Saturday morning. I woke up early, hopped on the subway and attended my first Korean language class at the Seoul Foreign Language Academy. I started with a private lesson and will be joining the group lessons on Monday.
I studied for two hours and the entire time I was delighted. Absolutely tickled! I tried to make new sounds with my mouth and remember the new sounds when I saw the letters written on the chalkboard. Every now and then my teacher (who spoke a minimal amount of English) would tell me that I had accidentally just said a word. I got very good at saying "cucumber" but couldn't seem to recognize the difference between "coffee" and "nosebleed." (The actual Korean translation is "nose blood" so I'm going to be sure to practice those words before I accidentally ask for a cup of nose blood next time I'm in Starbucks!)
By the end of class I was exhausted. It was a totally new type of learning. Imagine learning Spanish, Italian or French. The letters look similar to English and even most of the sounds are the same. But, learning Korean requires you to start from scratch! It's like learning to write your ABC's all over again.
Nonetheless, when I walked out of my class I felt fantastic. I looked at the Korean words on the street signs. Of course, I only recognized three letters, but (let me repeat) I RECOGNIZED THREE WHOLE LETTERS! I felt so triumphant that I could have danced down the street!
In fact, David Brent seems to demonstrate exactly how I felt after my Korean class...
More good news... February 7th is the Korean Lunar New Year. According to wikipedia (so it must be true)...
"It is the most important of the traditional Korean holidays. It consists of a period of celebrations, starting on New Year's Day. The Korean New Year holidays lasts three days, and is considered a more important holiday than the solar New Year's Day."
I have to admit, the real reason the Korean New Year is important to me is because I get three days off from work! I'm planning on traveling to Busan. Busan is a coastal city on the opposite side of the country. But, since Korea is so small I can get there by train in about 3 hours. It might be a good time to visit.
Also, Seoul has a world class art museum. Seoul Museum of Art (SEMA). They are featuring a Van Gogh exhibit and it would be a shame to miss it.
Well, I had better be off. I have homework for my Korean class tomorrow and classes in a few minutes.
I started on Saturday morning. I woke up early, hopped on the subway and attended my first Korean language class at the Seoul Foreign Language Academy. I started with a private lesson and will be joining the group lessons on Monday.
I studied for two hours and the entire time I was delighted. Absolutely tickled! I tried to make new sounds with my mouth and remember the new sounds when I saw the letters written on the chalkboard. Every now and then my teacher (who spoke a minimal amount of English) would tell me that I had accidentally just said a word. I got very good at saying "cucumber" but couldn't seem to recognize the difference between "coffee" and "nosebleed." (The actual Korean translation is "nose blood" so I'm going to be sure to practice those words before I accidentally ask for a cup of nose blood next time I'm in Starbucks!)
By the end of class I was exhausted. It was a totally new type of learning. Imagine learning Spanish, Italian or French. The letters look similar to English and even most of the sounds are the same. But, learning Korean requires you to start from scratch! It's like learning to write your ABC's all over again.
Nonetheless, when I walked out of my class I felt fantastic. I looked at the Korean words on the street signs. Of course, I only recognized three letters, but (let me repeat) I RECOGNIZED THREE WHOLE LETTERS! I felt so triumphant that I could have danced down the street!
In fact, David Brent seems to demonstrate exactly how I felt after my Korean class...
More good news... February 7th is the Korean Lunar New Year. According to wikipedia (so it must be true)...
"It is the most important of the traditional Korean holidays. It consists of a period of celebrations, starting on New Year's Day. The Korean New Year holidays lasts three days, and is considered a more important holiday than the solar New Year's Day."
I have to admit, the real reason the Korean New Year is important to me is because I get three days off from work! I'm planning on traveling to Busan. Busan is a coastal city on the opposite side of the country. But, since Korea is so small I can get there by train in about 3 hours. It might be a good time to visit.
Also, Seoul has a world class art museum. Seoul Museum of Art (SEMA). They are featuring a Van Gogh exhibit and it would be a shame to miss it.
Well, I had better be off. I have homework for my Korean class tomorrow and classes in a few minutes.
Friday, February 1, 2008
Movie Star...
I could never be a movie star.
It's not that I don't have the looks, the brains, the body, the charm or the talent. (Obviously I do!)
It's that I can't stand the sound of my own voice on camera. It might as well be a thousand fingernails scraping a chalkboard!
At the hagwon we record all of the students' speeches and debates. As a natural result, the teacher's voice can be heard giving feedback or asking questions in between speeches. So, every time I go back to review the material and write evaluations for the my students I hear my wretched squawking from behind the camera and think to myself, "Those poor students... They have to listen to that whiney voice! Ack!"
As a result I've decided to start speaking in a sexy, husky voice. Maybe that will solve the problem...
(And then I really can be a movie star!)
It's not that I don't have the looks, the brains, the body, the charm or the talent. (Obviously I do!)
It's that I can't stand the sound of my own voice on camera. It might as well be a thousand fingernails scraping a chalkboard!
At the hagwon we record all of the students' speeches and debates. As a natural result, the teacher's voice can be heard giving feedback or asking questions in between speeches. So, every time I go back to review the material and write evaluations for the my students I hear my wretched squawking from behind the camera and think to myself, "Those poor students... They have to listen to that whiney voice! Ack!"
As a result I've decided to start speaking in a sexy, husky voice. Maybe that will solve the problem...
(And then I really can be a movie star!)
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